The town of Breachill is nestled in the foothills of the Five King Mountains in the wilds of eastern Isger, about 50 miles from the Druman border. Compared to the region’s other settlements, this small town is young—just shy of 170 years old—though it has a fascinating history that rivals those of many far older places. Breachill began with the humblest of origins, as a barely functional outpost of human amnesiacs, but the aid and mentorship of a powerful wizard led these shivering and dying unfortunates to found the hardy and thriving town that exists today.
Many of Breachill’s 1,300 residents are humans who trace their ancestry to one of these original pioneers, leading to the townsfolk’s identity as people who persevere and are self-sufficient by birthright. As a result, the residents of Breachill are brave and community minded. Unlike the insular inhabitants of many Isgeri towns, they welcome adventurers of all types. After all, the townspeople owe their existence to the benevolence of a powerful wizard and adventurer—Lamond Breachton—whose legacy is so beloved that it is almost a religion. Practically without exception, any harsh words spoken in town against Breachton are taken as a challenge to most residents’ honor.
Breachill’s townsfolk are hardy, and the town is focused on self-sufficiency and creature comforts. Residents are friendly and tend to help each other, and the town’s history makes them open-minded toward outsiders. Breachill’s citizens tend to play as hard as they work, so the town counts numerous taverns among its many businesses.
– --
Talina has learned this first-hand over the last couple weeks, as she has been interacting with some of the local people on a daily basis. Since her arrival a couple of weeks ago, she has been splitting her time between hunting for her fiance, working for Rorsk Axebane at Tuskhead Stoneworking, and getting what sleep she can at the Wizard’s Grace. When she first arrived in town and asked Rorsk about Bastion, the gruff dwarf offered her some work while she carried out her search, seeing as he was down a pair of hands. This turned out to be a welcome reprieve to her coin purse, as well.
Her time spent living out of the Grace also turned out to be something of a gods-send. The food & room are simple but well made, while the conversation provides a measure of human contact that the former guard hasn’t had in some months. Trinil Uskwold, the proprietress, is a friendly woman who seems at ease around everyone, but doesn’t take flack, either. This morning, while breaking her fast in a nearly empty tavern room (wasn’t there some cloaked individual here just the other night?), Trinil walks over to Talina’s table and sits down while drying off her hands on the towel hanging over her shoulder. ”Today’s the day. You’ve been looking forward to the Call for weeks now. How do you feel?”
– --
As per usual, Futin woke up early in his family’s barely-there home along the northern borders of town so that he can go spend some time in the Archives. He had to get in as much time as he could before noon. After all, it just wouldn’t do if he missed the Call of Heroes. He was sure that today was his time! The young catfolk was standing outside the doors, his attention wandering to various little distractions, when Jorrell Blacktusk showed up. The half-orc historian rolled his eyes briefly at seeing Futin, but it was quickly followed by a small smile at the young feline’s antics (and attention span). ”Getting in an early start, are ya, Futin? Are you still planning on going through with joining the Call today? Did you talk to your parents about it?”
– –
Since he arrived at the Great Dreamhouse late the previous evening, Cicero had been getting looks from the various priests of Desna that he crossed paths with. All, that is, save for head priest Kellen Carondil.
His funds were getting slim, and he wasn’t sure how long he was going to need to be here, but one of the town guard that he first ran into at the gates told him that the Desnan temple often took in travelers for the night. He wasn’t disappointed when the slim, blond head elven priest answered the door and offered him a bed with little more than a smile. But the looks never bothered Cicero much. He was quick to shrug them off and wrap himself in a deep sleep.
It really wasn’t much of a surprise when Kellen knocked politely on his door, though it was open, and smiled once more at him. ”Good morn,” the polite elf said to Cicero, softly. ”I trust that you were able to sleep. You’re name was Cicero, yes?” Kellen vaguely recalls mentioning his name in the few words that were exchanged the night before. ”I don’t mean to pry, but I trust that you have come to Breachill for the Call for Heroes? Call it instinct inspired by my goddess.” He smiles again at the remark, as if sharing quietly in a private joke. ”Forgive me if I’m wrong, but I thought you might want to know that it is being held this day, in the Town Hall, at noon. You have some time yet, but if you’re hungry I can recommend a place where you can break your fast. Unfortunately, we don’t have much to offer, in that capacity.”
