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Rizzardo's mouth works for a moment with nothing coming out of it, "Oh, oh, you wound me, sweet Ari. A Varisian thief? I know my kind are said to be such, but I am nothing of the sort. My talents lie more with the occasional fight. Only when necessary of course."
Ermolos interjects, "Ha, a thief for sure Rizzardo. Weren't you trying to steal poor Janiven's heart when first we met?"
Janiven casts a sly eye at Rizzardo, "Really, Rizzardo do tell." As Rizzardo blushes bright red, she turns to Ari, "We do have a rather motley crew, I admit, but they're all dedicated to improving our city. I do hope we're able to find a way to free Arael from the dottari. If the Hellknights are able to get a hold of him, I'm very worried about what they may learn about our little group."
"*Burp!*"
Jo wipes his mouth on his sleeve, looks around and thinks "Who cares about names, geez...It's more important what we are going to do."
Getting ready to voice his thoughts Jo sees that Coran has not touched much of his meal.
"Karen, you gonna finish that?" he points to Coran's plate.
When Jo burps Coran looks towards him "Yes I am going to finish, I was just trying to follow what is being said"
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Janiven replies, "He won't break unless they use magic or possibly torture. That won't happen with the dottari, but the Hellknights, especially the Order of the Rack, will do anything to try to find what they feel are rebels or insurgents. But, if they transfer him to the Hellknights, we might have a chance. They would have to get him out of Westcrown to Citadel Rivad and that might give us an opening to get him back. Right now though, I'm hoping the dottari just decide to let him go, they might do that just to stick it to the Hellknights."
"We can call ourself "Happy Kiddies of Westcrown" for all Jo cares!" Jo states as he stands from the table.
He stretches making his size seem even more impressive. He then steps away from the table, finds the warmest corner in the room and sits on the floor leaning against the wall.
"Tanks again for food Lady. Wake up Jo when we decide we gonna do something." Jo says as he crosses his feet and pulls his helmet down over his face beginning to nod off...
Sliding what is left on his plate over to Jo "Excuse me Janiven is there a place we can get some rest for the evening. With all the fighting and travelling I know I for one am beat." looking at his companions he gestures to Moondark and Jo "I don't think I am alone"
Jo proves to be nearly impossible to wake. When finally awoken he mumbles something about being good on the floor where he is.
He rolls on his side and proceeds to loudly saw wood. A deviated septum from several broken noses have all but assured a very noisy sleep experience for all nearby.
He will eventually remove his armor when it becomes too uncomfortable to sleep.
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The warm, rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee seeps into your consciousness and pulls you from sleep. Waking, you also detect a complimentary smell of fresh-baked bread.
After taking time to make your morning preparations, you each make your way to the common room, one-by-one...or in Jo's case, start back into alertness with a final disruptive snort.
Janiven sits alone at the table.
"Morning everyone. I hope you slept well." She turns to Moondark, "I'm sorry for ignoring your question last night Ari, but I thought everyone was about to drop of exhaustion and we have plans to make. There is no love lost between the Dottari and Hellknights. To the Dottari, the Hellknights are unnecessary intruders in the city, treading on the Dottari's responsibility with an arrogance derived from their supposed mandate to enforce the law. To the Hellknights, the Dottari are weak and corrupt, barely a step above the rebels and criminal element that the Hellknights seek to extinguish. Therein lies our opportunity. I still think there is half a chance that the Dottari will just turn Arael loose. But, if that doesn't happen, I fear we may have to try to steal him back from the Hellknights."
She pauses for a moment for questions.
Jo stirs at the first sounds in the common room. He stretches and stirs the fire (if there is one).
He rises and piles his armor in the corner with his hammer and heads over to the tables where they dined last night.
"Mornin Lady. *Yawn* Tanks for the place to sleep. Man I needed dat after doze sewers yesterday."
Jo sits. He has never had this drink named coffee. Jahat never allowed him more than water. Milk was a real luxury as was any kind of juice when he was able to get some. He sniffs it before taking a sip.
*Pfffft!*He spits the little he took in out onto the floor."Ugh! Dats awful. How you drink dat? Why's it hot?"
He pushes the mug back at Janiven
"Not sure who dis Arael is, but if it helps what we tryin to do, Jo says lets go get him."
Coran smells coffee and smiles, as he heads out to the common room he sees Jo spit the blessed coffee to the floor he looks at Jo "Barbarian" He then pours himself a cup sipping it then looks for the sugar, then thinks better of it and just keeps sipping the wonderful drink.
