"Provided our insertion specialist can even be found. She's prone to wandering."
While swift explains things Merle will quickly head over to the court of woe and look for the document about trial dates.
After ascertaining that Sly Nye can be regularly found at the Dusty Wig, the group sets off to find out when Skrint is going to trial.
The group crosses Penate Square and heads to Dossy Street, moving into the Temple District. As they travel down Dossy Street, the see a huge scary-looking temple rearing to the foggy sky. The temple's stones are as black as night. Metal spikes, some festooned with bodies jut from its surface. A crowd of tieflings and devils congregate around the entrance, staying within the shadowed portico despite the gloomy fog. A zodiacal-style sigul is carved into the midnight-colored rock in gold, showing nine symbols orbiting each other in a series of rings. The group hurries past, feeling watched.
Dossy Street empties into Transformant's Square, one of the larger plazas in the Temple District. The group sees the brooding Temple of Gruumsh, dominated by a huge statue of Old One Eye himself, looking like it wants to toss its stone spear at the crowd. There isn't too much activity at the temple at this time of Peak, but a few humanoids loiter about, glowering at passersby.
On the other side of the plaza, the white marble Temple of Apollo presents a much friendlier aspect. The huge fluted columns, lifelike frescoes, and the gaily-painted statues seem to welcome people inside. The temple is popular, and has its own little market set up in front of it specializing in foodstuffs and sacrificial animals to propitiate the altar.
As the group departs Transformant's Square they pass the intricate clockwork Temple of Primus. Constructed of literally hundreds of spinning cogs all turning at various rates, the entire temple is swarmed with Modrons. The Modrons clamber up the sides of the temple, scrubbing at pigeon droppings, oiling cogs and generally keeping the temple ticking along. A strange looking being, 12 feet tall with four arms and fan-like wings stands outside the temple, observing the work being done. Several Modrons that look like starfish-on-stilts hover nearby this strange being.
Entering Augury Avenue, the group heads for Meat Market Square, the border of the Lower Ward with the Lady's Ward. They pass an enomous intricately carved temple that is swarmed with monkeys, all chattering and jumping around. Humans dressed in brightly-colored robes feed the monkeys and chatter with each other. Statues of gods and goddesses performing all sorts of actions line the many levels of this impressive ediface.
Just past the monkey temple is a sad sight. A once-mighty temple rears to the sky, but it has a vagrant unoccupied look. It reminds Swift of a nobleman she once met who had lost everything to drink and gambling and was now a beggar. A few worshippers still congregate outside on the razorvine-choked portico, but they are swallowed by the size of the crumbling building. A golden sun with a face is etched on the temple's front, with the legend 'Pelor' beneath.
Passing the sad spot, the group enters Meat Market Square. This plaza is bustling with the merchants who cater to the parishoners of the many temples that crowd cheek-and-jowl along the twisting avenues of the Temple District. The name of the plaza is explained by the many animals being kept here in pens, awaiting someone to buy them for a sacrifice. There are stalls specializing in incense, paper money, spices, oils and all the usual bribes mortals leave for the powers when they desire something.
Deciding to strike Downward to avoid the nearby Doomguard headquarters at the Armory, the group travels along Dust Drive and passes the Temple of Corellon Larethian, a graceful soaring structure that showcases the best in Elven architecture. The temple is surrounded by its own stand of forest, a rare sight in Sigil, and gives the illusion of wildness despite the crowded conditions all about it. Elves in shining mail and beautiful clothing walk sedately under the canopy of the massive trees, talking quietly among themselves.
The Temple of Ptah catches their eye as they leave the Temple District and enter the Lower Ward district of Swordhold. Fashioned as a huge pyramid, the temple gives passersby a feeling of timelessness. A huge golden-furred sphinx lounges in the pyramid temple's courtyard. When she spots the cats in the group she yowls out a friendly greeting in Feline.
Swordhold is a markedly different district than the Temple District. The crowds thin out, and there is hardly anyone to be seen. Those on the road look to be a rough sort of cutter. Most sport scars, amputations or massive tattoos. All seem to be armed to the teeth.
Travelling quickly, the group passes through Swordhold and enters the Foundry District, the clanking heart of the Lower Ward. The stench here is oppressive. Coal fires wrap the district in a black fog. Oil, metal, coal, and sweat all combine their stenches into one massive nose-wrenching stink. Clanking factories turn out items of all sorts, bound either for the Prime markets or Sigil itself. Weapon maufacturies crank out sword after sword, destined for the armies fighting that longest of battles: The Blood War.
