This is the start for chapter 2...welcome survivors!
It takes about a 10 day after you finish repairing the lighthouse before a ship appears on the horizon.
You find out it is called the Red Gull. The ship doesn’t come close to shore but its long boat does.
You manage to talk your way onto the ship. You are met by a friendly captain named Aulek Tegerten. When he sees Grolik and Pezock he tries to turn you away and it takes some time and some gold/gems to get him and the crew to agree to take you to their destination...Eleder. The Red Gull is a whaling vessel with a full cargo hold, it makes for a very queasy ride back to the city...
You also continue to look over the notes that Yarzoth (or whatever her real name was) had. They are all in Aklo, but after some time they seem to be talking about a city named Saventh-Yhi. You find that you can’t really tell much more though. Maybe with the help of a specialist you can decipher the notes in more detail or with the help of some of the libraries in the city perhaps. Jask and Gelik offer to help…Gelik insinuates that he knows something about the city.
The harbor of the city of Eleder comes into the view the waves crash into the Whaler. It is busy and the harbor is bustling with activity…you all wonder what are your next steps…
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Mihai is unsettled upon the ship - both at being forced to plead with the captain to accept the devil as a passenger... but also at the need to share the voyage with the foul beast. Imminent danger passed he retrieves the lent cards of his harrow deck and spends much of the dawn and dusk time consulting them. His other leisure activity has him on the bow with wind in hair and flute in hand, gradually mastering the instrument and the means to make it sing.
Songs both mournful, joyous and all other shades of emotion can be heard... but most often heard is a traditional Varisian song of return and longing hearts.
As Eleder begins to loom out of the horizon, Mihai casts a glance at the Red Mountain Devil before sighing and gathering his companions. "A bond formed in our exile is not easily broken... I know that my path did not start where yours did... but our wagons dig mostly upon the same wheel ruts now. The Harrow... it is inconstant, but has given me guidance enough to know that the words we carried from the isle are of import... would you allow me to walk at your sides a little longer... so that we might illuminate their meaning?"
In response to Mihai, Tragershen says "I for one would be honored to share the path with you for a while longer. Indeed, as long as you see fit. And I suspect from what I can interpret of these notes that we have a long journey ahead."
The captain walks over and looks Nim and Mihai in the face...
You'll find yourself some trouble...coming into town with your friends. nodding towards the RMD and Pezcock.
For a small fee I would be willing to land you without inspection where we dump the whales. What ye say...100gp to avoid trouble with the law?
he grins and holds out his palm...
Eleder suffers from extreme racial and class division, with colonials dominating the far larger Zenj population. The Zenj supply the bulk of the port’s menial labor for paltry weekly wages. Colonial law provides them few if any rights, and is geared toward trade, goods, properties,
and the taxation thereof, as based on the charters of Eleder’s founding trading companies. Civil law falls to the responsibility of the Sargavan government. Sargavan law is overly complex, severe, and distinctly Chelish. It is designed with hundreds of loopholes that favor the upper class, and a good barrister can reduce almost any crime’s punishment to a simple fine.
At the Baron’s Palace in New Haliad, the Grand Custodian’s primary duties involve tending to Sargava’s political affairs. Baron Utilinus maintains a personal court of eight barristers whom he relies upon for legal counsel, while an array of clerks and personal servants handle
groundskeeping and more mundane responsibilities. The Grand Custodian serves more as Eleder’s figurehead than as its ruler, and other than enforcing taxes, he exerts little inf luence upon city politics. Instead, this responsibility falls to the upper classes. The aristocracy operates under a parliamentary high council, whose final decisions are determined by the heads of the most inf luential and
powerful families in Eleder. While these families claim no official title, they hold the majority of the city’s wealth; thus theirs is the ability to determine the fate of their city. Council seats are allotted by heredity.
Currently, the Daugustanas are the most powerful of New Haliad’s politicos. The matriarch of the family, Lady Madrona Daugustana, is the oldest living woman in Eleder. Her influence stretches all the way to Baron Utilinus’s palace, and she controls almost a third of all major businesses in the port. Her family’s funds quietly make their way into the hands of many city officials and high-ranking members of Eleder’s military; few places fall outside the sphere of her personal influence. In addition to her extensive political influence, Lady Madrona bears responsibility for upholding the ideals and customs of her forebears. All activities within Portside and New Haliad, from marriages to business deals, must meet with her approval.
