Opening the doors into the, a somewhat average sized Ifrit steps through the entryway into the Truther & Trathis Mining and Excavation Company. While he had heard of the company itself, its organization seemed to have surprised the young man slightly. Of course it would be organized, you dolt. This place is run by dwarves! Shaking his head slightly, with his ember colored eyes, he scans the room before calling out. "Hello? I've gotten through a post that I was accepted for a job. Is any one here?"
Stepping into the room, now fully visible to all. Dressed in tan and white robes made of linen to stave off the heat of Katapesh, stands a man of a more scholarly look. Long, ebony hair flows down towards the small of his back, while his skin that is exposed is tattooed with various creatures, with the most prominent being a scorpion that seems to shift every so often. Fiddling about for a moment, he finds a cushioned chair and sits while waiting for any others to arrive.
It's a hot day in Katapesh, like every other day, and the streets are full of the merchants and peddlers that line every inch of the desert city's available space. Finding yourself in the city a couple hours before your allotted meeting time, you have a bit to explore and shop around for any last minute supplies before heading to the meeting.
When the arranged time from each of your invitations to the job specified comes, you make your way to the Mining and Excavation Company's headquarters in the northern section of the capital. The building is noticably unimpressive, a dusty looking hut that doesn't stand out amongst all of the wealth that can be found inside the Dawn Gate of the Golden City.
Neither of the titular dwarves are actually to be found inside, but just a glance inside reveals a more luxurious sight than you expected. An agent of the company is quick to point each of you in turn to a waiting room. It's been outfitted with extravagant furnishings, up to and including a heavy wooden desk that looks to be composed of a deep black wood. The curtains sheltering you from the heat and the ever-bright sun are an expensive-looking color of silk that is definitely not from this continent.
Arriving first is I'llrith, and the agent nods slightly as he takes his seat. "Welcome, sir, good to see you. The others should be arriving soon, and then we shall begin. May I take a refreshment order?" he says, politely standing by awaiting an answer.
Looking at the invitation and then back at the name of the building, Emercy just shakes his head. "Well, I guess this is the place. About as impressive as watchin' mud dry. Ah well, beats doin' nothin'."
Making his way inside, the dwarf carries an air of no-nonsense about him. Typically sized for a dwarf, the ruddy-skinned, brown-haired, and brown-eyed dwarf halts a moment to take in the scenery, finding himself slightly taken aback at how different it looks from the outside. Hm. No way I would've guessed this. Never judge a book and all that rot I guess. "Hello?! Anyone here?! Did they blasted abandon this place for cryin' out loud? Sheesh. What's takin' so long? Hello! Hello! Hello!" The extremely patient dwarf calls out.
Raising his hand, the ifrit holds the previous conversation. "A water would be preferred, but if there isn't any, perhaps a chilled drink? Something to help stave off this heat." Taking a half step and turning, he greets the dwarf that just entered the building. "No need for yelling. There are folks here. I take it you're here for the job as well?" Bowing slightly in the Keleshite greeting, he makes his way to an overly cushioned chair, and sits down while waiting for any others that were to join or brief him on the job from the letter mailed to him.
A man-sized bird of prey screeches as he descends to the headquarters of the Truther & Trathis Mining and Excavation Company in Katapesh--only the reins and saddle suggesting that the creature might be "tame," rather than a wild bird looking for lunch. A young halfling woman wearing a headband and sporting nomadic robes accentuated by gold and silver jewelry hops off gracefully to the ground. She sports a scimitar sized for her, and appears to be an unusually small whirling dervish. Dusting herself off, she leaves the bird behind, heads into the building, and sees a ruddy-skinned, brown-haired, and brown-eyed dwarf.
"Hi, good sir!" says the halfling to Emercy. "Are you Truther or Trathis? Either way, you've found yourself the right halfling for the job!" She waves around the invitation that had been handed to her by a good friend and soldier.
Raising his hand, the ifrit holds the previous conversation. "A water would be preferred, but if there isn't any, perhaps a chilled drink? Something to help stave off this heat." Taking a half step and turning, he greets the dwarf that just entered the building. "No need for yelling. There are folks here. I take it you're here for the job as well?" Bowing slightly in the Keleshite greeting, he makes his way to an overly cushioned chair, and sits down while waiting for any others that were to join or brief him on the job from the letter mailed to him.
