Gilfroy shrugs. "Just the weirdest thing that came to mind that wasn't too depraved so as to offend your sensibilities. Now, if you don't mind some offended sensibilities, we could probably come up with some scenarios that would make even Melon blush..." He trails off with a mischievous chuckle.
"You think that's physically possible?" Corinna asks skeptically. "There certainly seems to be nothing so crude that she hasn't seen it or done it somewhere at some time in her life and isn't perfectly happy to talk about, like she's narrating her experience having afternoon tea with her maiden aunt. Didn't she claim to have been to Riddleport before? And implied she'd shared the extradimensional bed of an extremely advanced conjuror? Perhaps I should ask her to introduce me to her 'friend' and I wouldn't have to worry about finding a place to spend the night," she says archly before blushing at the implications of her own words. "I didn't mean to...," she qualifies. "I just meant that a magnificent mansion would be a safe place to sleep. Alone."
Ameiko laughs lightly. "Depends on the city, really. Magnimar's a lot nicer than Riddleport. Parts of it could even be described as majestic. I've heard Korvosa is impressive, too, but I haven't actually been there. Come to think of it, the only big cities I've actually been to are Riddleport and Magnimar. My adventuring days didn't take me all that far afield really. People in Sandpoint think I'm well-travelled, but that's because most people in Sandpoint have never even left Sandpoint. I also listen to stories, so I hear about other places a lot. But there's a big difference between hearing stories about places and actually knowing those places through real experience. I daresay you're better travelled than I am. Brinewall will actually be the furthest from Sandpoint I've ever gone."
"I suppose it's true that to most people in Sandpoint even I'd qualify as well-traveled," Tevyn muses. "But I've not seen much. I was quiet young still when I left the elven lands and most of my memories from that time are of trees. I know a lot about the immediate areas surrounding Sandpoint but we've already come farther away than I've ever traveled under my own initiative."
He glances at Melon as she jumps into the conversation. "I wouldn't have thought that anything so simple as a bridge could possibly be so mysterious. Big enough to hold Sandpoint? Surely you jest."
The night passes quietly. A cold rain starts falling in the early morning. It gets quite heavy around sunrise--there's even some hail--but it calms down again shortly after that and remains a cold drizzle throughout the morning.
"Ameiko has agreed that we will stay here for a day," Sandru tells everyone at breakfast. "We'll depart again tomorrow morning."
He glances at Melon as she jumps into the conversation. "I wouldn't have thought that anything so simple as a bridge could possibly be so mysterious. Big enough to hold Sandpoint? Surely you jest."
"I would have thought so too," Melon agrees, "But it is really that big! Much bigger than the cyphergate over there in Riddleport - almost looks like you can make out a bit of it from here. But why the bridge is so big, is a mystery - why even giants would look at it and wonder what kind of over-sized creature would need such a bridge."
The night passes quietly. A cold rain starts falling in the early morning. It gets quite heavy around sunrise--there's even some hail--but it calms down again shortly after that and remains a cold drizzle throughout the morning.
"Ameiko has agreed that we will stay here for a day," Sandru tells everyone at breakfast. "We'll depart again tomorrow morning."
Corinna exchanges a quick glance with Gilfroy, a bit of relief in her eyes. "No worries about having to carry your lovely picture through the rain today, at least," she murmurs. "Is anyone else going into town today?" she asks in a more public voice to the rest of the group.
"Me!" Melon puts up her hand, "Riddleport is always good for a laugh and a cry - wouldn't miss a chance like that. Why? Would you like me to walk with you, part of the way at least?"
"I could use a walk." Calls Malan. "If you wouldn't mind my company."
"The more of us there are, the safer I'll feel," Corinna laughs shortly. "Given Riddleport's reputation, I don't know if we're more likely to be pickpocketed or press-ganged."
"I'd like to see the city," Tevyn says. "Part of the reason I'm on this trip is to see new places after all. Are we allowed to kill anyone who tries to pick our pockets?"
"Travelling in groups is always wise in Riddleport," Sandru says. "Keep your weapons visible, but not drawn. You don't want people to think you're looking for a fight--in which case they might just indulge you--but you do want them to think you're ready to respond to a fight if one is forced on you. Corinna, do you still wish me to show you to people who might be able to help you?"
