Kajetan looks in the direction where Pharris is projecting her voice. He also looks skyward as the woman-warrior points. He shakes his head, "That woman. Great with a sword. But so flighty."
Fortunately the road is fairly clear at this point in time – there is some activity further along towards the gate, but attention is focused on the town and the smoke, and no one really takes much notice of the group, including those hiding amongst the trees, nor the exposed Lumbie scurrying along and across the road with the others.
In a minute or two, everyone is gathered together at Kajetan’s copse of trees (although Pharris and Nicolai are free to continue along towards town if they so desire). Raspit greets Chupo in their own hissing language – it’s difficult to read the kobold’s expression, but he seems glad to see his companion and Lumbie … less impressed to have all the humans back. The two jabber away at Lumbie, but the large knocker seems confused, and answers haltingly in a combination of what sounds like Kobold and perhaps Thuringian.
“He’sss very ssstupid and a freak,” Raspit explains in Atuscan, “but he Thissslips sspawn, so only he use Devil Box.”
"You know, that bird may be watching us and these people have many reasons why someone would do that.....none of them good. I didn't pay attention to everything they said but Nicolai I do not trust this bird."
She takes a moment to prepare an arrow for her longbow. "Just in case it is bringing something bad. I shall put it away once we hit the town. By the way I spent the night out in the festival. I'm sorry did you say how long you had lived in town?"
Nicolai laughs mirthfully at Pharris' concern, then quickly gets serious when she raises her bow. Pushing the weapon lightly to the side, he says, "There is plenty of evil in the world, but that hawk is no fiend, I assure you. He scouts ahead for as now, as a friend."
Once the bow is lowered, Nicolai addresses the other question. "I have been in Lichford for several weeks, and I speak the local language. But it is not my home. I do know an inn we could stay at, however, should the need arise."
"Nicolai we are about to meet the rest of the merry band," she finishes normally. That bird is beginning to annoy me."
Provided Pharris is no longer aiming her bow at the hawk, Nicolai ignores the latter comment and looks around curiously. "There are more of you? Leaving town to see the freak show was fortuitous indeed. Seeing the same faces at the inn every day was getting a bit tedious. Where are they exactly?"
Pharris packs her bow away, unstringing it, "the hawk is with you. How could I have been so dense?"
"You Sir were messing with me. Good fun on me! Ha!"
Kajetan nods as his friends approach, relief apparent on his face. Looking toward the large Kobold, the scholar turns to his companions, "You work fast." Nudging his head down the road, "Who is with Pharris?"
Kajetan nods as his friends approach, relief apparent on his face. Looking toward the large Kobold, the scholar turns to his companions, "You work fast." Nudging his head down the road, "Who is with Pharris?"
Laithe nods at Kajetan. "Good to see you had no trouble while we were gone." Looking down the road at Pharris and Nicolai he continues "We encountered some trouble and Nicolai here helped in the ensuing battle. He seems ok, with an apparent interest in demons, and hence an interest in our current predicament."
“He’sss very ssstupid and a freak,” Raspit explains in Atuscan, “but he Thissslips sspawn, so only he use Devil Box.”
At Raspit's words, Laithe turns to the knocker and asks. "And how exactly will he use the devils box? Will he know what to do when the time comes?"
Laithe eyes the large and apparently dim-witted kobold for a while longer, wondering if there is more to the creature than his appearance suggests.
Laithe nods at Kajetan. "Good to see you had no trouble while we were gone." Looking down the road at Pharris and Nicolai he continues "We encountered some trouble and Nicolai here helped in the ensuing battle. He seems ok, with an apparent interest in demons, and hence an interest in our current predicament."At Raspit's words, Laithe turns to the knocker and asks. "And how exactly will he use the devils box? Will he know what to do when the time comes?"
Laithe eyes the large and apparently dim-witted kobold for a while longer, wondering if there is more to the creature than his appearance suggests.