Looking over at Janiven "and the other side of that what plans would have to be made to take him back."
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Janiven hovers over her cup and breathes in the rich scent, "I'm sorry Jo, you're really missing out on one of the joys of Westcrown. But, I suppose it is an acquired taste. Maybe a slice of fresh bread would be more to your liking."
Janiven swivels on the bench to look toward Alarra, "Well, I'm hoping Alarra may be able to help us with the first option. I doubt she has enough pull with the Dottari to get him released, but I'm at least hoping that she might be able to help find out what's going to happen."
"But, if they're not making plans to release him, I think the might be just arrogant enough to send him to Rivad with a relatively light escort. If that happens, we might be able to find a place on the way to Citadel Rivad to surprise them and steal him back."
"I can ask around. No promises, though. And don't worry, I have no problem keeping him from the hellknights." She looks around, slightly sheepishly, before saying, "What? I know a few people."
You think she knows a lot more about the Dottari than she's letting on.
Jo is cool with that plan. Although finding things by gathering information is not his forte he can be an asset to someone who has the ability and can use Jo's intimidating stature to his/her advantage.
Jo would also like to talk to the smithy he met last night about getting some new armor. He would also like to get an earth-breaker hammer.
Alarra leaves the sanctuary in the morning. "Jo, I need to go visit some folks by myself. I'll meet you back here in a few hours, all right?" After making sure Jo will not follow her, her first priority is to go visit her uncle... after attempting to lose any other tails she might have picked up.
Nonchalantly weaving through crowds, markets and the occasional back alley, she makes her way to her uncle's house.
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Just as Alarra is slipping out, Ermolos and Rizzardo make their way into the common room. Catching sight of the devastation Jo has wreaked at the breakfast table, Rizzardo bursts out in laughter and clasps Ermolos on the shoulder, "Ha, I told you my friend, your days of being the King of the Table for the Children of Westcrown are over. All hail the new Monarch of Mastication, Jo!"
Ermolos just smiles and shakes his head, "Monarch of...? What? Ermolos, you are just too much! Hey Jo, did you say you wanted to look for some new armor or weapons last night? I can definitely help you out. Let's go to the smithy this morning. Your size may present a bit of a challenge, but I'm sure we can manage something."
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Alarra successfully slips out of the abandoned temple into the streets of Rego Sacero. The day is cool and bright and a light rain must have fallen overnight as the streets are still damp and slick. You make your way up into Rego Scripta, passing not far from Vizio's and the start of the wild events last night. You don't spot any tails as you make your way to your uncle's home near the border of Rego Scripta and Rego Crua.
The well-tended, white-washed stucco townhouse stands in sharp contrast to many of it's neighbors. Rego Crua is not a district on the rise, but you know your uncle would never leave. He believes strongly that the Dottari should live among the people they help protect. A few moments after knocking on the cobalt blue door, it swings open and the familiar figure of your uncle fills the frame. He is tall for a Wiscrani, with eyes so brown they are nearly black and close-cropped salt and pepper hair.
"Alarra, what a surprise to see you this morning. And, what a happy coincidence. I had been meaning to find you today as well. But you first, please come in and tell me what brings my favorite niece to Rego Crua this morning."
Together, the two of you make your way down the oak-floored hallway back to his small kitchen. As soon as you enter the townhouse, you smell the familiar strong coffee that your uncle is so fond of. He pulls out a stool for you at his kitchen table and a moment later the two of you are sitting together, each with a fresh cup of coffee.
Jo looks concernedly at Alarra when she informs him she is heading off on her own.
"You sure?"he asks worriedly. When assured that she would be ok, he says "Okay, well you be careful."
He looks toward Ermolos and Rizzardo. He is not sure he understood what was just said, he rubs his hand on his stubbly head and thinks "Need a shave pretty soon."
He continues to look towards Ermolos and when he hears "new armor" he jumps up nearly knocking the table over. "Oops! Sorry." and quickly moves to Ermolos side.
"Yes, Jo would like to see what you haf. Jo needs better armor and a bigger Hammer. Jo gots some swords from da sewers if you want dem. Jo not too keen on edge weapons. Like to hear crunch of bones under hammer!"
As they turn to leave the common area, Jo pats Ermolos on the back and leaves his large hand on his new friend's shoulder. "Hey let me ask you summitin Ermos, you like dat coffee? Yuck, almost make Jo fro-up!"