– –
Despite the fact that he found a welcoming place to sleep in the Wizard’s Grace, Villar went out the back room, the small meal of bread, meat and cheese that Trinil Uskwold provided was hidden away within the folds of his deep cloak. Old habits died hard, even in an impossibly friendly place like Breachill. Besides, if word was to be believed, the famous Call for Heroes was supposed to be happening this very day, but until then, there was information to be gathered. Between the statue of the legendary Lamond Breachton, the book store known as the Reliant Book Company, and the Breachill Archives, there are a number of places where information could potentially be found.
Putting down her drink Talina responded, "To be perfectly honest Miss Uskwold, nervous as hells. Ever since I found out over a week ago that Bastion went to the Citadel, I just can't get the question out of my head as to why? And either no one knows or they won't tell me. I just don't get it."
Putting down her drink Talina responded, "To be perfectly honest Miss Uskwold, nervous as hells. Ever since I found out over a week ago that Bastion went to the Citadel, I just can't get the question out of my head as to why? And either no one knows or they won't tell me. I just don't get it."
"Trinil, please," she responds, a friendly smile on her face. "I don't stand on ceremony here." She sighs and shrugs slightly before continuing. "Who's to say what's on a man's mind, love. I can't ever claim expertise on such things, but perhaps that is an answer that only your beloved can provide. The only way you'll truly know is to face it head on."
Talina absent-mindedly reached up and tapped on the metal heart-shaped pendant about her neck. A small smirk crossed her face as she said, "Like I always do."
Villar was not a morning person. Most people claim they aren't a morning person but Villar really isn't. The morning light was always an unpleasant thing, had been for better than a century, ever since he changed from a little elf boy to a tifling as his cursed blood manifested. He was used to it now, the searing light of day, and knew how to protect himself from it.
Villar really wanted to sleep in, sleep until nightfall, but knew he couldn't. It was the day of the Call for Heroes and he intended to show up. It wasn't for the good of the people he was showing up, Villar didn't care much about them, had no investment in this town, in any town really since he left Kintargo, no, it was because he was curious. Something about this town niggled at his curiosity. It didn't happen often but he felt there was a secret that needed to be uncovered, something to investigate, and such things always got his attention.
Villar had little success in finding out what was bothering him about the place. Oh the people were open enough but whatever it was he sensed was elusive and he knew some of his questions weren't answered truthfully. After hearing about this "Call for Heroes" Vill knew his chance had come. If he participated and helped with their problem it might just give him the ability to get the answers he really needed.
That in mind he had to get up and do so now if he wanted breakfast. Villar pulled himself out of bed and stood up. His pale, charcoal colored skin was the first evidence of his inhumanity, next were the red points of light that were his eyes. If that wasn't enough, as he stretched his hands over his head and leaned slightly backwards the horns his head and pair of bat like wings from his back gave it away completely. If one looked close enough the horns and wings seemed to be made out of pure darkness, shadows made solid. After his stretch Villar grabbed his black leather armor and donned it then attached his rapier to his waist but left the rest of his gear in his pack in the room. He didin't expect trouble but Villar had learned to be prepared for it. Villar put his boots on, then his gloves, then his wings folded down around his shoulders and he pulled on his cloak. He then grabbed a hat of sort which he slid down around his head. It had a pair of tented goggles and a mechanism that let him raise or lower them with certain motions of his head. Finally he pulled the hood of his cloak up which flattened his horns underneath it.
There was a nearby mirror and Villar looked into it. The reflection showed a frightful figure to most, a shadow filled cloak with only the hints of a face trapped within them and two pinpoints of red where his eyes were. He knew it was a fiendish, terrifying, look to many, but it was his staple. He twitched his head just so and the lenses slid down hiding the red spot of light behind them. With that he turned and headed to the tavern.
When Villar arrived, quiet as he ususally was, he took a seat as Trinil started speaking to the Talina. Villar knew little about Talina other than she is, or at least was, a guard and seemed to be enjoying her conversations with Trinil. When he got the chance he caught Trinil's attention so she knew he was ready to order.
Talina's eyes shot over to the cloaked figure that entered. She had seen him around before, but his sheer presence always pricked her town guard senses to keep an eye on him. While she did leave him alone the urge to go over an talk to this odd figure was ever present and sometime almost overpowering. Yet she suppressed it once more to let him go about his business.
