Strectching to his full height, Arando says forcefully to the stranger, "And why is that? Who are you anyway?"
Darthen:
Strectching to his full height, Arando says forcefully to the stranger, "And why is that? Who are you anyway?"
Arando:
"It ain't healthy to work for Vander. Just a warning." The man spins on his heel. Similar conversations have been described to you before by other employees in whispers. Usually shortly before the whisperer left Vander's employ.
Jeorik gives a second look at the man forty feet behind him and then says just loud enough to be heard, "I thought that the Shoanti were noble warriors with a proud tradition. Not common thugs who robbed travelers."Jeorik leads Pax with his shield hand, sword at the ready and steps forward heading to the right of the tattooed spear carrier. He is expecting an attack but is hoping to move himself out of the way of being flanked if he can help it.
Tatoos looks stung at Jeorik's remark, but steps up closer. He's not as tall as you, but has wiry corded muscles. Could be tough in a fight. "I'm telling you that's my mule. She wandered off 2 nights ago. Leave her with me and you'll have no trouble."
Plans? Clarifications?
With that Keliwyn takes his leave, with thoughts of the weather and chaffing armor forgotten.
After leaving the Consul's house, Keliwyn heads for the Temple of the Iron Hand, with the intention of calling on Morten Forlorn.
Darthen: ** spoiler omitted **
Darthen decides the Heights district would be a good place to search for her.
If Gnarls was picked up in the Heights then he was in the Wrapper territory. Maybe this Bright is a player in the Wrappers and made the call to get him picked up.
On the way he makes a stop and speaks with Vlad.
Maybe Vlad worked that night. If not he may have some information I can use.
Heights District: Gather Information (1d20+6=21)
Gather Information: Vlad (1d20+6=14)
Spot check for anything unusual such as someone following. (1d20+8=27)
Tatoos looks stung at Jeorik's remark, but steps up closer. He's not as tall as you, but has wiry corded muscles. Could be tough in a fight. "I'm telling you that's my mule. She wandered off 2 nights ago. Leave her with me and you'll have no trouble."
Jeorik stops and stares at the other man. He takes a moment to make sure the other Shoanti is going to stay put and not do anything rash and then turns his attention to the tattooed Shoanti.
Speaking loud enough to be heard but trying to keep a somewhat cheerful countenance, Jeorik says, "I am telling you that you are mistaken. By Erastil she has been with me for over two years. I wish no trouble but the sons of Ilsurian do not allow themselves to be robbed so easily. I am sure that if you look more closely you will see that you are mistaken as to the identity of the mule."
More softly Jeorik says in Varisian, "Let it be friend. Do not bring disgrace upon yourself or your tribe."
Through it all Jeorik remains ready in case the other decides to attack.
He turns abruptly away and starts down another street.
Darvyl smiles again, then hurries home. He dons his mail and gauntlets and takes up his weapons and his purse.
Bidding his parents a quick goodbye (with the news that he had a new job), he heads to the temple of the Iron Hand.
More softly Jeorik says in Varisian, "Let it be friend. Do not bring disgrace upon yourself or your tribe."Through it all Jeorik remains ready in case the other decides to attack.
Tatoos looks over your shoulder and his face scrunches momentarily with thought.
"all right then. Prove its not my mule."
Tatoos looks over your shoulder and his face scrunches with thought.
"all right then. Prove its not my mule."
Jeorik resists the urge to turn around and look back over his shoulder, hoping that he will hear anyone trying to sneak up on him.
"I'm holding the reins friend. It seems to me it falls upon you to prove its not my mule. And as you can't, I urge you to let me pass."
Jeorik takes a step towards the gates of the city again, pushing past the other and letting the other's actions determine his next move.
Darthen:
Retro-action: Thalus has Velvet give you 10 gp on the way out.
