Seren bows his head politely at the Emiline and the girl who is presumably her daughter, smiling charmingly. "Thank you, mistress Emiline. It is good to see that there are some in this city who are willing to provide hospitality to my people. You have my gratitude twice over for that kindness." His grin widens slightly, as he listens to the Kagonesti's question regarding his plant. That should also help increase the view of the elves by the good woman.
The smile fades as he listens to the pair of Silvanesti speak of the fall of their homeland. He speaks up when Terevalis finishes his tale.
His voice starts off soft, a polite interjection, but gradually grows in strength and conviction, until even those who are unable to understand Elven can tell he firmly believes in whatever it is he speaks of. Finally, his voice falls back down, a quiet request.
Kaithanelas nods to Seren and says in common, "Perhaps something can be done to one day claim our homeland. For now however we must claim what small victories we can. Indeed, this is a reason why I have asked you all to join me here. In the wake of the Minotaur invasion, scores of stolen elven goods have found themselves on the market in Pashin. A new gang of Nerakians have made a living profiteering on stolen elven relics. Those men we just met I suspect were a part of this criminal group. It sickens me to see the humans profiting off of the heritage of the Silvenesti and this must be put to a stop. I am looking for a noble individuals willing to track down these criminals and put an end to their activities. I am not a wealthy man after being driven from my home but I offer a fair reward in steel if you are to assist me. So will you aid the elven people and stop these criminals?"
There is no price to be paid to restore elven culture to elves. in elven.
Clara listens raptly to Tervalis, Seren, and Kaithanelas. She doesn't say anything at first. Then she clears her throat and says (in Elven),
"Though you are weird, you experience loss like any Gnome...and without the Gnomish tools to deal with it. How you hold yourselves together without puns, practical jokes, and fizzy drinks...I may never know. My heart goes out to you."
Then back to Common, addressing all at the table,
"I should say that my family has experienced great loss as well. In the first Cataclysm great-great-great-grandpa Umbilicus Flingflopsparkfizz's perfect recipe for The Ultimate Fizzy Pop was destroyed. We've toiled fruitlessly (yet fruitily) over the centuries, trying to recreate what was lost. Indeed, that Epic Quest is what brings me to this harsh land. I can see in your eyes that if you were able, you'd stand with me to find Umbilicus' long lost recipe...and I can do no less for you, in the face of your almost-as-significant loss. Count me in!"
"A toast, to defeating those thugs, and to the success of our quests!"
Drake intently listens to the elf, then speaks.
Brigands such as these scoundrels need to be taught a lesson. By my honor, I will aid you in this quest.
In elven. ;)
With that he takes the cup offered by Clara and fiercely gulps it down, almost as the exclamation point to his statement.
Kaithanelas gives a slight smile and says, "It is good to see that there is at least some with honor in the town of Pashin. From what I have learned thus far, the gang is being lead by a man known as Pegrin. From what I have heard about him he is a former Dark Knight solider who deserted from his order. This does make sense in some ways as the Dark Knights were in Silvenesti before the Minotaurs arrived and thus had ample opportunity to steal some of our relics. Indeed I believe the Dark Knights are offering a fifty steel reward for his capture. Still I do not hold onto any prospects that the Dark Knights are putting any effort into capturing him, the reward is just a front to to create an illusion of justice. No it will take good men and women such as yourselves to bring down Pegrin and his operations."
Kaithanelas looks to the gnome and says, "Very well young Gnome, I will join you in that toast." He raises the glass of the spiced wine that he recently poured a glass of and raises it saying "I drink to your success. May these ruffins get the justice they deserve!"
He then looks back to the group and says, "Now all I know about Pegrin's whereabouts is that he lies outside the town of Pashin. He must not be too far however as he has to facilitate his operations. It is up to you to find where he may be hiding. I know of two ways one could go about it. One way would be to deal with is a man known as the "Blackbird" who usually resides in the Wounded Crow Tavern. He is a despicable individual though and not very liking of elves from what I've heard. Another method may be to speak with this "Herald" that has recently arrived in town. From what I have heard he is a knowledgeable historian and seer and will be doing a storytelling session outside the wounded crow in a few hours. He may have information on where to find Pegrin. There may be other means to find the man though and I am sure intelligent people such as yourselves have your own methods."
