"What is going on?"
"Well, if the journal's anything to depend upon, you just witnessed the Plucking of the Star. If the direction is any consideration, the Star and Devil's Elbow have just met."
Lief's course changes, briefly. He gathers up the journal, and the deed, and readies for a quick travel to the Order of the Cyphers first.
"Who's coming?"
"If I knew what any of that meant kid it might actually help." Ederin grabs his own pack and waits while the others get anything they may need too, if they're coming.
"You were right Garridan, so let's go there now, maybe someone can still do something about this with the information we have."
"Give me a minute,"Garridan replies to Lief and Ed. He puts on his armor, straps on his rapier and grabs his shield. "I'm ready."
Shaken up in more ways than he cares to admit, Dimitrio stutters slightly, "Plucking of a star? You mean a real star? Was that explosion on whatever island caused by a falling star?"
He then quickly gathers his stuff, "I'm concerned about looters coming to rob us but other than that, I'm ready to go."
"Ederin, do any trustworthy guards live near by that we can call on quickly?"
Kaylayne gears up, still worried for the Goblin, but not wanting to miss whatever might happen next. In a minute or two, she is ready to go.
As the party marches out their front door (locking it behind them I assume), much of Riddleport has begun to gather at the wharves and southern points of town for a better view of the distant holocaust. A few minutes later, the water of Riddleport Bay suddenly retreats into a bizarre and sudden low tide, revealing several sunken wrecks and flopping fish and more than a few stranded sharks for the many onlookers…
…fortunately, the shape of Riddleport’s harbor minimizes the impact of the inbound tsunami, but still, only a few moments later, the water comes rushing back in, a seven foot high wall of churning froth that slams into the waterfront with incredible power. Anyone within seventy feet of the shore is struck by the wave, and many are carried inland by the wave’s power.
These victims are pushed up to sixty feet inland, and some are killed by their rough journey. As the water recedes, many of those who survived the initial blast are pulled out into the harbor. Several smaller though still giant waves strike Riddleport in the next minutes, but these are not severe enough to do much more damage.
In the end, the tsunami deals more damage to Riddleport than the tremor. Dozens of ships are damaged, a few are sunk, but more are left stranded as far inland as Wharf Street. Many of Riddleport’s piers are ruined or damaged, and several of the smaller buildings along the waterfront are destroyed or partially collapsed.
The Gold Goblin is far enough inland to be untouched, but you can see the waters edge at one point from your front stoop.
Not sure if you're continuing to the Cyphermages or if you'll help those in need, so I'll pause here.
Lief doesn't stop. In fact, the tsunami commands him to move that much more quickly.
Ederin will stop to assist anyone in the immediate area, directing anyone who can hear him towards the Goblin and letting them into the building.
"I'll catch up!" He shouts as Lief continues heading toward the Cypherlodge, understanding the kids renewed sense of urgency.
Avoiding the worst of the damaging waves, the bard is prone to help those in need.
He assists Ederin in helping any in the immediate vicinity before catching up to Lief (and the others?) on their way to the Cypherlodge.
Kaylayne thinks the Cyphers can wait (they've waited long enough) and furthermore doubts they can do anything at this stage anyway. Rather than acting in rash haste, Kaylayne focuses on who she can help: the people of Riddleport.
She doesn't care if she catches up to Lief if there are some around who need her help. She will liberally use her healing skill to help those she can.
See the carnage around him Garridan stops to help those who are injured.
Garridan has 4 1st level healing spells and 2 2nd level
The bulk of the party stops and tries to tend to their fellow citizens, some of whom are indeed in dire need. The more they help, the more they see that need help. Eventually they find themselves triaging many on the Gold Goblin gambling floor and as minutes turn to hours the staff of the Gold Goblin, trickling in for a common refuge as much as showing up for work, provides food and helps with shelter for many in need.
Just in the immediate area, there are fires to put out, angry and disoriented reefclaws, sharks, bunyips and other dangerous sea creatures to slay who have become stranded in the city streets. Remember the Riddleport harbor is a dangerous place, and many of these creatures have washed up on shore. Not to mention those injured by the hail and tsunami. Spells and other offered resources are quickly used up (feel free to hold a reserve against emergency, but you’re taxed strenuously by the victims).
