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Erastus 23 The last few days have been clear, dry, and unseasonably cool, making it a welcome respite from the usual summer heat. When she approached you today, you recalled you had seen her before, sometime in the last week.
It’s mid-afternoon at the Eagle and Dove and the action is just starting to pick up. You’ve been playing a game with Grnash for the last hour when a tall woman in dark working cloths swings a chair up to the table. ”Afternoon Grnash,” she says, ”This the gent you were telling me about the other day?” Grnash looks up at you, ”Caravas, meet Janivel. I know you don’t like the way things are right now in Westcrown. Janiven is bringing together a few people to try to improve things. Thought you might be a good addition.” Not waiting for you to respond, Janiven continues, ”Grnash has the right of it. It’s a shame our leaders can’t even manage to keep our streets safe at night, but things can change. If you’d like to help, join me tomorrow afternoon at Vizio’s Tavern at 4. Hope to see you then.” Clearly done, she stands and walks back out through the crowd, stepping out the door.
It’s a beautiful morning, with a light breeze coming in off the river. Perfect morning to visit Gauner at The Floating Chest you think. Making your way to the docks in Rego Scripta you consider what a beautiful city Westcrown can be when everything is right. Then, you spot a Hellknight berating a house slave from House Ulvauno and Westcrown’s problems hit home. You arrive at The Floating Chest and are surprised to see that you aren’t Gauner’s first visitor of the day. A lanky human with dark brown hair cut to shoulder-length is there looking over a wicked knife. Gauner spots you and calls out, ”Hallo Coran, how are you this fine morning? I’d like you to meet Janiven. She’s a good customer and would like to speak with you about some work I think you’d be interested in.” He pauses and Janiven picks things up, ”Coran, it isn’t right that our leaders continue to allow the shadow beasts to terrorize the people of Westcrown. I’m looking for a few people to help make things better. We may not be able to stop the shadow beasts, but even little steps can make Westcrown better for all of us. I think you might be one of those people. If you’re interested, meet me at Vizio’s Tavern tomorrow afternoon at 4.” With that, she thanks Gauner, drops a few coins in his hand for the knife and strides off into the city.
Franco darts out of Meddyg Apothecaries only to crash into Antal Syiel preparing to come up the steps. You both fall to the ground. A tall woman in dark working clothes stands chuckling softly at you both. You look up at her and see that she might be pretty if she cleaned herself up, especially with that laugh, but you see from the way she carries herself that this is someone with some skill at arms. Just as you’re about to get back to your feet, she speaks ”Antal and Franco, what a coincidence I was actually just looking for you both.” You look again and realize that she looks familiar. You’ve seen her someplace recently, maybe at the apothecary. She continues, ”I know you’re not crazy about the way some things are in Westcrown today. I’m not either. I’m bringing together a few of us that are of like minds. Nothing radical mind, just trying to improve the city. If I’ve judged you correctly, join me at Vizio’s Tavern tomorrow at 4.” And, just like that, she walks away from you before you can get to your feet, shortly disappearing around the corner.
Business has been slow again today at Mystic Remedies & Trinkets. So slow that Al and Astarama have even ducked out for a bit to run a few errands. You’ve been puttering around the shop for the last hour when a human woman with short brown hair walks in the door. She looks familiar and you think you may have seen her during your last trip to the Dusk Market. She’s wearing rough-spun clothing and tall thigh-length boots. You’re not sure, but you may see a hint of chain beneath her shirt. Just as you’re about to call to her, she speaks, "Sazer, your friends shouldn’t have to scrape by and fear the shadow beasts at night. It isn’t right. I’m gathering a few folks that would like to help change things. If you’re of like mind, meet me at Vizio’s Tavern tomorrow at 4 o’-clock.I’m Janiven by the way, I hope to see you there." With that, she slips back out the door.
"Well now. What an odd young woman. Are you unharmed Franco?" Antal brushes off his fine coat, picks up his hat and takes up his walking cane again. "Vizio's Tavern. Tomorrow. 4 o'clock. Sounds rather shady. Perhaps a tad dark and conspiratory." The dapper little halfling smiles. "Should be fun. Shall we enjoy and evening with the young lady and our counterparts Franco? Who knows, perhaps she has a true opportunity for bettering the lives of the Wiscrani about us." Without waiting for an answer Antal heads inside, sitting down at his regular stall and laying out an impressive collection of salves, potions and other medical supplies.
