"As I recall, his name was Reginar. If we're lucky, he may be waiting for us, but we can always just ask around."
"Can't say I know him. If you want though, Gar's Last Meal is a good safe establishment. Good food and a safe place to stay. Check with Puglas down there, he might know your friend."
In the dark, Tamran glitters with hundreds of tiny lights, emanating from the windows and lamps that dot the city. It has the look of a new town, built primarily of wood, though some older buildings linger here and there, many showing signs of damage from the war with Molthune to the south. Cracked walls and burnt remnants can be seen even from this distance, fresh scars from the long conflict.
"We will, thank you Captain," Dyrm says.
When they enter Tamran, Dyrm stares at the city with fascination. Wood or not, it feels alien to him, somewhat exciting though too.
"Thank you. Also, where is the harbormaster's? He might appreciate the warning that Privateers are attacking so close to the city."
The captain will happily escort you to the harbormaster. The harbormaster is just a few blocks from Gar's.
Who wants to go where. The city is your oyster. Though you're arrived about 3am, so there is little open.
"I'm heading straight for the inn. Anything else can wait till morning. I am bushed." says Vera yawning.
"You guys shouldn't have stayed up." If you listen carefully you can almost here "I told you so" between the words. "If the harbormaster isn't far from Gar's I can visit while you guys sleep. Doubt he is in at this hour."
"There's much to learn about this city but I think I'm with Vera. I need to renew my strength."
You make your way down the warf, the shops are all closed, but the embers of firelight can be seen through some of the windows as the fishermen rise early to start their day. Finding the old handing sign for the inn, you push the door open and are greeted with a small dining room with a bar on the far end wall. Mounted above the bar is a giant gar. A tired looking man with one arm comes into the lobby still in his nightgown. "Morning, Morning," He says in a dry, raspy voice. "What can I do for you?"
Assuming you ask for rooms, he'll provide a room for 2gp a piece and meals are 3 sp. If you don't like fish, he'll recommend you don't take the meals.
Walking with Captain Walren, he has slowly returned to his usual whistling cheer as he walks with you. Finding the Harbormaster's office, he'll knock then step into the office. The spacious room has a half dozen desks set up, only one of which is manned. A young looking boy, likely an apprentice welcomes you in with a nervous authority. He processes Captain Walren's import papers with a slow but sure precision.
When presented with the Privateer's charter he will nervously ask you to wait. He disappears into a back room. A few moments later, he is seen hurrying from the back and out the front door, a letter in hand. A few steps behind the boy, and with a much more leisurely pace, an elderly human man appears. He walks supported by an iron cast cane as he makes his way to the boys seat. "Captain Walren. Good to see you made it in one piece. I hope the boy didn't give you too much trouble. It seems you've had trouble with more of our pirates. I sent the boy to get the militia captain. I think what you found should be worth more to them than to me. Tell me Captain, who are your young friends here?"
Vera will get a quick meal and get her own room for the night.
Sa'sori gathers her gear retrieving her bow and unstringing it. Wrapping her cloak tightly about her she pulls up her hood to hide her lovely features and shapely figure as best she can. She is in a sullen temper saying nothing she leaves the ship and heads for Gar's Last Meal.
Making her way there through the streets she is wary.. looking for danger around every corner. Entering the Inn she does not seem to relax any... but does curtly nod to the man in his nightgown, "..thank you, yes.. a meal of fish and potatoes if you have them... and a some warmed hard cider if you will. I will be taking a room as well."
She stalks over to a corner of the Inn common room that puts her in shadows and keeps her back to the wall facing the doors into the inn. She is trying to hide her beauty as much as possible, keeping her weapons close at hand. When served she eats quietly... watchful of the patrons or anyone else that should enter the Inn this late at night...
Since the Captain was offering Moira follows him to the harbormaster's. She tries to stifle a yawn from the long night but fails miserably as she introduces herself. "Moihaaaaaaaaaaaara. Sorry. Moira Renet. Me and my companions hired the captain for passage here. Ran across some pirates of your rival state. Thought you might like to know how close they got. Though the ones that had this ," she says handing over the document, "won't be causing issues anymore."
The druid will pay for a room, having more coin than he's used to, he'll purchase one for himself, and pay for one meal as well.