The Gold Goblin becomes a safe haven for those near the waterfront for the injured and refugee. As the day wears on it will become a beehive of activity and even Bartlebe shows up from around the corner (the publican at the Drunken Lurch). He first explains he can channel energy, a bit, and then uses it on those with the direst need and is quickly spent.
Meanwhile Lief tries to cross the Velashu at the Ferry but finds it missing - whether it sunk, was dragged back out to sea, or moved to help those foundering in the bay it’s hard to know. There’s some damage along the riverfront, but not as severe as further south at the bay. Still it’s hard to move through the city with so many out and about, some helping, some gawking, some fleeing, some searching for friends and relatives - everyone moving about.
Eventually Lief has to go to the far north side of the city (map) and beg passage on a boat headed downstream to help save the poor souls swimming and drowning in the bay. The ‘captain’ of the small row boat agrees to take you on and drops you quickly on the other side before rowing hard to help his fellow citizens.
Lief, presumably, presses on with his singular mission to reach the Cyphermages and finds their mansion a beehive of activity and, to a degree, hostility. Most of the mages have left to help those in need - apparently having been directed to do so by Elias Tammerhawk, the head of the order. The few who remain are heavily guarding their citadel against possible attack - in the event the star-fall was the precursor to some invasion of Riddleport or an attack on the Cyphermages themselves that missed (yes they’re that egotistical).
Either way, they’re taking no chances and they do not allow Lief entrance to the guild - for any price. The guards at the gate are uneducated but firm. ”Look, I don’t want to be turned into a newt or worse by the lot inside. Wizards are, by their nature, paranoid, and this thing has everyone spooked. I can’t imagine how Elias got any of them to help the city at all to be honest, but I suppose there are some fine folk here after all.”
"Barts! You old cow I had no idea you could heal! Here come this way, we been keepin' the ones real hurt back here so they don't get trampled by any o' the new comers." Ederin smiles at the old bartender but the stress of the day is clear on his face.
Ain't been a minute since last night I wasn't runnin' to or from somethin'." He stretches his elbow, still sore from the chase after Depora but quickly turns his mind to other things.
"Appreciate the help by the way Barts, got a few volunteers turnin' whatever we have in the kitchen into actual food, go grab somethin' to eat if ya need it!"
He leaves Bartlebe to do his thing while tracking down a few of his partners to see if they need any more bandages or anything of a similar nature.
"Dimitrio, mate, maybe if things calm down a little bit you can put on a show tonight eh? I know you're stretched about as thin as the rest o' us but it might do some good after this that happened today. Either way, go take a rest, we got enough people 'round here that we can put to work for awhile."
Rubbing his forehead, he scans the crowd in the Goblin looking for any familiar face from his old stomping grounds, or his own trained guards from the last few weeks, hoping to send them out into the street to recover any other injured or get rid of any more washed up creatures that need to be taken care of.
"And bring whatever empty packs you got, we should try salvagin' anything we can get our hands on out there."
The bard was hard-pressed to keep up with the injured. Traveling around in the countryside with a limited group of people forced one to learn different skills but Dimitrio's healing skill was not his best suit.
Still the bard was a real gem when it came to giving people hope and getting a smile from them. And that was just as important today as healing them was.
What, with all the mayhem going on, a cheerful face was just what the doctor ordered.
He looked at Ederin and nodded, "Yeah, probably no dancing but I will get the old Varisians to play something cheerful later today."
Dimitrio prayed for to Desna with some of the more injured folks but saved a couple of prayers, expecting some seriously hurt people to come by their makeshift shelter.
What a transformation for the Goblin! From gambling hall to infirmary in less than 24 hours.
From a purely mechanical perspective, where are the bodies of Depora, Saul and Laurur?
Also, what did you do with your prisoner in the basement? We sort of glossed over that - I assumed you let him go, but you should clarify if that's not the case.
Also, any time the party splits, I'm assuming that each group has a set of the keys to the 'Goblin. If you split into three groups we'll have to track which group has no keys. The group that remains behind has the keys to the vault. I assume the deed and books are in the vault for now.
Feel free to track these things more carefully if you like, but this should be enough detail for now...
Kaylayne toils and toils, offering to do what she can for those she can. She uses little of her personal magic, not just because it doesn't apply and wouldn't help, but also she doesn't believe the danger is over: either from the sea, the sky, or the city itself.
Kaylayne continues to make free use of her healing skills, as minimal as they are.
Garridan loses himself taking care of the wounded and finds himself quickly running low on spells. He Is surprised at the sour barkeep Bartlebe's offer of assistance, Who would of guessed.
"Look, I don’t want to be turned into a newt or worse by the lot inside. Wizards are, by their nature, paranoid, and this thing has everyone spooked. I can’t imagine how Elias got any of them to help the city at all to be honest, but I suppose there are some fine folk here after all."
"Listen carefully. I believe I have concrete information that bears sharing with the Cyphers. If you would help me to speak with either Samaritha, a new apprentice, or Lady Colsett- I don't require entrance, only audience- I think I can prevent you from being turned into a newt for failing to get vital information to the appropriate authorities on this matter. Please. Don't turn me away."
"Listen carefully. I believe I have concrete information that bears sharing with the Cyphers. If you would help me to speak with either Samaritha, a new apprentice, or Lady Colsett- I don't require entrance, only audience- I think I can prevent you from being turned into a newt for failing to get vital information to the appropriate authorities on this matter. Please. Don't turn me away."
”I’m sorry sir, I can see you mean what you say, but it’s more than my job is worth if I let you in. I was told not even Cromarcky his-self was to be permitted past. Best I can do is pass a message on, sir, but I don’t know how soon they’ll get around to readin’ it.”
Lief bristles at the man's density. "What is your name? I'll need to remember who I left my message with." The young man scrambles for parchment, writing down his name and location, the Gold Goblin, and the dire need to discuss... He looks at what he writes, and crumples it up.
He takes out a new piece of paper, and writes the name Samaritha, and... crumples it up again. "Son of a..." He looks daggers at the guard in front of him, then pulls out another sheet of paper.
He writes Elias Tammerhawk, and the words 'Plucking the Star', and 'Devil's Elbow'. He finishes it quickly, signing his name, and writes the name of their location, the Gold Goblin. 'Please contact us quickly. There is more information waiting for you.' He hands it to the guard.
"I'm sorry for my impatience. I understand your position here. Please make sure this note makes it to Elias. I cannot stress its importance."
Without waiting, Lief makes his way slowly back to the Gold Goblin.
”Name’s Caradoc sir, sergeant of the watch. I’ll see to it Elias gets your message, but I can’t say how soon he’ll get to it, you know.”
Lief makes it back to the ‘Goblin about the same time three of guards come in sheepishly, who were there the night before. They are, as you may imagine, very apologetic. But they’re also very in need of jobs, so here they are - loyal to the gold you offer. They do work tirelessly though to help those in need (assuming you don’t turn them away). One of them has even had some first aid training and he seems to be everywhere.
By the end of the day, it’s clear you won’t be doing much gambling here tonight, but there will be a big neighborhood party. You could make a lot on food and drink tonight, unless you give that away for the party, and the grand reopening? …
Returning to the Gold Goblin, Lief is surprised to find guards who decided to return. He props himself up at the bar, and watches them take to work, helping the poor wretches caught in the effects of the tsunami. He craves sleep, but knows there is still work to accomplish, and he doesn't want to wait another day.
He waits for a private moment with Ederin to consult. "With the guards newly returned, and proving their worth today, I think we need to speak with the law today. The longer we wait to resolve the hostile takeover, the worse it will look once their eyes turn towards us, and away from the chaos wrought by the tsunami."
Kaylayne continues to work and to help others. She's found something here within this disaster that she had not expected to find in Riddleport at all: a community. A community of others who would care about others more than themselves.
She works until she sleeps, broken from the day's exertions.
Ederin is sore all over, the previous nights combat coupled with the physical and mental labor of the current day brought on an exhaustion he'd not felt in years.
He's barely conscious working at a gambling table when Lief approaches him suggesting a visit to the local law enforcement. He groans, silently cursing the kid's respectable attitude and need to do everything by the book, but all he does is nod. Summoning up a reserve of energy from gods know where, he collects himself and gets out of his chair, trying his best to ignore the pounding headache and dizziness.
"I get it kid, but you think they ain't as busy as we are here? Even Cromarky has to see that there are things more important to deal with." He rolls his shoulder and massages it as he flags down one of his guards and directs him toward a group of citizens that just stumbled into the Goblin looking particularly in need of help.
"Don't know what good you think I'll be, talkin' to the law an' all anyway, but if you can wait till the morning, I'll come with you anyway." He stifles a yawn and cracks his neck, wincing when it hurts a little. "Way I see it, we should probably be well rested if we're gonna try an' talk the Gendarme down from hangin' us, right?" He waits for a response before collecting a few bandages he'd cut up from Saul's old clothes and heading off to see to any wounded that may have been over looked.
Dimitrio continues to order people around. He Puts Zuria to work and asks the musicians to play something upbeat to try and change the mood of the place.
He was really hoping that the day ended and tomorrow bring better news.
"Don't know what good you think I'll be, talkin' to the law an' all anyway, but if you can wait till the morning, I'll come with you anyway."
The same tiredness wracking Ederin's frame pays equal attention to Lief's as well. "No, not you. Talk to the Law? I think not. Sorry. Didn't mean for it to sound that way. No, I was thinking you'd need to do something with the... bodies... before I retrieve the gendarme. Wouldn't want anyone to see the... bodies... unnecessarily. And separate what we need to show from what we need to hide."
Kwava, as promised, returns late that evening and tries to get the party alone - maybe in Larur's office.
After he expresses wonder at the meteor, and the full Gold Goblin, he continues, "So have you learned anything new from the ledger? I have not yet heard any word from my superiors, but as I said, I expect it to be a while."
"I thought we could smuggle Depora's body out tonight and dump it in the Boneyard for the rats."
"Ah, that makes more sense kid. Bodies are in the Vault, an' they're stayin' there until someone comes to get 'em or this place empties out. What do you think we need to hide? We did what we did, might as well come clean 'bout the whole story. These guys may even back us up." He points a thumb at one of his guards as they pass.
As Kaylayne inquires about the rest of the Goblin staff Ederin shrugs.
"Only reason I even know the guards are here is 'cause they came to me. To be honest I don't think I'd recognize my own brother if he walked in here right now." An' if I did he wouldn't be recognizable for long.
He offers to help Kay ask around while they patch up the refugees and, figuring with half the city under their roof, someone must at least know her bartenders.
When Kwava arrives and talks about Deporas body Ederin gives him a curious look.
"Ain't she basically the only proof we have 'bout whatever it is happened today? Why would we get rid of it?"
"Ain't she basically the only proof we have 'bout whatever it is happened today? Why would we get rid of it?"
Kwava looks surprised, "But she's a drow. Think about it for a moment. There will be panic in the streets. Instead of everyone thinking it was an odd thing that just happened, they'll be thinking it's just the first salvo. Riddleport will empty and the terror will be real."
"No, I think this must be done quietly. Besides, what do you think Cromarcky is going to do if you tell him 'Drow did it'? Either he'll believe you - and take the Gold Goblin for his own as payment for nearly destroying the town, or he won't and he'll throw you into prison for disturbing the peace at a critical time."
"I don't think spouting 'drow' is going to get you anything good."
"What happened today is that a great evil has been killed, but a greater evil still remains somewhere. I don't know what's next, but I'll bet my bosses are going to ask you to investigate further, and to keep it quiet. They're a secretive group..." he finishes somewhat lamely.
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"There will be panic in the streets. Instead of everyone thinking it was an odd thing that just happened, they'll be thinking it's just the first salvo."
Kaylayne stares at Kwava as if he had just said some of the dumbest things she'd ever heard....and he just had.
"That...that..." Kaylayne pauses to choose her words carefully. "...that is thought that I don't agree with. Firstly, there is already panic in the streets. Have you been outside? Have you seen the destruction? Secondly, most people would like to have a target and a focus to their anger...for me, it seems fine that they focus on the drow. A bit of heightened sensitivity towards the drow might be warranted."
Kaylayne pauses, considering more.
"And thirdly, the drow *did* do it. It's honest and it honestly answers all the questions they want to ask. THE. DROW. DID. IT. I don't see a reason why we shouldn't tell the truth here. We didn't do it."
"He might take the Gold Goblin as payment...jail...crazy talk."
Kaylayne scoffs.
"That's stupid and ridiculous, but fine...if he wants it, he can have it. It isn't really ours in the first place. Not going to lie to keep this place. Nor lie to this town to hide what might be a drow threat. That's just silly." Kaylayne replies, losing her cool.
"What we should be doing is getting the town to focus on the real threat: the drow. We have a body and the book. Let them ignore the threat if they want."
"I don't think spouting 'drow' is going to get you anything good."
"What happened today is that a great evil has been killed, but a greater evil still remains somewhere. I don't know what's next, but I'll bet my bosses are going to ask you to investigate further, and to keep it quiet. They're a secretive group..." he finishes somewhat lamely.
Dimitrio questioned, "We could just say that Saul acted on his own without the drow urging him own, right?"
He then turned to Kwava, "What do you mean working for your bosses? We don't even know who they are?"
Ederin is happy to see at least a couple of his companions are on the same page as him.
"Right, what Dimitrio said. Why would we be the ones investigatin' this anyway? We got chucked into this mess and I ain't so keen on gettin' deeper into it. Got muck enough on my boots, don't need a bunch of fancylads ordering me 'round. Didn't even know you lot came in other colors till last night, don't see how I'm the one that needs to be solvin' your problems."
Garridan listens to Kwava and thinks, He is as arrogant as all elves, just uglier. "Yes, who exactly are your bosses?"
”Just who are you and why should we care?”
Kwava starts off jumpy and a little reactionary, ”Now look here, don’t you care there are drow festering in your town? You just want to take your money and do your own things? Leave it to others to deal with the tough stuff? OK, if that’s your attitude - I can’t force you - but I serve something larger than myself.”
”I work for the Shin’Rakorath, a group of elves who have dedicated themselves to seeking out all that is evil and dark in this world and bringing it to the light and good. We have a particular hatred of drow, as they embody all that we oppose. They are unsalvageabley evil, like demons and devils.”
He calms down after a while and changes tack, ”Look, you lot are powerful in ways I am not. Further, I am but one lone contact here for my order. I need your help. Investigate the island - I’m sure that’s what the Shin’Rakorath will want. Check it out, see what you can learn and I’m sure we’ll pay you… well, something good.”
”We’ll make it worth your while, I’m sure of it.”, he says with conviction.
Kaylayne cracks her neck, not liking that the elf ignored her.
"ARE YOU IGNORING ME?" Kaylayne asks, trying to keep her voice calm. "If you aren't going to respond to me, it must be that you know I'm right."
Kaylayne puts her hand on Kwava's chest.
"Look, I *know* I owe you for saving our lives. I get that. And I was happy to risk my life to find Saul and help you rid yourself of that drow. However, I put my foot down when you pretend that we don't care about the people here. We just rubbed our knobs raw helping those injured in whateverthef!~! that explosion was."
Kaylayne makes a fist, irritated that Kwava would state that they didn't care. She did...that day...when people needed it. She was there.
"Why the piddlespot can't we tell people what's going on here? Even if they won't listen to us, we shouldn't be hiding the threat from the people here. If the drow have designs on Riddleport or the Cyphergate or whatever, they deserve to know."
Kaylayne cracks her neck, not liking that the elf ignored her.
"ARE YOU IGNORING ME?" Kaylayne asks, trying to keep her voice calm. "If you aren't going to respond to me, it must be that you know I'm right."
Kaylayne puts her hand on Kwava's chest.
"Look, I *know* I owe you for saving our lives. I get that. And I was happy to risk my life to find Saul and help you rid yourself of that drow. However, I put my foot down when you pretend that we don't care about the people here. We just rubbed our knobs raw helping those injured in whateverthef!$+ that explosion was."
Kaylayne makes a fist, irritated that Kwava would state that they didn't care. She did...that day...when people needed it. She was there.
"Why the piddlespot can't we tell people what's going on here? Even if they won't listen to us, we shouldn't be hiding the threat from the people here. If the drow have designs on Riddleport or the Cyphergate or whatever, they deserve to know."
"Fine! Tell the world. My people won't be happy about that, but if it's what it takes to make you happy, they'll just have to get over it. I worry that it could backfire on you, but I admit I could be wrong. Riddleport still confuses me a little..." he trails off.
"So what do you say? Will you investigate? ... Please?"
"Fine! Tell the world. My people won't be happy about that, but if it's what it takes to make you happy, they'll just have to get over it. I worry that it could backfire on you, but I admit I could be wrong. Riddleport still confuses me a little..." he trails off.
"So what do you say? Will you investigate? ... Please?"
Dimitrio sighs, "well, there's still the matter that we might be wanted men. We can't just leave the Goblin and abandon it."
He looked at the others before suggesting, "If things are as bad as Kwava says, then we're all in this so I would be Ok investigating. But investigating may be that we're hopefully back here in a couple of days and I like the Goblin."
"Do you think that we could clear our name and hire a couple of guards to guard the place while we are out of town for a couple of days?"
"So what do you say? Will you investigate? ... Please?"
Kaylayne resists the urge to scream.
"Investigate what, Elf? The island, in case you hadn't noticed, was blown to Garunda. Is there anything left to investigate? And, if there is, how would you know?"
Kaylayne searches her own mind even as she looks at Ederin, then Dimitrio.
Know (local)
"Kwava, Ederin, Dimi, any of you know what was on the island before it got blown like a sailor in a Calistrian temple?"
Devil’s Elbow is a mountainous island, heavily forested with pine trees, firs, redwoods, and cypress trees. Reefs and dangerous rocks surround the island except for one narrow approach to a sheltered cove on its northern side, and most of the island’s shores are rocky cliffs averaging 100 feet in height. The island terrain itself is rugged, with its highest peak being 800 feet above sea level. Birds, bats, and other flying animals are common fauna, and there’s a relatively large population of deer, wild boar, wild dogs, stirges, giant centipedes, snakes, donkey rats, and rabbits on the island as well. Most of these animals and vermin were introduced to the island by settlers five decades ago.
For the past several decades, Devil’s Elbow has remained uninhabited. Travelers on ships passing close to the island sometimes claim to see lights burning in the island’s watchtowers, further inspiring rumors that the place is haunted. These rumors are given weight every few years when adventurers decide to sail out to the island in search of Virashi’s hidden treasure, since many of them do not return, and those who do come with tales of monstrous centipedes, strange noises, and mysterious lights in the woods. This, combined with the fact that an unusual number of ships seem to wreck and sink in the waters within a 5-mile radius around the island, secured the region’s ill repute, and today, very few visitors come to its deserted shores.
It's unlikely an island of this size would have been completely destroyed.
Kwava looks surprised. "How large is the island? I must admit I know nothing about it, but I assumed it would not be utterly destroyed. You may be right however - and if so we have even less to work with."
"If they did destroy it, why? What's special about that island? According to Depora, it was just a random place she picked to be the target of their weapon."
Kwava looks surprised. "How large is the island? I must admit I know nothing about...
Dimitrio quickly replies, "Not big but not small either. The island is very hilly and covered with forests. It's about 5 miles wide so unlikely to have been destroyed by the falling star."
He then added, "As far as I know it's now uninhabited except for fauna, of course. It's also supposed to be haunted and... have a buried treasure."
The idea of investigating a haunted island somehow appealed to him, "We'll need to hire a ship to get us there..."
"So have you learned anything new from the ledger?"
Lief explains the hidden passages to Kwava in full.
"We have a particular hatred of drow...”
Lief watches the poor elf suffer his own interrogation. "Your superiors kept Depora's nature from you, I gather. Your reaction was less than informed when you finally encountered her."
"I don't know what's next, but I'll bet my bosses are going to ask you to investigate further, and to keep it quiet. They're a secretive group..."
"I need your help. Investigate the island - I’m sure that’s what the Shin’Rakorath will want. Check it out, see what you can learn and I’m sure we’ll pay you… well, something good. We’ll make it worth your while, I’m sure of it. Will you investigate? ... Please?"
"If we investigate, by your own words, we'll be doing it on your orders. You are part of the Shin'Rakorath, aren't you? You speak for them, I would hope, as their lone contact here. You are part of a secretive group, let's be clear." Lief nods to himself, content with his summary.
"We witnessed mass destruction. If we find something worth uncovering at the point of impact, and it supports the Shin'Rakorath's efforts to prevent greater destruction, I'm in. There's a weapon out there, glyphs charging. We should at least search for answers regarding that."
"Why can't we tell people what's going on here? Even if they won't listen to us, we shouldn't be hiding the threat from the people here. If the drow have designs on Riddleport or the Cyphergate or whatever, they deserve to know."
Lief listens, unsure how do to deal with the emotionally-charged woman. "You can't tell people what's going on here, because you don't know, yourself. You have a drow and a book. In newly devastated Riddleport. Those who should know are keeping themselves from learning even what little we know. I already tried to make contact with the Order. I failed. Whatever you think you would say to people, it won't sink in. Or worse, folk will start killing elves citywide, in case they're trying to disguise themselves..."
Lief turns to Kwava. "We need supplies, if we're going to travel to the Devil's Elbow. Can Shin help?"
"How d'you know so much about that island Dimitrio. I ain't even heard of it until last night!" Ederin scowls and rubs his chin as Lief does his thing.
"When we were in that tunnel I heard Kwava, he knew that Depora was a Drow but didn't actually believe it. Which is why I think keepin' her body ain't such a bad idea, we got proof that she ain't like the elves we already know, and the city has enough killin' I don't think we gotta worry about some sort o' elf genocide."
He yawns and leans back in his seat, thoughtful but too tired to really figure out what he wants to do.
"I still don't see how this is our business, but" he looks out at the rest of the Goblin and sighs, " well, I'm Riddleport born, these lot are my herd, an I ain't too happy about all the bruised and broken cows that I got wanderin' in here today. I ain't too fond o' bein' treated like a pigeon in my own city either, so I'll go to this island if maybe it'll help, but I ain't suddenly some Shinra-whatever you lot call yourselves, your bosses just happen to convenient allies, they ain't callin' the shots or givin' me orders, got it?"
"How d'you know so much about that island Dimitrio. I ain't even heard of it until last night!" Ederin scowls and rubs his chin as Lief does his thing.
"Ah, one of the old musicians; his father worked there for some time."
The bard then goes on to add other details as he remembered them.
"I still don't see how this is our business, but" he looks out at the rest of the Goblin and sighs, " well, I'm Riddleport born, these lot are my herd, an I ain't too happy about all the bruised and broken cows that I got wanderin' in here today. I ain't too fond o' bein' treated like a pigeon in my own city either, so I'll go to this island if maybe it'll help, but I ain't suddenly some Shinra-whatever you lot call yourselves, your bosses just happen to convenient allies, they ain't callin' the shots or givin' me orders, got it?"
Dimitrio nods, "I agree. We don't answer to them because we have no contractual relationship with them. Now this could change if they made us an offer..."
Kaylayne mentally confirms Ederin and Dimitrio's recount of Devil's Elbow. She listens, waiting for Kwava to answer the latest barrage of questions...especially about the provisions.
"Yeah, we're going to need provisions..." Kaylayne looks about the Goblin room as if there might be a stash of provisions just waiting there. "...we spent a lot helping others recover from the explosion."
Lief watches the poor elf suffer his own interrogation. "Your superiors kept Depora's nature from you, I gather. Your reaction was less than informed when you finally encountered her."
