The Captain wishes you all well in your mission.
Erystelle glides down the gangplank and steps lightly onto the dock.
He nods to the others that he is ready to proceed.
Khyber strides down. A hand rests on the pommel of his sword concealed under his cloak while is keen eyes scan everyone and everything near the party taking in information and searching for dangers.
”Keep your wits about you and an eye on your surroundings. I’m ready to move when you are, I don’t want to be standing out here on the dock too long. It’s always best to look like you know where you are going, even when you really don’t.”, he opines.
|
Anatoli looks around and begins walking off the docks making sure everything is secured and tucked away in places not able to be jostled or stolen off easily adjusting himself appropriately as he strolls wearing a hooded cloak seems out of order and likely to draw attention so he flips it down as he goes.
The Lady Telerin opens up the door for Windsworn. She is dressed in traveling clothes and not her White Robes, though she does have component pouches on her belt. She carries a walking staff and had her backback on.
I am ready to go, Sir? I am sorry, Windsworn, but what is your proper title?
Windsworn bows as he replies.
"I have not being knighted and as such have no right to any title. It is best that we be off and I deemed it my duty to stay close in order to fufil my oath as best as I can do."
She nods at the squire. You will do your best, I am sure of that, valiant one.
The Lady once she looks back at the group begins to make her way off the pier and into the town itself.
The town of Crossing sits on the northernmost point of Abanasinia. It is a port town founded by Caergoth merchants. As such the town is run by merchant princes and policed by the armed contingent of the Scales Society. The Scales Society ensures that every tradesman and merchant in Crossing contributes to the defense of the town, allowing for a coast guard and city guard to defend the town. The Scales Society effectively rules Crossing, and is made up of two factions. The Cloth Hats are the wealthy and influential merchant princes, whilst the Black Nails are the hard-working and more numerous tradesmen.
That was taken from the DL Wiki.
You arrive mid=morning and the weather is inclement.
Erystelle pulls out his travel journal and scans a page before speaking up.
”According to the newest intelligence and historical reference matter in the archive: The town of Crossing sits on the northernmost point of the Abanasia peninsula. It is a town known for its connections to Solamnia as it provides a ferry route. The town is situated on a natural deep water harbor, therefore, the town is one of the main destinations for merchants traveling to the area.”
Gathering himself he continues on.
”In the years prior to the Cataclysm the location that would become Crossing was nothing more than a low point in the area. It was an unremarkable location that was settled by a few shepherds tending their flocks. No one imagined that this spot would one day become home to one of the largest towns in Abanasia.”
”With the Cataclysm, trade became very difficult to commence. With the increase in pirates and bandits it became clear to the surviving cities that a safe port needed to be created in Abanasia. It would be merchant houses located in Caergpth that would discover the harbor.”
”At first Crossing was no more than an unloading point for ships. A simple tent town that was flanked by warehouses. Unfortunately with trade goods flowing into the area, other kinds of people followed. In the turbulent century after the Catalcysm it became clear that it would take more then just a few sailors to guard the stored goods.”
”With Caergoth itself becoming a target from mobs seeking food and shelter.all the while placing the blame for every ill in the world the knighthood, Crossingb found itself alone. With no government to fall back on, the town quickly fell into chaos. The merchant houses that remained in the town quickly began to hire guards and toss the representatives of Caergoth on the first ferry north.”
”These merchants stylized themselves as princes and adopted the name Scales Society. They would oversee until present day the activities of every merchant and tradesmen takes part in contributing to the defense of the city. This has allowed an increase to the city’s defenses as it boasts a large militia and a navy.”
”Agreed, we have a very rough map. It shows all the landmarks, but not a lot of specifics. What route are we taking?”
Rechecking his book, Erystelle happily reports.
”Well I am happy to note that there are two Inns of possible interest for us.”
”The Prince’s Hole Tavern, which is a well renowned establishment in the town. It is said to be an upscale port of call, if you will, in the Harbor District and is frequented by ship captains. This building is a three story affair and is said to be owned by a half elf.”
He reads on.
”Alternatively, The Burning Bow is a tavern that is frequented by sailors and day laborers. The furnishings of the place are said to be items salvaged from sunken ships and is very mismatched in an eclectic chic style of architecture. The smoky interior attracts a wide variety of people and the tavern is known as place to make deals that are not to be noticed by the local authorities.”
He looks up.
”Do you think either of those two places might be a good place to start? I would love to see the interior of either. The Princes Hole does sound more hospitable, Albeit a bit bland when compared to the Burning Bow, which must be a sight to see.”
”We could find out more about our travel options or find out if there are any caravans headed south? The tower is south of us still, correct?”
The Ranger eyes the Wizards Apprentice for a moment taking in what had been shared.
