Chapter 7: Unconscious Revelations

[Brian]

"I can take the scroll and retrieve whatever is stored in the bank. I am sure I can handle that much on my own. When I get it, I will meet with you all later. Maybe at the Deneith enclave?"

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My posting may be erratic over the next week, so I think it'll be better to let Condign go off on his own. I will try and check every other day (at least) and put up something, albeit brief. ;D

[Ken]

"'Something crazy'? Why, what would ever happen that could involve us?" Belarin smiles broadly. "Yes, splitting up to deal with our separate concerns sounds best. We can cause more mayhem that way.

"Shall we meet up at the Tavvens' for dinner?" He pauses to look at Varna. "Thank you again, Varna. A most interesting day."

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Jeff: Yeah, considering Brian's upcoming vacation and what several of our characters have to do, I'm OK with what you suggest.

[Mike]

Aug 19, 2010 11:51:07 GMT -4 Ken said:

"Shall we meet up at the Tavvens' for dinner?"

"That sounds amenable," Syrdan replies. "I have business in the Upper City, in Shae Lias, but it shouldn't take very long."

He looks at his other companions. "You're welcome to join me, although I'm not sure you'll find the trip interesting."

_____________________

Also good with the suggestion, Jeff.

[Jeff]

"Yes, let's meet at my mother's place. At least we're all familiar with that." She shrugs at Condign. "We don't know the Deneith enclave well enough to meet there. Besides, why should Kal have the advantage? He'd just wave his dragonmark around and order us around."

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Okay, so I'm going to keep all errands in this main thread, but I'll break up my posts name for each group.

Let me know who's going where and with whom. I know Belarin's going to find the Bazaar district, Condign to the bank, Syrdan to report in at the temple in the elf district. Who else? Where will Streko and Adamant be going? Varna doesn't plan on joining any of you, nor to have any of you along with her.

[Dave W.]

As they discuss their plans, Adamant looks down at Varna, half his height. For a moment it seems as though Adamant is going to say something to her. But he either thinks better of it or simply can't figure out what to say.

He turns to Streko, "Master Streko, if there us an errand you need to attend to, I would gladly accompany you. However, I am intrigued by the idea of seeing how the elves live in the City, it seems like a unique opportunity."

[Darren]

"Your sudden change of heart worries me, Varna," Kal says, "especially given the morning's events. But I do need to go to House Deneith, and you'd probably all be bored waiting in a sitting room somewhere while they pour adulation on me, so I guess it's okay with we meet up later." He draws his brows down and his lips curve in a mock frown. "Just don't get into any trouble," he says, wagging his finger like a scolding father.

Laughing, Kal starts down the street towards Dragon Towers.

[Joe]

"

Besides, why should Kal have the advantage? He'd just wave his dragonmark around and order us around."

Streko looks around, confused. "I am sure I missed something important back there, and that bothers me, sister. Are you sure you're all right?

"I thought I would be accompanying Kalarian to the Deneith compound. Alas, it would seem I have been left behind. Therefore, as I have nothing pressing to do, I think it might be wise to go with Belarin, while Adamant, you go with Syrdan and explore the Elven compound. Our expieriences should prove a rousing tale at the dinner table, knowing how things go for us.

He looks up at Belarin. "If you don't mind my company, Belarin?"

[Jeff]

With Kal and Condign going to the same district, it seems more prudent to at least go the distance together.

Condign and Kal

Human and tiefling walk together toward the bridges that cross the yawning city chasm that surrounds both Central and Menthis Plateau. Tangat is right there, walking between them.

Leaving Little Plains behind, Condign and Kal find themselves back into the press of people their own size. The tielfing's horns give him the impression of being much taller, and as they walk passers-by can't seem to help but glance at him as he passes. But striding beside Kal, a well-dressed dragonmarked heir, they don't stare rudely.

They even pass a pair of Watchman standing at the entrance to one of the bridges. "My lord," one says to Kal in greeting. The other meets Condign's eyes and merely nods respectfully. Somehow the tiefling suspects when he's alone it may go a little differently.

[Dave W.]

"Good, I'm very eager to learn about elven religion and culture. I will try not to pester you too much Master Syrdan."

"I have heard the elves are a musical people, perhaps on the way we can discuss your use of music in your rituals."

[Darren]

"You know, Condign," Kal says as they walk, "House Deneith doesn't have many tiefling mercenaries. You're the first I've ever met, and I don't think I've heard of many serving in the Blademarks. Maybe you should stop by there with me. People might be interested to meet you."

