The Last War has ended, but much of the anger and pain remains. The new nations of Khorvaire, while technically at peace, continue to vie for political and economic supremacy. In the wake of war, new treaties and alliances are forming, new weapons and armies are being built, and another great war is inevitable. Still, that war is years away. In the meantime, a new age of exploration and growth creates an exciting era in which to adventure.
During the Last War, not everyone saw action and not every location was a battle zone. Great portions of every nation never suffered invasion or attack. On the other hand, locations in every nation did suffer through the war, and some sites switched hands a dozen times or more as the century-long conflict unfolded. Particularly along the borders of the nations, bloodshed and violence came and went as the war progressed.
The Treaty of Thronehold was signed on the 11th day of Aryth in 996 YK, thus ending the Last War. After more than a century of war, soldiers and kings alike must learn to live in a peaceful world. The long struggle and the shocking destruction of Cyre, which occurred in 994 YK, have left deep scars on the psyche of the continent. There is an undercurrent of despair and doubt, a fear that the fate of the Mournland may herald the doom of Khorvaire itself.
This sense of trepidation has provoked many different reactions. Crime is on the increase in the major cities of the nations; many question moral standards, as people no longer believe in the security of their old way of life.
Murder and theft are far more common than they used to be. Sinister conspiracies such as the Aurum and the Order of the Emerald Claw are using the overall sense of confusion and uncertainty to increase their own power and influence. The elves of Valenar have been ignoring the Treaty of Thronehold, and elf forces continue to clash with the Karrns, the Talenta halflings, and the Q’barrans. Rumors tell of graft and corruption even within the Church of the Silver Flame, the traditional bastion of law and order.
Not everyone gives in to despair, however. Academic institutions such as the Library of Korranberg and Morgrave University have redoubled their efforts to explore the mysterious continent of Xen’drik, seeking knowledge and wonders. There are those who fight to make Khorvaire a safer place, battling in the shadows, the streets, and the courts of the land.
This is a time of opportunity and adventure. The lost treasures of forgotten civilizations are only beginning to be recovered. Untold wealth and powerful artifacts can be gained—assuming one can get past the deadly guardians and cunning traps that protect them. Crime lords and corrupt priests clash in the cities. Spies, courtiers, and assassins battle with words and swords in the courts of Khorvaire. Mad wizards, ancient demons, and sinister cults pursue deadly schemes that could threaten Eberron itself. This is a time when new heroes must arise to replace those slain in the Last War, to find a way to restore light and hope to the people of Khorvaire.
Excerpt from the Korranberg Chronicle, from the 2nd of Eyre edition.
Curtains of water fall from the sky as you traverse the labyrinthine walkways of Sharn. The stone and wooden paths wind around and between the towers and spires high above the ground, forming a complex latticework that can be very confusing on evenings such as this. The rain falls hard, running off higher walkways and balconies in drenching waves, making it difficult to see much more than a few feet ahead of you. The distant glow of everbright lanterns, barely visible in the soaking gloom, does little to light the paths on this warm, wet morning.
With luck you have arrived in Sharn, barely a week after receiving a message from the local chapter. A man name Gabrielle, claiming to be one of the Hounds administrates, asks for you to come to Sharn.
The letter is as follows:
Threll Aeckson, Seras d'Cannith and Guardian,
Your presence is requested in the Sharn branch of the Hounds. A contract request has be brought in that requires Copper grade members assistance. Currently all local member of that level or higher are on other assignments and by the time you receive this missive, your current task should be complete and then be the closest adventurers.
A carriage has been arranged in Hope's Fall to bring you to Sharn. We expect you within a week of departure. Safe travels.
Gabrielle Hayen
Administration
You were in Hope's Fall when the messenger found you at the inn you were staying at. With little more than a letter for you and thanks for the tip given the man was on his way. Inquiring with the innkeeper a carriage was arranged to leave when ready. Once you were off it was a simple week of resting where you could, breaks for the coachman and horses. Then back on the road. Only to find yourself in the midst of stormy weather. Inquires for the branch location took you through town, getting drenched on all the way. After hours of walking you find yourself across the bridge from the Hound annex, a tavern by the name of The Broken Cask. Its sign barely visible in the rain and only due to to an everbright lantern near the door, was an old and rusty cask with an battleaxe smashed into it.
