Would not wish to draw any attention to our tower though. Lets leave that part out.
Understood Alexandr acknowldges.
As for Ajikis, I simply befriended the little drake while atoning for my sins to Saerenrae.
As they disembark from the ship, hearing the little discussion.
I agree best for us to leave reference to the fortress, considering the fortress contained a collection of protection wards, which they believe are still in place. It is not like we destroyed them, just moved them into one room.
While they walk to the town, she continues to practice some phrases of worship to Saerenrae and related mannerisms, getting feed back from the more knowledgable members of her party.
"They seem to think we're just another band of adventurers," Cori whispers to the rest of the group. "We should not disabuse them of that notion. I suggest we either hit the nearest tavern and start chatting up the patrons, or else go to the store and act like we're looking to re-supply ourselves."
So what places are you interested in visiting now that you are here?
The key to understanding Farholde is water. Almost every structure in the city of Farholde is built on one of nine hills. The reason for this arrangement is simple – Farholde floods. Almost every year in the spring, The Path river brimming with mountain runoff, overflows its banks and floods Farholde. These floods are usually predictable and brief. They have never in memory crested any of the nine hills. These floods are a boon for Farholde. They deposit rich lake sediment all over the delta plane and create rich arable land for the growing season. No one in Farholde worries about leaving fields fallow or fortifying their soil. The mighty Path River handles all such labor. But these floods also mean if you build a structure beneath the floodline, you had better be prepared for it to be underwater for at least two weeks a year.
Points of interest might include:
Abbey of Saint Cynthia-Celeste
Usually called simply the Abbey by locals, this large walled manor house is home to a devout order of warrior nuns. Followers of Irori the nuns are a common sight about town dressed in their dark blue and white habits. These “Maidens of Enlightenment” are a chaste and cloistered order, but still must frequently leave their abbey to conduct their business. They are a relatively young order, Having been founded only a hundred years ago or so.
Auld’Irey
Built upon the largest of the nine hills, this is the oldest section of Farholde and the only part of the town surrounded by a wall. When the hill fort that became Hamorhall fell, there was across the river a small Iraen town. The town surrendered without battle and was captured intact. Auld’Irey (pronounced all-DIARY), a corruption of “Old Iraen”, is the rebuilt remains of that settlement.
Today Auld’Irey is the mostly densely populated portion of Farholde. Every available plot has been developed and buildings are stacked upon buildings. The majority of commerce is done here and the lionshare of Farholde’s shops, taverns and inns are located in this quarter.
This quarter is not just filled with shops. Many people live here and the oldest houses in Farholde are located here. Once Auld’Irey was the nicest place to live in Farholde but recently that honor has been usurped by the manors of Calliver Green.
Auld’Irey
Built upon the largest of the nine hills, this is the oldest section of Farholde and the only part of the town surrounded by a wall.
Today Auld’Irey is the mostly densely populated portion of Farholde. Every available plot has been developed and buildings are stacked upon buildings. The majority of commerce is done here and the lion's share of Farholde’s shops, taverns and inns are located in this quarter.
This quarter is not just filled with shops. Many people live here and the oldest houses in Farholde are located here. Once Auld’Irey was the nicest place to live in Farholde but recently that honor has been usurped by the manors of Calliver Green.
Calliver Green
This gently sloping hill is amongst the highest points south of the Scardynn delta and has become home to the wealthiest residents of Farholde. Access to the Green is blocked by a small private guard post. Without a pass granted by a resident, access is not allowed.
Only six estates stand on the hill owned by the wealthiest families in town. (including one Baron Vandermir)
Templeton Rise
Located at the highest point in Auld’Irey is the center of all trade in Farholde — the Templeton Rise. Originally, a temple to all gods worshipped in the area. The temple was sold to the Marsten family, very rich merchants who repurposed it. The family remains the current owners and this is the hub of their mercantile empire.
Newchurch
Newchurch is the name of the neighborhood, the hill it sits on, and the common title given to the Iomedean church at its center. Several other smaller churches to Sarenrea, Shelyn, Torag, Abadar, and Cayden Cailean surround the temple of Iomedea.
