Talon looks at Kelgeah's recent wound with disgust, angry at the snipers for attacking, angrier that none of his team had the capacity to pick them out. They needed cover, and there was little to be found.
So he would make some.
He wasn't sure exactly how it worked, or how he understood how to use it. But he felt the power of the artifact, and he'd seen it in action.
Natalya could create the illusion of flames and flying hornets, but that wasn't what they needed right now. No, what they needed was a thick, rolling...
"...fog." Talon concentrated, the swirling mist coalescing above their heads, growing thicker and thicker until it was impossible to see five feet above their heads - the same which could be said for the ones on top, who had to deal with the chilly, hazy illusion.
"Move now. We need to get away," Talon states in a hushed whisper to the group, his head throbbing. These fools weren't worth their time, and he didn't know how long he could keep this artifact's ability going.
Fletcher scans the rooftop for any targets.
Talon's fog cloud creates total concealment for both sides. You can make it out of the alleyway with no further issues.
For those who go before him, 50% concealment.
Are you heading back to Captain Heidmarch or going to stick around and go after them?
Kelgeah urges the group onward. "Let's go get our reward. We've picked up one playmate already, we don't have the arms to carry a whole group of unconscious archers, nor the arrows to shoot them all down. And I don't particularly care for getting sniped like a straw dummy."
K'nyaz agrees to the idea that they make a hasty retreat. He is curious about the piece that Talon has picked up, especially how easily he seems to have been able to employ it. As he understands, Talon doesn't have much experience with things magical in nature.
Hralyk, seeing that the fog might easily provide a way for them to escape, moves with the rest of the group, Natalya still slung over a shoulder.
Fletcher is laughing like an idiot as he runs down the alley.
Better luck next time, losers!
That whole thing actually went pretty well. Let's get back to the lodge and see what song Natalya sings.
Talon leads the group through the illusionary fog, concealing them from their attackers - he doubted they would try to come down the sides of the buildings either with such low visibility. More likely they were hustling towards whatever stairs for roof access there were, if there was any at all. He congratulated himself on his cleverness - certainly none of his cohorts would have ever thought to use such a brilliant tactic.
He keeps his concentration on the fog for as long as possible, only releasing it once they've left Underbridge and are well on their way back to the Alabaster District and Heidmarch Manor.
Waiting for a safer moment, specifically when safely within the Alabaster district, Kelgeah takes an opportunity to walk side by side with Talon.
"that was quite a trick back there, dear. Didn't think a bold young armsman like yourself was much of an illusionist, but you seem to be full of surprises. Where'd you learn such a wonderful technique?"
Note: A quick search of Natalya's hideout spot locates a small stash of stuff: 33 gp, 86 sp, 192 cp, a brass comb worth 2 gp, assorted buttons made from semiprecious stones worth 30 gp total, and a faded printed handbill declaring its possessor to be rightful owner of the Grand Mastaba of Korvosa (an obvious fake sold as a novelty at carnivals).
You have no further problems getting back to Heidmarch manor. Once there. Sheila greets you at the door and immediately thanks you for recovering Natalya. She then asks ”Did you find the item she mentioned? May I see it?”
When Sheila is shown the shard, her eyes widen and her jaw drops in shock. She obviously recognizes what it might be, but isn’t immediately forthcoming with what she knows. Instead, she says ”What an interesting prize. I suspect I know what that is, but in order to be sure, would you be willing to affix an ioun stone to the indentation in the shard’s face? I suspect the shard is based on Azlanti magic similar to that the Pathfinders based the design of their wayfinders on, and if this shard reacts to an ioun stone in the same way, my hunch will be proven correct. Please, join me in the parlor while I get one so we - you- can test m...the theory if you wish.”
Sheila excuses herself for a few moments, then returns quickly with a scarlet-and-blue sphere ioun stone in her hand (this ioun stone’s associated skill is Knowledge [history]). She gives the ioun stone to Talon but doesn’t ask him to put the stone in the shard’s slot.
Fletcher watches this episode with interest.
I wonder what happens if you put the ioun stone in. The plot thickens!
So what do you think it is Captain? And what does it do?