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Together, Jo, Ermolos, and Rizzardo head out of the old church by way of the back alley entrance. The day is clear and cool as you make your way north and west closer to the sea. Here and there you have to dodge around or splash through puddles left from a light rain last night. You enter Rego Scripta not far from Taranik House, home of the Westcrown detachment of the Order of the Rack, and shortly arrive at a small, but well-tended smithy. A wooden sign declares The Iron Kraken and depicts a fierce-looking metallic kraken wielding an assortment of swords, axes, and hammers.
Ermolos walks up to a large, wooden sliding door held closed with a massive chain and unlocks it with a key attached to his belt. His massive shoulders flex as he seizes the door and rolls it open revealing a forge and a variety of smithing tools. In the distance, you hear bells toll 10 o'clock and Rizzardo freezes, then cries, "Oh no, I'm late again! I'll meet you guys at the temple at lunch." With that, he bolts off to the east.
Ermolos shakes his head, "That man. I love him like a brother, but he can't hold a job to save his life. Between being late or getting into fights...anyway, let's see what I have on hand." He moves into the smithy and opens another door within. You can see a number of armored pieces and finished weapons within. "Now, the big problem is your size. If you'll give me a couple days, I should be able to put together, a fine suit of chain armor for you or perhaps a breastplate. Even though you're a big guy, it looks like you like to move around quickly in a fight. For now, I think we should get rid of that old scale torso piece and replace it with this chain shirt." He pulls out a very sizable chain armor shirt. "I took this in trade for a new breastplate not long ago and I think it will actually fit you. You're going to look a bit odd until I make that new armor for you, but it will protect you better. Keep using those scale arm and leg pieces for now."
He hands you the shirt and returns the swords you've brought to the room, "Now, what did you have in mind for a weapon. A bigger hammer...? Hey, I don't have one here, but I know a guy a few blocks from here that specializes in more exotic weaponry. I think I recall him having one of those Shoanti earth breakers. Is that the kind of thing you have in mind?"
Jo peels off his armor revealing his numerous battle scars and tosses the pieces into a pile near his feet. He takes the chain shirt and squeezes his immensness in to it. It seemed to fit decent enough. A few adjustments here and there and it should work pretty well.
"Jo not never had a chain shirt. Feels weird. Jahat said Jo's muscles should show when fightin in Da Pits."
He straps on his remaining plates and moves around in it a little. "Seems good for Jo! How much dis?"
When Ermolos mentions the Earth Breaker, Jo takes notice "Anyting wif Erff Breaker as a name must be able to break heads.*SNORT*" Jo chuckles at his witty comment.
"You know Emros, you okay...."
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Moondark cautiously steals away from the forsaken temple and spends the rest of the morning canvassing the streets of Westcrown. She listens in on conversations among the Dottari, talks to street urchins and merchants in the market. By the time lunch approaches, she has picked up on the following information.
Arael, a half-elf who seems to be variously seen as anything from a bloodthirsty rebel or bandit to a people's hero was captured by the Dottari yesterday afternoon narrowly before a group of Hellknights led by the infamous Badger. Apparently the Hellknights have been after Arael for some time and are furious that the Dottari seized him first. All night they have been pressuring the Dottari to release him into their custody so they can remove him from the city to Citadel Rivad. Word on the street is that their pressure is likely to soon succeed in exchange for some concessions over responsibility in the city.
Meanwhile, there are also stories that The Badger led a group of Hellknights against another group, possibly affiliated with Arael. Apparently, this group also escaped the Hellknights, leaving The Badger positively incensed. There are even rumors that some of the Hellknight armigers (Hellknight trainees) sent into sewers after the rebels/do-gooders were slain by shadow beasts. The Badger has their sponsor, Shanwen, on a short leash and his next mistake is likely to be his last.
Finally, there are rumors of increased criminal behavior by roaming groups of bandits, not only in areas surrounding Westcrown, but also within the city itself. This apparently is one source of the tension between the Dottari and Hellknights for while bandits outside Westcrown do fall under the Hellknight's jurisdiction, those within would be the responsibility of the Dottari. The Hellknights are convinced that those responsible for these bandits (such as that half-elf Arael) are located within the city and covered up by the corrupt Dottari. The most heinous group of bandits is said to be a group that calls itself The Bastards of Erebus, an increasingly brazen group that strikes at night and is said to have recently committed a double murder.
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Ermolos laughs together with Jo, "Hey Jo, you're ok too. Don't worry about the cost. This is one of the favors I can do for the Children of Westcrown. Besides, between your old armor and those swords, I'll come pretty close to breaking even. Save your coin for Marius, the weapon dealer with that earth breaker."
He takes a moment to look over the fit of the chain shirt and adjust a leather strap and a buckle on your right arm piece, "There, that should work pretty well."
