Layne, who else, tipped their hand and that was what Dimitrio needed.
He once more dipped his hand in his spell pouch and blew on the fine particles he brought forth.
The thin stream of sand shot through the air and exploded near the thugs on the northern side.
The bard then drew forth his rapier and approached Zincher.
Blue and Orange claw at their eyes in horror - "I'm blind!".
Yellow shrugs off the sparkles and eyes Dimitiro.
Round 1 - 19
HP: 42
AC: 19
Equipped Weapons: +1 Composite Bow +2
Conditions:
Relevant Data: 24 Arrows, Blunt Arrows `18 (15 Silver Blanches), 6 Blunt Silver Arrows. Virashi (+2 morale bonus on attack rolls, saves, and skill checks)/, Deadly Aim -2 hit +4 dmg)/ Rangers Focus (+4 attack/dmg)/ Imp. Precise Shot (no negative for shooting into cover), Gravity Bow damage dice 1 Size up
"Are you f#+#in' kiddin' me Kaylayne?"
Ederin looks at his so-called friend with a look of complete betrayal before turning his bow on Zincher, focusing solely on the crime boss.
Round 1, Init 16
"Are you f+++in' kiddin' me Kaylayne?"
"What did you expect when you drew me into this, Ederin? You started this. What part of 'No bluffs, no games, no nothing.' didn't you understand?"
Kaylayne hisses as Zincher reacts as if he has something to hide...and like he would when he discovered Ederin's theft.
"This is on you, Ederin. This is me cleaning up your mess. Just be glad it's on our terms rather than his. Remember this next time you drag me into your deprivations, I finish THEM!"
Kaylayne tosses two stones at blue.
to hit (rapid, Virashi);
damage.
to hit (rapid, Virashi);
damage.
[ dice]1d20+9-2[/dice] to hit; (rapid)
[ dice]1d6+2[/dice] damage.
+4 Bab +3 Dex +1 magic +1 PBS
1d6 + 1 magic +1 PBS
Pearl of Power 1: 0/1 used
Scroll of Water Breathing
Wand of CLW: 4 charges left
Wand of Magic Stone: 28 charges left
Wand of Lesser Restoration: 21 charges left
Ring of the Ram: 20/36 charges left
Round 1, Init 16+
AC = 15
HP = 33/33
Weapon Equipped = +1 Hand Crossbow
Condition(s) = None
Lief looks at Ederin briefly, then shakes his head, drinking a vial quickly. Just as quickly, the young man disappears.
In the cloaking, he loads his hand crossbow with one of the several drow bolts, and studies the back guard unaffected by Dimitrio's blinding.
Ederin lets loose a volley at Kaylayne, but he focuses his shot on Zincher, whom he hits solidly even through cover - drawing the first blood of the combat. Lief turns invisible and lines up his next shot… with poison. Kaylayne attacks the support staff, neatly dropping blue with two shots. Dimitrio blinds a pair of them, though he tried for three. Garridan moves up on Zincher and cuts him deeply.
Zincher’s thugs react surprisingly quickly and efficiently - moving swiftly into position and attacking. It is clear they’ve seen combat before - or at least are well trained. They all, even the blind, draw their short swords. The blind withdraw a little and try rubbing their eyes to clear the glare and one succeeds!
vs DC 14
vs DC 14
Red steps up to Garridan as well as Green. Green gets a flank
Finally, Purple steps into flank with Zincher on Garridan.
Zincher grins, ”Do you take as good as you give there boy? Are we softened up enough? Time to play with the big boys.”
He grins as his pickaxe connects, though he's clearly sorry his underling got the crit attempt and not him. He knows his weapon can kill...
Seeing Garry surrounded, the bard advanced and went about making this a more fair fight.
He hoped to drop one of the thugs quickly.
"Now, let's fight fair, shall we?"
Round 2, Init 16+
AC = 15
HP = 33/33
Weapon Equipped = +1 Hand Crossbow
Condition(s) = Invisible
Lief takes his time repositioning, still unsure how detectable his current state makes him. Watching one thug drop quickly, he decides to work on the ones almost certain to envelop Garridan.
Lief shows up again, hiding behind a tree.
And purple remains conscious! Good hit though... he'll feel that one. Purple is staggered.
