He looked up at her. Construct though he was, there was still a look of awkwardness to him. Social interaction was new to him.
"Conviction."
Vali nods and smiles back at Gorn's greeting, "Thanks friend. Hopefully we're good enough that we won't need the healing, eh?"
Vali followed the frail drow woman to the table, siting down and sighing contentedly. He strained slightly to hear the Elaugvyr over the noise in the room. He nodded deferentially to her, "That it is. I'm also a rather skilled multi-linguist, can fight better then passably and know much about the world."
"I am curious, I haven't heard the dialect of Elven you were speaking earlier. Where exactly do you hail from friends? I've met many an elf on my journeys but never one who spoke like that and with skin so dark" Vali said, addressing all three of the elves. He smiled a bit, abashed. "I dont mean to pry, of course, I'm just curious. Travelling and experiencing all that new places have to offer is, well, a passion and a calling of my faith. "
Kal goes and gets some food, doing his best to make sure it's not poisoned. He is therefore not around when Vali asks his brethren about them.
Speaking in undercommon, "Thank you for the food Kal.".
She turns to Vali, speaking softly, "We come from deep within the mountain range to the west on the northern lands.".
Saltuk finishes his calculated portion without speaking, then carefully polices his area, picking up any crumbs, and putting his cutlery, and dinnerware in it's appropriate place.
He then goes to stand by the door. "While 'go see the city, if you like' is not a well formed order, I choose to accept it as so". "Best to err on the side of caution". "I shall be leaving to do so in 15 minutes".
Gorn looks at Saltuk a little confused by his broken dialect,
What is your purpose for going into the city? As I mentioned, I know the city well, or at least as well as one can know a city of this size. Shouldn't we wait to receive orders before running off on some scouting mission?
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"I don't believe I've ever had the pleasure of meeting a healer before though I've heard tales told of your kind's dedication to the cause." Dresen nods in reverence to Vali's abilities. "At Harrowspire, we were forced to live with our wounds. It was done to help us build a resistance to pain inflicted upon us during battle. I have the scars to prove it and, for me, at least they have made me a better person." Dresen laughed this time. "Not to say your abilities aren't welcome, Vali Ramayana. Just that I hope we will not need them."
Looking to Gorn after the tiefling's introduction, Dresen nods approvingly, knowing well what sort of 'covert' activities Gorn was speaking of, recognizing similarities between the two's younger days. "You'll make a most welcome addition to our ranks as well, Gorn of the Shadow. Your upbringing brings to mind similarities of my own. Perhaps we would do well working together." Smirking a bit and in a joking manner, he adds, "Though I intend to watch my purse around you, sir."
At Conviction, Dresen took a different approach. "I look to avoid any confrontation with you. I have seen many constructs in my time, but never one with your nature. Where did you originate? Who was your creator?" Dresen halted his tongue. None of that mattered now. Conviction was a sentient construct that was here of its own accord. Whatever it's creator's original purpose had probably long since been abolished from Conviction's thoughts. "I digress that I am unaware of exactly how to speak with you. I surmise we will find out in time what capabilities you bring to our party."
Moving his attention back to Vali at the request of a land of origin, he silences himself long enough for Elaugvyr to respond. After her brief response, Dresen picks up where her tongue finishes, following her lead. "We are the Ilythiiri, but many know of our kind as drow or dark elves. The tongue we speak is that of our home in the Darklands. We are not looked upon well by our surface brethren due to our people's usual malevolency, but we are not our kin." Dresen looks to Gorn when he next speaks. "Our heritage sometimes lead people to fear us and it is this fear that leads to continued hatred. I will assume you to know what it is I mean by that."
When Kalmafein arrives with their food, Dresen lets himself fall silent and checks his meal before eating. "Bel'la dos." Dresen thanks Kalmafein in their native language and begins to eat. After the completion of their meal, the hobgoblin rises and cleans up around his area before making his way to the end of the table, inviting them all to investigate the streets of Absalom. Dresen rises and looks to Kalmafein. "Kyorl ulu Elaugvyr. Aluve' wun quarth. Ajak dosst focus." (See to Elaugvyr. I leave you in command. Remember your focus.) Dresen looks back at Saltuk. "I would like to learn more of the City at the Center of the World. From the brief foray of the docks to here, I have already gazed a small amount upon the streets of this city. I would see what else there is." Dresen looks back to the rest of the group. "If any wish to accompany us, you are welcome to do so and your expertise would be most welcome, Gorn."