As they walk a little further, Kal looks up at the heights of Sharn. "Maybe we should arrive in style, hm?" Kal heads off to find a skycoach to carry them the rest of the way.

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Of course, I have absolutely no idea how much it costs to hire a skycoach or where one goes about finding one. This is where I rely on the power of the narrator...

[Ken]

Aug 19, 2010 21:02:41 GMT -4 Joe said:

He looks up at Belarin. "If you don't mind my company, Belarin?"

"Not at all, Good Streko," says Belarin warmly. "I'd actually appreciate your counsel on some matters as we walk." With a wave of his arm, he beckons Streko to proceed, and they move away from the others.

"For instance, do you think Kalarin intentionally lets sparks fly from his fingers whenever he's peeved, or is it an unintended burst of energy when he sees someone making goo-goo eyes at your sister...?"

[Joe]

"Not at all, Good Streko," says Belarin warmly. "I'd actually appreciate your counsel on some matters as we walk." With a wave of his arm, he beckons Streko to proceed, and they move away from the others.

"For instance, do you think Kalarin intentionally lets sparks fly from his fingers whenever he's peeved, or is it an unintended burst of energy when he sees someone making goo-goo eyes at your sister...?"

Streko grins a bit. "I am sure it is entirely intentional. Kalarian is all about the spectacle. Not to say he is a shallow man. Far from it. Kalarian has a passion more akin to, say, dwarves. Then again, I've heard it said that humans are just taller versions. Take a human away from his comforts and safety, and you will find a demon within him. Or her. Nothing against your race. I am both in awe and inspired by your passions and devine loyalties.

"I must say, it is difficult watching my friends attempting to court a sister I have only begun to know again after almost two decades of searching for her. Part of it angers me. To have her back again, only to be aken by yet another man. Albeit, in this case, I must say I'd rather her be courted by yourself, or Kalarian, than the halfling we met back there. What was his name? Halak? I wanted to snap his neck. He exhibits everything unpleasant about my race. Unlike Kalarian and unlike yourself, Belarin, Halak obviously has NO class whatsoever. No sense of humor or whimsy. Gods above and below, he's a dullard, for certain!

"From what I know of my sister, and what I am continually learning, either of you will end up with quite a handful should she so choose to be with one or the other.

"Olladra bless me!! I just had a frightening thought!! What if she chooses you both?"

He coughs, nearly choking on...air. "Best not think of that. It would seem I have been consorting with humans too much of late."

A moment of silence is followed by anotehr quick grin. "I'd have it no other way, I think."

[Brian]

Kalarian:

"You know, Condign," Kal says as they walk, "House Deneith doesn't have many tiefling mercenaries. You're the first I've ever met, and I don't think I've heard of many serving in the Blademarks. Maybe you should stop by there with me. People might be interested to meet you."

"Once I have finished with my visit to this bank, I would gladly meet your fellow Blademarks. I am curious to see if they are as . . . interesting as you are." Condign smiles. "Anyway, depending on whatever has been left for me in that vault, we may want to put our heads together and figure out what it means. I suspect it will be frustratingly cryptic."

_________________________

Okay, I'm outta here! ;D

Everyone take care. If I happen to catch a trout that would impress even Kalarian, I'll send a picture to Jeff and he can post it.

[Jeff]

Each group goes its separate way. Before the last one departs, Varna has already melted into the crowd.

Belarin and Streko

As Belarin and Streko walk away from the others, headed west, they hear Matheu's voice. It is best that I avoid the dragonmark enclaves, as their defenses can often negate my powers of invisibility; Shae Lias is the elves' refuge against the Khorvairian pursuits, they may not welcome a dragon in their midst. Therefore I will follow you, unless you are averse to it.

Without waiting for a reply, he goes on. Unless I am mistaken, Streko, your sister's associations are of some concern to you. Though I will not ask, it would be perfectly acceptable if you told me who it was you met inside that establishment.

[Jeff]

Adamant and Syrdan

Syrdan and Adamant are forced to hail down a skycoach, for any other means of travel could take them a while, as they're bound for the Upper City. Even a regular coach might take an hour or more. A skycoach ride from the Middle City to the Upper City costs three sovereigns. Who would pay for this?

