Renkar looks around
“So, a trip to the fish market then?”
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Renkar nods “You can always buy a portal stone attuned to Sigil. That’s a 10K investment, but when you need it, you need it”
Renkar shakes his head “Agathion is your final destination. That is the lowest plane of Pandemonium. Pelion is the lowest plane of Arborea. Arborea is the easier, since the inhabitants espouse individual goodness while Pandaemonium espouses individuality to the extreme of madness” He looks up at Mel “I would advise you find any magics that pertain to curing insanity “ He looks at the gem softly glowing in Hamar’s forehead “Master Hamar should weather Pandaemonium well”
Renkar frowns “Even of this … personage we’re to restore to his full power, Sigil would be safe. Perhaps one of the few places that would be, but if beings on the order of magnitude of Zeus and Odin cannot breach the city, I doubt he could. He’s not on that power scale” He looks around “We don’t need any help getting to a portal. There’s a very well-known one to the second level of Arborea right in the Heart of the Bazaar” He looks around “Have you heard of the Merman’s Fish Market?” K(local) DC 15 Spoiler:
At the center of the Great Bazaar’s sprawling mass of tent stalls is a central collection of actual buildings known as the Bazaar’s Heart. There is the fantastically-frescoed Merman’s Fish market, renowned for several dozen permanent gates to water-based locals. The Sigillian Arms, the tallest inn (and the swankiest) of Sigil shoots into the clouds, it’s glassy Blue obsidian hexagonal shape thronged with merchants from around the Wheel booking rooms. The Indep Bourse squats long and massive, seemingly carved of a solid chunk of purplish flecked granite. Indep traders are flocking in, ready to buy and sell any commodity one could think of.
The 30-meter plus cylindrical green building with ‘Tivvun’s Antiquities’ carved into its side in a huge wraparound scroll rears nearby, where the enigmatic elderly tiefling Alluvius Ruskin sells her portal keys “I know one of the owners, and I can get you lot in no worries. Once you get to the city of Elshava, you can contract to travel to Pelion. Planar travel there is fairly easy I’m told. At least between the individual Arborea planes. “
Renkar nods “This might be the how, but you still need the where. Agathion isn’t called the plane of secrets for nothing. “
Renkar nods “We should probably discover the story of this Anarchocles first, to see if he is still extant. This might just be a trophy that .. Tenebrous kept if they were adversaries. He could be destroyed “ Justin casts back on all he read in the past about Orc…errrr Tenebrous (can THINKING the name be bad? Don’t think!!!).. . He recalls studying about … him … in his university. At that time he had been a very high-profile arch demon, and a very intriguing story. He recalls one tome, A History of The Abyssal Wars, and the Overthrow of the Obyrith Demons. It was an ancient book, and wasn’t a first-person account. Rather it was a synthesis of several fragmentary original sources compiled by a wizard named Drevitch who specialized in discovering fiendish and celestial true names. The book had mentioned the name Anarchocles, who had been a Paladin back when paladins wore loincloths and swung bronze swords. This Anarchocles had been seduced by the archdemon, and become an antipaladin in his service. After a long career, he fell in battle and the archdemon created a skeleton warrior from his soul. This undead version fought for centuries as a vassal of … Tenebrous… until he was destroyed during the Abyssal Wars conclusion. What is really intriguing is that in the marginalia of this account, Drevitch speculated that the skull atop the … wand … was none other than Anarchocles. The Wand was created just after the destruction of the skeleton warrior, and his skull would have made a potent ingredient for an artifact’s construction.