Despite the colony’s 500 years of existence, at heart, most colonials still consider themselves Chelaxians. They believe themselves to be superior in stock and culture to the “ignorant savages” their ancestors encountered upon their arrival. Their prejudice almost exclusively targets the Zenj tribes, which provide the majority of Eleder’s menial labor and tend to be more passive than the Bekyar or Bonuwat. While recent Sargavan law has changed, granting full rights to all citizens, sadly the stranglehold of Eleder’s aristocracy has buried the implementation of this change, rendering Zenj civil rights an easily bypassed formality of state. As a result, life in the hundreds of muddaub huts beyond the Wall remains one of abject poverty.
Knowledge (Local):
Mihai looks over to the two and replies to the Captain "Of only one of those do I call friend... and I suspect he is the less likely to cause concern." frowning slightly before continuing "And I had thought passage paid when terms were agreed on the island before we left... but with land and safe harbor so near I am willing to indulge a small inconvenience to prevent hardship."
Stretching his arms and back before continuing "But I have a different offer... a wager, and the chance for greater wealth upon yourself if I am proven lesser?" gauging to see if the man looks amenable before continuing.
Looking forward he spies a spent tar barrel on it's side, offering a circular target a good distance away "We each take a bow and fire once at yonder barrel. If your arrow strikes closer the center than mine I will pay 200 in gold... if mine is truer then you will let us alight with gratitude and gold unspent. Are these terms agreeable?"
Aulek looks you up and down...pauses for a moment and grins, I like ye style holy man, you're on! Let me get me bow.
He goes to his cabin and brings out a decent looking short bow. The crew turns and watches with interest...
I was a decent shot in me youth. Keep this one in case we run into trouble., he draws back and takes a shot...
It hits the barrel about 3-4 inches from the center. A good shot but not one that can't be beat by a good archer...of course Mihai is no archer...
Meanwhile to the side Pezcock mentions to the rest of you, I wouldn't, urrrrrrk, be surprised if I am treated like our friend over there...with some distaste, irriiiit! My kind is not often seen and I am often treated as a curiosity or a beast...not a man.
Requesting the use of the Captain's bow so that the game can be superficially fair... Mihai pauses for a few moments to settle himself and offer a prayer. "May the grace of the Walker see me strike true" telltale waves of hand and subtle variations of intonation betraying that a spell is being cast.
Mihai then raises the bow in one smooth motion drawing and releasing in an instant...
Shortbow:
...his arrow streaking across the deck to strike the barrel dead center and lodging firmly. With humble face he proffers the bow to Captain Aulek reverently "It seems the Walker favors my arm this day"
Nim spent the majority of his days during the voyage with Sasha, Corb and Wic. Training Corb to fight effectively with himself and Wic.
Nim spent his evenings with all his companions, discussing all manner of topics, before retiring each night with Sasha...
While Nim did not seek out Grolick during the voyage, he did not avoid him either. Nim did make it clear that his actions, and not his words, would determine his future with the group.
As the Captain attempted his shake down, Nim tried to recall anything that he had learned of Eleder...
Before Nim had a chance to speak, Mihai made his counter proposal. Nim is content to see how it plays out before adding his thoughts.
The captain grunts when he sees your shot...you can tell he is not sure if he has been had or not, likely he has been around enough rough customers to have been had more than once.
So he has...well get yourselves in me cabin, I will take care of the rest.
The ship stop and is boarded in the harbour. It seems to be a quick affair and the ship is not searched. When it finally stops again the captain issues you out of his smelly cabin you are at a Whaling Company. A small whale lies in the courtyard...probably ready for slaughter. The whole place reeks of burnt fat and slaughter.
This is ye stop. Good luck to ye.
You gather your things and he escorts you out the front. He seems to know the fellows in the place...on the front is a large wooden sign, The South Arcadian Whaling Company.
People are passing back on forth on a wide cobblestone street...
Eleder is visibly divided, a direct ref lection of its varied populace. Architecture and landforms clearly indicate when structures were built and who owns them. The city is comprised of essentially five distinct districts: Northcoast, Portside, New Haliad, Lower Harbor, and Outerwall, also known as the Zenj Slums. Northcoast, Portside, and New
Haliad surround the harbor and are principally settled by colonials of Chelish descent. The Diomar Wall divides these wards from the other two. Lower Harbor rests along the coast just south of the main harbor, naturally separated by the cliff face. It is chief ly populated by working-class fishermen, both colonials and Mwangi. The remaining two-thirds of Eleder’s population live in Outerwall, a sprawling slum outlining the central harbor.
