"One of you folk will have to do the talking, these are not my sort of people," Edril admits. He doesn't want to seem ungracious or unkind, but him trying to cavort with the sort of people that reside in Underbridge would be about as successful as kobolds marrying into the Blakros family.
Your group makes its way out of the Arvensoar. Alistar rereads the directions a few times with Arturr since he might know more about underbridge than the rest of them. Arturr recalls the location and seems to agree with Kasadei's assessment of the area that this Fenster resides.
It is now later in the day and Arturr lets the group know that by the time they get to this warehouse it will be five or six hours past noon.
Arturr seems to take the lead and the entire group makes its way out of the Lowclefts.
The Lowcleft is unlike many of Magnimar’s other districts in that it doesn’t truly come to life until the sun sets. During the day, the place is quiet and calm as its workers and offerings sleep in rooms with
dark curtains drawn to block the sunlight. At dusk, when those who live elsewhere in the city finish their day’s work and filter down to Lowcleft for some relaxation and relatively safe entertainment, Lowleft rises from its slumber to become one of the city’s busiest districts. The clash between light and shadow is a common theme in Lowcleft,
for many establishments pay significant amounts for magical illuminations or colorful alchemical lanterns not only in order to light their facades to attract customers, but also to distract the same from their competition. Despite these frequent islands of dazzling color, many stretches of Lowcleft remain in shadow or even darkness—not
all entertainments thrive in the light and direct scrutiny, after all. Buildings here are often built of stone, although in the back alleys wood and stone buildings are more common. Streets are cobblestone,
but again, in the back alleys standards slip and wooden walkways or even packed dirt replace stones. The city watch patrols the major streets of Lowcleft, but mercenaries paid for by the district’s larger establishments provide most of the street-level security. These mercenaries are often called upon not only to watch against crime, but also as distractions against overly zealous city watch patrols or Hellknights who might be tempted to overstep the bounds of what Lowcleft expects of its law enforcers.
"So Krystal, how did you find yourself a pathfinder and why are you looking for Natylia?"
Oddly enough, Krystal was more content with the lack of security. She would relax as she laid both arms behind her back. It was clear she had issues with authority.
"So Krystal, how did you find yourself a pathfinder and why are you looking for Natylia?"
Krystal looked over to the Alchemist's eyes with a smile. "Don't you know that taverns can reveal all? You just need to get your patrons drunk enough.
With a chuckle, she continued. "I never met her before, but I know she does spy work on the Tower Girls. I've been through that crap before. They got me out of a jam and I've been returnin' the favor ever since. Turns out thievin' just as valuable for Pathfinders.
Smirking at Krystal Arturr added, "I'm sure they call it relic recovery or something fancy."
"Right we are all archeologist."
"I'm a wrestler and fighter, not a archamologist." Arturr says seriously to Alistar.
"Hey, not everyone has to be some big fancy scientist for the job. Sometimes they need a more subtle touch."
She shrugged, but chuckled at Arturr's statement. "I'm sure they try their best to make it as clean as possible. So tell me..." She bumped elbows with the half-orc. "Were you always this muscular or did you do some crazy training?
Alistar shakes his head as some of the others seem to be missing the point. "If someone asks you if you are a 'god' or an 'archeologist' you say yes." Alistar leans into archeologists to indicate it is a lie all Pathfinders tell themselves and others.
"Whatever makes you feel better about it." :3
Alista shakes his head again, "It not about how I feel. It about how the people who ask us about what we do feel. Like those nice officers we just spoke to, if they think we are grave robbing thieves they will be less helpful. Thus, we are archeologist. Am I the only one who reads the chronicles?"
"I would never be so blasphemous as to claim godhood. I serve Findeladlara, and seek her will. I am an archaeologist, and architect, in point of fact. I study ancient sites, buildings, and art to better serve her." Edril only softly admonishes, he's at least gotten the hang of jokes of this nature. The society was well aware of its reputation, but it had a good heart. "I imagine there was a time Arturr was a baby, he may not have been so immense then."
"Sure he was as a baby, but he wouldn't be considered a tall glass of water then," she winked at Arturr, but tightened up her demeanor.
"Look, we may have our differences, but we all at least agree that these items are in better hands with the Pathfinders. Better them than some low-rent crime lord with high ambitions.