Drenched from head to toe, Threll seems un-bothered by the constant rain. He stands with his squad with his hood down, occasionally glancing at the gloomy clouds above. I do love a nice storm.
As they spend their hours walking, Threll will stop and ask a few people along the way about this Gabrielle Hayen
As they arrive at the bridge, Threll will continue to beam the same smile that has split his face since the rain started. He will project his voice to his squad mates, through their Bonded Minds, "I can dry us once we get inside. Shall we?" He ends this with a gesture to the bridge.
Seras, the second she'd heard they were returning to Sharn, had dug out her traveling cloak and a wide-brimmed hat from her pack. The reason for this became self-evident as the carriage approached Sharn over the next week, and the rains became more and more prevalent. The Cannith clockwork prodigy, in contrast to Threll, was bundled tightly against the weather, loath to let the water in to any of her various devices for fear that water might disrupt some of her more delicate magical mechanisms. The cloak also served to conceal the Mark of Making on the back of her neck, which was always useful in a place like Sharn, where being part of a Dragonmarked House in front of the wrong person could prove lethal.
"Please, by all means," she answered through the same link Threll had used, working her way through the downpour to the door and walking through it. "I always hated the weather in Sharn."
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Guardian XI always preferred that some goal or instruction be given, but he also preferred to trust the source of it. He wasn't sure that he and his comrades should obey this letter so blindly and appreciated Threll's efforts to gather info from hopefully impartial passers-by.
He listens on the mind link and then weighs in. "I believe I was constructed to be unaffected by rainwater, but I suppose you mean I not get it everywhere once indoors. I suggest we verify Gabrielle Hayen's association to the Hounds and the legitimacy of this request when possible. Threll, did you learn anything from those people you talked with along the way?"
Found info:
Gabrielle Hayen, female half-elf, age unkown
* works at the Broken Cask
* has something to do with the merc band / adventuring organization that works out of the place
* has a sister
At one point you discovered a group of people that swear her name was Sara Hayen, while the rest keep arguing that you were right with Gabrielle.
As you cross the bridge you notice a couple folks walk out of the Cask, they seem to be in bright spirits as they do. As they walk out, one of them holds something up to the light that glints with a white sheen. As the group look at what their friend is holding, they point to it then themselves before continuing into the gloom. Passing you with a nod and a bit of gawking at Guardian.
In answer to Guardian, Threll shares the information he gathered and adds "This two names bit bothers me, perhaps a mix-up with the sister? Perhaps we should look for a Sara Hayen first, and have her attempt to point us to Gabrielle?"
Upon noticing the object, Threll will cast Detect Magic as quietly as he can, hoping to catch a trace of the objects aura.
Seras points something out: "The Cask is our local base of operations, remember? That tracks with what you found out about Gabrielle. Then add in knowing who we are, and our rank, and our location, and the chance of fake orders drops sharply. Paranoia without reason is how we go insane."
She looks at the amulet as intently as she can, trying to puzzle out whether it's magical or just jewelry.
As you let the other group pass, eventually the elf brings the gawkers around before they walk into something. With nothing but a passing moment in the storm you continue to the Broken Cask. As one of you is about to open the door, it bangs out just missing all of you.
With a "Get outa da way!" A stout dwarf in barmen garb drags a man out into the rain. "Next time its over the edge for ye, SO PAY YOUR TAB!" With that he tosses the man out into the storm. After brushing off his hands and shaking the water off himself he eyes you.
With a smirk, "Well get in, if ya coming in!" The voice is loud but welcoming. It seems that this man has only two volumes to his voice. Loud and Extremely Loud! As your waves in through the door, you find the place pleasantly crowded. Several of the tables are pushed together in the center but a scattering of stools and benches provide plenty of additional seating.
A large hearth across of you beckons those of you that require warmth. Hooks for gear placed along the wall near it. A door to the right bares a familiar crest. Its slightly agar and light comes through the crack. A large open kitchen and bar reside to the left and once your all in the man closes the door and heads in that direction. Talking to a few of the customers in the room and shouting orders to one of the barmaids and cooks behind the counter.
The customers take but a moment to look at you before continuing in their conversations. Even Guardian doesn't draw any additional attention as he's not the only Forged in the room.
