"Grim? Like in death or is that a type of local food?" Sapher asks generally curious and without one bit of misunderstanding. She also is not generally familiar with areas like these, as she mused before Dwarves have slums like almost everyone else, but her family was her family and the temple was not in those areas. So she doesn't think about things others might in this situation.
She is keeping a good eye out, it is dark and dangerous and all.
"Is the warehouse close?"
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Turning to Sapher, trying to rub off the grim she huffs and explains "Grim is short for grimsloth which are the excretions from those rodents in the sewers. It's often used to describe one who does not bath frequently." Looking down at her grim-covered tunic, she gags "Ugh! It stinks!"
Nodding and pointing, "Yes, it should just be around the corner here."
Drask steps out and takes a long breath as he sees the city. He folds one arm over the other and leans forward on them, giving a small smile as he takes in the sight. I like seeing so much. Maybe when I get paid for these two jobs I'll try to rent a room, one of the nice ones that's high up. Eat, drink, and look over the city. Next to the ocean. But as his thoughts turn to the ocean his smile turns sad. "Come on, let's go."
As they begin their walk Drask is relaxed and almost sleepy looking. But as they get closer to their destination and it gets darker he stands up strait again, like he was earlier, looming over the group like a watchdog.
Mhmm, done a lot of jobs here. Tend to be the bad ones. Prolly gonna see blood tonight. As the man 'accidentally' bumps into Esriri, Drask frowns, stopping. He takes two big strides over and grabs the mans shoulder, clenching it uncomfortably tight. He lets the man feel his strength for a moment and makes eye contact. "Give it back, or I'll take it back along with your teeth."
Veltariel disregards the scene, and instead advances forward to their destination, scouting the situation.
Drask threatens the man grabbing onto his shoulder, the man freezes for a moment then drops a sack of coins on the ground before squeezing out of Drask's grasp and making a run for it, disappearing around a corner.
Moving on, following Esrisi's directions she got from the city watch you finally arrive at a partially collapsed warehouse on the shoreline. Pushing open the door the building has a relatively large open area within however there's not much there except in one corner where it a appears a sort of crude shelter made from rowboats resides. The entrance to this hovel consists of a pair of skiffs leaning against each other to create a triangular “arch” from which a moldering remnant of a ship’s sail hangs like a curtain. Sitting next to the entrance is an old sea chest with a broken lid. A sign leans against the front of the chest “LEEV A GIFT AND WATE OUTSID.” A dented tin platter sits on the ground before the sign.
Once the coins drop Drask releases the man. He had no intention of being punitive, and has better things to do than beat a petty thief. He kneels with a grunt and grabs the coins, tossing them back to Esrisi.
He walks the rest of the way, keeping his eyes peeled and ensuring nobody gets too close. Last time it was a thief but next time could be a killer.
At the warehouse he narrows his eyes, scanning the room. Don't like this. Reeks of bad happenings. He squints and tries to read the message. Leave a gift? Hmm. Thinks highly of himself. He lets the others decide how to handle that and keeps an eye on the area.
|
|
Esrisi is stunned when a coin pouch, her coin pouch, drops to the ground. She instinctively reaches for it and finds that it missing. "What..." she says as she fumbles around. "How..." she mutters as she looks back at the thief and up to Drask.
"Oh." she offers meekly as she puts the pouch away. Looking up to Drask she offers her thanks. "I appreciate that Drask. I had no idea he took it."
When they approach the dented platter, Esrisi assumes it's her job to leave the coins. As she approaches she remarks "Had Drask not stopped that thief, I would have been unable to leave this tribute!" She wonders how much she should leave. I'm not leaving 50 coins in here, that's for sure.
Crouching before the platter, she drops ten gold coins into it and stands ready to leave. "Let's wait outside now. Keep an eye out to see who, or what, comes to retrieve it."
Almost a minute after Esrisi places the coins in the plate a creepy looking man pulls back the 'curtain' and eyes you all with his one good eye before coming out and promptly pocketing the coins. This is obviously the man you were looking for, based on the description you had. He proceeds to take a seat on the old sea chest and smirks "What yew want Fenster ta’do?"
Drask exhales sharply. "Mhmm." He watches the man run off for a moment. "Being honest, I didn't know either. Could have been a drunk." He shrugs. "His mistake, if he stumbled around a bit prolly would have gotten away with it. Good hands though." I was staring right at him and didn't notice. He could probably take my shirt off without me seeing.
