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Yanda decides to name drop (courtesy of the information being fed to her by her headband) in hopes that the familiar names will assuage the locals suspicions.
"Yea, we were sent by the owner of the copper cauldron, Bert. Too busy to pick it up himself and he promised us free drinks tonight if we did it, and we DO look like folks that like free drinks."
The man's face brightens up. "Ah yes, yes. I know Bert, good fellow. Well, good luck to you! Hopefully there's no trouble with the Legion."
With the man's concerns alleviated, the group is able to make their way towards Marac's stall. The scents of a hundred different spices, meats and other foods gives way to the scent of baked bread. Two large stalls selling baked goods stand on either side of an empty stall which shows signs of being recently vacated.
"Fresh bread! Just baked this morning! Only two coppers a loaf! Ishe's Baked goods, the tastiest baked goods in Azir! Hey, want to buy a loaf?" The cheerful woman standing behind a pile of bread loaves of all descriptions beckons enthusiastically towards the group.
"HA! Bread, she says! You haven't tasted true baked bliss until you have tried a Muffin, my friends! Muffins, Tarts and Pies of all manner of shapes and sizes, fresh baked this morning from Santiago's Sweets!" A large man standing behind a stack of sweetened baked goods calls out, his jovial voice booming out over the background murmur of the market.
Ishe rolls her eyes dramatically, like she's done this a hundred times before. "They don't want sweets, Santiago! These are discerning customers, who I am sure appreciate the filling satisfaction of a fresh baked loaf."
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You two would tempt me when I have an empty stomach...I'll take a loaf...oh, that rye looks tasty. And a couple rolls to go with my snack later. And a half dozen muffins would be great...any with chocolate in them? All I need now is a nice cup of coffee...the good stuff...you two would know where that is, wouldn't you? Patros says with a smile as he fishes out coins to pay them. And could you help us out with something after... he says, sotto voce.
We were seeking an audience with a man...Marac...know him?
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"Say, didn't you win the bakery of the year award a few times, Ishe? A whole loaf is a bit much for me, but I'd love one of your award winning pumpernickel rolls! Oh, and Marac? We were sent by Bert to collect a distiller from him but we heard he might be more trouble that a night of free drinks is worth."
Fascinating. I wonder how this headband works. Did someone stuff all this information in here ahead of time, or does it magically put out feelers every time I visit a place and collect the info fresh. I wonder if I could create an extract like that.
"Ha! I won it twice! Santiago's still sore I beat him the second time." Ishe hands over a Pumpernickle Roll before gathering up baked goods for Metalwhiz. "Just one copper, please! And two loaves and some garlic knots for you, my dwarven friend, 5 copper!"
"And yeah, I know Marac! He's a good guy, haven't known him too long but he's been running his shop between Santiago and I for the last few months." Ishe gets a Rye loaf to hand over to Patros. "He likes my pumpernickle rolls and Santiago's little tarts. I haven't seen him today though."
"HA! Yes, that is because you were late this morning, Ishe. The early baker gets the customers, and the best gossip! Marac was here, but packed up everything and left for the dog racing track early this morning. He said he had had no luck lately, so was off to look for the dog who had found it." Santiago finishes gathering a sack of Muffins to hand to Santiago, and a large fruit pie for Metalwhiz. "For coffee, you will want Sarkor's Coffee Emporium. Three streets over, large blue pavillion. Follow your nose when you get close and you can't miss it. Best coffee in Azir."
"Ahhh! So that's where he went." Ishe shakes her head sadly. "I don't know what he's gotten himself involved in, but you're bold to be asking after him. The Pure Legion was here less than an hour ago asking after the same thing. Good luck getting to him before the Legion does."
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Rogjameda galdly share a full silver coin with a pal who asked, remembered about something and now smells like a garlik pusher.
Info about Marac was worth but regarding Sarkor's Coffee Emporium may be even more relevant!
-I know were we will have a supper, my darlings. And beware as the Legion may look for what we are... - comments Rogjameda returning to Pathfinders and share rumors etc.
Ishe gives Patros a smile and points west. "Oh, I know its terribly confusing here sometimes. It's a little ways a way, the track is just outside the city. If you leave the Grand Sook near the western exit and keep going about a mile and a half, you should be able to see it on your left once you're outside the city proper. There should be a large crowd by now, I would imagine, and you can probably hear the dogs barking when you get close."
Ishe waves goodbye as the group prepares to leave for the track, with a possible coffee break first. "Thank you for your business! Please stop by again if you get hungry!"
The directions prove to be accurate, and after a short walk the Pathfinders find a boisterous crowd of gamblers gathered around a track, periodically watching swift, sleek hounds race. The crowd of gamblers shout bets, laughs and occasionally curses their luck following a bad race. With so much going on, no one immediately comments on the group's arrival in the crowd.
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Being part of Exchange and in a good relations with master Carella, RogjamedA likely updated some business opportunities and sent several messages before departing the market.
The ratfolks are not really fans of dogs, loud barking and canine odor. So she insists on visiting Coffee Emporium to drop few questions about current coffee shipments and probably about Eando Kline. But also RogjamedaA want to check Pure Legioners intentions and surely take some drinks with good smell.