"I'll come, too! What or who are we looking for help with? Or from?"
"Corinna, do you still wish me to show you to people who might be able to help you?"
"I certainly wouldn't be voluntarily walking into Riddleport for any other reason," she smiles a bit grimly. "Yes, please, it's why I've come this far."
"I'll come, too! What or who are we looking for help with? Or from?"
"I, er, I'm trying to find someone," Corinna explains a little hesitantly. "A Varisian man named Pitivo who used to travel with a caravan in this region as recently as five years ago, from what I've learned."
"With a little luck, we'll find someone with news of him," Sandru says. "Shall we go?"
Sandru leads the five of you south out of Lubbertown, back to the main road and then west into Riddleport itself. Even before passing through a break in the 300-ft-tall ridge on the city's east side, the stench of the city greets your nostrils: the stench of refuse and grime and who knows what else.
At the other side of the ridge, you come immediately into the densely packed city. Tall buildings press up against each other along narrow streets. Most of the buildings have a shop at ground level, with apartments above it. The street is packed with people, animals, and wagons. You frequently have to push your way through groups of people as Sandru leads you through the town. The people tend to glare at you as you push past them (even though they're just as likely to push past you), but then ignore you once you're past.
Sandru leads you along a southwards-heading street for a couple of blocks before stopping outside a small fortune-teller's shop. "Here's the first person we can try," he says. "Madame Tieren knows most of the Varisians who pass through the city."
When the mess that is Riddleport comes into plain view and the chaotic nature of the streets becomes apparent, Melon grins at Tevyn, "Well? What do you think?"
Sandru leads you along a southwards-heading street for a couple of blocks before stopping outside a small fortune-teller's shop. "Here's the first person we can try," he says. "Madame Tieren knows most of the Varisians who pass through the city."
Corinna, who has been doing her best to stay in the middle of the knot of people to avoid the natives, looks up at the placard hanging above the door and nods nervously at Sandru, ready to follow him in.
Sandru leads you into the shop. The inside is dimly lit by only a few candles. Blankets and tapestries hang on the walls and from the ceiling, some blocking light from the only window. A raven sits on a perch near the door and squawks as you enter. A table in the centre of the room holds a crystal ball, and numerous shelves hold vials, small crystals, spell components, and other assorted small and unusual items.
A middle-aged Varisian woman comes out from a back room. Her dark hair is just starting to grey. She wears a voluminous, red dress adorned with jewellery. "Good morning, travellers!" she exclaims. "Ah, Sandru! How good to see you again! Do come in."
Sandru approaches the woman and the two hug. "Good to see you, too, Tieren," he says.
"I see you've brought some friends with you," Madame Tieren says. "Are they here for their fortunes?"
Sandru shakes his head. "Just general information," he says.
"Typical," Madame Tieren says with a roll of her eyes. "One of these days, I must demand that you bring me customers for a change."
Sandru looks a little embarrassed. Before he can speak though, Madame Tieren continues, "Oh, think nothing of it, Sandru. You know there is little I won't do for you. So, perhaps you should introduce us."
"Yes, right," Sandru says. He introduces each of you in turn, starting with Corinna. When he's finished, he says, "This is Madame Tieren."
"Just Tieren will be fine," she says. "Any friends of Sandru are friends of mine. Now, how can I be of assistance?"
"I, er," Corinna begins nervously, "I'm looking for a man named Pitivo who used to travel with a caravan through here. Many years ago, he used to travel down to Sandpoint, but, er, he changed his route to stay northerly after that. In Roderic's Cove, they said he'd been through there as recently as five years ago." She hesitates. "At one time, he promised to leave word in Riddleport for someone he thought might come looking for him, but ... as I said, that was many years ago. And I," she adds eagerly, "I'd be happy to have you tell my fortune, if you'd care to."
