Peril and Fame (IC)

[Nefarion Xid]

http://i.imgur.com/2U4vpOn.jpg

Captain Thalin was the rare sort of dwarf that made you wonder if half-dwarves were possible. Just shy of five and a half feet tall, he seemed more like a burly and hirsute human teen than a dwarf past his fortieth year. He was handsome, generous, and eager to listen to other peoples' points of view. And most damning of all, he'd not only taken to sea, but had used the spoils of a short career as and adventurer to purchase his own ship.

"Ha! There she is!" cried Thalin from the bow. He'd never been this far north and was even more excited than his crew or passengers to set eyes on the City of Monuments.

The fog that had rolled north from the Mushfens all morning began to fade as the sun rose to its zenith. The first sight of the broken bridge, visible just over the haze, made it seem the docks were a stone's throw away. The Irespan was deceptive in its enormity. Only when the cliff side and the first towers of the city loomed into view could you appreciate just how massive and distant was the broken relic of ancient Thassilon.

Thalin drummed his fists excitedly on the railing. "That's the Irespan! Three hundred feet tall! Can you believe it? Oh, I'm gonna climb it. I'm gonna climb it and piss off the edge!"

It would still be another hour before the Minx docked, so you have enough time to collect your things and ask the crew or captain questions about the city. Thalin at least has read a lot about Magnimar.

The date is Fireday, the 1st of Erastus in the year 4711.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Zuberi stood by the starboard railing, gazing at the Irespan and the approaching City of Monuments. Magnimar. Here his journey would come to an end, at least for a while. He had put hundreds of miles between himself and the Inner Sea, and even from this distance Magnimar seemed to promise countless places to get lost in. Here the slate would be wiped clean. Here his life would begin anew.

He made his way to the captain.
"Captain, is there anything else you would ask of me?" Zuberi's voice was deep and rich. He had taken to orders without hesitation, and now that the voyage was almost through, he found himself uneasy. Even such a small amount of discipline and guidance in his day to day life had been comforting to him, and the prospect that it would soon be gone frightened Zuberi more than he could say.

[Nefarion Xid]

The captain clapped Zuberi on the shoulder, still giddy at the sight of the Irespan. The two gold clasps on his long braided mustache jangled as he spoke. "Ah, you're a good man, Zuberi. And a half decent rigger."

His hands shot up at once, "Only a joke! You're the hardest working man on this ship, including me. I know what the answer is, but you should give a thought to signing on for another voyage. You're still learning, but I'll pay you as much as an able sailor."

Ten gold crowns a week was good pay, enough to tempt most men with few prospects, but Thalin could read it on Zuberi's face that he wouldn't be interested.

"Ah! Stow those lines there. Neatly, Mr. Zuberi. And that will be all." With his final order, he extends his arm for a firm handshake.

Zuberi finds a single platinum coin in his palm -- apparently a bonus for his hard work and good attitude.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Zuberi smiles, a rare sight indeed. He takes the captain's hand. It was a tempting offer indeed, one he had half expected, but he knew ultimately his fate lay elsewhere.
"Thank you, captain. Should you return to Magnimar some day, and I am still there, then repeat your offer, and we'll see if the winds of fate have changed. For now, the City of Monuments calls to me. May the wind be always in your favor."

Zuberi moves off to gather the wayward ropes, happy to have a purpose during his last moments aboard.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Peeking through the long strands of her black hair, Irène emerged from below deck, raising her gloved hand up and squinting as she looked up at the midday sun. Being a consummate night owl, she was not used to being up so early, but it was rather difficult to ignore the shouts of "Land Ho!" and the running to and fro of the crew as they prepared to bring the Minx into dock. Plus, it would be rather difficult to complete the task she came here for if she just stayed in bed and never got off the ship.

And so the priestess of Desna emerged, bringing up her hood to protect her sensitive eyes from the sun and striding toward the forecastle, her snowy owl companion Stjerne perched atop her shoulder. Stepping onto the deck, she momentarily forgot her annoyance at the bright sky-orb as the magnificent sight of Magnimar stretched out before her, the Irespan towering behind it.


"That's the Irespan! Three hundred feet tall! Can you believe it? Oh, I'm gonna climb it. I'm gonna climb it and piss off the edge!"
Irène wasn't sure whether to be amused or disgusted.

Shaking her head, she approached the captain, waiting until he was done talking to Zuberi before she approached him.

"It really is a beautiful sight." Irène smiled as she spoke, her lilting Galtan accent shining through. "Tell me, captain - you know a fair bit about Magnimar, yes? Where would one go if they were looking for fellow devotees of Desna?"

[Nefarion Xid]

The captain leans back and props his elbows up on the railing and looks up at Irene. "Oh aye, just swing a stick around and you'll hit one of the Dreamer's faithful! Magnimar's full of Magnimarans and Varisians: both love Desna. In the Keystone district, I think, there's a big tower built in her honor. Start there, lass."

Looking slightly wistful, he adds, "I'd go and pay my respects as well, but I think the Lady hears my prayers just fine from my ship. Well, maybe not all of them..."

Irene recalls a legend about the founding of Magnimar that involves a messenger of Desna appearing, though she can't remember the specifics.

[Othniel]

Leaning against the mainmast, and safely shrouded in shadows cast by the sail, Valamir watched from a distance first as Zuberi and the captain exchanged words, and then as Irène came on deck. As she spoke with the captain, Valamir left his position and approached as well, hoping silently that the billowing of his cloak in the wind would mask the uniqueness of his shadow. None of the other passengers or crew had remarked on it yet, and he certainly wasn't going to mention the fact that he cast a shadow which brought up memories of scary bedtime stories for children. As he drew near the captain, he leaned in close as if to say something quietly.

"My most sincere thanks for taking on such...precious cargo. Please, Captain, let me know in the future if I can aid you in the future with similar endeavors."
"Quite the sight," he remarked. "I think I'd like to catch a view of the city from the Irespan myself. I wish my sister could see it."

"I'd bet it's quite the view on a starry night as well," he added with a wink to Irène. "Anyone care to join me later?" Valamir smiled and turned back to the Captain. "As for myself, I'd like to know where I might find fellow devotees of fine drink and good company."

[TheDarkDM]

As the captain's voice carried over the deck, Vai had already ascended the mainmast to reach the crow's nest. She stared intently, obsessively, at the approaching Irespan, giving the crewman on watch not a second glance. Only the movement of the other passengers on the deck below seemed to rouse her from her fugue, and with a start she finally seemed to notice the man pressed against the rail trying desperately to stay out of her way. She gave him a wicked smile and a pat on the cheek before she began her descent, and by the time she alighted on the deck Zuberi, Irène, and Valamir had all appeared. But her attention was not for them, not yet at least - it was for their dauntless captain, whose pliability deserved a reward.

"It seems impolite to invite a comparison that would shame Magnimar's most renowned monument..."

She ran her too-sharp golden nails lightly along Captain Thalin's shoulders.

"However can I thank you for this enchanting voyage, Captain?"

[Lord Of Mantas]

"Oh aye, just swing a stick around and you'll hit one of the Dreamer's faithful! Magnimar's full of Magnimarans and Varisians: both love Desna. In the Keystone district, I think, there's a big tower built in her honor. Start there, lass."
Irène inclined her head gratefully. "Thank you, captain. I'll put in a prayer or two for you while I'm at it." The priestess then turned as soft footsteps rang over the deck, the grey-skinned main known as Valamir making an appearance.



"Quite the sight, I think I'd like to catch a view of the city from the Irespan myself. I wish my sister could see it."

"I'd bet it's quite the view on a starry night as well. *wink* Anyone care to join me later?"
Irène innocently smiled. "Well, I'd definitely love to see the view at night. If anyone else happened to be there, I certainly wouldn't mind."

As Valerai appeared and draped herself around the captain, however, Irène edged away, moving to another part of the forecastle. Polite conversation was one thing, but throwing yourself at someone... it was a touch more than she was used to.

[Nefarion Xid]

"I'd bet it's quite the view on a starry night as well,"[/COLOR] he added with a wink to Irène. "Anyone care to join me later?" Valamir smiled and turned back to the Captain. "As for myself, I'd like to know where I might find fellow devotees of fine drink and good company."

"Sorry lad. You'd best ask a local once we put in. I'll be drinking at the Captain's Club. No ship? No sips!" Thalin continued to chuckle at his own joke while Vai approached.


"However can I thank you for this enchanting voyage, Captain?"

"Oh, well, I am very partial to Sencha tea. Been over a year since I've found anyway. Bit hard to locate, even in Absalom. But Magnimar is home to a few Minkaians, so I was hoping someone here might cultivate it. A long shot, I know! But it's special to me..."

Unlike most men, the mountain of a dwarf seemed impervious (or else oblivious) to Vai's wiles. It was evident to her, or anyone else that dined with the captain or shared a drink, that there was someone always on his mind. None of the crew could say who this muse was, but all knew he had sworn to love no other. Love her from a great distance, apparently.

[zabbarot]

As if on cue Shimura climbed the steps to join them on the bow. Despite the distance still to go he had gone ahead and gathered his belongings, not that it amounted to much.

"What's this about sencha?"

Shimura had been supplementing his own meager stock with roasted rice just to make it last as long as possible.

[Othniel]

"Very well then, captain," Valamir responds, his smile unfaltering as he glances back at Irène. "Maybe I shall also pay my respects to my fellow Desnans and ask them where the best drinks and company might be found."

[Nefarion Xid]

Shimura knows that Sencha is a green tea popular in Minkai. The way its cut and preserved give it a unique rich flavor. Even if anyone was cultivating it near Magnimar, it would surely be expensive -- perhaps 80 or 100 gold for a half pound. Maybe twice that if it were imported.

The captain greets Shimura with a polite nod. "I was just saying it's been a long time since I've had any sencha. If I'm being honest with myself, it's not my favorite, but, oh it brings back good memories of my days as an adventurer. It's all Lord Tanaka would serve, morning noon and night! So we all had to develop a taste for it. He was a sober man and there wasn't a drop of liquor or beer in the castle. Not even the gods awful rice beer they make. Meaning no offense! Now, we did all get so drunk on sake once that we... oh that's not an appropriate story for mixed company. Not appropriate."

He mumbles the last few words and shyly goes back to his duties as a captain as the ship approaches the docks.

Normal positing schedule should resume tomorrow. And the ship will docked, so everyone will be free to explore the city.

[Nefarion Xid]

Dockway

The crew of the Minx busy themselves unloading the cargo, almost before the passengers can find their way off the gangplank. Whatever qualities the dwarven captain lacked as a seaman were overshadowed by the fact that his men were fiercely loyal and determined.

Judging by the low roar and faint mingling of perfumes, spices and fresh seafood, you were near a market. A group of porters brushes past, each laden with sacks of grain from the Chelish caravel docked nearby. A teenage boy is the only one who seems to pay the travelers any mind, gawking as he walks past with a hard roll hanging from his teeth while balancing three sacks on his narrow shoulders.

To the west, there is the Captain's Club. The tavern is easily spotted thanks to the tasteful, but grand wooden placard in the shape of a two-masted ship that proclaims the name of the establishment in bold black letters. The sails of the ship appear to be inlaid with mother of pearl. The windows of the building are all blue stained glass, framed in rosewood.

Directly to the east is the Bazaar of Sails, as mentioned by Captain Thalin. If not the largest market in all of Varisia, it's certainly the freest. What you can't find there, Thalin warned, you don't need. The list of contraband in Magnimar was a short one -- poisons and slaves, as most folk reckoned. The thought that there were far wickeder things to trade in seldom crossed the minds of most folk.

Nearby, a group of three swarthy looking men mill about, passing a pipe between them and smoking a foul smelling cheap tobacco. They all wear orange sashes at their waists and wear a mottled assortment of leather armor.


The men are Varisians. Very probably members of one of the Sczarni families. They're likely low level enforcers for informants. Without more information about the city, you can't tell precisely who they work for. You can be sure they'll report back to their boss that they saw some interesting travelers (some of them rich) arrive today.
The men are definitely keeping tabs on the passengers and cargo that's coming off the Minx. The short one with a goatee says something to the tall, muscular one and nods toward Vai. Unfortunately, you don't understand the language.

Farther along the street, a man with a trim brown beard and humble clothing appears to be setting up for a performance or announcement. He carries with him what appears to be a pink stuffed toy unicorn and a banner as he climbs atop a crate.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Zuberi was never comfortable with large crowds. Like a leaf caught in a rushing brook, he felt himself getting swept up in the teeming commotion. Too busy with the final few tasks on the ship, he had failed to ask anyone on the Minx if Irori had a presence in the city. Figuring any followers of the Perfect One would make a good initial contact for opportunities in Magnimar, he attempted to ask strangers for directions or any relevant knowledge.

Before the words could even leave his mouth, he found people turning aside or quickly stepping away. Whether it was his imposing stature, his foreign accent, or the general sense of discomfort he radiated, he was making no progress.

Feeling increasingly helpless, he took a moment to step out of the throng, in the shade of some merchant stalls. He centered himself, breathing deep, in and out. The reflection of a still pond was clearer, closer to the truth. There would be time for questions, time for exploration. The more impressive specimens among the Minx's former passengers were easy to spot in the crowd, so he kept an eye on them, as if they were anchors amongst the chaos. He also made sure to keep a line of sight on the trio of men smoking a pipe, vaguely aware of certain predatory nature that hovered about them.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Raising her hood and clasping her gloved hands, Irène daintily followed the other passengers down the gangplank, craning her head around as she tried to take in the sights. Immediately, her attention was drawn to the men in orange sashes, and her brow furrowed.
Criminals of some kind, perhaps? Scanning for possible marks? It would be a bit brazen for such folk to be out in broad daylight. Definitely members of some kind of organization.

Turning away from them, Irène's attention was next drawn to the man setting up for a play. A look of delight on her face, Irène started toward him, then stopped.

Perhaps some fresh food first. Then a play before I go to try and find the Keystone district.

Irène will poke her head into the market first and try to get something to eat (preferably on a stick), then go and see the man perform. She will try to ask whoever sells her the food for directions to the Keystone district as well.

[Othniel]

Valamir

Valamir walked over to the railing on the ship's deck and inhaled deeply. He looked around and took in the sights while the smells drifting over from the Bazaar filled his nostrils. It was the smell of people and trade goods, animals and food. In a word: Commerce. And commerce meant life. "I think I'm going to like this city," Valamir stated with a smile.

Among the sights that filled his eyes was that of the three smoking men, and Valamir stared long at all three of them, picking them out for ones to stay wary of. He knew their kind, after all. As he came down the gangplank, Valamir spotted the man setting up for some sort of presentation and felt his feet drift in that direction. A little curiosity couldn't hurt, he reasoned, though he made a mental note to check in at the Temple of Desna later. "See you at the temple later, Irène?" he asked before continuing down. "And then tonight on the Irespan?" He stopped suddenly and smirked, "Unless you don't want to be seen in my company," he added, "We Desnans should stick together, you know."

Irène is under no obligation to have anything more to do with Valamir, if you wish. I have no idea what your intentions for your character are, and Valamir has his own ideas of what he wants to accomplish here. I just figured it's a decent hook to keep at least part of the party tied together somehow, in case we need and/or want to team up for anything.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Looking up at Valamir, Irène smiled delicately. "No objections whatsoever, Valamir. It'll be good to have a familiar face to talk with, especially one of the faith. Of course, I can't guarantee that I'll always be around; I'm sure we both have our own goals - but I'll definitely see you around."

This done, the priestess promptly resumed her search for stick-borne crunchy goodness.

I have no objections to keeping a good hook for meeting again up, especially since, if what Nefarion's said is true, we'll probably be best off attempting to team up with each other for bigger problems.

[Nefarion Xid]

It doesn't take Irene long to locate a food vendor with something to satisfy her appetite. As it's about noon, so a small crowd gathers around each stall, and it's easy to tell what's popular. The first vendor, popular with porters and dock workers on break, looks to be serving what could be described as 'the parts of the pig that rich people don't want'. He offers up bowls of white beans with crisped pork knuckles and other assorted porcine parts. The second vender, serving some of Thalin's crew, has sausages on sticks, encircled with a corkscrew of crispy fried potatoes. Most of the locals get theirs with a drizzle of a white sauce that smells faintly of dill and lemon.

The merchant looks Irene up and down, but says nothing about her appearance. For three copper pieces, he proudly offers over his crunchy-goodness-on-a-stick and eagerly awaits a compliment on his food from the newcomer.

"Keystone? Head east through the bazaar, then follow Hawk Street aaall the way around." He draws a wide half circle with his finger. "When you see the water gardens, you're there."

Meanwhile, the performer has finished setting up atop his crate. A banner is hung beneath him, proclaiming him "The Baron" in glittery pink letters, though it fails to specify of what or whence. He has with him a box of fresh orange peppers, a bottle of wine, juggling pins, knives, a book, and as mentioned previously, a pink unicorn toy.

"Repent!" he screams in an unnaturally deep and booming voice for his frame, "The time of trampling is neigh! Fluffy has come! Bow down in worship of your dark master and you shall, no, not be spared, but be trampled first! So as to not witness the further trampling, you see. It's depressing. WORSHIP HER! Gaze into the abyss that is her... are? ... her eyes and despair! Yes! Gaze and bow. Gaze now, bow second, I suppose. Renounce your false gods and worship only Fluffy!"

He waggles the unicorn doll menacingly at the audience while conjuring a crash of thunder with a cantrip. The moon-faced unicorn continues to smile vacantly.

"Ah, yes. You laugh because you've gone mad with terror! You've gazed into the eyes of the most evil thing in the multiverse and you... "

The doll begins to float into the air and slowly rotates to face the astonished Baron. He falls to his knees and begins whimpering. "No, Fluffy, no! I've always been your most loyal..."

"Silence, mortal!" commands the unicorn in a shrill tone.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Plopping down her three copper pieces, Irène took a great bite from the sausage-and-chips on a stick, moaning a little as the savory taste of meet and spices coiled around her mouth and mixed with the acidity of the dill-lemon sauce and crunchiness from the potato. She nodded enthusiastically at the vendor.
"Delicious."

***


As the Baron's play progressed, Irène began giggling uncontrollably, holding a gloved hand in front of her mouth in a desperate attempt to keep from chortling.

An omnipotent unicorn that rends its victims insane? This is definitely going to be good.

Despite feeling the temptation to do so, Irène refrained from throwing out her own comment for the time being, content to sit back and watch where the play went next.

[BladeofObliviom]

Dockway

"Ah, this is Magnimar, no doubt about it. There's the Irespan over there, and everything.", she mutters to Ambrose aboard, even as the gangplank was lowered. That means it's time to go.

A certain Chelaxian woman stood tall as she disembarked from the Minx, with a long glance spared for the three men. They wouldn't dare try anything now, but she had no intention of looking like a mark. Glancing about for the person they're taking a look at, Alessandra set her eyes on the Calistrian, a faint smile gracing her lips as she nonchalantly altered her course to approach. Few things dissuade thieves as well as seeming to be associated with Calistrians; nobody wants to invoke their ire, if they can help it, and these three definitely saw her. A little small talk might be needed to sell it though.

She ran a hand through her hair to see if it was still presentable or stiff from the saltspray before addressing Valeria as soon as it seemed appropriate. She threw a glance at some of the passerby and said "So, if you don't mind me asking, what do you plan to do with your first night in Magnimar?", knowing full well that the answer would probably be 'introducing herself at the local temple'. "Personally, I think I'll find an inn and have a drink. Check the notice board for any interesting-looking work. Break the arm off some lout trying to pick a fight. You know, the usual."

[Othniel]

Valamir

After Irène wandered off to find some food, Valamir set his attention on the man setting up for some sort of show. The Fetchling looked on in amused silence, but broke into laughter at the man's "The time of trampling is neigh!" As the presentation progressed, Valamir moved over to Irène and spoke to her in a low voice, "I wonder...entertainment solely, or perhaps a distraction? Mind your belongings!" Valamir turned a suspicious eye on the man as the unicorn seemingly acted on its own. He'd seen enough stage magic to know that this could be something of the sort.


Now I'm hungry for fair food.
Also, perception to see if there are any shenanigans going on (is the presentation a diversion, or can Valamir notice that the "Baron" is causing the Unicorn's magic: [roll0]
Also, Spellcraft if applicable: [roll1]

[Nefarion Xid]

You know enough about magic to deduce the Baron is likely using Mage Hand to levitate the unicorn plushie (Prestidigitation would also work, because the toy isn't heavier than 1 pound) and Ventriloquism to make it talk. He's either casting his spells Silently, or else has blended his verbal components seamlessly into his comedy act. A mix of Ghost Sounds and Prestidigitation explains the various audio effects. There are other possibilities, but this is the parsimonious one.

((Remember, we're using invisible and automatic perception and knowledge checks. If there is anything dangerous or curious about a scene, or if you have pertinent knowledge, you'll get that information if and when you pass your checks. DO prompt me for additional information if, like here, you want to know something specific that I may have overlooked or just glossed over -- like knowing exactly how the act is done.))

"Boo!"
"Get a real job!"
"You suck!"

The three Varisian men in orange wandered over during the performance, apparently, solely to heckle the Baron.

Undeterred, the Baron continues to plead for his soul while Fluffy turns menacingly towards the thugs. "Hey, I don't come down to where you work and slap the **** out of your mouth!"

Aside, "Language, Fluffy, this is a family show!"

"This doesn't concern you, Stan! Why don't you juggle or something while I deal with these pricks?"

While the three men fume, they're too taken aback by the verbal assault from a puppet to say or do anything.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Zuberi felt the impulse to get away from the press of the crowd. Looking above the rooftops near the docks, he could see the city rising up onto a large plateau from which the shattered Irespan protruded. He began to make his way in that direction, seeking a higher vantage point from which to gaze upon the city, its neighborhoods, and the Thassilonian monuments and landmarks that gave the City of Monuments its name.


Zuberi is heading for the upper districts of Magnimar. Let me know if this requires any sort of skill check to prevent getting lost, etc.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Irène turned to the men, frowning for a moment beneath her hood before a sly smile came to her face, and she drew back her hood.

Watch and learn, Fluffy.

"Now, now, gentlemen, there's no need for such harsh words, especially when Fluffy and the Baron are busy spreading joy and the good word to all. Surely you wouldn't ruin such a good day for everyone, would you?"

Turning on her doe-eyed charm, Irène then proceeded to look at the men sadly, looking for all the world like a sad baby doe.

And cue fumbling the diplomacy roll in three, two...

Diplomacy: [roll0]

[Othniel]

Valamir

"Sooo...he's some sort of magician - perhaps a bard of sorts," Valamir mutters to nobody in particular (Irène if she's close enough to hear). "Could be useful in the future. I think I want to have a chat with The Baron once the show is over."

As the three Varisians heckle the performer and Irène responds, Valamir steps up beside her and puts on a look of concern for the lady. "Now look, you've made the young lady sad when all she wanted to do was listen to the words of this man. You should be ashamed of yourselves and apologize both to her, and to The Baron here."

Can I Aid Another for Diplomacy? [roll0]
Forgot about the invisible checks, but at least I now know how to prompt for specific ones. :smallbiggrin:
Also, Valamir is going to hang around until after the event is over, at which point he wants to have a quiet word with The Baron.

[zabbarot]

Shimura made his way off the ship following the others and began chatting up the locals to find out where he might be able to purchase property. The Market Princess Sabriyya sounded like she was running a shakedown, but he could give her the benefit of the doubt. He kept an eye open for anything that might make a suitable gift while making his way to the Charterhouse.

[Nefarion Xid]

The thugs sneer and puff out their chests. The tall one's eyes dart between Irene and Valamir. You could see the greasy little gears in his head turning as he sized up the two strangers and ultimately decided that possibility of getting his ass kicked really wasn't worth the few chuckles they'd get out of further taunting the street performer.

Mustering up a last bit of courage, the tall one takes one step towards Irene, though he makes sure he's just out of reach. "You like the shrimp, gadji? You could do better. I don't think he even likes girls. Feh. Come on boys, we've got work to do, unlike some people."

The trio backs away, then wanders off in the direction of the bazaar.

"Work he says. Those ****s ain't gonna suck themselves, right?"

The small crowd erupts in laughter at the foul unicorn. The thugs grumble to themselves, visibly tense, but don't turn back.

"Well, that was tense. Fluffy, I think we should sing a song to cool things down. Sa'right?"
"Sa'right!"


***

The rest of the performance consists of an off-key and gruff love song about a lady named Caroline, a bit of juggling, more raunchy unicorn antics, and finally a genuinely impressive display of dexterity as the Baron skewers an apple off a nervous volunteer's head with a throwing knife. After he's taken his bow, Fluffy makes her way around the audience with a cloth bag tied around her neck to collect tips.

Meanwhile, Baron hops down from his crate and slides between Irene and Valamir. "Hey, that was nice of you to stand up to the Sczarni and all, but I wouldn't go making enemies on your first day off the boat. Those guys can hold a grudge. They've only got enough brain power to hold one thought at a time -- and that's probably 'beat up the funny looking foreign people'."

[Othniel]

Valamir

"You needn't worry about me, friend," Valamir replies with a gesture toward the elven curve blade at his back. "I have a few tricks up my sleeve as well. Besides, a follower of Desna is never alone, eh?" he says, with a look to Irène. "Though I would like to know more about these Sczarni, as you call them."

The charcoal-skinned man points to the performer's trappings. "Do you do this often? I'm going to be in the market for entertainment for an establishment I intend to start soon. Is that something you and Fluffy would be interested in?"

Diplomacy, Go! [roll0]

Every time I see Irène's name, I think of this song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvNavReXi7U).

[Lord Of Mantas]

"Hey, that was nice of you to stand up to the Sczarni and all, but I wouldn't go making enemies on your first day off the boat. Those guys can hold a grudge. They've only got enough brain power to hold one thought at a time -- and that's probably 'beat up the funny looking foreign people'."

"You needn't worry about me, friend, I have a few tricks up my sleeve as well. Besides, a follower of Desna is never alone, eh?.. Though I would like to know more about these Sczarni, as you call them."
Irène nodded, and performed a few gestures with her right hand, sending cool bluish star-studded magical energy around them. "They are indeed never alone. The Great Dreamer's children stick together. And I, as well, have a few techniques of my own that have served me quite well in the past - though I would also gladly know anything you could tell me and Valamir."

After the Baron finished relating what he knew, Irène then bid him goodbye, then proceeded on her way to the Keystone district - east through the Bazaar, then all the way around hawk street to the water gardens, before looking for the enormous tower Thalin had described.

[Nefarion Xid]

Zuberi
East Dockway


Zuberi made his way through the Dockway's central thoroughfare in the general direction of the Irespan. Skirting the bazaar, he could see a wide path leading up along the side of the cliff. In the district above, and farther south along the Seacleft's edge, he could make out the rooftops of a number of grand villas. Beyond, a tower soared over the district, perhaps a hundred feet above the cliff, and spanning hundreds more feet down the embankment to the city below.

Before exiting the Dockway, one monument does catch his eye. Atop a stone dais, four figures stand facing out in suitably epic poses as a swarm of vaguely arachnidian monsters the size of wolves clamber out from the cracks in the sides of the stone. A marble plaque identifies the four heroes (all patinated bronze) as the twin wizard Cailyn and Romre Vanderale, depicted back-to-back, each in a grandiose display of arcane power. Romre's staff, raised high overhead, is set with a radiant topaz that casts a pale blue light over the whole scene. The twins have an air of nobility about them, which could be attributed to their fine clothes and pretty faces. The two remaining figures are Andalel (a crouching elf with a short bow) and Edena Mathis (a woman in armor, shown skewering one spider with her blade while fending off a second as it attempts to pry her shield away).

Nearby, a teenaged boy and girl sit back to back on a park bench. They read aloud to each other, taking turns from a copy of the same book while holding hands.

Valamir & Irene
West Dockway

Baron's lips curl into an oversized smirk at Irene, "Crash Course Magnimar? Well, all right! The Sczarni families are a loose affiliation of Varisian crime families. And I do mean family -- just yell 'O, vărul!' and twenty people will turn around. They're every bad thing you've ever heard about Varisians where you're from. They run pick pocketing rings, protection rackets, literally everything in 'Organized Crime: An Introduction'. That's not a real book. I'd buy it, but I don't think it's real."

Fluffy comes around and jingles her sack of coins at Irene. A quick glance reveals maybe twenty pieces of copper and a few silvers.

"It's not like they have any central command, so there's not much to worry about in the grand scheme of things. I mean, I guess they're united in their disdain for everyone who isn't Varisian, but that's not enough to get them to work together for anything really sinister. The mooks in orange from before? They're the Wreckwash Blades. Work for a man named Donal Carent. Not the worst gang in town, but they've got some influence in this district. Powerful enough to kick the Tower Girls out a few months back."

"And yes, mysterious ashy stranger, I would like to perform someplace that isn't a crate that smells a little bit like sheep! How did you know that my life's goal was to not do that. Are you a diviner? Hey, this guy's a diviner! He sees the future! HE HAS THE GIFT!"

A porter flashes the Baron a confused look and continues down the street. The entertainer tents his fingers resumes his deadpan expression. "So, you'll get in touch with my people?"

The man claiming to be 'The Baron' has a slim build and long, dexterous fingers. He's a bit short at around 5'9". He has brown eyes and reddish brown short hair and a trim full beard. Despite his antics, you have no doubt he's sane, just really sarcastic and boisterous. Judging from his slender forearms, he's not accustomed to labor.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Zuberi was relieved to find a modicum of peace and quiet near the end of the Dockway. The monument before him was truly impressive; he surmised that it must depict a group of famous heroes, commemorating some triumph in service to the city.