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Round 2 - 19
HP: 42
AC: 19
Equipped Weapons: +1 Composite Bow +2
Conditions:
Relevant Data: 25 Arrows, Blunt Arrows `18 (15 Silver Blanches), 6 Blunt Silver Arrows. Virashi (+2 morale bonus on attack rolls, saves, and skill checks)/, Deadly Aim -2 hit +4 dmg)/ Rangers Focus (+4 attack/dmg)/ Imp. Precise Shot (no negatives for shooting into less than total cover), Gravity Bow damage dice 1 Size up, Rapid Shot -2 to hit extra attack
Ederin's Focus on Zincher is absolute and he barely notices anything else happening on the battlefield. All he knows is that he has to kill this man now before this battle drags on too long. To that end he releases three arrows in quick succession, hoping they all find their mark.
Zincher, at the top of the round, falls under the barrage of arrows bending around the tree he hides behind.
The mooks are easily dealt with by the balance of the party in the round. Those who remain standing, quickly capitulate seeing the mighty Zincher laid so low - so quickly by the party.
Very shortly (next round), while the party is disarming the guards and generally preparing to celebrate, Akron comes running down the trail. He quickly takes in what has happened, and backs up, hands out and low...
"Easy now. No need to press this any further." he says. He stands on the balls of his feet, ready to jump depending on the parties actions.
Round 3 - 19
HP: 42
AC: 19
Equipped Weapons: +1 Composite Bow +2
Conditions:
Relevant Data: 21 Arrows, Blunt Arrows `18 (15 Silver Blanches), 6 Blunt Silver Arrows. Virashi (+2 morale bonus on attack rolls, saves, and skill checks)/, Deadly Aim -2 hit +4 dmg)/ Imp. Precise Shot (no negatives for shooting into less than total cover), Gravity Bow damage dice 1 Size up
Ederin turns to the man, bow drawn, but does not loose an arrow.
"Got nothin' against you Akron, but if you intend to fight we'll fight back. I didn't even intend to fight that bastard today, and look what happened to him." Ederin nods toward Zincher on the ground.
Kaylayne lowers the stone she was about to toss at Zincher and spins to face the voice. She lowers her hand, still somewhat struck by the savagery of Ederin's barrage.
"We have no quarrel with you, Akron. You've been honest with us," Kaylayne says, moving slowly over to Zincher's body to check on Garridan. "If you want to stay, stay, but don't cause us any problems."
"You okay there, Garridan?"
Round 3, Init 16+
AC = 15
HP = 33/33
Weapon Equipped = +1 Hand Crossbow
Condition(s) = None
Lief looks at Zincher's arrow-riddled body, then down at his hand crossbow. He slowly tucks it away, looking over at Ederin. "Well, that is as decisive as it comes. No wonder he ducked behind the tree. He knew what he faced."
As Akron comes into view, Lief actually worries for the man, until both Ederin and Kaylayne speak of non-aggression. "Akron, a word, if you'll listen. Ederin managed to nick one of Zincher's trunks. By the sound of it, a valuable one. Kaylayne decided to confess to Zincher that Ederin had done this, which brought his full ire to bear, and we defended ourselves. We're not murderers." Lief darts a look at Kaylayne. "At least, not all of us are murderers."
"Almost had my last call," Garridan grimaces through the pain as he replies to Layne's inquiry.
The bard sheathed his rapier and added, "And we want to go back to Riddleport. Like now. You'll be well compensated. I can even arrange for a succubus to tickle your bum."
At the looks the other gave him, he explained, "Not a real succubus but one of the girls from the Goblin. I guess what I'm trying to say Akron is that this will be worth your while. We can be ready to leave in a couple of hours; we have our own packing to do. What do you say? Do we have a deal? How much is passage on that boat in port"
Seeing that Garridan was going to be fine, Kaylayne turns his attention to the be-holed remains of Zincher, the dead Crimelord.
"Well, this ain't pretty. You got any remaining secrets on you, Zincher? What else would your body tell us?" Kaylayne searches the body, with Detect Magic.
Akron lowers his hands the rest of the way and grins. ”Did my work for me then. Allow me to introduce myself formally. The name’s Akron Erix all right, but I am not who I seem. I’m actually a member of the Sable Company out of Korvosa. Zincher here had one of our men killed, or did it himself, and I was here to gather evidence to put him on trial.”
