Izzy corrects Flutter on one point, "IF Rannick has fallen, it isn't 'troublesome', it's a disaster - rolling slow or fast - towards Turtleback Ferry and the lands between there and Magnimar."
"Po-tay-to, po-tah-to.", Flutter responds. "While I am inclined to agree that it is severe, it is only semantics. What is necessary is for us to act swiftly and a military relief unit arriving to hold it. What I'm afraid of is that that may be the easy part, because whoever took it must have mustered their forces beyond the reach of the Rangers stationed there, or there would have been reports, at least.", he turns to the Mayor once more: "...which is why, as said, I expect resolving this issue will require us to venture beyond Turtleback Ferry and Fort Rannick. Luckily, as free agents, we are able to do so and are not bound by Magnimars jurisdiction. But yeah, that does tend to cause expenses - hence point two of my argumentation."
The look on Issengrim's face says he vehemently disagrees with the butterfly's blithe assessment but he says nothing, letting the rest of the conversation play out.
Drasven in his cleric vestments opts not to say much about the proceedings as he watches the Mayor for what he truly wants them to do.
Lord-Mayor Haldmeer Grobaras looks confused as an unfamiliar masculine voice begins emanating from near Lia. It is only after a few sentences that he puts two and two together and realizes that he's being addressed by a well-spoken butterfly. He looks increasingly incredulous, especially at the reference that he needs redemption. After a few wordless scoffs, he responds.
"I will not mobilize our guards on hearsay and speculation about that backwater and leave my city defenseless."
He grumbles at the idea of increasing the compensation as well but seems to waffle on the idea.
He isn't opposed to the idea of an increased reward--in the future--if there is actually a problem. But he isn't convinced that there really is one yet and isn't ready to commit. He is also worried about the approaching rainy season, which tends to wreak havoc on large mobilizations and travel around central Varisia.
Haldmeer Grobaras may be a self-serving politico, but he hasn't been elected to his position twice by accident. He's a savvy administrator and independently wealthy citizen who believes that the right combination of rhetoric, gold, and connections can solve any problem.
Still fuming silently, Izzy fails to observe the Mayor's emotional state...
Flutter looks over to Lia for help.
She places her serving plate of fruit on the ground, gently wipes away any juice running down on her and walks over to where Flutter sat down: "It's not so much about more payment up front. But enable us to do more, there. Give us a seal that proves we act in the name of Magnimar, and a letter that informs Mayor Shreed that additional expenses up to a certain limit will be covered by Magnimar. That's not even about a reward, it's about being able to put into motion things that need to happen, without us having to underprepare to keep money on hand for things like hiring trackers or drafting local huntsman from near the Fort."
"I can see that this topic is serious to you. You would not send us there if not. And I understand that Magnimar cannot be left undefended. But send with us a dozen of your most experienced men. We can, with your seal, levy or recruit additional people in Turtleback Ferry, who your man can train into a militia. It is in the cities own best interest to retake and man the Fort, so I am confident if there is trouble, we will find men there willing to help. It will not be an army, but they will be able to hold the fort all the same. You would not commit much that way, and if there is no trouble, your men can be back and report before the rainy season starts."
She offers the Lord Mayor a smile:"You are a smart man. But as Flutter suggested that you spend some of your funds on the shrine of Sarenrae - you will see that we are not self-serving. We did not ask for a donation to the Cynosure Tower. We do not want to enrich ourselves and drink richly from Magnimars teat. But we are but a few people, and know our limits. Can you really risk us failing by not granting what little we ask for? A dozen soldiers, a fast means of passage to Turtleback Ferry, and your sanctum to run up a limited tab on Magnimars expense there. If you find whatever expenses we made were unjustified, you can simply take that out of our reward for dealing with the problems, there. And if Mayor Shreed is overreacting, and Fort Rannick not reachable for a different reason, and it all is not really troublesome, then there will be no need for either the soldiers nor the money. But if not, and there is an army amassing in the mountains...then you will be glad for your foresight in enabling us to deal with problems swiftly and efficiently."
She holds her gaze on the Lord Mayor, but casts momentary glances at Flutter, to see if he approved of what she said.
Karmid raises an eyebrow at both Flutter and Lia stepping up at the venue that he himself was mostly uncomfortable at. However, he wouldn't abandon his cause here and so stays close in order to lend his presence to the situation with his best 'serious' glances and 'disapproving' looks learned at the feet of experts back in Sandpoint Cathedral...
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After all the chores are finished and people are where they're supposed to be, Ro changes her mind and does go buy some new clothes for the evening's dinner. With only a little time to make decisions, she chooses a white shirt of linen, along with a crimson doublet to go over it. She opts for a short style of the jacket, only coming to her waist.
She pairs those pieces with new black velvet trousers, tight but not as tight as hose would be, and a new pair of knee-high boots. At least it keeps her out and unavailable for any uncomfortable conversations Fran might attempt.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ro isn't much in the mood for a party after the day she's had so she's very happy to see that most of her goals for the evening are met right away without her having to do anything. Namely they are paid well, and the mayor does seem to take the Ironbriar and cultist thing seriously enough to prosecute them into the ground.
Since she is able to relax, Ro lounges slouched in a a chair for most of the ensuing conversation. She's feeling jaded enough about the mayor that she is neither surprised nor outraged at any of the things he says. He's a politician who has clawed his way to the top in an undoubtedly corrupt city, undoubtedly by corrupt means. What can anyone expect?
When the subject turns to what will be happening going forward into the future though, the talk starts hitting some rough patches. Ro respects the course both Flutter and Lia try to take, firm but polite and deferential. However, in this case with this man, maybe everyone can be a little more frank with each other. She picks up some bonbon type of thing and pops it in her mouth while Lia is trying to make the mayor a better man, then picks up another. But before she can get it into her mouth, Lia finishes, leaving her having to hold it. She doesn't get up, staying slouched in the chair.
"Here, why don't we take a step back and reacquaint ourselves with some basics before we go any farther."
With her free hand Ro digs out the lamia letter from her belt pouch and holds it out to the mayor.
"Read this. If you already have before, read it again."
She waits. When the mayor is finished, Ro continues with her point.
