"Mort, do you want to find him and talk to him? He's got to be staying in town and there aren't that many decent places. I'm sure we can find him."
Mortimer nods. "Probably at the Deluxury."
"Yes Mortimer, that might help us find more, but better do not suggest the analogy" Eidi remains observant of the other assistants "Pssht! Are you sure Mortimer is going to cause a proper impression of himself? Perhaps you should go with him Solrisa or Eri, you also know the man, isn't it?"
Mortimer exhales lowering his shoulders as well as his head, crestfallen. He said that aloud... but he's right. I seem to put people on edge or something -- must be the height.
"I would hardly know the first thing to say to him, I have never seen his performances -- though I've heard much about him in the re-telling. He was respected by many for his talent."
He looks at Solrisa and Eri. "So, what do you think? Any one care to join me?"
"Pssht! Are you sure Mortimer is going to cause a proper impression of himself? Perhaps you should go with him Solrisa or Eri, you also know the man, isn't it?"
Solrisa squees with joy at the prompting by Eidi, running over to say hi to Shag.
”Shag! SHAG! It’s me, SOLRISA! From home!” Solrisa offers a hug to the man, certain she will be remembered.
”Oh Shag! What are you doing so far from Silver Lake!?” Solrisa asks with a bright smile and genuine interest.
Eidi observes Solrisa entry from a far "Mmm... well... isn't she charming?" the half-elf sighs and waits to see what happens next with the heroes approach to the man.
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The Outcasts take their leave, shy of directly meeting with Shag Solomon of Diamond Lake renown, as he keeps the company of someone by the name of Montague. The gnome promises to locate Shag, possibly alone, the next day, in his wanderings about Alhaster.
...
The next morning begins uneventfully. The Feast unfolds, then finishes, and Ascaria takes his leave of his friends to ask about the Angry Rifter's common room, regarding the quite distinguishable Shag.
Within the hour, Ascaria ascertains Shag's residence- the Deluxury. His countenance is unique to the city, and those who take up residence at the Deluxury are already an interest to those who can only dream of spending that amount of coin.
Returning to the Deluxury is tamer than the first time, as the mute bouncers wave you in the front door without so much as a demand. This morning, Armhin doesn't come to greet you immediately, and you are left to wander the first floor by yourselves. Seems that the Deluxury's evenings are the substance of the establishment's earnings.
The patrons of the Deluxury are sprawled throughout the dining room, a late morning's repast to late risers, where a buffet to rival your elder half-elf's Heroes' Feast. It is here where you find Shag.
He hardly acknowledges you, as he breaks his fast with vigor. Those of you keen of hearing can even catch a low pitched purr coming from the fur-faced humanoid, while he eats.
"Shag! SHAG! It’s me, SOLRISA! From home! Oh Shag! What are you doing so far from Silver Lake!?”
It takes the previous resident of Diamond Lake to realize who has joined him in the dining room. He returns the maiden's embrace, though with a measured formality that ends it more quickly than Solrisa might let it last.
"Solrisa? Well of course! You've traveled, I see. As have I. The dragon's attack, and all. Did wonders for local traffic to the Emporium, I'm afraid. I thought it best to find other places to haunt, and so here I am! What's brought you all to visit Alhaster, of all places? I remember not so long ago hearing about your exploits in Egorian." Shag seats himself, and returns to his plates, though his attention is very much centered on the Outcasts.
...
Eidi takes to Alhaster with renewed zeal, in his effort to see his chests crafted for his magical musings. He does find who he needs, again at the Alhaster Market, and is promised the work will be done well before the Banquet's evening.
"Solrisa? ... I thought it best to find other places to haunt, and so here I am! What's brought you all to visit Alhaster, of all places? "
Solrisa's face scrunches up for a moment as she tries remembering, but then she does remember and her face breaks out into a big smile.
"Oh! *THAT* dragon!" Solrisa smiles and flips a hand of nonchalance at Shag. "Oh! We kilt that beast long ago. Dead and very dead, if you know what I mean," Solrisa ribs Shag in the, uh, ribs in a friendly manner.
"Yeah, after we won our belts, we came back to Silver Lake and kilt that dragon because it wasn't a good dragon, like *THE* Dragon, you know?" Solrisa playfully elbows Shag again.
Diplomacy
"Ayep. And here we are now. In this city. What brings you here? I mean, you could go home now. Why are you in town?"
