Sara is unsure if she should give the Modron a pat on the head to reasure it. Her hand hovers for a moment, then she thinks better of it. Modrons probably dont show a lot of physical affection she figures.
"Ow, Congruence, I am sorry. I did not mean to confuse you. Sometimes, duties shift from person to person. Either because someone is sick, or has shown great skill and is better employed at a different task. So, today we have some extra duties to perform. And I wanted to know if you have a preference to do one before the other, to optimise our performance."
Sara has worked with Congruence before and tries her best to explain everything in terms the Modron finds easier to understand.
"You did great by the way with setting the table. Exactly as brother Tilner showed. He will be most pleased I think."
Brother Tilner sticks his head into the dining hall. He smiles and starts waving in the first group of children with their trenchers into the room. He beckons to the two place setters
"Excellent work you two!" He beams. "Can I trust you with another task?"
Sara shoots a quick glance at the modron. She hoped he would handle the change well.
"Of course brother Tilner. What can we help you with?"
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Alyse takes back and pockets the scroll, catches the coin and nods in thanks.
“Anything else we should know about this ‘particular’ client? Or how to find his place?” she asks as she critically assesses the crate, trying to decide how best the two of them should carry it.
The Halfling tailor smiles
"Smart bint, asking the trig questions. Glad you asked."
He leaned in, staring up at the taller girl
"The customer's name is Marcus Antonius. Don't let the moniker fool yeh, he's a kobold. But not just any kobold, he's the top kobold of the Lower Ward. He runs the Draukari thieves' guild, and he has a claw in a lot of pies all over Sigil. He fancies himself a smooth blood, so best to treat him with deference, should you meet him. Like as not you'll get one of his men instead. Don't rile them either. He's one of my best customers, good for a dozen suits a cycle."
He smiles
"Yeh'll likely get a good tip on the other side, assuming you're quick and the box is in good order."
Sara shoots a quick glance at the modron. She hoped he would handle the change well.
"Of course brother Tilner. What can we help you with?"
The stout monk hands over a rolled sheet of parchment
"We have a delivery of seafood donated by the Planar Trading Consortium. I need two steady youngsters to pick it up. The handcart is in the back, it should be sufficient to carry everything. The address is right on the sheet along with a checklist of what should be there"
Sara has worked with Congruence before and tries her best to explain everything in terms the Modron finds easier to understand.
"You did great by the way with setting the table. Exactly as brother Tilner showed. He will be most pleased I think."
The frown disappears from Congruence’s face as Sara comforts it. Then a weak smile forms in an attempt to display happiness.
The stout monk hands over a rolled sheet of parchment
"We have a delivery of seafood donated by the Planar Trading Consortium. I need two steady youngsters to pick it up. The handcart is in the back, it should be sufficient to carry everything. The address is right on the sheet along with a checklist of what should be there"
The smile becomes more natural as Brother Tilner offers an additional responsibility. The modron appreciates more tasks and being of service within the hierarchy of St. Cuthbert’s.
"Where does this task place within our chore sequence?"
Congruence leans forward to look at the rolled parchment without taking it from Brother Tilner. The modron squints, and then remarks, "With the parchment rolled, it is difficult to read."
Calita turns back to the halfling and follows him into the stall. Still eyeing the crate, her hand shoots up to snatch the coin out of the air and swiftly tuck it into her coin bag inside her pants.
"Careful and polite, no worries guvna," she says, trying to imitate the way she's heard people speak in Sigil.
Walking over to the crate, she gives it an experimental tilt, testing its weight. Satisfied that it shouldn't be too much bother, even for her slight frame, she nods at Alyse.
"Where does this task place within our chore sequence?"
Congruence leans forward to look at the rolled parchment without taking it from Brother Tilner. The modron squints, and then remarks, "With the parchment rolled, it is difficult to read."
The monk chuckles
Considering how rarely we get seafood I would place this task on the highest priority!"
The monk obliges the modron by unrolling the paper
Donated by the Planar Trading Consotium. Bought from the Aqualon Fishery Mart, The Merman Building, Comestible Quarter, Great Bazaar.
A florid signature and a large wax signet seal with a stylized "E" in its center append the scroll
Quote From Tollard:Tollard stirs the morning stew absentmindedly. The menial chores have a certain comfort to them - they mean food, a roof over his head, safety within the walls. He wonders how he can create that for himself outside. Maybe with a friend...He looks down into the stewpot and sees the floating bits - small hunks of fatty meat, soggy root vegetables, neat cubes of potato - and then a blinking eyeball. All-seeing eyes and all-knowing faces, eons of knowledge from beyond the stars. The beginning and end of all things, and a grasping darkness that reaches out with ravenous hunger at the world beyond - his world...
