"Where's Nik? His counsel's sorely needed now... Ah well. A little rest's deserved. But truth he said. Serethtiel's impatient for her ends to meet. And yes, me too." He digs into Charlie's divine trifles and swoons a bit before continuing, a buzzing at his hip spurring him on.
"We need to muster ere we take the Queen's fortress by force. No doubt there's magic you must weave. I'd seek the counsel of Cressida and Vencarlo. Call upon our friends within the Cinderlands. What else? How long shall we delay?"
Briar looks up at Fondo's words, thinking the Waif had entered and he had missed it...and returns to his thoughts, picking at a piece of fruit, awaiting Dandi's arrival.
Safely for Serithtial. Where? How? From what?
When we drop off the trifles Charlie mentions to Saul, "Oh yes, and can you please acquire a +5 Cloak of Resistance for me? Thank you."
Dandi stifles a laugh at Barael's wink. She settles in with a cup of kahve and a smile. "Yes, now where were we?"
Briar looks up and smiles at Dandi, a wry half-smile of need.
When did she get here? Was she here the entire time, just invisible to me?
Briar shakes his head, knowing that he'll never fully fathom the magics of the Waif. Seeing that the entire party is near, Briar leans in to listen to what Eries had told Charlie.
- Eries has sent most of her cadre, save the toughest fighters, north west to Riddleport for safety. The remaining group has largely been smuggling people and goods in and out of Old Korvosa through the Vaults.
- Ishani Dahtri, the priest you first met when the plague began, had been rather vocally speaking against the Queen, having left the church in disgust. He had numerous run ins with the Gray Maidens as he tried to get the common citizens to rise up. He has not been heard in the markets in a few days and people assume the worst.
- Nearly all the transient Varisian population has fled to the open road.
- Old Korvosa is now more or less completely cut off from the rest of the city and officially "quarantined". Eries has visited many times and things there are bad due to being cut off - but there isn't a lot of plague there really. She's not sure why it's been cut off, but it could be political as the Arkonas are very vocally against the queen, they have been trying to get the other aristocrats to rise up, and Old Korvosa is their power base.
- Ileosa has commissioned the creation of four immense statues of herself in Korvosa. The moving of huge blocks of stone into position is a task she’s put many of the city’s laborers to, under the watchful eye of the Gray Maidens. Eries believes, but cannot prove, that they are magical in some way. They are using stone shape to help set the pieces so it might just be that, but they feel unnatural to her.
- Archbishop Ornher Reebs (Asmodeus) has been tasked by Queen Ileosa with collecting a single vial of blood from as many of Korvosa’s citizens as he can. His priests are still collecting blood from the citizens of the Heights, meticulously cataloging each “donor” and storing the vials in an unknown location. Eries has managed to keep her cadre away from the knife.
- The Great Tower, the tallest structure in Korvosa, and once home to the Sable Marines is being dismantled. Numerous laborers and engineers are picking apart this tower from the top down, harvesting the stone that composes this famous Korvosan landmark for the four statues Ileosa has requisitioned. Many have perished at this task already, and the steadily diminishing tower is a depressing symbol of the city's drastic decline to all who watch.
- Yesterday, Cressida Kroft was declared an “enemy of the people” and removed from her position leading the Guard and what’s left of the Sable Marines. She escaped while being transferred to the castle’s dungeons and no one knows where she is. The Guard is being dismantled as a military force and will become a glorified policing force under the control of the Gray Maidens.
- In the last week or two a new masked crusader has surfaced calling himself Trifaccia. He’s been taking steps to protect and aid the oppressed common folk, helping them out where needed against a small group of rebels. He seems to support the Queen and lawful order. Eries has steered well clear of him.
- There are rumors of a dragon flying the skies over Korvosa at night. Eries doesn’t give much credence to the rumors, but she’s usually working underground and so none of her people has had a direct sighting.
- There are also rumors of the dead rising up in the south. Eries doesn't go that far in the Vaults so she can't say for sure.
