After leaving the tavern Dharakk walks the darkened streets of the city trying to find an Inn close by where he can get a few hours of rest after along night of drinking.
Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Seventh Day of Dravago - One Day Away from the Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold
The watch does eventually show up and take statements. Some are arrested, some are merely given citations. Beylinda is given praise by the watch for aiding in defusing the situation.
While you all had some part to play, she was the most directly involved and the most attractive, at least in the eyes of the Watch commander. He does chastise her for her actions skirting close to the realm of a vigilante but it is light chastisement.
Beylinda will thank the watch commander and thank him for the prompt response of his team
Before they go she will direct the innkeper to reserve a drink of ale for the men and a fine wine for the Watch Commander that she is offering as thanks for everything
She will eventually go to her room, lock the door and sleep feeling good about herself
Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Eighth Day of Dravago - The Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold
You each awake a bit late in the day from the drinking of the prior day and night not to mention the brawl at the Drunken Dragon and for one of you, an encounter with a mysterious figure. Some of you are at Inn's, others are home, all receive the same note slid under their door.
Heroes of the Bloodcrier's Hammer! Believe it or not, I got a job for you already! The job pays 1,000 marks. Our contract specifies 5% for less than a thousand and 10% for jobs over a thousand so I'm keepin' 7.5% for this one. At mid-day, head to the Broken Anvil. It is located in the Mason's Tower. Your contacts name is Elaydren
Beylinda Will go take breakfast in the common room in the morning and then at the appointed time will at the rendez-vous.
Where she Will introduce herself to Elaydren.
I have been told you were looking for people regarding à Job ?
Dharakk awakes and looks at the note, cursing silently to himself, Don't have much time, it's almost noon. He races from his room hoping to make it to the appointment on time.
He arrives right behind Beylinda and announces, "and I'm Dharrak." His stomach rumbles loudly and he thinks with regret, I should have grabbed some breakfast.
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Liberte' wakes in his bed, much to his surprise. His head throbs and his bladder aches. With great effort, he manages to free himself of sheets wrapped up into his clothing and armor. He moves slowly from stiffness. He walks to the corner of the room and undoes his britches. Taking aim at the large porcelain pot at his feet, he lets loose a stream that rings with satisfaction. His head rolls back and eyes close, the mixture of headache and relief is bitter sweet. The warrior begins to sway a bit, and the ringing is replaced with splatter against the floor. He quickly corrects himself with a minor shift.
Time disappears as he reaches the end and shudders uncontrollably with one last burst. He smacks his lips tasting his dry lips and mouth. Wandering over the the wash basin. He grabs the water jug and drinks greedily. Some of the water splashing on his front. He uses the rest of the water with a pour into the basin. Grabbing handfuls of water, he splashes his face. Dampening a cloth from the rack, He quickly wipes away the night's sweat with the wet rag.
Liberte' was feeling better but his head still throbbed. He takes a handful of mushrooms and waits for the warmth to wash away the pain. He notices the letter at the door. He takes it and reads.
It's too early in the morning for math
He didn't have the luxury to turn down a job. However much his end ending up being, it was more than zero. Liberte' straightens his dress and grabs several sugar beets that he keeps in a crate in his room. He starts eating into one while heading down to Sebastian's stall. He spends the morning hour brushing him and feeding him beets and oats.
He arrives shortly after Dharakk, while riding Sebastion and squinting against the noonday sun.
A note little cousin!
Haqueton wakes up with the sibilant whisper he so often fears...and finds Harpoon speaks true.
How did you know about it, you bloody psychopath? he wonders to himself. Selves. Whatever.
He decides to keep Harpoon inside, and rather than skulk outside the Broken Flagon disguised as a pile of detritus or stalking the rooftops decides merely to don his armored coat, packs his weapons into their buff leather quivers and harness and sets off to make some coin...
Rission makes sure that Taryn wakes up and gets ready before heading to the Broken Anvil.
"Hey Taryn, come on. If I remember correctly this place is operated by House Ghallanda. So it should be better than the last one."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Before he goes to sleep that night, Carduus heals his wounds; he wakes the next morning to find the note on the floor of his room. Usual unnecessary complication of payment terms; even so, that's quite a bit of coin. If I had the time, I could ask around and find out what's wrong with the job to make the pay so high - of course, that's probably the reason for the last minute notice. He stands for a long minute, staring hard at the missive, before sighing in defeat. It's not like I've got much of a choice.
After performing his usual routine, he packs up the letter with the rest of his meager belongings and heads out to Mason's Tower.
Taryn rolls over and rubs his eyes. He wasn't accustomed to needing to be woken up; usually he was the first to rise and would be done with exercises, weapon drills, and meditation before breakfast. Of course, he wasn't accustomed to late nights answering questions for the watch, or waking up in strange beds either. Sitting up, he lets out a long, loud yawn before stretching the kinks out of his neck and back.
