Alyse will thumb through both the book that Tollard found and the one about the Bahn Sidhe, looking for any further references to Niall IX or the Moon Beast Wars.
Myriana listened as Zadkiel and Veria spoken in some strange language. She couldn't understand it in the least. Her lack of comprehension must have shown as Veria apologized to her so Myriana skilled in reply and said, "That's alright meow, letting people assume something can be useful sometimes." She leaned in closer to Veria and continued conspiratorially, I know he's being sneaky about something but that's alright, I should probably change back before we leave anyway."[/b] With that the cute catgirl maid swisher her hips distracting lyrics as she went to the fitting room to change back to her normal clothes.
"We feel it but the sensation is not discomforting." Congruence looks back and forth to the others, making sure the reaction and his conclusion was correct. The modron also waits a moment to verify that this concludes the test. "Does that mean this armoring process will be successful? We will be able to become a better protector?" The modron genuinely smiles at this conclusion.
"We feel it but the sensation is not discomforting." Congruence looks back and forth to the others, making sure the reaction and his conclusion was correct. The modron also waits a moment to verify that this concludes the test. "Does that mean this armoring process will be successful? We will be able to become a better protector?" The modron genuinely smiles at this conclusion.
Stoney runs a hand along his knobby pate
"It should be Mr Tinker*. I would normally charge a fair bit of jink for work like this, but ...."
He looks Congruence over critically.
"I'm a magewright y'see. An' I'm working on my own project."
He gestures over to what looks like a suit of plate mail on a stand. The suit looks odd, as if it latches in the front. All the pieces seem to swing out.
"I'm looking to make intelligent armor. An' I've been hitting a bit of a dead end. So, if you wouldn't mind stopping by evry ten-day or so and giving me some time to run some tests on yeh, Congruence, it could really assist me in making my own construct. I'll do the armor for yeh gratis."
*cant:
Alyse will thumb through both the book that Tollard found and the one about the Bahn Sidhe, looking for any further references to Niall IX or the Moon Beast Wars.
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Alyse will thumb through both the book that Tollard found and the one about the Bahn Sidhe, looking for any further references to Niall IX or the Moon Beast Wars.
Alyse finds an interesting passage in the Bahn Sidhe book
...During the reign of Òisìn V, known as Òisìn the Walker, the ships of dread Leng descended on the lands of the Shadow Court. Òisìn sent emissaries to many distant lands, including the City of Doors, where he had spent time as a wanderer in his younger days. He hoped to lure the Order of the Emigrees to fight by his side, and he was successful. Despite many of the exiled Bahn Sidhe that had settled in Sigil having grudges with the Shadow Court, they found common cause against the abberations from Leng.
"I'm looking to make intelligent armor. An' I've been hitting a bit of a dead end. So, if you wouldn't mind stopping by evry ten-day or so and giving me some time to run some tests on yeh, Congruence, it could really assist me in making my own construct. I'll do the armor for yeh gratis."
Congruence matter of factly states, "Unfortunately, that schedule is incompatible with our present plans. We will be unable to procure armor from you."
The modron turns to leave but catches themselves, "We acknowledge and appreciate your offer of assistance, however." and then prepares to leave and find another armorer that works with their schedule.
Stoney pipes up
"Half a moment, Ser Modron! Let's not throw the Baatezu out with the bath water! When do you think you'll be back in town?"
Sara encourages Congruence to stay.
"This is something you need to learn Congruence. Not everything is in absolutes. The original offer did not work out, but that doesnt mean you can not try again."
"Oh, this is interesting," Alyse says, poring over the books. "Leng again; maybe the Shadow Crown really did end up there, although that's speculation on my part. And this, 'the Order of the Emigrees' - it looks like there is - or was - a population of exiled Bahn Sidhe living here in the Cage. I've never heard chant on that, that I recall. I wonder if they're still about? Might be good folk to rattle the bone box with if we want to follow up on this further?"
After jotting down a few notes of her own, Alyse shuts the book and yawns. "But maybe next Peak - or is it already after anti-peak? Either way, it's late, I need some shut eye. Are you two going to see Nye at the Dusty Wig at first hour of Before Peak? Shadow always told me to wary of Chaosmen, but Nye seems alright, and it could be interesting ... then maybe we can look more into this Shadow Crown after?"
