Gameplay thread. I'll have some of the story up in a few hours.
Sorry for the wait, I've got an introductory post in the works but had a few buckets of chaos dropped on me this evening. Will have it up Tuesday morning.
A dot for me too.
On your return to Magnimar you find your parents are absent from the small Underbridge shack where you all had been living before you left. It's a rough neighborhood but growing up there you know how to spot trouble before it starts and there is strange comfort sleeping in the shadow of the Irespan. What's unsettling is that your family is missing.
The neighbors are clueless about where your parents might be. After many attempts to communicate with them about the situation over two days it seems they don't recall the last time they saw your parents and perhaps didn't even notice they were gone ... which you find to be quite strange. Even though people here tend to mind their own business, there's still a sense of community among the shacks.
Judging by the spoil on some of the produce and dust on the candles you guess they've been missing for a week, maybe longer. Otherwise, the living space is in good order. You spend most of the morning finishing an examination of the belongings left behind hoping to find some clue about where or why your parents have gone. Aside from stirring a few memories of life before you left Magnimar, you find nothing.
Perhaps it's time for a walk...
Roll a perception check
Being careful with your coin, you've found reasonable rates at inns along the dockway district. For several nights you've been staying at The Old Fang which seems to be quite popular with the locals. The constant noise of rowdy sailors singing, fighting or otherwise carrying on at the top of their lungs gives you distraction enough to fill the time while deep meaningful sleep continues to evade your reach in the evening.
The greatest problem with losing sleep is you start to get paranoid and the over stimulation of this new city magnifies that feeling. Was that movement to your left or was it a sleep deprived hallucination ... or are the spirits testing you?
One late afternoon while you're doing your best to enjoy the 'discount' lunch (some sort of fish soup with a few ... vegetables? ... hmm best not think of what it is, plug your nose and try to keep it down) a tall young Varisian man walks through the doors. After looking over the few other patrons he sits down at your small table and begins speaking quickly.
"Greetings, traveler! You look like you need directions, am I right? Yes, of course I am. How long have you been in Magnimar? Is this your first visit to our wonderous city? I'm Kranisk, I'm sort of a guide for newcomers to Magnimar. How about we get you out of Dockside and see something more interesting."
Late one afternoon you decide to go for a stroll, checking in with your contacts in various areas to see what sort of troubles they may may have to report. The latest chatter around Underbridge seems to be more of the same: missing people, mysterious creatures lurking in the shadows or shallows and a wide variety of tales involving dangers in the sewer. It would be so very boring if you didn't know half or more of the stories were true.
One new rumor that might be interesting, though, is that there has been some movement in and around the old shrine of Sarenrae which has been abandoned for as long as you can remember. People have been seen entering and exiting and there are stories of dark shapes flying in or out late at night when the darkness of night is at it's peak.
Briskly moving forwards, Zora isn't paying half the attention she should be.
As she listens to the chatter, filtering gossip and old men’s tales from real information, Maraiah finds herself roaming in the direction of the old shrine. The area had long existed abandoned, somehow avoided by those looking for a stash-house or a strung out pesh addict looking for a home.
If these dark shapes were frequenting the place in darkest night, she would just have to take a look. Checking her gear she headed into a tavern not too far from the shrine, as good a place as any to have a light meal and wait out the setting sun.
He grimaces, as he feels the ingredients make the slow trek to his stomach, remembering simpler times when it wasn't a question of discount product, but what he felt most in the mood from that day's market. Using the back edge of fur trailing from his armor, the Mwangi dock dweller tilts his head slightly at this stranger.
"There are alot of things I need and it all really depends on what you're showing me. I came from the Port of Senghor...Kranisk, and usually these offers lead to sleeping darts and the cargo hold of slaver vessels."
He touches the handle of his steel, tapping it lightly in time with the music.
"So I would really hope that's not what you're offering to show me."
As you're moving through the neighborhood, you see children running around and playing. A few times as you're walking down the street you nearly collide with adults who look at you blankly as you dodge around them while they continue walking along their path.
You see someone that you remember from your life in Magnimar and you smile and wave at them to get their attention but you receive no reaction. Perhaps they didn't see you...
You stroll into The Eight Shadowy Arms pub which is one block south of the shrine of Sarenrae. You've passed by it many times but have never gone inside because it's a pretty seedy place.
As you enter you quickly see the place seems to be full of shady folks who are very likely sczarni members. You feel a fair number of eyes measuring you up as you walk through the door. A quick scan of the room and you see there are several tables heavily involved in card or dice games for money.
Your spidey sense tingles a little to tell you that you need to keep an eye on this room but the danger is a little exciting and you feel a smirk tugging at the corner of your mouth.
You see the barkeep nod his head in your direction and he says "Whaddya need, sweetie?"
