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Cara stops to read the Missions Board:
Cara continues to skulk at the back of the group, making sure she watches Mazatl's every move.
Cara is dead silent throughout the tour.
You quickly spot the pair that Mazatl had mentioned, the two fitting his descriptions almost perfectly.
Norme is holding a book in his arms as he talks with the woman beside him, who most certainly was Jezebeth. At a quick glance, Norme stood about five and a half feet tall (give or take), compared to his partner who seemed to be about two to three inches taller than he was. Jezebeth was looking at clothes not unlike Norme's own, sprawled out on a table. The outfit was right next to a book that was similar in design to the one Norme was holding.
"I suppose it works well enough. But you really expect me to dress like you, shortstack?"
"Look, you wanted your hair to be shorter so you could pass for a Human more easily, but that alone isn't enough. My magic isn't strong enough to do drastic overhauls. Plus, we also have the issue of the 'tindertwigs'."
At that mention of the tindertwigs, Jezebeth pouted before sidling up to Norme's side in an overly flirty and lovestruck fashion, though it was very obviously a facade to make Norme uncomfortable.
"Oh, how chivalrous! Always thinking of me and my wellbeing? You're my hero, Ser Shortstack!"
"Knock it off, Jezebeth! You only have to wear the outfit when you need a disguise. How troublesome. Anyway, the disguise also works well because the hat works with the short hair to hide your horns easier."
They seemed approachable.
--
Through your combined combing, the map appears to differ little from modern day placements of landmarks and features. However, a small mark jumps out to you both, marking a location that is some distance away outside of town. According to the map, it'd take about a one hour non-stop walk to reach the spot. There doesn't seem to be any labeled landmarks at the location, but it lies exactly to the east of Elssel, and to the north of Silvgton.
--
Throughout the tour, Mazatl does nothing suspicious that you can observe or note. He even seemed, polite?
Aside from that, a quick glance at the Missions Board reveals some Requests posted.
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Request: Memorial Valley! Take me!
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"I've always wanted to see the large statues there!
I'm not strong enough to go alone!"
Client: Bennel
Objective: Guide Bennel.
Place: Memorial Valley
Restrictions: None
Difficulty: C (20)
Reward: Patsy Band + 10cp
Sending Code: ZJVT-IEK8QVRD-DDMTOH3D-32LAS
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Request: Deliver Potion of Cure Serious Wounds
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"I'm on the ropes! If only I had a potion to heal myself!
You're my only hope now!"
Client: Wyngaal
Objective: Deliver Potion of Cure Serious Wounds.
Place: Jagged Cliffs
Restrictions: None
Difficulty: 1* (100)
Reward: Potion of Remove Curse + ???
Sending Code: Q7AO-PEARU7UL-RMW7ID3M-7VG7A
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Lady Z creaks her Neck then cast in order
She then takes a small magnifying glass form her map making kit and looks over the parchment in fine detail.
Davian notices Lady Zal's increased scrutiny of the map as she pulls out her magnifying glass and gets even closer to the map's surface. Unsure how to help more, the cleric looks around the room while staying at the half-elf's side should she need him.
Zaeta approaches Norme and Jezebeth.
"Hello. You guys are the librarians, correct? I'm Zaeta. We just got assigned to do this big quest by the que- ...er, the crown princess. Supposed to find some artifacts so we can re-seal some ancient evil, keep-the-world-safe type thing I believe. Anyway, we were given a map and I was wondering if maybe you could take a look at it, and see if there is anything similar in the library. Anything about what the artifacts are, how to seal the evil... anything that might help us know what to do or how would be super helpful. Or, if you have heard of this quest in historical texts, it apparently has to be renewed from time to time, so other people must have also done it in the past."
"Er, I'm babbling. Sorry. Any ideas?"
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As soon as Mazatl leaves them alone, Cara moves to look at the map with the rest of them.
After hardly glancing at it she states:
"Alright lets get going to one of these artifacts. I want to see whats so damn special about this mission.."
Davian tilted his head slightly and asked the brawler, "Sara, is everything alright?"
Looking at him with a sheepish grin:
"Yes David I'm fine."
Davian nods to the brawler.
I see if she wishes to talk about it later. "Davian, please."