Mayor Haldmeer, you don't have to worry about that, well, worry about it as much now, because of us. We haven't been in Magnimar for a whole pair of weeks yet and in that time we've broken up the serial killer cult that has hunted in the city for years, nailed the judge who ran it despite all the protections his position gave him, and scared the lamia snake woman who wanted to skin you alive out of town."
"We get things done like nobody else you're going to find. You already know this though, which is why we're here in your house eating whatever these are."
Ro pops the second bonbon thing in her mouth pausing to chew and swallow before continuing.
"Big night for all of us. We can eat, drink, and slap each other on the back congratulating each other. But when the night's over, we're leaving without a care in the world, and you still have a bunch of problems."
"Those problems are personal, who may yet get skinned and made into a mask unless those lamia sisters are handled. You really might want to do something about that shrine. If you're not yet getting why exactly you're a prize for the lamia sisters, read that letter again closely. But, you're soul's condition is none of our business."
"You have problems here in town. Maybe people won't be so happy with how law and order, meat and potatoes security, has been handled by the city's authorities if too many details about recent events come out. You've brought that up yourself."
"You also have problems brewing way outside the city, and those are a real bind for you I think. I totally understand why you find those shoddy, backwater burgs that Magnimar claims hardly worth any effort. So far away. Worth so little. So much easier if you could just leave them to their own devices and send no soldiers, nobody at all in fact, just because they're in trouble."
"But, if you did nothing, they might decide they can just go their own way and ignore Magnimar. Or worse, if they're in real trouble they might decide to align with Korvosa instead to get the help they need. If that kind of thing started happening, civic pride in Magnimar would get hurt. The man in the street would be indignant. Korvosa is winning the pissing match at Magnimar's expense! Nobody hardly even remembers why the rivalry exists, but winning it still matters."
"On the other hand, if you send off a bunch of soldiers to Turtleback Ferry and Fort Rannick, it can't be kept secret. People might wonder what could be so wrong. Doesn't pair well with the delicate situation in the city right now does it? People could begin to think their future is hanging by a thread, that there's some disaster out there looming."
"So, I get it. You can send us quietly. We're dammed impressive, and let's be honest, you think we're the kind of yokels just come in from out in the sticks that you can puff up into doing what you need done to negotiate your tight spot right now for free."
"It's not that we don't appreciate the reward you've given us for unbidden, in fact unknown by you or your people to be needed, services rendered. We do. But We have seen this kind of money before, and we know our worth. Flutter and Lia proposed a perfectly reasonable system of compensation. If you can't or won't send troops now, that's on you depending on how things turn out in the end. But if you want us to go and check things out, we will be paid for it. We're not from Magnimar and civic pride for this city is very thin in our veins."
The Lord-Mayor does read over the lamia letter. If he has any reaction, positive or negative, he doesn't show it. But at the end of Lia and Ro's respective speeches, Lord-Mayor Haldmeer Grobaras huffs and rolls his eyes. He snaps his fingers and a servant retrieves five additional (smaller) bags of clinking coins from within their jacket. It was almost as though the Lord-Mayor had anticipated such a move in negotiations. The servant does not move to deposit these new bags in the laps of the adventurers yet.
"I am a generous man," he says through a forced smile, a blood vessel throbbing above his left eyebrow the only other crack in his veneer. "I can draft a formal letter and some additional services--passage on a boat from here directly to Turtleback Ferry, for instance--if that's what it takes..." "...to ensure the safety of my civic charges. Including additional funding if it is necessary. However." He holds his hands up near his shoulders in a gesture of resignation. "If you believe that you cannot handle this job, then I will simply find someone else who can."
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Lia cocks her head, looking directly into the Mayors eyes with a confused expression, but speaks in a unwavering voice: "But you do not have anybody else who could handle this job...ýou know it, don't you? You knew of the troubles in Turtleback Ferry before we came to you, but had no one to send. You can't even spare a few of your soldiers, and if you could, you are aware they would not be up to the task. In all timelines where you dismiss us, Magnimar burns. We don't want that. We will try and make do with what you can provide. Just be aware that not stopping what is coming there will make it impossible to hide the danger from your people. When Turtleback falls, people will flee, they will come here, and rumors will spread. Civil unrest will follow, and when they march on your city, morale will be low and guards will desert. The moment the fighting starts, their victory will be assured already. We are your one best - and only - chance at stopping that from happening."
She looks around finding the serving plate she took possession of earlier, then continues with a carefree voice what lacks any of the solemnity she had before:"If you can't spare soldiers, you can certainly spare some leftovers from the banquet? How long can you store these fruits? Could I have a few of them for the journey?"
She holds up one of the juicy fruits she found delectable while listening to the band, minutes earlier.
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Haldmeer Grobaras enjoyed a certain popularity in Magnimar, though the average citizen had little to say about him one way or the other. He had originally been elected to the position of Lord-Mayor in 4700 AR, and been re-elected for a second term a few years later, both overwhelming victories over and above his challengers. There were several factors that contributed to this seeming inevitability.
First was his gift with words. As a young man he learned early on that he was not considered conventionally attractive. (This had nothing to do with his weight: there were plenty of societies across the Inner Sea region that praised the well-clad voluptuous form as a sign of a financial prosperity and the indulgence in a well-deserved decadent lifestyle.) He had learned early on how to craft his words to get what he wanted and to convince the recipient that the resulting gift was their idea.
The first had led to the second and third to the point that all three were inextricably linked: his wealth and his network. The wealth was not inherited, but gained by an understanding of the byzantine laws of the city and a savage exploitation of loopholes alongside backroom deals with the movers and shakers of the city. With promises that a rising tide lifts all boats, Haldmeer drew both sycophants eager to use his profile to raise their own and savvy administrators content to make things happen in the background.
It was a poorly-kept secret, whispered on the lips of most of the residents in Magnimar's lower districts, that Lord-Mayor Grobaras didn't care about poor people. when it became clear that important city affairs were being decided on the basis of the lavish gifts that appeared on the steps of Defiant's Garden, the few reform-minded members of the Council of Ushers (who were not yet in the Lord-Mayor's pocket) had tried to pass anti-bribery measures. Tried. Even those who wanted to oppose the Lord-Mayor knew how difficult it would be. It made him difficult to rattle, seeing how vice tight his grip on power in the city was. He had deliberately made it that way.
