"Well, I probably don't need a disguise," Karrin helpfully adds, "Nor does my new best friend Alessia here, we wouldn't be super popular down there, but our kind probably does business down there a lot and probably wouldn't seem out of the ordinary. If we were seen in the company of Drow we probably wouldn't draw any attention."
Lissandra takes the letter of credit, scans it, and nods
“Looks like this letter will hold up. I’ll just take it to the Temple of Abadar for confirmation and we should all be Mr. Tinker*. Wots yer timeline for this caper?”
Cant
Justin tugs his goatee, considers what they still have to do,...
,...Pick up Rhiannon's body, hold a funeral, make their own individual preparations including his own mystical and scribing work, MAYBE squeeze in a minor item or two? (Wishful thinking, his favorite kind of thinking) Calculates the possibility of 'aggressive interference' by masked spirit/ghosts, adds in the problem of the warning/threat of imminent hazard to his own skinny wizardly personage by centipede-thought-people with magical-dustbins-as-sidekicks,...
"We have preparations to make, we can't possibly be ready before morning of three days hence." Justin grimaces slightly as he recalculates.
"Maybe four. But no more than that if we can avoid it. Is everything we need doable on your end in that time? Or will you need more than that?"
Justin holds up a finger, suddenly realizing that while Renkar essentially gave them Carte Blanche for the portal arrangements, he MIGHT not be too thrilled about buying a plethora of magical items on the company silver. Especially almost a dozen Hats of Disguise at 10,000 GP a pop. (Even if that IS a good deal per hat!)
"Um, let's keep the total for the travel arrangements, portal, papers, guide, etc, separate from the total for,... 'useful magical accessories', shall we? For bookkeeping purposes." Justin explains to Lissandra.
"I think that the hats are a great idea, I'm sure Renkar would agree," Sophie smiles at Justin.
"Keep in mind we're mercenaries not soldiers," Karrin says, "We should be upgrading our own kits so we can do this sort of work in the future, I mean I like working for Renkar, but he might want to retire in the future and then where does that leave you if you don't have your own stuff? We buy our own gear, charge the employer through the nose, that's how this gig works."
“We have preparations to make, we can't possibly be ready before morning of three days hence." Justin grimaces slightly as he recalculates.
"Maybe four. But no more than that if we can avoid it. Is everything we need doable on your end in that time? Or will you need more than that?
Lissandra shakes her head
“Four peaks is no worry. Do yeh know where the Spider Gate is?*”
DC 15 local
“Meet me there the fourth Antipeak from now ”
After a hasty whispered conversation with the floating crystal skull, Justin nods.
"That should be good. Perfect even. Thank you."
Justin speaks with Lissandra for a few more moments, and fills out the proper amount on the bank draft form, then signs with a flourish.
(Hey, it's not everyday that he can (legally) authorize that kind of money! He's determined to enjoy it while it lasts.)
Sophie sighs and rolls her eyes at Karrin.
"Fine, fine, if you put it that way..."
Having quite ruefully surrendered her weapon, Blayze remains silent during the negotiation, both taking in everything around her, and finding quite a bit of amusement watching Sophie leave Justin a bit unbalanced.
That one's trouble...not necessarily a bad thing...but trouble all the same.
She nods her agreement at the team's assessment of a course of action, having little to add.
Lissandra breaks the bubble and the group hears the murmur of the crowd again. Karrin spots the odd female construct by the large staircase leading to the upper levels
"Okay, I've agreed to a meeting with the owner of this place, I trust I'll return shortly, but if I don't I'm sure I'll catch up with you. She wants a private word and I think I might know what this is about. Probably not good news I'm afraid. But I doubt any of you or myself will come to any harm. I'll see you when I can."
Karrin approaches Keleah and bows, "I'm now free to meet your master, please lead on."
Keleah bows
“Follow me please“
She leads Karrin up the winding stairway. At first they pass several people on the stairs, but after several floors they are alone. They come to the top floor of the Wayfarer, and Keleah leads Karrin down a carpeted hallway. These doors are massive, and all shut. The stained-glass-winged woman continues on until she arrives at the final door.
