‘Eκάτη's Endless Night

Game Master ‘Eκάτη

A little underestimated my busy schedule for today, but here I am in the end .)

Gadak only shrugs his shoulders when you communicate in those languages that he does not know (or it seems that he does not know). Everyone has their secrets, especially here.

The journey turns out to be quite tedious - you need not only to get to Cocyrdavarin, but also to cross it almost entirely. Although you are riding on a wagon pulled by lizards and not walking with your feet, but this is the time you need to spend on something.

You pay attention again that the gates to the city open before Gadak should he show the guards the ring of the House. You now have the same ones, and apparently they actually "open some doors". It seems that your "friend" did not lie about the fact that the House Vonnarc is highly respected in this city. You have to check this idea pretty soon, when a patrol stops you halfway through Arshyvhar. It seems that drow soldiers, under the pretext of searching for prohibited goods, are engaged in bribery and light robbery, but they also easily release travelers and wagons belonging to noble houses. You are not being searched, although in front of your eyes another part of the patrol is doing this with drow not belonging to a noble house.

You are once again admiring the frightening beauty of the city, its sophistication can only compete with its gloominess. Your attention is attracted more than once by strange plazas decorated with refined mosaics and witchcraft fire that does not radiate heat.

In the end, you get to Drashes: a tangle of narrow streets lined with stalls with everything that can and cannot be imagined, from magical reagents to decorative products made of humanoid skulls, from strange and not always appetizing-looking food to instruments for torture, from weapons of the most outlandish forms to erotic toys… And much much more. In addition to street trading, almost everywhere the ground floors of buildings are also turned into shops, warehouses or small bars.

There is a lot of life here, but this life is gloomy, cruel, vain and short. Surely in this realm of chaotic trading, the rule "who is stronger is right" works. Such places are usually supervised by a gang or several gangs, harshly extorting money from merchants and forcing them to go to greater and greater tricks to pay tribute, and often these tricks turn out to be no less cruel and criminal. You can probably buy anything here, but you need to check three times whether you bought a fake.

What's next? There is no bar with a sign "for bandits", although you can easily find several mini-taverns (without the possibility of staying there), where you can skip a mug or two of mushroom wine and learn something. You can also make most purchases here, like the mentioned wand.

"Cirok, Soryan, this is your party. Where shall we go?" Cuthalian says after they have stepped off the wagon.

I'll bash anyone trying to extort us. Maybe we can find an in with say..some minor bloodsports. Gain some rep.

In addition to Colgrim's fighting pits, Soryan Dirge looks about for Abyssal or Hellish market stalls. .... From the safety of the wagon, of course.

Cirok sits a top the wagon. The Rogue's eyes scanning the scenery as they traverse the tedious streets, pathways and even an evil duck crossing.

At the first sight of an expertise tools shop, the Rogue hops off the wagon, walks into the shop, purchases a set of Thieves Tools (mw) 100gp?, verbally spares the proper amount with the merchant, tips his hat and returns to his place in the wagon.
Actually wasn't an a%*@*##.

Once a bit deeper into Drashes, the Rogue once again hops out of the wagon at the sight of a magic shop.
Come on, Soryan Dirge. I wouldn't want to get my dagger dirty because some merchant tried to sell me garbage.

Under his breath, following Cirok Brokencrown closely, Soryan Dirge whispers in the language of the Drow, "Nay, Cirok, clean daggers are mistrustworthy, better to sully yours anew." But the grin and tone makes it clears he is joking, of course he doesn't really want a fight to break out. (Not that it would be all bad seeing Colgrim Barrelhouse, Velath Tel'Quessir, and The Cuthalian in battle once again.) Soryan Dirge turns to Gadak as well, "You ought to come too, yes?"

Cirok Brokencrown, Lockpicks are a marketable commodity here. At first they offer you slightly crumpled ones, but seeing how skillfully and meticulously you choose a set, others are almost immediately offered, the quality of which will satisfy you. Yep, 100 gp.

Colgrim Barrelhouse, You look around while your elven friend picks out the lockpicks. At some point you see a heavily built orc with a broken and already slightly healed face and knocked down knuckles that seem damaged too strong even for a bouncer in a tavern. Thoughts of fist fights come to your mind. This is one of the clues to the 'fights in the pit'. But you can definitely look for something else - someone just needs to ask around.

Soryan Dirge, You will easily be able to find some shops selling anything from the Abyss, even including demon organs. But with Infernal gizmos, the situation is more complicated... They don't like hellish stuff among demon worshippers. However, it may be somewhere as a contraband product. For the first one, if you wish you can describe the image of the drow occultist selling this in a shop on the first floor, and describe what you are looking for from him. But for the second - it's more difficult here. Tell me what infernal items you need (if you need). We will roll diplomacy at finding the right people.

