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Hadrian eyes the gnome a bit warily but decides to try to be friendly and sets down the book and saunters over,
"Excuse me ma'am. I hope to not be in the way, too many hands in the kitchen is worse than too few just as is true on a stage but if I can lend any aide I'll be glad to."
The gnome hops up on a stool next to Hadrian and jabs a stubby finger into his chest, "Don't you, ma'am me! You lugs are all the same. If someone doesn't grab you by the ear and find something for you to do, you just slog off. This place needs everyone to chip in and find a way to contribute. How about some firewood or lug some water? I don't have time to babysit you.
Her lecture concluded, Yukopolio hops down and returns to 'supervising' the others in the kitchen.
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Zumii is thoroughly enjoying exploring & taking note of trappings relating to Iomedae. Since Iomedae was Aroden's herald many of Aroden's previous temples & shrines became used by Iomedae & her followers. Zumii is unsure if this is the case with this temple, but either way the site intrigues her.
Zumii observes Fiosa & Scalvo. Fiosa seems eager to be in Tobias's presence & Scalvo goes about his day to day life happily. Zumii smiles observing Tobias instruct Fiosa & can't help but wonder who is more taken with who.
Zumii heads back to her shared chambers & to see how Lia is fairing. On her way back she will look to see if the Children have a local store or merchants within the temple.
As Zumii explorers the temple, she notices the shy girl named Amaya standing next to her. In a soft voice, the girl says, "Sorry to bother you but is it true that you are from Magnimar?
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Tarvi looks over at Thosys with a measuring look. Deciding to continue the conversation she says, "I would like to have more expertise and have done much reading. However, one needs formal training to be successful and my parents do not approve of my interest in the arcane arts. They are only interested in marrying me off to whichever boor has the largest dowry. As if their jewelry store did not bring them enough coin."
Thosys smiles sympathetically and says "While I am sure your parents only want what they think is best for you, in truth, the quest for arcane knowledge can be a long, lonely path. If you want, perhaps I can teach you a few cantrips. Hardly the secrets of the universe, they do provide a foundation upon which great power can be built."
The gnome hops up on a stool next to Hadrian and jabs a stubby finger into his chest, "Don't you, ma'am me! You lugs are all the same. If someone doesn't grab you by the ear and find something for you to do, you just slog off. This place needs everyone to chip in and find a way to contribute. How about some firewood or lug some water? I don't have time to babysit you.Her lecture concluded, Yukopolio hops down and returns to 'supervising' the others in the kitchen.
Hadrian grins and chuckles as she walks away and thinks to himself, "Every stage manager is grumpy, even those in the kitchen."
Grabbing a nearby worker with a smile, "Hey friend, could you point me in the direction of some firewood. Apparently, the chefette wants fire and water, which I suppose makes sense."
Although not a stablehand by any measure, Tobias readily offers his hand to assist with returning the horses.
I'll help too. Like Tobias, I'm no stablehand, but it's a good opportunity to get to know Gorvio better and at least get a look at his uncle Jacovo.
As Zumii explorers the temple, she notices the shy girl named Amaya standing next to her. In a soft voice, the girl says, "Sorry to bother you but is it true that you are from Magnimar?
Zumii looks to Amaya & replies, "My homeland is further north, but I have travelled through Magnimar in the past. The sites there are captivating & someday I wish to explore them fully... Zumii trails off slightly "it is a shame the government seems to be struggling though. Why do you ask my friend?"
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Vitti's eyes twinkle at Lia's awkwardness but he produces a small silk cloth from one of the many pouches sewn into his patchwork cloak. "Here, take this. Now that you've gone and made a clean spot, you might want to clean up the rest. We have some great tubs if you'd like to clean up. I am sure we can find you some clean clothes while we clean yours. I'd love to hear some stories about what you have been doing in the city." The strange man leans back on a stool, waiting to hear Lia's response and takes a small piece of wood out of his cloak and starting to carve it.
