"Think nothing of it, dear Captain. It is simply what Silvio and his great friends do", Silvio replies as they are thanked by the captain. "Silvio also thanks you for your hospitality, but wishes not to speak to soon. As memory has it there was talk of scholars in Riddleport that could possible help to shine a light on this mystery, was it not? But, Silvio is confident that we will at least spend a night here to mull things over."
Of course, we'd be happy to spend the night! Pik smiles at the thought of a roof and the idea that maybe, perhaps, there's a cot somewhere for him to sleep on.
Kraz smiles..
"Nice too see you all again.. It will be nice to have a real bed and not the cold wet ground. It seems that all the giants of the world are preparing for something, and not all of them seem to be on the same side. At least we have that going for us.."
The night passes and you are well fed, warm and sleeping in comfort for the first time in a long while. Coronei brings you up to date with the town’s progress since the attack. The town guard is depleted but recovering and the council is making progress repairing the burned out section.
The funds you brought will be welcome, he tells you. The people of Roderic’s Cove are reluctant to ask the Overlord of Riddleport for assistance. I get the feeling they’ve done so before and learned that any help provided comes at a stiff cost.
Late in the afternoon, the town council meets in the town hall. Around a dozen business owners, farmers and other notables take their places around a large table as an informal gathering begins. Captain Amerris produces the ransom you delivered and gives a brief outline of what you have learned. After a brief murmur of thanks, the assembled councillors begin to discuss the ramications, but it’s clear none are very knowledgeable about giants nor particularly concerned, beyond the likely impact of giant activity on Roderic’s Cove. Debate moves swiftly to whether the funds should be spent on fortifying the town or repairing the buildings that were razed.
As the meeting begins to drag on, Narth Tezrin approaches you, the proprietor of the Lion’s Share Trading Post.
I’m afraid you’re unlikely to get much thanks, he apologises. People are worried….Plus there’s always the possibility of improving one’s position….Those two will be insisting we build a longer jetty for them to unload their catches quicker. Despite the jetty not being touched in the attack! Shaking his head at the arguments and discussion around the room, he produces a scroll and hands it to Pik.
The Captain mentioned you were looking for information, he says. Around these parts, the Cyphermages in Riddleport will be your best bet. I’m not known to them really, but we did have some business with one. His name is Malitar DeBrock and we helped him out with some urgent alchemical supplies some months back. I’ve written you a letter of introduction. I don’t know how much use he’ll be, but it should save you some time anyway. Hopefully he’ll know which direction to point you in, even if he can’t answer your questions himself.
I think we best be goin'. I was not made t'quabble about local politics. We got a giant problem t'solve.
Pik nods, but as they leave he can't help himself. Wait...just a moment. He turns back to the assembly, I, uh, excuse me. I know we aren't locals. And, it's not my place to tell you how to spend your money. But, I feel like I could give some advice that might help in your decisions. He pauses dramatically, This is a tough time for your town, and many of your people have suffered. It is under circumstances like this that towns and cities forge their identities. The half-elf looks around the room, Come together. Take this opportunity to help your people. Rebuild your town. In the long run, happy and safe people will be the biggest boon to your local businesses.
He turns back to Dorin, Yes, I think they know how to handle this best. I'm no expert on finances anyway! With a curt nod, he prepares to follow the others as they make their way outside.
So, where to?
"Let's get going to Riddleport.. Captain, do you have a few ponies we can buy to make the trip easier?"
"I think we should buy a half dozen potions or so anyway. No telling what we might run into on the road, and the price is good".
The room falls quiet as Pik makes his speech. Many of the gathered councilors shift uncomfortably as he gently reminds them of their priorities. As you turn to leave, there is an awkward silence before Captain Amerris steps forward and begins directing the discussion.
After the timely reminder from our friends, let's return to the matter of the defences and protecting what we have as well as rebuilding what we've lost. he turns to some of the more opportunistic merchants before continuing. I think we're all agreed that we should ensure things are put to right before embarking on any new construction...
Sergeant Southwell guides you from the chamber as the council meeting returns to some semblance of order, offering no opinion on Pik's interjection. Their debate fades as he leads you outside and towards the stables.