"Not to mention an interest in... oh, never mind," grumbles Keildrithe. Following the latest conversation thread started by Laithe, he then adds, "I hope that these knockers can be trusted and that they really want to banish the demons, and not try to control them for their own ends." Keildrithe rummages through his pack and hands his bearded green devil mask to Lumbie ("that should be appropriate"), and starts to cut some holes in one of his sacks in order to fashion a rough cloak for the kobold. "There...will this do?"
At Raspit's words, Laithe turns to the knocker and asks. "And how exactly will he use the devils box? Will he know what to do when the time comes?"
"He musst ssay the rhyme when devils are near box," Raspit points to the runes carved into the side of the coffin-like box, "And it workss ... hopefully ... not alwayss ... mosstly..."
Keildrithe rummages through his pack and hands his bearded green devil mask to Lumbie ("that should be appropriate"), and starts to cut some holes in one of his sacks in order to fashion a rough cloak for the kobold. "There...will this do?"
The mask ... is not a perfect fit, Lumbie's snout is too long. And the hessian cloak is not exactly the height of fashion. The disguise may be passable at a distance, but will not hold up to close scrutiny.
Kajetan looks at the Kobold curiously, "What do you mean by the Box will work, mostly. Dealing with these fiends will be dangerous. We need to know for certain that it will work the first time Lumbie uses it. Is there any way to help him with this success." Kajetan moves over to the box and looks it over again hoping for further insight.
Pharris packs her bow away, unstringing it, "the hawk is with you. How could I have been so dense?"
"You Sir were messing with me. Good fun on me! Ha!"
"Let us just say that it is sometimes good to have friends in high places!" Nicolai says, smiling.
As Pharris and Nicolai near the camp, she stops and points into the woods. "Here we are, Kajetan, this is Nicolai of Lichford and further afield. He wields arcane magic with a certain panache."
She turns round to see the others catching up, "Come on!"
Pharris takes Nicolai in to meet the knowledgeable sorcerer and points out Chupo the kobold nearby.
Once inside the trees, Pharris to takes off the mask, and beams a genuine smile at Nicolai and Katejan. "Festival or no festival, fresh air on the skin makes a woman feel alive."
"And look at this!" she lifts her skirt a bit to reveal a large purpling bruise on her left outer thigh. "Was that the flat of Alton's blade? I mark so easily," she wails.
There are several more on her arms and legs that the cloak managed to cover.
Kajetan lifts his head from his review of the Devil’s Box at the mention of his name and turns his gaze toward the road. Pharris and the stranger enter the copse. He looks over the man and his eyes bulge in curiosity and caution for a moment as he notices the Artonite symbol. Kajetan approaches and with a slight bow of his head says, “Greetings Nicolai of Lichford. My name is Kajetan Armanno from the Island Nation of Lorin.” He sticks out his forearm in traditional greeting.
Pharris distracts Kajetan’s gaze when she lifts her skirt. He tries his best to recover, “Ah. Um. Um. Was that from Alton . . .?” For once, he has no scholarly advice. His head is pointed toward Pharris, slightly angled downward, while his arm still projects toward Nicolai.
"And look at this!" she lifts her skirt a bit to reveal a large purpling bruise on her left outer thigh. "Was that the flat of Alton's blade? I mark so easily," she wails.
“Ah. Um. Um. Was that from Alton . . .?”
"Yes, I'm afraid so. We sparred while waitng for the freakshow to open and I'm afraid I gave Pharris a few bruises.". To Pharris he apologetically adds "The bruises should fade soon enough."
Laithe offers Pharris the last of his healing spells. "It's not much I'm afraid - I may be able to offer more later today. It might take the edge off the worst of your wounds though."
Kajetan looks off into the distance towards Lichford, "Something is happening in the city. This cannot be a good thing, but the fire might point us towards our Devil that we chase. We should move quickly. Time is important if I deciphered the Kobold Chief's letter correctly. You were able to rescue the Kobold quite quickly." Taking a look around, his gaze falling on Alton and his wounds, "My guess though is that it was not easy. What happened and what might we be up against?"
