Sheets of rain have been falling for several hours but despite this throughout Ptolus the taverns and bars are full to bursting with the celebrating citizen drinking to the new year on this 1st of Newyear. Lightning strikes illuminate the night every few minutes revealing the most striking feature of Ptolus, the Spire. The Spire a constant reminder of all the evil the lurks above, below, and in the streets of Ptolus. It's evil presence seems to weigh heavily in the air tonight. The streets seem empty despite the occasional patrolling guard and the shivvel addicts wondering about in a haze. All of you are making your way to the Ghostly Minstrel, for a gathering of local adventurers being hosted by The Delver's Guild, to be held this evening in honor of the New Year. Strangely the snow that usually coats the ground this time of year can only be seen in clumps of mush resting the in gutters, and the eves of windows. Strange warm weather started a week ago. What would normally been an occasion to get out of the cold and in front of a warm fire at the Minstrel instead is a chance to drink some cold mead to cool down and wring out your wet clothing near the hearth after a humid day.
On the corner of each street are posted various announcements from around the city the most prominent of which is are several flyer’s for an upcoming Republican rally in Oldtown and wanted posters for various criminals. Across from the entrance to Delver’s Square you see the small chapel of St. Gustav’s Chapel, a welcome sight to all adventurers who frequent the dungeons below Ptolus.
As you enter Delver’s Sqaure from Center Street, you pull your already drenched cloaks tighter to protect you from the steady downpour and you look at the shops as you pass them. It becomes apparent that those not partying at the taverns have turned in for the evening as most of the shops seem closed. The only citizens you have noticed in the last several blocks venturing onto the streets are the shivvel addicts. They seem to stare out at you from within the confines of doorways and behind broken windows with their bloodshot eyes, blackened fingers and constant shaking. You swear you can smell their horrid breath as you pass them. This alone brings a depressing air to a day of festivities if the hot weather had not nearly ruined them already. May be it is a bad omen of things to come this year. Despite this you head Northwest toward the square's inviting lights and sounds of the Minstrel up ahead.
About 40 feet from the front of the Minstrel you come together old friends and new, for some of you this is the first time you have met each other, for other its is a welcome sight to see old friends and past acquaintances on such an eerie evening like this...
What am I doing here??
The thought ran continuously through her mind as she approached the Ghostly Minstrel. Faces unfamiliar to her peered back at her with hopeless looks in their eyes.
I recognize some of those faces...the look in their eyes...I can heal their bodies but not their minds...
Turning her attention back to the Minstrel, she eyed the other adventurers carefully, a look of mistrust in her eyes.
The dreams I have had leave no doubt... my path lies here at the Ghostly Minstrel and not in the gardens where I have spent many an hour.
"Hello, I am Shol'a'saul. It is...nice to meet you all." Her voice is quiet, barely above a whisper. Clearly she is not used to being around large groups of people. Her Shoal elf features are quite evident with her slender figure, pale skin glossy black hair strewn with pale silvery highlights and her midnight black eyes.
Timmins shuffles through the wet streets, shadow at his side. Already late for the gathering at the Minstrel, he mutters to his companion.
"Blast this strange weather! A New Years' feast and more slush than snow on the ground. This is a poor omen for the coming year! You just mark my word!"
The black mastiff makes a hrumph-like noise of a companion who has heard this particular story once too often. The big dog pads along in silence, like his master, as they turn from a minor street onto Delver's Square.
"Ah, there is the Minstrel, and she looks to be in full swing! Lets go meet some new and old friends! And remember to be nice, or they will send you out into the rain!"
Standing in the doorway with a mug of ale in my hand, I wave at Timmins, "Where have you two been? They've got the new Nutty Black on: it's great."
I wave another mug in Timmins' direction and grin at the big dog by his side.
Waving my arms about, a splash of beer leaps out of my mug and splashes across the hand of a quietly spoken shoal elf, I immediately set my drinks down and produce a cloth from my pocket, Damn, I'm sorry. I didn't see you there.
I offer the cloth and a sheepish grin, "Can I get you a drink, to gild my apology?"
Morsai scurries directly across the square from the chapel, muttering under his breath...Damn...the sky would decide to fall...today. Naturally.
Morsai ducks into the entrance and shakes off his cloak...looking up...Nutty what?
Timmins takes the offered mug from Rain.
"Hey, could do with a little less of your namesake out there!! Nutty Black you say...Mmmm...nice! Here ya go Shadow.."