Day 1. 1BAP Lady's Library
The library has gotten quieter as the trio studied. A set of heavy footfalls reveals the square shape of O.L.L.I the night librarian approaching. He holds a light rod high, the magical illumination playing off his red-enameled hide. His homely face smiles as he sees the three.
"This unit hopes that your investigations have been fruitful?"
Day 1. 3 BAP: The Gear Run District
Stoney nods at Sara
"Wise words. If you can't do it the way I offered, why not make me a counter-offer?"
Day 2, 2 BP: Festhall District
Myriana returns from redressing, and busies herself looking about as Zadkiel and Veria are in a conversation
Sara smiles gratefully at Stoney.
"Thank you. Congruence hasnt been here long. He still has to learn things arent as absolute as they used to be."
Zadkiel took the offered gem and channeled his memories of partying with the Dustmen.
His smile shifted to almost playful as he took in the fiend's form with his eyes.
Congruence turns to Sara, confused, and asks. "What is a counter-offer and how is one made?"
Then, considering the situation further, the modron gets even more confused and asks Stoney, "The implication detected is that your schedule is flexible. How can you accomplish anything without a set schedule? Working without a schedule is inefficient and so... unusual." Congruence says this last word with a look on their face of almost disgust.
Congruence turns to Sara, confused, and asks. "What is a counter-offer and how is one made?"
Then, considering the situation further, the modron gets even more confused and asks Stoney, "The implication detected is that your schedule is flexible. How can you accomplish anything without a set schedule? Working without a schedule is inefficient and so... unusual." Congruence says this last word with a look on their face of almost disgust.
Stoney smiles gently
"My dear modron, we haven't set a schedule yet, we are merely discussing the particulars. I make a suggestion, you let me know if that fits with your schedule. If not, we try something else."
He comes over to Congruence and pats him gently on the top of his body
"Flexibility is not a bad thing. Too much rigidity can make metal weak and easy to shatter. Armor must absorb a blow and deflect the energy away, not try to stand unyielding. Even the strongest alloys have some ability to bend. It's why they are strong."
Zadkiel took the offered gem and channeled his memories of partying with the Dustmen.
** spoiler omitted **
His smile shifted to almost playful as he took in the fiend's form with his eyes.
** spoiler omitted **
Veria gestures to Myriana
"In fairness to your companion, why don't we talk Planar Common? It's not like we're taking major secrets or anything."
Veria peers at the cube with a dissatisfied look on her lovely face
"Party sensations. How original. You do realize that every Xaos tosser tries to sell their boozy half-remembered sensations for a bit of jink ?"
Veria sighs
"Well, I am a softie when it comes to newcomers. I'll do the trade, but next time you decide to try and barter a sensorium it had better be more interesting than tossing ale back with a pack of mopey Dusties."
Veria listens to Zadkiel's question
"I have no idea my pet. Why don't you enlighten me"
Day 1. 1BAP Lady's Library
The library has gotten quieter as the trio studied. A set of heavy footfalls reveals the square shape of O.L.L.I the night librarian approaching. He holds a light rod high, the magical illumination playing off his red-enameled hide. His homely face smiles as he sees the three.
"This unit hopes that your investigations have been fruitful?"
“Hello again Olli. Yes, fairly fruitful … I think. Thanks for pointing us in the right direction.” Alyse chews her lower lip for a moment. “We need to rest now, but maybe we’ll be back. I don’t suppose … do you know if we might find any more books like these?” she gestures to the two tomes laid out on the reading desk. “To do with the Bahn Sidhe, or fey artefacts … or Leng for that matter? Actually – would you happen to know if and where we can find any of the Bahn Sidhe living here in the Cage?”
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The boxy librarian looks thoughtful. The aspergillum atop his head swings gently
"This unit has heard that many creatures of the First World dwell in the Forest District, in the Guildhall Ward. This unit has heard there is a neighborhood called Little Avalon within the Forest District that has a concentration of First World denizens living there"
O.L.L.I looks the books over
"This unit offers a search and collate service where this unit searches for information among the stacks and renders the information into a report. This unit charges 50gp per evening of work. Would you be interested in this service ?"