Karrin feels a bit of dread, as this double door is massive and constructed entirely of silver. Glowing hieroglyphs are embossed into the metal. Keleah produces a large golden key and unlocks it. She opens the doors and beckons Karrin inside.
Inside is what Karrin would call a chapel, except she’s never seen one like this. Snow-White marble and alabaster sweep around in a hemispheric dome shape. In the center of the room is a dias, with a purple tent set up in its center. The tent is embroidered with Kabbalisttic symbols in gold thread. A bright golden light gleams from the tent’s closed flap and plays along the floor where the tent meets the ground.
Keleah turns in front of the tent and faces Karrin. Her voice subtly changes, becomes richer and more vibrant. Her eyes glow golden.
“Welcome Karrin. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am known in this place as the Grey Angel. I apologize for not meeting you in person, but I am not allowed to take flesh, and I fear my countenance is a bit .... overwhelming. So I will talk to you through my herald”
"It is an pleasure to meet you Grey Angel, I think I've been given a great and rare honor, but I will be honest I fear what this meeting might entail. However I'm probably getting ahead of myself. I'm merely a dumb tiefling lost in these planes working to survive, I've been wrong in the past, and hopefully I'll live long enough to be wrong a bunch of times in the future. I mean mistakes are okay as long as you learn from them, sins are okay so long as they're forgiven, and gods, they say, are best if you don't disappoint them. Why don't you ask what it is you'd have of me and hopefully I'll do my best not to disappoint you."
Keleah, and the Grey Angel behind her eyes , put up a placating hand
“Please, Karrin, have no fear. It is not my intention to cause you any distress. You are an interesting individual, and I merely wished to gaze upon you. Also, I wished to speak to your guardian.”
Karrin is surprised as Ferissirion begins to rumble like a big cat purring
"Oh," Karrin says with some relief, "Grey Angel I'd like you to meet my best friend Ferissirion, I'd like to unsheathe him to hold him in my arms, I do hope you wouldn't mind," Karrin says, and if there's no objections she will do just that, cradling her axe in her arms like a child, "He's been my constant companion since . . . well it feels like forever, but tell me my lady, can you talk to him? I don't think I remember him ever making such noises before."
Keleah smiles
“I know your guardian of old. He and I were very close once, long long ago. If you would allow it, I’d like to talk to him directly. I promise you no harm will come to him or you, and after we reminisce for a while I will return him to you, perhaps a bit enhanced. “
Keleah outstretches her arms, waiting to see if Karrin will hand her the axe
"Okay, I've agreed to a meeting with the owner of this place, I trust I'll return shortly, but if I don't I'm sure I'll catch up with you. She wants a private word and I think I might know what this is about. Probably not good news I'm afraid. But I doubt any of you or myself will come to any harm. I'll see you when I can."
Justin watches with a look of consternation as Karrin walks off to meet the metallic guide waiting by the stairwell. He turns to the others, and it is vaguely unclear if he is talking to himself, the older/original members of the group, or anyone who cares to listen.
"Um,... Yeah. I THINK that was Karrin for 'she's worried'. About something. And if something worries HER, it should probably genuinely frighten most other intelligent humanoids."
"Still, I haven't heard of the Host here starting any trouble? So she should be good?" Justin turns to look at Memnon for confirmation. The crystal skull is in what seems to becoming his usual spot, hovering near Justin's shoulder.
Unfortunately, Memnon is either the magical equivalent of a hyperactive adolescent, or just takes a perverse pleasure in never being in the same spot twice, (Possibly both) forcing Justin to double check both shoulders before he locates the crystal entity, currently leering at one of the more exotic barmaids.
Justin shakes his head with a resigned sigh, at either Memnon, or possibly ALL situations out of his control.
"Well. Even I'M not crazy enough to start a confrontation with a Demi-Power in it's own Demi-Plane. Not without a darn good reason anyway. And if Karrin went willingly, she thinks she'll be OK,... So,..." Justin claps his hands together and rubs them briskly.
"SO! How about another drink?" He gestures at the not-quite-empty bottle of Whiskey on the counter next to his new-best-cleric-friend.
"We have some plans to make, and a few more errands to run, and if your like me, some personal preparations to do. Nothing says we can't drink and talk at the same time."
