"Well, that was--uneventful," Rasil said. "Once they clear Irefoot Hall so that Kinman can check his inventory, we'll see if he had one of these pieces of the Enjoiner."
"Yeah. But I think that if the trinket in question was there, it's gone now for good. And we can't trust Kinman, he's hiding something, mark my words on this"
"I should think a good deal of this job is going to be uneventful." she says as they all reunite by the carriage. She glances at Barin curiously as he expresses his vehemence for the Chelaxian merchant, not able to offer an opinion herself not having interacted with him.
"As to the Enjoiner it was a Shoanti artifact taken by Chelish adventurers and split into five pieces, one for each of them. It seems that at least some of these pieces have made it into circulation via an auction house named Meisner's. It seems like the best lead we have, but I suspect we will have to wait until tomorrow to pursue it; for which I am more than happy to wait. This armor is killing me..."
"Well I'm down with that, and I still owe this guy a beer here!", giving Barin a light slug to the shoulder. "How 'bout it? First round's on me?"
When they met back up at the carriage Issceran climbed into the back and reclined. "I'll try to glean information about this Meisner's tomorrow when we continue investigating," the elf said, rolling his hand into his palm. He produced pops and cracks as he did the same to both hands.
"Is it really that late already? Rasil said, looking at the darkening sky.
Sighing, he added, "I guess we'll need to wait to find out if Kinman had one of the pieces of this 'Enjoiner' then."
"Here's hoping our criminal takes the night off. I really don't want another building to collapse."
Turning to Barin and Koraq, but including the entire group in the conversation, the gnome added, "And I don't think those books your carrying are involved. Tomorrow, if Kinman had a piece of this artifact and it's missing, we'll need to return the books to him and Mr. Merryfoot."
Making your way back to HQ, you find Mrs. Brigglespan preparing to head home for the evening. She apologizes for not having any dinner ready for you, but without knowing when you'd be back...
However, she does recommend an old Watcmen hangout, the Cenotaph Arms around the corner.
"We'll give these back once we are sure they can't cause harm to the city of Magnimar, not before. And I also think we need a legal consult on wether possessing these books is actually legal. And, yeah, Koraq: first on you, and second on me!" So saying Barin joins the half-orc at the cenotaph arms.
"Very well then," Issceran said once they returned to their headquarters. He hadn't thought about food and when it was suggested they head to Cenotaph Arms, he glanced to Barin and Koraq. Both were ready to indulge in an excessive amount of drinking and he was unsure if he wanted to be around. Simza and Rasil would balance out the group (he hoped) so he eagerly awaited their response. "Perhaps a bite to eat is in order but I think afterwards I need to get some information..."
"Some good food and a nice ale sounds wonderful! A perfect end to the day. Besides, I'm not tired," Rasil said with a grin.
Simza smiled at Issceran as he said he'd need to get some information. "It's our first day Issceran, I think it's okay to relax for a couple hours." she could only imagine what Barin and Koraq were going to get up to, but they'd just spent a full day investigating, they needed a chance to get to know another a little better outside of such things.
"Alright! Something fun finally!" Koraq then sweeps his arm out towards the exit and bows in front of the party exclaiming, "Ladies first!"
The Cenotaph Arms is a quaint little bistro/pub with a small sidewalk patio in front, serving all the foods and drink you'd expect to find at a typical establishment of this type. Walking in, you are struck by the warm, homey feel of the deep cherry wood tables, chairs, and bar. A muscular but aged and balding half-orc leans at his ease behind the bar, casually polishing a glass and chatting amiably with several patrons seated at stools, while five decently-clad serving girls move about, carrying trays of delicious-looking food.
The half-orc puts his rag down as you enter, carefully places the clean glass on a shelf behind him, and excuses himself from his conversation, strolling over. "Hey, there. Good evening and welcome to the Arms," he calls out jovially. "What can we get you? My name's Bartimus. Don't recall seeing you folks in here before."
He gestures to an empty table near the side wall.