Zad nods at Veria's suggestion, "The Common tongue it is. Well, I have a separate memory for the information and an answer to my proffered question, if you have another crystal."
The boxy librarian looks thoughtful. The aspergillum atop his head swings gently
"This unit has heard that many creatures of the First World dwell in the Forest District, in the Guildhall Ward. This unit has heard there is a neighborhood called Little Avalon within the Forest District that has a concentration of First World denizens living there"
O.L.L.I looks the books over
"This unit offers a search and collate service where this unit searches for information among the stacks and renders the information into a report. This unit charges 50gp per evening of work. Would you be interested in this service ?"
“Oh,” Alyse chews her lip again. “We don’t have the jink. But if it seems like our patrons are interested in such a service we’ll let you know – probably no earlier than next before-anti-peak. Ta for the chant on Little Avalon – I should have thought of the Forest District myself.”
Tollard nods in agreement with Alyse. "It's worth seeing what Nye has in mind. And maybe you're right. Some of those primes are so lost, they're eager for any information they can get." He looks ruefully at Calita, concerned he might have touched a nerve.
Having finished changing and carefully refolding the outfit Myriana reappeared and took the garment back to Veria saying, "There you go meow, thanks for letting me try it on."
Despite the two speaking in a language she knew now Myriana still seemed rather distracted as she'd missed the majority of the conversation. Since she was so out of the loop the catgirl began to wander around the store, looking at various items to satisfy her curiosity about them. Some of them she recognized as their use was obvious, others she wasn't so sure, and a very few made her fur stand on end. She began to hum and added little dance steps as she moved about the place and half-listened to Veria and Zad continue their conversation.
"Perhaps you could apply some lighter armor? We are supposed to leave tomorrow."
Stoney looks up at the tall man
"Oh? Where are you folks off to?"
Day 1. 1BAP-1AAP Lady's Library-Lightning Guild
O.L.L.I. looks at Alyse with his wide round eyes
"This unit will be happy to assist you should the need arise. This unit posts here at 4 hours Before Antipeak, and remains at this geographical location until 6 hours Before Peak."
With that the odd little modron clanks off, picking up random unshelved books and finding their spots
The party tidies up and heads back out to the Lightning Guild.
The rain is light, but the cobbles outside the library are slick with puddles. They hurry off into the gloom. The Library lies on the border of the Courthall and Nobles' Districts, within the Lady's Ward. As such, they are within some of the most patrolled areas of the Harmonium. As the trio heads out, cloak hoods raised against the fog and rain, they see several patrols clanking along the wet well-ordered streets.
Fortunately the patrols don't bother them, and they manage to get to Coppermna's Way without incident.
After the crowds of Harmonium and groups of richly-clad revelers, it is a relief to see the crush of Copperman's Way ahead. The buolevard is jam packed, as it is any hour of the peak, with wains and porters carrying goods to their destinations. They see a flash as a portal opens, dumping a wizard-type with rich-looking robes to the cobbles. The wizard gets to his feet, staring about with wide eyes. A small boy comes up to him. He is well into his tout spiel as the group passes
"Don't you worry, Ser Prime! It's all a bit of a much to take in at first, but I'm happy to show you a place to recover yer equilibrium and perhaps get a nice unwatered drink to steady yer nerves. After all, gating is difficult doings!"
The group makes it to Fleet Street without incident. They round the corner presided over by Hermes' worn statue, and make their way to the Crossroads Lightning Guild.
Since it is just after Antipeak, the guild is currently in its night configuration of public house. The tables are thronged with a myriad of cutters, many of them working the left-handed trades. Guilio Faircopper, the local fence and Theives' Guild capo is holding court over by the hearth, a fancy jinkskirt on each of his plump sides.
Narmonder the After Antipeak dispacher is behind the glass, calling out jobs to a waiting pool of young cutters. Narmonder is a goblin of some sort, or an orc, or perhaps something similar but not quite. He never offers any information on his ancestry. He is tall wide, with long pointed ears, small tusks, and skin as grey as a Sigil dawn. Despite his appearance he speaks very eruitely, almost too posh for the likes of his charges.