Renkar writes Secret knowledge and links it to artifact and unmaking. Under this he writes Pelion “The suggestion the wizard Erehe gave you is a solid one. Amun-Thys is a realm know for ancient wisdom. Nephythys is an ancient goddess, one that is loosely allied with the Pantheon of Osiris, although she seems to be a holdover from an earlier pantheon that ruled many desert realms before Osiris and his kin came to power. If there is anywhere where extant knowledge can be found it would be there”
Renkar nods to Hamar “The answer is knowledge. You know as a warrior that not all fights are won by the strongest fighter. Tactics and using an opponent’s strength against them can often be the most effective way” He sketches a crude wand surmounted with a skull on the slate “This is the … item. I won’t go into specifics lest I fall into the trap of calling unwanted attention to us. It was a large black iron rod fashioned in the form of a human spinal column. A human skull was affixed to the top, which looked authentic “ He turns to the group “One of the difficult parts of this is that all knowledge of …. This item has been erased as well”
Renkar nods approvingly and writes another word on the slate, drawing a line to it from Wand. The word is destruction "That is a very wise question Hamar. Now, Kiransalee is the original cause of Tenebrous' fall. She is the one who hid the wand on Agathion. It stands to reason that destroying the wand by brute force was beyond her, otherwise she would have certainly done so." Under destruction he writes Artifact "Now, god-level artifacts are notoriously difficult to eradicate. They are not simple items made of normal materials. The best way to think of a god-level artifact is as a solidified expression of the god's will and mana power. Thus, Thor's Hammer isn't a weapon of steel and wood, although it looks like one, and possibly started off as one. It has become essentially a part of Thor, like an extra limb. It is an extension of him, much as his realm is." Renkar writes unmaking under destruction "Now, when it comes to these sorts of items, you don't destroy them. Rather, you unmake them. You find out how it was made, and what it was made of. Perhaps you have to melt it in the forge it was forged in. Perhaps you have to find the source of the material it was originally crafted with and use that material to destroy it." Renkar looks at the group "Normally this wouldn't work with the item owned by an active god. But Tenebrous isn't that. He is an undead echo of his former power. Kiransalee cut him off from his main source of power, the devotion of his worshippers. He seems to be spending what power he has at a breakneck pace. You mentioned he picked a fight with Sutekh in that power's realm. That had to cost him. It is likely why we haven't had more attempts to thwart you. That and I doubt the visages would be allowed into Sigil by the Lady."
He continues, writing Wand. Underneath he writes Agathion “This is the endgame. We either prevent Tenebrous from obtaining this artifact or he bests us and reclaims it. Should he succeed, it is likely the power of it will enable him to reconstitute his original apotheosis. Should he be denied it, it is likely he will become unstable in his present form and truly cease his existence forever “ He pauses. “The only way to deny him the artifact is to destroy it”
Renkar continues, writing the occasional word on the slate. “Now, we know what the endgame is at this point. Tenebrous is in stasis. He is limited in his power, crippled by both his undead incarnation and his erasure from common knowledge. His available power must be dwindling “ He writes visages on the slate “Have any of you gleaned any intelligence on these creatures? Origins? Vulnerabilities? We know Tenebrous uses them to work his will, but what is their origin? Did he create them?”
Renkar paused thoughtfully “Well, we know …‘Tenebrous’ is undead. An order of undead that really shouldn’t be” He marks undead anddemon on the slate “A demon, at least a Tanar’ri Demon is, at its core, a mortal soul. One who has expired and been sent to their reward. Technically, an undead is a mortal soul in a form of stasis. It has not gone on to its afterlife. It clings your it’s existence on the mortal plane. A demon cannot become undead, any more than an apple can turn into a blossom. “ He looks around “Only the thing now known as Tenebrous could possibly pull this off. How he did, I cannot say, but he is a very unique entity “
Renkar looks at Justin "I don't recall hearing of a sect. Have you come against cult members?"
The conference discusses what is known. They discuss what the wizard Erehe had mentioned when the party met with him in Erelhi-Cinlu “There is aught else I can tell you. The precise location of the Wand is unclear to me. Kiransalee sent me thither via magic and recalled me after. Agathion is the plain of buried secrets. I will suggest that if you wish to uncover hidden secrets, then you might find answers in the deserts of Pelion, the third layer of Arborea. There the realm of Nephythys lies. She is a goddess of dead and secrets. If there is any way to discover where on Agathion the Wand is, it is there amongst her necropoli” Renkar ponders a bit "Agathion makes sense as a place to hide the ... item. Very few people have gone there intentionally, and even fewer return. It is the deepest level of Pandemonium, a set of planes that are known as the Planes of Madness. Agathion is comprised of isolated chambers within an infinite layer of basalt. The only way in or out is by portal." He pauses, then resumes "I would suggest that if you travel there you carry a portal stone with you. That way you have an exit option in case the portal to the chamber you go to is one way. Most on Agathion are." He picks up the chalk and starts writing out a list "This mention of Pelion is important. That is the deepest level of Arborea. While the other levels of Arborea are wooded or grass steppes, Pelion is a vast desert. Although not as mentally dangerous as Agathion, it is not a place to visit unprepared. I confess I do not know much of Nephythys, but I do know that her realm is supposedly a desert necropolis, with tombs and temples stretching for miles." He looks about "What other information do we have?"
