The docks are a busy place, men shouting, ships arriving and departing, and dock workers hualing cargo. Among the constant chaos a man stands waiting for a group of new arrivals. He wears a brown cloak but white and yellow robes peak out from time to time along with a silver symbol glinting around his neck.
Shouldering his pack, and making sure his axes are settled properly, Colyne heads down the gangplank onto the pier. It takes a few moments for his body to get use to the lack of swaying. His stomach swirls a bit, but then his 'landlegs' kick back in. The smells and noise are all around him, but in the distance he sees a figure standing still, like a lone rock in a stormy sea.
Hmmm...I wonder who that well dressed fella might be? Colyne thinks. He has the smell of money about him, I think
Colyne sets his shoulders, and like a ship through a turbulent wake, he moves towards the brown cloaked man.
Seeing the living city, a great change from the stench of death that permeated Geb, Nngara gathers her belongings and steps off the ship. Despite the warmth of the day, Nngara is chilled after so many years in the blast furnace heat of the south.
She also sees the gentleman standing still amidst the ever shifting crowd. Noticing her companion on the ship who she knew did not know anyone in the city heading for the cloaked man she pulls her cloak more tightly around her and calls: Colyne, wait up, do you know that fellow?
She then rushes to catch and walk with Colyne.
Having been roused from his "meditation" by the noises associated with mooring the ship Indeo stretches and yawns as he strolls down the gang plank.
"So this is the famous Abs*yawn*alom, eh? Impressive!"
He nudges Colyne as he reaches the dock, "Who's that fella? He waiting for us?"
Indeo peers at the cloaked figure cautiously:
Colyne looks at his companions and smiles. "No idea who he is, but standing like that in a place like this...well he has to be someone, right. And probably someone with money.
Colyne looks at his companions and smiles. "No idea who he is, but standing like that in a place like this...well he has to be someone, right. And probably someone with money.
I have never trusted those with money and power, all they want to do is control you. However, knowing that we will all need to earn our keep unless we want to live on the streets and eat scraps, I will hold my tongue and allow one of you more personable gentlemen do the talking.
Colyne almost chokes after hearing Nngara call him 'personable'. "By the gods girl, I did not even speak to you or the others until several days into the trip! I think maybe our glib-tongued priest should make the first encounter. Age before wisdom, right Indeo!"
He lightly slaps the old dwarf on the shoulder in a jesting fashion.
"Right, of cour--hey!" Indeo glares at the human in mock indignation.
As the three approach the stranger Indeo grins widely and addresses him in a friendly manner "Greetings friend, am I to understand that you are the one here to meet us?" He pauses a moment to allow the man to respond.
Upon a favorable response he continues "Excellent! We do have two additional members who have yet to disembark but they should be along shortly. The bard no doubt has many instruments he wishes to ensure get handled with care and the paladin....well, you know how paladins can be."
At this he winks jovially and turns back to see if the companions have made their way up from below decks.
Deslin runs down the gangplank after the others and shouts to them "Hey guys! Wait for me!". He sees the cloaked man and says "Hello good sir! Are you a friend of my mates?... Sorry I should introduce myself. Deslin Swifthand at your service. And you are?" he asks with a sincere smile and offering his hand to the stranger.
S'skaar paused for a moment at the top of the gangplank as he looked carefully up and down the docks. He reached up and his clawed fingers touched his symbol of Sarenrae as he quietly uttered a prayer of thanks for their safe arrival. He might have looked like any other passenger in armor, but being one of the lizardfolk he stood out somewhat. He saw the man in a cloak and robes waiting for passengers, and he saw as well a group of his fellow passengers gathering.
The small group seemed to be made up of several of the travelers who hadn't made much of his not being a typical humanoid and he was pleased with that. Perhaps it was a sign from Sarenrae that he would encounter such people even before setting foot back on land. He smiled, which unfortunately might have been easily mistaken for another gesture as a mouth full of teeth showed. As he walked further down toward the small group, he tried to make out the symbol that the man in the brown cloak was wearing.