And then the vision subsides. His hand shakes slightly, and he breathes deeply. The stew is just stew; there isn't even an eyeball to be found.
Satisfied with his work he heads past the oven and reaches for a loaf, only to find they are too hot. He heads back into the common room and almost bumps into Orla, the dwarf. She seems to be seeking someone out. "Were you looking for someone?" he asks helpfully. He looks at her through clouded eyes, but still seems to perceive much. He has seen her at the lodge before, and knows she is somewhat new to the place. It feels good to be helpful to people, as so many in the Cage seem so very lost.
Orla jumps in shock at the sudden appearance of the halfling. Phara! Don't sneak up on me like that! She quickly tries to hide the fact that she simply wasn't paying attention. Orla takes a few seconds to make sure they are alone.
"Actually I am. Several someones in fact. I was recently given a sign that the people of my town reside somewhere in the place. I need to know where they are. Would you know of anyone who would know of an arrival of around 500 people? Or even someone who knows someone else. I need a clue to there whereabouts and unfortunately I have no idea where to start. Orla looks down in frustration and anger.
The stall looked promising, but the wares are cheap tin and gimcrack items. The other girls fidget and a somewhat neurotic girl named Danalia pipes up
"Breakfast will be over soon! We should head back!"
Myriana looked over the various gadgets and gizmos and even she could see they were worthless for Annabelle's needs. She looked at Anni and said, "Sorry Annie, it doesn't look like these will help you meow." She heard the call from Danalia and looked alarmed, "NO! We can't miss breakfast Annie, come on!" She rushed to pick up her pitcher and began to make her way back to the orphanage with it. She was hungry already and didn't want to have to wait until lunch time to eat.
Calita turns back to the halfling and follows him into the stall. Still eyeing the crate, her hand shoots up to snatch the coin out of the air and swiftly tuck it into her coin bag inside her pants.
"Careful and polite, no worries guvna," she says, trying to imitate the way she's heard people speak in Sigil.
Walking over to the crate, she gives it an experimental tilt, testing its weight. Satisfied that it shouldn't be too much bother, even for her slight frame, she nods at Alyse.
Alyse bends down to better hear the dark from the halfling tailor. "Hmmm. Thanks, good to know." she says.
Turning back to Calita, Alyse acknowledges the other woman's nod. "Got it? Good ... now if you hold it like that, and I take this end like this, we should be able to move it around without too much strain, and without either of us having to walk backwards ..."
Alyse takes a moment to check that the address stencilled onto the side of the crate matches the address on the scroll. Thus assured, she takes the other end of the narrow crate, making sure to hold it steady and upright. Once both women are comfortable with the weight and balance, Alyse steps out of the stall and back onto the streets of the Bazaar.
"Don't go calling cutters 'Guvner' unless you know they are a member of the Fraternity of Order," Alyse mutters back to Calita once they are outside. "Some berks get pretty belligerent when it comes to factions."
"Don't go calling cutters 'Guvner' unless you know they are a member of the Fraternity of Order," Alyse mutters back to Calita once they are outside. "Some berks get pretty belligerent when it comes to factions."
Grabbing the crate , Calita helps Alyse maneuver it out of the stall. Glancing to the other young woman as they thread their way through the people, she says "wait, so Gunva is actually a group here? I heard someone calling another person that and just assumed that it was something you called people. So a Cutter is a tailor then?"
"Good morning, Brother Meytal." Tsun took his customary seat across from the clergyman on the overstuffed ottoman. It was the only one in the office that could support his frame without groaning dangerously. Tsun smiled. He liked the holy man. If he were a religious sort he could see much in the worship of St. Cuthbert, and it was reflected in the character of Brother Meytal. "I'm checking in this morning to see about necessary maintenance. The request board down by the kitchen was empty. Not that I'm complaining or anything. This old girl takes a lot of work, and I can't remember the last time that nothing needed attention. I was planning on spot-checking the roof for leaks, but thought I would see if you had anything to occupy my hands."
"Don't go calling cutters 'Guvner' unless you know they are a member of the Fraternity of Order," Alyse mutters back to Calita once they are outside. "Some berks get pretty belligerent when it comes to factions."Grabbing the crate , Calita helps Alyse maneuver it out of the stall. Glancing to the other young woman as they thread their way through the people, she says "wait, so Gunva is actually a group here? I heard someone calling another person that and just assumed that it was something you called people. So a Cutter is a tailor then?"
