GM Foxy |
"Yes. Let's hurry. I need to inform the other Duskwardens about this grave danger and that the tunnel needs to be repaired." Lopati says.
Just half an hour later the Half light Path terminates in a stone bunker just outside the city walls, near the district called the Warren. Upon the arrival, Lopati immediately informs the other Duskwardens of their encounter with the seugathis, then recovers the half light charms from the travelers. Grumm and his sons, now adding anger to their terror, take off for the city at a run, shouting insults over their shoulder regarding the Duskwardens' competence.
Before the group of adventurers can leave, however, Abra takes them aside and thanks them for their assistance in fighting the seugathis, praising their skills. To Jimmy he hands a greater half light charm, instructing him in its use. He also notes that the group would be well served to find a local guide in the Gap, and that if they ever need him during their stay in the city, they can contact him either here or at the Duskwarden Guildhouse in Bis. With this small speech finished, he turns and disappears back down the Half light Path together with some others.
with a golden arch and suspended from a black cord. When
worn, it grants the wearer darkvision 60 feet. It also grants a
+2 bonus on all initiative checks made while in underground
areas. In addition, once per year, the wearer can call on the
amulet to summon the specific Duskwarden on whom the
charm was imprinted at its creation, who is instantly teleported
to an adjacent square along with his standard adventuring gear,
provided the wearer is on the same plane. The Duskwarden is not
bound to the caster’s will in any way.
GM Foxy |
Lopati turns around. "You ended this threat already. What we need to do now is brick that arc up again with a solid wall. It's our job. It would be a shame if we couldn't handle it if in large enough numbers."
"But thank you for offering." He waves goodbye and follows his comrades into the tunnel.
GM Foxy |
As the merchant with his two sons enter the Warren there are mobs of local children who shout all to offer their service as guides. The man and his sons are busy to shoo them away and to keep them from their goods. The merchant even uses a whip as everything else doesn't help. And so the cart moves out of sight encircled by the crowd.
Gwenhwyfar Yongisdottir |
"I have no idea where we have to go. Besides to that town and that only from the name. Abomentolor, do you have a clearer picture about the place where the shard is?" Gwenhwyfar passes on the question.
Abomentolor Goblinburner |
Abomentolor concentrates on the shard. "Nope. I get a clear picture of the city here which is really nice to look at from above and then it dives down and becomes totally blurry."
"Maybe we have to polish the shard or buy it some glasses?" He ponders while rubbing the shard with his sleeve.
Gwenhwyfar Yongisdottir |
"I am a Pathfinder and I like the idea of having someone around who know his way in town." Gwenhwyfar replies and fetches the five gold from her pouch holding them them out to Gav.
Gwenhwyfar Yongisdottir |
Gwenhwyfar thinks for a while how to tell it without giving too much away.
"We search for a Tassilonian artefact. We got a rough idea that it is beneath the city. But we would like to narrow that down before we actually go searching." Gwenhwyfar explains.
Gav Nahli |
"Well duh." Gav says. "That would be the easiest of things. Were it not for the lock down of the Therassic Spire. And my first choice - asking the Augurs - is also not available as of now."
"They are on strike as they have some conflict with the Ardoc family. And no one from town will do something about that, as the Ardoc Family is rather powerful. But you know what. You can solve that for them. Follow me!" With that he grabs Gwenhwyfar's hand and darts into the crowd, dragging her through Hospice to a rathole of an inn called the Sorry Excuse.
On the way Gav explains that "The Augurs of Kaer Maga are one of its most famous and inf luential factions. The all-troll ascetic group practices a strange form of haruspicy in which members cut open their stomachs and read their own entrails to divine secrets about the future, trusting their regeneration to heal them up again after each reading."
At the Sorry Excuse, an inn that appears to cater exclusively to travelers and newcomers to the city — and thus charges double what anything should cost — Gav quickly locates an Augur sitting alone at a wooden table filled with troll-sized mugs of ale. He respectfully greets the oracle and indicates that the Pathfinders should do the same.
GM Foxy |
The Augur at the table is a female Troll. She introduces herself "May fate be with you. I'm Vargun. I presume the boy has already explained the nature of our organization. While it’s something of an open secret that many of our divinations are, shall we say, more logical than magical, this is not always the case. There are those among us who still retain the old gifts."
"My brother Augustille is gifted. His visions are unique and frequently unmarketable, which is why he rarely leaves the temple. Yet someone wants to harness that ability."