The young fighter looks over at the elf woman, scowling just a bit. "Is that anyway to be grateful to me, by asking pointless questions? Know you place in this pyramid - I'm on top." A tiny part of him wondered if he was being too harsh before being crushed. They should be grateful, bowing and groveling at him feet, thanking him for his genius and proclaiming his vast superiority to everyone, pledging their undying loyalty to Lord Talon.
Lord Talon. He rather loved the sound of that.
Once they arrived at the manor, Talon glared poisonously at the Lady Heidmarch, wanting to be over and done with this. He debates whether or not to even show her the shard - after all, they can't possibly know whether or not this was the artifact in question. Besides, it was his now. But he would humor her - once she saw the broken, piece of metal, more than likely she wouldn't recognize its worth.
It seemed that she did, however, Talon scowling even more as she tried to explain things to him. "You think I couldn't have found all that out on my own," He muttered venomously. He knew more about the history of the world than everyone in this room combined! So what if he hadn't managed to figure it out as fast as she had? Stupid cow. Especially for offering to give him an ioun stone of all things - he'd just make himself more powerful with that.
He played along for the moment, stroking the shard in his hand in a most covetous manner, ignoring any of the reactions of his party members as he plotted out what he'd do when he received the ioun stone. First, he'd order Heidmarch to surrender the Pathfinder Society to his rule. Second, he'd have her grovel and beg kissing his feet for ever thinking to order him around. Then he'd spent a bit of time getting to know his new manor well - it would be a better start than Natalya had, and from here he'd be easily able to start his campaign to rule over Magnimar.
He smiled icily as he took the Ioun stone from the lady. "Quite a fitting gift for someone like myself," He states proudly. Seeing no reason not to delay - he could play his hand when it was finished - he fitted the marble shaped item into the indentation.
What a dick.
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Once the ioun stone is placed, it flashes with coppery light and fuses to the shard, and its appearance changes to look as if it were made of the same material as the shard itself.
Sheila watches Talon carefully, then breathes a sigh of relief. She clears her throat and speaks. “What you have found, my friends, is nothing short of a miracle. Varisia has seen its share of miracles of late — the discovery of Xin-Shalast, the defeat of Runelord Karzoug, and Korvosa’s release from mad Ileosa’s rule come to mind - but this discovery will soon be remembered as an equal to those events. This is a powerful Thassilonian artifact, a fragment of horacalcum and a portion of the Shattered Star of Xin: to be precise, the Shard of Pride. I suspect that the shard’s current carrier already knows more about it than I do, in fact...”
She will also answer any questions you might have; here are a few particulars.
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Alaznist, Runelord of Wrath, ruled Bakrakhan. Her Weapon of Rule was a charred adamantine ranseur impaled with the skull of the very first Runelord of Wrath. Evocation specialist.
Belimarius, Runelord of Envy ruled Edasseril. Her Weapon of Rule was an ornate (and rumored memory-stealing) halberd of gold and mithral. Abjuration specialist.
Karzoug, Runelord of Greed, now (hopefully permanently) deceased ruled Shalast. His Weapon of Rule: a Burning glaive studded with meteoric gemstones. Transmutation specialist.
Krune, Runelord of Sloth ruled Haruka. His Weapon of Rule: a Dragon-tooth longspear that reportedly could move and attack of its own volition. Conjuration specialist.
Sorshen, Runelord of Lust ruled Eurythnia. Her Weapon of Rule: a Double-headed guisarme. Enchantment specialist.
Xanderghul, Runelord of Pride ruled Cyrusian. His Weapon of Rule: a Lucerne hammer made of an unknown type of skymetal. Illusion specialist.
Zutha, Runelord of Gluttony, who ruled Gastash, was, by all reports, some kind of undead creature. His Weapon of Rule was a Life-draining scythe of bone. Necromancy specialist.
Kelgeah listens with rapt attention to Sheila's recount of the runelords and their history. And we hold a piece of that history here and now...I don't think I could have asked for a more perfect opportunity.
"Wait...Shard of Pride?" Kelgeah cocks an eyebrow and eyes Talon for a moment. "I think that he knows a bit about it indeed. It also explains a few things. Talon, how are you feeling, dear? Back to your modest self yet? Or are you still the gods' gift to mankind?" Kelgeah folds her arms and eyes Talon suspiciously.