Lia doesn't seem able to look at Vitti full on, instead gives furtive glances up through her hair draping over her face. It takes only a little while to figure out that she is doing this because she is self-conscious of her scar. "Ummm...I usually wash down by the sea. I'll go tomorrow." When it comes to her clothes she seems a bit possessive as if each tattered piece were a great prize, "No, no, I'll wash them tomorrow too, the sea-water protects them." It doesn't take much looking to determine that no amount of washing will help most of the outfit and burning would be truly the best answer. At his suggestion of telling her stories she relates laughing dashes through through the streets as the clumsy Dottari chase behind, and seeing peoples from distant lands come in daily on their strange ships and overhearing their tales, skulking around in the night defiant of the "shadows", and the beauty of the beach and the sound of the surf down by the docks where she lives. As she spins her tales she gets more and more excited until her face is no longer hidden. She notices him glance at her scar and touches it, "This happened.....awhile ago. A big ship came from someplace called the Mwangi. It was carrying all sorts of animals and creatures from there, selling them I suppose. The crew were more like pirates and slavers. One of them noticed me looking at several of the beautiful birds in the cages on the pier and said I could come up on the deck and look at some of the bigger animals they had brought. One cage had a big four-armed white-furred ape in it. It had been treated poorly on the voyage and was starving. It was still amazing though. As I looked at it I didn't notice that several of the man's friends had joined him and had surrounded me, trapping me against the cage and saying some....unpleasant things. Well, seeing no other way out I blocked the view of the lock as they went on in their confidence they had me trapped with no way out and said more crude stuff. They realized something was wrong when the rasp of the lock opening reached their ears and rushed me just as I opened the cage door slightly. Even though the door slammed back shut from their weight the ape sensed it could get free and came barreling into the other-side. All five of us were tossed aside like dolls but the edge of the lock caught me right across the face. Barely able to see through the blood I dived overboard away from the roars and screams. Ohhh, that hurt like nothing you can imagine as the salt water hit the cut." She smiles brilliantly, "Well, I'll go get cleaned up now I guess."
Stretching and feeling eager to get out and about, Hadrian says, "I'll go."
Walking over to Tobias, Hadrian clasps him on the shoulder and says "Relax friend, we're just moving the horses about not training them. If it won't walk forward just motivate it like a wench and give it a good smack on the arse. And at least with a horse you won't get drenched with a pint of bitter for your attempts at providing motivation."
With that Hadrian chuckles, obviously meaning it in good humor.
Thosys would be more than happy to help in the morning, but at the same time, it could be dangerous being out and about. He will prepare some spells.
** spoiler omitted **
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Thosys would be more than happy to help in the morning, but at the same time, it could be dangerous being out and about. He will prepare some spells.
** spoiler omitted **
Thanks. I must have forgotten that detail. I don't have my book with me at the moment, so I will replace it this evening. Resistance is still a choice, right?
Since we are taking this moment, I am going on leave next week! It will start next Wednesday. There will be a few days I will not have access to a computer, I will do the best I can. And when I spend a few days in Vegas, no telling what I will be up to. :)
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Feeling a touch of cabin fever the group jumps at the chance to assist Gorvio with returning the horses to his uncle's stables. Each person taking the reins of their horses, the trip through town is interesting. Listening to the general crowd buzz as you make your way to the stables, you pick up that the Hellknights have been very busy 'petitioning' the city council for a house to house search for Arael and the brigands who broke him free. Apparently the city council has not be obliging and has in fact said that it is more likely that the increasing bandit problem is to blame. Some people have even heard that the city has told the Hellknights that they should be focusing more of their efforts on stemming the bandit problem outside of the city if they have become so bold as to attack them on their citadel road. Needless to say, the Hellknights have not been pleased with the response but have started to focus on dealing with the bandit problem outside of the city walls.
Finally making your way to the stables near the city gates, Gorvio leads the way towards the pens when he sees his uncle being berated by a handsome but obviously arrogant young man. Moving closer you can hear the man saying,
"I cannot believe that you have loaned out the horses I specifically requested to place on hold. Do you not realize who I am? Thesing Umbero Ulvaud is a legend is Westcrown theatre and I will not be treated with such contempt. You, sir, have all but destroyed my command performance this evening. How am I supposed to perform The Elopement of the Dowager Princess specifically the scene wherein "the princess and her handsome lover - played by me, or course - flee the city pursued by the king's horsemen" if I do not have proper horses!?!?"