Realizing that he is on the edge of a full-blown Justin ramble, (bordering on a Karrin ramble,) Justin salutes the group with the glass, and downs it.
The resulting burn in his throat makes it impossible for him to speak for a few moments. (He forgot about the Lava Whiskey) Much to Memnon's amusement.
Keleah smiles
“I know your guardian of old. He and I were very close once, long long ago. If you would allow it, I’d like to talk to him directly. I promise you no harm will come to him or you, and after we reminisce for a while I will return him to you, perhaps a bit enhanced. “
Keleah outstretches her arms, waiting to see if Karrin will hand her the axe
"This is my friend and companion," Karrin says, "If he will consent I will gladly grant your wish. Perhaps he would prefer to be in your hand forever? I'm mortal after all, you will exist, likely, til the end of time, but he is my friend and it would sadden me greatly to see him go. I know magic things have a way of finding their way to their owners you see, and all this time I've felt he was in my hands for a reason, and if this wasn't the case he'll find who he belongs to, or he'll find his way back to me.
"I was wondering though Grey Angel, I've found little of his history, I don't know who made him, perhaps you might tell me a little of that if you can?"
The construct woman smiles
“I will not part you from your companion. You and he have a very long and challenging road ahead. “
Keleah bows her head, then raises it. Her eyes shine gold
“I am not immortal, child. No person is. No matter what the gods claim and their worshippers attest to, we all face an ending at some point. In fact, you are seeing the effects of a power trying to cling on to existence despite oblivion,in your own quest, no?”
Keleah pauses
“I must be careful what I tell you, Karrin. Events are poised razor thin. Like a snowflake can start an avalanche, the wrong word could have Ill effects. I will tell you this about Ferissirion. He has fought for the light for aeons, in many cycles and in many forms. I was proud to lead him into battle against the massed forces of elemental chaos before the Great Schism occurred and General Asmodeus broke from the Celestial Host. “
Keleah sighs
“I am just a soldier Karrin. I did my best for my people, but I became tired. When our Host fractured I walked away. I chose neither Light nor Darkness. I had comrades on either side. I found a home here, tucked within the Lady’s shadow. Ferissirion served his people well, and sacrificed much for a prophecy he was told. I cannot repeat it, but he has constrained himself to be where he is here and now. “
Keleah straightens
“That is what I can tell you. I would fain give him a short time unconstrained so we may embrace and speak of old times over ambrosia as old soldiers will. But he will accompany you on your next adventure “
"Well I'm sure our meeting here today wasn't chance, so who am I to temp fate unprovoked? In a fight you don't have much choice, just do or die, but we are just two strangers meeting on account of a mutual friend and not letting the old friend speak with the mutual friend would be kind of a cad move by the new friend I'd guess. I hope I'll continue to be worthy of such a great weapon Grey Angel."
Keleah nods
“Chance is the hallmark of Chaos. But fate is never graven in stone. We must walk the path of free will, else we fall into the fallacy that the Schismatics were seduced by, that security is more important than freedom. They built their own prison and called it a fortress. Now they wish to extend it over us all. “
Keleah takes the axe gently and smiles wryly..
“Thank you Karrin. You can wait here or rejoin your friends below, whichever you feel more comfortable. I’m afraid all I have here is a backless bench here. I do not entertain as a rule “
Keleah turns and walks to the tent. She pulls the door flap open and a dazzling golden light pours into the chapel. Karrin has to squint even at 20 feet distance. Keleah disappears inside and the light cuts off as the tent flap closes
"If it's all the same to you I'll wait here."
Karrin reaches into her secret inner pocket of her cloak and pulls out the two sausages she'd packed away for later in the crust of bread. Then she begins to eat.
Karrin waits for a bit, munching her sausage and looking around. The chapel is pretty bare, just a backless bench circling on the outer wall area, and several censers lit with fragrant resins on the Dias fronting the tent.
