Congruence follows along and is pleased to see Jorin again. The modron waves and they arrive. "Greetings book merchant Jorin, we will travel the Outlands! Apprentice friends and us are escorting a caravan soon."
The modron looks at Sara, "He is the best book merchant we have met." But then the modron looks down and considers, "However, the query sample size is not very extensive."
Alyse knows better than to interrupt Shadow while she's working. She looks about for a table with seating that suits both human sized and smaller folk (that can accommodate the trio) that's within line of sight of Shadow's booth, and tries to catch the older woman's eye as she walks past. Not trying to signal any urgency, just 'hello, I'm here, speak to you later'. With a table secured, she'll either head to the bar or wait for one of the serving women to take drink orders as seems appropriate for the place.
"I need something sturdy. We're going on a trip to the Outlands. Doesnt have to be fancy, as long as it can take a beating."
Jorin looks up at the young woman as she speaks.
"Good Peak to yeh! Aye, what sort of journal have you a need for? We can do papyrus, parchment, vellum, depending on yer needs and the clank of yer jink."
Jorin brings up a leather-bound ledger
"Parchment is sturdier than papyrus, being an animal skin product. Vellum is also animal, and higher quality, but commensurately more expensive. I have this ledger here for 5 Ladies. I'll even throw in a nib pen and inkwell with an ink cake."
Congruence follows along and is pleased to see Jorin again. The modron waves and they arrive. "Greetings book merchant Jorin, we will travel the Outlands! Apprentice friends and us are escorting a caravan soon."
The modron looks at Sara, "He is the best book merchant we have met." But then the modron looks down and considers, "However, the query sample size is not very extensive."
Jorin smiles at the modron
"Hello Congruence! The Outlands you say? That will be a nice trip for you. I will miss seeing you about."
Alyse knows better than to interrupt Shadow while she's working. She looks about for a table with seating that suits both human sized and smaller folk (that can accommodate the trio) that's within line of sight of Shadow's booth, and tries to catch the older woman's eye as she walks past. Not trying to signal any urgency, just 'hello, I'm here, speak to you later'. With a table secured, she'll either head to the bar or wait for one of the serving women to take drink orders as seems appropriate for the place.
a tiefling serving woman bustles over as they get settled and takes their order. Although dressed in a rural woman's garb, her horns and red eyes kind of spoil the verisimilitude.
Shadow's pale yellow eyes latch on to Alyse. She nods and in a few minutes rises from the table and walks over. She has dyed her white hair a shocking pink color, which contrasts vividly against her almost albino coloring. Her face is a study of dispassionate interest as she speaks
"'Lo Alyse. What's going on?"
Zadkiel took up his friend's offer of a place to sleep off his inevitable hangover. Somehow, with slurred words and hand gestures, he managed to convey this plan to Myriana and stumbled after Astoril in a manner that said he had made this inebriated walk more than once before.
Zadkiel awakes in a tangle of cloth. He starts and then winces as the many drinks of the previous Antipeak suddenly crash in on his consciousness. He cracks a gummy eye and finds himself sprawled on Astoril's floor. The cheap boards are splintery, and it seems like a few have made their way into his back while he was passed out.
A Xaositect bint he dimly remembered from the previous evening is snoring loudly next to him. Her blue tongue and vaguely fruity breath marks her as a Gnal resin chewer. The tree sap is a potent drug, and the scars and half-healed scabs visible on her skinny naked frame speak of the constant twitching and scratching long-term users indulge in.
Zadkiel manages to extricate himself from the bint and staggers over to the corner where a chipped wash basin and jug sit. Sadly, only a half-inch of brackish water can be found inside. He looks around and sees Astoril in his narrow bed, entwined with another bint he dimly remembers chatting to at some point.
His headache is beginning to ramp up, and his mouth feels like a small animal expired inside it. He gathers his clothes and dresses quicky.
Shadow's pale yellow eyes latch on to Alyse. She nods and in a few minutes rises from the table and walks over. She has dyed her white hair a shocking pink color, which contrasts vividly against her almost albino coloring. Her face is a study of dispassionate interest as she speaks[/i]
"'Lo Alyse. What's going on?"