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RogjamedA may cut couple pouches in the crowd, but she liekly look for other sorts of diversions. Maybe she removes few screws under the tribunes or do some other stuff to weaken the structure which may take impact in the future... or may not.
Thereafter RogjamedA find proper people to eschange gossips and who knows folks who knows more specific persons...
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Alain joins in and grabs a few rolls, but shows concern for "Marac" when its mentioned that the Pure Legion was asking for his whereabouts. When they're alone and not in danger of eavesdroppers on the way to the coffee shop, he'll share this concern that they may not want to tarry long.
"Perhaps they were tipped off of Marac's identity and trying to seek him out for their own brand of justice? Let us hope we're not too late. Still... it would serve us well to inquire of things while at this emporium. And if the coffee's as good as they say..."
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The last thing Yanda needs right now is some coffee, and she is in a hurry, so it is with some impatience that she waits for the orders to get filled and even more inpatient when the sippers slow the pace as they enjoy their beverages enroute.
When finally there, she consults her headband for the most likely vantage points for a man of Marac's nature.
"I suspect our man will be close to the tracks over by the stables. That's where the folks that love to discuss theories and argue abilities hang out. Marac seems the type that would want to do that."
Rogjameda takes notes on the various trade opportunities to send back to master Carella. There are a number of potentially lucrative deals to be made in this area.
The group stops for coffee at Sarkor's Coffee Emporium, which has blends from all over Garund and Avistan. The interested members of the group get some hot drinks and gossip before heading to the track. The coffee is rich and delicious.
Rogjameda stays to conduct mishief and seek out more information in the Sook away from the dogs. She learns that, while noone seems to know who Eando Kline is or where he could be found, the Pure Legion suspects him of trafficking in holy symbols.
At the track, Yanda has good instincts; while Marac isn't here, you overhear one of the patrons mention how badly he lost earlier in the day. On questioning, the gambler mentions that Marac had just left less than half an hour ago after a particularly bad loss. After losing big, Marac indicated he was planning to go soak away his troubles at the Jistka Bathhouse. He is able to provide directions to the bathhouse, which is not far inside the city. The group meets back up with Rogjameda on their way toward the Bathhouse.
The Jistkan Baths is one of the oldest bathhouses in Azir, and local legend claims the building dates back to the long-gone Jistkan civilization that once ruled northern Rahadoum. Any such evidence of this ancient heritage has been lost to centuries of repairs, yet the well maintained marble facade nonetheless advertises an elegant facility.
As the Pathfinders enter the building, they stand in a welcoming foyer. A man in a loose white cotton robe steps out from behind a desk to greet them with a welcoming smile on his face. "Welcome to the Jistkan Baths, where we strive to wash your troubles away. We have baths, sauna and massages available on request. Access for the day will be one gold piece per patron, and we ask that you store your clothes and other belongings in our secure lockers before making use of the facilities. We have robes available for your use, if you wish."
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Yanda is not about to trust them with all her treasured alchemical gear. And then there is her mild fear of water caused by a rather terrifying excursion into what they now call the drowned level of that nightmare spire whe spend more than a few missions in.
"I'll pass on that. Would your establishment mind if I tagged along with my friends but do not go in the water? I'll even pay the entrance fee, but I get to keep my clothes and stuff."
The man looks Yanda up and down. "You can..." he starts slowly, seeming somewhat concerned. "We would appreciate if you left the weapons and armor here, at least. You will alarm the other guests, and this is supposed to be a house of relaxation."
When Metalwhiz comes back, the attendant just looks at him. "...why would you even need platemail in a bath? What are you all here for, exactly?"
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Don't worry about our friend here...he is just...eccentric. A gold for the day? Good deal...I've seen much less well appointed places charging more... Patros says, clearly not bothered by the rules of the bathhouse.
Where might the changing rooms be, my good man? He asks as he puts his hair in a long ponytail.
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"Yea, I'm fine with that. Keep a good eye on it. That armor was expensive. Oh, our friend is obsessed with metal. I swear, one day we will see him riding around on a metal contraption, surrounded by metal. I bet he sleeps on a bed of metal, or in his armor."
Naturally she takes her alchemical stuff which means that though she does not have a weapon, she can craft one in a jiffy.
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RogjamedA will gladly remove and leave her heavy pick and battered leather armor to relax in the bath properly. She will remain some of her most crucial belongings close to hr body nevertheless
-At least I will look as a real huest to start negotiations if... anyway. Looks like bath kind of folks, team, huh?
At least now Pathdinners may see the ratfolk probably used to be crippled - her limbs bones and ribs are asymmetric she has multiple troubles with skin whch probably was burned partially. Few toes were removed likely after necrosis.
The ratfolk giggling a bit with a comment:
- Consiquences of my trip to Nidal wich appears to be too long , - RogjamedAs' hatered is obvious at this point.
The attendant looks strangely at Metalwhiz, then goes pale when he realizes there's a crazy dwarf with a giant metal club threatening him. "...of course. I'll just, uh, uh...I'll be over here. Baths are downstairs." The man grabs half a dozen robes and some towels, flings them at the group, points at a staircase, then practically runs away to one of the changing rooms.