Kajetan lifts his head from his review of the Devil’s Box at the mention of his name and turns his gaze toward the road. Pharris and the stranger enter the copse. He looks over the man and his eyes bulge in curiosity and caution for a moment as he notices the Artonite symbol. Kajetan approaches and with a slight bow of his head says, “Greetings Nicolai of Lichford. My name is Kajetan Armanno from the Island Nation of Lorin.” He sticks out his forearm in traditional greeting.
Nicolai smiles broadly and takes Kajetan's hand in a firm handshake. Nicolai Auf der Maur at your service," he says, bowing slightly, "though I am not officially of Lichford. Truth be known, I'm from the very heart of the empire. Artor to be exact. I have no desire to go back there, however, and have been staying in Lichford for the past few weeks. Aside from the festival, it's a pretty quiet town. You bunch have been by far the most exciting thing that's happened since I arrived!"
He's about to continue, but then sees the box Kajetan was examining. "Is that the box?" he asks, stepping towards it. "How does it work? Can you show me? And how exactly is a fat kobold supposed to help?"
Kajetan, examining the runes on the box, you beleive them to be written in an ancient and little used language known as Draconic ... which now you consider it, may be the tongue spoken by the kobolds amongst themselves. You have come across it in some very old magical texts back in Lorin. You can't decipher it, although you think that your spell would. From what you can tell of the arrangement of the runes, it appears to be some sort of verse or rhyme.
Stonty said that he would be back in the afternoon - and it is only mid morning now, probably 9.30, 10 o'clock at the latest. You weren't sure exactly where he was headed, although he did say that he'd put in a good word for you with the owner of the Grumpy Hogfish inn.
... You bunch have been by far the most exciting thing that's happened since I arrived!"
Grasping the Artonites arm in greeting, Kajetan listens to his new companion. Thinking to himself, ’A possible traveler of the land. Maybe he can give me insight with my searches after this business with the demon is completed.’ Kajetan releases his arm and smiles and nods once again. “Welcome. Excitement, yes we seem to have excitement surround us at every turn.” Although Kajetan wears a smile, his cynicism is almost palpable.
He's about to continue, but then sees the box Kajetan was examining. "Is that the box?" he asks, stepping towards it. "How does it work? Can you show me? And how exactly is a fat kobold supposed to help?"
“Yes this is the box.” Kajetan turns his body to look at the artifact. “A rather curious object I currently have under study. I am not quite sure how it works, and I am doubly skeptical about the Kobold working it. See the writing,” Kajetan points as he walks closer to the box, “I believe that these runes are a form of Draconic. A language I presume the Kobolds speak. That could be part of the puzzle. Why only that Kobold,” nudging his head toward Lumbie and sighing deeply is resignation while shaking his head, “is still a mystery. I was just about to perform another test which may enlighten us further. Care to watch?”
Kajetan closes his eyes for a moment and reaches into his pouch. Pulling out some material that resembles dirt and a white crystallized substance, he speaks in an arcane tongue. The words come to him with barely a thought, and he smashes his hands together. The materials he holds form a dust that land on the box, forming a hazy covering. Taking the tips of his fingers, the scholar gently caresses the Draconic Runes, moving the dusty material into phrases that he can understand.
Keildrithe throws his hands up in frustration as he gazes upon his crude handy work and takes his green devil mask back from the fat kobold. "This disguise attempt for Lumbie will never work... Would we be better off leaving the knockers here in the grove while we investigate whatever it is that has set fire in the town? If we do indeed find the devils there, perhaps we could attempt to lure them back to the grove, for Lumbie to trap in the devil box? I don't feel good about bringing the knockers into town, with or without Stonty's cart... If necessary, I suppose that one or two of us could stay behind to protect them and the devil box..." The bard does not seem entirely convinced by his own latter suggestion, and he quiets down as he notices Kajetan casting another spell on the box, watching with interest as the sorcerer works his magic.
The tall woman listens to Keildrithe's argument and nods to him, smiling.
"What does it say with your spell, Kajetan?" Pharris edges closer.