The young couple reading on the bench caught his attention. He would have normally left them to their reading in peace, but they seemed of a gentler, well-educated sort. Zuberi approached them, and bowed deeply at the waist before speaking.

"Please pardon my intrusion of your privacy, I mean no disrespect. I am newly arrived in town, and seek a district or neighborhood where temples to the gods are common. If you could spare directions, I would be in your debt."

[Lord Of Mantas]

"Crash Course Magnimar? Well, all right! The Sczarni families are a loose affiliation of Varisian crime families. And I do mean family -- just yell 'O, vărul!' and twenty people will turn around. They're every bad thing you've ever heard about Varisians where you're from. They run pick pocketing rings, protection rackets, literally everything in 'Organized Crime: An Introduction'. That's not a real book. I'd buy it, but I don't think it's real."

"It's not like they have any central command, so there's not much to worry about in the grand scheme of things. I mean, I guess they're united in their disdain for everyone who isn't Varisian, but that's not enough to get them to work together for anything really sinister. The mooks in orange from before? They're the Wreckwash Blades. Work for a man named Donal Carent. Not the worst gang in town, but they've got some influence in this district. Powerful enough to kick the Tower Girls out a few months back."
Nodding her thanks at the Baron, Irène briefly made a motion to turn around and head off toward the Bazaar before briefly freezing up.

He doesn't mean...

"Thank you for the information, but... just one question. Who are the Tower Girls?"

If the baron means that the Wreckwash Blades managed to kick a religious order of Desnans out of their tower, Irène will stick around and try to find out as much details as she can. If not, she'll continue on to the Keystone district.

[Othniel]

Valamir

"No, that's my sister who has the gift," he responds. "At least, she always seems to know what I'm thinking."

"I'm not actually sure how to be in touch with your people," Valamir replied. "Aside from coming back to the market here and calling for Fluffy to appear perhaps...?" he adds with a smirk.

[Nefarion Xid]

Shimura
Bazaar of Sails, Dockway

As Shimura made his way through the market, a few suitable gifts caught his eye. First there was a selection of Chelish wines. As he knew almost nothing about the quality and reputation of the vintages, he had to rely on the word of the merchant, who seems trustworthy enough. He assures Shimura that there is a lot of competition in the bazaar, so he'd have no customers at all if he was unfair with his prices. When told that the wine is for a lady, he presents three candidates: a Longacre (12 gp. Said to be very dry, the boldest of the selection with a taste like black currants), a Sirmium White (8 gp. Described as the perfect summer wine, crisp and lightly sweet, and something you could drink entirely too much of if you weren't careful), and a bottle of Sweet Sorrow (18 gp. This one has the highest alcohol content and is quite sweet and dense.

Naturally, the merchant encourages him to buy the Sweet Sorrow. "The grapes are grown on the shores Lake Sorrow, just north of Egorian. Wonderful table grapes -- even better wine! Queen Abrogail herself takes a glass nightly you know? "

Nearby, Shimura also notes the cloth merchant. A bolt of silk would certainly make an impression, though it would be far more expensive than a single bottle of wine.

[Nefarion Xid]

Zuberi
Eyes of the Hawk, Dockway

The young couple starts, having been lost in their own world as they read together from their copies of An Offensive Primer, by Galenus (a girmoire for amature mages, judging from the diagrams of hand gestures in the margins).

"That's the Keystone district. Southwest of here. You're on Hawk Street now, so stay on this road until you find the Seerspring Garden. There's a bronze statue of The Lady of Blessed Waters there atop a big fountain. Bronze too! Not covered in verdigris like the Eyes of the Hawk here," says the boy.

Irene and Valamir
Near the Bazaar of Sails, Dockway

Baron shrugs at Irene's question. "The Tower Girls are another Sczarni gang. All women though. Ugh, sexiiist! I think they're mostly into burglary? I heard some of them work as tumblers in an act in Lowcleft."

Fluffy again jingles the sack of coins at the two. "FLUFFY DEMANDS A SACRIFICE! ONLY BLOOD CAN FORESTALL THE GREAT TRAMPLING!"

Baron continues, ignoring the floating unicorn's antics. "If you want to see me again, come down here and catch the show. I go on before and after lunch every weekday. But uh... I didn't catch your name." He shoots a finger and squints accusingly at Valamir.

Irene will progress to the Keystone district momentarily. Will make a new post for that.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Irène giggled at Fluffy's threats. "My apologies, Fluffy; I didn't mean to forget you. Have some tribute." Delicately, Irène placed 30 silver pieces into the sack. "And thank you for the information and performance, good Baron. And my name is Irène Levesque, just in case you wanted to know mine as well."

[Othniel]

Valamir

"Valamir Costa, at your service," he replies with a deep bow. "Late of Kintargo where I ran The Grey Ghost tavern with my sister, Valora. I've come to Magnimar in search of a fresh start." Valamir adds a few gold pieces of his own (5) to the sack.

[TheDarkDM]

Vai

As the crew brought the Minx into port and the other passengers began to gather on the deck, Vai disappeared back into the cabin of the vessel's patron where she'd sequestered her belongings. It was not long before she emerged again, though what she emerged in certainly drew the eye. Rather than the diaphanous silken nothings she'd worn on the voyage, her torso was wreathed tightly in gold-tinted chain that extended halfway down her arms in dagged sleeves and angled diagonally down from her waist to terminate against her right thigh. Over the chain was a black leather vest studded with small golden spikes, and on her shoulders rested golden pauldrons that curved into wicked barbs. Her long gloves and thigh-boots were similarly black leather, the buckles and knuckle studs similarly gold, while striped black and yellow leggings concealed the rest of her legs. Her black hair was arranged into an intricate braid beneath a golden headband studded with jet, and from her neck dangled her golden holy symbol. A long curveblade was hanging diagonally across her back, hilt just within reach of her right hand, and on her back was a small black pack where one must assume her more scandalous vestments had been hidden away. Finally, across her shoulders and affixed with a gold and amber brooch was an intricate kapenia, black and gold woven together with brilliant blues, oranges, greens, reds, and purples.

She descended the gangplank last, with an almost wistful look in her eyes. That lingering nostalgia vanished, though, as she laid eyes on the three Varisians skulking around the docks. She considered approaching them for a moment, but thought better of it as they moved to accost a street performer. Pathetic, and ill earned. They would be of little help to her. She turned to dive deeper into the city, when at her side appeared the Chelaxian woman who'd made near as much of an impression aboard the Minx as she had. Her full lips drew into a brilliant smile as she took Alessandra's arm like they were old friends and began sashaying deeper into the city.

"Oh, I'm planning on meeting some friends of the family before I do anything else. The Temple can hold its own for one more day. But you say you'll go looking for work, Alessandra? I can't be sure, but my new friends might have something for you so long as you don't mind getting a little...rough."

[CockroachTeaParty]

Zuberi bows again to the helpful lad, deeply at the waist.
"Thank you for your kindness. Should you find yourself in this Keystone District, ask for Zuberi among the followers of the Perfect One. Consider me at your disposal."


Unless the young apprentices have anything else to say to him, Zuberi will believe the exchange finished and begin following the boy'd directions to the Keystone district.

[Nefarion Xid]

Irene and Zuberi
Seerspring Garden, Keystone

After a brisk walk through the bustling midday marketplace and down Drake Street, Irene finds the monument that marks the beginning of the Keystone district. Zuberi takes Drake Street directly and is able to bypass the activity of the bazaar. They arrive at approximately the same time.

Three clusters of vegetation surround the central fountain, each with dense and tall, unmanicured boxwoods at their hearts and rose bushes along the perimeter. The roses should be the envy of any noble estate with ivory blooms the size of a man's fist. The central stone pool is circular, twenty feet in diameter with a dais in the middle, ringed with reliefs of fan tailed carp. Atop the dais stands a life-sized bronze statue of a delicate beauty in a clingy robe. Her head is bowed, perhaps in contemplation or mourning, and one hand reaches for the water. The water itself is still except for the trickle of water that bubbles up from the woman's feat and cascades down the sides. A dozen white carp swim lazily in the basin.

It's quiet here, despite being so small and close to the heart of the city. There are no park benches. Apart from the fountain, the only thing here that reminds you that you're still in Magnimar at all is a nearby stone laid in the ground with the words 'Our Lady of Blessed Waters'.

Three things strike Irene as odd. First, the statue, clearly bronze, shows absolutely no sign of age -- this close to the sea, the bronze should be green with patina in only a few decades. Second, the water isn't just clean and clear, it's brilliant. Third, the fountain seems to be one solid piece of stone.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Zuberi found the pleasant stillness of the fountain plaza soothing. He stopped for a moment to admire the fountain, before noticing Irene nearby. He had seen her aboard the Minx, of course. Catching her eye, he bowed to her, placing his right fist in open left palm in a gesture of respect.
"Madam Irene, it is good to see you again. It seems we both sought a similar destination upon leaving the ship. I am glad to learn Magnimar is not all mummers and merchants."

[BladeofObliviom]

Alessandra,
Dockway

The elbow-lock almost took her by surprise, but then again it wasn't terribly surprising that the Calistrian might tend to favor a physical sort of acknowledgment. Alessandra herself managed a faint smile despite the somewhat unusual nature of the engagement, maintaining as much space as twined arms would allow. "Rough, you say?" She said back, allowing herself a short chuckle at the image that conjured. Even if Vai weren't speaking directly of the Temple, it was hardly a secret what sort of service the Calistrians usually offered. "I do suppose that depends on exactly what kind of rough we're talking." A bit of a grin accompanied those last few words. She'd hear it out, at least.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Irène nodded lightly at Zuberi's greeting, her eyes wide as she took in the sights of the fountain plaza. "Indeed not, Zuberi. Look at this place." Sweeping her gloved hand across the sights of the fountain plaza in a grand gesture, Irène spoke. "As beautiful and as perfectly kept a garden as any I've ever seen. Every last carving, every last detail. And... The statue. This close to the sea it should be green with rust, but here it stands, perfect as the day it was cast. The fountain, carved from a single piece of stone. And the water... the purest I've ever seen."

The priestess gave a slight pause as the words sunk in.

"This is beauty the greatest of dreams could scarcely fathom."Raising a hand, Irène made to scan the fountain for magic.

Using Detect Magic for the full 3 rounds, followed by Spellcraft checks as necessary to identify any spells.

[TheDarkDM]

Vai

Vai's chuckle was nothing short of a purr as she took Alessandra's meaning.

"Oh never fear, it's not that sort of work. My family's friends operate a small...mercantile concern. Normally, they'd be somewhat leery of hiring non-Varisian help, but I'm sure I could put in a good word if you were interested?"

[Othniel]

Valamir

After he drops the coins in the sack, Valamir once again turns back to the performer. "Say, one additional question for you, Mr. - uh, do you go by anything besides "The Baron?" - Is there a good place around here to get a good, strong drink, and the news around town?"

Lacking any more information from what's-his-face, Valamir is going to go in search of said drinking establishment.

[Nefarion Xid]

Irène and Valamir
Previously...

The Baron stutters about their tips being incredibly generous while Fluffy announces that The Great Trampling has been rescheduled for the Toilsday after next (and that everyone should clear their schedules and eat a big breakfast that day).

When asked about his name, the Baron scoffs and dismisses the implication with, "Ha! Please..." but gives Valamir directions to the nearby The Old Fang tavern.

Valamir
The Old Fang, Dockway

This low class taproom and inn, directly on the northern docks, is covered in peeling white paint. The formerly black paint on the wooden placard above the door has been bleached by the sun to a chalky grey. Inside, some twenty dockworkers and sailors sit around long tables, shoveling down their vegetable stew and chasing it with droughts of pale ale. A stout woman with short black hair and olive skin hurries around to bring bowls to those still waiting for food. When the door opens she shoots a glance to Valamir and mutters, "Have a seat anywhere, I'll be with you in a..." but trails off when she realizes the striking man isn't some common lout. She wipes her hands on her apron and approaches, her surly demeanor fading instantly. "What can I get you, love? Glass of Longacre?"

Mixed in with the rabble is a handsome lad of perhaps seventeen with a straight nose. His blond hair is carefully slicked back. His clothes are fairly common, but he wears a leather black leather doublet and there's a fine looking short sword on his belt with an emerald mounted on the pommel. He looks up at Valamir briefly, but goes back to picking at his roast chicken.

The walls of the tavern are decorated with preserved and mounted sea creatures. Apart from an impressive blue marlin and a dog-sized lobster/scorpion, what stands out the most is the head of a barracuda displayed prominently on the wall opposite the entrance. Its gaping mouth is over two feet wide.

Irène and Zuberi
Seerspring Garden, Keystone

The calm of the garden is broken only by a carp popping the surface of the pond to devour a mosquito.

Irène detects a faint transmutation aura on the statue and one on the water itself. A second strong transmutation aura radiates from the statue and casts its influence over the whole park. She lacks the knowledge to even guess about their properties beyond the obvious -- the statue looks brand new and the water is sparkling. The stone is nonmagical.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Irène sighed softly as her mental search of her knowledge of spellcraft came up empty. Taking in a deep breath, she then promptly replaced those feelings with a sensation of well-being, and knelt by the fountain to meditate, silently praising Desna for visions of such beauty.

After spending about 15 minutes in prayer, she then rose once again and headed further into the Keystone district, looking for any promising-looking towers.

[Nefarion Xid]

Shimura
Charterhouse, Capital District

Venturing up into the Capital District from the Dockway, Shimura passes a row of shops and offices along the edge of the Seacleft. He takes note of one bronze placard, attached to an office/apartment, that reads, '332c Chandler Street, Brice Grinier, Consulting Detective'. Languid viola music can be heard within.

At the end of Chandler Street, Shimura comes to a soaring marble monument depicting a lonely tower encircled by a two headed serpent. At the top, a warrior stands, sword overhead and shield ready. An etched stone at the base of the tower are the words, 'Indros cul Vydrarch'.

Turning onto Founder's Street, he passes a small park plaza. Bureaucrats, scholars and a few nobles gather here, taking the air and talking business. Just beyond is a stately building with polished marble columns. Within, he's greeted by a suspicious female aide dressed in a tidy grey ensemble with a short jacket and pencil skirt. She sizes him up in an instant and twitches her nose, looking over his wrinkled attire.

"May I help you?" she chirps curtly, stopping him near the door.

[BladeofObliviom]

Vai and Alessandra,
Dockway

"Hey, it only takes one accidental brothel-referral before you start asking ahead of time." joked Alessandra, briefly scratching at the back of her head. Obviously this wasn't legal work, but burning bridges and acting well outside the usual constraints of law and order is sort of what adventurers just do, isn't it? "Well, I can do rough 'mercantile', if that's what you mean. I must say, you're pretty forward-" Though she didn't actually raise her voice, the mock alarm could be heard in her tone. "-already got your arm in mine and inviting me to meet the family!"

The catty smile gave away the joke a little too quickly, perhaps.

[TheDarkDM]

Vai

Vai favored Alessandra's latest response with a proper laugh and pulled away, bringing her hands to her chest in mock dismay.

"And you're not even properly dressed! Whatever will Cousin Skiloni think of this foreign woman who has stolen my heart?"

Her full lips curled ever higher into a smile as she spoke, though she managed to assume a dismayed face at the end for a few seconds before bursting into gales of musical laughter.

"Oh, Alessandra, I do think I like you. Come, help me find Cousin Skiloni and we can see if I can't deliver on what I've offered."

[zabbarot]

Shimura
Charterhouse, Capital District

The walk was surprisingly pleasant. The city was in many ways nicer than he had expected. This could be what he was searching for. Shimura was all but daydreaming by the time he reached the Chapterhouse. The aide swiftly put an end to that, however. Perhaps I should have cleaned up first... he thought to himself. It was too late now though. Shimura bowed and introduced himself, "I am here to inquire about purchasable property in the city. I am a blacksmith by trade, and seek to open a business. Have I come to the right place?" He smiled hopefully. She didn't seem impressed by his clothing, but maybe his rugged charm would show through.



Maybe diplomacy would help here?
[roll0] if needed.

[Othniel]

Valamir

Chuckling to himself at the Baron's character, Valamir went in search of the recommended establishment. As he entered, the newcomer stopped just inside the doorway, examining the room, noting the decor and clientele. When addressed by the proprietor, he smiled and headed toward the bar, taking a seat. "Yes, I think that would do nicely, miss...?"

[CockroachTeaParty]

As Irene settled in to meditate or pray, Zuberi respectfully left her near the fountain. He walked along the main thoroughfare of the Keystone District, taking in the sights and making what observations he could about the temples and churches therein.


Zuberi will do a bit of exploring, taking 10 on Knowledge (religion) in an attempt to recognize any symbols or signs of temples, churches, and shrines dedicated to the various deities. In particular, he is on the lookout for any signs of Iorori, and failing that, the churches of Sarenrae, Pharasma, and Abadar.

[Nefarion Xid]

Zuberi, and then Irène
Wandering through Keystone

Zuberi/Irène first passes by a wooden lodge and the closest building to the garden. Over the doorway arch, beautifully carved from the wood, is the image of a bow made of deer antlers -- easily identifiable as Erastil's holy symbol. Nearby, men in green tunics practice with their longbows, taking shots at hay stuffed dummies.

When Irène draws near, one of the men, an exceptionally tall and burly fellow with a full black beard and braided hair, wishes her, "Good afternoon, lady! Are you looking for something and can I help you find it?" His broad smile implies he's attempting to flirt, but his offer is friendly and genuine.

Zuberi, meanwhile...

Zuberi, continuing west along the main road, comes to a single story white stone building with many tall, peaked windows. Outside, in the shade of a willow tree, a lanky half elven man with peppered hair lectures to a semicircle of young scholars. Zuberi takes in none of the jargon filled talk about "abjuration", but correctly surmises that this is a small school for wizards.

Turning southwest, he spies the spiked, dark grey edifice and blue slate rooftop of a temple. Immediately to the west of the temple, he can make out a wrought iron fence and a number of serene or protective angel statues within. Approaching, he recognizes the shape of a cenotaph and a mausoleum beyond. The temple must be devoted to Pharasma.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Irène smiled genuinely at the devotee of Erastil as he approached her, inclining her head in greeting.

Polite and easy on the eyes.

"As a matter of fact, I am, good sir. I am a follower of Desna, and I was informed that they keep a temple here in the Keystone district - a tower. Would you be able to direct me there?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Vai and Alessandra
Bazaar of Sails, Dockway

Unfortunately, and despite Vai's honeyed tongue and considerable streetwise, people in the Dockway seem unable or unwilling to divulge information about the Tower Girls after an hour of investigating. No one knows a Terisha Skiloni. Finally, a wine merchant in the bazaar is able to begin explaining the situation discreetly. He confides with Vai that the Tower Girls and the Wreckwash Blades had a sort of partnership until very recently, and even shared a headquarters. He doesn't know what was the cause of the rift, but he muses that he hasn't seen a sign of the Tower Girls in the Dockway for two months. Finally, he suggests Vai to venture down to Washer's Row in Beacon's Point and seek out a fortune teller known as The Amazing Zograthy.

"Filthy pesh addict, and nothing amazing about him except for the way he keeps his ear to the street and his head intact. Put some pesh or coin in his hand and he'll help you find your lady. Now, perhaps I could interest you in a bottle of Sweet Sorrow? I can sense that you have exquisite taste and... well frankly the vintage is so rich and complex that it's wasted on most. For you? Only seventeen gold crowns."

Vai also learns to identify Wreckwash Blades by their orange sashes and armbands, and that the Blades are lead by Donal Carent. They're headquartered just east of the bazaar in a small tent city. As far as she knows, 17 gp is a good deal for a bottle of Sweet Sorrow. The merchant doesn't seem like he's trying to cheat you, he just wants your patronage in return from giving you information. He'll be more helpful in the future if you buy something.

Alessandra also learns to identify Wreckwash Blades by their orange sashes and armbands, and that the Blades are lead by Donal Carent. They're headquartered just east of the bazaar in a small tent city. As far as she knows, 17 gp is a steal for a bottle of Sweet Sorrow. The merchant doesn't seem like he's trying to cheat you, he just wants your patronage in return from giving you information. There is perhaps the implication that the price of his silence (regarding what you've asked him) is to at least buy something.

[TheDarkDM]

Vai

Taking out her coin purse, Vai counted out seventeen well-worn golden crowns and passed them to the merchant.

"What a gentleman you are, sir, to recognize how highly I value the pleasures in life. A Chelaxian vintage, is it not? I shall be sure to keep your stall in mind for any future...transactions."

Her fingers lingered on his palm a moment too long while she pressed the coins down, and she took the bottle with a wink of her shadowed eyes. Sliding it carefully into her pack, she turned to Alessandra.

"Well, it seems we have a bit of a mystery to track down. I'm game if you are."

[CockroachTeaParty]

Zuberi

Pharasma was respected a great deal in northern Garund. Zuberi had Osirian blood running through his veins, and the Lady of Graves was a prominent figure in that ancestral land of sand and wonder.

He crossed the threshold into the temple, observing the brooding architecture and somber mood within. His thoughts immediately wandered to the friends and family he had left behind in distant Thuvia. What fate had fallen upon them, following his flight? Had any of them passed before Pharasma since then? Had they been judged?

Zuberi looked around for any fitting vestibule or pew where he might offer prayer.

[Nefarion Xid]

Shimura
Charterhouse, Capital District

The aide seems unmoved by Shimura's good looks and easy demeanor, though she does perk up at the mention of 'blacksmith'. "You are correct. The Charterhouse oversees the lawful transfer of property, the sale of forfeited or abandoned property, and the allocation of land outside the city. If you'll please wait here, I'll see Ms Welch has time for you."

The young woman vanishes into the small labyrinthine of desks and shelves, but returns fifteen minutes later to escort Shimura to the desk of the bespectacled Ms. Welch. He's invited to take a seat and, after repeating his intentions, Ms. Welch assists him by showing him a detailed map of the city.

"In Beacon's Point, all metalwork is overseen by the the Most Excellent Order of Smiths," she says in a nasal voice, "I'll save you the time Mr. Hachiro, you don't want to even think about open shop there or in the Dockway district without paying your guild dues. I believe you'd have more success here in the Capital District. The Most Excellent Order won't bother you uptown, and it's likely you'd well received by the jewelers and the goldsmiths. The Alabaster District is also an option, though you would want to accept patronage from one of the great families first. I might also recommend Ordellia. There's a block nicknamed Little Kesai with a Minkaian population. I am correct in assuming you are from Minkai, Mr. Hachiro?"

Ultimately, she presents three lots available for purchase. The first is a vacant lot just off of Little Kesai, a narrow strip of land between two apartment buildings approximately 15 by 25 feet and the cheapest option at only 350 gold, though it obviously needs the most work. The second is a recently reclaimed shop in Bridgeward, a neighborhood in the capital district with the other artisans. The shop is also small, but well maintained. The previous owner died and, without a will, the city took ownership. A forge would need to be installed, but there's storeroom and front intact with a one bedroom apartment above. The lot occupied a 25x35 space and the price is 1,200 gp. The third property is near a museum in the Capital District (and just southeast of the Charterhouse) and would get the most foot traffic and window shoppers. The lot is 30x40 and undeveloped, but the location comes at the price of 3,500 gold. Additional, adjacent lots may also be purchased here for the same price.

If he would like to personally inspect either of the lots in the Capital District, the aide is sent to guide him and answer questions.

[Nefarion Xid]

Valamir
The Old Fang, Dockway

Valamir takes note of the dense growth of black hair on the woman's knuckles and forearms. She has wispy sideburns and a bit of a mustache as well. "Everyone calls me Ol' Mam."

Mam escorts Valamir to the short bar that only seats six on wobbly wooden stools. The good spirits were kept behind wrought iron facade which had to be unlocked by the matron. She produces a clean wineglass from the rack overhead and fills it to the brim from a newly uncorked bottle, which she leaves open and on the bar in case Valamir would like more.

"Anything else I can do for you, love," she dotes, "Black bread? Bit of mutton?"

The bar is otherwise unoccupied and no one moves to join him.

Valamir assumes that Mam is being so accommodating and friendly because is rich, at least compared to her regular customers. She probably took note of his sword and his mithral mail.

[BladeofObliviom]

Vai and Alessandra
Bazaar of Sails, Dockway

Alessandra smiles in response. "At that price, perhaps I'll buy a bottle of my own." she says, smirking over at Vai and handing over the gold pieces to the shopkeep. "Perhaps we'll share a glass later tonight, should things go well? Hm." As the transaction is completed, she takes the bottle and casually slides it into her haversack. With an additional, almost friendly nod to the merchant, she turns away, folding her arms behind her back and returning to conversation with Vai.

"A mystery indeed. This lead you've promised has certainly not been boring, I'll say that much." She closes her eyes in thought a moment, taking a deep breath and exhaling with an unintelligible whisper. "Yes, I'd like to see where this trail leads. Shall we?"

[TheDarkDM]

Vai

She nodded at Alessandra's assent and began walking with her towards Beacon's Point.

"Let us hope the Amazing Zograthy is as helpful as our merchant friend."

[Nefarion Xid]

Irène
Wandering through Keystone

Irène's escort was just a bit shy of 6'6" and was broad enough in the shoulders she wondered if he didn't have to turn sideways to fit through doorways. He has kindly green eyes and wears a polished black fang pendant.

"Desna? Oh then that makes us friends, doesn't it? We both keep travelers safe. I'm Royce, by the way. Royce Greenwald, at your service."

Returning through the Seerspring, Royce turns west, walking past a group of arcanists huddled beneath a willow tree. The thin man with grey hair in the blue robe drones on about 'transposing arcane matrices' or something of the sort that sounds dreadfully boring. Royce stifles a laugh at the man's lilting, impassioned voice as he carries on about an incomprehensible subject.

Next, they come to a spherical building, all metal and glass. It might have reminded Irène of a diving bell, had she ever seen one. There's the smell of fresh sea air through the grand archway leading in. Outside, a male gnome with brilliant sea foam colored hair is attempting to entice a group of travelers to come inside and see the attractions. When Irène and Royce pass by, he hops up and down and waves, yelling, "Good afternoon, Royce!" to which Royce returns, "And a good afternoon to you as well, Master Wadinscoat!"

Turning back to Irène, Royce explains, "That's the Aquaretum. Huge tanks of water with all sorts of sea creatures on display. Most folks would ever even know they exist without Master Wadinscoat keeping them."

Vai and Alessandra
Enroute to Washer's Row, Beacon's Point

Along the way to Washer's Row, the pair pass the evocative and perhaps unimaginatively named Shucked Oyster. This stately four story manor house turned brothel is lined with balconies and the balconies are draped with women (and men) who are themselves draped with little. Something to accommodate all tastes, the prostitutes lean over the railing and beckon to anyone who walks down the street. Though, it's not as if sailors ever needed enticement or advertising. Hanging on the door, a lithe half elven woman with platinum hair stares overlong at Vai, but holds her tongue -- perhaps thinking better of what she had to say. Judging by her mithral and sapphire choker she must be the proprietor, or else a living testament to things men can't afford.

Continuing down Hawk Street, they see also a walled off, starkly utilitarian compound, immense but built without a single thought for architectural flare. A single slab of marble identifies the place as the Merchant's Guildhall. Four men in mail with white and blue surcoats guard the entrance while still more stand along the 20' high curtain.

Finally arriving in Washer's Row around 2 PM, the pair begin to navigate the maze-like, densely packed rows of launderers, wagons and tents. Here the air is acrid. The stinging smell of soap is almost enough to overwhelm the stink of too many people and too little sewer access. The neighborhood looks almost exclusively Varisian, but the sight of a few halfling children playing in a bubble-filled puddle tells you that at least a few other families live here.

Alessandra notices four men with orange sashes have been following them since they turned down this street. They watch casually, taking cover behind the tents as you go, but they're clearly interested in where you're going.

[Othniel]

Valamir

"A pleasure to meet you, Ol' Mam," Valamir responds affably. "Just the drink is fine, thank you. Though perhaps you might provide a bit of information. You see, I am new in town - "fresh off the boat," as they say - and wish to connect with my fellow devotees of Desna. Can you give me directions to the temple?"

I'm good with moving forward as well. Valamir will finish his drink, and follow directions (if given) to the temple to introduce himself.

[BladeofObliviom]

Vai and Alessandra
Enroute to Washer's Row, Beacon's Point

"...Why, once we're done with this," Alessandra explains, continuing whatever topic the conversation might have drifted onto throughout the long walk this way, "we might visit some of the stalls in the market, buy some oranges to eat and some pretty sashes with which to adorn ourselves, then go and see if we can't follow...oh!" She took care to stress the important words mixed in with the chaff, before pointing off toward the nearest alley or abandoned-looking corner. "I think that's the shortcut she mentioned, there.", she says, hoping Vai got the hint, and quickening her pace to more quickly break line of sight and blend into the shadows.

Quietly, she unbuckles the mask at her side and puts it on. A veil of deniability might come in handy if this gets ugly.


Bluff check to alter course without letting pursuers catch on that they've been spotted: [roll0]

Stealth check to hide after breaking line of sight: [roll1]

[TheDarkDM]

Vai

Vai's smile didn't waver, but she took Alessandra's meaning well enough.

"Oh, I think you're right! How convenient."

Following her Chelaxian friend, Vai attempted to join the shadows as well.

Bluff, either to sell the deception on Vai's part or as an aid another to Alessandra: [roll0]

Stealth to prep the ambush: [roll1]

[Nefarion Xid]

Zuberi
Church of Pharasma, Keystone

Contrasting from the intimidating facade and tall roof, the church inside is small and humble. It's quite dim inside, lit only by narrow blue stained glass windows and the candles on the altar. Only one acolyte is to be seen, lighting candles and whispering prayers for the for the recently departed. She asks Zuberi if she can provide counsel and offers to guide him in prayer if he wishes. When asked about a place to worship Irori, she looks momentarily confused before saying definitively that there is no proper place to worship Irori in the city, and that he must have very few followers here, if any. At least, she doesn't know anyone who worships The Master of Masters. Trying to be helpful and hopeful, she says also that if someone wanted to build a new temple, they would be welcome in this district. She suggests speaking to someone at the Charterhouse or to seek patronage from one of the great noble families.

