The Shattered Isles (IC)

[Krylea]

Akavé has been thrust into a time of tumult. As the various houses scheme and plot their paths to the throne, ancient magic stirs and threatens to tear the city apart.

It began barely a week ago. There were reports of odd activity from the Eastern Quarter - breakins and magical disturbances. Local heroes from the League investigated, and tracked the disturbance to an ancient damaged laboratory, but the instability continued - and grew worse. Tremors began to shake the island, and unstable wild magic began to suffuse the island. There were rumours of disappearances in the Lower City, shipments going missing upriver, strange magics emanating from the Depths. As time goes on, the city is starting to shake itself apart. Surely soon the League would be called to intervene...

As each of you go about your business in the city, a messenger comes to you...

You hear a loud voice clearing its throat behind you. As you turn, you see a fire mephit, clad in grandiose robes of gold cloth emblazoned with the sigil of House Jhazar. Its voice crackles, humming with the notes of a raging bonfire.
"Warrior of the League! Your presence is required. I bear a missive from my master, Jhazar Feht. Read it closely. We shall see you anon."

The mephit hands you a scroll. Upon it lie runes etched in careful calligraphy, written in the Ignan tongue of Zafarha's children. As you lay your eyes upon the writing, it bursts into flame, forming fiery letters in your native tongue in the air in front of you. The message is as follows:

"Greetings, warrior. I, Jhazar Feht, require your presence. I will await you at my manor tomorrow at one o'clock. Do not be late."

[Ramsus]

"Thank you for your service little one." Cynthia says to the mephit while she thinks to herself, "I wonder what this is about. Guess it's worth finding out just to see how much it'll annoy those bastards in House Syn." Then she heads back to house she's most recently taken up in with her freshly stolen fruit and meat pies.

The next day she makes sure to wake up early, clean up as best she can, and done her finer garments before heading Jhazar Feht manor an hour earlier than she needed to.... just in case something came up that might delay her.

[Irish Musician]

Sha'arron (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=885120), Envoy of Larroshe, Tempest of Ta'Gharron
Sha'arron, walking the streets at the moment not having a task at hand, is just looking over the city. She checks out the streets, goes into the lower parts of town, goes into the "upper crust" part of town. She soaks in the whole city. She ends up in the market center, the bustle of people buying things and the yells and calls of people trying to sell their wares. Suddenly a fiery mephit appears behind her and clears its throat. She listens to its word and takes the scroll from it. She gives it a bow, "Thank you for your service, flamed one." After reading the scroll, she nods, "Tell you master he shall see me soon." She gives him another short bow and goes about her business watching the town.

When the mephit leave her minds starts to wonder as she scans the crowd. I wonder what this could be about. Maybe about all the tension in the city? You'd have to be a fool not to see that there is something brewing. Wild magics everywhere, people missing, the land itself shaking.....something is wrong. Maybe we are being summoned to fix that. Sha waits until the appointed time and goes to see this Jhazar Fhet.

[coffeegoblin]

Keshlani was wandering by the harbour, preparing to take a dip and hopefully catch a wild lunch when the Mephit approached. "I dont know how much to tip these days, but I've only got 5sp anyway, sorry." Keshlani hadn't worked for House Jhazar before, but if it was League work then it should be good money and so buying some fish seemed apt and would avoid angering any fishers.


Keshlani hadn't realised how enjoyable traveling was for them until arriving back in Akave, but this was were everything was happening even more now than usual. It didn't make it any easier when moving through the city proper meant more than one vicious look or grumbled slur and they was running out of excuses not to visit home and old friends, at least they had a job to go to now. Kitted out in adventurer gear, ready for anything things were looking up and their step was quicker bringing them to the meet a little early. "Cynthia, my Goddess, been so long, what are you doing here?"

[Ramsus]

Cynthia turns around at the sound of a familiar voice. "Ah, Keshlani. A pleasure to see you again! I received a letter requesting my presence. I certainly would not have expected to meet you here. When did arrive back in Akave and how were your travels? Fruitful I hope?"