Drask eyes the dropped coins and raises an eyebrow, but says nothing. They're here for information after all, and coin tends to smooth that along. Drask spends a minute looking over the warehouse, then turns and rejoins the others as Fenster shows himself. Both eyebrows raise in surprise. Wow. That guy is ugly by MY standards. As the man takes the coin and sits with a smirk Drask almost snorts. Oh, he's essentially a whore, but no limits on service. Drask takes a moment to glance him over for weapons; he may look as able as a cripple, but Drask had a feeling he could be dangerous if he wanted to be.
Veltariel looks at the man in disgust.
A prime example of humanity.
She remains on the outer edge of the group, near Adorellan, keeping a wary eye on the man as well as their surroundings.
|
|
Esrisi gags at the sight of the man. Gods. Is he even human?
Swallowing her pride, she steps forward (but too far) to the front of the group to speak for them. She clears her throat and acknowledges the ... man? "Good evening Fenster, I'll get right to the point. We require some information on events happening in this area. We are looking for the current location of the Tower Girls as well as Natalya Vancaskerkin and information on the slavers."
She folds her hands in front of her and waits patiently for the information she just bought.
As Esrisi rapid fires different subjects Fenster takes a moment to process then shrugs "Tha Tower Girls eh? Ya, they stayin' 'ere." He waves his hand in a sweeping motion toward the warehouse, where it is obvious no one has stayed for at least a week now. "They be rentin' the place for hidin'. Coins up front so Fenster lets 'em stay."
He let's out a wet, gurgling cough, then spits a chunk of green phlegm over to the side of the chest before he continues "Slavers though? Don' know 'bout no slavers. Yew need Fenster ta gets yew some slaves?" He scratches his head as he thinks a moment "Don' know any slaves but sure I can get 'em fer yew. Need more coin fer somethin' like that though."
|
|
Raising an eyebrow and looking around, Esrisi shakes her head. "I'm sorry, but it doesn't look like anyone is staying here or has been here for some time now. When's the last time they were here?"
Holding her hand out to stop conversation on slaves before Sapher smashes this man with her hammer, "Nono, I don't need any slaves. I want information on disappearances that have been happening in this area. If it's not slavers, do you know why people are disappearing?"
Holding up a finger she adds "And you forgot Natalya Vancaskerkin."
Caroliss had never been to Underbridge before, despite living in Magnimar her entire life. Everyone said it was bad, but also she just never had a reason to go. Walking through the muddy roads of this decaying shantytown, nearly getting scammed by the pickpocket that ran into Esrisi, and now seeing this twisted monstrosity offering to find them some slaves--it was all too much.
She whispers under her breath. "આ સૌથી ભયાવહ, સૌથી વિક્ષેપકારક જગ્યા છે જે મેં ક્યારેય જોયેલી છે."
It was curious, because she did notice that Vel had stopped her snide statements of Elven superiority. But now Caroliss was feeling kind of the same way. Seeing Fenster puts a finer point on it. These people, are they even human? Caroliss wanted to say something but she wasn't sure if what she'd say would be very nice. So she lets Ez do the sweet talking.
He shrugs as he claims, "Been 'bouts a week. They be back though... they always be comin' back ta ol’ Fenster!" He finishes off the last part as he gives Esrisi a sly wink.
When she asks about the disappearances he nods, obviously aware of them "Didn' say nuthin' 'bout no one bein' disappeared, yew said slavers." He shakes his head at the confusion then continues "Fenster 'as seen the ones doin' the disappearing! Bunch of blue dwarfies. They skulkin' 'bout the alleys at tha waterfront now and then, don' know where they come from or get off ta."
When Esrisi mentions Natalya again Fenster sighs "Ya, I knows Natalya... ya be needin' to pay me more than a few coins ta tell yew 'bout her though... Tower Girls be wantin' her too. Only reasons they don' 'cause they haven' been 'round for awhile. Make it wurth ol' Fenster ta tell yew instead."
|
|
"The Tower Girls have been gone about a week, any idea where we could locate them now? Also, who is the leader of the Tower Girls? Maybe we could try and locate her as well."
"Blue Dwarfs?" she quirks an eyebrow and looks down at Sapher as if she could somehow resolve that curiosity of a statement.
When he asks for more money, Esrisi sighs. Being a Pathfinder is expensive. It's a good thing we have those coins coming to us.
She slips another ten gold coins out and pauses as she tries to figure out how it is going to get up to him. I certainly don't want to go up there and put it in the pan again.