On the way he makes a stop and speaks with Vlad.Maybe Vlad worked that night. If not he may have some information I can use. Gather Information: Vlad (1d20+6=14)
Vlad seems glad to see you. "Hi ya, Darth. Where you been keeping yourself? I've been mostly assigned to North Point. Quiet up there.
"Don't know much about Gnarls' arrest 'cept the damn Nails got out of hand again. He's outta gaol. I saw him last month in old town. Sad case now. Hard to believe he once outran me and my partner. Chased the SOB through half of Midlands one night.
"Come up and see me some night. you can buy me a round."
Heights District: Gather Information (1d20+6=21)
Spot check for anything unusual such as someone following. (1d20+8=27)
Your tail is definitely clean. But no one knows you're looking yet. One odd thing. There's two Wrappers in the Heights, working the college crowd. (You spot them during a sale.) A little off their turf.
You hobnob and network for a while in the Heights. Nothing comes of it today, but you've made some good contacts who will keep an ear out.
Will you give anyone your real name and address or just return in a day or two?
Simple apartment is good. Maybe in Midlands? Your choice. Pay is generally COD, but you may draw an advance against expenses for this one.
After leaving the Consul's house, Keliwyn heads for the Temple of the Iron Hand, with the intention of calling on Morten Forlorn.
More on the temple in my next post.
Keliwyn:
The temple Grandmaster is a Forlorn elf named Morton. The Preceptor is a Varisian-Chelish halfbreed woman named Owlen. Five nonentities, second or third sons of locally influential families, complete the priestly staff. Two years ago, Inigo, a young priest from Chelax joined the staff. He patrols with the HellKnights and has a reputation as bad as the HellKnight's for instant, violent, "justice".
In recent months, the temple seems to be having hard times. The servants have been dismissed.
When you arrive at the temple, you are shown into a garden to wait while the Grandmaster finishes another meeting. Shortly after your arrival, an old man attended by a pretty young maid and two young armsmen, one bald, one with hair, is also shown into the garden. He is Garven Fellrock, wealthy merchant or rapacious moneylender, depending on who you talk to.
Not sure what to make of this encounter, Arando walks slowly home, lost in thought. He will speak to Dorman in the morning, when he's had time to decide what to say.
Bidding his parents a quick goodbye (with the news that he had a new job), he heads to the temple of the Iron Hand.
You hurry through the streets to the temple, and the old man and company arrive shortly thereafter. "you can clean up when we get back to the house." He remarks shrilly. He leads you into the temple. The attendant at the door says that the Grandmaster is in a meeting but will see you as soon as its over. In the meantime, please wait in the garden.
A neatly dressed elf is already there.
Darvyl and Keliwyn:
The garden might be a pleasant spot at some season, but it isn't now. The sun is starting to burn off the cloud cover and the tallest plant is a shoulder high holly bush. The paths and planters are laid out with strict geometric precision. Blood-red roses with nearly black leaves, stems, and (prominent) thorns dominate. The walls are bare stone. The outer wall is grey granite. The temple walls are of the same black marble as Erodred's wall on the northern edge of town.
The old man strides past Keliwyn, barely pausing to say, "Good morning. I have an important business meeting soon. I'm sure you won't mind if I see the Grandmaster first." He sits down on the northern-most bench. The girl sits on the ground nearby, offering him fruit from a basket she carries. The bald swordsman takes up station behind him.
The old man strides past Keliwyn, barely pausing to say, "Good morning. I have an important business meeting soon. I'm sure you won't mind if I see the Grandmaster first." He sits down on the northern-most bench. The girl sits on the ground nearby, offering him fruit from a basket she carries. The bald swordsman takes up station behind him.
Darvyl, bringing up the rear of the old man's entourage, flashes a grin at Keliwyn, remembering him from more than one drinking session. Darvyl also takes up station, grounding the butt of his ranseur. He looks around with curiosity.
Darthen:
Retro-action: Thalus has Velvet give you 10 gp on the way out.
