Bree eyes the arch with the same bland expression she uses with most things. This arch ceased to hold any wonder for her long ago.
Sebastian will pull out Samaritha's sketch and try to remember the spot she said she was working on. He hopes to see if any extra detail was missed before settling in later with his dictionary to work on his earlier hunch. He will also just spend some time taking in the general depth that is implied in the carvings.
So, now, who's interested in some pirate shanties, a grog and a nice tuna steak?
"I will hear the tales of the Sea, I can only think they'd be a local version of the wild tales miners would tell in the mountains around the campfires, and a Tuna steak sounds ideal."
@ Sebastian:
The density and frequence of the carvings is confusing to say the least and you are unable to find the piece Samaritha had sketched. But after you have inspected the arch for some minutes, the Cyphermage approaches you again and says
If you're that interested in the Cyphergate, you could visit our library at the lodge...for a fee of course.
As he walked behind the others Kabal was thinking about the barbarian and the pale man back at the Naughty Mermaid. Something about those men had his hackles raised. He almost took them up on their challenge. He hated men that gloated about their prowess even if it was well deserved
...Im hoping I see them again...really wanted to crack that apes head and twist skinny's neck but I cant drag these others into that kind of trouble...
His thoughts trailed off at the mention of tuna steaks.
Tuna? Now theres a fish well worth eating. About the only one though.
He brooded and kept mostly silent while they made their way back to the Goblin.
Bree speaks up loud enough for everyone in the group to here, "Perhaps we could pay a visit to the Cyphermage's lodge? I've always meant to scope the place out. I think I will go... anyone else coming?"
-He brooded and kept mostly silent while they made their way back to the Goblin.-
"I would like to go to at least look around. I don't have the money to meet any required fees for the library though."
To Sebastian, "I don't know what it costs, but I'm sure we can work something out."
@ The Goblin:
As you return to the gambling hall, the preparations for the evening are already running and Larur walks through the gambling room commanding the staff.
@ Those at the Cyphermage's Lodge:
This grand structure of stone and timber sits perched upon a lonely crag nestled against the very slope of the mountain and provieds a panoramic view of both the gulf and the city. More importantly , its three wings look directly out over the Cyphergate.
A serpentine leads into an inner yard and groups of visitors and mages stand together debating and dicussing the riddles of the gate.
Nodding at Larur and telling that hed catch up later; Kabal grabbed an ale from the bar and headed to his room. Once there, he stowed his geear and retrieved his whetstone from his pack. He carefully and methodically worked out the nick hed gotten on his blade from missing the snake and hitting the floor earlier that morning...damn snakes...
That doen he he sheithed the sword and checked his dagger before heading back out in the main room to get another ale and join up with the others.
Bree's shifting eyes take in the many entrances, alcoves and roof accesses as well as the locations of people and weather they appear armed.
Sebastian will make his way through the room. Tempted to linger at every cluster of talk, but he singles out unengaged people who look like likely scholars, painfully aware of his un-scholarly appearance. He will ask around if anyone knows of Aethari and what see as working on.
"Excuse me, do you know of a scholar Aethari?...."
"Elf, Black hair..."
"I don't know what she was working on, I was hoping someone here could tell me."
Winter emjoyed his small talk with Kabal on the way back to the Goblin, interested in the views and opinions; not always in agreement, but appreciative of the insight.
At the Goblin he readies himself up for the shift, and does the rounds chatting in light conversation with the staff, and occasionally blushing near the scantily clad Succubi vixens - there was none of that up in the mountains!
With everything seemingly in order, he awaits the other rough men to talk to them about the nights expectations, and remind them of his expectations for their conduct... the guests are to be treated warmly and like family, if they get too drunk and obnoxious they are to be kindly escorted out, with a free (watered down)ale to set them on their way, the preference is to avoid a 'scene'.
@ Bree:
No, the Cyphermages don't wear armor only every so often a quarterstaff, rod or wand...but on the other hand you're sure these also count as weapons...
@ Sebastian:
You're lucky and a white haired wizard - not a member of the cyphermages - wearing a cloak over and over adorned with silver stars, nods as you describe Aethari
Yes my friend, saw her here at the lodge, some days ago. She seemed to be in a hurry and desperately tried to become a member...I guess there were some bloodhounds following her.
@ Winter:
As you walk through the Goblin, Lyxi suddenly lays her hand on your shoulder. Her eyes are red like she had cried for several hours and her chin shakes as she tells you
Winter, I don't know whom to ask, you're about the only person in this town I know with morales...my kid sister...Celina, she got herself into trouble and I think they will come this very night and beat her up or worse...I know it's alot to ask for, but if you would help her, I will persuade her to leave this city for the mountains and join one of the communities you always speak of.
I will persuade her to leave this city for the mountains and join one of the communities you always speak of.
"Who? Who comes for your Sister like a pack of dogs, seeking to subject her to such brutality? Who are these people, and why do they take issue with her so? And where is she that she may be spared this injustice? Speak quickly girl!"
Whilst still retaining his calm demeanour, his eyes are beginning to glow with a slight golden luminosity...
