Myriana traveled along looking at the sights around her as they went. Some of the districts were certainly more interesting, or dangerous, than others, and a few were horribly unpleasant . Eventually they ended up in the Gear Run district and Myriana's nose wrinkled up in disgust. The smells were atrocious here, the grit and smoke teased her nostrils and brought a sneeze from her as she breathed in too deeply. "I don't like this place, it's hard on my nose meow."
Annie was happily going along but soon was getting rather tired of walking. it seemed like this place went on for miles. this city was probably bigger than all of Cygnar.
When they finally reached the gear run district, Annie remembers her task, and pulls out her piece of paper with the instructions on it.
She starts to look for the place to pick up Click-click's package.
As Reedalvan makes his way through the Cage, he takes in the features and oddities of the place he calls home. Not being a top-drawer (and a jink-filled drawer at that) berk himself, he keeps a low profile through the Lady's Ward. He does silently tip a hat at the Cager Crows, though; he rather likes the thought that perhaps they have some fiendish blood in them. After all, having some fiendish blood in you doesn't make you a bad sort, does it? Look at him...
He relaxes a little as he moves into the Lower Ward, although as he looks at the place, he can't help but feel that just maybe the fiendish blood in him didn't really take, because you'd have to be addle-coved to want to live like this all the time. Still, the Cage is the Cage, and so on through he went.
As he crosses the Zaddfum Trestle, he catches the eyes of and winks at any children who are fishing who happen to look his way. He can't help but feel sorry for the berks if they're reduced to fishing here.
Finally, the Hive... the armpit of Sigil. Or, perhaps, another bodily reference.
Finding his way to the Inn, he thinks, well, isn't this rather a posh place for the Hive. Why, the food inside might even almost be edible.
He pushes open the door to the Inn and walks inside, looking around.
Unless he sees anything that gives him pause, he'll find a barkeep, or an attendant behind a desk, or somebody who looks like they know what's going on, and will ask after Brent Othmann.
There's a collection of the usual types of barflies in the common room. It is barely afterpeak, but a few look to be well-pickled already. A fat tiefling with an odd unicorn-horn sticking from his forehead wipes down the scarred Barton in a desultory fashion
As Reedalvan makes his way through the Cage, he takes in the features and oddities of the place he calls home. Not being a top-drawer (and a jink-filled drawer at that) berk himself, he keeps a low profile through the Lady's Ward. He does silently tip a hat at the Cager Crows, though; he rather likes the thought that perhaps they have some fiendish blood in them. After all, having some fiendish blood in you doesn't make you a bad sort, does it? Look at him...
He relaxes a little as he moves into the Lower Ward, although as he looks at the place, he can't help but feel that just maybe the fiendish blood in him didn't really take, because you'd have to be addle-coved to want to live like this all the time. Still, the Cage is the Cage, and so on through he went.
As he crosses the Zaddfum Trestle, he catches the eyes of and winks at any children who are fishing who happen to look his way. He can't help but feel sorry for the berks if they're reduced to fishing here.
Finally, the Hive... the armpit of Sigil. Or, perhaps, another bodily reference.
Finding his way to the Inn, he thinks, well, isn't this rather a posh place for the Hive. Why, the food inside might even almost be edible.
He pushes open the door to the Inn and walks inside, looking around.
Unless he sees anything that gives him pause, he'll find a barkeep, or an attendant behind a desk, or somebody who looks like they know what's going on, and will ask after Brent Othmann.
There's a collection of the usual types of barflies in the common room. It is barely afterpeak, but a few look to be well-pickled already. A fat tiefling with an odd unicorn-horn sticking from his forehead wipes down the scarred Bar top in a desultory fashion
Annie was happily going along but soon was getting rather tired of walking. it seemed like this place went on for miles. this city was probably bigger than all of Cygnar.
When they finally reached the gear run district, Annie remembers her task, and pulls out her piece of paper with the instructions on it.
She starts to look for the place to pick up Click-click's package.