”I knew you stole the trunk shortly after you left. It likely has the evidence I need, but I’d not the skill nor magics to get to it myself or, more importantly, get into it. I wonder if I might have the opportunity to see if the documents I need are there? You may, of course, have the rest of it - I am only interested in justice.”
He looks down at the bloody man, ”And justice has been served as far as I’m concerned. I don’t know how you pick your leaders, but you need to do a better job of it. He was a very nasty man. I’d accumulated almost everything I needed for a nice quick trial and a short drop, but there were still a few loose ends.”
He looks to the guards, ”Men, Zincher’s dead. You can either take your orders from me as you have been these last few months - at least until we get back to town - or you can disperse now and find your own way home. I still have the cash box, and will pay your salaries when we return to Riddleport.”
He speaks commandingly, and the men listen and obey. What choice do they have really?
He turns back to the party, ”I guess I command the boat then, we leave when you’re ready, but not before 2pm. We have a lot to haul back yet.”
- - -
On Zincher, you find a potion of cure moderate wounds (x2), vial of acid (x2), alchemist’s fire, +1 leather armor, +1 pickaxe, masterwork throwing axes (x4), dagger, amulet of natural armor +1, belt of giant strength +2, a collection of goblin ear trophies, 240gp in assorted coins, and a key on a silver chain around his neck.
"Allow me to introduce myself formally. The name’s Akron Erix all right, but I am not who I seem. I’m actually a member of the Sable Company out of Korvosa. Zincher here had one of our men killed, or did it himself, and I was here to gather evidence to put him on trial.”
Lief's eyes narrow. "Now I understand. You worked for the man, to bring down the man. You're good. A paranoid man like Zincher, and you managed to secure his cash box, and his trust. That... is... impressive." The young man turns to Ederin, then back to Akron, looking at the man like he had three eyes.
Ederin looks at Akron with suspicion. It would take a very skilled man to deceive Zincher, but the story sounds pretty solid.
"If that's all true, I wish I'd met you earlier. Since you apparently didn't like the bloke, I figure you probably don't mind revealin' his secrets. You seen him with any drow since you been on the island? Or doin' anything suspicious at all? Do you know what he intended to do with all the noqual he found?"
Whenever the party is done with Akron he turns to Garridan. "I got a spell that can help you lift the stuff we left back in the cave. You combine it with this belt, we might be able to get it all back here in one trip, if you're up to it?" He looks back to Lief and Dimitrio "If everyone is still up for leavin' today?"
If Ederin trusts Akron's story he offers to reveal the chest in the ship on the way back to Riddleport.
"Aye, just give me a minute to catch my breath," Garridan responds to Ed's request. He takes a moment, shutting his eyes and kneels down in supplication to his god. Miraculously, his wounds begin to close before your eyes.
Nice story. But he needs to understand that the ship, the cash box, and all the goods on board is our booty not his to be given away. Garridan thinks as he listens to Akron. He picks up the belt Ed pointed out and says as he looks at Zinchers body, " you will not be needing this." Looking around to his companions he asks, "Does anyone mind?" If there are no objections he puts the belt on.
Dimitrio looks at Ederin and smiles, "Shorty, I thought you would never ask. Hell yeah, I'm ready."
The bard winks at Garridan, "Yeah, you better keep the belt. it suits your fighting style a little more since you really can't dance."
Dimitrio then thanks Akron and start chatting with him about Korvosa and the fabled ranger.
Lief nods and smiles as Garridan gets up, and gathers the belt. He then turns to Ederin. "Perhaps the silver key will help?" He retrieves it, and waits for Ederin to produce the trunk, for all to see exactly how important it is, was, to Zincher.
As for the rest of the time required to load up the ship, the young man helps as best he can. He's largely ineffectual on the heavier things. He does spend time talking with the bossless thugs, inquiring as to their hireability at the Goblin. Men have to eat, after all.
"If that's all true, I wish I'd met you earlier. Since you apparently didn't like the bloke, I figure you probably don't mind revealin' his secrets. You seen him with any drow since you been on the island? Or doin' anything suspicious at all? Do you know what he intended to do with all the noqual he found?"
