"Just as well, we needed seasoned warriors not boys." turning to head towards out the door.The sellsword boosts to John, 'We will be adventuring and looting of course. Hear there is need for swords by some ruler calling himself Castruccio irovetti, who is looking to squash some fledgling rebellion in an area known, as the Stolen Lands, near Brevoy. Say there is gold aplenty. " Pausing looking at the half-elf then continuing, "Lots of gold, riches, women and killing to be had by the mighty.""I unfortunately must decline your offer. I have found myself oblidge to stay in this city for the unforeseeable future."
John waits for the sellsword to leave, John turns to the half-elf and says "Do you know who that group is?"
Shinon bows. "But of course. I would hate to disturb Lord Missepe when he has suffered so great a loss. However, as an envoy of House Grulios, I am here to reach out to him in his time of mourning. You see, the Lord of my house is concerned for the safety of his own sons, and so he has decided to place a bounty on the head of the man who is responsible for the young master Missepe's death. I am here to collect some information so that I may bring that monster to justice. Surely, a noble task such as justice and vengeance would not fall deaf on Lord Missepe's ears? I understand that it might be painful for him, but the sooner I get on the case, the more likely I am to catch the perpetrator. The longer we wait, the more time he has to go into hiding and never been seen again, or worse, claim another victim..."
Bluff:
The half-elf shakes her head, "Just another foolhearty group seeking glory and riches,"
The half-elf shakes her head, "Just another foolhearty group seeking glory and riches,"
"Well thank you for your assistance anyway." With that John will leave the store and start walking around town before heading back to his home.
Andrea's hand turns slightly so Fiosa's palm rests on hers. Why yes, some wine would be excellent, I haven't had the chance to try many wines since I have little free time since I have only one freeday and am busy either with work or shopping considering the night problems we have.
Andrea's face brightens at the food and she plucks a roll out of the basket after pouring some wine. Satiation Andrea breaths softly as a discrete prayer and sinks her teeth into the warm bread. After washing it down, Andrea nods. I'm unfortunatly rather ignorant of many of the houses but it seems that the Missepe's have suffered a tragedy. Andrea leans her head in Their son, Edward was found supposedly killed by a shadow beast, but I learned that it was made to look like that, a knife wound was on the body. So there is trouble afoot amongst the nobles.
Andrea takes another drink of wine, and feels her face flush from the alcohol. Andrea looks at Fiosa's lips, a trickle of sweat running down her forehead. I believe there is an opurtunity in this, since the Missepe's are offering a reward for slain shadow beasts, we might be able to help them,ourselves and the entire city. If we can learn the truth about the death we could gain allies and less shadow beasts are always a good thing.
Andrea leans back, exhaling and then inhaling to help clear her head.I am not sure what you would be able to do, or if you have friends in the noble houses that might be able to help, but if we could speak with the Missepes, perhaps an introduction, we can start building on achieving our goals.
Andrea pauses, drinking some more wine as she waits for Fiosa to reply.
The Captain looks at Shinon eyes then his hand. "Apologies, I will escort you in to meet with the Lord Grulios, who is here personally to extend condolences. Of course, you knew he and his escort arrived earlier. His eyes looking over to Kenji and Janiven, "your personal guards must stay outside."
Shinon gasps in surprise. "What? My Lord is still here? How very strange, he told me that he would be leaving the estate around this time...My Lord must truly feel sympathy for Lord Missepe to take so much time out of his busy day to console him. I am honored to share my blood and name with such a great man."
Bowing again, Shinon shakes his head politely. "I will not intrude on my lord's personal matters. If he is still here, then that means he must be discussing important things with the head of this house. It is not for me, a minor noble, to interrupt. I shall return later in the day, by your leave. Come along now, Yuna, Manservant." He nods to both Janiven and Kenji in turn, then swiftly heads towards the exit.
Taken aback by Shinon's statement, "A minor noble?" a confused look on his face "but that is a lineage ring on your finger, My Lord, signifying pure maternal blood lines." A curious look on the humans face as his forehead scrunches a bit.
