Chapter 7: Unconscious Revelations

[Mike]

Syrdan says nothing as Lefty speaks, but pays rapt attention to each and every word. He closes his eyes and winces when the halfling mentions Lerhanna ... or the lack of her. In a box, most likely, he thinks sadly. Dead, or undead. Neither would be good.

Lefty stops pondering, then fixes Syrdan for the first time with both eyes, looking like he's going to say something portentous. "Can you tell Lady Esthryn to send some more rolls over?" He gestures at his mostly empty plate.

"Only rolls?" Syrdan says. He claps a hand lightly on the halfling's back. "This morning's a lucky one for you, my friend. Jams, sweetmeats, muffins, rolls ... name what you'd like and it's yours. Consider it my honor, to provide you with a meal fit for a king. Or for an honored halfling, as the case might be."

[Jeff]

"Keep it coming, then," Lefty says with a tired smile. It doesn't take long for Syrdan to direct Esthryn his way to resupply him.

Varna, meanwhile, quickly reads through the letter. "No...I don't like this at all. So Z knows about..." She looks towards Lefty. "My arrangements and connections. They'll want to know about that." She peeks into the coffer, then shakes her head. "A casual display of wealth indeed. Listen, we don't owe Z anything; he did try to kill us. You should really consider keeping this money, maybe give some to the Eatery....and let this bastard eat breakfast alone. He can't be good news, can he?"

[Mike]

Syrdan gently puts a hand on Esthryn's shoulder as she passes by.

"Your hospitality - and your generosity - as always, is appreciated," the elf says to her. He glances over at Lefty. "I'm trying to extend the gentleman over there that same hospitality this morning ... please, let him have whatever he likes this breakfast. And if he chooses to have a big meal, that's fine. Simply let me know how much of a dent he makes in your pantry, I'll take care of it." He smiles at her. "I wouldn't blame him if he did ... you and Orval have quite a wonderful place here."

He moves back towards the others, and pullsup a chair next to Belarin. He takes a seat, watching Varna's face as she reads through the letter.

"The letter's addressed to you as well, Varna," says Syrdan. "Unless you have some idea of who the 'Lady' he addresses might be."

"As for letting 'Z' eat breakfast alone, I'm not sure that's wise. He's gone through some trouble to invite us, so disappointing him may make us yet another enemy. And we've got plenty of those already, it seems." The elf absently picks up the coffer, examining it. "Besides, I prefer the devil I know to the devil I don't."

[Darren]

"I agree with the elf," Kal says as he walks back over to where Varna is. A sour look is on his face. "Besides, we've made up our minds already, and we're not going to be swayed from our course." Taking back the letter, he folds it and places it in his pocket. "Now, I said I trust you, but you spend too much time not telling us things to have earned much more than what you've been given. I'm sorry, but if you want to be a part of this group, you can't hold things back and expect us to give you everything."

Looking sad, Kalarian turns to his companions. "Come, let us be on our way. It may be a good idea to get a feel for the area before the meeting begins."

[Brian]

Syrdan:

"Besides, I prefer the devil I know to the devil I don't."

As he stands and prepares to leave, Condign nudges Belarin with his elbow. "Do you think he is talking about me?"

[Joe]

Dec 31, 2010 17:36:08 GMT -4 Darren said:

"I agree with the elf," Kal says as he walks back over to where Varna is. A sour look is on his face. "Besides, we've made up our minds already, and we're not going to be swayed from our course." Taking back the letter, he folds it and places it in his pocket. "Now, I said I trust you, but you spend too much time not telling us things to have earned much more than what you've been given. I'm sorry, but if you want to be a part of this group, you can't hold things back and expect us to give you everything."

Looking sad, Kalarian turns to his companions. "Come, let us be on our way. It may be a good idea to get a feel for the area before the meeting begins."

Streko gets up and goes to his sister's side. "He speaks like that to pretty much everyone. I think he likes you." He smiles, hoping it appears genuine, rather than feigned. "Besides, I trust you, and that's what matters. Be careful on your errands, sister. I'll see you later."

He goes over to his mother and father, kissing them both on the cheek. "I can't believe I survived as long as I did without your magnificent meals. I don't know when we will return, but I hope it's before dinner. I love you both and yes, I'll be careful."

With that, Streko follows Kal toward the exit.

[Jeff]

"If I'm to join your group?" Varna repeats when Kal finishes. "What are you, some secret society, or a boys' club?" She glances over at the kitchen, making sure her parents are out of earshot "In case you haven't noticed, I'm already...in a group. One you've taken shots at since I divulged that to you this morning, trusted all of you enough to not just tell you but show you."

