Chapter 10: Eye of the Storm

[Jeff]

Chapter 10
Eye of the Storm

It is the morning of Zol, the 10th of Aryth 998 YK.

Once the first light of dawn tinges the eastern sky, Morsha instructs Anng to bring the Merrow into port. So by the time most of you have woken up, you see the cliffs of Xen'drik looming around you, and the city of Stormreach just appearing around the bend. You've got just enough time for a hasty breakfast—more sahuagin-hunted fish, how you long for land-meat!—before you have to scramble to get your gear together.

The warm temperature (for this time of year*), the monstrous shoreline, the very smell of the air—it all reminds you that you're in an exotic land. You're a world away from home, and Khorvaire is very far behind you now. Seagulls cry and wing over the ship, and further up the nearest cliff wall, you see some larger, more unusual birds. And unless you're mistaken, you even spy some soarwings—the dinosaurs the Talenta halflings ride—lurking up among the high rocks. The latter look less...tamed than the Talentan variety.

Stormreach is situated in a cove of its own, forcing your ship to round the cape that juts out from the landmass. Here you can see a miles-wide break in the rocky shoreline where the pot city was settled. And as you look upon Stormreach for the first time—even for Shorak, who's never really looked upon it from the sea before (at least, not from the open deck)—it strikes you how foreign it really feels. It's clearly bustling with activity, yes. Vessels are coming and going in the harbor, and a few airships can be seen gliding across the sky toward a Lyrandar tower, and you can see all kinds of man-made docks and structures. But all of it is built upon old ruins. Massive, ancient ones: giant blocks of stone, some still piled atop one another, broken columns forming—no, defining—the cityscape. In fact, the sprawl of Stormreach makes you think of a colossal, if intricate stone toy that was dropped by the gods upon the Xen'drik coast and was left scattered. It even looks like some of the rocks are floating.

"There are many things you should remember about this town," Morsha says, coming up toward the rail where you all stand. "But none more than this: Stormreach is part of no one's sovereignty. This is not Khorvaire; the Code of Galifar means nothing here. The only 'law' to speak of is to stay out of the Storm Lords' way. There is no justice, there is no fairness. Watch yourself, eh?"

She throws a tight smile at Shorak. "But you already know this. You're a survivor." Morsha looks anxious. Her clothing is still fairly light, and her Siberys dragonmark is readily apparent. She seems intent on embracing what she is openly now. What that means in a greed-oriented city where the dragonmarked houses are untethered from the laws of the Five Nations, you're not sure yet.

Larest and his cohorts are gathering their gear up on deck now. Larest has a few bags, Sem has only one, and Starg has a single large chest-like backpack he hefts up onto his shoulders.

Histra has several bags. A couple of them make rattling sounds when she moves them. Although she can probably manage them, it's obvious to Belarin she could use some help when it's time. He's not sure if the ir'Serell family does things the usual aristocratic way; normally, at least one well-dressed manservant would be on hand to attend a noblewoman and carry her bags. She seems to have "cleaned" herself up fairly well. Her black robes still have the shroud-like, tattered look, but Belarin knows it's a deliberate choice of garb, not the result of neglect. She stands now with her ivory staff, complete with skeletal sahuagin-claw, looking quietly at the approaching city.

Sem shakes his head as he looks at everyone else. "If you can afford it, I highly recommend a bag of holding." He taps his own lightweight haversack, then indicates Streko. "He's got the right of it, too. Or at least a Bag of Holding, which is more affordable: usually ten dragons, if you've got them to spare."

Syrdan is here, too, his own white garb as clean as he can get it (which is to stay it's still slightly blood-stained), with his massive greatsword across his back. Lerrhana stands beside him, clutching a nondescript cloak around herself as if trying to draw herself inward. She wears a hood and looks grim. Elves.

Larest, looking his best in his perfectly-tailored, turquoise and black, slightly-dated scholar's attire, steps up to your party. He looks almost exactly as he did on the day you met him in Skyway (which doesn't help to dispel your feelings about the man). His lightly golden skin and immaculate white-gray is clean and neatly attended. The ever-present circlet on his brow completes the appearance. And the jeweled dagger has returned to his belt.

"Thank you all...for coming this far, under the circumstances. Shall we finalize our first plans? My first order of business is to go straight to Silverwall, to the Kundarak Bank. There I will retrieve a sum of gold to give to Shorak, who I have hired onto my expedition, and to the rest of you for...as part of recompense for my actions. Shorak, you may accompany me there if you wish, or I can pay you later in the day, when we reconvene.