Click click's note reads
Albus Merrowwand. Cog Court. By the sign of the Clockwork Bear
Annabelle sees Clockwork Court up ahead, a largish street peeling of the Gear Run's main drag
Myriana traveled along looking at the sights around her as they went. Some of the districts were certainly more interesting, or dangerous, than others, and a few were horribly unpleasant . Eventually they ended up in the Gear Run district and Myriana's nose wrinkled up in disgust. The smells were atrocious here, the grit and smoke teased her nostrils and brought a sneeze from her as she breathed in too deeply. "I don't like this place, it's hard on my nose meow."
Myriana hears a sublime singing coming from a stairway leading down off the street. A sign Caritas is posted above the stairs with a red heart on the sign
"Gurincraag, sure I know it," Tollard says as they begin wheeling the cask back to the lodge. "In the Lower Wards. There's all sorts of dwarves there, some even beneath the streets. Pare your villagers all dwarves? The brewer might be right - perhaps they sought out their own." He seems to speculate idly as you head back into the streets.
.
Tollard and Orla head back out with their cask firmly affixed to the dolly. The peak has passed, and what brightness the day had offered is now fading back to foggy twilight
They head back, through the Lower Ward, avoiding the swarms of bubbers and bilk artists. They make quick work of the Temple District, and walk through the Court District with little fuss. As they head towards the Noble District a voice accosts them
"Oi! What are you two sprouts doing with that keg?"
A figure of Lilliputian proportion swaggers up towards them, dressed in Harmonium red armor. He looks to be a halfling, but perhaps the shortest halfling either of them have ever seen. He can't be an inch above two feet tall.
Sara sits and shoves food in her mouth. The seafood is delicious. While the food at St. Cuthbert isnt bad, it can get a bit... lean... if they run low on supplies.
The seafood is fatty and succulent. A real feast. And since they cant preserve most of it, almost everything is served up. So Sara eats untill she nearly bursts.She listens to Congruence mimic her opinion. She's grown fond of the modron, but intorducing him to being able to have his own opinion might be a bit early still. She doesnt have experience with modrons, but it has been easy picking up the ques. Congruence mostly takes things very literal. It was frustrating and adorable at the same time.
With the food eaten, Sara stays seated for a moment, having eaten herself into a bit of a food coma.
The meal was wonderful and the two feel well filled. Afterwards, some of the other residents clean up the remnants.
It was sheer luck that Myriana could hear the music through the stench all around her. Her nose was on overload and she needed a respite from the assault, and the music was very good. She looked to make sure that Tsun in particular wasn't paying any attention to her before makinga decision. Ultimately she failed to resist temptation and the young catgirl slipped away as quietly as she could and entered the strange building. When she entered she began to quietly look around, curious as to what this place was.
The basement space is a bar. A very nice one, actually. Waiters in fancy uniforms bring drinks to guests at low tables set up facing a stage. Despite the early hour, there is a decent crowd, and not the typical drunks you'd expect. The crowd does look rather capable, with several knots of well-built cutters in stylish clothing drinking and murmuring amongst themselves
On stage is a strange man. He has quite a demonic aspect, yet seems to be smiling and happy. He is dressed in a glittering suit, and he holds a black wand in his hand. Somehow his voice reaches across the bar effortlessly, very clearly.
The basement space is a bar. A very nice one, actually. Waiters in fancy uniforms bring drinks to guests at low tables set up facing a stage. Despite the early hour, there is a decent crowd, and not the typical drunks you'd expect. The crowd does look rather capable, with several knots of well-built cutters in stylish clothing drinking and murmuring amongst themselves
On stage is a strange man. He has quite a demonic aspect, yet seems to be smiling and happy. He is dressed in a glittering suit, and he holds a black wand in his hand. Somehow his voice reaches across the bar effortlessly, very clearly.
The basement space is a bar. A very nice one, actually. Waiters in fancy uniforms bring drinks to guests at low tables set up facing a stage. Despite the early hour, there is a decent crowd, and not the typical drunks you'd expect. The crowd does look rather capable, with several knots of well-built cutters in stylish clothing drinking and murmuring amongst themselves
On stage is a strange man. He has quite a demonic aspect, yet seems to be smiling and happy. He is dressed in a glittering suit, and he holds a black wand in his hand. Somehow his voice reaches across the bar effortlessly, very clearly.
Myrianna watches as the strange man sings a most marvelous song of love lost and found again.