"Sure, sure. Drow? No," he laughs, "I haven't seen any drow. Aren't they more mythical than real anyway? Or do you know something about Zincher I do not?"
"As for the Noqual, I don't know his plans. He said he was going to make armor out of it, it's so light. But that never rang quite true, considering the losses he was suffering to scratch such small amounts of it. Still, he did get blinded by his own greed at times."
If Ederin trusts Akron's story he offers to reveal the chest in the ship on the way back to Riddleport.
You believe him, but then he charmed Zincher, so who knows?
Dimitrio then thanks Akron and start chatting with him about Korvosa and the fabled ranger.
Akron doesn't seem very chatty. There is still a load of supplies at his camp to remove, and there's the men to wrangle. He has their loyalty, for now, but who knows for how long that will hold.
...He does spend time talking with the bossless thugs, inquiring as to their hireability at the Goblin. Men have to eat, after all.
You'll find a few who show some interest, but you doubt you'd hire them on in any event. Zincher attracted 'thugs' not 'guards' and this lot, his personal guard, were particularly brutish. He could have had a stronger group around him, but he was looking more for a personality type that would enjoy the things he enjoyed.
By the time you're done chatting with all of them, you're convinced they all deserve to be in jail.
- - -
The morning passes largely uneventfully. You do have one minor skirmish with an akata, but you down it quickly. You haul, with the renewed strength of Garridan, everything of value out of the cave. You leave behind a few things, yards of canvas, some common rope, that sort of thing.
You close with the ship and find Akron and his guards have made it just before you. He seems to have command of the vessle - or at least the respect of the captain - and there is no trouble loading your things aboard.
During the short trip to Riddleport (about 5 hours), you have plenty of time to chat, and Akron asks again to have the documents he needs to proof his case. "We won't have a trial of course, but if the man ever manages a raise dead somehow, I want to be ready for him."
Sense Motive - Akron
Kaylayne smiles at Akron.
"I knew you were too good for Zincher. Why wouldn't you just kill the man? Why would you risk yourself to gather evidence when no one would have worried a wit about his death? Gathering evidence seemed like a lot of work...and danger," Kaylayne asks, helping sort and carry the loots.
"Are you going back to Korvosa? Back to your Queen, is it?"
"Well, I'm not sure I'd have been as successful as you at killing him for one thing, and for another, the rule of law is important don't you think? Without it, we're just scavengers all scrambling for the same bite. No better than animals."
"Yes, I'm going back to Korvosa. No, the Queen was... problematic. We have a king now. A righteous man and a good ruler. Very organized. Much is being done under his leadership. We even have an accord with the Shoanti so our borders are secure. Less work for the likes of me!" he laughs and lights one of his rather foul cigars.
Akron seems to be telling the truth.
Once on the ship Ederin takes a few private moments to pull the tattoo from his body and collects Akron and anyone in the party interested.
"I could have ruined him." He says once the contents are revealed. "Could have dragged his name through the mud, toppled his little empire in Riddleport and laughed as they hanged him. Sold him out to the highest bitter and gotten all my mates out of the slums." His voice quivers with rage. "Now he's just dead."
"F*@&."
His hands clench and unclench at his side and the muscles in his neck bulge while he shakes his head and grinds his teeth. The missed opportunity stares him dead in the face, something even better than just killing Zincher had been within his grasp, squandered on a cursed island. An angry grin grows on his face and he leaves the chest to whoever wants choosing to spend the remainder of the ride somewhere up high and far from anyone else, uninterested in what anyone else has to say.
Once on the ship Ederin takes a few private moments to pull the tattoo from his body and collects Akron and anyone in the party interested.
"I could have ruined him." He says once the contents are revealed. "Could have dragged his name through the mud, toppled his little empire in Riddleport and laughed as they hanged him. Sold him out to the highest bitter and gotten all my mates out of the slums." His voice quivers with rage. "Now he's just dead."
"F&+$."
Dimitrio shakes his head, "Hey Shorty. Give it a break. You did good. The man is dead, by your own hand nonetheless so just relax some."
Now in more or less civilized surrounding, he once more twirls his mustache, "And as far as your mates go, bring them over to the Goblin. We could use all sorts of people there if we are going to make it the top establishment in Riddleport. Hell, we could teach them to work as long as they are good people."