Talina absent-mindedly reached up and tapped on the metal heart-shaped pendant about her neck. A small smirk crossed her face as she said, "Like I always do."
Giving Talina another lop-sided smile, Trinil stands up from the table once more and asks, "Would you like some more?"
When Villar arrived, quiet as he ususally was, he took a seat as Trinil started speaking to the Talina. Villar knew little about Talina other than she is, or at least was, a guard and seemed to be enjoying her conversations with Trinil. When he got the chance he caught Trinil's attention so she knew he was ready to order.
As she walked away from Talina's table, Trinil pauses only slightly on seeing Villar across the room before she makes her way towards him. "Good morning, sunshine. What can I get for you? Still have some boar and lentil stew left." Despite the obvious look of weariness in her eyes, she still manages to smile at the tiefling.
Futin nods sagely, his eyes not coming up to look at Jorrell at all. He continues reading, then blinks suddenly and looks up. Oh! I'm sorry, mister Blacktusk! I must have gotten...well, see this part - He makes an effort to show Jorrell the passage he was reading, then immediately snatches the book back before the half-orc an actually see it. No, wait....that's not what it means. Stupid, stupid... He taps the side of his head a few times in admonishment. Then, continues to read another ten or so seconds before looking up again. He sighs, and shuts the book.
Yes, well...sorry I'm late! You're right, today's the day, my friend! Err...boss! He amicably pats him on the upper shoulder, then things better of it and puts out his free hand to shake. Then, takes it back before Jorrell can reply and stuffs it in his pocket.
Well, I did mention it to them. Or, at least I said it near them...they were there. Didn't have much to say, so I'm sure its fine! Say, think we could hit the 'ol books a bit before the Call? I think I found an old reference to a storm in Western Cheliax that some attributed to Dahak, but the references are questionable at best. This would be a great time to chase them down and verify them, don't you think?
Villar nodded slightly in response to Trinil's greeting and while there was a slight smile beneath the hood most would have problems seeing it. His tone wasn't unfriendly and actually quite polite, "The boar and lintel stew would be fine ma'am. Juice if you have it or water if not to drink please," he said in a quiet and somewhat lyrical sounding voice not unlike that of an elf.
As Trinil went off to take care of the orders Villar's head shifted and he looked in Talina's direction briefly. He knew she was curious, her posture and glances told him she wanted to speak to him but was being polite and leaving him be. He figured those were mostly excuses to cover a lack of courage, not uncommon when it came to him, but Villar was used to it. Either she would come speak with him or she wouldn't, it didn't bother him either way.
Normally Vill prefered the distance but he had heard that she was answering the call as well and this did make him hesitate slightly in ignoring her. If such was the case better to meet her now rather than later, she would likely be quite suspicious of him until she got to know him so best get that over with now. His gaze focused on Talina from inside the shadowy hood Vill reached out with one foot and nudged a chair out slightly then nodded in it's direction. If she came over or not was entirely up to her.
Talina absent-mindedly reached up and tapped on the metal heart-shaped pendant about her neck. A small smirk crossed her face as she said, "Like I always do."Giving Talina another lop-sided smile, Trinil stands up from the table once more and asks, "Would you like some more?"
"Yes I would please Trinil."
Standing up Cicero nods to Kellen "Cicero, Yes. Thank you for everything you've done. Also, I suppose for serving as my alarm, your divinely inspired intuition was correct." He says jokingly "If there is anything you need to be done I would love to find some way to repay you." He continues as he begins to fix up the room he has been provided with as he finishes the bed he finally asks "Where would you recommend?"
His gaze focused on Talina from inside the shadowy hood Vill reached out with one foot and nudged a chair out slightly then nodded in it's direction. If she came over or not was entirely up to her.
Seeing the chair pushed out and noting this figure's nod in her direction, Talina stood and moved towards him. I hope that was an invitation.
Getting over to the table she asked, "Were you inviting me over?"
Villar nodded slightly in response to Trinil's greeting and while there was a slight smile beneath the hood most would have problems seeing it. His tone wasn't unfriendly and actually quite polite, "The boar and lintel stew would be fine ma'am. Juice if you have it or water if not to drink please," he said in a quiet and somewhat lyrical sounding voice not unlike that of an elf.