Velath stood near his friends as they moved through stalls and ships looking for 'thongs' He kept up his demeanor as a quiet Drow warrior, which wasn't hard considering at every glance he saw something unsettling. He was appalled at their lifestyle. The dark skinned elves were an abomination to all he stood for. ...he kept quiet and walked along with the others.

Colgrim turns to his group. I see a possible in to fighting pits with that *ptoie* orc over there. I reckon if we can do some slumming there, win some bouts and get to the areas, we can see which nobles or other important sorts visit them. Plus getting a rep as strong fighters can help us.

Soryan Dirge readily sets aside his thought of getting an Areshkagal fetish for which to score diplomatic ties back in House Vonnarc and proceeds to follow Colgrim's gambit of fighting an Orc in a gladiatorial pit and building a reputation. "I'll follow your lead, Cuthalian & Velath. Lead us to some spectator-combat."

Orc seems to be buying some potions. Maybe to recover after the fight.

I need some action on your part so that I can move events in this direction. Or any other direction .)

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

Maybe not fighting the orc, but I reckon he knows someone that can get us set up. Who wants to be my agent?

"Such a bout might be interesting to watch. One of you eloquent ones want to go organize the thing."

Cirok completes his business procuring a second set of tools. The Rogue begins walking in the direction of the magic shop when he notices that the others are gawking at an Orc that looks like he danced one too many times with Cuthalian.
So, what's the play here?

That orc can possibly lead us to fighting pits and arenas. We have no rep in this city and getting some influence can help.

Cirok peers over at the roughed up Orc, smiles and shrugs.
So, we want to start a rep for the Fighting Pits?

The Rogue saunters over to the Orc. He walks slowly around him, his white eyes appraising him up and down.
Do you win a lot?

While Cirok opens a dialogue with the Orc, Soryan Dirge turns to Gadak, "Do you know of any fighting pits in this part of the city, and, more importantly, do you know of any patrons or other influential parties associated with the fighting pits?"

Btw, I didn't explain - perception check above was for everyone.

The orc looks down at the drow - he is much larger. The reaction is strange. For a non-drow, he looks too bold (you have noticed that in drow language there is no difference between the concepts of "non-drow" and "useless stupid slave who will soon die" - the same word is used for this). But when he starts talking, the speech sounds almost servile. The dissonance of body language and manner of speech is so strong that it is a little unnerving, as if you are communicating with a madman. The situation is aggravated by the fact that he speaks the drow language with difficulty and with a monstrous growling accent.

I'fe fon enough, zirrr. I'm finning mein life, zirrr. Pezites, it's fun to prrreak skulls, zirrr. I know zome pattle harrrenas, zirrr. Do vu fant to make pet, zirrr? Vu schould talk to zome darrrk men, zirrr. Find Xomos Fain' henchmen among sem, zirrr. Xomos Fain fill guide vu, zirrr.

He freezes in indecision, waiting to see if the drow men have finished communicating with him or not.

Perception DC 20: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18 (+4 Traps), Trap Spotter

Cirok has his full attention on his stimulating conversation with
What is your name?

The Rogue glances at Cuthalian and Colgrim.
Ask around for a Xomos Fain. He is a broker of some kind.

Cirok then flips a silver at the orc.
Have a drink on me...

He holds up his empty hands.
Not literally.

"We were being watched. The observer fled when I spotted him or her. Keep a tight grip on your purse." Cuthalian shares with the group as they walk across the room to meet the orc.

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24

Sense motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

While Cirok opens a dialogue with the Orc, Soryan Dirge turns to Gadak, "Do you know of any fighting pits in this part of the city, and, more importantly, do you know of any patrons or other influential parties associated with the fighting pits?"

And overhearing the brief conversation a few feet away, Soryan Dirge continues, "Ah, are you familiar with Xomos Fain, Gadak?"

Mein name is Karrrgrrrgh, zirrr. The orc scratches his head. I'll haffe drrrink, zirrr, aye.

Gadak raises an eyebrow. Xomos? I don't know him, but I've heard of him. He is the unspoken master of Drashes. A spider in a web. I think that all the business that takes place in this dirty hole is somehow known to him or coordinated with him... Otherwise, the one needs to run away from this hole or get ready to disappear here… Apparently your new friend thought you were wealthy players. Gadak grunts and adds after a little thought. I think if you want to meet this guy's henchmen, I can arrange it. I don't know if he will agree to meet himself... Only if given a reason.

