Bobo leaves the kitchen with a large oval earthenware cooking pot full of steaming meat.
Superb...this should have been the basis for my new rabbit ragout, but since the audience is SO demanding he eyes Thorne sternly I won't be able to finish the whole composition. Now it's just hot meat with vegetables, pah.
He hands the pot to Donna and says
Enjoy your meal...and now, would everyone please leave this building?! I have quite a load of work to do, you know?
As the party leaves, he grabs Kyren by the shoulder and whispers
What the heck is all that "Weatherbee" talking about? You are a Tosscobble, so why travel under the name of this dretched Weatherbee clan? I can well remember this Welby Salt-Weatherbee...what a stinkin' fellow.
You venture back through the western parts of Ankar Te and Downmarket District until you reach the Bottoms. The district lies adjacent to the cliff and several large holes in the city wall allow a fantastic view of Varisia south of the Storval Rise. The District is totally different from the other parts of the city: While it's as chaotic as Ankar te, the pople are full of joy, temperament and an inner fire of enthusiasm.
There are speecher's podia at most street corners where agitated men and women preach the abolishment of slavery.
Larger yards are often used as militia training grounds and lots of pamphlets and leaflets posted at the walls of buildings praise the society of Galt and Andoran for their political and social systems.
You don't encounter any monstrous humanoids here, but you often see hal elfs and halflings besides humans.
It does not take long until a man in blue vestments, bearing a sabre at his side, approaches you with a rusty tin in his hand
Welcome to the Bottoms sirs and he eyeballs Donna with open curiosity umm lady, heh. I bet you would like to give some alms for the righteous fight against slavery, mhh?
Alcheringa looks at the tin proffered forward.
"Why do you offer us an empty cup? Is this another human tradition?...I have no empty cup to offer you in return"
Welcome to the Bottoms sirs and he eyeballs Donna with open curiosity umm lady, heh. I bet you would like to give some alms for the righteous fight against slavery,...
I'll look around and see if there are any other beggars in spitting distance.
Perception
If there are, I say nothing and keep walking (and if anyone reaches for their pouch I say I wouldn't do that . . . )
If there are not, I'll quickly drop 2 silvers in his tin.
Noting that his new friend is being cautious, Alcheringa starts looking more closely at the situation to establish if there is something untoward going on...
Sense Motive -
Perception
"What the heck is all that "Weatherbee" talking about? You are a Tosscobble, so why travel under the name of this dretched Weatherbee clan? I can well remember this Welby Salt-Weatherbee...what a stinkin' fellow.
"Oh sure, cousin, Welby was certainly a pain in the rump, but most of the Weatherbee family is not all that bad. However, Bobo, I am not sure if you realize the danger I'm in. Vigilance is my new motto. I must be careful who I reveal my identity to. I do not know these folks that well, and it is imperative that we keep my background a little mysterious until I find out who I can trust. Do you think I am being too cautious? I am concerned that the Whippletar Clan send bounty hunters here to Kaer Maga to track me down. Consider that Thorne fella. He looks like he would do anything for a little extra money in his pocket. However, all things considered, I am pleased to see that he seems a little smitten with Donna, that creature friend of Bonzo. It means he is paying less attention to me. Don't worry about me, Cuz. Although, if you think I can loosen up and trust any of these folks, let me know. I would be pleased to go back to real name. Well, I better run and earn some of my treasure hoard back. See ya!"
"Welcome to the Bottoms sirs and he eyeballs Donna with open curiosity umm lady, heh. I bet you would like to give some alms for the righteous fight against slavery, mhh?"
"Here you go, fine fella." Kyren kisses a silver piece and drops it in the cup. "I am pleased to support the Fremens in such a worthy cause. In fact I am honored to be in this great district. Could you be so kind as to direct us to the Broken Chain Link? I would love to see and enter that historic building"
Diplomacy
Neither Thorne nor Vaughn notice anything out of place.
Adressing Alcheringa, the man with the tin replies
Umm, sorry, I'm collecting money for the Fremen. he points at some other men wearing blue, bearing sabres.
We are the self-organized administration of the Bottoms and fight slavery and its beneficiarys wherever we can.
He suddenly raises his right fist and shouts
For freedom, break the chains!
and several passers-by join his call.
After this outburst of Bottoms-patriotism, he returns to his normal tone
Anyway sirs, thank you for your help. If you're looking for the Broken Chain Link, just follow this street and turn left at the next but one crossroad.