Vlad seems glad to see you. "Hi ya, Darth. Where you been keeping yourself? I've been mostly assigned to North Point. Quiet up there.
"Don't know much about Gnarls' arrest 'cept the damn Nails got out of hand again. He's outta gaol. I saw him last month in old town. Sad case now. Hard to believe he once outran me and my partner. Chased the SOB through half of Midlands one night.
"Come up and see me some night. you can buy me a round."
Darthen pats Vlad on the back, "Good to see you to friend." He listens while Vlad gives his information. "All the way across Midlands you say?" Darthen laughs, "Now that I would liked to have seen." After some minor conversation he gets up, pats Vlad on the back again, leaves 2 sp on the table, and says, "I will do my best to come and see you soon. You can tell me all about that night you chased him. In the mean time help yourself to a couple of ales on me. Take it easy."
Your tail is definitely clean. But no one knows you're looking yet. One odd thing. There's two Wrappers in the Heights, working the college crowd. (You spot them during a sale.) A little off their turf.
You hobnob and network for a while in the Heights. Nothing comes of it today, but you've made some good contacts who will keep an ear out.
Will you give anyone your real name and address or just return in a day or two?
Out of the corner of his eye Darthen spots a couple of Wrappers making a sell.
"Wrappers selling this far into the Heights? They are either freelancing or growing a set of iron balls."
He makes a mental note of their description before continuing his investigation. He lets the contacts know he will be by again in a day or two.
Iñigo composes his appearance before heading back to the temple to meet with Morton.Back at the temple, Sarven, one of the lesser priests, grins broadly as you come through the door, poorly concealed amusement glinting in his eye. "Morten's waiting for you in his office."
Normally when you enter the office Morten is pouring over a book or scroll. Normally he holding up a hand for silence, while he finishes the page before looking up at you. Today he is gazing expectantly at the door as you enter.
** spoiler omitted **
Flashing his sincerest smile, "Grandmaster, I am yours to command. Please instruct me on how you wish this task to be done."
The old man strides past Keliwyn, barely pausing to say, "Good morning. I have an important business meeting soon. I'm sure you won't mind if I see the Grandmaster first." He sits down on the northern-most bench. The girl sits on the ground nearby, offering him fruit from a basket she carries. The bald swordsman takes up station behind him.
Keliwyn bows ceremonially to the old man, and says, "Of course, sir, I would be happy to defer to such a respected, uh, businessman such as yourself." He then makes a pretense of looking around the garden, and with a wink to Darvyl he adds, "Besides, anytime extra time I can spend in this beautiful garden will certainly be worth the delay," before positioning himself in such a way as to make it more likely that the grandmaster will see him first upon his arrival.
Arando heads eagerly to work the next morning, hoping to talk with his employer . . .
Inigo:
Keliwyn and Darvyl:
A hunched, aged man shuffles out into the garden. He is bald
but still sports a thin white moustache and goatee. Despite
the heat he wears a maroon cloak over red robes, dusty from
the road. On his chest is a hand-sized gold pentagram. He
stops to examine a holly bush.
Jeorik takes a step towards the gates of the city again, pushing past the other and letting the other's actions determine his next move.
Tatoos looks over your shoulder. The ends of his lips pulled downward. He shakes his head and steps aside. As Jeorik walks on, he can hear an argument begin behind him.
Darvyl's customer is a tight-fisted old curmudgeon.[i]"Wrappers selling this far into the Heights? They are either freelancing or growing a set...
Yes.
It's getting toward evening. There's time to check Midlands tonight if you wish. How freely are you spending cash in this pursuit?
Tatoos looks over your shoulder. The ends of his lips pulled downward. He shakes his head and steps aside. As Jeorik walks on, he can hear an argument begin behind him.
Slow and steady, Jeorik continues to walk towards the city gates. He only turns if he hears obvious pursuit.
