OK, split four ways it is 503.75.
"The Thassilonian symbol for wrath, eh? Did we ever figure out the significance of the name Baraket, on the rapier case? Audrahni, my friend, have you heard of the name Baraket? It could be the weapon, or one who wielded it. If you don't know, we need to quietly ask around about that, too, while we're at it."
"I'm afraid I don't know the name Baraket."
"So now, after looking at the map in the town hall, we need to find and speak to some of the Horned Fangs. And go shopping. And outfit ourselves for a trip into the Churlwood to see this Stone House."
"Yes," says Audrahni. "Perhaps you should check at Cove Hall and speak with the Port-Governor. Or at least research there in the archives of the Cove. Not much of a research library, but its what we have here."
The slippers, when you try to wear them over your boots, refuse to resize.
Satisfied with what he has heard from Audrahni, Nasir readies himself to head to Cove Hall.
"It was nice to meet you, Audrahni. Thank you for entertaining our questions and giving us some further insight in our investigation. I am still curious about why you have come to this town, but perhaps that is a conversation best had over a meal at some other time.
If no one has anything else to ask of Audrahni, let us leave her to her work and head to Cove Hall."
All five of you walk over to Cove Hall, hoping to explore its (admittedly limited) archives. When you arrive, Larenza Thort, the current Port-Governor of Roderic's Cove welcomes you kindly.
"Ah, hello again, Nasir al-Rafik Kamal. Are you here to look at the archives again?" she asks when she sees the Kelishite warrior.
You pull out the two items you retrieved from the house: the sketch with "St.Hs." and "X" on it and the torn bit of parchment with the compass rose on it.
When the group begins poring over the various maps in the Hall's archives, Nasir immediately finds the map he had seen previously of the Churlwood and the surrounding area.
Two things of note jump out at the team: first, it is a much more well-crafted version of the sketched map they have in hand from the Wreck. The map found at the Wreck is obviously a quickly done draft and the one stored in Cove Hall's archives is the finished map of the same area. The sketch includes "St. Hs." and the "X" atop what you've deduced is the location of the "Stone House" that the ghost of Sir Roderic talked about. The final map does NOT have either marking. Perhaps Sir Roderic did not want to call attention to the location in the official, final map he produced.
Secondly, the finished map before them is missing a corner. The smaller piece of parchment (also found at the Wreck) with the compass rose on it fits the torn map corner perfectly. Likely, somebody mishandled the map when they were taking it from the Wreck years ago. If asked, Port-Governor Thort tells you an anecdote of the guard-captain of the time who visited the house just after Sir Roderic had died to collect various items for preservation here at Cove Hall. One of them was the map before you.
"The guard-captain's journals say he was crying from the recent loss of the 'beloved, noble Sir Roderic' and that is why he tripped and fell from the porch as he left," says Thort. "You can see dirt on some of the paintings and papers that we daren't clean too thoroughly now, for fear of damaging the items. Frankly, I think the guard-captain was freaked out about being in the house. Even then, only days after Sir Roderic's death, it was spooky, it is said. I think this bit of the map must have been torn in his haste to leave."
By comparing the sketch and the final map, you confirm what you've thought: the Stone House is in the Churlwood on what appears to be ridge, a few miles southeast of Roderic's Cove. This should give you enough guidance to get there, or at least close to it.
And again, the Compass Rose on the torn corner piece is a Sihedron rune and each point has a rune associated with it.
Other items taken from Sir Roderic's home for storing in the archives include paintings of the family, including their three small children and Sir Roderic and his wife. One painting shows Andella Roderic wearing what are clearly the magical slippers Frantino currently possesses. The images of the children are haunting. The vibrant images of the living children stare out at you, reminding you of the ghostly visages you've recently encountered of these same children.
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Ayita thanks Adrahni and asks Ter to thank her too, hoping to cheer the elf up a little. Ayita is wishing she knew more about elves and is feeling out of her element.
Ter gives a sort of chip of thanks to the elf.