The skycoach they eventually flag down rises slowly in winding paths to the Upper City and northeasterly toward the quarter of Northedge. The journey is smooth but dizzying, as the massive towers of Sharn continue to rise up into the sky, higher than anywhere else in the world. Only the manifest zone of Syrania makes it possible for such structures to stand.

As they near their destination, right away Adamant and Syrdan understand that Northedge is the quietest part of the whole city, and the fact that it's mostly residential helps explain why. When the skycoach touches down, they are soon after left standing on the smoothly-paved streets of Shae Lias.

The very air of the Upper City feels cleaner. Even though Adamant does not breath, his body can feel the texture and subtle currents of the breezes that sweep over him. Adamant has never been this high up before, anywhere. The tops of the other towers throughout the city that reach this far up form a sea of spires in all directions. Like everywhere else, the bridges and streets running between the towers form the ground of the district.

Adamant has rarely seen many elves in one place. And most of the ones he's encountered were naturalized elves, elves infused into the cultures of Khorvaire, and in particular Cyran. But Cyre is gone now, so it's Brelish-naturalized elves he's become a bit more accustomed to seeing. Still, in Shae Lias he's seeing a wholly different culture. The district is a bastion for the values and traditions of Aerenal, the island homeland of the elven race.

Adamant can't imagine a district more opposite High Walls than Shae Lias. This place is filled with lush greenery and beautifully sculpted statues. Elven warriors sculpted of densewood—a hard, heavy wood from the forests of Aerenal nearly as strong as iron—stand guard at the gates of townhouses, while stone and marble statues of priests and honored elders are spread throughout the plazas and open-air orchards. The elegant architecture of the monuments and buildings makes Syrdan think of home.

The residents move quietly among these statues of the dead, carrying out their daily activities with silent grace. Adamant is clearly the only warforged anywhere around here, so he stands out. Almond-shaped eyes look his way cooly, then move on without comment or expression. If a warforged has come among them, he must be there with a purpose; perhaps he is a bodyguard or comrade of the white cloth-garbed elf.

[Jeff]

Condign and Kal and Tangat

Arriving in Dragon Towers, both human and tiefling find that wealthy and important-looking people parade through this district with escorts of sycophants and well-armed guards. Kal actually blends in quite seamlessly here, his natural charm and outward presence making him part of the cityscape; the tall and armored tiefling beside him looks like an exotic bodyguard. Several people walking by acknowledge Kal respectively. Tangat wags his tail and sniffs in every direction.

The sigils of the dragonmarked houses are in abundant view. It's clear that neither Breland nor the Sharn Watch hold great sway here; this is the province of the dragonmarked. Ornately sculpted and painted signs at each junction point the direction to the various enclaves. Of greatest prominence here are House Tharashk (Deneith's greatest rival), House Cannith, House Kundarak, House Sivis, and House Lyrandar.

Those who don't appear to be strictly members of one of the thirteen houses are clearly their retainers, making the populace of Dragon Towers predominantly middle class. Most of the people here look well off and comfortable, but not so wealthy as some of the heirs.

The streets are clean and well tended here; guardsman of every house are positioned at various junctions, keeping an eye on things. There are no homeless, and it's clear that this is a business-minded district. The guards keep the traffic moving. No loitering going on here.

Kal and Condign reach a signpost, Deneith pointing one way, Kundarak another. So they go separate ways here, agreeing to see one another at the Tavvens' restaurant at night.

Kal

Kal approaches the Deneith enclave, surprised to find it is fairly small—compared to the others, anyway—looking more like a militant mansion than a proper tower; however, he's heard that Deneith has outposts and a stronger military presences in other parts of the city, perhaps more than the others. Given the size of the enclave, Kal understands that it's most likely strictly administration; mercenaries are trained and quartered elsewhere. Nevertheless, four heavily-armed guards in the colors of the house stand at the gate. Two of them are warforged.

Condign

Following signs for Kundarak, Condign approaches Sivis Tower, a massive structure denoted at the entrance by two marvelous and large statues: a cockatrice, from the emblem of House Sivis, and a manticore, from the emblem of House Kundarak. Between these is a pair of open double doors. Apparently the House of Scribing and the House of Warding share Sivis Tower; which is no surprise, the house of banking and the house of communication often work together. Unlike Deneith, there are no guards posted here. People are coming and going from the enclave freely.

[Joe]

Aug 20, 2010 10:47:01 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Belarin and Streko

As Belarin and Streko walk away from the others, headed west, they hear Matheu's voice. It is best that I avoid the dragonmark enclaves, as their defenses can often negate my powers of invisibility; Shae Lias is the elves' refuge against the Khorvairian pursuits, they may not welcome a dragon in their midst. Therefore I will follow you, unless you are averse to it.