Some general impressions…
-The city is quieter, its streets calm and silent. Yet this is not a healthy calm - it is the calm of utter oppression. Where once throngs of traffic clogged busy streets, only a few wagons clatter and furtive locals walk. Gone are the sounds of merchants hawking their wares, the smells of fresh-baked food, the clang of ships’ bells at the docks, or the cry of a Sable Company hippogriff winging through the sky.
-Ileosa and her Gray Maidens have been at work on Korvosa, night and day, and the result is a city of broken spirited citizens desperate for deliverance but too cowed by the atrocities and cruelties witnessed in the streets to rise up. The people of Korvosa need heroes.
-Eries is of the opinion that things won’t come to a head until those statues are finished. That’s a good few weeks away at their present speed. The city is cowed, the opposition is disorganized, and the Queen has a steady grip. It’s going to take… something… to break the city out of it’s deadlock. Until then, things are bad, but stable.
Briar looks for reactions from the rest of the party, wondering how they will react.
* * *
Briar looks at Dandi, Barael, & Nikolay.
"I plan to reclaim our DOLLwarren, friends. Among all the places that we might need to liberate, our base of operations is of high importance. I hope you will join me in the venture. I have secured a scroll that will help us determine if the our Craftorium is inhabited," Briar slides out a scroll onto the table, edging it close to the Waif.
"That will allow us to gaze upon the site unseen for a while. If it is clear over a few days and a few scryings, I propose we pop in for a quick visit, then to return here."
Briar has a second scroll in his hands.
Dandi picks up the scroll, murmuring to herself as she examines it "This is doable, I think. I would love to get our places back, and the warrens are a good place to start. "
Fondo repeats his recommendations.
Dandi listens to Briar's update, her face growing grave. She does right by her people. Am I no better than Briar, to have treated her so? She glances up at Barael, remembering both the good and the bad from the night before, but finds no answer for her guilty conscience.
"I do not like the sound of those Statues. That chartreuse harlot will have something evil future in mind for them, else she would not put such work into them. Even she isn't that vain." Dandi turns her head but resists the urge to spit at the mention of the queen.
"We need to muster ere we take the Queen's fortress by force. No doubt there's magic you must weave. I'd seek the counsel of Cressida and Vencarlo. Call upon our friends within the Cinderlands. What else? How long shall we delay?"
"Yes, we must contact our friends, though cautiously, lest we endanger them, or inadvertently tip our own hand to someone undesired.. Dreams I can send, but they work only in one direction. Perhaps Charlie can do better, or Briar? I know that Serithiel is ready, but the rest of us must prepare, or risk walking into a web not of our making."
Fondo listens to Briar's plan and nods. "The Warrens were indeed a helpful laboratory to your magics. News of the undead makes me fear we'd need to spend time we don't have evicting new tenants. In any event, might the Vault not be a better spot from which to strike unawares? It has many outlets, and we've helpful guides through its byways." He pauses and reflects. "But it's your home, and I understand if you with to make it your first goal."
"You've the right, Jel'enedra. Caution should our actions and communications guide. We shall be asking our friends to risk their lives, but secrecy shall be their shield." He looks to Deyanira. "Poor'enedra's magicks can also aid our efforts. Scrying on our friends and foes, or taking us in and out of the Vaults or Warrens undetected. Her magics can also veil our identities to all, save those with the strongest magicks." He smiles gratefully at his... One-day sister-in-law?
Dandilion isn't sure what purpose the statues might be put to but it does seem a foul deed - tearing down a landmark for four perfectly placed edifices throughout the city.
The kahve seems to have Barael's attention for a good spell, while the table buzzes with renewed interest in the specifics of Korvosa's current state of affairs.
He hears talk on Eries and hers, the Varisian exodus, Ishani's heresies, Cressida, Trifaccia, and dragon. He studies the table, looking at each member. Each, their own strength, their own passion. Look at what we've become. We're a long cry from Lamm's fishery. Barael smiles, largely because of his place in the 'we'.
Setting his cup down, Barael rests his forearms on the table, and waits for a quieter moment. "What of the Harrow House itself? I didn't hear an accounting for Ileosa's measures against it. Has she razed it to the ground? Is she keeping sentry to watch over it? If her attentions are elsewhere, the DOLLwarrens is an excellent place to start our investigations. Aye, if there are undead roaming our old haunting grounds, we'll meet them stronger than we ever were, thanks to our preparations and experience from Scarwall." Barael subconsciously pats Black Tooth.