As O.L.L.I. departs, Renkar returns. He nods to the departing Modron, then shuts the door, looking at the assembled group "Well, I see that you have sorted out Master Modron. Now, I think we need to have a meeting to discuss your next moves" Renkar guides the party to the Silver Rose's 'conference' room, a long table and chairs on the second floor of the building. Expensive glazed glass windows look out over the dour rainy before peak vista of Copper Court. Various folk can be seen going about their business, the residents chatting by the large covered well in the center of the small court as they gather water for their households. Hanali has set out a carafe of steaming Kahveh and various creams and sugars. Renkar takes a seat at the head of the table. "So, in the course of your investigations over the past few months , you have stumbled upon one of the greatest secrets in the known multiverse. A secret many would kill or die for. A secret that some HAVE died for, and reanimated themselves to seek revenge. A secret that some of you..." A quick sideeye to Justin "..Seem to be very anxious to spread about." Renkar returns his gaze to the party. "I want to state this in the most stern tones, so there can be no misunderstandings from now on. Do not say that name. Not to anyone else, not amongst yourselves, not even whispering it to yourselves as you sit on the jakes. Names have power. Some philosophers believe that the entire multiverse is constructed of Logos, words of power ." Renkar pauses, then resumes "The true name of a thing is powerful. When an entity of near-godlike power listens very hard, they can hear their name being taken in vain. Right now, there are very few people saying that name. Your voices will ring very loudly in its undead ears. So, again, for the slow learners, please refrain from speaking, writing, or interpretive dancing that name unless absolutely necessary to achieve a goal that cannot be achieved in ANY other way. And even then, be prepared to face the name's owner." Renkar stands and moves over to a large piece of dark slate affixed to a wall. He grabs a chunk of chalk. "You have discovered other information. I would think that before you set off, we should go over it and see what we know, what we don't, and how best to proceed."
Renkar’s frown deepens “I am no wizard either. That is why you are a member of this team. I expect you to clean your mess up” He sighs “I was hoping to have a quiet meeting over lunch, but that seems unlikely now. “ He turns away and starts walking towards the exit “I will meet the others and have them come here instead” He dons his cloak, opens the door and exits into the dark rainy morning .
Renkar stares at the immobile Modron “I have no idea what to do here. I am not a doctor, or artificer , or cleric. I don’t even know where to start” He gives Justin a narrow side eye “You seem to be fairly cavalier with that name. You do realize that Modrons are a hive species? Like bees? Your friend here might have immobilized himself to keep that information from spreading throughout the planes via the Modron Collective. If it had, and that name became common knowledge again, He Who is Now Unnamed would be named again. And likely worshipped. And infinitely more powerful. “ He looks sternly at Justin “ Stop. Speaking . That. Name “
Renkar sighs “Very well. Hamar, do you wish to accompany us or would you rather wait here?”
Renkar frowns as he retrieves his wayward dart. His pet faerie dragon Mercutio stirs from the rafters and peers down with his cat-pupilled eyes. “What situation are we dealing with today, Master Case?”
Renkar finishes his breakfast “All this philosophical talk has gotten me hungry! Ramona! Could I get a bowl of Bess’ oat and sugarberry porridge?” He looks at Hamar. “We have a few hours before the others wander in. Do you play darts?”
Renkar nods "It seems fantastical, but this entire Great Wheel we inhabit are the homes of the gods. They are built out of the life energy of mortal beings from the Prime Material Plane." Renkar fetches three different-sized bowls from the breakfast plates. He turns over the smallest. "These are the elemental planes. These planes represent the root 'being' of the elemental forces - Earth, Water, Air, Fire, positive and Negative Energy" He places the next bowl on top of it "This is the Prime Material Plane. Where the various worlds exist: Toril, Oerth, Athas, Golarion, Arcaia. It is the melding of the elements and where intelligent life arises." He puts the biggest bowl over the other two "This is the Great Wheel. The Outer Planes. They came into being as constructs of intelligence. Living creatures give off an energy. Some call it mana. When you worship a power, you are transferring part of your innate mana to that being. If a being has enough mana flowing to them, they become godlike in power." He pauses "I do not know if your culture has folk heroes, but they are the initial stage of gods. A noble warrior or wise sage dies, and stories are told of them. Then perhaps over time people begin to ask for their help and protection. They might build a shrine in their memory. Over the course of millenia, as the mortal being's memory fades, the construct of stories and miracles arises as a new being, like a pearl from a grain of sand." He