Much sooner than she would have expected, Keleah returns, holding Ferissirion. The axe looks the same, but a golden glow now plays upon its icy head
Keleah bows after returning Ferissirion
“Thank you Karrin. It was nice to have this time with my friend. Please, return to your journey with my blessing. “
The clockwork woman fishes out an amulet
“Should one of your party fall, place this amulet upon them within 24-hours and they shall return from the dead. Farewell “
Keleah straightens and the golden glow fades from her eyes. Her voice returns to normal
“I can bring you back to your friends now if you wish”
Sophie sits down with the others to wait for Karrin to return. She eschews the Lava Whiskey in favour of some Blood Wine.
Blayze gives the Lava Whiskey an appraising look before downing a shot.
"Thank you for your boons," Karrin says with a bow, "I hope to return and tell you of our adventures, but till then I wish your continued health and success. These may seem silly things but it's all I can give in return."
Karrin returns to the group, her axe now with a golden glow, resting on her shoulder.
"S'up gang? We good to go?"
Justin was seriously considering the wisdom of another drink, or three, when Karin's voice startles him. He looks around in surprise for a water clock or other time-keeping device. It didn't SEEM that long, but between a couple of drinks and his own supernatural ability to enter his own world at times, he wouldn't be surprised if it had been a lot longer than he realized.
"Yeah, sure, I think so?" Justin looks around at the others.
"We were just talking, waiting for you. Um,... so,... What did the Owner want?" Justin asks 'casually', Just now noticing her axe seems to have a golden glow around it. He hadn't noticed that before. He raises an inquisitive eyebrow.
"You know," Karrin says with a shrug, "To chat, gets lonely being a demi god in a sub plane I guess. So we talked a bit about history, talked a bit about business, and we had a bite to eat. I'm not saying that me and Grey Angel are now besties, but we have a few things in common and, it turns out, a at least one mutual friend. It's a small multiverse I guess. Anyways, I'm sure I'll share the whole story with you guys at some point, but that point is clearly not now. Any other questions or are we gonna roll out?"
Justin shrugs, clearly he wasn't gonna get the 'tell-all' book just yet. Although what she DID say was interesting. Knowing Karrin, that meant the full tale might just be a doozy. He slaps his thighs and stands, more or less steadily, from the bar stool.
"Let's roll. Places to go, things to buy, magic items to make. Those scrolls aren't gonna scribe themselves!"
Mel stands as well, grinning
“Well from I can see you lot look like a trig crew. Would you have a need of an old warhorse medic? I’ve a hankering for some adventures “
[oooc]Where to?[/ooc]
Sophie looks at the Cleric and shrugs.
"I can mix up something to heal myself, but I'm never one to look the free healing gift horse in the mouth."
Justin chucks a thumb at Sophie.
"Yep. What she said." Justin smirks.
"Well, ultimately that'd be up to the boss, Renkar. But seeing as how our fire-cleric may be taking a leave of absence to manage his church, I'm willing to bet that he's taking applications. We can swing by and introduce you."
Justin looks at Karrin, and the others.
"We need to decide, do we head out as SOON as we put Rhiannon to rest? Or take some time and properly prepare, for once, before sticking our heads into the undead dragons mouth?" Justin asks, looking serious for a change.
"We have an opportunity here, and haste is certainly one way to take advantage of it. The faster we make our move, the less chance of,... others,... being able to try and finish 'Dastardly Plan #3' and end the multiverse with a maniacal laugh."
Justin holds up a finger, "But, for a change we also have a clue of what we're getting into. I'd love to use that and properly prepare. For once. Imagine how much easier it would have been if we had KNOWN we were headed into the Elemental Plane of Fire and packed Alchemical Sunscreen, or several dozen 'protection from fire' scrolls and potions." He raises his eyebrows in emphasis.
Maybe Justin's brain has been working on this for a while, or maybe it was the Lava Liquor talking, But Justin is talking low, almost hissing in his eagerness to get the words out.
"We KNOW where we're headed, and we have a pretty good idea what we're going to find when we get there. We can prepare and bring along a couple of surprises to boot. We KNOW who at least some of the opposition are, we can take the fight to them, let them know what it's like to be looking over their shoulders, and maybe even get them out of the race. All of which makes our jobs easier at the end game. We KNOW what they're trying to do, and we know they don't think they can do it without the 'key'." Justin pats his coat over his heart. (Where a certain rod has been residing.) "That means we have both bait and a leash, we can lead them wherever we want!"