So the fact that he seems at a loss for words as Lia sees through his bluff is a minor miracle, rarely witnessed except by the Lord-Mayor's closest advisors. The muscles in his face spasm and his head turns so red that it looks like you might be able to cook an egg on it. The staff on hand instinctively share distressed looks. The viola hits a single discordant note as the current piece nears its end, and a tense silence fills the air.
Then the Lord-Mayor recovers. "Of course, my dear," he says. "You are welcome to all that my chefs have prepared for you. I'll ensure that you have ample provisions for your journey."
The servant with the money bags deposit them with each of the five gathered . As the dinner wraps up, the platters are wheeled out and returned carefully packed to prevent mess and spoilage: enough to last half a dozen people at least three weeks comfortably. The Lord-Mayor also presents a voucher for travel on the nicest river boat going along the Yondabakari and Skull Rivers, and a letter sealed with wax addressed to Mayor Maelin Shreed.
---
Rather than making things worse for the mayor, Karmid nods at the additional funds.
”Your generosity and understanding of the situation bodes well for Magnimar, Lord Mayor.”
Night of the Fete…
Issengrim leaves the soiree as unobtrusively and as quickly as he can. He’s had more than enough of what passes for Magnimar’s ‘polite’ society. He walks back to the party’s flat to give himself time to cool off.
By the time he reaches the flat, he’s calm. He carefully folds and packs his fine clothes, swaddling the midnight doublet in a protective sheet.
Day 1…
Having quizzed Karmid a bit in off-hours, Izzy finds Drasven and asks – potentially begs – a couple favors from the Abadaran cleric. The first favor is helping to heal his wounded familiar. Izzy uses his god-granted abilities to help Zoe throw off the taint of the undead that struck her down. Then, with Drasven’s powers, she can be restored to full health.
The second favor is bigger and more likely something Drasven would refuse. Clearly embarrassed to be asking, Izzy nevertheless presses on, ”This pile of coins from the Mayor… I’d like to bank it with the Church of Abadar. I heard that, in some cases, the Church will keep accounts that gain interest on the sum. Well, I’m not good at convincing people or particularly… personable. I was wondering if you would be willing to speak to the Church officials on my behalf?”
Day 2…
Izzy crafts an update letter to Sister Thea and sends it off. While out, he goes shopping for some mundane goods – especially more arrows given where they are going – and possibly a magic item or two depending on how he is feeling about the Most Holy Bank of Abadar.
Thinking about Thea, Izzy mentally notes that he needs to discuss his letter from Thea with the team. Perhaps on the boat when everyone is focused on the journey ahead not the distractions of Magnimar.
Day 3…
Pirate-y Adventures!
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Once the money is right Ro sees no further reason to engage with the Lord Mayor. She does however grab a platter boasting an entire uncut cake to take home with her. The next few upcoming days are looking to her like the kind of days where massive indulgence will be needed to offset considerable angst.
She takes care of her shopping starting first thing the next morning. It turns into a bigger chore than she had expected so that all that happens.
On the second day she goes to The Rose and Rake Theater, all the way over in Ordellia, to talk to Lady Annsa Shivarlu. Ro hasn't managed to think of anything particularly clever, so she tells her a slightly sanitized version of the truth.
She and some friends had originally come to Magnimar to solve a group of murders in Sandpoint, where clues pointed to the city to the south. They solved the case, which was high profile enough for the Lord Mayor to notice. Now the mayor is sending them to Turtleback Ferry on some business he needs taken care of. Ro isn't in a position to say no, or back out, so she's stuck having to leave in a couple of days without knowing exactly when she'll be back. Ro expresses her regrets and tells Lady Annsa she will do everything she can to make it a short absence because the show is very important to her.
Finally, since she's already into the crappy stuff, Ro heads back to home and waits eating cake until she can catch Fran in her room. When she does, she goes to see her and opens with "You've probably heard, but in case you haven't, we're leaving for Turtleback Ferry the day after tomorrow. The mayor's sending us."
Night of the Fete…
Having quizzed Karmid a bit in off-hours, Izzy finds Drasven and asks – potentially begs – a couple favors from the Abadaran cleric. The first favor is helping to heal his wounded familiar. Izzy uses his god-granted abilities to help Zoe throw off the taint of the undead that struck her down. Then, with Drasven’s powers, she can be restored to full health.
The second favor is bigger and more likely something Drasven would refuse. Clearly embarrassed to be asking, Izzy nevertheless presses on, ”This pile of coins from the Mayor… I’d like to bank it with the Church of Abadar. I heard that, in some cases, the Church will keep accounts that gain interest on the sum. Well, I’m not good at convincing people or particularly… personable. I was wondering if you would be willing to speak to the Church officials on my behalf?”
Draven does not find the favor being asked unreasonable and does head to the church in order to ask about said arrangements.
As for healing, the dwarf is more then happy to offer his services.
Between Izzy and Drasven's respective devotion, Zoe seems to have recovered well from her brush with the wight's blade. The three travel once more to the Cathedral of Abadar in the Naos District, where Drasven is greeted with friendly waves from the various bankers he had met so far. The large bag of platinum brought in draws the attention of Proctor Hyronn Imikar, a Garundi man dressed in a resplendent golden breastplate who comes to personally oversee the opening of a new account. In a light Osiriani accent, he asks Izzy to fill out a few forms with Drasven serving as a witness rather than a co-signatory. The forms mostly collect contact information so that the account holder can be reached either personally or via an authorized guardian. Other forms are offered in case Izzy wants to take out a loan, but the Proctor doesn't force them on the man. There are also some grimmer forms about how the funds will be disbursed should the account holder be unable to retrieve them for reasons of death, insanity, interplanar marooning, or any of the other sorts of dangers experienced by people of his lifestyle. The whole process is relatively painless, but a junior banker does come in after Proctor Imikar leaves to adamantly and aggressively discuss additional services that Izzy can use.
---
Lady Annsa Shivarlu looks disappointed at Ro's news, but not especially surprised. "It only makes sense that a person with your penchant for poetry would be plying her trade properly," she says. The Mwangi woman looks thoughtful for a moment and nods. "I trust that you've taught the parts to one of my musicians? These adventures often take unexpected twists and turns. We haven't set the date for the premiere yet, but I hope our rehearsals don't take too much longer than the next month. Should you be able to deliver word to me, I'll pray for your swift return."