Andrea you see a middle aged noble with a small retinue of bodyguards in draped booth. There are two guards standing nearby the table. A familar looking man that slides out from the booth and ducks out a side door.
"Yes, you fool," Shinon replies, rolling his eyes as his voice drips with arrogance. "But compared to the head of the house, ALL of us are minor. I know better than to tread where I am not welcome. I was not invited to go with my Lord, and was told to come later so as not to disturb his visit. And now that we're on the subject, I don't believe I like how a lowly guard is attempting to tell where I can or cannot go!"
Shinon turns back to the guard, glaring at him aggressively and raising the hand adjacent to Kenji as if he was about to signal an attack, but then he shakes his head and scoffs. "You're not worth the money it would cost me to clean your filthy lowlife blood out of my servant's robes. I'll be back in two hours, and I expect that you won't give me any trouble this time. After my Lord has left the Full Viras, give your Lord word of my coming."
Shinon turns and walks off the estate, taking Kenji and Janiven with him.
Duncan you receive a long box wrapped with a black bow the day you are suppose to reunite at the safehouse. It was brought by courier.
Shinon there are half dozen armed guards at iron gates. "Halt," the Captain commands. The distinct sound of heavy boots on the pavement.
The Captain directs guard, "Bring Lord Grulios', Captain of the Guard.
Andrea's eyes narrow as she sees Henk exit the side door, she has an impulse to follow him, but decides against it. Far too risky and Henk and his compatriots would no doubt swiftly murder her for following them after such a 'coincidence.'
Andrea turns back to Fiosa. Fiosa,the noble-looking man over there, do you know him? That man who just slipped out was Henk, supposed leader of the Red Knives. I encountered him and his men in the sewers when we fled Janiven's tavern. Somehow I think that all of us being in here at the same time is more than coincidence.
Huh? An what be this!
Duncan opens the box.
Shinon narrows his eyes. "I am attempting to your property, and you think you have the right to tell me to halt? Kicking me out, I could understand, but holding me in? You are crossing a very, very dangerous line, Captain. I can't wait for my Lord to hear that you're actually him while he's in audience with your own lord, just so he can do what, exactly? Come out here and see his own envoy, who he directed to be here at this time, and who is dutifully giving his Lord the privacy that you are denying him? Oh, I'm going to enjoy this indeed..."
Shinon will nonetheless stand still, keeping his confident and annoyed look, glaring directly into the Captain's eyes with both cockiness and anger.
I look to Janiven. I whipser, "Dis not going weru. We no can fight nobus yet, nor do I desire too. Is backup idea?" I look back to Shinnon hoping the elf can talk his way out. I have no gift with words and would be useless to him in that regard. And I don't want a fight to break out either as we are out numbered. I wait patiently and quietly for the situation to resolve itself.
Shinon narrows his eyes. "I am attempting to your property, and you think you have the right to tell me to halt? Kicking me out, I could understand, but holding me in? You are crossing a very, very dangerous line, Captain. I can't wait for my Lord to hear that you're actually him while he's in audience with your own lord, just so he can do what, exactly? Come out here and see his own envoy, who he directed to be here at this time, and who is dutifully giving his Lord the privacy that you are denying him? Oh, I'm going to enjoy this indeed..."
Shinon will nonetheless stand still, keeping his confident and annoyed look, glaring directly into the Captain's eyes with both cockiness and anger.
Duncan your box contains a single black rose. There is no card and the courier has no description of who sent the gift.
I look to Janiven. I whipser, "Dis not going weru. We no can fight nobus yet, nor do I desire too. Is backup idea?" I look back to Shinnon hoping the elf can talk his way out. I have no gift with words and would be useless to him in that regard. And I don't want a fight to break out either as we are out numbered. I wait patiently and quietly for the situation to resolve itself.