Justin takes a breath and visibly calms himself. He looks at the new faces (some of whom are looking at him blankly.) And smiles a little.
"Sorry. Occupational Hazard. Short version. In 3 days We can either jump in with both feet and hope for the best, we've managed so far that way, but I don't want to ALWAYS be depending on luck. OR we can take a couple of weeks. Get properly rested, researched and prepared, and make sure there is no way they can possibly be ready for us."
Justin holds up a hand. "I, personally, vote for rest, research and preparation. Just once I'd really like to kick in the door and kick arse well-rested and on a full stomach. AND with several scrolls of fire-lighting tucked away. Just In Case." Justin smirks at his semi-clever play on words.
Memnon's eye lights roll slowly upwards and vanish into the crystal skull.
"Well, we got to deal with this latest threat at home," Karrin says with a shrug, "But if we're going to take the time to make sure we're absolutely prepared for the next mission there's like a few dangers, I mean once you start looking for stuff you think you'll need you might never stop finding stuff and end up spending too much time preparing, and the other thing is sometimes there's timers on these thing, like at some point our nameless friend or his trusted staff are going to come home and notice something is amiss and who knows what he knows, like maybe we're not sitting on the only source of information? And then it's like a race where we've not only handy-caped ourselves by ignoring the start but also focused on like one person in the lead but that dude might not even be in first place, he could be like fourth or something, and it's my experience that you should always be running as fast as you can, okay full disclosure I've only ever run a couple of races, and I once lost to a dog, but the point is you got to run as fast as you can, throw elbows and hip bump anyone that tries to pass you because whoever gets over that finish line first is the winner, and in this case the winner might be one of those sore winners? Like they might decide to kill everyone who ran against them? Which, from my point of view would not be very sportsman like, and I once smashed a friend in the face with an elbow to keep him from passing me.
"So, like, here's what we know, our nameless friend is after an object, the object was stolen by a vampire, that vampire was probably acting under the orders oh his goddess, and now we're planning on sneaking into the home town of said goddess. So like we got to assume his goddess knows at least as much as we know, because the dude killed himself and likely went to whatever afterlife his particular deity of choice offers, unless his soul gets lost in the negative plane and stuff, which could happen I guess, it was kind of lacking distinct navigational points, but we should probably assume the worst and think that his soul or whatever got to whatever plane and then got to report to the bug lady, and now she's relaying that message to her priestesses. I figure this place is a largish place, probably has spies, and so maybe we should assume that at some point word will get back to what's his name as to what is were and who has what. There's also the possibility of other groups, I mean this object is supposed to be very powerful, and if word gets around some enterprising groups might think god infused artifacts might be wasted in the hands of whoever and might be kind of useful in their hands, and so we could also have relic hunters coming out of the woodwork looking for personal power or hoping to sell the item on the open market.
"So I think if we're talking races we got a bit of a head start, and like maybe what I said earlier was true, like maybe that vampire's soul gets trapped in the negative plane for a bit, or maybe forever, and this ex-power just spends the next few weeks getting their place back together after we trashed it, and they're like "Oh well, my place was totally trashed by adventures, what are you going to do? I'm not a vengeful deity and there's no way those guys are going to sit around while I track them down, so there's no point in setting up a posse, and I never thought to think ahead to use magics to track any of my items those smart and talented heros liberated from my evil lair," Like maybe they'll be saying that and we got all the time in the world, but I wouldn't bet on it is all I'm saying."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Memnon looks at Karrin, his eye lights a little wider than usual. Then the crystal skull turns and looks at Justin. It does this a couple of more times, clearly trying to decide which humanoid it should be more amused at. Or which one won the crazy person of the day award.
Merle fidgets, eager to get to Skrint for a long-awaited reunion. She fingers the large gem she recently obtained and daydreams of all the fun a thousand ladies could buy in Sigil
Memnon looks at Karrin, his eye lights a little wider than usual. Then the crystal skull turns and looks at Justin. It does this a couple of more times, clearly trying to decide which humanoid it should be more amused at. Or which one won the crazy person of the day award.
Though much less expressive, Alessia seems to have progressed along a similar train of thought. However, unlike Memnon, she seems to have come to an answer to question number two.