After what seems to be an eternity, the group departs the infernal millscape of the Foundry District and finds itself on Ragmonger's Lane. The road is named from the many second-hand clothing and cloth vendors, as well as the many pushcarts run by ragpickers, all hawking their wares. Swift sees a store named the Second Round Star That features some lovely dresses in its sooty window, but there is no time to shop.
Finally the group arrives at Ragpickers Square, the edge of the Dead District where the Mortuary rears its spiky form to the sky. The plaza is lined with more second-hand shops, and there are quite a few stores that cater to the funerary practices of a hundred cultures as well. The crowd here is pale and silent, with an occasional skeleton or zombie lurching about.
Swift sees the ruined house that she emerged from earlier this Peak. It stands rather close to the one building on this street that gleams clean and white. The Court of Woe.
The court looks very similar to the Temple of Apollo the group passed in the Temple District. large marble colums flank a wide portico. The is an indifinable difference to the building though, almost as if this building was hungry for the groups flesh, rather than their adoration. A few beings walk up and down the wide steps, mostly Dustmen in the somber clothing, but a few barristers in wigs as well. There is a large parchment broadsheet taked to a sign in front of the court. A bored-looking Hardhead guard with a Mercykiller associate stand nearby.
The group looks at the broadsheet and finds it is the court's docket. They find Skrint's name, and discover he will be tried the day after next Peak. The broadsheet advises folks planning on attending to get a transit pass and to bring any food they desire. It also warns to be prompt at the first hour of Before Peak as the portal is only active at that time. It reiterates the warning the parchment passes the group had already procured stated.
Having done everything (legal) they can to secure Skints release Merle will head back to the copper cauldron to wait things out and to learn more about her new employer.
Getting back to the copper cauldron Merle decides to try and talk some more to swift mostly to pass time
Feline
So how long have you been in sigil and how did you meet Skint anyway?
Getting back to the copper cauldron Merle decides to try and talk some more to swift mostly to pass time
Feline
** spoiler omitted **
The group retraces its steps back to the Copper Cauldron. At this point the light is dimming, and it is almost Before Antipeak . As the group passes through the Lower Ward they join the throngs of factory workers heading home to their tenements.
They pass along uneventfully through the Lady's Ward and the Great Bazaar, dodging the crowds of less savory Cagers that become active during the night. They arrive at the Copper Cauldron just as dinner is about to be served. Renkar sits at a far table with a small iridescently-scaled dragon with orange and black striped wings and a beuatiful half elven angel blooded woman wearing a stunning evening dress.
Renkar waves to the group and the small dragon flies over to hover around Swiftfang.
"KITTY KITTY KITTY!" The small dragon sings out in a squeeky growly voice.
Wightscale leans back and pats his midsection.
"That's some good grub there. So I figures about two hours before Peak tomorrow we rendezvous in the New Market. We straggles into Crackskull, we gets the lay of the land, then we moves to the portal. If we need a distraction me boyos can do it."
Wightscale looks at Eir and the group and sticks out his scaly hand.
"Deal?"
Karrin scratches her head. Why would the kobold automatically assume that the drunk blond was the team leader? She shrugs. Must be one of those planes things. Karrin wipes her face with her sleeve . . . although she'd been robbed she was still somewhat optimistic. She was looking forward to the big fancy ball!
Karrin began cleaning her teeth with her finger nail.
'I wonder what kind of food they'll have,' she silently wondered to herself, 'I hope it's not bugs . . . especially sense I just had bugs. Maybe steak. That seems like the sort of thing royalty might eat.'
After a few more shots of the delightful whiskey and a bit more ironing out, the team and Wightscale agree to meet tomorrow at the fourth hour of Before Peak .
The three head back out towards the Copper Cauldron to get ready for the next day's activities. The hour is getting late, it is almost Before Antipeak . They avoid the New Market, remembering how many goblins hung around there. They travel with the throngs of first-shift factory workers going home, trying their best to blend in with the grey sooty crowd.