"Ugh..." Talon presses his hand to his temple, rubbing it as he feels...normal. Gods above, what had he been thinking about? Lord Talon and ruling the Pathfinder Society and conquering Magnimar? He was mortified, but so very glad he hadn't voiced those thoughts out loud - he'd have died of embarrassment in that case.
"I'm fine. My apologies if I offended anyone. I just..." He shook his head from side to side, looking at the shard in his hand. He knew what it could do, its power and its potential. He was glad that the curse was over, but he could also determine that he was not the right person to hold onto this shard - at least for the time being.
He did at least first attempt to figure out the location of the next shard, surprised at the vision of the Irespan and the Crow - was it really that close? "The Crow...one of the Irespan's pilings..." He muttered, looking over at the unconscious Natalya. "We should wake her up. She must have been under the curse herself - maybe now she'll listen to reason..." He suggests quietly, before walking over to K'nyaz.
"I'd feel a lot better if you were the one to hold onto this shard. You'll have much more use for it than me, that's for sure." He hands over the Shard of Pride to the tiefling, making sure he has it firmly in his grip before letting it go.
Now that he's been relieved of his burden, Talon takes a seat and mulls over his actions under the curse of the shard for a few moments, hoping he hasn't damaged his reputation irreparably with the group.
Hearing the account of the shard and its influence;
Ah. Well, that explains a lot.
Don't sweat it, Talon. Seems like that thing did a number on you, would've happened to any of us.
But it didn't seem like too much of a push for you though...
So this is one of the shards of sin. I mean the shards of sin. he whistles. Man, people will be talking about us for generations if we recovered the whole thing! This could be our shot! But wait, we can't be the only ones after this surely. If Talon knew where the next piece was, did Natalya? She could have agents in the Crow right now looking for it.
Kelgeah drops her arms with a relieved sigh. "Good to have you back, hon. You were starting to get a little too snappy, even for me. If we go looking for these other pieces, I strongly urge we have the correct stone for each BEFORE we lay hands on them, wouldn't you?"
although...I wonder...wrath? not good. gluttony? not pretty. Sloth? Boring. Greed? could be trouble. Envy? Could be aggravating. Lust?? Hmmm.....now THAT might be something to write stories about. Kelgeah absentmindedly smiles at the thought before a question pops into her mind.
"Talon, dear, any clue as to which shard we're being pointed to there? We should be ready to endure the associated curse if we're unprepared to break it."
From such humble beginnings? Could this be the reason for my transformation? Hralyk looks shaken by the idea of being thrust into the middle of an epic adventure. "Can we assume that the other shards will affect us similarly? Do we know which ioun stones will cancel the effects? How will we find those?"
K'nyaz sits quietly listening to the information poured out by Lady Heidmarch. He looks to just be absorbing most of it. At Talon's apology, he replies. "No apology is need, Talon. I feel am apologize instead. I vas not notice change in you, and am assume you vere simply frustrated. Am sorry I vas think so poorly of you that your vords vere your own."
At the suggestion of waking her, he suggests, "Maybe ve vould best for let her sleep off. Ve are all feelinG rough from day's activities, am certain. Vould do us all vell for get some much need rest as vell. Then ve can qvestion in morninG"
He grows concerned when Talon offers him the shard, maybe he had taken offense to K'nyaz's confession of a misguided opinion of him. Then he acknowledged that the curse had been supressed by the stone, and that it was given in good faith. "Thank you, vill protect it as I vould Voroan." At this the raven squawks angrily at K'nyaz and flies to rest on a nearby bookshelf, eyeing the wizard icily.
"Am believe that Lady Heidmarch vill tell us vich stone go vith vich shard in a veek ven she is learn more about them. For now, ve are best to just not handle shard vitout stone. I am prepared to find other shards, as am feel is only vay to keep out of hand of evil."
"Well then..." Kelgeah muses, stretching a bit, "If we're calling it a day, I think it's time to go relax a bit. Today's little jaunt will make a good tale. Not nearly as memorable as the one we might be writing soon, though."
I'm forgetting something...
Kelgeah checks her gear, noting nothing is missing. Then the cleanliness of the mansion finally contrasts to the smell of blood. Oh, right. My leg...