“Shadow.” Alyse nods in greeting, then quirks an eyebrow. “I like what you’ve done with your hair … not much with me, how’s business? … Actually, I was wondering if you had company this anti-peak … or can I kip at yours? I still haven’t quite worked out a regular place …”
“Shadow.” Alyse nods in greeting, then quirks an eyebrow. “I like what you’ve done with your hair … not much with me, how’s business? … Actually, I was wondering if you had company this anti-peak … or can I kip at yours? I still haven’t quite worked out a regular place …”Shadow's pale yellow eyes latch on to Alyse. She nods and in a few minutes rises from the table and walks over. She has dyed her white hair a shocking pink color, which contrasts vividly against her almost albino coloring. Her face is a study of dispassionate interest as she speaks[/i]
"'Lo Alyse. What's going on?"
Shadow grins
"'Course luv. I can sport you kip for the nonce. Also, I might have a job for yeh. You interested in some book researching?"
Myriana went through all of the districts in something of a daze, she hadn't realized just how far away St. Cuthbert's was from where she'd been and wryly admitted to herself that she would have taken the offered floor space if she had. When she was given such a stern look by the brother upon her arrival Myriana was too tired to hold back giving him a sheepish grin and saying, "I'm sorry meow." She made her way up to her bed and put her things away before collapsing to her bed, still dressed in her street clothes. The tired catgirl's head hit the pillow and she was already asleep with dreams of all of the days wonders flitting through her.
Myriana wakes to a grey foggy morning. Her narrow cot is warm though, and the faint smell of breakfast can be discerned in the air. The snores of her roomates fill the air, but many of the bunks are already empty. The kitchen crew has likely been up for hours.
Alyse grins. “Ta Shadow. Research you say? Well you know I do like reading – what do you have in mind? Oh, this is Calita and Tollard by the way, cutters, this is Shadow. Tollard here seems to be quite up on the research too …”
Sara picks out a sturdy leather journal that looks like it could stand some abuse and has a lot of pages.
After some haggling, she hands over 10 jinx. It feels weird, spending so much money in one go.
Purchase packed away, Sara turns to Tsun and Congruence.
"I'm ready. Lets go to the Planar Trading Consortium"
Zadkiel eyes the two bints, Would have prefered the cat, I'm going to have to get checked out by a priest later. His head throbbing he begins assembling a mental checklist, Water and mint for my head, stop by St Cuthbert's to see if I can find Myriana, then on to the Civic Festhall and this erinyes.
After dressing and checking his gear to make sure nothing is missing he goes to nudge Astoril awake. He offers to stick around and remove the two guests if his friend needs the help.
"Right-o. Let's head out."
Rising after a rather short night of sleep Myriana decided that she'd best not lay in bed too long or risk the wrath of the staff. She decided that, despite the smell of the food being so enticing, she'd better go get showered first. She gathered her things and made for the shower room and, once she'd entered the changing area, she undressed herself and then entered the shower area. She turned the water on s hot as she could stand it and spent some time soaking until she felt ready to lather up and clean off good.
"Right-o. Let's head out."
The three make their way to the Planar Trading Consortium and make their way to the Apprenticeship office. Lady Darkthorne calls out as they knock
"Enter"
Tsun:
Lady Darkthorne looks up as the trio enters.
"Ah! I see you are ready to go! And you have brought a companion. He looks like a likely lad."
She rises from her desk with a sinuos grace. Sara and Congruence notice she has changed from the red silk robe she wore to a more fitted green dress with a black patterning.
"Please introduce me"
Zadkiel eyes the two bints, Would have prefered the cat, I'm going to have to get checked out by a priest later. His head throbbing he begins assembling a mental checklist, Water and mint for my head, stop by St Cuthbert's to see if I can find Myriana, then on to the Civic Festhall and this erinyes.
After dressing and checking his gear to make sure nothing is missing he goes to nudge Astoril awake. He offers to stick around and remove the two guests if his friend needs the help.
Astoril groans and rolls over.
"'S fine, mate. I'm going to sleep in a bit. Let sleeping bints lie."
His gear seems to be in order, and after assembling all his bits together he makes his way down the rickety stairway to the ground floor of the tenement Astoril keeps kip in.