* 3 barmaids (2 human, 1 half-orc), 1 cook (female dwarf), and the dwarf barman
* What can barely be seen is a small set of stairs just behind the large hearth.
”At least paranoia keeps you alive long enough to go insane!” Threll’s grin turns to smirk as he uses Prestidigitation to force the water from their clothing to the floor, assuming it is already soaked from previous entrants.
”I’ll ask the barkeep about Hayden, then. Let me know if anyone wants anything from the bar.”
Threll will walk to the bartop, still smiling. ”A whisky, if you please.”
When his drink is delivered Threll will pay up and add one gold piece to the payment, saying, ”And this is for you if you would be so good as to direct me to a Sara Hayen.”
As the man steps up on what you can only assume to be hidden step behind the bar, he doesn't look so short as you inquire about Sara.
As the drink is poured and bottle left within easy reach to add more,"Silver, if you please!". Once the silver is passed over the whiskey glass is pushed over to Threll.
At the mention of Sara he give the group another Whiskey and pushes it towards Seras and pulls out a large tankard sized roughly for Guardian and pushes it on the other side almost expecting Guardian to take it.
Ignoring the proffered gold, "So your part of the guild, are ya. She's through the door and on one of da other floors, but ye might want to check in with Gabby at the desk over there. She'd have a much better idea where she is. With a nod, he moves to one of the other customers at the bar after a brief word walks towards one of the casks and starts pouring an ale.
Threll will pocket his offered coin, adding to the others ”Well, what do you think the odds are that this ‘Gabby’ is our Gabrielle?”
He will drink half of his whisky immediately, enjoying the warm blush as it fights off the residual cold of the rain.
Seras takes the whiskey, passing back a silver piece in exchange for it. "Sucker bet," she sends back to Threll. "You two were all paranoid and they just wanted us to check in with the secretary. It's like you've never dealt with a big city like Sharn. Gotta talk to at least three intermediaries before you get to the person you need. It's worse with the Houses, sometimes."
The tinker enjoyed the liquor, sipping at it slowly and letting it chase some warmth back into her bones. "Well," she said out loud. "If it's to be done, t'were well it we're done swiftly." She holds up the glass and calls to the bartender: "Mind if I take this back with me? I'll bring the glass back before I leave."
"Its fine lass, and keep your silver. Hounds get discounted drinks here, your friend here bought your first round."
As he returns to his duties, you hear a shifter in the corner ask for some beer braised ribs and the house potatoes. The dwarf cook, looks at the shifter, and with an appraising eye starts prepping the meal. As the food starts hitting hit and cooking, a wonderful smell starts to permeate the room. Before long you here more shouts for various items. Its not long before the orders taken everyone goes back to their various conversations. It seems you got here just as a lunch or early supper rush is starting. Kinda hard to tell with all the rain.
* Rumors of the Lord of Blades making an attack on New Crye
* Living spells making an appearance in the upper reaches of Sharn
* The Hounds having some big job in the Lhazaar Principalities
* A shifter is talking to a colleague about a thief raiding a Jorasco house of healing for a crate of healing potions
* you hear a small animal in the rafters, when you glace up you see a large cat eyeing you back
Seras nods and pockets her coin, listening to the rumors in the room for a brief moment before standing to make for the indicated door. "Sooner we get the business out of the way, sooner we can actually relax a little."
Threll will smirk at the rafters. If Seras or Guardian are looking at him, they would know the look on his face as the one he has when he is about to start trouble.
If they didn’t see it on his face, they certainly hear it in his voice when he says, ”Hey guys, watch this.” Threll casts ghost sound, to make the sound of a barking dog erupt from behind the cat in rafters.
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... At the mention of Sara he give the group another Whiskey and pushes it towards Seras and pulls out a large tankard sized roughly for Guardian and pushes it on the other side almost expecting Guardian to take it. ...
Guardian looks puzzled at the tankard. "I believe somebody else would make better use of this than I."
Seras takes the whiskey, passing back a silver piece in exchange for it. "Sucker bet," she sends back to Threll. "You two were all paranoid and they just wanted us to check in with the secretary. It's like you've never dealt with a big city like Sharn. Gotta talk to at least three intermediaries before you get to the person you need. It's worse with the Houses, sometimes." ...