Seren nods, expression grim. "The heritage of our people is something that should not be bandied about, especially by criminals. I will support you in this endeavor." He speaks calmly, but there is an edge of anger all the same. At the gnome's toast, though, his expression grows slightly wary. He had long heard of the gnomes more… unusual tendencies with their "inventions." Namely, the tendency for it not to work as intended. However, he shrugs. There was no need to be rude, after all. "I will of course drink to that, honored gnome. Now, shall we get introductions out of the way? I am Serenatholos, though humans and dwarves tend to name me 'Seren'. I am a minstrel, much as Kaithenalas, though I never had the honor of performing for our Speaker." A slight mistruth, that. He hasn't ever performed for the Speaker at the time of his birth, nor for Gilthas, though he had once met the former's daughter and the latter's mother. "May I ask the rest of you your names?" Seren smiles gently.
"Also, honored cousin, do you know where we might begin to seek this Nerakan scum?" He asks the other minstrel, eyes going to the Silvanesti. "Beyond just going out and asking amongst the populace, of course." Even as he asks, though his mind is racing through the various rumors and tales he has picked up in his time in Pashin, wondering whether he's heard of the criminal group. He tosses back the gnomish brew, then shivers as it pops and fizzles down his throat.
Indeed Seren have heard more than most about Pegrin's gang. Pegrin has not been seen in the town but his second in command, a rogue named Derg often facilitates the sale of goods on his behalf. The bandit operations are not just restricted to selling Elven items though. They also have been known to rob travellers as well. They do generally avoid doing their crimes in Pashin themselves to avoid stepping on the toes of other criminal organizations in the town proper. With a natural 20, he also know that this group of bandits also have a Sorcerer among their ranks, likely to provide knowledge and arcane support. This does not reveal where the bandits are though as they have not advertised the location of their camp to anyone in Pashin.
A Sorcerer you say? As a worshipper of Solinari, this abomination must be put down or required to have his epiphany ] in elven.
Kaithanelas says in elven to Seren "I have given you all the information that I have discerned about this criminal group. It is up to you to find where their base of operations resides."
To Terevalis he says in elven "I have no objection to you laying low that Sorcerer with the Pegrin's gang. If he is working with those ruffians he deserves no mercy."
Thieves and robbers do not deserve any mercy. Be spoilers of the elven realms.
Semus holds his mug for the gnome girl to fill up and raises it with the rest to toast. Eager to taste the fizzy drink he gulps down some and with wideeyes, nods approvingly to the gnome.
He then turns to face the others.
I'll help you, elves are not the only ones these gangs abuse of
My name is Semus, and I currently make Pashin my home
Semus whispers in Kender at Terevalis' comment.
I hope you never have to depends on others charity to feed yourself or those that depends on you
These thugs harm and rob innocent travelers on the road too! My sword shall see justice brought upon them.
Hello Seren, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I do enjoy a nice rousing tune I must say, it would be an honor to hear your perform sometime.
Terevalis, just because one is a sorcerer doesnt make them evil, I worked with a few Kingfishers during the Chaos War, sorcerers who serve my order. Every one of them was a fine upstanding man or woman filled with honor and righteousness.
I have a piece of business I must attend to, thankfully it seems there is time to spare. I suggest each of us do anything we may need, then meet up outside the Wounded Crow Tavern in a few hours to see if we may gain an audience with this Herald fellow.
Drake will ask for specific directions to the Wounded Crow, and also confirm his directions to Old Omar's Oddities.
Datura is bothered when he hears the price increase for the dish, and decides instead to go for some local cheaper fare, still vegetable only.
As the Qualinesti gives her speech, it was rousing, but he couldn't help but feel like they were acting just as they always do. Yes, they suffer hardships, slaves to the ogres, kicked out of their lands. Oh, but didn't they do that very thing to his own people? Weren't the Kagonesti taken from their land and made slaves to these stuffy uptight Qualinesti and Silvanesti? They are always so self-absorbed these city-born.