looks at Hamar "Warrior's Rest exists because many believe it does. It is constructed of the faith of millions over time, fashioned into place by Tempus, who likely was a great warrior of ages past who over time became a god. He has so much power that he can send some back to his priests as spells. " Renkar re-rights the bowls and stacks them for Ramona "When a sentient being dies, their mana becomes a petitioner. They drift towards their proper afterlife, mostly by what they expect. Certain religions have them judged and then sent somewhere. That petitioner dwells in their deity's realm for a long time, but eventually the deity's realm will absorb their uniqueness into itself. Thus petitioners become part of their afterlife" He looks at Hamar "When we talked of the Lady, I mentioned her powers within Sigil. In these powers, she is much as a god. In fact, in some ways more powerful. But a power in their own realm is absolute. In a way, a power and their realm are one and the same. " He lights a pipe and puffs thoughtfully "When a god loses their worshippers they can die, like any other being. You all just travelled to Zess' Forge in the Astral Plane, correct? That forge lies in the Graveyard of the Gods. In fact, it is built upon the very corpse of some forgotten nature deity. The corpse of a god is a strange conglomeration of whatever is left after all the mana dries up and fades away"
Renkar chuckles “You are a quiet warrior, but even those like you snd I like to trade stories with men of similar mien. Few can understand the code we live by. “ Renkar looks reflective “My code was more from the city than the plains, but it was a rigid code of honor and duty nonetheless. My people came from a doomed world, one that dissolved in chaos and destruction. That was centuries ago. We found refuge in Sigil, and we swore to fight those forces. We still honor it, even though many of our people now are rulers of this city. We have never forgotten how greed and arrogance doomed our world” He looks at Hamar “I have been to Tempus’ realm of Warrior’s Rest. It lies in Limbo, among the swirling clouds of chaos there. Imagine a battlefield where the strong willed can create terrain by force of will! Such titanic battles to be had there!” He smiles “If you wished you could visit before your death. It is best, after all, once you die it is unlikely you will ever be allowed to leave. Petitioners are bound to their deity’s realm”
Renkar smiles as he finishes his plate “You don’t strike me as the sort to worship any power too fervently. I find living in the realm of powers tends to weaken their grip on one’s imagination. Although, they are a quite impressive lot, especially if you see one of their avatars on the move”
Renkar laughs “Hamar, I can honestly say that there is no other city quite like Sigil, and no other ruler like the Lady of Pain. Just try not to admire her TOO much. She doesn’t like when people talk overmuch about her”
Renkar frowns “We don’t have many taboos in our city, but the Lady is one of the biggest. She is the unquestioned ruler of this city. She commands the Dabus, who you have likely seen repairing Sigil’s streets. She knows everything that occurs within the bounds of Sigil, and can deny access to the city to anyone, including gods. The sight of her inspires awe and terror. Her very shadow can cut you. She doesn’t need to fight, she can banish anyone with a thought to the Mazes, her own private extra-dimensional prisons. I have lived here all my life snd I have only seen her once. She kills those who offend her by attempting to worship her. She is a dangerous enigma, and likely the reason this impossible city manages to exist “ Renkar pauses. Then continues quietly “As to what she is? There are many rumors. Anyone attempting to research her history ends up disappearing. Some say she was a goddess who was punished by being chained here at the dawn of time. Others contend that the Lady is a position, and under certain circumstances a new entity gets the mantle of power. Others say she was a god from the last great cycle, left behind to kickstart the new multiverse when the old one died. “
Renkar ponders a bit “Well, dazzle is cant for any type of magic, especially the exploding kind. A dazzler is a spell user. The leafless tree is the gallows. You usually hear that like “He’s going to end up swinging on the leafless tree”. A cutter is just a neutral term for anyone, like “ look at that cutter there”. In the same vein is the word ‘cove’. A blood is someone who looks experienced and deadly. I would say many would consider you a blood” Renkar smiles as he crunches some bacon “Barmy is insane. A bone box is your mouth. A brain box is either your head or your skull. Trig is smart, good, quick etc. Hende is like trig, but only more so. Then there are thieves “ Renkar ponders “There’s cully bashers, bullyboys, shivers, jinkdippers, and doggers.” “Then there is money. Jink is the cant term. A jinkskirt is a female prostitute, a jinkshirt is a male prostitute. A jinkskirt dog is a pimp” Renkar eats more bacon “Tumble is discovering things. Twig is to solve something or come to a realization. Turning stag is betraying someone. “ He mops up a bit of egg with the thick slice of toast he’s holding “I’m sure I can think of a few more”.