"I think I may have some of the berry punch left from last night," she replies. [/b]"Let me see what I can find."[/b]
Futin nods sagely, his eyes not coming up to look at Jorrell at all. He continues reading, then blinks suddenly and looks up. Oh! I'm sorry, mister Blacktusk! I must have gotten...well, see this part - He makes an effort to show Jorrell the passage he was reading, then immediately snatches the book back before the half-orc an actually see it. No, wait....that's not what it means. Stupid, stupid... He taps the side of his head a few times in admonishment. Then, continues to read another ten or so seconds before looking up again. He sighs, and shuts the book.
Yes, well...sorry I'm late! You're right, today's the day, my friend! Err...boss! He amicably pats him on the upper shoulder, then things better of it and puts out his free hand to shake. Then, takes it back before Jorrell can reply and stuffs it in his pocket.
Well, I did mention it to them. Or, at least I said it near them...they were there. Didn't have much to say, so I'm sure its fine! Say, think we could hit the 'ol books a bit before the Call? I think I found an old reference to a storm in Western Cheliax that some attributed to Dahak, but the references are questionable at best. This would be a great time to chase them down and verify them, don't you think?
Jorrell struggles to keep up with the flighty young cat, but smiles despite himself at his infectious curiosity. As he finishes unlocking the doors to the Archives, he waves Futin towards the door. "Well, I can't say that you'll find a whole lot of such a subject, but I think you know where to start, at this point. Just be sure to put the books back where you found them, please. I had to stay late cleaning up after yesterday's foray."
Standing up Cicero nods to Kellen "Cicero, Yes. Thank you for everything you've done. Also, I suppose for serving as my alarm, your divinely inspired intuition was correct." He says jokingly "If there is anything you need to be done I would love to find some way to repay you." He continues as he begins to fix up the room he has been provided with as he finishes the bed he finally asks "Where would you recommend?"
"Please," Kellen replies softly, I am only doing my divine duty to Desna by helping out her travelers. If you wish to make a donation, I can't stop you, but you do not owe me anything. As to the food, there is a place not far from here that helps out those in need. It is known as Lamont's Lament, and Renatta is a lovely woman who does her best to keep people fed who aren't as fortunate as others, but she also allows travelers to stop in as well. Traveling through these lands can be hazardous, and not everyone makes it through with their possessions."
Villar watched as Talina walked over. It was an assessing gaze as he studied the way she moved and noted her hesitation when she reached him.. He didn't answer Talina's question but instead rose from his seat smoothly and came around to pull out the chair he had pushed out with his foot and gestured for her to have a seat, puching it in behind her if she did.
Seated or no Villar went back around to his seat and took it once more. He spoke again, his voice quiet with the same lyrical sound to it, as he said, "You are Talina, a guard, or former guard, here to anser the Call for Heroes. You've been here for longer than I have but seem a fair person. You like the contact of speaking with Trinill as it seems to help steady your day. Judging by that you like a nice, orderly system to things." As he spoke Villar's voice was factual but it should interest. Whether in Talina herself or seeing if he was correct may be unclear but it was there none-the-less.
Villar made a flourish with his hand and a card appeared in it. The card had what looked to be a stylized black sun and said in common Umbral Investigations. "Villar Shadowsun, private investigator." On the back of the card was an address that had a line through it that read "Hell's Nursery Unit 666, Kintargo".
Futin smiles as he nods, then quickly darts in. Of course, of course...I always clean up, for sure! I'll bring my findings to you; I know you want to find out the secrets just as much as I do! Not waiting for Jorrell to refute that, Futin heads into the archives and spends the majority of the morning, poring over books in search of information, or maybe just copies of the images that he'd seen in his dreams.
Taking her seat, she suppressed a smirk. Such a gentleman.
The woman was amazed at this mans accurate assessment of her.
An Investigator? Where were you last week when I needed on? Talina thought to herself when she saw the card.
Extender her hand, "Well then, pleasure to meet you Mr. Shadowsun. What pray-tell brings you here?"
