Andrea your employer has you working through lunch on the first day. He brings in some fried whitefish and potatoes for your lunch. He grumbles most the morning about how far behind he is. Several of his employees come to the shop with the payments from his loans.
Two of couriers mention people are talking about a mystery group that took on the Rack near their citadel. Not sure what the name of the group "something about protection or vengence or guardians. Lots of chatter though, sort of exciting"
Kenji you find Mathalen may lack power but her feet and hands are very quick. She has a determined focus and picks up instruction easily. She seems to take a few few minutes to think about each item mentioned to her, then she slowly moves the move. She sees to be analytical in her approach. So far, she is a fine student.
Traine Bransen's man servant brings you in to the arbor where Traine is laughing with another man. Traine looks up at you and says, Shinon, welcome, welcome let me introduce you to the renowned actor and opera singer, Thesing Umbero Ulvauno."
The actor turns and looks at you in your "clothing" and frowns his face. "Pleasure is yours, I'm sure. You know there is a thing called laundry and a bath...wonderful invention." With a quick eat s**t grin on his face. Turning back to Traine, "Interesting young..." words trailing off.
Shinon narrows his eyes and then turns to Traine. "I guess I'll wait in the foyer. Five gold pieces says I can shoot through one of your arrows!" He winks cockily at his best friend, before standing up and walking out of the room, brushing the servant aside. "I know where I'm going, I've been here a hundred times already."
Shinon will head into Traine's foyer and take a seat in his favorite armchair, absent-mindedly glancing around the room while he waits for his friend to come in.
Grumm Sharpest growls at Duncan when he returns to the smithy's shop. "Ye brought a kitten too with ye. 'Bout time ye grace' us wit yer presence." Then his eyes fall on the gear the two brought him. He touches and eyes each pieece, his bushy brows rise and fall several times. Using his thumb nail to scrap off some of the dried blood. He chuckles, "Ye just sort of come 'cross this stuff did ye?" not really wanting or expecting an answer.
He turns and focuses on Ermolos, "Let me see yer 'ands boy." rubbing his calloused hands over the boy's hardened palms. Nodding approvingly. "Ye worked with Master Bryum before he turned ill? Good man. Let me see yer weapons on yer side." He lets out a whistle, "'Aye, I put ye to work and 'ssume ye are learning how to use those fine weapons from that one." pointing his thumb at Duncan.
Gear fell off the back o a wagon belonging to folk up to no good I promise. As fer yer training lad. Make no mistake, Grumm here be yer master. I can.call meself smith, but Grumm was making enchanted Axes when yer daddy's daddy was a pup. Type a stuff he makes draws prestige AND thieves so ye'll be learning the trade and how to wield what ye make. Speakin o new apprentices, where be the other stray I bought in?
Grumm chuckles at your statement, "ye be good 'nough at the forge but the trainin' i be speakin' of is with his weapons." He slaps Ermolos hard on his back and directs him to the other apprentice to be shown around the shop. "The other stray is in the backroom stackin' coal."
He walks over to the keg and taps two tankards of stout for you and him. "Ye got a story or two I presume."
I work with her as long as I can. "You figure mechanics of styru kuickry. You see. Weru praced strike make up for rack in physicaru power. It aso herup you to keep from get hit or grabbed. Rike I say. Fist, Feet, an mind are weapons an armor. Da more you hone an temper dem, da more effective dey are."
As the lessons conclude I watch her make a few well trained kicks. "You have very nice regs." I chuckle "You do weru. Dats enough for today. I can come by tomorrow ebening an we can continue some training. You can manage?"
Mathalen thanks your for the pointers and teh compliment, brushing her bangs away from her cheek. She is thin and wiry although the years doing odd jobs have made her tone. She has bright eyes but she is generally shy about her appearance.
Andrea is somewhat put out at both having her attempts at detective work tharwarted and her small lunch. I am going to have a very busy three days indeed She rememembers the IOU and wonders why it was down int he sewers and makes a few inquireies at the counting houese if anyone knows about either Jurul Ghard or Duxotar Iltus Mhartis.