I do not believe I am paranoid Seras. I just wish to verify the authenticity of our requester. The evidence is encouraging and I expect we will get a legitimate assignment. However, you are right, I am still learning to navigate in cities independently.
Guardian takes a moment to listen to conversations around him as his comrades are.
He watches as Threll gets an amused look and uses his magic to scare a cat that he hadn't noticed in the bar.
I agree Seras, let's get on with it.
He gets up from his chair and follows her towards the door...
The cat seems unfazed by the sound behind it. Threll looking at the cat could swear that it knew what he was doing. With another moment of staring at Threll, it flicks its tail before jumping down to the floor leaving through the cracked open door you've been pointed too.
The crowd on the other hand all goes quiet at the sound. As they notice the cat, a few chuckle before going back to their business. Even the dwarf behind you shakes his head at you.
"You better head on over lad, Clair's master probably wont take kindly to you trying to mess with her." With that he starts cleaning up the glasses you had.
"Bah, this place is no fun!" Threll will pout as he drains the
rest of his whisky.
"Bad news, that cat I tried to mess scare is someone's familiar or something. My bad!"
Threll whistles a happy tune as he rejoins his companions, seemingly unapologetic. He scratches at the uncomfortably warm black gloves hiding his scaly hands.
As you head through the door you find yourselves in another common room. This one just as crowded as the last.
Each of the tables have at least one person looking over maps, scrolls or items. Some of these items give off the tell tale marks of being magical. Almost all are armed, but each has at least a hound looking shoulder guard on, sized and even fitted to the gear their wearing.
It seems that the people here are planning their various assignments. To the south you find a set of stairs going up and down. In the corner beside the stairs is a long desk with a beautiful half-elf woman in what can only be described as a business suit.
To the north you have a door to at least another room, a bulletin board, with various missives attached to it. A hallway leading to a set of stairs up a bit, before turning a corner. Finally across from you balcony doors, looking out onto a small garden area.
Very few of the people in here turn in your direction, but the half-elf woman raises her hand and beckons you over.
"I'm Gabrielle," she give a nod and a smile to both Guardian and Seras. "And I believe your friend has met Nip." She points to the cat that just jumped up on the table as she introduced herself. This led her to give Threll a glare before, chuckling.
"Don't worry about it, you'll eventually meet Kal and he's a worse prankster to Nip then you were."
As she takes the letter and gives it a quick look, "Ah, the team out of Hope's Fall. You made great time, we didn't expect you for a few more days."
She looks down at the various papers on the desk. "I know its here somewhere." she mumbles as she works through a stack with various pages marked.
After a few moments she pulls out a couple sheets, "Here we go. The top pages are some updates to the guild that have yet to complete its circuit to the groups based outside the city guild halls. Were trying to get a bit more organized, their the new guild contracts that will overwrite the old merc ones. Some basic forms updating our information of you that we have. Trust us all information is secured within the Hounds." She takes a moment to catch her breath as she found herself talking a bit fast.
"The final page is the assignment, surprisingly we've had need for a couple new Copper teams so we took this opportunity to bring you into Sharn, the other reason Seras was requested due to her connection to the client."
As she allows the group to look over the papers she continues. "Now for the copper tour. This is the common room, feel free to use it for planning or resting. You'll find the open assignments board over there by the north wall next to the study. There's a growing collection of reference material in there, please ask to borrow something before leaving the common room. Up the hall is the small Armory and the hostel bunks. The armory is run by a couple of the retired Hounds, they'll give you pricing for anything you require. In regards to the hostel there should be some empty bunks for you Seras and Threll, lock boxes are at the foot for storing anything. Guardian at the far end are some lockers for anything you would like to store there, locks are provided and only you and the front desk will have access to them."
Guardian you noticed that when she was talking to you, she was talking to you. She gave you eye contact and didn't seem to hesitate like others you've had to deal with.
She reaches for a mug on the table, taking a sip of the steamy liquid. After a moment she continues with the copper tour. "The terrace is to allow us some fresh air, today not with standing we tend to leave the doors open."
She then points to the stair behind, "Upstairs are various workshops open to members, fully equipped for any type of mundane crafting. Its also fully supplied with materials for any of your repairs Guardian." She looks on with curiosity to Guardian.
"As for down, its a training hall and the guild hall master's private sanctum. You'll be able to access the training rooms but will find it difficult to get into the inner sanctum.
