Gill Xcehtoc |
"Not sure, but Gill knows the yellow capes sure want it, but me thinks they wanted the Fatman too."
Gill eyes the guards and looks back to Soru.
"How much Fatman gonna pay you?
Sóru |
"I can't remember. To be honest, I have been having a bit of trouble with my memory of late. I can't say he would have paid me much. Definitely not as much as what he said that jug is worth! Time enough to find a new job. Perhaps I'll get back out to sea. It's nice and peaceful out there."
Sóru eyes the guards, then turns back to the kobold.
"We haven't been properly introduced. My name is Sórusani. You may call me Sóru."
Sóru grins and extends his hand.
Sóru |
As far as the last two posts are concerned, I see them both furtively glancing over at the guards as they try to nonchalantly chat.
Gill Xcehtoc |
" I go by Gill, good to meet ya, maybe an ale and a lamb chop are in our future.
Gill looks over at the guards again.
Unless there be trouble.
Rougar |
Entering the crowd, Rougar spots the skittering little creature who had interrupted his conversation with the guard. He is speaking with one of the guards who was nowhere to be found during the attack.
He approaches them. Hello, my little friend. It seems in the chaos you were unable to reclaim your quarry. The attacker must have gotten away with it. Did you happen to see where she got to?
DM Wren |
The pair of guards is gone down the docks, lost in the resuming bustle. The three guards approaching the scene wade into the mist as it finally vanishes in the wind and begin searching around the merchant's stand. One of the three guards stops to talk to an onlooker, who is doing a lot of shrugging.
Gill Xcehtoc |
Gill shakes Soru's hand and looks over at the cat man.
"Me know as much as you. Where I come from though guards who kill without arresting tend to have other interests. Paid for extra services if you know what I'm sayin' don't sound much like guards. Those new comer guards though may want to know the story."
Gill points to the new guards which are questioning some onlookers.
Rougar |
Rougar looks to where Gill is gesturing towards.
I have had bad experiences with guards like these. They are quick to blame outsiders for problems. I do not think it would be wise to remain
Gill Xcehtoc |
"Gill innocent, not afraid of lumbering suits of armor."
Gill flaps a hand at the guards grinning smugly. He shrugs and then looks back to Soru.
"This blonde guy worked for the Fatman."
Sóru |
Sóru nods at the catfolk in agreement.
"A hasty introduction, then. This is Gill, and I am Sóru. Why don't we head toward town and find a nice, dark tavern to lie low for a while? I'm quite peckish, and would welcome the company. We can talk about our shared experience hopefully outside of prying eyes."
He ends his last sentence with another glance toward the guards. As he turns back to his new-found acquaintances, he smiles.
"I don't know much about this town, but I have heard that there are at least a few places to down a decent pint whilst hearing some lovely music. What say you two?
Gill Xcehtoc |
"Well you sure seem to be in a rush to leave this place. Perhaps you have a story worth hearing.". Gill smirks at Soru.
Rougar |
I am also unfamiliar with this town, and a meal does sound nice. I am Rougar. It is good to meet my new friends.
Rougar, folding his arms across his chest, bows slightly to Soru and then to Gill.
Gill Xcehtoc |
Gill eyes the strange catman with a suspicious grin. He then hops down from the crate and stretches his shoulders.
Well if you're buying then I could go fer some grub.
Rougar |
Rougar nods in agreement and directs toward the way into the city.
After you, Gill. I would be happy to pay.
Sóru |
Sóru returns Gill's grin. I never quite know just what this fellow is up to. He reminds me of the pirates I sailed with. I think we'll get along nicely.
"Absolutely. I'm famished."
Sóru begins to walk toward the town.
Rougar |
Rougar follows behind Soru, casually observing the activity along the piers and streets of the city.
Going over the events that had just occurred, Rougar's confusion had not subsided. Although he was trying to protect someone under attack, there is no reason to believe that the Merchant was undeserving of the attention of the authorities. Murder though, that seems beyond the cruelty of a city guard. There must be more to it.
Feeling the weight of the weapon in his sack, Rougar decides to visit a weapons dealer in hopes that the murder weapon will lead back to the assailant.
DM Wren |
The network of docks sprawls about you, with more layers, merchant stands and people the closer you go inland. Beneath you, the water subsides and gives way to algae covered rocks and pebbles. A set of decks beneath the main dock is likewise covered in algae and also plays host to crabs, turtles and some humanoids-- children and the occasional group of young men huddled about dice, or smoking pipes. Above, there are scattered clouds moving slowly across the sky and seagulls wheel and caw. A light breeze blows in from the sea.