“Ah, it’s never quiet in the Bazaar,” says Alyse. “Well, I’ve done enough work for this peak – I need some shut eye. Are you two kipping at St Cuthbert’s? Well, I’ll be off to Shadow’s, it’s not far – see you at the Dusty Wig.”
Sara's cheecks heat up a bit with a mix of pride and embarrassment.
"We three got accepted into an apprenticeship at the Planar Trading Consortium. We're leaving on a run of the outlands soon."
"Yeah, I've got a bed at St. Cuthbert's, and it's definitely calling me. Until tomorrow, then." Tollard goes to turn in for the night.
Zad nods at Veria's suggestion, "The Common tongue it is. Well, I have a separate memory for the information and an answer to my proffered question, if you have another crystal."
Veria looks intrigued
"Very well, let me find another"
She returns to her desk and then brings them a crystal
"Here we go."
Sara's cheecks heat up a bit with a mix of pride and embarrassment.
"We three got accepted into an apprenticeship at the Planar Trading Consortium. We're leaving on a run of the outlands soon."
Stoney smiles
"That's good news! Congratulations!"
He looks Congruence over
"I'll tell you what. I'll get you outfitted with the armor if you promise that when you return to Sigil you come visit me and allow me to run some tests on you. Does that sound fair?"
"Yeah, I've got a bed at St. Cuthbert's, and it's definitely calling me. Until tomorrow, then." Tollard goes to turn in for the night.
Tollard heads off through the Bazaar to get to St. Cuthberts. The Bazaar is crowded, even at this late hour, the customers of a more nocturnal bent. He dodges a pair of Mind flayers, and then sidesteps what looks to be a group of gold-plated skeletons. Despite the sinister mien of the crowd, there is no obvious violence occuring. The groups of Indep enforcers and Harmonium patrols seem to keep the cutters on the up and up. Calita follows along, wide-eyed.
St. Cuthbert's looms out of the dark, drizzly fog. He enters through the night entrance, getting a sour look from the young monk guarding it. He finds his kip and flops down exhausted. The young monk finds a spot for Calita to rest for the night in one of the female rooms.
Alyse heads to Shadow's kip. Shadow isn't there, no real surprise, but Alyse knows the means to unlock her door. She kips on the floor by the banked hearth, drying her clothes by the last of the embers..
Day 2. 4BP St. Cuthberts/Shadow's kip
The bustle of the morning at St. Cuthbert's rouses Tollard and Calita from their slumber. Bacon is frying somewhere and children are scurrying about finishing chores.
Alyse wakes up to see Shadow building up the fire with a few razorvine bundles. The black-twisted 'logs' burn bright and hot with a whiff of brimstone. Shadow looks her over.
"Any luck last peak ducks?"
Zadkiel takes the memory stone and his smile takes on the pained look of someone dredging up unpleasant memories.
Then the shadow descended over me, blotting out my light and plunging me into penumbra. My form is filled with pain as the sensations of thousands of blades rack my form. I leap up, attempt to fly, but my back erupts into agony and my light dims further still. Cast down, cast out. First into cold and then, as I plummet, fiery heat licks at my body. The pain becomes unbearable as I shield my eyes and watch my hands char and blacken, the flesh splitting from the heat. I leave a trail behind me, a great arcing light in the sky. The fall is for what seems an eternity, driving me half mad. A cry out, a plea for mercy and the shadow hears me, though whether it seeks to punish me still, I know not. Consciousness fades for a time and when I come too, I see myself falling toward to top of an infinite spire.
While Veria and Zad were talking about intriguing stones and memories Myriana had continued her dance like movements around the store, flowing from one display to the next until she found a pole that was mounted for some reason. Not really knowing why it was there she shifted her dance to using the pole, sliding and spinning up, down, and around it. Her talent showed as her movements became nearly seductive with an innocence that implied she didn't realize just how arousing her performance was.
Zadkiel takes the memory stone and his smile takes on the pained look of someone dredging up unpleasant memories.
** spoiler omitted **
When the recording is done, Veria takes the crystal and closes her eyes. She opens them up a few minutes later
"IN-teresting. I guess I can give you a bit of chant for that."