"Well, as Ederin says, I was told she was a drow, but no I don't know much about them and, having never seen one until now, didn't believe it."
"If we investigate, by your own words, we'll be doing it on your orders. You are part of the Shin'Rakorath, aren't you? You speak for them, I would hope, as their lone contact here. You are part of a secretive group, let's be clear." Lief nods to himself, content with his summary.
"Well, yes, but a junior member so I don't have a lot of authority." he straightens up a little, "But you're right, I am their representative here and I do speak for them, which is why I'm trying to be careful of what I say and what I do."
"We need supplies, if we're going to travel to the Devil's Elbow. Can Shin help?"
"I don't know how much I can help, but I'll do what I can. I have a small cache of supplies and gold. I suspect the gold will be more valuable to you than my supplies - such as they are." he grins.
"I still don't see how this is our business, but" he looks out at the rest of the Goblin and sighs, " well, I'm Riddleport born, these lot are my herd, an I ain't too happy about all the bruised and broken cows that I got wanderin' in here today. I ain't too fond o' bein' treated like a pigeon in my own city either, so I'll go to this island if maybe it'll help, but I ain't suddenly some Shinra-whatever you lot call yourselves, your bosses just happen to convenient allies, they ain't callin' the shots or givin' me orders, got it?"
Dimitrio nods, "I agree. We don't answer to them because we have no contractual relationship with them. Now this could change if they made us an offer..."
"Yeah, we're going to need provisions..." Kaylayne looks about the Goblin room as if there might be a stash of provisions just waiting there. "...we spent a lot helping others recover from the explosion."
Kwava replies seriously, "I understand and I'm not calling the shots. Just trying to get some assistance and some information. I'm not your new boss. I'm no Saul."
He looks uncertain, and comes to a decision, "I can offer you, uh, 500 gold, er, each? That's for anything you learn on the island. I'll arrange for the ship too. I got to know some of the captains over the last months as I tried to track down Saul's movements. I don't know what more I can do though... will that be enough?"
"I can bring the money tomorrow morning, but the ship may take a few days with what happened in the harbor this morning."
Dimitrio looks around, trying to gauge his companions reactions and not wanting to sound too eager.
He's blunt when he speaks in front Kwava, "Listen, it will take us a while to earn 500 gold a piece here in the Goblin. Nevermind that the town is in no mood to spend money given the recent calamities."
He looks at Kwava, "As long as we have liberty to act as we think and all we need to obtain is information, I think the deal is fair."
He quickly adds, "A couple of days may actually be helpful so we can close our business here with the gendarme and actually hire a couple of people to make sure the Goblin is still standing after we come back. What do you say?"
Kaylayne whistles when Kwava mentions the payment, not hiding how much it is. It's more than she had expected...and more than enough to equip them for the trip.
...<good plan>...
"Yeah, yeah, Dimi,"' Kaylayne agrees. "That's a good plan. We'll need a few days to gather the right equipment."
"You handle the boat, we'll get the gear. Will the boat be waiting for us? Able to keep supplies on it in case we need them? Or will they come, leave us there, and come back? I'd prefer that they wait," Kaylayne asks Kwava.
"You handle the boat, we'll get the gear. Will the boat be waiting for us? Able to keep supplies on it in case we need them? Or will they come, leave us there, and come back? I'd prefer that they wait," Kaylayne asks Kwava.
"Well, I have no idea, but I'll ask the Captain I find, if I can find one at all to make the trip. Might be that you're brought there and picked up though - but I'll try to find a Captain willing to wait."
"I'll be back in the morning with your gold, then I'll see about a ship." Kwava makes ready to leave.
Ederin pinches the skin between his eyes and shakes off another yawn.
"Alright, it looks like we got a plan, eh? Kwava, I know you're as deep in s~#~ as the rest o' us, sorry to be difficult mate, you've been a proper gent. I ain't just saying that cause you're wavin' sweets in my face either. Payin' us that much won't set you back, will it? Not tryin' to cause more trouble."
When Kwava leaves Ederin will do one more tour around the Goblin checking on people and seeing if anyone needs help, then he'll settle in for some well deserved rest.