Caravas watched the woman go, and smiling as he turned back to Grnash. "If I didn't know better I would have thought you brought her around to distract me from the game. Make sure that my mind is on other things and such...." With a nod, he moved a piece and continued. "Which, I must say would have been successful if you'd thought of it. I do like her straight forward style. What can you tell me about her?"
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Grnash grins right back at Caravas, "Who's to say I didn't. You just left me a nice opening there." Grnash moves a piece to a threatening location. "Here's what I know about Janiven. She's been around Westcrown for quite some time. She's worked for a number of merchant and guild houses. A popular choice when they have out of town visitors that they want to keep safe from local thugs and especially the shadow beasts at night. She's very good, but has a bit of a reputation for being a bit rash. I remember one story..." He pauses to shake his head and laugh. "The way I heard it, this young merchant she was watching over wanted to visit a brothel. She was all right with him going, but warned him he better be downstairs by 7 so they could get back to a safe area before dark or she would come get him. Sure, enough, she winds up dragging his half-dressed butt downstairs and back to the inn he was supposed to be at." He stops to have a swallow of his ale. "She's a good woman. She was asking me recently if I knew of anyone that might be willing to do some work to try to make the city a better place. I thought of you."
Coran was up at the crack of dawn a habit that he had been trying to break since he stopped being a slave, it was no use. He looked out his window overlooking the city, and watched the city wake. Coran reached for his pipe and tobacco, noticing he was almost out. He hoped that Gauner had his order tobacco of the quality seemed hard to get now that he didn’t have a free source. After performing his morning rituals Coran began his Journey to The Floating Chest he was in a good mood until he saw the Hellknight dealing with a slave “Someday Slavery will be no more in Westcrown” he thought as he saw this. He walked by knowing that if he interfered he would either be back in slavery or worse. When the The Floating Chest came into view Coran noticed two figures on board Gauner and a woman he had never seen before.
He arrived and was greeted by Gauner who introduced the woman saying she was a good customer Coran can’t remember seeing her before. She talked and told Coran about a meeting about taking steps to improve Westcrown. Coran would have told her yes on the spot but she was gone by the time he looked up. He looks at Gauner “So my friend two things First who is that woman and why did she think I was a good choice.” he pauses and looks around at Gauner’s wears “You didn’t happen to get my order of tobacco in yet.” the thoughts of improving Westcrown helped bring back some of the good mood he lost on the way over
Sazer watches Janiven disappear, and is still starring at the door in thought when clover lands on his shoulder. Turnin ghis head to face the bat, "Well Clover, what do you make of that?"
As the bat streatches it's wings Sazer can sense clover's annoyance at being woken and his hunger. "Fine, go find some food, but don't take too long. Tonight I want to practice that spell you taught me."At that comment the bat lets out a screach. "Ok, Ok, I'll be more careful this time!" Seemingly satisfied Clover launches into the air and out the shop window. Leaving the gnome to wonder, Can we change things here or are they too far gone? Perhaps this will afford me an opportunity to finally investigate delvehaven. I wonder how burning hands would work on a shadow beast?
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Gauner rummages around in the adel, "Aye Coran, your tobacco just arrived late yesterday. The woman was Janiven, she's been a long-time guard for various visiting merchants here in Westcrown. Helps keep her charges stay out of trouble with Wiscrani skum and the shadow beasts. Good reputation for effectiveness though she sometimes ruffles a few feathers. She came around a few days ago looking for my thoughts on anyone that might be interested in working with her and some others to see things improved around Westcrown. I mentioned that I might know a lad who'd be interested. That lad would be you. I trust her. If you're interested I would go learn more. Ah, here it is."
He pulls a small package wrapped in brown paper from the adel and passes it into your hands.
Coran takes the small package, putting it up under his nose to get the smell, he smiles wistfully. then puts it in his pouch. “Thank You Gauner on both counts this city does need change, I was hoping I would be involved in it somehow.” Coran looks in the direction that Janiven went “If you trust that Tallie then I will give her a chance.” He turns to start to leave then turns back to Gauner “Thanks for putting in a good word for me, I will see you for lunch I have a nice cheese I picked up yesterday.” Coran leaves the adel waving to his friend. Once he is out of the adel he pulls the the brown pouch from his pocket and inhales, thinking of his father.