The Lady of the Rose and Rake still seems quite fond of the young Brishen.
---
Fran looks at her sister following her declaration, trying to hold her gaze for a moment as they considering what she wants to say. "I was going to try to say something smart, but..." She pats a bag that had been partially blending in with her bedding, which clanks with the jostling of its contents. "Well, I want to come with you."
Fran looks at her sister with determination in her eyes, as though she won't be swayed otherwise.
---
The day of departure approaches sooner than anyone expects. Whether they all meet up and walk down to the docks together or approach the docks separately, they are met by yet another figure on the docks of the Yondabakari River.
"I thought I might find y'all here," comes a feminine voice from beneath a hooded cloak, a longbow slung across her back. With as much drama as she mustered back at the Swallowtail Festival when she handily trounced Windsight and Marcelano in the archery contest, Shalelu Andosana throws off her hood. The rugged elven ranger who had helped Sandpoint and its outlying residents with the goblinoid threat for years she stands before the Godtouched now in Magnimar. She looks at the gathered force, all of whom she recognizes (and had last seen together back when Gwyddym, Xarmas, and Windsight were actively working with them), and nods.
"I'm coming with you," she declares. "To Fort Rannick."
The fellow ranger was a sight for sore eyes to Karmid! He tries to give her a bear hug, but backs off at her garrulous look and settles on a simple firm handshake.
“Any help here would be appreciated, especially from an expert of the local region! We must check in at Turleback Ferry first, but we intend to continue to the fort as soon as possible!”
Ro is so astonished by Fran that she almost thinks she must have heard wrong for a second.
"Wha... Alright. Good. Do you need any help packing, or are there things you need to get before we leave?"
Issengrim arrives at the dock with a spring in his step, the newly healed Zoe clinging to his shoulder and head. Despite a self-described ‘shopping spree’, his gear looks much the same as before… only with a couple extra quivers emerging from his pack.
His step falters as he sees Shalelu. He knew her by reputation more than anything else. He offers her a stiff bow. ”Issengrim. A pleasure to meet you, Miss Andosana.”
Fran shakes her head. "I've taken care of everything I need to take care of," she says. "Settled my accounts with Ol' Mam Grottle, put in my notice, and packed all my things."
She pauses and looks down at the ground. "I know this doesn't fix things. It'll take time. I'm okay with that if you are."
---
Shalelu raises her stern brow at Karmid as he waffles between a big hug and a handshake. Though significantly shorter than her fellow ranger, she has a look that suggests she could effortlessly make him regret any untoward advance. Not hostile. Just warily confident. She seems to appreciate the Shoanti man's choice of offering his hand instead. "Of course. You're not the only ones with an interest there."
She turns to Issengrim and nods at his stiff bow. "We've met before, squirt, but it's been nearly twenty years. The Anhana introduced me to you. Briefly." She tilts her head to see the bow strung on his back, changing topic with scarcely a breath or change in tone in between, the separate thoughts almost sounding connected. "I see you took up Deadeye's favor after all. Sister Thea says hello."
"We've met before, squirt, but it's been nearly twenty years. The Anhana introduced me to you. Briefly."
”I remember… but I saw no reason that you would.” It’s a strange sort of compliment.
She tilts her head to see the bow strung on his back, changing topic with scarcely a breath or change in tone in between, the separate thoughts almost sounding connected. "I see you took up Deadeye's favor after all. Sister Thea says hello."
”I’m sure that’s the least of what she’s said,” he replies with clear affection for the Sister. ”But to that point, before arriving at Turtleback Ferry we – all of us – should have a chat about some of Thea’s insights in addition to what we have learned from the Lord-Mayor and the lamia, Xanesha, in the past few days. Threats come from multiple directions.”
When Ro hears why Fran wants to come, she becomes more serious. She finds a place to sit down, then looks Fran in the eyes.
"Do you remember the last Swallowtail Festival? Mom and Dad sent you up to come find me because they wouldn't take time out to come into town themselves? I go with you for a couple of hours so they can get a look to prove to themselves I still exist I guess, and then you're all off and on your way."
"That's how it's been since we were 12 and I first got dropped off in Sandpoint. I was never asked if I wanted to be left there, and after I was never asked if I wanted to stay. It never mattered, I guess. As long as I wasn't dead or missing that was enough, I was somebody else's problem. Whatever I might need, I should be getting it elsewhere."
"I mean, do you remember what it felt like when you all left that first time? We were always together; we had always been together. I don't know about you, but I thought I would die. It took a long before I didn't feel like that."
"Don't tell me mom and dad did that because of the mark, or something like that. You had one just the same as me. It was because I was more trouble, or less useful. That's all it was."
"When you came back that evening, it was the first time anyone had ever chosen me over something else. Maybe that's not what you were really doing, but I thought so. But then, a few days later, you're gone and all you leave is a quick note saying so. It was the same old thing as always. Everyone gets to decide what they want to do, and I get left to figure out how I'm going to adjust to it. And if I say anything at all about not liking it, I'm the problem. I'm the selfish one."
"All I wanted you to do when we found you at that shrine was to just say you were sorry, that maybe you hadn't handled things very well. That's all."
"I don't expect we'll be joined at the hip for the rest of our lives. I just want to know what's coming and why instead of being an afterthought."
"You don't need to come with us to make up for anything. I'd rather you understand why I don't like being blindsided and try to keep it in mind in the future."
Fran listens to Ro and waits for a long time at the end. "Okay," she says. "I'm sorry. Maybe I didn't handle things very well. I still might not." She smiles faintly, catching that fierce look that Ro remembers from when they were younger. "I still wanna tag along. And if I need to leave again, I'll..." She seems to consider that for a moment. "I'll do better. I'll talk it over with you."
---
The Godtouched had asked for an army a couple days prior with the Mayor. Seven wasn't an army by even the most generous of definitions, but they were well on their way to a squad. Drasven Hammers. Flutter. Fran Brishen. Issengrim. Karmid Groundbreaker. Lia Tani. Ro Brishen. Shalelu Andosana. Zoe. With any luck, they'd find additional eager recruits along the way. What awaited them in Turtleback Ferry?