You pass a merchant selling fish. A second merchant sells various grains. A third is selling fresh water in barrels and a fourth sells ale. Guards, clad in leather armor and yellow capes patrol in pairs. Sailors, armed and otherwise, carry cargo on their shoulders and push it in carts. Small groups of large men and women, their armor markedly different, often with more metal and harvested animal horns, armed with bow, axe and spear, leer about at the others and purchase provisions from the merchants, seemingly out of place but without any notable spectacle.
The furthest outlaying building you come across appears to be a tavern of some kind, adorned in an upper deck crawling with men and women drinking and eating at tables behind a wooden railing. The front door is held ajar by a man who appears to be yelling something to someone else inside of the building. The roof is curved and covered in salt crusted shingles. In large letters across the face of the building, just below the roof, faded red letters outlined in orangeish-yellow paint reads "Daedrick's Keg".
Gill Xcehtoc |
"What say you fellows? Does this place catch yer eye?"
Gill grins places one arm behind his back and the other palm up pointing to the door in a butler like fashion.
Rougar |
Rougar strokes his whiskers and nods.
Looks like a good place to me.
Sliding his arms up into the sleeves of his robe, Rougar strides into the tavern.
Sóru |
As he enters the tavern, Sóru looks over his shoulder for any sign of being followed.
Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13
DM Wren |
The man yells as Rougar slides past "I ain't ev-I AIN'T EVER BED WITH NO PRISCILLA".
Rougar Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Rougar ducks under a flagon careening at the man in the doorway. The flagon strikes the door frame and sprays a warm, briny ale about the entrance, and a bit on Rougar and Sóru.
The shouting man pulls his arm over his face a moment too late and turns outside and stumbles away, drenched in ale.
Inside the tavern there is a half dozen Ffolk and Northmen, eating drinking and either carrying on with someone nearby, or sulking and staring off aimlessly. One particularly tall Northmen woman, with long blonde hair and short cropped bangs reads a small book. A trio of dwarves sits at the back wall with a map spread out on the table pinned down by multiple flagons and smaller stone cups. A brown haired Ffolk woman sits at the bar fuming.
A stout woman behind the bar is cutting oranges with a large, jagged knife. Her skin is leathery and tanned and her pate is hairless and covered with scar tissue, save for half of one black colored eyebrow. She wears a stained green cloth jerkin.
There is an array of tables about the floor and stools at the bar on the left wall. On the right wall, in the center, is a raised stage. On the stage sits a harpist.
That'd be Percy
Above is a balcony that looks out over the floor of the tavern. There are three entrances total. One is behind the bar. The second is a red curtained doorway on the back wall, at the end of the bar. The third is the door through which Rougar, Sóru and Gill enter.
Sóru |
Sóru turns to Rougar and Gill as they enter.
"Why don't you two find a nice, quiet table while I put in our order?"
He walks over to the bar and signals to the bartender.
"Hello, my dear. May I order some food and libation for my friends and I?"
Sóru gestures toward Rougar and Gill.
Rougar |
Rougar moves to one of the empty tables. Sliding a chair back, he sits and removes the sack from his belt, placing it between his feet. He feels the solid shape of the sword still inside.
Perhaps picking this up was not the wisest of actions. If I am found with the weapon of a city guard, there could be dire punishments. I will just have to hope this is not the weapon of a city guard.
He scans the activity of the tavern again and settles upon the angry woman at the bar. Lowering his hood, Rougar perks his ears up in an attempt to hear what she is saying.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
DM Wren |
Her voice is polite and calm, but she doesn't look up from her work. "Libations? Heh. Ale, mackerel and soda bread coming up. Three of you? Nine silver pieces." She stop slicing and sizes up Rougar and Gill, then goes back to her slicing. "Don't find this rude but, coin up front. Lot of dockers like to get drunk and walk on out their bill and I hate chasin' down a drunk man."
Gill Xcehtoc |
Gill quietly sits down at the table picking a seat facing the door. His legs dangle from the chair and he kicks them gleefully while impatiently tapping his fingers on the table. Gill scans over the patrons and tries to determine which looks the wealthiest.
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
"So Mr.Cat you came by boat me see, what for? And whats up with the robes?