Translated into Atuscan, it reads:
Devil box, devil box,
Trusting strong locks;
Take him in, long to keep,
Tiny, small, asleep.
Finishing his spell and digesting the knowledge gained, Kajetan turns to his companions and translates. The scholar quiets for a moment as if in thought, then says, “Sounds like it was written by Kobolds for Kobolds. Maybe from a certain blood line,” Kajetan surmises. “Is that correct Raspit?” Kajetan asks turning to the translating Kobold.
Finishing his spell and digesting the knowledge gained, Kajetan turns to his companions and translates. The scholar quiets for a moment as if in thought, then says, “Sounds like it was written by Kobolds for Kobolds. Maybe from a certain blood line,” Kajetan surmises. “Is that correct Raspit?” Kajetan asks turning to the translating Kobold.
Laithe watches with interest, though he can't help throwing a glance back towards the city, and the rising smoke, behind them.
(After giving Raspit a chance to respond to Kajetan's question) Laithe cuts in. "I think we should probably head into town to inviestigate the fire. It may give us some clue for tracking down the demon's we seek. Raspit, how adept are you at hiding? If we leave you here for the moment while we investigate the fire in town do you think you can remain concealed among the trees? If not, I will stay behind to watch over them." He makes this last offer somewhat hestitantly, not wanting to potentially send his companions into danger and not be there if things go awry.
Raspit attempts to explain; between his hissing accent, imperfect grasp of the Atuscan tongue and a number of strange names, its quite a convoluted story, but the gist seems to be this;
Many years ago, when the kobold clan was being threatened by the devils, the clan’s sorcerer or shaman created the devil box in order to trap them; however, in order to ensure her position within the clan, and the positions of her descendants, she made it so that only someone of her blood could use the box to either entrap or free devils.
A few days ago, one of her daughters (presumably acting under the influence of the fiend that had tried to charm the clan chief) stole the box from her sister Thisslip and opened it, freeing the devils within, who subsequently killed both women – the only ones left in the clan who could operate the thing … except for Thisslip’s son, Lumbie, who, owing to his deformity and stupidity had been sold to Quigley many years ago.
Raspit is somewhat doubtful about Lumbie’s ability to read the rhyme, let alone sing it, but “hess the only one who cans even try … unlessss you can trick the box into thinking you’re Lumbiesss brother or ssomethings…” The kobold shrugs.
He also explains a little about the operation of the box. The rhyme (which must apparently be sung in order to activate the box) explains what happens to devils caught nearby (within about thirty feet Raspit thinks); it draws them within, shrinks them down if they are too big to physically fit within the box, and puts them to sleep, where they remain until the box is opened.
He’s a little hazy on the details, and why it doesn’t always seem to work – he knows that when the clan originally tried to use the box against the devils, it worked straight away against the tiny imps, but the “big badness devil” wasn’t caught straight away – it apparently took a number of tries to get him into the box. He also thinks that the box will only function a certain number of times before it stops working, and can only hold a certain amount of devils, but he’s not too sure exactly what those limits are.
The big badness devil was shrunk down by the box, and seems to have remained shrunk. In “about a week” since he was freed, he will return to normal size – at which point, as well as presumably being much tougher, Raspit seems to think that he will not be able to be forced back into the box.
In answer to Laithe’s question, Raspit assures everyone that he is “very ssneaky” and can remain hidden … although this is a fairly small grove of trees, and relatively close to the road – it may not be ideal for a long term hiding place.
Raspit also adds that he thinks the devils may be planning to stay in the human town for at least a little while; back when the devils were first terrorising the clan, the kobolds apparently ascertained (or maybe just assumed) that the fiends were summoned by a cult operating from the town. He thinks (or assumes) that the devils will return there to hide out until Zorith regains his full size and powers. Unfortunately he has no details on this (perhaps fictional) cult.
In answer to Laithe’s question, Raspit assures everyone that he is “very ssneaky” and can remain hidden … although this is a fairly small grove of trees, and relatively close to the road – it may not be ideal for a long term hiding place.