Leaving the man to his work, you follow the street and find the historically important building just where he described. It's just in front of a gap in the city wall and by that framed by a corona of light. The building itself isn't very large, just a normal two-storey inn. Notable is that the whole facade is full of old manacles and chains.
You notice a Duskwarden standing about 30m away.
Perception
"Kazam!. We are actualy standing in front of the Broken Chain Link! Do you guys know how important this building is for those those that believe in an Andoran democracy free of slavery?!"
Kyren cannot help himself and he pulls out his harp and breaks into song.
My Freedom, my Freedom
You saved me
You tore my chain
You detached the knots
You released my pain
You fixed the dots
Thanks! thanks!
My Freedom, my Freedom
You’re my pendant
You’re my earrings
My Freedom, my Freedom
I feel you, I think about you
You accompany me, you’re at my side
My Freedom, my Freedom
I like to be your slave
Your slavery makes me Brave
My Freedom, my Freedom
Clearly you engrave
My responsibilities
Precisely you surround
My extremities
My Freedom, my Freedom
You’re my massive concept
My imperative impulse
My Freedom, my Freedom
I respire you, you inspire me!
Perform
Well Kyren, first, my name ist Torald or Sir Torald if you insist. Othric is my fathers name.
Griffonstone is a small feud near Vigil. And his name was coined by a crag not far from it, which was inhabited by a pair of griffons.
Perception
Nice building--but I'm not really one for history. *listens to Kyren* Nice tune.
Perception -
Alcheringa nods a polite hello to the Duskwarden.
Perception -
Thorne notices the Duskwarden and heads for any cover he can find.
Stealth -
The Duskwarden, noticing your greeting, walks over to you.
He is a handsome, tall and slender man with the demeanour and the movements of a warrior.
Welcome to the Bottoms sirs. he nods curtly Are you looking for someone or something? Maybe I could help you with directions.
As you're about to answer the Duskwarden, a friendly looking man in his fifties leaves the Broken Chain Link and walks over to you.
He has a large and badly healed scar that runs across his forehead, alert hazel eyes and dark brown hair. His stature is that of a man who has physically worked for his whole life and even though his prime must have ended years ago, his brawny arms give testimonial to the strength this man still has.
He walks past most of the group and bows before Kyren
That my little friend was a great work of art. I'm assemblyman Turodan and I just wanted to ask you if you were willing to present that song you just sung tonight at the Fremen meeting?
That my little friend was a great work of art. I'm assemblyman Turodan and I just wanted to ask you if you were willing to present that song you just sung tonight at the Fremen meeting?
"Well met, sir! You humble me with your request, but Kazam, would I ever! The name is Kyren, and I am at your service! The halfling places his hand in front and deeply bows. "I am honored to be here and it would be my great pleasure to share my song of freedom before such an illustrious group. I was just telling these folk, how important this building is for those those that believe in an Andoran democracy free of slavery. Look at all of those chains!"
The man shakes your hand firmly, then turns around and gazes at the building
True, this building is a monument of freedom here in Kaer Maga. All the chains, cuffs and manacles you see there once bound slaves to a fate they didn't choose for themselves. My chains also hang there and I'm proud to say that after I was freed through my deeds a dozen more were added to this building.
I'm glad that you join us tonight. Just be here at the Broken Chain Link again at dusk. I think we will hear your tune before the meeting starts. I'm sure, this will heighten the assemblymen's spirits.
Oh, and should you need anything the Fremen can offer, don't hesitate to ask.
"My family and I have sung songs for years calling for the abolition of slavery and I kindly thank you for your offer of support from the Fremen. I am certainly happy to play my part in any way that may assist your cause. I look forward to tonight in great anticipation."
"Oooooh look, Donna! Kyren is a musician!" Bonzo hops around momentarily, jabbing at Donna's thigh with a playfully poking finger. "I knew leaving home was a good idea!" Seemingly content with the world for the time being, he sighs and leans against the trunk of Donna's leg and pretends to rest his eyes--though he is still paying close attention to the conversation about him. Donna smiles down at him, but then contorts her face in confused worry, "Where is smelly, nice man?"
Alcheringa seems to spend his time watching the Halflings intently, as though a wilderness explorer watching animals in the wild, analysing and cataloguing away the information in his mind.