He is about to suggest that as everyone is so proud to show off they know elven, that they all speak to each other as such. It would avoid prying ears, and is nowhere near as ugly a language as the human tongue. Then the kender, almost forgotten Semus, pipes up not in elven. Either he doesn't speak it, or isn't trying to impress us.
He waves away the gnome's drink offering, not sure what caramel is, he doesn't want to have anything not part of his normal diet.
"Heritage does not exist in trinkets or fancy shiny objects. It's within us and what we pass along to our generations that follow. I care not for your attachment to your possessions, the true suffering is not what has been done with your treasure, but what has been done to your land. I worked daily to try and find what caused the destruction to Silvanesti from that shield you put up. It perverted the landscape, but what is important to you is your pride and treasures. I will help stop these men, not out of your feeling of insult, but because they are bad men doing bad things. I'm Datura Oleander, though your kind often just called me Gardener. My little friend is a new species I discovered while studying the shield's effects. I catalogued her Awdrithicus Hemovourus, but I just call her Awd for short. She is carnivorous, so keep your limbs and little folk away from her mouth. She may take a while to realize you are not food."
Terevalis will roll his eyes at Drake's comment about good and honorable sorcerers.
Kagonesti, that shield was put up by our most ancient of foes, Cyan Bloodbane, as a way to destroy the ancient elven homeland. Does this creature come from the destruction of Silvanesti? in elven.
He responds also in elven, "Well, your kind sure seemed to embrace it most of the time it was up. Your eyesight is always clearest when looking back, they say."
In regards to Awd, he looks at her with a bemused smile, like watching a chold at play. "She is a perversion of a few plant species from what I can tell, and a rather remarkable one at that. I found her within the area of destruction. I can only figure she adapted to the damage, and found a way to protect herself and survive it. She has a certain intelligence about her, and though I can coax plants to grow how I want, she actually has learned and follows some of my commands."
"Perversion? I'd say delightful newness." Clara takes a step back closer to Awd, clearly fascinated.
"As far as introductions go, I'm Clarabibulus Flingflopsparkfizz, great-great-great-great-great Granddaughter of Umbilicus Flingflopsparkfizz, who I assume you've all heard of, alchemist and adventurer extraordinaire, who brewed his Ultimate Fizzy Drink with Sirrion himself. There's some debate in the family as to whether the Ultimate Fizzy Drink was best enjoyed as a beverage or thrown at one's foes, but all agree that it was zesty, uplifting, and very very fizzy.
I'm on an Epic Quest to recreate the Ultimate Recipe. I hear that means I'll have to fight battles at some point, which sounds new and exciting and very Epic. But I might hide in the back."
Don't worry little Clara, you can keep Terevalis company back there *chuckles with a good natured smile on his face*
Seren sighs as the Kagonesti and Silvanesti begin to bicker, rubbing his face quietly. Now was hardly the time to take offense at the words of others... There was work to be done. He looks to the nonelves, smiling faintly. "Old wounds apparently do not heal overnight. It is good to meet you all. I trust we will get along fine."
He looks to Clara, smiling faintly. "I wish you well on your quest, then. Perhaps we'll find something along the way that leads you to new discoveries? I understand the group has a sorcerer, perhaps they know a bit of alchemy?"
He shrugs, not really knowing anything about the topic, then turns to examine the kender. After a moment, his eyes turn slightly sad, but he nods at Semus. "I see. Welcome among our... delightful company, Semus. I'm sure we'll be glad to have you here before long..."
To Seren and Drake,
"I appreciate your warm welcomes. Seren, I heard a bit of your singing in the market. It was lovely, and sad. As to my quest, many generations have failed by sitting at home in a lab. I believe Umbilicus' secret must've been something he discovered in his adventures. I'll do my best to have my own, until I find the missing key." She gives a quick glance to Awd.
To Kaithanelas,
"You mention compensation. For that I'm grateful as I've just arrived here with limited means. Can you say more? If we're going to succeed in battle, I could brew us some of my special Fizzy Pop of Cure Light Wounds...but I'm afraid I don't have any cash for materials."
Looking at the Solamanic and saying in elven Is it common practice Solamnic for your kind to address people you have not met by their given name?