Laithe looks visibly relieved that he won't have to remain here with the knockers. "Ok then; Raspit and his kin can remain hidden here with the Devil's box until afternoon. We can venture back out to meet Stonty and the cart, and will have a better chance at getting them in and past the gates. We might be able to find a better disguide for Lumbie."
"In the meantime, let's head back into town and check out the fire. We don't want to miss any clues which might help us ascertain where the devils are hiding. I have no desire to allow this devil to return to its normal size."
Laithe makes ready to head back down into town.
Raspit is somewhat doubtful about Lumbie’s ability to read the rhyme, let alone sing it, but “hess the only one who cans even try … unlessss you can trick the box into thinking you’re Lumbiesss brother or ssomethings…” The kobold shrugs.He also explains a little about the operation of the box. The rhyme (which must apparently be sung in order to activate the box) explains what happens to devils caught nearby (within about thirty feet Raspit thinks); it draws them within, shrinks them down if they are too big to physically fit within the box, and puts them to sleep, where they remain until the box is opened.
"The rhyme must be sung, eh? In what language -- Draconic only? Or will Atuscan do the trick? And how might we convince the box that one of us is Lumbie's brother... by shedding a few drops of his blood over the box as we perform the ritual? Or should we teach Lumbie how to sing the rhyme?" Keildrithe groans out loud as he realizes the implications of his latter suggestion.
Once he has his answers from Raspit, he shoulders his pack and follows Laithe towards Lichford, green devil mask in hand. "Would we be better off splitting the party up and entering via different gates, just in case Quigley comes and complains to the guards about us? If we split up, they may be less likely to realize that the group of armed strangers Quigley is complaining about has already entered the town...???"
Alton listens intently to the knocker's story. "That gives us a bit of a deadline doesn't it? I'm already not too thrilled about fighting the miniature version of this devil. Rasspit, how long ago was he freed? How long do we have left?"
"Would we be better off splitting the party up and entering via different gates, just in case Quigley comes and complains to the guards about us? If we split up, they may be less likely to realize that the group of armed strangers Quigley is complaining about has already entered the town...???"
"You're right, that would be better. How about Pharris, Laithe and Kaejatan in one group and Nicolai, you and myself in the other?"
"You're right, that would be better. How about Pharris, Laithe and Kaejatan in one group and Nicolai, you and myself in the other?"
"Fine by me, Alton... everyone ready? Nicolai, what would be the most convenient meeting point in town, which would also enable us to discretely observe the Artonite cathedral before we choose a course of action?"
"The rhyme must be sung, eh? In what language -- Draconic only? Or will Atuscan do the trick? And how might we convince the box that one of us is Lumbie's brother... by shedding a few drops of his blood over the box as we perform the ritual? Or should we teach Lumbie how to sing the rhyme?" Keildrithe groans out loud as he realizes the implications of his latter suggestion.
Raspit shrugs. “Me no ssorccerer…”
Alton listens intently to the knocker's story. "That gives us a bit of a deadline doesn't it? I'm already not too thrilled about fighting the miniature version of this devil. Rasspit, how long ago was he freed? How long do we have left?"
On further thought, Raspit thinks it was 8 days, not 7. The devils were freed at some point during the night 3 nights ago, which gives you about 4 and a half days to track them down.
Pharris listens to the knocker with growing alarm.
Then as the others start planning she waits, gradually flushing. Eventually Pharris moves over and starts to investigate the box, humming to herself. She mumbles as she gently feels the surfaces.
"I am the blade.I am the blade. Not the sorcerer, not the wizard."
DM
"Fine by me, Alton... everyone ready? Nicolai, what would be the most convenient meeting point in town, which would also enable us to discretely observe the Artonite cathedral before we choose a course of action?"
"You're right, that would be better. How about Pharris, Laithe and Kaejatan in one group and Nicolai, you and myself in the other?"
"And me" Laithe nods at the wisdom of splitting up to attract less scrutiny, and going in through different gates. At Keildrithe's talk of a meeting point he looks towards Nicolai and awaits the mans suggestion."