Alyse laughs. "No! A cutter is ... anyone. Well, anyone who's not Clueless or barmie or a complete berk. Now the Guvners, they're a faction. They believe that knowledge is power, and they're really into laws and such. A lot of 'em work as judges and lawyers down at the City Court."
Her brows knit together as she thinks for a while.
"This is going to be much harder to get used to than politics by the sounds of it. Not that I really paid a lot of attention to politics anyway. They only drafted me into the diplomatic cops because of my cheery outlook. I'm afraid that most of my kinfolk were extremely unpleasant to be around. It's basically how I got into this mess, as I much preferred the company of the Gnomes and Gargoyles to the Dusk Elvaris and Elves." She sighs.
So other than the Guvners, Fraternity of Order did you call them, what other factions call Sigil home?"
- 1 peck Emperor clams
- dozen giant red rock crabs
- 2 doz. haddock
- 1 peck fan clams
Donated by the Planar Trading Consotium. Bought from the Aqualon Fishery Mart, The Merman Building, Comestible Quarter, Great Bazaar.
A florid signature and a large wax signet seal with a stylized "E" in its center append the scroll
Sara stares wide eyed at the parchment. She barely manages to keep herself from swearing in excitement. The brothers dont like swearing.
"Oh my, brother Tilner! That is a veritable feast! The Powers must be smiling on us, with such a gift. We'll get right on it!"Sara takes the parchement from brother Tilner, and carefully puts it in the scroll tube she has handy for just such jobs.
"C'mon Congruence! Lets aquire us a feast!"
In her exitement, Sara rushes upstairs to grab her stuff, (no running on the stairs Sara!), and back down again (what did I just say about running on the stairs!).
Glaive in hand, Sara pulls Congruence along to the back of the house to fetch the handcart.
"I think its best if you pull the cart Congruence, and I'll guard it. I doubt we'll have trouble on the way there, but with such a bounty, I bet some cutter will try to pull a fast one on us."
"Good morning, Brother Meytal." Tsun took his customary seat across from the clergyman on the overstuffed ottoman. It was the only one in the office that could support his frame without groaning dangerously. Tsun smiled. He liked the holy man. If he were a religious sort he could see much in the worship of St. Cuthbert, and it was reflected in the character of Brother Meytal. "I'm checking in this morning to see about necessary maintenance. The request board down by the kitchen was empty. Not that I'm complaining or anything. This old girl takes a lot of work, and I can't remember the last time that nothing needed attention. I was planning on spot-checking the roof for leaks, but thought I would see if you had anything to occupy my hands."
The abbot smiles
" I do appreciate your enthusiasm and diligence Tsun. Sometimes it seems as if this building is falling down around our heads! It is in no small part thanks to your efforts that we are still enjoying a leak-free existence."
The abbot picks up a few parchment papers.
"The local Indep faction has offered the labor of some of their members. There is a Kahveh shop known as the Bytopean Bean over by Tivuum's Antiques where a gentle being known as..."
He squints at the paper
"...Hazmek Dogslicer holds court. It is my understanding he is some sort of facilitator between laborers and builders. Could you perhaps talk to him and get his measure? We aren't really in the position to turn away free labor, but I wan't to make sure this isn't some sort of 'peel' as they say in this city."
Alyse takes a moment to check that the address stencilled onto the side of the crate matches the address on the scroll. Thus assured, she takes the other end of the narrow crate, making sure to hold it steady and upright. Once both women are comfortable with the weight and balance, Alyse steps out of the stall and back onto the streets of the Bazaar.
The two chat as they carry the crate down the stalls of the Great Bazaar. The crate isn't particularly heavy, just bulky. The drizzle has lessened, but the fog has thickened, creeping along the darkened cobbles of the Market Ward on cat-silent feet. The crowds are no less thick, but the feeling becomes more immediate as sentients of all shapes and sizes loom out of the pea-soup fog in front of them.
Entering Copperman's Way, the two join a lane of traffic devoted to mainly pedestrians. Other youngsters with various burdens form an ant-like chain headed into the Lady's Ward. The two watch the shopfronts become more and more elaborate as they reach the nebulous border between the Market Ward and the Lady's Ward.