"Second, I would like to secure lodgings. If you would all prefer to seek your own lodgings, I will respect that. But if you would like to stay close, and have your lodgings paid at my expense, you may remain with me.

"By nightfall, I expect to begin my research." He looks to his hirelings. "Starg, Histra: It would be helpful if you would stay near me at first. Sem Darlesh: I will have need of your talents soon enough, but not straight away." Then he looks back to your party. "Again, you are free to...do whatever you desire. If you wish to quit my company, this will be the time to do so." A sad smile reaches his lips. "But I think you will not. I've heard enough pledges to the contrary, and I feel as though we have a fighting chance to at least keep our less savory rivals from getting their hands on the Eye of Azalar."

"What would you like to do?"

It will be another thirty minutes or more before the Merrow reaches the docks and finds a slip—time enough to effect any disguises or make any other preparations.

"So what's the plan?" Sem asks. "Between Shorak and I, we can show you around the city. But it sounds like you'd like to break into two groups. Let's hear it. The captain even said we could use one of the skiffs and maybe drop off one party somewhere else along the dock before the ship pulls in."

_________________________________

* A reminder: Aryth is Eberron's November.

[Dave B.]

Shorak considers Larest's offer. Turning to Belarin he says, "What do you think Belarin? Should I go with Larest and rendezvous with you later? I don't need to get my gold right away, I can wait."

[Darren]

Kal rolls out of bed quite casually, feeling more at ease just knowing that land is nearby. As he goes to dress himself, he pulls out the remaining clothing that he purchased just before leaving...forcibly leaving, he thinks...and puts it on. Satisfied with his appearance, Kal makes his way up to the deck. There is a swagger in his step, his old confidence returning. He grins at the sight of Stormreach, and consciously or not, he pushes up his sleeves, allowing the blue dragonmark on his forearm to be exposed.

"Captain, we cannot thank you enough for your hospitality, your wisdom, your help and your sacrifice. We are indebted to you, and joined to you by the bonds and brotherhood of warriors. It has been an honor to know you, and I pray that some day our paths cross again, although I would prefer under more peaceful circumstances." Kal salutes Morsha formally.

"I believe, Professor, that those traveling with me should leave the ship with you, and I will take you up on your offering of lodgings, though I should expect them to be of a fine sort." Kal seems to be enjoying himself, but it is clear that he is being quite serious. "We must keep up appearances for our deception to work, right? As for Belarin and his team, I think it best that we avoid being seen together as much as possible, so I would recommend that they disembark separately. By all means, Belarin, obtain lodgings at the same place that the Professor has offered, but do so under your own name." Kal places emphases on the word 'own', and grins as he does so. "I'm sure the Professor won't mind giving you an advance in order to pay for your rooms. Once we've settled, I'll send my 'bodyguard'," Kal gestures to Condign, "to make contact with you and we'll arrange for a meeting time and place."

Kal's playful tone drops and he begins to pace as he addresses everyone. "Remember, from the moment we leave this ship, we may be watched, so we must keep up our pretense at all times if we have any hope of fooling our competition."

"Now, as for what to do once we've got our rooms, I think Sem's suggestion of a shopping trip is well taken. We could all use the ability to carry a bit more, I wouldn't mind some ingredients for those useful bits of knowledge that Sem has imparted upon me, and for the love of the Gods we MUST procure a scabbard for Condign's sword!" Kal reaches a hand into Tangat's fur and adds, "And, oh yes, Tangat definitely needs a bath....."

[Dave W.]

It is still very dark when Adamant is done 'resting'. He continues for some minutes to sit on the chest he uses for idling and watches his companions sleep. The cabin is dark but it is oddly peaceful simply listening to the air pass through their faceplates.

Long before dawn, he goes above and tends to whatever small tasks the night crew can find for him.

As the sky begins to lighten, the large warforged finds an out of the way spot with a clear view of the horizon. I wonder if morning rituals are harder for sleepier races. Is it more of a sacrifice for those who must sleep more? 

Adamant begins to sing a psalm of gratitude to the rising sun.

He's done all if these things before, but today is special. Maybe it's the careful precision of every note but there is a power building with the increasing warmth of the dawn. There is a finality to the performance; a fuller gratitude to mark the end of one segment of time and the start of another.