"Both of them...," she mutters, seemingly out of nowhere, then resumes grinding her teeth.
Nari has been alert and on guard the whole time they have been here, forgoing any alcohol offered. Being in a new body didn't make the stuff taste any less disgusting than it had before as far as she was concerned. So she just quietly watched while the others drank and talked.
"You're both right," she said suddenly breaking her silence. "We can't afford to wait too long, but we also shouldn't rush in unprepared. So we should agree on a set amount of time to prepare and then go. We can argue the parameters on our way back. Or just agree on a set amount of time now, but I suspect that this isn't going to be a short discussion," she said with a small smile, acknowledging the verbosity of her teammates.
Justin barks a laugh and smiles at Nari.
"You know me so well Nari." Justin says, still laughing as he goes to finish his drink, then frowns upon realizing it was already empty.
"Why is the liquor always gone?" he mutters into the cup. Justin deposits the cup on the bar, then stands up. He gets a funny look on his face, tilts his head first one way, then the other, and holds up a finger.
"Ah. THAT'S why." He says sagely to Mel.
"Nari's right. As usual. 3 days isn't enough time to do anything but grab a few things, maybe. Let's say,... what? 3 weeks is likely too long? Gives our erstwhile competitors too much time. Which is bad. How about 2 weeks? Earlier if we can manage it. That should give me enough time to do what needed, without letting me try to start anything too extensive." Justin grins, but it is a grin that shows he's already disappointed that he won't get to try EVERYthing he was hoping to.
"If we agree on that, I'll just make the change in departure with our travel agent, and we can swing back to the Rose to introduce Mel. And see if Renkar can recommend a good trader to sell our treasures to, so we don't have to go all over Sigil looking for buyers!" He smirks.
"Then,... Well, it's time to get serious." Justin still smirks, but it promises to be very unpleasant for certain mind-mages in their future.
Once the others have indicated their (at least general) agreement, Justin speaks briefly (for him!) with Larissa to change the date of their departure. Then heads to the entryway and collects his belongings with the others. Once gathered, he indicates the ladies should preceed him to the Silver Rose offices,...
The party leaves out the door they entered from. They collect their cloaks and weapons from the checking booth and nod at the dandified gnoll doorman. The Great Bazaar is very close to Copper Court, so it is a matter of under an hour’s walk to arrive, hosting through the crowded pathways lined with stalls. The merchant’s cry to the throng as they walk by
“Arrows! Yggdrasil ash shafts! Stinger a piece!”
“Fresh cinnamon rolls! Baked today ! Two a green!”
“Exotic pets! Bytopian rainbow ferrets! Celestial parrots! Reasonable prices!”
The party reaches Copperman’s Way at the edge of the Great Bazaar and walks a short distance to Copper Court. Taking the side street, they pass the Copper Cauldron and make for the Silver Rose offices. They enter and the above bell chimes. Hanali looks up and smiles at them
“Back from Lu’s place? Did you get what you looked for?”
Hamar considers the arguments from all sides as the group heads back to the Silver Rose. At Hanali's question Hamar shrugs, "Yes and No.
Wizard, what about time magic? Can you use time magic to create those things which you think we need while not allowing much time to pass by?"
He pauses for another moment and then grins almost ready to laugh aloud, "Assuming there is such a thing as time magic..."
Justin shakes his head in amusement at Hamar's question.
"Well Hamar, I don't think,..."
Then he gets that look on his face.
"Maybe? THAT would be excellent! Maybe I could?,... No,... maybe?!,... Nah, never work." Justin grumbles to Memnon.
"That's actually a REALLY good idea Hamar. And there are some spells that affect time. Sadly none of them I am aware of turn days into weeks, and the ones I have heard of are still, a little, out of my reach. For now. What we'd need is access to a demiplane or Plane with a different time rate. The only ones I've heard of that can do that naturally are the Fae planes. And they tend to work in reverse of what we'd want. One day there is a year or more on the Prime worlds. Kind of counter-productive at this point."
Justin turns to Memnon.
