Magnamar!
City of merchants (Or cluster of honest thieves, depending on one's view). Nestled around the ruins of former greatness, the city is protected by distance and geography from those who would contest its plans and desires.
History so far has allowed the burgeoning metropolis to become the center for 'civilized' culture on the cusp of the lost coast. While Korvosa claims ruler-ship and nobility, with Magnamar paying some tithes and taxes, distance and geography have so far kept the two cities effectively separate.
Your character(s) are currently at home here. Whether coming into their majority. Perhaps partaking of 'civilization' after a successful adventure in the wilds beyond the safe doors of said same. In between work/contracts with many of the merchant ships and caravans which call Magnamar their head-quarters/base of operations.
Of note currently are rumors and tales of a new trading cartel which has come together. Like any endeavor where information has as much worth as the goods it plies, solid knowledge is currently scarce. What is evident are the holdings purchased and garrisoned.
A large warehouse but a few streets from the wharves. Some of the close by business establishments are being rented/used as offices and recruiting places, as well as the great ship currently sitting majestically at the nearby wharves. While easily 80' long, with lines reminiscent of a great galley, her shape is new and cause for mush talk even as the crew of said vessel are put through their paces learning her new ropes.
It is this that has caught your character's eye and into one of the taverns flying the consortium's colours which has brought your presence.
The breeze seems to follow the abnormally tall thin man as he approaches the men by the door. I hear the beautiful ship is soon to get underway. She needs a fine crew, and good fortune. I wish to set sail with her, what positions do you have available?
Dressed in clean leathers with a simple club hanging from his belt the fellow stands a little straighter as Tempest approaches the entry to the tavern within which door way he stands. Upon both men's shoulders has been woven a cloth who's colours are reminiscent of the 'Consortium' about which people are hearing about.
First glancing to his companion, who continues to watch casually up and down the street the fellow gives Tempest his full attention. Even offering a slight smile.
"Good day to you. If it's joining the works ye seek? Then step inside and walk up yon stairs to the desk on the second floor. They'll sort you from there." So saying the pair step easily aside and allow Tempest entry to the building.
Stepping into the darker interior (Compared to the day's sunshine outside) Tempest notes the open bar to his left and the 'common' room to his right. No one currently lounges at the bar, though a fellow is in evidence there. At the tables about the common room sit other men and woman in twos or threes. Again, of easy note, is the coloured patch sewn onto their shoulders marking them as working for the Consortium. Perhaps, given the common standard of dress, they are all guards currently resting between shifts? With this to think upon Tempest climbs the obvious stairs and arrives at a narrow-ish balcony over looking the large room below. Seated at a small desk tucked into a corner at the head of the stairs is...
The woman looks up at you, perhaps there's a slight smile to her features. She arches an eyebrow and politely awaits your words.
I hear that ship is to get underway soon. I wish to get underway with her. What type of openings do you have aboard her.
The woman's smile becomes more open and friendly,
"Well... it's good that you seem keen and such." Her eyes drop to the desk between yourselves and her hand deftly picks up a small item from a small try. She looks back at Tempest, now definitely, carefully measuring what she sees standing presented before herself. She thinks for but a moment,
"Mmm... perhaps... Okay," She puts a small stone down, possibly some cheap jade, upon the desk with a soft click. With a nod of her head she indicates the balcony and the doors which open from it.
"Head on along that way. Fourth door along. Knock and await their invitation." Her smile indicating that some further test, perhaps, has been passed.
A small, petite woman in a simple leather adventuring outfit stands at the docks, thoughtfully gazing at the ship. as she does so, she absentmindedly twists a too-large ring on her thumb. A closer look shows it's a man's ring, made of a simple metal, probably iron. She wears a cloak that is sky blue, just like her hair, with a gold trim. A myriad of scroll cases and belt pouches are around her waist, and there is a well made staff leaning against the wall next to her, along with an expensive looking pack on the ground. She stares, lost in thought.
I'm sorry Avan. You asked me to protect them, and I did for as long as I could... They just... scattered to the winds when we got back to Sandpoint. I hope you'll forgive me. I had to run though. The hunters caught up with me, and I couldn't endanger the others, no matter how much they wanted to help me. I hope you understand, from where you are now...