Ayita comes to the Cove Hall. She studies the maps very carefully, and asks Ter to take a look too. The falcon is very visual, but has trouble with abstract concepts; Ayita takes a while with her and does her best to help the falcon with the relative location of the places.
"Larenza Thort - Thank you again for allowing me access to your archives. In my search for antiquities, it is always good to learn more of the history of a place. This visit has been even more enlightening than my last.
I know that there has been recent violence in town, and I am curious about your insight on what happened. When I came to this town, I was told it was quite peaceful, and I should be more concerned with the pirates of Riddleport, but I seem to have arrived after some uncharacteristic murders.
My companions and I are looking into this as we have found some odd connections between the Horned Fangs and my historical research. Can you tell me more about the Horned Fangs? What are they involved in? Who is their leader? Why does your small town have a gang in it? What was their relationship with the Roadkeepers before these murders? What is the relationship between the town and the Roadkeepers?
I would be pleased with whatever information you have to share."
"My companions and I are looking into this as we have found some odd connections between the Horned Fangs and my historical research. Can you tell me more about the Horned Fangs? What are they involved in? Who is their leader? Why does your small town have a gang in it? What was their relationship with the Roadkeepers before these murders? What is the relationship between the town and the Roadkeepers?"
"Well, Mr al-Rafik, the Horned Fangs are just a bunch of workers and such who are down on their luck. I guess you can say, they're just looking to make things better for themselves by banding together. Sort of an informal laborer's guild. They keep saying they need better wages. Though, honestly, I don't think the Cove needs all that. Just work hard, pull yourself by your bootstraps, and you can achieve anything, I say! Don't need no handouts. I mean, my grandfather didn't need any handouts when he started his business, back in the day."
Port-Governor Thort doesn't quite snort, but obviously believes things aren't so hard as the Horned Fangs' members feel it is. She straightens her quite well-tailored coat as she frowns, forced to explain a position she doesn't really like.
"I wouldn't call them a 'gang.' Or at least, not quite a gang. Jana Gold is their leader, I think. She's an OK sort. Likes an ale down at the Creekside. You must have seen her. Dark hair, short, kinda wavy. Green eyes. Wears a tricorn."
She waits a moment.
"My, you're just full of questions, aren't you, newcomer! Well, the Roadkeepers are just a nuisance to the local merchants traveling the Coast Road. But then, if they're coming from Riddleport, they're probably prepared to pay a road tax, or whatever the criminal element is calling it these days. We haven't seen many 'Keepers in town, other than one or two at a time to have a drink or stock up on provisions. Haven't seen them talking to any Horned Fangs, that I remember. Kinda surprising that they'd do something like this. Now where'll they get a drink? Can't say they'd be welcome here, anymore."
Nasir notes Ayita's comment.
"If we would have know about her, we might have found her at Creekside last night. Well, since I am staying there, it shouldn't be too hard for the proprietrix to introduce Jana Gold to me."
Nasir continues his conversation with the Port-Governor.
"I apologize if I am interfering with your duties with all of my questions, Port-Governor. As I desire to set up business in this town, I'm very interested in understanding the nature of the area and its people.
What kind of business are you in? The job of Port-Governor seems to be pretty important and could take a significant part of your daily time to manage I would guess.
You seem to have quite the knowledge of the contents of these archives. What do you know of Sir Roderic's weapon? It sounds like it was named 'Baraket.' Are there any stories about the weapon having any powers or helping Sir Roderic win battles? Whatever happened to the weapon?"
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Nasir notes Ayita's comment.
Nasir continues his conversation with the Port-Governor.
"... You seem to have quite the knowledge of the contents of these archives. What do you know of Sir Roderic's weapon? It sounds like it was named 'Baraket.' Are there any stories about the weapon having any powers or helping Sir Roderic win battles? Whatever happened to the weapon?"
"... or any other items he wore into battle, such as particular armor, or bracers...?" adds Ayita.
"I think some additional rations for this journey. Maybe some acid flasks or healing potions?"
"... or such as particular armor, or bracers...?" adds Ayita.