He cocks his head, "Do you think any of them have a passion for dancing?"
"...a king now. A righteous man...very organized..."
Kaylayne nods at Akron, not having much of a head (or care) for royalty.
"Will you be welcomed back? Or will this end for Zincher reflect badly on you?" Kaylayne asks. "Also, what do you think ZIncher would have done after he discovered this chest missing? What do you think would have happened?"
Kaylayne pauses.
"Law and order are fine to me, when and where they exist. That really doesn't represent Riddleport, but it might be in your newly-kinged Korvosa. From what I've seen in Riddleport, this was justice. This was it. We hit him back first. I have no regrets."
Akron digs through the documents, "Mind if I take these?" he holds up two or three documents that tie Zincher to a murder in Korvosa. Just one of many damning things in the pile.
"As for Zincher, I don't know. I certainly think he'd be out for blood. He'd know what sort of blackmail you could extract. He'd be a wholly owned man. As for me, this is a fine conclusion and I'll be welcomed back. You did me a favor, and if you're ever in Korvosa, you should look me up - as long as I'm not out on assignment of course!"
Akron pays the guards, and the crew out of a large lock box. He then hands it to the party.
”I’ve made a princely sum working for Zincher. I don’t want any more of his blood money.”
Inside the box is a list of 20 names (the original number of thugs Zincher brought to the island) folded in half and set on top of several small leather bags that contain a total of 420gp in assorted coins.
By the way, somewhere over the sea, Virashi’s Blessing has faded from your countenance, leaving a kind hearted feeling behind.
Garridan puts forth his hand to Akron and offers, "Please take the documents you need. Also let me express my thanks Akron and if you ever find yourself in Riddle Port make sure to find your way to the Dancing Drow the drinks are on me."
As the ship returns to port, a sizable crowd waits on the docks. Many of these folks are laborers, still hard at work repairing the port from the recent tsunami, while others hope to speak with anyone from Devil’s Elbow. Chief among these are a host of merchants eager to purchase any valuable metals that might have been recovered.
In addition, several Gas Forge dwarves are on hand to arrange appointments for the smelting and refining of Noqual ore, as the Gas Forge is the only forge in Riddleport capable of working with the hard metal.
As you move through the city to your home, you see that a host of charlatans now wander the streets, offering supposed relics from the island at exorbitant prices while spreading wild tales of vengeful gods, rising runelords, and beautiful princesses descended from the heavens.
Ahh, it’s good to be home, even if it was only a short time. The golden goblin stands in all his glory above the door as you enter the Dancing Drow - or whatever you plan to call it.
Inside things are… OK. There are a few things here and there that need to be done, but nothing a few days of cracking the whip won’t solve. The few servants and guards here this late greet you warmly and quickly prepare a hot meal for you. Your beds are extra comfortable tonight.
The bard had the presence of mind to send for the Varisian musicians and they quickly played some lively tunes.
After their meal was served, the bard also invited all the workers that were present at the time and all ate a large family-style dinner.
Conversation naturally turned to how things were at the Goblin and the progress made on the repairs.
He raised his cup, "A toast! To the Goblin or whatever we're going to call it. May be all turn it into the finest establishment in all of Riddleport!"
Some time later when things quieted down and most of the workers had retired, he turned to his companions, "So any plans yet? Anyone figured out what they'll do with their share of the money?"
Kaylayne returns to the city with mixed feelings. Certainly, the island had been no picnic in the forest, but it was a nice, outdoor trip. However, Riddleport wasn't 'home' yet; it still felt like a stopover and a badly chosen refuge from her other problems. On the other hand, the problems that had driven her here have largely disappeared. The dead, other 'her' that chased her here had largely left her alone, even, at times, helped her when she needed it.
Kaylayne spends the time on the boat considering what to make of the dead herself, wondering whether it is still fell omen or some sort of spiritual awakening. It concerns her that she has no one to speak with about it, no one like her that she could trust.
Maybe I will visit that Priest again...he had an ear...
* * *
After settling back into the Dancing Drow, she shakes her head at the name.
"I don't like the name anymore. Too soon. That black b~~+% almost killed me, killed Lief, killed all of us. We need something that I'll want to come back to. Something...nice."
She checks on her bars, wondering what it will take to re-open the 'Dancing Drow' anytime soon.