"Oh, well, um, sorry about all that then. Guess I didn't see ya there. And yes, yes I am. Here for the work that is. I guess that's where we sit and wait, hm? Fair enough." The dwarf crosses his arms and waits right where he is standing. With his attention focused in the opposite direction of the entrance, Emercy continually looks for a person who appears 'official'.
"Hi, good sir!" says the halfling to Emercy. "Are you Truther or Trathis? Either way, you've found yourself the right halfling for the job!" She waves around the invitation that had been handed to her by a good friend and soldier.
So caught up in what he was doing, the dwarf is startled by the halfling when she calls out. Looking at her quizzically, "Am I a what or a what? What in the blazes are ya talkin' about, lass? Hate ta disappoint ya but I've no idea what those even are. And if you're looking for work, sit over there by the red fella. That's where we sit and wait apparently."
Raising his hand and waving slightly he speaks up a bit, "They are the owners of this fine establishment, and most likely our benefactors. I can see as to how you, miss, would make that mistake though. Our friend here looks like he has seen hard work." Grinning slightly, he pulls out a book from his bag to start reading it while waiting.
Raising his hand and waving slightly he speaks up a bit, "They are the owners of this fine establishment, and most likely our benefactors. I can see as to how you, miss, would make that mistake though. Our friend here looks like he has seen hard work." Grinning slightly, he pulls out a book from his bag to start reading it while waiting.
Looking over at the waving fellow, "Oh. Well, okay then. Guess I must've missed that part." Turning back to the halfling, "No, lass, I would not be neither of those. The name's Emercy. Emercy Hammertime from the Stonehammer clan. Not a Truthster or a Tester or whatever the names were that ya said. Just an... Emercy, I guess." He shrugs.
"I am called I'llrith, and while this country might be that of my birth, I hold only one fond memory of it. Other than that, I had decided to become a scholar in Korvosa, and graduated about two years ago. Hopefully, my studies can be beneficial to this venture," he says with eyes darting between Emercy and the halfling woman. "I do wonder where my drink is though. I've been away from the heat far too long, and miss the chill winters near Cheliax."
"Oh, sorry about that," says Yasmin apologetically as she realizes this wasn't the same dwarf. "Great to meet you, Emercy!" The halfling catches up to Emercy and enters the waiting room. Inside, she's taken aback by the sight of a fiery-skinned man!
"Oh, hello there!" Being quite surprised and then curious, Yasmin finds herself staring quite intently as I'llrith introduces himself, trying to figure out what he is. "Well, you really have been gone from Katapesh too long--that's quite a case of sunburn you have!" The halfling's grin as she says this suggests that she's trying to make some sort of joke out of I'llrith's appearance.
Cocking an eyebrow, "You know, lass, I'm thinkin' that's the natural color of his skin. Just thought I might point that out to ya is all."
"Truth be told, she isn't too far off. I am a little redder than usual, since I've come back. Normally, I would be more, orange I guess," he chuckles as he points towards himself.
"Well that's interestin'. Fair enough then." Cutting his attention to the halfling, "It appears I'm wrong, lass. Won't be the first time," he states candidly. Looking back to the Ifrit, "And it's a pleasure ta meet ya, I'llrith." He nods.
Yasmin chuckles in return. "Yes, great to meet you, I'llrith! I thought I was coming from far away Qadira, but Korvosa--that's far even by the standards of nomads and caravanners. What's it like over there? And what brings you back?"
"Oh, sorry about that," says Yasmin apologetically as she realizes this wasn't the same dwarf. "Great to meet you, Emercy!" The halfling catches up to Emercy and enters the waiting room. Inside, she's taken aback by the sight of a fiery-skinned man!
"Almost forgot me manners. Pleasure ta meet yerself... um... lass." Figuring she's given her name and he's forgotten it, Emercy just avoids the issue altogether.
"I would say it's quite different there than it is here. Colder, with more water as rivers, rain, and snow at times. The city seems to be in line with the Chellish ideology that summoning devils, or at least making pacts with them isn't taboo, and I've met a fair amount of tieflings who were amazed to find a djinn offspring in their midst. As for coming back, I've been attempting to fulfil a promise to return after making somewhat of a name for myself. Woman was talented with a blade, and I've been hoping to see her again sometime soon," nodding a bit in the cadence of his speech he looks towards Emercy, answering back "Pleasure is all mine."