A chill wind rolls in from the north, bringing it with clouds looking heavy with rain. The river journey is going to be a cold, dreary, wet slog.
---
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Ro agrees that the subject should be considered settled. Though she doesn't want to put any pressure on Fran to come just to please her, Ro is secretly pleased Fran will be going to Turtleback Ferry with them.
Ro is left with one pleasant and one very unpleasant task remaining. Of course she chooses the pleasant one first. She tracks down Karina Rotarescu at her address to give her a ticket to A Nymph or Not?, and to include any flirting she can squeeze into to meeting. She feels good about Karina; Karina makes her feel good. It's too bad she has to leave Magimar so soon.
Finally, the evening before leaving, Ro settles down with a bottle of wine to write a letter that is to be mailed to Sandpoint. She drafts it out several times, but can't ever get it the way she wants it. The beginning in particular remains stiff and distant. She can't get around that problem for some reason and it frustrates her. Finally though Ro gives in to the need to sleep. She seals the letter in an envelope to be dropped into the mail on the way to the boat the next morning.
Dear Rynshinn,
How are you? I hope everything is fine with you and the shop. Did you get thse couple of patterns worked out to look how you wanted them to?
I’m in Magnimar now. We kept getting pulled farther south investigating those murders. One clue led to another, then another, and on around again. It’s all gotten very big and complicated. I won’t go into the details, none of them are pleasant, but every time we think we’ve wrapped it all up, we find more threads we have to pull.
The Lord Mayor is sending us to Turtleback Ferry of all places now. We’re leaving tomorrow morning. I have no idea anymore about when I might be coming back to Sandpoint, or when we might see each other again. To be honest, I’m not sure if I will ever be back. You know I always wanted to leave Sandpoint, and here it’s happened now.
You’re the single sole reason for me to return. But I think we both know things weren’t good with us, and really hadn’t been for a while, when I left. I will take the blame for that. I haven’t felt like myself for a long time now. Everything has been so grim and it has rubbed off on me, which I have rubbed off on to you. I don’t believe I’m worth waiting for.
If I should stay, I would only be in your way. So I'll go, and yet I know I'll think of you each step of the way. Bittersweet memories, that's all I'm taking with me. Goodbye, please don't cry. We both know that I'm not what you need. I hope life will treat you kind. I hope that you have all that you ever dreamed of. I wish you joy, and I wish you happiness. But above all this I wish you love.
I will always love you.
Ro
Ro is happy to see Shalelu at the boat the next morning even if she doesn't know her well at all. She gives the elf a smile and wave as she boards.
Ro easily finds Karina, who has traded the tattered floral dress that Ro met her in and the black gown that she was wearing at the Mayor's estate for a simple white blouse and a pair of comfortable green pants. She leans against the doorframe of her apartment with a wide smile as she greets Ro, offering tea but understanding when the other expresses that the visit ought to be short. The flirtatious vibes guarantee that the task remains pleasant from the opening of the door to its closing, and Karina says she hopes that Ro will be back in time for the premiere.
The less pleasant task has a steeper cost. It might only be a bottle of wine and a gold coin for the courier, but Ro can only anticipate how Rynshinn will react when he receives this in two or three days' time.
---
Issengrim spends most of his days walking the ship’s deck, vastly preferring miserable wet weather outdoors to being shut in a stuffy cabin. Wrapped in his most weather resistant clothes and his magical cloak, his constant companions are the bow slung over his shoulder and the quiver on his hip. Izzy isn’t unfriendly or aloof, he offers a scarred half-smile to everyone he sees. But he is so comfortable with silence, he leaves it to others to break it.
Arrows (50):
Blunts (50):
1st Spells (7): x
Ki Pool (7):
Perfect Strike (4):
Blood Intensity (1):
Inspired (1):
Touch of Good (8):
Protection from Evil (1):
Align Weapon (good only) (1):
Magic Circle Against Evil (1):
Dancing Lights (3):
Hero Points (1):
Effects:
Mage Armor = 5 hours
Zoe enjoys her days aboard the boat – sometimes flying along with the craft, catching the wind while resting on the bowsprit, or hunting and devouring the rats that always accompany ships.
Karmid will be sure to spend most of the trip napping and eating as much as possible, but acting the tourist otherwise on such a leisurely journey.
In Wartle, he will want to visit the tilted tavern called the 'Lean-To', which serves a local liquor called Bog Grog he's been dying to try out. He will drag Drasven with him to try it out.
In Whistledown, since its known for its musical instruments, Karmid will look in to buying a nice Pan Flute or simple Recorder for the trip.
Once he gets it he will try and learn to play it to everyone else's detriment on board the ship. He'll ask Ro to help him find the perfect item on this hunt.
In Ilsurian, Karmid will want to visit the 'Locked Box' pawn shop as well as the master weaponsmith at the Semere Arms smithy. He's always looking for unique or well made traditional Shoanti items...and similar. He ask his friend 'Grimmie' to see if he will go with him browse the unique local shops!
In Ilsurian, Karmid will want to visit the 'Locked Box' pawn shop as well as the master weaponsmith at the Semere Arms smithy... He ask his friend 'Grimmie' to see if he will go with him browse the unique local shops!
Drasven does nothing much except being dragged about to see the sights of the town.
The dwarf is more then happy to mingle with the townsfolk and share news.
Izzy is inherently familiar with the town of Wartle, not necessarily because of the closeness of the town to his childhood nickname, but because his years of service took him throughout the Mushfens. It's not a large or particularly busy town, but it's welcoming enough. In stark contrast to Magnimar, the people of Wartle are largely scrappy frontiersmen and those who associate with them. To call them country bumpkins would be a mistake, though, as they're proud of their precariously balanced wooden wonderland rising out of the peaty swamp.
Karmid and Izzy visit the Lean-To, which--true to its name--is tilting to one side. It's no surprise to learn that there is a betting pool here about when (not whether) the Lean-To will eventually collapse, much like there was regarding the Shadow Clock in Magnimar. To call the infamous Bog Grog strong would be an understatement. The dark, gritty liquor seems part stout beer, part unfiltered coffee, part fortified whiskey, and part viscous molasses. The communal bottle, filled with the dregs of proprietors' mugs, is certainly more appetizing than trying to down a mug from Norah's tank back at the Hagfish in Sandpoint, but the prospective peril to health is probably about on par.