Without waiting for a reply, he goes on. Unless I am mistaken, Streko, your sister's associations are of some concern to you. Though I will not ask, it would be perfectly acceptable if you told me who it was you met inside that establishment.

"Matheu, you are a valued and welcomed member of our adventuring family. It is an honor to have you by our side, or over our head, as the case may be."

Streko updates the pseudodragon on the events that occurred, as well as all the players involved.

Not even a second passes before Streko looks back up at Belarin. "I think I like this telepathic communication. Speeds things up a bit!"

[Darren]

As Kal approaches the gate, he casually rolls up his sleeves, making certain his dragonmark is exposed. He strolls up to the gate as though he is the owner of the mansion. "Afternoon, gentlemen," he says to the guards. "Would you please let everyone inside know that Kalarian Jaeren has arrived?"

Kal leans on his sharrash and waits for the guards to announce him.

[Ken]

Aug 20, 2010 1:54:59 GMT -4 Joe said:

"From what I know of my sister, and what I am continually learning, either of you will end up with quite a handful should she so choose to be with one or the other.

"Olladra bless me!! I just had a frightening thought!! What if she chooses you both?"

Belarin had been walking alongside Streko as the halfling spoke, a frown of puzzlement growing deeper on his face. But at this comment, he spins to face Streko. "By the Host! You're SERIOUS!" He sputters, momentarily lost for words - a rarity for the warlock. "You... think that I wish... Oh, Streko, nooooooooooo!" He then starts chuckling. "Oh my. My my my. My good friend Streko, forgive me if I've given you the impression otherwise, but I have NO romantic designs upon Varna. Never crossed my addled mind -- no offense intended toward you or her, of course, but no, never really considered it. Yes, she does wonders for tight-fitting leather, and I find her intriguing -- she's still concealing things, and I love mysteries, and yes, I personally like her. That's the extent of it.

"However, I'm truly honored that you would consider someone with my checkered past to be a suitable consort. But Kalarian...? Well, now that's just crazy talk. HA!"

After Matheu speaks, Belarin follows Streko's reply with his own. "Indeed. I'm happy to have you nearby, Matheu. Please join us."

[Jeff]

Kal and Tangat

"Would you please let everyone inside know that Kalarian Jaeren has arrived?"

The guards glance at Kal's dragonshard ring as much as to his dragonmark.

"My lord," one of them says, acknowledging him with a slight bow. Then he looks to the other guard. "Do we...."

Both look puzzled. "My lord, there's not...well, a means to...announce. There are multiple floors within. But I will see that someone will attend to you. Come with me, my lord?" He turns, stepping out of their formation; almost immediately, a replacement issues from a guardhouse and stands where he did. A classic Deneith standard: maintain security numbers at all times.

The gate swings open, and Kal and the guard walk toward the open portcullis of the enclave itself. "Is this your first visit to the Dragon Towers, Lord Kalarian?"


Belarin and Streko

"Matheu, you are a valued and welcomed member of our adventuring family. It is an honor to have you by our side, or over our head, as the case may be."

I am merely an observer and a scholar, Streko d'Jorasco. Certainly not part of your figurative 'family.' Though your complimentary words are appreciated.

In due time, Belarin and Streko cross over the bridges to the massive quarter known as Dura, which stretches the entire west side of Sharn, encircling the plateaus between. Two things quickly become evident about Dura:

It is home to the majority of the lower classes, and is more associated with crime and poverty than anywhere else in the city. (Though you're not sure what Upper Dura would be like.) Having just met some of the Boromar Clan, you can't help but wonder how much of said crime is mere chaos and how much is "regulated."

As you cross the final bridge and enter the Bazaar, the crowd and noise of the district become nearly overwhelming. In addition to the shops and stalls in every direction, the mazelike streets are full of people offering goods and deals; it seems like everyone here has something to sell. The Watch maintains a strong presence in the Bazaar, but they seem more concerned with preventing riots than watching for cutpurses.

But it is a colorful place indeed, and there is more diversity here than you've seen anywhere else. Humans are still the majority followed by the usual minorities, but even full-blooded orcs and hobgoblins weave through the mass. You even see a single unnarmed ogre marching slowly through the street, parting the crowd with his sheer bulk, being led by a half-orc in Tharashk livery. Overhead, even a glidewind wheels through the sky, followed by some very large birds.

