"Suspicious indeed, what's with these guys and weak poisons? Cowards." Lucian scoffs as he returns to the room.
You question the other inhabitants of the inn. Most are angry at having been woken up at such an hour. None say that they saw anything out of the ordinary.
While most of you can find no trail, Chumani can barely make out sandal prints in the dust near the bag. They head out across the street to the side wall of an adjoining series of mud brick dwellings. There something peculiar happens, the trail leads up. Rather than signs of a person climbing, the sandal prints continue up the side of the building as though your quarry simply walked up the wall.
* * *
The next day, you go to meet your employer once again. Midway along Caravan Way where the road bends, a narrow alley opens on the left. Next to it, a long brick building, nearly as narrow as the alley, beckons weary travelers with the aroma of frying inix and sweet broy. A cracked sign overhead bears a golden inix on its left side opposite a stylized bottle, declaring the building to be a tavern.
A half-giant doorman grasping a huge stone morning star stands just to the right of the door. Several tables with seating for two to four people each take up the left side of a walkway that runs the length of the building to a stairway going up. A small, L-shaped counter is to the right of the stairway with a middle-aged, dark haired half-elven woman seated behind it. In the wall behind the counter, a curtained doorway parts at irregular intervals as serving girls bring food and drink to the customers seated at the tables. The half elf directs you to a pair of tables near the middle of the establishment and a human waitress lists off the specials. Shortly after you order (or decline to do so), the mysterious woman arrives.
“I’m sorry for the trouble I’ve caused you by affiliating with you. I am sure you have many questions, and I will try to answer them to the best of my ability. And I believe we haven’t been properly introduced to one another.” She smiles coyly and extends her hand to each of you to greet you formally. “I am Talara Vordon. Cousin to Thaxos Vordon, who is head of the trading house that takes our name.”
”To get to the heart of the matter, I suspect that my cousin is up to something. He is gathering the best agents from all of his dummy merchant houses, and he has set spies to watch my every move. The latter is the reason for all of my caution. Something is brewing, and I know it is bound to spell trouble.”
”Although you were not able to uncover much about Nadar’s dealings, your help will be highly appreciated. I am sure we can come to some kind of agreement, my friends.” The beautiful woman blinks one eye at you. “How does a hundred and forty silvers split between you sound?”
Chumani declines the offers for food, and knowing negotiation is not his strong point, stays at a distance. He listens but keeps most of his focus on what else is going on in the tavern.
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Hamailii smiles:Silver always sounds nice. Alas, becoming mixed up in the family affairs of trading houses is something even more special than just getting mixed up with normal family affairs. I´m sure you understand. You should tell us a lot more. And make that golden. We received a message tonight, which was already golden, so....
Rennoc speaks his words blunt and brutal...
We are willing to assist you in many ways, to do so however we require wealth... Think of gold not silver, we will destroy your enemies but only if you pay us enough... We as a group and as individuals have big ambitions, ambitions that require gold by the cartload...
diplomacy(assist)
”You have received a competing offer? I shouldn’t need to warn you that Nadar and all of his ilk are snakes, and not to be trusted. So be it. I can offer two hundred ten now, but no more. Thaxos has frozen most of my assets. However, should we be successful in uncovering and discrediting him, I will be in a position to assume control of House Vordon. When that is the case, I will be able to adequately compensate you for your services.”
"I assure you, ample compensation will be a key factor in our efforts against our opposition. Equipment is scarce in these parts, the more of it we posses the easier our job will be." Lucian says, attempting to validate his allies words.
At the mention of the scorpions, Talara’s face visibly pales. “That is the calling card of one Derlan Watari. A halfling, he is Thaxos’s most deadly agent. He is extremely dangerous and you should exercise exceptional caution. I must once again apologize for involving you. Whether you accept my offer or not, you have been marked by my cousin as an enemy.”
"Tyr is a free city. Especially with Tithian's disappearance. Whatever restrictions on acquiring contraband you may have faced in other cities, you will not find here." She lowers her voice. "I could even assist if you need to find magical supplies."
True power is derived from the storm, the artifacts of defilers and preservers are weak... Before the Cerulean Storm all is weak, it is perhaps the greatest source of magical power that exists upon Athas...
Dai is stunned by her allies effrontery, but bites her tongue. Given the several attempts on their lives, she, like Chumani keeps a greater focus on the events around them.
As the talk continues, Dai remembers that Lucian, Hamailli and Rahger were not, in fact originally hired by the lady Vordon, nor are they part of her own original group that escaped Grak's Pool. Nor has the lady Vordon actually suggested what it is she wishes them to do from here. That they are being paid at all is a surprise to her, considering how dismally they failed. In fact, the more she thinks about it the little she understands what she is doing here herself. She does not share Rennoc's big ambition, nor does she like to be misrepresented. Dai remembers Rennoc's attitude at the defiler's hut, and his eyes when destroying the tarek.
He will go far that one. Ambition is its own reward…I pray he is not one day also a Dragon-King
Dwelling on her own thoughts Daishata continues to watch the patrons.
The tavern is mostly empty at this time of day. Few patrons there are seem to be minding their own business.
Rennoc takes a piece of fruit and crunches into it()... While he does this his hand is below the table, clutching the Lens to empower a spell... He will then underneath the table point at Dai and Chum...
Rennoc mouth's the words as he uses the fruit to mask what he is doing...
I have established a link between us, we can speak easily without fear of detection from her... Just mouth the words while your eating something... We need to figure out what our plans are in light of the new "additions"...
"Are my terms sufficient, or shall I take my leave to find other agents?" Asks Talara. Her gaze then fixates on the wizard, her eyes going a little wide.
Rennoc starts to feel a little stiff. His scalp begins to itch. He gets a strong urge to stretch his arms into the air. A nearby waiter's jaw drops, as does a platter he was carrying.
The mage's skin has turned a mottled brown some of his fingers have fused together and elongated. Dull green tufts of hair sprout from his scalp and extend upward a solid foot.
Rennoc is under the effects of a Tree Shape spell.
"If you can help find where home is, then Rahger will work hard."
As Tara's eyes go big, Rahger follows her eyes to Rennoc. He opens his mouth in a gaping smile.
"You need mirror."
What is occurring?
"I wish I had words to describe it friend, unfortunately I don't." Lucian says, scooting away from Ren slightly.
Daishata frowns, looking intently at Rennoc.
Can't quite tell what that is...
She eventually stifles a grin.
"Rennoc, you appear to be turning… into something. At least you have… hair... now…"
The wizard's transformation comes to an end. Rennoc's point of view rises into the air until it is nearly to the ceiling of the tavern. He finds himself no longer able to move or speak. Most of the wait staff is staring at him openly.
Momentarily at a loss for words, Talara nervously looks about the room. "I did not doubt your powers. This display attracts unnecessary attention."
The mage has now fully turned into a mid-sized tree. Its roots are entwined into his chair and the top branches brush the cieling.
Rahger scratches his head. "Where did he get that cherry?
"Well, that's very... Interesting." Lucian says, in awe.
Chumani starts to circle the room looking for who ever may have cast the spell that changed Rennoc, since it appears it was not their host.
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How long will he be a tree...?
Dai begins to find the situation less humorous as Rennoc transforms so visibly. Remembering the poor reception the group received in Urik after "assisting with law and order issues" and perhaps a little unused to Tyrian informality, she moves to the tavern door to keep a look out for Templars.
"Rennoc? By my lady, what is happening?" Dai's eyes flash fear and confusion...
"Wasn't there a mirror we have from the big ears in the alley?"
"Give him the mirror we acquired from the elves, hopefully he will be able to tell what's going on here" Lucian says, with a slight grin on his face.
Chumani walks all the way around the small tavern looking for any sign of who may have turned Rennoc in to a tree. It didn't seem to fit the style of the other attacks so it perplexed Chumani.
Coming back to his original position having found nothing he thinks for a moment and the laughs out loud. "Shouldn't have eaten that fruit not knowing what it would do my friend. Looks like we will be here a few hours, unless you can figure out how to will it to stop."
Rennoc will try to dismiss the effect if possible now that he has some idea of what it is...
With a burst of will, Rennoc's body shrinks back to its original human form.
Talara lets out an exasperated sigh. "Now that your little display has alerted half of Tyr to our meeting, I'll ask one last time: are you interested in my offer of employment? Or perhaps I will look for more subtle agents."
That I can assure you was not intentional, I had forgotten that the cherry had even come from the plantation... I thought I had picked it up in Urik... I believe I and my companions need some time to think and drink...
diplomacy to convince her to take a leave of absence from the table...
"Rennoc is correct, we need some time to mull over the details amongst ourselves." Lucian says, looking to his comoanions while he speaks.
"Rahger will work hard."
Hearing the others, Lucian turns to Dai, ready to hear what she has to say.
Chumani nods at Dai the next time she looks in his direction to indicate his agreement.
I will accept work, though I will leave should I discover any deception or unwarranted thievery...