"Before everyone decides where they're going, here's a little gift from Calistria and me." Kelgeah lifts her head, closes her eyes, and focuses on her hidden holy symbol, channeling energy for healing to all within range.
Hralyk nods his thanks to Kelgeah. "I've quite a bit of healing left in me, as well, if anyone is in need." As if to prove his point, he closes his eyes and mutters a prayer, causing the remainder of his own wounds to knit together.
The next morning an embarrassed and depressed Natalya is rather forthcoming.
”I guess I messed up. I came here to find a way to prove myself to my father, who ran me out of our home at the instigation of my new step-mother. We've always been Sczarni, and I never knew just why my father left here for Riddleport...though some of his old -acquaintances- were rather forthcoming. I hooked up with the Tower Girls, hoping to earn a name for myself, but I wound up on the bottom rung there, too. When the local gangs started hooking up with the Pathfinders, I thought I saw my chance. I contacted Venture-Captain Heidmarch, hoping to find a way to move up in the world faster than I was likely to on the streets. Then Ayala -Ayala Javeski, the current leader of the Tower Girls- got into that dispute with the Wreckwash Blades. That cost us our hideout. We were forced to relocate , and spent a few really miserable days squatting in Underbridge at Fenster’s warehouse.” She looks at Kelgeah. ”Maybe he needs some good old-fashioned Calistrian instruction?, Anyway, trying to find a way out of that I did some exploring and I found these hidden chambers in the Irespan piling everyone calls the Crow. I even led the exploration of the upper chambers that became our new hideout. I poked around a bit more, hoping to find something to interest the Venture-Captain. And I did. I found that -shard- and kept it. When I picked it up, I WAS going to take it to Venture-Captain Heidmarch. But...” she gives a rather rueful short.
”There's a lot more there than Ayala knows. Lots of that old stuff...Thassalonian? I'm not going to touch any more of it, though.” she shakes her head, sadly. ”I've made enough of a mess of my life.”
She laughs again, rather humorlessly. ”Could have been worse, though. I could have been in Ayala's favor. If you're going there, take silver weapons. She's a wererat and she's infected several of the girls.”
Kelgeah sits down beside Natalya and lays a hand on her shoulder with a knowing smirk. "It'd be a lie to say I didn't want to interrogate you myself, but it's the truth that I'm glad things worked out the way they did. Maybe you haven't made the name for yourself you had hoped, but you've opened the door for us to set many things right and write an even greater story, with you as a plot hook. Take comfort in that, at least."
She stands tall and looks the woman directly in the eyes. "Your trials make you strong. Pride may have overcome you, but that does not mean you should let your shame shackle you. Put one foot in front of the other, child. Temper your choices with sense, face your challenges with resolve, and you'll have the name you desire."
She then folds her arms and grins wickedly. "as for this Ayala...don't you worry about her. We'll see this chapter of her story closed soon. Maybe she'll make a good pet once we've trained her properly."
A night to recuperate, bathe, and contemplate everything did Talon a lot of good. Heading back to the Pathfinder Manor from his apartment above the smithy, he was reminded that they'd yet to actually be paid for locating Natalya and the shard. Something that he'd have to bring up with the Lady Heidmarch today after they'd grilled the Scarni informant for all she knew.
He listened carefully to what she had to say, thinking about the history that must be inside of the Crow - if there really was a second shard inside, then they should see about recovering it as swiftly as possible. The idea of obtaining all seven shards of such an artifact - to make a name for himself in the Pathfinder Society, he'd take on this quest. He just hoped the others felt the same way.
"Do you think you could draw us up a map of the sections of the Crow that you were in?" He asks Natalya once Kelgeah has finished talking to her. "Your our best source of information right now as to what to expect inside there. Anything at all is better than nothing." Like silvered weapons to combat the wererats. He supposed that he could craft a few silvered chakrams for himself - maybe a set of silvered short swords as well, if he had the time and the money.
As you listen to her along with Venture-Captain Heidmarch, a tall, bearded man enters, carrying a satchel. He sets it on a side-table next to Sheila, then leans over to kiss her. He then looks up at the group and says ”So, my dear, these are the young people you've recruited? They've certainly proven themselves so far.”
He then addresses the group. ”I am Sir Canayven Heidmarch. Welcome, Pathfinders, to my home. Sheila has already filled me in on your accomplishments so far and I've brought your reward.”