Dura seems to be a microcosm of Khorvaire's most populous races, Matheu remarks, still unseen, presumably gliding in the air above you. I have seen the best and the worst of humanity here. Speaking of which, there is a trio of thieves moving about to your right. You may wish to veer left.[/i]

[Dave W.]

"A skycoach? Is that really necessary?? I mean, do you suppose it's safe?" Adamant takes a little while to come to grips with the necessity of it.

When the driver presses for 3 sovereigns, Adamant digs into his small money pouch and pulls out the three silver coins, "We can share the cost, I'll pay going up and you can pay coming," Adamant pauses to touch the Octogram attached to his chest, "... um, down."

Before entering Adamant mutters something and again touches the Octogram. Just as with the land-based coach, Adamant finds something to clamp his hands onto.

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I'll pause here to let Mike get caught up.

[Darren]

"Indeed, it is," Kal says jovially. "My business seems to have brought me here. I was in Fairhaven, previously, and before that I had spent a deal of time in Talenta Plains and in Sentinel Tower. But yes, this is my first time here. What can you tell me of operations in this sector?"

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Just for my own reference, did the human guards or the warforged guards move off to accompany Kal?

[Brian]

Scroll in hand, Condign walks through the double doors of the building. He heads for the bank side. He looks for anyone who looks authoritative. He wants to present his scroll and get what is stored in the vault.

[Mike]

"Don't worry about the fare, Adamant," Syrdan says. Always the serious warrior, the elf actually looks slightly relaxed for once ... or as relaxed as he gets, anyway. "Shae Lias is as close to home as I'll get anytime soon, I suppose. Consider yourself my honored guest."

The elf hands three sovereigns to the driver.

"When we go to the realms of the warforged, you can repay the favor," says Syrdan.

Looking about, Syrdan starts heading to the Gates of Passage, making sure that Adamant stays near him.

"You asked earlier about music," Syrdan says. The elf smiles wryly. "Most of my people have a gift for it ... I, sadly, don't. At least not with an instrument. I can carry a tune, but most of the songs I know are quite somber. Dwarves and halflings, it seems, are far more suited for songs of merriment."

"I mostly sing during the rites of ... well, undying. Most races would call them funerals, I suppose. But such rites do not mark the death of the living. Rather, they celebrate an ascension of sorts, to the state of a higher existence. Only the oldest and the wisest of my people are blessed with this gift."

The elf looks curiously at Adamant. "Do you have rites such as these?" he asks the warforged. "Do warforged ... well, what does happen when warforged cease to be? I confess, I don't know ... if the question isn't unspeakably rude, I'd be curious to learn the answer to that."

[Joe]

I have seen the best and the worst of humanity here. Speaking of which, there is a trio of thieves moving about to your right. You may wish to veer left.

Instinctively, Streko tightens the knots on his haversack and veers slightly towards his left, following Matheu's suggestion.

"If those poor miscreants think they've got easy prey, we should ensure that we get to a place less populated. Innocents, other than ourselves, should not be placed in danger. I shall follow your lead Belarin, as you are a bit more intimidating than I, unless one or more of them has been abused by Olladra's less than gentle aspect in the past."

[Ken]

"Thank you, Matheu," says Belarin. "Veering left sounds good," he continues, now speaking to both Matheu and Streko, "but let's not be distracted. I've seen this kind of two-legged rat many times before. They often act in concert with other vermin, with one group driving prey toward their allies.

"So left we'll go, but Matheu, please look ahead in that direction and let us know if there's an unfriendly reception planned. I'll keep an eye on our friends here. And yes, Good Streko, I'll happily play the role of the intimidator if need be." After several seconds, Belarin will glance back to see if whether a trio of ne'er-do-wells are following them.

[Dave W.]

"Well, there are a lot of questions but I will try to answer as many as I can," Adamant says, clearly relieved to be on the ground.

"Well, first, we have no true homeland so I would not be able to repay. Cyre would have been but it is gone. We have been offered refuge here and there and I am trying to help make a safe place in High Walls."

"Warforged also have no death rites. From what I understand we do not die, we become innert. Once damaged sufficiently, the warforged might lie for years and yet be revived by a clever artificer. I do not know what happens to the awareness of the warforged in that state; I have never experienced it personally."