I think we can loan you horses for the trip to Riddleport, he replies to Kraz. Narth has an office of the Lion's Share trading post there. You can return them there and they'll see them back to Roderic's Cove in due course.
Outstanding, exclaims Pik, That'll save us quite a bit of time. Pik shoulders his sack and makes ready to go.
"I think we should buy a half dozen potions or so anyway. No telling what we might run into on the road, and the price is good".
"Silvio does not think that will be necessary, great friend Rath. There is nothing between here and Riddleport that can keep Silvio down. It is better to save our gold for some more potent potions once we arrive to the City of Cyphers", Silvio ensures.
"And for you sergant Southwell, we give our deepest thanks for lending us transportation. We shall ride swiftly and get to the root of these events. That Silvio can promise you!"
Accepting the mounts from the Roderic’s Cove guard, you make good progress towards Riddleport. The weather is fine and the only encounters you have are with travelling merchants and farmers. The recent giant activity is a hot topic of conversation, the merchants in particular fume over having to use slower, overland routes due to the Frost Giant raiders that have been wreaking havoc in the Varisian Bay.
You spend one night camping in the hills before pressing on into Riddleport, arriving on Oathday, 21st Pharast three weeks to the day after you left for Elbar’s Bluff. The sun is shining and despite the sea breeze, the day is heating up as you crest the final hill and see Riddleport stretched out before you, the Cyphergate dominating the skyline.
As expected, you see there are many more ships in the harbour than when you left and as you approach you can see, hear and smell that the township is at bursting point. The streets are full of people and there are several merchant caravans forming up outside the town. As you approach, several thugs near the entrance to town lazily stand up, watching you warily as their leader holds up his hands.
Best you make tithe for the Overlord, lads he grins. A gold piece each should do it. Given you’re going to be bringing those beasts into our fine city. Civic improvement, don’t you know? some of his henchmen offer a forced chuckle at that, watching the traffic in and out of the town casually as they size up which will make the most profitable targets.
Pik examines the man up and down, Well, of course! We're always happy to help improve the cities we travel through. He looks around from atop his horse, Do we get a receipt from you? Or should we call over a few guards? No offense, but you boys don't look the sort to take to writing much. I'm sure it'll all go to the right cause and all, but we've just got to make sure. With all these people about I expect that there are a few disreputable folk that might try to take our gold. Extortion, if you'd believe it. He frowns slightly, I know, it's such a shame. But you wouldn't believe what people will do when they get desperate. In any case, I just don't want us giving gold to you fine men, then another group asking not realizing we've already paid. Not that I mind spending money for a good cause, but, we'd have to be sure it's all above board. You see? He shrugs, So fellows, what do you suggest?
Pik chuckles, And by guards I, of course, mean any sort of establishment. He rests his hand on his sword belt, Seems we've got plenty of options to help clean up and we're always happy to help with that. Not that we have a lot of time on our hands, but...this doesn't seem like it'd take that long.
Silvio waits for the goons reaction before acting.
The lead thug looks around at his henchmen for support, but they seem happy to leave negotiations to him. Returning to size you up, he offers a small shrug.
Well, perhaps we’re in the mood to offer you an exemption, he replies, nodding towards Pik’s sword. On condition of good behaviour, of course. Wouldn’t want you hurting yourself with that now, would we?
Once more the thugs offer a few, half-hearted laughs but the band of brigands makes no move to stop you entering the town.
As you make your way through the crowds, you can feel a certain irritability amongst the citizens of Riddleport. The odd angry shout rises above the din. There are significantly more sailors than you remember, sauntering down the road or loitering on streetcorners. It looks like it may be difficult to find a room, but you have a good six or seven hours of daylight remaining.
Pik nods to the thugs as they ride on by, Good behavior it is.
As they ride through the town the half-elf looks about. We should drop off these horses before too much longer. We leave them anywhere in a town like this and they're liable to run off with a new owner.
"Agreed.. Lets drop the horses and try to find a place to stay before it gets dark. If it takes to long we can go see the mages tomorrow.."
It’s easy enough to find the Lion’s Share Trading Post shopfront and the sole employee, Geron is able to take the horses from you. Asking him about accommodation, he looks sceptical.