Kranisk holds his hands up innocently "No, no, no my friend. You have the wrong idea. Those are not the games I play. No, I don't have the stomach for that."
He looks over his shoulder then leans in close, the volume of his voice dropping to just above a whisper. "I'll tell you the truth, my friend. You see, I have an agreement with some shop owners. All I have to do is bring people in and I get a small payment to help put food on my table. You don't even have to buy anything there, you don't have to pay me, nothing like that. It's simple, I show you around, take you to some shops, we walk and talk, it's simple." He says nodding his head.
"What is your name, friend from the Port of Senghor? What has brought you to the beautiful city of Magnimar? What are you interested in seeing?"
Sawib grins widely. "Well then, we have a deal. Maybe we can get me in on this deal too?" He strokes his chin, realizing after a moment that he still has the spoon in his left hand. Putting the foul soup away, he pauses. "I'm on a spirit quest, sent by the Port shaman. Took a trip on one of the Shackles boats, after trading a bit for passage. You don't happen to know any sort of shaman sorts who might be able to help me track down spirits? Or to commune with them?" He continues stroking his chin.
"That and anywhere I can find employment, as I've got a good sword arm and a bit of skill with the magicks."
”A light meal, good liquor and a quiet place a girl can get off her feet for a bit for starters.”
Kranisk smiles wide. <b>"Yes, yes! Very good my friend! Let us make the rounds and I will introduce you to someone who might be able to help you with a job."</b>
He jabbers on for a while as you choke down a few more mouthfuls of your meal then tells you to follow him and you exit the inn. He leads you through six or eight shops, talking excitedly the whole time and barely stops long enough to breathe.
Apparently he grew up in the underbridge area of the city and his father worked as a diver collecting Irespan rubble from the bay. Kranisk tried it but he doesn't like the water as well as his father... the rest you tune out because he's a bit annoying but he frequently points to different shops and lists what used to be in that location over the last ten years.
As the sun begins to set he leads you toward the underbridge area to meet his employer.
Roll a perception check for me please.
You make your way to the old woman after weaving around a handful of people.
As you approach her you find she still has a blank look on her face and doesn't seem to recognize you. You stand in front of her smiling but she stares past you, even when looking at your face.
After an uncomfortable moment she slowly smiles. "Oh yes, dear. I remember you now..." She trails off momentarily as if she forgot what she was about to say.
"Would you like a candy?" she says smiling weakly reaching into an apron pocket and fishing around for a while but finding no candy there. She looks back up at you with a furrowed brow. "I'm sorry, I don't think I remember your name... we've met before, right dear?"
The barkeep gives you a nod of approval. He looks to a small table where there are two men sitting staring at you, cocks his head and growls to one of the men. "Darus, pay your tab and vacate my fine establishment. I grow tired of your stink and this one is much better to look at. Be sure to take your dirty little tag-a-long with you."
One of the men stands up, shaking his head and throws a handful of coins at the bar. Some of the coins slide off and hit the floor near the barkeep's feet. His teeth clench and without taking his eyes off Darus he reaches below the bar and pulls out a spiked club.
Darus' friend moves more quickly toward the door. And Darus takes a nervous step away from the bar.
"Go on unless you want your tag-a-long to drag you out. Better if you don't come back any time soon." The barkeep says raising his club threateningly.
Darus spits on the floor as he exits quickly.
The barkeep steps out from behind the bar and wipes off the table for you. "Sorry for the wait, sweetie. Your drink and food will be up shortly." He says motioning to the table then returning behind the bar to pour your drink.
The young savage tunes out most of what the strange man is saying, thinking that if the tours don't work out, he can always become a festival barker. Oh, he chuckles at that thought, grinning, but quickly hiding the chuckle as a cough, an after effect of the vile...soup? Stew? Liquid? Maybe this is a test of patience for the young savage.
Hearing about the bay, he almost stops in his steps, but manages to keep going. Well, you just weren't blessed by the water. Best you don't do it, if you're not blessed. The waters hold easily angered spirits.
Seeing the sun begin to set, he whistles low in appreciation of the area.
Maraiah flashes the barkeep a big smile as she takes a seat, watching the two men leave. As she settles in to enjoy her meal she studies the tavern, taking in bits of overheard chatter.
Perception
The woman, Rown, if you remember correctly stares at you again for a moment before she smiles. "I'm sorry,
dear. My mind seems to be fluttering about like Desna herself. It's been difficult for us to keep things clear
and we seem ... I seem to forget so easily. It must be my years catching up." She smiles and reaches a hand
up to touch your face. "Make the most of your youth dear, it passes so quickly."
She inhales deeply and sighs looking around, brushing her hair back with her hands. "Now what in the name of
the gods was I doing?" She says with a slight hint of frustration.