I fear Boss Croat's hitters come to off her, she has borrowed some money from him and we paid it back last Starday, but he said that the interest rate included her... body...but she is barely thirteen! My sis and I live in Eclipse Street at the northern end of Riddleport, I can show you the way, but maybe you shouldn't go alone.
"Wait here but a moment"
Winter rushes past Larur "I will be back Larur, I beg your indulgence for a short repast, and thank you in advance for granting it!" he continues on to Kabal...
"Friend, it seems I must ask you to indulge me, a young girl stands in peril from the hounds of a man who seeks to take more than his due... he has been paid his due, but seeks to push his claim by force. My duty calls to me to champion such a cause, and I would ask you to join me in setting the matter to rights, through voice of reason, or force of arms."
With that, Winter turns and heads to collect the girl to be guided on to her house, checking the buckles on his armour and lookening the straps to his sword.
He gives a small prayer to Erastil that Kabal follows.
"Bless he who not of the faith still looks to the welfare of his friends, judge not his intentions or desire, but see it enough that he stood by my side when it mattered. Bless the girl who just a tender lamb has made a mistake putting herself at the mercy of the wolf, give her not over to the natural order, but seek to bulwark her against this viper. Damn he who seeks to prey on the weak with no honour or mercy, let the arrow of misfortune sent by Old Deadeye fall straight to his heart that such a man may no more take more than his due and bring suffering and pain to the innocent. Should the words of my tongue and the light of Your wisdom fail to darjen the hearts of man, then let my blade strike true amongst them; My hands, Your will."
The silver haired champion of Erastil strides into the street, confident and imposing in his storm grey mail and huge sword, a look of fierce determination etched into his face.
As he listened to the priests story his mood darkened perhaps more than it ever had before. He knew of men back in the mercenary days that would pften brag of such things. Those men usually disappeared after a day or two. How many holes had he and Corvax dug in those days? It didnt matter...
Of course I'll go with you Winter. I hate men that would do such a thing. I will cut them into little pieces and...well, we'll get to that later. Let me retrieve my gear. It will take but a moment.
The swordsman runs off to his room and looks to see if his pal or anybody else is around to back them up before meeting back up with Winter.
Corvax had wandered back to the Goblin behind the other two counting his profit from the betting and wandering quite how badly those five thugs would have lost if the fight had actually gone down. He had got comfortable sat next to the bar with a pint of ale when Winter appears, looking for help rescuing some lady from 'orrible thugs.
"Bein' knights in shinin' armour'd be a change o'scene an' men who hit women piss me righ' off. I'll wait outside fer ya Kabal."
Corvax follows Winter into the street, nowhere near as noble looking but a lot more at home in the dirt and griminess of Riddleport.
The three of you follow Lyxi's directions and reach Eclipse Street as the sun slowly begins to settle to your right. The shades grow longer and this street belongs to the worst parts of the city, controlled by the half-orc mobster Boss Croat. Everything appears quiet at first sight, maybe too quiet.
The old wizard nods and explains
Benefits include free library access and discounts when buying spells or ingredients. Besides that you can buy tutor lessons and join seminars. Why this elven student was hunted? I surely don't know, what happened to her, though?
Kabal eyed the darkening streets with the focused stare of a man ready to kill another man. The alley looked a little too vacant for this time of day.
Not much farther now huh. Do we know what the men we're looking for look like or are we just gonna slay the whole lot?
He looked ready for war with his shield strapped across his back and his crossbow loaded and gripped in his right hand.
Bree wanders a bit from the others, no more than a few feet, touching pretty much everything in sight ever so slightly. Reading the titles of books or scraps on papers she sees.
"Gah, too quiet by 'alf down 'ere. Looks like t'locals knew summin was going down an kept well clear. Not a good sign."
Corvax unslings his shield from his back and keeps a hand resting on the pommel of his sword, his eyes scanning the apparently empty buildings for any signs of figures lurking in the shadows as he continues strolling down the alley.
"I am sorry to say those bloodhounds, as you called them, killed her." Sebastian cranes his neck around. "Where does one enroll? Perhaps the person in charge there may have talked more with her and thus know more of her desperation. We can't be feel that the poor lass was desperate for a reason, and we need to find out why in order to better get a handle on who the 'bloodhounds' are."
"I agree with you fellows, I suspect that people are awaiting our arrival. This street ahead of us reminds me of the narrow ravines and passes in the Mountains, Erastus used to tell me of the skirmishes they would have while taming the hills, and the Elven Rangers would have similar tales around the fire. A few goblins would lie in wait to run out of the cuts in the ravine, whilst some would stay high pelting the enemy below with arrows. If this is an ambush they will rely on us to be foolhardy and simply walk down the middle so they can pour in from front and flank and pin us."
