Sare rolls the scroll back up. "Thanks cutter. We'll get out of yer way now."
Sara leads congruence to the right side of the large room.
Pfew, that went worse then I tought... I was gonna say hair, but out of his way will have to do. Glad I didnt say gills...Still not sure where to go exaclty Sara holds up the parchment again.
"Any here from Aqualon? We're here to pick up a donation to St. Cuthbert?"
The Aqualon company is an area given over to various fish and seafood. A giant red octopus in a tank sits in the middle of the area they claim. A large trumpet extends from the base of the tank. Various orders are being shouted out from the trumpet, although it just seems to be attached to the base. When Sara speaks up the horn blares out
"MINEVA!! Take care of the Modron and the bint! They're that order Estevan donated!"
A young girl runs up. She has an intriguing skin, black and white, glossy and smooth. Her eyes are wide black pools, and a violet topknot of hair sits on her skull.
"This way, cutters. I gots yer order all set aside"
She leads them past the displays and into a back storage area. Ice and fish are stacked up here, with workers chipping ice blocks into rubble and shoveling the rubble onto the fish. Salt water sloshes around their shoes, the briny smell permeating the room. At the far end is a circular pool of blue on the wall. A man in a pair of shorts and nothing else appears through the blue circle, a bag of wriggling fish slung over his back.
"Here cutters, let me get some ice for yer cart"
The black and white girl deftly shovels the handcart half full of ice. She then places their fish on top and covers the entirety with seaweed.
"I hope you enjoy them. That's some top shelf fish and clams there!"
... did you get the food your mother sent you for? Can you find your way back to her from here?"
The silver Kobold looks sad
"They stole my money. I'm going to have to go home and tell her. I can find my way home. Thank you for helping me"
The Kobold begins to walk away with a limp, wincing
Tollard slips through the crowded streets with familiar ease. In the tonier neighborhoods, he keeps a low profile and avoids getting in the way of more powerful citizens. When they reach the Lower Ward he walks with purpose but avoids drawing attention.
He strides right up the door of the Alehouse and raps upon the frame.
A dwarf in an apron and with an odd bag over his beard and a similar one on his head answers the door
"Aye lad. What can I do yeh for?" He says in a thick Dwarven accent
..."M'lady, I try not to take commissions to the Hive. Most of my couriers are young. ""Oh dear! Is the Hive really that bad?"
"You've never been?"
"Celestia, no! Why would I?"
"But you have an acquaintance there "
"Well, yes. A former employee "
"It'll cost yeh. 15 ladies. Payment up front "
"Well, if I must"
The lady brings forth a gleaming silver-white coin
"Can you give me change for a Hammer?"
The Hive.... Reedalvan, being a bit overconfident, thinks to himself, It's bad there, yeah. Or, so I've heard. The Hive Ward isn't so bad, if you watch yourself, no need to end up in the dead book there. I could do it... though it'd be better if I had some other bashers with me.
Reedalvan decides to interrupt. He hopes that Frenjik is in a friendly mood and doesn't verbally bite off his head for butting in, but he can't resist trying to turn on the charm.
"Frenjik's right, m'lady," Reedalvan says, coming towards Frenjik and the woman with a very slight bow. "The Hive is a right dangerous place, it is. Takes a cutter who knows which way the Spire is to get a message safely in there. You want only the best...."
He cocks a jaunty half-smile.
Take 10 on Diplomacy for 16, or Bluff for 18, as necessary.
Frenjik harrumphs, a sound like a chicken getting stepped on. He says nothing though, just fixing Reedalvan with a beady birdeye
"Well, my good man, if you could deliver my letter I would consider it a personal favor"
She flips a small card out of a small golden case and hands it to Reedalvan. It reads:
Kiandra Hal'Oight, 1 Throckmorton place, Nobles District, Lady's Ward, Sigil
The card is of a fine card stock with embossed gold lettering. A faint glow comes off the letters as well
"That will work. When were you looking to start?"Hazmek grins wider
"Next Peak if that's Mr Tinker with you?"