Veria goes to her desk and wires something on a piece of parchment. She returns to Zadkiel and hands it to him
"Go to that address. Ask for Shyftis. When you greet her tell her Veria sent you and mention the words 'King's Blue'. She'll understand. You can ask her anything you like about your missing deity."
Veria looks Zadkiel over
"Do yourself a favor and get out of the habit of referring to him by name. It's almost as bad as talking about Her."
Alyse dreamt of shadowy fey, a crown that burnt with black flames, strange yellow sailed ships, and an ancient, forbidding city atop a high, cold plateau.
She wakes with a start, but is comforted by the sight of Shadow lighting the fire – it makes her feel like a young girl again. She snuggles in her blanket, enjoying the contrast between the cold stone of the floor and the soft blanket against her bare skin, wrinkling her nose at the smell from the burning razorvine logs.
“Some,” she answers Shadow, raising her eyebrows. “I can’t say for certain we found any dark that your Primes don’t already know or would pay jink for, but we’re starting to figure out some of the chant on this Crown. We did some research at the Lady’s Library last before anti-peak; according to what we discovered, the Crown of Shadows was forged in the Shadowlands by a Svartalfar by the name of Haruscrux; a Sciomancer and a magewright. The Shadow Crown was his most famed creation, made for the Bahn Sidhe King, Niall IX. The artifact was handed down from generation to generation until the Moon Beast Wars. After that, its all rumours; A company of Darakhul mercenaries were said to have taken back into their Underdark kingdom. There are also rumours that it ended up in the souks of far Leng the terrible. Still another rumour places it in the personal collection of the chief vizier to the Emir of the City of Brass.”
Alyse stops quoting from the book and shrugs. “We did find another source that seemed to confirm a war between Leng and the Bahn Sidhe of the Shadow Court, but nothing solid – no specific mention of the crown. I’ve got some ideas on other avenues of investigation, but I won’t be able to get to it until later – got some work this Peak. Oh, the modron that works anti-peaks at the Lady’s Library did offer to do additional research on our behalf, but it charges 50 gold a night – not sure if your Primes are flush – or clueless – enough to fork out for that.”
After talking to Shadow, Alyse dresses, grabs something to eat and heads over to the Dusty Wig.
Alyse dreamt of shadowy fey, a crown that burnt with black flames, strange yellow sailed ships, and an ancient, forbidding city atop a high, cold plateau.
She wakes with a start, but is comforted by the sight of Shadow lighting the fire – it makes her feel like a young girl again. She snuggles in her blanket, enjoying the contrast between the cold stone of the floor and the soft blanket against her bare skin, wrinkling her nose at the smell from the burning razorvine logs.
“Some,” she answers Shadow, raising her eyebrows. “I can’t say for certain we found any dark that your Primes don’t already know or would pay jink for, but we’re starting to figure out some of the chant on this Crown. We did some research at the Lady’s Library last before anti-peak; according to what we discovered, the Crown of Shadows was forged in the Shadowlands by a Svartalfar by the name of Haruscrux; a Sciomancer and a magewright. The Shadow Crown was his most famed creation, made for the Bahn Sidhe King, Niall IX. The artifact was handed down from generation to generation until the Moon Beast Wars. After that, its all rumours; A company of Darakhul mercenaries were said to have taken back into their Underdark kingdom. There are also rumours that it ended up in the souks of far Leng the terrible. Still another rumour places it in the personal collection of the chief vizier to the Emir of the City of Brass.”
Alyse stops quoting from the book and shrugs. “We did find another source that seemed to confirm a war between Leng and the Bahn Sidhe of the Shadow Court, but nothing solid – no specific mention of the crown. I’ve got some ideas on other avenues of investigation, but I won’t be able to get to it until later – got some work this Peak. Oh, the modron that works anti-peaks at the Lady’s Library did offer to do additional research on our behalf, but it charges 50 gold a night – not sure if your Primes are flush – or clueless – enough to fork out for that.”
Shadow follows along, nodding thoughfully
"That's a good peak's work there. I'll pass that along to my people.."
She hands Alyse a small bag. Inside is another 50 Ladies
"Keep yer ear to the road, yeh? Anything you hear cold be useful."