"Thank you, Bartimus. I'm Rasil, and my companions are Simza, Issceran, Koraq and Barin." The gnome gestured to each of his companions in turn.
"It's our first visit to your lovely establishment," said Rasil as he took in the sights and smells.
"I would like an ale, and a plate of that amazing looking meal there," he added, pointing to one of the platters that just passed by on the way to another table.
"Hmmm... not bad." While a bit more 'posh' than he's used to, the wall of various liquors catches his eye as well as the short skirts of the waitresses. He is a bit disappointed to see a male serving them, although a bit surprised it's a half-orc. Instinctively, Koraq sizes up the waiter as he greets the group.
"Make that your strongest ale for me and the dwarf; think them two would prefer some wine",, pointing two fingers at Issceran and Simza.
Bartimus seems quite strong and spry, despite his age, and moves with a nimble grace. Up close, you can see a few old scars, well faded with time, on his face, neck, and arms, and the callouses on his hands look more like those of a swordsman than a barkeep.
Bartimus smiles at Koraq. "Well, if you're sure you can handle it...my strongest ale it is, and I believe I do have an excellent Taldan vintage chiraz that you two might enjoy, unless you would also prefer ales." He sits you down, pauses for Simza and Issceran to confirm their drink orders, and snags a passing serving girl to take the food orders while he returns to the bar and draws the ales from large wooden barrels on the wall behind the bar.
Hrakar instinctively scoffs at the mention of beers from two orcs:"Let's see what you can give us... but I doubt it will prove to be a challange... I've drunk dragonbreath itself in my time!" boasts the dwarf
Simza relaxes a little as they enter the Arms and find it a to be a rather pleasant looking place. She'd been half expecting it to be some raucous tavern, but thankfully she was pleasantly surprised instead. The girl had taken the time to 'freshen up', getting out of her armour and changing, feeling much better once she was out of the sweaty, dust and grit soiled clothes, not to mention the slight odour of vomit she'd been unable to leave behind...
When she's introduced to Bartimus Simza sinks into a proper curtsy, the courtesy much more graceful without the armour and in more familiar clothing. At mention of wine for her and Issceran she glances at the elf for a few moments, looking slightly hesitant. She'd had wine before but only on special occasions and often watered slightly, but after a few moments she straightens and nods.
"That sounds lovely Bartimus.' she accepts with a hidden smile which she hoped was felt. It was so hard to express herself sometimes with the veils she wore, but it was better than the alternative. "If you have some lamb and vegetables as well with some gravy I would be very grateful." Her appetite was much recovered now, especially after having skipped lunch. She merely glances at Koraq and Barin as they boast, wondering how long it would take them to get drunk.
Much like Simza, Issceran was half expecting a hole in the wall dive where men of Koraq's stature dwelled. What he found, however, was a far more pleasant experience. There were no rough and seedy patrons (though the barkeep was a little on the intimidating side) nor was there a stagnant air or foul film on everything. He had seen his fair share of unsavory establishments in his time and he found Cenotaph Arms to be likable. At Koraq's suggestion he found it to be the first thing he could agree on. He glanced to Simza, before speaking, "Perhaps a honeyed Linnorm wine or a Chelish vintage, if you have such."
Once they were gestured to a table he promptly took a seat. He stretched out his arms and legs a moment before he groaned, reeling from the day's activities.
Rasil beamed at his companions. "Well! This is nice! Hopefully we will share many more pleasant meals together!"
Twirling his mustache while awaiting their food and drinks, the gnome said, "So, I'm from Magnimar, born and raised. Where is everyone else from?"
"Heh, dwarf, you need stuff that strong just so ya can stand the look of dwarf women!", guffawing at his own crude joke before patting the dwarf on the shoulder and waiting for his drink.
Barin glares at Koraq for a moment, then he answers with a chuckle:"Well I hear you orcs roll into dung in order to attract your females... something to do with improving your smell, I guess" the dwarf's tone is playful, but not completely.
"Least I don't need to shave my woman ta kiss her!"
Koraq sits impatiently for his drink, ready for a rematch against his dwarf rival.