Varna smiles sweetly, to show she's not offended. But a serious look comes over her face. "When the day comes that you leave the city, I'll be staying here. This is where my life is now." She looks at Streko with a sisterly, but sad smile. "For the first time ever, my skills and my tendency to get into trouble has found some sort of structure to hang on. And despite what you think, it's good for this place." She gestures at the floorboards.

"When you do have to go, I hope that you'll say goodbye, at least. All of you. I care about you all now, which is annoying. But so long as you are in Sharn, I hope I'll get to tag along and make mischief for you all."

Streko:

"Be careful on your errands, sister. I'll see you later."

"I will. And you, too, baby brother."

Varna turns, gives Kal a flirtatious curtsy with her morning robes—half-serious, half not?—then salutes the rest of you with her knife. "See you in an hour. Or so. Be careful."

And with that, Varna is gone, leaving the rest of you heading out the door.

[Dave W.]

Dec 31, 2010 15:18:42 GMT -4 Jeff said:

[Varna says]"Listen, we don't owe Z anything; he did try to kill us. You should really consider keeping this money, maybe give some to the Eatery....and let this bastard eat breakfast alone.  He can't be good news, can he?"

"Varna, we haven't agreed to anything. But even if Z is any enemy it seems useful to meet with him. Perhaps even more so; it's an opportunity to size up an opponent."

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sorry a little behind today

[Dave W.]

Adamant carefully watches the interplay between Kal and Varna. As Varna leaves, Adamant approaches Condign without being obvious about it.

Very quietly, the warforged speaks to the tiefling, "Are you certain that's not courting behavior... I've seen that sort of banter among bonded couples."

"I suppose I shouldn't be so impertinent, but it's fascinating."

[Jeff]

What is the next precise destination? Skycoach direct to Skyway? Armorer or leatherworker for Condign's sword? Anywhere else? Let me know! I need some consensus.

[Joe]

Streko will follow whoever is leading...he has nowhere he really needs to be (I don't think....).

[Dave W.]

Adamant would like to make the Z appointment more or lesson time... He has no other agenda right now.

Mostly he's afraid we're going to have to get into one of those unnatural flying carriages again...

[Darren]

Once outside the door, Kal pauses and takes a deep breath. "Condign, if you wish to find some better way to hold that butcher's knife of yours, I suppose we have a little bit of time. If it can wait, though, I wouldn't mind scouting out our destination."

_____________
Completely up to Brian.

[Brian]

Adamant:

Very quietly, the warforged speaks to the tiefling, "Are you certain that's not courting behavior... I've seen that sort of banter among bonded couples."

"I suppose I shouldn't be so impertinent, but it's fascinating."

"Well," Condign says to Adamant. "I suppose you are right. There seems to be some kind of attraction there, but I think it is only one way. I hope our noble friend's feeling do not get hurt."

Kalarian:

"Condign, if you wish to find some better way to hold that butcher's knife of yours, I suppose we have a little bit of time. If it can wait, though, I wouldn't mind scouting out our destination."

Condign looks at the sword in his hand and shrugs. "While I certainly do not want to make us late, I would like to at least get it measured for one. That should not take very long. But only if there is a leather worker nearby. Otherwise, I will gladly wait."

___________________________

So, if there's a shop nearby and it would still leave enough time to get to Skyway early, I'd at least like to start getting a scabbard crafted. Otherwise, like the big red guy said, I'll wait.

[Mike]

Syrdan waits for Varna to leave. Once she's out of the room, he says to the rest of his companions, "I think it best if we make our way to meet with this 'Z', sooner rather than later. When we're done, I have a lead on our friend, the mysterious Major Krez ... it seems he plans a voyage, and intends to leave Sharn, perhaps later today."

Syrdan recounts what he was told by Lefty. "So as he'll be leaving rather soon, I intend to head from our meeting straight to the docks," he adds. "To the decks of the Patriot. You're all welcome to come with me - I can't begin to say how much I'd appreciate that! - but if I must go alone, then I will."

The elf shakes his head. "The clock, sadly, has become my greatest foe of late ..."

_____________

Also, as Syrdan stated earlier, he'd prefer that getting the scabbard wait for a bit.

[Darren]

Kal listens quietly as Syrdan recounts the information Lefty gave him. "That is grave news, indeed, my friend. Let us get our meeting done with quickly and then head direct to meet with the Major. As you say, we must not waste time."