Drownington
This is the low-lying middle between Auld’Irey, Newchurch, Estell and Jasperhill. Being one of the lowest areas around the delta, no one sane would live here and yet it is crowded with temporary structures, water-logged shanties and traveller’s tents. This transient community is definitely the bad part of town. It exists because the town watch has repeatedly proven it is loathe to come down here. This is understandable, it is not easy to get to Drownington from Auld’Irey. The bridge that connects Auld’Irey to Newchurch is separated by a wall. The eastern gate that connects Auld’Irey to Estell has no access to Drownington. You have to leave through the north gate and trudge through hundreds of yards of muddy bog to make it to Drownington. The guard rarely bothers. Thus, there is effectively a small lawless zone right in the middle of Farholde.
Lord Drownington’s Manor
There is only one permanent structure in Drownington built on a slab of rock that is mostly above the flood line (by almost four inches!). There stands a stout stone bunker that has barely survived a hundred floods. A crudely made sign in front reads “Lord Drownington’s Manor”. Equal parts bar, brothel, fight club, black market and thieves’ guild, this is without a doubt the most dangerous place in Farholde.
Corgan’s Landing
This is a large slab of stone built on the banks of the Path river almost two centuries ago. Though it has settled some, it remains comfortably above the flood line. Thus, it is completely filled with warehouses, businesses and offices of all sorts. It is also the home of the Harbormaster’s House.
"From what I've heard, Lord Drownington's Manor would be the most fun, but we're a respectable, law-abiding sort, so I suppose either Auld'Irey or Newchurch to start?" Cori asks her companions. Her tone indicates that if they weren't on a mission of importance with dire consequences for failure, she would head straight to the aforementioned den of iniquity.
The most circuitous way our mission has taken so far, I would be unsurprised if certain enquiries, at some point, may neccessiate a hopefull brief intermezzo in this den of vice
Alexandr states, clearly having a similar mindset as Coriandrine concerning this.
My preference would be the Auld'rey, perhaps we can find some information, as well as possible business contacts, in its enviroments. A frontier town such as this should typically have some mercenary contracts available.
We likely should act our parts and do a little drinking and such as we gather information about what is going on. Look for opportunities to weaken the tower. Eventually we need to make our way to that inn we have heard about. but not too soon.
"Do you want to do your drinking somewhere respectable, or somewhere fun?" Cori asks.
She tosses her hands into the air as they walk, getting a sideways look from Ajikisshochraos beside her, speaking loudly, Is it all you lot can think of, is to drink. Drink, and drink more. You lot are going to get me in to more trouble than what I already in with my blessed lady Saerenrae, who by her divine will punished me for my mistake that I need to make right, letting out a huge sigh as she drops her arms to her sides looking down at the ground.
We are pretending to be adventurers R'yz. Adventurer's drink, or at least hang our in taverns. Have to look the part. Besides I am not sure i have taken a drink in your presence ever. And I vote for fun Cori. But lets all keep in mind we are only here to have a look about and to learn the lay of the town. We've closer to 4 weeks than three before we can make our move.
"We come back from our adventures. We find ourselves the nice inns, taverns, and shops, maybe stop by a temple to pray," she nods to R'yz. "Then, later in the evening, we head for the rougher part of town for the fun and games. All the time, we take note of the fortifications, who's vulnerable, who's well-positioned and provisioned to withstand an assault, and so on. In the meantime, we also might get a sense of unrest, and who might be a reliable inside agent to help even the odds by opening a gate or two."
Are you reading my mind mylady?
Alexandr inquires cheekily.
As we proceed with our mission, it is imperative that we maintain a degree of privacy, as there is no need to bother the good folk of Farholde with out ruminations. Unfortunately, I am not capable of casting the message cantrip. Do we by chance share any unusual language that would not immidiatly raise alert? I do speak Common, Orcish, Abyssal, Celestial and Fae, the latter of which could be of use. He offers.
Alexandr gives the area they are in a good glance over, checking for overall burnability, defensiveness, or possible covered approaches a storming army may utilize.