"Do we want to re-open place? If so, why? If we have more enemies as a result of our fallout with Zincher, this place is just a target. And, I dunno, I just wonder if it is worth it," Kaylayne says to the group. "What do you think Garridan? Oh wait, wrong person to ask, I suppose. Isn't one of your godly tenets to spread the drink? How about you Ederin? Lief? You see a need to keep this place open?"
Garridan smiles as he enjoyes the companionship of his mates and raises his mug returning Dimitrio's toast.
At Layne's suggest of changing the name or not opening the place he holds his tongue thinking, Maybe I can buy the others out cheap.
"Do we want to re-open place? If so, why? If we have more enemies as a result of our fallout with Zincher, this place is just a target. And, I dunno, I just wonder if it is worth it," Kaylayne says to the group. "What do you think Garridan? Oh wait, wrong person to ask, I suppose. Isn't one of your godly tenets to spread the drink? How about you Ederin? Lief? You see a need to keep this place open?"
Dimitrio was dumbfounded, "Layne, why would you not keep it open? I mean you worked here and some other place to make ends meet not too long ago. Now this beauty is yours. Ours."
He shakes his head disappointed, "I don't get you. What else do you want to do?"
As they arrive back in Riddleport Ederin finds himself oddly anxious. These past few days had been trying to say the least but it seemed unlikely that their drow problem was over.
He made an appointment with the Gas Forge Dwarves for sometime tomorrow, figuring the lot of them probably just wanted to relax in their own beds for the night, and he paid some local boys to help them haul the rest of their gear back to the Goblin, or the Drow, or whatever they were calling it these days.
When the subject of keeping the building comes up again Ederin shrugs from where he sits a little off from the rest of the group.
"If we can run this place and give people jobs than we should. If we can't, then we should figure out who was runnin' the show while we were gone and give it to them, name ourselves investors or somethin'."
He finishes his drink and pours himself another. A routine he keeps up for the rest of the night while he wrestles with the thoughts in his head.
Dimitrio looks at Lief, "Sure kid. You can make yourself some armor. I'll probably buy me a magical chainshirt or have one made."
He hesitates, "To be honest, I don't see myself with my fighting/dancing style doing well in a bulky armor, even if it weighs half as much. I need freedom of movement for my blade, you know?"
When the subject of keeping the building comes up again Ederin shrugs from where he sits a little off from the rest of the group.
"If we can run this place and give people jobs than we should. If we can't, then we should figure out who was runnin' the show while we were gone and give it to them, name ourselves investors or somethin'."
Dimitrio smiles and quips, "You see Shorty, Riddleport is good for you. You start to make sense all of the sudden."
He looks at the others, "Listen, all kidding aside, Shorty's got a good idea. Let's hire ourselves a very good manager and we can run this place from behind the curtain sort-of-speak. Some of us, myself and Garridan probably, would be much more involved in day to day operations while the rest of you would get involved as you have time and interest. How does that sound?"
Lief makes good use of the time on the travel back to Riddleport to investigate the ship fully for akata sign. Once satisfied that Akron was not duped by Zincher, he returns to talk with the man himself.
"Akron, would you be open to talking about the Sable Company? I haven't heard of local authorities working outside their jurisdiction like this. Is it true what they say? That you ride hippogriffs through the air like cavalry ride horses across the plains? How does one become a Sable? Are they all as large as you? You've been embedded with Zincher's crew for how long? Aside from Zincher, what else can you tell us of the criminal workings of Riddleport? Had you already heard about us, and our association with Saul? Have you met Cromarcky himself? Ederin and I have been so fortunate, it's likely we'll need to report to him regarding the events of Devil's Elbow. Is there anything you need us to keep from him, regarding your work? When do you return to Korvosa?" The questions fall from the young man's lips like a burst dam.
"I'm sorry. There's quite a bit to learn about you, and I fear we don't have much time. I inquire, because I wonder if you'll consider remaining with us a while longer. You see, we were tasked with investigating the 'Plucking of the Star', by a group of elves, who seem to understand a greater threat arising, from a group of drow, no less. Once we return to Riddleport, we're going to provide them knowledge that there were drow here on the island, and that their work is not done. The first journal we came across described the first event. But we have a second journal now, that names a second event. It sounds just as dire- 'Armageddon Echo'. Perhaps you might delay your return to Korvosa, in case we find ourselves trying to prevent another cataclysmic event?" Lief looks at the man earnestly.