After finishing his beer Barin sits in front of Koraq and extends his right arm:"So I hear you want a rematch, eh? Very well... but don't complain later on..."
Strength check (arm wrestilng):
Simza looks towards Issceran as he suggests a different wine, relying on his judgement in the matter. She grimaces at Koraq and Barin's boast, and happily leaves the two to it as she joins Rasil and Issceran at the table, seating herself next to the Wizard.
"Well, Magnimar more or less. I've traveled around southern Varisia quite a bit however; or at least I used to." she answers Rasil, seeming a bit sad. "I've lived for the last few years with my older brother, and the rest of my family when they're not out traveling."
"Before I settled in Magnimar I was helping in arcane research in relation to the Osirion ruins," the elf explained casually, leaning back in his chair. "I spent a great deal of years, the work having sparked my interest, until the expedition concluded. I decided then I wanted to focus on my studies and wound up here in the city. I really have no attachment to anywhere and I am sure at some point in time, I will move somewhere else."
Rasil smiled at Simza as she related her tale, and his eyes widened when Issceran mentioned the fabled ruins of Osirion.
"Well, you're both more traveled than I. My one trip outside of Magnimar did not end so well, and I've elected to stay here."
He leaned forward, "After all, there's more than enough excitement within the city limits!"
Koraq grips hands with the dwarf, trying to put his all and defend some visage of pride, his eyes turning orange for a brief second.
His pride hurt far worse than his hand, Koraq mumbles some words before changing topic.
"Err... guess booze dopes ya up or something... good job..."
Taking a swig of ale and resting for a few seconds after trying to summon a burst of strength, the half-orc turns his attention to the conversation at the other side of the table.
"I'm from up north myself; born in Keld and raised in the Dragon Lands. Came down here ta prove myself and get stronger. Took some odd jobs 'round town, did some fightin', got caught, and here I am to bless ya with my rugged looks and amazin' head'a hair." as he brings his rough hands over his smoothly bald head.
Bartimus smiles at Issceran's order. "An elf who knows his wines. Let me see what I can find in my cellar." He heads off, returning with a honeyed Linorm, as ordered, in time to see the end of the wrestling match. After pouring wine for the "cultured" table, he pulls up a chair to the other table. "Not bad, friend dwarf. Care to wager your next round of drinks versus drinks for the house that you can beat an old timer like me?"
Barin answers Koraq with a wide grin:"Told ya... your beer tastes delicious, my friend! As for me, I'm from Janderhoff. I just came to the city searching for a relative of mine. Somehow he disappeared, so I struck a sort of Bargain with Percival. My work for his help."
When Bartimus chimes in Barin laughs and motions for him to sit:"Sure, why not! Have a seat and let's see if there's rust or good iron on that arm of yours!"
Strength check (arm wrestling):
Strength check from Bartimus:
The older man gives it a good go, but age has clearly taken its toll, and though he resists the young dwarf briefly, and even makes a bit of head way, he can't sustain the force, and his hand goes crashing down underneath Barin's. Bartimus laughs it off as he rubs his sore hand.
"Well done, friend. I am good to my word, your next round, and that of your friends, is on the house. Tell me, if I am not too bold, what brings you fine folks to the Arms this evening? You are as disparate a group of individuals as that with whom I used to get into all sorts of trouble back in the day."
"We're special investigators for the City Watch," Rasil said proudly.
"Osirion? That's on Garund isn't it?" Simza asks, slightly awed to think that Issceran had gone all that way. Even if she knew elves lived that long it was still surprising to hear about it so casually.
As Koraq and Barin finish their contest to see who's more macho, she turns to their table to hear their responses, and watch the barman join in. She was certainly glad that their whole squad wasn't like that.
"Well Rasil, it seems everyone else beats me too. Though I have been to Korvosa before, and Janderhoff's not too far from there." she smiles at the gnome, before lifting her glass and giving the wine a sniff and a testing sip, holding it in her hands as she mulls over the unfamiliar drink. She nods as Rasil speaks up in answer to Bartimus. "We're a new division called Magnimar Special Investiagtions, just started our first case today."