As a curious historic fact, Izzy knows that the town of Wartle came under Magnimarian control almost a hundred years ago in 4611 AR, about three years after the city-state's founding. The relationship between the City of Monuments and the little trading post town seems stable and mutually beneficial.
---
Izzy doesn't know nearly as much about Whistledown. It's at the western edge of the Fenwall Mountains where Lake Syrantula flows back into the Yondabakari River. At the very least he and the others know that this is where the time on the Yondabakari will end, and that the remaining trip to Ilsurian will be along the coast of Lake Syrantula.
Lake Syrantula is about 100 miles from east to west and is full of fish that keep the residents of the four towns surrounding it (and those with whom they have exporting contracts set up with) well-fed and reasonably prosperous. The Godtouched's boat will only be sailing partway across the lake to reach Ilsurian
While Karmid seems aware of the town's reputation for producing fine musical instruments, he may not be aware of the why: more than half of the population of the town are gnomes! And most of the buildings are gnome-sized, leading the tall Shoanti to have to duck down a lot almost the entire time he is in town. (Ro, for her part, merely finds that she needs to be wary of ceiling fixtures in her face, as she easily nears the ceiling.) In spite of the difficulty, a bright-faced, bespectacled gnomish woman (her hair a violent orange) eager to invite them into her shop to show them a selection of expertly-carved woodwinds sized for a human--even a large one such as Karmid! After a brief lesson on the basics, aided no doubt by Ro (and maybe Lia), the gnome sends Karmid on his way to try his life as a pied piper.
Shalelu excuses herself to speak with the local magistrate, a purple-haired gnome named Adagre Bagalom, before recommending that they stay at the Azure Cup. That inn is, consequently, sized for humans, unlike most of the white-walled buildings in town.
(Izzy recalls that Whistledown is not affiliated with either Korvosa or Magnimar, and is thus a fully independent settlement.)
At night, as the cold wind blows in from the Syrantula, a haunting persistent melody wends its way through town. Anyone who suspects Karmid as being a woodwind prodigy soon realizes that their newest instrumentalist is not the culprit: the wind is. Throughout the town of Whistledown, carved wooden charms clink together and capture the wind to produce resonating whistles, equal parts beautiful and unnerving.
---
Ilsurian lies on a river delta at the mouth of the Skull River where it empties into the Syrantula. The Skull will be the final leg of the trip as the group approaches Turtleback Ferry. And it will be well-accompanied, too, as a ferry service seems to be running between the two towns. For better or worse, Izzy doesn't know much about the history of the third town on the journey. But it doesn't detract from the efforts to find entertainment. For its small size--almost 800 souls--there is a host of activity and commerce! This is especially because, set up just outside of town limits, is the famous Umbra Carnival!
It takes a couple of days but Ro and Fran find something near their old ease around each other. Soon enough they're spending much of their time together talking or trying to fish some. Ro has plenty to tell Fran about what has happened over the past few months.
Otherwise Ro spends some time writing away in her journal. Eventually she gets around to asking Shalelu why she's going to Fort Rannick, probing for more than pat answers from her if she needs to.
While Ro doesn't let any opportunities to get off the boat pass her by, she's only marginally interested in the places where they stop. Weirdly, to Ro's mind at least, she remembers or knows little about Wartle. It's the place she's been closest to in the past. Back when she was riding the circuit with her parents and Fran, they would stop in Nybor. It's close by Whartle, which is farther south, but from there they always turned north taking the road running parallel to Lake Ember. She supposes there's not much of note about the place, and it turns out she's right. Ro has a few drinks at the pub there, and considers the little town played out after the one evening out.
Whistledown is the place Ro is most excited to see. It doesn't disappoint in terms of walking about the see the place. Plenty of gnomes around always makes for livelier than average streets. While she doesn't know much about wind instruments, she does help Karmid find something to toy with. She steers him toward recorders over pan pipes (gasp!), and helps him pick out an instrument that's well tuned. She can also double the fun compared to Whartle by visiting The Azure Cup and Thagin's Rest in the evening.
Isurian falls in between Whartle and Whistledown, not as nasty as the former, but hardly as interesting as the latter. Ro thinks she detects something of the vibe Korvosa reputedly has: fiercely ordinary in its middle-brow, down-to-business straightness. After several drinks, Ro does perform a short set at the Two Waters Tavern with the big floppy purple hat she carries for such occasions out on the floor to catch any coins coming her way. She also scores a couple of vials of shiver, which she tucks away for some more opportune time to be adventurous. Fran would murder her if she found out she has the stuff.
When Ro approaches Shalelu to seek motivational clarity, the elf stares at her unnervingly. But Ro is not one to be dissuaded. Shalelu returns to the work she had been doing before Ro's interruption, carrying on in short, stilted phrases while she whittles an arrow shaft and checks its straightness.
"The birth tattoo on the back of your neck. A star monarch, yes?"
Ro presumably confirms that before the elven woman continues.
"My mother was a Desnan priestess. On the other side of the Varisian Gulf. Past Riddleport, in the Mierani Forest. But she died."
Shalelu holds the arrow shaft up to her eye level, her hands steady. Outside, a bolt of lightning not more than a mile away cracks and the resulting flash and rumble of thunder give the elf the pause she needs to continue.
"I'm going to Rannick to look for my stepfather."
---
Founded nearly 80 years ago by Ilsur, a former military commander of Korvosa fed up with his city's post-Chelaxian developments, the town remains to this day an independent hub of smalltown militia prowess. The town's slogan is "Come and take it," in spite of the fact that neither Magnimar nor Korvosa (nor anyone else) has ever tried. To be sure, it had weathered nighttime raids from creatures from the nearby Ashwood, a Korvosan trade embargo, and occasional banditry, but the town's founder never saw the full-scale invasion that he had anticipated. Its military hierarchy has since lapsed into a vague democratic republic with a six-person council to settle disputes amongst the nearly 800 permanent residents. There are also rumors of some historical conflict between the original Korvosan ex-patriates and the Varisian caravans that had historically used the site of the new town as a campsite, but Ro doesn't know the details.