Caravas smiled. "And so I did.... You're a true strategist my friend, but.." After looking at the board a moment, he reached out and tipped over his lead piece, indicating forfeiture. "One of these days I'll think of somehow to beat you that you haven't thought of... Strategy isn't always the only thing that can win a battle. Being lucky or even reckless can throw a strategist off their game just long enough to pull out a win. I want to learn from you though, so I'm not being reckless or just lucky. Learning from the best is a good way to do things."
He nodded toward the door where Janiven had left. "You do paint her in the picture of a real firebrand. I guess that's something she and I have in common. Although I've never had an opportunity to pull someone out of a brothel. Way you tell it she does seem to have a bit of a reckless streak in her.... might be just what this place needs. Not much to do until meeting her tomorrow though. There's a lady I've been meaning to get together with at the Eagle... I guess I will see you sometime later then. Oh, and thank you for making the connection with her and I.... Looking forward to seeing what I can do to improve things..."
He rose and smiling, headed for the Eagle and Dove.
" I'm Sorry Antal, I'm good, save a sore bottom." Franco admits as he pulls himself to his feet and watches the tall woman depart as quickly as she came. "A strange occurrence indeed." he adds slack jawed, absent mindlessly searching for the lady among the crowd she dissipated into. When his senses had came back to him, Antal had already gathered his hat and cane and went inside. Rushing after his halfling companion, Franco followed him to his stall and leaned heavily against the wall, his eyes searching over the daily customers of Meddyg Apothecaries." I think it's a marvelous idea really," he began." I could use some like minded company. And maybe we can really do something for the good of this Wiscrani cesspool." he said almost in a fervor, before gathering his composure and sweeping his long hair back out of his face."Besides, she was practically undressing me with her eyes, didn't you see?" He said slyly, nudging Antal with his elbow pleadingly.
I thought we were at the Eagle and Dove. Have I confused your locations? If so, I need to get that fixed
Whoops! my mistake.... I'll edit that first chance I get.... basically, he'll be heading upstairs... (either that or the different parts of the building are referred to by Eagle and Dove seperately?) :)
Franco can hardly keep his mind on task as he goes about his daily routine of cleaning up around Meddyg's stall and studying alchemical texts. He keeps an eye on the sun, and goes to find Antal when he thinks his friend will be ready." I suppose it's time, Antal." the tiefling suggests .
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Once his halfling companion has readied himself, he'll head to Vizio's tavern, preferably with enough time to walk leisurely to to Rego Scripta. Franco planned to enjoy the unusually cool day, it was a welcome relief from soaring Erastus temperatures "Janiven said Vizio's tavern was it?
Once at the tavern, Franco enters immediately and has a look around for the tall woman.
GM
If this idea would mess things up, or if you don't like it, feel free to say so, but i thought I'd share the thought. I never made up a name for Franco's father because I didn't plan on him playing a large role, however, what if his father was the same as Calseinica, Kalder Nymmis?
Kalder and family, shamed by the birth, Handed him off to Meddyg, and fabricated the lie of his mother dying in birth, and his father disowning him because of it. This would kind of guilt Franco into not asking about his Noble ties, at least as of yet. Just a thought, tell me what you think GM.
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You have heard of Janiven before. From a merchant that visited Meddyg's once. He told a colorful story of a woman named Janiven that guarded out-of-town merchants visiting Westcrown. Apparently one of her charges refused to leave a brothel at the time she requested. She went up, found the room and dragged him half-dressed back to a safer part of town before dark and the shadow beasts.
You have also heard of Vizio's. It is named for a family that once ran the establishment. It was a location where merchant guards went to relax, complain about their employers and look for new jobs. The place closed when Vizio died of old age and his family decided to leave Westcrown. Supposedly there are new owners - a half-elf man and a human woman. From what you've heard they purchased it some time ago, but it hasn't re-opened yet.
Coran Starts his walk to Vizio's from The Floating Chest hoping to get there a bit early and find a spot so he can view the tavern and take a smoke of his pipe. He wants to observe who goes in and what is going on at this bar, Before he decides to enter.