"Is there a green belt or some such in this city where followers of nature may meditate?" He asks the innkeeper
It takes about ten minutes before the apprentice returns, with the militia in tow. His Insignia betrays him as a Sargents in Nithris's army. The man takes your statement and evidence. He thanks you profusely for the information and asks where you will be staying. He states that he will arrange a reward be delivered just after sun up when the Captain returns and can access the treasury.
"Gar's Last Meal for now. Can you come by in the afternoon? It's been a long night." Again she yawns from lack of sleep from the attack. The others were likely to be worse so the later the better. At this point, Puglas could wait till afternoon or tomorrow. Once things are squared away she heads over to Gar's hoping there is a bed waiting for her.
Seeing yet another customer enter, the tired looking man, still in his night gown, approaches her with a warm welcoming smile, masking the obvious fatigue with outstanding customer service. "Welcome to Gar's! The names Puglas Tamall, if I can be of any service to you, all you have to do is ask. Rooms are 2 gp a night meals a 3 sp. If you don't like fish, don't get a meal."
"Thank you, sir." Dyrm answers, making a note to be there after a good rest. He heads to his room unless someone needs him.
Sa'sori retires to her room her demeanor still prickly... perhaps the reason Cotton paired up with Vera rather than her as roommates. She gets undressed using magic to clean her gear and herself from the day's... misadventures. Laying out her weapons and clothing for the next days's needs neatly on the back of one of the two chairs in the room.
She starts a fire in the rooms small fire place.. stoking the flames ...again with magic to fill the room with warmth shortly in the chilly night air with the storm still rattling the roof tiles and shuttered windows. She put on a small pot of spiced tea from her possessions, hanging from the mantle above the fireplace to warm it up for after her evening practice its aroma filling the confined room...
Naked she pulls on her nightgown and pulls her Elven curve blade. The room is too small to do any real evening practice with her sword katas... without risk of hitting something so she contents herself with some simple slow forms/stance practice...something far below her current skill.. but at least its relaxing.
She could use some relaxing considering the brewing temper still roiling inside her.
Her brow furrows slightly when Moira arrives... but she makes no comment finishing her very slow [i]{almost tai-chi}[]i, sword-forms with her sword her natural agility and beauty showing in her graceful motions...almost like a slow dance...
"I am with the group that already came by. Hopefully they already have rooms. I am fine with fish." She gives a description of the others and, once she has a room number, heads up to find them. She finds that Drym has his own room and Vera is already fast asleep in hers. Which meant she was with Sa'sori. Awesome. As soon as she enters she sees the half-elf doing some sort of odd dance. But more than that, she was awake.
"Oh for the love of...what are you still doing up? Go to bed. Are you trying to make yourself useless?" Well that could have been better. Then again, the anger from earlier swelled up all to quickly.
Sa'sori's only reaction is to frown slightly as she continues her graceful forms... but her tongue is no less sharp~, "...I'm sorry but me an my gutsy, stupidity are not speaking to you~!"
"Besides.. I'm not human.. half-elves need less sleep than humans.. I'll be fine.. "
She growls her form slipping slightly in midstep, "ENOUGH, you are ruining my calming practices... be still and get dressed for bed...!"
She is angry.. but it seems she is angry with herself.. she had not meant to say... what had angrily slipped out...
She stops her forms lowering her sword and her gaze to the floor... softly she says,
After a night of restful, and much needed sleep. You find yourself slowly risen from your rest by the sun streaking through cracks in your windows. Opening up the windows, you become grateful for the western facing room as you find the sun at high noon. Taking in a deep breath, the sea kissed breeze carries the smells of fresh and cooking fish into the back of your nostrils. After readying yourself for the day, you find how deeply you were sleeping as you begin your decent into the tavern. Deafening cheers of a large crowd echo through the stairwell.
Entering the tavern reveals the source of the crowds adoration in a single glance across the room. Puglas is carrying out trays to the tables. The one arm man is a marvel to see. Hefted on a single arm is a tray of over a dozen bowls of food. With the skill of a trained acrobat he manages to serve each person one at a time without spilling a drop the the steaming stew. Each table he approaches gets a unique show of the many ingenious ways the man has developed to get bowls off the tray and onto the table.