"I like to believe that during that time, the gods take care of our inner person as they do the dead, or perhaps the ascended, of any other race. I have faith in that this is true, but of course we are a new people and theologians tend to take a few centuries to make pronouncements on such things."

Adamant gestures towards a statue of an elven warrior, "May I examine one of these for just a moment? The carving is very fine," Adamants lightly touches the densewood with a metal finger. "The wood, it is unlike anything I have seen. Too strong for ligaments, but possibly useful for armor. Or of course tools or weapons. Does this have a meaning beyond a show of skill?"

[Jeff]

Condign

When Condign steps into Sivis Tower, he quickly finds himself in a windowless, circular great hall, where the interests of both Sivis and Kundarak are obvious. Ornately designed everbright lanterns ring the chamber, shining pure white light and providing more than enough illumination for the businesses of banking and scribing. A large gilded chandelier hangs—floats?—below the vaulted ceiling above, providing flickering green candle flames for ambience.

A massive iron-bound, darkwood desk/table/counter curved like a horseshoe occupies the far end of the circular chamber, manned by gnomes on the left and dwarves on the right—representing the two houses. A small line is gathered at each side of the room. On the left, the statue of a robed gnomish wizard marks the front of the Sivis line, while the statue of an armored dwarf with a key markes the front of the Kundarak line. At the desk itself, clients are seated in stiff wooden chairs, talking with representatives of both houses.

Condign sees only five people in the Kundarak side, a couple holding pouches (for a deposit or withdrawal?), but most with empty hands.

The Sivis line across the way has about ten people. Right in the middle of that line of mostly humans Condign sees another tiefling! He hasn't seen one since leaving his home. This one is a small-framed male with horns half the size of Condign's, wearing clothes of Brelish fashion, and studying a scroll in his hand. His tail swishes slowly back and forth; the human female standing behind him stands clear of the tail, glaring at the tiefling.

[Jeff]

Belarin and Streko

Belarin and Streko find no trouble once they veer left among the crowds. They don't even see who it was that Matheu spotted. But once Streko holds tight to the straps of his haversack, he feels pretty safeguarded against pickpockets. The only thing he'd have to fear is someone grabbing the haversack and running with the whole thing.

But their progress is slowed by the press of people and the many hawkers who call out to them as they move.

I will not ask, Matheu says, talking smoothly as you push through the crowds. But it may be appropriate for you to tell me your destination within the Bazaar. Perhaps I can be of assistant in leading you there.

Does it have something to do with the Boromar Clan? It is very interesting that you have allied yourselves, if reluctantly, with an organization of organized crime. Were you aware that one of the seventeen members of the City Council is Ilyra Boromar, daughter of the Clan's patriarch, Saidan Boromar? Ilyra is the Lower Dura representative on the council and is considered the most ruthless member of the Council. And it may interest you to know that Castar, the gnome, is also a council member, representing Middle Menthis. You have just made acquaintances with one of the most politically powerful people of Sharn.[/i]

[Ken]

"Really?" says Belarin in reply, speaking verbally so that Streko can participate. "It's no wonder he's so successful then.

"Our destination? Well, I have some personal business to conduct. When we first became acquainted, I had inserted myself into the Emerald Claw's operation in Fairhaven, hoping to spy on their actions in the woods. I had employed my skills as a writer and, yes, a forger -- a little-respected but greatly satisfying talent. I pride myself on my ability to bluff my way into nearly any location -- I've read some fascinating arcane tomes while posing as a royal servant, in fact -- and I had two carefully crafted sets of identity papers to help. One of those identities almost saved us a lot of trouble back in Shadowcrest Manor, but alas...

"Anyway, that traitorous woman Lamara discovered my two false identities, so their value is now worthless. It'd be foolish to use them again..." he pauses "... unless I wanted to lure Lamara into a place of my choosing. Hmm, devilish thoughts for another day. Considering the difficulty of getting any forgeries past House Sivis, I need help if I'm going to create other identities. And so through Varna and now Castar, I find myself here.

"Castar said that I should look for an unnamed pawnshop in the northeast corner, overlooking Ambassador Towers. There'll be someone in there who can help, or so he said."

After a moment, he says, "Matheu? May I ask a favor? When things have settled down a bit, would you consent to teach me the Draconic language? Scribe and scholar though I may be since birth, grasp of the Draconic tongue has always eluded me. And recent events have made it clear that knowledge of the language would be useful to me personally and to the group as a whole. And I can think of no finer teacher than yourself."