Issac:
** spoiler omitted **
Isaac rubs his chin in thought.
"Looks like just what I need to get the spirits up. New allies, a return to the Wheel. Better pay. Less soot. I musta been a bloodhound in another life, just finding this old notice.", he says to himself.
The tall half-elf tracks down Copper Court and the Silver Rose, grabbing something quick to eat in the Market Ward on the way. (Nothing with meat in it; he doesn't want to eat anything he may come back as. And besides, he thinks he may have been eaten one way or another in at least a few previous lives.) Once he's found the Silver Rose, he straightens himself up a bit, wipes some soot off his face, checks his teeth for stray pieces of parsley and walks on in.
To Hanali, if she's watching the front.
"Hullo, fair madame, a fine day to you. M'name is Isaac and I'm looking for work with the Silver Rose."
With a smile, he starts to list off his professions, ticking each off with a finger.
"I'm a scout, a skirmisher, a trapsmith, a locksmith, a blacksmith, a footpad, a pick pocket, a ranger, a handsome young fellow that enjoys a good dance every now and then and I may have been a kangaroo rat and a ratatosk at some point."
He pauses, a staged look of shock and panic on his face.
"I didn't bring a resume, though."
After collecting the dresses and heading back to the cauldron but before the night out Merle approaches Swift
Feline
Sorry, no Local K stats, I can try untrained, but I created him with mystic knowledge, thinking he hadn't been here long enough to know the local grift.
Knowledge: Local: UNTRAINED: 1d20+4=20
Both their last names are Sigil aristocracy. Hal'Oight is a very common name in the rumor mills and scandal sheets of Sigil. A Spiral Hal'Oight is one of the richest beings in Sigil, that in itself quite an achievement. If Hanali is related to him she must be loaded as well.
"I don't know what you're looking for, so I'm not going to try and BS you and tell you I'm something I'm not. I don't do Necromancy. And I'm not a merc." He winces as the words leave his mouth, realizing that he may be talking himself right out of a job.
'Ah what the h@ll, if they're mercs I'm not interested anyway. I've tried that once already. Never again.' He thinks.
"I have my own shop, I'm a,..." his hand makes lazy circles as he thinks for a second. "Problem solver. I help people." He can't help himself as another small grin creeps back onto his features. "You'd be surprised how many problems tend to disappear when exposed to eldritch fire. If you're looking for a caster that can do research, and then cast spells based on those results, then maybe I can help you?"
Renkar probably notices that justin did not mention his speciality. ;)
Renkar steeples his fingers.
"We tend to think of ourselves as .. specialists." Renkar says.
"We don't do assasination, necromancy, or bag jobs. We do like to take on cases for Sigil's residents, but we do have certain ... standards that other mercenaries don't. Helping people is one of the plusses of this game."
Renkar pauses.
"We are in a bit of a bind caster-wise. If you can handle working in a specialist team, we'd be happy to give you a try. We offer free room and board here at the Cauldron, as well as equal shares in any monies shared by the team. We do our best to reclaim remains if it is feasable."
Darkholme, Drazek Darkholme
The older man smiles, wiping a bit of sweat from his brow
"I'm Renkar Sha'Hagmid, and this is my associate Hanali Hal'Oight."
He shakes Drazek's hand firmly
"Why don't we go and have an ale over at the Copper Cauldron and we can get to know a little bit about your capabilities."
To Hanali, if she's watching the front.
"Hullo, fair madame, a fine day to you. M'name is Isaac and I'm looking for work with the Silver Rose."
With a smile, he starts to list off his professions, ticking each off with a finger.
"I'm a scout, a skirmisher, a trapsmith, a locksmith, a blacksmith, a footpad, a pick pocket, a ranger, a handsome young fellow that enjoys a good dance every now and then and I may have been a kangaroo rat and a ratatosk at some point."
He pauses, a staged look of shock and panic on his face.
"I didn't bring a resume, though."
Hanali rises and smiles at the newcomer
"Well, we don't stand on written resumes here, Issac. Why don't you come back here and I'll introduce you to my boss, Renkar. He runs the shop."
Hanali walks to the door and opens it to the training room . Renkar is sitting at a bench lacing up a boot when the two enters. He rises and smiles:
"Greetings Hanali! Have we got another applicant?"
Hanali nods
"This is Issac. Perhaps I should let him expound on his many varied job skills. They are quite ... unique."