Once Turodan is out of sight, the halfing can no longer contain himself. "Woohooo! Did you hear that Mr. Alcheringa? They have invited me to play at their party tonight! Kazam, Kazam, Kazam!" The exuberant halfling jumps about in quite an energetic display of pure enthusiasm. Once he calms down, he returns to Alcheringa and asks, So, who are we suppose to go see around here anyway? Let's get to it so we aren't late for lunch."
Once Turodan is out of sight, the halfing can no longer contain himself. "Woohooo! Did you hear that Mr. Alcheringa? They have invited me to play at their party tonight! Kazam, Kazam, Kazam!" The exuberant halfling jumps about in quite an energetic display of pure enthusiasm. Once he calms down, he returns to Alcheringa and asks, So, who are we suppose to go see around here anyway? Let's get to it so we aren't late for lunch."
Boy, I'll tell ya . . .
Perception check to find Thorne
*shake head, smiling*
. . . Kyren, you are going to be Thorne's best friend. I'll bet even *I* could hide with you distracting everyone like that!
*turn to Alcheringa* yeah, who are we meeting?
*turn to Alcheringa* yeah, who are we meeting?
"Who? well, Duskwarden Harrister near the Broken Chain Link, I assume its probably this man right here" he says, turning to the Duskwarden, "Alcheringa, and company, as requested."
The Duskwarden smiles broadly and replies
Hah, at last you notice me, eh? I'm Duskwarden Harrister and you are the reinforcements, mhh?
He gives the assembled party a glance and concludes
Nice bunch you are, a couple halflings, an elf with a big cat, a strange, ummm woman, a human paladin of Iomedae and a...yeah, scout probably, heh. Exactly what I ordered!
Pondering how he should start his report he scratches his chin
Let's see, where shall I begin....OK, the first murder happened on the 20th of Erastus. The man, a freed slave now living in the Bottoms, was found dead in the morning at home. His throat was cut with enormous force and he was nearly decapitated. His body bore some strange marks, like claws of a big cat.
He eyeballs Blaze and reasons
Even bigger than yours I think. Anyway, more victims followed: During the last two weeks we had about a dozen cases and all were former slaves from the Mwangi Expanse or at least belonging to the Garundi ethnic group.
I know, that's not much, but I have to admit that I'm not very into cultural studies...nor do I have command of a manpower that would allow me large scale investigations.
"Former slaves, you say? This sounds like a job for the Wee Bluet Consortium! You can count on us to get the job done! No task is too small. No rock shall be left unturned. Whoever is behind this will not stay hidden for long. The only thing I don’t know is how do we get there from here."
The man, a freed slave now living in the Bottoms, was found dead in the morning at home. His throat was cut with enormous force and he was nearly decapitated. His body bore some strange marks, like claws of a big cat.
So, were all the other murders the same--brutal throat-cutting and big-cat markings?
Eyeing the overly motivated halfling with a bit of suspicion, he replies to Vaughn
Umm, yeah, pretty much all the victims looked like that. I mean all bore the marks of paws or canines, yet not all throats were cut. Actually most died because of the direct injuries received from the feline.
”Well folks, if you think it prudent, may I suggest that we bring along a healthy dose of cat food on this next leg of the journey.”
”Well folks, if you think it prudent, may I suggest that we bring along a healthy dose of cat food on this next leg of the journey.”
Well, cat this big will probalby eat . . .oh, I dunno . . . *eyes Kyren and Bonzo* . . . maybe 50 pounds? *wink*
Realising that he has been made by the Duskwarden, Thorne has no reason to stay in the shadows. He steps out pulling the brim of his hat low. After all old habits die hard.
Alcheringa looks at his cat accusingly, then softens.
"Blaze says she didn't do it"
"Let me think on the Garundi people, I know of their lands, but not much of their customs, I shall try to recall any native animals they may have that could make such wounds... of couse it would be easier with an actual body"
"Either way, freed slaves are something we might find out more about from other freed slaves; Broken Chain Link, and the Fremen are a place to start"
Alcheringa signals Blaze to follow close at his feet.
"Either way, freed slaves are something we might find out more about from other freed slaves; Broken Chain Link, and the Fremen are a place to start."
Are you saying that we get to go inside the Broken Chain Link? Kazam! You are the greatest! I thought you would never suggest it. Come along with me, folks. We have some Fremen to meet! Kyren goes straight for the front door, and doesn't look back.
The Mwangi Expanse is home to a variety of large cats.
Tigers for example are larger than Blaze, as are jungle lions and lotus panthers.