A few moments pass, and then she gathers her things.
Well, my mind is set. I'll book passage on a ship, wherever one is going. That should make it harder for the hunters to track me. Maybe I can even get a job working on one.
She throws the pack over her back, and pulls up her hood, hiding her hair, and then casts a minor spell, making her cloak look brown and tattered. She makes her way to the doorman; and waits for him to notice her. When he does, she speaks, in a tiny, demure voice.
He-- hello... I'm looking for passage on a ship? Could you please tell me if any are in need of passengers... or... workers...?
Her eyes are downcast, almost looking at his feet.
The two men standing casually in the door of the tavern have been watching the street the whole time that any one cares to watch their actions will plainly see.
As the woman approaches again one man gives her all of his attention while the other watches the street and surrounds. Both stand a little straighter, more alert for seeming anything.
"Greetings Miss." He replies cordially with a nod and casual, friendly smile, "Which is it that you be interested in most? Seeking work, or looking for cabins? I be understanding the Consortium is seeking the former and that the other.. well... we don't serve such folk here." And again his eyes take in her current appearance.
"Not my place t'say... but I don't think ye'll be seekin' a cabin with the Consortium." He waits for the girl's response. His companion gives a snort, though the meaning of it is not clear.
A man approachs he has a definitive soundness about him a finely crafted boarding axe, a longsword, and a whip hang upon his belt. His armored coat, armored kilt and large wooden shield all speak of experience.....
Those who look closely note wooden armor in his pack, yet he also shows no hint or symbol or sign if where he has been or where he may be going.
Wordlessly he walks to the door.
The pair of guards at the door straighten noticeably as the warrior approaches. While one continues to be mindful of Miss Apex, the other shifts all of his attention to the man who approaches. When the fellow comes within ten feet or so of the tavern's entry he calls a greeting in a firm and clear voice.
"Hail, Sir."
So, the Consortium owns this ship? That... could be helpful. An organization like that could help shield me, if I make myself useful enough...
A... a job then. I am a Mage by trade, sir. My skills could be useful, on a ship.
She twists the ring while she speaks, and she is trying to make her voice sound firm, but her nervousness creeps through.
With only half his attention on the woman the talkative Door-man nods,
"Right Ma'am. Step inside then head on up to the top of the stairs."
Apex does as the man says, quickly scurrying through the door to top of the stairs. When she is close enough, she peeks around the corner of the landing before ascending the rest d the way, trying to see if this is right place, before entering.
As Apex bustles to the top of the stairs, having rushed through the entry way below, she is greeted by a woman siting upon a stool behind a small desk. With a possibly bemused smile she greets Apex,
"Hello... and you are, perchance?"
There are some small sheets of paper and a couple of small rocks upon the desk's surface.
"Indeed!"
Points to the mighty ship in the harbor with his index finger and then to the center of his chest with the thumb of the same hand curling his fingers as he does so.....
Apex sighs when the woman asks her name.
Stupid! Of course they'll want your name! What am I supposed to do if they recognize me and try to turn me in? Turn invisible, cast a sleep spell, and flee? That sounds good...
After coming up with a plan, she seems a little more confident, and dispels her disguise spell she used on her cloak.
I am Apex. I'm here to apply for a job on your ship. I'm a mage... So my spells could be useful?
Her last sentence comes out in a bit of a nervous rush, and ends up sounding more like a question.
The two men now partly blocking the door to the tavern glance quickly to one another though their attention remains very focused on Constantine.
The talkative door guard offers another comment, "Your business, Sir?" Then frowns slightly, "Varisian not your home speak? We have people speakin' others..." He offers Constantine.
The woman's smile grows a little bit more even as she looks at Apex's attire,
"You're with the Academy...? Perhaps not." She seems to think for a bit then nods, "Well... All we can do is see you to the right person, hmmm?" She places another small stone on the table before herself, there being a slight blue sheen to its surface, "Okay, second door on the left there. Knock and be summoned in."
Apex does as she's told, scurrying to the door after offering the lady a smile.
Maybe I should have left my spell up... It seemed to anger her... I hope I didn't make a mistake....