"So, you fought in the Pits, eh? I gave some thought to that when my dad didn't come back, but fortunately, the smith that I was apprenticed to that used to run this place talked me out of it."
"You lucky you not fight in Da Pits. Dems tough fights. Lots of dem fixed. Dottari and politicians always dare frowin around dare money. If Jo could, I would burn dat place to da ground!" Jo says as his anger builds at the bad memories.
He quells his anger and changes the subject, though.
"Jo would like a nice breast plate. Make Jo look like real gladiator!"
Coran is going to leave the table and head out to find a few of his acquaintances Gauner and Antel to see if they have heard anything about what might be going on with Arael and the Dottari. While he is talking with Gauner he will pick up the rest of his gear.
Coran looks at the sun to determine where the floating chest might be, once noted he head off to the docks whistling a little tune. Trying to stay out of the sights of anyone who might mistake him for a house halfling.
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Ermolos looks on sadly as Jo talks about The Pits, "Man, I guess I'm glad I listened. That place sounds like a real problem. I don't know about burning them down. That sounds like it could lead to even bigger problems, but maybe we can figure out a way to shut them down."
He takes Jo's cue on changing the subject though, "A breastplate sounds like a good idea for you. It will maximize your movement in a fight, but offer a lot of protection for your chest. And, you'll look great too. Not that you're not already an imposing force."
Ermolos finishes locking the smithy back up, "I can afford to stay closed today. Let's go see Marius, then we can circle back and see what the others have learned about Arael."
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Coran finishes his breakfast and leaves the temple to search for Gauner. Judging by the sun, Gauner would have made his way by now from his nighttime berth in Rego Crua down into Rego Scripta. You reach the docks and begin looking for Gauner's familiar barge, but see no sign of it. You check the sun again, but it should still be another half hour before Gauner and The Floating Chest would usually head for the island district of Parego Regicona.
Coran is a bit worried, over all the years he has known Gauner he has never been late. Coran looks for any of Gauner's regular customers to see if they have seen him. If they haven't he would start walking towards the Rego Crua to look for him.
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Mother Mudlumm looks over her shoulder with a start. As recognition dawns in her eyes, she rises and wraps her arms around you in a big hug. "Ari!" She turns quickly back to the beggar, "Tavius, that cheese and bread should fill your stomach. Keep your eyes and ears open. There is much afoot in the city all of a sudden. Now go!"
As the beggar moves away, she turns her attention back to Ari and looks you up and down. "Ari, I've actually been out looking for you this morning. I heard there was trouble at the tavern where you were to meet Janiven. But, it appears you are ok... "
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After asking about the docks, Coran finds that none of the other regulars have seen Gauner this morning either. Unfortunately, with their own wares to tend to, none have been in a position to try to find him yet.
Coran makes his way up the waterfront through the cries of sea gulls and fishmongers alike. You soon reach Rego Crua and coming over a small hill, spy The Floating Chest bobbing at it's usual nighttime berth. No sign of activity surrounds the barge, but as you approach, you hear a moan from over the gunwale.
Jo is happy with the fit and feel of the armor. No one better mess with Jo now! he thinks with a smile.
"Yep, you lucky you not end up in Pits. You probably end up dead like most of dem. Yeah, Jo looks pretty spiffy in dis new armor. Can't wait to try it on some Hellknights! Now lets go see about dat erff breaker!"
Coran runs towards "The Floating Chest" "Gauner" He heads towards the gunwale. "Gauner"
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Ermolos steals a look up and down the street. Satisfied that no one is listening, he whispers, "Be careful Jo. The Children are friends, but not all in Westcrown desire change. Unfortunately many of our neighbors would be quick to gain favor or make a few coins by turning us over to the Hellknights or Dottari. Let's be careful where we talk of such things."
Together, you make your way a little further north, close to the border of Rego Scripta and Rego Crua. Ahead, you can see a small shop with a sign made from the head of the largest axe you've ever seen. Big block letters on the axe declare the shop to be Brutus Blades.
Ermolos continues walking up to the scarlet door and pulls it open. You walk in to see the most extensive assortment of weapons you've ever seen in Westcrown. The shop isn't large, but displays everything from daggers to pole arms. A deeply tanned man with black hair and no facial hair looks to you and Ermolos as you enter. He is small, wiry, and obviously has elven blood somewhere in his ancestry.
"Greetings Ermolos...and Jo if I'm not mistaken. It has been a while my friend. What brings one of the most infamous Wiscrani warriors to my shop today?"