The Port Governor smiles at Ayita and ponders... "Hmmm, I don't recall hearing that he ever wore special armor. A leather cuirass aboard his ship, no doubt. But you're asking about enchanted armor. No. Nothing like that that I know of."
The job of Port-Governor seems to be pretty important and could take a significant part of your daily time to manage I would guess.
"My family has always been in import/export. But the Port-Governorship does take up a bit of my time. I'm lucky that my family is financially secure enough that I can devote my time to my office."
You seem to have quite the knowledge of the contents of these archives. What do you know of ? It sounds like it was named 'Baraket.' Are there any stories about the weapon having any powers or helping Sir Roderic win battles? Whatever happened to the weapon?"
"Well, as I said to Ayita here, I don't recall hearing that he had any special weapon or armor. He tended to use a cutlass aboard his vessel, along with his crew, but other than that... nothing that has been recorded."
"Try talking with Corstela up at the Manor. She and her Peacocks-" <eye roll> "Sorry, 'Order of Resplendence' -- are real bookish types. Very learned, I understand. They might have some insight into magical weapons. As for the name 'Baraket'? Who is so prideful that they name their weapon? Pffft. I'm going to name my quill pen 'Penny' because I'm soooo important that I can only use super special stuff." ". <eye roll>
After speaking with Port-Governor Thort, you examine the archives, as best you can in a short amount of time. The rest of the archives contain financial records, fish-take numbers, notices of births and deaths, and the like. There are few books of lore and none that touch upon Thassilonian lore, at all. After all, Roderic's Cove is a fishing town, not a true haven of learning and knowledge.
"Well, thank you for your insights and help, Port-Governor.
We may make our way to visit Corstela since you say she is quite learned. She is probably not a graduate of the Mahruyat Institute for the Study of History, but she may have some useful knowledge. Thank you for the tip.
When I have some success with my search for antiquities, I may have some business for your family to export the goods I procure. I'll be sure to check with you when that happens.
If no one else has any more questions, we should leave the Port-Governor to her duties."
Once the group leaves Cove Hall, Nasir will make a suggestion on where to go next.
"Perhaps we go to the Creekside and see if Jana Gold is there and maybe get some lunch. After that, we can go up to visit this Corstela at the Manor? As locals, what do you know about her?"
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"Perhaps we go to the Creekside and see if Jana Gold is there and maybe get some lunch. After that, we can go up to visit this Corstela at the Manor? As locals, what do you know about her?"
"Lunch? Now, yer talkin' my language! Dunno much 'bout Jana. I jus' patch folks up and send 'em on their way. What they do is their business."
"When I have some success with my search for antiquities, I may have some business for your family to export the goods I procure. I'll be sure to check with you when that happens."
"An excellent idea, Mr. al-Rafik Kamal!" she says.
"Perhaps we go to the Creekside and see if Jana Gold is there and maybe get some lunch. After that, we can go up to visit this Corstela at the Manor? As locals, what do you know about her?"
Corstela Rostrata is a relative newcomer to town. An eccentric (and rich, one assumes) Varisian sage came to town several years ago. She slowly bought the three houses on the land where Peacock Manor currently sits and had local laborers work to combine them into a single large manor home.
The constructions jobs Corstela brought with her were a welcome boost to Roderic’s Cove’s economy. Her interest in history also sparked the imaginations of several of the town’s residents, as well. When Corstela first started building Peacock Manor she hosted informal, private gatherings where small groups of people in Roderic’s Cove could talk among themselves and debate topics of philosophy, history, and the arts. By the time the manor was finished, she and some like-minded scholars organized themselves into what is now known as the "Order of Resplendence."
Most of the townsfolk consider the Order bookish types, always worried about history, rather than REAL problems, like with Riddleport or the predations of local goblins on merchant traffic up and down the Coast Road.
"Oh, dear," the Port-Governor says to Ayita, waving a letter at her as the group begins to leave. "I just recalled that a bit of post came for you from Riddleport, of all places. Didn't want to broadcast it about town, you know. It being from Riddleport, and all. A merchant that came through a few days ago dropped it here."