Eidi plans the chest crafting with the professionals. He directs it on some of the details but leaves them creative room for the actual styling "I wand the chest to have a large Eye crafted within a circle on each of the four sides, and there should be like beams of light coming from the center of the circle"
Once the order is set, Eidi returns to his chamber to work on the craftings of the headband. He does keep the telepathic bond open so the Outcasts can communicate while they are split.
”We’re headed to Zeech’s party - have you also been invited? It’s supposed to be quite the spectacle.”
If anyone is not with them, he’ll relay the conversation to them telepathically.
"The dragon's attack, and all. Did wonders for local traffic to the Emporium, I'm afraid. I thought it best to find other places to haunt, and so here I am! " Shag seats himself, and returns to his plates, though his attention is very much centered on the Outcasts.
Wonders for ... traffic?
[ ... blablatheryblahblah ... ]
... You mean Diamond Lake...
Mortimer folds his arms across his chest. Where can this be going?
"We’re headed to Zeech’s party - have you also been invited? It’s supposed to be quite the spectacle.”
Mortimer arches a compromised eyebrow. Exhaling, he unfolds his arms, pulls up a chair, and takes a seat at Shag's table -- his demeanor clearly expecting answers and entertainment.
At least, he hopes he is conveying an aspect of adoration.
"Really -- the theater! What's next? Do tell!"
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"What brings you here? I mean, you could go home now. Why are you in town?"
Shag hears the maiden declare the all-clear, and smiles toothily. "I'm here by invitation, actually. My old friend, Professor Marat, has long resided in Alhaster, and offered me and several entertainers from the Emporium safe harbor, while it underwent rebuilding. The coastal city has won me over, and I intend on staying here a while longer."
"We’re headed to Zeech’s party - have you also been invited? It’s supposed to be quite the spectacle."
"I have, at that! I'm looking forward to it, as it's one of the first real events where I'll be able to mingle with the more well-to-do residents of the city, outside of the Deluxury. No doubt the winners of the Gauntlet would make a showing. Are you guests of Loris, then?"
"Really -- the theater! What's next? Do tell!"
Shag's appearance takes a fuller look, as his hair raises slightly in the face of such vim and vigor sitting down beside him.
Shag's race is a proud one, and Shag Solomon himself is a tamer specimen, removed from aggression and pride only so much. The hair standing up all over the lion man is much like the tail on the hair of a dog who senses aggression nearby.
"The Seduction was worth the price, I'll admit. Miomay's voice was beautiful, and Jussento did justice to the Barondo chap. Not sure what next week's performance will bring, but it should be a quality production."
...
"I want the chest to have a large Eye crafted within a circle on each of the four sides, and there should be like beams of light coming from the center of the circle."
The craftsman leans over the shoulder of the young woman responsible for making sketches in charcoal, first taking in what you desire, before showing it to the onlooking workers. When the designs meet approval on both sides, the woman smiles pleasantly, and traces a copy of the design. She hands one copy to you, the other to lead craftsman.
The elder half-elf finds himself undisturbed for the first hour into his crafting of his Headband, though he does keep a mental ear out for his colleagues, connected by telepathy.
...
On your return to the Angry Rifter to meet back with Eidi, you are met on the street by a pair of hobgoblins. The smaller of the two stays back, while the larger hobgoblin steps forward to greet you. On his left shoulder sits a raucous raven.
"Well, well, well. You must be them. Those who managed a seat at the table, somehow. My name is B'kruss. This is V'russ. We are commanders of the Knights of Redhand. Welcome to our city." The hobgoblin known as B'kruss bows deeply to you all. Well, all of you currently before him.
The hobgoblin's smile is pure facade, his politeness a thin veneer over a palpable disdain for you newcomers.
"What have you done that's so impressive, you've been invited to the Banquet, eh?"
Sense Motive
Solrisa chit chats about Silver Diamond Lake with Shag, talking about friends that they both might know and the best places to eat and what kinds of flowers are the prettiest. It is mundane and delightful drivel as Sol tries to connect with someone from home.
* * *
”What have you done that’s so impressive, you’ve been invited to the Banquet, eh?”
Sense Motive
Solrisa smiles, eager to have another fan and friend. ”Oh, it was nothing. We just won the Champion’s Belt,” Solrisa smiles nicely, downplaying the achievement. ”Tell me about your Knights of the Redhand! They sound very brave! Are you very brave? And strong!?” Solrisa asks very earnestly.