In case I've confused you. What options I see now: 1. Find the assistant of Xomos and get to the fights. You are clearly expected to place bets since you are drow. But you can say on the spot that you want to fight. If you choose the second, then you can choose in which format - one on one with fists or all together with weapons in a deadly battle against a conditional unknown chthonic horror from the depths of the Darklands... There is no need for checks here - tell me that you want to move in this direction and I will move events to negotiation with the boss's assistants. 2. To break through personally to Xomos through a lie or something similar. It remains to understand why you need it (what exactly are you going to do to him or tell him). But in any case, you know now that there is such an influential figure in this area. It may come in handy. Or not. 3. "We've had enough for today, there are still three months ahead, the deadline is far away, let's go to bed!" 4. Go to another place. 5. Something else.

"If this Xomos Fain is the Drow of influence here, then let us meet with him. Gadak, can you take us to one of his proxies?"

'This plan could work well: Colgrim, Cuthalian and Velath can build a reputation as gladiatorial champions while Cirok and I use their exploits to insinuate ourselves in the games of intrigue and information-brokering among the non-nobles of Zirnakaynin. A good use of our time outside of Vonnarc, until such time as our duties there lead to a promotion.'

Karrrgrrrgh. I see. Well, that was a good chap and all. Before you go get that drink, who is your Master?

Cirok turns back to the group.
Xomos Fain is our target. Cuthalian and Colgrim should start a fight with one of his muscle. Once we find out his spot. Myself and Soryan Dirge will be your representatives and our bashful Velath can stay close to us for physical support.

Cirok turns to Gadak.
Where do we find this henchmen?

There seems to be a bit of excitement birthed by anticipation in his white eyes.....

"We were being watched. The observer fled when I spotted him or her. Keep a tight grip on your purse." Cuthalian shares with the group as they walk across the room to meet the orc.

[dice=Perception]1d20+16

[dice=Sense motive]1d20+8

Cirok only smiles at this information.

Perhaps go a few rounds in any punching arenas or even monster fights. Win some coin open some doors.

Karrrgrrrgh has niet master, zirrr. As long as Karrrgrrrgh fights und fins, he frrree. Perhaps you could try to explain to the orc that if he has no choice but to fight, then it's not really freedom, but will he understand?...

Gadak nods, leaves you for about fifteen minutes, ducking somewhere into the alleys, then returns, sits on a cart and gets to the tavern a couple of alleys to the north. There is a stall for lizards and, having given you the honor to pay a couple of coppers to a troglodyte groom, he heads inside the tavern.

There he nods towards a table where three drow are sitting and playing cards. They pay attention to you and suspend cards draw. One of the three, sitting farthest from the entrance, sprawls a little on a chair, demonstrating his full confidence. He looks at you and smiles, trying to show the affability of the condescending type. About like a bully who is suddenly going to help a whimpering baby instead of taking away the last lollipop.

These guys are taking bets on fights. Talk to them. They obey Xomos Fain, Gadak whispers to you and goes to the bar counter.

Soryan Dirge gracefully sits down at the card table and patiently waits in perfect stillness and silence for the hand to end. Then he begins his gambit.

"Gambling on more than pit fighting, I see. Well, buy me a drink of Faerie Blood and convince me to give you a line on the next Champion Trio of the fighting pits, guaranteed to make us all rich. Gold even beyond the influence, perhaps, of your Boss Xomos Fain."

Having already turned around from the Orc, the Drow absently waves a hand at the still talkative Gladiator.
Extremely well, Karrrgrrrgh. Now, go have that drink and remember my face if I call on you.

Cirok flips an actual gold piece at the Orc. The coin landing perfectly on his still uprated palm.
Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (18) + 19 = 37

Cirok smiles at Gadak, as the guide begins his mysterious trek into the allies of Drashes to set up the meet.

The Rogue follows....for the 15 minutes of Gadak's trip..
Stealth, cover: 1d20 + 17 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 17 + 4 = 32

I can assume his path and discussions with folks, but if it differs from the normal back ally dealers, thugs, and secret hand shakes?

At the Tavern...

Already seated at the bar (fresh drink in hand), Cirok smiles at the entrance of the group. The Rogue watches anyone who takes special interests....
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15 +4 Traps, Trap Spotter

Colgrim follows behind and sits himself near Cirok and does he dies best, glower and quaff booze.

Cirok:

A walk for Gadak did not give much, but more than nothing. Cirok will surely remember the faces of the tavern keepers, loan sharks and a couple of thugs with whom Gadak lazily exchanged a few words. The combination of the house ring, mentioning the name of the boss of the local criminal world and hints that he's here on behalf of someone noble from one of the Great Houses of the city was quite enough for your cunning guide to hit the right trail. Cirok also understands that you could do everything yourself, Gadak has no special connections here, even if he wants it to look different.

In the tavern:

Drow look at each other slightly, their glances at the same time interested (as predators at the sight of prey), but also a little confused. The one sitting on the opposite side of the table from Soryan glares at him for a couple of seconds and says, you either have cool fighters in whom you really believe, or one of two. It's curious. He snaps his fingers. Bring this guy a drink.