Copperman's Way ends in Plague Court, a large plaza named for the massive fountain and statue at its center commemorating the Great Plague that struck Sigil 400 years ago. The plaza is thronged with Harmonium movers off to their various postings. Many throng the faction's 'local' The Square Bar, which fronts the Court.
The two head down Razorvine-on-Hiddleton, the mercantile street of the Noble District. The flow of traffic here is delivery couriers like themselves, servants of the toff residents doing their master's shopping, and a smattering of Guvners and Harmonium catching a quick breakfast before headed off to work.
Razorvine-on-Hiddleton takes the two through the Court District. Here the large municipal buildings of Sigil rear up in their massive classical glory. Guvners, Harmonium, Mercykillers, and Fated all swarm the area, busy with the start of another Peak's business. The two skirt Petitioner's Square, with its massive gibbets and wanted poles.
Departing the Court District, the two enter the Temple District. Here thousands of temples butt up against each other, vying for space and precedence. The first ones nearest the Court District are the most ornate, with the familiar names: Zeus, Odin, Iomedae, Sarenrae, Moradin, Corellian, Coyote. As they travel down Bloodgem Road, the temples become smaller, dedicated to lesser known powers like Shelyn, Dagobas, Hanali, Maushop. As they pass through the well-tended confines of Bloodgem Park, they enter the shanty temples of the newer gods and demigods whose priests excoriate the crowd from their temple's door, or atop a crate if they lack a structure.
After the temples, the Lady's Ward begins to transform into the Lower Ward. The two head along Smith Street, home to a panoply of metalworkers specializing in tools, arms, and armor. They turn onto Alehouse Row. This infamous street is lined with taverns of all shapes and sizes, catering to every taste imaginable. Due to the earliness of the day the street is passable. A dozen men lie insensate in the filthy gutter, cheap crockery smashed about them.
Alehouse Row leads the to the Gear Run, a district famous for its constructs and machina. The crowd runs to gnomes, the race having a predilection for machines and the dexterity to work on the small parts. A sizeable minority of the crowd are contructs. The clockwork beings clank along in a bewildering array of shapes and sizes.
A quick turn down Shirtwaist Ave and the two arrive at Ragpicker's Square. This open-air market is dedicated to all things paper and fabric. It is dominated by the factions that dwell in the Lower, Godsmen, Doomguard, Dustmen, Athar. The stalls are lined with books, sheaves of vellum, bolts of cloth from around the Wheel.
Off the large square is a road called Kurtulmak. It leads the two deep into the neighborhood of Little Draukari. The doorways shrink, and the swinging signs are written in Koboldish. swarms of various kobolds bustle about on various errands. Although they are all kobolds, there is quite a variance to their appearance, some almost human height, some tiny two-foot-tall beings.
Off Kurtulmak is Slipscale Alley. Cleevar's Mercantile sits at the end of the Alley's cul-de-sac. A dingy storefront window displays several animal carcasses trussed and hung along with a wheel of greenish cheese.
As the two girls cart their package along the crowded, rain-slicked streets, Alyse shares snippets of her knowledge of Sigil’s fifteen factions with Calita, figuratively pointing out obvious members of several factions, warning the elf not to call a Hardhead a Hardhead to his face, to watch yourself around Mercykillers or Sinkers, things like that.
As they get further from the Market Ward she becomes less sure of the way, and spends less time talking and more time squinting through the fog, taking in the sights – and looking out for landmarks and signs.
“Alright, this must be it,” she announces quietly to Calita when the two of them reach the shop front at the end of Slipscale Alley.
Tollard ponders Orla's question. "It's a big Cage. It would be hard for anybody to know everything that goes on in it. If they wound up in the bad parts, I know a few cutters with an ear to the ground."
He ponders another moment. "Five hundred is a lot of people. Should be hard to miss. How would one know them?"
Glaive in hand, Sara pulls Congruence along to the back of the house to fetch the handcart.
"I think its best if you pull the cart Congruence, and I'll guard it. I doubt we'll have trouble on the way there, but with such a bounty, I bet some cutter will try to pull a fast one on us."
Congruence mimics Sara’s joy, smiling broadly and bouncing a little. "We will attempt excitement for this meal as well!"
Turning more serious for a moment, "There is a nonzero probability of trouble for us.
"We should prepare with our own armaments as well."
The modron hurries off to gather their belongings as well. Reaching under the bed that they were provided (but has unfortunately not figured out how to use well given the modron’s unusual shape), they pull out an exquisitely crafted longsword and a simple steel shield that looks exceedingly ordinary next to the sword. Congruence then pulls his backpack out and checks some notes inside.
