Sorrow Caligrific nods with finality. Very well. I thank you for your service. According to our policies, you must still be escorted by a Sorrow as you have not yet earned your forgiveness. For this purpose, I have assigned Sorrow Absentia.
He stands, thanks you once again, and exits. Absentia looks at you each in turn and says, I look forward to our time together. There has not been a group like this appointed in many years. Since long before I came to the Order. Our first duty is to report to the Watch. They cannot use us if they are not aware of our existance. Any questions?
I am sure shome in the watch will recognize shome of ush. It may take shome time to earn thier trusht
Noro comments more concerning herself rather than the others.
Freia is thankful that everyone agreed to the Sorrows proposal - she would have hated to see anyone go, since they all seemed friendly and accepting towards her. Maybe they could be comrades and drinking buddies in the future, maybe they just had more pressing matters on their hands - like absolution. When Absentia addresses them Freia gives her a shy smile back One day, perhaps, that might be me standing there and addressing newcomers. She tries to imprint Absentias mannerism and speech pattern in her mind - mostly as an inspiration.
Her mood is uplifted by the fact that everything so far has worked really well that she even feels like chatting and adds to Noros comment.
"Well - we got nothing but time!"
There is however one question that remain unanswered. She takes a deep breath to collect herself before addressing the Sorrow:
"I have one question, if I may. I had some possessions with me when I came here, and I am sure others did aswell, - will we get access to them? There is a book I would require to replenish my magical powers - and I feel that having them at my disposal would help me in whatever task assigned to us"
She breathes out and sighs after she finally managed to get to the point, hoping that the Sorrow will answer her long-winded question.
As members of this new establishment within the Order, you do have individual equipment rights, yes. You also have the right of one letter per week and a small allowance for personal purchases per mission completed.
Zayid raises his eyebrows. Wait... they're paying us?!
Johnny’s eyes open a little wire as one eyebrow raises slightly and a sly little smile forms upon his lips. He rubs on his ear and says, So I will get all my tools back then.
Rubbing his hands together Johnny continues, Well my new friends it seems we have jobs to do and I for one am looking forward to it greatly
We go to meet guards. Good, this time.
Pelgrev looks a little apprehensive, perhaps remembering his last meeting.
Guards hold no grudge?
You are immune from popular reprisal as long as you are under the Order's watch. If they recognize you, they have more than likely been informed of your arrest and transfer to our supervision.
In short, no, no grudge, though I wouldn't flaunt it, if you understand my meaning.
Zayid nods hesitantly and whispers something to himself in another language. His eyes close in a grimace of inner pain.
Absentia shows no sign of hearing you.
Pew - I almost thought they would keep my things. And a letter! But only one? Still better then nothing. But shall I write now or later? Hmm...
Freia is clearly relived to hear that she will get her equipment back, but truly the most exiting thing is that she will be allowed to write. She had been told that letters were available as reward for good behaviour and she feared that they would not hand those out until after she had proven herself. Now she just needed to decide if she was going to write home right now to tell father that everything went fine, or should she wait until she settled in or should she ...
While her thoughts are not obvious, the fact that her mind is wandering is plain for all to see. She doesn't notice Zayids mumbling but Johnnys excitement and Pelgrevs conversation with the Sorrow brings her back to reality. She glances at Pelgrevs and tries to come up with a good joke to try and ease his mind - but she draws blank. Instead she settles for echoing Noros words.
"I'm sure they will forget whatever grudge they might hold you to after a while - especially if we are helpful"
Besides, its not like your sin is plain to see on your skin. Then she glances at the tatoos they were all given earlier. Or well - it kindof is. Lets just hope the guards ain't gonna bother us to much, for what it is worth...
its jusht that a few of thoshe guardsh are misshing shome teeth, thanksh to my fishts.
Noro comments as the others try and reassure her there is nothing to worry about.
letsh get our shtuff and get going then attempting to bring the subject back to the mission at hand.
Sorrow Absentia nods and leads you through the more and more familiar maze of the Order's base. You arrive at the armory and rather frazzled Elf stands behind the counter with a book crammed full of writing that looked like it was once flowing and graceful, but, as you look down the page, the writing becomes more and more frantic, abbriviated, and chaotic.
You each give descriptions of your belongings and he disappears into a back room muttering numbers.
Freia):
It's a wait of about ten minutes before the elf re-appears with a large pile of assorted gear and weapons floating on a disk of force. He leads the disk into the hall and you notice another neat pile of rope and basic manacles sitting seperate from your gear.
While flipping through several pages he drones, Here are all confiscated items from the implied case numbers. If anything is missing, please contact the city watch detachment at the Hells to access Lost and Found. Oh, and you are each to be certain you have a length of rope and one set of manacles, required by order of Sorrow Bloody Dismemberment.
Pelgrev retrieves his belongings from the force disc. He doesn't seem to react much until he finds a clawed necklace. He reverently picks the necklace up, and carefully checks it's condition before putting it on.