Hadrian
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Vitti listens to Lia's story with appropriate surprise and sadness. Once she has finished he says to her, "You truly are an amazing woman to have had so many exciting experiences alone in this city. I admire your courage and ingenuity."
Reaching up to her face he touches her scar gently before looking her in the eyes, "You should not hide this. To do so would indicate you should be ashamed. You showed incredible strength that day and should wear this a badge of your courage.
He smiles at her again and says, " I have kept you long enough. Go, get clean and assist your friends. I need to head out for a bit to do some hunting. We are running low on fresh game and I refuse to eat stuff slaughtered in the market.
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Zumii looks to Amaya & replies, "My homeland is further north, but I have travelled through Magnimar in the past. The sites there are captivating & someday I wish to explore them fully... Zumii trails off slightly "it is a shame the government seems to be struggling though. Why do you ask my friend?"Amaya looks a little sad and says, "I have been living in Westcrown almost all of my life but I am not from here originally. I came to live with my aunt because my family was too poor to raise us all. My aunt has been very kind to me but I would like to some day return to Magimar and see my family. It just seems to be so far away. Amaya looks away wiping a tear from her eye and letting out a deep sigh.
Zumii looks to Amaya & places a hand on her shoulder.
"If that is your dream, then I am sure that one day my friend you will make it a reality. It may just take some time."
"I cannot believe that you have loaned out the horses I specifically requested to place on hold. Do you not realize who I am? Thesing Umbero Ulvaud is a legend is Westcrown theatre and I will not be treated with such contempt. You, sir, have all but destroyed my command performance this evening. How am I supposed to perform The Elopement of the Dowager Princess specifically the scene wherein "the princess and her handsome lover - played by me, or course - flee the city pursued by the king's horsemen" if I do not have proper horses!?!?"
Hadrian steps forward and without warning grabs Ulvaud around the shoulders and hugs him, and says loudly, "Umbero, you motherless stage dog, how do you do?! Last I saw you, you were running away faster than a horse from a blacksmith and a branding iron looking to do to you what you did to his daughter! But you always were popular." I end the statement with a grin.
Spinning him around a little to face the stable owner again, "But surely you're not going to hold my having to borrow some horses against this fine gentleman are you? Between you and I, I don't even want to admit why I needed them. A lot of scenery and costume chests had to be moved on a favor from one fecal pit of a stage to another as a favor to an old fellow who did me a turn once. But, that's the stage isn't it? Every whore monger thinks themselves the next great director."
Keeping him off balance Hadrian spins him back to face him, "Ah, but the steeds are back and not even winded by the light load carried across the neighborhoods and you ... it has been a long time since you were forced to play those stages! Well, myself too but favors are favors fairly owed. You though, your talent has been recognized and you're quite the star these days."
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Spinning him around a little to face the stable owner again, "But surely you're not going to hold my having to borrow some horses against this fine gentleman are you? Between you and I, I don't even want to admit why I needed them. A lot of scenery and costume chests had to be moved on a favor from one fecal pit of a stage to another as a favor to an old fellow who did me a turn once. But, that's the stage isn't it? Every whore monger thinks themselves the next great director."Keeping him off balance Hadrian spins him back to face him, "Ah, but the steeds are back and not even winded by the light load carried across the neighborhoods and you ... it has been a long time since you were forced to play those stages! Well, myself too but favors are favors fairly owed. You though, your talent has been recognized and you're quite the star these days."
Hadrian is initially taken aback as Hadrian spins him and works him with his rapid-fire commentary. Once he is finished, Thesing blusters, "Well, um, yes, of course it has been a while since I have been on those stages. One of my stature cannot be held back for long. However, I was specifically promised fresh horses for this performance and no matter how light the load, these horses are not fresh. I demand high quality and fresh horses. Since you, he says pointing directly at Hadrian, "were the one to tire them out, I expect that you will cover the costs of fresh horses.