Slowly and cautiously he continued toward the small group as they approached and spoke with the man. He tried to stay a bit unobtrusive behind them, but a 6'8" lizard with bluish-green scales in scale armor with a shiled was rather hard to miss unless one were nearly blind.
Colyne glances behind and notices the lizardman has finally come off the ship and joined them. Now what was his name...Hmmm Ssslk?? No, that's not it! Sslrr. No...sounded more like scar..hmm Scar it is!
"Glad to see you made it Scar!.", Colyne calls to the lizardman behind them. "We are going to see if this finely dressed gentleman here is looking for a group of adventurers!" With that he drops back to walk beside S'skaar
Nngara offers her hand to Skaar, Morning
To the group: Well, if we are going together, my vote is for the verbose bard to do the talking. If his communication skill are 1/2 his story telling ability, he should have this gent eating out of his hand in no time.
Once what seems to be the whole group arrives, the man purposely moves his cloak enough to expose his holy symbol, a silver statue of a woman with wings spread high up and her arms open, the symbol of Sarenrae.
"I am in need of a group to explore a recently unsealed siege castle, my order believes their is a relic with in. We wish it retrieved."
Deslin gets his hand back subtly, trying to cloak the fack he has been overlooked, which is something he as a halfling is used to. He keeps his friendly tone and says Then you need look no more! For here you have a group who I assure you will be more than willing and able to do the job! he says happily As a matter of fact, my good friend Scar happens to be a paladin of the very same goddess as you! His tone changes to something a bit more sheepish But, although I don't like to talk so bluntly about this... I think I have to ask you about our pay, for as you see we have hust arrived here and aren't in the best of the economic situations. He gets back to his cheerful normal talk and says But let's go somewhere where we can discuss the job more calmly. Would you happen to know of a nearby tavern where we can rest our seasick bodies?
The man looks at the halfling.
"The price offered is 1000 gold for the relic. Take it or leave it, word will spread soon enough of the new castle to be explored. If you do not act quickly others will beat you to it. If you get the relic then bring it to the temple."
He looks up judging the time by the sun's rays.
"My time is over, good day."
Without word he walks away melting into the many passing people.
Indeo raises one eyebrow, and mumbles to the group awfully mysterious...
He speaks up as the man turns to leave Wait! Where is this castle? What does this relic look like and where can we find you when we return?! C'mon man...details, please.
Deslin looks surprised Well, that was quick, I wonder if everybody in this town is always so hurried He turns to the rest of the group and says A thousand gold sounds well! Doesn't it? I guess we just have to find out where is that castle... And then where is the temple where we are supposed to bring that relic He gives the party a big smile and says I'm in, and I bet my toes hair Scar is too, what about the rest of you? Interested in making yourselves a good name in this city?
"Oh, I am in alright, but I am a little wary of this cloaked fellow. No real information and a time limit....but Hey! 1000gp can go a long way...or at least to the nearest brothel and alehouse. Am I right, Indeo," he says, winking at the dwarf.
Something brushes your foot, a scroll tube lies there. With in is a map to the seige castle.
Edit-
Sarenrae only has a single temple in Absalom. It is the Temple of the Shining Star in the Ascendant Court with in the center of the city.
I assume the knowledge/diplomacy check is for all of us.
Diplomacy:
Personally, I would not trust someone like this, why would a cleric of Sarenrae be looking for unknown adventurers just off a boat who have not even had time to sit down and have a drink? Sounds pretty iffy to me. On the other hand, 1000 gold goes a long way - better equipment, lodging, magic, etc.
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I say we look into this, but that Skaar inquires with the main temple of Sarenrae to confirm this. If my memory serves me right, Sarenrae only has a single temple in Absalom. It is the Temple of the Shining Star in the Ascendant Court with in the center of the city.
.
At the same time, Deslin and Indeo, I think you might want to inquire about the docks here as to the availability of accommodations and to see whether there is any information about this mysterious "siege castle".
I then step back and wait for the group to make it's decision.