Perception check
Franco is sure to relate any information he can think of to Antal."If what I heard is true, this Janiven once guarded out-of-town merchants visiting Westcrown. Apparently one of her charges refused to leave a brothel at the time she requested. She went up, found the room and dragged him half-dressed back to a safer part of town before dark and the shadow beasts." He explains colorfully before scratching his chin for a moment." If memory serves this Vizio's place is under new ownership,-a half-elf man and a human woman. From what I've heard they purchased it some time ago, but it hasn't re-opened yet. Hmm, maybe Janiven is going into real estate aswell?
GM
Caravas awoke, later than he'd planned (although it had been a late evening after all) and was unsurprised to find himself alone. Smiling in remembrance of the night, he stepped over and splashed water on his face to help him wake up and then began gathering his things together. Once heading downstairs, he grabbed a quick drink before heading out toward Vizio's. Getting there early would give him a chance to check the it and the customers out.
It could also be a good opportunity to find out a bit more about Janiven.
Antal will arrive with his Nephew right on time. "Now now, my boy. Those aren't the kind of stories you need. After all, what kind of story has no goblins. Only a half naked man? Should have been dragging him through hobgoblins. You need to get to know some bards my boy." The small halfling raps lightly with his cane at the tavern door. "Antal Syiel, here by invitation of the riveting Lady Janiven." The alchemist leans upon his cane and peers at the door annoyed. "One would be of the opinion that a 'tavern' would be open at this juncture. After all, it is near suppertime, which is the time at which the proprietor would be making most of his currency."
Rising early, Sazer goes about his morning routine of memorizing his spells with Clover. That finished he joins Aladezar and Astarama for breakfast, where conversation quickly turns to this afternoons meeting. "don't worry, i'll make sure to watch my back. Besides I've got my lucky charms, what could go wrong."
After breakfast Saver works behind the counter, aiding the few customers that come in, while Aladezar works on a warring charm and Astarama begins mixing a remedy for the latest disease, hair beginning to spread through the dead sector. Clover takes the opportunity for an early nap, knowing he'll be needed later today.
As the bells ring three, Sazer bids his friends goodbye as Clover defends to perch on his shoulder. taking his time, Sazer sticks to the well traveled streets, offering. Quick greeting to those he is acquainted with. Reaching the tavern, he sees a dark haired man watching a halfling rap.on the tavern door with his cane and announcing his presence to those within. Not waisting anytime, Sazer scampers up to the duo. "Afternoon, I hope I'm not late. Excuse me please, Clover stay close, you year me." and with that he moves past Antal and Franco, lifting the latch and pushing on the door. Finding the door barred, he turns to the duo. " what kind of person invites someone to a meeting in a tavern, and locks the door?"
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Caravas arrives at Vizio's Tavern in the early afternoon. It's obvious when you arrive that the tavern is undergoing some sort of renovations and is not yet open for business. A few minutes later, you spot Janiven dragging a couple of heavy parcels wrapped like they are from one of the markets toward the door. She spots you and smiles.
"Caravas, how good to see you early. Come over and help me with the food while I open up."
She hands you the packages and draws a key out of her belt pouch that she uses to open the building. You both step inside.
You arrive at the tavern a little early as planned and set up nearby having a smoke on your pipe. You can see that the tavern looks like it is undergoing some form of renovation. It is hard to tell from your vantage point if it is open or if anyone is inside.
It is just nearing 4-o'clock when three people come to the tavern in rapid succession. Two come together, a dapper halfling and a fairly tall man with shoulder-length black hair. The halfling is saying something and raps on the door with a cane. The door swings open.
At the same time, the third figure arrives, a gnome with bright purple hair and a bat flitting about his head. He says something to the first pair and as the door starts to open steps in and pushes it the rest of the way open, walking in.
You arrive at Vizio's. As expected, it looks like the tavern is not open and undergoing some sort of repair, but when Antal raps on the door with his cane, it begins to swing open. At the same time, a gnome with wild, purple hair and a bat flying about his head steps past you saying hello, apologizing for his tardiness and saying something about a locked door that he proceeds to push open.
Just as you push past the other pair and press on the door that you are expecting to be locked, the door swings open.