Rougar |
Ears still facing the direction of the bar, Rougar places his cheek in hand and leans on the table.
I am but a traveler from a distant land. I have traveled by boat, barge, carriage, and horseback through more towns and kingdoms than I can remember. And my robes? Well, they're my clothes, obviously.
Rougar then slaps the table and laughs heartily.
It is interesting, though, that you knew I arrived by boat. I did not see you until the commotion on the pier. You weren't following me, were you?
Rougar locks eyes with Gill and smirks, slightly baring his fangs.
Intimidate: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Sóru |
"I don't find it rude at all, my dear. I completely understand."
Sóru places a gold piece on the bar and smiles warmly.
"Keep the change. One more thing, if you could." Sóru places another gold piece on top of the first. "Could you tell me a thing or two about the city guard? You know, those who dress in yellow? Who do they take orders from? Where is their base of operations? And how corrupt, if at all, are they? Any information at all would be lovely. We are fairly new to town and would like to stay out of trouble and out of their way if at all possible."
Gill Xcehtoc |
Gill tilts his head an raises and eyebrow at Rougar. At first he seems slightly nervous but then a smug expression goes across his face.
"Kitty needs a teef cleaning I see. No me not following you, just observant is all. I've had a long time to practice having my eyes open and my hood up."
Rougar |
Rougar laughs and says Of course, my friend. I do not mean to accuse, just having fun with you. You saw me at the pier and naturally assumed I came by boat. You are a keen observer.
Glancing over at the bar to see how Soru is coming along with the food, Rougar then asks And you? What brings you to this bustling and apparently murderous port?
Gill Xcehtoc |
Gill shrugs, "Been hopping from boat to boat for some time, not know what to look for. When I left my home I thought it'd be clear."
Gill let's out a pained sigh and briefly stares out into space. "Guess it time Gill get focused again, coin purse is too light."
DM Wren |
"Sure. City guard hierarchy reaches up to the Marshall Captain. And he is an adviser to his highness Lord Buckwalter Llewellyn. The guards base is at the Plainslook Tower, northern most point of the city. They have a few other offices throughout the town and the docks, but their locations aren't as obvious as the big tower jutting into the sky. You can see that tower from the roof here if the day is clear. You'll notice their offices, though, by a yellow shield marking. A good way to stay on their side is to keep things simple. Trade fair, buy fair, and don't go about pickin' pockets and forcin' yourself on women. For the latter, you'll be not just on their bad side, but mine too." She finishes with a glare, holding out the jagged knife, as if ready to stab, but merely as example, then returns to slicing oranges.
"And I reckon they're generally as corruptible as any man or woman. Depends on how much gold is getting waived around, because they're paid quite well."
DM Wren |
One of the dwarves raises his voice towards his table fellows:
A sentence with syllables that start and stop suddenly, evoking spit from the throat in it's speakers, but with a pleasant drumming rhythm. The dwarf speaking seems more surprised and boisterous than mad.
"The last time we relied on that, you ended up losing a finger and I was deafened for an hour. You unbeareded klutz!"
Sóru |
Sóru smiles once again and slides the two gold pieces toward the bartender.
"Many thanks for the information, and the forthcoming meal. I'll be at the table with my companions."
He eyes the fuming woman sitting at the bar with purely curious intent as he turns and saunters over to the table where Rougar and Gill sit. On his way he notices the dwarves but doesn't pay them much attention as he does not know dwarvish.
"Hello, gents." Sóru says to his acquaintances. "Food and ale is on the way. And I learned an insipid thing or two about this meddlesome city guard while I was over there."
Sóru proceeds to tell Gill and Rougar what the bartender told him.
Rougar |
Rougar nods after Soru finishes.
Seems about right. Men are easily swayed by the glimmer of gold.
He then picks up the sack from between his feet and plops it on the table.
I was wondering if you gentlemen might accompany me to a weapons dealer after our meal is concluded. I have here in this sack the weapon of the Merchant's assassin and would like to know if it tells us more of the story. If anything, it will fetch us a bit of coin I would be happy to share.
Rougar places the sack back on the floor and puts his feet on top of it, eyeing his associates.
Gill Xcehtoc |
Gill's eyes open wide with intrigue when Rougar reveals the mysterious sack.
He jitters a bit and looks down at the sack, "Uhm.. Can we sees it first? Maybe me or Soru can tell you something about it..."