They examine their scrawled maps of the portions of the Grand Bazaar the modron has encountered (which are rather a mess now from trying to keep up to date on the regular changes that occur) as well as their notes on vendors. Congruence hopes to find the best path to the pick up site as well as if there are any tailors or other clothing merchants near the path where Congruence can buy a pair of gloves like Sara’s.
Congruence puts the backpack and shield on their back (which elicits the annoyed squeaking of some creature inside the pack) and straps the sword to their belt. Heading back out to the handcart, the modron replies, "We will pull the cart as you have requested. You will guard against cutters and pulling fast ones."
"Calling out the town's name is all I can think of. I mean they're just normal long legs and rock huggers. No specific markings, languages, customs, or spirituality. The most I have to go on is the exact night they would've arrived here. Assuming time isn't screwed up here like the rest of this place."
Orla stops to look out a window at some kind of creature shambling by. It's body and limbs seem to move in an impossible way as if emphasizing Orla's point. She tears her attention away from the impossible creature. "They would have arrived here 37 days ago. Mostly Humans and Dwarves." She stops to think. "And one blacksmith that no one really knows what she is." She laughs humorlessly at the small joke.
Sara raises an eyebrow at the noise coming from Congruence backpack.
"Eh... What's that? You dont have a pet in there do you? The brothers dont let us have pets. You could get into trouble."
Sara is genuinely concerned. She really likes the modron. Sure he's weird, but he makes a good 'chore assistant' as Congruence puts it.
She wouldnt call him a friend. Having friends could be dangerous for her. But he was as close as she would let anyone be these days.
Going out into the morning drizzle, Sara ties her scarf down tight.
"Say Congruence. I know the story of most kids at the orphanage. But you dont strike me as a kid? How many turns have you seen?"
Tsun nods as he absorbs the information. "Bytopean Bean. Hazmek Dogslicer. Be peery of his character. Got it." Tsun brushes his mustache with a finger in thought. "He might intend to trade favors so that they can bunk some members in the Lodge. Indeps don't usually cause much trouble with the other factions, so as long as their jink is good it wouldn't be too much of a risk. Or perhaps his boys will start the work, and then try to peel us by stopping halfway and refusing to finish until we grease his palm. It wouldn't cause me much worry, since I can make sure anything gets finished. But it would be out of character for Indeps. I'll be off after I grab a lunch to take with me." Tsun bids farewell to the abbot and heads down to the kitchen. He grabs a whole loaf of bread, slices it in half with a knife, and sandwiches it with a thick slab of salted pork and a dab of mustard. He tucks it in his belt pouch, grabs his cloak, and heads out the door.
Myriana looked over the various gadgets and gizmos and even she could see they were worthless for Annabelle's needs. She looked at Anni and said, "Sorry Annie, it doesn't look like these will help you meow." She heard the call from Danalia and looked alarmed, "NO! We can't miss breakfast Annie, come on!" She rushed to pick up her pitcher and began to make her way back to the orphanage with it. She was hungry already and didn't want to have to wait until lunch time to eat.The stall looked promising, but the wares are cheap tin and gimcrack items. The other girls fidget and a somewhat neurotic girl named Danalia pipes up
"Breakfast will be over soon! We should head back!"
Annie looked a little disappointed, if she was taller she probably would have seen it before.
next thing she knew she was being practically dragged by Myriana back to St. Cuthbert's
I'm coming, I can walk ya know.
Annie wasn't mad, It just, She could hear the others now... "oh look what the cat dragged in"
Tollard considers the matter at face value. He is not one to pry into details unless they are freely given. "I suppose after 37 days, if they wound up in a loftier neighborhood, they would have filtered down to the bottom by now. The Cage isn't kind to ordinary men and dwarves stranded from the outside."
He offers, "The sort of contacts I am thinking of are... not early risers. By the afternoon, some of them will be stirring, but won't be hitting their marks yet. If your people have turned up in the Hive, they will know."
He looks thoughtful and then volunteers, "I was born here, but I've always found there is something so tragic about the people who knew a life somewhere else first. Without fail, they always say life was better where they came from. Maybe that is why I am curious to see if they can be found."
Alyse carefully balances her end of the tall crate against a wall so as to free up one hand. She raps loudly against the low door frame. “Delivery!” she calls loudly in the common tongue of the Cage.
