Keildrithe has mixed feelings about his new threads. On the one hand, he's pleased to be wearing something clean and in prime condition, as the clothes he wore beneath his armour were starting to show their wear and tear. On the other hand, he feels somewhat like a traitor now that he has to go about in Atuscan fashions rather than his traditional Karandic garb.
Once the fitting is done, he goes to seek out a barber in order to complete his new look... "You up for a trim, brother?" he asks Laithe as he exits the tailor's shop.
After thinking for a few moments, Hawthorn recommends that Kajetan try an establishment about halfway up Minster Hill called the Golden Dawn. It specialises in an exotic Dal’Tekish beverage called coffee, which has found some favour amongst many of the teachers and other academics in the area “despite the fact that it’s truly foul stuff” Hawthorn adds with a sniff. It’s not likely to be very busy right now, but will likely fill up in a few hours.
Between them, Hawthorn and Nicolai can direct Kajetan there fairly accurately.
Kajetan:
You are greeted by a tall man with thin, dark features and a long beard, in heavily accented Atuscan, who bids you take a seat and offers you a cup or pot of strong, bitter black coffee.
The first small cup is free, after that it will cost you 4cp for a cup or 1sp for a large pot.
You can also buy some small sweet pastries for 2cp each.
Attempts to engage the owner in detailed conversation seem deemed to fail, as you get the impression he doesn’t understand half of what you say, but after a couple of hours the place starts filling up with academic looking types, who seem to enjoy the coffee and good conversation.
By spending a few hours talking to these folks (who are quite interested in Lorin and your various areas of knowledge), you gain the following information.
They all seem to be fairly dismayed and upset at the burning of the library. It was the biggest store of written knowledge in the town, and may have held a number of rare or unique tomes. There is apparently a monastery somewhere in the province which may hold copies of some or all of the work in this library, so they are hopeful that eventually the body of work can be reconstructed … but either way, it will take a long time.
Public access to the library was closely restricted, but they could apply to the head librarian for access, and he was generally fairly good about granting it.
They have heard that “your friend Padre Stefan” has left town for a time, they’re not sure where he is. Rumour has it that the only person left who survived the fire who was involved in the day to day operation of the library is one of the junior librarians, Deacon Terin. He will no doubt be kept busy over the coming weeks cataloguing what is left of the library, and trying to sort out what has been destroyed. Hopefully Stefan will be summoned back to town shortly to assist him.
They don’t know who set the fire, but theorise that is was separatists, anti-Church fanatics or heathen Karands. Members of the town watch and the church have been crawling all over the building looking for clues, and it’s generally agreed that they will begin rounding up likely suspects soon.
The waiting and questioning takes about 4 hours, leaving it about 5 in the afternoon.
Keildrithe has mixed feelings about his new threads. On the one hand, he's pleased to be wearing something clean and in prime condition, as the clothes he wore beneath his armour were starting to show their wear and tear. On the other hand, he feels somewhat like a traitor now that he has to go about in Atuscan fashions rather than his traditional Karandic garb.
Once the fitting is done, he goes to seek out a barber in order to complete his new look... "You up for a trim, brother?" he asks Laithe as he exits the tailor's shop.
Laithe nods at the plan, though he is a little worried about Kajetan venturing out on his own. "Perhaps Alton could accompany you, at least to and from the establishment?" he sugggests.
As everyone starts to depart he says "Take care and run rather than fight if you get into trouble."
After cleaning up in one of the rooms upstairs, he heads to the tailor with Keildrithe, sharing his countryman's feelings about the Atuscan clothes. "I prefer my worn leathers and skins any day of the week" he mutters.
At Keildrithe's mention of a haircut he halts in his steps, a look of horror on his face. After a moment he sighs and nods "You are right of course, though I fear the forest will no know me when I return!" He concedes to a shave and a trim/tidy up, tying back his hair neatly once done.
Pharris moves quickly onto working the room, asking about Stefan, the Church and its recent fire and trying to find out anything unusual that may have happened in town.
Alton:
Laithe and Keildrithe:
He gets back about two or three hours after noon, by which time all your companions are off gathering information. The dwarf greets you warmly, thanks you again, and makes sure that Hawthorn is looking after you. He says that he’ll be at your service soon, and then heads off to talk to Hawthorn quietly for a few moments. He seems somewhat upset, and the bartender pulls him an ale to calm him.
Soon enough he returns to your table. There are tears in his beard, but he is putting on a brave face. “Ach, oon oonpleasnt busyness an’ nae mistake, boot aye’ll sae ‘Rasmus’ widoow be luked af’er. So, ye’ll still b’ wantin’ t’ service o’ me wagoon? Headin’ oot t’ pick oop ye box an’ ye Knockers?”
He’s happy to drive you out of town to pick up the kobolds if that’s what you want to do now. His cart is indeed in the stable and he will borrow a mule from Hawthorn.
After giving directions to his comrades, Nicolai leads Pharris to the Minstrel, happy to have his mask on to hide his wandering eyes.
He'll make the rounds, introducing Pharris as his cousin and buying drinks for those willing to share information.
He'll ask primarily about the Church, focused more heavily on rumours surrounding the fire. He'll also try to find out where Stefan is and some information on the new visitor (Atrek?).
DM Mothman
DM Mothman:
Holding the knowledge that he may be here awhile, the scholar orders a large pot and two pastries. He quickly catches on that the fruity and sugary delights complement the coffee quite well. Within moments of his second cup, he easily perks up, his eyes open wide, and his hands and legs get a little jittery. The shop owner just nods his head and turns in an attempt to hide a smirk.
As more patrons arrive and Kajetan makes acquaintances, the young scholar starts to feel more in his element. Sharing knowledge and ideas and offering quips only the learned would understand, Kajetan smiles and laughs. Not since back in Lorin, could Kajetan remember being so joyful. For a brief moment, he thinks back to why he ever left.
The afternoon wanes and early evening presents itself. Quite cheery and still a bit jittery, Kajetan says his farewell and makes his way back to the Grumpy Hogfish with information to share with his companions.
Alton:
The reality proves quite another thing. Firstly, it’s extremely difficult to actually find a halfling. With a fairly small halfling population and nearly everyone around here wearing masks, you must have stopped at least two dozen gnomes and human children (taking an hour and a half) before you actually find a halfling.
This one greets you enthusiastically, gripping your hand (rather hard) and nodding his bird-masked head. “Hello, hello, pleased to meet you! My name is Nifal Lum, and yes, I know your uncle Brom well! Now, to get to there from here…”
He proceeds to give you a long series of detailed but convoluted directions, wishes you well, and goes on his way.
You follow the directions, which seem to take you halfway across the town and back again … quite literally as it turns out, for when you finally reach your destination, you realize that you are only about half a block from where you started … and uncle Brom’s home is still nowhere to be seen.
Swearing that you will tear Nifal Lum’s head from his shoulders if you should meet him again, and teach him the meaning of a really good joke, you wearily continue your search for a halfling who can help you.
Who should you soon come across? Nifal Lum again. However, the man quails in fear when you approach him angrily, and claims to never have seen you before in his life. “And no, my name is not Nifal Lum, it is Fert Girther!” You could swear it is exactly the same guy, but as far as you can tell, he seems genuine. Having little other option, you ask him if he knows your uncle Brom.
He claims he does, and gives you some simple directions to a location a few blocks away. Somewhat suspiciously, you begin to follow them, wondering just what is going on in this town …
The directions lead you down an alley a block away from where you met Nifal Lum. As you approach, a sixth sense tells you that something is wrong … perhaps you heard something… You draw your rapier and warily approach the dark alley mouth, peering within.
There, fifteen feet within the alley, are some dark shapes half hidden behind some old crates. Something moves, and light glints off a pair of low green eyes … it is a cat. It opens its mouth and hisses at you, and you see blood on its teeth – it then turns tail and runs the other way down the alley. You realize that it was nibbling at a body sprawled out in the alley.
Pharris and Nicolai:
The Minstrel is primarily a soldier’s pub, and the clientele this afternoon is no exception to usual. The place is hardly crowded, but there are half a dozen off shift soldiers in uniform, and a handful of other men who may or may not be military besides.
The soldiers tend to like to stick with their own, and it is difficult to get them talking – but Pharris certainly catches their collective eye, and Nicolai is a friendly enough fellow (and apparently not attached to the beautiful if slightly odd woman), and soon enough they can be drawn into conversation.