So, what do you think of this place? It's quite impressive." Looking at the ceiling, the cleric wonders aloud, "I wonder if this guidlhall has roof access?"
Cara responds with audible unease.
"This place gives me the creeps. Oddballs everywhere... We really should get going... somewhere other than here.
"Well, it does appear to be a diverse guild, admits Davian.
"We should see what this guild offers by way of security when we get to our sleeping quarters. If we find them lacking, we could try a few tricks to increase their privacy, possibly adding additional locks purchased in the city. Then of course, with the very generous advance we accepted from the Crown-Princess, you can afford to stay at any inn in the city!"
lmaco
"Hello. You guys are the librarians, correct? I'm Zaeta. We just got assigned to do this big quest by the que- ...er, the crown princess. Supposed to find some artifacts so we can re-seal some ancient evil, keep-the-world-safe type thing I believe. Anyway, we were given a map and I was wondering if maybe you could take a look at it, and see if there is anything similar in the library. Anything about what the artifacts are, how to seal the evil... anything that might help us know what to do or how would be super helpful. Or, if you have heard of this quest in historical texts, it apparently has to be renewed from time to time, so other people must have also done it in the past."
"Er, I'm babbling. Sorry. Any ideas?"
Norme and Jezebeth both turned to look at Zaeta with some confusion.
"Unfortunately we aren't the librarians. There aren't any. The guild is free to use any of the knowledge the guild has collected, however. These artifacts you mention sound interesting, so I could take a bit of a look."
"Mmm... Ancient evils. Sounds pretty far out there, if you ask me."
There are no markings of note; the entire map looks relatively ancient compared to modern cartographical works.
Zaeta addresses Norme:
Oh. ... Okay, I appreciate your willingness to help. My companions are examining the map at that table. Any insight you could offer would be appreciated.
Lady Zal takes out a little Alchemy kit and takes a tiny pit of the map, she works on it as if seeking something.
As the cleric talks with Cara, Davian notices Zaeta walking over with a human wizard and a voluptuous tiefling.
Desna! Must maintain eye contact!
With a slight stammer, the caravan man greets the newcomers.
"Greetings, fellow guild mates. I believe you two are the ones Marcie recommended to us downstairs. I am Davian Dreamspun, the lady examining the map is Lady Zal, and the muscular woman to my right is Cara."
Cara continues to look uneasy and repeats her sentiment of wanting to get going by heading over to Lady Zal holding the map and asking:
"Where should we go first?"
looks over at the vile she placed a tiny part in, then holds the map out to Cara and points at the marked spot.
"Here look Cara, its not on any map that I know of, we could see of any of the books here have something about this location but I doubt it. I think we will just have to go there and see"
Lady Zal takes out a little Alchemy kit and takes a tiny pit of the map, she works on it as if seeking something.
As the cleric talks with Cara, Davian notices Zaeta walking over with a human wizard and a voluptuous tiefling.
Desna! Must maintain eye contact!
With a slight stammer, the caravan man greets the newcomers.
"Greetings, fellow guild mates. I believe you two are the ones Marcie recommended to us downstairs. I am Davian Dreamspun, the lady examining the map is Lady Zal, and the muscular woman to my right is Cara."
"I guess it's nice to meet you all. I'll see if I can do any research for you guys. No guarantees I'll find anything."
"You always find what you're looking for when I request assistance, shortstack. You've got that special touch when it comes to discovering all there is to know about something magical..."
"You don't ask for much, Jezebeth. Don't be weird, this is about ancient artifacts, not your strange obsessions."
"Oh, you."
Jezebeth made a point to sit on the table in a way as though she was aware of Davian's own thoughts, a clearly enticing posture being used in the process. She kept her eyes on Norme, however, leaving it in question what she was really intending. She seemed as if she confidently knew her body was the absolute pinnacle of perfection among any humanoid in existence.
Norme himself proceeded to fetch a thick tome on magical items.
"I'll do a bit of research for you guys, though it sounds like all of you are at least aware of a starting point. I'd get going out there, personally. Magical items don't come to you, after all. You have to go and get them."
"Perhaps you'll find something cute and adorable to tag along with you in the process."