Vai and Alessandra
Washer's Row, Beacon's Point

After a few minutes of hiding off the main path, Vai and Alessandra see no sign of their pursuers. It looks like they've given the Wreckwash's thugs the slip for now.

+200 XP each. Keep searching Zograthy or chose another course of action?

Valamir
The Old Fang, Dockway

On a billboard near the bar, Valamir spots three wanted posters. The first, with a drawing of a goblin wringing a puppy's neck, offers a bounty of ten gold per goblin ear. Which Valamir takes to mean that a dead goblin is worth twenty gold crowns, supposing he'd survived up to this point with both intact. The second, showing an enormous crab being stuffed into a pot, informs him that Ol' Mam herself will pay fifty gold for anyone who catches a giant crab. The third, with a bowman lurking behind a tree, says that the Deadeye's Lodge is looking for volunteers to help them crack down on banditry in the hinterlands around the city and offers a reward of fifty gold for every highwayman you kill, or two-hundred and fifty if you can prove they were part of the leadership, and a thousand gold for taking out whoever is in charge of the whole operation.

Guessing at the price of crab meat, Ol' Mam isn't paying nearly enough. Depending on just how big they are, a giant crab might fetch 70 to 90 gold at market.

Mam gives Valamir directions to the Cynosure Tower in the Keystone District if he wants to pay his respects to Desna (and possibly catch up with Irène). The walk will take at least twenty minutes. The Longacre wine doesn't disappoint, and is perhaps worth the price at 3.5 gp a glass. To be fair to Mam, the glass was quite a full one.

[TheDarkDM]

Vai

As the minutes passed without sign of their tail, Vai's hand eased off the hilt of her sword. Looking to the shadowed corner where Alessandra had disappeared from view, she shrugged.

"A shame. I'd hoped to ask a few questions of my cousins. Nothing for it, though - let's not waste this opportunity."

After Alessandra emerged, Vai began moving to continue towards the house of the Amazing Zograthy.

Stealth to avoid any subsequent tails: [roll0]

[BladeofObliviom]

Vai and Alessandra
Washer's Row, Beacon's Point

Alessandra indeed steps out of the shadows once more, pulling the mask back (buckling it to her belt again) and putting her glasses back on. "Indeed. We should stick to areas with people in them, try to blend in, if these sashed folk are already onto us."


Stealth check to avoid further pursuit: [roll0]

Crowd Control class feature lets Alessandra move through crowds without penalty; she'll try to guide Vai through too if she can, though that's not RAW.

[zabbarot]

Shimura
Charterhouse, Capital District

The aide seems unmoved by Shimura's good looks and easy demeanor, though she does perk up at the mention of 'blacksmith'. "You are correct. The Charterhouse oversees the lawful transfer of property, the sale of forfeited or abandoned property, and the allocation of land outside the city. If you'll please wait here, I'll see Ms Welch has time for you."

The young woman vanishes into the small labyrinthine of desks and shelves, but returns fifteen minutes later to escort Shimura to the desk of the bespectacled Ms. Welch. He's invited to take a seat and, after repeating his intentions, Ms. Welch assists him by showing him a detailed map of the city.

"In Beacon's Point, all metalwork is overseen by the the Most Excellent Order of Smiths," she says in a nasal voice, "I'll save you the time Mr. Hachiro, you don't want to even think about open shop there or in the Dockway district without paying your guild dues. I believe you'd have more success here in the Capital District. The Most Excellent Order won't bother you uptown, and it's likely you'd well received by the jewelers and the goldsmiths. The Alabaster District is also an option, though you would want to accept patronage from one of the great families first. I might also recommend Ordellia. There's a block nicknamed Little Kesai with a Minkaian population. I am correct in assuming you are from Minkai, Mr. Hachiro?"

Ultimately, she presents three lots available for purchase. The first is a vacant lot just off of Little Kesai, a narrow strip of land between two apartment buildings approximately 15 by 25 feet and the cheapest option at only 350 gold, though it obviously needs the most work. The second is a recently reclaimed shop in Bridgeward, a neighborhood in the capital district with the other artisans. The shop is also small, but well maintained. The previous owner died and, without a will, the city took ownership. A forge would need to be installed, but there's storeroom and front intact with a one bedroom apartment above. The lot occupied a 25x35 space and the price is 1,200 gp. The third property is near a museum in the Capital District (and just southeast of the Charterhouse) and would get the most foot traffic and window shoppers. The lot is 30x40 and undeveloped, but the location comes at the price of 3,500 gold. Additional, adjacent lots may also be purchased here for the same price.

If he would like to personally inspect either of the lots in the Capital District, the aide is sent to guide him and answer questions.

Shimura
Charterhouse, Capital District

It was a lot to consider. The lot in Little Kesai would save him money in the short term, but he'd still have to build a shop and there was little room to expand. Additionally he'd have to worry about the possibility of his history coming up. It might be best to avoid Little Kesai for now, but he made a note of where it was. So in the end it was between the two lots in the Capital District. "I would like to see the shop in Bridgeward and then the lot near here." Shimura stood up ready to go.

Upon arriving in Bridgeward Shimura will inspect the lot to see how much, if any, of the lot is unused and if he feels like it is a good location to build a forge without burning down his neighbors. After visiting both lots Shimura has several questions. Who do I speak to about construction? Where is the local bank(or banks)? Will it be all right to come back in a day or two when I have made my decision?

[Lord Of Mantas]

Irène
Wandering through Keystone

Irène's escort was just a bit shy of 6'6" and was broad enough in the shoulders she wondered if he didn't have to turn sideways to fit through doorways. He has kindly green eyes and wears a polished black fang pendant.

"Desna? Oh then that makes us friends, doesn't it? We both keep travelers safe. I'm Royce, by the way. Royce Greenwald, at your service."

Returning through the Seerspring, Royce turns west, walking past a group of arcanists huddled beneath a willow tree. The thin man with grey hair in the blue robe drones on about 'transposing arcane matrices' or something of the sort that sounds dreadfully boring. Royce stifles a laugh at the man's lilting, impassioned voice as he carries on about an incomprehensible subject.

Next, they come to a spherical building, all metal and glass. It might have reminded Irène of a diving bell, had she ever seen one. There's the smell of fresh sea air through the grand archway leading in. Outside, a male gnome with brilliant sea foam colored hair is attempting to entice a group of travelers to come inside and see the attractions. When Irène and Royce pass by, he hops up and down and waves, yelling, "Good afternoon, Royce!" to which Royce returns, "And a good afternoon to you as well, Master Wadinscoat!"

Turning back to Irène, Royce explains, "That's the Aquaretum. Huge tanks of water with all sorts of sea creatures on display. Most folks would ever even know they exist without Master Wadinscoat keeping them."


Irène smiled as Royce introduced himself. "Indeed it does, and indeed we do. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Greenwald. Irène Levesque, at your service."

Goddess, those shoulders... and so tall. I don't think I've met a man yet who was taller than I.

The priestess fought hard to keep a bit of a blush down as she then followed the priest of Erastil through the streets, sharing a chuckle as they overheard the arcanists talking.
Although in all seriousness, I probably should devote some time to brushing up on my study of spellcraft - I doubt my hunt will be an easy one.

As they came across the Aquaretum, Irène listened attentively as Royce explained the purpose of the building.

"Really, now? I shall have to make a visit myself then, after I've finished making arrangements to settle here."

A thought occured to Irène, and she decided to try and formally break the ice. "You seem to know a fair bit about this place, Mr. Greenwald. How long have you been living in Magnimar?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Vai and Alessandra
Washers' Row, Beacon's Point

At the southern end of Washers' Row, a tattered banner hanging over the entrance of the small side street advertises "Professor Callivario's Stupendous Exhibition of the Outrageous and Sublime." Beyond this overly exuberant advertisement is a squalid setup consisting of little more than a series of rundown sideshow booths and carts with assorted games and amusements of the meaner sort. To one side, urchins pitch pennies at lily pads floating in a small, scum-covered fountain while a bored carny looks on. Nearby, the sound of cats hissing and fighting arises from behind a cart where a small crowd of Varisian men has gathered to cheer and place bets. Everywhere lurk faces pinched with suspicion or hunger -- expressions worn by carnival workers and visitors alike.

Vai and Alessandra are able to locate Zograthy without further incident or sight of the Wreckwash Blades from before. Though a few men in orange sashes gather to watch the cat fight, they don't notice the women.

The 'Amazing Zograthy, Seer of the Dark' plies his trade in a patchwork tent covered in mysterious symbols painted with an unsteady hand. Strings of chicken bones and old wine bottles decorate the entrance. Within, they find an unlevel table, covered in a piece of blue velvet, crudely stitched with haphazardly placed symbols.

Vai recognizes that one mark is a symbol attributed to the demon lord Pazuzu... though this one is backwards and missing a dash.

Sitting hunched over, in what seems to be a barstool, is a Varisian man well into his sixties, wearing a threadbare purple robe.

The man has enlarged pupils and has scratched his wrists and neck raw. He's literally itching for another dose of the drug known as Pesh.

His voice cracks, but he spits out his practiced spiel. "The Amazing Zograthy sees all. Knows all. A fist of silver for a turn of the cards or a vision in the crystal. Three fists-fulls of gold, and I'll show you the secrets of the multiverse."

He means he'll sell you a dose of Pesh for 15 gp. You don't know what the drug does. You were only able to spot the signs of addiction because the wine merchant said that Zograthy was an addict.

Irène
Wandering through Keystone

"Lovely to make your acquaintance, Miss Levesque. So, you're staying?" Royce seems pleasantly surprised. "That's wonderful. Many of Desna's followers are always just 'passing through'. I think it's good to settle down."

True to form for a devotee of Erastil, Royce would probably be happy if everyone was self sufficient and had a family farm. It makes Irène wonder what he, and the lodge, are doing so deep in the city.

"My family lives on a farm on the Lost Coast Road. Uh, that's east of here. I joined the Lodge three years back. Everywhere in Varisia needs monster hunters and Magnimar's no different. There are things that roam the backstreets at night and lurk in the sewers. Can't protect Ma and Da if the big city isn't safe, right?"

[TheDarkDM]

Vai

Taking a seat across from the addled fortune teller, Vai crooned her smoky Varisian voice and jangled her coin purse.

"Oh, I certainly hope so most amazing Zograthy. I have lost my cousin, and simply must find her. You are my last hope."

She gave him a smile, white teeth dazzlingly out of place in the dingy tent.

Diplomacy: [roll0]

[Lord Of Mantas]

"Well, I can't say for sure how long I'll be staying, but it'll definitely be for the forseeable future. I have some... family business that I need to take care of." Irène's formerly happy face took on a touch of a downcast expression as she mentioned this before reverting to a smile. "Of course, even after that's done with, I may decide to stay for a while yet. I've barely been in this city for a few hours and already I've seen some amazing sights."

Irène's gaze flickered briefly over Royce before continuing the next part of her sentence. "I've never seen anything like the Lady of Blessed Waters - it's truly an inspiring and beautiful vision. And beauty is sadly missing nowadays in Galt-"

As she made to continue, however, she felt a nip on the ear from her until-now silent companion. "Oh, and how silly of me. Apologies, I didn't mean to forget you." Gesturing to the snowy owl still perched on her shoulder, Irène made to introduce her companion. "Stjerne, Royce Greenwood. Mr. Greenwod, my snowy owl and confidant, Stjerne."

At Royce's remark on monsters in the sewers, Irène nodded firmly. "It is a sad fact that such trouble lurks everywhere nowadays. But it is very noble of you, protecting your family like that. My own childhood is full of stories of my papa and I holding our own against monsters and..." Irène shivered mildly as she recalled a key memory from her childhood. "Other things." Taking on a more serious expression, Irène turned her face up. "Tell me, if you're actively involved in monster hunting, you must have a pretty comprehensive knowledge of any recent threats. Would you care to share?"
Please know something about hags, please know something about hags.

[Nefarion Xid]

Vai and Alessandra
The Amazing Zograthy's Tent, Washers' Row, Beacon's Point

Zograthy's wrinkled face contorts into a mock pout. "It is always hearbreaking to be parted from your family, copilul meu."

He places a chipped glass sphere on the table and begins polishing it vigorously with his sleeve. "La naiba! That spot... em, I mean, Zograthy sees all! Your cousin... she is in the city! Zograthy knows all. But, to tell all..."

Still pretending to scry, the man extends his open palm and coughs politely.

Shimura
Capital District

The aide accompanies Shimura to the Bridgeward shop and unlocks it for him. The exterior could use a little work, but it's all superficial -- nothing a little paint and an afternoon wouldn't fix. The interior is dusty and needs to be aired out, but everything seems to be in good condition.

Downstairs, there is room for a workshop (3x4 squares) that will need to have a forge installed; a Storefront (1x2) with some counter space; a Storage (2x3) space in the back with a few cheap shelves; and an Office (2x2).

Upstairs, there is a Bath (2x2) with a hand pump, a basin, a tin bathtub and a toilet; a Bedroom (3x6) empty of furniture except for a shoddy table; a small Kitchen (2x2) with a musty smelling pantry.

The lot near the museum is marked off with tiny flags stuck between the old, overgrown flagstones. The aide explains, "This area had been retained by a noble family and they intended to build something here. But as property values in the heart of the city continued to rise, they decided to leave it undeveloped. You're lucky they only decided to sell a week ago."

The flagstones will need to be removed, a foundation laid, and sewer access installed, but the location was beautiful and heavily trafficked by well-to-do people. The 30'x40' lot is one of 32 identical lots laid out in 4 rows of 8. "It's possible that you could split an adjoining lot with another buyer, if you wanted more room... perhaps a green space?" The aide adds with a skeptical sideways glance.

Upon returning to the Charterhouse, Shimura learns that there are a number of construction firms to chose from. The bureaucrats can't speak (honestly) about their preferences and they don't know who's available at the moment. Though he is assured that he'll have no trouble hiring contractors and finding materials. For borrowing money, he should try the Cathedral of Abadar (he's called the Gold Fisted God for a reason) or acquire the patronage of one of the noble families -- probably the Derexhis who are famous for funding mercenaries. The lots near the museum may sell quickly, but there are several of them, so it's unlikely they'll all be gone. The Bridgeward shop has been on the market for two months with no firm offers yet.

[TheDarkDM]

Vai

Still smiling, Vai reached into her purse and produced fifteen golden crowns which she placed one by one in the waiting palm. Her palm lowered onto his with the last coin, though, trapping hand and coins both.

"So kind of you, unchi meu. My cousin is called Terisha Skiloni. I heard she went missing some two months ago."

She leaned close, still smiling, lips gleaming like knives in the dim light.

"I would very much like to find her."

[BladeofObliviom]

Vai and Alessandra
The Amazing Zograthy's Tent, Washers' Row, Beacon's Point

Zograthy's wrinkled face contorts into a mock pout. "It is always hearbreaking to be parted from your family, copilul meu."

He places a chipped glass sphere on the table and begins polishing it vigorously with his sleeve. "La naiba! That spot... em, I mean, Zograthy sees all! Your cousin... she is in the city! Zograthy knows all. But, to tell all..."

Still pretending to scry, the man extends his open palm and coughs politely.

Vai and Alessandra
The Amazing Zograthy's Tent, Washers' Row, Beacon's Point

Alessandra stays silent, quietly resisting the urge to laugh at this display of..."fortunetelling". She doesn't really think much of him, but an informant is an informant, and the merchant had pointed them this way. He'd have to do, at least for now.

[Nefarion Xid]

Vai and Alessandra
The Amazing Zograthy's Tent, Washers' Row, Beacon's Point

Zograthy nods slowly, his lips curling into a twisted half smile. "Da... that'll keep the crystal ball working. All right all right. Close the ****ing flap already. The Blades will have my balls for talking about Tishi."

Rolling his eyes, he stuffs the crystal ball back into a burlap sack. "Okay kids, so the Wreckwash Blades, these gaozari in the orange sashes. They used to work with the Tower Girls. But they kicked them out of their camp in the Dockway because... well **** me I don't know? They're gaozari. The **** do they do anything for, eh? It's all Sczarni bull****! You'll find the Tower Girls in Underbridge. You know, the big ****ing bridge? Under that. They're on the lookout for a new headquarters and they've got something going on with one of the bridge's pilings."

He throws up his hands defensively, "They're hollow, so I've heard. Might make a good place for a clubhouse if it's true. You want Tishi? You go to Underbridge. That's all I know. I hope she's good. She's one of my brother's kids. I think. But she's a nice girl."

[TheDarkDM]

Vai and Alessandra
The Amazing Zograthy's Tent, Washers' Row, Beacon's Point

Vai released the man's hand when he started talking, and for the first time her face grew contemplative in the face of their search. Nodding to the fortune teller, she held up a hand to allay any thoughts she might not be satisfied.

"Multumesc, unchi. That is the best lead we've heard yet as to the Tower Girls' whereabouts. When my mother gave me that name I never imagined it would take such doing tracking her down."

Turning in the chair, Vai looked up at Alessandra.

"So, prieten meu, are you up for one more trek into the belly of the beast?"

[BladeofObliviom]

Vai and Alessandra
The Amazing Zograthy's Tent, Washers' Row, Beacon's Point

"What, you think I'd step out this far along the trail?" jokes the Chelaxian, nodding toward the tent flap. "I'm ready to go if you are." Assuming Vai is in fact ready to go, she soon steps outside with one last nod to Zograthy.

[TheDarkDM]

Vai and Alessandra
The Amazing Zograthy's Tent, Washers' Row, Beacon's Point

Vai stands with an appreciative nod to Alessandra.

"Ready and eager. Thank you once again, unchi miu. I will remember you to...Tishi."

Turning, Vai follows Alessandra out of the tend and turns her feet towards Underbridge.

Assuming no complications arise on the way, I'll roll a Gather Information to see if I can find where the Tower Girls are holed up in Underbridge.

[roll0]

And I suppose one more Stealth check to avoid being followed.

[roll1]

[BladeofObliviom]

Following up on the Stealth Check just in case. Wouldn't want to be tracked.

[roll0]

[zabbarot]

Shimura
Capital District

The aide accompanies Shimura to the Bridgeward shop and unlocks it for him. The exterior could use a little work, but it's all superficial -- nothing a little paint and an afternoon wouldn't fix. The interior is dusty and needs to be aired out, but everything seems to be in good condition.

Downstairs, there is room for a workshop (3x4 squares) that will need to have a forge installed; a Storefront (1x2) with some counter space; a Storage (2x3) space in the back with a few cheap shelves; and an Office (2x2).

Upstairs, there is a Bath (2x2) with a hand pump, a basin, a tin bathtub and a toilet; a Bedroom (3x6) empty of furniture except for a shoddy table; a small Kitchen (2x2) with a musty smelling pantry.

The lot near the museum is marked off with tiny flags stuck between the old, overgrown flagstones. The aide explains, "This area had been retained by a noble family and they intended to build something here. But as property values in the heart of the city continued to rise, they decided to leave it undeveloped. You're lucky they only decided to sell a week ago."

The flagstones will need to be removed, a foundation laid, and sewer access installed, but the location was beautiful and heavily trafficked by well-to-do people. The 30'x40' lot is one of 32 identical lots laid out in 4 rows of 8. "It's possible that you could split an adjoining lot with another buyer, if you wanted more room... perhaps a green space?" The aide adds with a skeptical sideways glance.

Upon returning to the Charterhouse, Shimura learns that there are a number of construction firms to chose from. The bureaucrats can't speak (honestly) about their preferences and they don't know who's available at the moment. Though he is assured that he'll have no trouble hiring contractors and finding materials. For borrowing money, he should try the Cathedral of Abadar (he's called the Gold Fisted God for a reason) or acquire the patronage of one of the noble families -- probably the Derexhis who are famous for funding mercenaries. The lots near the museum may sell quickly, but there are several of them, so it's unlikely they'll all be gone. The Bridgeward shop has been on the market for two months with no firm offers yet.


Before leaving Shimura asks for a map of the city so that he may mark down locations. "I will be back either tomorrow or the day after to make an offer. Thank you for your assistance." With that Shimura set off to find a decent inn where he could clean up and wash some of this sea salt off. If there was still enough time left in the day after that he'd put on something more appropriate for a merchant of moderate wealth and head to the temple to see what sort of deal they were willing to make.

[Nefarion Xid]

Irène
Wandering through Keystone

Royce folds his arms and hangs his head in contemplation. "Well, you've got your big rats, just like any city. I've seen a cockroach swarm as well. Crazy right? They work themselves up into some kind of frenzy and swarm up from the sewers looking for something to eat. Good to keep some alchemical fire on you, just in case. If not, you can probably distract them with some food. They'll eat anything, but bread does just as well as flesh. Throw it and run! Lots of poor folk die in the streets here and some of their spirits don't find rest. I've seen ghosts and things made of shadows. Best to just run if you see something. Ghosts won't follow you outside their haunts, no matter how wroth they are."

"The worst is the Shriezyx. The nobles will deny there are any more of them, but I've seen one. Didn't get a chance to kill it before it scrambled back into the dark. Some hellish three eyed spider the size of a wolf. A whole army came crawling out of the Irespan fifty years ago. Where there's one, there's probably a damned hive."

Finally Irène arrives at the Cynosure Tower. The ring shaped monument is open to the elements, consisting of little but two concentric circles of pillars holding up a stone roof. The center of the temple open to the sky so you can watch the stars. A woman walks slowly around along the inner ring with her head bowed. Her robe shimmers from black to blue to indigo and occasionally sparkles like starlight at the hem. An intricate silver headdress has been braided into her long black hair. She looks to be in her mid forties.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Irène
Wandering through Keystone

Royce folds his arms and hangs his head in contemplation. "Well, you've got your big rats, just like any city. I've seen a cockroach swarm as well. Crazy right? They work themselves up into some kind of frenzy and swarm up from the sewers looking for something to eat. Good to keep some alchemical fire on you, just in case. If not, you can probably distract them with some food. They'll eat anything, but bread does just as well as flesh. Throw it and run! Lots of poor folk die in the streets here and some of their spirits don't find rest. I've seen ghosts and things made of shadows. Best to just run if you see something. Ghosts won't follow you outside their haunts, no matter how wroth they are."

"The worst is the Shriezyx. The nobles will deny there are any more of them, but I've seen one. Didn't get a chance to kill it before it scrambled back into the dark. Some hellish three eyed spider the size of a wolf. A whole army came crawling out of the Irespan fifty years ago. Where there's one, there's probably a damned hive."

Finally Irène arrives at the Cynosure Tower. The ring shaped monument is open to the elements, consisting of little but two concentric circles of pillars holding up a stone roof. The center of the temple open to the sky so you can watch the stars. A woman walks slowly around along the inner ring with her head bowed. Her robe shimmers from black to blue to indigo and occasionally sparkles like starlight at the hem. An intricate silver headdress has been braided into her long black hair. She looks to be in her mid forties.

Irène furrowed her brow slightly as Royce told her of the monstrous dangers of Magnimar. No signs of hags, but danger's danger, and knowledge is power.

As they arrived at Cynosure Tower, Irène gratefully inclined her head. "Thank you so much for guiding me here, Mr. Greenwood. Hopefully our paths will cross again soon."

Looking in at the center, Irène took a deep breath as she steeled herself. It seemed so long ago that her journey to find answers had begun, and now... now the first part was nearly over.

And if I do find him... what will I tell him? Should I tell him?

Striding forward, a nervous shudder hidden by her long flowing blue robes, Irène inclined her head in respect as she approached the other priestess.

"Forgive my intrusion, sister, but could I spare a moment of your time?"

To minimize awkward phraseology, here is what Irène will be asking the priestess, assuming she can spare a moment. After introducing herself...

1) The location of safe/good housing here in the city, and a decent inn to stay at while such is sorted out, if need be.
2) If they are looking for extra help at the temple. (Tryin' to get that 9-5 job...)
3) Have you ever heard of a warpriest of Desna by the name of Agustín Iturburua?
4) And lastly, how would one get to the Irespan?

[Othniel]

Valamir
The Old Fang, Dockway

On a billboard near the bar, Valamir spots three wanted posters. The first, with a drawing of a goblin wringing a puppy's neck, offers a bounty of ten gold per goblin ear. Which Valamir takes to mean that a dead goblin is worth twenty gold crowns, supposing he'd survived up to this point with both intact. The second, showing an enormous crab being stuffed into a pot, informs him that Ol' Mam herself will pay fifty gold for anyone who catches a giant crab. The third, with a bowman lurking behind a tree, says that the Deadeye's Lodge is looking for volunteers to help them crack down on banditry in the hinterlands around the city and offers a reward of fifty gold for every highwayman you kill, or two-hundred and fifty if you can prove they were part of the leadership, and a thousand gold for taking out whoever is in charge of the whole operation.

Guessing at the price of crab meat, Ol' Mam isn't paying nearly enough. Depending on just how big they are, a giant crab might fetch 70 to 90 gold at market.

Mam gives Valamir directions to the Cynosure Tower in the Keystone District if he wants to pay his respects to Desna (and possibly catch up with Irène). The walk will take at least twenty minutes. The Longacre wine doesn't disappoint, and is perhaps worth the price at 3.5 gp a glass. To be fair to Mam, the glass was quite a full one.

As Valamir sat enjoying the wine, he complimented the proprietress for her choice, and looked at the posters near the bar. He made a mental note to slay any dog-strangling goblins he saw henceforth, to keep an eye out for giant crabs (which he hoped would taste good), and to stay clear of highwaymen unless in the company of others. As he finished his drink, he slowly counted out five pieces of gold from his pouch, made a small stack of them, and placed the drinking vessel upside down over the gold. Tipping his hat to Ol' Mam, he took his leave and went in search of the Cynosure Tower.

[Nefarion Xid]

Vai and Alessandra
Underbridge

The pair take the same route along Hawk Street back to the Dockways. From there, locating Underbridge is as easy as, like Zograthy said, finding the freaking bridge and going under it. The Irespawn was daunting from miles out at sea, but to actually stand beneath it was truly awe inspiring. The Thessalonians really knew how to extend a giant middle finger to the gods.

They come first to the Gecko Piling, clearly so named for the thousands of images in relief of geckos clinging to the structure. The border between the Dockway and Underbridge is clearly marked, both by the shadow of the Irespan and the sudden shift from the lower class, but well managed homes and businesses, to complete squalor. At a glance, the district is all tenements and flophouses, most of them built with scrap wood. In the distance, a clock tower can be seen, rising up to perhaps fifty feet shy of the underside of the bridge. Entire portions of its facade have fallen away, allowing a glimpse of the steel skeleton beneath. The time reads three precisely, though it is now closer to four.

Nearby, a group of filthy children skip rope and haltingly sing,

"Mumble Mumble Scarecrow,
Alone in the maize.
Sleepin' in the daytime,
A stitched man he stays.
But when the moon she rises,
Up Mumble gets.
He shakes his hands at first,
And moves his feet the next.
And when the dog is snorin'
And when you're fast asleep,
Mumble Mumble Scarecrow
Will find you good to eat!"

[TheDarkDM]

Vai and Alessandra
Underbridge

The pair take the same route along Hawk Street back to the Dockways. From there, locating Underbridge is as easy as, like Zograthy said, finding the freaking bridge and going under it. The Irespawn was daunting from miles out at sea, but to actually stand beneath it was truly awe inspiring. The Thessalonians really knew how to extend a giant middle finger to the gods.

They come first to the Gecko Piling, clearly so named for the thousands of images in relief of geckos clinging to the structure. The border between the Dockway and Underbridge is clearly marked, both by the shadow of the Irespan and the sudden shift from the lower class, but well managed homes and businesses, to complete squalor. At a glance, the district is all tenements and flophouses, most of them built with scrap wood. In the distance, a clock tower can be seen, rising up to perhaps fifty feet shy of the underside of the bridge. Entire portions of its facade have fallen away, allowing a glimpse of the steel skeleton beneath. The time reads three precisely, though it is now closer to four.

Nearby, a group of filthy children skip rope and haltingly sing,

"Mumble Mumble Scarecrow,
Alone in the maize.
Sleepin' in the daytime,
A stitched man he stays.
But when the moon she rises,
Up Mumble gets.
He shakes his hands at first,
And moves his feet the next.
And when the dog is snorin'
And when you're fast asleep,
Mumble Mumble Scarecrow
Will find you good to eat!"

Vai and Alessandra
Underbridge

Taking in the grandeur of the Irespan, Vai was momentarily rendered speechless. Here was the ancient legacy of her people, so cruelly ripped from their hands by their own weakness and the depredations of foreign invaders. Here was the birthright promised to her since she emerged in radiant glory from the womb. She could scarcely fathom the power it must have taken to erect such a monument, but she knew that one day that power would be hers.

The surge of self-assurance snapped the young Varisian out of her reverie, and she turned towards the urchins playing in the street. Squatting down to their level she joined their circle, producing a silver coin between her index and ring fingers.

"Which of you darlings wants to earn a silver? I'm looking for a group of ladies nearby. Varisian ladies. Around one of the pilings, perhaps?"

[BladeofObliviom]

Vai and Alessandra
Underbridge

While Vai spends her time offering children money for information, Alessandra reaches into her haversack, pulling out a little book with a blue cover. Taking a quick look around to establish her surroundings ("Gecko Piling" ought to do it, mostly), she flips it open to the section on Underbridge. While the section in question is assuredly quite large given the respective natures of both the book and Underbridge, it certainly can't hurt to skim it and get her bearings. Perhaps the information in question might come in handy in navigating this place.