She hands the sealed letter to Ayita.
Barbarian cousin: <smiley face drawing>
Hope you are well. The Family continues to keep their heads down at the docks here in the 'Port, but Ristreto and Vano have fallen into more trouble. Their hands know neither Harrow nor blackhand, and so, are in deep with a local goldknee. They mentioned a cousin in the Cove and the goldknee tried to crowbar information out of them. He assumed you had gold in Roderic's Cove for some reason. It's best we all wagon-up-and-out, soonest. You too. Will swing by at moon up, sometime after Toilday, 12 Gozran. Set Ter to watching for the wagon, eh?
-Shirri
Fireday, 8th of Gozran, 4720 AR
Today is Fireday, 15th of Gozran. This letter was written exactly one week ago.
The Harrow is the Varisian tarot (and a method of magical divination and power, for true Harrowers).
Blackhand is a form of speed blackjack played with one hand tied behind the player's back.
A "goldknee" is what you might expect it to be. "You can either give me gold or your kneecap," is the traditional pay-up saying from loansharks.
Nasir muses on the way over to Creekside.
"So we have the two maps that are the same but with subtle differences. My guess is that this stone house has been there for a long time and Sir Roderic wanted to keep it a secret as he did not put it on the map in Cove Hall. Perhaps that was his hiding place for things he wanted unseen?
I am perplexed by the 'compass rose.' It is clearly Thassilonian in origin, but I still have no clue why the runes are in the wrong direction.
Roscoe Elring - You said before that your amulet matches this compass rose? Does it match it exactly or are your markings correctly oriented?
Perhaps one of you locals might try to talk to Jana Gold? She might be more receptive to another local as opposed to a newcomer like myself. Some say that I am a little too direct and imposing..."
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"Oh, dear," the Port-Governor says to Ayita, waving a letter at her as the group begins to leave. "I just recalled that a bit of post came for you from Riddleport, of all places. Didn't want to broadcast it about town, you know. It being from Riddleport, and all. A merchant that came through a few days ago dropped it here."
She hands the sealed letter to Ayita.
** spoiler omitted **
Thank you very much, I appreciate your consideration!
Ayita's face shows a mix of feelings if anyone is watching; consternation, frustration, resolve.
As we leave, Ayita considers how to tell her companions, and what... Hmm, should be honest, there are Sarenrae followers about. No good if the group gets attacked... should she tell the Guard, too? Maybe Keela, yes that would be good.
Ayita looks around for unusual folks who might be "Goldknees" before Ter leaves. Those Cousins!!! Causing so much trouble!!!
Ter can start circling up to look around for Keela... Ter, please find Keela and ask Keela if she can meet? Blackberry muffin!
After we are out of earshot of Town officials, she clears her throat.
Um, folks? Can I have a minute?
The Town suddenly seems to have a lot more potential hiding spots to Ayita...
If all is still calm for a few minutes, Ayita will explain to the group that some of her Varisian circus family might be coming by -- but she does not want to leave with them. She is very interested in our group's investigations, maybe the work our group is doing can help people too! That feels better to her than just sitting around.
She says to the group...
Unfortunately some very unpleasant Riddleport people might be after me or the Cousins! I don't want anyone hurt, and this is not your responsibility to deal with -- I am telling you in case being near me, puts you at risk.
I can have Ter look down the road in a bit; I've asked her to look for Keela, who might know something about such Riddleport folks -- or not. I'll definitely owe her some ale!
Nasir is a bit surprised by Ayita's revelation.
"Why would people from Riddleport be looking for you or your cousins to hurt you? As we are now working together, I would like to know how much risk I should anticipate from your associations.
And why would Keela know anything about these people from Riddleport? She seems to be more complex than I realized."
Once the group makes it into Creekside, Nasir asks Garleena if she could point out Jana Gold so that the group may buy her a drink and talk to her about the Horned Fangs dust up with the Roadkeepers.