Gabrielle then takes a moment to look around then finishes the tour, "I believe that's everything, feel free to ask myself or one of the others here if you need any help."
She then sit, to allow you to deal with all the paperwork.
Gonna summarize here folks:
* new contract states that as their is no steady income they ask members to pay a monthly membership fee or 10gp or 100 gp a year
* it states membership perks have taken costs into account, so no changes there
* All members will be given an identification token, which can be "dog tags" (amulet looking thing) or a bracelet. For warforged a shoulder guard option is also available
* these tokens allow the hounds to know of fallen members and can be used in recovery mission. The motto "No Hound left behind!" is quoted here.
* Sole allegiance to the Hounds is no longer necessary, but they ask for you to be honest and update if you have connection to other organization to share that knowledge if possible (its implied that it would still like your primary allegiance be to the Hounds though)
* there's a form that looks similar to a character sheet asking for an update of skills and abilities, magic items or abilities to be shared. (Its stated in big bold letters at the top ONLY SHARE WHAT YOU FEEL WE SHOULD KNOW, implying that all information here is optional.)
My name is Bonal Geldem, I'm a provost at Morgrave University. I've come across some records that lead me to believe that there is a pre-Gailifar ruin below Sharn that is accessible. I would like to request your help.
I'm willing to pay the appropriate fees and expenses, but I do have a request. In your organization I believe you have a Seras d'Cannith as a member. I would like to request her prescience in members assigned.
Signed,
Provost Geldem
A page has been attached to the letter stating that expenses to get Seras and her team shall be covered by Geldem. Further that once she is settled a meeting at the hall will be arranged.
Threll’s scales begin to itch as he gets to the skills and abilities specifications.
Best not to mention these yet. He muses for second before saying ”Thank you very much for the tour, less for the paper work. Speaking of which,”
Threll will sit at an unoccupied chair and begin filling his new contract. When he lists his skills and abilities, he covers them, but
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"I'm Gabrielle," she give a nod and a smile to both Guardian and Seras. "And I believe your friend has met Nip." She points to the cat that just jumped up on the table as she introduced herself. This led her to give Threll a glare before, chuckling.
"Don't worry about it, you'll eventually meet Kal and he's a worse prankster to Nip then you were."
Guardian whispers into the mindlink... "Fortunately, our introduction has not been harmed by your prank."
"Guardian at the far end are some lockers for anything you would like to store there, locks are provided and only you and the front desk will have access to them."
Guardian you noticed that when she was talking to you, she was talking to you. She gave you eye contact and didn't seem to hesitate like others you've had to deal with.
Guardian appreciates the acknowledgement and attempts to return the favor with the best humanoid smile his warforged face can manage, along with a nod.
She then points to the stair behind, "Upstairs are various workshops open to members, fully equipped for any type of mundane crafting. Its also fully supplied with materials for any of your repairs Guardian." She looks on with curiosity to Guardian.
He nods and notes this accommodation in particular. "That will be most useful."
Guardian picks up the Guild Papers and reads it thoroughly for several minutes. He then looks up at Gabrielle and asks, "Gabrielle, are you familiar with enough of the new recruits to recognize the warforged that come through here and sign up? I'm particularly curious if you've come across any with names similar to mine, such as Guardian with a different numeric serial. There were originally twelve of us."
He cocks his mechanical head slightly, awaiting a response with a bit of hope.
A page has been attached to the letter stating that expenses to get Seras and her team shall be covered by Geldem. Further that once she is settled a meeting at the hall will be arranged.
After looking over the assignment papers he pings the mindlink again. "This is very light on details. I suppose we'll get the real story once we meet with this Bonal...".
Guardian whispers into the mindlink... "Fortunately, our introduction has not been harmed by your prank."
”Meh, I made an impression.”
After looking over the assignment papers he pings the mindlink again. ”This is very light on details. I suppose we’ll get the real story once we meet with this Bonal...”.
”I can ask around while we walk. Not much info in the assignment.”
”Gabrielle, is there a collection of resources here detailing information about influential Sharnites?”
Seras fills out the contract with the practiced ease of someone who constantly writes and sketches. It barely takes concentration, especially as she decides to give an honest breakdown of her skills. Nothing she can do is all that unique, after all; the only surprises she needs to keep are the specific schematics for her devices, and the contract wouldn't allow for a copy of her schematic journal anyway.
She spends more time reading and rereading the assignment, but for all that it seems exceedingly straightforward. She sips at the glass of whiskey, only just now nearing empty. Seras isn't much of a drinker, it would seem. At least, not this early in the day. "This man seems to have me at a disadvantage. I can't recall ever meeting a Provost Bonal Geldem."
To her group, she adds, "Ten to one this is more Dragonmarked politics. Nobody cared who I was until I got a tattoo." Her mental "voice" was laced with wry sarcasm, a hint of laughter just under the surface.
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Guardian likewise fills out his contract, listing his skills in fairly terse fashion.
* Effective combatant, even in the absence of equipment due to mindblade and astral armor
* Languages: Common, Draconic, Dwarven, Elven
* Repair self and other warforged
* Healing humanoid organisms
* Child care
To her group, she adds, "Ten to one this is more Dragonmarked politics. Nobody cared who I was until I got a tattoo." Her mental "voice" was laced with wry sarcasm, a hint of laughter just under the surface.
"So, you believe he needs your status more than you? I wonder then, if the ruins exploration is a meaningless pretense. While I can be dutiful and reliable, I do not like having my... our time wasted."
Guardian picks up the Guild Papers and reads it thoroughly for several minutes. He then looks up at Gabrielle and asks, "Gabrielle, are you familiar with enough of the new recruits to recognize the warforged that come through here and sign up? I'm particularly curious if you've come across any with names similar to mine, such as Guardian with a different numeric serial. There were originally twelve of us."
Gabeielle thinks for a moment, "I try my best and know to the differences. It helps that those are different for each of you. But I'm afraid I sometimes confuse the symbol. As for the names, I come to know the ones in Sharn pretty well. I believe out of the 300 members that are based out of Sharn there's maybe a dozen or so warforged."
She takes a moment to draw out a book, after flipping to a page which seems to be some type of foreign script. She looks back at you, "Sorry Guardian unless they happened to registered with another name, their's no one here with that name. The closest would be Buckler, but he's on assignment and not due yet."
She then closes the book and returns it to its shelf.
”Gabrielle, is there a collection of resources here detailing information about influential Sharnites?”
"No, but if you ask around a couple of the teams have done work for Morgrave and might have heard of him."
As she sees you get into the paperwork, "Now you guys finish that up, I'm going to send off a missive to the client and tell him your here and arrange a meeting. Like I've said theres bunks up the hall, the unused ones should be the ones with the open lock boxes. The key should be in the case, just check back in later and tell us the number so we know which ones yours. Guardian there's plenty of empty lockers up there as well." Giving you a nod she heads to the stairs and heads up.
"Well, that will have to suffice, I suppose."
Threll hands over his finished paperwork and goes to claim a bed and footlocker. After stowing his nonessentials, he will return to the common area.
"I will start networking. After I ask around, should we consider a less... 'expected' visit to the Provost? Might shake him up and make it harder to compose himself for lies. It would also mean less waiting on formality."
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Gabeielle thinks for a moment, "I try my best and know to the differences. It helps that those are different for each of you. But I'm afraid I sometimes confuse the symbol. As for the names, I come to know the ones in Sharn pretty well. I believe out of the 300 members that are based out of Sharn there's maybe a dozen or so warforged."
She takes a moment to draw out a book, after flipping to a page which seems to be some type of foreign script. She looks back at you, "Sorry Guardian unless they happened to registered with another name, their's no one here with that name. The closest would be Buckler, but he's on assignment and not due yet."
She then closes the book and returns it to its shelf.
"It was a longshot anyway. Thank you for looking."
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"After I ask around, should we consider a less... 'expected' visit to the Provost? Might shake him up and make it harder to compose himself for lies. It would also mean less waiting on formality."
"If Gabrielle's missive gets a response that the meeting isn't going to be very soon, then yes, that is an option. What do you think Seras?"
"It's best not to step on toes unless there's something to be gained from it. If this is politics, which it might not be, I am skilled in my area of expertise, then we could make a powerful enemy by accident."