While she should have felt out of place due to her clothing alone Myri wasn't concerned about it. She found the interior fascinating and the man singing...entrancing. Carefully she made her way along one wall, staying in the shadows, to get out of the entrance and found herself a spot where she could hide for a short time and watch. She knew she wouldn't have much time before Tsun came looking for her but she knew, for now, that she could watch and listen to the man singing. Unbeknownst to her, she wasn't in the best position to remain unseen, though she was trying her best through her distraction.
The two make their way through Little Draukari without further incident. They turn into Ragpicker's Square and head further out into the Lower Ward and the Foundry District.
The Foundry District is going full bore at this time of peak. Forges bellow, steam hisses and anvils clang as the Godsmen mold ore into metal into everything. Specialty blacksmith shops line the road as the two walk on.
They pass Alehouse Row, and manage not to get caught up with any of the lay outs there, although a few of the more disrespectful of the bubbers shout invitations and salacious suggestions in bub-roughened tones.
Swordhold soon engulfs them, the crowds of nihilistic Doomguards mixing with many mercenaries. They pass the strangely-crafted hall of the Society of the Luminaferous Aether as they go, its queerly-canted gables and roof peaks standing out from the more blocky architecture of the neighborhood.
The Temple Distrct passes by, with the two ducking to avoid a chanting line of yuan-ti carrying a large idol of some disturbing God high above their scaly brows.
The Court District and The Noble's District pass by uneventfully, save for a beggar being tossed in one of the Mercykiller's armored wains. Fiendish oxen snort and paw the cobbles as the Red-spiked-armored jailers trade japes with their similarly-accoutered cousins the Harmonium.
The large boulevard of Copperman's Way opens before them, its familiar crowded cobbles a relief. They make their way back to the Lighning Guild, the busy common room filling with young couriers and several knights of the post masquerading as clients
While she should have felt out of place due to her clothing alone Myri wasn't concerned about it. She found the interior fascinating and the man singing...entrancing. Carefully she made her way along one wall, staying in the shadows, to get out of the entrance and found herself a spot where she could hide for a short time and watch. She knew she wouldn't have much time before Tsun came looking for her but she knew, for now, that she could watch and listen to the man singing. Unbeknownst to her, she wasn't in the best position to remain unseen, though she was trying her best through her distraction.
The singing man walks along the stage until he is close to where Myriana is hiding. He seems to look straight into her, his red-irised eyes almost hypnotic. He gestures for her to come to him, his face in a wide smile
Staring into the strange man's eyes Myriana felt almost as if she were being pulled into them. She had an inkling that this a bad thing but she really didn't care just then. Under most circumstances she would likely have run after being spotted but the near hypnotic view of his red eyes called to her and she barely registered that she slid out of her hiding place and moved towards him. Before she knew it Myriana was right in front of the strange man and in plain view of the entire establishment. Yet again, in different circumstances she'd bolt, but she stood there nearly entranced and smiled at the man.
The man smiles at Myriana, the gemstones in his suit twinkling under the magical colored lights that cloak the stage in a rainbow
"We have a new guest at Club Caritas, ladies and gentlemen! I sensed her aura the moment she arrived. You have a weighty destiny, my kitten. Would you do me the honor of singing for the crowd?"
He proffers the black wand he holds to her
"This is a magical sound amplifier, my kitten" he says in a normal, non-amplified voice. "Sing into it and it will project your voice to the whole room"
Tollard sizes up the pint-sized harmonium warily. "This is the property of St. Cuthbert's Lodging," he says defensively, "They will be expecting them."
Alyse grabs Calita’s arm and pushes through the crowd within the Lightning Guild common room, making for Frenjik’s window.
“Job’s done,” she announces, pulling out the doubly-signed writ from her greatcoat’s pocket and slapping it down on the scarred timber counter.
Tollard sizes up the pint-sized harmonium warily. "This is the property of St. Cuthbert's Lodging," he says defensively, "They will be expecting them."
The half-pint halfling seems to be on the up and up. He walks up and examines the cask
"Have you any paperwork on this item? Where did it come from? Where is this St. Cuthbert's?"
Alyse grabs Calita’s arm and pushes through the crowd within the Lightning Guild common room, making for Frenjik’s window.