He opens the satchel and takes out coinbags, one for each of you.
”Both of us have some additional things we'd be willing to reward you for if you can accomplish them in the course of your adventures. I will pay you 500 gp for each significant peace of information, in writing, and with illustrations if possible, about the ancient empire of Thassilon that you learn during your exploration of the Crow. I've also had a request from Lord-Mayor Grobaras concerning some recent disappearances. I'm sure you're aware that people go missing in a big city like Magnimar all the time, but lately, they've been doing so more often. The majority of these folk who go missing do so from the waterfronts and under the Irespan—neighborhoods without a strong city watch presence. Despite the fact that the majority of missing people eventually turn up (although living as vagrants with no memories of their time spent away from Magnimar—if indeed they ever left), rumors are spreading that the city has no interest in solving the mystery and preventing future disappearances. Lord-Mayor Haldmeer Grobaras has grown frustrated with these rumors and with the city's apparent inability to explain the mystery, and has approached a few key organizations with offers of rewards if the problem can be solved; one such group is the Pathfinders of Heidmarch Manor. I'm asking you to keep an eye out for any possible answers to the riddle while you're in the area. The Lord-Mayor is offering a reward of 1,000 gp for solving the riddle and 500 gp for each person rescued. Sheila also has an additional mission for you.”
Sheila stands up and says ”I'd like a relatively accurate map of the interior of the Crow and the chambers below. You, yourselves, don't need to physically create this map, nor, if you do, does the map need to be particularly artistic. Your notes would be sufficient for me to create one. I can reward you each with a Wayfinder, or 500 gp if you already have one.”
Fletcher's head is positively ringing at the sums being bandied around.
500 gold for information on Thassilon, another 500 for a map, even more to find these abducted citizens. I've never had that much money in my life! Hell, I'd have to gig for about 50 years to get close to that!
The thought of being financially secure for the first time in his life is a massive motivator for the struggling musician but he does have a certain degree of sympathy for the victims of these disappearances having himself been held captive against his will for a time.
Very good to meet you Mr Heidmarch. Thank you for this. he says, indicating the money. We may be the first people to fully explore the Crow in thousands of years. That's pretty exciting. One day I'll probably write a song about all this.
The disappearances are of particular concern as well. The city is a dangerous place but we'll keep our eyes peeled for anything untoward. Are you planning to keep the discovery of these shards under wraps for now?
Part of him is hoping the answer is no. Sure it would be harder to recover them if other parties became aware but, man, imagine what people would say if they managed to recover a lost, 10,000 year old artifiact[/b]
Hralyk addresses Natalya after her story. "The concept of forgiveness is hardly foreign to me, and considering the effect that the shard had on Talon here as well, I think it safe to say that any one of us might have been overwhelmed. That you are safe, and back to your old self, is what is important."
When he hears the Venture-Captain's offer, he nods. "I would be honored to provide you with any information we come across, and indeed, to find out what is behind the disappearances."
Kelgeah laughs heartily at the slew of assignments and requests being thrown around.
"Ohhhh, dear lady and lord Heidmarch, if it's information and heroics you want, you couldn't have asked for grander serendipity! There's only one thing I love more than hearing a good story, and that's living one. Missing persons, exploring abandoned sites, and hunting down ancient artifacts of immense power, all for the promise of hefty sums of gold? I can't possibly imagine what more one could ask from life."
She then turns to Fletcher with a bemused smirk. "I'll scribe the story, you transcribe the lyrics. We'll make it the greatest tavern tale of our time."
Kelgeah moves to collect her current reward. "Sounds like I'll need to stock up on writing supplies for all the chronicling we'll be doing. Can't say my drawing skills are magnificent, but I'm sure we'll manage some good, evocative descriptions of the area at least. Exploring Thassilonian ruins is a bit of a daydream of mine as well; I'm going to enjoy their documentation."
K'nyaz seems interested in the information they have received. "It vould be honor for discover ancient history. And vould only be right thinG for find missinG persons. This is vhut make Pathfinders good company, doinG right thinG, and learninG of vorld ve live in. I have been going over notes left with Paradox box, and am think I have langvage of Thassilon figure out. Also, given power of shard, I can make image of this Crow in three dimension ven ve return, for make map more accurate."