Thesing stands with his arms crossed, tapping his foot waiting for a response. Behind him, Uncle Javaco looks on, his eyes widen and nervously wringing his hands as the situation continues...
Thesing is initially taken aback as Hadrian spins him and works him with his rapid-fire commentary. Once he is finished, Thesing blusters, "Well, um, yes, of course it has been a while since I have been on those stages. One of my stature cannot be held back for long. However, I was specifically promised fresh horses for this performance and no matter how light the load, these horses are not fresh. I demand high quality and fresh horses. Since you, he says pointing directly at Hadrian, "were the one to tire them out, I expect that you will cover the costs of fresh horses.Thesing stands with his arms crossed, tapping his foot waiting for a response. Behind him, Uncle Javaco looks on, his eyes widen and nervously wringing his hands as the situation continues...
"Of course I will good fellow," Hadrian slaps him on the back good naturely though perhaps a tab bit harder than he has to while chortling, "you know I cover my debts."
Salm returns the look. "Eventually they'll tell us where they want them."
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"Of course I will good fellow," Hadrian slaps him on the back good naturely though perhaps a tab bit harder than he has to while chortling, "you know I cover my debts."
Thesing stumbles a bit after Hadrian's slap but recovers quickly. "You need to clean up your grounds, man" he says to Jacavo who nods quickly in agreement. "Certainly, sir. I'll have the new horses prepped and delivered within the hour. No charge to you of course.
Thesing looks smug and says, "I should expect not. This fellow here, What was your name again? Habian? He'll cover it.
Turning back to Hadrian he says, "Since you have been so generous in cleaning up your mess, I shall leave a pair of tickets for you at the front. Feel free to come see the show." With that, the operatic blowhard turns on his heel and heads out of the stable area.
Jacavo steps forward and says, "Thanks so much for helping me with him. He is a...challenging customer but also a very vocal one. That could have been very bad for business. Looking at the others with the horses he says, "Gorvio can show you where to put the horses"
Once the group finished stabling the horses, Morisimo arrives a bit out of breath and says, "You are requested back at the house. I guess there is some pressing business for us to attend to.
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Lia watches bemusedly the interaction and looks over Umbero carefully, sizing him up as a potential mark.
Watching the man closely, Lia can determine that while he is better off than most he is no where near as rich as he would like everyone to believe. His purse probably has more than a few coins, however.
Zumii has no more actions to add so will head to the safe house & wait for the others; she is intrigued however to what the pressing business could be.
Salm is happy to see the self important gas bag stroll off and his face shows it.
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Once you have stabled the horses and settled up with Javaco, you make your way back to the safe house. Everyone else seems to be gone except for Janiven and Arael who are seated at the table talking. Their mood is obviously serious as they rise upon your entrance.
"Thank you for returning so quickly, my friends. Please take a seat,Arael says before reseating himself. "I'll get right to the point as time is of the essence. It has come to our attention that last night there was a raid on a small caravan entering the city past curfew. Prior to reaching the city walls, this caravan was attacked by a group of goblins who made quick work of the guards and made of with most of the supplies and one of the passengers travelling with the caravan. This passenger was one Rosalind Thracel, whose father runs Thracel Trading a minor caravan operation in the city but one that many of the common folk use to transport goods. Rosalind is only 8 years and her parents are besides themselves fearing the worst.
Arael pulls a large parchment across the table and points on a rough map to the northern part of the city, "There have been reports of goblins massing in the northern section of the city in Rego Cader. Rumour has it that the goblins are more disciplined and organized by a goblin spellcaster named Whitechin. Our sources tell us that Whitechin is believed to have his lair in the Ramble Gardens."
Looking up at the group, Arael continues, "Though the chances of the girl still being alive are small, Whitechin had the rest of the caravaners killed but not her so there is a chance. The Thracels are good people and we would like you to see if you can mount another rescue mission since you did such a good job freeing me. Not only is it the right thing to do but it will also bring our cause some positive publicity with the average citizens of the city. I can provide each of you a healing potion to aid in your efforts. Janizen can lead you to an area in the wall that you can pass through undetected by the dotari though she will not be accompanying the rest of the way as I have another mission for her."