As Shinon walks out the door she can hear the Thesing's loud comment, "Five gold, by Cayden Cailean that would take him a year to make good."Clearly laughing at your expense.
"Traine, do tell that he is here as ...'um your archery teacher?" There is no response from Traine to the suggestion made. "I have a new play opening and well, maybe I could throw a few coppers his way to show me how to better my own archery skill."
As Shinon leaves, he hears the actor's remarks and spins on his heel, immediately drawing and knocking an arrow, and firing it directly over the actor's head, barely missing his brain as the arrow lodges itself into a family picture on the opposite wall, right into Traine's father's heart.
"I don't care who you are, it's 'Lord Bransen' to you," Shinon says coldly, and then turns and walks into the foyer.
Grumm chuckles at your statement, "ye be good 'nough at the forge but the trainin' i be speakin' of is with his weapons." He slaps Ermolos hard on his back and directs him to the other apprentice to be shown around the shop. "The other stray is in the backroom stackin' coal."
He walks over to the keg and taps two tankards of stout for you and him. "Ye got a story or two I presume."
I do, but dinnae wanna involve yea unless yer willing to here. I'm stirring up some trouble fer the greater good. Could be allota gear fallin of the back o wagons fer ye t'make a tidy profit. Swear t'ye it's fer good an honest folk trying to make a livin under the crush o this place. Not neccesarily legal. If'n ye are worried about heat, say so an I'll stop there. But if ye don't mind making a fair whack o coin while supporting a good cause I'll spill. Know ye well enough t'trust ye like blood. But I won't be putting the place at risk if yer worried.
Andrea is somewhat put out at both having her attempts at detective work tharwarted and her small lunch. I am going to have a very busy three days indeed She rememembers the IOU and wonders why it was down int he sewers and makes a few inquireies at the counting houese if anyone knows about either Jurul Ghard or Duxotar Iltus Mhartis.
Your boss, gerald, would look at the IOU and nod, "Where did you get an Iou from the High Warden of the Dottari, Iltus Mhartis? The Dulotar is his title as Commander of the City Gaurd." He asks and explains.
Looking at the note the High Warden wrote out an IOU to the nobleman, Jurul Chard. "The Chard family does not bank with us but they are noble and loyal to the House of Phandros, an old Chelish Ethnic family. They bank with a competitor of ours, although the drunk high Warden has notes all over the city. I know his signature well." The wheels turning in his head, "It would be good to get their business, yes...yes."
"Probably a note for wine and his 'hores. That is the Chard family's business of preference, the trade of flesh and pleasure."
He examines the note for any countersigning or indications that it had been redeemed. "Looks like the young noble misplaced, or traded this IOU to someone, I'll give you 25% of its face value and take it off your hands." He offers. Perhaps, I can pay the High Warden's note off and get some of Chard's business and a favor from the Dulotar. A wide grin emerges on Gerald's cold, calculating thin lips.
Once I am done with Mathalen, I head over to Janiven. "Does dis prace habe rooms and beds? If so is it okay I stay here. I have no prace to rive and wud be okay staying here. Is okay?"
"Ooooooooooo, Lord Bransen..really, Lord Nobody," he mocks. 'Seriously, Traine you CAN do sooo much better, sleep with wannabe's and you will wake up as a wannabe." Tsk Tsk, "Sorry, current company excluded Traine your new "Lordy" - chuckles - "makes me want to go home a scrub for an hour in a hot lavender tub perhaps with that new young lady...oh, w..what was her name from the House Chard. Oh, it doesn't matter her name, she will do just fine." He turns and walks off.
John arriving at your mentor's training center there are two huge warhorses tied to the hitching post. The warhorses have the familar spiked wheel symbol of the Order of the Rack is on each saddle. Heavy steel shields hanging from their left side.
Inside the training center the voices are booming and clear. "Sir Decan, we do appreciate your time in this matter keep us advised. I WILL see you in five days time. We will let ourselves out." The sound sof heavy boots on the the tile approach.