As Seras finished her paperwork, and her whiskey, an idea entered her head. Raising her empty glass towards the other two Copper Hounds in the room, she explained. "I have to get this back to the barkeep. While I'm up there, I'll ask what the deal was with those people that they threw out. That's as good a time killer as anything while we wait for a letter back. Something for me and Eleven to do while you're doing that networking thing you do, Threll."
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"It's best not to step on toes unless there's something to be gained from it. If this is politics, which it might not be, I am skilled in my area of expertise, then we could make a powerful enemy by accident."
"That makes sense. Then I leave it to your expertise."
As Seras finished her paperwork, and her whiskey, an idea entered her head. Raising her empty glass towards the other two Copper Hounds in the room, she explained. "I have to get this back to the barkeep. While I'm up there, I'll ask what the deal was with those people that they threw out. That's as good a time killer as anything while we wait for a letter back. Something for me and Eleven to do while you're doing that networking thing you do, Threll."
"Hmm. I suspect their story will be uninteresting."
As Seras leaves to go back into the tavern, she finds that in the little time thats past, a patron or two has been added or switched with another new patron. The warforged is still with the larger group in the center, but gives Guardian a nod as he reenters. At this points you see both dwarves working in the kitchen while the barmaids handle the crowd.
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** spoiler omitted **
As Seras leaves to go back into the tavern, she finds that in the little time thats past, a patron or two has been added or switched with another new patron. The warforged is still with the larger group in the center, but gives Guardian a nod as he reenters. At this points you see both dwarves working in the kitchen while the barmaids handle the crowd.
"Seras, I'm going to let you inquire about the cast-outs. I'm going to briefly exchange stories with this fellow warforged."
Guardian nods back at the other warforged and takes this opportunity to approach him. At the very least it should be interesting to compare origins, what houses purchased and employed them after the d'Cannith forge, and so on. There was always the usual hope that this one had encountered another Guardian, but that's always a long-shot.
"Hello there brother! How long have you been with the Hounds?"
** spoiler omitted **
He will hear her advice and thank her for it, then rejoin his party in the main room.
Rejoining his party in the common room, Threll will share the fruits of his labors (or lack thereof)
”None of the present Hounds knee anything worth sharing. I shall have to ask around when we arrive at the University.”
Seras walks to the bar, glancing around the room more out of habit than anything else. She notes the change in clientele in the back of her head, but this isn't some bandit-infested backwater where tagging potential threats could save someone's life. This was Sharn, and people didn't often make disturbances over nothing in large cities like this. They did dirty business in alleys, away from prying eyes, a thought that didn't so much comfort the young Cannith as allow her to shove her trained-in paranoia to the side for a bit.
She sat at the bar, calling someone over and pulling out a silver coin. "Another round of whiskey for me and the gentleman over there," she says, indicating Threll, "since I flatly refuse to owe him anything. And if you have a moment, those people who were thrown out for their tab earlier, could you tell me who they were? It's nothing too important, just curiosity, but... well, unsolved mysteries, you know. Just eats at you at random points."
Looking at you and then your companions, "If you joined them congrats, I hear their friendly to our kind, so feel free to join us. Were celebrating, I don't recall what but they always find a reasons."
After a moment he gives an awkward head toss and shake, "Were are my manners, the names Faith, and its an honor to meet you." He puts his hand out in greeting.
As Seras heads to the counter the dwarf comes over. At the mention of a refill he grabs the bottle and nod at the woman's comment. "Favors can cause a ruckus, as for the drunk he thinks that just cause he can change his face that I won't recognize him. Not on my watch, I don't hold the family mark, that doesn't mean I don't know the family business. If it wasn't for the missus there I would be working in one of the strongholds."
As the drinks are poured, "That'll be a silver miss."
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The other warforged looks at Guardian, "Brother," He nods to you. "I'm actually not with the Hounds. I'm a cleric of Onatar and aid my friends here in their adventures. As far as I know only Tim there," He points to a gnome near the head of the table. "Is the only Hound member. The rest were asked but as far as I know weren't interested. We just come here as its one of the friendliest taverns in this area."
"Ah. Good to know this establishment is well regarded apart from the organization housed here. If you don't mind my asking, were you assigned to a path of faith and Onator before the Day of Mourning? Or is it how you chose to begin your new life?"
Looking at you and then your companions, "If you joined them congrats, I hear their friendly to our kind, so feel free to join us. Were celebrating, I don't recall what but they always find a reasons."