"Please," Kellen replies softly, I am only doing my divine duty to Desna by helping out her travelers. If you wish to make a donation, I can't stop you, but you do not owe me anything. As to the food, there is a place not far from here that helps out those in need. It is known as Lamont's Lament, and Renatta is a lovely woman who does her best to keep people fed who aren't as fortunate as others, but she also allows travelers to stop in as well. Traveling through these lands can be hazardous, and not everyone makes it through with their possessions."
"Thank you again Kellen." Cicero will say as he finishes packing his things, "Where would one donate if one wished too?" Cicero will ask as he began to move towards the door
"Thank you again Kellen." Cicero will say as he finishes packing his things, "Where would one donate if one wished too?" Cicero will ask as he began to move towards the door
The tall, lanky elven priest gives you a deep, humble bow in thanks as he directs Cicero to an abbot that receives his donation. He then accompanies his guest to the door and provides directions before seeing him off, "Be well, friend. Just remember that you are never lost following butterflies."
The directions that were given leads to a part of town that is definitely a little less kept, and a ramshackle building that seems just barely adequate as a shelter, yet otherwise kept up as much as is possible. A pleasing aroma wafting through the door verifies this as the soup kitchen, and the homely woman handing out food with a bright smile on her face must indeed be Renatta Gilroy. As she looks up and sees Cicero in the doorway, she hands off her duties to one of her few helpers, making her way towards Cicero with a bright smile that belies the conditions on the location. "Welcome to Lamont's Lament, sir. You look like you could eat a bite or three. Why don't you come in and I'll get you something."
"Thank you." Cicero calls almost taken aback by how quickly she came. As he is ushered inside he will look around to gather in the condition of the soup kitchen. As he moves past he will ask Renatta "I presume you are Renatta? Kellen at the Great Dreamhouse recommended I come here. Figured I would see if I could grab something to eat before I head to the Call for Heroes. I'm Cicero by the way."
Villar shook Talina's hand and firmly. He didn't squeeze or bear down hard but wasn't to soft or limp either. When Talina spoke again Villar listened, something he was very good at, and then said in reply, "A pleasure to meet you as well ma'am. As for what I'm doing here, well, I was just passing through but..."
Villar's voice trailed off a moment as he considered his words and looked around. No one else was present just then, Trinil had not yet returend so they were alone, and turned back to Talina. "Something about this place is...off. Not sure what it is, probably nothing major, but these little mysteries bother me."
"Thank you." Cicero calls almost taken aback by how quickly she came. As he is ushered inside he will look around to gather in the condition of the soup kitchen. As he moves past he will ask Renatta "I presume you are Renatta? Kellen at the Great Dreamhouse recommended I come here. Figured I would see if I could grab something to eat before I head to the Call for Heroes. I'm Cicero by the way."
"Ah, Kellen" the slightly plump human woman responds, "Bless his soul. He has been a big help for us over here. Of course you can eat, dear. This is why we're here, after all. The Call, you say? Always glad to see newcomers who are willing to help a small town like us. A pleasure, Cicero." She leads Cicero to a table and makes sure that he has a full meal before adding, "If you need anything, please be sure to let me know."
Villar's voice trailed off a moment as he considered his words and looked around. No one else was present just then, Trinil had not yet returend so they were alone, and turned back to Talina. "Something about this place is...off. Not sure what it is, probably nothing major, but these little mysteries bother me."
Seemingly as if on cue, Trinil arrives with stew and drink between sentences. Villar might almost think that it was planned, were he the suspicious type. She also doesn't seem to hesitate in bringing both to the same table. "There you are, my dears. Let me know if you need anything else." She gives both would-be adventurers her typical friendly smile before heading back into the kitchen.
"Thank you Miss Usk.....Trinil."
Taking a bit of food she asked Villar, "Off huh? What makes you say that, some sort of magical sense?"
"Thank you again." Cicero will say as he begins his soup. After finishing he will thank Renatta again and leave for the Call. unless Renatta mentions anything he can do to help her before the Call.
Futin's attentions constantly wander as he stands ready for the Call. As various people of town pass by, he turns towards them, ready to talk and fill them in on everything he had learned at the archives, but most just hurried along. Curious...everyone is in such a hurry all the time.
Failing to take it as any sort of hint, he continues to try to speak to those out and about, knowing full well that they'd want an update on his research.
Villar nodded to Trinil politely when she brought the food and said,"Thank you ma'am." If her sudden perfect timing of her appearance startled him it did not show. He'd honestly been expecting it and so it wasn't surprising at all.
