Baron startled twinges in a defensive position then relaxes when he hears Scrapeknee speak, "It's more of a nickname rather then a title. By the Drunken Merc's last coin it's about time somebody came here, I was thinking I was unpopular." He starts to get up slowly using the wall for balance and looks at Roku, "Half dead? No no, I assure you I have been hungover worse then this *cough* *cough* I swear." He lets out a light laugh that sounds forced. "So hows the old dungeon been? Any new roomies or improvements? Oh what happened to me? I guess the head inquisitor took interest in me and got mad when I didn't know the answers. Something about winds of whispers or lost souls, until I made my daring getaway and decided to wait for you all here I swear." He gives a slight smirk, "Did one of you say you had food? Any drink with that?"
"We're all out on both. And he's right, we need to get out of here, and preferably quickly. If you're able to walk, you best get to it. Soon enough these tunnels won't be safe, and I'd rather not be here." Xzevrra moves over to the man, offering a hand to get him started moving.
Your team picks up Tars and brings him along for the ride. You all travel a ways further before you come to a ladder. Climbing the ladder you emerge into the afternoon light of the core district of Borallas.
This is also known as the capital district but even though much of the kingdom's wealthy live here, it is not without it's slums. That is where you are now. The Dingy Capital District Slums.
The Castle Borallas is not far off. You can make a knowledge Local check coupled with any connection bonuses if you wish with this area.
Aside from slum homes and an Orphanage in the area, there is also a slums market place with several stalls.
Coming to the surface, Xzevrra takes a look around yet still hides in the shadows. Even wandering the tunnels, she doesn't truly feel freedom as she does now on the surface. She takes a moment to breathe it in before speaking to the others. "Stay hidden for a moment. I'll head to that stall over there and procure us a few cloaks while under disguise, as well as some clothing. We can find a safe spot to change, then figure out our plan from there."
"Aye, water will be no problem later, but new clothes? That I can't create." He nods to the elf as she heads off, and then he looks to Baron, "We might be able to get some food around here as well, one way or another."
Hearing what area there in Baron tries to think of any merchants that might be in the area,
Okay, everyone pretty much got over 20 Local, so I am going to divulge to everyone.
Knowledge Local
You are in the core city of Borallas. You know the efficiency of the Borallas kingdom's criminal system. It won't be long before they come looking for you if they still cared about you.
You also don't remember the slums being this crowded. There are a lot of orphans being put to work in this area. The slums demographic is mostly women, children, elderly, and the sick and cripple.
There isn't much food available and it has more than doubled in price. Things look worse than they did before you were arrested.
About your "safe house", It is where your family would have left it. The important question is, where did you live? The safe house would be in your parent's old home in a secret location known by you. So it is up to you where it is.
Any food you wish to buy you must spend twice as much on. Rations costs a gold coin. Anything you wish to sell must be anything but weapons and armor. You can only sell weapons and armor to military establishments.
The main house is in the garden district. They have a number of other houses and business in most districts, but they were shut down upon Roku's arrest and their ill fortune.
Under the guise of a common elven woman of plain features, Xzevrra quickly acquires a few items from her selected booths and returns to the others, giving each the clothing purchased.
4 peasant's outfits - 4sp
holy symbol to Shelyn - 1gp
4 poor meals worth of food - 8sp
1 gallon of ale - 4sp
Total: 2.6gp
"We should find a place to hide out, and quickly. If they are giving pursuit, we don't want to hang around. Don't suppose anyone has any ideas off hand?"
"I know some people I haven't seen in awhile who might help us out with shelter, some for a price, others out of kindness."
"Scrapeknee which one can we trust? And what do we have for trade or moneywise?"
"If need be, there are my parents... they have little, and I used to help THEM out more than they did me, but they care for me still. Kaster Vadayne, who leads a merc company called the Bloodwinders might be hiring...and would likely know if battle is brewing in town. Eight Fingers MIGHT help us, but he usually has a price. I've traded healing for coin at Madame Silk's before, and her girls often hear much... not sure we'd find beds there though if we couldn't pay. As for Jasayne Trumont..well, her father hates me, but she's definitely more fond."
Your home would be in the Nobility sector in Corallas, also known as the Garden or Artisan district. It would take you the whole day to get there via foot but 20 minutes if you take public transit. You know your place, you know how to gain access, and you know where your stash would be.
At closest, I have these folks of your backstory are Gorallas which is the fourth district, also known as the Living district. It is where the working class tend to live and is the center most district between ALL the other districts. Which is why it is known as the Living district. If your friends are still free, you know where to find them. I don't know where their houses are but you do.
You won't find a holy symbol outside of the temple sector unfortunately. It is the only place they are sold. The temples and such are located in the Gorallas, the Living district. That is where you can get a new holy symbol. From here it is three and a half day trip by foot but it is an hour if you take public transit.
Once he has his bearings, Roku speaks.
"Well I have somewhere to go and something to pick up. That is my plan, should it succeed things should become much more simple. I am heading to the Garden district."
"My own allies would be in the living district. So, are we splitting up, or staying together because Roku sounds like his mind is made up."
"I also have business in the living district." Xzevrra looks the others over for a moment, considering their options. "Staying together for now may be best. None of us are sure how things have changed since we last walked the streets. Perhaps for mutual benefit at least, we should stick together for now."
