Smiles slightly as he makes for not the nearest bar but one more or less out of the way.
Once he found the desired bar he'd go inside and order whatever the bartender recommended. He didn't want to order any ale and make it apparent he's not from around there. He'd take a few sips then just sit and listen.
Lorelai looks for some indication of where we are relative to Galorian. She didn't think we were anywhere near it so finding everyone speaking a golarian language is strange. A cartography shop would be nice and depending on the cost a few local maps might even be purchased.
Goro looks around the city in wonder.
What is this place?
Rorge looks around at his little group.
We should do what we came here for and get out. I don't like this place.
I smile kindly to the shopkeeper and attempt to describe somewhat of the specific people we are looking for so the shopkeeper can understand whom I am talking about, and hopefully provide us with more insight.
Doran makes his way slowly through the crowd. Passing up a couple of busy establishments, he finds a pub just a bit further in that will suit his interests best. Upon request, the barkeep gives him a mug of rumboozle. While taking in a few sips and listening, he is able to pick up that this tavern appears to be lively and fairly ordinary, other than the lack of shady folk.
Loralai finds two different indoor shops that seem to be just what she needs. A parchment and ink shop run by a tired, old, elven scribe displays many different writing styles and scripts in the window. Many appear to be written in ancient elvish and dwarven, among some more exotic languages. The other shop, contains many tools and devices to aid in navigation and cartography. There are only a fews map available for purchase; one type decicated to what appears to be this city, and others detailing travel across the deserts of 'Akiton'.
The little gathlain tells Sheila, "I don't know of any floating sack or disgusting brain people. They all sound very icky though. I don't think that anything here or on Castrovel is even that gross sounding."
Goro walks up behind Sheila.
You found anything useful yet?
"Not quite yet... but maybe this kind fellow may point to someone who knows whom I'm talking about." Sheila says to Goro while still making eye contact with the gathlain shopkeeper with a kind smile.
The small gathlain tells Sheila, "I am not fully sure what kind of business you are here for. But you seem like a native Golarion speaker. There is a relic shop owned by a dwarf. He is a bit of an oddball, but if you go a few blocks that way out of the market place, you will find it. He is also from Golarion. I don't know if he can help you. If I knew more about what you needed, or this Kazi-person, I could maybe direct you better. The name of the shop is Steinhammer's Imporium."
Doran sits there just listening not really getting anything useful out of any of the bar patrons, still he didced to sit and listen a bit longer. Also it was a nice excuse to keep drinking.
As Doran remained diligent to his post (and drink), the happens of the tavern started to gain relevance in his mind.
L'os was making wonderful music out in the street, while trying to make new friends among the many races that were all over the market district. Language wasn't a barrier as she responded fluently in every language, a gift that Desna had so charitably graced her with. She made sure to keep any suspicious looking or guardsmen types distracted with her display as best she could as well. Without breaking her tempo she turns to one admirer and asks. "Anything interesting happening in this city? We came from the desert over yonder and it was quite the journey~"
The admirer asks L'os, "The desert? Such as hostile place. Only natives dare to be outside the city. This is one of the only safe havens around this area. It is always busy, but I wouldn't say there are many interesting things here. But, what were you doing out in the desert?"
Lorelai will speak at length in the ink shop about languages (enough to put a rank in it next level) where they came from how they connect here and what are some of the language families of the local ancient languages, and at the map shop will purchase a map of the city and a map of Akiton. In the map shop she asks how most people travel between here and Golarian.
The elven scribe at the ink shop explains to Loralai that most of the people here are traveling merchants from the other planets and bring their own languages. At one time, the majority of the travlers were from Golarion and Castrovel, and thus most of the merchants in this city speak Golarion common, old elven, and Lashunti. The predominant languages outside of the city depend on the region, but are Shobhadi from the four-armed Shobhads, Ysoki from the ratfolk, and then a primative form of draconic spoken by the nomadic lizardfolk.
The map shop is run by a red-skinned human and Ysoki ratfolk. They charge you 15 gold pieces to purchase both maps together. When asked about traveling between Golarion and Akiton, the ratfolk tells Lorelai, "We don't see too many Golarions anymore. The gates seem to be closed from Golarion's side. In the old days, most of the Golarions traveled here using the gates, just like all the others that come here. Now, most of the travelers are from Castrovel to sell their wares. We get a few from other places, but it is rare to see a Golarion now."
Doran continued to listen downing what was left of his drink and ordering another one.
As Doran downed the last of his rumboozle and went to order another, he surmised what was happening; rather, what wasn't happening. Not only this tavern, but the people in the city and the city itself were nothing like what was to be expected. There was a general lack of shady characters, and an even greater lack of people that seemed even capable of holding someone against their will. Even the guards that came and went seemed to be genuinely nice and not bothered by any troubles. The entire city had an overall feeling of utopia. Even Alura felt the overall lack of troubles; excluding the fact of "That Goblin" being allowed to enter this city as well.
Los chuckled at the words as she gave him a bashful look. "Well we only decode to come here mere hours ago and eventually made our way out to the desert. Thankfully my companion is Muhammad more heat tolerant then I." Tiasia nodded in acknowledgement but remain silently watching the streets. Clearly unnerved by all the bustle and bustle of the foreign city.
Los continued gathering information though, pressing her admirer as gently ad possible for more information. "From where i come from i give succor and shelter to he less fortunate and i was wondering where those particular people stick to in such a grand city such as this? You who i mean don't you? Orphans, the destitute and those whose mind isn't up to the task." She sighs sadly at the thought and music started to drift into a softer albeit sadder tone.