Kajetan nods in agreement regarding entering the town. “Keildrithe, you have some good ideas in regard to a solution to working the Box. I too fear the Kobold’s inability. Maybe we can work together. With my small understanding and your abilities, we might form a plan.” The scholar pauses for a moment and raises a finger, “If I may though, another thought has come to mind. I have heard of magic, through possible drink or parchment, which could possibly brighten the dull Lumbie. If this magic would exist, it could give Lumbie the understanding to work the box for a short period of time when we need him to. I only present this as another possible option.” He lowers his finger and shakes his head, “Many things would have to happen for this to come to fruition, though.”
Kajetan gathers his belongings and says with a nod, “Well off we go then to gather Stonty and his wagon. I wish we were under different circumstances. I am very interested in seeing a town the size of Lichford. It probably holds so much history and knowledge. Well first things first, let us put a stop to this wickedness. The knowledge will still be there. Unless the damn devils burn it all,” Kajetan’s mouth curves in disappointment and anger. He goes on sternly, “On that thought though, possibly if the cathedral is under attack, our past enemy may become our current ally. Either way, let us finish this.” Grabbing his owl mask, he waits for Nicolai.
“If I may though, another thought has come to mind. I have heard of magic, through possible drink or parchment, which could possibly brighten the dull Lumbie. If this magic would exist, it could give Lumbie the understanding to work the box for a short period of time when we need him to. I only present this as another possible option.” He lowers his finger and shakes his head, “Many things would have to happen for this to come to fruition, though.”
Laithe shows immediate interest in Kajetan's mention of magical aid to temporarily boost Lumbie's intellect. As the scholar continues to speak he becomes lost in thought, before his face falls slightly.
"Alas, Ehlonna grants me magic which will boost one's strength, grace, endurance or wisdom, but not one's cunning. Still, there may be a minor spell which may aid one in their attempt to use the object, whether it be Lumbie or one of us. I will ask it of Ehlonna tonight. You are wise Kajetan, and I am glad to have you beside me in the coming battle."
"Fine by me, Alton... everyone ready? Nicolai, what would be the most convenient meeting point in town, which would also enable us to discretely observe the Artonite cathedral before we choose a course of action?"
Nicolai knows of a place in town called Pardoner’s Square, not far from the inn called the Minstrel that Pharris and Keildrithe know. It is a tiny square where several roads meet, with a bronze statue at one side of it. If either Keildrithe or Pharris enter by the east gate they should be able to find it, and Nicolai knows the way there from the south gate. It’s probably as good a meeting place as any. It’s not near the Cathedral, but none of the group apart from Nicolai are really familiar enough with the town’s layout to be sure of making their way to the Cathedral accurately and discretely.
Pharris listens to the knocker with growing alarm.
Then as the others start planning she waits, gradually flushing. Eventually Pharris moves over and starts to investigate the box, humming to herself. She mumbles as she gently feels the surfaces.
"I am the blade.I am the blade. Not the sorcerer, not the wizard."
Pharris:
There are rituals, chants, stances and caresses that go along with this … Pharris knows some of them, and half remembers others, but it is a difficult sort of magic. Even more difficult is emulating not just a race, but a specific bloodline within that race. That is probably right at the upper limit of her ability and knowledge, perhaps – perhaps – achievable with luck, or given enough time.
“If I may though, another thought has come to mind. I have heard of magic, through possible drink or parchment, which could possibly brighten the dull Lumbie. If this magic would exist, it could give Lumbie the understanding to work the box for a short period of time when we need him to. I only present this as another possible option.” He lowers his finger and shakes his head, “Many things would have to happen for this to come to fruition, though.”Laithe shows immediate interest in Kajetan's mention of magical aid to temporarily boost Lumbie's intellect. As the scholar continues to speak he becomes lost in thought, before his face falls slightly.
Of course, you don’t know for certain what Lumbie’s intellectual capabilities are … you only have Raspit’s words (reinforced by Lumbie’s blank stares) that he is, in fact, stupid.