Though outwardly he tries to remain composed, inwardly Jeorik is a mass of nerves. It is one thing, he thinks to himself to talk a brave game when you are in training but quite another when faced with the real prospect of violence. He offers a quick prayer of thanks to Erastil and then focuses himself on keeping alert as he walks.
He's probably a priest here.
Slow and steady, Jeorik continues to walk towards the city gates. He only turns if he hears obvious pursuit.
The light misting rain stops falling. The clouds start to burn off. Steam rises from the road. Your clothes feel clammy and leaden.
Ahead rises the wall of Erodred. Twenty feet of black marble topped with spikes, busts of demons, and the heads of criminals. Two pairs of guards stand at the gate.
After waiting in a short line, it's your turn. "Name and business?" asks the first guard.
"Name and business?" asks the first guard.
"Jeorik Vandor," is the reply, "I am here to locate my father's brothers Dorman and Wermis Vandor, sometimes residents of the city."
Jeorik adds a moment later, "I may also be looking for employment of some sort if I stay for long."
Jeorik:
The first guard stares blankly at you, an open hand held out. The second guard pushes the hand down. "Looking for Dorman Vandor you say? He runs a trading house on Milk Street on the west side of Midlands. Has a warehouse and dock on the waterfront, too. He's a good man. Don't know Wermis. You can pass." He nudges the first guard gently back and stands aside.
"Looking for Dorman Vandor you say? He runs a trading house on Milk Street on the west side of Midlands."
"Thank you good sir," says Jeorik with a smile, feeling elated.
Barely in the city and already he had an address for one of his uncles.
Moving quickly through the gate, Jeorik makes his way into the city, wondering briefly where the Midlands are and how he can find directions without sounding like too much of a stranger. His reception in the tented city still fresh on his mind, he doesn't want to appear too easy a mark.
After walking a little ways, Jeorik stops to take his bearings and decides to ask a child. Fishing in his belt pouch, he palms a couple of copper coins and looks around for a likely lad that might know his way around, specifically one that would know the way to Milk Street.
After walking a little ways, Jeorik stops to take his bearings and decides to ask a child. Fishing in his belt pouch, he palms a couple of copper coins and looks around for a likely lad that might know his way around, specifically one that would know the way to Milk Street.
No sooner are the coins in his hand than a young girl with a mop of red hair and dirty clothes is tugging at his sleeve. "Got a spare copper, mister?" A bargain is easily struck, and although she doesn't know Dorman's she lightly leads the way to Milk Street. On the way she chatters and questions, where you from? a few blocks that way is the Famous Avenue of Arms, would you like to see it? "
Two things stand out in contrast to Ilsurian : Although the streets here are paved and Ilsurian's are largely not, this town is dirty. Light trash here and there on the main streets, but the alleys are packed with detritus. Second, the pseudodragons. They perch on eves, roof ridges, signs. One could imagine a plague of them devouring the town.
Darvyl watches the old priest with idle curiosity, but still waits for his employer to signal what to do next.
On the way she chatters and questions, where you from? a few blocks that way is the Famous Avenue of Arms, would you like to see it? "
"I think I will take you up on that another time," is Jeorik's answer as he listens to her chatter. He can not help but let his mind wander a moment to his sister and wonders how she is doing.
"So tell me a little about yourself," says Jeorik, to the girl "I take it you were born in Korvosa?"
It's getting toward evening. There's time to check Midlands tonight if you wish. How freely are you spending cash in this pursuit?
Darthen checks the position of the sun deciding there is enough time to check in Midlands. As he passes into the Midlands district the smells of the different kinds of meat cooking sets of his hunger. Eyeing the different stalls he selects some meats and vegatables on a stick before continuing on.
As he buys his food he surveys his surroundings:
Spot Check: Midlands (1d20+8=22)
After making sure he is not being followed he decides on where to start. Darthen will start with some of the locals before moving to check out the clubs.