At Apex's polite light tapping upon the door indicated another woman's voice replies,
"Come!"
Apex does as she's told, scurrying to the door after offering the lady a smile.
Maybe I should have left my spell up... It seemed to anger her... I hope I didn't make a mistake....
After coming up with a plan, she seems a little more confident, and dispels her disguise spell she used on her cloak.
I am Apex. I'm here to apply for a job on your ship. I'm a mage... So my spells could be useful?Her last sentence comes out in a bit of a nervous rush, and ends up sounding more like a question.
Apex enters, opening the door just far enough to enter. She closes it behind her, and stops after coming into the room a few feet.
I was told to come in here? I told the lady out front that I am a Mage by trade, seeking work on a ship...
Looking about the room Apex fins herself in it is clear that it does not function as a place of rest or recuperation as would normally be found at an inn. The woman sits behind a desk placed on one side of the room. A small lantern adds to the light coming from the window on the far wall. A large cabinet containing shelves and draws behind her. Another desk supplements the one at which the woman has a few papers and parchments open upon. In the middle of the room are two chairs. One would be more sized for a Gnome or Half-ling while the other would comfortably seat a more medium sized being.
Margrette smiles, though it is professional more than real friendship, there seems to be something about Apex which seems to annoy her,
"Come, be seated." She indicates either of the two chairs before her.
"Your name. Some back ground. Level of skills. Any recognized papers from schools or academies? Anything of note you would lay claim too?" Margrette says quickly, even as she's putting away many of the papers and parchments and pulling out another small folder with papers within. Taking up a quill she sets it within the ink pot set into a corner of the desk and thence begins to set up the paper work from the new folder before herself obviously preparing for an interview with Apex.
Upon being summoned inside Tempest opens the door and takes three steps inside. Standing tall and a bit rigidly he states. I was instructed to come to this room, I am here for a job and a bit of adventure. He remains confident despite what should be a slightly apprehensive situation.
Apex gingerly takes a seat, noticing the lady's distaste of her.
I don't think this is going to end well. Maybe that ship is too far above me anyway. Maybe I need to find something a little more.... low key?
She nervously answers the questions.
I am Apex Stormshard. I... attended the Noble Arcane College in Andoran, but I don't have any of the papers... They were... lost when I traveled here. I... I have skill in many different areas of magic, but I specialize in controlling the wind, and lightning. I... wind magic comes naturally to me, so much so that I can use it to my advantage in battle and control it to move things with precision.... And before I left here, I helped Sandpoint control a population of goblins, and... and helped kill a sinspawn for them.
The last part chokes her up, but she pushes through.
I have much knowledge of geography, too, and of a lot of countries and their political and economic standings...
"I seek, I find, I restore, I redeem, I detain, I destroy."
"I intend to enter here and find suitable employe."
"Do you mean to keep me out?"
Upon being summoned inside Tempest opens the door and takes three steps inside. Standing tall and a bit rigidly he states. I was instructed to come to this room, I am here for a job and a bit of adventure. He remains confident despite what should be a slightly apprehensive situation.
Looking about the room Tempest finds himself in it is clear that it does not function as a place of rest or recuperation as would normally be found at an inn. Behind a desk placed on one side of the room is seated a Dwarf. There is a nice amount of light coming from the window on the far wall. A large cabinet containing shelves and draws behind her. Another tall cabinet sits against the wall besides the window. Upon the desk at which the Dwarf sits there are a few papers and parchments open upon it.
In the middle of the room are two chairs. One would be more sized for a Gnome or Half-ling while the other would comfortably seat a more medium sized being.
"Welcome! Come in lad, be seated." The Dwarf indicates the chairs. "Quite right. If your here and there's not been something formal we'd all be hearing a bit more noise, hey?" Even as he's doing the introductions he's shifting papers and parchments about. Moving them to one side as he draws a small folder and quill from out of a draw in the cabinet.
"Now then!' He shakes out the quill and prepares to write, "Lets start with our name, some back ground. What level of skills you have. Anything of note you would lay claim too?"
"I seek, I find, I restore, I redeem, I detain, I destroy."
"I intend to enter here and find suitable employe."
"Do you mean to keep me out?"
The pair at the door glance to one another, both not relaxing.