My dear Colyne, my body is a temple and I would never sully it with such debasement he raises his nose up to the sky but there is clearly a spark in his eye
Besides, I wouldn't---hey what's this? he picks up a scoll case at his feet and unfurls a map Well I'll be a mountain goat's rock clinging turd, here's a map to that castle, praise be to Irori!
Anyone know anything about this place or this so called relic?
"Well what about me?? Or am I to be your bodyguard??" Colyne asks, with a wink to Nngara
Sorry, just didn't think you looked like the observe and acquire information subtly type. On the other hand, you do look like a good person to hide behind.
I move over behind Colyne and attempt to disappear.
Deslin says I'll get to it stops a few wayfarers and asks them for directions to any nearby tavern where the party can get some rest. And subtly tries to learn if there are any rumours about a just opened siege castle. He keeps a smile on his face and wide open eyes all the time, amazed at the size of the city and the amount of people in its docks.
Their have been rumors that one of the sealed siege castles has been laid open by a minor earthquake. Word on the street is that no one has yet entered the tower, which folks are calling the "Fallen Fortress." But it seems that a number of parties thruout the city will soon set upon the tower to claim any treasures lying with in, as has been done to all other accessable siege castles before.
The docks is filled with taverns, the only noteable one is best avoided. Its called The Grog Pit, its drinks are cheap and it offers it services to anyone but the conditions are bad, a third of the patrons are thives and rogues, and the drink while cheap is a mixture of anything the owner can find.
Indeo claps the dwarf on the shoulder "Come lad, I heard some of the sailors speak of a tavern called "The Bursting Bodice" I am certain we could find the information we seek at such an establishment, among other things"
He hands the map and scroll case over to Nngara "If you wouldn't mind, dear lady, it appears from this map that we will need to secure overland travel to our destination. Would you see to arranging such transport?"
Indeo gives a slight bow of his head and trots on after the bustling halfling.
"Ummm...how and where are we to meet up? Lets us not take too much time here...a recently opened seige castle will attract a lot of attention!!
Nngara looks askance at the fleeing ancient dwarf and shakes her head wondering that someone of his years and wisdom did not figure out that she does not feel comfortable socializing with people.
Turning to Colyne: He wants me to get travel accommodations? You want to help, or should we wait here while the the two wee folk run about this crowd and then get the bard to do the negotiating since I am sure he is far superior to me.
Nngara signs Can I deal with these short lived people, much as I hated living with undead, at least they contemplated things slowly and rarely rushed to decisions.
Friends I agree with Indeo, we should go to the "Bursting Bodice" people are talking quite highly of it he looks at Indeo and winks I didn't expect you to be so knowledgeable about taverns in a city where you've never been before. I guess it's true what they say about dwarves and beer, he he. He hears Colyne and nods Yeah, we should hurry, but it wouldn't be a good idea to go on an adventure with an empty stomach he jokes Or a thirsty dwarf! he says as he bursts into laughter.
"Well I guess that settles that. My Lady Erebrain, if you will follow me to the tavern?" Colyne directs Nngara towards the building in question.
Thank you. This is supposed to be a worldly city, I hope they have some wine from Geb or Nex, or even Katapesh.
The Bursting Bodice tavern is a lively if basic tavern which made it one of the higher end types among the docks. Its drinks were simple and reasonably priced. The patrons were mostly honest dockworkers and seasoned sea dogs that enjoyed a good brawl but brooked no drawn weapon's blood shed. The serving girls were friendly but not overly so, watched carefully by the half orc bouncers and barrel chested owner.
Colyne escorts Nngara to a seat, then approches the bar. "Tapmaster! A pint of your best stout, and do you, perchance, have any wines from the Geb or Nex region?"
The Bursting Bodice, hmmm, can tell what type of clientele this tavern caters to.
Thank you Colyne.
So what brings you all to Absalom? Magic? Fame? Gold?
As soon as the group enters the tavern, the dwarf shoulders past and heads straight for the barkeep. He slaps a coin down on the bar and says loudly Your largest tankard full to the brim if you please, barkeep!