The young fighter gladly takes hold of the reward for service, checking its weight in his hand before placing the bag into his traveling pack - he'd deposit it into his account at the bank after they had finished up here.
"I plan on going to the Crow and investigating, perhaps retrieving this shard that is supposedly inside - if we're lucky, all of them may reside within it," Talon comments, glancing at the others. "We'll probably need a few days to prepare ourselves - at the very least, by what Natalya says, we'll have to acquire some silvered weapons to fare well enough against the Tower Girls occupying it. Come to think of it, we were ambushed on our way back with Natalya - that might have been some of her former companions."
"Regardless, I'll be spending the next few days forging some new arms and armor - if anyone has a request, feel free to ask - except arrows or bows, I'm afraid. That's a craft I'm wholly unfamiliar with," He tells the group, giving an apologetic nod to Kelgeah and Fletcher.
No problem, and thanks for the offer. I should be able to pick up some silver arrows easily enough and my bow was made by the best bowyers in the city, its served me well so far.
I'm just eager to get in there and Kelgeah, I already have the start of a melody rattling around in my head when we commemerate this whole thing in song! he laughs.
I'm staying in a small rented house in the Reaches. Its not much but any of you are welcome to stay whilst we wait to head into the Crow.
Kelgeah smiles at the thought of the epic ballad and tome that might mark the occasion, but it disappears when she checks her wrist sheaths. "Fletcher darling, I think you need to introduce me to this bowyer friend of yours. I could use some ammunition myself. I imagine the crack of a whip isn't going to do as much as I'd like against such unnatural creatures as mentioned, and I find the primitive nature of maces and hammers somewhat distasteful. I wonder though..."
She unloops one of her whips from her belt, examining the blades and sharpened bits that set it apart from a normal whip. "Talon, have a look at this, would you?" She presents a length of the weapon, pointing out the lethal bits that turn it from a stinging lash into a slicing implement. "Think you can do something like this with silver? It would work wonders against were-creatures, I imagine."
Unexpected access issues. Talon, Making Craft Work.
He takes a moment to look over the whip, turning it around in his hand and examining the details, before nodding. "All I need is the money up front for the material cost and I should be able to fashion a simple enough version with silver - just know that silver is a slightly softer metal than steel. Won't have as much bite to it." He had no doubt she was proficient with it, but he had to wonder how much damage she could inflict with the weapon.
"Any other takers for my services? Hralyk?" He asks the more muscular man, glancing at his large axe.
Hralyk looks down at his axe and nods. "I...think it might be warranted here, yes. If we've the time, craft one for me. If not, I will just go purchase a new one. We do, after all, want to be on our way sooner rather than later."
Well if I can't afford the arrows I have a few other tricks up my sleeve anyway.
Picking up on H'ralyk's point;
How long so you need to craft this stuff Talon? I just feel that every minute we spend here is a minute wasted.
Fletcher's eagerness to be off is obvious. He stands chewing his lip and tapping his foot, in a perfect 4/4 rhythm - exactly the same as the agonizing wait before heading on stage.
Kelgeah lifts a finger with a knowing smirk. "Ahh, but it's not about how much damage one can inflict, dear. It's making it stick that counts. Bottom line, creatures are more afraid of things that can actually hurt them."
K'nyaz interjects his thoughts on the matter, "Is nice to have veapons made for better hurt these creatures, but am agree that ve are on time limit. Ve ver attacked after ve got shard and Natalya, so am think they know ve are have them both. It may be for best ve go soon as possible."
Looking at her wrist sheaths, Kelgeah nods. "True enough. Our little trek is probably time-sensitive now. Though I do wonder exactly how much our attackers know about us and the shard. Enough to snipe us, but who knows? I at least need some arrows, and some silver ones might be called for, but I'll take what we can get."
Kelgeah then begins to pull arrows from her pack and reload her wrist sheaths. "Nothing like reaching for an arrow that's not there to throw off a battle plan."
Talon just stares at his companions, looking at them incredulous, sighing and shaking his head. "You're making mountains out of molehills, here. First of all, you realize that the Crow is one of the Irespan's pilings out in the water, right? We'll need to secure a boat to get to it. Secondly, we're not even going to go until Lady Heidmarch can research and supply us the Ioun Stone necessary to deactivate the shard's curse. I am not putting anyone of us at risk to that," he speaks with finality, obviously recalling how he acted under the curse of pride.