"Renkar, I presume? A good day to you."
Isaac extends a hand.
"I was just telling your lovely associate that I'm a blood with quite a few talents, though I must profess that I have few specialties. Scouting and skirmishing being two. Observation being another: these elf ears ain't just to provoke dwarves, you know. The Godsmen have made sure that I know may way around a forge. I'm more tinker at this point than a full-fledged smith, but I can fix a broken blade good enough to stick in someone's guts again. I know my way around locked doors and traps an' I reckon I can get you and your employees around them, too. Not to brag, but I believe that before I was the strapping lad before you I may have been a ratatosk, a kangaroo rat and a swallow."
"Not sure in what order, though."
"But anyhow, I think I could be a strong addition to your 'private securities' firm here, if you're still fielding applicants. If it matters, I've been in a mercenary company before and I've managed to survive getting stranded out on the planes. I've had about my fill of the Foundry for the time being and I'd love the opportunity to hit the road and see more of the Great Wheel."
Darkholme, Drazek Darkholme
The older man smiles, wiping a bit of sweat from his brow
"I'm Renkar Sha'Hagmid, and this is my associate Hanali Hal'Oight."
He shakes Drazek's hand firmly
"Why don't we go and have an ale over at the Copper Cauldron and we can get to know a little bit about your capabilities."
"It'd be my pleasure."
"Renkar, I presume? A good day to you."
Isaac extends a hand.
"I was just telling your lovely associate that I'm a blood with quite a few talents, though I must profess that I have few specialties. Scouting and skirmishing being two. Observation being another: these elf ears ain't just to provoke dwarves, you know. The Godsmen have made sure that I know may way around a forge. I'm more tinker at this point than a full-fledged smith, but I can fix a broken blade good enough to stick in someone's guts again. I know my way around locked doors and traps an' I reckon I can get you and your employees around them, too. Not to brag, but I believe that before I was the strapping lad before you I may have been a ratatosk, a kangaroo rat and a swallow.""Not sure in what order, though."
Renkar smiles and shakes Issac's hand firmly
"A Godsmen eh? I've banged about with a few Believers of the Source before. We can always use a scout. It so happens one of our previous scouts had to leave our service unexpectedly. You just happened to walk in at the right time."
"But anyhow, I think I could be a strong addition to your 'private securities' firm here, if you're still fielding applicants. If it matters, I've been in a mercenary company before and I've managed to survive getting stranded out on the planes. I've had about my fill of the Foundry for the time being and I'd love the opportunity to hit the road and see more of the Great Wheel."
Renkar smiles
"Were offering room board and medical expenses, including retreival of remains if needed. A full share of any monies earned after expenses and full shares of any loot. Interested?"
"Yes, of course, just give me a minute to get my things."She scurries off and returns wearing a very shiny mithral chain shirt and carrying a bow.
"Thank you so much for helping me, Miss Kind. I really appreciate this."
"Ya, ya," Karrin says, trying to regain some semblance of her tough as nails mercenary veneer, "thank me when we find something. And don't tell anyone that I'm helping you out of the goodness of my heart, I got ta keep my reputation, and if this gets out every sob story this side of the wards is gonna come knocking on my door."
Karrin heads out to locate one Wip Wildfang, patrolman on the Clerk's Ward, and Karrin will pick up some sweet bread to sweeten the deal.
"It'd be my pleasure."
Drazek, Hanali and Renkar retire to the Copper Cauldron. Renkar orders an ale and Hanali a glass of wine
"Please get something on me Drazek. Tell me about your qualifications."
Isaac whistles in appreciation at Renkar's terms.
"Well, sir, I gotta say that I like how you do business. I'm in. Let me make some arrangements at the Foundry to get off the ol' Graveyard shift and I'm your man. When can I meet the rest of your company?"
Karrin heads out to locate one Wip Wildfang, patrolman on the Clerk's Ward, and Karrin will pick up some sweet bread to sweeten the deal.
Isaac whistles in appreciation at Renkar's terms.
"Well, sir, I gotta say that I like how you do business. I'm in. Let me make some arrangements at the Foundry to get off the ol' Graveyard shift and I'm your man. When can I meet the rest of your company?"
Renkar smiles
"As soon as you finish your arraingements I'll introduce you to the group" He says
Yes, Karrin is dragging along Nari just in case Wip has any questions.