"When you are told to", Aemon simply replies. "Now, if there are no more questions, I've got to go. Now, you take orders from anyone wearing black. You will learn to recognize ranks soon enough. Those older puppies are senior compared to you, but they can not order you to do anything, unless they simply transmit orders from some Dog or officer. I'll see you tomorrow. With those words, he turns around and leaves the building.He looked at Aemon, his eyes a dark green. He spoke, his voice was more that of a man's than any construct. Deep and smooth, like an older gentleman's.
"When do we fight?"
@Gorn
"I am only following orders". "You must listen carefully to orders I have learned, some are plain and some are implied". "Aemon told us to 'Go see the city, if you like', so I am going to do so".
Dresen chuckles at Saltuk's response to Gorn's question. "Orders are not everything, Saltuk. Take it from both me and Gorn here. I estimate that Varyag Aemon meant it simply as it sounded with no underlying implications. They're giving us a day to relax or, in my case, learn about our newfound territory." Dresen turned to Gorn. "As for sitting around, do you really want to hurry up and wait or would you rather be on the streets turning a profit? I say a little money on the side is always an added incentive and helps one sleep better come the evening."
You are right Saltuk, you should all know a little more about this great city. Let me tell you what I know that may be useful to you.
The city is ruled by Lord Gyr of House Gixx.
There are 7 general areas in the city.
Azlanti Keep: A district all to itself, this massive stone fortress sits near the northern edge of Absalom to protect the city from invaders from the land. The keep houses the city watch and the First Guard, an elite group of warriors, wizards, and scouts whose sole purpose is to root out and eliminate threats to the city. The citadel’s architecture is among the oldest in Absalom and reflects influences of the city’s Azlanti origins by way of Aroden.
The Coins: Situated just north of the docks, this district hosts most of the foreign traders and sailors who come to the city. The transient nature of the Coins’ residents attracts illicit trade in the form of drugs, slaves, and contraband. The most respectable sections of the district are the Monger’s Mart and the Grand Bazaar, where the need for
trade enforces some civility. Even so, disagreements often escalate into bloodied blades.
Ivy District: The verdant Ivy District is home to numerous theaters, bawdy houses, and galleries that attract some of Absalom’s most inf luential artists and craftsmen, as well as minor nobles, gifted actors, and popular bards. While certain “soft” crimes such as narcotics and prostitution thrive here, the residents of the district have little tolerance for hardened criminals or indigent street-dwellers.
The Petal District: Perched atop Aroden’s Hill with the whole city at its feet, the Petal District is home to the greatest merchants and most powerful nobles in the wealthiest and most powerful city in the Inner Sea region. Decadent palaces, elaborate gardens, and glittering
promenades characterize the district, which gets its name from the well-tended rows of flowers that run down the center of nearly every street. The overwhelming beauty forms a strange backdrop for the treacherous politics of Absalom’s ruthless upper class, which resorts to poison and murder as often as negotiation and armistice.
Precipice Quarter: Once Beldrin’s Bluff, a quiet and well-maintained section of town, the Precipice quarter suffered greatly from an earthquake a decade ago, during which much of the district crumbled into the harbor. Now, law-abiding citizens avoid the Precipice District and rumors whisper of strange hauntings and eerie sounds in the mostly-abandoned ruins.
The Puddles: The same terrible earthquake that ruined Beldrin’s Bluff sank the Puddles as well, so that today much of this district floods during the high tide, resulting in persistent erosion of building foundations and society. Most honest citizens fled the district years
ago, ceding it to addicts, criminals, and those too poor to have any other choice. Thieves and cutthroats abound here in great numbers, and more than one guild of dubious character operates from the slouching, unsteady buildings of the Puddles.
Wise Quarter: Within the city itself, the Wise Quarter stands just north of the Ivy District, separating the affluence of that neighborhood from the immense Azlanti Keep. Absalom’s public government buildings stand in the Wise Quarter, including the Grand Council’s
hall and the residence of the Primarch. In addition, the Wise Quarter houses the Arcanamirium, one of Golarion’s most adept institutions of magic (founded by the Arclords of Nex). Numerous independent sages,
scholars, and scribes also work within the Wise Quarter, blending their philosophies and skills brought from a dozen home countries.