[Nefarion Xid]

Vai and Alessandra
Underbridge

The first of the children, a girl of maybe seven, stretches out her grubby little fingers. "Make it a silver piece for each of my friends. You're rich and I'm not stupid," she snaps. "You want to know where the Tower Girls are hiding out, don't you?"

The urchins here were certainly street-wise.

"There's an abandoned Shrine to Sarenrae that way." She gestures south-east, toward the cliff, where you see a winged statue peeking out over the rooftops. "They're holed up there."

((The children give you the information regardless of if you pay, or how much you pay. There are five of them. Obviously, should you wish to foster a good relationship with the little scamps, you should tip them.))


***

It's a short walk to the shrine, a small building, vandalized and in a terrible state. All of the windows have been boarded up and the front door appears to be barricaded. While some of the work (charitably described as fortifications) seems to be fairly recent, there's no sign of life within or without.

[BladeofObliviom]

Vai and Alessandra
Underbridge

"Tell you what," Alessandra jokes, "you cover it this time, and I'll pick up the SP next time we need to tip some kids." She doesn't engage the kids and continues onward when prompted though.


***


It's a short walk to the shrine, a small building, vandalized and in a terrible state. All of the windows have been boarded up and the front door appears to be barricaded. While some of the work (charitably described as fortifications) seems to be fairly recent, there's no sign of life within or without.

Alessandra couldn't help but chuckle as the pair approached. "A Shrine of Sarenrae, hidden here from the sun's gaze. Heh." She cracked her knuckles, looking around for an uncovered window or some other inconspicuous opening. "Well then, Vai. You have a secret knock or something?"

[TheDarkDM]

Vai and Alessandra
Underbridge

The first of the children, a girl of maybe seven, stretches out her grubby little fingers. "Make it a silver piece for each of my friends. You're rich and I'm not stupid," she snaps. "You want to know where the Tower Girls are hiding out, don't you?"

The urchins here were certainly street-wise.

"There's an abandoned Shrine to Sarenrae that way." She gestures south-east, toward the cliff, where you see a winged statue peeking out over the rooftops. "They're holed up there."

((The children give you the information regardless of if you pay, or how much you pay. There are five of them. Obviously, should you wish to foster a good relationship with the little scamps, you should tip them.))


***

It's a short walk to the shrine, a small building, vandalized and in a terrible state. All of the windows have been boarded up and the front door appears to be barricaded. While some of the work (charitably described as fortifications) seems to be fairly recent, there's no sign of life within or without.

Vai and Alessandra
Underbridge

Vai smiled at the girl's boldness, returned the silver piece to her purse, and pulled out four silvers and a gold crown. She flipped a silver to the children flanking the ringleader, and the gold to the girl who had spoken.

"Divide that however you wish. And should anyone come looking for me, be sure to let me know. I'd be...very grateful."

Pushing herself back to a standing position, Vai nodded towards Alessandra to get her attention from her book.

"It looks like we near the end of our quest. I hope you're as excited as I am."


*****

Vai's excitement proved a bit premature, as her face well conveyed as she examined the ramshackle headquarters the children had pointed them towards. However, her dismay only lasted for a moment, and setting her shoulders she strode forward to the barricaded door and began pounding her fist against it with surprising strength for such a lithe build. As the pounding continued, she called out in Varisian.

"I am Vai Merejan, daughter to Esmara, of the clan Merezani of the River Kingdoms. I come with my mother's blessing to speak with Terisha Skiloni!"

Diplomacy to impress the urchins: [roll0]

Diplomacy to get let in by the Tower Girls: [roll1]

[BladeofObliviom]

Vai and Alessandra
Underbridge

Alessandra calmly leans up against the stone next to the door as Vai does her thing, pulling her book back out and continuing where she left off even as she began to comment upon her companion's actions with a wry smile.

"That's some secret knock you've got. Reminds me of that one time I tried to bust down the door of this Kellid gang's hideout and they just opened it because I'd guessed the password." She stifles a quiet laugh at that.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Zuberi

A prayer for forgiveness. A prayer for redemption. A prayer for guidance. The cold, silent walls of the temple offered little comfort. When he was finished, Zuberi sought a Pharasman devotee to make a donation and inquiry.


Zuberi would like to donate 2 gp to the church.
He also would ask if there are any temples or shrines to Irori in town, and failing that, Sarenrae.

[Nefarion Xid]

Irène
Cynosure Tower, Keystone

Irène learns that Bevaluu Zimantiu is the only priestess here. She attends the tower by herself, except for the two months of the year she devotes to her pilgrimages. For a safe inn, she sadly recommends the Old Fang in Dockway. Despite its location, she insists it's a far safer place to lay your head than the nicer inns in town. The rooms are cheap, so it's also easy on your purse if you intend to stay a while.

"You'll find a swamp barracuda's head on display in the parlor. That fish killed her husband. Ol' Mam took her revenge with a hatchet. No one steals from Ol' Mam or bothers her guests. Have a glass of the Longacre; it's overpriced but it's her favorite so she'll like you more."

She says that she doesn't need any help at the temple. She punctuates her words with a terse Varisian accent. "If you want to serve the goddess, girl, you should be on the road. This place doesn't need your protection -- people do."

Bevaluu regrets to inform Irène that she hasn't heard the name Agustín Iturburua, but gives her directions to an information broker known that goes by The Amazing Zograthy in Washers' Row.

She laughs when Irène asks for directions to the Irespan. "You didn't see it from the boat? Yes, the scent of the ocean is on you. It's the big bridge, girl. A funny name for a bridge, I think, but I'm not old enough to have named it. Go back to the Dockway and follow the path up the cliff. It's north from there."

Valamir, joining Irène
Cynosure Tower, Keystone

Valamir noted the Shucked Oyster brothel as he passed down Hawk Street. Everyone notes the Shucked Oyster when they go down Hawk Street. He also passes the merchant's guildhouse, the Deadeye Lodge and the small magic school where the same half elf still lectures about how a Circle of Protection against Evil will also protect you from compulsion spells. Interesting or not, Valamir at least understands the arcanababble and why wards work as they do.

He arrives at the Cynosure Tower just as Irène completes her conversation with the priestess.

Zuberi
Church of Pharasma, Keystone

"I'm so sorry, but I don't think many people this far north have even heard of Irori. You must be a very long way from home." The young female acolyte seems genuinely sympathetic, perhaps uncharacteristically so for a devotee of Pharasma.

"I believe the Temple of Iomedea has small shrines dedicated to Apsu and Sarenae. Oh! Well, there was a church built for the Dawnflower under the Irespan. The cleric there was blackmailed and beaten to death when he wouldn't pay the Sczarni, poor man. It's been abandoned for years now and it's in a terrible state."

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Perhaps surprisingly, that was all Vai had to say. A wooden slat in the barricaded doorway shot open. A dusky face and a light brown eye appears. "No ****? You're really from clan Merezani?" is the astonished, but pleasant reply in Varisian.

A murmur of voices consult rapidly within. Within half a minute, there is the sound of something heavy being dragged away from the doorway and a crate lid is pried away from the barricade. Ducking through, a slender Varisian woman in golden chain mail exits the church. Her hair is bleached blonde except for the tips, which are left black. She stares at Vai skeptically for several seconds before embracing her and kissing her on each cheek.

"It's true! Oh, you look just like gram. Same nose. Ha! Oh, cousin, you've come a long way."

The family resemblance is clear to Vai, she knows instantly that this woman is Terisha, her cousin.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Irène
Cynosure Tower, Keystone

Irène learns that Bevaluu Zimantiu is the only priestess here. She attends the tower by herself, except for the two months of the year she devotes to her pilgrimages. For a safe inn, she sadly recommends the Old Fang in Dockway. Despite its location, she insists it's a far safer place to lay your head than the nicer inns in town. The rooms are cheap, so it's also easy on your purse if you intend to stay a while.

"You'll find a swamp barracuda's head on display in the parlor. That fish killed her husband. Ol' Mam took her revenge with a hatchet. No one steals from Ol' Mam or bothers her guests. Have a glass of the Longacre; it's overpriced but it's her favorite so she'll like you more."

She says that she doesn't need any help at the temple. She punctuates her words with a terse Varisian accent. "If you want to serve the goddess, girl, you should be on the road. This place doesn't need your protection -- people do."

Bevaluu regrets to inform Irène that she hasn't heard the name Agustín Iturburua, but gives her directions to an information broker known that goes by The Amazing Zograthy in Washers' Row.

She laughs when Irène asks for directions to the Irespan. "You didn't see it from the boat? Yes, the scent of the ocean is on you. It's the big bridge, girl. A funny name for a bridge, I think, but I'm not old enough to have named it. Go back to the Dockway and follow the path up the cliff. It's north from there."
Trying as best she could to hide the frustration on her face from the lack of information and tact, Irène thanked Bevaluu for her help and left, running into Valamir just outside the tower.

"Well, hello again, Valamir! Fancy running into you." She smiled again, genuinely again. "If you still want to go up to the Irespan tonight I've got directions - the path up's in the Dockway." She sighed. "Not as much luck otherwise, though. I don't suppose you've come across anyone named The Amazing Zograthy or an inn called the Old Fang while you were walking about, did you?"

[Othniel]

Valamir, joining Irène
Cynosure Tower, Keystone

Valamir noted the Shucked Oyster brothel as he passed down Hawk Street. Everyone notes the Shucked Oyster when they go down Hawk Street. He also passes the merchant's guildhouse, the Deadeye Lodge and the small magic school where the same half elf still lectures about how a Circle of Protection against Evil will also protect you from compulsion spells. Interesting or not, Valamir at least understands the arcanababble and why wards work as they do.

He arrives at the Cynosure Tower just as Irène completes her conversation with the priestess.



Trying as best she could to hide the frustration on her face from the lack of information and tact, Irène thanked Bevaluu for her help and left, running into Valamir just outside the tower.

"Well, hello again, Valamir! Fancy running into you." She smiled again, genuinely again. "If you still want to go up to the Irespan tonight I've got directions - the path up's in the Dockway." She sighed. "Not as much luck otherwise, though. I don't suppose you've come across anyone named The Amazing Zograthy or an inn called the Old Fang while you were walking about, did you?"
Valamir

"And greetings to you again as well, Irène," Valamir replies, doffing his hat and bowing smoothly. "Funny you should mention The Old Fang, as I just had a drink there. I also passed The Sh-actually, never mind that," he breaks off with a cough. "Not important." He pauses a moment as he fumbles for a new line of conversation, striking upon the reminder of the Irespan. "Yes! I would love to visit the Irespan with you tonight. Perpaps we'll see Captain Thalin there," he adds with a smirk. "Although hopefully not above us."

"I just came here to pay my respects to the friendly neighborhood temple of Desna, but I could certainly show you the way to The Old Fang after doing so if you like. Their Longacre is good, and the host was kindly."

[TheDarkDM]

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Perhaps surprisingly, that was all Vai had to say. A wooden slat in the barricaded doorway shot open. A dusky face and a light brown eye appears. "No ****? You're really from clan Merezani?" is the astonished, but pleasant reply in Varisian.

A murmur of voices consult rapidly within. Within half a minute, there is the sound of something heavy being dragged away from the doorway and a crate lid is pried away from the barricade. Ducking through, a slender Varisian woman in golden chain mail exits the church. Her hair is bleached blonde except for the tips, which are left black. She stares at Vai skeptically for several seconds before embracing her and kissing her on each cheek.

"It's true! Oh, you look just like gram. Same nose. Ha! Oh, cousin, you've come a long way."

The family resemblance is clear to Vai, she knows instantly that this woman is Terisha, her cousin.

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Vai returned her cousin's embrace tightly, planting warm kisses on her cheeks as well before pulling away to get another look at her.

"It has been a long journey, cousin. But finally I find you, and even in these shadows the Unquenchable Fire fills me with joy! Please, let me introduce my newfound companion Alessandra."

Turning with one hand still on Terisha's forearm, Vai gestured for Alessandra to come forward.

"We met on the ship - she is a newcomer to this land, as I am. I thought the Tower Girls might be able to make use of her ample talents but..."

Vai paused, and looked once again at the ruin they were standing in front of.

"I see I have arrived to find you in hard times, cousin. I have heard some from the fortune teller Zograthy, but you must tell me everything."

[BladeofObliviom]

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Tempted as she was to practice her sense of humor just a little more, Alessandra opted not to speak and simply raised her hand in acknowledgement and confirmation when Vai mentioned her name (and presumably gestured in her direction). This was not her home ground; she'd rather let Vai lead when it came to her own family than risk offense right now.

[zabbarot]

Before leaving Shimura asks for a map of the city so that he may mark down locations. "I will be back either tomorrow or the day after to make an offer. Thank you for your assistance." With that Shimura set off to find a decent inn where he could clean up and wash some of this sea salt off. If there was still enough time left in the day after that he'd put on something more appropriate for a merchant of moderate wealth and head to the temple to see what sort of deal they were willing to make.

It wasn't hard to find a decent inn, though it was a bit more work to get a bath drawn in the middle of the day. When Shimura headed out again he was clean, fresh, and well dressed. Cleaning up had given him some time to think. Getting a loan from this Derexhis family would put him under their thumb, but supposedly they ran the guard or something? That'd suggest that they'd be great customers as well, and that plot right in town center was calling his name. It could be a luxury shop, full of high end goods that deserved his name. Visions of gold pieces distracted him. Instead of heading to the temple he ended up asking around about the Derexhis.

Two hours spent gathering information with a result of 26.

If it isn't too late in the day after this, Shimura will try to see if he can meet with them today or set up a meeting with them tomorrow.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Valamir

"And greetings to you again as well, Irène," Valamir replies, doffing his hat and bowing smoothly. "Funny you should mention The Old Fang, as I just had a drink there. I also passed The Sh-actually, never mind that," he breaks off with a cough. "Not important." He pauses a moment as he fumbles for a new line of conversation, striking upon the reminder of the Irespan. "Yes! I would love to visit the Irespan with you tonight. Perpaps we'll see Captain Thalin there," he adds with a smirk. "Although hopefully not above us."

"I just came here to pay my respects to the friendly neighborhood temple of Desna, but I could certainly show you the way to The Old Fang after doing so if you like. Their Longacre is good, and the host was kindly."

Irène smiled. "That sounds lovely, Valamir, thank you. Although if we could make a slight detour through Washer's Row on the way, that would be marvelous as well - if you happen to know where that is, as well."

[Othniel]

Irène smiled. "That sounds lovely, Valamir, thank you. Although if we could make a slight detour through Washer's Row on the way, that would be marvelous as well - if you happen to know where that is, as well."

"I do not mind," the Fetchling replies. "In fact, I learned on my way over here that Washers' Row is near Beacon's Point, a fairly straight line north from the temple here. I also heard that one Mother Flytongue (lovely name, isn't it?) leads the gang known as the Washside Wringers (Sczarni, of course) which owns the entire neighborhood. The businesses mostly deal in sails, and to a lesser extent large orders of cloth. They are, of course, mostly fronts for more interesting - ah, I mean illegal - businesses, such as smuggling and fencing. Pretty poor area made up of tent- and wagon-dwelling Varisians. A veritable hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious."

[Nefarion Xid]

Shimura
Capital District

There are several public baths in the Capital District. Not everyone in the city had plumbing in their homes and very few could enjoy a magically heated bath. Entry is only five copper pieces. Eager pages wait inside and offer additional services like shaving and laundry. A busy novice mage is at work using Prestidigitation to clean garments and polish boots.

While in the bath, Shimura inquires about House Derexhi and learns the following from a group of chatty merchants: House Derexhi is one of the oldest noble families in Magnimar (though Magnimar itself is a fairly young city, so that's not terribly impressive). Their patriarch is a man named Randred, a respectable gentleman, but one with a reputation for being a fierce fighter. The family makes its coin from, in the simplest sense, maintaining a well armed and trained group of mercenaries. In the more nuanced sense, they can be described as 'problem solvers'. Among their tools are a number of elite adventuring sorts.

"If you want a job done, and you've got the coin, you talk to Derexhi. They don't ask a bunch of undue questions like the Pathfinders. Very professional. Oh, nothing untoward, Mister Shimura, they just put steel and boots where they need to be!"

"Now, if you want to speak with Lord Derexhi, I wouldn't go tomorrow unless you have a damned good pitch. No one likes to be disturbed at their home on Starday. He sees petitioners Moonday, Wealday, and, oh, well it's Fireday today isn't it? Getting on in the afternoon and I bet he's all scheduled up by now."

Shave, magically laundered clothes and a bath -- 1 sp.

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Inside the church, Terisha and six other Tower Girls gather around. A small rug, a few pillows, sleeping rolls, backpacks, and a few weapons lay in a circle at the rear of the room. Broken pews and boards from shipping crates have been used to secure the windows and door from both sides.

As Terisha explains their plight, she offers a half empty bottle of wine to Vai and her friend. Unfortunately, they all speak in Varisian without consideration for Alessandra.

"We had a good thing going. The Blades were our eyes and ears, we were the hands. Naturally, we gave them a share of what we hit. But Carent got greedy and eventually pushed for fifty percent! Fifty percent, while we do the hard part of the job! But okay, fifty percent of a lot is still a lot, da? But then he gets it in his head that we're holding out on him -- keeping some of the gold tucked away for ourselves. He goes crazy! We get back one day two months ago and the son of a bitch has thrown out half our stuff! Tents, clothes, half of it on the street. I say half. Bastard kept the good stuff! I miss Sonya... eh, she's my whip."

"So here we are. This is only some of us. Ayala runs the other camp in a warehouse near here. But a lot of the girls left when Carent kicked us out of his camp. So we're looking for a new place. We have our eyes on the Crow piling, about half a mile off the beach. There's a little alcove, big enough for a rowboat at low tide. Adventurers have known about it for years, but it doesn't lead to anything. Or so everyone thought. Ayala? She has the best ears. She can hear an empty chamber not far through the rock, so... we dig."

Alessandra suspects that the rug may be covering a trap door.

[TheDarkDM]

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Inside the church, Terisha and six other Tower Girls gather around. A small rug, a few pillows, sleeping rolls, backpacks, and a few weapons lay in a circle at the rear of the room. Broken pews and boards from shipping crates have been used to secure the windows and door from both sides.

As Terisha explains their plight, she offers a half empty bottle of wine to Vai and her friend. Unfortunately, they all speak in Varisian without consideration for Alessandra.

"We had a good thing going. The Blades were our eyes and ears, we were the hands. Naturally, we gave them a share of what we hit. But Carent got greedy and eventually pushed for fifty percent! Fifty percent, while we do the hard part of the job! But okay, fifty percent of a lot is still a lot, da? But then he gets it in his head that we're holding out on him -- keeping some of the gold tucked away for ourselves. He goes crazy! We get back one day two months ago and the son of a bitch has thrown out half our stuff! Tents, clothes, half of it on the street. I say half. Bastard kept the good stuff! I miss Sonya... eh, she's my whip."

"So here we are. This is only some of us. Ayala runs the other camp in a warehouse near here. But a lot of the girls left when Carent kicked us out of his camp. So we're looking for a new place. We have our eyes on the Crow piling, about half a mile off the beach. There's a little alcove, big enough for a rowboat at low tide. Adventurers have known about it for years, but it doesn't lead to anything. Or so everyone thought. Ayala? She has the best ears. She can hear an empty chamber not far through the rock, so... we dig."

Alessandra suspects that the rug may be covering a trap door.

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Vai took a draught from the wine bottle before passing it to Alessandra. She listened to the story of the Tower Girls' plight with a sympathetic ear, nodding at mention of the piling. When she responded, it was in Varisian as well.

"It seems a good plan, cousin. But where there are hidden chambers, there are most likely hidden doors. Alessandra..."

Vai paused, realizing that they'd been speaking Varisian the entire time and recognizing the retrained frustration in Alessandra's face. With a slight gasp, she switched to Common.

"Alessandra, forgive me. I forget you don't speak our tongue. Terisha was just telling me how what we've heard is true. That nenorocitule Donal Carent stabbed the Tower Girls in the back, stole from them, and called it an amicable parting. He has control of their old camp, while the Girls were forced to take shelter here and in a nearby warehouse. But Terisha tells me that one of their members, Ayala, thinks she's found a secret room in the Crow Piling. I was about to say," she turned her attention back to Terisha, "Alessandra's senses are incredibly keen. Between her awareness and my ability to sense the arcane, we might be able to find a way into the piling that doesn't require digging an obvious entrance."

[Nefarion Xid]

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Terisha rolls her eyes a little, but consents to speaking in Taldane. "I will speak with Ayala when she returns tonight. She may not like the idea of working with the gadji, but if my cousins trusts her, I will make Ayala trust her."

One of the girls behind Terisha speaks up, "Why is she so eager to help us? I don't trust her yet. She looks Chelish. Nothing good comes out of that country; even their wine is ****."

[TheDarkDM]

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Terisha rolls her eyes a little, but consents to speaking in Taldane. "I will speak with Ayala when she returns tonight. She may not like the idea of working with the gadji, but if my cousins trusts her, I will make Ayala trust her."

One of the girls behind Terisha speaks up, "Why is she so eager to help us? I don't trust her yet. She looks Chelish. Nothing good comes out of that country; even their wine is ****."

Vai nodded at Talisha's reticence, and while her eyes flashed with annoyance as the as-yet unnamed Tower Girl spoke up, she did not deny it.

"True, Alessandra is from the lands of the occupier, but she was a great help in finding you, and regardless of her race she is a newcomer to this city just as I am. But after the Wreckwash Blades' betrayal I can sympathize with your skepticism."

Vai lapsed into a silent moment of thought before snapping her fingers.

"You say that Ayala will not return until tonight? I take it she is your leader, then? In that case, perhaps Alessandra and I can do you a kindness to help earn your trust. You say that Carent stole from you? Perhaps we can return some of what was taken. Including Sonya."

[Lord Of Mantas]

"I do not mind," the Fetchling replies. "In fact, I learned on my way over here that Washers' Row is near Beacon's Point, a fairly straight line north from the temple here. I also heard that one Mother Flytongue (lovely name, isn't it?) leads the gang known as the Washside Wringers (Sczarni, of course) which owns the entire neighborhood. The businesses mostly deal in sails, and to a lesser extent large orders of cloth. They are, of course, mostly fronts for more interesting - ah, I mean illegal - businesses, such as smuggling and fencing. Pretty poor area made up of tent- and wagon-dwelling Varisians. A veritable hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious."
Irène tapped her morningstar and twirled magic around her hand once more. "True enough. But I am hardly defenseless - as, I suspect, is the same of you." She leaned against a column. "I'll be here while you take care of your business inside."

[BladeofObliviom]

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Though still slightly annoyed by the accidental exclusion, the Chelaxian doesn't seem to be overly distressed by it. Really, she was expecting to be asked to wait outside with an armed gang member watching her, so really accidental exclusion seems fairly benign.

"No love for Chelish Wine?", says Alessandra in mock offense, shortly after taking a long sip of the presumably Varisian wine that Vai passed and passing it back. "And to think I was about to pass around a bottle of Sweet Sorrow!" She giggles softly, betraying her silly intent. "But really, what do you imagine I could possibly have to gain from seeking out a gang of well-armed Calistrians and antagonizing them? I'm here because Vai" - She throws a thumb gesture toward the person in question - "Said there might be some work available, and was so damn personable about it too! And frankly, I can get behind work that involves beating a bunch of thugs senseless and taking some of their ill-gotten gains."

As she finishes her sentence, she leans forward, resting her head carefully on her clasped hands and grinning mischievously.

"So hello there. My name is Alessandra di Orsinesca, and I hear you've got a problem with some thieves."

[Othniel]

Irène tapped her morningstar and twirled magic around her hand once more. "True enough. But I am hardly defenseless - as, I suspect, is the same of you." She leaned against a column. "I'll be here while you take care of your business inside."

Valamir smirked in response, "That is true, but I do not seek violence except in necessity." After that, he headed inside in search of someone of some authority to speak to.

[Nefarion Xid]

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

(All speaking Taldane now)

"I said Chelish wine was ****. I didn't say I don't drink alcohol." The Tower Girl smirks at Alessandra and folds her arms.

Terisha waves her off. There will be time for a drink later, perhaps a celebratory one. "Vărul meu, I would gladly see Carent beaten and left penniless for what he's done. But if he is, who do you think he will blame? If we retaliate, he'll want our blood. This whole situation will go from bad business to a full scale war. And the other gangs will not be happy with us if we start it. You want to help? Desăvârşit! But do it with a velvet hand -- frame someone."

[TheDarkDM]

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

(All speaking Taldane now)

"I said Chelish wine was ****. I didn't say I don't drink alcohol." The Tower Girl smirks at Alessandra and folds her arms.

Terisha waves her off. There will be time for a drink later, perhaps a celebratory one. "Vărul meu, I would gladly see Carent beaten and left penniless for what he's done. But if he is, who do you think he will blame? If we retaliate, he'll want our blood. This whole situation will go from bad business to a full scale war. And the other gangs will not be happy with us if we start it. You want to help? Desăvârşit! But do it with a velvet hand -- frame someone."

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Vai nodded, perhaps a bit disappointed.

"The Savored Sting teaches that vengeance should be meted out tenfold, but she also teaches that it should be cold, and as protracted as possible. I would gladly draw Carent into conflict with another gang, but who?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Valamir
Cynosure Tower, Keystone

The priestess says she's heard that the Captain's Club (owned by Leruu "Whitelips" Kantiki) is nearly the best establishment in town, however she's never been. Membership is required and only sea captains are allowed to apply. Long time members are allowed to bring guests. The Club also has an understanding with the House of Welcome, the classiest brothel in town -- courtesans are permitted inside to attract clients. The arrangement has been beneficial to both parties.

At the top of the list is the Osprey Club, operated by one Kayasi Zivatchi. Without a doubt, it's the most expensive, but it offers the widest variety of diversions. Membership is perhaps even more exclusive and limited almost entirely to the local nobility. Bevaluu knows little about it.

Beacon's Point is rife with low class taverns. She has little business in that district and offers no specifics.

In the Capital District, there's actually a Tavern Street. There are at least a dozen middle/high class establishments there.

She mentions there's a villa for sale with a great view right on the Seacleft (the cliff that divides the city). "Abandoned for years. The Kaijitsu family patriarch was lost in a storm more than twenty years ago. They took their money and influence to Sandpoint. Lonjiku died four years back when goblins attacked Sandpoint, so now the house belongs to his daughter Ameiko who has no use for it. I think she would be glad to be rid of it. There are no happy memories in that house." Beyond this, she isn't interested in or knowledgeable about other properties.

As a blanket warning, she tells Valamir not to deal with the Sczarni, but the gangs in Underbridge are particularly dangerous. Most Sczarni will just rob you, but in Underbridge they'll slit your throat first.

"If you want to see the beauty in the city? Walk. You silly boy. The fun is in discovery."

[Othniel]

Valamir

Valamir scribbles a few notes from the priestess' words into his journal before thanking her and taking his leave with a wink, "Try not to miss me while I'm gone." Having got what information he could, he turns and joins Irène outside. "Ready to go then?"

[Lord Of Mantas]

Irène nodded, stretching her limbs. "Whenever you are."

[Nefarion Xid]

Valamir and Irène
Washers' Row

Washers' Row is a maze-like, densely packed series of launderers, wagons and tents. Here the air is acrid. The stinging smell of soap is almost enough to overwhelm the stink of too many people and too little sewer access. The neighborhood looks almost exclusively Varisian.

At the southern end of of the neighborhood (the end you approach from), a tattered banner hanging over the entrance of the small side street advertises "Professor Callivario's Stupendous Exhibition of the Outrageous and Sublime." A Varisian man with a long white beards becons the pair to view his collection of oddities. Beyond is a squalid setup consisting of little more than a series of rundown sideshow booths and carts with assorted games and amusements of the meaner sort. To one side, urchins pitch pennies at lily pads floating in a small, scum-covered fountain while a bored carny looks on. Everywhere lurk faces pinched with suspicion or hunger -- expressions worn by carnival workers and visitors alike.

They spot a pair of men with orange sashes. They mutter to each other in Varisian, but without context, guessing at the nature of their conversation is futile. When a two men and a woman in clean white coats appears, they nod in greeting and withdraw together down an alleyway.

Without further incident, Valamir and Irène arrive at The 'Amazing Zograthy, Seer of the Dark'. The haggard old man plies his trade in a patchwork tent covered in mysterious symbols painted with an unsteady hand. Strings of chicken bones and old wine bottles decorate the entrance. He stands outside in his threadbare robe, smoking a sickly sweet smelling cigarillo with a glassy look in his eyes.

His lips pucker in a curious sort of smile and he nods happily at Valamir. "The Amazing Zograthy knows what you seek, my friend."

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Terisha gives Vai the crash course version of gang politics. While there are a few extremely small gangs, usually consisting of just one extended Varisian family, the major players in Magnimar are: The Gallowed (at the top of the foodchain), the Creepers, Doolan's Lads, the Washside Wringers, the Wreckwash Blades. Total membership in the Tower Girls is now just thirteen, which effectively bumps them off the list.

The Gargoyles and the Night Scales were the Tower Girl's biggest competitors. Non-Varisian, but in the same business of burglary and theft. The Night Scales are by far the biggest organization and have their hands in everything from pickpocketing to assassination.

"Carent has a good relationship with the Gallowed and the Wringers; he'd never believe one of them ripped him off. Doolan's Lads would work. They get by on the city's scraps and nothing is too low for them -- even hitting another gang without provocation. No one would miss them. The Night Scales are big enough that they couldn't possibly keep tabs on all their members -- and if they knew Carent had a trunk full of magic items sitting around in his tent city, they'd definitely want them."