Renkar smiles “A man with three swords can always make a difference.” He leads Hamar out towards the Copper Cauldron, and they are served a large breakfast. Ramona keeps the pancakes,eggs, sausages, and toast coming. Fresh gahveh and a pitcher of some sort of citrus juice sits close to hand. “As with any slang, you should learn the insults first” Renkar says, dipping his toast in a yolk “Berk is simply fool or idiot. Addle-pated is crazy or dim witted. Sod off is the same as get lost. A cully is a fat and stupid person with no perception, thus thieves that work the mugging trade are often called cully bashers. Pike it is the same as shut up. Clueless is a prime, or anyone new to Sigil really. “ Renkar munches his toast “We’re there any phases you’d like explained?”
Renkar laughs “Hamar, I grew up here. Sigil is my city. I served in the Speakers’ Voice, a group dedicated to Sigil that served in … unorthodox situations” He sobers “I do realize that this city is a bit … much. Even to those born to it- Sigil is a constant parade of wonders and horrors. I often think we Cagers are all a bit mad.” He tosses Hamar a towel, and wipes his sweat from another. He walks towards a basin of water and washes briefly then dresses in the conservative tunic Hamar has seen him
“The secret of life in Sigil is understanding none of it makes sense. We all of us try to control the multiverse, only to realize the multiverse controls us”
Renkar parries Hamar’s blows until one strike slips past and glances off his hip. Renkar halts and salutes Hamar, breathing heavy “Well fought Hamar. I concede the bout. “
Hamar’s follow up catches Renkar solidly in the chest. He staggers back and recovers, sweeping his baton up in a defensive gesture. He grins again, but Hamar sees a subliminal wince at his eyes “You are quick, young Hamar. The tally is 2-1”
Renkar pushes off, using a sword form Hamar finds similar to Flock of Birds, the baton darting in and out
Renkar smiles wolfishly. “Well struck”
Renkar feints a strike at Hamar’s face, then sweeps his baton down, attempting to strike at Hamar’s thigh
Renkar starts at Hamar, taking an aggressive stance, his ironwood stave blurring towards Hamar’s shoulders
Renkar grins “I am not so interested in that risky a challenge. Plus, I don’t want to hurt you accidentally “ He tosses another ironwood baton to Hamar. The weight is similar to a non-magical longsword “Three taps per bout?”
Renkar is old, but he moves with the grace of a much younger man. He is stripped to the waist, and his torso is still firm with muscle, if not tiger lean like Hamar. Hamar is reminded of his mother’s father, a deadly warrior until the day in his seventieth winter when an enemy cut him down. He goes through a sword form with a heavy ironwood practice baton . Sweat slicks his body as he halts and looks at Hamar “Good peak Hamar. Are you interested in a bit of sparring? I could use a challenge “
Renkar stares at the written word. He shudders and then crumples it, bringing it to the Cauldron’s vast hearth and pitching it into the fire. He stares at the burning paper until it is ash. He then returns looking grim “That was … unsettling. I don’t suggest speaking or sharing that with too many. Names have power. Who knows who will be listening for that name to be spoken again. “ He sits and sips the hot Gahveh Ramona brought him. “Perhaps after you all rest, we can have a debriefing in the Before Peak in our office?”
The Copper Cauldron sits with its door open, a warm light spilling out into the deepening gloom of the rainy Afterpeak. Bess and Ramona welcome them in with smiles, and begin laying out a large spread of food. There aren’t many folk in the tavern at this hour, as it straddles the lunch and dinner times of most Cagers. Renkar arrives soon, alerted to their return by Bess’ son Robyn who had been dispatched to fetch him. He sits down and looks the weary party over “I am happy to see you returned in good order my friends. What news?”
Renkar's mouth twitches "Getting back shouldn't be a problem. You would need a Portal Stone"
Renkar explains "Many serious wizards grappled with the need to have a way to return to a specific spot. Plane shift is too random, other magics do not allow planar shift. The very nature of the planes is such that it is very difficult to figure distances with any accuracy. So, a group of magi worked with artificers to create a way to return to a spot just once. It is a very costly item, but it will be programmed to return you to a specific designation in Sigil ... once. It's basically a one-way, one-use portal." He steeples his fingers "I can ask around, but you would likely need about 10,000 Ladies to procure one" He looks solemn "Or you could research portals in Avalas that lead to Sigil. Not as costly, but you would likely need to travel some dangerous spots to get to one"
Renkar mops up the dripping on his plate with a slice of Bess’ sourdough bread and belches contentedly. Ramona brings over an apple pie, still steaming from the ovens in back. “So, you have contracted to go to Erelhi-Cinlu. But now you have a friend in peril. How will you choose? Lissandra the Gate Seeker will have been making inroads on getting you there, you have paid her. Do you go to the Drow first, or to this redoubt?”