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Deciding that she will not be teaching Thesing a lesson this day only because she doesn't want all of Hadrian's work to go to waste, she smiles politely as she gives the others a questioning look while pulling out her blackjack as she makes head bashing motions with it when the actor has his back turned...
Later... With a worried look, "Let's go!" She even forgets the potion given to her until Zumii points it out. Darting back to grab it, "Come on, come on. Lead us there Janizen." She heads for the door.
"A healing potion, eh? It's good to know that I'm not selling myself too cheaply these days. What does this girl look like?" Salm quickly prepares for the mission.
Balancing the healing potion in the palm of his hand Hadrian looks over at his recent cohorts, "Well, I can't say I'm fond of goblins in the least and as much as I don't want their scent on me nor should we leave a lady waiting. I'm in." Hadrian doesn't seem thrilled with heading out for another violent errand but also doesn't hesitate to give aid.
Zumii looks to her friends & nods. She then turns back to Janiven and Arael & nods to them also. Zumii takes a healing potion for herself & one to pass to Lia, who seems eager to get on with the latest task asked of their newly formed group.
"Lia" Zumii calls out. When she notes Lia has looked back in Zumii's direction she simply holds out her hand with Lia's potion in & winks.
Zumii feels slightly uneasy at the thought of another upcoming conflict of the green skin kind but knowing she will be aiding others helps to ease her unsettled thoughts. She is also feeling more at ease with her fellow companions & would not wish any of them to be harmed in such a task.
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Arael and Janizen thank you for taking on the rescue mission. As the group prepare to leave Janizen speaks, "I know that you are good people and do not want to see a child harmed but I also know that good will does not feed the belly nor does it mend equipment. I spoke with the Thracel's while you were being fetched and they assured me that they would gladly pay a reward of 500gp for the safe return of their daughter. I did not mention this with Arael for he feels that no one one should 'profit' from the misery of others. He is a good man but can be somewhat idealistic."
Once you are ready, Janizen leads you through the city to the northern section where the walls and homes look more battered and beaten; almost personifying the woes that have befallen this once proud city. Finally Janizen leads you to a small alley and points to a hole in the wall at its end. "This will take you through the wall and put you very near the gardens. Watch out for wandering gnoll patrols and keep an eye on the rooftops. Word is that Whitechin has good security.
Her job complete, Janizen wishes you well and heads back the way you came leaving you to continue on through the wall and into the unknown....
Zumii nods & places her hand on Lia's shoulder "Be careful my friend."
"Don't be afraid to call for help if you need it." Salm prepares his bow.
While Lia goes to scout Hadrian will do his best to watch the rear of the group.
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With the rest of the group watchful and on alert, Lia creeps away from the hole in the wall and down to the end of the alleyway. Looking out around the crumbling wall Lia can see street after street of broken down buildings and rutted roadways. Directly ahead, however, she can see a large fence surrounding a lush garden area now overgrown and tangled. The garden seems to take up about a city block and about 80 feet away Lia can see the remains of a gatehouse leading further into the garden.
As Lia continues to scan she can see a goblin archer standing on the roof of a building almost across from the gatehouse entrance. He appears to be very vigilant. Other than him, the way seems clear.
"Did you see any thing that we could use as cover? We could take position one by one or in twos to draw less attention to ourselves whilst making way up the alleyway"
Zumii can't help but feel that things wont be as straight forward as one lone goblin & wonders just how many more goblins may be inside the building.
"We could have more than one of us take shoot at the guard. Then we could cross over in pairs." From the way he takes aim, it is obvious that he means himself for inclusion in shooting the sentry.
Proceed as you think best but I have a bad feeling there is more than is apparent here. If needed I'll try to look for any additional guests to the party and see if I can't do a reasonable impersonation of a bouncer. Otherwise I'll try to keep quiet and in cover."