Responding to Zal's comment Cara looks satisfied with the meeting and announces:
"Let's meet tomorrow morning at dawn and head out."
I'll see you guys later. Cara walks outside and heads to wherever she had been staying before the summons.
"Wait! Cara! At least let us know..where..you're staying", Davian calls out to the quickly-retreating brawler. The cleric wonders aloud, "Hmm. I wonder what has her so spooked?"
Looking to both Norme and Jezebeth, the caravan man adds, "I doubt it is present company. Please excuse her. She's been skittish since our tour."
So, meeting back here in the library in the morning? I'll follow her and make sure she knows where.
Zaeta catches up with Cara and lets her know the meetingplace is the library. If she seems amenable to company, she will also accompany her to an inn and take a room there, planning to converse further, but if she doesn't seem in the mood, then Zaeta bids her farewell and finds an inn by herself.
Davian waves goodbye to Zaeta as she too leaves the library.
"Well, Lady Zal", breathed the cleric, "it would appear we have been 'out-voted' on whether to leave for the location on the map today or not."
"I suppose that just gives us more time to study the map." Taking off his backpack, Davian grabs a nearby chair and sits next to the half-drow noble, ready to assist in her research, offering chairs to Norme and Jezebeth to join them.
Everything okay? Zaeta asks Cara.
"Yeah... Everything fine, you know I am gonna go buy a drink, care to join me?"
Cara starts heading toward the nearest tavern.
Sure, love to join you.
Zaeta accompanies Cara to the tavern, ordering something non-alcoholic, and talks of mundane things at first, trying to get to know the girl, and waiting to see if Cara will volunteer what is troubling her.
So, Cara, we're going to be traveling together. Let's hear the five minute history of your life. Who are you, where did you come from, what drives you, and why do you think you were chosen for this mission of ours?
"Well, Lady Zal", breathed the cleric, "it would appear we have been 'out-voted' on whether to leave for the location on the map today or not." ->
"I suppose that just gives us more time to study the map."
She packs her things away and hands him the map.
"Its old that's all I can find out about it, what its made from looks like some animal hide. The ink has a lot of lead in it, to keep it stable. There is Makers mark, nor notes that have warned off. So I have a feeling this is a copy of some older original map."
She takes a seat.
"We could have a look around, I spotted some privet rooms earlier."
She lets the moment stand, and goes on.
"But something to each, how about we have a walk around town and go look for a nice bistro."
"That sounds lovely", smiles Davian. Looking to the wizard and tiefling, the cleric asks, "Norme, will you be needing access to the map to do for research, or shall we put it away for now?"
Sure, love to join you.
Zaeta accompanies Cara to the tavern, ordering something non-alcoholic, and talks of mundane things at first, trying to get to know the girl, and waiting to see if Cara will volunteer what is troubling her.
So, Cara, we're going to be traveling together. Let's hear the five minute history of your life. Who are you, where did you come from, what drives you, and why do you think you were chosen for this mission of ours?
Inside The Noble Decree, Zaeta and Cara stand out amid some fancier designs the tavern employed for its usual clientele. The bartender said nothing however, and with genuine Arenstone openness, he offers the two free drinks for the evening, seeing how tense they seem.
--
"That sounds lovely", smiles Davian. Looking to the wizard and tiefling, the cleric asks, "Norme, will you be needing access to the map to do for research, or shall we put it away for now?"
"You guys should keep the map. It's your mission after all. I won't need it for my area of research."
Jezebeth waved bye in a teasing manner while giggling.
--
Exiting the guild is a simple affair once you're ready to explore the town. The afternoon streets of the North District are quiet. A single tavern popular with nobles, The Noble Decree, is in the area, as well as a few other guild halls, including Freedom's guild hall, Eastbourne Company's guild hall, and the Relic Hunter's Academy's guild hall.
Three noble estates reside in the district, the most prominent being Lord Estaire's estate. Lord Vermont's estate is also located her, as is Lord Seone's.
A woman was dancing for a mixed crowd of onlookers in the district's square, with a small box residing a short distance away from her location that seemed to be for donations. Her distinct and lengthy silver hair swung wildly as she danced. Her veil covered the lower half of her face readily, preventing the reading of any real detail, despite the skin on display everywhere else.