Issceran visibly relaxed, all the stress and troubles of the day washing away as he sipped his wine. He cradled his glass in his hand as the barkeep pulled up a chair to their table and challenged the dwarf to an arm wrestling match. He watched the match with amusement as the dward handedly bested both half-orcs in turn. "Hm," he murmured, sipping his wine.
"Correct, Ms. Caumlo," Issceran spoke. "North eastern Garund to be specific, sharing borders with Thuvia and Katapesh, right there on the Inner Sea."
He nodded along as his companions introduced them to the barkeep and their organization.
"Yea, the job's more interestin' than I thought it'd be. Not sure how much I should be spillin' to a stranger, even if ya're a fellow half-orc." Then turning back to the doubly victorious dwarf, "So, whatcha eatin', Barin?"
At mention that you're in the Watch, a huge smile blooms on Bartimus' wrinkled half-orc features. "Ah, you're the new group that's taken up in the garrison building around the corner. Excellent. I was sad to see that garrison close up and ship out. Lost half my custom, though some of them come back here from time to time for old time's sake. This has been a Watch hangout for as long as I've run it." He gestures to a wall at the back, where eleven portraits with name plaques make neat rows beneath a larger plaque that reads, "Wall of Honour". "Well, if you'll excuse me, folks, I've a bar to tend. Thank you for the match, Barin, is it? I'll get you your second round when you're ready for it." Bartimus heads back to the bar.
Barin gives the bartender a look filled with respect:"You weren't too shabby either, Mr Bartimus. You certainly gave me more trouble than that youngster there!" adds the dwarf in a playful tone.
"But enough with the chit chat: what kind of meats do you have, Bartimus? And as for the second round I'm ready right now!"
Even if it was on the northern coast of Garund it was still a dreadfully long way away, and across the Inner Sea itself as well. Most people never left their village and surrounds, let alone travelling to another continent.
Simza was glad to see Bartimus smile at mention of them being in the watch. She nodded happily as he concluded their new building. "Yes, the Captain has organised some mighty fine facilities for us. I'm glad we have such a nice place to come to to unwind as well." She leaned back in her chair and sampled some more of her wine as Bartimus excused herself, glad that Koraq and Barin had gotten the arm wrestling out of the way and would hopefully be a bit quieter for the rest of the evening.
"Wonderful! Mmm... look at that stew! And this ale is excellent!" Rasil said just before Bartimus left the table.
Turning to his colleagues, the gnome added, "Looks like I'm the only 'local'. That could work in our favor in some instances."
"Barin, one of your relatives went missing? That's terrible! I hope they find him soon!"
"Koraq, when you say 'Dragon Lands', do you mean the 'Lands of the Linnorm Kings'?"
"I'll take double whatever he's having, food and ale,", pointing his thumb at Barin before finishing off his current beverage.
"Well, if you wanna call it somethin' that fancy, yeah, that'll suffice. Dragon Lands is jus' easier ta say and doesn't disrespect them any less. And why ya stay here anyway? An eagle mistake you for dinner outside the city and almost got carried off?"
Rasil's cheery demeanor vanished as Koraq asked him that.
"Growing up, all I wanted to be was an adventurer. When I was old enough, a seasoned archaeologist took me under his wing."
The gnome paused to collect his thoughts before continuing, "There was this tomb in the Varisian wilderness that he wanted to explore. I joined his expedition."
"Unfortunately, the traps were devious, and all but two of us perished. If it wasn't for my friend Marra, I wouldn't have made it out alive. When we managed to reach Magnimar, I decided that the city was adventure enough for me."
Still a little subdued, Rasil's eyes nevertheless twinkled when he added, "Of course, one can't just go about being bored. That would be, well, boring!"
"Yeah, my uncle Dusbar, he's a weaponsmith. He left his shop unattended and no one seems to know anything about his disappearance. Percival seems to have some ideas of what might have happened to him... but for the moment he's not sharing them... Anyway the deal is I help him with MSI and he helps me find my uncle." While talking Barin doesn't seem overtly concerned about Dusbar's fate.