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Nasir is a bit surprised by Ayita's revelation.
"Why would people from Riddleport be looking for you or your cousins to hurt you? As we are now working together, I would like to know how much risk I should anticipate from your associations.
And why would Keela know anything about these people from Riddleport? She seems to be more complex than I realized."
Once the group makes it into Creekside, Nasir asks Garleena if she could point out Jana Gold so that the group may buy her a drink and talk to her about the Horned Fangs dust up with the Roadkeepers.
"Shhh!! Please talk quietly!". Ayita looks around, worrying that someone will overhear.
"It's not my doing, the culprits are those Riddleport gambling people. I've never done that. But I am responsible for helping my family if they need it -- I am Shoanti. "
Ayita writes a short reply for her cousins on a scrap of paper, rolls it for Ter to take to her Cousins when Ter comes back... Ter can grab it, take it to the Cousins.
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Roscoe nods at Nasir's request to compare the amulet with the compass depiction they had found. It hadn't occurred to him to look at them side by side.
"Yeah--I found this recently--this amulet," he muses. "Lots of these ruins around here, and I have to admit I saw this in one of them. I thought it looked valuable, but I haven't been able to get rid of it, to be honest. If I leave it somewhere, it shows up again around my neck. It must be because I'm so amazing," he adds with evident hubris.
Ayita writes a short reply for her cousins on a scrap of paper, rolls it for Ter to take to her Cousins when Ter comes back... Ter can grab it, take it to the Cousins.
Nasir lowers his voice as he continues his inquiry on the way to Creekside.
"So as I understand what you are saying, your cousins have crossed some gamblers from Ridd...umm...that other town and they may be coming to aggressively collect? And you are not a part of this disagreement, but are obligated by familial ties to assist them if they are endangered? Hopefully, this unpleasantness can be avoided as I think the town has had enough excitement for a while.
You didn't answer my question about why Keela would know anything about these people from Rid...uhh...out of town."
Nasir then turns to Roscoe.
"So the amulet keeps coming back to you? Many say that such a thing is a curse rather than a blessing. We shall see...
We can compare the markings when we sit down at Creekside. No sense in accidentally dropping these finds in the dirt by mistake."
Nasir makes his way into Creekside and looks for Garleena to introduce him to Jana Gold.
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Nasir lowers his voice as he continues his inquiry on the way to Creekside.
"So as I understand what you are saying, your cousins have crossed some gamblers from Ridd...umm...that other town and they may be coming to aggressively collect? And you are not a part of this disagreement, but are obligated by familial ties to assist them if they are endangered? Hopefully, this unpleasantness can be avoided as I think the town has had enough excitement for a while.
You didn't answer my question about why Keela would know anything about these people from Rid...uhh...out of town."
Nasir then turns to Roscoe.
"So the amulet keeps coming back to you? Many say that such a thing is a curse rather than a blessing. We shall see...
We can compare the markings when we sit down at Creekside. No sense in accidentally dropping these finds in the dirt by mistake."
Nasir makes his way into Creekside and looks for Garleena to introduce him to Jana Gold.
Ayita looks distracted...
Mr. Nasir, I don't really know anyone in town all that well... But they don't like Riddleport folks, and I sense they are just tolerating me, a Shoanti, due to Ter's performances.
So I was just thinking that Keela might know a little more about dealing with unpleasant sorts since she extracted herself from a life with such folks -- from what I've heard. I could be wrong! I didn't want to publicize this whole thing. Keela seems quieter than some of the Guard.
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Roscoe shakes his head at Nasir. "It may be a curse, but it's the best one there is. I have all kinds of powers I didn't have before after I found this. Now--it does sometimes feel like there are some kind of--personalities running around in my head," he says with a thump to his noggin.
"But I've totally got it under control. Trust me."
He looks at the amulet and the runes. The amulet has runes associated with each Sin at the tip of each starpoint. Each is positioned identically, with the starpoints touching the bottom of the rune.