Knowledge Local
Knowledge Geography
When they are in the cabin, Tragershen will take a few minutes to share what he knows of their destination. When he's finished, he's shared all the information under the spoilers. And then some!
Mihai listens to Tragershen's sage advice and once they are deposited at the whaler's gates he makes his position clear "I will walk with Pezcock into the town if he wishes... but I shall not stand beside the om dat draculai not use words to barter for it's safety. If you wish to do so it will not be with my help."
As Eleder begins to loom out of the horizon, Mihai casts a glance at the Red Mountain Devil before sighing and gathering his companions. "A bond formed in our exile is not easily broken... I know that my path did not start where yours did... but our wagons dig mostly upon the same wheel ruts now. The Harrow... it is inconstant, but has given me guidance enough to know that the words we carried from the isle are of import... would you allow me to walk at your sides a little longer... so that we might illuminate their meaning?"
Anton beams. "I'm glad you feel that way! I agree whole-heartedly. I didn't find exactly what I was looking for, but I have a feeling that Yarzoth's notes and the temple rubbings will lead us to more secrets. Indeed, unless she was star-born, there's an entire race hiding somewhere!"
Mihai listens to Tragershen's sage advice and once they are deposited at the whaler's gates he makes his position clear "I will walk with Pezcock into the town if he wishes... but I shall not stand beside the om dat draculai not use words to barter for it's safety. If you wish to do so it will not be with my help."
Anton nods respectfully. "I wouldn't expect you to. I spent some time among the Ijo on the northern side of the bay -- long story -- and I'm quite familiar with this city. I'll see if Briga at the Sargava Club knows of any Pathfinders in town, so that I can arrange a meeting; I need to talk to them anyway about Larissia..." He stops and addresses Corbius's rapier. "Uh... This could be a little awkward. What do you want me tell them? And what word to your family?"
Nim indeed also shares his knowledge of Eleder alongside Tragershen, even adding a few things the well travelled elf did not know. He also commits to staying on longer with the group. He doesn't have anything else pressing to do...
Once ashore and the conversation turns to Grolick, Nim offers, Given the strong mercantile nature of Eleder and most of the laws revolving around trade, goods and properties, might I suggest that Grolick be presented as the property of... say Aedalis? He can mark him with a scar, a brand if you will. You can make it seem like the brand helps to control him. As your intent is to take him to the Pathfinders, make it their business. It might keep people from making too much a deal about him.
Of course, you will likely have to pay some sort of tariff to gain him entry...
Both Pezcock and Grolik seem a little in awe of the surrounding city. Pezcock probably more from the fact he hasn't seen people in years and is also a little unhinged.
This area is a more of an industrial area of the docks so there are not as many people walking around but there are enough to easily sense the discomfort you see in people's eyes when they view the RMD and fear falls upon them.
You are currently standing in front of the whaling company.
You want to scarrr me to fool these humans?
Drop off the RMD and then find an Inn?
Mihai gestures ahead of him "After you, I will follow second and distant... and would suggest to Pezcock that he remain with me. If they let the devil in, then they can hardly refuse the less strange that follow in wake. Or if Pezcock chooses to stand with the om dat draculai I will walk before you. Either way we should rejoin at the lodge of Pathfinders... though I hope we do not need tarry there for long... for I have an epic stench about my person that only a most vigorous bathing and swaddling in fresh cloth can hope to remedy."
Anton, I died that day. What is now in the sword is what remains. I could not bear my family to know what I have become. I will live through you all and help as I can...continue to live a life of discovery and I will walk your path!
Corbius seems disinterested in the argument surrounding the RMD. Although he does not support the decision to bring the creature along he does nothing to discourage the groups decision.
As the party enters the town Corbius will follow along with Mihai keeping himself distant but constantly watching the beast for any signs of deception.
You want to scarrr me to fool these humans?
"Yes, it's a harmless bit of magic. See, I have one of my own!" Anton shows a tattoo of an open shackle on a broken chain. "But it's common to brand slaves, so we could maybe pass you off as one. A little deception to avoid causing a riot, since this city has so many people." He tries to think of a good analogy. "As many as the pebbles on a beach, but with weapons, and prone to attack what they fear. Even if you're stronger than a pebble -- stronger than a dozen dozen pebbles -- the whole beach could still bury you. Like a hornet's nest, it's better to avoid stirring it up in the first place."