He leans down to let the big dog take a few swallows of the brew
Shol'a'Saul's musings are interrupted as the beer trickles down her sleeve. She looks up with almost a panicked look on her face before she relazes slightly.
"It...it is all right. I am used to...being spilled on." As her mind registers the offer, she nods in reply. "Please, elvish wine if you don't mind. Thank you." She then accepts the rag with a delicate hand and wipes the spill absentmindedly.
As Rain looks closer, he notes a slight rustle underneath her cloak. Seems like Timmins is not the only one with a pet.
Morsai watches for a moment...He really likes it.
...taking a step into the crowded tavern, and signaling a serving girl...I'll have what he's having...pointing at the big, black dog.
As each of you enter the Minstrel you notice the vast number of people in the tavern and the waitresses running around madcap that it is certainly a busy night for the Ghostly Minstrel. There are men and women from all races, social classes and creeds represented among the crowd.
A moment or so after you enter a human woman is helped up onto the bar. She is middle aged and comely. She has a slightly aloof look to her and is quite smartly dressed in a dress that is clearly worth more than most commoners make in a year. She smiles to the crowd and raises her hand to get everyone attention. The crowd grows quiet as she begins to speak.
Hail Friends, if you do not know me, my name is Gorti Jurgen and I am work for the Delver's Guild. Let me express our dearest thanks that you braved this foul weather this 1st of Newyear. The Guild appreciates your coming to our party. The drinks our on us and food is being prepared presently for all. Last year was quite successful for the guild and we thank those of you who helped us to continue to grow. To those of you who are new, we thank you for attending we will be glad to discuss with you the merits of the Delver's Guild at anytime whether tonight our in our offices in the Undercity. For now everyone enjoy yourselves and be merry.
With that Gorti steps down from the bar and the music begins as several musicians begin playing a jig, which inspires several patrons to begin dancing. The sound in the barroom grows steadily as the party gets underway truly.
You all notice a mostly empty table toward the back of the room. Sitting at it is an eager looking youth with sandy brown hair, a smooth face, and a wiry build wearing simple but worn clothing, with a mug in his looking around the room. You all know him as a clerk by the name of Illumater Shorn. He works at the Bull and Bear Armory and has always been a friend to you on your visits to the shop.
Morsai heads for the table...What...did you scare everybody off with old jokes? You did bathe this week...didn't you?
Illumater chuckles Nay, my good friend Morsai, I was saving this table for you guys...always good to have a few drinking companions worth their salt when getting extremely drunk for Newyear He raise his mug in salute to you before taking a swig.
A flustered looking maid comes by the table not to long after to get everyone's orders.
"Always good to see you Illumater. Rain I know, but who are these others seated with you? I am Timmins, and this rangy brute beside me is Shadow."
Joining the group at the table, you see before you an attractive woman with pointed ears;
clearly some sort of adventurer, from her shiny armor and assorted weaponry at her side.
Greetings all! I am Aurora Erthuo of House Erthuo, a humble servant of Lothian.
I am pleased to see the weather did not keep you from attending the festivities.
Shol'a'saul will certainly notice that Aurora is half Shoal Elf, as are nearly all the Half-Elves in Ptolus.
Ludo the Lionhearted probably recognizes Aurora from frequent services at the Church of Lothian.
As a member of the Keepers of the Veil, she acknowledges Ludo with a nod of pious understanding.
The rest of you all likely know little about Aurora, other than that she is clearly a follower
of Lothian, based on various symbols adorning her clothing, armor, and multiple weapons.
It is nice to see that the Ghostly Minstrel is still sponsoring the Newyear gathering,
although from what I have seen, adventurers tip well enough to make it worthwhile.
Hail, my old friend, how be ye this aweful evening? He says to Timmins and he then reaches out and gives Shadow a scratch behind the ear.
Illumater smiles as you walk up Aurora. Aye, it is good to see you this night Lady Aurora, been too long since last you came by the Bull and Bear He stands up and walks around to pull out a chair for you in a very gentlemanly fashion Can I get you anything?
Shol'a'saul accepts the glass of wine with a nod to the barmaid. "Thank you, miss."
As the conversation picks up around her, she cannot help but stare at the other female Shoal elf...err...half-elf.
Interesting...I had not known of other progeny of the union between elf and man...still I can understand the love shared between said couple.