"As for our friends, Fondo, I think they have much to ask of us. They stayed, and risked everything. We're not staying secret for long. That's what will keep them safe. The Queen's eyes on us, not them. You already have another Blackjack, it sounds like, with this Trifaccia. A shame he fights against the rebels though. If we're to join with any rebel organization, Cressida's the one we should renew ties with first. If I remember correctly, Vencarlo will be somewhere near by her." Barael picks up his cup, smells and sips, then sets it down again.
"As for Shoanti, I'd rather not engage with them. If they sense weakness in the city, they'll just as like take advantage with war plans of their own." Barael looks to Charlie and Nik for their thoughts.
"The Sklar are family true for Nik and I, with common cause to seek a fairer rule and peaceful means to leave the Cinderlands." Fondo shrugs. "A man needs many friends to win a war. To win will take some sacrifice of land on our beloved city's part."
He thinks about the other news. "I suspect Trifaccia's a ploy to win the people's trust, just as Davaulus was poison 'guised as medicine. And let us sendings make to Kroft and the Signore, that we may discern if Brov is right."
Thinking some more, he nods in agreement at Barael's words. "We'll want to let them know we're back. Not simply Ileosa, but the smallfolk and their friends. I say we target her most public face. These statues. Let their sundering be symbol of the fate awaiting Ileosa and her guard. And hope to fill the hearts of all Korvosans true."
Briar looks at Fondo, unclear. His thoughts matched that of Barael.
"What do you expect from the Shoanti?"
"I expect them to distract the Hellknights. Spread Ileosa's forces thin. With guarantee that they shall have their due when deed is done. Of course, we'll need the Seneschal's good word to make it so."
Briar picks at his fruit, thinking upon the words of the Varisian.
Does he want the Shoanti to bring an army? A peace circle?
Oooh! Maybe one of them hot tents when the eat the funky mushrooms?
No, they will come geared for war...to reclaim their ancestral home.
It will end badly, the Shoanti war machine matched against the Queen of Fangs...with the small people in the middle.
It will be a bloodbath.
Many dead Varisians. And Shoanti.
And of course the Shoanti would leave peacefully after the Queen is deposed.
Uh huh, definitely.
If there is one thing barbarians are known for, it's self restraint. Right?
Right. *Definitely.*
Briar looks at Fondo, then goes back to his own thoughts.
Wow...this is an amazingly bad idea if one is a Varisian.
And cares for the common folk.
But a great idea if one doesn't care if one tribe of ghastly, uncouth, uncivilized humans slaughters another.
"I'm all for it, Varisian. Let me know if I can help."
Barael nods as Fondo brings Trifaccia to the fore. "When you frame it against Davaulus, that makes quite a bit of sense. A third face turned against the true supporters of the people- the rebels." Barael recognizes a plate of bacon, and begins to work on it.
"Just because you can call them family doesn't mean that they'll abide by our plans. They're likely to run off and do as they please, unmindful of your good intent." Barael flips a hard boiled egg to the air, catching it only barely in his mouth.
"Oh, Briar, before I forget. I could use your help securing a better bow. Hitting Kleestad with my Ache was thrilling, and much needed. Fondo could use one too, I think."
Nikolay emerges from the silence of his deep contemplation or day dreaming.
"These plans seems fine to me. I seem to recall that Briar secured the craftorium before we left Korvosa. It should be as safe as any other place in the city."
And yes, Fondo, we will likely need the assistance of Shoanti, but I share Barael's worries. However, I suspect they will do what they want whether we are allies or not. Hopefully we can work with them to avert the worst."
"No bow for me. I've one, but as you've said, my place is at our Niko's side. If not before, then now tis so for sure. Tis why I must a means procure, our foes on any field to meet."
Hearing the skepticism about the Shoanti in Barael's and Nikolay's words -- and Briar's tone -- Fondo replies, "I grant, there's chance of treachery. But puzzling as their ways can be, the Sklar and other quahs have proven that they're honor bound. I only ask a bit of time to meet with them and test their mood. No promises, and I'll not let them think Korvosa weak enough to strike without our partnership and treaty firm in place."