"Enjoy your youth!" She chuckles. "Hmm well, would you like some tea? I know it's getting late but I
could use some company just for a little while. Maybe take my mind off of this headache." Rown loops her
arm behind yours and begins walking.
As Kranisk leads you deeper into the underbridge area you begin to hear a very faint low frequency humming
noise. It reminds you a bit of the sound of swarming insects like locusts or beetles if they were very distant.
"They call this area underbridge, for obvious reasons." Kranisk says pointing up. Stick with me,
friend. Newcomers to this area aren't treated so kindly and even natives tread carefully when the sun sets. It
can get hairy if you don't know your way around. Hey, once I saw a bunch of young kids pummel an Andoran sailor
who stumbled in here quite drunk by mistake. I don't know if he lived but he couldn't have been in very good
shape if he did." He says pointing down one dark alley betweek two buildings.
"Oh, and there are goblins in the sewer tunnels. Did anyone tell you about that yet? Crazy thing is that's
the least of the trouble down there. People get dragged down there, carted off to who knows where for who knows
what. You need to have friends around here, let me tell you, friends who will watch out for you." He points
at you then motions to himself with his thumb nodding.
"Here we are. Eight Shadowy Arms." He says as he opens the door and leads you inside. He cranes his neck
around the room and shouts "Gibbs, hey man! Let's talk!" then turns back to you and holds up his index
finger indicating you should wait there. As he passes the barkeep he drops a coin on the counter and says
something to him. The barkeep smiles, nods and winks to you.
"Something special coming right up" the barkeep says.
You try to tune in to some of the conversations around the room. Some of the tables are nothing more than
gamblers table talk, veiled threats between players. You catch one small bit about a botched delivery from near
one of the corners but the participants hush to a whisper very quickly.
The door opens and two men walk in "Here we are. Eight Shadowy Arms." the lead man says smiling and
motioning inside.
Behind him is a tall foreigner who looks to be from the Mwangi coast.
The lead man hails someone near the back of the room. "Gibbs, hey man! Let's talk!" He motions to the
stranger and holds up a finger. He begins to make his way to the back of the room but stops at the barkeep and
drops a coin on the counter "A special for my out of town friend, yeah?" he says in a hushed tone.
"Something special coming right up." the barkeep says with a wink and a nod to the stranger.
Based on the coin he threw down and the interaction between the two your gut tells you something special is
probably going to lead to one abducted stranger before the night is over.
He twists his head this way and that, trying to find the source of the buzzing, but gives up after his guide seems to pay no notice. "Seems like everywhere around here is dangerous."
His eyebrow raises slowly, as he looks at the name of the place, denying the overwhelming urge to state the obvious. "This sure looks...authentic" is about the nicest thing he can force from his lips.
As he waits, Tabansi looks at the drop of coin and the wink and tries his best to read the lips, knowing shady bar, plus whispering, and money exchanging hands...not a good start to the day.
As you walk with Rown, two women in long red hooded robes approach. "Oh! the sisters, how delightful! You really should meet them. Perhaps they can help with this headache." She says happily.
"Lady, are you well?" One of them says to Rown on their approach. "I see you are with company, perhaps a prayer together?" The other sister is looking at you but has not yet said anything.
"Yes, that would be lovely, sisters." Rown says smiling. "This is my friend ... I seem to have misplaced her name. I'm feeling quite confused this evening and have a dreadful ache in my head."
"Do not worry, Lady. Let us help you rejoin the stream and find harmony." The sisters begin a slow droning song-like chant and you find it quite soothing. A warm floating sensation begins to wash over your body, like you're relaxing in a warm bath and the edges of your vision blur slightly.
That's when the alarm bells sound. This is an enchantment and you feel it pulling at you. You look to Rown and see that her distant gaze has returned, her face seems dull and expressionless.
The sisters exchange a glance, smile at you and continue. You feel the enchantment strengthening.
Kransk moves to the back of the room and begins talking to a man. After a moment he points at you and you see three people at the table looking your way examining you. Kransk smiles, waves and gives you a thumbs up before he turns back to continue his conversation.
The barkeep slides a drink onto the bartop and motions to an empty stool for you. "One special for you, as requested. I find they go down easier if you're off your feet."
Read through the tabansi thread above.
You hear "scarlet sisters" mentioned while Kransk is talking to the folks at the back of the bar. It's a name you've heard mentioned two or three times over the last week but no solid information about who they are or what they do.
Tabansi sits down slowly, keeping a hand on his weapon and looking around while he takes a smell of the drink. He picks it up slowly and looks at the barkeep. "What's this 'special' of yours?"
He leans closer to the 'keep. "And who are those guys?" he points to the group his guide is sitting with.
Zora looks surprised for a brief moment, but when she has the chance to, utterly cuts tail and attempts to sprint away. This was not exactly what she was looking for, and by herself, there's no way she can stand up to a pair of enchantresses.