After Trinil left them again and Talina asked why he thought what he did he said, "No, it's..." he gestured vaguely in thedirection Trinil had gone, "...that. The timing of things, the way she just happened to pop in at the perfect time to interrupt what we were saying. She's not the only one. They are all adept at dodging questions that lead towards an answer to what the mystery is. Someone interrupts or they realize they have to go do something." There was some definite frustration in his voice, "It happens every. Single. Time."
Thought not really trained in the art of investigation, Talina had been a part of one or two back in Crescent Hold. And though she hadn't noticed it before, looking back over the past couple weeks, she was noticing the pattern now.
"Now that you mention it, I have noticed that. But I didn't really think about it until now. That is odd."
After looking outside and noticing how much brighter the morning was getting, the woman hurriedly finished her meal.
Getting up from the table, "I know this looks like the same thing, but I'm supposed to be going to the Call of Heroes and I'm running a little late. Good luck with your investigations."
Rushing to her room, grabbing her pack, shield, sword and armour, Talina scrambled to the meeting place.
Before going to the Call Cicero will quickly Dart back to the temple and look for a secluded place to pray.
Villar began to eat his meal and nodded as Talina saw what he did. He didn't hesitate in his eating, knowing the time was nearly upon them, and finished his own meal at about the same time as Talina did. "Oh, you aren't the only one Answering ma'am. I figure if I do and succeed at the task it might loosen some lips around here and I can get my answers."
Villar followed Talina to the rooms and went into his own coming out with his pack and the rest of his equipment. He then quickly made his way out of the inn shortly behind Talina to the meeting place.
Futin looks out over the gathering area as people begin to arrive. Is that...yes! It is Talina! He waves enthusiastically, excited to finally see someone he knew...though Talina only occasionally said hello, Futin was sure they were fast friends.
Talina! Over here; I saved you a spot! Futin motions towards his position, though you note no one else standing anywhere close to him.
As Cicero come into the Call he will find a mostly isolated spot and settle in conversating when spoken to but mostly keeping to himself.
Futin is the first to arrive at the town hall for the Call for Heroes. The very first. But that doesn't seem to bother him too much. For the first little while, he attempts to make conversation with passersby. Most people either ignored him outright or smiled politely in response. A few stopped ever so briefly to acknowledge him before making an excuse to be on their way. It didn't take too long for Futin to be distracted with a spot of light on the ground that he just couldn't quite catch up to, but after about a half hour figured out that it was a reflection from his belt buckle. So he continued to chase it for another few minutes, until he realized that people were starting to gather in front of town hall.
After a surprisingly good meal, Cicero said goodbye to Ranetta and made his way towards the south end of the town. But first, he made a brief stop back at the Great Dreamhouse for a moment of reflection and prayer. Fawn decides to make an appearance as he does so, the brown spider looking up at him with her multiple eyes. "You know that you don't have to pray, right? Talking with me is about as close as you can get as talking with Nana Anadi." She lifts her front legs in a very human-like defensive gesture. "I know. I get it. You have to be true to yourself. I'll be in the corner weaving a web until you're done."
Once he makes his way to the town hall proper, rather than joining with the small crowd gathered near the main entrace waiting to be let in, he makes his way to the marble-paved circle across the way an sits underneath of the six tall wells that ring the circumfrance. His eye is briefly drawn to a 15-foot-tall bronze statue in the middle of the circle that looks like it is depicting some kind of wizard or scholar, a shining globe of light uplifted in his hand towards the sky. A moment later, his attention is drawn away, back to the crowd, and a tawny-furred catfolk youth that seems to be practically bouncing around in anticipation.
Talina and Villar don't have far to travel from the Wizard's Grace. After each taking enough time to grab their equipment, and thanking Trinil for the food, the only half to travel a short way down and across the street to make it to the Town Hall. As they round the corner to the main entrance, they see that the crowd has gotten reasonably larger. Villar would guess, at a glance, about 40-50 people milling about the outside. Talina is almost immediately accosted by an excitable young catfolk that she had brushed past once or twice. Did she so much as provide her name? Certainly not interested in a local youth, Villar's senses note the obviously road worn elf sitting on his own a little ways away from the others. From this distance, you're not entirely sure if his hair is extremely tangled, or if there are actually spiderwebs woven throughout.