[Jeff]

Condign once against walks through the streets of the city with his naked broadsword in hand. This earns him the glances of nearly everyone who passes by him. Members of the Watch, whenever they see him, keep their eyes on him until out of sight. It may be the obvious presence of a dragnmarked heir in your party that keeps them at bay. Condign can see that walking the city armed is permitted, but weapons not sheathed always earn extra attention.

But he's getting used to that, too.

Adamant has found that warforged get plenty of attention wherever they go. Most looks are neutral, but many more are distrusting. Yet with Condign around, Adamant feels like part of the scenery.

By the time you reach the edge of Olladra's Kitchen that there's two ways to get to top of the city: by skycoach (you'll need to move closer to the plateau chasms to flag one down), which would be fastest, or by lift. The many lifts in Sharn can get you from one level to another, and going by foot you might be able to get to the Upper City in twenty minutes' time. How one gets from the Upper City to Skyway itself you're not yet sure. It may be that only flying vehicles can access it.

[Dave W.]

Jan 1, 2011 11:06:48 GMT -4 Mike said:

"So as he'll be leaving rather soon, I intend to head from our meeting straight to the docks," he adds. "To the decks of the Patriot. You're all welcome to come with me - I can't begin to say how much I'd appreciate that! - but if I must go alone, then I will."

"You can depend on my assistance. I'm still hoping to rescue the elven maid; that's how it happens in all the best tales and songs."

"And speaking of tales, I rather like the imagery of you," the warforged tells Condign, "carrying the naked blade... The proud demon warrior walking among the civilized casually resting his sword on his shoulder, not looking for trouble but ready for it."

"hmmm, though I don't recall as many of those tales end well for the demon warrior..."

[Ken]

Belarin tells Syrdan that he'll certainly accompany him to the docks.

Regarding transport, he says, "For the sake of expedience, I suppose we should go by coach again -- although I would like to know for certain what other exits from Skyway exist. I don't like the possibility of being trapped, especially thousands of feet in the air. Perhaps our driver will know, for an added gratuity."

_____
Sorry for the late, short post. Busy with home stuff today.

[Darren]

Kal continues forward, waving his friends to follow. He sticks out his hand, waving for a skycoach to stop and pick them up. "After all, the generous Mr. Z did provide us with ample funds to reach our destination, did he not?"

[Dave W.]

"Those unnatural flying carriages again? It's simply too unbelievable that they can fly to trust them not to simply fall at some point."

"Though I suppose there's no better option. This city is horrifyingly inefficiently structured. You'd think the rulers would find a way to put everything back on the ground."

[Jeff]

Matheu makes his presence known by replying to Adamant's comment.

The manifest zone in which Sharn is situated makes the city's vertical growth permissible, possibly even sensible. In fact, horizontal construction was considered and attempted long before humans controlled this land, possibly even—

Matheu stops in mid-sentence. I will confess, I'm unsure whether to accompany your party at this time. This city contains many agencies and plots, and I do not wish to be detected or factored into those that concern you.

[Darren]

"The choice is yours, Matheu, though I am always happy for your insight. I'll understand if you're too afraid, though." Kal grins. Although he considered not antagonizing the pseudodragon, sometimes he simply can't help himself.

[Dave W.]

Jan 1, 2011 22:16:42 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Matheu stops in mid-sentence. I will confess, I'm unsure whether to accompany your party at this time. This city contains many agencies and plots, and I do not wish to be detected or factored into those that concern you.

"I would not ask you to risk yourself on our behalf, Matheu."

"Do you believe we are hopelessly entangled already? Would you advise us avoid this Z?"

[Ken]

"I understand the quandry," says Belarin aloud in reply to Matheu. "Should your presence become known to, sigh, Z, then his response to us intensifies appropriately. So, thank you for your forethought." He turns to Kal and wags a disciplinary finger at him. "And you. Tsk tsk. Don't insult my future mentor in the Draconic tongue." Still, he can't repress a conspiratorial smirk.

"Matheu, I would suggest that you not accompany us. However, would you be able to determine whether there are ways of leaving the area other than coach or plummet? In my previous business ventures, better information about avenues of retreat often led to a happier outcome. Please."

[Jeff]

Matheu does not acknowledge Kal further.

"I would not ask you to risk yourself on our behalf, Matheu....Do you believe we are hopelessly entangled already? Would you advise us avoid this Z?"