Have a care Kagonesti what you speak and who you speak it to, if I remember correctly, we Silvanesti did you a service by saving you from your own savagery and nakedness. Why, from what I understand from my readings from Silvamori, your people were hardly cognizant before we came to save you from yourselves. The whole noble savage image can only go so far in that it keeps people from wondering what that savagery entailed.
Semus holds his mug for the gnome girl to fill up and raises it with the rest to toast. Eager to taste the fizzy drink he gulps down some and with wideeyes, nods approvingly to the gnome.
He then turns to face the others.
I'll help you, elves are not the only ones these gangs abuse of
My name is Semus, and I currently make Pashin my home
Semus whispers in Kender at Terevalis' comment.
I hope you never have to depends on others charity to feed yourself or those that depends on you
Semus, since he is Silvanesti assume he speaks elven unless other wise indicated.
Emaline says to Drake's questions concerning the two locations, "Oh yes, I know of both of those places. Old Omar's Oddities has been known for its elixirs. It is run by a sizable woman by the name of Klaudia Lorn who is a very talented healer. You can find it in a back-alley deep in the merchant district northwest of here. As for the Wounded Crow, that lies to the South-East from here. It is the largest inn and tavern in the town and easily spotted due to its large black crow headpiece with an arrow in its wing. I do warn you the place is rather seedy. It is rife with gambling, prostitution and other illicit activities."
Turning to the wizard Free will is the greatest gift of mortals, given to us by the Gods. To have ones free will taken is to have the light of life itself become shaded. Everyone has the Gods given right to decide how they live their lives, and only when the actions of decisions that come with that free will affect the lives of others does a being deserve to have it taken away (murder, banditry, terror, etc). If someone lives there life out of peoples way and free of harming them, no one on Kyrnn has the right to say "you are living wrongly". So sayeth all the Gods of Light and Balance.
To Emaline Thank you Emaline, you're a peach. *wink and smile*
Solamnic knights talk a good game about free will. They exercise their free will in not helping my people after we left to aid them in their battle in Sanction. Nor do you help the Qualanesti over come the Lake of Death. YOUR expression of free will has led to the destruction of our lands. YOUR continued expression of free will ensures that our is not free.
That wasn't just OUR battle at Sanction, that was a battle for all the good people of Ansalon. If the Dark Knights hadn't been stopped they would have run roughshod over the entire continent, and no one, not human or elf or dwarf or kender or anyone, would have been safe.
But what would you have us do? Our numbers have been decimated and even our homeland is still occupied by the forces of darkness, even now the Dark Knights still hold the great city of Palanthas, not to mention most of the northern half of the nation. About the only people to come out of this whole ordeal unscathed has been Ergoth, but I dont blame them for the woes of my country. I talk "a game" of free will, combined with morality and personal responsibility.
You knights pontificate yet have lost the faith of many in Ansalon. Even the Legion of Steel has done more to help the elven cause than the paragons of virtue that you claim the free willed knights of Solamnia are.
You claim all the free peoples of Ansalon would have suffered, that is hypothethical as this did not occur. It was the elves who paid in blood and land and leadership.
Even the Draconians knew the implications of the Battle of Sanction. Of all people, they came completely unbidden to Sanction and aided the force of good, because even they knew the Dark Knights would eventually come for them too. Its not hypothetical, it was proven every day of Mina's march across the continent, they conquered and destroyed, and would have continued doing so if they hadn't been stopped, all in the unholy name of Takhisis.
If the Knights of Solamnia dont currently have the strength to even reclaim our own country, what makes you think we would have any hope of reclaiming someone elses?
I sympathize (and empathize) with what has happened to your people, but dont turn my people into the villains. We all know who the villains are, and they are currently in control of the very city we stand in.
To quote an old scripture of Paladine, or E'li as I believe your people call him, "all that it takes for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing".
To Drake,
"Oooh, known for elixirs, eh? Mind if I come along?"
Clara then leans closer to Drake and Seren and
"I've been warned that non-Gnomes can react strangely, and sometimes aren't amused by practical jokes at their expense...but gosh, we've got to do *something* for this Silvanesti. He's being such a sour-puss! I'm SURE a fart cushion would improve his disposition! Whaddaya say?"
Seren laughs quietly, then answers quietly.