Nicolai knows of a place in town called Pardoner’s Square, not far from the inn called the Minstrel that Pharris and Keildrithe know. It is a tiny square where several roads meet, with a bronze statue at one side of it. If either Keildrithe or Pharris enter by the east gate they should be able to find it, and Nicolai knows the way there from the south gate. It’s probably as good a meeting place as any. It’s not near the Cathedral, but none of the group apart from Nicolai are really familiar enough with the town’s layout to be sure of making their way to the Cathedral accurately and discretely.
"Fine by me, Alton... everyone ready? Nicolai, what would be the most convenient meeting point in town, which would also enable us to discretely observe the Artonite cathedral before we choose a course of action?"
"Very well... so Laithe, Pharris and Kajetan head for the North gate, and the rest of us will enter via the south gate. We'll meet at Pardoner's Square, near the Minstrel..." The bard becomes distracted for a moment, as he observes Pharris murmuring some mystical phrase while touching the Devil Box. "Pharris, what are you doing?"
... distracted for a moment, as he observes Pharris murmuring some mystical phrase while touching the Devil Box. "Pharris, what are you doing?"
She looks up, very satisfied.
"My mo-. No lets just say that I am a warrior and this box is beyond me. For now. Every girl has her secrets, you must know that!" giggles the woman.
She straightens up. "We going?"
Nicolai leads Keildrithe and Alton back down the road and through the countryside surrounding the town, and within about fifteen minutes has met up with the main road leading into town from the south, beside the river. This road is fairly busy – there is good farmland close to the river, with peasants working at the harvest in nearby fields, and farmers bringing cows, goats, and wagons of produce to the town markets, or one of several mills that line the river.
Pharris meanwhile leads Laithe and Kajetan along the more direct but less trafficked route to town, towards the east gate. Neither group has any particular trouble with the guards, who seem less intent on questioning travelers in the bright light of morning than at twilight – or perhaps it is the masks the group wear, marking them as festival goers, or the fact that the guards’ attentions tend to be focused inwards, on the smoke rising from the Cathedral district.
Soon enough, both groups are within the town and heading for Pardoner’s Square.
This is likely Laithe’s first time within such a large town. It is somewhat strange and unsettling to feel hard, worked cobblestones beneath his feet, to have tall and closely packed buildings rising up on both sides, and to see so many people in close proximity. In truth the streets are not crowded, but it is certainly more people than Laithe is used to seeing in one place, and the masks that many people wear adds to the sense of strangeness.
Alton has seen cities bigger than this before, but it has been some time since he was around people of his own size. Although far outnumbered by the towering humans, he spots more than a handful of more normal sized people here and there amongst the crowd, hurrying along on errands of their own. Many wear masks as the humans do, and in some cases it is difficult to be sure what race they are; he thinks they are mainly gnomes, but he does spot at least one halfling, and several dwarfs (although at nearly the same height of some humans and twice the girth, they hardly count as normal sized).
Kajetan finds the town strangely familiar and yet subtly different. He has been in places much like this in Lorin, but he constantly sees things that remind him he is not at home. The roofs of buildings tend to be more steeply pitched here, and the local architecture puts more emphasis on exposed timber. Many doors and cornerstones are inscribed with the star of Arton – rarely seen back home – with the brightly coloured streamers and the leering pumpkin heads that adorn eaves and window sills for the festival make a strange counter-point.
Pharris and Keildrithe have experienced the town before, and are less struck by its strangeness this time around, whilst Nicolai navigates the streets with comparative ease, only occasionally hesitating at a junction in the twisting, rather confusing streets before choosing the right street or lane.
Pardoner’s Square is small and out of the way – little more than a wide junction where five streets meet on an area of mostly level ground partway up one of the town’s hills. Buildings crowd in on all sides, two stories or more, and a verdigrised, lifesized bronze statue of an important looking man with an outstretched hand stands atop a short plinth to one side.
The two groups arrive here with few misadventures.
Nicolai: