You sign off with the captain, getting all the paperwork in order, and make your way across the dock toward the city so you can begin making your way toward Delvehaven. You're stopped at the dockside and brusquely (and none too gently) searched by a guard in highly polished black-grey armor. Around you, you can see others just entering the city undergoing similar treatment. You seem to pass inspection, and you head off to find the Lodge.
As you are standing in front of the Lodge, you hear a female voice from behind you. "Saw what they did to you back there. No way to treat people, is it? Still, that's the way things work around here." You hear somebody spit.
He continues this way for some minutes as your gear and possessions are searched, but then his partner moves up to him and whispers in his ear. He shuts up immediately, and stamps your papers and waves you through. As you head through the gate, you see a tall figure in black-grey armor wandering in the direction of the pair of guards.
As you make your way toward your usual buyer, a figure detaches itself from a wall ahead of you. "What a joke those two are. They do that to you often?"
You take the mug to a table as the actors conclude their scene, and sparse applause fills the room, led by the Minotaur bartender. As you sip the frothy brew, a rather blurred patron stumbles closer to you. "Hey, encha tha' Elf's get? Ajay, Ajey, summat like dat? Howsit feel knowin' he diesd inna orget? Orgie?" His tongue fumbles over the words, in the process tripping over a chair leg and spilling his brew all over you. "Hey, whadja do that for!"
As he tries to sort out his arms and legs to line up a punch on you, a large hand picks him up off your lap and hauls him to the door, tossing him into the street. "Too early to be that blind stupid drunk, Tesso. Don't bother coming back until you're good and sober." Steelhorns nods to you in sympathy, then heads back behind the bar.
A dark-haired woman ambles over to your table and sits down. "You do really look like him. Been having trouble finding work?"
"Pssst!" You turn, and you see a figure waving you over from the door to a tavern. As you move slowly toward her, she looks around to see if there's anybody nearby, then gestures for you to come inside. Once inside, she closes the door. "Don't see many folks brave enough to walk the streets at night. You're either stronger than you look, or a damn fool. Don't you know about the beasts?"
Auriona glances around, looking back towards the voice talking to her. "It's slightly better than the way most other places treat people like me. Do you talk to many incoming people to this port like that, or are you here to find me, because I do not recall knowing anyone from around here who would be looking for me." She turns to face the female, a slight scowl forming on her face.
Claire grit teeth in agony as the guards pestered her, like they did every single time she came to sell her hunts. Sure she would have no problem giving them a good thrashing there and then; but to let her rage out on something so foolish would be a waste; She fancied herself to have a bears temper, Slow to boil until it did, then she probably wouldn't be let back into town for a while.
Enduring their jibes and jokes she was finally cleared through, making her way to her normal merchant, who almost always gave her what she felt was a fair deal. She wasn't out to make a profit, just enough to bring home plenty of supplies to keep the shack up and running, and to keep the mead stocked. Her grinned at the thought of picking up a big barrel of honeyed mead.
Those same thoughts distracted her, almost not noticing the figure that approached her and running them over. "Hmmm? Oh, I'm sorry, almost didn't see you there. Those two numb skulls? They always pester me that way. Just the sorta thing they do, nothing bad about It I suppose." The bear woman said in response, after being snapped from her simplistic thoughts that the stranger.
Following the woman inside of the tavern, Lyall responds with, "Perhaps I'm both." Looking her over though, the then adds, "But you know, I've never been one to wait around for trouble to find me, I prefer to be the hunter rather then the hunted." I almost had them too, but they always seem to get away right when I swear that I have them cornered... "Tell me, what do you know about these beasts." Lyall adds after thinking for a moment.
Father... died pretty much the same way he lived, I guess. Kareta said softly, still bothered by the drunkard's words. Bringing pleasure to himself and others. She grabs a cloth offered by Steelhorns and uses it somewhat futiley to dry herself off. Anyways, what can I help you with today? she asks, hoping an opportunity is presenting itself.
"We all have cause to be angry in this world, no need to apologize." She said with a grin, before looking back at the gate to where the armored man had talked to them to get them to shut up. "A hell knight huh? And what exactly are one of those? You'll have to excuse my stupidity, I'm still fairly new here. And for that matter who exactly is Egorian?" Claire said Honestly. She was uncertain what made a hellknight have enough pull to silence guards folk and making them do their job, but she couldn't say she wasn't grateful for the quickness that followed afterwards.
" I see," Claire said half-heatedly; while the woman said to many words than she would have preferred, she memorized the gist. Hellknights good but scared common folk. House rack scarey to everybody. Egorian new city she had yet to see. " Well thank you for the info, you have been a great help." And Claire focused on selling the fur and meats once more. She wasn't stupid, just simplistic.
"I see." Auriona glances to the Lodge. "What the hell is going on in this port? Seems to have too much security for a normal port. Anyway, I need to get going to look for some work or something. That trip cost me all but what I had on my person." Auriona picks up her bow and greatsword and starts walking off towards the lodge to see if any jobs were available.
With that, the woman begins to stride away, then she turns. "Meet me there for an early supper."
" Imprisonment, execution? This is the first I have heard of them, though I have probably not lived here long enough to see such things. This is the first I've heard about it." Claire piped up, attention going back to the woman. She was under the impression that no man, woman, or child should ever be locked up, or killed, on the whims of the law.
Auriona waves a hand as she walks away. After a few minutes travelling around the town, she asks one of the locals where Vizio's tavern is and heads in the direction pointed to her. This city disgusts me. How could anyone live here, let alone ask me to come here,she thinks whilst getting to the Tavern.
Kareta drummed her fingers on the bar. Sounds like a nice cause. I guess you're in need of added muscle, then?
"That's not right, nobody should be put to death due to corrupt law; or any law for that matter. But what exactly could be done about that?" she said bluntly. She was still relatively new to the civilized (As far as she went) lifestyle, and as far as she had seen, it was just how the world worked with law and order. She didn't like it too much, too strict, too stuffy.
"I'm not sure that lights would help much, aside from letting people know whats coming." Lyall says, pondering for a moment before adding, "So if you've been thinking about how to make the government fix the problem, I take it you don't quite have a plan yet then."
Auriona looks slightly preturbed, puffing a strand of hair from her face and pulling it behind her ear. "Well damn," she mutters under her breath. She looks around the place, seeing if there are any other entrances. Finally, she just walks to the front door discreetly, and knocks on the door. "Anyone home?" she says in a sing-song voice.
We'll see about the rest. Kareta says after a moment's thought. But for now, You got yourself a blade. Just let me know where you need me.
Having been informed of the meeting place, a tavern named Vizio's in the south part of the city, Kareta made her way north towards Regio Pena, entering a small shop just before a street corner. Polished blades, some for work, others for battle, gleamed in the afternoon sun, throwing scintillating patterns over the passing crowds, and hopefully drawing the eye of a potential customer or two. The sign above read: "Bastargre's Bounty of Blades". Kareta was glad she memorized the location, because she was certain it was called "Chop-Your-Top Weapons' Shop" when she first came to it two months ago. Only the sign had been changed, so she was fairly certain it was the same business. Shrugging, she went inside.
Karthera! The purple-haired gnome lying across the counter called out as soon as she crossed the threshold. His head was tilted back over the edge, looking straight at her. A device of uncertain make held above his body in both hands, and a tool was clenched between his teeth. Kareta wondered how he managed to say anything with that in his mouth. She also wondered how he managed to find yet another way to mispronounce her name.
I told you, she sighed, it's 'Ka-Re-Ta!' Anyway, is my order ready yet?
Just about! Bastargre said, flipping to his feet to stand on the counter. He opened a mohagany box and pulled out a narrow six-foot shaft of metal that Kareta was sure couldn't fit in that little chest. As Kareta watched in bemusement, he also dug out several cheveron-shaped pieces of leather-wrapped metal, shiny metal rings, and other parts, and swiftly began threading them down the steel pole. Here, hold this! he said, handing it to her.
Kareta took the pole, testing it's weight in her hands. Even eith all the bits added, it was pretty lightweight. Is this Mithril? she asked?
Oh no, you couldn't afford that, remember? Bastargre piped up, leaning halfway into the box. This isn't quite as light as that, but it's almost as light as a wooden shaft, and a little tougher! He fished out a large block of metal, a few smaller ones, and a pair of L-shaped hooks. Taking the pole back, he began screwing the large block onto one end. Comprehension dawned on Kareta as she saw her weapon taking form in his hands.
I love when customers get that look! Bastargre said with a grin. He flipped the hammer over and attached the hooks, facing side-by-side in the same direction. And now your weapon is ready! he said, solemnly handing the weapon over to her.
It wasn't quite as tall as she was. The gold-colored hammer head was shorter and wider than the one wielded by Zamzaza. It was more like a Lucerne Hammer without the top spike, but bigger. I figured a girl in your profession needed something with a little more intimidation factor Bastargre said, seemingly reading her expression, if not her mind. The head is hollow, but reinforced so you can still crack bones, doors, rocks or whatever. Don't worry, just swing away! He hopped off the counter and tapped the hooks with a pointer than expended in his hand. These are more solid, of course.
Kareta smiled. I love it! she said, giving the weapon an experimental twirl. Despite the odd shape, it was also perfectly balanced. I can't wait to try... she paused as she noted the light from the shop window had gotten noticeably longer. Oh hells, I better go! Tossing a pouch containing the last of the weapon's payment, she ran for the door and down the street, making her way to the tavern as the sun dipped dangerously closer to the rooftops. She noted that she wasn't alone.
Auriona sighs and shakes her head. Guess I'll just wait here, she thinks. Auriona plops on the ground in the shadiest spot she could find, looking around to see if anyone was paying attention to her odd seeming behavior.
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
"So why can't people carry torches? If light keeps the beasts away would torches not do the same?" He asks the woman in all seriousness, he himself had no desire to keep any beasts away, but he could understand why many of the populace might.
Auriona nods at the woman, "Thank you kindly. Sorry if I arrived here too early. Also, did you say others?" She asked, her face looking slightly preturbed.
"You mean back before Aroden died." Lyall says abruptly, adding, "It's been a century already I'm not sure you can do it, but I'm willing to give it a try."
Later that same day.
As the appointed time approaches, two more people make their way toward Vizio's Tavern. One man strides in right on time for the meeting. He's tall for a human, and covered in coarse black hair almost thick enough to be called fur. The other skids in a few minutes later, taller still. She is a Half-Elf, and she's carrying an odd-looking hammer in one hand as she tries to catch her breath.
The woman begins to serve dinner and ale, and invites everybody to have a seat. The meal is plain, but filling. The woman joins you partway through the meal. She seems slightly preoccupied.
Kareta happily digs in, slicing off chunks of cheese and sausage and putting them on her plate.
Auriona slowly takes a light portion of food, eyeing the other two people. At least there is one who is more like me here. I wouldn't want to be the only one of my kind sitting at this table normally, she thinks to herself. Auriona grunts and grabs more food before sitting in the darkest corner she could find.
Kareta swallows her last mouthful and turns to their benefactor. So, not to disparage your present generosity, but why have you called all of us here?
"Waiting for someone?" Lyall asks, glancing at the woman who keeps looking out the window.
The woman turns back to the group, half a smile trying to override the frown on her face. "I was. But perhaps we should get started while we wait." She pushes her chair back from the table, and moves dirty dishes to the bar top.
"“Again, thank you for agreeing to meet with me here. I have chosen each of you for a singular reason—everyone here, myself included, has suffered, whether we realize it or not. I have lived in Westcrown my whole life, and although I love this city, I must admit, as must you, that despite our peace and prosperity, we continue to suffer. Fear should not be an expected part of life, and yet each night brings fear to our doorsteps. Yes, Westcrown has been safe from war and famine for nearly seventy years, and yes, our businesses has prospered—but this safety and prosperity has been bought in the coinage of fear and prayers to Hell. Other lands live free from tyranny. Other cities do not fear the night. Other governments do not cede the streets to monsters of the infernal shadows. Westcrown was once such a place, and she wants to be such a place again. Westcrown is not only her buildings and canals and docks and history—she is also her people. Westcrown is our friends and neighbors, our mothers and fathers, our siblings and cousins, our sons and daughters! With but a small group of supporters and dedicated brothers and sisters, we can earn the trust and admiration of those people. A Westcrown free of these shadowy beasts that stalk our streets is one step closer to a Westcrown free of the devil that is the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune!”
Auriona sneered as she shifted in the shadows. "I do not know what you really are speaking of, but why should I care. I came here for my own reasons, yet..." Auriona paused. She looks towards the rest of the people grouped around the table and then pulled out that beat up hunk that was supposedly considered a wayfinder. Auriona looks back at the woman. "I... I apologize. But I want to know how you chose us, how you found us, and why we were brought here with such haste. It worries me already that you know of us, but what if whomever you are talking about know of us as well. Wouldn't that mean that right here and right now could be bad for all of us." Auriona sighs again, puts the wayfinder back in her trouser pocket, and sits back down. "What will you have us do, exactly?" She asks, subdued.
Janiven leans in close to the table. "I speak of gaining the trust of the people. Of taking this city back for her people, and not allowing ourselves to be ruled by fear. You were chance-met, as was he," here she gestures toward Lyall. "Kareta I sought out, having heard a bit about her history. There were others I spoke to, but they either chose not to come or ... anyway. I would ask for your help. I would ask you all, as citizens, to join myself and others who are concerned for the welfare of this city and her people in returning control of the city to her people."
So your plan is more political and inspirational than, say, waylaying Dottari in dark alleys and setting the Mayor's manor on fire? Kareta asked.
"Political or not it sounds like treason to me, even if house Thrune is corrupt. I cannot stand behind treason, but I can stand behind the betterment of Westcrown."
Janiven purses her lips, then says, "We are hoping to, by gaining the trust of the people and generating support among the masses, reclaim the peace and safety of this city from the dark creatures who keep us in fear. Westcrown was once a city of laws that kept the people safe. Now it is a city of twilight that is ruled by steel and gold-lined pockets. Call it treason if you will, but an unjust law is one the people are obligated to not follow in my eyes, especially when the laws are designed to keep the citizens in downtrodden fear and the so-called nobility in luxury."
There's no point to a law if it doesn't serve the people. Kareta says, nodding. And if you don't want to break the law, then the only recourse is to change it. She smiles at Lyall, tilting her head to the side. And at the very least, nobody would miss the shadow beasts, right?
"Makes sense. I still worry that this small interaction between us will not be the most successful. If I can make a decent coin off of this venture, you can count me in." Auriona walks back to the table, grabbing a small variety of whats left, before slinking back into the darker corner to listen. "I refuse to be caught. Especially with the reputation I've gained over these last few years..."
The door opens and a pudgy man in plain brown robes ducks into the room. He leans on his staff, while waiting for his eyes to adjust to the light. "Of course I would be late," he mutters, seeing the small group in the midst of a heat discussion.
Catching some of the discussion, he says, "Oh they will be missed and you had best hope that their masters don't come calling in their stead. It is a dangerous path we are to walk and failure will all but guarantee death. I came here knowing the risks and still have my reservations about the whole business. Please tell me that there is a real plan behind all the flowery rhetoric.
Janiven turns to the door as it opens, her hand reaching for her sword, but she relaxes as she recognizes Ignatius. "Glad you could make it. We were just discussing the current state of Westcrown, and what we might do to improve it. Please, grab some food and have a seat. Is everything alright?"
"I suppose there is no law that suggest that the people of Westcrown must live in fear of these beasts." Lyall responds, though still not overtly thrilled at the idea of treason.
Then when the oversized man walks in, Lyall adds, "I suppose this is the one you were waiting for, lucky it would be a co-cospiriter rather then someone to catch us in the act of conspiring to commit treason."
After a short knock the door opens and a young looking dwarf enters the Vizio's Tavern. He has a wide brim hat and sturdy looking leather coat. He surveys the room looking a bit surprised. A look of recognition appears on his face as he sees Janiven. He smiles confidently, closes the door behind him and boldly strides to the table.
“Good afternoon, lady Janiven, I am deeply sorry for my late arrival. I seemed to lose the track of time walking around the city and encountered a most disturbing occurrence, which delayed me even more. I hope I have not inconvenienced you in any way.”
Looking at the rest of the group. “And hello to you, gentle beings, please allow me to introduce myself, I am Harkon Dormun, follower of Abadar and solver of mysteries. Any citizens’ concerns I take for my own, as a fully functional and prosperous society is very important to the Master of First Vault and all his devotees. ”
At least I hope to solve mysteries in the future. I hope I made an impression. I was preparing the speech for a better part of an hour. Then again, I might have overdone it a bit…
Harkon takes a free chair and sits down. “So, what have I missed?”
I'm thinking we need a guard by the door Kareta muses, rising from her seat and taking up her hammer. Unless you're expecting any more company?
This time, Janiven's sword manages to clear her scabbard before she recognizes Harkon. She bows as she sheathes the blade. "Well met, Master Dormun. Ladies and gents, this was also one of those I was expecting. One hasn't shown, and maybe she won't be showing. But, to business." Janiven rehashes for the newcomers the things that she said earlier, as well as a general breakdown of comments made by those who were already here.
Once she's finished the recap, Janiven turns back to Harkon. "You mentioned encountering trouble. I trust trouble didn't follow you here?"
"That is most unlikely, lady, as I was just a witness. Two boys in blackish armor apprehended and dragged away some unfortunate soul for some perceived slight in broad daylight."
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