However, it soon becomes clear that most of them have little knowledge of exactly what went on at the Cathedral library last night. They know that people dies, and that foul play is suspected, but apparently there are some politics at play, and it is as yet unclear as to whether the city guard will be involved in the investigation, or whether it will be handled internally be the Church.
They all have their theories on who may have lit the fire (foreigners, Karands, separatists, someone wronged by the church), but they all really do sound like little more than theories. One fellow has something intelligent to say though; “Well, if someone was trying to make a statement, why not set the fire in the Cathedral – now that would be a statement, that grand building burning! But the library … eh, I’d say it was a theft gone wrong or some such…”
Just as the investigators are wondering how much more information they will be able to glean, and whether they should move on, a new pair of soldiers enter the place, apparently having just ended their shift. One of them throws his wooden mask down to the table-top as he sits down, orders an ale and then sighs deeply. “Hard day?” asks one of the others non too sympathetically. “Damn Church, damn Karands and damn extra work,” he answers.
On further inquiry, it seems that the gate guards have new orders as of some time today – they are to keep an eye out for a group of fugitives (some of them Karands) who may be trying to enter or leave town. The order came via some Church official, and has something to do with some trouble in a neighbouring province (but the guards speculate may also have to do with the fire).
DM/Nicolai
"Should we be worried for the others? I mean these are the gate guards so this may only be about getting in and out. I don't mind moving on though, this place is filled with soldiers who know little. Perhaps there is a better inn?
Soon enough he returns to your table. There are tears in his beard, but he is putting on a brave face. “Ach, oon oonpleasnt busyness an’ nae mistake, boot aye’ll sae ‘Rasmus’ widoow be luked af’er. So, ye’ll still b’ wantin’ t’ service o’ me wagoon? Headin’ oot t’ pick oop ye box an’ ye Knockers?”
"You'll miss him too, I'd wager" Laithe says softly to the dwarf. He allows him some time and then, still speaking quietly but with some vehemence in his voice he continues. "We'll be finding the creatures that did killed Rasmus and we'll ensure they are paid in full for their deeds."
He pauses, then answers Stonty's question. "Yes, we'll need to recover the box and the knockers. If you are still willing, we should head out and get them before dark." Laithe waits till the Dwarf is composed and ready and then stands to leave.
Laithe and Keildrithe:
Stonty heads out to the inn stables to begin hitching up the cart. He suggests you ask Hawthorn for a couple of old blankets to cover up the box, if you don’t want it seen be the guards.
Kajetan:
Nicolai and Pharris:
As Pharris whispers to Nicolai about leaving, it dawns on her that she might have a problem; throughout the afternoon her flirtatious act and half-promises have led at least three of the soldiers in here expecting her to leave with them or accompany them to one of the festivities tonight, and several pairs of eager eyes watch her every move.
Pharris/DM:
He nods to Pharris. "I agree. We won't find out a whole lot more in this place. There are other taverns, but there just doesn't seem to be a lot of information out there to be had. We might be better off heading back and warning the others." Nicolai looks around and notices several pairs of eyes focused on himself and Pharris. He leans in closer and whispers in her ear, "And how exactly do you propose we take our leave?"
Nicolai/DM
Pharris helps Nicolai with a beat, something that starts slow and builds to a crescendo. Something that will get the soldiers stomping and clapping as she dances faster and faster.
Pharris goes around the room dancing and teasing and just avoiding being grabbed by her erstwhile suitors, speeding up with the beat. Then just near the end she heads for the exit and calls, "I can't choose, you are all wonderful! Byeeee."
Pharris and DM:
DM Mothman:
Kajetan's eyes open even wider at the mention of the monastery. "Another haven of knowledge you say. My my, I truly love this land," Kajetan says with excitement. "Please tell me more. Where is it located? Would I be welcome to visit? How can I get there? Have you all been there before?"
Kajetan rattles off question after question in a fast series. Apparently, his thirst for knowledge mixed with his new found love for coffee has him quite perky.
“Raite y’re lad, leats b’ oof.”Stonty heads out to the inn stables to begin hitching up the cart. He suggests you ask Hawthorn for a couple of old blankets to cover up the box, if you don’t want it seen be the guards.
Just delaying in case Keildrithe has any suggestions to add or doesn’t wish to head out.