Janiven responds, Nope this is not going well at all. Didn't realized he was wearing a noble house's signet ring. Potential death sentence. Jeniven looks from Kenji to Shinon to the Captain of the Gatehouse saying a small prayer to Iomedae.
"I halt for no one, save my Lord," Shinon replies coldly. "I bid you all farewell."
Shinon reaches back and grabs Janiven's hand and gives Kenji an urgent look before he takes off running towards the canal the group traveled across to get to the island, pulling the young woman along with him.
I watch Shinnon for a moment. Turn to face the guard, bow, turn back to Shinon and follow to keep up.
Fiosa's eyes go wide, "those are the colors of Lord Drovenge's House. Her brown eyes are huge now.
Fiosa's eyes go wide, "those are the colors of Lord Drovenge's House. Her brown eyes are huge now.
Really? Andrea tilts her head back to the noble and then back to Fiosa.I am unfaniliar with that house, what can you tell me? This could be valuable information if he is visiting with a bandit lord, perhaps. Andrea leans in some more, the tip of her hood brushing Fiosa's hair, hopefully making it look to outsiders that they were just two people getting intimate. When we were in the sewers, just before we met Henk and his crew, we heard a scream. A man's I believe. There was no body to be seen when we met them face-to-face, but for this to happen so close together, they may very well be a connection.
"Should we go after them Captain?"
"Let them be. I will speak to the Captain of Lord Grulios guard about this unusual situation."
Janiven pulls away from Shinon and ducks down a secondary street. Motioning for the others to follow. A few more twists and turns later she gets the group off the Mezinas island. She weaves her way towards the Miratanza, the floating market on the southeast side of the big island.
Shinon releases Janiven as soon as she starts to pull away, looking confused, but then she takes off on her own path. Shinon nods and starts to follow her. They arrive on the Miratanza. Shinon ducks into a dark alley and takes a moment to catch his breath. "Were we followed?" he asks Kenji, who was bringing up the rear.
Fiosa's eyes go wide, "those are the colors of Lord Drovenge's House. Her brown eyes are huge now.Really? Andrea tilts her head back to the noble and then back to Fiosa.I am unfaniliar with that house, what can you tell me? This could be valuable information if he is visiting with a bandit lord, perhaps. Andrea leans in some more, the tip of her hood brushing Fiosa's hair, hopefully making it look to outsiders that they were just two people getting intimate. When we were in the sewers, just before we met Henk and his crew, we heard a scream. A man's I believe. There was no body to be seen when we met them face-to-face, but for this to happen so close together, they may very well be a connection.
Fiosa looks dumfounded at the naive Andrea. "You seriously do not know who the Drovenge family is?"
Looking at the blank expression on Andrea's face, "THE DROVENGE family is the top Westcrown noble family. They are the most powerful and the wealthiest original noble families in Westcrown. "
Andrea all of a sudden you realize that Fiosa offered a prayer to Pharama, this is startling to you. Pharasma and Urgathoa do not see eye to eye. This is troubling.
I follow until we are safe. I look to Shinon. "What happen? I tought you knew what you doin? Why dey suddenly try an take you?" I seem genuinely confused.
Shinon rubs the back of his head sheepishly. "I thought I knew what I was doing as well. I honestly did not expect the Lord of House Grulios to make a personal appearance at the house of a beholden family."
Frowning and stroking his chin, Shinon thinks about the implications of this turn of events. "This is serious. Something must be going on that's got the major families worried if they're willing to ignore all signs of dominance, superiority, and formality and involve themselves directly. I'm starting to think there's more to this young man's death than what meets the eye...We definitely have to get back in there and find out what's going on. But perhaps we should try a less direct approach...Janiven, do you have any ideas?"
Fiosa looks dumfounded at the naive Andrea. "You seriously do not know who the Drovenge family is?"
Looking at the blank expression on Andrea's face, "THE DROVENGE family is the top Westcrown noble family. They are the most powerful and the wealthiest original noble families in Westcrown. "
Andrea looks rather embarrassed and sighs. I am afraid I do not, I have been working in the city for about a year and haven't made an effort to learn about the noble houses.