“Job’s done,” she announces, pulling out the doubly-signed writ from her greatcoat’s pocket and slapping it down on the scarred timber counter.
Frenjik cocks his avian head and peers at the document
"That was quick. Good job, you two"
He slides the remainder of their promised fee to them and busied himself filing the document
Congruence is genuinely happy that others enjoyed the meal. The modron prepares to go out on their next chore-mission, but first mentions, "We must preserve time to visit a book merchant. We have yet to complete that task for today."
Congruence states simply like it's completely obvious, "Seeing Jorin is required because we always saw him."
Myriana wasn't much of a singer, she preferred dancing, but she did sing sometimes. There was a place in the market where someone had a music box that played music from different worlds and she sometimes would do jobs for him in exchange for him playing one song or another for her. She asked the man, "Could you play the music to this song for me?" She pulled out a piece of paper from a belt pouch and held it for him to read, "I'm not sure what it says as I can't read the language, but I know the song."
Music or no, once she was ready Myriana put the slip of paper back and accepted the black wand and began to sing...
Do what you, what you want
If you have a dream for better
Do what you, what you want
'til you don’t want it anymore (remember who you really are)
Do what you, what you want
Your world’s closing in on you now (it isn’t over)
Stand and face the unknown (got to remember who you really are)
Every heart in my hands
Like a pale reflection
Hello, hello, remember me?
I’m everything you can’t control
Somewhere beyond the pain
There must be a way to believe
We can break through
Do what you, what you want
You don’t have to lay your life down (it isn’t over)
Do what you, what you want
‘til you find what you’re looking for (got to remember who you really are)
But every hour slipping by
Screams that I have failed you
Hello, hello, remember me?
I’m everything you can’t control
Somewhere beyond the pain
There must be a way to believe
Hello, hello, remember me?
I’m everything you can’t control
Somewhere beyond the pain
There must be a way to believe
There’s still time
Close your eyes
Only love will guide you home
Tear down the walls and free your soul
‘Til we crash
We’re forever spiraling
Down, down, down, down
Hello, hello
It’s only me infecting everything you love
Somewhere beyond the pain
There must be a way to believe
Hello, hello, remember me?
I’m everything you can’t control
Somewhere beyond the pain
There must be a way to learn forgiveness
Hello, hello, remember me?
I’m everything you can’t control
Somewhere beyond the pain
There must be a way to believe
We can break through
Remember who you really are
Do what you, what you want
When she finished Myriana knew she hadn't done the greatest job in the world, she wasn't much of a singer, but as she had really loved the song she put her heart into belting out the lyrics anyway. At least she could have done worse, if not by much. She got a bit nervous as she was starting to realize the position she'd found herself suddenly in. If this was a cabaret full of people watching her dance she'd have been fine, but singing for an audience was a bit...different. Still, she felt pleased with herself for doing it and took a bow afterwards before handing the wand back to the strange looking man. She gave the host a smile and asked, "So, how'd I do?"
Alyse picks up her coin, bites it, pockets it.
“It’s been a good peak,” she grins at Calita. “Even if I did get hit with a rock. With all this jink I won’t have to work for a few peaks if I don’t want.” She considers the elven girl for a moment – she doesn’t make friends easily or often, but Calita helped her out today and was decent company. “So … what are your plans for the rest of the peak?”
"No papers on a keg of beer, good sir. I've never asked for a receipt on a beverage purchase." He tries to be matter-of-fact and cordial rather than defensive and confrontational.
"Saint Cuthbert's Lodging for the Lost, sir. It's just off the Great Bazaar. That's where this is being delivered. I'm sure they can sort out any proof of purchase you might need."
Sara rouses herself from her food coma. That food was GOOD.
"Yes, chore buddy Congruence, we can make time. We already know where to go this time, so we'll get our chore done faster. I think we'll have time to visit a bookstore if you want. Lets get that thank-you note then yes?"
Calita follows Alyse through the many twists and turns of Sigil's districts, until finally they arrive back at the Lightning Guild. Allowing herself to be led through the crowd, she waits patiently while Alyse concludes their dealings, and then takes the proffered coin enthusiastically.