Other options may include Shoanti street thugs or the Gargoyles. The Gargoyles would be difficult to frame, since they're highly skilled and wouldn't leave any evidence if it was their job. The Shoanti would be easy for frame, but less productive to the political scene.

[TheDarkDM]

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Terisha gives Vai the crash course version of gang politics. While there are a few extremely small gangs, usually consisting of just one extended Varisian family, the major players in Magnimar are: The Gallowed (at the top of the foodchain), the Creepers, Doolan's Lads, the Washside Wringers, the Wreckwash Blades. Total membership in the Tower Girls is now just thirteen, which effectively bumps them off the list.

The Gargoyles and the Night Scales were the Tower Girl's biggest competitors. Non-Varisian, but in the same business of burglary and theft. The Night Scales are by far the biggest organization and have their hands in everything from pickpocketing to assassination.

"Carent has a good relationship with the Gallowed and the Wringers; he'd never believe one of them ripped him off. Doolan's Lads would work. They get by on the city's scraps and nothing is too low for them -- even hitting another gang without provocation. No one would miss them. The Night Scales are big enough that they couldn't possibly keep tabs on all their members -- and if they knew Carent had a trunk full of magic items sitting around in his tent city, they'd definitely want them."

Other options may include Shoanti street thugs or the Gargoyles. The Gargoyles would be difficult to frame, since they're highly skilled and wouldn't leave any evidence if it was their job. The Shoanti would be easy for frame, but less productive to the political scene.

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Vai's head tilted to one side as she considered Talisha's primer. Eventually, her lips pursed.

"Tell me more about the Night Scales."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Valamir and Irène
Washers' Row

Washers' Row is a maze-like, densely packed series of launderers, wagons and tents. Here the air is acrid. The stinging smell of soap is almost enough to overwhelm the stink of too many people and too little sewer access. The neighborhood looks almost exclusively Varisian.

At the southern end of of the neighborhood (the end you approach from), a tattered banner hanging over the entrance of the small side street advertises "Professor Callivario's Stupendous Exhibition of the Outrageous and Sublime." A Varisian man with a long white beards becons the pair to view his collection of oddities. Beyond is a squalid setup consisting of little more than a series of rundown sideshow booths and carts with assorted games and amusements of the meaner sort. To one side, urchins pitch pennies at lily pads floating in a small, scum-covered fountain while a bored carny looks on. Everywhere lurk faces pinched with suspicion or hunger -- expressions worn by carnival workers and visitors alike.

They spot a pair of men with orange sashes. They mutter to each other in Varisian, but without context, guessing at the nature of their conversation is futile. When a two men and a woman in clean white coats appears, they nod in greeting and withdraw together down an alleyway.

Without further incident, Valamir and Irène arrive at The 'Amazing Zograthy, Seer of the Dark'. The haggard old man plies his trade in a patchwork tent covered in mysterious symbols painted with an unsteady hand. Strings of chicken bones and old wine bottles decorate the entrance. He stands outside in his threadbare robe, smoking a sickly sweet smelling cigarillo with a glassy look in his eyes.

His lips pucker in a curious sort of smile and he nods happily at Valamir. "The Amazing Zograthy knows what you seek, my friend."
Irène stepped forward as The Amazing Zograthy spoke to Valamir. "And would the same hold true for me as well, oh Amazing Zograthy?"

Irène nodded, a very matter-of-fact look on her face. "Then this should be a simple question. Valamir, would you mind giving us a little space?"

Even with Valamir out of earshot, Irène lowered her voice. "There is a man in this city named Agustín Iturburua. Where can I find him?"
Diplomacy: [roll0]

[Nefarion Xid]

Valamir and Irène
Amazing Zograthy's, Washers' Row

Zograthy protests when Irène gives the name. "Wait a minute, wait a minute, kid! You didn't even let me do my schtick. The thing with the crystal ball and... where did it go, I had it right here. Why do they make these things round? They just roll off the table. I say the thing. Yadda yadda I'm seeing all the things. You put the money on the table. I tell you the stuff with the guy and the thing he did. Kids these days, no appreciation for the old ways."

He snorts smoke out his nostrils while waving his hands frustratedly overhead.

"Let's start over, yeah? I am the Amazing Zograthy! I know all. I see all..."

He gestures encouragingly to the empty table.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Irène turned slightly red as she realized she had run slipshod over Zorograthy's shtick.

"Sorry! I didn't realize I was interrupting. Yes, let's start over."
Reaching into her pouch, Irène shoved forward 5 gold pieces before letting Zorograthy continue with his spiel.

[Othniel]

Valamir

Giving his companion her space, Valamir stepped aside with a nod of deference, hiding a sneer of contempt for what he thought was probably a fraud of a fortune teller. Still, he appreciated the man's showmanship.

[Nefarion Xid]

Valamir and Irène
Amazing Zograthy's, Washers' Row

Zograthy draws the coins across the table and deposits them in his pocket before continuing. "All right, that's better. There's a smart girl. I don't know the name, but you have engaged my valuable services. Tell me all you know about this man and check back in three days... a week at the most. I have to consult the bones -- eh, by which I mean I have to play Dominoes with the boys this weekend. Don't leave out any details!"

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Terisha explains that the Night Scales may have as many as 200 members. While the bulk of their numbers are involved in pickpocketing, fencing and information, the more elite among them are rumored to sell their skills on the global scene. Unlike the Sczarni gangs, you won't be able to identify a Night Scale their colors; everyone dresses in plain clothing. By contrast, the Sczarni seem to enjoy the notoriety.

"I wish I had more information, but their leadership is good at what they do. If you want to learn more, or find someone specific to set up, start at Rag's End in Beacon's Point. Their pickpockets always find their way back to Rag's End by the end of the day."

[zabbarot]

Shimura
Capital District

There are several public baths in the Capital District. Not everyone in the city had plumbing in their homes and very few could enjoy a magically heated bath. Entry is only five copper pieces. Eager pages wait inside and offer additional services like shaving and laundry. A busy novice mage is at work using Prestidigitation to clean garments and polish boots.

While in the bath, Shimura inquires about House Derexhi and learns the following from a group of chatty merchants: House Derexhi is one of the oldest noble families in Magnimar (though Magnimar itself is a fairly young city, so that's not terribly impressive). Their patriarch is a man named Randred, a respectable gentleman, but one with a reputation for being a fierce fighter. The family makes its coin from, in the simplest sense, maintaining a well armed and trained group of mercenaries. In the more nuanced sense, they can be described as 'problem solvers'. Among their tools are a number of elite adventuring sorts.

"If you want a job done, and you've got the coin, you talk to Derexhi. They don't ask a bunch of undue questions like the Pathfinders. Very professional. Oh, nothing untoward, Mister Shimura, they just put steel and boots where they need to be!"

"Now, if you want to speak with Lord Derexhi, I wouldn't go tomorrow unless you have a damned good pitch. No one likes to be disturbed at their home on Starday. He sees petitioners Moonday, Wealday, and, oh, well it's Fireday today isn't it? Getting on in the afternoon and I bet he's all scheduled up by now."

Shave, magically laundered clothes and a bath -- 1 sp.

Shimura
Capital District

Shimura left the bath in a hurry after learning that. It was run or wait until Moonday, and likely he'd have to wait until Moonday anyways, but it was definitely worth trying. So after a brisk run across town and a casting of prestidigitation to compose himself he was ready to attempt to speak with the Derexhi. He made his way to the gate/door(?) and presented himself as a businessman.

"Good evening. I am Shimura Hachiro, master smith. I was hoping that I could make a meeting with the master of the house if there is still time today. If not I would like to set up a meeting for Moonday."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Valamir and Irène
Amazing Zograthy's, Washers' Row

Zograthy draws the coins across the table and deposits them in his pocket before continuing. "All right, that's better. There's a smart girl. I don't know the name, but you have engaged my valuable services. Tell me all you know about this man and check back in three days... a week at the most. I have to consult the bones -- eh, by which I mean I have to play Dominoes with the boys this weekend. Don't leave out any details!"
Irène giggled slighlty. "Hey, no need to ruin your mystique further on my account. I've more than taken care of that already." Her face grew more serious as she leaned forward. "Regrettably, I don't know as much about him as I'd like. He's an older man, in his late forties, I believe. Full-blooded Varisian, very angular face, salt-and-pepper hair with a goatee and shortly trimmed mustache last I knew."

Irène refrained from mentioning that 'last she knew' had been in a vision she'd received eight years ago.

"He was, for a large chunk of his life, a warpriest of Desna who mostly stayed around Magnimar but did make a few longer journeys, including one into Galt about two decades ago. My sources tell me that his activity has dropped considerably since then, so I imagine he probably hasn't gone too far from here."

[CockroachTeaParty]

Zuberi

Zuberi left the temple of Pharasma somewhat disheartened. He had not expected Irori to have a strong presence in this foreign land, but the assumption that Iomedae was the next logical step in his quest struck him as somewhat distasteful. It was not that he had anything against the Inheritor, but she was a decidedly Northern deity, young and impetuous despite her noble goals. Perhaps it would be worth consideration in the future, but for now he sought the faiths he was more familiar with.

The rumor of the Sarenite temple in disrepair intrigued him, so he set off toward the imposing ruin of the Irespan, impossible to miss against Magnimar's skyline.

[TheDarkDM]

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Terisha explains that the Night Scales may have as many as 200 members. While the bulk of their numbers are involved in pickpocketing, fencing and information, the more elite among them are rumored to sell their skills on the global scene. Unlike the Sczarni gangs, you won't be able to identify a Night Scale their colors; everyone dresses in plain clothing. By contrast, the Sczarni seem to enjoy the notoriety.

"I wish I had more information, but their leadership is good at what they do. If you want to learn more, or find someone specific to set up, start at Rag's End in Beacon's Point. Their pickpockets always find their way back to Rag's End by the end of the day."

Vai's eyebrow quirked up at mention of the Night Scales' size. If there were organizations like that of such prominence in the city, her divine task would be all the more difficult. Still, in a way she welcomed the challenge. Reaching to the scarf around her neck, she slowly unwound it and handed it to Terisha.

"Then it seems our best course of action would be to pay a visit to Rag's End. I trust my kapenia to you, cousin - it would not do to have it seen and give away my deception."

Reaching to her hair, Vai's hand brushed against a golden wasp pin holding back her black locks. The metal gleamed, and at once it melted away, metal sheen giving way to a velvet shine, gold transitioning to red. Soon, it was a red ribbon holding a shower of golden curls in a braid, beneath which blue eyes looked out from a pale Chelish face. Meanwhile, her sumptuous armor dulled from gold and black chain into drab grey and brown studded leather, while her curve blade took on the appearance of a bastard sword.

"No one would suspect two foreigners of working for any Sczarni."

[Nefarion Xid]

Valamir and Irène
Amazing Zograthy's, Washers' Row

"About twenty years ago, eh?" Zograthy's thin lips draw into a frown. "So, you're looking for your tată, aren't you? Yeah, I get a lot of that. You seem like a nice kid; I'll look into it. Not for nothing, but it's a big city and people who don't want to get found stay lost. Still, check back in a week at the most."

The fortuneteller takes several short puffs to reignite the dying ember in his cigarillo. Smoke streams out of his nostrils as he maneuvers around the little table and pushes the tent flap open again. He looks gravely at Valamir before saying, "Like I was saying, kid. They got a cream for that. I put it on my elbows, it's fantastic."

Zograthy does have a "miracle" skin cream for sale for 6 silver pieces. It smells like rosewater. He suggests buying four jars.

After leaving, the two make it to The Old Fang without further incident. A single room is 1.5 gp per night. Suites are 2.5. The single rooms have a narrow bed with a straw matress and clean linens, a locked trunk and a dresser. Baths are included, but you have to draw the water yourself and it's unheated and Ol' Mam sternly advices not to take too damned long because there's only the one damned bathroom and she's got four other guests.

It's about 4 PM when you settle in. Valamir realizes he's getting a bit hungry.

Shimura
Derexhi Villa, Alabaster District

Shimura is made to wait for nearly two hours, though thankfully he does it inside the villa, in a well appointed sitting room. He's offered a glass of water with crystal clear ice and floating pomegranate kernels.

Finally, he's shown in to Lord Derexhi's office. The man behind the immense cherry wood desk is tall and lean with a trim beard that traces his jawline, interrupted by two long scars down the left side. He wears a dark chocolate leather gambeson, held together with mithral clasps in the shape of dragons' claws. His brow raises at the sight of Shimura, but he still can't be bothered to rise in greeting. On the wall behind him, a variety of fine weapons are on display -- a recurve darkwood longbow, a pair of scimitars, a badly notched adamantine greatsword and a fencing set with matching mithral rapier, parrying dagger and buckler.

"I was going to call it a day, but they told me I had a Minkaian swordsmith to see me. That's worth stalling my card game by a few minutes. They'll wait on me. But I like cards, Hachiro-san."

Randred gestures for Shimura to have a seat if he wanted, but to start speaking and say something impressive soon.

[Othniel]

Valamir

Valamir laughs at Zograthy's comment, "I assure you, sir, this is my natural skin color."

When the two reach the Old Fang, Valamir waves to Ol' Mam again, and introduces Irène, "Hello again, Mam. I liked your place so much I decided to stop back. What's on the menu for supper? By the way, this is my friend, Irène."

[Lord Of Mantas]

"About twenty years ago, eh? So, you're looking for your tată, aren't you? Yeah, I get a lot of that. You seem like a nice kid; I'll look into it. Not for nothing, but it's a big city and people who don't want to get found stay lost. Still, check back in a week at the most."
Irène chuckled ruefully. "Am I that obvious?" Rising and exiting the tent, she nodded her head in thanks before joining Valamir on the way to The Old Fang.


***


"Hello again, Mam. I liked your place so much I decided to stop back. What's on the menu for supper? By the way, this is my friend, Irène."
Irène extended a hand in greeting. "A pleasure to meet you, ma'am. Supper sounds good to me, as well. And one of your suites, if you would be so kind."

Irène will hand over the 2.5 gp necessary to procure a suite, then take a look around the room to spot anything interesting - notices, trophies, suspicious characters...

[BladeofObliviom]

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Vai's eyebrow quirked up at mention of the Night Scales' size. If there were organizations like that of such prominence in the city, her divine task would be all the more difficult. Still, in a way she welcomed the challenge. Reaching to the scarf around her neck, she slowly unwound it and handed it to Terisha.

"Then it seems our best course of action would be to pay a visit to Rag's End. I trust my kapenia to you, cousin - it would not do to have it seen and give away my deception."

Reaching to her hair, Vai's hand brushed against a golden wasp pin holding back her black locks. The metal gleamed, and at once it melted away, metal sheen giving way to a velvet shine, gold transitioning to red. Soon, it was a red ribbon holding a shower of golden curls in a braid, beneath which blue eyes looked out from a pale Chelish face. Meanwhile, her sumptuous armor dulled from gold and black chain into drab grey and brown studded leather, while her curve blade took on the appearance of a bastard sword.

"No one would suspect two foreigners of working for any Sczarni."

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

"No, what kind of foreigner would do something like that?", comments the foreigner willing to work with Szcarni, the humorous tone belying an expression of mild surprise. "You're just full of surprises though, Vai."

She looks around a bit before speaking again.

"This plan could do, I suppose. I was thinking of just spreading some nasty rumors and then 'investigating' them, as adventuring folks are wont to do. Impersonating other people is fine though. I like flash, but I can handle subtle. So, to Rag's End then?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Vai and Alessandra exit the shrine through a hole in the roof, imperceptible from street level. A moldy pile of discarded rags provides a soft landing at the back of the building. While not impossible to reenter via through, the climb up the mottled stones was a difficult one. If it hadn't before, it dawns on you now how the Tower Girls got their name. Perhaps some climbing lessons would benefit you in the near future.

From there, the two able to go unseen as they take the back avenues out of Underbridge and head to the Dockway.

Zuberi
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Zuberi meanwhile arrived at the same location, narrowly missing the site of Alessandra as they pass on opposite ends of an alley.

The shrine is in a pathetic state, just as the cleric said. It had been a beautiful building, perhaps a decade ago. Now the windows and doors have been replaced with wooden slats and the roof sags towards the back. The front of the church has been defaced with red paint. The graffiti is in Varisian, but Zuberi does note the drawing of a dagger through a capital "D". The rooftop statuette of Sarenrae is thankfully untouched.

Before he can investigate further, he hears two men turn down the street to the west, sixty feet away. They're both filthy and dressed in tattered sackcloth clothes over rusted mail shirts. The first exclaims something in Varisian. He sounds angry.

Vai and Alessandra
Rag's End, Beacon's Point

Scouting out Beacon's Point, the pair first arrive at what they soon learn is Jaijarko's Castle -- an odd name for a precariously built fire hazard of tenements piled atop one another. At a glance, there's no telling how many souls live in and around this shanty town. People leer out of their windows and doorways.

Passing what must be the main entrance to the residential complex they spot four consciously dressed guards or enforcers dressed in short red jackets with bright brass buttons. They're armed with crossbows and rapiers.

One of the four, a skinny Chelish man, calls out, "Hey! I like your curls, love! Want to make some coin? It'll match your pretty hair!"

"Better charge him for the whole hour upfront, girl. It's good money for two minutes work," says the one woman among them with a sigh.

Valamir and Irène
The Old Fang, Dockway

Irène pays for her suite and is given a pair of keys, one for the door and another for the chest at the foot of her bed. Unfortunately, she can't judge the quality of the locks. The suite is sparsely decorated with a bed for two on a pine frame, a dresser, a foot locker and a shabby oil landscape painting signed by an R. Mutt, or possibly a Muth. The one wide window looks out north west to the a rocky stretch of beach and the sea beyond. There's no roof access to her window on the second floor, so if someone wanted to break in, they'd have to either climb up the sheer brick wall, hang from the ledge above or else employ magic.

Valamir, meanwhile downstairs in the common area, finds himself alone apart from Ol' Mam (busy starting dinner for the rush in an hour) and the blond young man with the fancy short sword he saw earlier. The lad has fallen asleep in one of two overstuffed chairs by the hearth. There isn't a fire going because it's the middle of summer.

[zabbarot]

Shimura
Derexhi Villa, Alabaster District

Shimura is made to wait for nearly two hours, though thankfully he does it inside the villa, in a well appointed sitting room. He's offered a glass of water with crystal clear ice and floating pomegranate kernels.

Finally, he's shown in to Lord Derexhi's office. The man behind the immense cherry wood desk is tall and lean with a trim beard that traces his jawline, interrupted by two long scars down the left side. He wears a dark chocolate leather gambeson, held together with mithral clasps in the shape of dragons' claws. His brow raises at the sight of Shimura, but he still can't be bothered to rise in greeting. On the wall behind him, a variety of fine weapons are on display -- a recurve darkwood longbow, a pair of scimitars, a badly notched adamantine greatsword and a fencing set with matching mithral rapier, parrying dagger and buckler.

"I was going to call it a day, but they told me I had a Minkaian swordsmith to see me. That's worth stalling my card game by a few minutes. They'll wait on me. But I like cards, Hachiro-san."

Randred gestures for Shimura to have a seat if he wanted, but to start speaking and say something impressive soon.

Shimura approached the desk and bowed low. "Thank you for seeing me, Lord Derexhi. Since you are in a hurry, I will get straight to the point. I am looking for an investor to finance a smithy in the Capitol district. Here is an example of my work." Shimura took the cold iron katana from his belt and layed it on the desk still sheathed.

The katana spoke for itself, and hopefully for Shimura as well. The subtle curve, the way the hamon crested from a gentle swell to a crashing wave, even the menuki on the handle, which were each of a small fae sitting on a turtle, were expertly crafted. Shimura waited in silence.

So Shimura is his family name and Hachiro is his personal name. Which means, yes he tend to go only by his family name. Not that anything you've written needs to change. It's just been a bit ambiguous and I wasn't sure if I ever clarified it or not. >.>

Also, this is an odd idea, but would it be appropriate to roll a Craft check as diplomacy in this instance?

[CockroachTeaParty]

Zuberi

Sarenrae was one of the most respected deities of northern Garund. The sun shone bright and hot on the sands, but the sun goddess was kind and merciful. To see her temple in such a state of disrepair saddened Zuberi.

His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of the Varisian men. This area of the city was of a decidedly seedier quality; these men did not appear very trustworthy. Nevertheless, Zuberi stood his ground, making no attempt to hide. Considering his height and build, it would be foolish to underestimate him, even without obvious weapons and armor.

He waited for the men to draw nearer.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Valamir and Irène
The Old Fang, Dockway

Irène pays for her suite and is given a pair of keys, one for the door and another for the chest at the foot of her bed. Unfortunately, she can't judge the quality of the locks. The suite is sparsely decorated with a bed for two on a pine frame, a dresser, a foot locker and a shabby oil landscape painting signed by an R. Mutt, or possibly a Muth. The one wide window looks out north west to the a rocky stretch of beach and the sea beyond. There's no roof access to her window on the second floor, so if someone wanted to break in, they'd have to either climb up the sheer brick wall, hang from the ledge above or else employ magic.
After taking a moment to admire the view and the security of the room, Irène stowed her belongings (save her money) in the chest and returned to Valamir at the bar, taking a look around the common room.

As before, looking for anything of note in the common room - notices, trophies, interesting people...

[Nefarion Xid]

Valamir and Irène
The Old Fang, Dockway

Still a while until dinner time, the common room of the Old Fang is empty except for Valamir, Irène and the Chelish teenager napping in the comfy looking chair near the hearth. He has a straight, thin nose and his short blond hair has been lightly greased and carefully combed straight back. He wears a reinforced leather doublet and tall boots in matching black leather. An expensive looking mithral short sword with a circular emerald mounted on the pommel is tucked into his belt. Ol' Mam is busy in the kitchen, making biscuits and preparing for the dinner rush.

The walls of the tavern are decorated with preserved and mounted sea creatures. Apart from an impressive blue marlin and a dog-sized lobster/scorpion, what stands out the most is the head of a barracuda displayed prominently on the wall opposite the entrance. Its gaping mouth is over two feet wide. Close inspection reveals that part of its skull has been pieced back together and some of the missing flesh carefully replaced with clay and paint. Whatever killed the creature quite literally beat its brains out.

Zuberi
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

As the men draw nearer (20 feet), it's obvious from their stagger that they're drunk, but the smell of liquor and vomit removes any doubt. The first man, still rambling in heavily slurred Varisian appears even worse off than his friend. The second demands, "He asked you a question, gadjo! What, you don't speak Varisian? Vorbiți ****ing Varisă?"

Shimura
Derexhi Villa, Alabaster District

Looking over the blade, Randred is visibly impressed, though he makes an attempt not to show it. Shimura's craftsmanship would at least rival the best smiths in the city and the sword spoke for itself.

"It is your work, isn't it? Not something you bought from a trader?" he asks skeptically. "No, most Tian weapons in the city are cheap imitations. This is a fine sword."

He replaces the blade in the scabbard and hands it back. "If I set you up in my workshop for now, will you complete a commission for me? That way we'll have solid proof of your skills. Have you worked with mithral before?"

[Othniel]

Valamir


Valamir and Irène
The Old Fang, Dockway

Irène pays for her suite and is given a pair of keys, one for the door and another for the chest at the foot of her bed. Unfortunately, she can't judge the quality of the locks. The suite is sparsely decorated with a bed for two on a pine frame, a dresser, a foot locker and a shabby oil landscape painting signed by an R. Mutt, or possibly a Muth. The one wide window looks out north west to the a rocky stretch of beach and the sea beyond. There's no roof access to her window on the second floor, so if someone wanted to break in, they'd have to either climb up the sheer brick wall, hang from the ledge above or else employ magic.

Valamir, meanwhile downstairs in the common area, finds himself alone apart from Ol' Mam (busy starting dinner for the rush in an hour) and the blond young man with the fancy short sword he saw earlier. The lad has fallen asleep in one of two overstuffed chairs by the hearth. There isn't a fire going because it's the middle of summer.

Valamir and Irène
The Old Fang, Dockway

Still a while until dinner time, the common room of the Old Fang is empty except for Valamir, Irène and the Chelish teenager napping in the comfy looking chair near the hearth. He has a straight, thin nose and his short blond hair has been lightly greased and carefully combed straight back. He wears a reinforced leather doublet and tall boots in matching black leather. An expensive looking mithral short sword with a circular emerald mounted on the pommel is tucked into his belt. Ol' Mam is busy in the kitchen, making biscuits and preparing for the dinner rush.

The walls of the tavern are decorated with preserved and mounted sea creatures. Apart from an impressive blue marlin and a dog-sized lobster/scorpion, what stands out the most is the head of a barracuda displayed prominently on the wall opposite the entrance. Its gaping mouth is over two feet wide. Close inspection reveals that part of its skull has been pieced back together and some of the missing flesh carefully replaced with clay and paint. Whatever killed the creature quite literally beat its brains out.

As Irène joined him at the bar, Valamir stared about the room, examining various items. As his gaze was drawn to the sleeping teenager, Valamir looked more carefully at the lad, gesturing toward him and speaking softly to Irène, "Young man, expensive clothes and blade. Some minor noble's son, perhaps, out for an evening of adventure and romance?" He grinned and thought to himself that he'd keep an eye on him for a bit, and see if anything interesting happened. "How's your room look? Worth the price, do you think? I've half a mind to visit one or two other taverns, but I suppose this is as good a place as any for tonight."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Having been studiously examining the barracuda's head, Irène turned back to Valamir as he gestured toward the lad. "Perhaps. It's the most likely story, at any rate." At his other question, she responded, "Pretty good, especially for 2.5 gp. And rather difficult to break into from the outside, by the looks of it, if you're worried about that sort of thing. Ocean view, too." She smiled wryly. "I actually wouldn't be adverse to a little tavern-crawling, if only to try and find some work notices." Her shoulders sagged a little. "It makes sense, honestly - we clergy of Desna are usually a pretty itinerant lot, so of course the temple's not really likely to be hiring. But I am likely going to need funds of sort, sooner rather than later. Either through mercenary work or dancing - I'm not overtly picky." She hit Valamir with a questioning gaze. "You haven't seen a billboard of any sort in here, have you? I know taverns usually have one but all I've seen are the trophies. Although, that one with the barracuda is impressive."

[CockroachTeaParty]

Zuberi observed the approaching men, his face an expressionless mask. Initially vaguely disgusted by their appearance and behavior, he found himself harboring a certain sense of pity for them. They seemed spoiling for violence, but he attributed most of their behavior to intoxication.

There were times when silence was the best response, and Zuberi deemed his current situation to be one of those instances. He remained standing, gazing motionless and unblinking at the sots, silent. Does the mountain care when the wind howls?


Zuberi will spare them a Sense Motive if one hasn't been rolled already.

[Othniel]

Having been studiously examining the barracuda's head, Irène turned back to Valamir as he gestured toward the lad. "Perhaps. It's the most likely story, at any rate." At his other question, she responded, "Pretty good, especially for 2.5 gp. And rather difficult to break into from the outside, by the looks of it, if you're worried about that sort of thing. Ocean view, too." She smiled wryly. "I actually wouldn't be adverse to a little tavern-crawling, if only to try and find some work notices." Her shoulders sagged a little. "It makes sense, honestly - we clergy of Desna are usually a pretty itinerant lot, so of course the temple's not really likely to be hiring. But I am likely going to need funds of sort, sooner rather than later. Either through mercenary work or dancing - I'm not overtly picky." She hit Valamir with a questioning gaze. "You haven't seen a billboard of any sort in here, have you? I know taverns usually have one but all I've seen are the trophies. Although, that one with the barracuda is impressive."

"It is serendipitous that you should say that, for I sat in this very bar earlier and read that very billboard," He noted, pointing at the billboard. "Between you and me, I think the crab is probably worth twenty-to-forty gold more than our esteemed proprietress is offering."


On a billboard near the bar, Valamir spots three wanted posters. The first, with a drawing of a goblin wringing a puppy's neck, offers a bounty of ten gold per goblin ear. Which Valamir takes to mean that a dead goblin is worth twenty gold crowns, supposing he'd survived up to this point with both intact. The second, showing an enormous crab being stuffed into a pot, informs him that Ol' Mam herself will pay fifty gold for anyone who catches a giant crab. The third, with a bowman lurking behind a tree, says that the Deadeye's Lodge is looking for volunteers to help them crack down on banditry in the hinterlands around the city and offers a reward of fifty gold for every highwayman you kill, or two-hundred and fifty if you can prove they were part of the leadership, and a thousand gold for taking out whoever is in charge of the whole operation.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Irène gazed over at the billboard, eyeing one notice in particular.
So Royce really wasn't kidding about the whole monster hunting thing. Well then. This presents as good of an excuse as any to go see him.

A light blush passed over her cheeks as the memory of his immensely broad shoulders passed through her head once more.

"Well. That notice about the bandits definitely looks promising, at the very least. Maybe even the one about the goblins." Irène rubbed her chin. "As for the crab... maybe wait on that one to see what our hostess can do with her cooking. Depending on how good the food is it might be okay to take a little hit on that."

[Nefarion Xid]

Valamir and Irène
The Old Fang, Dockway

Ol' Mam sticks her head out of the kitchen and yells, "If you lot are looking for some work, I've got rats in the cellar like you wouldn't believe! Ha! Only joking, only joking. Who do you think it was that brained that barracuda?"

The blond boy snorts, awakened by the sudden noise. He glances annoyed over the chair back, but his expression changes when he sees the two looking at the job board. Still sitting across the room he says, "The goblin problem is worse than they're letting on. They've been breeding out of control in the sewers for a decade or more."