Tsun nods in agreement and drains his Kaveh in a single, long pull. I'll be paying for that later, but I need to get away from this cutter with his barmy smile. He exhales a sigh of contentment and places the mug on the table. "My thanks again, Hazmek. If your boys are all rounders like you, this should be happy work. Next Peak, then." Tsun gathers his cloak about his, doing his habitual pat-down to make certain that all of his belongings are still in their proper place, and departs back into the streets. He is intent to make his way back to the Lodge to talk with Brother Meytal.
... did you get the food your mother sent you for? Can you find your way back to her from here?"The silver Kobold looks sad
"They stole my money. I'm going to have to go home and tell her. I can find my way home. Thank you for helping me"
The Kobold begins to walk away with a limp, wincing
Alyse is sad for the silver kobold, but what can she do? She's already gone out of her way to help the poor sod, but she's not a charity after all ...
Reedalvan bows again, "I'd be delighted to deliver your letter, but all of the business arrangements do go through Frenjik here."
He looks over to Frenjik with a questioning look, one eyebrow up.
Frenjik nods slightly
"It's yours cutter. Standard fee"
Reedalvan knows the Hive is a 2-lady fee
The richly-dressed young woman hands him several gold Ladies.
"Please deliver it with the utmost swiftness. If there is a reply, please bring it to my manse. At the servant's entrance they will further remunerate you."
Frenjik coughs
"That will be another 15 ladies upon delivery, my lady"
The woman turns on the rapacious raptorman
"My dear sir! I can certainly see the reason for such a high cost to deliver, but the same fee to walk the Lady's Ward? Are you mad?"
Frenjik makes a kirrring sound in his throat
"10 ladies. It will take him all peak to get back from that run."
The lady Kiandra considers
"Done. The door man will have 10 ladies in payment should you have a return missive. I will also see to it that you receive some refreshments after your long day"
Frenjik hands Reedalvan the letter
"All yours, cutter. Hermes speed you on your way."
Tsun nods in agreement and drains his Kaveh in a single, long pull. I'll be paying for that later, but I need to get away from this cutter with his barmy smile. He exhales a sigh of contentment and places the mug on the table. "My thanks again, Hazmek. If your boys are all rounders like you, this should be happy work. Next Peak, then." Tsun gathers his cloak about his, doing his habitual pat-down to make certain that all of his belongings are still in their proper place, and departs back into the streets. He is intent to make his way back to the Lodge to talk with Brother Meytal."That will work. When were you looking to start?"Hazmek grins wider
"Next Peak if that's Mr Tinker with you?"
Everything seems to be as Tsun had it before he sat down. He hurries through the Great Bazaar, ignoring the calls and hawkings of the merchants
He makes it back to St Cuthbert's, and returns to Brother Meytal's office. The monk looks up and smiles
"Ah Tsun! You made good time! What did you think?"
Alyse is sad for the silver kobold, but what can she do? She's already gone out of her way to help the poor sod, but she's not a charity after all ...... did you get the food your mother sent you for? Can you find your way back to her from here?"The silver Kobold looks sad
"They stole my money. I'm going to have to go home and tell her. I can find my way home. Thank you for helping me"
The Kobold begins to walk away with a limp, wincing
The silver Kobold disappears into the thick fog. The two, having naught else left to do in Little Draukari head back into Ragpicker's Square
As they near the boundaries of the neighborhood...
Orla helps with the wooden contraption trying not to look in awe at every little thing they past trying not to attract to much attention to herself.
As the Gnolls shoulder them aside she tries to take not of any noticeable features in case they try to start trouble, but they are just a quickly gone from her view as they came.
When she sees the red heavily armored beings she makes a note to ask Tollard who those imposing figures are.
Once Orla and Tollard reach the sections of the city she where it seems one keeps their meager coin purse close she starts to follow Tollard's lead.
Once they arrive at the brewery and the dwarf answers in his heavy dwarfish accent she replies in their native tongue.
Calita eyes the little Kobold with a twinge of regret. "If only I was a bit more flush with gold..." She shrugs. "Oh well, I'm sure he'll survive," she thinks, before following Alyse back towards the Lightning Guild.
Calita eyes the little Kobold with a twinge of regret. "If only I was a bit more flush with gold..." She shrugs. "Oh well, I'm sure he'll survive," she thinks, before following Alyse back towards the Lightning Guild.