"Truly a sight to behold." says Vera happily paying the man an additional 2 gold. "For your courtesy last night. We weren't the most accommodating of guests. Thank you."
"Fine." Quite the comeback but all she had the energy for. She changes with a little more modesty than necessary and a lot more than Sa'sori showed at any given time. The next day she is still sour but in better control. But when Puglas comes around she forgets completely the previous days problems. How was he doing that? How did his leg bend that way?
She waits a reasonable amount of time before approaching. "Excuse me. We are looking for someone in the city by the name of Reginar. Captain Walren said you might be able to help."
Puglas takes the coin. "I don't take hand outs, but I'll put it to another nights stay or some leftovers.
Hearing Moira's questions, he thinks for a moment then replies, "Reginar you say, yeah he comes by from time to time. Usually looking for this or that. Haven't seen him in over a month though. He frequents the Forest's Bounty from what I hear. It's a feast hall up on the north side of town."
"It was not intended to be a handout, bit a tip for service above expectations. However, I won't insult your pride further." Vera bows and moves to enjoy her meal while waiting for the rest of her comrades to rise.
"Fine." Quite the comeback but all she had the energy for. She changes with a little more modesty than necessary and a lot more than Sa'sori showed at any given time.
Sa'sori only continues her slow dance-like' sword forms for a few more minutes as Moira goes to bed. When she stops she sheaths her sword hanging it on the bedpost at her side of the bed... before getting the spiced tea now finished brewing in the fireplace setting it on the table.
Taking a seat she pours a cup of tea for herself... and one for Moria commenting, "..you should have some tea... it will calm your nerves...
Then she begins her magical meditations as she sips the hot fragrant tea... turning her thoughts inside isolating her individual magical talents focusing on 'feeling' them and examining mentally the depths of her power reserves ...looking for new abilities and pools of hidden power locked away within her soul. This is her standard mental training she does every evening in silence... taking about 10 to 30 minutes, but tonight she is out of balance and only briefly does a cursory self-arcana examination... weariness stealing her focus and the tasty tea making her drowsy~ she stops after 5 minutes this night.
Standing she stretches and casts a final spell for the day.. another to clean any sweat or grime from her body.. scenting herself slightly with flowers for bed...gesturing the toward the fireplace the flames lower to only glowing embers in the dim light... and she climbs into bed next to Moira... but turned away to face her side of the bed.
She is quiet for long moments... the minute passing by... but before sleep claims her she turns to Moira likely she is still asleep so no one will hear her teary confession she believes~ as she whispers, , and kisses Moira on the cheek...
She wipes the tears from her eyes... and her heart then seems ...lighter and she rolls back over to sleep... smiling.
----
Sa'sori gets up to get dressed her clothes laid out the night before and cleaned with her magic... she straps in her weapons with a spring in her step and goes down outside to the stables to practice her all-important sword forms, before coming back inside to eat a moderate breakfast of fish, eggs, bread and Cider.
She seems to be in better spirits this day... and she listens in on the tavern/Inn conversations...
When Dyrm comes into the place with an almost serene smile on his face. Rest and spiritual renewing both have done him wonders, "Good morning, friends."
As lunch is in full swing, a large crowd has gathered in this tavern. The doors swing open and a hush falls over the crowd. It's hard to see at first, but once they're a few steps in you see a group of 4 guards entering into the tavern. One bears the marking of a Lieutenant, two bear markings as corporals. They make their way through the crowd looking for the red headed foreigner. Moira is easily pointed out by the crowd and the Lieutenant makes his way to you.
"Good evening, may I have your name please?" The man asks the fair ranger in an imposingly deep voice.
Upon hearing your answer, the Luitenant speaks again. "Thank you for your service to Tamran and all of Nithramas. He produces a heavy sack from his side and places it on the table in front of you.
When you search the bag, you'll find 100 platinum coins inside the heavy bag.
Seeing the guards enter and their obvious questions into someone fitting description... Sa'sori is standing by Moira's side when the make their way to her... she has not drawn a weapon.. but it is clear she is ready to defend her friend with steel if that's what it takes...
But the... lieutenant's thanks through Sa'sori off... just as much as the rich reward ...leaving her perplexed and looking at Moira for explanation.
"I'm guessing that's the reward for the document you turned in last night? That's quite the reward."