After traversing the acrid Foundry District, the group enters Swordhold and then the Temple District. The beginning of evening brings the darker temples to life, and exotically-colored fires burn in bowl-shaped iron firepits in front of many of these profane churches. The group dodges a procession of grey-skinned dwarvish-looking cutters hauling a large statue along the road of a grey-skinned dwarf with axe and shield. The statue is adorned with a king's ransom of gold and jewels draped on its squat frame. A team of a dozen of these dwarves carry the statue on poles while the rest chant an ominous sounding hymn in a strange tounge.
Duergar:
All hail Laduguer, Hunger of Creation!
All hail Laduguer, Smith of Creation!
All hail Laduguer, The Exile King!
Dweller in Darkness
Tormentor of Foes
Protector of the Deep
Watch over your Children
Smite their enemies!
The group passes through the Temple District and into the Court District. Aside from a few Hardhead patrols, the streets are empty.
The Nobles' District is alive with all manner of conveyances. The rich and mighty head to their evening entertainments by carraige, palanquin, Arcadian Pony, and riding lizard. The group sees a plethora of dress styles, everything from silks to leather, purdah to peek-a-boo. Many of the wealthy sport piles of jewelry, but frowning guards and Harmonium patrollers give hard glances to anyone who seems overly interested.
The Great Bazaar looms up ahead of the group as they leave the Nobles' District. The night merchants are setting up, and the wares are more suited to the Antipeak crowd.
A slaver hustles his weeping charges into a pen and begins to separate them by category. The slaver is one of those repulsive Neogi cutters, hunched on the shoulder of his huge insectile mount/minion Umber Hulk.
Finally, the group arrives at the Copper Cauldron The light is fading rapidly, but the large windows of the inn gleam with a warm yellow glow. Faint sounds of merriment can be heard inside.
Upon entering, the group sees Renkar, Hanali, Mercutio and Swift. They also see Merle, the catfolk spellslinger who had taken off with Swift earlier. Mercutio is playing with the large cat companion that Merle travelled with. A smaller cat rides Merle's shoulder.
"Deal?"
"Deal!"
Karrin grinds her teeth as she walks past the slavers. How can such things be allowed to exist in such a wonderful and powerful city? Karrin has come to hate the Neogi, the Bearded Reaver included . . .
"Hey!"
. . . but that's more contempt then hate, but only because she's never seen him up to no good. Karrin believes all those horrible evil bugs are almost on the same level as devils. Still, Karrin's no fool, she says nothing as she walks past . . . one day though.
Karrin is in a bad mood by the time she arrives back at the inn. The slavers, the theft, and fact that she was pretty much useless in the discussions. For some reason the Kobold had pretty much openly dismissed her. That made her mad. The fact that she might have just stayed at the inn (and not gotten robbed) made her even madder. It's only the thought of the fancy ball that keeps Karrin from storming over to the silver rose and taking out her anger on some poor defenseless combat dummy.
Hanali smiles as the group approaches. She is already dressed for the ball in a lovely black silk number, her hair piled high and constrained with a golden net set with purple amethysts.
"Karrin, Eir, Greep welcome back! Karrin and Eir, you need to go get ready! Our carraige will be here soon, and we will be off! I'm sure Greep can fill us in on the particulars of your meeting."
Merle Looks up from playing around with Seph and the small Dragon as the elven woman speaks.
"Hey uh were are you all going?"
Greep comes to alert, assuming his 'report mode'
"We spoke with Wightscale." -greep- "He said:"
"I figure tomorrow mid Before Peak we meet at the New Market by Ironshot Road. I usually dont like working in light times, but needs must and the gobbos like it less than I does.
I can brings in about a dozen biters, an' we can start a distraction an' run for the warehouse. Once we jump color we finds where the gobbos are kipping out, me an' the boys keep 'em busy with a little frontal assualt an' your lot gets inside an' causes a ruckus. "
"I'm assumin' they have a stockade or summat, so yeh'll need to get it open from the inside, then we gots them licked."
"Has Merle been briefed on this case?" -greep- "I could go over it with her while the others are out tonight, if you prefer."
Merle Looks up from playing around with Seph and the small Dragon as the elven woman speaks.
"Hey uh were are you all going?"
Hanali smiles at Merle
"I have been tasked on giving Karrin and Eir a little taste of life in the Nobles' District. Our esteemed boss thinks it would be good for the two of them to see how the high-crust function."