Zuberi
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

You gather that the two men, in addition to being totally sloshed, are more than just spoiling for a fight. They're cutthroats and they have no qualms about taking your possessions with or without your life. However, their brashness (and poor judgement) is almost entirely fueled by alcohol. You may attempt to Intimidate them to avoid the fight.

[CockroachTeaParty]

It dawned on Zuberi that these men meant him harm. Despite being outnumbered, he felt oddly calm. He took a low, wide stance, arms outstretched, palms flat, fingers curled. The snake stance. Like the serpent, he would give them one clear warning before he struck.


I'll throw in an Intimidate; it's unlikely to work, but whatevs: [roll0]

I'll also roll initiative, should it prove relevant: [roll1]

[Lord Of Mantas]

Valamir and Irène
The Old Fang, Dockway

Ol' Mam sticks her head out of the kitchen and yells, "If you lot are looking for some work, I've got rats in the cellar like you wouldn't believe! Ha! Only joking, only joking. Who do you think it was that brained that barracuda?"

The blond boy snorts, awakened by the sudden noise. He glances annoyed over the chair back, but his expression changes when he sees the two looking at the job board. Still sitting across the room he says, "The goblin problem is worse than they're letting on. They've been breeding out of control in the sewers for a decade or more."

Irène turned toward the blond boy. "Really, now? I don't suppose you could tell us more, Mister?.."

[zabbarot]

Shimura
Derexhi Villa, Alabaster District

Looking over the blade, Randred is visibly impressed, though he makes an attempt not to show it. Shimura's craftsmanship would at least rival the best smiths in the city and the sword spoke for itself.

"It is your work, isn't it? Not something you bought from a trader?" he asks skeptically. "No, most Tian weapons in the city are cheap imitations. This is a fine sword."

He replaces the blade in the scabbard and hands it back. "If I set you up in my workshop for now, will you complete a commission for me? That way we'll have solid proof of your skills. Have you worked with mithral before?"

Shimura bowed again as he accepted the weapon back. "I can do that. Am I to understand that the agreement is when I prove myself capable you'll finance my business? I have worked with mithral before, but it has been a while. What kind of piece did you have in mind?"

[TheDarkDM]

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Vai and Alessandra exit the shrine through a hole in the roof, imperceptible from street level. A moldy pile of discarded rags provides a soft landing at the back of the building. While not impossible to reenter via through, the climb up the mottled stones was a difficult one. If it hadn't before, it dawns on you now how the Tower Girls got their name. Perhaps some climbing lessons would benefit you in the near future.

From there, the two able to go unseen as they take the back avenues out of Underbridge and head to the Dockway.

Vai and Alessandra
Rag's End, Beacon's Point

Scouting out Beacon's Point, the pair first arrive at what they soon learn is Jaijarko's Castle -- an odd name for a precariously built fire hazard of tenements piled atop one another. At a glance, there's no telling how many souls live in and around this shanty town. People leer out of their windows and doorways.

Passing what must be the main entrance to the residential complex they spot four consciously dressed guards or enforcers dressed in short red jackets with bright brass buttons. They're armed with crossbows and rapiers.

One of the four, a skinny Chelish man, calls out, "Hey! I like your curls, love! Want to make some coin? It'll match your pretty hair!"

"Better charge him for the whole hour upfront, girl. It's good money for two minutes work," says the one woman among them with a sigh.

Vai and Alessandra
Rag's End, Beacon's Point

Vai paused for a moment before winking at Alessandra and stepping closer to the four guards with a coquettish smile.

"How could I say no to a man in uniform? But I hope you have somewhere private, handsome - I might get a bit tongue-tied if your friends are watching."

Nef, I'd like to fade to black and us my Profession skill along with a a Bluff check to discreetly get some details out of this guy regarding the Night Scales.

Profession (Courtesan): [roll0]

Bluff: [roll1]

[Othniel]

Valamir

Valamir watched the young man with silent interest, waiting to see how he would answer Irène.

Nothing to say in character just yet. :smallbiggrin:

[Nefarion Xid]

Zuberi
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Perhaps they were not a drunk as Zuberi first thought. A ruse? Without warning they bolt in opposite directions and move to flank with precise timing, producing rusty short swords from behind their backs and lunging.

"Stupid gadjo. You came to the wrong neighborhood!"

Thug 1 Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]
Thug 1 Confirm [roll2]
Damage [roll3]

Thug 2 Attack [roll4]
Damage [roll5]
Thug 2 Confirm [roll6]
Damage [roll7]

No matter. Their blows were clumsy and easily dodged.

Valamir and Irène
The Old Fang, Dockway

"Asher," he answers, kicking his boots up and lurching out of the chair. "Goblins are intelligent (sort of) but they're like any other beast. Plenty of food and a lack of predators and they'll breed out of control. They've been feeding on the scraps of the city for years and they're fairly safe in the sewer. Down there, they can easily avoid most monsters that would eat them. The watch doesn't want to start a panic, but they've gotten so numerous that they're starting to venture out at night. First pets go missing, then it will be babies."

He swallows hard and unknowingly clenches the pommel of his sword. "I'd like to do something about it, but going down there alone is suicide, no matter how good you are."

[CockroachTeaParty]

In an instant, rusty blades lashed out at Zuberi's unarmored flesh. However, even flat-footed, such was his training that he easily dodged the attacks. Zeberi's limbs moved like lightning, lashing out at his assailants. First, he tried a solid punch to the head in an attempt to leave the target stunned, before performing a low sweep with his leg, attempting to unbalance his foe. Finally, he delivered a punishing kick to the abdomen. Each move flowed into the next as Zuberi's body unwound like a coiled serpent.


I believe both of these gentlemen are within melee range, so Zuberi will perform a full attack action. He will strike for nonlethal damage.

One guy gets a Stunning Fist attack, DC 16 Fort. save or stunned for 1 round if it hits.
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

If that hits and stuns, he will then attempt to trip the other guy with his second attack (this does not provoke); if the original target is not stunned, he will attempt to trip him instead:
CMB: [roll2]

If he successfully trips, he will use his last attack against him, getting a +4 bonus for attacking a prone target; if no trip attempt was successful, subtract 4 from the attack:
Attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]

He will also take a 5 foot step to get out of a flank, staying adjacent to any prone target.

Should the prone target attempt to stand, or some other movement provoke, I'll roll an attack of opportunity here:
Attack: [roll5]
Damage: [roll6]

[CockroachTeaParty]

...And with a twirl, Zuberi delivered a spinning roundhouse kick in a final display of martial prowess.


For fun, I'll blow 1 ki point and use a swift action to make a ki strike, throwing in an extra attack; either target will do, but I'll avoid attacking a stunned target it it's an option:
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Nefarion Xid]

Zuberi
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

A spray of blood left the first thug's mouth before he hit the ground. A follow up kick left him insensate, but convulsing. The roundhouse catches the second thug in the shoulder and sends him staggering away. It was hard to tell if he spoke Varisian or if his garbled exclamations were anything other than confounded rage as he withdrew with all possible haste.

+800 XP! The first thug is unconscious and hurt, but it doesn't appear to be life threatening. The second is now 60 feet down the road and you have a clear line to charge.

[BladeofObliviom]

Vai and Alessandra
Rag's End, Beacon's Point

Scouting out Beacon's Point, the pair first arrive at what they soon learn is Jaijarko's Castle -- an odd name for a precariously built fire hazard of tenements piled atop one another. At a glance, there's no telling how many souls live in and around this shanty town. People leer out of their windows and doorways.

Passing what must be the main entrance to the residential complex they spot four consciously dressed guards or enforcers dressed in short red jackets with bright brass buttons. They're armed with crossbows and rapiers.

One of the four, a skinny Chelish man, calls out, "Hey! I like your curls, love! Want to make some coin? It'll match your pretty hair!"

"Better charge him for the whole hour upfront, girl. It's good money for two minutes work," says the one woman among them with a sigh.


Vai and Alessandra
Rag's End, Beacon's Point

Vai paused for a moment before winking at Alessandra and stepping closer to the four guards with a coquettish smile.

"How could I say no to a man in uniform? But I hope you have somewhere private, handsome - I might get a bit tongue-tied if your friends are watching."

Nef, I'd like to fade to black and us my Profession skill along with a a Bluff check to discreetly get some details out of this guy regarding the Night Scales.

Profession (Courtesan): [roll0]

Bluff: [roll1]

Vai and Alessandra
Rag's End, Beacon's Point

"You're not actually going to - " says Alessandra, eyes wide. "You are. You can't be serious."

Nevertheless, even as the two of them disappear behind a corner, the rake sighs and briefly places her face in her hands. "I don't know why she insists on making my life difficult.", Alessandra says to the three remaining guards. "Her father would throw a fit if he learned of this, and it's not like she actually needs the money. I try to let her have some privacy, but she makes it hard to do my job when she insists on being alone with strange men."


Bluff Check: [roll0]

[Othniel]

Valamir



Valamir and Irène
The Old Fang, Dockway

"Asher," he answers, kicking his boots up and lurching out of the chair. "Goblins are intelligent (sort of) but they're like any other beast. Plenty of food and a lack of predators and they'll breed out of control. They've been feeding on the scraps of the city for years and they're fairly safe in the sewer. Down there, they can easily avoid most monsters that would eat them. The watch doesn't want to start a panic, but they've gotten so numerous that they're starting to venture out at night. First pets go missing, then it will be babies."

He swallows hard and unknowingly clenches the pommel of his sword. "I'd like to do something about it, but going down there alone is suicide, no matter how good you are."

Valamir looked the young man up and down, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "Might be worth taking a look down there, I suppose. The priestess at the temple did tell me to explore, though I doubt she had the sewers in mind. Still, it wouldn't be a bad way to get to know part of the city, which might come in handy down the road. Can you handle that fancy blade you got there, lad?"

[Lord Of Mantas]

Valamir and Irène
The Old Fang, Dockway

"Asher," he answers, kicking his boots up and lurching out of the chair. "Goblins are intelligent (sort of) but they're like any other beast. Plenty of food and a lack of predators and they'll breed out of control. They've been feeding on the scraps of the city for years and they're fairly safe in the sewer. Down there, they can easily avoid most monsters that would eat them. The watch doesn't want to start a panic, but they've gotten so numerous that they're starting to venture out at night. First pets go missing, then it will be babies."

He swallows hard and unknowingly clenches the pommel of his sword. "I'd like to do something about it, but going down there alone is suicide, no matter how good you are."
Irène frowned, and approached Asher. "If what you say is even remotely true - and I have no doubt that it is - you can count on at least one other helping hand." She extended a hand in greeting. "Irène Levesque, priestess of Desna, and a fairly deft hand with magic. I'm not so bad with a morningstar, either."

[CockroachTeaParty]

Zuberi had trained to defend himself from multiple assailants while blindfolded. The two thugs were a threat far beneath his skill, and he took no satisfaction as he left one of them a senseless heap in the dust. The other was fleeing, as behooved him, but Zuberi would have words with him.

With alacrity approaching the super-human, Zuberi streaked after the fleeing man, before executing an incredible leap. Soaring above the man's head, he landed softly a good ten feet in front of him.

"Stop. You cannot outrun me. Drop your weapon, now."


Zuberi will spend a ki point as a swift action to add +20 to Acrobatics checks to jump, then make a running jump after the thug, aiming to land 10 ft. in front of him.
Acrobatics: [roll0]

Edit: That's a 50 ft. leap, clearing around 12 ft. in height at the apex, so he would have jumped when he was about 40 ft. behind the thug. This is likely a double move, but Zuberi can move up to 100 ft. with a double move.

He'll then make an Intimidate check, if appropriate. Perhaps he gets some sort of circumstance bonus?
[roll1]

[Nefarion Xid]

Vai
Rag's End, Beacon's Point

Men like to talk when they're happy. Vai is able to elicit the following information: The men in the red jackets work for Rassimeri Jaijarko. Jaijarko is a rich man and his enforcers are well compensated. They "try to stay above petty gang politics" and "everyone respects Jaijarko". He further supposes that Jaijarko will be rich enough soon to buy out Lost Lane from the Night Scales -- a series of rundown shops near the heart of Rag's End.

She also earns 1 gold piece for her work.

Alessandra
Rag's End, Beacon's Point

The two men snigger and the woman asks, "What, is your friend some kind of noble girl? Looking to blow off a little steam and piss off daddy?" She looks genuinely interested in any potential gossip.

Shimura
Derexhi Villa, Alabaster District

Randred nods, absently stroking the scar on his jawline. "That's right. If your work impresses me, I'll give you a fair price for the blade and cover the additional expense of getting your shop up and running if you're still short. You'll own your shop outright and you can take your time paying me back. In return, I want my family to have priority status on commissions -- and I will have a lot of commissions for you. For your first piece, I want a mithral katana, just as fine as the one you're holding. I've always wanted a proper one, but, like I said, the city is full of cheap imitations."

[TheDarkDM]

Vai
Rag's End, Beacon's Point

Men like to talk when they're happy. Vai is able to elicit the following information: The men in the red jackets work for Rassimeri Jaijarko. Jaijarko is a rich man and his enforcers are well compensated. They "try to stay above petty gang politics" and "everyone respects Jaijarko". He further supposes that Jaijarko will be rich enough soon to buy out Lost Lane from the Night Scales -- a series of rundown shops near the heart of Rag's End.

She also earns 1 gold piece for her work.

Vai and Alessandra
Rag's End, Beacon's Point

Vai emerged from the alley little worse for wear, save for a wrinkle or two in the illusory fabric of her clothing. When the eyes of Alessandra and the other guards found her, she licked her lips slowly and arched her back before crooning.

"You should give your friend a minute to collect himself."

She continued on to Alessandra's side, where her head tilted down in a dusky murmur.

"Let's go. I got what I came for."

She turned once more to wink at the assembled enforcers, then began making her way out of Rag's End, towards the camp of the Wreckwash Blades.

[zabbarot]

Shimura
Derexhi Villa, Alabaster District

Randred nods, absently stroking the scar on his jawline. "That's right. If your work impresses me, I'll give you a fair price for the blade and cover the additional expense of getting your shop up and running if you're still short. You'll own your shop outright and you can take your time paying me back. In return, I want my family to have priority status on commissions -- and I will have a lot of commissions for you. For your first piece, I want a mithral katana, just as fine as the one you're holding. I've always wanted a proper one, but, like I said, the city is full of cheap imitations."

"Of course. I trust you have someone who can give me directions and answer simple questions? I would like to meet with you again before I start on the blade, if you have any requests for the design, but I don't want to keep you from your game any longer." If the meeting is over Shimura will speak with someone about directions to the workshop and plan to visit first thing in the morning to get acquainted with the location.

[Nefarion Xid]

Valamir and Irène
The Old Fang, Dockway

Asher folds his arms. "I'm not the best swordsman in the city, but I'm faster than a goblin. I've been patrolling the streets at night, but it's not enough to just catch them in the act. I can't personally reward you for helping out, but there is the bounty and we can split any treasure we find as well. If you're really up to traipsing around the sewers, why don't you meet me here tomorrow, just before dawn. They'll be tired and retreating to their lairs then."

He smooths back an out of place piece of hair and smirks. "And bring some soap. Trust me."

[Othniel]

Valamir and Irène
The Old Fang, Dockway

Asher folds his arms. "I'm not the best swordsman in the city, but I'm faster than a goblin. I've been patrolling the streets at night, but it's not enough to just catch them in the act. I can't personally reward you for helping out, but there is the bounty and we can split any treasure we find as well. If you're really up to traipsing around the sewers, why don't you meet me here tomorrow, just before dawn. They'll be tired and retreating to their lairs then."

He smooths back an out of place piece of hair and smirks. "And bring some soap. Trust me."

Valamir

"Are you planning on washing the goblins before or after we kill them?" Valamir joked. "Now then, I'm hungry."

[BladeofObliviom]

Alessandra
Rag's End, Beacon's Point

The two men snigger and the woman asks, "What, is your friend some kind of noble girl? Looking to blow off a little steam and piss off daddy?" She looks genuinely interested in any potential gossip.


Vai and Alessandra
Rag's End, Beacon's Point

Vai emerged from the alley little worse for wear, save for a wrinkle or two in the illusory fabric of her clothing. When the eyes of Alessandra and the other guards found her, she licked her lips slowly and arched her back before crooning.

"You should give your friend a minute to collect himself."

She continued on to Alessandra's side, where her head tilted down in a dusky murmur.

"Let's go. I got what I came for."

She turned once more to wink at the assembled enforcers, then began making her way out of Rag's End, towards the camp of the Wreckwash Blades.

Vai and Alessandra
Rag's End, Beacon's Point

"Among others.", Alessandra grumbles.

Soon enough though, Vai returns, and she quickly nods to the guards before leaving. As soon as they're out of earshot, the woman snorts slightly. "So, was it everything you expected and more?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Zuberi
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

The cutthroat stares incredulously at Zuberi for a few seconds before tossing his weapon away and falling to his knees. His mouth hangs agape and for a moment it looks as if he might say something, but he just shakes his head and continues on in dumb bewilderment.

[TheDarkDM]

Vai and Alessandra
Rag's End, Beacon's Point

"Among others.", Alessandra grumbles.

Soon enough though, Vai returns, and she quickly nods to the guards before leaving. As soon as they're out of earshot, the woman snorts slightly. "So, was it everything you expected and more?"

Vai and Alessandra
Rag's End, Beacon's Point

Vai smiled at Alessandra's snort. Shrugging, she began walking backwards to speak with the Chelish woman.

"There's no rule against having a little fun on a reconnaissance mission. Especially not when you realize those finely uniformed toughs work for a man named Rassimeri Jaijarko who is apparently above gang politics. A powerful man, who might just move to take something he though was owed him. Say, from a certain Sczarni."

Vai winked again, before ducking into an alley.

"Now come, let me change your clothes to their colors so we can proceed with this charade."

As she spoke, Vai's features began to shift to match those of the female enforcer they'd left at Rag's End.

[BladeofObliviom]

Vai and Alessandra
Rag's End, Beacon's Point

Vai smiled at Alessandra's snort. Shrugging, she began walking backwards to speak with the Chelish woman.

"There's no rule against having a little fun on a reconnaissance mission. Especially not when you realize those finely uniformed toughs work for a man named Rassimeri Jaijarko who is apparently above gang politics. A powerful man, who might just move to take something he though was owed him. Say, from a certain Sczarni."

Vai winked again, before ducking into an alley.

"Now come, let me change your clothes to their colors so we can proceed with this charade."

As she spoke, Vai's features began to shift to match those of the female enforcer they'd left at Rag's End.

Vai and Alessandra
Rag's End, Beacon's Point

Alessandra only grins as she accepts the Prestidigitation charm.

"Oh, changing faces already? Too bad, my extravagant lies about your last image as some rebellious noble's daughter will go to waste then. Alright, where to next?"

[TheDarkDM]

Vai and Alessandra
Rag's End, Beacon's Point

Alessandra only grins as she accepts the Prestidigitation charm.

"Oh, changing faces already? Too bad, my extravagant lies about your last image as some rebellious noble's daughter will go to waste then. Alright, where to next?"

Vai and Alessandra
Rag's End, Beacon's Point

Vai laughed as she completed the prestidigitation.

"Well, we'll have to revisit the naughty noblewoman, then. We shouldn't let a good face go to waste."

Finished, Vai gave Alessandra an appraising glance before nodding slightly.

"Why, to pay a visit to Donal Carent of course, to relieve him of all his worldly burdens."

[Lord Of Mantas]

"I'm not the best swordsman in the city, but I'm faster than a goblin. I've been patrolling the streets at night, but it's not enough to just catch them in the act. I can't personally reward you for helping out, but there is the bounty and we can split any treasure we find as well. If you're really up to traipsing around the sewers, why don't you meet me here tomorrow, just before dawn. They'll be tired and retreating to their lairs then. And bring some soap. Trust me."


"Are you planning on washing the goblins before or after we kill them?" Valamir joked. "Now then, I'm hungry."


"Duly noted." Irène chuckled at the warning to bring soap before turning to Valamir. "And I concur. Some supper would be marvelous."

[BladeofObliviom]

Vai and Alessandra
Rag's End, Beacon's Point

Alessandra had a short laugh of her own. "Ah, very good. I'm looking forward to our formal introduction with Mister Carent.", she says matter-of-factly. She does take a brief moment to inspect herself as well, frowning slightly. "Do you think you can make this scarf of mine a darker shade while you're at it? Red-on-red clashes terribly, but burgundy could work."


We don't really need another set of posts involving matters of pure fashion sense; feel free to move this along. :smalltongue:

[CockroachTeaParty]

Zuberi sat crosslegged next to the bewildered thug, his face a mask of utter calm.

"I am curious why you and your accomplice decided to attack me. If it is amenable to you, let us return to your friend and make sure he is alright. I deliberately chose not to inflict lasting harm on both of you; it would be wise to remember that I exercised restraint. If you both answer to a superior of some kind, I will understand if it is in your best interest to part ways with me, otherwise I would offer to purchase both of you a meal and converse like civilized men."

Zuberi's voice was very collected; there was no sense of malice, anger, or resentment. After a moment, he realized the thug might have difficulty absorbing his words.

"Do you understand what I am saying to you? I wish neither of you harm. Indeed, I wish to atone for the pain I inflicted upon you if I can."

[Nefarion Xid]

Shimura
Derexhi Villa, Alabaster District

Lord Derexhi offers the guest quarters to Shimura for the few days he'll need to complete the blade. Well, a guest quarters anyway, located across the courtyard and apart from the main house. Sharing the guest house currently are a middle aged wizard and a dwarven jeweler who mostly keep to themselves, except for when dinner is served. They take a polite interest in Shimura and his prospective work as fellow professionals.

The workshop and forge are likewise located in the family compound. An young blacksmith is on hand to provide assistance when necessary, but otherwise busies himself forging new horseshoes.

Valamir and Irène
Irespan

After supping at the Old Fang, Valamir and Irène conclude the day with a trip to the top of the Irespan. And they're like, 'Wow, this bridge is pretty awesome and huge, right?'

http://psimancz.pbworks.com/f/View%20of%20Magnimar.jpg

[Lord Of Mantas]

Huffing a little as she completed the hike up onto the top of the enormous ruined bridge that was the Irespan, Irène took a moment to climb a little higher, seeking a good vantage point from which to really view the city of Magnimar.

It did not disappoint.

Everything was visible to the priestess at that moment, the city a vast carpet of dancing lights and murmuring voices as the people went to bed. Little twinkling motes of light as fires and candles were lit served to mirror the heavens above, their movement reminding her of the dances of the heavens. And around the city, in either direction, the dark blanket of the sea and forest and hills, a bluish green that was augmented by her... natural visual talents, completed the ensemble, stretching out into the infinite horizon. It was a sight worthy of the greatest tapestry. Of the greatest dream.

Climbing down from her vantage point, Irène walked a little further onto the bridge, looking over at the very edge at the pounding surf. Taking a deep breath, she let the aroma of salt and sea pour through her being, closing her eyes as she tried to center herself. Then, turning around, she walked back a good distance back into the center, her eyes still closed.

For a minute, she stood still.

Then, opening her arms like a great swan, sending Stjerne flapping off onto the nearest ledge, she broke out into a whirling dance, trusting in the light of the stars to guide her steps, heedless of where they might take her.

(Of course, she had taken precautions beforehand by making sure she wasn't close to the edge, but still.)

With great bounds and leaps, sweeps and pirouettes, Irene flowed around the surface of the bridge, her long billowing garments moving behind her.

Then, with a final flourish, she bowed, recumbent upon the ground.

And she thought of the future, and the mysteries and opportunities it might bring.

Perform (Dance): [roll0]

On a side note, when Irene does level up, I've been thinking about taking the Exalted (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/prestige-classes/other-paizo/e-h/exalted) prestige class. It would have to be at 9th level to meet the feat requirements, but still, would that be alright?
Eventually, Irène stood up once more, her snowy owl companion flapping back over to her shoulder, and rejoined Valamir. "On the ship, you mentioned that before coming on this journey you had been the join owner of a tavern. Now that you're here, what are your plans for the immediate future?"

[Othniel]

Bridge stuff...:smalltongue:

For his part, Valamir was silent for most of the climb (saving his breath for the exertion), and mused silently over the day's events to that point. Once they gained the summit, Valamir spent some time exploring the area and looking around to get the lay of both the city and the surrounding lands. He gazed down at the many twisting streets and thought back to his home in Kintargo. All cities were both similar and dissimilar at the same time, and for different reasons. Magnimar felt more open; more welcoming, he thought. Kintargo was far more welcoming than most Chelaxian cities, but it still had the dark cloud of Chelaxian rule hanging over it, a storm ready to break upon its citizens. Valamir's thoughts were broken when he spotted Irène move about. She was a priestess of Desna, he mused, the goddess he followed as well. He wondered how long he would remain in Magnimar before the wanderlust took him again. He grinned. Hopefully long enough to become rich.

Valamir continued to watch Irène dance with fascination and applauded, a smile on his face. "Very lovely, my dear. Very lovely indeed. Talented young women are such jewels."

He then listened to Irène's question, nodding as she finished. "You remember well. If you are ever in Kintargo, visit The Lonely Ghost Inn and Tavern. That would be my old place. Valora's now, of course. Never figured the lass had a head for business. It was always opera or politics. But she had me fooled!" He laughed, mostly at himself, before continuing.

"Anyway, the other thing you simply must do if you visit Kintargo is take in a Chelish opera. It is quite literally to die for, at times. Politics in Cheliax, you know," he added with a grin. "As for my immediate future, well first I would like to accompany a charming young priestess of Lady Luck back to her room for the evening, and retire for my own room for a good night's sleep. We have goblins to wash and kill, or kill and wash, if you recall?"

It was obvious by now that Valamir was stringing on the conversation, giving himself away by the somewhat impish smile he wore. "But if you mean in the near future, well...I have a mind to start a new tavern or inn of sorts. Perhaps even a place of refuge for those polite society has pushed to the edges, if you catch my meaning?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Zuberi
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Exhausted from his short exertion, the cutthroat falls to his knees. Despite Zuberi's calm tone and understanding words, he cowers. "Okay, okay! I'm sorry! Our boss: there's something wrong with him. He won't come out of his room and he just demands loot -- way more than we can make picking pockets and begging! The lads that tried standing up to him... I don't... I don't know... there's something wrong with him."

[CockroachTeaParty]

Zuberi listened intently. It was no coincidence this encounter had occurred outside the defaced shrine of Sarenrae. Zuberi would stand as a proxy for her mercy. Motivated by fear and self-preservation, these men were victims just as much as they were misguided predators. He placed a hand on the man, lifting him to his feet, and began to walk back to where he had knocked the other thug unconscious. He kept a hand on the shaken man's arm, gentle enough to reassure the man he meant him no harm, but firm enough to prevent him from running again.

"Tell me of your plight, then. Perhaps I can help you, through wisdom or action. This boss of yours leads a criminal syndicate of some kind?"

[TheDarkDM]

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Returned to the Tower Girls camp, Vai gladly took a seat and a bottle as she and Alessandra recounted their adventure to Terisha. At her cousin's concern over the midnight slaughter, Vai could simply shrug and smile sadly.

"It was indeed a shame to spill so much Varisian blood, Terisha, but does Calistria not teach us that every slight should be repaid tenfold? They may have been Varisian, but it was they who betrayed the bonds of blood in betraying you and the rest of the Tower Girls. Their deaths and Carent's ruination were but the fiery signs of Calistria's wrath delivered through this humble vessel. I do not plan on making a habit of it."

Vai placed a hand over her heart before taking another pull from the wine bottle.

"Regardless, the increased scrutiny on the Dockway may present an opportunity. If the guard become focused on the deaths there and any potential reprisal Carent undertakes, that might allow for the Tower Girls to regroup and grow strong again outside of the public eye. If nothing else, should Carent turn his base cunning to reprisal then our people might be freed of that half-breed leech in Rag's End."

Vai placed the bottle on the ground and leaned back on her elbows, unleashing a brilliant and predatory smile.

"But come, you mentioned the rest of the Tower Girls would be returning here at nightfall. I wish to meet the rest of our sisters!"

Diplomacy check on Terisha to help her see things my way:
[roll0]

[Lord Of Mantas]

Irène bantered back and forth with Valamir as he talked.


"Very lovely, my dear. Very lovely indeed. Talented young women are such jewels."
Irène smiled. "Many of Desna's most sacred rituals involve the art of dance, and it provokes a certain feeling of freedom, as well. I find it helps to calm and focus the mind."


"You remember well. If you are ever in Kintargo, visit The Lonely Ghost Inn and Tavern. That would be my old place. Valora's now, of course. Never figured the lass had a head for business. It was always opera or politics. But she had me fooled!"

"Anyway, the other thing you simply must do if you visit Kintargo is take in a Chelish opera. It is quite literally to die for, at times. Politics in Cheliax, you know, as for my immediate future, well first I would like to accompany a charming young priestess of Lady Luck back to her room for the evening, and retire for my own room for a good night's sleep. We have goblins to wash and kill, or kill and wash, if you recall?"
Irène nodded firmly, a small smirk on her face. "Rest assured, I have not forgotten about tomorrow's goblin hunt."


"But if you mean in the near future, well...I have a mind to start a new tavern or inn of sorts. Perhaps even a place of refuge for those polite society has pushed to the edges, if you catch my meaning?"
Irène paused slightly as she considered Valamir's words. Her eyes flickered downward, focusing in particular on her long, thick, white gloves.

"Nothing too outlandish, I should hope. I may stand for a goddess of liberation and chaos, but... I've seen what happens when things tip too far to one side of the scale."Unwelcome memories of the chaos of Galt came to the forefront of the priestess' mind.