You also remember a legend of a mysterious species just called "cat lords" or "Honoshe" in Polyglot (the language of the tribes of the Mwangi Expanse) - creatures that roam through a territory as large as half Varisia, which have control over other felines.
Before you leave, the Duskwarden reminds you
As soon as you find out something, contact me here. If you need something... contacts, information etc. just ask me. May Desna guide your investigations, I hope to hear from you soon.
You leave the vigilante and enter the Broken Chain Link.
Surprised you realize that the interior of the inn consists just of one large room - or rather hall. All inserted ceilings have been removed and only a bar reminds the visitors that this was once an inn. Now most of the room is filled with banks that are circularly arranged around a speecher's podium in the centre of the room.
The walls are ornated with more chains and manacles, flags and old weapons.
Except Turidan who stands at the bar with two other men wearing the blue garments of the Fremen, the room is empty. A fine smell streams out of the kitchen and the smaller ones of you suddenly feel hungry again.
It smells like grilled trout with chestnuts...yummy....
"We will indeed return to you here, I have my suspicions about the nature of the beast that has killed these people, I will confirm them as soon as I am able"
Perception -
Alcheringa can't make out the smell, normally his meals are far more rustic and unsophisticated so the subtleties are lost on him.
Seeing the humans at the bar, Alcheringa signals to the talkative halflings to go speak to them.
Perception Check
"I say well met, well met, Turodan, for I am now meeting you again for a second time in such a short while. I tried to tell them that you were busy preparing for your upcoming meeting, but they insisted that we look inside this historical sight. But since we are here . . .Mmmmm? What is this I smell wafting from the kitchen? Do you have a master chef back there perchance? . . . We don't want to impose on such a illustrious group, but we also have some questions for you regarding escaped slaves." Kyren gestures to Blaze and continues talking, "This kitty cat is a nice one, however some bad kitty cat has pulverized a dozen former slaves. This is a mystery that we are trying to get to the bottom of and we were wondering if you had some insight into these poor folks."
Kyren attempts to gather information while subtly and not so subtly attempt to get an invite for the entire party to a meal.
Diplomacy
Alcheringa appears satisfied that the Halfling can converse adequately, and he sits himself down and starts watching the interchange. Plucking a bit of catnip from his braid, he throws it to Blaze. He then produces an apple and starts munching noisily.
Turodan listens attentively, then makes an inviting gesture
Good to hear that a freedom-loving character like you helps the Duskwardens with the investigation. May I introduce to:
Assemblyman Ernesto Valverde (about 30, pale skin, dark hair, maybe chelish blood.)
Assemblyman Wontar Roan (an old grizzled man with a hunched posture)
and Assemblywoman Lif Cliffspray (a hardy looking blonde woman with hands large as Kyren's face).
The Fremen all great you friendly, then Turodan replies to your earlier questions
This series of crimes has really shaken the courage of some of our members, especially of those that come from the Mwangi Expanse. I have also seen three of the bodies and I agree; the wounds looked like they were inflicted by a big cat of some sort. At tonights meeting I could introduce to Udunga Oleke, one could say he is the inofficial spokesman of the people from the Expanse in our rows.
Noticing your longing glances to the kitchen, he adds with a smile
For now, are you interested in a good warm meal?
"Greetings everyone. It is a pleasure to make your aquanintance." The halfling bows politely. "Forgive my manners. These here are my friends, Vaugn, Bonzo, Donna, Sir Torald Othric, Thorne, Alcheringa with his good kitty, Blaze. I am Kyren . . . The cautious halfling glances uneasily at Thorne but decides to take a chance among such fine company. . .Tosscobble. Together we have just formed an adventuring band I call 'The Wee Bluet Consortium.' It is named after a beautiful blue flower that grows near my home and is a close relative to another beautiful plant flowerus dingalingus, also known as Bellflower. We are at your service!"
"For now are you interested in a good warm meal?
"Kazam! Would we ever! You heard the good fellow. Let's tuck in guys!"
Except Valverde all Fremen smile friendly as Turodan calls out to the kitchen crew to serve a good lunch for some very sophisticated gourmets.
Turning to Kyren he adds with a wink
I'll tell them that I suspect you to be a restaurant critic from Korvosa from the famous...umm Filibert's Magazine.
He walks over to the kitchen and only five minutes later you all are sitting around a table next to the bar which is nearly breaking under the weight of grilled trout, smoked salmon, lobster, lamb roast, roast ham, potatoes with rosemary, poached vegetables and an assortment of good wines and beers.