Two large Order of the Rack Hellknghts approach. Each carrying a helm under their left arm. Beautifully polished longswords hang from their sides, and a battle ax on their back. Their armor is black, as is their cloaks which ar timmed in crimson.
They each give a curt nod to you as they pass you.
John will go to his teacher and ask "What was that about?"
Janiven smiles and nodds her head, "We have plenty of space in this old temple for you to stay. We would like you to stay, you will be a good influence on the younger one's."
"Arael's been exhausted and has slept most of the day, perhaps you will join me for dinner tonight? I know a great place just off the docks where we can blend in comfortably, serves good food and drink at a fair price? It is, also, on a lighted road that travels near the temple. The shadow beast stay away from the path at night.
Grumm chuckes as he fetches his pipe and weed. "Seems like a good time to smoke and 'ave another tankard. We be two houseless dwarves 'course we can count on one another. Haven't met a coin I didn't luv in me hand."
Decan looks up from his writing table, nearby is Lumar Decan (his grandson), a bit startled by John's unannounced arrival. "Oh, yes...John there are. Where have you been the last couple days. I know we weren't practicing but Lumar was looking for you." Lumar has a look of contempt on his face when he looks at John.
"Well things are quite interesting. There was an ambush on the road to Citadel Rivad. There were 2 deaths and a severely wounded guard. Their troops retreated rathered than fight. Two of the bandits were well trained a dwarf and hulking man in scalemail and tower shield. Not many "bandits" are familiar with the tower shield, so they are looking for former military footman."
Looking disprovingly towards Lumar, Apparently my numbskull grandson has decided to forego his training and has desires to the join the Rack, instead of the Scourge." Disgust in every words. "I meet with Paralictor Chard in five days to formalize this transfer."
I nod at Janiven. "Oh Arigato. Sounds nice. I wiru accompany you den my rady. When you wish to head out?"
Grumm chuckes as he fetches his pipe and weed. "Seems like a good time to smoke and 'ave another tankard. We be two houseless dwarves 'course we can count on one another. Haven't met a coin I didn't luv in me hand."
Duncan motions Grumm to the office, really just a small bookeeping room.
Finally found me a bunch o souls with some balls who aren't happy bout the soul crushin heirachy this place has. Had ta rescue thier leader from the Armigers. Nice fella. Cleric o Imodae. Offered em surrender, killed 2 who wouldn't take it. We gonna sort out this night beast issue first then who knows. But we gonna be targets fer those who wanna keep the populace down. If'n ye're willing, was hoping to bring captured weapons and armor here. This be a damn fine smithy. One that churns out enough good gear that nobody will notice the extra stock. Gives us a place to get rid o the weapons we take from the bastards an you get ta make a bit while helpin. Markings need ta be changed in.some cases but somma thier better gear is from here anyway. Recognise the chain I'm wearin' you an me sold this to the armigers 6mths back.
I nod at Janiven. "Oh Arigato. Sounds nice. I wiru accompany you den my rady. When you wish to head out?"
No later than 5:30, so we are not caught outside after dark. Turning, "I have a few errands see you later.
Your boss, gerald, would look at the IOU and nod, "Where did you get an Iou from the High Warden of the Dottari, Iltus Mhartis? The Dulotar is his title as Commander of the City Gaurd." He asks and explains.Looking at the note the High Warden wrote out an IOU to the nobleman, Jurul Chard. "The Chard family does not bank with us but they are noble and loyal to the House of Phandros, an old Chelish Ethnic family. They bank with a competitor of ours, although the drunk high Warden has notes all over the city. I know his signature well." The wheels turning in his head, "It would be good to get their business, yes...yes."
"Probably a note for wine and his 'hores. That is the Chard family's business of preference, the trade of flesh and pleasure."
He examines the note for any countersigning or indications that it had been redeemed. "Looks like the young noble misplaced, or traded this IOU to someone, I'll give you 25% of its face value and take it off your hands." He offers. Perhaps, I can pay the High Warden's note off and get some of Chard's business and a favor from the Dulotar. A wide grin emerges on Gerald's cold, calculating thin lips.