The local guards and magistrates think themselves important so take care not to get on their bad side. We can go out whenever you are all ready.
"So where are we"?
Elaugvyr looks up to Gorn with a smile, "Well Aemon did give us an order: You can have this day for yourselves. Go and see the city, if you like.. So we do have the option to wonder around the city."
She gives a nod to Gorn as he speaks and replies afterwards, "Gorn, thank you for your valuable information about this city."
After eating her meal she turns to Kalmafein, "Kal, would you like to go into the city? There is no need for us to stay here for the day. I think we will be stuck many days within these buildings."
Kal flashes a secret smile to just his sister "Aye, I would. City life intrigues me so. One never knows what one can find, and I hear one can find anything within this fabled city."
Vali listened carefully to Elaugvyr, hardly breathing to make out her words above the surrounding chaotic clamor. "I'm surprised that elves live below ground. I haven't met anyone of your people before this. Exciting. Hopefully you'll forgive me, I'll probably have more then a few questions for you." Vali said, smiling at all three drow.
On hearing Saltuk's suggestion, Vali wolfed down the remainder of his plate as quickly as possible while still remaining polite. He listened to the banter between Gorn and Dresen a little nervously, his brows furrowing slightly as he thought. It raised qualms he thought he had squashed and made him wonder if this was truly the right path to take. Hearing Dresen explain his people's legacy, his concern eased somewhat.
"Perhaps I am being hasty, these people, haven't done anything to warrant such suspicion. Keep an open mind to the world, cleric. It is Her blessing that you get to explore it so and these companions are part of that now." Vali finished his introspection in time to hear Kalmafein express his interest in going into the city.
"I think that I too will go. I've been to quite a few cities, but none quite as grand as this one," said Vali, standing. Vali, from force of long habit, does a quick check on his equipment before walking over to the door.
Conviction stood around, as if waiting for others to come to a decision. It was obvious he had never made a decision on his own.
"Dresen, we will come along. I would like to stop off at the library to do some needed research.", she stands up then awaits for Kalmafein to join her.
If you are looking for a good library, the Wise District has the best of them. Not sure we would be entirely welcome though. There is a lot of uppity types roaming that district, we would probably be questioned by a number of guards.
"We can only try to visit the library.", speaking with a smile.
Gorn heads to the Wise district, with the entourage in tow. As they pass through the Coins he tells them about some of his favorite brothels and pubs in case they need a distraction over the coming months.
When he gets close to the destination district several hours later, he does his best job of pretending he is not a Devil spawn...
By the way, you may have been joking, but I am not common cutpurse. I did grow up on the streets and for a time I did what I had to. But now I am an honest man, just trying to use my skills to further our cause.
He addresses the rest of them as they approach the Wise District gate, Here is the deal, most folk in this area will think themselves better than you. Many will be part of the local government so in that aspect they are correct, at least during the day when they are protected...anyways the point I am trying to make is don't start any trouble. The people here can cause us the real kind of trouble...the kind that ends up with one or more of us in the prison, with NO release.
So let's just keep to ourselves and get this done, we will already stick out like a pack of Orcs in an Elf village...
With her hood pulled over she makes her way behind Gorn. Kalmafein falling in by her side as always when walking amongst a crowd. Dresen not too far away from her.
Conviction followed the others. He remained silent, but was taking in the sights of the city. None of the people were running in fear from him or his allies. In fact, there were no battles here, save for a lone theif being taken in by the guard. It was unfamiliar.
"Where is the fighting?" he asked.
Saltuk is happy with their destination. Perhaps there are books on the city, and any military manuals are always welcome. "knowledge is key in any battles". "If you know more than your opponent, it is equivalent to being stronger, faster, or tougher". "If you can be all you greatly increase your odds of victory", Saltuk observes to nobody in particular.
Vali follows along, quietly studying the city and taking everything in. He's clearly fascinated by the hustle and, on one or two occasions, nearly runs into a passerby.
Kal flashes a grin at Saltuk "Wise words good sir, very much ones to try and live by."
He keeps an eye out for trouble, but stays mostly relaxed. Areas of privilege such as they are going to rarely posses the kinds of people to randomly cause trouble. Expect in this case, as this group seems exactly like the kinds of people to randomly cause trouble.