Outside the Peak is underway under drizzly skies. The tenement sits on the mushy border between the Hive and the Lower Ward. Technically the Grey District, but with a fair smattering of Xaositects and Bleakers about as well.
In the courtyard stone skull on a wall spouts water into a large circular pool. Dozens of locals fill urns and jugs of various sizes at the water's edge. The creepy giant skull-shaped edifice of the Mortuary dominates the skyline.
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Alyse grins. “Ta Shadow. Research you say? Well you know I do like reading – what do you have in mind? Oh, this is Calita and Tollard by the way, cutters, this is Shadow. Tollard here seems to be quite up on the research too …”
Shadow gives the other two a nod
"Charmed."
She turns to Alyse.
"I needs the chant on a certain artifact. The Shadow Crown. It's some fae thing, but there's some Prime bloods in the Cage at this moment would give good jink for any darks we can find. I don't have the ticks to spend running down the book end of things, so I figured I'd subcontract."
She tilts her head
"Interested?"
Cant:
Sara gives a bow when entering.
"Lady Darkthorne, thank you again for seeing us. You told us you were looking for more potential apprentices. This is Tsun, he worked at St. Cuthbert."
Sara holds out her hand to Tsun, so he can introduce himself further.
Zadkiel thanked his friend before heading out. Seeing the water fountain he stopped to get something to drink and wash his face, hoping to dull the iron spike driving behind his eyes. On the way to Cuthbert's the plane-born stopped by a roadside stand to get some mint to chew on. After that, it was straight there to find Myriana.
Alyse grins. “Ta Shadow. Research you say? Well you know I do like reading – what do you have in mind? Oh, this is Calita and Tollard by the way, cutters, this is Shadow. Tollard here seems to be quite up on the research too …”Shadow gives the other two a nod
"Charmed."
She turns to Alyse.
"I needs the chant on a certain artifact. The Shadow Crown. It's some fae thing, but there's some Prime bloods in the Cage at this moment would give good jink for any darks we can find. I don't have the ticks to spend running down the book end of things, so I figured I'd subcontract."
She tilts her head
"Interested?"
Cant: ** spoiler omitted **
"Sounds interesting," says Alyse. "What's our cut if we help? And any clues on where to start looking, or is that with us?"
Tsun was frozen for a moment, staring at Lady Darkthorne. Some part of his brain, some deep and secluded part of his brain, had been activated. The Stupid Button.
"My name is, uh,... my name's Tsun, ma'am. Miss. M'Lady." He licks his lips nervously and gives an awkward, hopping little bow. "I'm, uh... I'm strong? I'm strong. And I fix things. I'd like a you're pretty."
His eyes go wide, like a cranium rat about to be run over by a cart. "I'd like a job."
Sara's eyes go wide and looks at Tsun.
Tsun was frozen for a moment, staring at Lady Darkthorne. Some part of his brain, some deep and secluded part of his brain, had been activated. The Stupid Button.
"My name is, uh,... my name's Tsun, ma'am. Miss. M'Lady." He licks his lips nervously and gives an awkward, hopping little bow. "I'm, uh... I'm strong? I'm strong. And I fix things. I'd like a you're pretty."
His eyes go wide, like a cranium rat about to be run over by a cart. "I'd like a job."
Lady Darkthorne smiles wickedly
"Of course, dear boy! You do look strong, and not quite into your full growth if I judge correctly. What kind of fixing do you do?"
Rising after a rather short night of sleep Myriana decided that she'd best not lay in bed too long or risk the wrath of the staff. She decided that, despite the smell of the food being so enticing, she'd better go get showered first. She gathered her things and made for the shower room and, once she'd entered the changing area, she undressed herself and then entered the shower area. She turned the water on s hot as she could stand it and spent some time soaking until she felt ready to lather up and clean off good.
Myriana makes it to the bathhouse in the rear of St. Cuthbert's The lintel is inscribed with one of the Sayings of St. Cuthbert, "Cleanliness is a duty of all virtuous folk". Inside is the caldarium. The large pool is split between male and female for modesty. Myriana bathes in the fire-heated pool until good and clean, then hops over to the frigidarium. The cold water invigirates her and washes the last bits of soap from her
omg Tsun is going to ruin everything. He is supposed to be the adult here! What is he doing!
Sara looks intently at Tsun, praying to Shelyn that he woukd get the foot out of his mouth.