Days. Public Transit is not a carriage, it is magic and thus reduces the time to as low as minutes. It costs to use public transit though. Price depends on distance from point A to point B. Also, you know that Roku's place is on the way to the living district. You would be able to hit his place first and then head over to the living district. These districts are HUGE. It takes a few days to walk up and down a whole district. Walking from one side of a district to the other side of a district usually takes a day.
Roku shakes his head.
"My destination is only 20 minutes by public transit. That is too close for me to get side tracked. Anyways the garden district is not as lawless and dangerous as the living district. The upper class likes their territory orderly and pristine. I doubt that has changed."
"Well not having a copper to my name right now I will follow with whatever your plan is for now, though Scrape Madame Silk's is all right. BUT if you want a proper brothel to hide in let's head to the Silver Slipper it has the beautiful women in all of Borallas! And they all are personal friends with yours truly." He gives a slight bow as he finishes.
"The Garden District is on the way to the Living District. It still may be beneficial to stick together for now. But the choice is your Roku."
Scrapeknee chuckles at Baron, "Soon women shall be taking up arms, I've had vision of war changing the world as we know it. I suspect it is upon us. Without a copper to your name, I suppose it is best to look elsewhere besides a bordello."
At Xzevvra's suggestion, he nods, "Yes, let us accompany you at least part of the way, Roku. Just in case."
"If you wish to come then do so. But remember where we are going and try to act accordingly I doubt any of us want to get arrested."
You guys hike to the nearest teleporting station. It takes you several minutes to get there. You get in line and soon you arrive at the station. The conductor greets you. "Where do you wish to go and how many you taking?"
When you explain where you are going the man nods. "To travel there it is five gold per person. Is this acceptable?"
Roku takes out the gold for himself.
"It is for me."
Scrapeknee chuckles at Baron, "Soon women shall be taking up arms, I've had vision of war changing the world as we know it. I suspect it is upon us. Without a copper to your name, I suppose it is best to look elsewhere besides a bordello."
"Oh the Silver Slipper be one of my many homes, just a suggestion for a safe place to crash. Though it is your guys and gal show so I will be just tagging along." He gives a customary smirk.
As they arrive to the transit staion an Roku pays for himself the Baron looks to Scrapeknee and Xzevrra with his hands held open in mocking need for a loan.
"What,no discount for holy men?" Scrapeknee asks the conductor, "How about just 8 gold for him and me together..." He says with a glance towards Baron, "And I'll pray to my gods on your behalf?"
Xzevrra pays her fare quietly while Scrapeknee attempts to bargain.
The guy shakes his head. "No discount for holy men or cripples. Pay up You pay the man and you all gather on the teleporter. The conductor then charges it with his magic and *flash!* you arrive at one of the teleporters in the garden district.
Here you are about 10 minutes from Roku's old home.
"Bandit," Scrapeknee mutters once they've arrived, "When the revolution comes, I'm not going to cry if he's up against a wall."
Roku keeps alert and moves onward.
"Try not to draw attention to yourselves."
Scrapeknee follows, "So no yelling from the street corner and telling the heathen of the wargods plans for them?" he asks with a straight face.
"Feel free if you wish to be likely arrested and imprisoned, as well as drawing attention to yourself from those that placed you in that cell to begin with. I will promptly abandon you and be on my way."
He was not about to stick his neck out because someone made a bluntly foolish choice.
"Ah, such fools to close their ears to the truths that thunder in the distance and close. So be it, we come to learn so I shall listen more than speak, much, I'm sure to your relief," The oracle chuckles.
Perception checks everyone. ...please
As you travel through the district, you get the impression someone, or someones are following you. It seems to have started shortly after you left the teleporter station. Occasionally you catch a glimpse of a dark figure following you from the shadows.
Roku slows down just enough for the others to get closer and changes direction form where he was going. Keeping his voice low.
"Anyone else notice we are being tailed?"
Scrapeknee is wise enough not to look over his shoulder, instead he whispers, "Who's on us?"
Tars nods at Roku and turns to Scrapeknee then whispers, "Not sure, they're quite skilled haven't made them out yet. What's the game plan? Separate and reconverge on him? I believe I can hide in the crowd and get behind him or her, those are my options?"
Keeping his voice low.
"Well I was thinking we lead them into a blind turn down an alley or street while Scrapeknee and Xzevrra keep going, me and Tar's can hide. As soon as they pass we have them cut off from both ends and find out what they want with us. That sound agreeable?"
"Sounds good to me.
"Indeed, I'm in," Scrapeknee agrees and continues along at an easy pace, well, as easy as his limping body can manage.
Okay then I will simply need Tars and Roku to make stealth checks
Before the blind turn.
"I will be using a spell to disguise myself and take one side. Tar take the other wall, in case he notices you he will think your alone. If he notices me then I am just another local."
Once Roku turns the corner he uses a spell to change his appearance and take one side of the alley.
Tars nods in agreement to the plan and takes to the other wall.
Scrapeknee talks outloud, as if speaking to Xzevrra, "So, you see, in my visions, women turned from timid maidens to savage warriors. I shared these visions, and folks have been less than sympathetic. I think strong women frighten them."