Finishing the song, Adamant stands completely still for another moment, drinking the power back in. This time aloud, he concludes, "Your vassal thanks You, Dol Arrah, for this remarkable day, for the protection You extend, and for the strength so that we may serve others."
---------------
Loved Chapter 9! Can't wait to see what's up for Chapter 10. Thanks guys!

[Brian]

As everyone is waiting for the Merrow to dock, Condign pulls Belarin aside.

"I am fine with adding a scar or two," he says to his friend. "And if you think the hair color change will help, I will go along with it. Just tell me what I need to do, and let us get it done. I think we will be off this ship soon."

[Darren]

"Condign, if you travel with me, I think there is no need to disguise your appearance. Let us decide, firmly, who will travel with Belarin. Adamant has agreed to go, and Shorak? Is that all?"

[Ken]

Belarin walks cautiously through a darkened hallway. At least he believes it's a hallway. He can't see the walls, but he knows they're there. The shadows, so often his allies, seem cold and alien now. He stops as he sees a dark shape lying motionless on the floor. Histra. His blood turns as cold as the shadows. The starkness of her pale limbs and shoulders is the only thing that kept him from tripping over her.

He quickly drops to one knee to examine her. She lies face down, a knife wound visible at the base of her neck. There's an odd discoloration around the wound -- a burn mark not unlike that caused by his eldritch fire.

"Too late, Malizia," a cold voice whispers just behind his head. Stiffening, he instinctively seeks to turn or move away from the threat, but then he feels a sharp and sudden pain in the small of his back.

The pain steals his breath away, paralyzing him. "You weren't ready for me," the voice says, only now it comes out of Histra's mouth -- a mouth suddenly transformed like the rest of her into the purplish, blotched, stinking flesh of a ghoul. Her red eyes bore into him hungrily....

He wakes with a start, nearly tumbling out of his hammock. A glance through a porthole indicates it's about a hour before dawn. That damn candle.... Necromancy mixing with his fey-manipulated visions? Not a good combination. His pulse racing from the nightmare, he carefully climbs down, hoping to avoid disturbing any of his still-sleeping friends. Knowing further rest is out of the question, he sets himself to work.

The rest of the group, upon waking, sees Belarin huddled in a corner of their shared space, looking into a small mirror as he rubs some sort of cream into his skin. He addresses any interruption with a tetchy "Eh eh eh! Work in progress! No peeking!"

Shortly after Larest begins speaking, a figure emerges from below decks. He wears a dark gray cloak (borrowed from one of the crew) that covers most of his form, and he walks with a noticeable limp. He is stooped over slightly, the posture of a man who has spent too many hours over too many years hunched over a desk. He holds a backpack greedily in front of him, and his fingers seem to have a permanent black stain around the nails. The paleness of his skin matches Histra's. His black hair, streaked with gray, is pulled back into a tight - very tight - ponytail, and he looks up at you through red-tinted spectacles. A straggly tuft of hair hangs from his chin.

"Nerrin Blackwell, at your service and that of House Orien," says Belarin in a nasally voice. He smiles mischievously. He continues in his normal voice, although he doesn't straighten his posture. "It's been a while since I lasted dusted off old Nerrin here. It seems best to start our masquerade as soon as possible, yes?"

"So what's the plan?" Sem asks. "Between Shorak and I, we can show you around the city. But it sounds like you'd like to break into two groups. Let's hear it. The captain even said we could use one of the skiffs and maybe drop off one party somewhere else along the dock before the ship pulls in."

Shorak considers Larest's offer. Turning to Belarin he says, "What do you think Belarin? Should I go with Larest and rendezvous with you later? I don't need to get my gold right away, I can wait."

"Hmm, this raises another question I hadn't considered. Sem, with you and Shorak being our guides, it wouldn't do for both of you to be part of Nerrin's entourage. So yes... Shorak, you're with me for the time being, please. Sem, you'll have an opportunity to join the fun when I switch over to Master Zilfarrik for our second deception."

"Condign, if you travel with me, I think there is no need to disguise your appearance. Let us decide, firmly, who will travel with Belarin. Adamant has agreed to go, and Shorak? Is that all?"

"That's it, yes," says Belarin. "Condign, I look forward to seeing you join Sem in the second part of this! I hear that violet hair is popular among Xen'drik tieflings these days." Condign isn't sure if Belarin is serious about the hair color. "And, um, Condign..." he continues in a softer voice, "could you offer Histra some assistance with her things, please? Thanks."