Sindri, record militarily relevant details as mentally dictated he instructs his "inner phantom".
Visibility from northern approaches at X feet, moderate amount of cover, terrains suitability for trenchworks questionable on account of inundation. He dictates, then pauses mentally.
Investigate possibiliy of collapsing parts of the wall works by creatively transferring subterrain inundation beneath the actual walls.
Conducting assessment on viability of outlying structures to conduct defense in depth
I wonder if there is a temple of Gorum, it is a god whose tenets I have never violated, and adherence to whom I can claim as part of my "Beerfiend" cover identity. Can I actually ask about that without looking like a fool?
He otherwise moves towards the "nice inns and shops be here" area.
“A wide net catches the most fish. I agree with going to the different parts of the town, we’ll get the best….. drink”.
As we walk I’ll ask a few questions about what people think of the town subtly asking about the Balentyne, to see if there is any common crossover between the areas. Or they ever have see any soldiers come by.
She chuckles, then places her hand onto Stanislav's hand, Just practising to be an adventurer, for when we have entered Farholde.
Responding to Alexandr question of languages, Don't know any of those. I only know common to my own language of dragons. Don't even think that I will teach any of your druidic. Ajikis only knows the language of dragons.
I have mastered dwarven and infernal but both would draw undue attention I think. Stanislav notes. I believe I will shop for a quality coffin while in town and maybe a wagon and team to pull it. It seems a dear uncle is quite ill and is not expected to make it another month. Now where would that uncle live...? Anyone have an idea?
For Vinnicks part, he gets off easy. After all, everyone expects the bookish wizard to keep to themselves in any adventuring group. He carried his back up spell book and put on an even more stand offish nature than usual.
Well, does the town really matter? Name some town a week of travel in distance and I'm sure it would be fine. As for languages, I can make use of the message spell, although any magic is going to draw attention, sadly. Makes the enchantment school less useful in subterfuge. Thankfully, I never particularly wasted my time with it. In regards to myself, I speak Common, Elven, Draconic, Infernal, Abyssal, Celestial, Sylvan, Necril and have more than dabbled in undercommon, orcish, and even Ignan. The last one was a passing fancy. Oh, and I have knowledge, though little actual experience with, Thassilonian.
He allows himself a half smile of pride.
Vinnick will then give a small list of towns for Stannis to choose from.
I actually see now I did miss one request from Casta and Alex
Asking about the Balentyne he learns that the families of many of the soldiers in the castle live in this city. There is quite a bit of back-and-forth travel by the soldiers who come to visit during their days off some to visit families other to simply play games and drink in the local taverns.
There is no temple of Gorum in this city only Iomedea, Sarenrea, Shelyn, Torag, Abadar, and Cayden Cailean are present.
Alex moves along the streets going towards the center of town going into Auld’Irey. The place is bustling with traffic and dozens of merchants sell various wares here. Most of the foot traffic is either coming into or coming out of the largest structure in the center which was once a grand temple. A large sign reads "The Marsten Emporium".
Seeing Alex move, Cori follows. "Auld'lrey it is, then," she says to the group. Seeing the sign and majestic storefront, she gestures towards the Marsten Emporium and says, "This looks like it might be a fun place to look around for a bit."[/b]
Casta hearing about it the possibility of soldiers moving back and forth starts to formulate a plan. At the very least an idea with a couple actionable measures. Taking a moment to himself while sipping a drink and putting on the mask that is required with such simple people he tries to think of some dangers in the area some that might cause unforeseen… accidents.
Then taking a moment he decides to begin looking about trying to o identify someone who might look like a possible guard of Balentyne here on leave and somewhat available to approach.
Before entering Farholde she whispers to Ajikisshochraos, Now remember, we here to gather information, not to cause trouble. Just remain quiet, unless you sense danger. I have to pretend to be a Saerenrae worshipper, so we need to act if we are. Probably need to visit the temple to keep up the pretence of me being turned into a kobold.
Once they reach the centre of Auld'lrey, at the large temple building, she speaks out, I need to pay my respects to Saerenrae, should not take long. Where should we meet up, once I done my prayers?