The cook, a sturdy gnome with curly pink and blue hair stands next to the table and nervously observes your reactions.
Alcheringa sniffs at bits of the food, picking out the basic things he recognises... as he chews he occasionally throws a morsel over his shoulder without looking - they are immediately snapped out of the air by Blaze. The morsels are small at first, but by the end he throws a whole trout.
Addressing the Fremen, whilst still dining...
"So who would want slaves dead? and who can tell me of any unusual religious practices that may have come with the Mwangi slaves?"
The head chef's eyes get bigger and bigger and he nearly doubles over as you throw the trout to Blaze, yet he keeps quiet (well, who knows, this could still be a critic's test...).
Turodan, amused by the whole spectacle has to bite his tongue not to laugh out loud, Valverde in contrast remains stoic, but replies to your question
As far as I know, the tribes of the Expanse worship their ancestors in general and certain heroes in particular. Of the common gods they only care about Gozreh, since his portfolio has the largest effect on their life. You should ask a shaman if you want to know more, you could also...
The old Wontar interrupts him at this point
There is a shrine at Aiswind Alley, run by a man from from Garund, yet I don't know if he's from the Expanse.
"Then that is where we shall go, once our bellies are well filled"
Kyren savors every bite from of the scumptious meal and for a brief moment forgets that he is in Kaer Maga. He tries to remember his manners, but he discreetly takes extra helpings in the midst of the conversation.
Slight of Hand Check
"Tell me Assemblywoman Cliffspray, how long ago did these slaves escape from bondage? Are those particular slavers still around?"
Unnoticed by the head chef Kyren shapechanges from gourmet to gourmand...
The adressed Assemblywoman thinks for a moment, then shrugs her shoulders
Mhh, no, I don't know enough about these people to answer your questions.
She turns to her fellows, but they also can't help with that question.
Kyren thoroughly enjoys his meal, however, not getting enough lamb roast he summons the platter of steaming lamb down to his end of the table with the use mage hand . "Can I offer any of you an extra helping of lamb?" Between bites, the halfling passes the meal with a variety of polite comments and questions.
"I love the decour of this place. . . "
"So how many are you expecting at your meeting tonight?"
"This meal is exquisite! I must talk to your chef." After the meal, Kyren excuses himself and makes his way back to the kitchen.
"Good afternoon, sir. Are you the chef responsible for this repast? I have travelled Varisia far and wide and I have eaten many meals in my lifetime, but this meal was, how shall I say it . . . Kazam! One of the finest I have experienced in a long time. You have some ingredients in the lamb that are extraordinary. I have been thinking. There is a particular chef friend of mine that I think would be very interested in your work. May I impose upon you to share a recipie or two with him? If you are interested I could arrange such a meeting."
The head chef drys his hands nervously with his apron
Oh, it tasted good? What a relieve. So will you write a good article about me? I'm Gondel Gobbletor...with double "b" you know.
Noticing that you don't take any notes, he inquires
I see, you already know me, sure you do, heh?! Regarding the recipes: Since they are a chef's most precious treasure I'm not very eager to share them, but if you were interested in featuring me in your magazine, I'd be willing to share some with your editorial staff.
I see, you already know me, sure you do, heh?! Regarding the recipes: Since they are a chef's most precious treasure I'm not very eager to share them, but if you were interested in featuring me in your magazine, I'd be willing to share some with your editorial staff.
"You say that you would be willing to share your recipes with one of my staff? Splendid. Splendid. One of my assistants will be over to visit you in the morning. He will introduce himself as Bobo. I trust that you will give him your full cooperation. In the meantime, I will discuss my findings with my colleagues and see that you get the recognition you deserve for such fine cuisine. I think the readers of Filibert's Magazine will all want to know what I have to say."
Gleeful the chef rubs his hand
Bobo you say? I will serve him the best breakfast he ever had when he arrives tomorrow morning. Oh! And...
He pulls a small gift box out from one of his large pockets
This is a small present from our kitchen: An assortment of our finest pralinés.
"My goodness! Thank you, Master Gobbletor. You are too kind." Kyren hastily tucks them away in one of his pockets. "Now, please tell me, I understand that you are the official chef of the fremens and spend much of your time serving this illustrious group, but what other establishment in the bottoms, if there is such a place, is graced by your amazing art? In other words, where shall I send your new fans once they discover that Gondel Gobbletor, the master chef, lives in Kaer Maga?"