Cirok just stays at the bar. He orders a drink gor himself and the same for Gadak.
Cheers, Gadak. This may be the start of a prominent role in history!

A role in history is great, of course, but I'm in no hurry to enter it, heh... Gadak takes a sip from his goblet, glancing sideways at the events at the table. Before that, I prefer money, power and all the benefits that the first and second can give.

The trio continues to look expectantly at Soryan. The dramatic pause lasts too long and it seems that one of your team members needs to save the situation.

"I don't know about cool but we'll get the job done." Cuthalian says stepping into the pause.

The smiling Rogue clicks goblets with Gadak.
Never suggested that we skipped the fun bits!

Colgrim keeps glaring and quaffing.

Waiting on rest of group to get involved at the Table, before stepping in....

Waiting on a response, will go from there.

Cirok glances over at Colgrim and Cuthalian.
What about starting negotiations correctly by breaking both their noses.

Colgrim finally hears something he knows about and cracks his knuckles before heading over.

Drow look at each other slightly, their glances at the same time interested (as predators at the sight of prey), but also a little confused. The one sitting on the opposite side of the table from Soryan Dirge glares at him for a couple of seconds and says, you either have cool fighters in whom you really believe, or one of two. It's curious. He snaps his fingers. Bring this guy a drink.

.

Soryan Dirge's eyes glaze over for a moment, perhaps part of a gambit, perhaps the weight of the horror getting to him. Time passes. An uncomfortable silence. Then he seems to snap out of it.

"Ah. Another one of my 'Moments' -- a Gift from those wonderful Priestesses of Areshkagal. They trap my mind inside a riddle, sometimes it takes a Moment to figure it out. Then my mind can return to me." He hopes it sounds plausible, a curse from Demon-worshipping Drow who serve an accursed god of vile riddles. Bluff: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (15) + 26 = 41

"Where were we,... You think I'm trying to hustle with you by rigging both sides of a gladiator fight. Let me be "Honest" with you, 'Trusted Friend'," he smirks obviously, "I've got a few fighters that will make us both some good money. I want to meet with Xomos Fain. So. Do want this opportunity? Or not?

"And I'll take that offered drink while you think about it."

Cirok causally takes a sip of his drink. The drow leans over to whisper to the barkeep.
My proper bartender of existent taste and refinement. May I trouble you for your best cask of wine from the cellar?

Cirok winks at him, slipping a platinum coin across the bar with a charming smile.
Bluff (Cha) : 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

The Rogue then--swiftly--takes out a Wand, pronounces a word and places it inside his haversack. All in the same time it took for him to take a second sip of his bourbon.
UMD DC 20, expeditious retreat: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (18) + 17 = 35

Cirok clinks glasses with Gadak.
My coin is on my guys. Wager? I believe they may have more.

The bartender looks at the coin for a second and tries to take it quickly Slight of Hand: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 with the words, It's only worth one bottle if you really want the best wine.. However, he really goes for a bottle... Gadak shakes his head. I saw how you killed ghonhatine. You can do something for sure... And remembering how 'shorty' jumped into the pit, you know how to make it dramatic. So I would bet on you, especially in a deadly fight. It seems that he really will do so on occasion.

___

Meanwhile, it will be time for a new pause at the table. The drow talking to you chuckles in response to the phrase about the priestess of Areshkagal, but becomes serious at the mention of meeting with Xomos. After a pause, he says, Good money can be earned in different ways, that's right. Fight in a deadly battle with incredibly superior opponents and suddenly win. Or carefully go on a winning streak and then suddenly lose. There are many ways, but no matter what we talk about, you can settle it with me. Call me Liver.

You can try to convince him of the need for an urgent meeting with a good diplomacy check. One bluff probably won't be enough. Although who knows, for example, if it's such a lie that it's just madness to refuse, if you really believe it... The main thing then is to understand the consequences .)

Liver taps his fingers on the table. He is calculating options for how to make money on you, and his quick glance at his card-playing partners makes it clear that he will not share these plans with them.

Then Liver once again carefully looks around your entire company. Are you talking about them? They look like muscles... hmm... Ready to risk their skin?

"Why Liver, it is not at all a risk," he smiles.

I'll fight for certain. At the very least you can watch me get impaled and thrust myself forwards so I can bite out a throat with my teeth.

Good. How can we introduce you to the respectable public? He glances at Soryan's ring and smiles faintly. Come back in two days. We have a creature just for you. The underground giant. Caught on the lower levels of Sekamina. I think you should fight him all together. He clarifies then the time and place of the meeting - here, in Drashes (I'll leave it behind the scenes, according to your estimates, you have time after work in the house).

The Crusher. That is what I do, heads, torsos, balls, feet..