The nature of Fiosa's prayer suddenly becomes known to Andrea. This is...very problematic. Urgathoa was harsh in her judgements of those who trangressed and fraternizing with a Pharasian was sure to gain such displeasure.
Things..haven't gotten too involved yet. Andrea thought as she looked into Fiosa's eyes again. Yes, best to ease out here. Andrea moves her fingers from Fiosa's hand and wraps them around her wineglass.
Well. This is potentialy important information, and one worth investigating if the Drovenge are behind most of the city's troubles. Andrea is a bit awkward as she finishes her wine and meal.
He. He. Y'think if a body was smart thay'd now t'send a dwarf steel not flowers. Bit odd though....
Duncan goes about his day normally. He doesn't give the rose a second thought beyond grabbing it to show Janivien, thinking she may be interested.
He. He. Y'think if a body was smart thay'd now t'send a dwarf steel not flowers. Bit odd though....
Duncan goes about his day normally. He doesn't give the rose a second thought beyond grabbing it to show Janivien, thinking she may be interested.
The black rose does have many thorns on its stem, if that matters to the dwarf.
I contemplate. "Why we pretending to be nobrus? Why not just dem we part of city speshal security squad or someting more widry acceptabu but a bit unknown? Now we need do one of two tings. Go to crime scene. Or sneak in an find info. We aso cud go back an try bein honest. We want inbestigate murder an bring bad guy to justice, why dey turn us away for bein brunt? We want to herup."
Janiven looks up at Shinon's question and nods, "Yes, a less direct route. Well, I don't think we will be getting anywhere with the gate to the house. The death hit the family hard and their guards are suspicious of all. Perhaps, we could try to find out where some of the advisors like to eat and let off some steam. We could approach from that angle. Inquire about the bounty of the street for shadow beasts?
Looking at Shinon's hand, "Obviously we found a unique family signet ring. One that designate which side of the immediate family lineage. Perhaps a close relation to the Lady of the House Grulios.
Looking around the market, "We should send John back to he house to inquire about shadowbeast. He should be able to meet with the family's guards.
Fiosa offers Andrea a few olives and plums. Her slender fingers wiggle as she pops teases Andrea's lips with the goodies.
'We should bring this infomration back to the others. But it m...m..ma...may be able to wait till after the lunch. No reason to rush out of here besides we can keep an eye on the booth wiht the Drovenge entourage around it." Fiosa did not notice the change in Andrea's demeanor.
"They won't turn us away for being blunt. They would definitely imprison me, though, for impersonating a noble. As Janiven said, it's a potential death sentence."
Looking down at the ring, Shinon frowns. "On the one hand, I'm curious as to the exact nature of this ring. But on the other...if this ring is unique, it must have belonged to someone who was important to Lord Grulios. Perhaps...I should return it."
Thinking about Traine, Shinon nods. "I know what it's like to lose someone you really care about. If the bearer of this ring has passed away, I'm sure Lord Grulios would appreciate the memento, and if the bearer is still alive, well, then the ring belongs to him. Thievery is not something I have ever tolerated, though I did not even consider myself a thief in this situation."
Looking back towards the islands, Shinon nods to himself. "You know what? I'm going to do that. Janiven, you're used to being around guards, right? I don't drink anyway. Would you mind taking Kenji and investigating this as you suggested? I'll catch up with you later. If I am to be punished for my earlier impersonation, I don't want you all to get involved in it."
Shinon recalls what he knows about the Parego Regicona, trying to remember which island belongs to House Grulios. He waits patiently for Janiven's response.
Duncan a very irate messanger from Thesing Umbero Ulvaud enters the smithy's shop with a terse message for Gruum. "The short sword purchased from this shop was OBVIOUSLY defective. During the performance of Magnifico, L'amour par terre the renowned Thesing Umbero Ulvaud's blade slipped out of his sturdy grasp. Clearly, the leathered wrapping was of inferior quality. He demands recompense of 100GP to soften his humiliation."