[coffeegoblin]

"You look amazing as ever, I got back a few days ago, still settling in." Keshlani's face is dominated by a fang filled grin. "Yes and no, I found all sorts of esoterica but I'm as far away from returning Kalamah as ever. Are we on the same job perhaps, do you know much about House Jhazar? I wouldn't think one of the houses would use a Foxglove though."

[Professor Gnoll]

Mordrai considers the mephit. An interesting creature. It serves loyally; an admirable trait in any being, but not by choice, as she does. It is simply bound to its master by magic, a helpless slave rather than willing servant.

But it has served its purpose, and now it is gone. Jhazar Feht. An ally? An obstacle? It remains to be seen. At any rate, it seems unlikely that Mordrai alone has been summoned- other warriors, hopefully of a similar calibre, will be present as well. It would do well to attend, especially if it allows any new insight into the disturbances. Mordrai dislikes unknown factors. A chance to investigate this one could prove beneficial.

Mordrai prides herself on punctuality. Precise timing is a hallmark of proper discipline, after all. She arrives at the manor at the prescribed time, exactly five minutes early.

[Ramsus]

"Well, it is enough that you have returned safe and sound." Cynthia replies. "We must certainly be and I am glad of it since it means if this is some sort of trick or trap I know I will have at least one ally. I may know a bit more about House Jhazar than the common person, but the most important thing is that they are a powerful house, but not the most powerful. And I agree with you, I am curious to see why and aside from that I am only here in the hopes that it will be an annoyance for House Syn to hear that now not only are other houses not aiding them in my capture, but meeting and doing business with me."

[Thematthew]

Rhyas gives the Mephit a nod before returning to her contemplation, then takes back to the road after packing up her campsite.

Recognizing some of the people around the manor Rhyas slows to ensure it is safe, then after recognizing what was being said relaxes. "Well well, I had hoped I would find this job to be a worthy test of my skills. Given that they hired the two of you as well my prayers must have been answered. Though perhaps this time we do not have to fight to a standstill Keshlani?"

[coffeegoblin]

"An ally is the best asset in mercenary work, I'm also glad we are working together again."
Keshlani gives Cynthia a quick hug, then hearing Ryhas's voice a hand grips their sword but quickly relaxes and their smile returns as a slight smirk.
"Our rematch will need to be delayed a little longer. We do appear to quite a powerful group, our task must be difficult, guess we'll find out what it is soon."

[Professor Gnoll]

Mordrai approaches the group, making her presence known. "Greetings. I assume that you, too, have been summoned here." She smiles thinly, places a hand across her chest and bows. "I am Mordrai, a humble servant of Vhaath. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, I'm sure."

She considers the group. A Sahaguin, slight, but with a tension to her that suggested something more dangerous. An Orc. Savages, but they can be tamed and brought to heel. A human, red and sly... she reminds Mordrai of herself, before she learnt the truth of the world. And an Elf. Elves are similar to Orcs; though far more prideful... to tame them is to tame the wind. But under the guidance of Vhaath, all things become possible. And this one, from the looks of it, is a follower of the Red Lady. Foolishness, of course, though Mordrai does not blame her for it. She will learn.

[Ramsus]

"You two know each other?" Cynthia asks, clearly surprised by an old associate happening to also know another associate of hers.

For a brief moment Cynthia looks disapproving at the mention of Vhaath before giving Mordrai a polite practiced smile and offers her own greeting, "Cynthia Foxglove of what was once House Foxglove, well met Mordrai."

[Krylea]

The manor is as opulent as its owner's standing would suggest; buried in the heart of the Palace District, its spires and domes gleam with gold and shine like miniature suns. Carefully crafted lenses direct flows of light and magic along lines of power, and when they strike the domes cascades of rippling golden flames shine on every surface. Scented braziers are placed at geomantic foci, with ingots of burning molten orichalcum at their center. A statue rises above the rest of the house - a muscular djinni, holding his flaming scimitar aloft, with the crest of House Jhazar emblazoned on his chest. The sword sparkles in the sunlight, and as the sun strikes it, fire coalesces and cascades down its blade.