Diplomacy
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"Did wonders for local traffic to the Emporium, I'm afraid. I thought it best to find other places to haunt, and so here I am!"
"Really -- the theater! What's next? Do tell!"
""The Seduction was worth the price, I'll admit... Not sure what next week's performance will bring, but it should be a quality production."
Despite the lack of a Salon visit, Mortimer's own look somehow appears fuller.
"No, not the Alhaster theater, Shag. I meant you. I've heard all of the stories about your performances at the Emporium in Diamond Lake. You are a legend! Wasn't that venue beloved to you? So, are you planning on continuing your legacy here in Alhaster?"
~~~~~
"Well, well, well. You must be them. Those who managed a seat at the table, somehow,"
Mortimer inhales the evening air deeply. "Is it me, or does it somehow seem all prickly tonight."
He looks at B'kruss. "Nice pigeon."
"I have, at that! I'm looking forward to it, as it's one of the first real events where I'll be able to mingle with the more well-to-do residents of the city, outside of the Deluxury. No doubt the winners of the Gauntlet would make a showing. Are you guests of Loris, then?"
"No. We're guests of Armhin.” he grins, ”So, uh, we’ll see you there then!” he smiles some more as the man’s hair raises. He agrees with his description of the show too.
”Well, well, well. You must be them. Those who managed a seat at the table, somehow. My name is B'kruss. This is V'russ. We are commanders of the Knights of Redhand. Welcome to our city.” The hobgoblin known as B'kruss bows deeply to you all. Well, all of you currently before him.
”What have you done that's so impressive, you've been invited to the Banquet, eh?”
”Well, you’ll have to ask Armhin. Our tickets are by his courtesy, and I don’t want to break any private reasons he may have. That said, we are Champions of the Gauntlet of Asmodeus.” he says it wondering if the man knows what that is. When Mort points out the ‘pigeon’ he can’t help but laugh a little, though he tries to get control of himself quickly.
This guy could put you in prison fool! He admonishes himself.
"No, not the Alhaster theater, Shag. I meant you. I've heard all of the stories about your performances at the Emporium in Diamond Lake. You are a legend! Wasn't that venue beloved to you? So, are you planning on continuing your legacy here in Alhaster?"
Shag's fur settles, as the giant uses words to stroke it down. "I am partial to a good soliloquy, though my ribald tales seem to garner return audiences, I will admit." The furry man chuckles briefly. "For all of Diamond Lake's charm, it was long overdue for me to seek out more refined populations in which to associate. You can only go so far on the backs of miners." Shag secures a whole boiled egg, which is smeared through a garlic paste, before he scarfs it down.
"So Alhaster has received me, and I will court her for a while longer to see how receptive the higher class will be."
Shag's tone of voice suggests that the higher class has yet to be receptive...
"No. We're guests of Armhin. So, uh, we’ll see you there then!”
"Excellent! We'll show them that even a miner's town can yield quality diamonds. We shall shine among the attendees!" He waves a paw-hand, a couple of rings and a set of well-groomed nails glinting the light of the sunny room.
The Outcasts and hobgoblins continue their conversation in the late morning air. The bay air swirls through the streets, and its light saltiness catches in your nostrils.
"Oh, it was nothing. We just won the Champion’s Belt."
"Ah, they thought that was worthy. I agree with you- it's nothing impressive, more the luck of the draw." B'kruss turns to V'russ, and smiles. "Spend some weeks throughout the land of Redhand, and you'll hear plenty of our exploits. The Knights of Redhand have done much to return it to civilization."
"Nice pigeon."
B'kruss's smile fades, as the giant regards the avian companion. "Garg is a high born raven, no lowly gutter pigeon. Your school teacher should have done a better job, if you can't tell the difference. S'alright, Garg. The bigger the muscles, the smaller the brain."
"Well, you’ll have to ask Armhin. Our tickets are by his courtesy, and I don’t want to break any private reasons he may have. That said, we are Champions of the Gauntlet of Asmodeus.”
B'kruss continues to speak for the pair of hobgoblins. "Yeah, I get it. 'Private reasons'. Probably a good sum of gold, and a look up your girl's skirts was enough to win over Armhin." The answers don't seem to satisfy the hobgoblin, so he continues to look you over.
"We can talk all we'd like, but can you ride, I wonder? Hobgoblins are the greatest riders of all. It’s a well-known fact." B'kruss turns to Mortimer, and shrugs.