"But, in any case... let us return and rest up for the morrow. It will be a long day."

[Nefarion Xid]

Valamir and Irène
The Old Fang, Dockway

Early Starday morning, Asher greets Valamir and Irène downstairs. In fact, he knocks on your doors if you haven't joined him by six o'clock. Thankfully, he does buy a bit of breakfast for the group.

"Some nasty business went on while you were asleep," he says between bites of fried egg and toast. "The Wreckwash Blades' camp was attacked last night. The guard told me there's six dead with two on the mends now. Something just went into their barracks and started hacking lads to pieces. Lot of them died in their beds. One of them had his head beaten out against a wall."

Mark off 1.5 gp for your room and a few silver for food (depending on Valamir's tastes).

Zuberi
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

"I'm not a good man, but if you were to take Doolun out of this world, you'd be doing it a favor. He's holed up in the Rat Piling with the few lads still loyal to him. Loyal to death."

He gestures north east to the Irespan column out in the water a ways, just off the rocky beach.

"If you'll let me go, I swear I won't hurt nobody ever again. No stealing neither! Just honest begging."

[Othniel]

[COLOR=#000000]Irène paused slightly as she considered Valamir's words. Her eyes flickered downward, focusing in particular on her long, thick, white gloves.

"Nothing too outlandish, I should hope. I may stand for a goddess of liberation and chaos, but... I've seen what happens when things tip too far to one side of the scale."Unwelcome memories of the chaos of Galt came to the forefront of the priestess' mind.

"But, in any case... let us return and rest up for the morrow. It will be a long day."


"Outlandish? No, nothing outlandish. Nothing like that the Sczarni are into, for example. I am a businessman, after all, and death and destruction are not only bad things in their own right, but bad for business as well." He fell silent for a while as they made their way back toward the inn, pondering what Irène must be thinking. He didn't consider himself a bad person. After all, he gave to the clergy of Desna regularly...sometimes. Helped out orphans and beggers from time to time; after all, he'd been one himself. So what if he wanted to earn a little extra gold by avoiding those inconvenient government taxes and customs dues, or smuggled in "perverse and subversive material" (according to the Chelish government)? Maybe such things were legal in Magnimar anyway. He'd have to find out. "Or maybe I'll turn over a new leaf, meet a nice girl, and settle down. Who knows? That's the fun of a new city. So many interesting possibilities!" Valamir wondered at Irène's goals as well, and made up his mind to find out as much about his new acquaintance as possible...tomorrow. It was getting late, and thinking about morality made him sleepy.
Valamir woke to the knock at his door, dressed, and came down to breakfast. He was finishing adjustments to his gear when Asher mentioned some commotion. "The Wreckwash Blades, you say? Any idea who, or what it was, and how I can stay away from it?" He grinned slightly, but was far more curious than concerned. He idly wondered if their belongings had yet been picked over by scavengers. Probably, if he was hearing about the news at breakfast. "Where are the two who didn't die? Might be interesting to find out more straight from the horse's...uh...mouth, so to speak."

Knowledge check on the Wreckwash Blades? If Valamir doesn't know, he asks Asher.

Edit: Also, took off 2g for expenses. Valamir likes to eat well.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Zuberi let go of the man's arm.

"Very well. See to your compatriot; the bruises should fade after a few days. My name is Zuberi. I am new to the city, so I do not know where you might find me if you wish to seek me out in the future. Just know that there is always hope. The path to redemption is long and often painful, but never give in to despair. Farewell."

He left the man, taking note of the pillar he had pointed out and the name he had mentioned. His own words had struck a chord with him; he too was on the path to redemption. Perhaps Sarenrae had shown him a sign, a reason for his presence in the city. He thanked her as he made his way toward a nicer part of the city.


I'm ready to proceed to the next day, if that's the general consensus. Zuberi will need to find a place to stay the night. He's also looking for any sign of the city watch or constabulary. He has some questions for them.

[Lord Of Mantas]

"Outlandish? No, nothing outlandish. Nothing like that the Sczarni are into, for example. I am a businessman, after all, and death and destruction are not only bad things in their own right, but bad for business as well. Or maybe I'll turn over a new leaf, meet a nice girl, and settle down. Who knows? That's the fun of a new city. So many interesting possibilities!"
Irène smiled once more, satisfied with Valamir's answer. "Indeed."


*** The Next Day... ***

Being a perpetual night owl (whose companion was an actual owl, no less), Irène awoke to Asher's knocking, rather than her own violition.

"Mmmrf... coming..."

Sitting up and stretching out her arms, she walked over to the window and gazed outside, facing the day in all her natural glory. Quickly, she dressed, the more sensitive parts of her body hidden through clever camera angles or conveniently placed objects and hair, before grabbing her morningstar and descending downstairs to join Asher and Valamir at breakfast.

"Some nasty business went on while you were asleep. The Wreckwash Blades' camp was attacked last night. The guard told me there's six dead with two on the mends now. Something just went into their barracks and started hacking lads to pieces. Lot of them died in their beds. One of them had his head beaten out against a wall."

"The Wreckwash Blades, you say? Any idea who, or what it was, and how I can stay away from it? Where are the two who didn't die? Might be interesting to find out more straight from the horse's...uh...mouth, so to speak."
"Not that I'm not curious about what did it as well, but, I doubt the goblins will wait overlong. Unless you suspect they were involved, perhaps?"

I'll also front 2 gp for breakfast.

[Nefarion Xid]

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

No sooner had Vai mentioned the sisters when a lithe figure in studded black leather armor descended from the roof entrance. She was a tiny woman with the sort of face that made her seem displeased with everything and her short, no-fuss hair was prematurely greying. After she hit the floor, two more girls came in behind her.

Terisha doesn't rise, but raises her bottle in a celebratory sort of salute. "Ayala, you must meet my cousin Vai Merejan and her friend Alessandra. They've had a profitable night!"

Unless interrupted, Terisha recounts recent events and insists that the two make valuable allies, if not full members. Ayala's scowl lessens when she takes inventory of the masterwork blades.

Gesturing with one of the short swords as she speaks, Ayala scrutinizes Vai. "You seem like a smart girl, Merejan. It's a pity you're not a better thief, but brains and skill with a blade may be just as good. What do you think then: do we pursue Carent and eliminate any hold on the Dockway, or do we take this chance to recruit?"

Zuberi
The Old Fang, Dockway

Retreating from Underbridge, Zuberi quickly finds his way to the Old Fang -- assured to be the most reputable refuge in the district. If Zuberi is early to rise, he'll find Asher, Irène and Valamir talking over breakfast.

A private room is 1.5 gp. A pallet on the floor is merely 5 sp. Please deduct a small amount of money for meals, depending on just how austere Zuberi is.

[TheDarkDM]

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

No sooner had Vai mentioned the sisters when a lithe figure in studded black leather armor descended from the roof entrance. She was a tiny woman with the sort of face that made her seem displeased with everything and her short, no-fuss hair was prematurely greying. After she hit the floor, two more girls came in behind her.

Terisha doesn't rise, but raises her bottle in a celebratory sort of salute. "Ayala, you must meet my cousin Vai Merejan and her friend Alessandra. They've had a profitable night!"

Unless interrupted, Terisha recounts recent events and insists that the two make valuable allies, if not full members. Ayala's scowl lessens when she takes inventory of the masterwork blades.

Gesturing with one of the short swords as she speaks, Ayala scrutinizes Vai. "You seem like a smart girl, Merejan. It's a pity you're not a better thief, but brains and skill with a blade may be just as good. What do you think then: do we pursue Carent and eliminate any hold on the Dockway, or do we take this chance to recruit?"

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Vai stood as Ayala was given the summation of the night's activities, giving a slight bow to the clear senior among the Tower Girls. As Ayala asked what Vai was reasonably sure was a test question, she leaned against a nearby fresco of Sarenrae that was only mildly faded.

"From what little I know of Carent, he's likely fled to some bolt-hole after the bloody nose we gave him. Normally, I'd see that as a challenge, but without knowing what items he managed to salvage from his tent, there's no way to know his capabilities. That makes hunting him dangerous, especially as a cornered rat will fight far harder than one with a way out. Which is to say nothing of the increased scrutiny the Dockway will be under by the guard and the other Sczarni. With some luck, Carent will recover enough to strike against those he thinks responsible for the slaughter, which will only further occupy the guard, the remains of the Wreckwash Blades, and Jaijarko and his allies. No, I think it better to leave the Dockway to its own devices for the near future, allow Carent to destroy himself or reclaim enough confidence to emerge. In the mean time, the Tower Girls can recuperate in relative anonymity, and claim a more defensible base of operations. Terisha mentioned you'd found evidence of undiscovered chambers in one of the Irespan's pilings? If we are so lucky, then perhaps Alessandra and I could help in discovering a way into the piling that the Tower Girls might finally have a tower all their own."

[zabbarot]

Shimura
Derexhi Villa, Alabaster District

Lord Derexhi offers the guest quarters to Shimura for the few days he'll need to complete the blade. Well, a guest quarters anyway, located across the courtyard and apart from the main house. Sharing the guest house currently are a middle aged wizard and a dwarven jeweler who mostly keep to themselves, except for when dinner is served. They take a polite interest in Shimura and his prospective work as fellow professionals.

The workshop and forge are likewise located in the family compound. An young blacksmith is on hand to provide assistance when necessary, but otherwise busies himself forging new horseshoes.

It didn't take long for Shimura to get settled in. He waited until the morning to get acquainted with the workshop. It was well equipped, but Shimura brought his own tools out of habit. The young blacksmith had arrived early and lit the forge so everything was ready to go when Shimura arrived. He set to work immediately.

Craft( Weaponsmith) 16 + 2 for mwk tools [roll0]

[Nefarion Xid]

Valamir and Irène (and maybe Zuberi)
The Old Fang, Dockway

"No, it wasn't goblins. Oh, they'd be happy to have done it, but there's no goblin strong enough to leave wounds like that. Judging by what I heard, anyway," Asher corrects himself. "It's just gossip so far, but the guard have all of Carent's camp cordoned off and they were still bringing out bodies when I went by just now. The two survivors must be in custody now. Hell of a note, right? Get attacked by some monster, just to get busted by the watch for fencing liquor and weapons?"

He shakes his head and stuffs the last of his breakfast into his mouth. "But you're right; we shouldn't tarry. The sooner we get down there, the better chance we'll have of catching them out in the open."

[CockroachTeaParty]

Zuberi found his way to the Old Fang inn, where he rented a simple pallet for the night. He only required two hours of sleep, and spent the rest of the quiet night in meditation. He would not need to eat or drink for a few more days, since having his last meal aboard the Minx, and decided to save is money for the moment.

By chance, Valamir and Irène were staying at the same establishment. He greeted them cordially.
"Strange, that the winds of fate should find us together once more. How fared your first day in Magnimar?"

[Lord Of Mantas]

Irène smiled in greeting as Zuberi joined them. "Overall? It went quite well, I should think - took care of some important business, saw some rather magnificent views. There was one thing we found out, though." Irène's countenance grew more serious. "According to our new friend Asher here, Magnimar has a bit of a goblin problem. It's not uncontrollable yet, but it'll soon get there. Once we're done here we're going to go do some hunting. Would you by interested in coming along, at all?"

[Othniel]

Valamir

"The more; the merrier!" Valamir proclaimed, and then with a sly smile directed at Asher, he added, "And don't forget your soap."

[Nefarion Xid]

Shimura
Derexhi Villa, Alabaster District

During the day Lord Derexhi stops by the workshop to check on the progress of his multiple projects. He says nothing to Shimura and only watches from a distance for a minute before nodding his stiff-lipped approval. Randred wasn't a stereotypical noble, but he still seemed a cautious man, not overeager to give out praise or approval. Toward four in the afternoon the day's work is done and Shimura is left to his own devices. Naturally, dwarven jeweler suggests they spend the evening trawling taverns. The wizard is content to stay in the residence and read.

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

After a second in silent contemplation, Ayala nods vigorously. "You are smart. Right then, first thing tomorrow I'll take you to the Crow and we'll see what you make of it. The rest of you continue to keep a low profile. Natalya, why don't you go into the market and stock up on a few supplies?"


***

As promised, Vai and Alessandra are taken out to the Crow in the morning by a rowboat. The piling stands nearly a mile off shore and promises to be extremely defensible, if inconvenient for grocery shopping. As with every one of the Irespan's columns, the Crow is intricately carved and embossed with ancient statuary and bas-reliefs featuring the motif of a specific animal or monster -- in this case, hundreds of crow like gargoyles and carvings and decorations. Like all of the surviving pilings, the Crow is 200 feet wide along its midsection (widening to over 250 feet at the upper section where the piling once supported the Irespan above).

A tall lancet arch at water level leads into a chamber at sea level within the side of the Crow. Inside is what was once a small stepped terrace, now filled with sea water to the level of its top step at low tide. Above, the ceiling rises almost all the way up to the top of the monument. At the far end of the room are the signs of the Tower Girl's efforts to break into the interior of the structure -- bits of rubble, several pick and a 10 feet wide tunnel.

"The stone here is something else. It's hard as iron and we've gone through twenty picks already to make it this far in."

[CockroachTeaParty]

Zuberi furrows his brow at the mention of goblins.
"Is there some manner of bounty standing for these goblins? If you feel you require additional support, I would lend my skills to the effort."

[Lord Of Mantas]

"According to the notice, there's a bounty of 10 gold pieces per goblin ear - so assuming we kill them without damaging the ears in the process, that's 20 gold a goblin. Even splitting it four ways, that's not a half bad bounty - and if worst comes to worst and we get swarmed by a whole horde of the things, or any of the other monsters that supposedly live down there, it'll be better to have safety in numbers."

As the words passed Irène's lips, she started, remembering Royce's advice from the previous day.

"Speaking of which, before we proceed down there, it may be in our best interest to quickly stop and gather some things. I was talking with one of the clergy from the Deadeye Lodge yesterday, and he offered me a few words of warning. Apparently there are swarms of rats and cockroaches down in the sewers that have developed a bit of a taste for human flesh, and of course, being what they are, regular weapons are of little use against them. He recommended alchemist's fire, or, apparently, bread will do against the cockroaches in a pinch. And... hopefully we'll be lucky enough, but he mentioned something called a Shriezyx - a three-eyed spider-like creature the size of a wolf. Unfortunately, he could not say anything regarding weaknesses they may or may not have, but apparently they never travel alone - so where there's one, there's going to be more."

Before going down into the sewers, Irène would like to buy 10 flasks of Alchemist's fire and five loaves of bread - offscreen so as to speed along the action.

Once this is done, she will be ready to get goblin huntin'!

[Othniel]

Valamir

"Rats and cockroaches, oh and a wolf-sized spider? How lovely." Valamir frowns at the mental image scurrying through his mind. "Any snakes or politicians? At any rate, I have five flasks of alchemist's fire, but more would certainly not be a bad idea. I am starting to wonder if the goblins are the least of the problems down there."

Before they leave, Valamir asks Ol' Mam if she knows of an Ameiko Kaijitsu, and where she might be found.

Valamir is ready to continue on to goblin-hunting when everyone else is. :smallsmile:

[CockroachTeaParty]

"It sounds like our efforts will improve the safety of the city. I will procure some torches, and then I will be ready."


Zuberi will purchase 5 torches before we proceed to Sewer Quest 2015

[zabbarot]

Shimura
Derexhi Villa, Alabaster District

During the day Lord Derexhi stops by the workshop to check on the progress of his multiple projects. He says nothing to Shimura and only watches from a distance for a minute before nodding his stiff-lipped approval. Randred wasn't a stereotypical noble, but he still seemed a cautious man, not overeager to give out praise or approval. Toward four in the afternoon the day's work is done and Shimura is left to his own devices. Naturally, dwarven jeweler suggests they spend the evening trawling taverns. The wizard is content to stay in the residence and read.

Shimura weighed the idea and decided to stay in. Taverns could wait, for now he needed to stay sharp and make a good impression. He did however head out to explore the neighborhood. Might as well get a feel for the city as soon as possible. He started by heading over to the property he intended to by, then going to see visit the nearby shops.

[Nefarion Xid]

Valamir, Irène, and Zuberi
The Old Fang, Dockway

Luckily, Ol' Mam knows her clientele well and keeps a fair stock of common adventuring supplies on hand. She's happy to help and move some old inventory, though you've depleted her entire supply of alchemical fire. The bread is two days old and she's happy to give it away for free once she learns what you're up to and wishes you well.

When Valamir asks about Ameiko, she replies that, "She's probably still running her tavern up in Sandpoint. Last I heard, anyway. What was it... the Bronze Dragon? Rusty Leviathan? Some kind of metal marine monster! There can't be that many taverns in Sandpoint!"


***

Asher dons a brown cloak and draws up the hood before leading the party to the alley behind the Old Fang. He glances both ways down the street before producing a prybar and hauling up the cast iron manhole cover. It comes loose with an audible crack as the rust gives way around the seal.

"Magnimar has an excellent drainage system, to its credit. Unfortunately, it's not as well maintained as it should be. Most of the access points have been forgotten or ignored since it was built."

Despite some obvious timidity, Asher is the first one down the ladder. He takes the last few rungs at a leap and calls up, "clear!" as he activates an ioun torch and sets it to orbiting around his head. The narrow concrete walkway follows the right-hand side of the sewer and forces the party to walk in single file, lest someone slip into the channel on the other side. The channel on the left-hand side is five feet deep, though only two feet of water stands here at the moment. While you can be assured that most of it is just rainwater, you are painfully aware that there are sixteen thousand souls in the city above... and that everything flows towards the sea. Apart from the dim light filtering down from the occasional storm drain, it's completely dark apart from what illumination you bring with you. The ceiling is arched and reaches eight feet above the walkway at its highest point.

Asher hurries ahead to the first intersection. At the bridge, he cranes his head to the right and wonders aloud, "Is... that a foot?"

It occurs to you that Asher doesn't want to be seen entering the sewer. Perhaps his peers of his family wouldn't approve of his adventures.
Thanks to your Darkvision, you can see clearly what he's talking about. 40 feet down the right-hand path, you see a dismembered foot, bloated and rotting from the moisture -- but clearly a human foot.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10cmHD599vjeRlKFVBG0f0LkgtCGo_rO4TkX4GXdhFFQ/edit#gid=502097392 Map! You may rearrange the party order if you like.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Valamir, Irène, and Zuberi
The Old Fang, Dockway

Luckily, Ol' Mam knows her clientele well and keeps a fair stock of common adventuring supplies on hand. She's happy to help and move some old inventory, though you've depleted her entire supply of alchemical fire. The bread is two days old and she's happy to give it away for free once she learns what you're up to and wishes you well.

When Valamir asks about Ameiko, she replies that, "She's probably still running her tavern up in Sandpoint. Last I heard, anyway. What was it... the Bronze Dragon? Rusty Leviathan? Some kind of metal marine monster! There can't be that many taverns in Sandpoint!"


***

Asher dons a brown cloak and draws up the hood before leading the party to the alley behind the Old Fang. He glances both ways down the street before producing a prybar and hauling up the cast iron manhole cover. It comes loose with an audible crack as the rust gives way around the seal.

"Magnimar has an excellent drainage system, to its credit. Unfortunately, it's not as well maintained as it should be. Most of the access points have been forgotten or ignored since it was built."

Despite some obvious timidity, Asher is the first one down the ladder. He takes the last few rungs at a leap and calls up, "clear!" as he activates an ioun torch and sets it to orbiting around his head. The narrow concrete walkway follows the right-hand side of the sewer and forces the party to walk in single file, lest someone slip into the channel on the other side. The channel on the left-hand side is five feet deep, though only two feet of water stands here at the moment. While you can be assured that most of it is just rainwater, you are painfully aware that there are sixteen thousand souls in the city above... and that everything flows towards the sea. Apart from the dim light filtering down from the occasional storm drain, it's completely dark apart from what illumination you bring with you. The ceiling is arched and reaches eight feet above the walkway at its highest point.

Asher hurries ahead to the first intersection. At the bridge, he cranes his head to the right and wonders aloud, "Is... that a foot?"

It occurs to you that Asher doesn't want to be seen entering the sewer. Perhaps his peers of his family wouldn't approve of his adventures.
Thanks to your Darkvision, you can see clearly what he's talking about. 40 feet down the right-hand path, you see a dismembered foot, bloated and rotting from the moisture -- but clearly a human foot.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10cmHD599vjeRlKFVBG0f0LkgtCGo_rO4TkX4GXdhFFQ/edit#gid=502097392 Map! You may rearrange the party order if you like.
As Asher donned his cloak, Irène looked over the young man.

It really does make you wonder who his family is. A question for another time, I suppose.

As he then used the crowbar to open the manhole, Irène briefly mused on the usefulness of the device and its status in the copper dreadfuls of the modern era before briefly performing a few key rituals of her own.

Lifting her arms toward the sky, Irmingard performed several circular waves up and down before bringing her hands into a praying position in front of her... then rapidly thrusting them out to the side. Instantly, a coat of dark shimmering blue, studded with little white specks like a starry sky, materialized around her, replacing her billowing ropes with a sleek plated vestment, covering her torso and hips with armor forged from . Then, pulling out a scroll, she chanted a few words before the vellum glowed white, a shimmer appearing briefly around her coat. Finally, pulling a small buckler out from her pack, she strapped it to her arm before turning to her snowy owl companion.

"I apologize in advance for the smell, Stjerne."

And with that, she dropped down alongside Asher, Stjerne perched on her shoulder.

Or, in gaming terms...

Irene uses her revelation Coat of Many Stars. She can use this for up to 6 hours in a single day.

She then uses her scroll of Magic Vestment to give her Coat a +1 enhancement bonus. This will last for 6 hours on the Coat.

Currently, I do not have any issue with the marching order.
***


At Asher's exclamation, Irène peered through the darkness, her dark emerald eyes wide as she took in the scene. There, beyond the edge of the light they'd brought with them, was, indeed, a bloated, rotting, foot. Even drained of color, the sight was highly unpleasant.

Unseen to the others, her vision briefly flickered.

As a changeling, Irene has mismatched eyes, which (because I was watching Hellsing Abridged at the time of her creation) I decided would be cool if they 'came out', so to speak, during combat or when she was highly stressed/expressed intense emotion. You may elect to indulge me or you may rule that it's always there.

Either way, the others, when appropriate, should get a perception check to spot that while her left eye is always green, her left eye is sometimes a deep red - and on a particularly good roll, that she has sharp claws through her thick white gloves. There's no set DC for this, but I will note that Irene, in my minds eye, does have very big, soulful eyes.
"That's a foot, alright. Probably down here for quite some time given bloated and rotting it is." She turned to the others. "Given how, against all laws of self-preservation, we're trying to find trouble, I suggest we go that way. What do you think?"

As it is now relevant, here's how Irene's perception changes. With Stjerne in arms reach, her Perception check increases to +11 (her Sense Motive also increases by 2 but that's not quite as relevant), and with him in one mile, she gains +3 on Perception checks in darkness.

Also, rather than leading with her morningstar out, her first resort will be to grab a flask of alchemist's fire and have that at the ready.

[Othniel]

Valamir

Valamir steps around the corner, moving to the front of the group (as facing the foot). "Yep; that's a foot all right. Human, by the looks of it. Did I mention how lovely this place is? Remember that I take you to all the best spots in town, Irène." He squints down the passageway before stepping forward a bit. "I'll take point, if you all don't mind. Watch for traps and such. Not that I expect goblins to have anything particularly sophisticated, mind you. I may scout ahead at certain points as well."

Valamir adds 1/2 his level to Disable Device checks to disarm magical traps, Perception checks to find magical traps, and may disable magical traps...if we run across any. He's going to keep his eyes peeled for anything that looks trappish. He also has a +2 bonus on Reflex saves to avoid traps and a +2 dodge bonus to AC against attacks made by traps. I haven't figured any of these bonuses into his character sheet, FYI. He doesn't have the trapfinder rogue talent, but he's going to be reasonably careful to watch for such things without slowing the group down too much (he wouldn't expect the normal parts of the sewers to be trapped). If they get to an area that looks like goblins are inhabited, he's going to be more careful.

Valamir is also going to have his Elven Curve Blade drawn.

Also, since this is prooobably dim light, attacks have a 50% miss chance against Valamir.

[Nefarion Xid]

Shimura
Alabaster District

Taking in the sights of the Alabaster District on his way to the site of his future business, Shimura passes not far from the sprawling hippodrome known as Serpent's Run. In the parkway between the main road and the immense sports facility, fliers have been posted to every lamp post and barkers yell at passersby, enticing them to come tomorrow for an event they call 'Hydra Baiting'. Judging by the several serpentine heads encircling the text of the fliers, they mean that quite literally.

A teenage boy shoves a flier at Shimura's face. "How about it? You look like you can afford good seats, huh? Got a girlfriend? Bring her! When the heads start flying, girls are all like, 'Oh, it's so horrible! Hold me!' And they swoon. Or they're totally into it an that's even better. So, you want two tickets, right?"

Valamir, Irène, and Zuberi
Sewers, Dockway

The party spots no hazards ahead. Moving close enough to examine the foot, it looks as if all the meat had been chewed from the limb before the foot had been discarded. The two leg bones are broken near the ankle and bear tooth marks as well. In the water, Valamir makes out a femur and pelvis, both picked clean. Just beyond, on the left side of the channel, there is a hole in the masonry wall, roughly three feet in diameter. It's been partially obscured (perhaps purposefully) with assorted trash and tree branches.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Before making the descent, Zuberi drank two potions from his pack. He then lit a torch and followed the group down. The smell of burning pitch helped to alleviate the smell of the sewer, but only slightly.

At the grisly scene of the bones, Zuberi keeps his eyes on the small opening.
"This seems the lair of a predator. Perhaps one of those spider monsters?" he says softly.


Zuberi drank a potion of Mage Armor and a potion of Barkskin. The former will last 1 hour, the later 30 mins.

[Othniel]

Valamir

As the trio drew closer to the remains, snatches of an old childhood song leapt to mind, which he absentmindedly began humming before proclaiming, "Well, look at dem bones - er, I mean those bones. Some sort of prey for...well, who knows what really," he ended lamely. "I'm a businessman; not a doctor." The Fetchling shoots Zubari a how-should-I-know look when the man remarks on the opening. "Shall we?"

[Lord Of Mantas]

Irène nodded at Valamir. "I think we shall."

[Nefarion Xid]

Valamir, Irène, and Zuberi
Sewers, Dockway

The way through the tunnel is an unfortunate one. With two feet of standing water, there's only a foot of clearance above. Slogging along, Valamir makes his way through as quietly as possible, trying vainly to keep the splashing to a minimum. Beyond he finds a natural cave, carved out long ago by the Yondabakari River and forgotten until the constant trickle of rainwater from the cracked street above forced its way through the masonry wall into the sewer. To the north west, he sees a rocky ledge rising two feet above waterline. Tucked around the corner and obscured by a semicircle of stones (and despite the complete darkness), he makes out the unmistakable glint of a gold coin.

Map updated

[Othniel]

Valamir

Hoping not to trip any potential traps, natural, mechanical, or magical, the Fetchling slowly creeps toward the glint of gold, its draw upon him more irresistible than any but the most charming of Calistrian priestesses.

Moving carefully toward the gold, searching for traps along the way, and especially hard in the square he sees the gold in. If he detects nothing, he leaves it be for the moment, and scopes out the rest of the cave (the part visible on the map). If he sees no other occupants, he goes to retrieve his companions, bring them to the gold, and confers with them as to whether it should be touched or not.

Let me know if you want any more stealth rolls. :smallsmile:

[Nefarion Xid]

Valamir begins to make his way through the brackish water and carefully steps over the slime covered stones on the way to the ledge. Behind him, the still water roils as something hidden in the murk lunges for his leg. Just above the waves, Valamir can make out what looks to be a spiny dorsal fin.

Unknown Assailant's Attack: [roll0]
Concealment Miss Chance: [roll1]
Unknown Assailant's Damage: [roll2]
Initiative: [roll3]


Spidey senses tingling, Valamir steps away before the creature's jaws find purchase on his thigh! ((Redacted due to lack of Uncanny Dodge))

Taking Valamir by surprise, the dragon sinks his teeth into his leg beneath the water before erupting out and mauling the hapless rogue in a flurry of claws and battering wings. He relents only for a second, allowing the bloodied Valamir to stagger back a step. Raising up on his hind legs, the creature draws up to eye level and hisses, "Call off your friends. If they step one foot into my lair, I'll kill you. Understood? Let's have a chat like civilized beings, burglar."

[Othniel]

Valamir

Valamir yelped loudly in surprise and shock of the pain. He had no idea getting bit by a dragon would be so painful. The fact that he was still alive slowly dawned on him and he struggled to maintain his composure, "Ah, begging your pardon! Right away!" Clearing his throat, he called out to his companions, "Zubari, Irène - under NO CIRCUMSTANCES are you to come any further in until my most patient and merciful host gives leave." He tried to put as much urgency into the words as he could, and as he fell silent, he leaned against the ledge for support. He looked at the dragon, and many things ran through his mind, such as "Please, Lady Luck, do not let me die in a sewer!" ... "I wish I could see Valora again" ... "That @#$%ing hurt!"

[Nefarion Xid]

The dragon stares at Valamir's throat an uncomfortably long while before, at long last, his lips twist into a pleasant smile. "That's more like it. Stay where you are." There's a sweet lilting note in the last word, as if the dragon were about to fetch tea and biscuits for his guest. He slithers back into the water and around the pillar before climbing up onto the rocky ledge. There, he sits down and delicately folds one claw over another.

"It is customary to bring a gift when entering a dragon's home. No doubt, you were just about to announce yourself and inform me of what sparkling, shiny, wondrous thing you brought me before our little misunderstanding."