"Almost forgot me manners. Pleasure ta meet yerself... um... lass." Figuring she's given her name and he's forgotten it, Emercy just avoids the issue altogether.
"Yasmin al Akbar," says the halfling, filling in the blank that she'd forgotten to give. "Yasmin or even Yaz is fine if you want a short name."
After I'llrith explains his background and journey, Yasmin comprehends. Djinn--ah, that explains it! "Well, I guess the Chelish treat devils the same way the Kelish would treat djinn. Or the way everyone tries to treat halflings sometimes. I'm guessing you're no stranger to that, I'llrith. Lucky for me, I was born free and plan to stay that way!"
She looks to the dwarf. "So what about you, Emercy? Are you also from some far off land?"
Nodding, "Yaz it is then. And yeah, I am. Definitely farther than I want ta be. I hail from Janderhoff. Pretty much the other side of the blasted world. I'm just yer typical dwarf from within the mountains. Nothin' special here." He shrugs.
Yasmin's jaw drops. "Nothing special? You're from the West! This is so amazing. I hadn't realized that I'd be meeting two faraway travelers today! Is Janderhoff underground? Do you have tunnels that go all the way to the Underdark?"
Scratching at his beard in thought, "I guess I never really thought it bein' that amazin' but if I guess if ya think about it, it could be ta outsiders," he says out loud, mostly to himself. "Anyway, yeah, it's underground. And yeah, there are tunnels throughout and there is a tunnel that is connected to the Darklands. We've got patrols constantly keeping an eye on it for obvious reasons. You just never know what may come out of there."
"Sounds like valuable experience for where we're heading, Emercy! I have to admit, I haven't done much exploring underground. But you and I can keep I'llrith safe while he does scholarly things."
Yasmin starts looking around with impatience, and looks for the nearest agent of this place. "Hey, are we expecting anyone else? Is Truther or Trathis ready to meet us?" Yasmin always hated waiting.
Shrugging, "No idea, lass. Hopefully, they'll be with us soon. I'llrith over there is still waitin' on a drink."
Finally, the agent returns with a serving tray holding four glasses of visibly cold water. With him is another figure, a darker skinned human woman with long blonde hair clad in gilded ornate chainmail obviously meant more for showing off than actual combat.
"My name is Alidelia, I am the Company's contact here in Katapesh. Unfortunately, neither Truther or Trathis are even in the capital." her smooth voice echoes quietly as the agent sets the tray down on a table in the middle of the room. "They are both overseeing the forward base establishment in the city of Solku. We will all be joining him soon."
She takes a short breath before continuing, seeming to prepare herself for the coming discussion and the inevitable questions she must be used to.
"So glad you could join us today; I am excited to welcome you to the team. Underground experience will be extremely neccessary, how much do you know about the history of the Zolurket Mines?"
Grabbing one of the glasses, Emercy takes a solid drink to quench his thirst. "I've heard of 'em. Give me a sec, let me think on that a moment." Taking another drink, he works to put his thoughts together to make sure he's not confusing the Zolurket Mines with the mines of Janderhoff.
"Oh, underground experience! Yes, I definitely have experience. Why would I come here if I didn't?" says Yasmin. Emercy and I'llrith know that just a few moments ago, she confessed to NOT having experience. . And it probably shows. She takes a long gulp of her water, mostly to give herself time to think.
"Ahhhh, that hits the spot.". Finally, she stops drinking and takes a breath. "More importantly, I have soldierly experience, and am perfectly capable of putting the pointy end of my scimitar into the bad guys!"
"Underground experience you say. I did delve into some of the upper ruins in the libraries in Karvosa when in search of books, so I believe I can help!" he excitedly exclaims, remembering himself before spilling any water from the goblet. "I think it would also be a grand learning experience as well! There might be magics that haven't been seen in hundreds of years."
No one knows, or remembers at least, what happened, but around three hundred years ago a mass wave of dwarves left the mines. They all said the mine had run its course and was empty, but a significantly lower number of dwarves left the mine than had been flocking there to seek their fortune. Word quickly spread about its haunted condition, and soon no one beyond the most determined adventurer would dare enter its halls.
Alidelia speaks again.
"Regardless of prior events, this expedition will provide ample opportunity to learn all about the underground. In fact, beyond the ruined fortress of the upper layer currently held by the Cracked Hammer tribe of gnolls, the rest of the mines are all underground. As far as the Company has been, anyway."