Arturr bumped his elbow back at Krystal. "I was a large baby, but not so large as this. Only intense daily training for the fights in the arena. But now that I'm a pathfinder, I'll grow even stronger, as soon as we can fight some monsters. And not rob graves?" He lifted his voice at that last part of his sentence making it sound like a question. Looking at Alistar and Edril.
Tiarsus Kelquinal
Tiarsus walks along with his fellow pathfinders as he listens to their conversations and wonders about Krystal and her relationship with the Pathfinders. They make their way into the Dockways and keep going north along the road to the Underbridge.
"Krystal, so you learned about Natalya while working in a tavern. So your investigation is unsanctioned I take it from venture-captain Sheila Heidmarch and her husband Sir Canayven Heidmarch? What are they going to think that you got yourself involved in this situation? We lost a companion who had to leave on short notice for his family. We have only known each other for a short time but Estel was invaluable to us in the short time he was with our group. It sounds like you are very much like Estel in your skills and abilities."
"Let start asking about Fenster the Blight."
Tiarsus Kelquinal
Tiarsus walks along with his fellow pathfinders as he listens to their conversations and wonders about Krystal and her relationship with the Pathfinders. They make their way into the Dockways and keep going north along the road to the Underbridge.
"Krystal, so you learned about Natalya while working in a tavern. So your investigation is unsanctioned I take it from venture-captain Sheila Heidmarch and her husband Sir Canayven Heidmarch? What are they going to think that you got yourself involved in this situation? We lost a companion who had to leave on short notice for his family. We have only known each other for a short time but Estel was invaluable to us in the short time he was with our group. It sounds like you are very much like Estel in your skills and abilities."
Krystal glared back at Tiarsus before continuing. "I know it's not under orders, but from what I've heard you need someone who's good at picking locks and knows the gang jargon. Look, once we find her I'll take responsibility from Shelia, alright?"
Keezheekoni grins down at Krystal, amused at the banter between his companions. "You have a free spirit, filled with life and fire. We will be getting along well, you and I" He turns his attention back to the road ahead as he adds, "But let us not forget that we are doing this for someone else, and they are counting on our ability to work together. We should be quick about it."
The group makes its way out of the Lowclefts and into the Dockways. Your passage through the Dockway is uneventful. Your group passes the No-Horn and exceptionally seedy tavern which is in stark contrast to the Old Fang which is a high-end tavern in the Dockway as well. It is well known as an example of the type of low-end drinking holes that seem to pop up and fail on a monthly basis near the Bazaar of Sails. No-Horn (so named for its colorful sign depicting drinking devils capering around a tormented,
hornless unicorn) is a leaning, black structure built from a discarded ship’s hull. Its food and drink, while certainly affordable on any budget, are as unpleasant to experience as the bartender himself, a foul-tempered and terribly disfigured man missing both ears. You know the Eyes of the Hawk is nearby, a monument that depicts twin wizards, to the west.
As you pass under the Irespan the change is noticeable from the Dockway. While the majority of Underbridge’s roads are little more than muddy gaps between slumping shanties and decaying shacks, evidence of the Magnimarian founders’ attempt to bring civilization even here is evident in short stretches of broken cobblestones. The larger paving stones that once lined the major streets (placed during the city’s foundation when visions of Underbridge as a slum had yet to manifest) have all long since been dug up and sold off. Seedy taverns, poorly run brothels, and rat-infested gambling dens compete with salt-blasted tenement
buildings and cheap flophouses in Magnimar’s most dangerous district, Underbridge.
This is not a friendly place and as you walk the muddy paths it is apparent that eyes are on you from many alleys, windows, and corners.
Tiarsus Kelquinal
The young half-elf follows his companions as the group makes its way undre the Irespan. "From what I understand the government has spent a fortune on trying to clean this place up... It doesn't appear the coin went to good use. I know several of the churches attempted to reform these lost souls but that didn't work as well." He steps on something with a squish and doesn't bother to look at what it was but simply scraps it off on the side of some stones covered in some sort of miserable looking green blue fungus.
"That's because church service isn't what these people want,"Krystal scoffed.
"Anything that would have subjected them to servitude would probably have scared them off."