He turns to Terevalis and Drake. "Enough. The past is over, and we must look to the future, both as a race," He looks to Tervalis, "and as a group." He looks to Drake, then the rest of his companions. "We do have a job to do, you know. Argue if you absolutely must, but let's do it while we are looking for information on this criminal group, yes?" He sighs quietly, rubbing his face. If this was what it took to bring his people hope, then he would have to suffer through the mindless arguments over things that could not be changed any more.
Kaithanelas says to Clarabibulus on the payment, "I do not expect you to do this task without payment. I may have left most of my fortune behind when I fled Silvanost but I will pay a fair price for your services. For doing this task for me, I offer each of you Fifty Steel Pieces. In addition to this any Elven relics you recover I will purchase from you and see if they can be either returned to their proper owners or at least returned to my people in general."
In regards to the argument Kaithanelas says to Terevalis, "There is no way any of us could have foreseen the events as they unfolded. True Alhana Starbreeze did lead our army to Sanction and perhaps if the army was in Silvanost we could have beaten back the Minotaurs. We did not know of the Gods attempt to return to stop the Dragon Queen. At the time we know only the Dragon Queen would enter the world and lay waste to all that is good in the world and bring a never-ending Age of Darkness. Do not blame this knight for how the events have unfolded. What is done cannot be undone and we must live with what fate has befallen the elven people."
He looks to Drake and says, "So a Solamanic Knight are you. You should be cautious announcing such affiliation in this town. While the Khur may tolerate you the Dark Knights surely will seek to end your life. Fortunately this inn is a safe haven for travelers and the Nerakans rarely visit this location. In regards to words of Terevalis, I apologize. The Silvanesti are a passionate people and many seek to find someone to blame for the hardships we have endured."
As for Datura's meal as he requests no meat with his meal he gets the non-meat product cuisine of Khur instead. This includes some pita style bread, fava beans, chick peas, rice, onion, lettuce-like desert plant with some special dressing and for desert, sweetened dates. As for non-alcholic drinks with the meal he has a few choices. Water, Camel milk, Goats milk, Sweet Cactus Juice or Khurite Coffee are the main choices.
Knight or squire?
I am proud to call myself a Squire of the Crown, good elf.
Let us go forth and bring justice upon those truly responsible for travesties that have been visited upon Ansalon.
*reaches out hand, offering a handshake of peace and respect*
Ignoring the gesture of the Solamnic, These cretins must be stopped and elven property returned. .
Semus nods to the solamnic and waves at the others, I shall meet with you at the Wounded Crow one hour past the Sun being at its highest point.
Semus is going to be doing some research on his own regarding this Pegrin character, his possible location or any other useful bit of information.
Seren follows Semus' example, walking amongst the elves of Pashin, to see if they know anything of the criminal band more than he does.
Perhaps in my fervor and the loss of my homeland I have been a bit abrasive. This is something I may need to work on.
This is probably the closest that a Silvanesti will come to an apology.
Ok well so the party is splitting up I see. Well then let us do some random encounters for Semus and Seren. As for the results, Semus unfortunately being a Kender gets the same negatives as elves in Pashin. He gets a lukewarm response from the random citizens such as "Get away from me you thieving Kender!" or "I don't know anything about this Pegrin" As for Seren, you'll have a unique encounter as you're specifically looking for elves.
Semus
Anyway Seran you duck through some alleyways and dig around looking for elves. He does find elves but not in the way he was looking for. As you turn a corner you see a hooded man dressed all in black further down the alleyway (Approximately 50 Feet) shove dagger through the heart of man (also elf sized) in tattered robes. The robed man's death cry that echos loudly through the air. The man seems to stare at the corpse for a moment then look around spotting Seren. He then turns and makes a bolt further down the alleyway.
As for Semus as he's asking around he sees a drunken ogre wander down the street drinking out a keg of ale. The few people that are around give him a wide birth. One person does not get out of his way in time though and the Ogre itching for a fight goes into a drunken frenzy and starts swinging. What do you do?
Once Terevalis mentions the 'favor' they did for his people, he just grits his teeth, clenches his fists and walks away. What was he thinking trying to argue with a Silvanesti, they are prideful to a fault. He appreciates the human's attempt at making the point for him, but realizes it will only fall on deaf ears. He just gives the man a nod and look of gratitude during his speech, but says no more.