"The Ardoc brothers are artificers and golem crafters—the most powerful family in Bis. They run everything in that district, and we have long-standing relationships between our factions that must be maintained. Yet one of their younger members—an arrogant little tinkerer named Berkanin - has gone off on his own and arranged the kidnapping of Augustille from the very foot of the temple steps, and holds him hostage even as we speak, ‘studying’ my brother like one of his machines."
"The Ardocs have ignored our requests to rein in their rogue brother. We cannot engage them within their own territory, nor can any of our usual agents. But you are different. Bring back my brother, and we will bring you the information you seek."
Abomentolor Goblinburner |
"So you want us to go in, kick that Ardoc's ass and get your brother back?" Abomentolor inquires.
"Sounds like fun. Look who is the biggest guy in town. Kick him in the gonads and you'll have the respect of the whole town. If you live to tell the story. Construct crafters you say? Do these constructs burn?" he asks Tauriell.
Tauriell |
"That's true. I'm sure half of Magnimar knows him by now." Tauriell explains. And just as Abomentolor nods in agreement she adds "And half of them will facepalm themself when they see him." She grins at Abomentolor.
Gav Nahli |
"Duh. That's a tough one. The Itinerant House in the Widdershins is not raunchy at all. But you're watched all the time and they have curfews and the building is surrounded by the constabulary." Gav tries to make a point of not choosing this one.
"But if you want some reasonable housing with as little lewdness as possible I'd suggest the Canary House. It is really high class and you should try the pheasants they serve in their bistro. But you would need to put on good clothes to be let in." Gav explains looking from one to the other who look more like mercenaries, dirty from their time on the road.
Gav Nahli |
Gav tells the Augur farewell and leads the group furter into the district called Hospice. "The writhing, glistening center of Kaer Maga’s commercial zone, the district known as Hospice advertises itself to anyone who’ll listen as the district with something for everyone. Unfortunately for you it's hard to not hear the offering if you don't want something." Gav explains to Gwenhwyfar.
GM Foxy |
Being one of the two Core districts catering to visitors, Hospice is more than just a conglomeration of cathouses and cabarets. With the highest concentration of inns, stables, and hostels in the city, Hospice is responsible for housing, feeding, and entertaining all those itinerants and traveling merchants who conduct their business in Downmarket during the day, or who are too new to the city to have made friends and contacts in other districts.
Far from catering solely to tourists, the numerous restaurants, gaming halls, back-alley theaters, and wine shops are a powerful draw for locals and newcomers alike, and prime real estate in Hospice is worth enough that many of the finer establishments have been there for centuries. As can be seen on the signs where it is proudly announced.
Yet no matter how hard other businesses in the district might try to distinguish themselves — the hostlers and off beat temples, the farriers and caravan outfitters — there’s still no question among any who visit as to Hospice’s primary trade. Lascivious catamites and lithe streetwalkers catcall from every window and alley, making passersby flush pink and red with their illicit suggestions and strategically bared flesh.
Abomentolor Goblinburner |
"That's a good idea." Abomentolor says csting prestidigitation on himself too. "Anyone else?" he asks.
While walking through the streets he stares at what is offered. "This is unbelievable. I never thought I'd walk through a city where I'm the normal and decent guy."
Abomentolor Goblinburner |
"Thank you Abomentolor for offering. I would really appreciate your help."
"It's a pleasure."
"Oh, thank you. It is wonderful to be clean again"
"You're welcome." Abomentolor plays drama in a nasal tone. "But no! Stupid gnome clean us all." he complains and casts prestidigitation on everyone not covered by Niamh.
GM Foxy |
The epitome of class, this five-story inn and bistro contains the most expensive and exclusive accommodations in town — an irresistible experience for those with means, and a simultaneously opulent and discreet place for the covert assignations of the wealthy. So successful is the proprietor, Alaeh A’kaan, that he can afford to turn away any amount of money if he doesn’t like the look of a guest.
But Gav with his golden tongue manages to convince A’kaan to offer rooms to the group. Which cost 20 gold per night including dining at the bistro. Of course he has more luxury rooms for higher prices. Some of which include personal servants.
(Please state your choice of room)
Gwenhwyfar Yongisdottir |
"Thank you very much. I'll take one of these simple rooms. I have someone with me who takes care of all my needs. So there is no need of a room with a servant for me." Gwenhwyfar states smiling at Jimmy and counting out two platinum.
Abomentolor Goblinburner |
"We should consider to improve our home like this one is. It really has style." Abomentolor tells while he puts the fifteen gold on the reception.