At precisely one o'clock, the mirror-bright bronze doors swing ponderously open, and a servant steps out. She is clad in shimmering scarlet silk, with a curved blade of exquisite craftsmanship at her belt. She walks with the easy grace and confidence of a tiger, and she looks at you all with an inscrutable expression.

"The master will see you now", she says, and ushers you inside.


House Jhazar is one of the more successful and ambitious houses. They have a history in Akavé that dates back to when the Twin Queens first conquered the city - tracing their ancestry back to one of Queen Zafarha's most trusted djinni lieutenants. Like the djinni they are descended from, they have a tendency to be hotblooded - both figuratively and literally. They have an incredibly powerful affinity for the magic of fire, and this fire tends to keep their emotions running hot. They are very powerful friends, and reward their allies generously. But they are also utterly vicious to those who cross them. House Jhazar commands immense wealth and influence throughout Akavé, and are also known for their unsurpassed skill with a blade. They wield a powerful, secret style of martial arts that channels the power of elemental fire itself, and can only be practiced by those with fire in their blood.
House Jhazar is also rumoured to be one of those houses most involved in the fight over the succession. They are notorious schemers, and their ambition is boundless.

[Ramsus]

Cynthia nods to the servant and heads inside, keeping her eyes out for signs of how well House Jhazar is doing these days.

[Irish Musician]

Sha'arron (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=885120), Envoy of Larroshe, Tempest of Ta'Gharron
Sha'arron watches at the old friends talk with each other, and talk of old times past. Then the human introduces herself....as a servant of Vhaath. Her grip on her Halberd tightens for a moment and then is back to normal. A follower of that vile god......I will need to keep my eye on this one. She will be the least trustworthy, I think. It was followers of Vhaath that were always causing trouble.

"Greetings all I am Sha'arron, Envoy of my people & Larroshe, and Storm of Ta'Gharron. I do my best to maintain peace where it is, and attain peace where it is not. And if no other options lay available, well then my gods and my Halberd will do the talking. Tyrants would do well to remember this." She gave a quick glace to Mordrai, and smiled at the rest of everyone. "I hope we can find what the cause of these trouble are, and help our world get back to normal."

When the doors parted and the servant came out, who looked stunning in her silks, Sha bowed and walked inside the room, keep an eye on Mordrai the whole way.

[Professor Gnoll]

Mordrai hears Sha'arron's jab but does not rise to it. She inclines her head slightly and maintains her smile. "This is my hope as well. I am certain we will find common ground in our endeavours."

She will tolerate the inevitable insults, for now- she has heard every variation on this tired theme. Some call her ruler a tyrant, a murderer, or accuse Him of weakness- which are so foolish that Mordrai finds them more amusing than aggravating. Others prefer to attack Mordrai, calling her nothing but a slave, pointing to her wounds as signs of suffering, failing to recognise the glory of humility. She will tolerate their barbs and squeals, for they are borne out of ignorance, and amount to less than nothing in the eyes of Vhaath. The time will come when they understand.

The opulent house is far more offensive to Mordrai than Sha'arron's weak attempt. Such mountains of gold are, in Mordrai's experience, little more than an attempt to shield the personal weakness of one's soul. She should know. But gold makes for soft armour and softer weapons, and iron will pierce it soon enough. How much money was wasted on this palace, little more than a toy for the wasteful rich? Mordrai almost despairs to imagine the deeds that could have been accomplished had that gold been put in the hands of someone more responsible. And she has no doubt that more opulence yet lies in wait.

She is careful not to let the signs of her disgust show on her face, and follows the servant without comment.

[Thematthew]

Rhyas follows along, also keeping one eye on Mordrai. "This gathering keeps getting more interesting. I did not expect a devout of Vaath this far south. I thought your interests lay more... northward currently." Rhyas intoned, hoping her new associate understood the point.