He says back to the assembled group, "So once Adamant has managed to disguise his vocation if not his appearance, then he, Shorak and I will go into the skiff and get a room in the same place where Larest is staying. And oh yes, Professor, an advance would be most useful. Excellent idea, Kal. Olladra's luck to you all."

He pauses for a moment to stare at Kal, Streko, and Condign. After all their time together, it seems... wrong to be venturing into the unknown without them at his side, even if it's just for a short time. "Condign, Good Streko, and yes, even you, Kal... I would hug you all right now except that it would ruin Nerrin's character. So consider yourselves spared. Be well."

He limps over to Captain Morsha. "Captain, thank you. Thanks for the use of your skiff, but mostly... thank you for being the star that helped to turn what was a dark voyage into a luminous journey."

Finally, he walks over to Histra. He just looks at her for a while before speaking. "I'm trying to think of a plausible reason for a lovely necromancer to kiss a slightly hunchbacked bureaucrat. Anything come to mind?"

[Darren]

Watching Belarin's limp, Kal's leg begins to itch and he reaches down to adjust one of the many leather straps surrounding it. He is quiet as Belarin speaks. Just before the other man begins to move off, he places a hand on the warlock's shoulder. His voice is quiet, but it is very serious. "Be well, brother. I know how danger loves to find you, but do your best to avoid it. I would see you well again. Do not take any unnecessary risks. We will talk again in a night or two." He claps his hand down on Belarin's shoulder a few times, holding him in place, then with a squeeze he lets go and returns to Streko and Condign's side.

[Jeff]

Tangat's tail wags furiously, as Kal's own excitement eggs him on. All without a sound being exchanged between the two of them. And Kal knows that Tangat very badly needs to run free again. He's become gradually more and more miserable on this voyage, and much too plump.

Kal:

"Remember, from the moment we leave this ship, we may be watched, so we must keep up our pretense at all times if we have any hope of fooling our competition."

"You speak truly, Lord Kalarian," Larest says. "One thing that is on our side, for now, is general anonymity. I am not a known player in the coming race. Yet. Larger and better funded agencies will vie for the Eye of Azalar. But each side will be on the lookout for rivals, and some will be deadly. And there is Krez, yes. So we must all be cautious."

When Belarin makes his appearance, Sem nods approval. Larest smiles. Histra studies him; at first, Belarin can't help but wonder if she's fooled and doesn't realize it's him. Her eyes are cold. But gradually he realizes she's just trying to decide how to feel about his appearance.

Belarin:

"I'm trying to think of a plausible reason for a lovely necromancer to kiss a slightly hunchbacked bureaucrat. Anything come to mind?"

A ghost of a smile reaches her lips. "I've animated ghouls more desirable than you," she says, and Belarin is fairly sure this is a jest.

Captain Morsha waves dismissively at Kal and Belarin when they speak to her. "I didn't do much except get shot with a poisoned bolt and sleep for days. Shirking my duties. You didn't ask to be aboard my ship, and I wasn't pleased with your arrival. But I think it worked out fairly well." She glances unconsciously to one arm, where the curve of her dragonmark is plain to see.

"And unless House Lyrandar comes to try and collect me—which they will—right away, I won't be departing again too soon. Aside from the need to restock, I need to consider what contracts and charters lay before me. More carefully, this time." She gives Larest a pointed look at this. "So let's not say farewell just yet." Her eyes drift to Shorak.

Larest hands Belarin and Kal each a platinum coin. "One dragon each will more than suffice for lodgings for a while, wherever you choose to stay."

So Kal, Streko, and Condign is one group? With Larest, Histra, Sem, and Starg? (At least until Larest gets situated.) Or will Kal's group be going solo?

And Belarin's group will be Shorak and Adamant?

Is this right?

[Darren]

Kal nods to Larest and pockets the coin. "It is my intention to make my presence known, for the sake of our deception. Would you prefer to stay separated from us, for the time being, to maintain your own anonymity? Or would you prefer to appear as part of Lord Kalarian's grand expedition?" He says the last with an extra dose of grandiosity and a bit of a flourish.

[Jeff]

Larest shakes his head. "While I am an unknown, I'd like to use that to my advantage. It is best, then, if I go with Histra and Starg to secure gold and lodgings without a fuss." He looks to Starg. "Would you mind assisting Lady ir'Serell with her possessions?"

Starg inclines his head. "I do not mind."

Histra shrugs, having heard Belarin's initial request that Condign assist her. But Condign will not be going with her. She says, "I will feel more at ease when I can set up somewhere first."