Tieren nods slowly. "Pitivo, Pitivo," she repeats softly. "I have known a few. You say he used to go to Sandpoint, but changed his route. Was in Roderic's Cove as recently as five years ago." She sits down at the centre table, and motions for Corinna to take the seat opposite her. "I think I know the one you speak of. He ran a caravan route up to Kalsgard, but I have not seen him in several years. It would be at least five years, I think, which fits with your tale. I am not certain what exactly what became of him. We were never well acquainted, so he had no reason to send me word of anything he did. However, I have heard a couple of stories. One is simply that he retired and is living in some northern city, possibly Kalsgard. The other story is that he is running a new route now, that he split from his former business partner. Whichever the case, I do know that his former partner still runs a route from Riddleport to Kalsgard. His name is Gunari Sindri. I am not sure if he is in town at the moment. He is a skeptic and never comes to visit me, but I am sure that if you ask around, you can find out if he is here or, if not, when he can be expected back."
Corinna looks ready to leap up from the table and go look for Gunari Sindri immediately, but instead she folds her hands in her lap and stays seated. "Thank you so much for the information," she tells Tieren, "and I'd be pleased to pay to hear my fortune."
Madame Tieren smiles. "And it would be my pleasure to tell it," she says and slides out a harrow deck from behind the crystal ball. "Would your friends like to partake as well?" She looks at the others.
"Yes please ma'm. I'd like to hear my fortune," Melon eyes the crystal ball curiously.
"Fortunes for everyone," Corinna exclaims impulsively. "You too, Mr. Vhiski. It's on me. Think of it as a farewell present for all of you."
Madame Tieren begins searching through the deck, selecting specific cards. "You are searching for someone, thus we want crowns for this reading, as they are the cards of people." Once she has removed the nine crown cards, she shuffles them and holds them out, prompting each of you to select one.
Corinna receives the Tyrant. "This does not necessarily represent the one you search for," Madame Tieren explains. "However, you are nonetheless inextricably linked to someone who does harm to those he or she holds sway over. This person will become a major player in the days to come."
Gilfroy receives the Betrayal. Madame Tieren frowns. "We have had alarming cards to begin with. This card represents selfishness incarnate or possibly a hidden evil."
Malan receives the Liar. Madame Tieren shakes her head. "Treacherous love," she says. "The kind that makes lovers leap to their deaths from the pain. Great sadness awaits you, sir."
Melon receives the Empty Throne. "Although this has a tinge of sadness to it, this card signifies that those who are gone will always be with us in one way or another. There is a lesson for you to learn, perhaps more than one, but you must listen carefully to what others have told you and will tell you."
Tevyn receives the Marriage. Madame Tieren smiles. "Ah, a happier card. This does not necessarily mean a marriage awaits you, young man, but it does represent a union of some kind, between people or ideas."
Finally, Sandru receives the Unicorn. Madame Tieren chuckles. "It is as usual, Sandru. You will find what you seek." She leans over to Corinna and says softly, but still audible to everyone else. "He draws that card nine times out of ten."
"And I still don't know what I'm seeking or whether I've found it," Sandru adds dryly.
With a chuckle, Tieren gathers the cards back up and replaces them in the full deck, then shuffles them all. She proceeds to deal out nine cards in a three-by-three pattern, then flips them over one column at a time.
the Juggler, the Forge, the Lost.
Madame Tieren focuses immediately on the Forge card. "A true match," she declares. "It represents strength through diversity. In the past, your group came through some trial, something important, and you would not have succeeded without each other." She shakes her head. "Or something like that. The middle row is always unclear."
She ignores the other two cards and flips over the second column.
the Uprising, the Tyrant, the Inquisitor.
Tieren nods knowingly. "I feared the Tyrant would show up again. This is no ordinary tyrant. This person will bring great harm to many, many people. I fear this is no petty baron or local lord, but a ruler of a nation. Worse still, this card has fallen in the present, so the person it represents is already part of your lives, although you probably don't know it yet. You, Corinna, are most strongly affected, but your friends are as well. Its position in the unclear row, however, makes it very difficult to determine who this person might be just yet."
Again, she ignores the other two cards in the column and turns over the final column.
the Bear, the Betrayal, the Foreign Trader.
"This column is the future, Tieren says. "I am afraid that bad things are in store for you. The Betrayal which is linked to you, Gilfroy, is still in your future and it will affect your friends as well. Unfortunately, it is again in the unclear row. I fear this event will come as a surprise with no warning."
Madame Tieren gathers up the cards again and puts them away. "I am sorry the cards were not more pleasant for you," she says.
"Well, if I'm to worry about a betrayer in my near future, I guess I should just start stabbing you all in the backs now, to nip that in the bud."
Bluff:
His chuckle could mean anything...
"We are born, we cry, we laugh, we die." Malan leaves the building after his card is shown. He'll wait just outside for the group.
Corinna's enthusiasm is tempered by the bleakness of the Harrow reading. "I, er... thank you," she smiles a little brittlely at Madame Tieren, extracting her purse. "How much do I owe you for that, er, lovely farewell gift for my companions?"
When the mess that is Riddleport comes into plain view and the chaotic nature of the streets becomes apparent, Melon grins at Tevyn, "Well? What do you think?"
Tevyn shrugs. "Smelly."
Later, at the reading a rare genuine smile touches his lips. "I had not thought to have a happy fortune. That one in particular is a surprise."
The slight frown returns, however, at the mention of the Tyrant. "I can't see how the ruler of a nation could affect us so directly. I, at least, have not the slightest connection to such an esteemed person. Nor would I be inclined to make an enemy of one."
"I suppose if any of us would have such a connection, it'd likely be you," he says to Corinna. "Do you have friends in high places that we didn't know about?"
"I?" Corinna asks incredulously. "I assure you that outside of Sandpoint, I'm a person of no consequence at all; even within Sandpoint, the only tenuous claim to importance I have is my mother's family name. The most influential person I know is my Uncle Belven, and while he may be locally prominent, he scarcely qualifies as a 'petty baron,' let alone the ruler of a nation." Having momentarily forgotten she's still in the presence of the woman who delivered such a preposterous prophecy, she glances apologetically at Madame Tieren. "No offense. I'm sure it's one of those things that will all make sense in hindsight."
Corinna's enthusiasm is tempered by the bleakness of the Harrow reading. "I, er... thank you," she smiles a little brittlely at Madame Tieren, extracting her purse. "How much do I owe you for that, er, lovely farewell gift for my companions?"
"A silver apiece," Madame Tieren says. "Six total."
"I?" Corinna asks incredulously. "I assure you that outside of Sandpoint, I'm a person of no consequence at all; even within Sandpoint, the only tenuous claim to importance I have is my mother's family name. The most influential person I know is my Uncle Belven, and while he may be locally prominent, he scarcely qualifies as a 'petty baron,' let alone the ruler of a nation." Having momentarily forgotten she's still in the presence of the woman who delivered such a preposterous prophecy, she glances apologetically at Madame Tieren. "No offense. I'm sure it's one of those things that will all make sense in hindsight."
Tieren nods. "The fact that both the Tyrant and the Betrayal showed up in the uncertain row makes it very difficult to say for certain what they refer to. Neither of them is a perfect match for the position it appears in, nor is either of them misaligned. The only thing that makes them important is that they are the personal cards drawn by you and the gnome. However, that is the most important thing of all. Alas, I am afraid your friend here is at least partially right. The Tyrant is the card you personally drew, so the connection is tied through you. Of course, this doesn't mean that your friends do not also share a connection. In fact, they very likely do. I wish I could tell you more clearly. Unfortunately, the cards are rarely clear these days."
"You're also the one who lives in a city occupied with important personages. The rest of us are staying far away from the nobility." Tevyn points out. "That being the case, however, I can't see how the rest of us will get involved especially since you'll be leaving us. Hmph."
He doesn't say that since this part of the reading seems so unlikely it casts a great deal of doubt on the rest of the reading as well.
"We should probably be moving on," Sandru interrupts. "Thank you for your help, Tieren." She nods and he leads your group back outside.
Once out of the shop, he says, "Don't take the reading too lightly, but don't take it too seriously either. It is like all such readings. Consider its warnings, but don't base your whole life around it."
Displaying one of the rare moments of wisdom that Melon is partial to, she nods to herself as they re-enter the street. "Also, consider that the tyrant may not represent a person at all but something..." she waves her hands "...aaabstract. Like time. Perhaps we don't know it, but our mission - or Corinna's at least - could be under a severe restriction of time." She looks to where she thinks the camp is located, "Or maybe it is the ancient nemesis that hunts for Ameiko's family still."
"You're also the one who lives in a city occupied with important personages. The rest of us are staying far away from the nobility." Tevyn points out. "That being the case, however, I can't see how the rest of us will get involved especially since you'll be leaving us. Hmph."
Corinna hands over the six silver pieces with a smile before turning back to Tevyn. "I certainly haven't noticed you 'staying far away' from the so-called nobility of Sandpoint," she retorts. "Ameiko may like to disavow that position and its responsibilities, but she's the only remaining Kaijitsu and the only person among us who has a legitimate claims to any degree of nobility. I wish I'd drawn the Unicorn," she grumbles with a glance at Sandru as they re-enter the hectic street.
Displaying one of the rare moments of wisdom that Melon is partial to, she nods to herself as they re-enter the street. "Also, consider that the tyrant may not represent a person at all but something..." she waves her hands "...aaabstract. Like time. Perhaps we don't know it, but our mission - or Corinna's at least - could be under a severe restriction of time." She looks to where she thinks the camp is located, "Or maybe it is the ancient nemesis that hunts for Ameiko's family still."
"Don't be silly, Melon," Corinna sighs. "She specifically said it was a person and ruler of a nation that does harm to his underlings. And thank you very much for taking my fortune and making it all about Ameiko. The level of obsession you have with her is disturbing." She turns to Sandru. "Where should we go to ask about this Gunari Sindri and his caraven?" she asks. "And ... do you think you'd be willing to give me a reference if I end up having to go to Kalsgard? That's much farther than we've come from Sandpoint, and I'll never be able to afford it unless they'll hire me on as a spellcaster."
"The Harrow is a law onto itself, the fortune teller can only interpret the cards as they show themselves," Melon replies. "Besides, even if you paid for it, 1/6th of the fortune is mine." Owing to Melon not knowing of anthropomorphic religious figures and personification of abstracts, the debate doesn't go down the road of Father Time, despotic king of most multiverses.
"Yes, your sixth was that you don't know everything and ought to listen to other people," Corinna replies pointedly. "If the Tyrant were the enemy that Ameiko very foolishly wants to seek out and negate her grandfather's sacrifice, why should I be most affected?" She sighs again. "Uncle Belven always said Harrowers were charlatans who gave such vague proscriptions that every gullible fool who gave them good coin could twist recent events of their lives to make them fit what they chose to believe. Only you'd think, if her main goal is return business, she'd give cheerier readings. All of us but Tevyn and Mr. Vhiski seem fated for misery and difficulty, by her reckoning."
"I don't understand that sort of folly," Gilfroy says, "Why people assume fortune tellers are charlatans. Some probably are, like bakers who always burn the bread, or blacksmiths who use pot metal instead of steel. Is it that they don't believe powers can exist that can glimpse the future or the unknown? How many spells do you know of that can do that sort of thing? Not all the magic in this world has to come from spells scribed in some book."
He chuckles. "Lady Sivanah Might object to fortune tellers, deciphering some of the great mysteries known as the future, except their readings tend to create more mysteries than they solve. Like now."
"Could very well be that you are associated with the Tyrant because you have skills that the rest of us lack? Maybe a deep understanding of the arcane and knowledge is what we'll be needing in the next week," she tells Corinna. "But why did you ask for a reading when you don't hold much with it? If you wanted to spend coin, I'm sure I saw all manner of other odds, ends and tinctures that may have been useful to you. And don't tell me you don't like those things, I've seen some of the strange stuff you pull out of your spellpouch."
"Because it would have been rude to go in there and ask her for information without giving her some business," Corinna replies primly. "She was very helpful. Besides," she goes on, "I said my Uncle Belven doesn't believe in Harrowings. I never said he was my authority on what to value and what to dismiss."
Malan moves into step with the group when they exit the harrower's shop. "It would probably best not to dwell to much on the harrower's fortune. We have immediate concerns to address and future plans to make. For instance, we still need to get back to the caravan without any undue delays." The reading seems to have made Malan uncomfortable.
Tevyn glances at Malan as they make their way through the crowds. "We have plenty of time for that. The caravan isn't leaving until tomorrow."
Turning back to Corinna he offers a small smile. "At any rate, thank you for the fortune. It was an interesting experience."
She turns to Sandru. "Where should we go to ask about this Gunari Sindri and his caraven?" she asks. "And ... do you think you'd be willing to give me a reference if I end up having to go to Kalsgard? That's much farther than we've come from Sandpoint, and I'll never be able to afford it unless they'll hire me on as a...
"I'm not familiar with Mister Sindri personally, but I have a few ideas about where we can start asking around," Sandru replies. "This way." He begins walking down the crowded street, back the way you came.
"As for a reference, I'd be happy to provide you with one. However, it occurs to me that if you do happen to travel north to Kalsgard, why not stay with us a little longer. Brinewall is in that direction, isn't it? I wouldn't object to continuing on to Kalsgard after we're finished at Brinewall. We'll be most of the way there anyway. And I doubt Ameiko will mind."
Sandru proceeds to take you to several different places around the city, asking selections of people in each location for information.
Diplomacy:
Does that help?
Diplomacy: 1d20+10
Does that help?
With a bit of assistance from Gilfroy impressing people with illusions and wit, Sandru's enquiries soon lead you to a horse trader back in Lubbertown. "Yes, yes, I know Gunari," he says as he brushes one of his horses. "He's been a good customer over the years. Just saw him last week. He was stocking up for another journey up north. I'm afraid he left about five or six days ago. He wanted to get one last trip in before the winter. Alas, he won't likely be back to Riddleport until next spring. He'll spend the winter in Kalsgard, I suspect."
"Well, I'll let you guys be on your way a bit - I'll be trekking about the local watering holes and other bits tonight. Unless anybody wants to come along?" She asks, eying Gilfroy primarily.
Gilfroy shrugs. "The two of us, hanging out alone in a strange and violent city, drinking large amounts of alcohol...what could possibly go wrong?"
"Sounds exciting!"
Sandru eyes Melon and Gilfroy warily. "Just be careful," he says. "This really is a rough city."
He turns to Corinna. "So, what would you like to do? We can ask around and see if there are any caravans heading north to Kalsgard if you want, or you can just stay with us a little longer. There'll be a bit of a delay when we stop at Brinewall, but we can continue on afterwards, if you like."
Tevyn glances at Malan as they make their way through the crowds. "We have plenty of time for that. The caravan isn't leaving until tomorrow."
Turning back to Corinna he offers a small smile. "At any rate, thank you for the fortune. It was an interesting experience."
She offers a tight smile back, but mutters something under her breath as she turns away.
She follows anxiously as Gilfroy works the crowd before Sandru makes his inquiries. When she hears how close she came to catching the man who can give her some answers, she is crestfallen. "We were in Galduria then," she murmurs, counting back the days of the journey in her head.
He turns to Corinna. "So, what would you like to do? We can ask around and see if there are any caravans heading north to Kalsgard if you want, or you can just stay with us a little longer. There'll be a bit of a delay when we stop at Brinewall, but we can continue on afterwards, if you like."
She tries to rearrange her facial expression so that the disappointment isn't quite so obvious. "I, er, yes, thank you, that would be fine. I mean, I might as well stay with you as try to get on with strangers. I'm not ... terribly good at making a positive impression on people, outside of academia, anyway," she blushes as she realizes she's probably demonstrating her social disabilities even as she speaks. "What happens, though, if we get all the way to Kalsgard and he tells us my ... I mean, Pitivo is running a caravan route to, I don't know, Ravenmoor or Kaer Maga or someplace? I'll have been spending so much time headed in the wrong direction." She sighs. "I'm sorry. It's been so many years, and the trail is so cold; it's silly to fuss over a matter of weeks. But I only found out about it recently, and I've lost so much time already."
Sandru gives Corinna a consoling smile. "Well, you'd lose just as much time if you waited for Gunari Sindri to return in the spring. We should be able to get you to Kalsgard well before that. If Pitivo is in that area, you've gained time. If not, we return in the spring, and you're in exactly the same position you'd be in otherwise."