Dyrm eyes the wealth, "Indeed."
Arnama's training had been harsh. Not only did she learn to wake quickly in case of danger, she also learned to fall asleep quickly when she recognized a safe place. Before Sa'sori bedded for the night, Moira was already gone. She woke only momentarily from some touch to her cheek. She felt Sa'sori shift away and roll over. Moira questioned only for a moment why her cheek felt a little wet but drowsiness quickly washed away her curiosity. She was back asleep within a minute.
Later, after a good nap to catch up on her missing sleep, she joins the others downstairs for dinner. She'd never had fish for breakfast but it was a good meal and a good show. For a moment she is confused by the bag of money. She was expecting some but not a small fortune. "All this for some pirates?"
"Proof of government funded piracy makes it an act of war. The city can now request additional support from the countries navy and armies due to your document." With that short interaction, the Lieutenant and his mean leave, a small murmur spreading through the crowd. You guys are wise enough to not count the coins in full view of the crowded bar room.
Bellies full and coin purses heavier, your group is ready to start the day.
"Guess it's about time we start asking around about Reginar at the Forest's Bounty." Vera double checks her gear to make sure she is set to move.
"Thank you, sir," the druid says to the officer as he departs. He certainly isn't going to count the coins in front of strangers openly.
"Guess it's about time we start asking around about Reginar at the Forest's Bounty." Vera double checks her gear to make sure she is set to move.
"Yes, we've dawdled enough."
Moira gets up, shakes the mans hand, and thanks him. They better get their info and out of the town quick before it readies for war. When the Lieutenant leaves she says in hushed tones. "Let's take a back exit. A lot of people just saw a lot of gold."
"Works for me."
Sa'sori collected her gear to follow her companions with a snort of derision at the patrons watching muttering, "...they could try it...", and with a gesture magic appears in her hands ready to hurl for all to see, "... and would such a choice for the few seconds of their lives they Pirates or brigand, cut-throat, thug-robbers... makes no difference to me... they die too!"
"Some folks are poor and desperate," the dwarf says, "That doesn't excuse theft, but while a raider might deserve death, I'm not sure, for eexample, a pickpocket would. And even then, if the raider were starving..." he shrugs.
Moira rolls her eyes. "Just shut up and head out the back. Let's avoid anymore unnecessary attention." Moira asks for directions to the Forest's Bounty and moves towards any exit other than the main one.
Dyrm frowns And folks think dwarves are rude.
Vera just shrugs and follows.
"Some folks are poor and desperate," the dwarf says, "That doesn't excuse theft, but while a raider might deserve death, I'm not sure, for eexample, a pickpocket would. And even then, if the raider were starving..." he shrugs.
Sa'sori frowns at Dyrum.. for a few precious moments.. then her expression turns...contemplative and inwards.
When she meets his eyes again she seems a little embarrassed... then a smile brightens on her face as she steps next to him, "...where would I be without my dear friends ? Your wisdom is invaluable... and well said! Times DO get harsh, people worried where their next meal is coming from... the get desperate! A person might take a job.. or a chance opportunity that presents itself...maybe not look to close at the job or think the risks all the way through... then next they know their doing things they would Never normally do; caught in a situation they likely if less desperate would never have been involved with! That does not make them bad people.. just scared and desperate. Goddess knows.. I've done things I'm not proud of, things I wish I could take back... things I did cause I was desperate~ felt the alternatives were far worse than a 'little' compromise of ethics!"
She smiles putting an arm around his shoulders, and leans close to give Dyrum a long meaningful kiss on the cheek. The fragrant smell of her hair and the softness of her lips lingering with him long after she releases her gentle embrace.
"Thank you for reminding me so! Never refrain from sharing your wisdom and insights.. my friend!"
At Moira's petulant anger Sa'sori seems a bit confused at her sudden anger but does not react in kind merely making a mental note to talk to her in private at some point to find out what has her so in a foul mood?
Sa'sori gathers her pack and follows the rest out...
The streets of Tamran are busy, and finding directions is easy enough. You're pointed by more than a few helpful strangers in the direction of the Forest Bounty.