"Meats? Venison stew that our good gnome here has noticed. Veal and vegetables, and some roast chickens. Sorry, Ms. Caumlo, I don't have any lamb tonight. I'll make certain to have some on the menu tomorrow evening, however, if you promise you'll return."
Bartimus heads off to get more drinks. The food arrives shortly, and is quite a bit above the standard pub fare that Koraq and Barin are used to.
Much to the chagrin of his dining neighbors, table manners were one of many social etiquettes that was not part of Koraq's education. Piles of chicken bones and drops of gravy litter the table around Koraq, with the occasional chunk of food spitting out as he boasts about out eating Barin or quips a short joke to Rasil (still insisting that the gnome gets a booster seat at least).
"So Issy," *chomp* *chew* *swallow* as the half-orc digs into his second chicken, "what's got ya interested in stayin' here. Some dusty rocks catch ya eye or somethin'? And how does Cap'n Percy's group here help ya out?"
"Then venison stew it is! And give little Koraq there his double ration... seems like he needs to build some muscles..." finishes the dwarf, laughing.
"Ahh. Some of the stew will be fine then Bartimus." she smiled at the barkeep and apparent owner of the place. "I'm sure we'll be spending quite a bit of time here too, so roast lamb and gravy tomorrow would be great."
She focussed back in on the current conversation, not quite sure she'd agree with Rasil's assesment that he was the only local. Up until her affliction she had spent almost equal time in Magnimar and travelling, and since then she hadn't really left the city. She hadn't gone out too much either however...
The rest of his story was rather surprising and a bit saddening, Simza reaching out and placing a comforting hand on his arm for a few moments. She didn't think she'd ever be up for such things. She knew they might have to go into danger in this job, and she had prepared herself for that as best she could, but it still wasn't something she was eager to do. She sat back as he finished his tail and Barin started to explain his situation, finishing off her glass of wine, already starting to feel a pleasant fuzzyness to he thoughts.
When dealing with the lesser races, he always felt old. He made no comment about being a local or not. By his estimation he may or may not have lived in Magnimar longer. Time was fleeting to the elf. He quirked his mouth and swirled the wine around the inside of his glass as he looked half-lidded across the room for no apparent reason. It wasn't until Koraq spoke again that he flinched, that painful pet name catching his attention.
"I don't participate in expeditions anymore, Mr. Silverclaw," Issceran explained. "I have settled down here to focus on my personal research. A city is a wonderful place to gather information. Arcane relics and artifacts, tomes of knowledge, practitioners of the arcane studies of every color... They all come and go in such a large city so the knowledge I glean from here is quite useful. What you can do for me -- all of you -- is a different story. We'll address it in due time when I require your aid."
"What we can do for you?" Simza asks, feeling wary all of a sudden. She liked Issceran so far but that was a bit on the odd side, and her young imagination couldn't help running away with the words into dark and terrible places.
The elf narrowed his eyes on Simza and he slowly smiled. His eyes were methodical as he played her, preying on her youth and inexperience. "My dear Ms. Caumlo, sometimes research requires humanoid components," he said darkly. "The arcane is an endless void of mystery. I cannot tap into its infinite power without a sacrifice or two... And you, Ms. Caumlo, will assist me all in good time." His voice dropped low, touching a baritone note close to that of Koraq. While he was a fairly cheerful and friendly elf, he could strike the dangerous wizard if he played it up.
After a short moment he laughed, shaking his head as he shook his hand. "Please, I jest," Issceran explained. "I just may need help down the road with my research - acquiring rare spell components or an old scroll, tome or whatnot. I'll assure you now, I have no desire to explore the dark arts. Necromancy goes against my morals and ethics, Ms. Caumlo."
Barin raises his head from his meal and stares at Issceran for a moment he he adds, almost playfully:"Jest all you want, elf, but be warned: us dwarves use people in experiments of our own, generally at the wrong end of a waraxe, if said people prove untrustworthy..." the last part is full of mirth, but somehow the threat seems to linger in the air.