"These people are hardly lost. They are the same as you and I, people aren't wholly defined by their surrounding." He flashes a toothy grin at one of the ladies outside a brothel, "Hi Carol!"
Taking a few more steps he points down an alley, "I used to sleep there in the alley on the back side of the fireplace stones where it's warm. I turned out just fine."
"Only religious problems around here are that there are followers of some of the nastier deities. Faith all the same, I say."
"These people are hardly lost. They are the same as you and I, people aren't wholly defined by their surrounding."
Nodding in agreement, Keezheekoni adds, keeping an eye on their surroundings. "The opposite is actually more to the truth. One's surroundings is more often defined by those who live within. And these streets are nearly as wild as the Cinderlands."
Alistar thinks about any contacts he has or people he may have overheard while buying materials in this area to help get them started.
"Hey now, I'm pretty sure Carol's heart's out for the Savored Sting."
She blew a kiss at Carol before moving on. "Granted, I wouldn't be caught dead in the clergy, but I ain't judgy on who you worship. Just don't go all 'holier than thou' on 'em."
It didn't seem like it, but she too was checking her surroundings.
Tiarsus Kelquinal
He turns to Krystal. "This is only what have heard...I cannot argue with your logic of the churches but the gods have a part to play in all of this. I am not keen on what men tell me of the gods but I am interested in what the gods have to say about us." He smiles and continues walking with his friends as he turns to notice that Keezheekoni and Krystal seem to be keeping an eye out about them. He looks around the muddy street and then up to the roofs and back behind them to see if anyone is actually following them but makes it looks as if he is fixing his muddy boot.
None of you can see any sign of you being followed but you are being watched by many of the locals. Arturr and Krystal seem to blend right in and in some regard so does Tiarsus. Krystal notices that Tiarsus mannerisms changed just a bit and he seemed to almost blend into the environment just as she did. It is apparent the man had seen a hard life at some point.
Alistar thinks about any contacts he has or people he may have overheard while buying materials in this area to help get them started.
[dice=Local]1d20+5
"Arturr, there was a guy I stopped and talked to sometimes by the Shadow Clock. He talks to everyone. Greets each person by name. Has a little stand for knife sharpening and other odd jobs fixing cookware and such. He might have an idea about our man. Do you know of him?"
Arturr thinks for a moment.
"I know him sure. Everyone does. That's a great idea Alistar, we should head over there and see if his stand is set up." Arturr grins. Not one to usually be in the know, he relishes it when he has the chance.
"Ok let's go see him."
Edril sticks out like a sore thumb. He's dressed very well, and his staff denotes him as clergy, to those who would know better. That and he's uncomfortable, so there's just something distinctly off about him in this place. "This sounds like a good idea!"
"Not exactly the most welcoming job, but hey. Maybe he has a toned physique."
Keezheekoni grins, following along in the wake of his companions' enthusiasm. He doesn't let it distract him from watching around him for danger or suspicious behavior.
Your group having a specific destination makes its way to the Shadow Clock. Only Arturr and Krystal have seen the clock so the experience is new for most of you.
Among the most impressive monuments in Underbridge, the Shadow Clock is a
minor marvel of engineering. At a height of 250 feet, this teetering structure of stone, wood, and rusted metal towers above the other buildings in the district, yet the overwhelming presence of the Irespan pilings itself keeps the clock in a more than symbolic shadow. The tower’s
clock face is frozen at 3 o’clock, and though a statue of a nameless angel perches at its highest point, the Shadow Clock is the only monument in Magnimar that does not currently offer blessings to those who come seeking
aid.
You walk into the huge courtyard and in the shadow of the enormous clock and you can see several stalls, small tents and tables, and wagons. surrounding the clock. You can also see "eyes" watching the courtyard but they seem to be "protecting" the vendors.
Arturr sees the old man sitting on a stool using a sharpening wheel as he oils a blade and sharpens it. He seems to be whistling as he works on the blade.
Just to be sure, Krystal, takes a good look at the prying eyes to see their intention.
Afterwards, she playfully bumps shoulders with the half-orc. "So, is that old coot the guy we're looking for?"
Whispering but speaking very seriously, "Sir, I will be blunt because we short on time. I don't mean to be rude. There is a missing woman and we think Fenster the Blight may have information. We know what type of person he is and we are willing to risk that to rescue the girl do you know where he may be?"