"Fine, fine. This better be some damn good information Fenster." She holds the coins clutched in her closed fist in front of Drask as if to drop them into his hand. When he puts his hand out she drops them and nods towards Fenster. "If you don't mind."
Drask has been listening along, eyes on Fenster to try to catch any sign of lying.
When Esrisi holds out the coin he stares for a moment, then realizes what she's asking. "Eh? Ah, sure." He takes the coins and hands them over to Fenster. Although she was likely avoiding getting close to him because of his appearance, he doesn't mind the distance being kept in case he proves dangerous.
As Esrisi asks about the Tower Girls again Fenster shrugs "Prolly off stealin' sumthin'. Their business be their own. Fenster don't ask no questions. As for their leader, that would be Ayala. She's a tough one thas for sure. Wouldn' want to get on her bad side."
Fenster just starts to laugh when you pull out another ten coins "May be 'nough for yew ta ask questions, but maybe yew want ta pay me ten times that. Think that be a fair price for what them Tower Girls be wantin' too. Them Tower Girls will pay me good for Natalya, sos yew would have ta do the same!"
He waits patiently for you to pull out 100 gold or something that would be worth that much.
"You can't be serious." blurts Caroliss as Fenster asks for more. "100 gold? That's more than any of us have!" She was sick of this scumbag and his demands. 100 gold was worth more than the entire shanty he was living in.
Caroliss tries to tell if he can be negotiated down.
|
|
Esrisi keeps her face expressionless, but is screaming inside. TEN TIMES! This bastard wants 100 gold?!
Disappointed, she purses her lips. After Caroliss's ourburts she calms her friend with her hand and smiles to Fenster. "I see. That's a significant amount of coin for information Fenster. Let me discuss this with my companions."
She spins away from him, putting her back to him and facing her party. She lowers her voice to a whisper"There is no way we're paying this guy a hundred more coins for information on Natalya. Ten gold, yeah fine. A hundred?! No. Way. He clearly has information and we need it. There are other ways of getting information that are much cheaper." She looks to Drask and then to his axe and then to Fenster. While she doesn't speak it aloud, she clearly intends for him to beat Fenster's ass into the ground.
Drask catches the meaning pretty quickly. He lowers his head a bit, considering Esrisi's idea. "Could. He'll talk. May be lies though. And we'd never be able to use him again. May even hold a grudge, send someone after us." He scratches his chin. "He ain't survived this long letting people beat him. At least not for free." He gives a soft snort of amusement. "Haggle the price, or pay with something else. Information, a favor." Drask suggests. "Friendly men are more honest."
Veltariel steps aside with a frustrated sigh, knocking an arrow and drawing her bow back with it pointed right at Fenster! ”Listen here, you cretin. What is worth more to you, your life or a chance at the coin? You’ve got fifteen coins. No more. You answer the questions or you get to see how accurate an elf can be with their bow!”
She adds through gritted teeth ”Can you out run an arrow?”
|
”I would also not like to harm anyone if possible. Jatembe taught to solve problems with words when we can, violence is the last resort if only for the reasons Drask mentioned. Which was very insightful, Drask.” Mokhasi whispers.
When Veltariel nocks her arrow, Mokhasi sighs and waits for his reaction.
|
|
Drask has a point, maybe they can negotiate. He can use Vel's threat to bring the price down.
Recognizing this is likely going to have dire consequences from her earlier discussion with Mokhasi, Esrisi lifts a hand and places it in front of Veltariel's bow. "Hold on one moment, there is no need for violence just yet."
Spinning back around to face Fenster she motions to her allies. "We are more than capable enough to force you to talk, that should be obvious. We are interested in a peaceful resolution however, how about lowering your cost to something more reasonable?"
When Vel points an arrow at him he quickly puts his hands up in peace "Ok, ok!" He looks to Esrisi with a look of concern then says "Get yer crazy elf ta back off an' I be tellin' yew what yew want." He turns his gaze back to Vel, still holding his hands up and adds "Don' yew be comin' back here expectin' help from Fenster again though!"
Drask gives a sharp exhale as Vel raises her bow. "Told you she knew common."
He shakes his head, knowing any chance of coming back is ruined now. Well, maybe. Fenster may take a bribe in the future regardless of the threat. Probably not the first time he's been threatened.
Drask continues standing off to the side, arms folded. Although he's undeniably the largest physical force present, he doesn't seem interested in threatening the man.