"SO,... not wanting to spend TOO much time in a demiplane that runs faster than Prime-time, and reaching geriatic age prematurely,... a Mini-Demiplane? A workshop space strictly for long-term projects. Perfect for those projects that take a while to mature but dont need much direct supervision. What do you think?" Justin asks the crystal entity. he continues to muse on thsi for a most of the walk to the Rose offices, whether he realizes that the others conversation has moved on to other subjects or not.
“Back from Lu’s place? Did you get what you looked for?”
Justin bows with a grin to Hanali. His head now cleared by the brisk walk in the muggy air.
"As a matter of fact, we did! And it only cost a little dignity and good-natured ribbing of a certain long-suffering wizard. Oh yes, AND a not-unexpected pile of gold. But the travel arrangements are underway." Justin hands Hanali the receipts for the 'consultation' and travel arrangements."We were hoping that you and Renkar might know of a trustworthy vendor we might be able to use to turn some, or most, of the stuff we brought back into spendable coin? I'd rather use someone you know and trust than spend our precious prep time traveling all of Sigil looking for vendors interested in one piece or another. AND who wont rob us blind." Justin smiles hopefully.
"Oh yes! Hanali, this is Mel. Mel, Hanali. Karrin met Mel here, and he has indicated an interest in possibly signing up? Seeing as how Ekkur might be tied up with his church for a bit, we could use a healer. And he seems to like us well enough, so you know, clearly he's as crazy as the rest of us." Justin grins at Mel.
Hanali smiles at Mel. Mel returns it with relish
“I think we can manage something. Renkar’s over in the training area”
Mel makes a production of taking Hanali’s hand and kissing it
“I am most pleased to make your acquaintance m’lady “ he says, doffing the large wide-brimmed hat he had donned while walking in the rain[/i]
Renkar sits cross legged in the center of the training room, a stack of books on his head and a pair of large knives in his hands. He seems to be going through a tai-chi sort of exercise, slowly moving the knives in a graceful slow motion. When the party enters, he uncurls and stands, never dropping a single book. He tosses the knives into a nearby target and places the books aside.
“Greetings! All arranged? Who is your new friend?”
"Easy Charmer. You're making me look bad!" Justin shakes his head at Mel, grinning at the cleric's easy-going manner.
------
Justin Politely Opera-claps at Renkar's display of physical agility.
"Hello boss. Yes sir, all arranged. We'll leave as soon as we've buried Rhiannon and made preparations. Which are still under discussion." He smirks as if to say, 'NOT entirely my fault!'.
"THIS, is Mel. Karrin met him at the library. A friend of Ollie's. He's a cleric, and says he's interested in signing up for some adventure. Seeing as how Ekkur might be preoccupied for a while, it sounded like a good idea. We've been talking to him for a while now, and let him in on most of what's going on. And he's still interested. So clearly he's completely insane, and will fit right in with this group." Justin smiles cheerfully.
"Mel, this is Renkar. He's the boss. Or so Hanali allows him to believe?" Justin smiles his patented, wide-eyed innocent look.
:)
Merle splits from the party and heads through the Great Bazaar towards the Forest District. She makes it to the Waterhole Inn without issue. The feline-centric establishment is crowded with every type of felinoid the multiverse can offer. Merle nods to a few she recognizes slightly, and asks after Skrint at the bar. The tabby cat folk Tom pouring rrrawewl into dishes for a few tipsy tabaxi nods to her
“Yeh, I think he’s up in his room. Been coming in late these past few nights”
Renkar and Mel shake hands and a brief interview ensues. Mel is officially inducted into the group. Renkar looks at Justin seriously
“I noticed you said ‘buried’. You realize that’s not a Sigil custom? Most cutters are either buried on the Prime or given to the Mortuary for cremation. No one wants a cemetery of unclaimed corpses hanging around the Cage. Too many necromancers about”
Justin makes an inscrutable face at the mention of necromancers. Then grins, looking a teensy bit sheepish. He knew that of course, but as usual his mouth was just a little bit ahead of his brain.
"Yes, sorry, still thinking and talking like a Prime. Old habits and all." Justin grins.
"I was actually thinking that We'd ask Ekkur to do a cremation. Unless she told one of the others where she wanted to be buried if needed? Have a nice sendoff. That's pretty much an anywhere custom."