She waves a hand to grab Aurora's attention. "Hell there, I am Shol'a'saul. It is nice to meet you." Her voice has trouble carrying over the raucous crowd noise, and it is plain she is not used to large crowds.
I grin at Aurora's comment, "we tip! I knew I was doing something wrong."
I nod at folk I don't know, "I'm Rain. I get about but mostly I work at the Silver Satyr brewery."
You do know a lot of folk, Shorn.
Turning toward the group...in particular the pretty lady...The temple has one of the better libraries in the city...well, that I can get into for free.
Morsai relaxes a little and tries his first sips of the Nutty Black.
Bless you, Illumater! Aurora gracefully accepts the politely offered chair at the group table.
I was thinking about coming by the shop. My longspear works well against ghouls,
but is less effective against skeletons and zombies; I am hoping that you can help.
She places a covered birdcage on the table. A little bird told me to seek your assistance.
Aurora waves back at Shol'a'saul and gestures for her to join the group.
It is very nice to meet you as well. Peace be with you.
Aurora smiles at Rain and Morsai, and hopes the Nutty Black is not too strong.
Aurora and Rain
Rain you over hear mutterings from several nearby conversations. They all seem to be about roughly the same thing, the invasion of Tarsis by the Barbarian Hordes. Recent news from the Imperial Capital is that the Horde has begin moving again across the Grey Mountains and heading west into the Plains of Panish, it is only a matter of time before they reach Tarsis. Which most of the people who you over hear talking seems to indicate Tarsis is going to be invaded again. You know this wouldn't be the first time Tarsis has been invade by the tribes but it has been several years since the last invasion and rebuilding is still going on. Worse still the capital's influence over the rest of the Empire is waning. Some even belief the Empire is no more or is falling apart with each passing year. Only Ptolus seems immune to this decline but that could change at any time if the Horde came this way.
Aurora your half elvish ears pick up conversation nearby between a pair of women,a human and a halfling. The human woman mentions to her friend that she has heard that a merchant from Southmarket by the name of Kellisan Faymar, has hired a pair of ogres to transport some valuables he recently purchased including an elaborate chest. The scandalous part is that Kellisan is rumored to have paid the ogres with child slaves. From what she infers you get the feeling she means that he paid them with children so they could eat them. A grim fate indeed for said children.
I shake my head at the bar-room talk, "Well, nothing lasts forever. I wonder how far up the spire they'd get?"
Then I turn my attentions back to the table, "aa' heren risa e' ron men" and give a smile and a nod to the elves among the group.
Morsai watches for a minute, then scoots farther back, to pull out a book borrowed from the chapel, a quill, and a sheaf of parchment...and studies, taking copius notes.
Before long, he's tuned out everything.
Shol'a'saul smiles in return at the other female half-elf, secretly relieved at the acceptance. She then picks up her glass and moves over to the table and has a seat.
The talk of the rumors did no interest her and she found herself tuning it out easily. Rain's elvish words caused her eyes to widen in suprprise again and she gets a flustered look on her face. Belatedly she returns the reply,
Aurora is just about to take her first sip of the Nutty Black ale,
when suddenly she lowers it back down to the table. She rises
and approaches a perhaps surprised-looking halfling and human.
Pardon, but I could not help but overhear your discussion
of children in danger, and expect you meant to be heard.
Kellisan Faymar is a name I have not heard spoken before,
therefore I must ask if your sources are correct, and that
he truly means to sell hapless children to ruthless ogres.
Aurora waits expectantly for an answer, looking for any sign
of falsehood or trickery, as it is most important to be certain.
Aurora:
The human woman does not look as surprised as you had hoped she would she in fact has an incredulous look on her face. She looks you up and down and then scoffs Mind you own business, elf and then goes back to whispering to her halfling friend who seems somewhat worried by the situation by the look on her face.
"Here now, my fine lady. No need to be rude to someone just inquiring about a rumor. We only mean to help, is all!"
She looks you up and down Timmins, its makes you feel like a piece of meat Well my, my aren't you just a tall drink of water....I was not trying to be rude but your friend should mind her business. As to said rumor, its not a rumor its fact Kellisan has paid two ogres to transport a chest across town...to his "Antiquities" shop
"Truly! Well that is interesting? Who is this Kellistan and why would anyone deal with ogre-kin? When is this transaction suppose to occur? It looks like your drink could use a refreshing..."
Timmins calls over a waitress to refill the woman's cup as he continues to ply her for information on this transaction and the people involved.