"I bet I can outride any one of you!” The hobgoblin smiles toothily, the raven on his shoulder bobbing a little to offset B'kruss's slight shifting on his feet.
Earlier...
Ascaria notes the mans soft hands and looks at his own. They're not as rough as Mort's perhaps, but there are a couple of hangnails, a dark blotch under another from some injury or other, and none of them could be called 'well groomed'.
He laughs and agrees with the friendly thespian. "Yes, we'll make quite an impression!"
Later...
Ascaria overlooks the cruder comments of the hobgoblins, for after all they were hobgoblins - and he didn't want to start a fight.
"Ride? Ride?" Ascaria looks confused as he thinks a moment. "I bet you can out ride any of us. And good for you too. Everyone should be good at something!" he adds brightly.
"What do you ride? I've been on a couple dogs, and a pony once. But I imagine you ride something rather more ferocious. Right?"
"So Alhaster has received me, and I will court her for a while longer to see how receptive the higher class will be."
Mortimer smooths his own beard down, feeling somewhat regretful for having ruffled the old performer's feathers. He IS totally out of his element.
"Well," he says sympathetically while trying to sound optimistic, " -- break a leg!" he smiles. But only a leg...
~~~
"Nice pigeon."
"Garg is a high born raven, no lowly gutter pigeon. Your school teacher should have done a better job, if you can't tell the difference. S'alright, Garg. The bigger the muscles, the smaller the brain."
"I wasn't actually referring to the bird," Mortimer replies casually, continuing on his way to the Angry Rifter.
"I bet I can outride any one of you!” The hobgoblin smiles toothily, the raven on his shoulder bobbing a little to offset B'kruss's slight shifting on his feet.
"I bet you can out ride any of us. And good for you too. Everyone should be good at something! What do you ride? I've been on a couple dogs, and a pony once. But I imagine you ride something rather more ferocious. Right?"
Mortimer halts in his tracks turning back to face his tarrying companion(s?). Where the Hells is this going? He pauses, and dons his 'Oh so patient' look.
”I bet I can outride any one of you!”
Solrisa squees and cheers for the hobgoblin.
”Oh! You must be very good! I would love to see you ride!” Solrisa says earnestly. She would love to see him do some good riding. ”Do you do exhibits or rodeo or anything? Because I would come to see that!” Solrisa hopes the hobgoblin does rodeo because she pay for a ticket for certain.
"I bet you can out ride any of us. And good for you too. Everyone should be good at something! What do you ride? I've been on a couple dogs, and a pony once. But I imagine you ride something rather more ferocious. Right?"
"Oh! You must be very good! I would love to see you ride! Do you do exhibits or rodeo or anything? Because I would come to see that!”
B'kruss looks pleased with himself. "That's what I thought. Not a rider among you. Gristlegape would have shred you in the streets. C'mon, V'russ. There's nothing worthy in them. Zeech will see them for what they are."
"I wasn't actually referring to the bird."
B'kruss snorts, then spits on the ground in front of him. V'russ puts a hand on the lead hobgoblin's shoulder, and the two turn and walk away. V'russ says something in their native tongue, and both hobgoblins break out in laughter, B'kruss clapping the smaller hob on the shoulder.
"Cowards don't ride, they're dragged behind until the road rips their innards out..."
The noon sun promises to shine brightly in a short time, as you arrive at the Angry Rifter. You find Eidi concentrating on his crafting, while the lunch crowd takes up a good amount of tables in the common room.
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Eidi keeps focused for most of the day. He places new gems infused with magic on his belt and works following instructions written in the corners of his spellbook. The half-elf only losses focus a couple of times to eat cinnamon cookies. The pot is there just so close and he is starting to feel hungry...
When the others arrive he is happy to find a excuse to stand up, his bones all cracking, and smile once more "So how are you? Did you find some new amusement in the streets?"
After they make themselves comfortable and go down to the common room he orders a glass of milk "All this thing about finding presents for Zeech rang something into my head... What would you give to each one of the other Outcasts as a birthday present? Eri, I think he should have a collar of fireball beads, and Ascaria will sure dress a useful hat of many tools with a roc feather on the top. For Mortimer I think I will find a bag of infinite nourishment, it should pull all kinds of meat already cooked, so he could just recite a receipt and the dish will be there ready. Mmm... and for Solrisa I would find a magical halter decollete top with golden sequins able to both blind and confuse her enemies"
Solrisa looks confused.