Metalwhiz does a surprisingly good job disguising his armor, but there is no hiding his giant club and arsenal of other weapons.
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Airon dont hace problems to left armour and weapons but said to Yanda:
`
- Yanda, May I put in your bag some things? Some wands, a ring ... my special amulet you-know-which-one ...
And them shout:
If someone touches our things, I am going to eat her guts and let her see it. Is this enough clear, man?
With the front desk attendant terrified and hiding, the Pathfinders have no difficulties placing their weapons and armor into storage or wearing them down as they choose.
A spiral staircase descends to the lower level, where it opens up into a broad hallway lined with hooks and shelves that hold dry towels, bottles of scented oil, and a variety of combs and brushes. Several buckets of water line the southern wall. Two sets of curtains seal off a room at the end of the hallway. There is an attendant dressed in a white robe gathering empty buckets to fill. She looks up as the group enters the area, and looks like she might be about to welcome you when she notices Metalwhiz's club. She falters, then begins to slowly back up down the hall towards the curtains.
Directly beyond the hallway in the other direction lies the bath . From the stairs, you can see several patrons lounging in the bath, as well as an attendant stacking towels in a cubby across the room. They have not noticed your group yet.
The attendant stops backing up, and starts looking confused. She approaches, along with the other attendant from the bathing area. The guests bathing in the pool also turn to look, several people craning their necks to see what all the noise is about.
Once both attendants approach, the female attendant hesitantly speaks.
"Hello? Can we help you? What is going on here?"
Metalwhiz casts a meaningful look the other members of his group, indicating that they should go search while he distracts the attendants.
"...of course?" The male attendant looks doubtfully around the group before turning to the female attendant. "Can you sort out this while I take the others to the baths and sauna, please?"
She nods her assent, and the man gestures to the rest of you. "The Baths are through this way, while the Sauna and massage tables are down at the end of the hall. Please, follow me. We will visit the baths first."
Anyone who follows him finds that there are a number of patrons soaking in the bath. Most of them seem to be interested in the group, attention attracted by the drumming. One man on the opposite side of the pool seems to be doing his best to ignore everyone else, and has sunk down up to his neck in the relaxing bath. He is immediately recognizeable from the picture that you were given; this is Eando Kline.
The female attendant stays with Metalwhiz and anyone else who stays back. "So, please explain. Why are you drumming here? This is supposed to be a restful and relaxing environment for all our patrons. If you're going to make excessive noise, I will have to ask you to leave."
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Lead the way, my good man... Patros says as he winks at the girl as she heads towards the mad drummer
Our friend is very passionate towards his music. He's a nice guy...
He follows the attendant to the bath.
This is what I need...some relaxation... the Taldan sys as he tosses the robe to the side.
Well met..I'm Patros...of the Cassomir Therinors...nice to meet you all. Is there an attendant that comes to take drink orders? I'm not sure...some places do, some don't...you guys look like regulars...
Eando Kline doesn't acknowledge Patros, Airon or any of the other Pathfinders, continuing to soak in his corner and ignoring everyone else. He seems to be hoping that noone will bother him.
The other patrons greet Patros with smiles. "Oh, the attendant will bring you something if you ask for it. They have a variety of fruits and fruit juices that are particularly tasty."
The attendant with Metalwhiz doesn't seem to be overly convinced. "...interesting. Well, please refrain from playing any more in the bath area. Perhaps we could go and put your equipment in storage upstairs, and then we could get you a relaxing massage or a soaking bath?"
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Ahh...excellent...any recommendations? I always find that eating or drinking whatever the locals do is likely the best choice. So...I think maybe a second cup of that fine coffee...and a bowl of fruit...my treat! What say you, friends? Patros says as he waves for an attendant.
What will you have friend? he asks the half submerged Kline.
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Yanda rises and heads towards the east passage, her curiosity getting the better of her.
It also occurs to her that their quarry is a bit spooked, probably because or his debt and, more importantly, who he owes money to. So posting someone at the alternate exit just makes sense. Not that she could stop anyone from going anywhere without incinerating them.
Hmmm. I wonder if I could modify the swarm extract to make webs?
Yanda is suddenly lost in formula land as she mentally goes through how she would design a new extract to stop a fleeing or, let's face it, charging person.
Yanda peeks through the curtains and is met with a blast of hot, steamy air. Wooden benches and partitions line most of the walls of this rectangular room, and the air is kept warm and humid. Four smooth tables stand in the center of hte room, and several clients lie on them receiving massages from the bathhouse staff. The eastern wall is subdivided into several smaller chambers containing broad brass bowls that hold heated rocks for creating additional steam.
"I always particularly liked the pitted dates, and fresh squeezed orange juice." One of the bathers helpfully suggests.
Eando Kline eyes Patros and Airon, his eyes flickering over to Yanda before he sighs and pulls himself up to a sitting position. "Well, I suppose a cup of coffee would not be amiss."
The bathhouse attendant who escorted you here leaves, presumably to go and get the requested food and drinks.