Lost in his studies, Morsai notices nothing.
The woman chuckles and accepts your gracious offer of more wine. Well according to what I heard its happening tonight probably as we speak because the Watch won't be as prevalent in the streets what with the weather and the amount of ale being poured for the festitivies
"Well that makes sense. So where is this 'antique' shop? What does he really sell there?"
Shol'a'Saul sips her wine, glad no one is paying attention to her for the moment. Her attention is drawn to the conversation between Timmons and the other woman.
I wonder if Timmins needs any help here?
She decides to keep quiet for the moment.
Kellisan rips people off by selling "antiquities" and rare goods that are neither rare nor old....
"I see....and where is this shop of his? I have never heard of it until now."
Following the conversation but leaving Timmins to speak, I search my memory for any knowledge of Kellisan, or of the woman Timmins is talking to.
...muttering...great, boar-headed manlike...*sigh*...no. Damn.
Morsai flips to the next chapter, quill scratching on the parchment...
It seems that Aurora is the surprised one, as she is left momentarily
speechless by the response from the woman. However, she overlooks
the rudeness, since the well-being of children is her primary concern.
Timmins, it sounds like we need to travel to this shop right away,
so that we can intercept these ogres and their likely illicit chest.
Once there, we can talk to this Kellisan and find out the details
about the children that he is planning to hand over to the ogres.
The door to the Minstrel bangs open and a bright flash of lightning illuminates sheets of rain still spilling over the city and silhouetting a massive frame filling the doorway. A giant black-and-white paw seizes the errant door and forces it back against the gale threatening to intrude on the tavern before pulling back a rain-soaked hood to reveal a flat, cat-like snout, deep green eyes, and a mane of black and white hair, braided into tight plaits bound with simple golden strips of cloth—a litorian.
He shakes his mane, sending a spray of water sparkling in the candlelight of the tavern. The silver and azure blue cross of Lothian glints from his chest where it secures his cloak. Over his shoulder, you can see a similar silver and blue pommel of a mammoth greatsword. Scanning the crowded tables, his green eyes stop to rest on the table at the back. A wide smile creases the feline face revealing a row of sharp, bright-white teeth for a moment before it quickly turns to a ferocious scowl. Words of greeting for Aurora die on his lips when he sees the half-elf's distress.
In what seems like a single heartbeat, long strides carry him across the room and with a snarl his words rend the festive atmosphere, "I come expecting good cheer this night and arrive to find trouble. What is it Aurora?"
"Ludo!" I shake my head in astonishment, "I never get tables this good!"
I tap Timmins on the arm, "We're not going to finish these drinks, are we?
"No..I am afraid not. We have to get to this shop and stop Kellisan from making that trade. Then if possible, find out from where those Ogres come from and make sure they never trouble any children in this city again! Who is with me?"
"Ogres? Children? No wonder you're upset Aurora." Ludo looks to the half-elf for confirmation. He shakes his head at Rain's comment, "No, we're not going to get to finish any drinks unless its later. And I'm going to have to go back out in the rain and you know how much I hate getting wet. But there's no one out tonight. If there are children in danger, we'd better go."
Rain
You have heard around town of Kellisan, he is known for selling fake antiquities and has quite a reputation of ripping people off. It would surprise you though if what this lady is saying is true as what you have heard of him is that he will sell and do anything for a buck but giving children for payment...not very likely.
The woman is Ireale Tesimal, she you know was involved with Kellisan romantically sometime ago.
The woman looks you lot over and then settles on Aurora You more likely to catch the ogres out on the streets, from what I hear they were traveling through Midtown toward Southmarket where Kellisan keeps his shop. If you are fast you could catch them before they even get to the shop.
Shol'a'saul finishes off her wine and stands up to join the others. "If you are going after these children, they may need a healer...I...have some skills with the healing arts." She sounds a bit unsure of herself you believe though.
Ludo! You arrived just in time. There is trouble with ogres involving children. Ask your questions on the way.
Everyone, we need to leave now in order to catch them! Shol'a'saul, you are of course welcome to join along.
Aurora glances around the room for any further volunteers, then heads for Midtown toward Southmarket to look for ogres.
"Aurora is right, we could definitely use your help. The rest of you too. The Nutty Black will have to wait. May St. Daris speed us on our way." Ludo pulls his hood back up over his head and tightly secures it to ward off the rain, moving even faster through the Minstrel crowd than he did the first time.