...
On return to the Gold Goblin, Lief declines dinner outright, and encourages Ederin to join him in reporting to Cromarcky, straightaway.
"The Gold Goblin is as good as any place to call my Riddleport roost. Not terribly interested in running a business establishment, while there are more important things to attend. We need the ear of Cromarcky on Zincher, and Kwava on Shindiira's journal. This can't wait until tomorrow."
"Layne, why would you not keep it open? I mean you worked here and some other place to make ends meet not too long ago. Now this beauty is yours. Ours."
Kaylayne, on her knees, goes through what's left of the bar, trying to figure out what is needed.
"Get me? I don't want to die. That's easy. And I don't want to hurt others. That's easy too," Kaylayne says back. "I can do that away from the Gold Goblin or Drowning Drow or whatever we call it. I may not be able to do that here."
Kaylayne pokes her head up, looking over the bar.
"I don't understand much more of Riddleport, but I know it's not a friendly place. We've taken out, not one, but two, of their Crimelords. This place makes us a target. This place is someplace where they can hurt us and those we employ. This place is a big arrow about where we are and what we intend. And I don't even know what we intend. But, even worse, I don't know what they intend. But just having this place means that we intend something."
While the Korvosan Guard patrols the streets of the city, the Sable Company has jurisdiction over the skies, waters, and districts around Korvosa. The two organizations work closely together and the marines rely on their ties with the Guard to further coordinate efforts with the Hellknights and the Acadamae, both of whom are not on good terms with the Sable Company.
"Akron, would you be open to talking about the Sable Company? I haven't heard of local authorities working outside their jurisdiction like this. Is it true what they say? That you ride hippogriffs through the air like cavalry ride horses across the plains? How does one become a Sable? Are they all as large as you? You've been embedded with Zincher's crew for how long? Aside from Zincher, what else can you tell us of the criminal workings of Riddleport? Had you already heard about us, and our association with Saul? Have you met Cromarcky himself? Ederin and I have been so fortunate, it's likely we'll need to report to him regarding the events of Devil's Elbow. Is there anything you need us to keep from him, regarding your work? When do you return to Korvosa?" The questions fall from the young man's lips like a burst dam.
Over the course of the several hour trip, you manage to get your questions answered.
They do ride hippogriffs, or at least many of them do. Some are ground agents like Akron. It's not hard to get into the Sable Company, but it's hard to stay in. "Believing anyone can be good at something if they put their mind to it, we let in most applicants, but the requirements to be a Sable are very high and not everyone manages to stay past their probationary period."He's been with Zincher for about six months now. It wasn't easy, but he just kept making himself indispensable. Eventually Zincher kept moving him up in the organization. "I had to kill the last assistant to take his place, but he was a nasty man - worse even than Zincher, so I sleep well at night." He doesn't know a lot about the criminal elements of the city, but he does know some. He did his research before coming out and can tell you much of the towns inner workings.
He knows of you, and heard you took Saul out and took his place. He suspects you're very nearly crime lords yourselves. He has met Cromarcky, but only as attached to Zincher, never on his own. He rather fancies the Cyphermages more then the Overlord and hopes the city gets them in power in the next cycle.
"I'm sorry. There's quite a bit to learn about you, and I fear we don't have much time. I inquire, because I wonder if you'll consider remaining with us a while longer. You see, we were tasked with investigating the 'Plucking of the Star', by a group of elves, who seem to understand a greater threat arising, from a group of drow, no less. Once we return to Riddleport, we're going to provide them knowledge that there were drow here on the island, and that their work is not done. The first journal we came across described the first event. But we have a second journal now, that names a second event. It sounds just as dire- 'Armageddon Echo'. Perhaps you might delay your return to Korvosa, in case we find ourselves trying to prevent another cataclysmic event?" Lief looks at the man earnestly.
"I'll return to Korvosa immediately. Sorry. I've been on this particular job for 11 months now, 6 of them working evil for Zincher. I need to report the update to my superiors, hand over the documentation, and take a break. I need it."