Calita listens to Alyse's explanations of the factions, nodding her head as the make their way through the different districts of the huge city. Hearing her teachings start to get fewer and farther between, she glances over and notices that Alyse is concentrating more closely on where they are going. Stilling her own questions, she also take s the time to look around her as they walk the last bit in silence, save for the bustle around them.
Finally, they reach their destination and Calita stands by while Alyse lets the owners of the shop know that their delivery has arrived, safe and sound.
“Do you speak the kobold language?” Alyse asks Calita quietly, while they await a response.
"Unfortunately no," Calita replies just as quietly. "If it were Gnomes we'd be in luck, but no Kobolds sorry."
The signs seem to be mostly advertising for various shops, most have human analogs, but there are a few like "scale cleaners" or "Fang tattoos" that leave ALyse scratching her brainbox
Alyse carefully balances her end of the tall crate against a wall so as to free up one hand. She raps loudly against the low door frame. “Delivery!” she calls loudly in the common tongue of the Cage.
A squeaky voice inside answers
"Yes! Yes! One moment, yes please!"
The door opens and a kobold dressed in a white apron gestures to them
"Yes! Yes! Come inside! Yes you have things from sewing, yes?"
"Well being one of those unfortunate people I can certainly see why we would say that. This is no lower plane but" Orla joins in the halfling's far away look into the fog and twilight of the sky. "This isn't the land of sugar sticks and flower crowns either is it?" She pauses and then opens her mouth as if to speak but bites her tongue, the questions she swallowed still on her mind. If you were born here can you honestly say you haven't wanted to leave? Is it that hard to do so?
Orla turns back to the halfling and wipes her hand on the cleanest part of her clothes and then extends her hand. "I'm not sure if we've ever been properly introduced." "I'm not very good with names." She whispers as she quickly leans towards the halfling and just as quickly straightens up again. "I'm Orla Fluss Pentastone. Highest priestess of Vuldstead. I am in your debt for whatever assistance you can provide. Until such time as your friends awake if you need me for something I'd be happy to help." Otherwise I'll be stuck baking bread all day. She muses.
Sara raises an eyebrow at the noise coming from Congruence backpack.
"Eh... What's that? You dont have a pet in there do you? The brothers dont let us have pets. You could get into trouble."Sara is genuinely concerned. She really likes the modron. Sure he's weird, but he makes a good 'chore assistant' as Congruence puts it.
She wouldnt call him a friend. Having friends could be dangerous for her. But he was as close as she would let anyone be these days.Going out into the morning drizzle, Sara ties her scarf down tight.
"Say Congruence. I know the story of most kids at the orphanage. But you dont strike me as a kid? How many turns have you seen?"
Congruence looks genuinely concerned. The modron does not wish to violate rules, yet they feel an attachment to the creature that will not be easily broken.
"It is not our desire to get into trouble. We did not want to possess such a pet. The creature follows us and attempts to guide us. However, the purpose and function of it remain undetermined."
Congruence keeps walking, trying to not worry too much. But they worry about so many things. "Notify us if you acquire recommendations for avoiding trouble."
The modron only emerges from their worry at the inquiry into their past. Unfortunately, Congruence sounds even more sullen when discussing their past. "We are unsure of whether we are a kid. We might not develop further than our current form."
Congruence struggles to find the proper words, pushing against an impassable force they don't understand. "Our arrival in Sigil was only 9 days ago. Before our arrival m-my memories are...unclear and confusing."
Never breaking stride the modron calms and turns to Sara, "Was it improper not to inquire about your story? How many turns have you seen, chore assistant Sara?"
[dice=Find most efficient path to pick up the food]1d20 + 6
[dice=Find a clothing merchant to buy gloves near that path]1d20 + 6
Congruence puts the backpack and shield on their back (which elicits the annoyed squeaking of some creature inside the pack) and straps the sword to their belt. Heading back out to the handcart, the modron replies, "We will pull the cart as you have requested. You will guard against cutters and pulling fast ones."...
Congruence calculates the optimal path, using data he has collected on several occasions as to traffic patterns, lengths and conditions. He identifies a clothing shop on the route he can stop at and lose minimal time: The Bariaur's Weskit
Sara and Congruence talk as they gather up the rickety handcart from the back courtyard of St. Cuthbert's. They set off on their way, headed into the Great Bazaar's maze of stalls. Merchants fill the air with cries
"Fresh Naralanas and starfruit! Steakberries! Fresh from Aelvenhame!"
"Hats! All sizes! Many different styles!"
"Scrolls from across the multiverse! Books, and unbound papyrus!"