He goes back to his meal, preferring the cactus juice. When the others decide to go and look about town for information, he doesn't have much to offer. He can track the movements of animals and the migrations of birds. He knows when someone has been through his woods. When it comes to asking people for what they know, he is at a loss. Maybe when they get outside the city, he will be able to keep them from losing their way outside the walls.
Given that Drake and Clara may be headed for the shop of this Omar fellow, and Seren and Semus are looking for information, that would leave him here with the two Silvanesti. He'd rather not do that. He's not too sure of the Kender, but Seren seems a decent enough fellow, and is an elf. Hopefully he can help him in some way.
"Seren, I'd like to be out and about, not stuck in this building waiting. I am coming with you."
At Daturas nod of thanks, Drake inclines his head to the wild elf,as if to say "you're welcome and I got your back".
He then also nods at Terevalis after his apology. Inwardly hoping that we will be able to work together amicably from this point forward.
Drake looks at the gnome, the smile returning to his face, Of coarse Clara, you may accompany me, though I may have private business to attend to for a short time.
He then wishes everyone luck in their ventures.We will meet up with you all at the prescribed time. May the Bison of Heaven guard your path.
And with that he looks back at Clara, Shall we, little lady? Indicating at the door.
With that, we make our way to Omar's shop.
The shop is fairly easy to find with the directions and Drake and whoever chooses to go with him. The shop appears to be a simple wooden building with a large room that is probably the main part of the shop. The weathered sign hanging outside that reads "Old Omar's Oddities" with the symbol of a hand holding a skull. The shop itself is lined with shelves that are stacked to the gunnel with books, jars with lots of strange components, potions, containers and books. At the counter of the store is either a Half-Ogre woman or a human woman who looks like she was beaten with an ulgy stick. She is large, chubby and has a yellowish tint to her skin. She appears currently to be using a motor and pedstal grinding some alchemical components of some kind. When Drake approaches near the counter she looks up and shows a toothy grin and says with a booming voice, "Hello, can I help you with something?"
Seren smiles at Datura, nodding. "It will be a pleasure working with you, cousin." He was reminded of his childhood retreat from the Dragonarmies to Qualimori, where he had befriended one of the Kagonesti children. "I'm planning on talking to some of our local kinsmen. Perhaps they know something more than we do?
Upon seeing the black cloaked figure strike down the other, Seren shouts "Halt! I don't want to hurt you, but if I must, I will!" Then, he draws his shortbow in one hand, chanting softly and gesturing subtly, directing the ambient magic of the world to put the man into an enchanted sleep. Regardless of the success of this, he looks to Datura and speaks quickly in Elven.
He hopes as he does so that the druid is similar to those he knew in his childhood, and is skilled in herbcraft and nonmagical healing, to be able to determine such a thing.
The sleep has no effect on the fleeing black clothed man and he does not listen to the command to stop. He continues to bolt at full speed and turns a corner and out of sight. As for the man who got stabbed, he's clearly dead. The knife was shoved clear through his heart with the masterful strike that only an assassin could pull off.
Soon after the man turns the corner a group of three elves dressed similarly to the man that was just killed rush into the alleyway. They see both Seren and Datura over the corpse of the man and one of them points and yells "MURDERER!" in elven and the three elves draw daggers. They clearly look angry at the both of you.
Semus grabs a rock from the ground and steps away at a safe distance (just at the edge of point blank), and throws it at the Ogre...
He then shouts at the Ogre: Hey Big Ugly, I bet you can't catch me! bolting away at a sign of pursuit. Semus will then use his knowledge of the streets to either lead him to the closest place he is sure to find some dark knights, or to an alley too narrow for the Ogre to follow.
The ogre not paying attention and drunk out of his mind is easily struck with a rock on the side of his head. The Ogre turns a mean glare to the Kender. Semus has caught the ogre's attention. The Ogre yells something in Ogre and prepares to rush after Semus. Lets make this an opposed Acrobatics check to see if Semus can keep ahead of the Ogre.
Ogre Acrobatics
Terevalis will be talking to the other Silvanesti about the local elves.