Aedalis nodded in agreement as the group resolved to stay together but did not offer further words. He had became a little broodier and more contemplative on the sea voyage and spent much of the time with Pezock practising his magic.
It will be temporary, Grolik. I'll put an upon your hide and we'll pass you off as my rather over-sized familiar. It will be simpler if they assume you can't talk and you are... simpler than you truly are.
Anton chuckles. "Well, I guess we'll have to pass off Tilsini as mine, then. Come here, you!" The halfling puts his arms out for the compsognathus to jump into them, since he isn't really that much bigger than the little dinosaur.
Your very interesting group separates for the moment. Most people give you a wide berth, especially with the RMD staring back at them. At one point a city patrol actually stops you as you get close to the guild. They ask you about Grolik and when you anwer they ponder it for a moment and just tell you, You should register dangerous animals with the city. Even if you do control it they must still be registered under Eledian law, statute 1004B governing the possession of dangerous animals. Many nobles keep tigers, and Gorilla's as pets as well as some more dangerous animals but you need it's papers.
He does let you go along but tells you to go and get it done or you will be fined if he sees you again.
You get to the Pathfinders without further incident...
Gelik jumps into the lead and brings you into the lodge. It is a modest wooden building that actually looks a lot like an Inn. The chamber you enter is a large open area, you see 4 people in it. They seem to be reading sitting around on chairs and couches.
Gelik blurts out, Kalir! It is me Gelik! We found it...the Nightvoice! It wasn't lost in Garund. It crashed on the Shiv, where we were shipwrecked...or should I say someone sunk our ship and put us there. It is such a wonderful tale.
Does anyone stop him of do you let him spin his tale?
Keep a bard from telling a tale? No, Nim does not stop Gelik...
Mihai's eyes and ears grow wary, but he does not yet intervene to stop Gelik from speaking his mind.
Tragershen pays careful attention to Gelik's telling of things. He will not interrupt, but he will make note of any factual errors with the intent of later telling Kalir anything that Gelik gets wrong. But he would only correct things that would endanger a Pathfinder expedition, not petty things like who did what in the discovery.
Tragershen will also make eye contact with Jask and pat his waterproof bag, confirming silently that the elf still has the Brine Demon ledgers.
The apparent ranking Pathfinder stands up as Gelik starts to get into the details of his tail...Perhaps your friends would like to rest and relax a bit? It sounds like this may be quite a tale. Also we should have Pathfinder Glaur here as well, he will want to hear what you have been up to.
Friends, I am Pathfinder Kalir of the Eleder house. You appear to have been through quite a bit. There is a decent Inn just a few blocks away, perhaps you would like to have a nights rest and come back tomorrow? We would like to hear your tale but I am sure it can wait?It is called the Dour Maid, tell them Kalir sent you and you will be well treated.
Assuming you accept his offer and go to the Inn? We can retcon anything you discuss with Kalir now, otherwise we can pick things up when and if you come back?
Also Gelik wants to show them the ledgers you found on the Nightvoice, are you okay with him giving them to the PF's?
Also are you taking the RMD with you? Kalir doesn't seem to have really noticed him and Pezcock, although the others in the room have given him several hard looks.
Mihai smiles at Kalir and nods "With thanks Kalir... I do believe the tale will be better enjoyed when our odours have improved... it has been a very long time since I have had the pleasure of a bath. The Dour Maid it is... though if I could impose upon your knowledge for just a moment longer - could you recommend a tailor also?"
"If I may, I'd like to introduce Grolik. He's a unique individual, and has expressed interest in joining the Pathfinders. I'm confident that you would find each other useful, but... we kind of got off on the wrong foot... and while I changed my mind about him, not everyone did. If you would be so kind as to find someplace else for him to stay, it would be much appreciated. He likes high places; perhaps a rooftop terrace?"
Kalir gives you an odd look...Hello...Grolik. To be honest I thought he might be someone's animal companion...this IS interesting. I can see why you might want to see that he stays here. He speaks common???
What are your intentions Grolik, to be honest your species don't normally play well with others.