Andrea nods. That would be very generous, I accept. Andrea knows the information is far more important than the money.I wonder if Tracy would know where his High Wardenship visits
The Warden is quite the ladies man then? If he can regularly give IOUs he is no doubt a favored customer. Hmm...If I can perhaps get close to him, some good material can be gained for leverage in case he becomes..difficult in the future.
Gruum nods and smiles with yellowish tobacco stained teeth. Giving that silent nod of approval between dwarf's that a deal is struck, when a loud fop enters the smith's shop.
"Service here...hop to it...you are wasting my time." An arrogant man dressed in bright blue pants, fine laced boots knee high, and puffy sleeved white shirt announces. "If you sit all day and not bring me the gear that was suppose to be ready Yesterday, I will just have to tell all the "other" noble family's about the slackers here. See how much future business you get from the likes of me and the Salisfer, Gulios, and Nolmon families along with so many of my other friends. You will go back to making horseshoes for a living." Clapping his hand together twice.
"I'm Thesing Umbero Ulvaud but of course, YOU know that already, don't you. Now hop to it and bring me my emerald and saphire short swort " Clapping his hands again and again.
The two apprentices come running out from the back of the shop at the commotion. One is carrying the sword in quesition.
I nod pleasantly excited. I head out into the market. Thanks to the gold distribution, and the fact I never spent my starting gold anyway, I buy Janiven an ornate hairpin reminiscent of my homeline made of ivory. I get cleaned up and head to the restaurant at the appointed time Janiven set.
I try and show early but how easy is the place to find. I do my best.
Traine comes out to greet Shinon properly, "So sorry about that. Thesing can be a bit pompous at times, but he is generally harmless unless you are of the opposite sex." Offering you a brandy as he pours one for himself. "Of course, shooting over his head is no way to make friends and a certain way to make enemies.'
"I'm considering finacially backing an upcoming show."
Changing the subject, "Where'd you go, you haven't been around for a few days/"
"I'm not really interested in making friends, Traine. More friends just means more openings to be exploited." Shinon frowns darkly as his eyes glance down at Traine's right hand, where his signet ring rests comfortably next to his wedding band.
"You're going to back his show? What's wrong, the moron not talented enough to raise enough capital himself? Not exactly a strong argument for investment. Ah well, it's not like you do anything with your money anyway. Say, what kind of show is it?"
Shinon takes the brandy. He never drinks, except when he's with Traine, and only because Traine is a close friend. Sipping the alcohol and feeling the burn down his throat, Shinon winces a bit and then holds the drink back. "Ack. I forgot how stiff you get these. Don't suppose you have something I can mix this with?"
When Traine changes the subject, Shinon stops drinking suddenly and coughs harshly on the brandy in his throat. "Where have I been? Oh, you know. Streets. Actually, I went sewer-diving yesterday. And I found these..."
Reaching into his pocket, Shinon produces the two rings and hands them to Traine for him to examine. "Check it out. I found the Grulios one on the corpse of a goblin I had slain. The Vitraron one I found when I raided a goblin storeroom. What do you suppose is going on? Have any nobles from either house gone missing or turned up dead recently? Or do you think it might be something darker?"
I nod pleasantly excited. I head out into the market. Thanks to the gold distribution, and the fact I never spent my starting gold anyway, I buy Janiven an ornate hairpin reminiscent of my homeline made of ivory. I get cleaned up and head to the restaurant at the appointed time Janiven set.
I try and show early but how easy is the place to find. I do my best.
Janiven enters the restaurant about 30 minutes late and laughs when she sees Kenji. Walking towards him hands in the air in a "Where were you kind of away." Chuckling hysterically, "You we..wer..were su..sup..supp...suppose to met ...m...m...ne downstairs in the t..te..temple." she is crying with laughter.
Composing herself, "I should have been more clear, I live at the temple now since Vizio's Tavern is off limits. I was waiting for you to come downstairs that is why I'm late. We could have walked here together." shaking her head and dabbling her eyes on a handkerchief. "I'm sorry for laughing, I forget the language and custom issue."