After receiving his libation he scans the crowd. Having located what he sought he takes a huge draught of his ale, belches loudly and heads toward the barmaid with the bodice most close to bursting. He speaks quietly with her for a bit, she giggles, yelps, slaps him across the face and storms off. This scene would be more embarrassing for him if it wasn't followed by her looking back at him and grinning.
Indeo winks back at her downs more of his beer and comes over to the table housing his companions.
Well, that's been taken care of, what shall we do about this artifact we've been hired to find?
"Well I suppose money is as good an answer as any. And to get away from, shall we say, a prickly predicament I had found myself in. Now I just want to blend in and maybe make a few coins. How about you?"
Magic and power. There is a two thousand year old arch-mage ghost named Geb in my land which needs to die. To accomplish this, I must find his 2000 year arch-nemisis Nex. I assume this will take a little more power than I currently possess. Other than this simple goal, I am simply interested in fighting for good and independence.
I take a sip of whatever was wine was provided, hopefully from Geb or Nex.
Colyne chokes slightly on his drink. "A 2000 year old arch mage you say. And you are looking to destroy it! Well I must say that I am glad to have you on our side!" He notices the dwarf 'admiring' the barmaid and calls him over to the table. "Now where has that halfling gotten to?"
Nngara wonders where the halfling went. Perhaps he fell in one of the holes in the floor. Boy, humans, always hurrying and letting what little they do finish fall apart. Or perhaps he got stuck in the bodice that the dwarf is chasing, perhaps a modified version of a Reduce Person spell would solve that problem.
The barkeep gives Colyne a look of annoyance.
"This is the docks. We got ale, mead, beer, and grog. You want wine you'll have to go to another district."
He looks over to Indeo with an approving eye, seemed he was partial to dwarves. Filling his order he gave him a parting nod with his drink.
Deslin comes inside from a back alley with a look of relief upon his face. Sorry guys, I had to take care of some business he looks at the table and picks a tankard of ale as big as his head Thanks for the beer. So what were you talking about? He look around the tavern and calls the barkeeper to ask him if he would mind if Deslin sang a little for the crowd.
"Well we need to talk about this contract the cloaked man has offered us. Do we take it or not? I am for it...the 1000gp itself, while not a princely sum, will allow us to live well for a few months. During that time perhaps we can gain more employment throough this fellow, or as our fame grows, others may call upon us. What say the rest of you?"
Deslin smiles, Well I didn't come to this city to stay idle He looks at his purse and looks dejected. This is small, and yet I can't fill it
"I say let's do it. I left the monastery specifically for-" he clears his throat and adopts an officious tone "persuit of enlightenment and work toward mental and physical perfection." he clears his throat again and takes a big swig of his ale "but enlightenment comes in many forms" he chuckles quietly.
He turns to halfling "didn't you say something about there being many other groups heading to the siege castle as well? In that case I say let's head out right away, no sense is dilly dallying." He turns to Colyne and Nngara, "were you guys able to secure transport? Personally I'm not that great on a horse but if that's all we can get so be it"
S'skaar sat quietly in the corner, hood up so as not to startle anyone unaccustomed to his presence. He nodded in agreement with Colyne and Indeo. As he spoke, he began in Draconic, but quickly repeated the few words in common once he realized not all around may be able to understand him.
"I am in agreement. The gold will be useful to further our journeys, but assisting with something so strong as recovering an item for my church will be satisfactory and a great boon indeed. As the old one wore the symbol of Sarenrae, I think perhaps we should begin there at her temple. I need to pay my respects in any case."
Sorry, I did not secure anything. I was thinking that Devlin would be better at negotiating, or perhaps Indeo. We have not secured lodging, but I am ready to go when you all are.
Well, how about this: Lets plan on leaving town first thing in the morning.
I'll talk with the barkeep here and see about securing accommodations for tonight, he seems to have a soft spot for dwarves. Devlin, why don't and Skaar go out and see what our options are for getting to this castle tomorrow. Nngara and Colyne if you wouldn't mind heading over to the bazaar and get enough provisions for the journey.
Assuming he gets consent from everyone, Indeo will get up from the table empty his tankard, belch loudly and head over to have a conversation with the barkeep regarding where to find decently safe rooms for a good price.