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Regarding the Shoanti. In case it wasn't clear ('cause I may have not made it clear and there was a lot going on), the Shoanti were going to war with Korvosa. They were planning strategies and gathering troops to do so. That was, in part, why you kept finding them in large groups as opposed to separate bands.
You lot convinced them not to descend on Korvosa while it was weak. You convinced them to step away from war footing and forgive the Korvosans. Not a small task either.
That means two things, one, they're likely splitting up and going their separate ways as is their want (being a nomadic people). Regathering them and getting them back on war footing could take several weeks. That said, you might raise a reasonable force in a shorter period of time.
Two, trying to stir them up for war now is going to be risky because their anger at Korvosa is still very fresh. These are not organized soldiers, these are barbarians. It will be difficult to reign them in on the battlefield. There will be looting and innocents killed.
That said, Fondo's skill with people should mitigate that somewhat - though he may need to lead them for full effect. Fondo will be able to keep them from taking over however. Under his leadership, they will leave when the city is freed of the Queen's power.
Briar takes a moment to address Dandi.
"As a second matter, Dandi, is this..." Briar slides a second scroll across the table to the Waif. "These magics are not part of Nethys domain...nothing that he will share with me anyway. I was hoping you might use this spell and trail both myself and Serithtial for a while. We have many enemies and friends who might be checking up on us...via many different methods. This spell might tell us who and where they are. I do not wish to engage them, but knowing who they are would be helpful."
Briar smirks at himself.
"Maybe I am being foolish, but I suspect there are some already who know we have returned from Scarwall. It is only a matter of time before the results of our search are discovered. Of course, there are other ways to protect our new treasure...they are extreme, but also extremely effective."
Fondo curses and looks at Deyanira. "Before we get too deep into this conversation, let us retire to Deyanira's suite. She has protected it against scrying. I am sorry -- I did not think to mention it."
I'll presume the party retires to Deyanira's rooms. It's a little cramped, but you all fit in well enough. The magics surrounding you protect you from scrying and other forms of eavesdropping. Deyanira explains she cast Mage's Private Sanctum to help protect herself.
Dandi takes the second scroll and studies it as well, but withholds comment until they are all gathered in Deyanira's cramped quarters. " I think we can make this work for us as well, Briar. It is a good plan, to learn who might be looking for us, though even better to not let them know we know."
"Of course, there are other ways to protect our new treasure...they are extreme, but also extremely effective."
"I do like 'extremely effective'. What are you getting at, Long-Lived?" Barael sidles up to Dandi in the cramped quarters, and takes his place.
"Fondo. You use the word 'treachery', when none of us here have. The Shoanti are not deceptive in their intentions. If you hadn't stopped them, they woulda done what they sought to have done. If you truly seek to lead a contingent of Shoanti primitives against the Grey Maidens, then I'm all for more cannon fodder. When the time comes for you to wield Seri, will you bring the Shoanti into the castle with you? With us?"
"I do like 'extremely effective'. What are you getting at, Long-Lived?" Barael sidles up to Dandi in the cramped quarters, and takes his place.
Briar smiles at Dandi, appreciating her help.
"Thank you, Waif. Your ability to ascertain who or what is seeking us will be helpful. We cannot easily do what we need to do while hiding in the shadows, but if we can detect who or what they are affixed, then we might be able to use that information to our advantage."
Briar looks true at Dandi, knowing how important this is...and moves to answer Barael's question.
"Glad you asked, Barael. If one of us is constantly scryed upon, that is one thing. I can protect myself from such things if they choose to target me. However, I will be concerned if they can target Serithtial. We both need to finish our preparations and protect the sword while we are here. Both are of prime importance, Briar answers.
"Should the sword be targeted, then we should move to hide it more permanently...and probably Fondo as well. I suggest that we create a Demiplane for Fondo and Seri to exist in while we prepare. In theory, Deyanira could travel to and fro, but it will make it much much harder for our enemies to track or steal the sword while it is there."