"Honestly," she says in response to the question, "I hadn't much thought that far ahead, as I don't really know enough of the city that well yet. Other than a soft bed and warm bath that is. I don't mind getting out and about and dirty, but there's always something to be said for a little comfort when it's available."[/b] She gives a small smile.
"How about you? What does the rest of your day entail?"
Zadkiel looks away from the Foundry and back to the task at hand, puzzled a moment he notices that his party has shrunk.
"Didn't we have a cat-girl here a moment ago?"
He asks a few passersby if they noticed where she went and examines the tracks in the ground.
Calita follows Alyse through the many twists and turns of Sigil's districts, until finally they arrive back at the Lightning Guild. Allowing herself to be led through the crowd, she waits patiently while Alyse concludes their dealings, and then takes the proffered coin enthusiastically.
"Honestly," she says in response to the question, "I hadn't much thought that far ahead, as I don't really know enough of the city that well yet. Other than a soft bed and warm bath that is. I don't mind getting out and about and dirty, but there's always something to be said for a little comfort when it's available."[/b] She gives a small smile.
"How about you? What does the rest of your day entail?"
"Oh, nothing much planned," answers Alyse. "I'll probably stay around here and drink kaveh, or maybe have a wander through the Bazaar to check in on some cutters I know. But," she continues hesitantly, "I could show you to St Cuthbert's if you like? They tend not to take in cutters with too much jink, but I don't think having a few Ladies in your pocket should count as a regular job ..."
Calita smiles at Alyse. "If they have a nice bed and a bath then I'm all over that!," she laughs. "Thank You, you're only the second person to be kind to me in the short time I've been here, most other people either ignore you, or take an interest in you for entirely the wrong reasons." She grimaces. "But a drink first before we go?"
Alyse shrugs. "You'll usually find a kaveh stall set up at the Janus Fountain, that's right near St. Cuthberts - we could get a drink there if you want?"
"Sure," she replies with a smile, and motions towards the door in a 'lead on' motion.
Tsun shrugs. "Myriana is a flighty one. Somehow I doubt she would have been that helpful with the lumber either way." He scratches his nose and looks around. "Now, where is that lumberyard? These merchants move so often the scenery changes every time I come."
"Flighty yes, but I feel like we should find her even so. No telling what trouble she might get into out here." Zadkiel looks a bit worried, though with his odd eyes it can be hard to tell.
Myriana wasn't much of a singer, she preferred dancing, but she did sing sometimes. There was a place in the market where someone had a music box that played music from different worlds and she sometimes would do jobs for him in exchange for him playing one song or another for her. She asked the man, "Could you play the music to this song for me?" She pulled out a piece of paper from a belt pouch and held it for him to read, "I'm not sure what it says as I can't read the language, but I know the song."
Music or no, once she was ready Myriana put the slip of paper back and accepted the black wand and began to sing...
[dice=Perform (sing)]1d20+4
Do what you, what you want
If you have a dream for better
Do what you, what you want
'til you don’t want it anymore (remember who you really are)Do what you, what you want
Your world’s closing in on you now (it isn’t over)
Stand and face the unknown (got to remember who you really are)Every heart in my hands
Like a pale reflectionHello, hello, remember me?
I’m everything you can’t control
Somewhere beyond the pain
There must be a way to believe
We can break throughDo what you, what you want
You don’t have to lay your life down (it isn’t over)
Do what you, what you want
‘til you find what you’re looking for (got to remember who you really are)But every hour slipping by
Screams that I have failed youHello, hello, remember me?
I’m everything you can’t control
Somewhere beyond the pain
There must be a way to believeHello, hello, remember me?
I’m everything you can’t control
Somewhere beyond the pain
There must be a way to believeThere’s still time
Close your eyes
Only love will guide you home
Tear down the walls and free your soul
‘Til we crash
We’re forever spiraling
Down, down,
...
The demonic man claps his hands afterwards. The crowd is polite, but the applause is sparse.
"Wonderful kitten! I see a bright future for you. My name is Lorne."
The man bows, the sequins in his suit flashing in the magical stagelights.
"I will tell you that you have a very ....interesting path ahead of you. Please come back and visit me on occasion?"
"Sure," she replies with a smile, and motions towards the door in a 'lead on' motion.