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[dice=Knowledge Arcana OR Knowledge Planes (whichever is more relevant)]1d20 + 8
[dice=Knowledge Local]1d20 + 5
[dice=Knowledge Local]1d20 + 5
Alyse recalls reading something about the shadow crown. It was the crown of the Princes of Shadow, the rulers of the Shadow Fey. It was said to have been stolen centuries ago. She remembers a poem associated with it:
Crown of shadow
blackest thorn
carved of ebon
Princely worn
He that claims you
Rules the Night
With unseen hand
And darkling sight
As for libraries, the biggest and most open is the Lady's Library. It is nominally open to all, though the restricted rooms need special permissions. There are a slew of faction, subscription, and private libraries Alyse is aware of. There is also Ragpicker's Square and the myriad book sellers there.
Alyse hasn't heard anything about this crown being in Sigil or anyone loking after it. It's not unreasonable though. The Cage is a great place to fence stolen high-end artifacts.
Zadkiel thanked his friend before heading out. Seeing the water fountain he stopped to get something to drink and wash his face, hoping to dull the iron spike driving behind his eyes. On the way to Cuthbert's the plane-born stopped by a roadside stand to get some mint to chew on. After that, it was straight there to find Myriana.
Zadkiel makes his way back through the early Before Peak crowds towards the Market Ward and the Great Bazaar.
The drizzle fades into a thick fog, wrapping the streets in a grey blanket of mist. Ragpicker's Square is busy with the frantic throngs of Before Peak shoppers. He purchases some fresh mint at an apothecary on a corner, doling out a bent Green for half-a-dozen leaves.
Zadkiel walks through Hellgate, almost deserted save for transients like himself travelling to some other spot. Hellgate segues into the Gear Run district and a crowd of augmented creatures, clockwork automatons, and aproned artificers surround him.
Passing underneath the shadow of the Great Foundry, Zadkiel coughs as the acrid smokes from a thousand forge fires turn the thick fog a sickly yellow color.
He makes his way through the last of the Lower Ward and enters the Temple District. Morning services are in full effect, the sounds of ranting street prophets slowly morphing into the dulcet tones of bejeweled prelates as he heads further into the Lady's Ward.
He passes quickly through the Court and Noble's Districts, his head not helping him admire the monumental structures in either district.
Copperman's Way opens to him, the thoroughfare thronged as per usual. He travels it until it brings him to the Great Bazaar, the gaily-patterned stall tents a familiar sight.
He makes his way to St. Cuthbert's, chewing still on the wad of mint leaves out of reflex, though the flavor is long gone.
With her bath completed Myriana dressed and then made her way to the dinning area. She got in the line and filled her plate, hungry after her long night and good bath, and then found a seat at a table and dug in.
Congruence turns to Tsun, "There appears to be an error in your speech. Is that in need of fixing, Travel Friend Tsun?"
The modron also recalls Sara's troubles speaking in the prescence of the Planar Trade Consortium. "Are we missing a nuanced aspect of proper etiquette? Or is there another social factor that we miss?"
Before reentering St Cuthbert's the fallen one did his best to make himself semi-presentable and spit out the long overused mint, he wasn't sure that it had helped his head much but it had certainly killed off that rancid taste he woke to. He asked one of the younger children to find Myriana and ask her to wait for him while he went to go take a quick bath, he had to look good if he was going to be around Sensates.
Myriana is eating when one of the smaller children scampers up to her.
"Oi! That cutter Zad is lookin' for yeh. Said yeh should wait for him"
Myriana's face brightened a bit as she said, "K, thanks meow. Would you let him know I'll be in here eating meow?" She pulled out a couple of copper coins and surreptitiously slid them into the kids hand before turning back to her food, now on her second plateful.
Tsun clears his throat and shakes his head slightly. This appears to bring him back to his senses. "My apologies, ma'am." He furrows his brow, irritated with himself. "I am a journeyman carpenter and stonemason. I was previously the steward at St. Cuthbert's. I can maintain all mechanical components of wagons, carts, and such. I have all of my own tools. I can also take care of myself in a scrap. I would like the opportunity to be employed and accompany my friends."
He gives a small bow from the waist, much smoother and more dignified than before.