Both their last names are Sigil aristocracy. Hal'Oight is a very common name in the rumor mills and scandal sheets of Sigil. A Spiral Hal'Oight is one of the richest beings in Sigil, that in itself quite an achievement. If Hanali is related to him she must be loaded as well.
Justin's eyebrows raise as the names sink through his stubborn skull. It renders him blessedly quiet for Renkar's response.
Quote="Renkar"]
Renkar steeples his fingers.
"We tend to think of ourselves as .. specialists." Renkar says.
"We don't do assasination, necromancy, or bag jobs. We do like to take on cases for Sigil's residents, but we do have certain ... standards that other mercenaries don't. Helping people is one of the plusses of this game."
Renkar pauses.
"We are in a bit of a bind caster-wise. If you can handle working in a specialist team, we'd be happy to give you a try. We offer free room and board here at the Cauldron, as well as equal shares in any monies shared by the team. We do our best to reclaim remains if it is feasible."
Justin visibly relaxes. He probably didn't even realize he was tensing. A small smirk creeps back onto his face.
"A 'specialist' with standards I can work with. My specialty happens to be,..." He purses his lips thoughtfully.
"Blasting." He finishes at last with another smirk. "I'm h@ll at blasting." He shrugs his shoulders. "It's a talent. I appreciate your candor Mr. Renkar. It sounds like you have an interesting group. If you don't plan on asking me to raise an army of skeletons or anything, I think I may be your next caster."
Karrin collects Naridre and head out down Shatterbone Street towards the Slags. The streets are packed with the poor and desperate, but most steer clear of the dangerous-looking tiefling with the big axe. A few beggars accost them, and Karrin tosses a few Greens to them as the two head through some of the hardest-luck areas in the Cage.
They enter the Clerk's Ward through the Sandstone District after skirting the ruined fused wasteland of the Slags. The silent light-colored crumbling stone buildings are shuttered tight, even though the Peak light is reaching its maximum brightness. The few people on the street watch the ground and avoid the two.
Just out of the Sandstone District is Crystal Dew Lane, where Karrin had run into the diminutive Hardhead. She finds a small neighborhood bakery to buy some sweet rolls. She and Nari look about for a two-foot-tall red-armored halfling.
I appreciate your candor Mr. Renkar. It sounds like you have an interesting group. If you don't plan on asking me to raise an army of skeletons or anything, I think I may be your next caster."
Renkar laughs
"I promise, no skeleton armies."
He shakes Justin's hand firmly
"Welcome provisionally to the team. As soon as you finish tying up any loose ends come back and we'll get you introduced to the others."
Per . . . what? Sorry I wasn't listening (1d20-1=18)
Karrin notices a small form turning down a side street, dressed in red armor. It's Wip, she'd almost bet Ferissirion on it.
Karrin chases after the halfling.
"Oi, Wip," Karrin calls out when she thinks she's close enough to somewhat subtly attract the halfling's attention, yet still far enough away as not to startle him, "oi, wip got a moment? It's me Karrin Kind of the Silver Rose."
The small halfling Hardhead turns and frowns, then his features clear
"Oi Karrin, how are yeh? What can I help yeh with?"
Naridre tries to stick as close to Karrin as possible. She is totally overwhelmed by the sheer number of things here that would normally leave her cowering in a corner somewhere, but she feels a bit better near the tiefling. Scary things tended to keep away from Karrin.
The small halfling Hardhead turns and frowns, then his features clear
"Oi Karrin, how are yeh? What can I help yeh with?"
"Not much Wip," Karrin says as she opens the bag to of sweet breads to show the halfling before handing him the bag, "I was wondering when ya got off work. My friend here is searching for someone and I was wondering if I could pick your brain for a bit. She helps out at the soup kitchen I help out at and she seems good folk, but she's as clueless as me, so I thought I better hunt down a cutter that knows his blood."
Isaac will head off to get some sleep and talk things over with his foreman. After he's had a chance to rest and bathe, he'll likely head out to The Ubiquitous Wayfarer or a cheap tavern near the Foundry. Keeping a look out for: Ombidias, one of the more namer-friendly factotums, "Springheel" Jak Rose, an air genasi Godsmen with whom Isaac's made friends, and Maril Sevenstones, an associate from his days in the Razor Wind that will still meet him for a beer or lunch now and then. If there's time, he'll also swing by the Civic Festhall to look at the lecture schedule, maybe ask around with some of the rangers and druids with the Believers if they can recommend a good book on strange wildlife on the Planes. Maybe a stop at the Golden Bariaur to bother Goldenmane at work with some bad "dead kobold" jokes.