I seem quite embarrassed and a bit sheepish. "Oh I so sorry. I not understand dat what you want. Weru we can wark home togeter. For now, I tink is time to rerax a bit don't you."
I find a table and pull out a chair for Janiven. Once she is seated I take my own seat. "Nice to see I can make you laugh eben witout trying. I grad tings went so weru. I rike your master Araeru. He seems good smart man. Remind me of own master back home. How you two become to know each odder? You seem to respect him lot."
Kenji here is the the Rusty Hook Tavern, where you meet Janiven.
Decan looks up from his writing table, nearby is Lumar Decan (his grandson), a bit startled by John's unannounced arrival. "Oh, yes...John there are. Where have you been the last couple days. I know we weren't practicing but Lumar was looking for you." Lumar has a look of contempt on his face when he looks at John.
"Well things are quite interesting. There was an ambush on the road to Citadel Rivad. There were 2 deaths and a severely wounded guard. Their troops retreated rathered than fight. Two of the bandits were well trained a dwarf and hulking man in scalemail and tower shield. Not many "bandits" are familiar with the tower shield, so they are looking for former military footman."
Looking disprovingly towards Lumar, Apparently my numbskull grandson has decided to forego his training and has desires to the join the Rack, instead of the Scourge." Disgust in every words. "I meet with Paralictor Chard in five days to formalize this transfer."
"Oh I was helping your friend from the other day. Someone stole something valuable from her, and needed help getting it back. He ran out of town and was hiding in the wilderness, so I was out there looking for him. I did not realize I would be so missed."
John looks at Lumar breifly then returns to Decan. "Really? Hellknights were not only forced to retreat but also were killed? Those must have been strong bandits. The dwarf and the man might have been hired mercanaries. What they they steal from the Hellkinghts that would be worth such a risk and need for such strong men I wonder?"John then turns to Lumar "Why chose to join the Rack?"
Okay so I would be at the table with Janiven and her response to my dialogue was?
"Arael is a special man, he wants what is good for society not himself. He truly believes in being a "people's hero". He is concvinced that With a group of like minded individuals real change can occur. His strength comes from being such a devote follower of Iomedae." Her brown eyes brighten as she speaks of her mentor. "I not only respect him as man and human but I would die for him and his cause."
Looking at you and smiling, "I'm sure he and your master would have been the best of friends."
"How is it that you travelled to Westcrown? Why did you choose Westcrown of all places? Don't get me wrong, we are glad you are here to help out." As the serving girl arrives setting down a loaf of bread and honey butter.
Lumar looks up at John, "I seek to join the First of the Hellknight Orders, not a second tier group. My father may have followed his father," gesturing towards the mentor, "but I should not be so limited." He addresses his grandfather, "If I may be excused, one of us did train today already."
With disgust his grandfather waves him toward the door. When Lumar is safely out in the door, he holds his finger up to his lips to signal for you not to ask any questions. He stands up and moves to the doorway closing it and locking it, before returning to you. He places one hand on your shoulder and leads you to a small separate room, a secure place to talk.
"He is a fool. He has been hanging around the Grulios family again and he believes everything is a rebellion, way too idealistic that way." Motioning to sit in a big chair and he takes his own. "So you helped Janiven...good ...good. Her friend is special and has a good heart. There is a lot of organized crime and corrupt governement officials within this city, and I'm glad you could lend a helping hand." Pausing, "Ye may want to consider a secondary type shield a heavy steel shield, the tower shieled will get you noticed." He reaches inside a small table and pulls out a weathered leather pouch. and hands it to you.
"You need to be very careful, most of the order of the rack are trustworhy albeit a bit zealous. However, there are some very evil folks in the Taranik House, (the Racks headquarters within the city. The Taranik family is no longer in the city but the Rack uses their old manor house for there own purposes.), beware Aritil Sevarn, the arms-maraalictor (armory commander -5th in command) Watch out for others and use your knowledge to help train those less fortunate."