"So...you're not doing a rodeo?" Solrisa asks the fleeing hobgoblin, crestfallen, and uncertain why a hobgoblin would come in brag about being a good rider, but not want to invite others to a rodeo.
vs DC 15
Ascaria chuckles as the hobos walk away. He whispers to the others, ”They think us cowards. Good. They’ll underestimate us.”
When Eidi rejoins them, he fills him in on the visit by the Knights of Redhand, and shows real excitement at the gift ideas. With laughter in his voice he says, ”My dear Eidi, roc’s are The feather would quite knock me over I’m sure!”
He laughs, but he likes the image, though he prefers his simply banded bowler to something with feathers.
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[dice=PerceptDC15]
Derisive giggles
Mortimer turns to continue on his way toward the Angry Rifter, quietly mustering a tone of voice mocking the Hobgobins -- a voice inspired by the squees of Solrisa, but sound more like one would imagine a goose would sound being stretched by the neck and strangled. "We're better riders, meow! meow." Shaking his head, he snorts.
"They think us cowards. Good. They’ll underestimate us.”
"Yeah. I suppose I'll have to study up on my riding. In all seriousness -- what do you think that all meant? Is there going to be a riding contest or something?"
~~~
"What would you give to each one of the other Outcasts as a birthday present?"
Mortimer falls into silent contemplation.
"Roc’s are
"They're not born that way, are they?! Don't you think -- maybe the littlest ones might have some downy stuff that might work for you?"
He thinks some more. "I don't know what to get the magical people -- because I don't understand magic. I do like the bag of infinite nourishment idea though... I'd probably just use it to provide you -- Eidi -- with licorice and stuff, and Ascaria with charcoal and paper or something. You know, the essential vitamins and fiber that can be eaten in a pinch. -- And Eri with ... whatever it is his conjured things need to fuel themselves. Maybe something that explodes in fire when you throw it. Flambe, or cocktails."
He looks at Solrisa, and thinks some more.
"Though, I don't think that Sol needs anything more than what she already has to blind and confuse her enemies." Or friends. "I'd probably just use your gift to me to provide her with edible flowers, and maybe some ham and cheese."
The afternoon of Desnus the 29th, an otherwise lazy Sunday, has just begun when the Outcasts reunite in the Angry Rifter, and set about making plans for the rest of the week.
On the morrow, the 30th of Desnus, and Moonday, each member of the Outcasts will return to the Alhaster Market to receive their outfits, final fittings with the three tailors.
Eidi's chest should see the light of day at the end of its production on either Toilday or Wealday of this same week.
For the rest of today, the 29th, you'll have all of Moonday the 30th, Toilday the 31st, Wealday the 1st of Sarenith, Oathday the 2nd, and the early part of the 3rd, Fireday, before you will be transported by carriage from the Angry Rifter, into Zeech's Palace for the Anniversary Banquet, Fireday evening.
How do you proceed? Eidi mentioned in passing the abandoned Temple of Abadar, and Ascaria has petitioned for a low, gnomely profile until week's end, so that the authorities are not alerted to any untoward Outcast activity. From Balakarde's scrawls, you have the names Lashonna and Rhorsk, at least.
Ascaria suggests, "Well, our fittings are tomorrow morning. Should I spend the afternoon researching Lashonna and Rhorsk? See if they're about? Maybe we can learn something useful while we wait for the party?"
"Not too sure what to do with the rest of the week. But maybe we'll get some leads from our work tomorrow. We do have some time on our hands."
"Mmm... and for Solrisa I would find a magical halter decollete top with golden sequins able to both blind and confuse her enemies"
Solrisa claps her hands at the idea.
”Is it sparkly and shiny!? Ohhh...that would be so nice. And it’s something I could wear over my armor? Because that would be nice,” Solrisa leans in, wondering if Eidi has something or is just playing a joke. ”I don’t think I need much more clothes now that my armor is glamert.”
She turns to Ascaria.
”Oh, I do like getting fitted, though not sure I’ll wearing anything more than my armor. And I don’t recall who Lashonna and Rhorsk are, but if you want company, I’m happy to help.”
Eidi smiles naughty "Oh, you might use that glamering to dress in that shape Solrisa!"