[coffeegoblin]

"I guess every sellsword meets eventually." Their group was completed by two more warriors, they all seemed to reflect the diversity of purpose and skill set in the league.
Ta'Gharron, Vhaath and also the Red Lady, gods of great power, demanding devotion, of course they were nothing compared to Kalamah while she reined, but they were worthy of worship and respect.

Keshlani follows the escort, palace was decorated rather gaudily for their tastes, gold was valued in their birthplace for it's resistant to rust but used sparingly. Here even if it served a purpose it seemed to be on display not for looks but to prove a point, whether house Jhazar was incredibly rich or not they seemed to want people to believe they were.

Keshlani addresses the servant "May we know your name, I assume you know all of ours."

[Ramsus]

Cynthia looks back to Keshlani at this question, clearly confused as to why she would care about the name of a servant. She hopes she won't be asking the name of every servant they pass by or they could be here for the next week.

[Krylea]

The entrance hall is tall, and as grand as the building itself, and the corridors that follow after have walls of mirror-bright brass. White-hot flames dance in brackets on the walls, their reflections casting ripples of light that make it difficult to see much of where you are going. The woman accompanying walks on assuredly, seeming unfazed by the mirrored labyrinth ahead. As you continue, you feel yourself descending slightly, and with each step the suffocating heat grows ever more intense.


Keshlani addresses the servant "May we know your name, I assume you know all of ours."

She bows deferentially. For a moment, you think you catch a glimpse of amusement in her eyes, but then it is gone.

"I am just a humble servant, honored guest. I am sure any question you have could be answered by the master himself."

[Professor Gnoll]

Typically nauseating opulence. Mordrai can think of a thousand better uses for this amount of brass. She imagines that Jhazhar probably admires his reflection in these layered mirrors, if he even bothers to walk around this ridiculous palace. Vanity is one of the first trappings of sin to be abandoned within the halls of Vhaath.

She bows deferentially. For a moment, you think you catch a glimpse of amusement in her eyes, but then it is gone.

"I am just a humble servant, honored guest. I am sure any question you have could be answered by the master himself."
Good. At least someone here has an ounce of humility. Names are a form of vanity; and Mordrai had taken a new one, from the Codex of Vhaath, when she renounced her former self. A shame that this servant toils under a master so steeped in foul conceit, but at least she serves well and with no pride. Mordrai can think of a few who would do well to follow that example.

[Ramsus]

Cynthia also approves, though she doubted a servant of this high a house would have thrown proper decorum to the wind. Looking around she's hit with a small pang of nostalgia for her childhood days, not that they involved so much brass... just the general feeling of opulence and artistry.

[coffeegoblin]

She appeared to be more than a servant, which made her harder to convince they could be helpful to each other. "I understand." Keshlani figured it might be their only chance and attempted it anyway, they felt a little rusty and foolish at their failure.

[Krylea]

You emerge into a large cavernous chamber. Large fires burn in furnaces set into the walls, and the heat they emit is sweltering. The room is filled with tables laden with all manner of delicacies - sweetmeats, pastries, meat from rare game. At the center stands a tall man. His hair is a deep flaming red, extending in a long braid down his back. He wears robes lavishly adorned with gold, and holds a long falchion of some black metal by his side. He turns to you as you approach, and opens his arms in welcome.

"Welcome, my friends, welcome! I am Jhazar Feht. I have been keenly awaiting your arrival. Please, make yourselves at home. We can discuss business over lunch."

[Ramsus]

Cynthia walks over to the table and takes a seat across from where she thinks their host will sit, but waits to touch any of the food until he does. "Thank you for welcoming us to your home and for the opportunity and pleasure of sharing a meal with such an esteemed personage of such an esteemed House. And what a magnificent home it is, very suiting for it's master." She says in a semi-formal greeting, not particularly thinking or not thinking any of those things and just saying them out of the habit from training in high societal manners and customs when she was young.

[Thematthew]

Rhyas seats herself next to Cynthia, and briefly considers eating before deciding to follow her associate's lead. "I am eager to hear about this work you have for us. I don't believe an intriguing group like this would not be gathered over lesser work."