,
"The special? It's an import from Korvosa. Burns a little going down and got a nice kick so be careful. Keep it under control and you get some playful visuals and a good body buzz. Pound them back and the only thing you'll remember is turning your stomach inside out for a day or more."
He looks over his shoulder at Kransk and the others. "They're small time thugs and thieves. I wouldn't trust them if they didn't pay me so well."
You're unable to tell anything specific from their spell other than it took you quite by surprise and your head is still ringing a bit.
You have no trouble running from them as they do not pursue. You glance over your shoulder and see them turning and leading Rown away. Around you, people on the street are turning to look at you with blank faces as you run past. Ahead is a bar with lights and several patrons that you see through the front window.
You overhear more of the conversation between Tabansi and the bartender above. You heavily suspect the coin Kransk threw down is still too much to cover any Korvosan imports that would show up here.
Tabansi nods and smiles. "I appreciate the heads up. I'll try and keep away from them" With that, he salutes the man with the cup and slowly sips it, testing the flavor.
Checking her weapons, Maraiah finishes her drink and moves over to the bar to sit next to the stranger.
"Hi there, new to this part of the city?"
Tabansi nods, putting his drink down, looking cautiously at the woman. "Real new. New to the whole city, really."
Maraiah smiles. "It's got its own beauty, but Underbridge can be a dangerous place."
She leans forward flirtatiously.
"Especially when people offer you things." she whispers.
He smirks, leaning closer. "Oh? Like drinks from random individuals? His eyes briefly flick to the man who brought him here and the man's "friends."
Pushing his drink to the side for a moment, he whispers low. "Some danger is good, but too much can lead to a bad morning after or no morning at all. I'm Tabansi, by the by."
"Maraiah. I get the feeling that your friend over there and his associates aren't going to be all that keen on you just walking out of here.....And in this part of town, no one would come looking for you"
She grins.
"Good to know you're not as clueless as you looked walking in.
He chuckles, tapping his head. "Thankfully, the spirits blessed me with some sense in my noggin'. So what's the plan for getting out of here then?"
"That's a pretty wicked looking weapon you carry, know how to use it? I figure we can try to walk outta here like you got lucky on your first day in town and we're takin' it somewhere else."
She looks at Swahib with a wild grin, "They might buy it, hell they might just think a bigger shark took their prize."
A flash of something wild flickers through her eyes. "But I wouldn't count on it, be ready to fight your way out."
"Oh, I love a good fight. This is one I've trained with for quite awhile, so if it turns bad...well, I'm sure we'll have at least a few less people standing in our way."
The young man chuckles, smiling widely.
"Then I suggest we make our way," Maraiah whispers before breaking into a throaty giggle while leaning against the half-elf.
Tabansi leans against the woman, an arm on her as a way to keep his balance, while the other hand is on his weapon, chuckling along with. "Hopefully they buy it."
Maraiah and Tabansi:
As you prepare to exit the bartender clears his throat. He leans toward you from the other side of the bar, drying a mug with a dirty towel wrapped around his neck. "If you leave there will be a few unhappy folks following you out. I'll see if they might find a spill on the floor to hold them up a bit. Welcome to Magnimar, not everyone is so generous." He winks and turns around.
You get up and head for the door. As you're crossing the threshold into the street you hear a shout from the back of the bar. "Hey! My friend, don't go! Come talk to my boss! Wait for me!" A quick glance over your shoulder and you see Kranisk and three others standing up from the table focused on your exit. As you continue moving through the door you hear someone say "Go, get them both." and a moment later the sound of glass breaking followed by cursing.
Once your feet hit the street outside you survey the surroundings and immediately see a woman in colorful clothing running toward you.
Zora
The door of The Eight Shadowy Arms opens and a couple emerge as you're nearing the establishment.
Inside you hear the sound of breaking glass and commotion.
Zora shrugs animatedly at the people and then waves her hands, pointing behind her at nothing. She charges up to the pair, hands swirling and signing and all but saying nothing.
With a sigh, she reaches them and seems confused about the sound of broken glass-- she points behind them, as if they hadn't noticed.
Tabansi shrugs and grins, looking to Maraiah. "Well, I guess that's my welcoming party to the city. Might be good to get some distance for this rumble."
Raising an eyebrow as the woman gestures wildly, Maraiah nods in affirmation as she points behind them.
"I'd have to agree, lets get out of here!"
Looking at the silent woman she hooks a thumb behind her.
"I'm thinking you don't want to meet these guys, you should come with us"
"Down this alley and turn left. Spare me some coin and I'll cover for you." Says a small voice to your left. You see a human boy peeking around the corner of the building.
I'm going to mark this game as inactive. I'm unable to regularly update and it looks like others have moved on.
Sorry that I wasn't able to fulfill my end of the bargain.