NOW your telling me he's a baronet in the court of a Hydra with a Power Complex?!? “I’m telling you he’s likely at LEAST a baronet. Maybe a marquis? I’m not sure if Sigil would count as a marquisate or not. “ Renkar picks up the jug of garum sauce and drips some on his beef roast
Renkar frowns “It sounds to me as if Marconius is a member of Tiamat’s court as well. If he can summon an Abishai at will to do his bidding, he is likely of at least baronet rank. “ Renkar steeples his fingers “Tiamat plays a long game. She is a powerful deity, for all that she is imprisoned on Avernus. Be careful when dealing with dragons, for you are crunchy and go well with garum sauce”
“This contract Devil you mentioned, could you describe him and his interactions with everyone?”
Renkar arches an eyebrow at Justin
“It seems you have gotten yourself into a bit of a jam. I know this Arkhan. He isn’t technically a Duke of Hell, but he is a Duke of Tiamat’s infernal court. Tiamat/Takhisis is a goddess, and technically not subservient to the Infernal Court, but being a resident of Avernus and closely allied with Asmodeus it’s really just a technicality. Arkhan certainly wields power, serious power, but not the kind of power a Duke of Hell does. He IS Tiamat’s proxy in Sigil, and speaks on her behalf. He dwells in the Temple of Tiamat in the Temple District. “ Renkar frowns “I would assume he will likely keep your favor as an insurance policy, should your interests and his ever cross. Those sorts of favors are very valuable as negotiating tools”.
Renkar greets them warmly and inquires after their mission. They all chat for a while, talking about the strange encounter with the odd man-thing and his amorphous minion. “I received word that tonight Rhiannon’s funeral will occur. I have been contacting any I thought would come. We have several hours before Antipeak, the traditional hour of funerals for the Dustmen. Any who will come should get ready. We’ll start off at 3 BAP. “ A hearty meal is produced by Bess and Ramona, and the party eats and then heads to their rooms to get ready
“Well, you have money, go forth and spend some!” Renkar makes a good-natured shooing motion
Renkar takes the items the party wishes to sell, and heads off to a back room. He returns with several bags of money and a folded and stamped letter of credit “I have some reserves at my disposal, so I’ll give you the money out of that now, so you’ll have time to use it. “
Renkar smiles at Hamar “There is always a weapon to be found in the pathways of the Wheel. “ He turns to the party “You can entrust me with the loot, and I can liquidate it within 24 hours. Or, if you wish to do things yourself, there are various shops in the Lower Ward that specialize in antiquities and magic. I can point you to the most reputable “
Renkar nods “That sounds fitting. Let me know when the service will be” He sizes up Justin “So ... how much did your travel arrangements cost me?”
Renkar and Mel shake hands and a brief interview ensues. Mel is officially inducted into the group. Renkar looks at Justin seriously “I noticed you said ‘buried’. You realize that’s not a Sigil custom? Most cutters are either buried on the Prime or given to the Mortuary for cremation. No one wants a cemetery of unclaimed corpses hanging around the Cage. Too many necromancers about”
Hanali smiles at Mel. Mel returns it with relish “I think we can manage something. Renkar’s over in the training area” Mel makes a production of taking Hanali’s hand and kissing it “I am most pleased to make your acquaintance m’lady “ he says, doffing the large wide-brimmed hat he had donned while walking in the rain[/i] Renkar sits cross legged in the center of the training room, a stack of books on his head and a pair of large knives in his hands. He seems to be going through a tai-chi sort of exercise, slowly moving the knives in a graceful slow motion. When the party enters, he uncurls and stands, never dropping a single book. He tosses the knives into a nearby target and places the books aside. “Greetings! All arranged? Who is your new friend?”
Renkar purses his lips in a frown “I am sorry to hear of Rhiannon’s passing and Issac’s departure. Ekuur I’m sure will eventually return “ He looks at the group “I think your next step is to find a portal to Erelhei-Cinlu. Your best bet would be to visit Alluvius Ruskin in the Market Ward. She’s the queen of portal keys, and she acts as The ersatz manager for Tarsheeva Longreach. Tarsheeva knows more portals in Sigil than any six other cutters. “ Renkar leans back and lights s pipe “Their prices aren’t cheap, but I’ll give you all a letter of exchange for each. Negotiate a good price, and fill in the amount. The Silver Rose will cover it”
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