Today, Ro knows that the primary faith in Ilsurian is Erastil's, with the local church led by Sister Esrelda Woodmere, one of the few citizens of the town who can operate in both Chelaxian and Varisian circles owing to her mixed heritage. Other notable citizens are Council Leader Irilley Braeton, Sheriff Kyra Feldane, and the owner of the free, local public library (The Patriot's Library), Genthus Duggern.
Those with clear Varisian features find a mixed reception in town. Varisians are a definite minority in town, and they're treated second-class citizens at best by the more predominant Chelaxian stock. Several businesses have even hung "No Varisians" signs on their front stoops.
The unfriendly prejudice decreases with the age of the resident, with local children running around, splashing in rain puddles, and excitedly asking anyone who appears even remotely Varisian (tattoos, olive skin, bright clothing, etc.) whether they're part of the Umbra Carnival. Their parents try to hush their wayward children with wary apologies, while their grandparents (and rare great-grandparents) glare from their porches and refuse to interact at all.
---
Semere Arms is the demesne of the half-elven weaponsmith Vea Semere, a half-elven woman with short, unkempt hair whose features and clothes are smudged with soot as she greets her visitors. As Izzy and Karmid darken her door, she is helping a young girl of about five years old (accompanied by her parents, of course) to carefully handle a thin thrusting blade. Her store's shelves are lined with fine weapons. She greets the two visitors with a broad smile even as the two parents look warily at Izzy. "I'll be right with y'all," she says as she dodges out of the way of her young customer's errant strike.
---
Anyone who ascends to the second floor of the tavern finds a prominent shrine to Cayden Cailean there called the Wheel of Freedom: a horizontally-laid ship's wheel with each spoke painted a different color. All are welcome to "worship at the wheel," and it's one of the few places in town where inebriated folk of both Chelaxian and Varisian heritage seem more mutually amicable.
In addition to the Shiver slide under the table, Ro ends up earning silver pieces for her efforts at the Two Waters Tavern. Not bad for a small town, and more than making up for the courier's fee she had paid out a week prior to deliver her "Dear John" letter.
Wartle…
Izzy smiles as Wartle comes into view. A few years back, he had spent a good amount of time in the rough-and-tumble little town. The frontier people were much like him – what they lacked in polish they made up for with honest talk, honest trade, and no pretense. When he sees Karmid dragging Drasven into town, Izzy decides to join them. He acts as an unofficial guide, pointing out the 'highlights'.
Ilsurian: Semere Arms
Around the time Karmid and Izzy arrive at the Semere Arms, the archer has just about had his fill of the Chelaxian ‘stink-eye’. When Vea moves the sour-faced customers off, he chuckles and says quietly to his companion, ”Normally, I get those kinds of looks because of my face… It’s almost a joy to be treated with straight-forward racism. No wonder I spent very little time here.”
Ilsurian: Two Waters Tavern
Izzy enjoys the atmosphere at Two Waters considerably more. He buys a few rounds for interesting groups and is jovial in a quiet sort of way. He spends most of his time listening for any rumors or news of the goings on at Turtleback Ferry or Fort Rannick.
While some worship at the wheel at the Two Waters Tavern, Izzy keeps the coin flowing the let the conversation buzz. Much of it is local scuttlebutt: heirlooms pawned off in Wartle, questions about this or that resident's dubious parentage, suspected Korvosan spies, giant-sized footprints, no-good Varisian thieves...wait, what was that second-to-last one? He listens in a bit closer to that string of conversation.
"Heard a few months ago, before all these rains started, that some of the hunters who brave the Valley of Broken Trees for boar found a bunch of enormous footprints. Giant-sized footprints! It’s bad enough we’ve got ogres, but if a giant’s moved into the valley, I sure hope the Black Arrows take care of it soon!"
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The night before reaching Turtleback Ferry, Izzy speaks with the team. ”Grobaras said that Mayor Shreed of Turtleback Ferry hadn’t heard from the Black Arrows in a few weeks. Maybe that’s all he knows. I’ve been in contact with Sister Thea and there is more to be said…”
”Maelin Shreed is a priest of Erastil and Thea’s close friend. Shreed is also close with Brother Balache, the Eristilian priest serving the Black Arrows at Fort Rannick. Shreed has not heard from Balache in some time. That’s not normal, Balache is chatty and quick to reply." He smiles. His last comment seems more anecdotal than something Thea wrote. "Initially, Shreed was concerned that Balache might have been sick. We’ll have to see if that’s the case. I did hear last night that giant tracks were seen in the Valley of Broken Trees a few months back. That doesn’t mean there’s a problem at Fort Rannick… but it worries me.”
“According to Thea, Shreed is also worried about some strange goings-on near the town that is causing ‘spiritual decay’ among his flock and is ruining some of the town’s businesses financially.”
”I won’t go into the tax legalities, unless you are curious… but there is a floating gambling parlor and pleasure barge on the lake between Turtleback and Pendraka, called Paradise. It’s drawing money and customers from the towns and giving nothing back to the communities. Shreed asked Thea for ideas on how to ‘discourage’ that. I’m not saying that’s our business BUT given the corruption of the Skinsaw cultists and Xanesha’s sister working around Turtleback… maybe it is related.”
Karmid won’t leave until he visits the Carnival, once he had some popcorn and carmel apples, he will head back to the boat.
Once Grimme imparts his knowledge, Karmid will get serious quickly.
”Too much going on. We can’t split our efforts, even though I feel the Fort should be our priority. Let’s just get to Turtleback Ferry and see what’s what.”
"Agreed. At this moment, my thinking is that corruption in town is likely slow-moving. Whereas, if Fort Rannick is compromised - especially if it isn't accidental - giants could move on Turtleback and other settlements quickly. Businesses failing worries me far less than giants stomping on townsfolk."
Lia had ran her errands with remarkable focus while they remained in Magnimar. She almost managed to do things without getting sidetracked all the time.
She changed her mind two dozen times about what she did want to spend her newfound riches on, but managed to get it all done on the first day - on the second, she finally managed to visit the Cynosure Tower, talking with the local priestess a while.
She then spent the rest of the day carefully crafting a letter to Kira, sending it and a pouch of Platinum pieces through the church of Abadar towards Sandpoint.