"Perhaps the three groups, then, should go their separate ways, and simply meet up tomorrow morning to compare notes. A day, or two, at most." Larest considers this, and speaks quietly with Sem about a possible meeting place where everyone can find easily enough.

[Darren]

Kal nods again. "I think it best if we all try to secure lodgings in the same place. We can do so at separate times so all appears coincidental, but that will aid us in being able to communicate and keep an eye on each other."

[Dave W.]

[Belarin says] "So once Adamant has managed to disguise his vocation if not his appearance, then he, Shorak and I will go into the skiff and get a room in the same place where Larest is staying. And oh yes, Professor, an advance would be most useful. Excellent idea, Kal. Olladra's luck to you all."

"Ummm, about that... I don't actually own any clothing. Would anyone have a coat or cloak? I'm afraid I have no tabard or surcoat and I do think it would be prudent to cover up the coat of House Cannith."

"I can do this much in the meantime," Adamant grasps his holy symbol and releases it from his armor plating. With reverence, he sets it in his backpack and closes it up.

"Well, that will have to do until I can get a belt pouch and some proper bodyguard wear... I think a surcoat. Maybe in black with silvery threading... a white tree might be nice." The warforged absently scratches at the one shiny clean spot on his chest.

Turning to Morsha, Adamant bows, "Captain, you have done more than you know. This trip has been a wonderous and new experience for me. Thank you."

"And Spindrift, thank you for patient instruction. If you are still willing in a day or two, when we have settled ourselves, we will look up that artificer."

Adamant settles his pack on his shoulders and tucks his one light hammer tucked into his belt. He checks his sword and shoulders his shield.

Standing tall, he turns to Belarin, "Well clerk Blackwell, your bodygaurd Redoubt stands at your command." The warforged leans to Condign, "What do you think? Redoubt as in the defensive fortification but also 'doubt' as in 'this may not be true'? Is it too much?"

Once again he nervously scratches at the one clean spot.

[Joe]

Streko silently watches the proceedings, nodding affirmatively when appropriate. Something about Belarin's disguise saddens the Halfling. He goes to his friend and takes Belarin's hand in both of his.

"Be safe and careful, my friend. Above all, don't lose youself. I believe that such a battle is already quite routine within you, but now...a new place...a new face. It could all be so much easier. I will keep my eyes and ears open to you, always. And should you need to find us quickly, listen for the sounds of battle, loud pontification and, most importantly, glorious diatribes on the meaning of absolutely nothing at all. You shall find us quite easily should you do that."

After the speech, Streko quietly returns to Kal's side and places his hand on Tangat's back, stroking the hound's fur in an effort to calm his own nerves. He pointedly ignores Larest and his group.

[Dave B.]

Shorak nods to Belarin. "That's fine. I'll collect my coins later. Nice work on your disguise."

He watches as the three groups form up to head off on their separate tasks. "Which inn are you planning on staying at Professor?"

[Dave B.]

Dec 6, 2011 17:12:57 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Captain Morsha waves dismissively at Kal and Belarin when they speak to her. "I didn't do much except get shot with a poisoned bolt and sleep for days. Shirking my duties. You didn't ask to be aboard my ship, and I wasn't pleased with your arrival. But I think it worked out fairly well." She glances unconsciously to one arm, where the curve of her dragonmark is plain to see.

"And unless House Lyrandar comes to try and collect me—which they will—right away, I won't be departing again too soon. Aside from the need to restock, I need to consider what contracts and charters lay before me. More carefully, this time." She gives Larest a pointed look at this. "So let's not say farewell just yet." Her eyes drift to Shorak.

Shorak catches Morsha's eyes and smiles warmly for just a moment.

[Ken]

Belarin nods at the comments from Kal and Streko, and he smiles at them both. He does not trust himself to speak further.

Dec 6, 2011 17:12:57 GMT -4 Jeff said:

A ghost of a smile reaches her lips. "I've animated ghouls more desirable than you," she says, and Belarin is fairly sure this is a jest.

At Histra's words, Belarin's mind flashes back to his nightmare, and he sees Histra as a ghoul reaching for him... He pauses for a second before making a half-hearted chuckle.

Adamant settles his pack on his shoulders and tucks his one light hammer tucked into his belt. He checks his sword and shoulders his shield.

Standing tall, he turns to Belarin, "Well clerk Blackwell, your bodyguard Redoubt stands at your command."