Gill shrugs and leans back in his chair, "After all maybe not so smart to try to sell a stolen guard's sword to an unfamiliar merchant."
Rougar |
Rougar eyes Gill unsurely and nods.
I do see what you mean. Bringing the sword to the wrong man could bring unwanted attention. Soru, what say you?
Sóru |
Sóru nods and leans back in his chair.
"Indeed, bringing it to the wrong person could cause unwanted trouble. Perhaps we should ask a local about this." He nods toward the harpist. "That man has the look of the Ffolk about him, and he strikes me as someone who won't ask too many questions. Let us ask him to join us for a drink when he takes a break. It is customary to buy a bard libation as a compliment on their skills. "
Gill Xcehtoc |
"Hmm yes Soru is right where I come from a tavern is a great place to find things out and musicians will do almost anything for a coin."
Gill examines the bard from afar.
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
"If he local he may say something about any markings on the blade but if ya simply want to pawn it off it used to kinda' be my profession, uhh 'sales' that is..."
Rougar |
Perhaps it will come to just selling it, but I would like to see if there is more to it. The musician may know a side of this town others may not. I well go introduce ourselves.
Rougar stands and walks to the stage. He listens to the harpist play, his tail swaying with the rhythm. When the tune finishes, Rougar claps politely and speaks up.
Bravo, my friend. Very well played. When you have the opportunity, my friends and I would love to treat you to a drink.
Rougar indicates behind him to where Gill and Soru are seated. He then reaches inside one of his pockets and pulls out two golden coins.
Handing the coins to the performer, Rougar says We would greatly appreciate it.
Percy Grenville |
Ah you look quite foreign, my feline friend, but I'll accept your coin, no matter. My thanks for the compliments. It seems too often that the art I create is overlooked by the patrons of this "fine" establishment.
Percy snatches the two coins with quick finesse from Rougar's paws.
Let's see what this wench has on tap, eh?
Percy's harp seems to flutter out of reality and disappears into a shower of light. He stands and dusts himself off, straightening his clothes. He then walks over to the bar.
Rougar |
Rougar becomes wide eyed as the harp disappears into thin air. He comes to his senses, shaking his head, as he follows the musician to the bar.
This town seems to have no lack for flair or theatrical figures. Are you one of the locals?
Gill Xcehtoc |
Gill smiles happily at first then a bit uneasy but after a moment he seems more sure.
"Well I come from the sword coast, a little place called Waterdeep, maybe you heard of it?"
Percy Grenville |
This town...one of the locals?
Turning his head back to speak to the cat-man:
Indeed I am! And you're correct in your deductions, my friend. This town is one of many immersed in the arts. Both magical and mundane. But let us be strangers no longer. I am Percy Grenville of House Grenville, at your service.
Percy stops and turns, giving a long and exaggerated bow.
And what shall I call my new friend, eh?
Sóru |
Sóru gets a bashful look in his face. He looks down and nervously fumbles with his thumbs on the table.
"I will not pretend that I have. It is true that I have heard sailors speak of it, but that is all. Like I previously mentioned, my memory is not that great as of the past year. You must tell me of this, Sword Coast, and of the place you call Waterdeep, sometime. I'd like to know more of this place that becomes more alien to me by the day."
Rougar |
With a hearty laugh, Rougar imitates Percy's deep bow.
I am called Rougar, my newest friend. It is a great pleasure to meet you. I am sure that my companions will enjoy meeting you just as much he says, extending a hand in greeting.
DM Wren |
A young aproned halfling emerges from the door behind the bar and pads his bare feat out into the dining area carrying three plates. He places them on the table before Sóru, Rougar and Gill with a clank. On the plate are piles of mackerel pickled in mustard next to large chunks of light colored crumbling bread. The halfling also produces a small metal dish full of solid but melting butter and a small, dull knife, putting them both on the table between the plates.
"T'er you go." He says to the group. He turns to return to what is presumably the kitchen, asking as he goes:"Anyt'ing fer you, Percy?"
Gill Xcehtoc |
Gill glowers down at the food and licks his lips with his thin lizardy tongue. He grabs a fish and takes a hearty bite chewing off the whole head.
Crunching bones and with various liquids spilling from his maw Gill puts down the fish and takes a big swig from his drink before speaking, "And you? Look like you ride boats, where ya from? Where ya been? And what's wrong with yer noggin?"
Gill briefly acknowledges the presence of Percy and Rougar with a glance and a nod then turns back to Soru for his response.