After talking to Shadow, Alyse dresses, grabs something to eat and heads over to the Dusty Wig.
Day 2. 3 BP. Great Bazaar-Court District.
Alyse sets off along Copperman's Way, eager to see what the peak has in store. The boulevard is jammed with wains pulled by lizards and the fiendish-blooded oxen that are a common dray animal in the Cage. Their red-and-black spiked horns are usually cut and capped, and their fanged mouths are muzzled, but they are still disquieting. The other common pack animal, Cager children and teenagers are on the road in large numbers.
As Alyse ponders her breakfast options from the food carts liberally sprinkled among the various side streets she hears a loud voice yell
"OI! You there! Alyse the Indep! Stand to!"
She whirls and sees Hard Theros shouldering his way through the crowd, flanked on either side by his Harmonium brethren. The short burly dwarf is kitted out in full Hardhead gear, so he is on the clock. His two fellow officers are similarly kitted, as well as one having a planar mancatcher
Theros stumps up to Alyse and looks up at her.
"There's been a report of a pale female making sexual solicitations without a permit and pickpocketing. Any chance that might be you, Indep?"
Alyse groans inwardly even as a blush flushes her pale cheeks. She looks around, hoping to see a friendly face in the crowd.
“No,” she says firmly. “There is no chance that might be me. I don’t do – either of those things. I’m no jinkskirt and no Knight of the Post - ask anyone. And ‘a pale female’ – really? That could describe a hundred – a thousand – women around here. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m late for work. At my job in the Court District.”
Sara's cheecks heat up a bit with a mix of pride and embarrassment.
"We three got accepted into an apprenticeship at the Planar Trading Consortium. We're leaving on a run of the outlands soon."Stoney smiles
"That's good news! Congratulations!"
He looks Congruence over
"I'll tell you what. I'll get you outfitted with the armor if you promise that when you return to Sigil you come visit me and allow me to run some tests on you. Does that sound fair?"
"We find those terms satisfactory and give our agreement."
Sara smiles proudly at congruence.
"See, that wasnt so hard now was it?"
"Generous, indeed! You have our thanks, master craftsman."
Alyse groans inwardly even as a blush flushes her pale cheeks. She looks around, hoping to see a friendly face in the crowd.
“No,” she says firmly. “There is no chance that might be me. I don’t do – either of those things. I’m no jinkskirt and no Knight of the Post - ask anyone. And ‘a pale female’ – really? That could describe a hundred – a thousand – women around here. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m late for work. At my job in the Court District.”
[dice=Intimidate]1d20 + 5
Theros harrumphs, looking disgusted
"Sigil Municipal Code 34 , Section 94c clearly states that all sex workers need to have a valid permit from the Fraternity of Order's Bureau of Hygene. Any sex worker caught soliciting business without said certificate will be remanded to the Mercykiller Prison to await trial "
"Code 65, Section 78f states that any sentient caught in the act of removing items from the person of another without prior permission will be remanded to the Mercykiller Prison to await trial "
Theros now looks like he is chewing a lemon
"Lucky for you, Indep, I have no proof."
He scowls even fiercer
"But I do know the company you keep. Chaos keeps to its own. Know that I've got my peery eye fixed on you, Indep. Break the law at your own peril."
He makes a shooing gesture
"Away with you"
Alyse breathes a sigh of relief. The last thing she needed was to be taken in by the Hardheads, especially Theros. She idly wondered what Shadow had done to have him after her so hard. Though it probably wouldn’t take much. The nerve of him to accuse her of being an unlicensed jinkskirt!
She continued on towards the Dusty Wig.
Zadkiel takes the parchment with a nod, "Thank you, Veria. A pleasure doing business with you. And, I'll take your advice regarding the dead one to heart." He inclined his head to Myriana, "Are you ready to go my dear?"
Spinning her way sensually down the pole and landing on her feet with her arms above her head and feet slightly spread Myriana glanced over at him and said, with a chest heaving from exertion, "Yep, I'm ready meow. Just let me catch my breath a second." She stood like that a moment or two more before using one foot to push off from the pole and start walking towards the door, "K ,let's go meow, nice meeting you Veria!"she called out as she swished towards the exit.