With the help of Flutter, she even manages to be ready for departure on the day the ship is ready without someone needing to remind her or come get her - when one of the others knocks on her door to wake her, she is already prepared to leave.
On the ship, she keeps mostly to herself, finding the highest spot where she can conveniently lie down, then spending time gazing at the clouds.
After all, the best part about moving on a ship was not needing to watch the road, and still getting to be somewhere else.
As days turn to night, she instead looks at the stars - only really breaking her pattern when coming close to settlements.
She will curiously explore the new locales, but make sure to always accompany one of the others, lest she would miss the departure of the boat. But she had little she actually wanted to DO in those places. She just enjoyed them for being new and different.
Lia also spends time with her companions, new and old. Asking Shalelu for her reasons to be here, and who she knows in the region, and how so.
She asks Fran for her decision to tag along, and Issengrim to tell stories of Nualia Tobyn. She joins Rojava in making some music, and Drasven and Karmid in their routines as well.
Before long, the days are gone, and Turtleback Ferry is close...
…and Issengrim to tell stories of Nualia Tobyn
Given that Lia and Izzy both spend more time on deck than below it, a conversation inevitably happens one evening. ”Nualia? She was a fair bit older. To me, she seemed lonely and maybe a bit sad. We were kind of like two sides of the same coin. Her beauty was a gift and a curse. It made her popular with some but there was a lot of envy, jealousy, tricks, and teasing too. Because of her celestial blood, even adults looked at her like she was a prize. I had sympathy for at least half of her life. I got my share of teasing and being treated like I was cursed… except by Karmid.”
He shrugs and pulls the cloak tighter around himself, warding off the cold, or possibly his surfacing feelings. ”I’m not excusing what she did with the rest of her life, but I can understand some part of her rage.”
"Hm...I think it's sad things turned out that way for her. I guess being different, it can be lonely.", Lia ponders, sitting on the reeling and letting her feet dangle off over the side of the boat.
"I kind of always had Flutter. I don't know what it's like to be alone. But she felt she had no one. No matter if it was true or not."
She leans back and slides to the floor, laying on her back watching the evening sky, her feet still propped up on the Reeling.
"You left a long time ago...maybe you also felt alone? I am glad you have Zoeye to keep you company. I never got to meet you, but Karmid was happy to see you. So I think you are a good person. Thank you for helping us."
"I kind of always had Flutter. I don't know what it's like to be alone. But she felt she had no one. No matter if it was true or not."
”I might be remembering it wrong but… she had a boyfriend for a time. She got pregnant and he abandoned her and fled Sandpoint. Then all she got was scorn and ridicule. That’s the sad part. Had he stayed, had her father not castigated her, would her life have turned out differently?”
"You left a long time ago...maybe you also felt alone? I am glad you have Zoeye to keep you company. I never got to meet you, but Karmid was happy to see you. So I think you are a good person. Thank you for helping us."
Izzy’s answer hesitates at times, ”I guess I felt… apart from other kids. Never really fit in and... with this face… no one gave me a chance to.” He shrugs, ”I got some friends, in the end… it just wasn’t where I was expecting to find them. That was a good lesson. And, uh, you don’t need to thank me. This is a worthwhile cause – that’s all I want.”
Leaving Ilsurian behind, the river boat begins the hard sail up the Skull River eighty miles towards Turtleback Ferry. The rain, which started as a light drizzle when the group left Magnimar, is now a constant presence. As winter approaches, the rainwater is particularly bracing, leaving most people on the boat to seek shelter below deck. Sailing in between the Ashwood and the Sanos Forest by midday seems like it might offer the mildest reprieve from the downpour, but the tree lines are far enough from the river that there is no hope for cover.
Lia gets similar answers from both Fran and Shalelu about their motivations for coming along: family. Fran wants to reconcile with her sister and has the adventuring itch. Shalelu is looking for her father-in-law. Neither go into much detail.
As dusk rolls around (not that the sun is visible), the boat reaches Claybottom Lake and catches sight of the humble village of Turtleback Ferry.
Even from far out, it is easy to catch sight of the three currently-docked ferries that give the village its name, seemingly carved from the shells of giant turtles. There are several dozen buildings, probably nearly a hundred or so, that stretch up from the lakeside village. The most prominent of these is the Church of Erastil on the southwestern corner, situated between the docks. Over a dozen fields, currently empty following the autumnal harvest, stretch out to the east of the the village. A sour-faced dockhand, barely sheltered from the rain by a threadbare cloak, ties the Magnimarian riverboat up to the western dock on the Skull River side of town and immediately begins arguing with the captain.
Undaunted by the rain, Shalelu points out several features within Turtleback Ferry.
1) The Turtle's Parlor: The local inn, run by a man named Cesten Orlandi.
2) Bottoms Up: The local tavern owned by a halfling couple, Yads and Berthandy Kesker.
3) Claybottom Ferry: One of the ferries, this one provides once-daily round-trip service to Pendaka on the far side of the lake, for the cost of 2 cp per passenger.
4) Irontooth's Metal Goods: Named for its proprietor and owner, Irontooth Jorveni, this is the only smithy in town.
5) Turtleback General Store: A functional but unimaginative store run by the old maid Wenda Leenee.
6) Church of Erastil: The largest building in town, serving as both Turtleback Ferry's religious center and its town hall. Mayor Maelin Shreed is most likely here, as he is not only the mayor but also the head priest.
7) Skull Ferry: This ferry provides as-needed service across the Skull River for 1 cp per trip. A large bell on the far side of the river allows the ferry to be called if travelers approach from the west.
8) Turtleback Schoolhouse: A one-room schoolhouse run by Tillia Henkenson, a prim but attractive woman with a good reputation among both the youth and their parents.
9) Turtleback Graveyard: The bodies buried here represent generations of farmers, hunters, and pioneers. The local children like to tell stories about the place.
"It's probably too late to head to Fort Rannick today," Shalelu says. "So where to first?"
---
After so long out in the miserable weather, Ro's first priority is spending time where it's warm and dry. For her that means The Turtle's Parlor and Bottoms Up. She hangs around both places, switching locations as needed to be where there are the most patrons at a given time.
She drinks slowly, chats people up, swaps stories, and generally passes the next few hours in a lazy, mellow way.