It appears this is different than the Sihedron rune on the torn corner of the map. The runes are oriented differently, some 90 degrees, some 270 degrees, some 180 degrees. They're all over the place.
"I'm not sure why these are so different," he muses.
"Let's see, we have to find Jana of the Horned Fangs and then go talk to the sage Corstela about Baraket, as well as do some last minute shopping before we head into the Churlwood. Anything else? Avoid folks trying to harm Shoanti cousins, too. Well, let's get this over with. Roscoe, can you teach my sword that returning trick, just in case I lose track of it? Sounds handy!"
The inn is pretty empty when you arrive. Garleena and her brother are cleaning the main room and are surprised to see you.
"Oh, I didn't think to see you back until the evening," she says, wiping her brown with a forearm and resting the broom in her other hand against a table.
When you ask about Jana, Garleena offers a puzzled look and then says, "I haven't seen Gold today. Should I tell her you're looking for her, when I do?"
At that moment Ter flies into the main room, startling Garleena. "KEELA! KEELA!" says Ter to Ayita. Moments later, in walks Keela.
"Not sure I can tell you much. Riddleport is all criminals of one sort or another, and there are goldknees everywhere, ready to loan you gold and then call the loan at the worst possible moment. The Roadkeepers try to steer clear of Riddleport. A bit out of their league. We tended to stay to the south of Riddleport, along the Coast Road to Windsong Abbey and Sandpoint further down. Lonely stretches, with little to prevent a little friendly "taxation" of traveling merchants."
"Shukraan. Garleena. It is nice of you to do so. Hopefully, she will not be frightened by our request to speak to her. Please let her know that we are looking into the deaths of her friends. Perhaps that may put her at ease.
Are we too early for lunch? If we can come back later. We want to go visit Corstela and her Order of Resplendence to learn more of what they know about the history of the town. What do you know if this woman? I like to know as much as I can about people I intend to meet."
Nasir also listens intently to what Keela shares.
"Useful intelligence, Keela. Shukraan. That gives me a decent measure of what to expect when we encounter these Roadkeepers and the people from Ridd...uh...that other town."
Turning to Ayita, Nasir continues.
"Not sure how many of your people pass around here, but if they are not plentiful, these 'goldknees' may choose to prey on any Shoanti. We should be on guard as Keela makes them sound considerably more difficult to deal with than the Roadkeepers."
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"Shukraan. Garleena. It is nice of you to do so. Hopefully, she will not be frightened by our request to speak to her. Please let her know that we are looking into the deaths of her friends. Perhaps that may put her at ease.
Are we too early for lunch? If we can come back later. We want to go visit Corstela and her Order of Resplendence to learn more of what they know about the history of the town. What do you know if this woman? I like to know as much as I can about people I intend to meet."
Nasir also listens intently to what Keela shares.
"Useful intelligence, Keela. Shukraan. That gives me a decent measure of what to expect when we encounter these Roadkeepers and the people from Ridd...uh...that other town."Turning to Ayita, Nasir continues.
"Not sure how many of your people pass around here, but if they are not plentiful, these 'goldknees' may choose to prey on any Shoanti. We should be on guard as Keela makes them sound considerably more difficult to deal with than the Roadkeepers."
My cousins are actually full Varisian; my Shoanti Hawk Clan close kin are part-Varisian.
The Cousins and I all performed together for many months, on the road... It was quite enjoyable, I met many new people and learned performance skills -- Ter was really the best performer though!. Ter puffs out her chest feathers a tiny bit.
Ayita passes Garleena several coins, and says to her:
One is for a nice beverage for Keela, one is for nice ale for Jana, a small tokes of thanks.
The other coins are for you, Garleena, thank you very much for all your help!
Thank you for the information, Keela!
Shawaki, Ter! A small treat flies through the air and vanishes into a small beak.
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Roscoe had been listening in on Ayita's problems and Nasir's questions.
"Listen, Ayita," he says. "I've got your back. I'm the toughest halfling you'll ever see, and anyone would be a fool to mess with me. And as long as you're with me, I've got your back," he says with his chest puffed out proudly.