Myriana's face brightened a bit as she said, "K, thanks meow. Would you let him know I'll be in here eating meow?" She pulled out a couple of copper coins and surreptitiously slid them into the kids hand before turning back to her food, now on her second plateful.
[dice=Sleight of Hand]1d20+7
Day 2, 4BP. St. Cuthbert's
The child winks at Myriana and scarpers off.
Zadkiel washes the worst of his sticky grittiness off himself. As he is finishing up, the child he sent looking for Myriana shouts from the doorway
"Oi! The cat's in the kitchen waiting on yer pleasure!"
Tsun clears his throat and shakes his head slightly. This appears to bring him back to his senses. "My apologies, ma'am." He furrows his brow, irritated with himself. "I am a journeyman carpenter and stonemason. I was previously the steward at St. Cuthbert's. I can maintain all mechanical components of wagons, carts, and such. I have all of my own tools. I can also take care of myself in a scrap. I would like the opportunity to be employed and accompany my friends."
He gives a small bow from the waist, much smoother and more dignified than before.
Day 1, 4 AP : Planar Trading Consortium
Lady Darkthorne smiles
"You sound as if you would be a valuable addition to our caravan. Would you be interested in the same terms I gave the others?"
[dice=Knowledge Arcana OR Knowledge Planes (whichever is more relevant)]1d20 + 8
[dice=Knowledge Local]1d20 + 5
[dice=Knowledge Local]1d20 + 5
Alyse recalls reading something about the shadow crown. It was the crown of the Princes of Shadow, the rulers of the Shadow Fey. It was said to have been stolen centuries ago. She remembers a poem associated with it:
Crown of shadow
blackest thorn
carved of ebon
Princely worn
He that claims you
Rules the Night
With unseen hand
And darkling sightAs for libraries, the biggest and most open is the Lady's Library. It is nominally open to all, though the restricted rooms need special permissions. There are a slew of faction, subscription, and private libraries Alyse is aware of. There is also Ragpicker's Square and the myriad book sellers there.
Alyse hasn't heard anything about this crown being in Sigil or anyone loking after it. It's not unreasonable though. The Cage is a great place to fence stolen high-end artifacts.
Day 1. 5BAP Alehouse Row
“Crown of Shadow, blackest thorn,” Alyse murmurs, suddenly recalling a poem that had always held her interest as a child. “Yes, I’ve heard of this! Hmmm, maybe start at the Lady’s Library? Or,” she turns to Tollard, “you mentioned that you work at a library. Is your boss the sort of blood who might know about this sort of thing?”
Once Tollard has responded, Alyse turns back to Shadow. “Well, I suppose you knew this would pique my interest. Now, you’ve taught me well enough not to be a coney, so I ask again, what’s the jink in it for us if we turn up anything useful?”
Day 1, 4 AP : Planar Trading Consortium
Lady Darkthorne smiles
"You sound as if you would be a valuable addition to our caravan. Would you be interested in the same terms I gave the others?"
"They're not daft, so I know they wouldn't sign anything unwise. I will agree to the same terms."
Thanks for the vote of conficende, Tsun...
Sara thinks, annoyed.
Travel Friend Tsun thinks we are not daft. That statement has the highest positive rating within the set of statements Travel Friend Tsun has stated in regards to us...
Congruence thinks, pleased.
“Crown of Shadow, blackest thorn,” Alyse murmurs, suddenly recalling a poem that had always held her interest as a child. “Yes, I’ve heard of this! Hmmm, maybe start at the Lady’s Library? Or,” she turns to Tollard, “you mentioned that you work at a library. Is your boss the sort of blood who might know about this sort of thing?”
Once Tollard has responded, Alyse turns back to Shadow. “Well, I suppose you knew this would pique my interest. Now, you’ve taught me well enough not to be a coney, so I ask again, what’s the jink in it for us if we turn up anything useful?”
Shadow grins
"Sweet, you know I'd take good care of you. Look"
She digs into her belt pouch and takes out ten fat golden coins
"Here's an advance. Ten Ladies. That's a good Ten-day of running packages at the Lightning Guild. Find me some good darks and there's more where that came from"
"They're not daft, so I know they wouldn't sign anything unwise. I will agree to the same terms."Day 1, 4 AP : Planar Trading Consortium
Lady Darkthorne smiles
"You sound as if you would be a valuable addition to our caravan. Would you be interested in the same terms I gave the others?"