Zal would recognize Lord Seone among the crowd watching the performance. A minor noble who thinks he's more important than he actually is. Very few people like him, and he holds a Royal Senate seat only because of connections and money, and not because of any real renown.
Two Human guards watched the situation with interest. They seemed to be watching for any troublemakers, and wore lighter stone armor consistent with a patrolling group employed often by Arenstone. A child seemed to be trying to pester the two guards at the time, however.
The child had pale skin, blond hair, red eyes, and a cute red dress trimmed in black. She decked out with a black hairband, complete with a large bow and a pair of earrings in a star shape, and had a book floating beside her on its own, shut tight. Its cover bore a single eye encased in a blue slot. She seemed to be asking a lot of questions as she poked at their armor.
By a small market stall selling fruits and vegetables, a different woman was dressed in maid attire, though her outfit was augmented heavily with armored portions, with gauntlets, greaves, and a breastplate all part of the uniform outside the frilled skirt and puffed sleeves. The boots had a heel that seemed weaponized, and the gauntlets were designed such that they resembled pincers. Her black hair was done into a ponytail.
With her were two Halflings dressed in suits akin to butlers, though each was also armored. Each one seemed to be listening with intent as she spoke. At their side, a man stood observing. He seemed to be quite up there in age, and was dressed very fashionably and nobly. He had with him a thick tome and dusted gloves and boots. His green coat was embroidered nicely, and his red noble uniform underneath showed clear his status.
Zal would recognize him to be Lord Irdrick, a widely regarded noble and member of the Royal Senate. He's always polite, kind to a fault, and just an all around excellent and upstanding law-abiding fun old guy. Very wealthy, and his daughter is married to the the impressive and powerful Lord Remblance.
Zal passes in what she knows to any of the others with here, quietly of course. She smiles and takes note at the things around here.
She points out to Davian the small child her book and its eye
Davian takes a momentarily break from Lady Zal's side by taking a silver piece from his coin pouch and flips it into the dancer's tin. He is spending time in the most exclusive part of Essell with a beautiful half-drow noble and had just received more money than he's every seen from the crown-princess. All the more reason spread some luck around.
When Davian returns to Lady Zal's side, he confirms with what he saw with the pale child to what Lady Zal had seen.
Smiling, Davian said to the half-drow noblewoman, "You know. Despite the fate of the world being in our hands, I can not help but feel contentment. A lovely day with lovely company walking on a lovely avenue."
She smiles at him enjoying the flirtation, she moves her hand to his own holding her arm.
"We will have to go into lovely later Davian, right now I have just potted someone I really must have words with. Stay by my side, but don't say anything unless your address. That's Lord Irdrick and my brother has dealing with his trade group. So it's charm all the way"
She left Davians hand of her arm and then makes her way to the side of Lord Irdrick, bowing her head once she will wait for a moment to present itself for her to address him.
"Lord Irdrick, My brother sends his best wishes, for myself it's good to see you are still in fine health my lord."
"We will have to go into lovely later Davian, right now I have just potted someone I really must have words with. Stay by my side, but don't say anything unless your address. That's Lord Irdrick and my brother has dealing with his trade group. So it's charm all the way"
Davian nods and whispers, "Now that I can do, my Lady."
In response to Zaeta while at the bar:
"That was quite the barrage of questions... I was an orphan here until I got picked up into a gang. You know how I mentioned a gang dispute earlier? Well, my best friend was killed in this dispute. And he was killed by Mazatl.
Cara shifts uncomfortably in her seat, then proceeds to down her drink in one gulp.
"Bartender, another round."
Zaeta pushes the free drink the bartender gave her over to Cara, since she wasn't going to drink it.
That's interesting. I spent a long time at an orphanage myself.
So, Mazatl was in a gang? What were the circumstances? Did he recognize you? Could you be in trouble with the law if he told someone?
Irdrick turns and adjusts coat.
"Well, thank you, young lady. You were... Um. Oh my, I seem to have slipped a bit on your name. Age takes its toll, I'm afraid."
The maid in armor turned as well to face Zal and Davian. Her face was bearing a relatively cool and charming smile. The two other servants, short as they were being Halflings, nonetheless stood straight and tall.