"There are not any places like that here. In fact, there aren't many children here either. Most people only stay here for a short time to buy and sell and then go back home. There are people that live here, but not many. It is very commendable of you to take care of such unfortunate souls. So, what made you decide to come here? Are you looking for supplies for your orphanage?" asks the admirer of L'os.
Downed his second cup of rumboozle as he mad his way out of the bar. He sighed slightly shaking his head.
Doran smirked making his way back to the market to inquire about a town recorder.
After thanking the shopkeepers, Lorelai finds the dwarf as he comes back to the market,
Andromeda and Virgo close by wander the market place casually looking at the various wares for sale. always keeping an eye out for the others that arrived with her.
eventually she makes her way to an alleyway. looking for some cooler shade.
Virgo looks to Andromeda M'lady we are not making any progress like this. we really should question people
Andromeda turns to Virgo. Shhh. I am making observations. nobody here will be able to help us. what we are looking for will be much more discreet. direct questioning will probably lead us nowhere.
Not long after Andromeda explains to Virgo what she is intending, virgo notices a rather peculiar symbol etched into the wall of a dead-end in the alleyway. The symbol appears to be of a clenched gauntlet placed vertically over a circle.
L'os undaunted by the dead end she ran into continues her strumming despite Taisia's continued annoyance at such a slow investigation. "I do what I can as I was born in poor districts and abandoned as a child. I have strived to make it so that other children never had to long for home or hearth. It has been pleasant speaking with you. May your days be wonderful and may you always know freedom."
L'os continues her strumming and looking about the street for anything of interest.
Virgo listens to her master but is soon distracted
Are you paying attention? Andromeda asks
Virgo points at what she sees I wonder if that is important?
Andromeda turns to take a look.
most interesting, Virgo, make a note of the symbol and Andromeda mutters some arcane words and her eyes ice over allowing her to see magical auras.
Virgo nods at the the request and pulls out a small journal book and makes a sketch of the symbol.
Andromeda detects magic in the direction of the symbol. As she concentrates, she senses that the magic is centered on the symbol and appears to be a major conjuration spell.
She continues to concentrate to identify the exact spell. or her known equivalent.
Seeing the two gnomes enter the alley Rorge follows not sure if he can trust them or not.
Stoped walking upon hearing a familer voice calling out to him. He nod acknowledgement wondering why he chose to speak celestial, oh well and didn't matter.
Goro and Ted walk up behind Andromeda.
What's this?
Virgo tugs at Andromeda's arm trying to get her attention.
Not now Virgo can't you see I am trying to decipher this magic rune.
Virgo tugs again
I said not now she repeats glancing back then noticing several party members entering the ally.
I knew it, conjuration, calling effect
She turns back to continue her examination.
** spoiler omitted **
Virgo just tries to hold back a laugh.
Taisia growled, they weren't finding anything on the streets. Not one to waste time she tugged on L'os clothing and whispered. "Perhaps we should get back with the others and see if they found anything as we aren't getting anywhere. Besides you've been playing all day..."
L;os sighed, indeed they're search thus far had revealed nothing useful. Save for the fact this city was very strange. "Your right of course, it can't be helped. Lets find the others then~" Her voice was light and cheery as she hoped for the best while her companion glowered at her in her lesser form.
L'os turned, her clothing shifting into another set of colorful and modest clothes as she bowed to the onlookers. "Sorry thats all for today, thank you and may you have pleasant journeys!" Having said goodbye she placed her Lyre back into her haversack and slipped her arm through Taisai's and patted it lightly as she chuckled. "Well lets see where everyone went off too."
As L'os gathers her things, she finds some gold coins have been left for her due to her performance.
Beyond the knowing of the type of effect, Andromeda believes that the magic in the symbol is some form of a "Gate" spell.
L'os pauses long enough to pick up the gold pieces and gives another bow in thanks to those still gathered there. Taking Taisia's arm once more she gave her a friendly wink as she placed the coins in a side pouch of her haversack. "Well were that much close now~"
Taisia rolls her eyes at L'os before mumbling. "A hand full of coins doesn't make the beginnings of a horde, haven't I taught you anything?"
While looking for their companion's the pair are going to look through the many stalls and shops and see if they find anything of interest.
So, has anyone else found anything worthy of mentioning?
upon completion of examining the rune Andromeda turns to the gathering.
this marking seems to indicate a strong conjuration magic, very much akin to a gate spell. it is definitely a calling spell, as my examination has seemed to called all of you here
L'os and Taisia, having been gathered up by the other's sit quietly together at the table. Having found out very little to no information at all since they had arrived.
Lorelai is examining the map of the city. "This is an old trading city. People from everywhere. But if few actually live here permenantly that could explain some oddities of the place. Considering the climate, not many would even try to live outside the gates and if the guards and/or laws are strict, it could be this way without some giant conspiricy. I think we should find a library or historian and see what we can learn of the history of this place. It might give us a clue. And we should post our own guard tonight. I don't trust this place."
Doran leaned over and glanced at the map for a moment before takeing a seat next to L'os. I compleatly agree with you Loralai, I was actually on my way to looks for the town historian when you found me. From the time I was in the bar I realized something very odd about this place, there is not even one shady charcter about at all. An in me experiance no matter how good a situation is there is always at least one person who is not happy with it....evreyone here is at least content whitch leads me to beleieve that ther is something more than meets the eye here. I simply do not trust this city.