"Right. Work you want, is it?" The guard asks. "Know something about ships, then?" He points out to Constantine. "Or is there something else you think you can offer a employer?" The guard's voice is... possibly louder than one might think given the distance between the three. Perhaps the fellow is not quite sure of Constantine's grasp of common yet?
I go by Tempest. My mother died at a young age, since then I have gone where the wind has taken me as it were. The wind has always looked out for me, treated me as one of its own. And for my part I have treated it well back, always shown it deference. As for skills, I have a keen eye, get along well in harsh environments, and have not yet been wrong on the weather.
... Adding some quote space so as to try and show a link to Apex's previous comments without bloating this reply too much.
Margrette's quill skitters across the paper seeming to follow Apex's words, quickly filling in lines at certain points upon the page. A second piece of paper quickly receives some additional lines of its own. At Apex's show of emotion Margrette glances to the other woman... girl... and her demeanor softens for a moment, though she continues to write upon the parchments spread before her. Deftly avoiding any further contact with the ink she's laid down by quickly angling pages out of her quill's way.
"Yes.. your nature is noticeable." Margrette's voice seems tight. "So, you've skill, innate power and you've survived the wilderness." Margrette seems to be more summing things up to herself than making further judgments. She looks intently at Apex.
"This is just a meeting to collect information about yourself. Obviously, not every thing you say can be corroborated immediately. Perhaps not all of it can be. The actual, formal, process happens over at the ware-house." Margrette, while she's explaining to Apex, is also deftly puffing a light powder over the parchments with a small device before giving each sheet a slight curve so as to collect any excess back into a small brass bowl after its had its effects on the ink.
"Is there anything else you'd like to add to the notes?" Margrette asks of Apex.
Navarro quickly made his way down the road to the wharves. He threw an occasional glance over his shoulder just in case he was followed.
Spotting the tavern, he made to duck inside but was blocked by a large fellow.
"Beg pardon my good man, but I need to get inside. There is drinking to be done!" He said with a false cheeriness. He glanced up the street where he came from.
Navarro quickly made his way down the road to the wharves. He threw an occasional glance over his shoulder just in case he was followed.
Spotting the tavern, he made to duck inside but was blocked by a large fellow.
"Beg pardon my good man, but I need to get inside. There is drinking to be done!" He said with a false cheeriness. He glanced up the street where he came from.
Looking at the other man who's hustled into the space the second Door-guard steps into his way (leaving his companion to hold off the other short spoken warrior) he looks at this new comer and indicates the square of cloth that's been placed over the tavern's sign.
"Place is being used for business. Not open for carousing today. You seeking a place with the Consortium? That's different. You simply want to drink or eat?" He points to another place further along the road. "Over there in't bad."
I go by Tempest. My mother died at a young age, since then I have gone where the wind has taken me as it were. The wind has always looked out for me, treated me as one of its own. And for my part I have treated it well back, always shown it deference. As for skills, I have a keen eye, get along well in harsh environments, and have not yet been wrong on the weather.
The Dwarf nods, his quill having quickly scribed the concise version of the words Tempest has imparted. Tapping the quill absently against his chin he looks at the parchment and back to tempest.
"So... other than your natural gifts, would you call yourself a fighter? Or more of a mystic bent?" Argus looks to a second parchment, "Also, is there anything... untoward... you might be wanting to avoid?"
"What?" Navarro said in astonishment. He looked around, but the other taverns weren't close enough for his purposes.
He snapped his fingers as if just remembering.
"Ah, of course! That's why I'm here, I just forgot for a moment. The consortium is looking for people, and here I am!" He nodded vigorously.
The pair at the door glance to one another, both not relaxing.
"Right. Work you want, is it?" The guard asks. "Know something about ships, then?" He points out to Constantine. "Or is there something else you think you can offer a employer?" The guard's voice is... possibly louder than one might think given the distance between the three. Perhaps the fellow is not quite sure of Constantine's grasp of common yet?
"You fail to understand I determine for whom I work and for what cause, not the other way around."
Constantine tiring of the indirect route steps off towards the ship itself.