I wish to see otherrr things...experrrience otherrr things. I was once as you say...like the otherrrs of my kind. The island...it made me differrrent. I wish you no harrrm.
This really seems to perk their interest. They nod teir head and start to make some arrangements...they give you directions and the name of a tailor...
Kalir shares with you one other piece of advice, The city is a little on edge at the moment. People that are seen as obvious foreigners or adventurers are being targeted in the city. So far there have just been some incidents, nothing serious. Lay low until we have a chance to speak more tomorrow...and thank you for bringing back our people, and our history. he shakes the journal.
You go the Dour Maid and it is one of the more impressive Inn's you have seen. A massive main room with several meeting rooms off of it. A number of long tables line this hall. A raised stage where several competent musicians are playing softly in the background.
The staff seems friendly and competent. The Inn seems to frequent many types such as yourselves and the patronage is quite varied.
A hot bath...a wondrous hot bath is set up for all of you. It seem they have quite a good facility in the, in fact it is similar to a bathhouse.
Most if not all of you order the full treatment, which is a hot bath then a rubdown with oils to moisten the skin.
After you mention Kalir's name to the staff the inn's owner, a large Mwangi women known simply as Ubi, introduces herself and proceeds to look you over. Without even being asked a simple set of clothes is waiting for you after your bath giving you some respite from the flea and dirt infested clothes that even Prestidigitation could not get out after enough time.
That night you are treated to a good meal, some nice entertainment and for once, not having to look over your shoulder. Ubi stops by several times making sure you are all well taken care of, you find that you can't help but like the stern but capable Innkeep.
Ishirou and Aerys thank you for their lives and tell you they will be going their separate ways in the morning.
Jask asks you to accompany him to the Sargavan government office tomorrow to bring them the journal. He hopes you will be able to help him with the Government and clearing his name once and for all.
By this point it is pretty evident that Sasha is pregnant...the bump in her midsection is now showing quite a bit. Sasha says little to you about her fate but she is very solemn.
That night Sasha is not in her usual playful mood.
I must find the local order of the Mantis. If they find out I am here before I find them...they may become your enemy. You are all very capable but that is not in your best interest at this point if you want to stay alive. I will return to you when I can my love but I must leave first thing in the morning. Now kiss me and hold me...
This is the most vulnerable that you have ever seen her...
Sunk deep into indulgence after the bath Mihai spends the night in the inn's common room, enjoying many small plates of food that would not have been available on the island... as well as consulting his cards. Presenting an open disposition, Mihai would have been more than willing to conduct Harrow readings for any members of the public that approached him.
The next day dressed in the simple frock provided by Ubi, Mihai breakfasts with freshly baked bread and chai as he prepares for the day. Humming to himself as he waits for the others to join him.
The Inn and the Pathfinder lodge are on the western edge of New Haliad and the Lower Harbor. Southwest of the Grallus Lock but just inside the Diomar Wall.
It is a pretty diverse area as the populace shifts from the colonials to more local tribesmen and common merchants the further towards Lower Harbor you go.
At Jask's request for accompaniment to clear his name, Mihai mulls for a few moments before nodding his acquiescence to the request. "I will come Jask, and speak in your aid if you wish it."
Tragershen will of course go with Jask.
When they reach the Sargavan offices, Tragershen will introduce himself and ask to speak with someone who had been expecting the arrival of the Jenivere. A magistrate, perhaps?
He won't introduce Jask, Mihai, or any of the others who opt to go with them. He won't sit to wait; rather he'll stand, placid, still and infinitely patient. The only betrayal of any impatience or desire for expediency is a single gold coin in his left hand that he works with great agility amongst his fingers.
Nim is unconcerned with the "refinements" made available to them by "civilization".
Nim bids Ishirou and Aerys safe travels.
Nim will only accompany Jask if he specifically requests his presence at the office. I am not sure how I can help, when you already have these two to speak for you. I am sure the truth will be revealed my friend and you will soon have you life back.
Otherwise Nim remains at the inn until it is time to go back to the Pathfinder Lodge.
Nim listens to Sasha intently before replying, You know I fear little, and would lay down my life to protect you... and our unborn child, but as I know little of your association with these Mantises I will defer to your decision in this.
Taking her in a strong embrace Nim adds, You are a strong capable woman Sasha! Don't ever forget that. I will wait for your return, or seek you out... until my dying day! He then plants a passionate kiss on her lips.