"Well, it's about time you got here," Belarin says in Nerrin's nasal drone. Then Belarin barks a laugh. "Well done, Ada-- uh, Redoubt! Excellent, excellent."

He says to the group, "Once we're in town, we'll do some shopping: clothes, the final ingredients for the maps, and such. Adamant, I know you need to see an artificer, but could it wait another day or two? I hate to ask, but if we see an artificer with a loose tongue--" he stares at the new "clean spot" on the warforged's chest, "--well, your disguise won't last very long."

Dec 6, 2011 23:10:08 GMT -4 Dave B. said:

Shorak nods to Belarin. "That's fine. I'll collect my coins later. Nice work on your disguise."

Belarin smiles warmly at this. It's been a while since a practitioner of the Craft complimented him his non-arcane talents.

He waits to hear the information from Larest and Sem on where they're staying and where they should meet eventually.

[Dave W.]

Dec 6, 2011 23:32:25 GMT -4 Ken said:

[Belarin says] "Once we're in town, we'll do some shopping: clothes, the final ingredients for the maps, and such. Adamant, I know you need to see an artificer, but could it wait another day or two? I hate to ask, but if we see an artificer with a loose tongue--" he stares at the new "clean spot" on the warforged's chest, "--well, your disguise won't last very long."

"Not to worry, there is no immediate need. I am fully functional. The artificer can wait."

"Besides, the needs of the customer... umm,  protectee? no, no... client... must come first."

[Brian]

Adamant:

The warforged leans to Condign, "What do you think? Redoubt as in the defensive fortification but also 'doubt' as in 'this may not be true'? Is it too much?"

Condign smiles warmly at the warforged--could it be he actually mistrusted him at one time?--and says, "I think it is perfect. It seems to fit, like it is proper. I know there is a word for that, a word that is on the tip of my tongue. . . ." He shakes his head. "I can not remember. Either way, you and I shall make handsome bodyguards."

Condign walks over to Kal. "I may not need a disguise, but there is something I should do to make myself less identifiable." Then he carefully unties the braid of hair from his belt and places it gently in his belt pouch. "I would assume that not too many tieflings carry these."

[Jeff]

Larest nods at Kal. "Very well. I will be seeking lodging in the district of Cross, but I don't know which establishment to choose yet. Perhaps sometime after nightfall, each group should come to Cross and..." He thinks a moment. "Look for Starg, somewhere in the streets. He should be easy enough to find. I will have him direct you to whatever inn is appropriate." The professor looks to Morsha. "I will also send word to the captain of my whereabouts; perhaps you can return to the Merrow if you are unable to locate Starg."

Adamant:

"And Spindrift, thank you for patient instruction. If you are still willing in a day or two, when we have settled ourselves, we will look up that artificer."

Spindrift bows. "I may seek him sooner than that. But I will not stray far from this ship. Return to me here when you're ready for maintenance and I'll direct you to him."

The Merrow Down glides steadily into the harbor, and Stormreach draws nearer. The colossal stone walls, arches, and columns that the city is built upon rise higher and more impressive. Amidst these ancient rocks, you also see plenty of newer buildings and towers erected by humans and other races much smaller than giants. Banners and flags flutter in the seaborn wind, and architecture soars and looms over the smaller ones—each building in complete contrast to the next. This is a strange city.

Remnants of old stone buildings from the city of giants this used to be remain, and quite a number of them are floating, magic and ancient, above the streets like rubble that refused to fall. The people of Stormreach have lashed many of these with ropes and chains, hanging things from them, building on them. Some even have wooden structures hanging from their undersides. The magic keeping these chunks of rock afloat is obviously powerful and constant.

But your eyes are immediately drawn to the noble figure rising up from one side of the docks, built upon a massive plinth along the cliffs above the harbor. It's a statue of a robed man of stately appearance and athletic physique. A conqueror. A giant. But this statue would dwarf even the largest of real giants. More miraculousy, it's completely intact—untouched by the ravages of time. A glowing beam of light rises up from one outstretched hand and disappears into the heavens. Even in the morning light, the beam is bright.

"The Emperor," Sem says by way of explanation, but that's all.

__________________________________

I've got more to post but I'm out of time. Check again later in the day.