Know (Local): Midlands (1d20+5=20)
Keliwyn and Darvyl:
A hunched, aged man shuffles out into the garden. He is bald
but still sports a thin white moustache and goatee. Despite
the heat he wears a maroon cloak over red robes, dusty from
the road. On his chest is a hand-sized gold pentagram. He
stops to examine a holly bush.
"Hello, good Sir!" Keliwyn says as he moves to greet what he presumes is a priest and underling. "I'm here to see Grandmaster Morten, as I believe these other folks are as well. Will he be long?"
Iñigo after hearing Morten's instructions proceeds to the garden saying, "The matter shall be handled as you desire. By your leave."
Darvyl watches the old priest with idle curiosity, but still waits for his employer to signal what to do next.
Garven's attention is absorbed by the far wall of the garden. Nihls' likewise. The serving girl looks about but does not get up.
"So tell me a little about yourself," says Jeorik, to the girl "I take it you were born in Korvosa?"
"oh yes sir. Its the best place to live, the finest city in the whole world. For example this bakery here has the best apple tarts anywhere ..." As you move through the "sparsely" settled North POint district and into North Gate, the houses become more closely spaced, but the construction is rather more ornate and more stone is used. Crossing a bridge into Midlands, the little girl cautions, "we must be on our best behavior. The Hellknights are dreadful when they get angry."
A few minutes later you are on Milk Street.
Your tail is still clean. Nothing out the the ordinary.
Know (Local): Midlands (1d20+5=20)
There's The Mailed Fist-- a pub where you might find a few drunk, talkative Hellknights or a good beating. There's a couple of places that serve as hangouts for the city guard, The Mourning Star, and The Bells and Whistles. Any nuber of seedy dives and upscale establishments too.
Of course the city headquarters for both organizations, and the Hall of Records is located in the Midlands too. Maybe an official inquiry?
"I'm here to see Grandmaster Morten, as I believe these other folks are as well. Will he be long?"
The aged priest gazes long at Keliwyn before replying softly in a raspy voice.
Crossing a bridge into Midlands, the little girl cautions, "we must be on our best behavior. The Hellknights are dreadful when they get angry."
A few minutes later you are on Milk Street.
"I am always on my best behavior," Jeorik assures the girl, "Are the Hellknights very active in this part of the city?"
When they reach Milk Street, Jeorik thanks the girl for her excellent guidance. Then he looks for someone to ask concerning his Uncle's place.
The aged priest gazes long at Keliwyn before replying softly in a raspy voice.
Darvyl continues to look idly around the garden, while attempting to eavesdrop.
When they reach Milk Street, Jeorik thanks the girl for her excellent guidance. Then he looks for someone to ask concerning his Uncle's place.
Number 51. Past that Vintner's sign. Yellow door.
She did if you asked. Miale.
Darvyl continues to look idly around the garden, while attempting to eavesdrop.
Good enough. Listen away.
Arando: (Temporal anomaly) Our previous posts were "yesterday". Come to work "today."
Jeorik bids Miale farewell with many thanks for guiding him so well and then, leading Pax, he follows the directions he was given.
"This is it Pax," says Jeorik, needing someone to talk to, "I guess we made it."
As Jeorik approaches the door, he examines the building it is attached to. Deciding its probably not the best of ideas to lead a mule all the way to the door, he looks for a place to tether Pax.
Either way, as long as no one stops him, he knocks boldly on the door.
As Jeorik approaches the door, he examines the building it is attached to. Deciding its probably not the best of ideas to lead a mule all the way to the door, he looks for a place to tether Pax.Either way, as long as no one stops him, he knocks boldly on the door.
The building is substantial, timber and stone, 3 stories. Exterior paint starting to peel a little. Brass door fittings and three hitching posts nicely polished.
Arando: someone is knocking. Best answer the door.
TODAY, Arando is looking for Dorman Vandor. Is he around?