Taking a drink of water, "You always have a friend here if need arises."
Andrea sighed as she was finally given leave to head out for the day, squinting at the sun that was beginning to head downwards. She had hoped that she would be able to visit more of her acquaintences but it looked like she would have only time for one before dusk. I wonder if I would be able to stop at the temple to drop off the money for the sales?
Turning down some ctreets, Andrea approached the morgue, hardly a place where investigations happened to find out the nature of death.(That was more likely to happen if the deceased was actually important enough to warrent it, or in actual extreme cases.) Here the dead of common citizens and the nameless ended up. Such a place did have its benefits though, Andrea was able to aquire a number of corpses for her breatheren amongst the unclaimed.
Now however, she wants to find out just who has been bringing those battered corpses to the morgue for the small finder's fee. Even if such people are dupes, they can be followed and perhaps lead her group to those who are producing them. Andrea had a suspicion that the men encountered in the sewers might have had something to do with it.
Lumar looks up at John, "I seek to join the First of the Hellknight Orders, not a second tier group. My father may have followed his father," gesturing towards the mentor, "but I should not be so limited." He addresses his grandfather, "If I may be excused, one of us did train today already."
With disgust his grandfather waves him toward the door. When Lumar is safely out in the door, he holds his finger up to his lips to signal for you not to ask any questions. He stands up and moves to the doorway closing it and locking it, before returning to you. He places one hand on your shoulder and leads you to a small separate room, a secure place to talk.
"He is a fool. He has been hanging around the Grulios family again and he believes everything is a rebellion, way too idealistic that way." Motioning to sit in a big chair and he takes his own. "So you helped Janiven...good ...good. Her friend is special and has a good heart. There is a lot of organized crime and corrupt governement officials within this city, and I'm glad you could lend a helping hand." Pausing, "Ye may want to consider a secondary type shield a heavy steel shield, the tower shieled will get you noticed." He reaches inside a small table and pulls out a weathered leather pouch. and hands it to you.
** spoiler omitted **
"You need to be very careful, most of the order of the rack are trustworhy albeit a bit zealous. However, there are some very evil folks in the Taranik House, (the Racks headquarters within the city. The Taranik family is no longer in the city but the Rack uses their old manor house for there own purposes.), beware Aritil Sevarn, the arms-maraalictor (armory commander -5th in command) Watch out for others and use your knowledge to help train those less fortunate."
Taking a drink of water, "You always have a friend here if need arises."
"Thank you, and you are right about the shield I'll make sure to get a second one. I also had a question, when I was helping Janiven, we ran into some people in the sewers. I don't believe these people where up to any good. They were also not affiliated with the Hellkinghts. All I really know about the group was that one of them was called Henk and another was called Cobb. I was wondering if you knew anything about this group?"
John's mentor shakes his head at the mention of Henk and cobb. "I don't rightfully know those names but I can do a little invesitgation into it. The sewers of Westcrown are a forgotten masterpiece. The construction hundreds of years ago was incredible by any standard, people often forget how efficient they are. Likewise, most forget they are a vast network of tunnels and a means to travel. Those men may use it for that purpose, or more illegal designs." Taking a bring drink of water.
Nathaniel is happy to see you Andrea, "There is my favorite person, come to say hello or go out on a date?" He asks teasingly. "You are one of the only people I know, who enjoys the morgue. It gives most people the hebee jebee's."
I scratch my head at the question. "Is hard to answer. I wandered da rand for seberal monts. Westcrown most recent prace I visit. First time in a prace rike dis I habe opportunity to make difference. So I take it. Prus it hard to turn down pretty rady who so passionatery ask herup. It nice to see you care enough bout home to ray down rife for it. Most admirabu. I herup in any way I can. What bout you? You born in Westcrown or drawn her by fate rike me?"
Nathaniel is happy to see you Andrea, "There is my favorite person, come to say hello or go out on a date?" He asks teasingly. "You are one of the only people I know, who enjoys the morgue. It gives most people the hebee jebee's."
Andrea smiles and gives Nathaniel a little greeting peck. Oh you scamp you. Andrea gives him a wink. I just might have a date soon, but one who is a bit more active then our friend here. Andrea pats a corpse on the table. Nathaniel, despite his course and morbid demeanor was an absolute peach and being more...flexible with ethics meant he was happy to let Andrea looks over any of the unclaimed for some silver and some chatting. After all, it often got lonely down here and people tended to avoid those of this profession in their terribly closed minded ways.
Actually, I'm here because of a little mystery. Andrea checks over the corpse before her with a practiced eye, checking teeth and peeling back the eyelids.You have been getting more and more of corpses that have been worked over with tools. Not just some knife or club but someone has been taking the hammer and pliers to them. Andrea flexes the corpse's limb and looks at Nathaniel who has gotten a more serious look on his face. This has been happening more since
those shadow beasts have been roaming the streets, we can't even walk out in the night without wondering if we will be taken. You've had to stay here rather than go home because you often have to work late. Andrea sniffs the corpse.Corpses like these don't just walk up here, most of the time. I am just wondering if anyone in particular has been bringing them here, perhaps they would know more about how these corpses got that way and where they got them. Andrea is non-threatening or accusing in her manner. Because if I can solve this mystery then we all can walk the streets freely, it is about high time if the Rack and Dottari can't get this sorted out. Andrea looks down at the corpse again. This one would be excellent, is it claimed already?
"I'm not really interested in making friends, Traine. More friends just means more openings to be exploited." Shinon frowns darkly as his eyes glance down at Traine's right hand, where his signet ring rests comfortably next to his wedding band.
"You're going to back his show? What's wrong, the moron not talented enough to raise enough capital himself? Not exactly a strong argument for investment. Ah well, it's not like you do anything with your money anyway. Say, what kind of show is it?"
Shinon takes the brandy. He never drinks, except when he's with Traine, and only because Traine is a close friend. Sipping the alcohol and feeling the burn down his throat, Shinon winces a bit and then holds the drink back. "Ack. I forgot how stiff you get these. Don't suppose you have something I can mix this with?"
When Traine changes the subject, Shinon stops drinking suddenly and coughs harshly on the brandy in his throat. "Where have I been? Oh, you know. Streets. Actually, I went sewer-diving yesterday. And I found these..."
Reaching into his pocket, Shinon produces the two rings and hands them to Traine for him to examine. "Check it out. I found the Grulios one on the corpse of a goblin I had slain. The Vitraron one I found when I raided a goblin storeroom. What do you suppose is going on? Have any nobles from either house gone missing or turned up dead recently? Or do you think it might be something darker?"
Triane looks at the House Grulios, gold ring, and House Vitaron, silver ring, and identifies the Houses. Grulios is one of the remaining twelve most powerful houses in the city. Perhaps the 3rd or 4th most influencial house around. They are Chelish, in ethnicity, with House Ici and House Mironeth as lesser beholding houses.
This silver ring is house Vitaron they serve the twelfth most powerufl house Mezinas. This is an upcoming house.
I will inquire as to lost nobles or missing fingers. Seems likely, someone lost it to thief or in a sewer. Sometimes things are simply loss and it's not a conspiracy.
As far as having enough friends, beware making enemies like Thesing , he can make your life difficult. Shooting an arrow above his head was rash and probably will have reprocussions when you least expect it.
Beware, if you dig too deep you may not like the answers.
Shinon shakes his head and laughs bitterly. " is a conspiracy, Traine. Anyway, if you could look into this for me, I would appreciate it. I want to know exactly what was going on in that sewer, and why it would be connected to some nobles." Shinon takes the rings back and slips them into his pocket.
"So, how's the wife doing? I haven't seen her around today, is she out racing again?"
Shinon shakes his head and laughs bitterly. " is a conspiracy, Traine. Anyway, if you could look into this for me, I would appreciate it. I want to know exactly what was going on in that sewer, and why it would be connected to some nobles." Shinon takes the rings back and slips them into his pocket.