[Jeff]

At Larest's prompting, Sem Darlesh quickly describes the basic layout of Stormreach. "There's no explaining everything, but let's start with the basics. There are eight districts:

"First, there's The Harbor." Sem points to all the streets, buildings, and floating chunks of rocks arrayed around the docks. "This is the city's most fluctuating populace. Mostly the transients, humans, and the Khorovar....err, the half-elves. Plenty of business to be had there, and probably the best place to hear rumors, who's in town, and what expeditions are launching."

"Then there's Cross right near the center. That's where most of the Brelish and Cyran immigrants settled. No sovereignty in Khorvaire has any say over Stormreach, but you know how people are: they group up with their own countrymen. Anyway, there are also plenty of orcs and half-orcs in Cross, too, mosty from the Shadow Marches. Cross is also where the professor will find our lodgings, and yes, it is probably best if we're all in the sameplace. Amidst the crowds, there are a few little-known boarding houses and inns. We're seeking inconspicuousness, not luxury, after all.

"Next is Forgelight. A mostly human district, and without a doubt most of them are tied, in one way or another, to House Deneith. This is where the guards, bodyguards, mercenaries, adventurers, and other rough-and-tough types go to seek employment or hide from their debtors. But also the smiths and metalworkers. Lots of stinky men in Forgelight, is my point, but there are also many good resources, too. If you want reliable weapons, the Foundry's the place to go. They've even got some magic, if you've got the coin. Which reminds me, this is where a lot of Stormreach's warforged gravitate. And, of course, the Deneith Enclave. Where Kal will either sell us all out or make his mark." Sem winks at the dragonmarked heir.

"The Marketplace is important. It's the center of trade, coin, and power in Stormreach. Where all the best merchants go, and where resides Lorsmarch Palace, the seat of power of the Storm Lords. Don't make trouble in Marketplace." Sem shrugs. "Simple as that."

"Further out near the west end is Oldgate. A district filled mostly with self-important Aundairian and tightly wound Thranes. Which is to say, typical Aundairians and Thranes." The gnome chucles at his own joke.

"Tucked to one side is Respite. One of the few quiet parts of the city. Humans and halflings, mostly. It's largely residential and has a few businesses as well. Also,much of it is burial grounds. Closest thing to a cemetery for the city. Old tombs and such. Probably where Belarin and Histra will want to picnic."

"All right, take note: Silverwall is the home of the working class, if ever there was one. Aside from a scattering of residences, it's mostly a business district. Locksmith Square being the real face of it all, but there's also Coasthold, a monster of a complex which House Kundarak owns—and the Citadel of the Twelve, which all the dragonmarked houses are linked into one way or another. Oh yes, and the city's most upscale brothel can be found in Silverwall, too, Kal, should you be tired of ogling all these burly sailors. Though,they do have pretty young men there for you, too."

"Finally, there's the district of Southwatch. This is where all the Karrns hang out, which is why you should stay away from there unless you want trouble. Without a doubt this is where Major Krez will lair, and where I KNOW the Emerald Claw operates...somewhere. Of course, there are plenty of regular, honest, hardworking Karrns there, too. But good luck telling the good folk from the bad.

__________________________________

The following map, which I'll post and update a lot probably, is not a map you guys'll actually have available. But it represents the basic location sense you can acquire by being around Shorak or Sem. Note that up is west.

[Darren]

Kal accepts Sem's good-natured insults in stride. "I'll make for Forgelight when we land," he says, "see if the members of my House can offer any clues to help us in our search. Don't worry, Larest....I will be discreet. You never know what kind of assistance they might be able to give us, whether it's financial support, guides, armsmen..." Kal's mind drifts for a moment to the two Deneith Blademarks who accompanied them what seems like ages ago. Good men, both of them.

"After that, we can head to Cross to secure lodging, then strike out in search of supplies if time allows." Kal crosses his arms and clears his throat. "And Sem? I've never had to pay for the pleasures of a woman in my life. Unlike some, I have been blessed with natural charm." Kal flashes a warm smile at the gnome, then winks at a passing female crew member.

[Joe]

Streko nods at Kal's directives and smiles. "And I shall go with you, Kalarian. It'll be nice to walk around on dry, solid land that isn't moving beneath my feet. At least for a time."

[Dave B.]

Shorak joins Belarin and Adamant. "Belarin, would you mind making a slight detour. I need to check in with my landlord and pay him for my lodgings, if he hasn't already tossed my belongings into the street. He can be quite grumpy if he's not paid his rent. We can pick up a good set of picks while in the neighborhood."

[Jeff]

The female crewman stare back at Kal. One makes a flirtation gesture and wink, another one a little more good-naturedly lewd.