Keildrithe, looking positively youthful, cleancut and foppish with his new hairdo and Atuscan outfit, runs a hand along his freshly shaven face as he empathizes quietly with Stonty's loss and Laithe's words of support. After a moment, he speaks up. "Laithe is right. No words can soothe your loss, no deeds can bring your friend back. But, upon our honour, he shall be avenged."
Thinking about the retrieval of the knockers and the devil box, he adds: "Stonty, do the guards not inspect wagons, especially those that cover their cargo with blankets? Just wondering what we should expect when we try to get back in... and by the way, thanks again for volunteering to help us..."
Laithe and Keildrithe:
“Ach, ‘elpin’ ye with thi’ th’ least aye ken doo. Ready t’ goo?”
“Co’ be lad,” answers the dwarf. He goes on to explain that the searches are somewhat random and depend on the zeal of the particular guards on duty, as well as if the travellers are known to them or not. He says that he is sometimes searched but mostly not.
“Ach, ‘elpin’ ye with thi’ th’ least aye ken doo. Ready t’ goo?”
"Alright, let's go then... although it may be best if we keep some distance between us, master Stonty, so as not to arouse the suspicion of the guards upon our return... you know, Laithe and I looking a bit different and all..."
Pharris and Nicolai:
Pharris’ gyrations, to the accompaniment of Nicolai’s rhythmic clapping at first befuddles but then fascinates the soldiers. Soon, many of them are clapping along, and all eyes follow the dancer … none of them are prepared when Pharris abruptly dances straight out the door! They all sit for a few moments, expecting that that is part of the show and she will be back … but no, the duo are long gone, hurrying away down the street.
Pharris and DM:
"So, where to? Shall we go sound the warning to our wild brethren?"
Nicolai/DM
She runs down the lane and turns quickly into a side alley and then onto a different street. She casts one look over her shoulder to make sure that there is no quick pursuit.
"Nicolai, these Karands are fun and that's what matters isn't it? You to!"
[ooc]Thanks DM, one day this is going to bite me in the bum.
DM Mothman
Pharris and DM:
Laithe and Keildrithe:
“Seems ter lookin’ fer sometin’” remarks Stonty.
Alton:
DM Mothman
With masks and new outfits on, you trail along a short distance behind Stonty’s cart, making for the east gate. However, a block from your destination, the dwarf draws the cart in and climbs down, making a show of checking the traces whilst quietly gesturing you over. He indicates the gate at the end of the block, and you notice a small crowd of people and carts waiting to get through. There are four guards at the gate and they appear to be talking to every person wanting to go through, in some cases asking them to remove their masks.
“Seems ter lookin’ fer sometin’” remarks Stonty.
"Yeah, probably us," sighs Keildrithe. "What do you recommend, Master Stonty?"
Nicolai/DM
"You have a good sense of the dance, did you think I danced well?" she finishes coyly.
Kajetan:
Pharris and Nicolai:
Alton:
DM Mothman
He seeks out the place where his companion's were to meet, making a mental map of how to get back to the alley.
Laithe and Keildrithe:
Alton:
DM Mothman:
DM/Nicolai
Pharris and DM:
Nicolai removes his mask and begins to try on various guises. "Oh, and your performance was wonderful!" he adds, smiling.
Nicolai picks out a cheap-looking black cloak and grim reaper mask. "How much for these?" he asks the shopkeeper.
He looks over at Pharris who seems to be eyeing some rather skimpy outfits. "Pharris, dear, you may want to try something a little more conservative, for those rare times where you don't want to attract attention!"
Nicolai and Pharris:
Where to from here?
Kajetan:
“I imagine that Deacon Terin will be kept pretty busy, what with current events,” adds another, sagely. “But he’ll probably be wanting a drink to steady his nerves after all of this…”
DM/Nicolai
Pharris hands over 5 silver marks in order to get a slightly better cloak and mask. She fancies an animal, maybe a cat?
"I shall pay for that dear comment, Nicolai."
Pharris (and Nicolai):
The more expensive cloak is a thick, good quality, full length cloak with a hood that will keep the wearer warm and dry.
DM Mothman:
Kajetan:
“Yes, I’m sure he would know more about the monastery. And topics? Well, he’s a librarian, so perhaps books?”
DM/Nicolai