Four sling stones come whizzing down from the rooftops 30' above the street.
Orla helps with the wooden contraption trying not to look in awe at every little thing they past trying not to attract to much attention to herself.
As the Gnolls shoulder them aside she tries to take not of any noticeable features in case they try to start trouble, but they are just a quickly gone from her view as they came.
When she sees the red heavily armored beings she makes a note to ask Tollard who those imposing figures are.
Once Orla and Tollard reach the sections of the city she where it seems one keeps their meager coin purse close she starts to follow Tollard's lead.
Once they arrive at the brewery and the dwarf answers in his heavy dwarfish accent she replies in their native tongue.
** spoiler omitted **
The dwarf smiles and replies
Dwarvish:
The dwarf beckons them inside
Calita flinches as small stones whiz by her head to clatter against the street. Spinning and drawing her bow from her back in one fluid motion, she scans her surroundings as she steadily pulls out an arrow and nocks it.
Calita can see a bit of movement above, but the fog and the 30' height make it difficult
"I think he has... mostly good intentions." Tsun scratched at his chin. "He's a goblin, which makes him quirky. And an Indep, which also makes him quirky. If he weren't a factotum I would say we should be peery, but I believe the namers they send over should be all right as long as they don't do anything without my eye on them."
Myriana purred happily as Zadkiel agreed to work the job with them and said, "Great meow! We are a team!" She polished off her plate full of food and said, "I'm ready when you are."
"F&%*!" Alyse swears, as a stone strikes her.
Four sling stones come whizzing down from the rooftops 30' above the street.[dice=Calita]1d20-1;1d3-1
[dice=Calita]1d20-1;1d3-1
[dice=Alyse]1d20-1;1d3-1
[dice=Alyse]1d20-1;1d3-1
[dice=Initative]1d20+1
Four sling stones come whizzing down from the rooftops 30' above the street.[dice=Calita]1d20-1;1d3-1
[dice=Calita]1d20-1;1d3-1
[dice=Alyse]1d20-1;1d3-1
[dice=Alyse]1d20-1;1d3-1
[dice=Initative]1d20+1
"I think he has... mostly good intentions." Tsun scratched at his chin. "He's a goblin, which makes him quirky. And an Indep, which also makes him quirky. If he weren't a factotum I would say we should be peery, but I believe the namers they send over should be all right as long as they don't do anything without my eye on them."
Brother Meytal beams
"Excellent! I shall designate you their supervisor then."
He looks down on his desk and picks up a paper
"I have one more chore for you this peak, if you could be so kind. A local mill has donated a wagon load of lumber towards our repairs. They are a new outfit in the Lower Ward by the Ditch. I was wondering if you, and perhaps some other of our charges you feel are dependable, could go and assist with its loading and delivery? The wagon is at the mill, we just have to shepherd it back here."
Sara does her best not to gape at all that food. While she hasnt known true starvation, she has known tough times.
"Thank you Mineva. That Estevan is a real blood, looking out for us little ones like that."
The orca-skinned girl smiles. She seems nice, but her teeth are a little offputting. They are all pointy
"Oh he's a big mover and shaker in the Bazaar. He's good to the locals too. He isn't declared for the Indeps, but he does a lot of charity work for them. My Da says he can't declare openly 'cuz he's a peery tradesman, an' he does a lot of trade with the other factions."
Cant:
Annie was busy talking to Click-Click as Myri was checking things out.
Sooo, you have any errands for me today? she asks casually, hoping that she will be sent someplace interesting.
as Myri headed off, Ok, I'll see you there, sorry for pulling you away from your breakfast.
The Kobold looks down at a piece of paper on his workbench
"Yes , yes! I have letter from a friend who has some things for me. Would you pick them up for me? I cannot get away. I'll give you a Stinger if you go"
The Kobold produces a silver coin from his pouch
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"I think he has... mostly good intentions." Tsun scratched at his chin. "He's a goblin, which makes him quirky. And an Indep, which also makes him quirky. If he weren't a factotum I would say we should be peery, but I believe the namers they send over should be all right as long as they don't do anything without my eye on them."Brother Meytal beams
"Excellent! I shall designate you their supervisor then."
He looks down on his desk and picks up a paper
"I have one more chore for you this peak, if you could be so kind. A local mill has donated a wagon load of lumber towards our repairs. They are a new outfit in the Lower Ward by the Ditch. I was wondering if you, and perhaps some other of our charges you feel are dependable, could go and assist with its loading and delivery? The wagon is at the mill, we just have to shepherd it back here."
"Can do, Brother Meytal. I will have to back pronto."
Tsun makes his way downstairs, stopping by his room and check the knob to make certain it is still locked. The Lodge sure has its share of rascals right now. He arrives at the landing and looks around for some 'volunteers.'
Calita mutters something under her breath and then begins to slowly rise into the air.
Alyse’s eyes widen in impressed surprise as Calita begins rising up into the air. Unfortunately the human girl doesn’t have a similar trick up her sleeve, and with her own knowledge of spellcraft, suspects that Calita’s magic will not be enough to bear both of them up – and at any rate, she hardly wants to end up dangling from the other girl’s legs.
Instead, she dashes towards the front façade of the building atop which the slingers are perched, hoping to put herself out of the line of fire due to the slight overhang of the roof compared to the ground floor, and any further protection provided by door lintels, window ledges and other features of architecture. At the very least, she thinks, the slingers would have to lean out over the roof edge to get at her, presenting better targets for Calita … and with a little luck they may even fall …
As she runs, and upon reaching shelter, the girl looks for and assesses any likely looking possibilities to climb up to the roof, paying particular attention to ledges, corners, and narrow spaces between buildings – she is aware of her own shortcomings when it comes to climbing ability, and isn’t even going to attempt a climb that doesn’t look easy. Even better than a place to climb might be an open doorway, perhaps providing internal access to the roof …
Sara nods. "Yeah, sounds like he's got some good worms in his brain box. I am sure the monks will send him thanks, but if you can do thank you form me personally. This here will help us immensely. We orphans got to be gannets, but a nice meal goes a long way."
Taking up position next to the cart, Sara waves good bye to Mineva. "Thanks cutter!"
Worms
Brains, smarts, intelligence. To say someone's got worms is to imply they're quite clever
Gannet
An indiscriminate eater, particularly referring to someone not of tiefling descent.
Reedalavan gives the woman another short bow before nodding to Frenjik. He tuck the letter away into a fold in his garmet, and it seems to disappear as he does so.
"Off to the Hive, then!" he says with enthusiasm.
Moving jauntily out of the Guild, he starts to make way towards the Hive Ward. As he does so, he begins to have a few misgivings. Reedalvan, you addle-cove, what have you gotten yourself into now? He doesn't let them slow him down.
As he gets to the Hive Ward, he begins to be a bit more on the alert. As he approaches that dangerous core, the Hive itself, he focuses as carefully on his surroundings as he can, alert for danger.
Tuck the letter away into his Pickpocket's Outfit. Including the +2 from the outfit:
Once he gets to the Hive, he'll keep a close eye on anybody he sees nearby, and will look for lurking danger.
Tsun makes his way downstairs, stopping by his room and check the knob to make certain it is still locked. The Lodge sure has its share of rascals right now. He arrives at the landing and looks around for some 'volunteers.'
Tsun spies breakfast wrapping up. There is the cat-girl Myriana, the odd boy Zadkiel, and the gnomish girl Annabelle all chatting together over flapjacks and sausages. There is also Rig, a young skinny boy and Polgara, a tall willowy girl busy scraping the last bits of food out of their trenchers.
Tollard regards Orla and the brewer blankly as they speak in an unfamiliar tongue. Still, when the dwarf gestures them inside, he catches the drift, smiles at them both, and steps in.
Sara nods. "Yeah, sounds like he's got some good worms in his brain box. I am sure the monks will send him thanks, but if you can do thank you form me personally. This here will help us immensely. We orphans got to be gannets, but a nice meal goes a long way."
Taking up position next to the cart, Sara waves good bye to Mineva. "Thanks cutter!"
