You return to the room where you faced the pale man. The sewers still smell terrible, as sewers do, but it's not even close to the awfulness of the stench that permeated this place a couple days ago.
On your way, you cross paths with a Otyugh, but the creature doesn't bother you, just gives you a quick glance and moves on.
The memory of the path you traveled before is still fresh on your minds, so it only takes a few minutes for you to reach the large gallery with a hidden door to Borges' stash.
There's an small fortune in relics, works of art and weapons here. Most likely, this stash holds the findings of more than one of Borges' expeditions.
Except for the gold coins, pretty much everything in here appears to be really old stuff that's been polished or cleaned to look more valuable.
- 800 gp in gems and gold coins...
- Ancient-looking paintings and small statues of warriors fighting large insectoid creatures. Collectively worth at least 2000 gp.
- 2 magical weapons: a composite longbow and a rapier.
- A chainshirt and a breastplate.
- 2 wayfinders.
- 2 enchanted rings
Jaazkara picks up the rapier and offers it to Eitylen. "You can use 'dis best, yes? To better find 'dee best place to strike your foes?"
She tries to make a friendly smile.
She then very carefully picks up the various art pieces, and stows them away gingerly and readies them for transport.
Cyrus hefts the composite bow and feels along the wood. He tests it's draw strength before slipping the bow onto his back.
"Haven't used a bow in years, but couldn't be harder than remembering how to sail a ship right?"
Leng looks interested.
"I did not know you were a sailor."
"My father owns a shipping business. I occasionally went with him when the boss needed to seal a deal personally or when I grew older to learn a bit of the trade myself. I didn't take much to it, but the air of the ocean was always appealing. He didn't like me taking off to join a priesthood, but he respected enough my decision. I'm the oldest son, but he's got plenty other kids." Cyrus reminisces a bit as he shrugs into the new breastplate.
With some effort, you manage to gather the gear and jewelry in the stash... The weight isn't too troublesome, but the volume and quantity give you some difficulty. Still, Jaazkara manages to use an old carpet as an improvised bag to carry the stuff that can't be worn or easily held in hands.
And so, you depart to your next destination...
"It occurs to me that if we are going to work with each other for any stretch it might behoove us to buy or rent a base of operations, or a collective home for all of us so that we are not staying in an inn all the time, with all the security problems that brings."
Jaazkara nods and says,"'Dis sounds like a good idea."
"Finding a place not too far from the Mad Shark would be nice. It's a good place to eat and drink. Oh! We should take Jaazkara there some time."
"Perhaps a boat? Though it would have to be quite a large vessel. A barge, maybe? Not viable for sea travel, but useful for traveling on the coast, and spacious enough to serve as a home."
While there are many inns and shops (and even more warehouses) near the docks, very few of them are for sale. There's an small house no more than a block away from the Mad Shark. It seem to have been completely empty and unused for a while now. It shouldn't be difficult to find its owner(s). There is also a large, empty warehouse... One of very few. It is not in good condition and wasn't built to be a house, but it's large and near the docks.
On the far east side of the city, way beyond the dragon district and closest to the city wall, is the poorest and cheapest region of the city, the Old Oak district, where houses can be bought for as little as 1000gp, but they are about as good as what's expected from the neighborhood and price range.
The closer you get to the Golden Plaza, at the center of the city, the more expensive things become. Specially at the district immediately west from it: the Eclipse district, where the wealthiest and most influential citizens live. Even the humblest houses in that area are huge and worth a few hundred thousand golden coins.
Most of the average citizens, who aren't poor enough to live by the eastern and north city walls, but aren't rich enough to live right next to the golden plaza, live either by the docks, on some inn or military quarters, or by the north side of the city, usually on houses built by themselves or their own families.
- - -
There are many boats for sale and rental.
A small keelboat for 2~4 with a single room and not very comfortable can be bought for 1500gp. With one with (small) individual rooms and a better kitchen, for the same number of passengers/crew members costs about twice as much.
Bigger/more luxurious boats can be found for sale as well, but they cost more and usually require larger crews.
Tai Leng looks a bit deflated.
"Perhaps we should do a few more jobs first. Shall we investigate those ruins and search for clues as to the pale man's goals?"
"That sounds like a good plan. Let's head there tomorrow morning. Let's grab a bite to eat in the meantime." Cyrus will lead everyone back to the Mad Shark if nobody has any better ideas.
---
You haul your loot to the Mad Shark, where you're greeted by the young woman with shoulder-lenght light brown hair. Marcie, the receptionist (and de-facto manager) of the tavern welcomes you as amiccably as ever.