Andrea accepts the goodies from Fiosa and starts sweating again as the pretty halfling's fingers brush her lips, the light touch scattering her thoughts from just a momment ago. Oh Goddess, she is so beautiful, I WANT HER!! A surge of lust rises in Andrea and she (lightly) catches Fiosa's finger between her teeth and gives her a smoldering look under her hood, the wine eating away at her reason. Wait, stop, she is Phareasian. Andrea releases Fiosa's finger and flushes again. Why am I acting like some blushing virgin?! If this was anywhere more private I would of yanked her across and had her on the table. Goddess, the high priestess would of laughed in my face before whipping my back bloody for this sacrilege.
Andrea finishes her wine and focuses herself. Y..Yes.I agree, let us wait a bit and finish our meal. we still have the rest of the day to think about this and we can still possibly learn more. Andrea nervously nibbles on her food and her thoughts move to the box in her room that holds items for just this occasion. Yes, I'll need to focus myself. The image of the harsh scourge coiled amongst the prayer insturments reminding her of her obligations.
John you run into a spirited but friendly group of dottari that are off duty. You vaguely know one of them and he invites you for ale. "J..John...right? The voice says at the street bar. The young humand is with two of his co-workers. I'm Maurice...I've taken a few a lessons with your mentor in the past. Join us for ale." waiving you forward. His eyes admiring your new equipment.
Janiven touches Kenji's shoulder as she gives a quick nod to Shinon, "We will go to The Tricalista, a popular inn for those with moderate coin, we will try to get some information on death and his status in the family."
"You will find House Grulios in the western part of the island. Look for the red-capped towers that greatly exceed the Regiconan Walls. Lord Asad Grulios is the patriach, Lady Marion is the matriach." She bids you farewll.
"Sure, I'll join you." John takes a seat next to Maurice "How have you been since you left our mentor?"
"Alright. Wish me luck then." Shinon smiles at the two of them and then turns and runs off. As he runs, he slides the ring carefully off his finger and places it in his most secure pocket to make sure it doesn't fall off of him.
Shinon moves to the westernmost part of the island, searching for House Grulios. If he comes upon it, Shinon will attempt to get the guards' attention and bow politely. "Excuse me. I was wondering if I might be able to get an audience with Lady Marion Grulios? If she is unavailable, perhaps someone close to her station, such as Lord Grulios's son or advisor?"
"I couldn't afford too many lessons, the dottari don't pay that well." He gestures over to the other two, Kenwick and Swift, this is John. He has a mighty blow with the longsword, if I remember right. Be a good one for the dottari." They all greet you with a tip of their tankards.
"We were talking about the Rack's latest petition to the Mayor to round up all dwarf's for questioning about the prisoner escape. Fortunately, the Mayor has more sense than that." As the service girl places a new round of tankards on the table and smiles at the newcomer. She has a slight limp as she walks away.
Everyone admires your new gear. "Nice equipment, get a lot of pheasant with that bow." Swift says.
I nod to Shinon then turn to Janiven. "So, where dis prace we going too?" I look around clearly unsure of where we are. "I forrow your read. I do my best to protect you shud need come up." I wait for Janiven to lead me.
"Alright. Wish me luck then." Shinon smiles at the two of them and then turns and runs off. As he runs, he slides the ring carefully off his finger and places it in his most secure pocket to make sure it doesn't fall off of him.
Shinon moves to the westernmost part of the island, searching for House Grulios. If he comes upon it, Shinon will attempt to get the guards' attention and bow politely. "Excuse me. I was wondering if I might be able to get an audience with Lady Marion Grulios? If she is unavailable, perhaps someone close to her station, such as Lord Grulios's son or advisor?"
There are a few guards at the side gate that you are at. "May we ask who is calling a that purpose?" In a dutiful but non-threatening tone.