It doesn't take very long for the milling townfolk to notice the would-be heroes. While most people are not so bold as to approach directly, there is a trace of awe and appreciation in all the eyes that look at you. A few children run about nearby, playing at heroes and villains. One body in the group stands out to all of you, though. A short figure, closer to the main entrance than most, can be seen pacing back and forth; a bundle of books and scrolls in her arms. You very quickly realize that this distraught person is actually a goblin, but one that is far more well dressed than you would expect from her kind. She is wearing clean blue and white scholars robes, with a matching blue cap. Her long ears a pierce with well-made silver earrings, and silver butterfly hangs from a chain around her neck. Her red eyes are laced with worry. As she paces back and forth, she seems to be mumbling to herself, and she absent-mindedly puts her load down on the ground, walks away from them, only to pick them up again when she returns.
Talina's grip on her weapon tightens involuntarily at the sight of the Goblin. Closing her eyes she lets out a steadying breath, releasing her grip, and thought Relax, she's not a threat, get to know her first before making snap judgments.
Despite years of working her way through it, the racism she grew up with was still so hard to shake.
His curiosity is far more than he can bear, and Futin excuses himself to rush over to the goblin. Of course, he's far more interested in the books than in what has her so distraught.
Hello there! What are you studying? Maybe I could have a look.
The little goblin startles at Futin's sudden appearance, causing her to back peddle in response. "Oh! Um.. I'm sorry. Nothing of note here. I mean! These are just my notes here. Yes. Who are you? I'm sorry...." she repeats as she rubs her hands together before clasping them behind her back. "As you can see, I'm... not quite myself today. Is there something I can do to help you?"
Cicero walks over to the catfolk after he has started his conversation with the goblin. He will wait for a break and then mention "You certainly look excited. Just here to watch or are you answering. He waits a moment before finishing "I'm Cicero by the way." and extends his hand.
The anxious goblin is startled again slightly, but seems to recover a bit more in the newcomer's presence. "Answer?" she asks, confused for a moment before she seems to catch up to the conversation. "Oh! No! I am not here for that. Please excuse my rudeness." She takes Cicero's hand. "I am Warbal, ambassador to the Bumblebrasher goblins of Hellknight Hill. It is my great honor to serve my fellow citizens of Breachill as the town's official representative to the Bumblebrashers. I communicate with the Bumblebrashers, convey the town's concerns and interests to them, and advocate on the tribe's behalf. It is a duty I take very seriously--they are my people, after all. Hence why I am here today, and my rather distracted nature earlier. I hope you'll forgive it."
Futin smiles widely, and looks over to Cicero. He looks ready to greet the elf, but Warbal chimes in first. Ah, ambassador! Warbal, you have quite the important position among your people, and your distracted nature is perfectly understood! I'm here for the Call as I imagine my friend Cicero is as well. But, if there's something we can help you with - He gestures to the books, specificaly. We'd be happy to take a look!
He moves a bit closer to Cicero, now sure that they're friends. Or is it the need of the Brumblebrashers for whom you speak that has you concerned?
Villar saw the crowd as he approached the location for the Call and started to have second thoughts. He didn't care much for crowds, it was one of the reasons he left Kintargo after his part in the Rebellion, too much attention. Still he knew that was why he was doing this, so he could get some goodwill, trust, and maybe some answers.
As he took in the gathered crowd he smiled in slight amusement as the catfolk practically pounced on Tallia. He knew that she could handle herself just fine so he wasn't worried about her. Instead his gaze was drawn to...and elf? He wasn't sure but itcertainly looked like an elf, one worn out and...were those cobwebs in his hair? He made a mental note to try and find this elf again later if he could to find out more and gave a slight nod in the elven man's direction while pulling slightly on his hood like he was tipping a hat.
Moving closer he spotted the kids playing heroes and villians. It was a game he never liked, he always got forced to play the villain. If they only knew my kind can be heroes too, he thought as he remembered his contributions but also those of one called The Demon of Kintargo after the Ravens had found her. She was an interesting one to be sure.