"Then again, that relies on Croat being both mean and stupid enough to get a pile of his men killed to try make a point to Saul, though this is Riddleport, and the rodents here seem to be the sort to fight a farmer to the death over a few grains or seeds"
"I recommend we move into the alley, but then take that first sharp turn to the west and flank around the building, if my suspicion is right, we will come up BEHIND anyone awaiting us in the main alley; otherwise we move straight across the alley and into the building opposite, Erastil forgive us this trespass, and though to the alley on the other side and snake back down. So in all, a large S. Perhaps that would fallow any plans for ambush"
Kabal couldnt help but nod and appreciate Winters wisdom as he rechecked the draw on his crossbow.
Right then. Ill lead to that corner and post up. Ill signal when its clear then you two move ahead and do the same.
The brute will move off to behind the crate at AB,30? and check for trouble.
perception -
If its clear he'll wave his companions forward. If not he'll ready an action to shoot any resistance.
@ Shiny knights:
Advancing very cautiously, you are able to reach the alley opposite Lyxi's house (CJ). The run down house lies still, all window shutters closed...As you observe the building, suddenly a small boy crawls out from under some loose boards
Ye be kewl hitters, eh? Wanna mess wit Croat's pim's?
His sooty face shows a grin and you guess he is more streetwise than many men ten times his age.
@ Lodgers:
Sebastian walks over into the Lodge and to the front desk, where a young cyphermage helps with information and advice. After you have asked some questions about Aethari, the wizard nods and pages through some documents in front of him
Yes, I can remember her, but I don't know anything about "pursuers". She left her contact information here though, um...ah yes, she stated she was staying at the Golden Goose, a tavern in the east of the city, maybe they can help you further.
His sooty face shows a grin and you guess he is more streetwise than many men ten times his age.
Sense Motive -
"Tell me little brother, what do you know of Croat and his men?"
He signals to Kabal and Corvax to maintain their excellent watch and vigil...
The boy seems to grow a bit as you name him "little brother" and replies
Croat's a f+$*er, he's terroroizin' ev'yone around, I tell ya. His bogtrotters harass us all the time and I saw how they entered the Parmentar's house half an hour ago!
"Then truly luck and good fortune has sent you to be my guide; which is the Parmentar house? We have come to rescue a young girl from Croats men, and I would prefer we could sneak her out under his nose to shoe him up as a fool, than have to engage in combat where such decent people as you or her might be hurt"
The boy rubs his nose and points directly at the house, in which Lyxi (Parmentar) and her kid sister live.
Celina is alone at home, I guess her ol'er sis is already at her job. I'm not sure though if they have alrea'y hurt her.
Winters face hardens, cold as stone.
He takes the boys hand and curls a silver piece into it.
"Hide yourself away little brother. Should you hear the sounds of screams and combat then stay out of sight, and do not look to it, for you should not be forced to see such a scene - no decent person should. Regardless of what happens here this day, know this and mark it well, when dogs such as Croat try to shadow the righteous in darkness, it falls upon the good man to show a backbone of steel - unbending and uncowed, he should not meekly comply but stand strong. Erastil loves you child."
"Come Kabal and Corvax, Erastil watches us and wills us forwards, as do the people of Riddleport. People need hope, people need HEROES, so let us give them some. We are not meek, we are LIONS!"
Winter starts running towards the house...
The boy just sares at you and the silver piece, he seems totally dumbfounded by your heroism!
Corvax's face drops more and more into a deep frown as the boy talks, his knuckles whiten on the grip of his sword and he rocks back and forth of the the balls of his feet.
Just before legging it off after the rapidly disappearing knight Corvax shouts a question at the back of the equally rapidly disappearing kid.
"Oi! The Parmentar house got more than one way in an' out?"
"We will find out in mere moments dear Corvax!"
Kabal grimaced at the boys accounting.
A half an hour? We could be too late already. We go in hot and heavy and cut anything that aint a little girl. Give me a 20 count to get around the back and then hit that place like a storm.
He pulled his shield off his back and slung his crossbow across his shoulder before sprinting for the back of the house. Drawing his wicked falcata as he moved and bringing his steel shield to the ready he kept his eyes peeled on the run.
Perception -
...gods damned bastards think to call themselves men and have the gumption to gang up on a little lass. Im going to delight in taking their lives and sending their souls to whatever blasted hell awaits them...
Bree sees Sebastian craning his neck and looking around. She makes her way back over to Sebastian and Sable. "Find out anything?"
Sebastian turns at Bree's words. "Oh..Hey. The Golden Goose, do you know where that is at? They say our scholar was staying there. Her notes or a journal might be there. Something or anything that might let us find out what she was up to. I can collect her things maybe and see that Lora gets them. Now where to Sable get off to? We might have to pull him down from the rafters..not that I wouldn't mind staying longer too, but we have too many questions and this place gives too many answers when we want just one."
The moment Kabal smashes through a window at the back side, Corvax and Winter storm in on the front side. Sadly not as baffled as you hoped for the gang of half-orc thugs inside the house try to ready their weapons quickly. This will not end without bloodshed...
Kabal recognizes a heavily beaten up and half naked girl in the backroom he entered andinstead of drawing a weapon his opponent tries to get his pants on.
The sight of the battered little girl both breaks Kabals heart and sends him into a rage that only the death of those resposible will satisfy. He launches himself to get between the victim and assailant and chops down with his heavy blade.