Alexandr hits a bar, chugging some booze, listening to some tales, venturing only generic things on his own.
In particular, how much are local soldiers b~$$@ing, how paid are they, anyone having beef with anyone else? Does he spot gambling, Gambling debts are a possible hook after all.
Cori enters the Emporium, giving the impression of an adventurer looking to stock up on supplies. She looks around to see just how well-stocked the shop is, and the quality of the goods they carry.
@Casta
@Alex
The first place of drinking you find is the lord's dalliance. It is a pleasant enough place with strong drink and adequate food. You quickly notice Casta chatting up a soldier in the corner and you go about doing the same. You ask if the soldiers have caused any trouble and the bartender you talking too quickly dismisses it. "Lord Havelyn is very strict, if any soldiers causes trouble and he catches wind of it he would likely have them whipped...No the soldier knows better than to cause trouble...Those dwarves thought...I heard they're in town to fix up the Balentyne, some basic maintenance or what have you but every night they come down and cause a ruckus, drinking, fighting. I even heard some of them were accused of picking pockets but the guards are ignoring it! In any case just stay clear of them and you should be fine."
@Cori
They are quite well stocked and carry a decent assortment of items. (anything under 4000 gold is readily available, anything 4000-10000 is very likely to be available but in short supply) anything higher than that might be there but not likely.
As the group split up to their various destinations, she turns to the temple building to look at it from base to top and lets out a sigh, speaking softly in draconic to Ajikisshochraos, Here we go. Now behave yourself and remain by my side. This is a holy site, and we don't want to end up in trouble.
She then pats Ajikisshochraos' head and starts to walk up the few stairs to the temple's entrance, walking in slowly and immediately moving to one side to observe how the worshippers are behaving. When she sees the symbols of Saerenrae, she pauses and give a bow in their direction mimic what the worshippers were doing.
She finds an seat near the edge, in an area with few worshippers and clergy. There she observes for a while, bowing occasionally as if in prayer. Looking for a novice clergy to chat too, not wanting a high ranking clergy whom could easily detect that she is not who she says she is.
Upon finding one she moves over and introduces herself as Lirieal, and immediately explain why she appears as a kobold after seeing a surprise expression on the celrgy's face. She asks about how is the situation in the region, and where there is a need of aid, as she still is atoning for her error.
He nods and listens, casually buying drinks for the table and passing them along to the guards to make sure they are drinking. “Leaving, like back to the fort? Oh I hope I have a chance to see him before he leaves. Any idea where he stays in town? I’m sure someone has to know where the man goes, I could pay my respects to him in person without the rush, of duty.”
After agreeing to meet up later at an inn Stanislav goes off to conduct his own business.
Stanislav wants to try to rent a small house or even warehouse space. Ideally somewhere out of the way and where a small wagon could be sheltered or even brought into a stable space. If he can find a place to rent he wants to then buy a wagon and buy or even rent a draft horse.[/ooc]
"You've got quite an array of fine wares here," Cori says casually to the shopkeeper. "How do you manage to keep your stock up in such rough and tumble country? Are mercenaries reliable and plentiful in these parts?
"Not sure where he could be, probably staying at a woman's house if I were to venture a guess."
"So, is there somewhere here in town the merchant's go to hire mercs, or do they post a notice somewhere? How's it work?" Cori asks in a tone of genuine curiosity.
After relocating most of his money in a compartment on the inside of his breastplate, leaving only a smaller amount on his "moneybag", Alexandr seeks out the dwarfs.
Hearing of the crisis, A crisis you? Do you have details of this crisis to the south? If I fail to find adventuring group requiring my aid, perhaps I may head south to help with the efforts there. Would be good to know what sort of help they are in need there.
All the while stroking Ajikisshochraos' head to make sure she does not misbehave.
With such niceties coming to an end he gives a clasp on the back to the man and walks off. The mask he had on washing off as quickly it was put on. With the start of a plan forming as he thinks he decides to head back to meet up with the others.
Master Ritkin, I only wish to rent the property and not buy it. How about I count out 400 gold and pay you in advance for one month of rent, starting today? I think that should be a sufficient sum to both rent the property and borrow the horses and wagon long enough to move my merchandise.