After collecting the dresses and heading back to the cauldron but before the night out Merle approaches Swift
Feline
** spoiler omitted **
Swift gives Merle a small curious look before smiling warnly and giving a tiny nod of consent.
Heading to her room Merle makes sure no one is around to listen before she turns to face Swift
Feline
Quickly swift finds herself the most comfortable spot in Merle's room and settles herself with a little content sigh before refocusing on the catfolk. Looking up into the slightly older woman's eyes she gives a small nod at her words.
Feline:
She mews, fiddling with her dark hair as she talks, her kittenlike curiousity obvious in her eyes.
"Not much Wip," Karrin says as she opens the bag to of sweet breads to show the halfling before handing him the bag, "I was wondering when ya got off work. My friend here is searching for someone and I was wondering if I could pick your brain for a bit. She helps out at the soup kitchen I help out at and she seems good folk, but she's as clueless as me, so I thought I better hunt down a cutter that knows his blood."The small halfling Hardhead turns and frowns, then his features clear
"Oi Karrin, how are yeh? What can I help yeh with?"
Wip grunts appreciatively when he sees the fresh sweet rolls.
"That's some nice rolls there."
He stuffs one in his mouth
"Om nom nom. Well, I am on patrol, but me job is helping citizens. I can spare some time now, me lunch break is coming up. If yeh buy me some tucker I'll see if I can help yeh."
Isaac will head off to get some sleep and talk things over with his foreman. After he's had a chance to rest and bathe, he'll likely head out to The Ubiquitous Wayfarer or a cheap tavern near the Foundry. Keeping a look out for: Ombidias, one of the more namer-friendly factotums, "Springheel" Jak Rose, an air genasi Godsmen with whom Isaac's made friends, and Maril Sevenstones, an associate from his days in the Razor Wind that will still meet him for a beer or lunch now and then. If there's time, he'll also swing by the Civic Festhall to look at the lecture schedule, maybe ask around with some of the rangers and druids with the Believers if they can recommend a good book on strange wildlife on the Planes. Maybe a stop at the Golden Bariaur to bother Goldenmane at work with some bad "dead kobold" jokes.
Issac heads back towards the Great Foundry after accepting a position with the Silver Rose. He heads out down Copperman's Way, the large avenue awash with palanquins, Arcadian ponycarts, rickshaws and a host of other conveyances ferrying goods to and fro across the Market Ward.
The shops increase in size and richness as he travels towards the Lady's Ward. Copperman's Way debouches into Threefate Boulevard, the traffic siphoning off into a dozen side streets as goods are delivered to the top-shelf bloods of Sigil. Issac strolls along, enjoying the few trees that grow in the Cage, which line the streets hereabout. The fairly fresh air is a change over the sulphuric stinks of the Foundry District.
After passing the many magnificent mansions of the Nobles' District, Issac enters the Court District. It hums with activity as barristers, petitioners and Guvners all walk to and fro among the many buildings. It is near Peak so many are gathered at the small taverns lining the district gossiping and horse trading, their ceremonial wigs hung on hooks to keep them free of food bits.
Issac moves on to the Temple District, passing first the massive piles of important powers like Zeus and Odin, then the more modest temples of obscure powers like Ptavv, Skoraeus Stonebones and Yurtruus. Finally he comes to the outskirts of Meatmarket Square, where most places of worship are delineated by packing crates, burlap and chalk outlines. A dozen ragged prophets yell screed at the jaded Cager crowd passing by ..
" .... The moons will be blotted out by the swarm of evil insects ...
... seven times when put to the rack Issek of the Jug broke the torture device, splintering it, then submitting to it again ..
... Those who do not purify themself in the sight of Og will face a fiery afterlife with slugs entering their nostrils .."
Issac has heard it all before. He moves on through the pens of bleating sacrificial animals that give the square its name and heads into the first blocks of the Lower Ward.