" Oh yes Antal, forgive me for telling a tale without embelishing it." Franco teases the halfling, rolling his eyes."Honesty is a pretty good policy most of the time."
He turns his head sideways at the talkative little gnome, but offers only a look towards Antal before entering the tavern himself.
Coran wonders for a bit about who these like minded people are. He supposes it might not matter as long as they are willing to change the way Westcrown is. Coran notes the time and looks over at the tavern noticing three figures now at the door. A Tallie, Halfing and a Gnome, “So these are the like minded people.” he thinks. He gets down off the box that he was sitting on and begins to head over to the Tavern. Once he gets to the Door he knocks.
Hand in the air as the door opens, Sazer stumbles back a step. "Now that's service. let us enter Clover, and this time stay close, else you become a cat's play thing again." Having issued his warning, he enters the tavern.
"Well my boy, you are only 18 years, no one expects you to be as old and wise as a well-travelled elder." Antal steps lightly into the room and looks around. Then sweeps his hat from his head and bows over his cane. "Antal Syiel, at your service my fine lady. I trust this oddly coloured fellow is another associate? That is a rather fine bat on your shoulder my boy, is it a Varisian Hollowchest?" Antal holds out his hand to shake.
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Caravas helps Janiven with the packages by carrying them back into the kitchen behind the bar. Once they're done, Janiven offers Caravas an ale or lemonade and welcomes him to make himself at home while they wait for the others.
Janiven busies herself in the kitchen and occasionally behind the bar making small talk while you wait, but pointedly veering away from any discussions of the meeting. Delightful smells begin to fill the tavern with odors of roasting chicken and tomatoes.
Some time later, a commotion comes at the door and three figures spill into the tavern. A gnome with bright purple hair with a bat tat flits in behind him is first, followed by a dapper halfling and a fairly tall man with shoulder-length black hair.
Janiven greets the trio, "Excellent, Sazer, Franco and Antal. Welcome! Please have a seat with Caravas while I finish preparing our dinner. Would you like ale or lemonade? We only have one more guest to wait for."
A moment later, a knock comes at the door.
"And that must be him. Coran, if that's you, come on in."
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Coran enters the tavern, looking for Janiven making sure she is here. "Good Afternoon All I am Coran." Coran sniffs the air "Janiven, what is that delightful smell coming from your kitchen?" Coran nods at the others around the door and walks over to the bar and Janiven.I am here because of Gauner and his trust in you. I am staying because I am curious about what you have to say and more importantly what you are prepared to do." Coran smiles at Janiven "I am not trying to be hostile I just want to know what is going on."
Sazer shakes Antal's hand. "Why yes he is, His name is Clover; and when not getting into trouble, he is a valuable companion."
Sazer then makes his way over to the corner table where Caravas is seated, calling over to Janiven, "lemonade if its not too much toruble."
Caravas smiled "I feel it's always a good thing to begin a day with a bit of ale or the like. Also, since I wasn't expecting to have to do a bit of work right off, could use the refreshment."
As the others entered, Caravas looked them over carefully. With the purple hair, the gnome, Sazer definitely appeared personable, and so did the latecomer Coran.
He partially rose, not wanting to tower over the gnome, and extended his hand to Sazer. "Welcome. I'm Caravas. Seems that Janiven has some interesting things in mind ofr us I'd imagine, else we wouldn't be here. And I know I wouldn't be if a friend of mine hadn't told me what he knew of her, so I think this is the right place to start to make some changes, eh?"
Shaking the strangers hand Sazer smiles back. "Any change would be welcome in these parts. SO Caravas, when not attending a meeting with complete strangers, what business are you in?" As Sazer sits at the table, Clover flutters up to the rafters, where he finds a good perch and hangs from it.
Franco is content to be silent. He takes a seat and waits patiently for Janiven.
"Lemonade Please." Franco hardly considered himself old enough to be drinking and besides he didn't have a taste for the stuff.
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Janiven responds to Coran, "Coran, I understand. You'll get your explanations, but first, we're going to have some dinner and give you all a chance to get to know one another."
She places a tankard and two glasses on a wooden platter along with two pitchers. Then, she picks up the platter and carries it over to the table. You can see that in addition to the drinks it holds a large wheel of white cheese.
"Some cheese to start. Dinner will be ready in just a couple minutes."