As the Merrow comes close enough for Anng and the crew to start looking for a place to dock, you start to get a good look at the other ships. And there is a variety like you've never seen before: squared dwarven yachts with gilded sails, Brelish freighters, Lhazaar longships and galleys, and even gnome vessels that look like brightly-painted delicate toy versions of other ships.

Another thing of note: a Large stone stalagmite-shaped tower rises out of the water some distance from the docks, with only a small bit of coral-like island around it. "Aye, that's Shargon's Talon," Anng says. "A shrine to the Devourer. All seamen pay their respects to the god of the sea and storm, but not only sahuagin worship him. This is a holy site."

As the Merrow glides past Shargon's Talon, you do see a couple of people standing on the outcropping of coral rock at the base of the tower. They stare back: a pair of sahuagin of purple-and-white coloring...and a very scantily clad elf woman with slightly green-tinted skin. Her hair is long and white, and her eyes are predatory. She stares up in challenge, a wicked, barbed bone-like spear clutched in her hands like a staff. A few of the Merrow's crewmen at the rail give a half-bow of respect...but they stare at her, entranced. "A priestess of the Devourer," Anng says quietly to your party. "Stay away from the likes of her, mate. She'd make a meal of you as likely as bed you."

When Shargon's Talon is behind you, Morsha moves toward the bowsprit and raises her arms. A pair of water elementals that she seems to command or befriend, owing to the power of her Siberys mark, suddenly appear in front of the ship, rising up like rogue waves against the currents and tides...and then they crash together and form a mighty plume of spraying water. This cuts off your field of vision of half of the city that looms ahead—and cuts the docks' view off as well.

"The skiff!" Morsha calls out, and her crew hurries to ready it near the stern of the ship.

"If one group wishes to go aboard discreetly, now's the time." She indicates the skiff they're readying to lower. "The spray will hide you. Go now. Return the skiff to me later."

Larest and his group obviously intend to go ashore the normal way, when the Merrow docks. Which group will go ashore more surreptitiously by means of the skiff?

[Darren]

Kal watches the impressive display and nods appreciatively. "Showy. I like it." He turns to Belarin. "Good luck, my friend. I expect to see you this evening in Cross." It sounds almost like an order.

[Ken]

Dec 8, 2011 0:19:37 GMT -4 Dave B. said:

Shorak joins Belarin and Adamant. "Belarin, would you mind making a slight detour. I need to check in with my landlord and pay him for my lodgings, if he hasn't already tossed my belongings into the street. He can be quite grumpy if he's not paid his rent. We can pick up a good set of picks while in the neighborhood."

"Set of picks? Sounds ideal, as long as you know the way after that," says Belarin. "And since that hasn't been determined...." He says to Larest, "Professor, would you mind loaning your ring once more? That's probably the least complicated way of finding out where you'll secure lodging. I'll return it once we're all in the same building. Give it to Shorak, if you like - it'll save time compared to giving me directions."

At Morsha's dramatic display and her call to board the skiff, he signals to Adamant and Shorak. "Gentlemen, that's our cue."

Dec 8, 2011 12:17:58 GMT -4 Darren said:

He turns to Belarin. "Good luck, my friend. I expect to see you this evening in Cross." It sounds almost like an order.

"Nerrin Blackwell never misses an appointment, Lord d'Deneith," he replies in Nerrin's nasal, almost-scolding tone. He bows to Kal and -- after giving a final look at Histra -- heads, still limping, toward the skiff with Adamant and Shorak.

[Brian]

Condign stands next to Kal and watches his friends board the tiny skiff. Adamant causes a somewhat unsettling rocking motion when he enters, and the waterline rises uncomfortably close to the oarlocks.

"You know," Condign says to Kal. "I think they are going to need a bigger boat." Then he shrugs and continues. "It may not be wise for us to wait too long to let the others to get ashore. If we disembark with a flourish, we may draw some curious eyes our way. And if we do it right, more than a few." He smiles wickedly. "Are you up for a little theater?"

[Joe]

Streko watches as Belarin, in full character, moves away from him. "May Olladra guide you and keep you, my friend."

He watches Morsha's display in some awe, as well. "You are an absolute marvel, Captain. It was an honor to serve your ship and her crew. Thank you for getting us here in one piece."

[Darren]

"No," Kal says very somberly. "No, not at all." Behind his head, electricity dances along the blade of his curved Halfling war scythe.