The group comes up to the old man as he works at this table. He currently sits at his table sharpening a kitchen knife as he looks up. The man is probably in his mid-sixties with long thin curly grey hair that was probably shiny black at one time. He has green old eyes and a sun worn face. He has braids on each side of his face with colored and metallic beads in them. He also has necklace charms of various powers and a multitude of hoop earrings of copper and silver. A young boy and girl sit to his left mending shirts and pants. To his right is a wooden sign that says:
Sharpening -
Small blades - 3cp
Medium blades - 5cp
Large blades - 7cp
Mending/Rewrapping handles - 5cp
Repairing leather goods and armor - starting at 1sp
Mending clothes - 2cp per repair
He studies the man before him as he talks. He then looks around and seems to pause at several points and then turns back to Alistar. He then turns to Arturr.
Let me tend to your blades and your gear. As I and my grandkids do we can talk without prying eyes taking a big interest.
Arturr's gear is new, but he hands his axe to the man anyway. "Thank you sir, away from prying eyes it is."
The old man takes the axe and inspects it. "I can do a new wrap for you...will be better than the one you have on it now." He gives Arturr a look. "You seem familiar to me?"
He turns to Alistar as he makes a show of unwrapping the axe handle and pulling out a new wrap. He cleans and oils the leather to soften it and then cleans the handle. "Fenster...he has the reputation and the looks of a foul man. Will do anything for a coin he will..." He looks up at you and the rest of your group. "And I mean anything for a coin." He finishes the wrap and begins to put the toop and bottom pieces on it to secure the wrap. As he does he coughs and clears his throat. "There is a rumor floating around these parts that the girls...the Tower Girls are held up in an old warehouse by the shoreline that they share with that man."
He finishes wrapping the handle and he gives it to Arturr. "5cp pieces please. Who's next?"
Alistar gives a sliver, "I will come back for a sharpening later. Thank you hopefully you saved someone's life."
"Oh, I've been there before. Hustling for the latest score."
She held the hilt of her sword in consideration... but let go afterwards, making a mental note to visit later.
"Sounds great. And do you happen to know where he may be right now?"
Keezheekoni watches the old man work with interest.
"You're hands work well in their appointed tasks," he comments to the old man. He unhooks his Klar and hands it to the man. "This has been in need of some care. Would you please be willing?"
Alistar gives a sliver, "I will come back for a sharpening later. Thank you hopefully you saved someone's life."
He nods..."Be careful with that one. Hear tell he has ill luck about him. Whoever he comes in near falls prey to horrible sickness. Some say he was paid to be part of weird and horrible experiments... Some say...others say he is just covered in his own filth and others... One doesn't know with that one so be careful." He bites down on the silver and smiles. "I thank you for the silver and wish you luck and good fortune in your venture!"
"Oh, I've been there before. Hustling for the latest score."
She held the hilt of her sword in consideration... but let go afterwards, making a mental note to visit later.
"Sounds great. And do you happen to know where he may be right now?"
He turns his head to the direction of the shoreline and points to the road in that direction. "I hear he is in an abandon warehouse...just follow the foul smell. All the worst of the filth drifts up on that part of the beach and shore. The warehouse is collapsed and he should be there...He tends to move around a lot."
Keezheekoni watches the old man work with interest.
[dice=Appraise]1d20+1
"You're hands work well in their appointed tasks," he comments to the old man. He unhooks his Klar and hands it to the man. "This has been in need of some care. Would you please be willing?"
He smiles. I have not had my hands on a Shoanti Klar in a long while. He turns to his grand son. Speaking in Varisian he tells him to look and it is a weapon of the brave men to the north. The boy smiles.
He looks at the handle. "I will rewrap this in the traditional style of your people. I know it." He cuts and unwraps your handle and begins to work on it and then carefully re wraps it in the herringbone style of your people. Being careful to cap the bottom in the traditional style of your clan which he recognizes from your many tattoos.
"Here you go." He smiles as he passes your Klar back respectfully. "That will be five copper."
Edril smiles. "I have no need of your services, as my craft is service to my god, but I thank you all the same for your good words." He very gently raps his staff upon some of the stones nearby, and incants a blessing over the good man.