[Irish Musician]

Sha'arron (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=885120), Envoy of Larroshe, Tempest of Ta'Gharron
Sha gives a bow, "Well met, Jhazar Fhet. Thank you for allowing us to come into your home and partake in such a wonderful feast." Sha seats herself as close to Jhazar as she is able, remembering not to take a bite or drink anything until he does. Both for respect of their patron, but also in case any ill will is meant for them.

[coffeegoblin]

Already feeling their skin drying in the heat of the room Keshlani takes only a large glass of water and sits with the others. The warmth is tiring and they are content to let others talk, their rapier and haversack placed under the chair.

[Professor Gnoll]

Once again, Mordrai smiles- the same thin smile that greeted the rest of her companions. She removes her helm, revealing a shaved scalp tattooed with the liturgical rites of Vhaath, inky-black and elegant text that displays her dedication. Another small bow accompanies her greeting. "Hail, Jhazar Feht. I look forward to our dealings." He looks exactly as she would expect someone who owns this kind of manor to appear. Vain, coated in the signs of his covetousness, proudly showing off his pointless material wealth. Had she less self-control she might vomit on the spot. Vhaath despises the egotism of mortals, the trappings of the self they wrap themselves in. Pride must be stripped away, the naked spirit laid bare, and only then can purity be found.

The expensive food is similarly a burden upon the soul, a pleasure of the flesh that breeds only weakness. And Mordrai is certain that what is left uneaten will simply be thrown away, a waste of resources that might have been used in a hundred other ways. And the rich are not ashamed of this waste- rather, they revel in it, proud that they have the wealth to so casually squander that which others could only dream of owning.

But when Vhaath sweeps his scourge across the nations, there will be no more waste. She must simply tolerate it, until she has the power to prevent it. For now, she takes a seat, not allowing herself to slouch or settle, but rather sitting straight and ready.

[Krylea]

Cynthia walks over to the table and takes a seat across from where she thinks their host will sit, but waits to touch any of the food until he does. "Thank you for welcoming us to your home and for the opportunity and pleasure of sharing a meal with such an esteemed personage of such an esteemed House. And what a magnificent home it is, very suiting for it's master." She says in a semi-formal greeting, not particularly thinking or not thinking any of those things and just saying them out of the habit from training in high societal manners and customs when she was young.

After everyone else is seated, Feht strides over to sit at the head of the table. He glances approvingly in your direction and raises a glass of wine in a toast.

"To Zafarha, ever may she reign."

He digs in ferociously, and motions for you all to do the same.


Rhyas seats herself next to Cynthia, and briefly considers eating before deciding to follow her associate's lead. "I am eager to hear about this work you have for us. I don't believe an intriguing group like this would not be gathered over lesser work."

"Indeed! I certainly hope it shall live up to your expectations. As you say, I would not call on such prodigious warriors as yourself if the challenge were not great. As I am sure you all are aware, the city has been...on edge of late. The earth is unsettled, and the fabric of magic has become twisted and unstable. To make things worse the..." He hesitates, and a flicker of distaste flashes over his face. "...people.. of the Lower City have been agitating. Well, agitating more than usual that is. Shipments have gone missing, and there are all manner of nasty rumours going around. The political situation in the city is...delicate, and now is not the time for such disorder. "

"Your job is to get to the bottom of whatever is happening, and restore order to the city. And of course, to keep me abreast of affairs. Information is the most valuable currency, wouldn't you say? Find out anything you can about the cause of all this chaos, quell the dissident elements that you find, and report any information you have to me so that we can judge how best to bring the city to heel. For this, I will pay you all quite handsomely, even by the League's standards."

[Thematthew]

Rhyas takes a meager amount of food, enough to be sated but not excessive. "Indeed, to Zafarha." She responds to the toast, almost as an afterthought.

Restoring order and quelling dissidents? I take it the city's unease is holding back her guards then?" She continues on, sounding almost disdainful. To think that a disciple of The Red Lady would need to take up arms for a city whose guards could not, or worse yet would not, defend itself.