The tow travel through the fog-shrouded throng until they see a stall with the banner The Bariaur's Weskit
"Scrolls from across the multiverse! Books, and unbound papyrus!"
Congruence makes a mental note of the merchant to potentially visit on a future date.
The two travel through the fog-shrouded throng until they see a stall with the banner The Bariaur's Weskit
"Travel companion Sara, would a momentary stop be permissible? We desire a purchase at this merchant we approach. Calculations indicate stopping with an empty cart is preferable."
Annie looked a little disappointed, if she was taller she probably would have seen it before.
next thing she knew she was being practically dragged by Myriana back to St. Cuthbert's
I'm coming, I can walk ya know.
Annie wasn't mad, It just, She could hear the others now... "oh look what the cat dragged in"
Myriana released her small friend when she knew that teh gnome was coming on her own. "Sorry Annie, I'm just so hungry meow." Her stomach rumbled as she spoke in an effort to spur the catgirl on but she maintained a pace with Abbie, she wasn't about to leave her friend alone out here, not after happened right before she was brought to the orphanage. As they approached their destination she asked, "What are you up to today Annie? I haven't decided what I'm going to do yet. I'm thinking about looking for a job today, I could use a little more money." Her tail swished in counterpoint to the movement of her hips as Myri walked, her movements smooth and graceful, and not unappealing, to those who saw her. For all intents and purpose Myri was an adult, or close enough to make no difference, and she was more than ready to get to enter that new role in life. Still, she couldn't afford to do some things yet as the Orphanage would boot her if she did and the catfolk still needed a roof over her head and food in her belly.
Sara thinks for a moment. "I dont know Congruence. I think the best way is to try and explain it to them. We're not allowed pets, but if you hide it and they find out, they will be angry, and you most likely will need to give it up. The brothers value honesty. Maybe you can work something out with them?"
Sara shrugs at Congruence comment about not developing. "Well, there are more ways to grow. A lot of species do a lot of bodily growing. But I think growing in mind," Sara taps her head with a finger, "is the most important kind of growing. And I think you can do plenty of that."
Unsure of how to comfort the modron, Sara gives it a pat on the arm.
"Its ok Congruence. You dont have to remember anything right now. I'm sure it will come back to you. A lot of people arrive in the cage with their brain box rattled. Its just what happens."
Giving a few berks a nasty look to let them know they should not try and bother her, Sara is a bit unsure if she's the one giving Congruence etiquette lessons.
"Well, normally a conversation is about asking and giving information. You ask a cutter a question, he answers, he gets to ask a question back. But that's the short short of it, and it doesnt always work that way. Maybe you should be better at asking the brothers. They are always good with words. As to my turns, I've seen 14 so far. I hope to manage at least 14 more, Shelyn willing."
Sara takes a look at the shop. "While I agree that stopping with an empty cart makes the most sense, that is a clothes shop Congruence. What in the Ladies Name do you need clothes for? You dont *have* a naked thing to hide?!"
Sara has seen a lot in her young life. But a modron wanting to buy clothes must be one of the strangest.
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Annie thought for a bit, I don't know? I probably would have a hard time finding a job, I mean I'm probably older than you are but I still look like a little kid by many standards. But I can go with you if you want.
Once they get to breakfast, oh I want to go see Click-Click to see if he has any errands for me first.
Tollard shakes Orla's hand. "I am Tollard Grimm. I... don't have any fancy title, although I'm sure I could come up with one given the time." His grin indicates this is meant to be a joke.
A squeaky voice inside answers"Yes! Yes! One moment, yes please!"
The door opens and a kobold dressed in a white apron gestures to them
"Yes! Yes! Come inside! Yes you have things from sewing, yes?"
Alyse nods. “Yes, a delivery from Peregrine’s Tailoring,” she says. Glancing back to ensure that Calita still has a good grip on the crate, she renews her own grip, then ducks awkwardly, holding the tall crate low so as to get through the doorway unimpeded. Once through she pauses if required to allow her eyes to adjust to the lighting level within the shop, and looks about for somewhere to put the crate down.
Tsun wrapped his cloak around his front as he walked, keeping an eye out for street urchins. He pitied them as a concept, but individuals had a tendency of having sticky fingers. Determined not to get his belt pouch nicked, he wore a stern face and kept a healthy pace toward the Bytopean Bean.
Myriana grinned and replied to her short friend, "You may be older than me but I've been her longer meow. I'm sure we can find a job of some kind." As they entered the dining area she happily eyed all of the food and absently replied to Annie as her stomach growled again, "Click-Click, sure, there first."