***
The half-elf elder takes a pause on his crafting to have lunch with his companions and plan the rest of the week "If we are not exploring the
ruins of the Temple of Abadar I think it is at least a good idea we make some questions around the city about Rhorsk as you do suggest Ascaria"
"Most probably Lashonna will be the one explaining us about the cleric, but it might be we can find other clues about him" he takes some thought before adding "Perhaps the High Priest of Asmodeo might know something about him"
"And there is also this Great Project of Zeech. We might take another day to go there and find out what is all that about"
"Why not kill two birds with one stone? Let's go see this 'Great Project' and inquire about Rhorsk and Lashonna there?" he shrugs, seeming very distracted by the new golden bracers he's acquired.
Is this going to be enough for those fops? Guess I'll have to wait and see what it looks like with the new duds.
”Oh! That’s a good plan, Mort! This is a very good plan,” Solrisa cheers Mort, clearly believing its a good plan. ”Let’s go do that.”
"I can make a break on my crafting" Eidi makes a smile "Let's go do that Mortimer"
Eidi will use his magic to clean his red tunic. Picking up his staff and explorer's outfit he makes the walk to the street with the others. He takes a long breath as they hit the streets "Ah! The air is so refreshing even in this place. Did you ever had that feeling at Diamond Lake?"
To whomever they find in the Great Project, Eidi will help Ascaria and the others to pose questions about what the project is an if someone can recall any piece of information about Rhorsk.
"Sure thing Mort." suggests Ascaria as he waits. "That's a good idea."
He'll do as Mort suggests and Eidi supports, looking for information about Rhorsk first.
(aid from Eidi)
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"Yea. Even if we don't get any information on Lashonna or Rhorsk -- he was an author, right? -- the Temple of Amsodeous is not too far away. Though -- if you don't mind -- I'll wait for all of you outside."
"Ah! The air is so refreshing even in this place. Did you ever had that feeling at Diamond Lake?"
Mortimer looks at Eidi quizzically, then out of curiousity takes several samplings of the air by sniffing as they wander through town.
"What's that -- a hint of seabreeze like Magepoint? Ah, oh! No." Rotting fish guts is all, I hope.
"Oh! You must mean the exotic scent of perfumes whose origins lay far far... oh. No, that's not that. Nevermind." Well, there is some of that, with an undertone of ancient decay -- like at the Observatory. Way too much of both, but one to cover up for the other...
"Oh! You mean the refreshing scent of industry and progress... no... What's that?" He accidently vocalizes the first part of his thought. The fear and urine and bowel contents of those half-hung on the other side of block! He stifles a gag while his eyes water.
"Actually..."
"It kinda smells just like Diamond Lake."
Mortimer takes in the Great Project.
”Yes, let’s go sniff out some information and see if we can avoid some ignorance.”
Eri grabs some nuts or other walking food to munch along the way.
"It kinda smells just like Diamond Lake.”
Eri looks at Mort and shrugs his shoulders. What DOES Diamond Lake smell like?
Eri grabs some nuts or other walking food to munch along the way.
For not particular reason at all, Solrisa decides that she hasn’t strolled or walked with Eri in a while and takes this time, this day, and this moment to walk with Eri as the party engages on their errands.
”Oh, are those roasted nuts, Eri?” Solrisa asks with bright eyes, smelling only the nuts.
”Oh, are those roasted nuts, Eri?”
"It's still early yet. Maybe by mid afternoon."
Eri smirks and chuckles in an unwholesome way. Shaking his head, he proffers the
container toward Sol.
"Sorry, would you like some?"
The Outcasts, reunited with crafty Eidi, decide to take in the sights of the Great Project . Taking the northernmost road, you pass by the Curious Owlbear once more, before taking to Arena Street. You're familiar with the Crafters' Guildhall, as well, so the walk is breezy, quite literally, as the winds pick up along the coastal waters.
You acquaint yourselves with two new locations in Alhaster, as you wend your way around the Alhaster Arena, as well as a rowdy tavern called the Scattergut. The two locations seem well suited to be next to each other, as one facility hosts weekly spectacles for the citizens of Alhaster, while the other one hosts the soldiers turned gladiators for their own entertainment. The colorful black and red sails of the Arena are matched on a smaller scale by the shading awnings of the Scattergut.
Eventually, you arrive on the grounds of the Great Project. A strong sense of deja vu occurs to each of you, as you recognize its construction and dimensions to be a replica of the Spire of Long Shadows, now a mere pile of rubble of Kuluth Mar so far away. It stands two hundred feet tall, and appears to be close to completion.