"So no, we're not under a time limit. They're not going to risk coming after the shard or Natalya here in the manor under the protection of Pathfinders much more experienced than ourselves. And unless you're planning on sharing our adventures to every person in every dive bar and tavern in the city, it's most likely they don't even know who we are. They may not even know about the shard, and if they do, we'll still be able to find it with the one we already have."
"For now, I think we all can use our time as wisely as possible preparing for investigating the Crow. Whether that be crafting weapons, studying new spells, researching and learning more about our destination and the Tower Girls, or just honing our skills. We'll be ready soon enough. Just have a little patience. History takes time to make."
"So, the lady says veek or so, to find it out, that she think next is Wrath shard. Vhat if is not next? Vhat if it take two veek, three veek, or Ioun stone is not able for finding or affordable? How long do ve vait? Vat about investigate missinG persons? Do ve vait for that as vell? If ve look around in area for information on them, and get spotted by these others, can they not learn more about us vile ve gain no such advantage? Am sure ve can be recognize by rooftop shooter if we are in area. Ve may not be in big of rush as you say, but ve also are not afford all time ve may vant to take."
He's learning quickly. First decisiveness, now prudence. He'll make for a good protagonist, I think. Kelgeah smiles to herself while loading her sheaths.
"You know what? Talon's actually got a good point, and well put, by the way. As long as we have at least one shard, no one else can complete the set. And as long as the shard can point us to its sibling shards, I suppose we really have all the time we need in the end. And K'nyaz, my dear, you surprise me more than talon. One would honestly expect opposite responses from the two of you. You sure you two didn't switch bodies while we weren't looking?" She chuckles at the imagery of a hunched, robed Talon and an armored K'nyaz in her mind.
"I think we have an opportunity to win the bigger race here. I say, while we wait for our next batch of information, we prepare, and if we don't use up all our time, we do some investigating as well. If we find any missing persons, all the merrier; they come home, we get paid, all's well with the town. If our rivals spot us and scout us out, what do you think they'll do? They'll try to come for us and the shard. If they do, we capture some of them, interrogate them, and turn the tables. It should be much quicker, and much more fun, then having to chase them around the world based on fuzzy images from an ancient stone, yes?"
Hralyk grunts. "The next shard is not likely to have been found. The longer we wait, the more chance that will have happened. As we saw in the sewers, and later through Talon, the shards grant extraordinary powers. If we can deal with this group before they find the shard, would things not likely go better for us?" He shrugs. "Still, I will not argue this case further - if there is no interest in it, I'll not persuade you."
"My qvestion vas not answered. How long vill ve vait? How long is too long, before ve should act? At vat amount of time are ve decide has been long enough? How much time do missinG persons have before ve are too late to help them?" He decides, irritated, "You all may vait, but are people that may need help, and I vill not vait for my own safety or self ease. I vould appreciate if someone gifted vit social aptitude vould join me, as am intend to go investigate missinG persons in area of underbridge. Shard is not only concern, people's lives are at stake as vell." With that he takes the shard he carries, and drops it on the table, knowing that it would be safer at the manor while he was out. Possibly alone.
Hralyk stands and moves to K'nyaz's side. "Well, I'm not much of one for social situations, but I'll join you if my axe and skills will help."
Kelgeah chuckles, noticeably intrigued by the sudden spur to action.
"Aren't we full of surprises? I didn't have you figured for direct action, but I'm pleasantly impressed. Let me find a few more arrows to restock, and I'll accompany you, K'nyaz. I have a feeling I'll be luckier with first impressions, if nothing else."
Count me in. I've never been one for waiting, I get terribly itchy feet. Besides, who can say no to this face?
He laughs and hurries after K'nyaz.
Hey, wait up, not all of us have legs as long as yours!
For the new people; previous contacts:
People to talk to:
Amazing Zograthy, a Varisian who keeps a permanent tent and fortune-telling business in Washers’ Row in Dockway.
Guard Lieutenant Kasadei, female Varisian Watch officer.
Fenster the Blight.