She pours a lemonade for Sazer and Franco and an ale for Caravas and leaves the pitchers on the table. To Coran and Antal she asks, "Anything to drink for either of you?"
Then spotting Clover again, she asks, "Oh, Sazer, I almost forgot your friend. Anything for him or will he be happy buzzing around collecting any loose spiders or flies in here?"
Coran looks close Janiven as she goes about her duties. He gets down from the stool and heads over to the table with the others and takes an empty seat. "I will take a Lemonade." Coran slices the cheese then gestures to the rest of the table. "Can I cut a piece of cheese for anyone." and smiles.
"Of Course, dinner. It would be impolite to discuss such things on an empty stomach in any case. I will have lemonade should you be so kind as to pour me some." The halfling sits at the table and adjusts his fine hat. "Some cheese would be lovely, thank you, Coran... was it?" He takes his slice and begins to eat carefully. "I feel that we must all have some aspects of a similar personality if we are to be called to this secret meeting. Namely, that we all feel the need for change upon the streets and parapets of our fair city." Antal tends to make grand gestures as he speaks, which looks rather more impressive with his cane than with a slice of cheese.
Coran looks at the fellow halfling, "Yes it is Coran, change is something this city need badly." he looks around "But what do we have to offer? I was a former house slave, who to shirk his jobs left the house to search the city for fun." Coran slices another piece of cheese and eats it.
To janiven "Clover is an excellent hunter of bugs, I'm sure he'll be fine. I however can not fend for myself and would love some cheese and whatever else you have prepared." Turning to Coran and Antal, "Some of theareas of town are dieing, and shadow beeasts stalk us in the evry streets, change must happen, and soon. Clover has been helping my study the arcane arts, and I am ready to fight for change"
To Sazer "Besides my training as a house slave, I have some martial training and a man named Jenkin's taught me how to kill some of the darker varmints that wander the city." he grins a bit "Change is definitely worth fighting for.
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Janiven walks back into the kitchen. A couple minutes later the door bangs open and the room fills with an even stronger smell of chicken and tomatoes. She approaches with a steaming hot dish and a stack of plates. Janiven puts a delicious looking dish of roasted chicken covered in tomatoes and shallots down in the center of the table. She then passes out plates to everyone and dishes out a serving to everyone, including herself.
"Don't let me interrupt you guys. It's important we all get to know each other a bit."
She pours some ale for herself into a tankard and takes a drink, "Help yourselves everyone."
Coran's training as a house slave takes over and begins to cut the chicken and place servings on his fellow troublemakers plates. Once he realized what he was doing. "I am sorry, old habits die hard."
Caravas was quiet as he listened to the others. Hearing their discussion he knew Janiven had gathered a strong group of people for whatever she had in mind. He nodded and smiled as Coran apologized and stepped up to help serve as well.
"Not a problem at all Coran. I'll be glad to help too. We all have our pasts, but it's the present and how we deal with people that really counts. Growing up on the streets for a lot of my youth I saw a lot of stuff... and it only pushed me to make sure that I did what I could to help instead of treat others like I or people around me had been. That's why I'm here. "
Franco eats politely and interjects into the conversation only one."As an apprentice to Meddyg, and through martial prowess, i have become adequate in the practical uses of alchemical poisons. And I'm quick with a blade." Franco seems supremely confident in his statement, and continues to eat once he's satisfied all had heard his two cents
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After listening to the others and having some chicken, Janiven speaks, "All right folks. I think all of you know I'm Janiven. I've lived in Westcrown for my entire life. For a long time, I put up with this city's problems. But, I made sure I learned my way with a blade and eventually I became a guard for various merchant interests around the city. I found they often had fellow merchants visiting from out of town who didn't know their way around the city and were at risk from thugs in the day or the shadow beasts at night."
She pauses to pour ale into a tankard and takes a drink.
"I learned one important thing during those years. Other cities don't have these problems, especially the shadow beasts. You're all here because you have similar concerns. You're not alone."
Coran listens to Caravas, Franco, Antal, Sazer and Janiven. Smiling at what he hears these are the people that can help change the city. I am glad to hear I am not alone in wanting to change this city. It is a rough place to live. Coran pauses looking around at everyone I have never seen any other city but maybe someday, right now fixing this one needs priority."