She looks around to each of you in turn, evaluating your response to this information.
"You probably knew that anyway, but I assume this won't be an issue?"
Shaking his head, he looks at Alidelia, "Not an issue for me, though I wonder if we have enough supplies. Either way, I am quite excited with the prospects of finding relics and knowledge of ages past!"
Shaking his head as well, "Nope. Not with me. Is this the lot of us or should we be expectin' another for this trek?"
"You assume right!" agrees Yasmin. "There's definitely another for this mission. Crag, my trusty bird companion! You'll get to meet him outside. I sure do hope he'll go into the mines," mutters the halfling as she trails off.
"Did you say Cracked Hammer gnolls by the way? Pretty soon they'll be hammer-cracked gnolls! Am I right, Emercy?" The dwarf gets a few jabs from Yasmin's elbow as she says this.
"No more beyond you three, and her bird apparently." she says. "Don't you worry about supplies for the trip to Solku at least, the Company has sent plenty for me to get you there. Once you get into the mines and secure the first fortress layer, we'll attempt to establish a base camp there for you to resupply and rest at."
She nods to the servant, asking for more water before taking a seat across from the three of you.
"There will be plenty of action and wealth to be found. I'm not all too sure about ancient relics and knowledge, but I am sure that you will have more than enough material to ruffle through."
"The ultimate mission you've been hired for specifically is to help retrieve the body and possessions of a former partner of the Company, Tibbler Rocksledge. He was on a previous delve into the mines when he unfortunately was killed, and the other two partners hired you to help get him back to give him a proper burial."
"Any burning questions?"
"You assume right!" agrees Yasmin. "There's definitely another for this mission. Crag, my trusty bird companion! You'll get to meet him outside. I sure do hope he'll go into the mines," mutters the halfling as she trails off.
"Did you say Cracked Hammer gnolls by the way? Pretty soon they'll be hammer-cracked gnolls! Am I right, Emercy?" The dwarf gets a few jabs from Yasmin's elbow as she says this.
With an incredulous look at the halfling, the dwarf can't help but crack a slight smile at her enthusiasm. "Yeah, I guess so. Definitely better them than me being cracked."
Turning his attention to Alidelia, "Yeah, I've got one: When do we leave?"
Seeing the smile creep out of Emercy warms Yasmin's little heart. "Yes, let's get going!" she says eagerly. "We can talk along the way."
"I agree. Would be best if we get going!" Turning towards Alidelia, he holds up his hand, with two fingers extended. "Right, my first question is, are we going to travel by river, as we can probably take more supplies to start off with but might be a bit slower, or are we going to head over land, which may be faster, but we will have less supplies due to the need pf pack animals? The logistics are that it might be cheaper overall to go by land, with less chances to be ambushed except around the watering holes along the route. If we go by river, it might cost more, but there is less chance that we would run out of water, though we could be ambushed more easily with less defendable locals," spouting various trade routes and practicality as a rapid pace, he forgets that the others were trying to already leave the building.
She replies to each question in kind.
"Unfortunately for your enthusiasm, we are not ready to leave quite yet. Many things must still be made ready for our departure. Tomorrow morning, we'll get on the ship we have hired for this venture, the Sea Scorpion, and its captain will take us up the Elemion River until we reach Solku. The journey will take about a week of sailing, and then the mines are another week northwest of Solku once we resupply and get you prepared for the expedition."
She looks around at the three of you and clasps her hands together.
"If you are done asking questions, make any preparations and say any farewells you need to. Then, meet down at the docks at dawn tomorrow morning and we shall set sail for Solku."
Nodding, "Sounds good. Tomorrow at dawn. Got it."
Turning to his two fellow travelers, "Well, lot, it was nice meetin' ya both. Will be seein' ya both in the mornin' unless ya get cold feet." He studies them both a moment through narrowed eyes before, "Neither of ya is gonna be gettin' cold feet on me, are ya?"
With a quizzical look, he swings his arms to point out the environment while speaking, "I doubt one is to get cold feet here, especially myself. The temperature is quite blistering, so I don't think any freezing would be going on."
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Raising an eyebrow and looking somewhat taken aback, a slight grin forms when he realizes the wizard doesn't understand what he's saying. "No, lad, not literally. It's just an expression. If one were ta get 'cold feet', it means he gets scared and backs out of what he says he was goin' ta do. That's it."