"Hello. Welcome back." she says with a sweet smile. "Oh... I see you brought a new friend..." Marcie adds while looking at Jaazkara. It's difficult to tell if she legitimately isn't surprised by the presenc3 of a lizardfolk or if she's just that good at hiding it. "If... just for a second, Marcie hesitates, unsure of how to address Jaazkara. So she side-steps the problem. "...Your friend wants a room as well, my advice is to get one as soon as possible. We're almost out of free rooms."
That surprises you. The Mad Shark never lacked for customers, but until last night, almost half of the rooms remained unused.
"Is there something going on? You seemed nearly empty a few days ago."
She seems unsure of how much to say... But sighs.
"Oh... It's nothing to worry about. We just had an unexpected demand for our rooms." she speaks calmly, waving her hands as if to dismiss the subject as irrelevant. "Suddenly having to tidy up so many rooms at once and acquiring the necessary provisions for our new guest is stretching our staff a little thin, but our service is still the best in the island!"
She doesn't seem to be lying, but you get the distinct feeling that she isn't telling you the whole truth.
"Oh... Right! You should talk to Jabs! He was looking for you."
Jabs is the young man whom you saved from a hungry Otyugh. The kid can't be older than 18 years, maybe not even that. You know he delivers fish and other sea-related goods to the Mad Shark, but he isn't an employee... He also doesn't dress or speak well enough to be a salesman at the market, so he's probably part of a fishing crew.
Jaazkara nods at the woman's greeting, and says "This one is Jaazkara; good to meet you."
Jaazkara ponders what the woman could be withholding, but her unfamiliarity with humans and their motivations is painfully evident. She observes Marcie a long moment, and thinks deeply.
Jaazkara has the distinct feeling that the girl, human or not, is not that different from merchants and inn-keepers from Jaazkara's own village. The receptionist is likely trying to avoid discussing the details of her business with people she doesn't know very well...
Even so, she did let something slip. Jaazkara realizes Marcie said "our new guest", singular, despite multiple rooms being reserved. Not only that, but apparently said guest hasn't arrived yet, considering the rooms are still being cleaned... Inns don't usually accept such big reserves to be done by messenger. Even for friends.
Whoever is coming has resources. Lots and lots of resources.
Jaazkara puts this information together in her head slowly, and in a flash of inspiration, surmises that the expected guest is both very influential and also not yet present. She quietly informs the party of this, then asks:"Is 'der someone like 'dis you know of? Who might be coming?"
"I don't think it's anybody we know. The only wealthy folks we know is the Wavebraver family that we did a job for." Cyrus tries his best to think of something but shrugs as he puts in an order for whatever food is on recommendation right now.
Marcie hears your comments and sighs.
"Well... I suppose you'd find out sooner or later... And you did come to the rescue of Liz and Jabs..." she says with a resigned tone. "A messenger from some bigwig from Chelliax arrived this afternoon. She reserved most of our rooms for her boss and his entourage. We don't usually allow such big reserves to be made by proxy, but she paid for everything in advance! Even the room service! Including tips!" she speaks as if barely believing her own words. "I don't know why someone that rich would stay in a dockside inn like ours, but I'm not complaining. Mom and dad are quite satisfied too. You really should order something tonight. Every time thy are in a mood this good, the food ends up even better than usual!"
Marcie then addresses Jaazkara.
Anyway... Uh... Miss (?) Jaazkara..." she says, still unsure of how to address Jaazkara. "...We still have 2 simple individual rooms open, if you're looking for a place to stay. They only cost 2 gp a day, or 10 gp for the whole week. If you want something cheaper... We also have a few beds left in the common room for 5 silver a day. Or 25 silvers for the whole week."
Jaazkara chuckles a hissing scratchy little laugh, then descends to outright laughter at Marcie's words.
"Oh, dear girl-", she manages through her outburst before calming down;"You make Jaazkara smile and laugh wid' your words. Of course; I will take one of 'doze rooms for 'dee night tonight, t'ank you."
She is still smiling while she reaches into her pouch for the gold coins.
Tai tucks into whatever the special is and downs a strong drink or three.
"Things are getting interesting around this town. In Tian Xia whenever a mysterious nobleman shows up in town heads usually roll freely for a time. This is probably going to be a good season for the headsman."
"Chelliax? Best we steer clear, especially of noblemen. Folks from that place put their faith in darker powers." Cyrus frowns into his tankard, displeased to know such a person will be staying at the Mad Shark.
"I'd appreciate it if we could find a better place to stay soon. Renting a common room shouldn't be too pricey."
Jaazkara gets a meal and wine, and settles near to Cyrus.
"Why Cheliax pray to...Bad 'Tings? They don't see spirit in all 'dee world around 'dem?"