Lady Darkthorne smiles and reaches into her desk
"Well that's settled then. Here are the signing papers "
She slides over a sheaf of vellum
"You will become an apprentice of the Planar Trading Consortium for a period of One year and one day. You will be given lodging and necessities, but no actual wages.
At the end of your apprenticeship you will be brought before a board of inquiry where you performance will be evaluated. At that point you will either be given full employee status, an option for another apprentice period, or be dismissed.
During your apprenticeship you pledge to follow the lawful instructions of any PTC employees. You will not leave your apprenticeship until your year and one day is complete unless given early dismissal by the consortium. If you complete your apprenticeship with honor, but choose not to continue with the consortium you will be given a severance bonus of 100 Ladies. "
Lady Darkthorne gestures to an ink pot on her desk with a colorful quill resting in it
"If those terms are acceptable please sign where indicated "
She reaches into her purse and pulls out a large silvery coin. It rings sweetly as it hits the table
"That's your signing bonus. A Hammer*"
*
Zadkiel finished making himself presentable and went down to the cafeteria to find Myriana. Upon spotting the young woman his smile broadened and, grabbing a small portion of food, he sat down next to her, "Good to see you made it back here in one piece, everything is a bit blurry from last night and when I didn't see you nearby I worried. I must apologize for the hedonism but Astoril can be a little hard to turn down and I needed a sort of, we'll call it currency for my next errand." His eyes flashed with mischief, "I'd like you to come with, but it might be a bit dangerous. Interested?"
Tollard grins at Alyse. "Unless the blackest thorn is a euphemism for some demon's naughty bits, I don't think Qurdar's library would be of much use. I did see a library once though that had... Dark volumes..."
Tollard trails off, staring into the distance with a blank expression, as he wrestles with unwanted images floating through his clouded vision.
[ooc]I would say yes...[/ooc\]
Tsun reaches for the pen, dips it into the inkpot, scans the document briefly, and signs.
Tsun Ulriksen
He places the pen down, pockets the Hammer, and stands up straight. "Ready, ma'am."
Lady Darkthorne smiles and gestures to the trio
"Excellent! It so happens your caravan master is in town this peak. I will introduce you"
She brings you down to a stabling area to the side of the main building. Servers folks scurry to and fro, gathering up tack and bridles. Strangely, there seem to be no horses in evidence. A tall burly hobgoblin with long pointed ears dripping with golden rings barks a series of orders, pointing a riding crop at whomever he addresses. He is garbed in leather armor, and a large sword is attached to his back. He bows as Lady Darkthorne approaches
"Muammarak, I would like to introduce you to Congruence, Sara, and Tsun. They will be apprenticed to your caravan."
The hobgoblin huffs, whacking his riding crop against his leg
"Right. Are yeh all Clueless, or do you bring anything worthwhile to my train?"
Zadkiel finished making himself presentable and went down to the cafeteria to find Myriana. Upon spotting the young woman his smile broadened and, grabbing a small portion of food, he sat down next to her, "Good to see you made it back here in one piece, everything is a bit blurry from last night and when I didn't see you nearby I worried. I must apologize for the hedonism but Astoril can be a little hard to turn down and I needed a sort of, we'll call it currency for my next errand." His eyes flashed with mischief, "I'd like you to come with, but it might be a bit dangerous. Interested?"
Myriana waved Zad over when she saw him and listened with a smile as she finished her second plate and said, "No problems, I made it back just fine meow." She picked up the plate and held it close to her face as she lapped up what little juices, sauces, and crumbs were on it, much to the disapproving looks of the lunch monitor. She stopped when she heard the question and set the plate down with a loud thump as she said enthusiastically, "Sure meow!" Not looking the least abashed at the second dirty look she asked in a more subdued voice, "So, where are we going this time?"
Sara looks at the hobgoblin. "He looks impressive...
"We dont think in rules of five, cutter. But we aint bloods. Got much to learn first."
Some primes believe the multiverse works in fives, instead of threes. Which is complete barmy of course. Saying you dont believe in fives means you are not a prime.