"Let us see what news Cressida and Signore Orisini have for us. I favor preparations, as well, unless the situation proves dire. If needs must, mayhap we can take some small actions while we prepare. Retrieve Cressida, for instance, if she needs retrieving." He puts his hand on Serithtiel. "But we shall not be hiding in the way you suggest, Brother Rose. There is work for me to do, and Serithtiel goes with me. Have no fear, though. With Deyanira's aid, we shall keep them guessing."
He pauses. "For that matter, Deyanira can offer you all a disguise that should last the balance of a day. I'll aid you in crafting your disguises, if you like."
Briar looks around the table, sensing a slight agreement on a few subjects.
"So...are we to meet each day at this time at this place? I only ask because routine meetings will eventually get us all found, if there are those in the City looking for us," Briar glances around, wondering if he is being paranoid.
"Barael, why don't we go for a walk after this to the Saul and the market. We shall discuss your bow and perhaps spend some time on your technique."
"Does anyone have any questions? Today I begin work on preparing myself for our return to Korvosa. I will be creating new magics and seeking others to bind magics to my bow. If anyone needs me, I'm sure you can find me."
Briar will go seek a weaponsmith who can rapid enchant (at +5 on the DC) his bow up quickly. Then he will make plans for his own craftings.
"You have a point, Brother Rose. Deyanira, will you stay by my side while we prepare? We'll need to move around, with other magicks to our presence obfuscate." He thinks a moment. "At least for the next few days, while I our allies seek."
Fondo turns to Charlie. "But so much hangs upon dear Kako's sendings to our friends. Cressida, Seneschal, Signore, and the Sklar. With your consent, mayhap we'll have our answers ere the morning's done."
"Of Kroft, methinks we wish to know she's well, and ask what help she needs. If rescue, then where shall we appear?"
"Signore Orisini and the Seneschal had allies sought. What news have they of troops? When do they hope to make their move? And where do they now stay?"
"The Sun Shaman might grant his cousin — me — an audience, where we might weigh what offers our wise Seneschal might make. Perhaps for land they would our cause support."
Thinking a bit further, Fondo adds. "I've heard tell of gloves which certain items store. Attach to that a simple strap, and Serethtiel's much more secure. With that and other magicks for my sister here, I should my coffers void."
"Aye, that'll be great." Barael heartens to the chance of preparing more thoroughly for the group's return to Korvosa. "With our weapons returning to their original state, I might need to consider something new for Black Tooth, as well."
"Fondo suggested that better than bows is the ability to get to where you gotta go on the battlefield, come land, water, or air. Is there a means in magic to do that easily? What do you recommend?"
"Do we have items in the party that need to be exchanged? That brooch you were wearing, Dandi? Where did that get off to?"
Barael listens to Fondo, though it takes some effort to do so. "Do you ever get tired of talking so flowery all the time? If there was ever a time to be clear as a bell, it's now. You keep flipping the action and the actor in your sentences. You're lucky we've traveled with you long enough to understand you, but still..."
Fondo gives Barael a mock pained look. "What good's salvation if you've lost all art? You travel with a brotherhood (and sisterhood as well) of roses. Stop and smell, dear Brov."
Charlie will tag along with Briar and Barael to Saul's and look to acquire a cracked orange ioun stone with message embedded. On the way back he'll stop off somewhere and purchase a few bottles of fine wine finger food for an afternoon of long range conversation with our boys and girls in the trenches.
" I can spend some time chatting with our friends back home. Nik, would you accompany me and take notes? We'll get fine wine and munchies and make it a party. There's no reason this can't be fun."
Take notes?
"As always, I would happily drink with you, Charlie. However, not too much for me today as I believe there is a wand or two that needs to be crafted in our few days here. How stands are stock of them?"
As time allows, Nikolay will tag along with Briar to Saul's or make his own trip. Since he has the gold to cover his expenses and he's feeling a bit anxious about being able to leave whenever the time is right, he'll go the quickest but most expensive route of buying new and selling the old rather than upgrading.
Nikolay will spend his days crafting wands if needed and his nights escaping from the world and denying that he fears his own death looms in the near future.