--
The mood in the bar was rather mellow, and little out of the ordinary seemed poised to happen. It seemed even the richer folk enjoyed their peace and quiet.
Davian gives courteous nods to both the maid and the halflings, as the cleric waits for noble pleasantries to wind down.
She nods her head to him.
"Lady Zal-Azra Qlin-Zra, my brother is Lord Qlin-Zra. I was at your daughters wedding to Lord Remblance a few years ago. You where so kind as to dance with me Lord Irdrick. I have to admit for someone of age, you can dance the legs of any younger man I know"
She says with a grin at the old fox, his aged act was good but she knew better. You did not walk the halls of power in the way he did with out being more then you seemed.
"Let me introduce Davian, a caravan traveler and cleric who as I have no doubt curt gossip has spread the word. Is one of my travelling companions in a quest set for his by her highness this very day. we are no less then to save the world."
She again smiled.
Lets see if gossip dose indeed move faster then any other means of communication in the city.
"Lord Irdrick", bowed Davian with a flourish. "Very nice to me you."
Zaeta sees that Cara isn't in the mood to talk, so she retires for the evening. When she awakes, she packs up and goes to meet the party at the library as they had arranged.
The old man smiled. "Well then, a quest it is? From her highness no less? You do be careful. Make sure your friends can be trusted, and won't spook off when you run into a dire situation. No doubt the court has eyes on your group."
He nodded to Davian. "It is a pleasure for me, to be sure. I am impressed you are in her group. Never thought she'd make a friend."
Unsure how to respond, Davian just smiles and make a small bow.
Shoots a look at Lord Irdrick and then speaks to Davian.
"What Lord is referring to how most treat me in court. A half breed Drow is ... unpalatable to be with, or seen to be seen with. So I have few friends. Also in the same vein, suitors who would wish to marry someone like me, well... males worry I will no doubt kill them in their sleep. Like any true Drow matron would when tired of them. I have to say I do find that idea appealing, even if extreme. So few wish to spend time with me." [/b]
Shoots a look at Lord Irdrick and then speaks to Davian.
"What Lord is referring to how most treat me in court. A half breed Drow is ... unpalatable to be with, or seen to be seen with. So I have few friends. Also in the same vein, suitors who would wish to marry someone like me, well... males worry I will no doubt kill them in their sleep. Like any true Drow matron would when tired of them. I have to say I do find that idea appealing, even if extreme. So few wish to spend time with me."
"Well", tempts Davian, "one could say one tempts Fate every morning just getting out of bed", the cleric smiles. "If Lady Zal seeks to lead me to my doom, she's doing an excellent job at it."
"All I can say, Lady Zal, is it's best you learn how to care for a suitable partner. Drow go to such extremes at time, it's little wonder your kind was often viewed as vile creatures of the night. Alas, times change, and so do people. A good partner leads to a healthy life full of wonders to experience each and every day. Let my seventy odd years, with fifty of them in marriage, be the proof! Ho ho ho!"
As he said this, the maid with him smiled.
"Sir, don't forget your meeting with Lord Cato. To be late a third time straight would not be the best of impressions."
"Oh, good heavens. I'd best be getting to that meeting then. Well, Lady Zal, I bid you a good evening, and one to your friend as well!"
Irdrick made sure he waved goodbye, and gave appropriate departures for stations prior to his moving on. His maid bowed accordingly, and she snappily made sure the two servants in training also got a move on.
Davian respectful bows his head as Lord Irdrick leaves. The cleric then waits for Lady Zal's lead.
She smiles at the maid as she is told about wedded bliss.
Then once he informs them he us going she inclines her head as he goes.
Saying "As always a Pleasure and informative Lord Irdrick. I hope to meet you again soon"
Looking at Davian once he has gone she whispers in his ear.
"That old fox, he's one of the biggest shakers and movers in the court. But why is he hurrying off to meet Lord Cato, hummm "
She takes Davians arm.
"I think we need to find the others, and quickly"
And she leads him off to find the others
Seeing Lady Zal's concerned look, Davian comments, "Well, ah, both ladies are flush with platinum pieces. Maybe they went to a tavern. Where's a great tavern around here we can try first?"