"You lot are tenacious, and move quickly. I'm sure you'll do fine. I will be in town a week or so dealing with some loose ends of Zincher's operations before the rabble take it apart like wolves. Feel free to look me up."
In response to Leif trying to report the news Ederin shakes his head.
"I ain't goin' anywhere tonight kid. Do I think we should probably talk to Cromarcky? Yeah. Do I think we need to do it right now? No. If he decides he wants to hear from us sooner than later, he'll send his Gendarmes here to get us. If not, we can go tomorrow after we stop by those pump-suckers and give 'em our metal for forgin'."
"As far as stayin' in Riddleport, we've just done every organization in this city a favor by takin' out Zincher. The Cyphermages owe us for savin' their asses and we've got the people talkin' about how we opened our doors and let em all in after the flood. We got more friends than I can count, but I ain't leavin' even if that wasn't the case. Riddleport is my home, it ain't any different today than it was the last twenty nine years."
"Well, looks like we could use some spare Noqual before we head off to the dwarves. Perhaps someone is selling some extra on the market? I'd happily pick up some extra, if I could fashion another piece of armor."
The morning brings two visitors. Kwava, as you’d expect, has heard of your arrival and is keen to learn what you have discovered. He loiters in the main hall nervously, eager to talk to you, but careful not to push too hard. He bites his lip.
There’s also a young boy, clearly a courier, who stands waiting for you. He’s been several times in the last few days according to your staff, insisting on only speaking to a member of the party. He bears a small satchel and has orders to present it only to a member of your group. He waits patiently on the gambling floor as well.
He silently hands over the satchel as soon as one of you arrive. Within are a few items; a blank book - very fine in quality, a scroll sealed in wax, a small cloth bookmark, and an iron spike. The boy leaves quietly as soon as the package is delivered.
The scroll is again on fine light paper - very rare - and the paper has again been cut short, likely to hide a monicker at the top as before.
”Well done, you are coming along nicely and exceeding expectations. I wonder if you will continue to do so, or flame out? Only time will tell, but I have hopes for your strong little group.”
”I find myself occupied or I would meet you in person. Perhaps another time. My apologies.”
”I have heard of the giant fireball over Riddleport and would have you investigate it if you would be so kind. Please write up all you know about it - where it came from, where it went, what can be found at its landing site. Just put everything you can onto the book I’ve provided and I’ll send this boy to pick it up in a week or two when you return.”
”Please place the bookmark found in the satchel inside the book you write when you are finished to protect the information.”
”In appreciation for this work I give you this iron spike of safe passage for your use while traveling. May it provide you the cover needed to avoid your nightly foes, or at least hide your campsite.”
Kwava stands in the wings, ready to be received…
Ederin reads the note, then hands the bookmark and book to Lief, figuring him to be the one that would fill in the most detail about their adventure.
"Says here whoever this is will send this boy back in a week or two when we return. Return from what?" He raises an eyebrow at the young man who delivered the items, but shakes his head, knowing he probably doesn't know anything.
Deciding he's had enough of mysterious notes, Ederin walks over to their elven friend waiting patiently and smiles at him.
"We've got quite a bit to tell you mate, found another journal in the island. Seems like your drow friends just love writin' everythin' down before they do it. Good thing too, they never live long enough for questionin'." He laughs at his own joke and begins telling Kwava about their experiences on the island.
"Good thing too, they never live long enough for questionin'."
Kaylayne snarks a laugh, failing to keep it in.
"Yeah, Ederin. Seems like you lie down for a nap and they're all dead, huh?" Kaylayne playfully pokes Ederin, finding humor in it now when it wasn't funny then.
Lief takes the book from Ederin, reflexively. As the scroll is read, Lief wrinkles his nose, then sets the book down. He joins Ederin to speak with Kwava.
"Any news while we were away, Kwava?"
Garridan laughs spitting his drink at Ed's remarks but quickly sobers as he thinks, Hopefully someone isn't reading about our death in one of those books someday.
When others finish with the book, Kaylayne picks them up and examines them for magics. She continues to try to develop this side of her. It is something she enjoys and often surprises herself when she gets things right.
Spellcraft (bookmark)
Spellcraft (spike)
"And what do you have to say for yourself, Kwava? What do you your masters think is going on here? I'll admit that I don't really understand what the drow are doing or why it matters to us." Kaylayne asks.