[Ramsus]

"To Zafarha." Cynthia toasts.

She eats a bite of something while Rhyas speaks and then asks, "Do you have any places or people in particular that you think would be fruitful to start with?"

[coffeegoblin]

"Sorry, I think there has been a mistake and the Eye have sent the wrong agent." Keshani stands and returns the untouched glass of water to a table. "Ï'll inform them to send someone of an acceptable race." They gather their things and start to leave. "Cynthia, I hope we meet again soon. Ryhas I hope we are allies for much longer next time. Mordrai and Sha'arron it seems a shame we did not get to know each other better." They tries to remain inscrutable in addressing everyone to hide their anger and shame.

[Krylea]

"Sorry, I think there has been a mistake and the Eye have sent the wrong agent." Keshani stands and returns the untouched glass of water to a table. "Ï'll inform them to send someone of an acceptable race." They gather their things and start to leave. "Cynthia, I hope we meet again soon. Ryhas I hope we are allies for much longer next time. Mordrai and Sha'arron it seems a shame we did not get to know each other better." They tries to remain inscrutable in addressing everyone to hide their anger and shame.

Feht shrugs unconcernedly "Typical. I should have expected as much."

"And what of the rest of you?"

[Ramsus]

"Excuse me for a moment please?" Cynthia says to Feht and gets up and follows after Keshani. She guides them out of the room, just far enough that they're out of line of sight and earshot and looks around to make sure there are no servants. If they are she'll shoo them away until they back off. In a whisper she'll say to Keshani, "Firstly I'd like to point out that you were personally invited here and this man is not the kind of enemy you want to make or even someone you want to remember you negatively. Secondly, despite what he may think about your people, he's still someone offering to pay you to do something I know you're going to want to do, if not already, soon enough in one way or another. If you're worried about what he might do with the information we find... well how much we tell him or other people and when is still going to be up to us. Nor are we going to agree not to act on any in ways that further our own personal interests. Third, I rather would like to work with you again. I don't know about you, but you're the only person in this group I trust in the slightest to have my back. So the way I see things, you can be frustrated and grit your teeth and take his money to work with us to do something you probably wanted to do to some degree anyway or you can have a powerful man get in the way as you try to do the same thing more or less with other people and possibly put the two of us in a position where we might wind up working at odds with each other and I doubt either of us would like much how that would end up."

[Professor Gnoll]

Mordrai notes with interest the departure of the Sahaguin. So they do not love their people? Should they not desire the opportunity to re-order their people, bring them structure? But the unenlightened are often irrational. As for Mordrai, to investigate the magical disturbances is exactly the task she desires. If there's power in this city, it would be best that Vhaath be the first to know of it.

And these powerful warriors seem... amenable to the truth that is Vhaath. They always start out resistant, believing they know the truth, hurling insults. But just as layers of skin are peeled away beneath the whip, so too does their resistance erode, transforming into grudging acceptance, then faith, then the natural state of servitude. It will take time, but Mordrai has seen even the most sinful swayed. And even if she can't bring her newfound companions to the truth, it will be a valuable opportunity to sow the seeds of Vhaath amongst the city. Often, great towers are collapsed from the foundations, and the common folk are a powerful tool. "I will carry out this task. My skillset is well suited to the quelling of dissidence and the gathering of information. I assure you that the Sahaguin will not be needed."

[coffeegoblin]

"You are right, most of what he is asking I would do for free." Keshlani sighs and turns away. "Ï wish this place were not so complicated, I fear Akave will always be. I'll wait for you and the other three outside the manor once you've finished with Jhazar and if no one objects I will join you on your tasks, but I will not take a cent of that beast's money."
They grasps one of Cynthia's hands but can't bring themselves to meet her eyes.
"I thank you for your support Cynthia, I can't expect you to understand my position and know I do not judge you for taking Feht's offer, he may be powerful and dangerous but he does not scare me."
With this Keshlani leaves to wait outside.