"Yes, they are very fair with me and acknowledge us the same as the other races. An organization that puts us on equal footing, and then allows us to demonstrate our ability to help others alongside them appeals to me."
After a moment he gives an awkward head toss and shake, "Were are my manners, the names Faith, and its an honor to meet you." He puts his hand out in greeting.
Guardian reaches out to accept his hand, as warmly as he can.
"How appropriate. My name is Guardian XI. It's an honor to meet you too."
"Well like I said you'll all welcome to join us, but if you busy I understand." With a raise of his tankard in you direction he takes what looks like a deep swing. With deft movement he slams the tankard on the table and belches loudly with raucous laughter coming from the rest of the table.
It is then that you notice that the mug is empty and looks to be dry as if nothing is in the mug.
Faith noticing your glace at the mug chuckles, "Its an act brother, it puts them at ease seeing me "drink" with them. The belch just adds to the fun." With that he continues drinking with his companions.
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"Choose it myself after the proclamation setting us free. Was just a foot soldier on a line. The clerics blessing the equipment, including us talked about their god and it intrigued me. Once I was a free being I approached the church and they accepted me. I changed my name once I finished seminary college. Faith is much more fitting then Shieldwall." He then points to what looks to be clasps for holding something on his arm and then points to a large shield leaning against the wall.
"Fascinating. I suppose I'm just doing what I was originally built to do as well, but it entails protecting innocents so I'm okay with it for now."
"Well like I said you'll all welcome to join us, but if you busy I understand." With a raise of his tankard in you direction he takes what looks like a deep swing. With deft movement he slams the tankard on the table and belches loudly with raucous laughter coming from the rest of the table.
"Well, we're waiting on a meeting, so honestly I have some time to kill. As soon as our client arrives, I will have to abruptly part. Thank you!" With that Guardian sits down to relax with a bit of light-hearted revelry.
It is then that you notice that the mug is empty and looks to be dry as if nothing is in the mug.
Faith noticing your glace at the mug chuckles, "Its an act brother, it puts them at ease seeing me "drink" with them. The belch just adds to the fun." With that he continues drinking with his companions.
"Ah, haha. Well, please let me know if they're at all feeling unease from me."
Seras, Threll, I will be at this table with my fellow warforged. I remain aware and available whenever our client should arrive for the meeting, or if something else becomes urgent. Also I can continue discussing plans here, as these people are mostly intoxicated and won't notice lapses in attention.
”One of the higher ranks gave me the name of an information broker, a gnome in the red district by name of Harley. We may wish to consult him, though perhaps on a more serious matter than a trip the University, common enough as it is.”
At Seras’s drink offer, he replies, ”Thanks, Doc.”
Threll will accept the second whisky and sip while sitting near the fire.
”Between the drink and the road I’m feeling weary. I will likely retire to a bunk after this drink, lest we hear back from Gabrielle’s missive.”
As the afternoon progresses, Gabrielle comes over to the tavern. "I've received word back from Mr. Geldem. He says he'll be here an couple of hour after his last class. So some time after dusk."
She passes the note to the closest member, "He also states that if you would like to you can meet him in his office, the choice is yours folks. On another note, your new identifiers and shoulder guards will be ready by morning. Good day Seras, Threll." She waves to Guardian and a couple other Hound members she sees before returning to the guild hall.
”Well, that’s that then. Shall we wait for him or go to the office? I’m a fan of catching a nap personally, and waiting on the world to be less blasted bright.”
Threll will rub his tired eyes at this last.
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”Well, that’s that then. Shall we wait for him or go to the office? I’m a fan of catching a nap personally, and waiting on the world to be less blasted bright.”
Threll will rub his tired eyes at this last.
"I'm fine to wait here. Better he walk through the rain to us before making his political move, and let Seras be comfortable and ready to figure out his angle."
Seras hands over the silver coin and begins to sip her second, and probably last, drink of the night. She takes a shot in the dark regarding her conversation with the dwarf. "A changeling? Or some kind of spellcaster, maybe. Either way, mildly interesting." She hums, pulling some gears from her pocket and beginning to fiddle with them idly like some scholars fiddled with puzzle cubes.
"Any plan that involves me staying dry is a plan I can get behind."