"Cheliax, as far as their reputation goes, is a dog eat dog country ruled by thinly veiled despots. Asmodeus is the capital religion. Desperate nobles try to get ahead on bad deals with devils, demons or other unsavory creatures. The ones in power often have long standing contracts with powerful ones. Unfortunately, Cheliax also commands one of the most lucrative sea passages through the Arch of Aroden." Cyrus sighs as he rattles off something that sounds memorized.
- - -
"Chelliax? Best we steer clear, especially of noblemen. Folks from that place put their faith in darker powers." Cyrus frowns into his tankard, displeased to know such a person will be staying at the Mad Shark.
- - -
"I'd appreciate it if we could find a better place to stay soon. Renting a common room shouldn't be too pricey."
The waitress serving the table next to yours frowns. She finishes placing the plates on the table and then casually joins in on the conversation as if she were part of the it from the very start.
"Oh, sweet... Don't say that. You'll break our hearts! There's no better place than the Mad Shark... Just more expensive ones." her voice half wits, half genuine sincerity.
The woman must be in her mid twenties, has very dark, silky hair that falls down straight to her waist and bronze-colored eyes with a permanently sharp look. Her name is Jenny, you believe, and you see her in the company of Brenda and Marcie quite often... She attracts a lot of attention here, not only for her beauty and sultry demeanor... But also by the fact that she's the only employee of the tavern that is constantly armed and armored. A form-fitting chain-shirt can be seen bellow her white top, and and least one curved dagger is present in her waist sash.
"Not everyone in Chelliax is bad. I've met many good people there..." she says with a somewhat suggestive tone. "Besides, I doubt our new guest is nobility. Nobles don't like Blue Shell. They can't stand not having any privileges here... Well... Other than the ones money provides, anyway."
"Well... I won't tell you what to do. You're free to make poor decisions." Jenny adds, smiling. She winks at you all and struts her way to another table
- - -
After your meal you return to your quarters. Jaazkara is given a room next to Tai Leng's. Despite the comfort of your beds, morning comes fast. And you prepare for the day ahead...
The Mad Shark is exceedingly clean this morning and the smell of bread, wine and food already takes the air, but few customers are around the tavern area: A couple who rents one of the finer suites, chatting over breakfast, two men wearing the Armada's uniform, curiously looking around as if this were their first time around, a girl in bright green tian dress talking to an young blond waitress and an old bald man quietly eating a whole apple pie by himself.
By the door, the red-haired girl named Liz talks to the young man with a shaved head in-between greetings to passer-byes.
Following Borges directions, you easily find your way to the ruins he mentioned. The walk takes a couple hours, but is quite smooth. Only in the last couple miles, which take you away from the road, that walking requires some extra effort... And even then, it's nothing tiresome.
The ruins are completely quiet, save for the few bugs and critters walking around. It's immediately clear why it remains mostly undisturbed despite its proximity to Blue Shell. The buildings are not only extremely old, but also completely ordinary. If restored, this place wouldn't be much different from any other small village: A few simple houses, a small chapel, a well... Despite their age, nothing about them looks anything more than mundane. Anything worth a coin was probably looted or broken long ago, and there probably wasn't much to start with...
Even so, you can't help but feel that the aura of simplicity is a farce. Somewhere in your minds, something tells you that there's more to this place than the eye can see. Something happened here... And whatever it was, it wasn't pleasant.
"Let's take a look around and try to be gone before nightfall. Sleeping around here feels like a bad idea." Cyrus taps a finger to his forehead and looks around with increased scrutiny as he walks towards the chapel.
"A close look around, I'd caution. I feel eyes on us, though can't place them."
- - -
There are six structures that have enough walls and ceiling to still be considered buildings (old, poorly maintained builds, though) rather than lonely fractured walls randomly spread around. A chapel, two small houses mostly intact (compared to the rest of the ruined village, anyway), a half-ruined house, a barn and a surprisingly well-crafted well.
"If the stories of my people have taught me anything, it's that great evils usually choose to dwell in either incongruous places or deep, dark ones. We will likely find what we seek in either the chapel or well, though it can't hurt to check everything else."
"Let's check the Chapel first, hopefully the sanctification withstood whatever calamity befell this place."
You all feel a sudden and inexplicable feeling of nostalgia as you come closer to the ancient chapel. Curious about the mysteries this place holds, Eitylen is first to approach the ruined building. The wooden porch creaks and cracks at his steps, but nothing else happens...
However, once the rest of your party follows his lead, the air stirs and the wooden beams creak heavily! The ruined doors of the chapel slam shut with a loud thump! One of them even raising from the floor where it rested to re-attach itself to long-gone hinges.
You all hear rushed steps inside, but looking through the huge cracks and fissures on the doors and walls reveal nothing but dust and heavily eroded walls and furniture.
"Hello? I think I heard someone."