[Ramsus]

"Allright. I will let them know and try not to keep you waiting too long my friend." Cynthia says with a smile and then returns to her seat at the dining table where she says, "Well, Keshlani may be a bit sensitive about some matters, but they have agreed to work with you as long as I am, Lord Feht. Given their outburst, we discussed it and thought it best if they no longer meet with you in person. If it is acceptable, I will take their portion of any payment and make sure they receives what is due them? I do apologize for this unseemliness."

[Krylea]

"Allright. I will let them know and try not to keep you waiting too long my friend." Cynthia says with a smile and then returns to her seat at the dining table where she says, "Well, Keshlani may be a bit sensitive about some matters, but she has agreed to work with you as long as I am, Lord Feht. Given her outburst, we discussed it and thought it best if she no longer meet with you in person. If it is acceptable, I will take her portion of any payment and make sure she receives what is due her? I do apologize for this unseemliness."

Feht looks skeptical. "Are you sure it is wise to trust this...creature? They may work against you, or lack the stomach to do what must be done."

He pauses.

"Well, on your own head be it. I am curious to see what you do with this team, Lady Cynthia. I will watch your progress with interest."

He stares at Cynthia intensely for a few moments with a measuring gaze. "Well, off you go! There is much to be done, after all."

[Ramsus]

"So... you don't have any leads at all that you're willing to share with us before we go?" Cythnia asks, not bothering to get up until everyone else has. Primarily it's an authority thing (since she apparently has been granted it, at least in this room) but there's also the matter that she hadn't finished eating yet as she'd had to get up to chase after her friend.

[Krylea]

He motions distractedly to the servant who brought you here.

"Tani will fill you in on any relevant information. I do expect you to be capable of doing your own reconnaissance, however."

The scarlet-robed woman steps forward and ushers you all back out into the hall.

[Irish Musician]

Sha'arron (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=885120), Envoy of Larroshe, Tempest of Ta'Gharron
Sha'arron had always thought herself as open-minded and wanted to accept everyone as they were, and give them the benefit of the doubt. It, really, is what made her good in diplomatic situations. This seemed to be one of them. Keshlani had left, with Cynthia going and talking with them before they made it too far. They agreed to work with everyone, but not meet with the Feht. Sha takes a sip of her glass, "Well, I for one am glad they agreed to work with us. I know you may have an inclination to have a distaste for them, Feht. However people have an inclination to have a distaste for my people, too. However, as bad a look as I get passing in town, we are not a bad people. Same with Keshlani's people. They live in shades of grey just as we all do.....well, most of us. Give them a chance, and see your own predetermined notions put to the test."

Sha does think it is very odd that the Feht doesn't have any information to give to his supposed allies in this venture. She gives a slight bow when they leave the room and prepares to get filled in by Feht's right hand. She wish she knew why the Feht was so anxious to get them out of there without giving any details, but she imagines they will figure that out in due time. "So, Tani, since the Feht was reluctant to share information, what do you have for us?"

[Ramsus]

Cynthia rolls her eyes at Sha'arron's attempt to persuade a man like Feht to simply abandon his prejudices and follows along to hear what this Tani has to say.

[Thematthew]

Rhyas quietly leaves the table and follows Tani, seemingly uninterested in the events occuring.

[Krylea]

The scarlet-robed woman Feht referred to as 'Tani' leads you out of the room and along the winding corridors through which you came. As you walk, she speaks quietly.

"My master wishes you to have broad leeway in your investigations. There are disturbances all over the city, and you should follow whichever course seems most promising to you. That being said, we have a few leads for you. First, we do know that much of the magical disturbance was sparked by a cascade of old unstable spells from a laboratory in the Eastern quarter. This likely interacted with at least one of the other ruins underground, which might be part of whatever magical disturbance is happening. The older sections of the Lower City might be a good place to start.
The other disturbances can also be traced back to the Lower City. Trade ships of the minor house Sekkad were looted and burned in a manner that resembles Sahuagin raiders. This is highly unusual for the Sahuagin - and it isn't the only sign of Sahuagin agitation. The Lower City is abound with rumours about the ever-awaited return of their goddess, and there have been reports of strange disappearances on the lower levels.
No matter what, the Lower City should be the first place you look. Be sure to keep in touch - master Feht will want to hear of your findings."