It doesn't take long for Alex to find the dwarves sitting at an isolated table in a tavern enjoying some drinks. They are covered in grime and sweat after a long day of work.
They explain the crisis and you quickly realize they are talking about the town of Roslar's coffer that was annihilated during the weapon test that you had a hand in organizing. The blast that destroyed the town also create a massive horde of undead that was left to it's own devices and started rampaging across the land. You realize that this is going to draw a large portion of the military of the Last wall to the south of the nation for quite some time.
You notice Alex and Casta in the tavern with you chatting up the locals you aren't quite sure where to find the others but you can meet them at the place you decided at the appointed time.
He nods and agrees to your price.
Listening to clergy attentively, she nods as they describe the chaos taking place, and responds rubbing her chin, Hmmm. Undead on the loose. Disposing of these undead is sure a worthy cause. Thank you for the valuable information. Bless our lady Saerenrae, bows slightly and turns to head out. Softly speaking to Ajikisshochraos in common as she also uses her hand to indicate that the drake to follow, Come. Quickly Ajikisshochraos falls in beside her.
She leaves the temple and heads off to the appointed location to meet up with the group.
Alexandr, looking like a pretty average mercenary, approaches the dwarfs in a friendly manner.
Greetings, you wouldnt by chance know where to get some proper booze in town? If its good I buy you guys a round of it.
Spending nearly all his coin on the first part of his mission, Stannis sets off to procure a couple reasonably prices coffins. He also checks into low priced bulky trade goods that can be stored in the warehouse space.
Cori nods in thanks for the information and seeks to locate the mercenary contractor.
Maybe I can throw a shoe in the mill-wheel by getting some of the more accomplished fighters out of town, she muses silently to herself.
Alex takes some time talking to the dwarves and learns they were hired to replace some foundations that had started to weaken on the Balentyne walls but he isn't able to get any specific details from them other than they should be working on them for the next ten days or so.
Stannis finds a place that will sell him a cheap coffin for a single as 2 gold. He can find all kinds of goods for sale in the market that he could store in the warehouse to make it seem used.
Having gathered some information you all meet up again to share what you have learned.
Do we have any means of creating auditory hallucinations? Have some of the Lastwall soldiers in the bar hear the Dwarfs singing drinking songs that are rude to humans, a fight breaks out, and we socially manipulate things into a breakdown of business relations?
Alexandr proposes.
Once she arrives at the meeting point, she speaks softly, Well, well, well. The town to the south is keeping most of the clergy busy trying to contain the undead outbreak there. Only a few remain here, the young ones learning and the old frail ones. So in short there is a shortage in healing here and the castle.
Stalislav sets up his small warehouse before joining the others. He Stores two coffins inside - one simply hidden under other goods and a second sealed (but not air tight) inside a crate.
Assuming Alex shares what he knows about the dwarves Stanislav ponders Any means of discrediting the dwarves or who they are working for would help. Perhaps we can sabotage their work too. Extra lime in the mortor of the like. It would be nice to slow them so they are not done before the attack but outright attacking them is out I think. I wonder if there are human stonecutters that feel slighted?
Taht is good news R'yzznty. How far away is this town. It would be a shame if the next group that headed that way did not make it...
Casta makes a mention of what he learned as well taking in what the others said.
“There will be a patrol as well over the next couple of days, one of the captains will be on it. It could be the perfect start to weakening the guard force and learning of its exact capabilities. It could also let us sneak back in as guards saying orcs attacked us, giving us a way in.”
Having the patrol disappear is good, sneaking in as guard is risky, guards will know each other, and we are unlikely to even get their names. Alexandr muses.
A wide smile spreads across his lips, “Fair about the impersonating guards. But names and other details are merely the standard when interrogating. I’m sure someone in the scouting party like the captain would know.”
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I believe our way in is the tunnel we have heard of. Much less of a risk, assuming we can find it. But let us not show our hand too soon. I like the idea of taking out the patrol if we can get out of the city and lay in wait for them.