Calita helps maneuver the crate through the doorway, waiting patiently for the Kobold to tell them where to place it.
Alyse nods. “Yes, a delivery from Peregrine’s Tailoring,” she says. Glancing back to ensure that Calita still has a good grip on the crate, she renews her own grip, then ducks awkwardly, holding the tall crate low so as to get through the doorway unimpeded. Once through she pauses if required to allow her eyes to adjust to the lighting level within the shop, and looks about for somewhere to put the crate down.
A squeaky voice inside answers"Yes! Yes! One moment, yes please!"
The door opens and a kobold dressed in a white apron gestures to them
"Yes! Yes! Come inside! Yes you have things from sewing, yes?"
The shop is small by human standards, the ceilings a bit over two meters tall. Cleevar leads them to a back room. Three other kobolds wait there. Two look fairly non-descript except for the fancy chain hauberks they wear. The other is very odd. A Kobold, but white as a fish's belly and dressed in black. Red eyes glimmer from under a dark hood
"Is this the suits from Peregrine?" The albino Kobold inquires in a very cultured voice
Annie thought for a bit, I don't know? I probably would have a hard time finding a job, I mean I'm probably older than you are but I still look like a little kid by many standards. But I can go with you if you want.
Once they get to breakfast, oh I want to go see Click-Click to see if he has any errands for me first.
The two girls split off from the others and head down the stairs to the cavernous basement of St. Cuthbert's. The stone walls are lined with supplies: Clothing in piles, barrels, jars of preserved food, spices. Further in there is a second stairway to the sub basement. Here there is a storage area for all sorts of broken items the brothers couldn't bear to toss out. The two girls hear a rattling by the back
"Yes, left with turn, bend just so, tension one turn tighter" A reedy voice exclaims
Click click sits at a workbench fiddling with something. An odd contraption of lenses and small tools on bending arms is seated on his reptilian head
Tsun wrapped his cloak around his front as he walked, keeping an eye out for street urchins. He pitied them as a concept, but individuals had a tendency of having sticky fingers. Determined not to get his belt pouch nicked, he wore a stern face and kept a healthy pace toward the Bytopean Bean.
Tsun heads off into the foggy Peak. His size does him good service in parting the crowds of shoppers thronging the Great Bazaar. An Elven woman offers him a good deal on meat pies as he passes, looking for a repeat customer.
Tsun wends his way through the stalls with the dexterity of a native Cager. Many of the stall merchants wave to him as he passes. He arrives in the shadow of Tivuum's Antiquities within a half hour of leaving St. Cuthbert's.
A small open plaza skirts the entrance to the massive green cylindrical building. Unlike most of the bazaar, these businesses are brick-and-mortar establishments. A cheery-looking public house exudes a smell of roasting Kaveh beans. The inn sign reads The Bytopian Bean. Tsun Ducks through the main doors.
Inside is what looks to be a typical large common room of a tavern. However, there is no liquor on display. Rather, the clientele sips different-sized mugs of hot beverages.
The clientele is a mixed lot, but the Indep faction symbol is prominent on cloak broaches, helmets, and sword pommels. Tsun can also see the symbol carved into the woodwork in a dozen places. A team of six servers work a bewildering array of pots and urns, mixing up kavehs, teas, and chocolate drinks
"Scrolls from across the multiverse! Books, and unbound papyrus!"Congruence makes a mental note of the merchant to potentially visit on a future date.
The two travel through the fog-shrouded throng until they see a stall with the banner The Bariaur's Weskit"Travel companion Sara, would a momentary stop be permissible? We desire a purchase at this merchant we approach. Calculations indicate stopping with an empty cart is preferable."
The stall is owned by a bariaur. The goat-centaur trots over when he sees the two stop
"Greetings cutters! What can I do for yeh?"
The shop is small by human standards, the ceilings a bit over two meters tall. Cleevar leads them to a back room. Three other kobolds wait there. Two look fairly non-descript except for the fancy chain hauberks they wear. The other is very odd. A Kobold, but white as a fish's belly and dressed in black. Red eyes glimmer from under a dark hood"Is this the suits from Peregrine?" The albino Kobold inquires in a very cultured voice
“The box is from Peregrines,” replies Alyse, “and the halfling told us it contained suits.” She carefully lowers the box to the floor, glancing at the albino kobold, and unfurls the delivery scroll. “Someone will need to sign for receipt of delivery.”