Hanali looks over at Renkar
"It might be a little late, but perhaps we should include the rest of our group in the mix? Assuming they don't have other plans for the evening. They could possibly go as our entourage, and scope out the guards and such while we attend the soiree? I know that a lot of information gets bandied about by the guards and servants of these nobility."
Renkar listens to Greep's recitation.
"That sounds excellent. As long as you keep one eye on our 'allies' and one hand on your swords we should do OK."
Renkar looks thoughtful at Hanali's suggestion.
"I'll say there is little time to get fancy dresses or invitations for the others, but it is a thought to have them pose as your men (and women) at arms. The guards usually have their own soiree in the waiting area and I'm sure the others could pick up some interesting tidbits."
Renkar pauses.
"Are you all interested in a little subterfuge?"
"Can I get a cup of coffee before we leave?"
-hic-
"I guess we could do that but I don't think I look like the guard type to be honest"
"ACHOOoo!"
"Sorry. Allergies."
"I guess we could do that but I don't think I look like the guard type to be honest"
Hanali smiles
"Nonsense! Many guards are sorcerous praticioners rather than warriors. After all, the predators have magic on their side as well."
Aside to Eir when she sneezes
"Lady's Grace Eir"
Ramona bustles up to Eir with a cup of fragrant coffee in hand
"Told yeh that Grey Griffon would turn yer brain box around."
Looks dubious
"I agree with Lady Merle." -greep- "I'm not sure I'm bodyguard material. But it does sound interesting."
-greeP-
"What should I wear?" -greep- "Something that brings out my scales?"
Uses cantrip to give himself iridescent blue coloring with black trim, in a 'tribal' pattern, as he strips down to just equiptment and boots.
Hanali smiles at Greep
"You will not have to actually bodyguard, just be able to pretend you do. We will be guests of Guarsimo Har'Jollek, a planar merchant of some repute. This is a minor soiree he is putting on for friends and business acquaintences. His retainers will be doing the actual security, you all will be feted in a separate area, kept in readiness for when we leave. There will be all sorts of entourage folks there, some of these dilletants bring a squad of warriors, a wizard, a bard, a jongleur and many others along just to look important. I'm sure you would meet and interact with a lot of interesting cutters."
"Thanks for the coffee, Ramona. You're a life saver."
Karrin grumbles as she makes her way up to her room, although not exactly a spend thrift, that coin purse had been fat due to her not indulging on food. She had past many a cake and pastry and not treated herself because she would need money to get back home . . . and if not, she had been saving the money to give to her father. All that crimping and saving was gone. It really didn't make sense . . . working hard and saving that is, with one night of violence Karrin had made more money then she had through months of saving. She had been hesitant to take the money at first, but now that she herself had been robbed she felt that taking from the goblins, who were notorious thieves and scoundrels, had been retribution . . . but in reverse somehow.
Why was doing the right thing so hard? That pick pocket was a vile little thief and yet he now had all of Karrin's money. Why scrimp and save when stealing was so much faster? Karrin would need to ask her new priest about this. Karrin would make a lousy pick pocket she knew, but pillaging was within her skill set, and here in Sigel there were all sorts of hated little sub groups that Karrin could attack without too much heat from the authorities . . . like the vile neogi . . .
Come on now!
Still, this was her first fancy ball. Bad things had happened to her today but this ball was sure to make up for all of it. There was sure to be food and drink and hopefully all sorts of nice kind people. Karrin had never met a noble before but she was sure that they would be smart and beautiful and there was bound to be at least one handsome prince type there . . .
Karrin had no illusions about meeting and falling in love with a prince, she wasn't naive to the workings of the world, but she was interested to see one. Also Renkar had been very kind to Karrin and she wanted to repay the favor. Helping Renkar succeed in his business was a big goal for Karrin and she couldn't help but feel honored that he was putting so much trust in her . . .
Swift keeps quiet and looks thoughtful, sorting through things with Skrint, with Sage and Emelia, things in the sewers, whether anyone at the event the others are attending will be people from the last event she attended. Would they recognise her. Holding out her hand to Mercutio she gives the smallest of smiles.
Draconic:
Mercutio lands on Swift's outstetched finger.
Draconic:
Swiftfang looks up from the comfortable spot he has found by the hearth.