Buy:
Headband of Vast Intelligence +4 = 16,000
Cloak of Resistance +2 = 4,000
10 Potions of Lesser Restoration = 3,000 (I know we have a wand, but this is one of Nikolay's few concerns)
A week of nights at the establishment = 1,000
Sell:
Headband of Vast Intelligence +2 = 4,000
Cloak of Resistance +1 = 1,000
Current: 39,890
Sales (1/2 of value): 2,500
Purchases: -24,000
Remaining: 18,390
Dandi listens to the various planning, a smile gracing her face as Barael and Briar make plans to go bow shopping. "I gave the scarab to Briar to sell. Its value is better spent on other things, like better enchantments for a bow, or things to quicken your step even more, or scrolls of new spells Wraith and I might study." She waves off, happy to leave the buying and selling to the others.
Fondo smiles at the proceedings. Not having heard any response from Charlie as to his request for sendings, he makes a mental note. I should help Deyanira get what she needs to learn those magics for herself. Clearly Kako has more important things to drink. I mean do.
Barael enjoys visiting with Saul, and walking the aisles. He only paws occasionally, preferring Saul to bring forth the items that Briar suggests, and Barael requests.
Barael remembers something quickly. He pulls out two Immovable Rods, and hands them to Briar. "Trade ya. That belt you have. You lifted that off the Mantis woman, right? I'll gladly wear that when we return to Korvosa."
The more Barael looks, the more he starts to fret. "Wouldn't it serve better to bring more energy to Black Tooth? After the ghostly meld ended, perhaps something to steel it against the evil to come?" He sets back a beautiful darkwood bow, hesitantly.
With the others going off in different directions, Dandi delays until she's alone before going back in search of the poor man Barrie b...bi..Barael...hurt... the night before.
She approaches the Bistro cautiously, aiming to come in the back way and speak to the owner quietly. "He-ello"?
With the others going off in different directions, Dandi delays until she's alone before going back in search of the poor man Barrie b...bi..Barael...hurt... the night before.
She approaches the Bistro cautiously, aiming to come in the back way and speak to the owner quietly. "He-ello"?
A man of some bearing, though he's rail thin and hawkish, can be found yelling at an undead zombie 'servant' cleaning out the pots from the night before. The yelling seems to have no effect on the speed or skill of the slow moving zombie, but it seems to delight the barman to no end.
He looks up at you as you approach though his eyes register no remembrance of you from the night before. "Yes? I have no scraps to give you mi-lady, we had a rowdy crowd last night and hearty eaters. You'll have to try again tomorrow I'm afraid."
The zombie looks up at the newcomer, though it continues to scrape at the large pot in it's lap.
"I..uh, that is..." Dandi can't seem to break her gaze away from the zombie. Finally she shakes her head, and smiles, "Yes, of course. My apologies. I was uhhh, just looking for someone I met here last night. I was hoping he might be a regular and you could tell me where to find him..."
The man straightens up and you find him impossibly tall for his thinness. He looks like he'd blow over in a stiff breeze. "Oh, I'm sorry I presumed you were scrounging. We get all sorts of people hungry these days. Too many refugees!"
"I know my regulars, who are you seeking?"
Scrape, scrape, scrape
It doesnt even occur to Dandi to be offended by his presumption, for there were days when she was young when that could very well have been the case, she simply continues, "I didnt catch his name, I'm afraid. But he was uhhh, very tall, impressively large, one might say, and wore an amulet of a dagger. Do you know him?"
Briar hefts the pouch of diamond dust, the work of Saul, and a gift to Majenko. Briar ignores questions about bows for the time being.
"You see this, Rat? This pouch? This is important. Right now there is nothing more important. This is what I must attend to before the bows and other magics. I have a friend that I need to see again. Would you like to come? Nikolay? Charlie?" Briar invites others to join him in the temple of Nethys. "Has anyone seen the Waif? I would think she would want to see this."
Briar stares down any other parishioners that mind his taking over the small temple for this exhibition of magical power.
"Stay if you wish, but Nethys will be lending me his gifts for the greatest miracle of all: re-life!" Briar busily begins to set up the altar and Majenko's body upon it. He studiously lays out the dusts and other reagents that will used to breathe life into the pseudo-dragon's body once again.
"I will need quiet to perform the ritual. Majenko will soon be with us again."