He stands up and answers, "That's a relief. I was beginning to wonder exactly what kind of city I'd come to if that was the measure of its taverns." He quickly slips back into his sturdy, brown leather clothes that bear the pockets and straps favored by many explorers and adventurers, and his chainshirt. Throwing on his backpack, with an oversized quiver full of javelins affixed to it, he grabs his large hammer and adds, "Lead the way."
Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Eighth Day of Dravago - The Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold
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As you arrive at the Inn one by one (with the exception of the Lyrandar's), you see a sign above the door indicating that the establishment belongs to House Ghallanda. Inside, a halfling matron welcomes you, "You may have refreshments while your colleagues arrive".
Once you are all present, the halfling leads you to a secluded table near the back of the common room. "My Lady," the halfling says to the woman already seated at the table, "your guests have arrived."
The Lady is a human woman in her mid-30’s. Raven black hair bound with silver and turquoise ornaments and piercing blue eyes, she must have been quite a beauty in her youth, but years of stress of have begun to show their effect at the corners of her eyes. She prominently displays a clasp holding her cloak together with the symbol of House Cannith.
"Please, sit down. I am Lady Elaydren d'Vown of House Cannith,
Thank you for coming. We have important business to discuss that relates to the unfortunate death just last night of a Professor from Morgrave University one Bonal Geldem.
I had been working with Provost Geldem to recover a family heirloom. We were to meet earlier this morning, but obviously with his untimely death, he never made it. His death was no accident it was murder. Once I learned of his death I contacted your procurer to assist me with recovery of this heirloom.
The heirloom, according to family legends, was locked away in a foundry that dates back to pre-Galifar Sharn. Poor Bonal believed he discovered or was about to discover, the location of the foundry in an ancient House Cannith journal. I was going to fund an expedition to go to the site, but without Bonal...
Perhaps you would be willing to recover the heirloom for me. For the agreed upon fee of course".
where would that foundry be located ? I failed to introduce myself i am Beylinda a student of the arcane arts she ask
of course i have a few other question to ask before I can give my answer but i also understand that you would want to keep those information to you hired team. Like any information on the heirloom in question, any suspicion on the ones behind the murder, any idea who that professor talked to about this research, any in house infighting about this heirloom
Haqueton watches the assembled personages with interest. It seems the half-breed elves and the half-breed orc, the drunk, the bandaged man and the lady are all here.
A foundry huh. Interesting.
Liberte' makes no secret of his confusion. Umm, Did someone tell you he died in an accident, and you believe it was murder? 'cause, it sounds like a job for the Watch, and I got no hurry to step on their toes.
Taryn listens intently to the offer, the questions, and the concern.
interesting, he thinks, when the house has work they dictate everything... this seems like much more of a negotiation... Still, for this pay I could likely afford to stay here looking for my brother for quite a while. I wonder if he got pulled into a deal like this that went badly...
Sounds simple enough, I wonder what she is not telling us, Dharrak considers as he listens to the conversation. Finally he concludes, She forgot to mention we're expendable.
Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Eighth Day of Dravago - The Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold
-
Lady Elaydren replies to Beylinda first, "Well met Beylinda. The Forge is somewhere in the undercity. That is one of the complications... in this matter.
Indeed, discretion is part of the expectation in the payment.
The relic I seek is an adamantine plate in the shape of a seven-pointed star about the size of your hand. It has no special power by itself, but is an ancient schema—a piece of a pattern used by the Cannith artificers of old to craft unusual items. Recover this piece of history for us, and House Cannith will be extremely grateful".
She then turns to Liberte' "The murder itself is solved and the assailant in custody, the involvement of the Watch on the matter is concluded.
There is no doubt who is behind the murder. An agent of the Lord of Blades, who may have other agents seeking the schema. Now that I think about it, Bonal did say that he would definitely need to bring fire on the expedition. I wonder what he meant? Glad I remembered that.
At any rate, are we agreed? You have asked a great many questions of me so if you turn the job down, I will pay you a small fee to keep your lips sealed regarding this matter".
------------------------------
Any problems with the undercity ? she ask no no one in particular but those with knowledge of the city
Any idea why he was killed for ? what would that lord of blades would gain by killing him ?
Ask beylinda
"Problems with the Undercity? Well, filth tends to flow downhill, and people tend to bury what they want forgotten. That said, I'm in. Is there any payment up front, or only when we put this artifact in your hands, Lady d'Vown?"
A downhill filth ride. I'm in.
Haqueton's faceplate is a study in concentration. He betrays nothing.
"A schema?. How interesting. And a foundry in the Undercity. Intriguing. You can count me in also my Lady."
strange that after the back and forth they just accept the offered terms... what then, I wonder, was the point? perhaps they merely lack the skill, maybe I should try to negotiate some small concession...