Although the overall organization of the construction site is poor, the Great Project is a couple of months from being finished. The safety precautions appear scant, so the possibility of worker injury or death is quite high.
You can count the ribs on the two workers perched precariously atop a bamboo platform towards the branch of the Spire, roughly 150' up. Though the platform sways, the two workers seem quite familiar with the balancing act required to keep them on high, while they chisel and spackle the red stone to see it flush.
The wagons bearing quarry rock continue to roll in full, and roll out empty. The stone workers show no signs of rest, even on the week's end day. There are supervisors not directly involved in the manual labor of the construction crews, and even from your observational distance, you can tell that their demeanor is aloof, and on display to dissuade approach.
Surrounding the Great Project also stand the hovels of the craftsmen and slaves assigned to the grounds. Watchers are seen here and there on patrol, and you spot a couple of tents which are dedicated to work-related injuries.
A narrow road arises around the outside of the grand building, constantly occupied by oxen dragging hefty red stone and huge timbers up the slope. Poorly constructed cranes rise to decent heights surrounding the Great Project.
Neither the Watchers, the Supervisors, nor the Workers, nor the rowdy soldiers spilling from the Scattergut, have any information to share with you regarding the priest of Abadar, known as Rhorsk. No one seems to know the name, let alone the person.
Closer inspection of the construction site by wandering about the hovels or the base of the Spire will likely draw unwanted attention.
How do you proceed?
When Ascaria sees the construction for the first time, he mutters laughing, "Do you think he's overcompensating for something?"
He pokes around the edges of the great project as he asks around after Rhorsk. Facing a lot of no's, he lets the group know know one around here knows the name. "Maybe I should look for something else, but maybe not here. I think the supervisors are eyeing us funny."
Putting some distance between himself and the guards, and using Message for added secrecy, he says to the group, "Pace of Asses, it sure would be nice to collapse this thing before we leave. If the head of this town is as crooked as he seems, we might just have to do some house cleaning."
He nervously looks around to see if they're being overheard before continuing, "I mean, it looks exactly like the Spire of Long Shadows. That can't be coincidence can it?"
"Those guys...," says Mortimer, looking at the workers on the bamboo platform spackling the red stone roughly 150' up. "They're starving. None of these workers show any signs of quitting... it's hard to tell if they're slaves under duress or -- is it possible? -- actual cultists willfully working themselves to the bone..."
"And no, it's probably no coincidence that it looks like our spire. The question is -- why? What is the purpose?"
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Solrisa eats Eri’s nuts, happily munching as the party walks. She points to things that interest her or seem particularly keen, happy to stroll about town.
”Maybe they just really like their work?” Solrisa asks, not loving the idea of slaves, but also not one to break out into open war over the practice...yet. ”That is weird that it looks like our spire. But how many different ways can you draw a spire, tho? Aren’t they all just big stone penises meant to exacerbate the patriarchy usually built by those who doubt their own endowment, Mort?”
”Maybe they just really like their work?”
"Cultists, then."
[ Spire ...] "Aren’t they all just big stone penises meant to exacerbate the patriarchy usually built by those who doubt their own endowment, Mort?"
Mortimer looks at Solrisa doubtfully. "Well, obviously then you've never seen one. They're really not pointy."
”They’re not?” Solrisa asks because she really doesn’t know. She’s never seen one. ”Oh that’s interesting. Then I wonder what Rae was talking about.” Solrisa walks in silence, wondering if something Rae explained to her might have been incorrect.
"Yeh, the spire needs to go. I think fire would be prudent at this juncture."
”Oh that’s interesting. Then I wonder what Rae was talking about.”
Eri turns his head at this point
"Ummm, ah never mind."
"Maybe I should look for something else, but maybe not here. I think the supervisors are eyeing us funny." Putting some distance between himself and the guards, and using Message for added secrecy, he says to the group, "Pace of Asses, it sure would be nice to collapse this thing before we leave."
Mortimer follows Ascaria to the fringes of the Great WhatHaveYouProject.
~
"They’re not? Oh that’s interesting. Then I wonder what Rae was talking about."
Mortimer slowly shakes his head. Maybe Rae just told her that to protect her from jerks like me.
"Yeh, the spire needs to go. I think fire would be prudent at this juncture."
Mortimer grunts in agreement. "Pace of Asses. Yes, burn it all -- the foremen, looking at the high men -- erecting pointy spires..." Mortimer rolls his eyes. "This place makes me think of Osgood's."