The door men glance at each other as the warrior ( Constantine ) turns and walks away. One shrugs, then he looks back to Navarro,
"Um... so you want to go in, you're looking to get work with the Consortium, right?" While their posture has relaxed they are still wary, continuing to watch the surrounding street and the departing warrior's back.
Constantine heads toward the docks and the nearest tavern certain he can locate the captain of such a vessel with little difficulty....
under his breath he thinks that he should at least know if the Captain is worth serving with.
He walks into the tavern "I am looking for the Captain of the ship."
One of the serving wenches pauses in her errands and looks out to see which ship Constantine is indicating. Once she does she sniffs and huffs,
"Oh them! Bin tighter than Virgin's gussets, that lot. All 'We in't talkin' ta' like of you'. Some fat purses come an' strung pretty flags up all over tha' place. Hired goons ta' keep payin' customers out." She finishes handing down the drinks she'd been carrying for a table and flounces over to Constantine.
"More fool 'em, I say. We've more'n doubled our business these past few weeks. More client-tell comin' seekin' wares than a'fore." She now suggestively looks Constantine up and down.
"As fer said Captain of that ship? HA! Half the Salt's here are takin' wagers as ta' whether that fat bottomed bucket will make it through its first storm." She spits derisively out onto the gutter.
One of the older patrons, a grizzled fellow by his tanned skin and silver peppered side whiskers looks over to the conversation between Constantine and the wench.
"That boat? She looks more like a Galleon bin shaggin' a whale than a ship." His joke gets chuckles and appreciation from those around him, even as his nods to Constantine.
"You mark my words. Them fancy Toffs whut got that idea in't their heads? They'll be rue-in' tha' day such a fat prize got offered up ta Besmara, you mark my words young'n...." He nods to himself even as those around him make subtle signs to ward off/appease Besmara's eye. "You mark my words..."
"Aye! I met a pair of goons, I will not sign on with consortiums or groups that remain nameless and faceless I work only with those upon whose countenance I might gaze."
Laughs along with the patrons when he hears a particularly funny joke...
Takes a seat...
"I will have a drink."
Apex's reply is small.
No... There's nothing else...
The ring recieves a few more spins.
So then, what kind of work do you have for a man like me? A small smile appears on his windswept face.
Apex's reply is small.
No... There's nothing else...The ring receives a few more spins.
Margrette nods, shuffling the papers together before sliding them into a folder. She reaches over and pulls at a small chord dangling from the roof in the corner.
"Some one will collect you shortly. Please, follow them to a common room. You can order some light meal and drink while you wait for things to progress." Margrette does offer a slight smile before indicating that this part of the interviewing is over.
So then, what kind of work do you have for a man like me? A small smile appears on his windswept face.
Argus smiles, even gives a gruff chuckle. "Me? No, not me lad. My job is to take notes and look over applicants." The Dwarf gives Tempest a slightly intense look.
"I'll get some one to move you along to a waiting room. You'll have a chance to relax and get a nibble in before the next part." Argus reaches over and tugs on a small rope danging in the corner of the room.
"All this shifting around. Must feel like your in a 'Hide the pebble' game, hey? The folks running this carnival are a might... skittish. Big groups tend to attract other, big, groups. A lot of times there's... friction... around the edges of such. People get burned when that happens. Can't blame those higher up playing safe." He nods seeming appreciative of things.
"All around. A lot of fore thought and planning." There comes some light tapping on the door and Argus nods,
"There you are." He says as a young boy pokes his head around the door and Argus indicates for Tempest to follow the lad even as he hands the boy the folder with Tempest's details inside it.
A young boy pokes his head around first Argu's door, nods politely and scampers in collecting the folder the Dwarf hands to him thence tucking it into a small satchel at his hip. He indicates to Tempest for him to follow and proceeds to the next door where he repeats the procedure with Margrette and Apex.
With Tempest and Apex following him he leads the pair past the lady still holding vigil at the head of the stairs (The arraignment of small stone upon her table has changed again)and then down to a reasonably furnished large room where they (And perchance the others when they are caught up) might wait. A serving lass makes herself known and offers a folder with lists of food, drinks and their prices for perusing.
A woman moves up closer to Constantine at the tavern where he's partaking of their fine fare.
"Hello...." She offers in a quiet and sultry voice.