Briar will see to his magical friend, casting Raise Dead.
Briar urges his friend back to life, caring deeply that he does return.
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He looks down his hawkish nose at Dandilion. "I remember you now! You were with that maniac last night. Bit poor old Daene in the arm. A nasty wound - like as not infected!"
He stands back a little closer to the ally-way door to his pub. "What is it exactly that you want dearie?" He does not look pleased.
- - -
Majenko stretches his limbs as his long tongue flicks out and cleans cruft around his eyes. He opens them and looks into Briar's face. "Oh that !"
He sits up and looks around. His head still wobbly he shakes it to try and clear his thoughts. "We're not in Scarwall. Why aren't we in Scarwall?"
He keeps from flying for the moment as the room still teeters a bit in his head.
Back in Saul's, Barael offers Saul a chance to look over the Immovable Rods (2), seeking an appraisal if they decide to liquidate their assets for more practical items. "What do you think, they worth something more, considering they're so ancient?"
...
Barael smiles, watching the pseudodragon rises. He came back. And he didn't have to, if he hadn't wanted to. That's... comforting.
"Welcome back, winged one. Keep steady, ground yourself before you take flight. You're in Kaer Maga, friend."
Looks like the time for opportunistic milkings is at an end.
Briar smiles as Majenko sputters to life.
"Majenko! I just knew you would come back! I knew it!" Briar smiles happily, both for the return but also for Nethys' gifts.
"Take your time getting re-acclimated, friend. My shoulder is here for you if you want to just relax and enjoy things again. We have much to discuss when you are ready."
Briar begins to clean up the mess that he has made of the altar, still thankful for the power and opportunity given to him.
I hope to never do that again...but the rush of power is giddyifying!
* * *
While Briar recovers, Briar refocuses on Barael and the mission at hand.
"So where were we, Rat? We were talking about a bow? Hmmm..." Briar walks with Barael back to the markets.
Dandi blushes, letting her hair fall forward to soften her features." Err, yes, him. I really just want to check on him and make sure he's ok. Last night uhhh, wasn't really the time." She smiles her best, most disarming smile and adds, "and of course, I wanted to check on whatever damages there might have been to your establishment."
Saul eyes the immovable rods that Baraels holds dear. 'They are, in fact, very old. And so their value is increased slightly for that reason. However, because they are so old, there is a concern that the magics may fade or falter. That reduces the value slightly."
"So, on net, it's about even."
- - -
Majenko flies drunkenly a little before settling on Briars shoulder. His tiny claws dig in a little deeper than usual as he struggles a bit to hang on - but he's not staying behind that's for sure.
- - -
The bar owner stops backing away and considers a moment. "There was maybe an ingot's worth of damages to my man and my place. Are you here to provide restitution?"
He eyes Dandilion evenly, trying to determine if he's asked for too much... or not enough!
Fondo sits with Charlie a bit. Grabbing one of Deyanira's quills and a sheet of paper (and earning himself a nasty look for getting into her things), he starts musing aloud as he scribes some suggestions to Charlie.
"Hrm. For Cressida, why not, 'Tis Charlie Buckminster. We have not left you to the she-wolf. How and where are you? Need you help or rescue? Be brief.' How does that sound?"
He pauses and thinks further. "And to the Signore. 'Signore, tis Charlie. We have our quest completed. Where are you and the Seneschal? Are you well? Be brief.'"
Thinking a bit further, he concludes. "The Sun Shaman, yes? Hrm. Ah, yes. I have it. 'Hello elder. Tis Charlie, uncle to your clansman, Fondo. An opportunity for the Sklar presents itself. Where are you? Please be brief.' Brevity is to wit as Ruan to mine heart, after all." And many others to my bed...
" A Hundred?"Dandi worries at her lower lip, and begins touching her thumb to each of her fingers on her right hand, as if counting. "That is a fair sum, but I had hoped to be able to barter, if you're interested. I could give you someone to help aid your servant here for today. Unseen, but still very useful. Not any smarter, though. I've also a fair hand with healing and but I will still need to find your customer and put things right with him as well. If it's gold, though, I can find it, but it will take me a day or three."