Seeing that the Call wasn't quite starting just yet Villar drifted in the direction of the elf intending to say hello. He hadn't seen many elves since his mother died years ago and it was part of his long term goals to go to his mother's homeland to see his kin there and let them know her fate. Speaking to the man might help him with that in the long run. When he got close he spoke in near flawless elven, "G'day Sir," his voice was quiet as he spoke, as always, and the lyrical sound stronger now that he was speaking his first language once more. "I'm Villar, son of Firiona of Greengold." He offered his hand in greeting, "I'm guessing you aren't here to answer the Call?"
Finally having a moment Talina picked up her armour and started putting it on. After a minute she was ready to go.
Happy to have a couple of minutes to herself without being pounced upon, Talina straps into the armor that she rushed out the door of the inn with. Better the focus be on the goblin.
He moves a bit closer to Cicero, now sure that they're friends. Or is it the need of the Brumblebrashers for whom you speak that has you concerned?
Warbal nods in acknowledgement. "I am certain something foul has befallen the Bumblebrasher -- their leader, Helba, would not miss our meeting twice in a row for no reason, nor would the tribe signal its distress is something terrible were not amiss. I plan to present this information to the council and ask them to hire adventurers to contact my tribe." She pauses briefly as the shadowed Villar walks up to them and starts talking to Cicero, nodding politely to the newcomer.
Approaching the Goblin, Talina again suppressed her taught racism and started listening.
"What distress signal?"
"Cicero." Cicero will say as he turns to Villar. "I was actually intending to answer. How about you?" he asks as he reaches out to take the handshake.
It wasn't often Villar was wrong about something, it happened, but not often. He smiled slightly and there was a tone of amusement as Villar said, "It's not often I'm wrong about my assesments of people but it is good to have it happen at times sir. Thank you for reminding me I am not infalible."
Villar shifted to stand next to Cicero so he could look out at those gathered around. "I am sir. I figure if I can be of some help while passing through I should be." It wasn't the whole truth but it was at least part of it. "You from around here sir or are you just passing through too?"
"It's always nice to be able to provide a surprise now and again." Cicero will begin.
Cicero then hesitates for a moment before answering the second half of the question as if deciding how much he should tell "I suppose you could say I'm passing through. I'd been in Kintargo and around there for a while previously. Recently I thought I'd see if I could find some capable friends and figured this was as good a place as any. He says before slowing to gauge Villars reactions.
Futin beams a bit at what he'd perceived was Cicero calling him a friend...and a capable one at that! The curious cat nods quickly after Talina's question. Yeah, was there like...an actual signal? Or, is that metaphorically speaking - like Helba's absence itself was that signal.
He turns to look at Cicero. I didn't know we had a signal already. Then, back to Warbal.
I'm sure we could help and take a look...though I imagine if you're going to put it out for the Call, we'll hear about it soon enough anyway.
Cicero's comment about having from Kintargo caught Vill off guard at first. That was twice he'd been surprised, and it made him suspicious of the elf. It didn't last long though, not many elves in the city to begin with and he doubted most would have sided with old Brassy. He shifted his hand just so and produced a card from inside it. The card had what looked to be a stylized black sun and said in common Umbral Investigations. The back of the card said Villar Shadowsun, private investigator with an address below that had a line through it that read "Hell's Nursery Unit 666, Kintargo".
Villar wondered if the additional information would gain any particular reaction from Cicero. It would likely gain a reaction if he'd been part of the Ravens or an ally of Brassy. He had to leave town not long after the move to the Raven's last major base of operations when he came under suspicion by Brassy's Boys due to his business card being found on one of the Rebels. Vill managed to get away but sat out the rest of the Rebellion and decided not to return after it was done.
Approaching the Goblin, Talina again suppressed her taught racism and started listening.
"What distress signal?"
Warbal turns to the fourth newcomer and responds, "Plumes of smoke coming from the top of Citadel Altaerein. The smoke is a chalky red in color -- the tribe's traditional color of distress. I fear that the Bumblebrashers are in danger, or that something dire has befallen them. It has sickened me with worry." The prim goblin wrings her hands together again.
I'm sure we could help and take a look...though I imagine if you're going to put it out for the Call, we'll hear about it soon enough anyway.
"Please!" she responds suddenly, "There is a system in place for a reason. Come with me into the meeting and listen to my petition. If you are up for my task, I beg you to offer your services to the council. You might be my tribe's only hope!"