"What a tragic situation," Taryn offers empatheticly, "but I'm pleased to hear that House Cannith is well positioned to not be harmed by it. I would be pleased to offer some aid to your house as, I believe, my kin would as well, but as you can see from all of our attire we are not people of considerable fluid assets... and now you tell us we must bring fire? Perhaps you could provide this fire? Say, half a dozen flasks of Alchemist's Fire and a small cask of this black powder that your house is becoming so well known for? I think with those provisions your offered price would be most agreeable."
hmm... perhaps I should have learned more about this city's culture before attempting this...
I got a big hole in my coin purse. Can't be to picky about jobs at this point and the price sounds fair. Darrak muses before he simply replies, "I'm in."
Haqueton nods as the half-breed elf speaks.
"Aye - you tell us it is advised to bring fire. Supply fire so we can acquit ourselves well and avail you of your prize..."
Rission stays silent calculating his share and the amount of ammunition he could craft with it. He also eyes the woman warily ensuring he doesnt wander into a deathtrap.
A decent amount, but perhaps we can find some things to sell.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Eighth Day of Dravago - The Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold
- Mason's Tower -
Lady d'Vown considers the questions presented to her. "My dear, there are problems all over the city. The Professor was slain on the grounds near the University. As far as why he was killed and what the Lord of Blades seeks I do not know. Perhaps he somehow gained knowledge of the Professor's research and has an interest in it. More on that in a moment".
"Ah bartering, I should have expected such from a mercenary outfit. Well, I was prepared to lay out 100 gold for provisions for the expedition specifically for this fire problem the Professor identified. That shall be the advance and all I will offer above what was arranged with Sal. I trust this is sufficient for us to finalize our agreement and discuss more specific issues related to this endeavor?
When the task is completed and my prize is in my hands, I will deliver to you your portion of the proceeds... I am sorry sir I did not receive your name. In fact I think I received very few of your names. Should I not know your names, is that how this works?"
"Taryn," the half-elf answers, "and a one-hundred gold piece stipend should be suitable for outfitting our selves, I suppose. You may add my name to the list of those accepting your terms."
"Carduus." Figures Sal didn't even bother to give her our names; he probably just invited a slew of folks from his lists and hoped enough of us showed up to please the Lady here.
Color me interested and intruigued. Should be expect problems or competition for the other factions of your house ?
Dharakk remains silent as he has already told her his name. At Beylinda's remarks he mutters under his breath, "There are always problems and competition from other houses."
Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Eighth Day of Dravago - The Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold
- Mason's Tower -
Lady d'Vown smiles at Beylinda, "No, I don't think so at any rate. My own patron is the only member of the House interested in this piece of history".
She pauses, "So it seems that Carduus, your Warforged friend, your friend in filth , Dharakk, and Taryn are on board.
Beylinda and the young gentleman who holds on of the Houses newest innovative technologies have yet to declare. I am going to have you to ask you both to accept now or decline and kindly see your way out of this conversation". She states politely but firmly.
Sure count me in she says
They all must be as desperate for coin as I am but I be glad to have those two aboard, Dharakk remarks to himself as Rission and Beylinda agree to join the quest. Aloud he mutters, "Good."
Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Eighth Day of Dravago - The Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold -
Lady d'Vown lets go of the breath she did not know she was holding. "Good, now for the complication. The Professor believed that a certain symbol was required to gain entry into the forge itself. The symbol was included on his journal that he carried around with him everywhere.
You will need to acquire s copy of that symbol, which sadly I did not think to duplicate elsewhere. The journal is in the possession of the Watch. A Sergeant Dolom was the Officer that investigated the attack and death of the Professor. You will need to find him and convince him to allow you to peruse the journal, use the Cannith House name if you must, and copy that symbol. Else your trip to the undercity will be a short and unsuccessful one".
"The Watch. Ah. Well, that should be interesting." the warforged murmurs. It is impossible to tell whether it intends sarcasm or speaks true.
I see, could we have some official documentation to present to the sergeant to prove that we are working for you ?
As he considers this new wrinkle Dharrak asks,"What do you know about this watch sergeant? Any vices?"
Thinking for a bit, Rission shakes his head at a thought.
"Perhaps we could aid in the investigation. If we find the killer we could possibly gain this guards favor and grease his palms with coin for access to evidence in a murder?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
"The killer's been caught, and bribery up front implies what we're asking is wrong. Is there any reason the watch shouldn't allow the man's business partners to copy a specific image out of his journal? If they decline, we can always try the bribery angle then." Could be bribery is just a matter of course for the bastards; that would explain why most crimes against the poor go unpunished.
"I'm inclined to agree with... Carduus," Taryn offers, "Let's go speak with the watch and if they're unwilling to allow us access to his effects we can look for other means of securing their cooperation."