Made from enormous timbers, the Forest Bounty is a long hall, open at both the front and back, filled with wooden tables and benches. Dozens of people gather here, eating, drinking, and laughing. One table of patrons even carries on with a bawdy song that seems to have most of the folk smiling. When you enter the building, a serving maid near the door points to a nearly empty table in the back. At the table sits a robust man, wearing green and brown leathers and cloaked in a large bearskin. A longbow rests against the table next to him. He looks up and with a hearty laugh says, “Welcome, friends. I hear that you have been looking for me. I am Reginar Lacklan. Please sit—we have much to discuss.” He sweeps out his arms in an inviting gesture as a serving maid places a tray of roast boar and forest vegetables on the table before him.
Vera sits down readily. "Where do we begin?"
"Heck, we've got all day," Cotton says, grinning at Vera. "Why not start with a 'hello' of our own and then set up an alphabetical list?"
Chuckling, the little Gnome holds out a hand for Reginar to shake.
Sa'sori smiles noting the man's scarred face with sympathy, "..greetings , I am ... we were told...'those of the open way'... had clues as to who might be behind the raiders who broke into the Crypts in and that perhaps they were seeking an even greater discovery... what can you tell us?"
She will tentatively taking his offered hand and pull up a seat at the table settling the array of weapons on her various belts for comfort.
At the praise and kiss on the cheek, the dwarf actually blushes, "It's Dyrm, and...Happens to all somewhat, errr Welcome."
*****
Made from enormous timbers, the Forest Bounty is a long hall, open at both the front and back, filled with wooden tables and benches. Dozens of people gather here, eating, drinking, and laughing. One table of patrons even carries on with a bawdy song that seems to have most of the folk smiling. When you enter the building, a serving maid near the door points to a nearly empty table in the back. At the table sits a robust man, wearing green and brown leathers and cloaked in a large bearskin. A longbow rests against the table next to him. He looks up and with a hearty laugh says, “Welcome, friends. I hear that you have been looking for me. I am Reginar Lacklan. Please sit—we have much to discuss.” He sweeps out his arms in an inviting gesture as a serving maid places a tray of roast boar and forest vegetables on the table before him
Dyrm likes this place, a bit livelier than he's used to, a bit louder than he'd like, but otherwise, not bad.
"Dyrm Ironhame," He says, taking a seat, and a plate, "Sa'sori gets right to the point as is probably best, though thank you for your welcome."
Reginar grows quiet his eyes scanning the room before he feels comfortable enough to speak. His voice is quiet as he does. Each time a serving maid approaches the table, he stops and wait for her to leave earshot before beginning again.
"Our friend Cygar informed me you found a certain mask. It belongs to the followers of Razmir. They have a temple here in Tamran. They started off here about 2 years ago as a small band of missionaries. They soon raised the funds to build a temple, which was constructed over a year ago. Their power and influence in the city have grown ever since, and the local guards seem to give them no heed, even going so far as to dismiss any reports of their foul practices. I suspect that the city guard is helping protect the temple, watching out for thieves and intruders."
"The members of the faith go out frequently to aid the poor and proselytize. Reginar suspects this is just a cover for their more illegal activities, such as thievery, blackmail, and extortion. He has seen them beat a man to within an inch of his life, claiming the humble cobbler stole from the temple, while the city guards merely watched the event and took no action."
"Members of the faith heavily guard the temple itself by day and night. They hold no public services, so the only real way in is to join their religion. I have reliable information that they interview applicants at the Ranger’s Lament, a tavern across the street from the temple. If any of you hope to gain entrance, attending one of these meetings is the best way. The next meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night."
"As far as I know, there was a group from the temple left to head up north a few months ago and returned a month later, minus a few of their number. After that group arrived in town, they hurried back to the temple, and I'm is not sure what happened while they were away. About a week ago, another group, this one led by a female cultist in blue robes, left the temple and boarded a boat. I thinks this might be the temple’s leader, but he cannot be sure. I have not seen them since."
"I can't tell you how many cultists there are. While most wear white robes, some wear gray, and I've even seen a few in black. In any case, I cannot get an accurate count because they all look alike, thanks to their masks."
"For the time being, I would like your team to get more information. I know too little about the cult to take any overt action, so I suggests you try to infiltrate the temple as prospective members. I would advises against any needless risks at this stage. Instead, I just want you to play along with them, and meet up with me in 1 week to report what you have learned."