"Eidi, was it the Temple to where you wanted to visit next?"
Mortimer starts heading for the Alhaster Temple of Asmodeus. "Abadar later..."
Solrisa strolls along, chat chatting and watching the construction but also trying to figure out what Rae was talking about. As it turns out, she has no idea. But she’s sure Rae was right about something.
”Oh, there are more temples? I like temples.” She will follow Eidi to the next site.
”Yeah, either way - cultists or slaves, they’re being controlled and likely not in their right minds. Sad really, and we should do something about it if we can, but after the mission.”
When the group talks of heading to the temple of Asmodeus, Ascaria gets uneasy. ”What do we need to do there?” he says as he follows along. ”Do, ah, you need me there? Maybe I can just ask around about Lashonna in the pubs. After all, we don’t really know much about her reputation around here. A little is all. Maybe I can learn more. What do you say?” he pleads as his feet drag in the general direction of Asmodeus.
Ascaria is looking for general information about her - what do the locals think of her? Any juicy secrets?
- - -
Solrisa is delighted to help Ascaria find more information about Lashonna, even accompanying him to the pubs. She, as a rule, like pubs and people and noise and doesn’t mind shouting to be heard, if necessary. Of course, she doesn’t have much to say except weird utterances about the Dragon or Rae, but that’s who she is.
Diplomacy to aid
”...and that’s when I learnt I was a twin.”
For the tentative itinerary, the Outcasts will enjoy the fruits of the tailors' labors on the morrow.
With the assent of the Outcasts, Ascaria takes an hour out of your Sunday to visit the pubs. In short order, the gnome has consulted with nearby pubs, where the patrons are stone workers of the Great Project, and have little interest in raising their attention to the strange group newly arrived. They also have little information regarding Lashonna to relate.
When Ascaria drifts closer to the Toilway, and the surrounds of the Palace, the story changes, and the gnome has much more success in gathering information, once again patronizing the Deluxury.
One of the bar patrons, a rather portly dowager who seems to have eyes for the bartender, does speak on Lashonna, quite directly. "Lady Lashonna’s lived in Alhaster for decades, since before our beloved Prince gained control. She’s the only one he seems to defer to. Some people think they’re lovers. Personally, I think the Prince is a wonderful man who is simply being polite to one of his most famous subjects.” This gossip introduces herself as Amelia Yimar, and as readily plies you for any information you might have, quid pro quo. The drinking already done, added to the drinking you facilitate in your efforts to eek more intelligence from her, tilts the exchange wholly in your favor. "I hear that she's due to make a public appearance during the Prince's Banquet. You have to give it to her- she's quite generous about town, making sure the Market thrives with her donations. She has made sure that Alhaster is no small port, attracting dignitaries from distant lands to seek her hand in marriage. She never relents, which I think pleases the Prince. It wouldn't do to see her carried off. I hear that one of suitors even tossed himself into the bay, when he couldn't win her."
Solrisa tries to keep close to Ascaria so she can hear any tidbits that would be helpful, but she's so distracted by having such a great time that she fails to hear much.
"Did you learn anything, Ascaria? Is Lashonna an angel? Or villain?" Solrisa asks, eager for gossip.
"Well, I learned little more than what we already knew. We know Lady Lashonna has lived here a long time, prior to the Prince, and that has given her some clout. He, and nearly everyone else it seems, is after her hand in marriage, which has brought some dignitaries here that might not have otherwise come."
"So she's a force to be reckoned with. She hasn't accepted any suitors as yet, which makes the Prince happy. Dunno if she's stringing him along for the power, or if she's of a like mind. Hard to know."
"I was able to confirm, again, that she'll be at the party, but she may not stay long. When we see her, we'll have to act fast. What do we want to say?"
Eidi grows silent during the visit to the Great Project. As the group walks away he thinks in loud voice "What does that mean? Is Zeech trying to follow the steps of Kyuss and become what he was? Or is him directly related... Mmm... do you think we can find out more savvy worms on that construction? And where did they get the layout planning for its construction?"
***
The half-elf is happy to lead part of the members to the Temple of Asmodeous. If given the opportunity he will ask information about Rhorsk to the High Priest.
***
"Perhaps Lashonna is just trying to survive to current situation in the city... we certainly need to know more about her" nodding to Ascaria, he proposes "Perhaps we can directly ask her for a meeting to discuss about what happened in the past with the cult, as she was directly involved, and also ask her about Rhorsk himself"