I cannot advise you. That is precisely the role I cannot serve; when I am able and willing, I provide knowledge, not wisdom.

"Matheu, I would suggest that you not accompany us. However, would you be able to determine whether there are ways of leaving the area other than coach or plummet? In my previous business ventures, better information about avenues of retreat often led to a happier outcome. Please."

I have had some interest in the arcane properties of Skyway, and this provides an opportunity to see them further firsthand. I would assume the only means of exiting Skyway to be by beast, vessel, or teleportation. I will follow your skycoach and see what I may, but I will refrain from observing your meeting.

_______________________________


I'm just waiting for Mike and Joe before continuing further.

[Joe]

Streko follows behind absently, seemingly engrossed in some internal struggle. He says nothing and, if asked to describe the person who just passed by, or that route in which he has been walking, the Halfling would be at a complete loss. It's almost as if someone else were controlling his legs, keeping him from walking into walls or other people. His mind is simply not with his body, but he somehow manages to keep with the group and keep Kal in his sights, so to speak.

[Jeff]

It takes a short while, but no real problem to find a skycoach. The first driver spotting your unusual and standout-ish group brings his vessel down close.

"To Skyway?" The driver, a middle-aged human, repeats with some surprise when he hears your destination. He immediately straightens and springs to action, making sure everyone is comfortable in their padded seats. (Anyone going to Sharn's most opulent district might be a good tipper.)

The cost is about 20 silver a head to reach Skyway, Tangat included—so 1 gold and 50 silver in total.

As the skycoach starts its steady, spiral ascent up through the city, the driver politely explains that he'll take you to a skycoach dock in the Upper City, where you'll transfer to a different skycoach, one approved by the Councilman of Skyway as "fitting" to be seen. But the cost you pay now will account for that transfer.

The towers of Sharn grow narrower and yet more imposing as the your drifty skyward. Soon enough, hundreds of spires fill the cityscape like the masts of an armada of beautiful ships. Many of the towers stand out as true marvels of architecture: Lyrandar Tower, shaped at the crown like a mighty sculpted kraken, bristles with docking platforms. You also spot a large dome which your driver points out as the largest lecture hall of Morgrave University. House Kundarak has its most prominent bank capping Kundarak Tower, a mighty, many-columned structure flanked by golden statues of warriors and dragons.

The sky is wide open, blue and clear, with only a few wisps of cloud. From this high up, even far from Cliffside and the docks below, you can see the lands beyond: the river waters of the Hilt, the Thunder Sea to the distant south, the rolling plains and forests of Breland to the nort, east, and west. Little wonder that so many people in this city have little scope of the wider world. Only those dwelling this high up are afforded a view of it.

Airships now number among the floating traffic of flying vessels, as well as a variety of aerial creatures: Too many birds to count, but also a pegasus here and there, hippogriffs and griffons, and others too far to identify. It's hard not to wonder, for a few moments, just what would happen if someone fell from one of these beasts, or a tower balcony, or a skycoach...

Then there's Skyway, still above you as your coach works its way to a small coach docking base: an island of cloud that hangs permanently over Central Plateu—disconnected from the rest of the city, as if mere contact with the towers below would sully its ascendant state. As the high winds blow, traces of cloud drift away, revealing the gleam of elegant buildings within.

_________________________

Who's paying the coach fare, then?

Joe:

His mind is simply not with his body...

A real-life thing, Joe, or a Streko-and-Varna thing?

So I'm going to slow the game down right now, especially for today and tomorrow (as I have a sudden momentous deadline to meet on something) and I'll keep it slow while Darren is away until next week. But Darren, it would help if you let me know if you have any internet connection at all down there. I don't want to stop it if I can help it.

[Mike]

Syrdan gets on the skycoach last, and pays the driver.

Seated near the front, he watches the towers pass by, spiraling ever upward to dizzying heights. He marvels at them, to a degree ... but also wonders at the hubris of them.

He also finds his mind wandering to the docks, and what he might find at the Patriot, later in the day.

[Dave W.]

Adamant slowly and gingerly enters the skycoach, as though afraid his foot might crash through the floorboards. Holding the side railing, he makes his way to a seat at the back.

He sits and clamps one hand on the ship's edge and the other searches for another place as solid to attach to. The wood makes it's creaking complaints under the warforged's grips. He sits bent over like a question mark.

Adamant's eye gems dim and he quietly whispers. "Lady, Your servant begs Your protection for himself and his friends. And should this unnatural transport fail, we trust our spirits to Your judgement."