Congruence stares around at everyone for a moment, a bit of strain creeping into their eyes. A squeak from the modron's backpack snaps Congruence out of whatever state they were in. Confused, the modron looks to Sara and then to Mineva.
Then back to Sara.
Then the full cart - back to Sara as she waves - and then back to Mineva.
Congruence does their best imitation of Sara's smile and wave, before hurriedly beginning to depart with the cart.
Turning to Sara, "We appreciate you conversing with the merchants for us.
Analyzing the interactions of so many individuals is difficult. An exceedingly high quantity of causal relationships was detected. Unfortunately, the fluidity likely led to significant incorrect identifications."
Congruence shrugs and exhales in what might be an attempt at a sigh. "The complexities of social interactions remain beyond our comprehension." The modron looks at Sara knowingly, confident she has noticed this apparent truth as well.
Ultimately, however, they are proceeding well in completing their chore. Thoughts of completing a task is enough comfort for a confused modron. The confusion drifts away leaving only the task itself, and task completion unit of Sara and Congruence.
Sara gives Congruence what she hopes is a reassuring smile. "Its no problem Congruence. Social interaction is weird. I always tought grown ups new what they were doing. That wisdom comes with the years as they say. But now that I am older, I suspect they also dont really know what they are doing."
Sara mimics Congruence shrug and sigh. "We just do as we think best and we'll see what happens. Im just happy I have the best task completion buddy ever."
Sara and Congruence wave their goodbyes and exit the Merman building
They trundle their seaweed-and-ice-wrapped seafood along the stall paths, slowly making their way back to St. Cuthbert's.
Brother Tilner meets them at the kitchen entrance
"Excellent work, the both of you!" He beams
He begins to unwrap the items and bring them into the kitchen. The smell of frying fish soon permeates the area
"Lunch will be a delight! We shall have to send Ser Estevan a note of thanks. Perhaps after lunch you two could deliver it?"
Congruence beams at the approval of Sara and Brother Tilner. The modron is finally beginning to feel a purpose with his adopted home. With a new task slated for this afternoon, Congruence begins making mental plans.
"Task giver Brother Tilner, what is Ser Estevan's location? Time is required for planning the optimal delivery path."
Pointing to Sara, Congruence smiles and continues, "We aspire to be the greatest task completion buddies."
Sara contemplates teaching Congruence about the high five. But it might still be too early to introduce him to that concept.
"Thank you brother Tilner. In the mean time, is there anything we can do with the leftover ice or the seaweed? I think you can eat it? Or maybe only some of it?"
Orla follows the brewmen inside. Taking not of the insides and listening to any dwarven gossip she may here as she follows the man inside.
She turns her head looking over her shoulder at Tollard. "Don't worry he said you were only a little pretty." The mirth in her voice and the wink she gives him is hard to disguise.
Orla turns back to the brewmen.
"Myriana, Zadkiel, Annabelle! Brother Meytal needs us to haul some lumber from the market to the Lodge. We need to go and help them load their wagon and guide it back here. So shove down those last bites and let's get moving, if you please."
Myriana was just considering a second plate when Tsun hollered for the trio to come along with him. She groaned and said quietly, "Ugh, it's Tsun, and he wants us to load a wagon of lumber?! This isn't fun meow." She sighed and finished her plate before rising and taking her plate to dispose of it. She came back by the table and said quietly once more, "I'll meet you over there with Mr. stuffy pants." She then headed in Tsun's direction and, when she reached him, stood sharply to attention with a salute like she'd seen the guards use and nearly yelled as she barked out, "Myriana reporting for duty Sir!"
Tollard opens his mouth as if he is about to say something to Orla, then changes his mind and simply grins, following her into the brewery.
Zadkiel's head turns, "Tsun, is it? I'm happy to help, just give me a moment to collect my gear." The plane touched cleaned up his plate and utensils and grabbed his gear from his cot. He met with Tsun, "Just tell me what you need, sir."
"We haven't met before?" Tsun shrugs. "Sorry. There's always people shifting. Brother Meytal would like us to go to the lumber yard and help them load a wagon. You know, character-building."
Tsun walks to the door and opens it part-way. "This might take a few hours. Do you have anything you need to do beforehand?"