The acidic fog that defines the Foundry District greets his nose as he heads out to the Great Foundry. He asks at the gate if anyone has seen Ombidias, who is in control of his shift this cycle. The large Voadkyn is instructing some new additions to the Godsman in one of the slag yards. Issac waits patiently while the calm giant patiently explains some of their faction's beliefs to the Clueless.
"This lump of slag I have in my hand may seem worthless, but with enough time and energy some metal could be extracted from it. Just as there might be some cutters that might seem worthless, but with time, patience and skill they too can be refashioned into something greater than their original shape. We are all constantly being tempered and forged anew of the Anvil of the Multiverse. Or task is to hold our edge and not crack under the hammerblows.."
Eventually the simple lesson ends and the dark skinned giant notices Issac waiting for him.
"Brother Issac. Always a pleasure," Ombidias rumbles in his slow calm basso voice. "What brings you to the Foundry so soon after your last shift?"
Naridre watched the halfling carefully from behind Karrin. He seemed nice enough. She started to relax just a little as she listened to their conversation. She still hadn't got the hang of this place's cant. Cutter? Well, it was probably like calling someone a sharp. But she didn't quite follow the blood analogy. Tucker? It sounded like some sort of reference to food. Was it food in general or a specific type? She'd get the hang of it eventually, but in the meantime it was probably better to let Karrin do the talking.
Nari hasn't been out of the Hive yet, and as Karrin drags her along to look for Wip she is still in shock. The close choking garbage-fire smogs of the Hive have lifted, revealing streets lined with shops of a bewildering variety. She has never seen anything like Crystal Dew Lane back at her home world.
Along with the bewildering variety of shops and buildings, Nari is amazed by the crowds of folks. She sees a gaggle of elven-looking folk, except that they have bright red skin and white spiky hair. Another group of what can only be described as tentacled worms wriggle their way down the street. Some humans go by, but they are almost as exotic as the others: dressed in pure black, with a staggering amount of metal facial piercings and embedded crystals.
"Om nom nom. Well, I am on patrol, but me job is helping citizens. I can spare some time now, me lunch break is coming up. If yeh buy me some tucker I'll see if I can help yeh."
"Sure thing Wip," Karrin says with a smile, "name the place and we'll meet ya."
Karrin waits for Wip to give them instructions and then, as Karrin Naridre walk over to meet the hungry halfling, Karrin leans over to Naridre:
"I hope you got some jink on you," Karrin whispers, "cus I'm not paying to feed a hungry halfling on my own."
"Sure thing Wip," Karrin says with a smile, "name the place and we'll meet ya."
"Go Downwards on Crystal Dew Lane till yeh get to Rook Street and look for Hiland's Pastries, just past the Hall of Records. They do some nice lamb and tater pasties for tucker. I'll meet yeh there right at Peak. . "
Wip looks about
"An' Karrin, no matter what yeh do, don't go poking about Little Arcadia over thataway. Folks of your ... uh ... persuasion have a bad habit of disappearing around there. Lots of Celestial vigilantes, if yeh lanns me chant."
Merle pauses for a minute trying to decide the best way to present this topic.
Feline
"Well you see I haven't been entirely honest with everyone about Seph I mean he's not like your average familiar.
Swift smiles warmly as she gives her reply
Feline;
Merles face and tone seem to get more depressed as she goes on
Feline
Swift's eyes widen briefly and without warning the young tibbit pounces and hugs Merle. With a small comforting purr she touches her nose to the other woman's.
Feline;
Merle sighs and goes a little teary eyed
Feline
Swift shakes her head a little and strokes Merle's hair.
Feline;
Slowly she looks increasingly thoughtful
Feline;
Merle looks at swift rather blankly for a minute
Feline
Seph sighs as he see's Merle's confused expresion
Feline
With a smile Swift reaches out and scratches Seph behind the ears.
Feline;
She questions Merle in a quiet voice before continuing.
Feline;
Merle looks really confused now
Feline
Seph cant help but have a catish grin on her face at Merles confusion. He cant help but rib her a little.
Feline
Swift gives a tiny sigh and looks to the door, making sure it's firmly closed before holiding up a finger to Merle and closing her eyes. With a small smile she shifts form, quickly becoming a small black cat with sleek fur and an expression that seem to say 'see?'
Merle stands still moth agape for what seems like a long time Finally she snaps out of it picks swift up and begins firing off questions like repeater crossbow fire. So fast are the questions coming that even to swift and Seph they sound like random meows and mrewws.