Ayita passes Garleena several coins, and says to her:
One is for a nice beverage for Keela, one is for nice ale for Jana, a small token of thanks.
The other coins are for you, Garleena, thank you very much for all your help!
Thank you for the information, Keela!
Keela smiles and accepts the ale and tips it back immediately. "Your ale is always delicious Garleena. Tell your brother to keep up the good work."
"Are we too early for lunch? If not we can come back later. We want to go visit Corstela and her Order of Resplendence to learn more of what they know about the history of the town. What do you know of this woman? I like to know as much as I can about people I intend to meet."
"Corstela is... a bit haughty, if you ask me. Self-absorbed. Her head is in a book, usually. Studying Thassilonian like you all. I'm surprised you weren't already part of her order of scholars, actually," says Garleena. She brings out a loaf of freshly baked bread and a hung of hard cheese. "Here. Try this. Tell me if you like the herbs in the bread. The cheese is nothing special."
"Corstela's Varisian, from the looks of her. A serious woman. Late thirties with straight black hair past her shoulders. Green eyes. Tanned complexion. Dresses in traditional Varisian clothes. She's easy to notice."
"Not sure how many of your people pass around here, but if they are not plentiful, these 'goldknees' may choose to prey on any Shoanti. We should be on guard as Keela makes them sound considerably more difficult to deal with than the Roadkeepers."
Several of us are Thassilon scholars and have been here a while, how likely are we to have interacted with Corstela or other members of her order before now? Or does she keep herself sequestered?
Nasir is pleased that there is fresh baked bread and cheese and breaks off a piece of bread and cheese to eat when the food is served.
"Thank you for the food and the information about Corstela. I had no clue that there were Thassilonian scholars here, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised that there are. This little town is full of surprises...
You seem very knowledgeable about people and things going on around town. What do you know about the Horned Fangs & the Roadkeepers? And about their rivalry?
I too would like some ale to wash this delicious food down. Could you please add this to what I owe you for lodging? I'm not sure of your custom here for paying for lodging, but I expect I should be here for another night at least. Please let me know how and when you would like to be paid."
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Roscoe had been listening in on Ayita's problems and Nasir's questions.
"Listen, Ayita," he says. "I've got your back. I'm the toughest halfling you'll ever see, and anyone would be a fool to mess with me. And as long as you're with me, I've got your back," he says with his chest puffed out proudly.
Ayita smiles at Roscoe, "That is very much appreciated, Mr. Roscoe! Please know that I will always do my best to guard your back, as well. Also any of the rest of our group."
Several of us are Thassilon scholars and have been here a while, how likely are we to have interacted with Corstela or other members of her order before now? Or does she keep herself sequestered?
She keeps to herself and her little group of scholars. You probably know her by sight.
You seem very knowledgeable about people and things going on around town. What do you know about the Horned Fangs & the Roadkeepers? And about their rivalry?"[/b]
”The Fangs are generally an ok lot. A few I would watch my step around, or make sure my brother was with me. I see that sort a bit. Rougher sorts working the docks or the boats. But usually them types go to a drinkhouse near the docks.”
”Ain’t really a rivalry between the Horned Fangs and them Roadkeepers. One’s townsfolk and the other’s thug types outside town. They don’t come into town really. Never been a beef ‘tween the two. Until the other day, that is.”
You leave Creekside and walk up through town and eventually over the creek. A breeze blows up from the Gulf, tousling Roscoe's hair. Ter flies on the breeze, gliding about Ayita as she walks. You can see the Manor from the bridge and make a beeline to it. A small fence surrounds the property. A peaceful lawn stretches from the fence to the front deck of Peakcock Manor. The front doors are open, as well as a few of the front windows.
Once you ascend the stairs to the front deck and approach the Manor's front doors, a youngish woman stands at the door and smiles placidly at you. Her clothes are utilitarian, but not shabby. She wears a pair of sandals and her scholar's robe is tied at the waist with a red belt.