"So, how's the wife doing? I haven't seen her around today, is she out racing again?"
"Claire was gone when I woke up, I think shopping. We have three operas to attend over the next three weeks. Gowns, shoes and trinkets." he comments. "No time to play today myself, I have some business matters to attend."
Janiven sipping on her red wine. Enjoying the aromas of the spice and grapes. The taste is soft, leaving tongue refreshed rather than dry.
Answering Kenji's question, "I was born and raised her in Westcrown, I travelled mostly with work. Merchant guard and bodyguard primarily but Westcrown is were I enjoy being. Something intoxicating about the streets. Up until recently I lived without much purpose though. Well, until I met Arael."
The restaurant fills up with patrons. An assortment of people from the thirsty dockworkers, a few merchants, and group of young noblemen and noblewomen. A casual affair.
Nathaniel says, "Yes, this one is claimed. A young noble...Sir Edward Missepe. The baker on Cook street found him on an unlit street this morning. Looks like a few minor claw marks on the right kidney but look here, that was not the cause of death." Moving the body to expose an ice pick type lung wound between the 4th and 5th rib a small punture wound. Seems like someone tried to cover its appearance with some minor magic heal spell. Nearly missed it." Smiling, "See your own eye did not catch it. Foul play of course. His family has some means from their shipping ties, I hear they are putting a reward out for killing shadow beasts."
"It would be great to walk the unlit streets at night. That won't happen in our life span though." Sounding dejected.
John's mentor shakes his head at the mention of Henk and cobb. "I don't rightfully know those names but I can do a little invesitgation into it. The sewers of Westcrown are a forgotten masterpiece. The construction hundreds of years ago was incredible by any standard, people often forget how efficient they are. Likewise, most forget they are a vast network of tunnels and a means to travel. Those men may use it for that purpose, or more illegal designs." Taking a bring drink of water.
"I'm fairly certain it was the latter, and if I had had the time, I would have done something about it. I think I will be heading off now, to go buyu a shield and to also see if Ican not do some investigation of my own, I'll be back later. Also Thank you for your time and all you have done for me." With that John will leave and head for a shop to buy a shield.
I smile. "You rearry admire Araeru. Heh, I habe to admit I a bit jearous. To be so inspirationa an robed. Can't herup but wish I cud be same as him. But I not. I Kenji." I look back at Janiven. "You know, you strong inspirationa person to. Not to men good rooking as a prus. Da way you red us into da rescue shows your strengt an debotion. Eben do your mentor imprisoned, you stiru can gater and read odders. I tink we can aru make a difference an make your home a good prace to rive again."
I look over the menu. "So, how da seafood at dis prace?"
Andrea wasn't quite sure if Nathaniel had just ducked the question but didn't want to antagonize him or put him at risk. SInce whoever was producing these corpses would guard themselves vigorously.
Missepe. I see, well that does sound promising, perhaps inquiring with them can help fill my purse and solve the mystery of this man's death. Andrea gives Nathaniel a friendly smile. I believe we may very well be able to walk these streets in the near future. Many civic minded people are working towards this goal and we are always looking for others to help in any way. Before Andrea takes her leave she asks, Just wondering have you heard of anyone by the name Henk or Cobb? I am trying to locate them and ask them something
The seafood is fresh the black grouper is excellent, fried or blackened in seasoning melts in your mouth. The clams, mussels and scallops diablo will make you sweat the flavors so intense.. Cheers tilting her glass and ordering blackened grouper. The collards are smoothered with bacon and the grit cakes will make your mother blush."[/b]
There are various weapon and arms merchants around the city. You have frequented several in the past and have good relations with various merchants. Many know your mentor. The one you choose has an array of good to masterwork equipment. There are even a few minor magical pieces of equipment in the shop.
There are three off duty dottari there browsing the racks, and two sell swords haggling over price. There is young looking noble waiting for a longsword to be sharpened and a new tacky leather grip wrap.
A pretty blonde half-elf in her late twenties approaches you, her green eyes sparkle, 'Can I help you...anything special?'