”You think your hand being there bothers me?” Veltariel asks quietly through gritted teeth. ”Do not presume to give me orders!”
Veltariel does not lower her arrow or bow, intending to keep it trained on the man until he finishes answering questions.
Caroliss moves Esrisi's hand out of the way.
"પૂરતી - અમે અહીં નિયંત્રણમાં છીએ."
She then turns to the creature in front of her. "The sooner you talk, Fenster, the sooner we leave. It's that simple. Where's Natalya?"
Veltariel gives a sideways glance at Adorellan that is enough to let him know she has no intention of lowering her bow. When Caroliss steps in on her side, she smirks but adds nothing more.
Good to know she can see reason.
The man considers his options for a moment and he almost looks like he is ready to jump up and fight but just lowers his hands "I seen her lurking 'bout in a nearby buildin'. She seemed ta be doin' her best to stay outta sight. Nuthin' in tha Shadow gits by me good peeper!" as he taps the sallow cheek under his non-clouded eye.
He explains how to get to the place and then waves his hands at you to go "Now get outta 'ere an' don' yew ever come askin' Fenster for no more favors!"
|
|
Esrisi is astounded when Caroliss pushes her hand down. She looks to the cleric questioningly. A quick glance at the annoying smirk on the face of the elf causes her blood to boil. She clenches both of her fists by her side and glares at the elf as her breathing rate increases and her heart starts pounding. Unbelievable!
Through clenched teeth she tries to hide her frustration and says to Fenster ”Thanks.”
Esrisi abruptly spins on her heels and marches past everyone back outside. She does not try to move out of the way and let’s her right shoulder crash into the elf as she pushes past her while she throws a mini-tantrum.
Drask clears his throat as the ladies start a pissing match with each other. Good we showed up in such force, this was a damned embarrassment of a shakedown. He looks back at Fenster for a moment like he's going to say something, then shakes his head and follows the others out.
"No more favors. Just some advice. Enjoy the gold you have and don't tell the Tower Girls where Natalya is. Calistrians don't forget." She gives the man a hard look before turning to leave.
Catching up to Ez, she tries to talk some reason into her. "The creep didn't deserve better, you knew it yourself. Everyone here's just trying to rob and scam us. We need to just get what we need and get out."
Veltariel doesn’t acknowledge Esrisi’s aggression. She doesn’t lower her bow or turn her back until they have all started to move away. She then steps close to Caroliss and whispers ”તમારા મિત્ર વિશે ચિંતા કરશો નહીં. તેમની માનવતા સહજતાથી તેમને હિંસા અથવા તેનાથી પ્રતિભાવ આપવાનું કારણ બને છે. તમે નોંધ્યું કે કેવી રીતે cretin માત્ર મૃત્યુના ધમકી હેઠળ આવતા? તે તેમનો રસ્તો છે. અસંસ્કૃત અને અપ્રિય, પરંતુ ઘણીવાર આપણે તેમને કેટલાકને સમજવા માટે તેમના સ્તરે લાવવાની જરૂર છે.”
|
|
Esrisi's mind is racing with so many thoughts tugging at her. When she starts talking, she's still worked up and her initial words come out with more volume and energy than she realizes. "OF COURSE HE DESERVED TO DIE! Do you think I cared what happened to him?" She points back inside, her eyes wild. "I had all but asked Drask to decapitate him earlier, that's besides the point."
Searching for the elf who is still inside, she finally gets control over her voice and lowers it. "What I'm pissed about is the complete lack of backup I had in there. Half of my team makes me look incompetent when I can't even control the message we are trying to present."
Shrugging her shoulders and letting her posture slouch she looks at Caroliss, a wounded expression in her eyes. "And then. You take. "
The pride and venom from her words all slips away as she looks to the ground and mutters softly "Where's the we in that?"
"આ જાનવરો સાથે ઇઝ લેમ્પિંગ રોકો!" shouts Caroliss, to what Veltariel whispered to her.
Caroliss hurries forward to catch up with Ez.
* * *
Caroliss looks wounded herself. "Ez, I'm not taking anyone's side. You wanted Drask to manhandle the guy. Guess what, he didn't, but you know who did? Vel. She did what you and I wanted to do. And for once, it wasn't a bad idea. We did send a message, loud and clear. Vel is a prick, but she's not the enemy. Not here, anyway, in this s$@%hole."
Caroliss realizes she might be pouring it on too much. "Look, I'm sorry. I've got your back, you know that. I just had it with being nice to that guy."