New rope heavy. Like mine better. Pelgrev lifts up a length of silk rope, then places a pair of manacles and lock into his backpack.
Zayid retrieves a bow with arrows, some armor, and a backpack. lastly he picks up a long hooked pole weapon and slings it across his back. Glancing quickly up at Absentia, he looks back down at the disk before nodding at the elf and stepping back. Bloody Dismemberment? They can name themselves that?
He picks up a set of manacles and a lock, forgoing the rope. With a smile at Pelgrev, he displays one end of a coil of light, strong rope from his pack.
Well good rope manacles and lock let us go then
Freia is not sure how to react to the fact that the elf seems to recognize her. On one hand recognition has never earned her anything but trouble earlier in her life - on the other, he didn't seem antagonistic or anything ... It seems like the rumours about the orders acceptance of different people from different backgrounds were true - or atleast parts of it. I guess I'll just have to wait and see if they all are this polite
She starts to collect her things as soon as they arrive. There is a belt and scabbard with a longsword, a wristsheet for a dagger, some pieces of chainmail belonging to the uniform and a small assortment of bags and a backpack. She quickly opens the backpack and retrieves an old and worn book and its key - which she hangs on a string around her neck. She inspects the book to make sure its not damaged before putting it back in its waterproof container which she puts in the backpack. She also stores the manacles and rope she got there.
"I'm ready and done"
Korriths joke makes her giggle I wish I thought of that... When she was packing her stuff she noticed Pelgrevs necklace and how much it seemed to matter to him - but decides against asking him about it. It might be personal, and besides, there will probably be more opportunities later.
Ariana takes her small store of equipment and looks disdainfully at the rope. Brilliant. Something heavy and bulky. She'll take them all though.
Noro takes her stuff (the small amount she does own). the manacles would have lots of uses. but the rope? must be needed otherwise why provide it.
Noro looks over the stuff ahhh. OK, thanksh I guessh
she moves along with her gear.
Once you have all retrieved your gear, Absentia leads you to the front gate of the building. It is an imposing thing of blackened wood that stands nearly 20 ft tall at the peak with ample room for wagons and pack animals to pass. Another Sorrow is there with the word 'Abraxas' embroidered on its hem.
This Sorrow holds a black bag around him. Absentia walks up with a respectful air and whispers something you cannot hear. The Sorrow reaches into his bag, and withdraws seven silver masks. They are slightly different in design from the ones you have seen so far with more widely open eyes and a smaller size in general.
She turns and holds the masks stacked in one hand. This is your insurance against reprisal and the Order's insurance against escape while out in the city. While wearing these masks, I can see what you see and hear what you hear. Your constant location is already known to me by another means. Do Not try to remove the masks. They are bound to your senses, and removing them without the proper words can kill.
She walks up to each of you, fits a mask to your face, places her forbead on yours (which may requie some bending as she is about 5'7") and invokes a shocking jolt of power that travels from your forehead to your eyes, then around your temples to your ears, and finally down your spine. It tingles in your brain for a moment before subsiding, leaving only another moment of disorientation, like you're seeing double. Your vision clears after a second, and the experience is over. You find that your face is covered in steel, yet you don't feel encumbered or hindered in the slightest. You have full range vision and motion.
You then venture out into the City for the first time since your arrest. It is early morning, and a light dew covers windows and plants. The first evidence of sunrise is making its way up the eastern sky, making the City of Monuments' skyline seem like a great, jagged mountain range. Only the earliest of townsfolk are up and about, so the roads aren't cramped. The bakers, criers, and beggars who are awake, tend to either ignore you or stare.
She leads you swiftly to the local Watch command post.
Zayid shudders as the masks' functions are described. So much like the others...
When the Sorrow approaches him to fit the mask onto his face, he flinches and takes a step back before steeling himself and allowing himself to be masked.
As they walk, he hides his hands inside his cloak, wishing for gloves to cover the telltale tattoos on his hands.
Pelgrev walks through the gate and stops to stare at the horizon.
Tribe out there somewhere... Can this one ever go back?
Pelgrev notices the rest of the group moving away and hurries to join them.
Upon reading the name on the Sorrows hem Freia flinches and recoils. It takes a few moments for her to get her cool back - realizing that the name is probably just taken, and it is not the Abraxas standing infront of them. Instead she studies the one called Abaraxs - wondering how one would get that name. Maybe he did something wicked with magic or something ...
Freia nods to show that she understands the gravity of Absentias instructions not to tamper with the mask. When it is her turn to get it fitted on her face she stretches and stands slightly on her toes to match the Sorrows length. Upon the completion she immediately tries to make grimaces and faces to see how restrictive the mask is. She is pleasantly surprised that it allows a wide range of movement. As they are walking she retrieves a mirror from her pack and views herself before looks around at the other six silverfaced tears and grins.
"You guys look kindof menacing with the masks. I got a mirror - do anyone wanna see themselves?"
Noro feels the mask on her face.
could be a new gimick for the ring. she ponders to herself.
after seeing everyone else or not
the stares get on Noro's nerves a bit, she has experienced this before. It is now taking every bit of strength to restrain herself from going to beat the snot out of the ones stareing.