Giving a friendly pat on the shoulder to the ifrit, "Okay, well, we'll see you lot tomorrow morn then. Bright an' early. I'm goin' ta gather up me things, look over and see what else I be needin', and get some rest. Until tomorrow, lot." The dwarf then takes his leave.
”Tomorrow? That’s so long from now!” complains Yasmin. ”Well, want to get something to eat, I’llrith? I normally cook but may as well get someone else to do the work while I’m town. And maybe find a few supplies for the journey.”
Just as the door shuts behind him, Emercy pushes it right back open and peeks in. "Did you say somethin' about eatin', lass? Because I could use a bite or two. Don't suppose you'd mind me comin' along, would you? If you would, then that's not a problem, I just thought I'd ask."
Yaz smiles brightly and calls back down the hall. "Oh, most definitely! More than glad to find a spot. Dwarves like ale, right? I mean, I don't drink, but there must be a good spot for that, don'cha think? Come on, I'llrith!" The much shorter Yasmin starts tugging at I'llrith to follow.
"So what do Ifrit like to eat anyway? Do you eat really spicy foods?" She starts walking toward Emercy, hoping for the other to follow. "I've heard that food from the West is really bland, is that true? Also, do they really eat pigs? Gross!" It becomes pretty apparent that Yasmin is chatty.
"Oh yeah, I like a good ale." Emercy holds the door open, waiting for them to exit before following after.
"I eat pigs. Well, bacon anyway. Ya canno' beat bacon. Bacon goes with everythin'." He grins, his mind traveling to the savory taste of bacon.
Yasmin's face begins to blanche. "Bacon? You have a separate word for pig meat?" She steps into the open air, and looks toward the impressive-looking bird of prey that is waiting outside. "Hey, Emercy--meet Crag!" Yasmin pulls out a strip of dried meat. "I bet Crag would enjoy pig meat--maybe you can try it with him sometime. But for now, feed him this so he'll like you more." Yasmin hands the beef jerky to Emercy, then gestures toward the bird.
Looking a bit quizzical at the halfling, "Well, it's not really pig meat per se. I mean it is but it isn't." Scratching his chin as he tries to figure out how to explain it, he throws up his hands in frustration. "Bah! Doesn't matter! It's just called bacon, lass. And it's good. You should try it." He nods matter-of-factly.
Shrugging, Emercy takes the dried meat. "Well, okay, I guess. I'm not really much into animals but will give it a shot." Walking up to the bird with the dried meat in hand, he offers it up. "Here ya go, birdy. A little treat for ya. Please don't take me finger with it. Thanks."
The next morning begins like every other dawn in Katapesh, the blistering sun rising high above the city and bringing the light to all the dealings and trade of such a city.
The docks are easy enough to find once you push your way through the quickly thickening crowd of merchants and peddlers, all claiming to have the key talisman to protect you from this or that threat that you are clearly so worried about. It takes a while to find the Sea Scorpion amongst all the other vessels at the docks, but you eventually do locate it.
Alidelia and the agent, who introduces himself as Tanithil, are waiting on you when you arrive and they greet you warmly.
”I hope you had a good rest, we have a week long journey ahead of us. Have you finished any business you might have in the capital before we leave?”
Crag snatches the meat from Emercy, but leaves the dwarf's fingers well enough alone, and decides he's an acceptable companion. Yasmin enjoys a bit of time around the town with Emercy, and I'llrith if he comes.
She's more than ready to meet up at the dawn and find the Sea Scorpion.
"Nice to meet you Tanithil! So, what do you do for the Company? And who's sailing this thing?"
Alidelia and the agent, who introduces himself as Tanithil, are waiting on you when you arrive and they greet you warmly.
”I hope you had a good rest, we have a week long journey ahead of us. Have you finished any business you might have in the capital before we leave?”
Nodding, "Aye, I did. And I've got no unfinished business left so I'm ready ta go whenever the rest of the lot are."
The man responds curtly, his voice the epitome of a polite tone.
"I am Alidelia's retainer, and the 'front office man' as it were. She's the head of the Company's operations here in Katapesh. Don't worry you'll meet the captain shortly, she's an interesting character to be sure."
Alidelia, meanwhile, welcomes the group and motions towards the ship.
"Well come on then, we're behind schedule. Captain Zakeriss is already quite hot under her scales, best not to poke her even further."