The two make their way along the twisting paths of the Bazaar. As they catch sight of the Janus fountain an ugly voice calls out behind them
"Oi! All-lice!"
Only one person has that squeally grunting voice. Pate the Pig, bully-boy of the Bazaar. Alyse whirls and sees his bulky form, flanked by two of his lieutenants. Pate is a typical low-life of the Bazaar. He dresses like a Xaositect, but it is more for the anarchistic fashion than any conviction. His skin has a sallow greenish cast to it, speaking of some humanoids in his ancestry. He grins, revealing a thicket of overlarge ill-kept teeth.
"Who's yer new friend? She must be Clueless to hang with a Dustie like you."
Zadkiel looks away from the Foundry and back to the task at hand, puzzled a moment he notices that his party has shrunk.
"Didn't we have a cat-girl here a moment ago?"
He asks a few passersby if they noticed where she went and examines the tracks in the ground.
[dice=Diplomacy to Gather Info]1d20+9
[dice=Survival to Track]1d20+7
Zadkiel notices that Annabelle has also wandered off. He sees her turn a corner on an alleyway a few meters ahead. He also hears a female singing nearby. A tavern sign indicates a cellar bar called Caritas is nearby. Perhaps that is where Myriana went.
Tsun shrugs. "Myriana is a flighty one. Somehow I doubt she would have been that helpful with the lumber either way." He scratches his nose and looks around. "Now, where is that lumberyard? These merchants move so often the scenery changes every time I come."
The lumberyard lies about 20 minutes travel ahead. They have just lost half their party to distractions.
"No papers on a keg of beer, good sir. I've never asked for a receipt on a beverage purchase." He tries to be matter-of-fact and cordial rather than defensive and confrontational.
"Saint Cuthbert's Lodging for the Lost, sir. It's just off the Great Bazaar. That's where this is being delivered. I'm sure they can sort out any proof of purchase you might need."
Sara rouses herself from her food coma. That food was GOOD.
"Yes, chore buddy Congruence, we can make time. We already know where to go this time, so we'll get our chore done faster. I think we'll have time to visit a bookstore if you want. Lets get that thank-you note then yes?"
The two trundle up to Brother Tilner and collect the thank you note. They set off in search of a bookstore.
Although Ragpicker's Square is the home for much of the booktrade in Sigil, the Great Bazaar has an impressive sampling as well. Nearby is a small plaza called Papyrus Row where several book sellers and bookbinders have their tents pitched. There are Greeny dreadfuls for sale, with lurid tales of derring do. Cosmologies of strange realms lie scattered on the boards, mixed with recipe books from a dozen prime worlds
Calita scowls at the man, recognising the tones of a bully when she hears them.
"Not as Clueless as you must be to be picking on Alyse," she stresses pronouncing her new friend's name correctly. "She has some powerful friends now, so you'd best be off before I tell them about your oafish behaviour" She gives the man an evil grin.
Alyse groans inwardly. Of all the people to recognise her in the Bazaar, why did it have to be Pate the Pig? She didn't want to drag her new friend into this sort of confrontation ... still, having Calita by her side made her feel braver - and surely even Pate wouldn't dare do anything really bad with so many witnesses.
She is about to speak when Calita pipes up - obviously trying to sound tough, but her accent still marks her as a Clueless Prime, and the effect she was going for is rather lost.
"Pike it Pate," Alyse growls angrily. "Stop rattling your bone-box about things you're Clueless about. You're just pissed I'm not alone, two to three odds are hardly your style - that'd be almost fair." She drums her fingers against the pommel of her sheathed sword.
Sara guides Congruence to Papyrus Row. Its closest, so they dont loose a lot of time.
"What are you looking for exactly? They have a lot here, but depending what it is, we might have to make a trip to Ragpickers square later today."
"No papers on a keg of beer, good sir. I've never asked for a receipt on a beverage purchase." He tries to be matter-of-fact and cordial rather than defensive and confrontational.
"Saint Cuthbert's Lodging for the Lost, sir. It's just off the Great Bazaar. That's where this is being delivered. I'm sure they can sort out any proof of purchase you might need."
Tsun looks behind and sees that he has lost most of his helpers. He shrugs his shoulders. I would be disappointed if it were a surprise.
He continues his walk to the lumberyard.