Noro remains silent as she walks concerned more with her inner struggle to remain calm.
she makes no attempt to hide the tattoos.
|
Abraxas, Abraxas, where have I heard that name before... I know I heard it somewhere in the Embermaw snarl...
Korrith's tail twitches a bit, though not as much as it usually does when he mentions his past. He is, as usual, oblivious to everything except what he's doing. He takes no notice of anyone watching him.
Johnny laughs openly at seeing the mask.
A mask? Well I will feel right at home with it on. Not like I haven’t worn a few in my life but now I can do it in the open and not worry about getting arrested… well hopefully.
Johnny bends down and accepts the mask flinching slightly when the jolt hits him. He then falls in line with the others as they move towards the watch.
The watch of all things makes him ponder Here I am working to become free and working for the watch. My life has been turned around. Maybe I will find my North after all. That old cleric would laugh right about now if he only knew.
You arrive at the Watch post near the naval impound yard without incident. Absentia presents herself and youall to the baby faced guard on duty. He eyes you carefully, but is far from experienced. After a moment of easily answered questioning he disappears into the barracks to 'check on something'.
He returns with the local Guard Captain, a sour looking gnome with flame-red hair, dressed in hides, and accompanied by a massive tiger.
Absentia and the captain get into it at once, in Gnome. Even if you spoke Gnome, you could barely follow. There is much pointing and vague references to agreements in common once in a while, but it is clear that Absentia is getting some kind of raw deal.
They part none too kindly, and Absentia storms back to youall. This is the most emotion you've seen out of a Sorrow by far.
Pelgev! She spits, Is there a name your people call those who dishonor themselves through lies?
Serpent-tongued is closest. Is dire ac... Accusation?
He is little taken aback by the vehemence of Absentia's question.
Does fire-hair name Shame serpent-tongued?
The question sounds raw and angry, almost a growl.
"I think it is more likely that the Sorrow..." Zayid speaks up quietly then hesitates, realizing he may have been about to make a mistake. "That is... well... some have called that one Captain Crabby," he finishes lamely.
he can't tell liesh with a bushted jaw Noro whispers as she limbers up her knuckles with a *crack*
She quells your aggression with a quick motion.
The good captain has chosen to ignore the target list previously negotiated by Sorrow Caligrific. How he did it, I do not know. Unfortunately, we are still bound by the terms, so we head for the docks. There is a pack of rabid dogs there that has been causing some ruckus. He hasn't told us anything more, so it's on you. Go catch me some dogs.
Zayid tilts his head. "You... want them caught?" he inquires softly.
Know Planes
We're..hunting animals? Well..that's a change of pace.. Ariana sighs despondently behind the mask, tugging on it lightly. Let us be done with this then. She turns to follow Absentia, the small, bat-winged reptile on her shoulder swaying as she moves around abruptly, shuffling its claws in her robe.
In responds to Zayid she says, The man's a tree-worshiper, so having the dogs alive and bound would be a best case scenario. I won't complain if you give me the satisfaction of dumping some animal heads on his doorstep, however.
"If we are going to collect the hounds alive we should probably pick up some nets or cudgels. I'm sure there might even be some we can borrow here"
Johnny stares down the gnome and smirks at him.
Well if the SNAKE wants dogs we will get him his dogs.
Johnny pulls out his sword and flips from hand to hand while looking back at the guard captain.
The captain glares right back, takes out a small notebook, and scribbles something down before turning and going back in the barracks.
Zayid nods at Freia. She's smart...
Turning to Absentia, he asks, "Would that be possible? It's... it's going to be difficult to catch them alive with... with what I have right now."
Absentia thinks for a moment. I'll see what I can do. For now, we should get down to the docks. We should have little trouble finding rumors. Finding the right rumors, however, might prove more difficult.
Zayid's eyes dart back and forth beneath the mask as he evaluates the Sorrow's response. Does this mean we'll get them? Not get them? The dogs of the docks are... dangerous enough... just have to wait and see.
Nodding, he follows Absentia toward the docks, wondering if they'll be permitted to spread out and make subtle inquiries... subtler, that is, than a group of a half-dozen or so following a conspicuously-robed member of the Order.
Zayid's worries are relieved when, just before arriving in the docks proper, Absentia orders you to spread out and make inquiries.
Meet me back here in hours. I should have your equipment by then. If I'm not here, I trust you all to act is the best interests of the Order.
Johnny starts to ask around the docks to find leads on these dogs.
Walking up to an old lady he bows slightly and inquires with her.
Excuse me madame but I have been told that there have been problems with dogs around the docks and was looking to obtain information that could help track them down. Would you have any information that could help?
Ya, I heard 'o th beasts. Her tell tha they like t' make off with yer catch, I did. And from a reputable source, too!
Zayid moves off in another direction, looking for any of the young urchins who usually hang around the dock area. They always know what's going on, and where, he thinks to himself.