After a heavy sigh he says.
”Well, the bookworm does have a point. We could use some information about what the lay of the land is currently.”
”Not that I think either option is great. Entering The Princes Hole might mark us as having money or making us stand out. The Burning Bow sounds like an opportunity to get a mug or get mugged.”
”However, we are running a bit blind.”
”Maybe go into The Hole and pose as mercs looking for work headed south?”
”Or do we just want to hit the market and set south on our own?”
We must pass near the remnants of the Qualanesti forest. However, if you look at any map of the area which is large enough to detail more than a few miles, you will see that the Tower of Wayreth is never shown in the same place. One does not find the Tower of High Sorcery in Wayreth Tower, it finds you, she says.
”Yes, but do you intend we should go by the Coastal Route or by way of Solace and the Kharolis Gap?”
Windsworn takes in the appearance of the group.
He knew very well that he was the youngest of the group.
He stuck out like a sore thumb.
He doubted that they could really passed off as Elven Mercenaries.
"For safety, I'd suggest The Prince's hole. Our group is pretty much outstanding as it is and at least any information we can obtain in such a place might be a little more reliable as compared to The Burning Bow."
"I'm thinking a half elf might be more sympathetic to us then a bar likely filled with the common riff raff."
”Or be more critical of us. Our half blooded brethren were not always welcomed warmly.”
”But, I agree. If we need to go into an Inn, the Prince’s Hole is probably the safest choice.”
The Ranger is ready to go, unless the party objects.
Erystelle falls in behind the Wizardess indicating he is ready to follow her lead,
The Lady Telerin thinks Either way that we go will be fraught with danger. The closer we get to Qualanesti the more likely we will be set upon by Dark Knights or goblins or even dragons. If we go to Solace, you would be able to see the famous Inn of the Last Home or even visit the various temples that are there. Either way, we should try to out some distance between ourselves and Crossing.
"We get some rest in the Prince's hold. While there we can also gather what possible latest news there is and decide our route. Getting set upon is inevitable in my opinion. The question remains from whom or how the attention gets drawn too." he pauses.
"The lands might not be what I remember so things may have changed since then. Unlike the plains, solamina and Elven Lands I've being too and even then they may have changed." he shakes his head wryly.
You can make it to Solace in about 6 days.
Do you head out or make plans?
”I can see wisdom in both choices, but I am keen to spend little time here and get moving.”
The Ranger says in agreement with the Wizardess.
”I think Windsworn’s position has many merits. If we simply leave town we will be leaving blind. Local information may be vital, however I will bend to the groups will.”
I will need some Gather information checks if that is what the party is deciding to do and where are you going to gather said information.
No Gather Informatrion checks in a week?
As Windsworn negotiates for the rooms, he sweeps his gaze across the room..
Looking to identify problems before they come seeking his companions.
As he does so, he attempts to garner some information on the roads and latest news.
"Greetings Sir, do you perhaps have some interesting news to share with this traveler? At the same time, I would like some rooms."
The apprentice keeps his hood up and his ears open for a while trying to determine who is best for home to enter into a conversation with and learn bits of information from about the current situation in the area and places further off.
Once he has made his selection, Erystelle begins plying one of the first arts he learned in preparation for navigating the courts of Silvanesti.
The Ranger sits back and watches over the more diplomatic members of the group, watching for danger while they wiggle their tongues.
The inn is full of all manner of peoples. There are lots of humans, a few neidar and some kender in the inn. There does not seem to be many, iof any elves in the common room of the inn.
The Lady Telerin enters, hood up. She finds a quiet corner of the inn to try and lay low in. She orders a glass of wine but also tries to fade into the background.
The squire is able to find out that the Knights of Solamnia in Solace tend to keep the roads as clear as possible of brigands, goblins and Dark Knights but the closer to the forest of the former Qualanesti nation, the less they are able to be effective. They do not have the man power to assault the area. THe Dark Knights and their allies seem to be happy, for now, in the remains of the elven forest.
The innkeep asks how many rooms and what quality of rooms are needed?
The apprentice hears rumors that there was an assault on Solace a few weeks ago by Agents of Chemosh. The Temple District is in great disarray.
Windsworn is about to answer 2 rooms when he pauses as a sudden thought hits him like lightning!
They were mostly males........
The innkeep replies, I do have a larger room that has room for 4 human sized people
Windsworn is about to answer 2 rooms when he pauses as a sudden thought hits him like lightning!
They were mostly males........
All males except for Telerin
Windsworn considers it for a moment.
Pray, innkeep. How much for that room then for each night?"
5 10 stl per night for the large room the inn keep replies.
"We'll take the large room for a night then please." Windsworn informs the Inn keep.
Consider it done the bar keep states.