She glances at Cynthia.
"And...if you see anything that might pertain to the interests of the master and his house, do be sure to let him know. Goodwill will be answered in kind"

Arriving at the entrance hall, she holds open the enormous doors and ushers you back into the daylight.

[Ramsus]

Cynthia gives a smile to Tani and a short "Of course" with a bit of a nod before heading outside.

She lingers a bit, walking slowly as they leave to take in the rich ambiance of the place. When she spots Keshlani, she quickly walks over and tells them what Tani told the group. Then states, "My preference would be to start by taking a look at that laboratory and perhaps find out exactly what occurred. And perhaps there might be a few leftover spells I could add to my spellbooks."

[Irish Musician]

Sha'arron (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=885120), Envoy of Larroshe, Tempest of Ta'Gharron
Sha nods in agreement, "Seems to be a sound place to start. And something tells me we should trust this 'patron' about as far as we can throw him. I may be a diplomat, but that doesn't mean I trust blindly. The rich and powerful have their own agendas.....and it may not always be in the best interests of our world." As they start to walk that way, Sha turns to Keshlani, "I am sorry that the meeting was insulting and horrible to and for you. I, too, have come across those that think less of me. Hate has no business in this world, or between companions. I hope you will count me as such."

[coffeegoblin]

"You can imagine what catches my eye Cyn, but your suggestion is wise as always and rather tempting." Keshlani is smiling, hopeful at the prospect of returning to the water, already having broken their ties to the upper city in their mind.

At Sha'arron's words they are less joyful but it's sadness not anger that creeps in.
"He's a wannabe tyrant, but worse than that a bad client. I cant respect someone who offers an unspecific reward for an unspecific goal."
They hisses and tightens up a little."I feel I must be honest given your empathy and understanding, for which I share and am grateful for, Feht's words did not hurt me so much as they made me realise I had built up a mistrust of my own people. I have failed to meet even my family for fear of how they would treat me on my return, I was planning to go by myself in turning down the job but now I go with friends and allies." They admire the group as a whole and the smile returns even larger. "And I must compliment Feht for one thing, he has a fine eye for picking champions."

[Professor Gnoll]

Ah, Mordrai's companions are so furious at Feht. Perhaps it is difficult not to be. Such an arrogant man could certainly be aggravating.

Mordrai is not angry. One should never allow their emotions to rule them, but rather approach the world with a clear mind and a steady heart. Feht is disgusting, to be sure, but to hate him is to hate the squirming insects that appear when a rock is overturned, or the squalling gulls that peck at dead fish along the shorelines. They are to be pitied or else ignored, not despised.

"Quite. We seem to be a well-wrought group, our talents many. Then let us begin at this laboratory. As the Excoriating Tower was built around a single stone, so might our efforts begin with a single step." Yes, a laboratory might house all sorts of secrets. Secrets are made to be revealed, hidden behind weak veils that a keen mind tears away to reveal the truth. And Vhaath deals only in the absolute truth, never in falsehoods or vacillating, wavering half-truths.

[Krylea]

You know that the laboratory was located somewhere underneath the Eastern quarter. There was some sort of disturbance there that was handled by local League forces. If you want to know any more than that you would have to make some sort of knowledge or charisma check to find out.

[Thematthew]

"I have little complaints about his choices when it comes to champions." Rhyas says and turns to Keshlani, "it is still good to be seeing you again, and on the same side of the battlefield this time too." She frowns briefly for a moment as she once more considers Mordrai's inclusion in the group. "I suppose you are correct that we should go to the laboratory, though I do find myself hoping we find some excitement there."

[Ramsus]

"Since we're all in agreement then...." Cynthia says and begins leading the way to the laboratory. Not that she knows exactly where it is, but she has plenty of experience with the city's streets.