"OF COURSE HE DESERVED TO DIE!"
"Ye know, he can probably hear us." Drask folds his hands behind his head, leaning up against a nearby wall. 'Deserved' to die? For doing what exactly? Living in a craphole and asking for money when we came to him in the first place? This girl has a mean streak. He mulls over what just happened; it had been a mess, that's for sure, but they came out alright. Just weren't on the same page. Vel's got a temper. Impatient.
Drask takes a long breath in through his nose. Well s#&%. He had hoped that since he wasn't surrounded by a bunch of muscle-heads he wouldn't have to play peacekeeper. But he's quickly learning that stubbornness and pride comes from all walks of life. He scratches his right ear and looks over at Vel. Stick up your arse is all fine and good until it gets us killed.
|
|
Esrisi closes her eyes and tries to get her breathing normalizes. She takes several deep breaths until she has measured, long breaths. Her eyes flutter open and she slowly lets her clenched fists fall slack at her side. She exhales through her mouth with one long breath and slowly shakes her head as she looks off into the distance. "I don't know what it is about her. She gets under my skin. I'm trying, I really am. I guess I just need to keep trying harder."
Still looking at the ground, Esrisi issues a half nod at nothing in particular. "You're right, of course. As usual. I didn't mean to explode at you. I'm. I'm sorry about that. Sometimes it's just hard for me to control my emotions when things are stressful."
Turning to face Caroliss, her face is now full of regret and shame. "Please forgive me."
When Drask makes the comment about he can hear them still, she closes her eyes and shakes her eye. Stupid. Control yourself Esrisi. Don't give into the darkness so easily.
Caroliss is relieved that Esrisi calms down quite quickly, by her eyes. She continues on quietly, trying to have a private conversation as best as possible.
"It's fine. I'm sorry too. I mean, when it comes to that elf . . ." she glances behind her. She almost wants to share the latest thing Vel said about her, but checks herself. There was no need to inflame the situation. "We don't have to like her. We just have to finish this mission with her. Then maybe she can collect her reward and go home."
|
|
That's the best news I've heard all day.
Esrisi nods, accepting Caroliss's plan. "Agreed. Find Natalya and then Vel goes home."
She walks back to Drask and the others and considers apologizing to them as well. I'm not letting her think I'm weak by apologizing. She decides to ignore everything that just happened and point to the nearby warehouse. In a flat, expressionless tone she looks says to the group "Come on. Let's go find Natalya so we can go home and get out of this s#&#hole."
Drask grunts his approval, letting the others lead and watching the rear of the group. Fenster had good information, actually saw the woman himself. I hope we can smooth over relations later. He may be useful. Maybe I can beat up somebody for him? He gives a wry smile at how ironic that would be.
Sapher stayed near the doorway for the entire exchange. Even if this man was truly alone and helpless in the face of a half dozen armed adventurers, doesn't mean some desperate thugs hadn't seen them and the fancy clothes some of them were sporting and decide it was worth the chance.
So she missed most of the pleasantries passed between them and him, and between the party as well. They emerge to Esrisi declaring getting out of this a#!~&*%. Which seemed a bit odd to the dwarf, making her wonder what exactly they did to the man, but this is Magnimar, and she is getting accustomed to their ways.
"Did we learn much?" Sapher asks hopefully as she rejoins the group. "It was all quiet out here, other than that man using the bathroom right ---- DON'T STEP THERE!" she declares with bare a second to spare. "IT is not a rain puddle."
|
|
”We got the information that we needed at least, but nothing about slavers. We also may have made an enemy. Other things happened as well, related to interpersonal conflict between some of the people here. I will let you guess who!” Mokhasi smiles, but you can tell it is somewhat bitter. ”Excuse me.” Mokhasi steps away from the group and appears to be lost in thought. He almost steps in the puddle but stops himself at Sapher’s direction.
Sapher puffs up in pride at averting a crises… a minor one but still, one takes their victories where they can. "So where to next?"
Following the directions that Fenster provided you find the place he had described. The building has seen better days. Its clapboard sides are dark with mildew and marred by scorch marks. In places fire has gutted portions of the roof ’s moss-covered tile shingles, but the building appears to be structurally intact. The building stands near the stark wall of the Seacleft, and scree from several decades of minor rockfalls has piled up along its southern face. The windows are heavily boarded over, essentially making them just walls. The two doors in are made of heavy wood and securely shut.