"Welcome, visitors. How may the Order assist you?"
Nasir, happy with his new purchases from the armorer, steps forward to address her.
"Saalam. I am Nasir al-Rafik Kamal, antiquities explorer."
Nasir makes a slight bow and continues in Thassilonian.
"Tha mo chompanaich agus mi air a thighinn a shireadh eòlais, agus chuala sinn gu bheil Òrdugh an Urram mar luchd-gleidhidh seann eòlas air a ’bhaile seo. Bha sinn airson bruidhinn ri Corstela no buill eile den Òrdugh gus beachdachadh air an eòlas a tha sinn a ’sireadh."
"Saalam. I am Nasir al-Rafik Kamal, antiquities explorer."
"Tha mo chompanaich agus mi air a thighinn a shireadh eòlais, agus chuala sinn gu bheil Òrdugh an Urram mar luchd-gleidhidh seann eòlas air a ’bhaile seo. Bha sinn airson bruidhinn ri Corstela no buill eile den Òrdugh gus beachdachadh air an eòlas a tha sinn a ’sireadh."
"Cuir a-steach gu saor agus leat fhèin," she says, waving you in.
Varisian landscapes hang on the walls of wide hall. Double doors on the north and south ends of the hall allow access to this space, and a number of other doors lead to other places in the manor. A set of varnished wooden stairs rises to the second level of the manor.
She leads you into a small receiving room, just off the main hall. In the southwestern corner of this room is an elegant table and several chairs, one of which is far more elaborate and comfortable than the others. Another pair of common chairs have been tucked against the northern wall.
"Head Scholar Rostrata is busy at the moment. And I am not sure she would be interested in speaking with foreigners who steal artifacts of our lost heritage for sale in faraway places," she says to Nasir.
She then looks at Ayita. "Are you, too, selling your heritage to the highest bidder in the Empire of Great Kelesh?"
She looks like she wants to spit, but is mindful of the clean-up schedule her initiates have just completed in the house. It is Toilday, after all.
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"Saalam. I am Nasir al-Rafik Kamal, antiquities explorer."
Varisian landscapes hang on the walls of wide hall. Double doors on the north and south ends of the hall allow access to this space, and a number of other doors lead to other places in the manor. A set of varnished wooden stairs rises to the second level of the manor.
She leads you into a small receiving room, just off the main hall. In the southwestern corner of this room is an elegant table and several chairs, one of which is far more elaborate and comfortable than the others. Another pair of common chairs have been tucked against the northern wall.
"Head Scholar Rostrata is busy at the moment. And I am not sure she would be interested in speaking with foreigners who steal artifacts of our lost heritage for sale in faraway places," she says to Nasir.
She then looks at Ayita. "Are you, too, selling your heritage to the highest bidder in the Empire of Great Kelesh?"
She looks like she wants to spit, but is mindful of the clean-up schedule her initiates have just completed in the house. It is Toilday, after all.
Ayita wasn't expecting that! Her eyes get quite wide. She takes a deep breath.
No Ma'am. We Shoanti focus upon life and living. But we have great respect for the struggles our ancestors faced in keeping our lands, and our elders caution against dealing in any relics from those lost ages. There is some honest trade in certain kinds of small items; I strongly feel that our current company would not steal.
Nasir cracks a smile and chuckles a bit.
"Effendi, how do you suppose that the artifacts of your heritage are unearthed for you to study and document? Yes, being cloistered in a hall of study my help you discover where to find such treasures, but getting them in your hands is another matter entirely. Without rugged explorers such as myself, you would have no artifacts to examine and preserve.
Such work is dangerous and expensive, so how else would one continue to explore without recompense for the effort? Now if you would like to commission an expedition to some specific site, I am more than happy to negotiate a fair deal for the antiquities found therein. Clearly as they are artifacts of your lost heritage, they are worth far more to you than a courtier of the Padishah Emperor with no connection to the history.
If such an arrangement does not interest the Order, then perhaps the safety of this town might. That is the main reason that we are here."