Feline:
Hanali looks at Karrin and Eir
"Well come now! Go and get ready. Karrin I will assist you if you like. Eir, as well, though I am sure you have your own routine. The carraige should be here in an hour, and Noresh and a few other of Father's retainers will escort us along with whomever else would like to go."
Hanali looks at Greep, Swift and Merle
"Anyone interested?"
Swift grins at 'fang and with her free hand she lightly caresses the fur Mercutio has ruffled.
Feline:
She purrs to the big cat with a warm smile smile.
"It looks like I'm staying with Mercutio and Swiftfang, I need a rest any way. I hope you all have fun!"
Renkar nods
"We should have someone stay in the area if something comes up."
Merle paused to think about whether she should go or not. Pretending to be someone else's servant was somewhat........Beneath her Still it would be better than moping around the Inn all night.
"Okay I'll come along." She finally answers "Although you stay here Seph since you don't enjoy these sort of things anyway."
Taking Seph to a Secluded corner she Whispers to him in a low tone
Feline
"Keep an eye on fang and swift for me okay?"
Turning back to the other
"So what will I need to wear for this? Will my current attire be okay for it?"
tries alternate color scheme (perhaps silver with black shadowing would be more impressive?)
"I will go."
-greep-
Hanali smiles at Greep and Merle
"Excellent. I think your coloring will go nicely Greep. I think what you have on now is fine Merle. Next time we attend a soiree I shall take you out and get you fitted for a nice outfit like I did Eir and Karrin."
Hanali looks over at Swift
"You too Swift, every woman should have a party dress."
Swift gives a small purr at Hanali's words "I'd like that thank you" She replies honestly before refocusing her attention to Mercutio, keeping him distracted so he won't bother Swiftfang too much. Playing with the young dragon like she'd play with a kitten she gives Seph a grin as he returns.
Renkar sighs, figuring where the money for the party dresses will come from.
"Unlike you young cutters, I will be retiring early this Antipeak. Swift, I leave the care of my impetuous dragon friend in your hands."
Mercutio is much like a reptilian cat, one that also combines the love of fetching items like a dog. Swift finds an apple to toss to him, and Mercutio brings it back several times before succumbing to temptation an eating it.
Draconic:
Seph is a little shocked to hear Swift asking him anything normally only Merle shows any intrest in him or what he's doing.
Feline
I-I'll be staying here I-I think
"Well come now! Go and get ready. Karrin I will assist you if you like. Eir, as well, though I am sure you have your own routine. The carraige should be here in an hour, and Noresh and a few other of Father's retainers will escort us along with whomever else would like to go."
"Sure thing Hanali, if you want, I gotta wash my face and hands again though. I had something to eat and it somehow got all over me." Karrin seems genuinely mystified as to how the bug bits could have gotten all over her.
Draconic:
Swift replies to Mercutio with a little laugh before refocusing on Seph.
Feline:
She gives a small shrug before reaching out and gently scratching the familiar behind the ears.
Hanali goes upstairs with Karrin to help her prepare for the evening's party. Darroth heats up an ewer of water for Karrin to wash up with and Hanali works her magic on Karrin's hair and face.
Eir slips upstairs to make herself pretty as well, but cherishes the solitude in her room. Darroth does knock lightly on the door to see if she should need anything.
Swift, Seph, Mercutio and Swiftfang are left as a team. Renkar suggests an Antipeak stroll to the Great Bazaar. Although there are more darker vendors than Peaktime, there are still a lot of harmless fun things that can be done there. Renkar gives Mercutio a few platinum Merts, which he tucks in a small pouch that is strapped to his body by a bandoleer.
Greep and Merle snack idly and listen to the busker strumming the lute in the common room of the Copper Cauldron. There is a good crowd, and more drift in as the darkness deepens outside and the fog starts to thicken as well. Clarion the Smith makes an appearance, nodding genially to Greep and Renkar.
give harness a quick polish while waiting to leave
Seph seeing that Merle is busy getting ready will stick to Swift and begin to ask her lots of questions
Feline
Eventually the preparations are set, and the women descend to the common room to a flurry of whistles and applause. Hanali leads the party goers outside into the fog. A large carraige yoked to those hardy equine oddities Arcadian Ponies waits outside. The carraige is gilden Ironwood, with plush velvet seats. A rider and several men at arms bearing the winged sword tabard of House Hal'Oight stand by.
The friends load up and head out. Swift, Swiftfang, Seph and mercutio wave them off.