There’s not a single inn with a room, he reports gloomily. You could sleep in a tavern common room, and several store owners are letting out rooms above their shops. Neither of those will be cheap though. Alternatively you could just head a mile or so down the road back to Roderic’s Cove. Camping out in the wild is almost safer than Riddleport at the moment!
Rath is not comfortable in the city at all. He spent a few weeks in Riddleport a couple of years back, and it seemed to embrace everything he detested about civilized areas. If anything it seems to have worsened.
Put this many people in one place and there is always one who starts something... then many react, and this is what you end up with. I much prefer a small village, or even a cave.
Rath is content for now to let his more 'civilized' companions take the lead, and simply nods at any approach, wrinkling his nose up at the smell.
Pik frowns, Another night under the stars? He lets out a small sigh, Seems about our luck. How much do you think a floor somewhere is going to cost?
I will stay where everyone else wants ta.
"Let's try to find ourselves a private room. I have no issues paying extra to not get robbed in my sleep.."
”Do not fret or worry, good friend Pik! Riddleport is a big city and we are bound to find a roof over our head somewhere within its walls. And once the word gets out that Silvio Callgari Pazzi, the greatest swordman of Cheliax, is visiting we are certain to get invitations. Silvio says this with great surety”, Silvio states confidently. ”You there, where might Silvio Callgari Pazzi, great sea captain and hero to all, and his good friends find a bed for the evening”, he asks a random passer by.
Search me, replies the stranger, barely breaking stride. I’d try down market street. The shopkeepers there have been renting out rooms, I hear.
Moving in the indicated direction, it takes your party some time knocking on doors and asking around. Eventually, you manage to find a tailor with a couple of spare rooms above his shop. Pik negotiates use of both of them for five gold pieces a night. Although crowded, the five of you should manage a reasonable night’s sleep, safe from the weather and Riddleport’s more unsavory street gangs.
The day is drawing to a close once lodgings are secured, however there’s probably still an hour of daylight remaining.
"As much as Silvio would appreciate a drink the mystery that the Cypher Mages might unlock is to alluring. Silvio suggests that we go and pay them a visit."
"I agree, but it will surely be dark by the time we return. Not that I'm scared obviously, but I'm sure we take a larger chance out an about after dark here."
"Chance assumes risk and we have nothing to fear from the darkness, capable adventurers as we are", Silvio states confidently. "Although good friend Kraz has a point. By now the news that the great Silvio Callgari Pazzi is here has surely spread through Riddeport. No doubt there will be luck seekers eager to test their meddle against the great swordsman of Corentyn. So, we should be vigilant."
The half-elf shrugs, I've no other plans. We could go tonight, or in the morning.
"It has been a long day, and I am tired. The bustle of the city strains my soul. Perhaps we should spend the evening listening to the city to see what rumors might lurk in its tortured soul, and seeking out these Mages tomorrow when we are fresh".
"That is not a bad idea, friend Rath", Silvio says and looks down the street. "Good lady, what is the street buzzing about now that the great Silvio Callgari Pazzi, famous swordsman and hero to all, is back in Riddleport?"
The woman looks Silvio up and down before replying.
Never heard of him, she answers somewhat disappointingly. But what everyone’s buzzing about is just how long the giants are going to be out there. We ain’t used to all these sailors in port at once. If they aren’t out there earning gold they’re not bringing it back here to spend it, right?
There is a slight moment when Silvio freezes and his eyes glazes over as the chelaxian's ego tries to process the fact that the earth does not revolve around him. Within the blink of an eye numerous explanations and coping mechanisms are generated and evaluated. In the end denial and fabrication wins out.
Barely a second passes before the focus returns to the proud swordsman's eyes. "Ah, so you say the talk of the town is the giant menance and the hopes of Silvio and his great friends putting an end to it? Well, never fear, for we have come to Riddleport to seek out the Cyphermages to get to the bottom of this recent threat to the good people of Varsia." Silvio pauses for a moment to let his words sink in and to generate the comfort and peace of mind they deserve before continueing with another question. "Apart from the cyphermages, do you know of any person or party that can tell Silvio more about the giants and their activity in the region? Another scholar perhaps? Or a survivor?"
Kraz laughs at Silvio's dispacement.. He gives him a clap on the back.
"I'm sure we will run across someone who has heard of you in all of this huge city. Perhaps we should just get a drink and talk to the mages in the morning. Comon I'll buy you one."
Dorin joins Kraz.
Righto, Silvio, let's be downin' a few cold ales, and we can be discussin' things with the mages in the 'morn.
Pik shrugs and follows the others amicably. I had no others plans.
As Silvio's ego had just erased the unfortunate exchange with the passer by (or at least the "I never heard about you" part of it) the chelaxian is equally confused about Kraz first sentance. Silvio decides that it must be a joke since the odds, at least in the dashing rake's mind, of a villager having heard of him is 1 in 1. Unless of course the person in question was a hermit living under a rock. "Ah, good one friend Kraz. And yes, a drink is a good way to end the day and talk about tomorrows possibilities!"
Rath is overwhelmed at all the bustle of the city, and decides to retire early, and stuff his ears with cloth to try and filter out the noises of civilization. "I'll stay in our room, and keep an eye on things".
Rath returns to the tailor’s shop to escape the noise and crowds of Riddleport as the rest of you go in search of a tavern or other entertainment.
You soon find yourselves at the Gold Goblin Gambling Hall, a raucous and garishly decorated gaming house. There is a large stage with dancers and musicians, numerous gaming tables and a number of tables and chairs scattered around the main hall and up on the balcony overlooking the festivities. Like the rest of Riddleport, the place is jam packed with loud, boisterous sailors and opportunistic townsfolk looking to earn what they can.
Food and wine is of average quality, but readily available. The entertainment is better quality than you would expect, though decidedly bawdy, verging on scandalous. Various games of cards, dice and other contests of skill are run continuously as onlookers shout abuse from the balcony and place side bets.
The four of you are imposing enough not to earn any trouble from the more unsavoury clientele and can enjoy your time off. Are you looking for anything in particular or just having an ‘off-duty’ night and keeping your ears open?
Kraz is content to have a few beers, kick back and relax. if he happens to hear any pertinent info being talked about so be it. 15 passive perc..
Dorin relaxes as well, listening to the conversations.
Pik is happy to enjoy the company of his friends and keep his half-elven ears open for any interesting gossip.
Besides the usual barroom arguments, taunts and antics, the main topic of conversation is the increased Frost Giant activity. Practically all of the sailors present have some story of being attacked, chased or menaced by one of many Giant longships currently cruising the Varisian Sea. You also hear tales of increased giant activity all across Varisia from as far south as stone giants menacing Sandpoint to a clan of brutish hill giants plundering the farms around Brinewall to the North.
Nobody has any remotely plausible explanation for why the usually reclusive giants are suddenly on the march. Worryingly for your group, the consensus seems to be that the Cyphermages are as clueless as everyone else.
What would they know about giants? snorts one gambler derisively. They spend all day pondering those runes on the Cyphergate and stroking their beards…
That’s not all they’re stroking! interrupts another reveller, accompanied with an unambiguous mime and the enthusiastic, loud laughs of his drunken companions.
Most of the evening yields nothing more illuminating than that. Nonetheless, the room is clean and warm, the food and drink passable and the entertainment exceptional. Towards the end of your stay as things begin to wind down, one of the serving staff approaches you as she cleans up the tables nearby.
If you’re looking for guidance, I may have someone who can help, she offers. An old Varisian friend….wandered for years but settled here in Riddleport a couple of years back. He’s a master of the Harrow cards and not one of those charlatans you see at village fairs. I’ve never seen him fail. Predicted every storm to hit Riddleport since he got here. There’s nothing he can’t see in the cards. If you’re wise enough to listen to them, of course.
If you don’t have any luck with the mages, meet me here tomorrow four hours after noon, she continues. We should be quiet for a few minutes by then. For a gold piece I’ll show you the way.
Pik smiles and nods. Sounds intriguing... or a scam.
"I consider it a secodary option if the Mages can't help us. Let's get some sleep."
"Ah, lady luck smiles yet again on Silvio! This fortune teller is sure to prove an interestning encounter!"