[Othniel]

Valamir

"Okay, so he doesn't want to eat me right off the bat; might just survive this. And have a few words with Asher," the Rogue thought to himself before kneeling down (painfully) and speaking, "I am the Grey Ghost, most excellent host. From the Silver City I hail, which is to say Kintargo across Conquerer's Bay, and I am most humbled that my manners have failed me upon entry into your domain. Valamir is my name, and I crave your most beneficent pardon, oh distinguished of hosts. I offer you your choice of gifts: this Mithral Shirt I have upon my very person, or...if it would please you more, I place myself at your service in the city, if there is some task that you would have done? I must confess that you are the first dragon I have met, and while I have no rod with which to measure your caliber, I am indeed certain that I shall never meet the like again." Valamir paused to see what effect his words were having before asking a last question, "Might I crave your lordship's pardon so that I may know the name of which most venerable of dragons I have the honor to address?"

Diplomacy, go! [roll0]

[CockroachTeaParty]

Zuberi heeds Valamir's odd warning, but his every muscle is tensed and ready for action. He shoots Irène a meaningful look, but remains silent, waiting.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Irène's eyes widened in a mixture of shock and fear for Valamir as she heard the signs of struggle - and then a low, hissing reptilian voice. Nodding at Zuberi as Valamir exhorted them to not enter the dragon's lair, she quickly pocketed her flask of alchemist's fire and drew her morningstar, tensing behind the entrance and ready to rush in and save Valamir should the situation go south.

[Nefarion Xid]

The dragon quivers in anticipation atop his perch. His eyes widen and his spines bristle, giving him the appearance of a cat watching a bird out the window. The young dragon looked to be grappling with the concept of delayed gratification over simply killing Valamir now and taking all his shiny things. A drop of acrid smelling saliva drips from his mouth, dumbly agape as the thinks. "Yes..." he announces finally while composing himself and trying his best to look like a proper lordly dragon.

"They called my brother 'Blackfang'. Simple enough to remember. Concise. I won't hear my true name butchered by your fat, lazy tongue. You will compose such an epithet for me. As for your service, Grey Ghost, the goblins have something I want. They've accumulated quite the treasure hoard. Oh, it's all they talk about. Among their riches is an emerald they call 'The Eye of Lamashtu'. Be a good ghost and bring it to me. It would be better if you killed them all as well."

He snakes his head over and lowers his voice to a rumbling whisper. "I'm not a wroth creature. I don't relish the idea of hurting sentient beings without cause. If, however, I'm given reason to believe that some damned fool group of adventurers with murder in their hearts has been given directions to my lair? Oh... what I do will be on your head, Valamir. Do not underestimate me. Do not betray me."

He returns to sit on his ledge and wiggles his hips eagerly. "Understood? Wonderful! Good hunting then!"

[Othniel]

Valamir

"Most charitable of dragons, as chance would have it, it is in pursuit of these very goblins that my companions and I have ventured into your domain. Had we known that you held residence here, the thought of intruding upon your solace would have been the farthest thing from our minds. We were warned of goblins, rats, roaches, and rather large spiders, but our informant neglected to mention a dragon reigning over these parts of the city. I beg your pardon, and pledge that We shall engage forthwith upon this task which you have set us to, if you would kindly direct me as to where the intrusive goblins might be found."

Once the exchange of words is concluded, Valamir takes his leave as graciously as he can manage under the circumstances and rejoins his companions to relay everything they may not have heard.

[Lord Of Mantas]

The instant Valamir crawled back out of the hole, Irène rushed over to him. "Are you alright!? Well, clearly not, but at least you're alive... Damnit, no-one said anything about dragons. What kind of dragon lives in a sewer, anyway!?"

Reaching into her belt pouch, Irène produce a finely carved stick of beechwood, inlaid with magical runes. "Hold still. This should just give you a gentle soothing feeling."Channeling her magical power through the wand, one of the few magical items she knew of that did not require a kata to activate, she set about healing Valamir's wounds.

In the interests of expediency, I will let the DM roll as many charges of the CLW wand as necessary to bring Valamir to full health. I believe tradition with storebrought wands is to assume the lowest caster level possible, which would put it at 1d6+1 per charge.

[Othniel]

Valamir

The Fetchling hobbled out from the dragon's lair, and sunk down against the wall of the sewer, unmindful of what he may be sitting in. He gave Irène a weak smile. "You know, I always wanted to have a beautiful woman fret over me someday. Somehow, being a dragon's chewtoy was not involved in my fantasy." He paused and flashed Zuberi a grin, "You know, after that brush with the dragon, I feel holier than a priest. Ow, bad joke."

As Irène brought out her wand, Valamir waved it away, "Oh, if you want to, but I have a wand of my own." Moving slowly and tenderly, he drew out a wand of his own made of some dark wood with a small red gem the color of blood on the end. "They manufacture these by the case where I come from," he said. "Sometimes it pays when your government traffics with infernal powers." Waving it around at first as if conducting an orchestra, he pointed it at himself and let the magic work.

A few minutes later, his wounds mostly closed up and scarred over, Valamir stood and brushed himself off. "Mostly better, but I could use a stiff drink and a visit to the temple." Valamir didn't mention out loud that it was the Calistrian temple he was thinking of. He then turned to point an accusing finger at Asher. "You never said anything about a dragon, live or otherwise. You are lucky I survived!"

Wand of Infernal healing gives Fast Healing 1 for a minute, so he heals 10 HP/minute. Using it 4 times, which should get Valamir back up to 42/45 HP.

[Lord Of Mantas]

"Easy, Valamir." Irène reached out with a gloved hand and brought down his arm. "No-one else I've spoken with about monsters mentioned anything about a dragon either, and I get the distinct impression they'd come down like a ton of bricks if they knew. I think we were the first to find out about that." Turning away, she squinted down the corridor. "It looks like the only route going west is south down this tunnel, so our best bet of finding the goblins is going to be there. Do you still want to take point?"

[Othniel]

Valamir

Valamir nodded, "Yes, though if you think I may be crazy for saying so, don't be afraid to speak up. I just agreed to kill goblins for a dragon, so I am not entirely certain that I am in the right state of mind. I still would like to know how he got down here though; perhaps some apprentice wizard flushed his dragon hatchling down here when it grew too big?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Asher stammered out an apology when Valamir emerged from the tunnel. Of course he had no idea that there was anything so dangerous only this far into the sewers. At the least, he offers to buy Valamir a few glasses of wine.

He says quietly, "Dragons have great hearing, so perhaps we should discuss his origin elsewhere?"

To the south, a T-intersection leads east and west. Back to the north, an unexplored branch leads east. At the southern junction, the party finds the partially eaten corpse of a goblin that looks like it had been set upright against the wall as a warning. A pair of dire rats scatter when the adventurers draw near.

[Othniel]

Valamir

"It was just a joke," he muttered. More loudly then as the group moved away, "See this is where someone who is an expert on dragons comes in. And while that is the first dragon I have ever met (and hopefully the last, I might add), he was awfully polite, don't you think? He did mention the goblins had treasure, but only demanded the one object, which makes me think...this business about "The Eye of Lamashtu" strikes me as odd as well. How would sewer-dwelling goblins come by some great emerald that has a name? Any of you heard of this gem? And once we do kill the goblins and bring the emerald to the dragon (let's call him Ironscale; I'd call that a suitably impressive dragon name, wouldn't you?) what's to stop him from eating me?"

Valamir rambled on for some time like this, perhaps an after effect of a close brush with death, as they drew closer to the goblin corpse. Once there, he checked to see if the remains had anything useful or valuable.

[Nefarion Xid]

A safe distance away from the goblin, Asher muses, "He seems pretty shrewd. I mean, he took you hostage instead of fighting all of us. Technically he deescalated the situation. Most humans can't think that far ahead."

The goblin's body holds nothing of value. Whatever killed it was strong enough to rip an arm off and then impale the humerus through its stomach. Likely the dragon had left it here to demonstrate he wouldn't tolerate any goblins passing this junction.

Irène knows quite a lot about Lamashtu, but she's never specifically heard of any relic or jewel called her "eye". It's likely the goblins came up with the name of the jewel, rather than stealing some religious artifact. Still, it must be one damned big emerald.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Zuberi kept an eye on the group's rear as they proceeded, curious if the dragon might be following them. In this environment, he probably stood little chance of spotting it. The situation was clearly growing more and more strange, and he did not know what to make of it. Valamir seemed to be in great spirits for a man who had just survived a dragon mauling; truly, the man was made of deceptively resilient stuff.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Irène pondered Valamir's question regarding the Eye of Lamashtu as he searched the goblin's corpse.

"Well, as a priestess of Desna, part of my regimen includes studying the various religions of Golarion - and that includes her sworn enemy. As far as I know, there's no notable relic called by that name, but goblins are noted for their worship of Lamashtu. If I had to guess, I'd say they probably came up with it on their own. As for the dragon trying to eat us when we get back with the emerald... worst comes to worst, we can always chuck it in and run for it."

Irène laid a comforting hand on Valamir's shoulder, clearly mildly concerned for his well-being.

Irene remains ready to continue west whenever everyone else is.

[Nefarion Xid]

Continuing on down the western passage, the party comes to a turn to the south. Valamir immediately hears chattering around the corner. Scouting just ahead he spies three goblins milling about a square column at the entrance to what must have once been a storeroom for the builders. One picks his nose. One is gleefully tearing into a raw dire rat that's still kicking and biting. The third urinates in a tall arc into the water below the platform. He waggles his hips back and forth and sings to himself in the goblin language while trying to sink a floating piece of excrement.

Using scrap wood and rusted pipes, they've erected a crude 3 feet tall barricade along the path. In the water, a heaping pile of filth has collected against it as it partially obstructs the sewer's flow.

[Othniel]

Valamir

Holding his hand up for the others to stop, Valamir counts off three fingers to show the number of goblins. He creeps back to the others, and whispers as quietly as he can, "Three goblins about fifteen feet behind a barricade. Ideas?"

[Lord Of Mantas]

"Maybe see if we can lure them out from behind it. If we can get them to round the corner, we can take them by surprise - and I have a spell that should render them completely helpless."

[Othniel]

Valamir

"If that's what you want, I can certainly get goblins to chase me," Valamir states with a smirk.

[Lord Of Mantas]

"I was thinking more along the lines of luring them around with a noise of some sort."

[TheDarkDM]

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Returning to the fortified shrine, Vai deposited their heavy sacks on the floor once the Tower Girls allowed them entry. Coins of platinum, gold, silver, and copper spilled across the floor alongside silver and brass relics from ancient Thassilon. She felt a strange twinge of murderous protectiveness as the girls' eyes lit with covetous light, but she pushed it down. After all, the true prize remained safely in her pack.

"Well, girls, it would appear the Crow Piling holds more mystery than a few musty chambers. And more danger, too."

Vai turned to help Alessandra into the shrine.

"I would appreciate it if you'd watch over Alessandra while she recovers from our endeavors, Ayala. For myself, I believe a walk around town to find a mage of sufficient...licentiousness to be of help to us is in order."

She cast her eyes across the assemblage.

"I was hoping cousin Terisha might volunteer to be my guide."

[CockroachTeaParty]

Zuberi crouches low, risking a look at the goblins' crude barricade.
"Such an obstacle poses no impediment to me. I can get behind them. We could attack from both sides. I find it unlikely they would risk leaving their defensive position, but I have also heard goblins are not terribly intelligent."

[Lord Of Mantas]

"Sounds good to me. Much less likely that they might get away. We'd probably have to make it quick to compensate for the resulting loudness, though."

[Nefarion Xid]

Vai
Six's Tower, Outside Magnimar

After a bit of legwork, Vai learns that two arcanists might be discreet enough to appraise what she'd discovered. First, there's the Pathfinder venture captain and a woman of means, Sheila Heidmarch. While Sheila might even purchase some of the Thassilonian relics and unlikely to literally stab Vai in the back, she was a Pathfinder and an upstanding figure in the city.

The shadier alternative was the mononymous Six, a warlock who lived about a mile out of town along the eastern road. Known to most people in Magnimar as an eccentric (and possible a deviant) the man rarely left the leaning tower he called home. Rumors (not particularly credible ones) said that Six had passed his two hundredth year. His supposed long life had been attributed to the Sun Orchid Elixer, achieving a state of arcane perfection, or making a deal with Asmodeus.

Terisha and Vai find at the base of his tower a garish red door and a bell with a painted sign that reads: For important arcane matters: Ring. Otherwise, sod off!

[TheDarkDM]

Vai
Six's Tower, Outside Magnimar

Vai quirked her head at the...directness of the door's message. Clearly this Six was not a man to be trifled with. Shooting a glance at Terisha, she pulled on the bell.

[Othniel]

Valamir

"All right, let's do it," Valamir confirms, "By the way, do any of you speak Goblin?"

[Lord Of Mantas]

Irène shook her head. "Aklo, Auran, and Celestial, yes, but not Goblin. Ready whenever you are."

[zabbarot]

Shimura
Alabaster District

Taking in the sights of the Alabaster District on his way to the site of his future business, Shimura passes not far from the sprawling hippodrome known as Serpent's Run. In the parkway between the main road and the immense sports facility, fliers have been posted to every lamp post and barkers yell at passersby, enticing them to come tomorrow for an event they call 'Hydra Baiting'. Judging by the several serpentine heads encircling the text of the fliers, they mean that quite literally.

A teenage boy shoves a flier at Shimura's face. "How about it? You look like you can afford good seats, huh? Got a girlfriend? Bring her! When the heads start flying, girls are all like, 'Oh, it's so horrible! Hold me!' And they swoon. Or they're totally into it an that's even better. So, you want two tickets, right?"

Shimura took the flyer to read closer. He'd never seen such a sport. "Just one ticket would be fine."

I'm assuming the tickets are reasonably priced :smalltongue: also, sorry for taking so long :smallsigh:

[Nefarion Xid]

Vai
Six's Tower, Outside Magnimar

Shortly after the bell rings, a raven descends from an open tower window and perches on the wooden bracket over the sign. He studies Vai and Terisha, ticking his head from side to side, apparently fascinated by anything shiny on their persons. After a few seconds he asks, "Yes? Well get on wiv it. 'aven't got all day. Wot you wont?" in a thick accent that belonged to the poor side of Westcrown.

[TheDarkDM]

Vai
Six's Tower, Outside Magnimar

Vai looked up in surprise as the raven addressed them, but recovered her composure quickly.

"Forgive me, I am unaccustomed to discussing business with birds. We have need of someone with magical skill, and were told you were the one to come talk to. Might we discuss the finer details somewhere more comfortable than your front steps?"

Diplomacy:
[roll0]

[CockroachTeaParty]

Zuberi nods to his companions. He eyes the passage beyond the barricade, next to the goblin nearest the rear. He breathes out, letting the pure ki power flow through his limbs. Seemingly effortlessly, he hurls himself through the acrid air, leaping over the confused goblins as if his body weighed nothing. As he lands, he takes a wide stance, fists ready for battle.


Okay, if we've got a surprise round, Zuberi will spend it making a crazy Crouching-Tiger leap, spending 1 ki point. He always counts as having a running start.

Acrobatics: [roll0]

Zuberi will be aiming to land next to the goblin farthest from us, such that any attempts to flee or seek help will provoke attacks of opportunity.

I guess I'll also roll initiative: [roll1]

[BladeofObliviom]

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

Returning to the fortified shrine, Vai deposited their heavy sacks on the floor once the Tower Girls allowed them entry. Coins of platinum, gold, silver, and copper spilled across the floor alongside silver and brass relics from ancient Thassilon. She felt a strange twinge of murderous protectiveness as the girls' eyes lit with covetous light, but she pushed it down. After all, the true prize remained safely in her pack.

"Well, girls, it would appear the Crow Piling holds more mystery than a few musty chambers. And more danger, too."

Vai turned to help Alessandra into the shrine.

"I would appreciate it if you'd watch over Alessandra while she recovers from our endeavors, Ayala. For myself, I believe a walk around town to find a mage of sufficient...licentiousness to be of help to us is in order."

She cast her eyes across the assemblage.

"I was hoping cousin Terisha might volunteer to be my guide."

Vai and Alessandra
Shrine of Sarenrae, Underbridge

"Veeeeery funny, Vai", Alessandra says as she stands up a little straighter and tugs her arm away. She's hurt, but the bleeding's been staunched and she can walk on her own. Her scarf's been used as a makeshift bandage, though luckily prestidigitation is perfect for getting bloodstains out of clothing. "If you want to get that stuff identified, go ahead. I think I'm going to go find a temple, then spend some time in a tavern. I'll meet you back here later."


Since I don't want to make us do a back-and-forth while she pays for healing, I'll just say that Alessandra wants to pay for 30 hp healed, and isn't picky about which temple to do it at. 3 castings of Infernal Healing can do that without having to roll a bunch of dice, which costs 30 gp by the standard metric. After that business is concluded, she'll find a tavern to stay at, pay 2 gp for good accomodations, rest for 8 hours (to get some sleep and heal a little more) and put up 1 more gp for a good meal and a couple of drinks.

I'm not sure how much detail we're supposed to track expenditures with, but in any case I'd guess this uses about 12 hours of time and costs 33 gp in total.

[Othniel]

Valamir

Valamir creeps carefully up to the barrier and peers over, watching as Zuberi flies through the air. He almost reaches for his curve blade, but thinks better of it, instead choosing his bow. Kneeling down, he peers over the barricade, taking care to remain hidden for just the right moment.

Move action to stealth up to the barricade and draw his bow. I think that's a double move, so as long as I don't do anything else, I take no penalty.
Stealth roll: [roll0]

[Nefarion Xid]

Valamir, Irène, and Zuberi
Sewers, Dockway

The southernmost goblin stares at Zuberi, mouth agape and finger still plunged deep into his flared nostril. The one just behind is far better prepared. Despite his trousers falling down around his ankles in his surprise, he leaps out of them and sets on Zuberi in a frenzy of claws and fangs. As the monster's jagged black claws raked across unprotected skin, Zbueri would perhaps recall that goblins weren't supposed to have dirty yellow fingernails instead of claws.

Still safe on the other side of the column, the last goblin merely lets out a deranged cackle and sequels, "**** him up, Zog!"

Zuberi takes 5 damage. The party may now act. Only Goblin 3 (southernmost) has not acted this round and remains flat footed.

Now close enough to inspect the goblins better, Valamir can see that the goblins are hunched with overlarge shoulders and bulging muscles. Their fingers end in long claws and they don't appear to have any weapons on them. They wear tough boiled leather shirts beneath their rags.

Vai
Six's Tower, Outside Magnimar

The raven stares at Vai's possessions for several long seconds before he squawks and ruffles his feathers. Clearly agitated, he flies back to the open window to speak with its master. A minute passes before the red door creeks open. A mess of wavy black hair peers out, attached to a pale thin face with a patchy beard. "Yes, yes, come in then. Don't just hang on my doorstep like you're confused encyclopedia saleswomen. Biscuits? I mean... have you got any because I'm out. Haven't done the shopping since... what day is it?"

Leaving the door open, the man retreats into the tower. The first floor is devoted to a cozy sitting room with mismatched but comfortable looking furniture. Books and assorted papers, fliers and scrolls are strewn about. One leather bound tome has been wedged under the couch cushions; the spine reads: The Lost Art of Reading Troll Entrails. Over the mantle, there's an enormous oil painting of a nude woman sprawling over a bear skin rug. A roaring, heat-less fire is in the hearth.

"You'll have tea, won't you? Course you'll have tea. You're civilized people! Civilized people take afternoon tea. Erm. Morning tea?"

He scrambles for some teacups from the top cupboard. His already too-short silk robe inches up uncomfortably far as he strains to reaches for the good porcelain.

Shimura
Alabaster District

The boy gawks at Shimura, trying his best to look positively shocked. "You mean to say that a tall, dark and handsome gentleman such as yourself cannot secure a date, even with short notice? You, sir? A fine upstanding member of high society such as yourself who walks little old ladies across the street and pays his taxes on time? Oh, I refuse to believe that sir. You'd best buy a second ticket just in case some beauty throws herself at you on the way to the event!"

He tears off two billetts from his book and offers them over. "Two gold, sir. Best seats in the stadium! You won't regret it."

[Othniel]

Valamir

As Zuberi engages the Goblins in combat, Valamir quickly nocks and looses an arrow at the goblin in front of him.

Attack roll vs G2: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Sneak attack damage, if applicable: [roll2]

[Lord Of Mantas]

Rushing around the corner at the start of combat, Irène skidded to a halt behind Valamir and, channeling a burst of energy into her left hand, raised it in the air before bringing it down, fist clenched, against her breast. Her whole body shimmered briefly before disappating, her eyes growing intense with the start of combat.

As outlined in the OOC, Irene will now move up behind Valamir to K47 and cast Sanctuary on herself. Any goblin trying to attack her must make a DC 17 Will save or it loses the relevant action and thus wastes that part of its turn.

While I'm fairly certain that we're still in the dark, now that combat has begun, if there were any sort of light or ability to see color, a Perception check of an appropriate DC (anywhere between 15 to 20 depending on your preference) would now reveal the typical heterochromia characteristic of Changelings.

Also, the Encyclopedia Salesman sketch is one of my favorites. :) You have good taste.

[hi-mi-tsu]

Shimura took the flyer to read closer. He'd never seen such a sport. "Just one ticket would be fine."

I'm assuming the tickets are reasonably priced :smalltongue: also, sorry for taking so long :smallsigh:



Shimura feels a light touch on his arm, and an amused, accented voice says "I'd listen to the boy and buy the second ticket. I can't promise to swoon, but I can promise to admire the fine craftsmanship of your swords. Plus, the show does look to be very entertaining, if the flyer's anything to go by."

An androgynous-looking girl is standing at Shimura's side. She stands about 5'4" and is slender of build.

"What do you say? If it's terrible, I'll pay you back for the ticket."

[TheDarkDM]

Valamir, Irène, and Zuberi
Sewers, Dockway

Zuberi's composure was as stone, even as the beast's foul talons scraped across his flesh. Their twisted deformity did not give him pause, and he lashed out at the two goblins crouched nearby.

Zuberi will initiate a flurry of blows, spending a Ki Point to get an extra attack in. The first two will be against G2, while the second set will be against G3

G2 Attack 1:
[roll0]

Damage:
[roll1]

G2 Attack 2:
[roll2]

Damage:
[roll3]

G3 Attack 1:
[roll4]

Damage:
[roll5]

G3 Attack 2:
[roll6]

Damage:
[roll7]

Vai
Six's Tower, Outside Magnimar

Sinking graciously into a chair, Vai flashes a smile at the chaotic mess that was almost certainly the warlock they'd come to see.

"Tea would be lovely, Mr. Six. It is Mr. Six, isn't it? My name is Vai Merejan and this is my cousin Terisha. Apologies, but we didn't think to bring anything for tea. I'm dreadfully embarrassed."

[zabbarot]

Shimura feels a light touch on his arm, and an amused, accented voice says "I'd listen to the boy and buy the second ticket. I can't promise to swoon, but I can promise to admire the fine craftsmanship of your swords. Plus, the show does look to be very entertaining, if the flyer's anything to go by."

An androgynous-looking girl is standing at Shimura's side. She stands about 5'4" and is slender of build.

"What do you say? If it's terrible, I'll pay you back for the ticket."

Shimura was taken aback by the woman's sudden appearance, but smiled to himself. They do just throw themselves at me, don't they. He bowed slightly. "Fine, fine. What could it hurt?" He paid the boy for two tickets and made his way towards the show with his new friend.

"So, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

[hi-mi-tsu]

Shimura was taken aback by the woman's sudden appearance, but smiled to himself. They do just throw themselves at me, don't they. He bowed slightly. "Fine, fine. What could it hurt?" He paid the boy for two tickets and made his way towards the show with his new friend.

"So, to what do I owe the pleasure?"



"Well, I'm new here, and you seem new here too. Plus, I could tell by your voice that you're Minkaian like me..." Amaya chuckled, and glanced at Shimura's swords.

"Plus, I appreciate a well-crafted blade. And yours look lovely. I was hoping we could chat about them. I'm Amaya, by the way. What's your name?"

[zabbarot]

"Well, I'm new here, and you seem new here too. Plus, I could tell by your voice that you're Minkaian like me..." Amaya chuckled, and glanced at Shimura's swords.

"Plus, I appreciate a well-crafted blade. And yours look lovely. I was hoping we could chat about them. I'm Amaya, by the way. What's your name?"

Shimura bowed slightly and introduced himself, "Shimura Hachiro," it was probably safe to use his name. Minkai was a lifetime away now. He continued in Minkaian, "It's been so long since I've spoken to another from Minkai. Forgive me if I'm a bit out of practice." He shifted his blades as they walked and slid the cold iron one partially out of it's sheathe, "This one I made. The other I inherited." A small lie, but not really an important one. "I'm opening a shop in town."

[Nefarion Xid]

Valamir, Irène, and Zuberi
Sewers, Dockway

While all of Zuberi's blows strike flesh, he feels an unnatural amount of resistance, as if he were punching leather stretched over rock. Though bloodied, the two goblins seem more angry than injured. The third spits out a tooth before shrieking something in Goblin better left untranslated.

Asher pulls a throwing knife from his jacket and hurls it with lethal precision, but it strikes the nearest goblin with an audible plink and doesn't even leave a mark on his throat.

Valamir's shot goes wide and the arrow skitters harmlessly down the masonry.

The two goblins around Zuberi go berserk and quite literally try to bite his legs off. One succeeds in sinking its teeth into his thigh and hangs on for a painful second before being batted away.

The northernmost goblin leaps over the barricade with abandon, mouth open and tongue flailing in the air. He latches on to Valamir's shoulder and chomps hard before falling away and splashing into the water below.

Valamir takes 9 damage. Zuberi takes 5. The party may act again.
Irène is now certain that the goblins must be half demons! Cold Iron weapons would pierce their hides.

[TheDarkDM]

Valamir, Irène, and Zuberi
Sewers, Dockway

Zuberi recoiled as the goblin's foul teeth sank into his thigh, managing to tear himself free of the beast's grip. Irène yelled something from down the corridor, but he already knew what he needed to. These were no ordinary goblins, so as he centered himself for his next attack Zuberi channeled the fullness of his essence into one devastating opening blow.

Zuberi will be spending 1 Ki Point to add an extra attack to his Flurry of Blows and another to initiate a Shattering Punch with his first attack.

G2 Shattering Punch (Ignores DR):
[roll0]

Damage:
[roll1]

G2 Attack 2:
[roll2]

Damage:
[roll3]

G3 Attack 1:
[roll4]

Damage:
[roll5]

G3 Attack 2:
[roll6]

Damage:
[roll7]

[Nefarion Xid]

Goblins 2 and 3 are badly beaten and blood streams freely from their noses and ears, but they fight on!

[Lord Of Mantas]

As her eyes flitted over the goblins, watching Zuberi's initial attacks stop dead against their flesh and Asher's knife bounce right off, Irène put two and two together with the addition of their claws.

"I think the goblins have demonic blood in them! If you have anything with cold iron in it, now's the time to use it!"

In the meantime... adamantine may be hard enough to cut through iron and break through walls, but it's not going to help against the goblins. Time to even the odds a little.

Irène closed her eyes. In her mind, she pictured a perfect circle, projecting it out onto the battlefield. Then, with a mighty kiai, she gathered a glowing handful of light and thrust it into the air. A form began to take place on the battlefield...

Spending a full-round action to use Summon Monster III, bringing forth a Lantern Archon (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/outsiders/archon/lantern-archon/summoned-creature-lantern-archon) at square K51.

Should it become relevant, my Concentration bonus is +14.

[Othniel]

Valamir

"Goblin bastard!" Valamir hissed as the creature sunk its teeth into his shoulder. Valamir dropped his bow, and out swept his elven curve blade. He stared down at the ugly creature, swinging at the goblin's neck with both hands tightly gripping the sword.


Dropping the bow.
Move action to draw his sword.
Standard action to attack!
Attack roll vs G1 [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Nefarion Xid]

Valamir, Irène, and Zuberi
Sewers, Dockway

Valamir slices away a chunk of flesh from the goblin's shoulder. He yowls in a mix of pain and rage before leaping up and clawing for the man's legs. His claws sink into the side of Valamir's calf before he falls away into the filth again.

The second goblin, 'Zog' apparently, shrieks for the third to run for help. Zog lunges for Zuberi's throat while the third attempts to scampers through Zuberi's legs and flees south!

"Zog gonna make sweet love to your skull!" he whispers, mid mauling.

Asher leaps down into the water next to Goblin 1 and makes a clumsy attack with his short sword that sails over his monster's head.

Zuberi takes 16 damage. Valamir takes 6. Good guys are up!

Vai
Six's Tower, Outside Magnimar

Six turns around from the cupboard and beams, "Oh, you're lovely aren't you? It's fun when people play along. No, love, it's just Six. Boring old Church of Iomedae approved Six."

He pours three cups of water from a small crystal vial, but in a wink its transformed into steaming black tea. "Sugar?" he asks, gesturing with his pinkie finger at the cup. Or rather, in this context, would she like it to taste as if it has sugar in it. The tea is placed unceremoniously down on the scarred and stained coffee table.

"Now, just what have you got in your pockets that has my raven all... fluffy. C'mon, I'm excited. What'd you bring daddy Six?" He giggles before throwing himself butt-first into the overstuffed chair by the fire.

[Othniel]

Valamir

Valamir swing at the creature again. "How do you like that, you little jerk? When you're dead, I'm going to write down your name and post it for all other Goblins to see!" Valamir taunted the goblin, despite not actually knowing the goblin's name.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]