Chapter 10: Eye of the Storm

[Dave W.]

Adamant is quiet during the trek to the Cornerstone. He stays near Belarin. He doesn't allow himself to relax until they are all together in the suite of rooms.

 

Jun 14, 2012 11:01:27 GMT -4 Jeff said:

[Larest says] "Welcome. I hope your day has been productive." 

"Productive? I don't know, it was a pretty normal day. There was dissembling, some shopping, we met with dwarves and elves then fire, screaming, and battle. I think there's a mystery involving Shorak and some strange cult or gang."

"it's nice to be back on land."

"it would seem that Kal, Streko, and Condign had an interesting day."

[Darren]

Kal drops himself slowly into a chair, and when Rinti comes to stand by his side, he hands his sharrash over to her. The corners of his mouth turn up slightly as he watches her struggle for a moment with the heavy weapon, but he is more pleased to see her gain control and stand smartly next to him. "Rinti is a duly appointed member of my staff, and I would not have you disrespect her," he says as he looks at Histra with a scowl. "I do not question the company you keep..."

"Professor, what do you know of The Coin Lords? They hold an event tomorrow night at the Palace of Lorsmarch, and it is my intention to receive an invitation." Kal grins and says to Rinti, "It is only proper that I should be there, anyway."

Kal's eyes drift several times to Sem Darlesh, then dart to Larest and back again. He clearly wants to talk to the gnome, but not with the professor's ears present.

[Ken]

Once inside the room, Belarin straightens to his full height and stretches his whole body, making a noise that is somewhere between a pained groan and an ecstatic sigh. "Raeshara's breasts, that feels good. I..." He spots Histra and smiles mischievously. "The fey DO have the oddest expressions, don't they?"

After Adamant speaks, Belarin says, "I'm astonished. I expected you to burst a gear at finally being able to drop the pretense for a while! By the way..." He now addresses him and Shorak. "...you two dissembled magnificently today! Oh, relax, Adamant, it's a compliment!"

To the group, he continues, "But yes, as Adamant says, it has been an interesting day -- and a productive if painful one. And don't be so sensitive, Kal. Really now. No aspersions were cast on your new confederate here! Even YOU should understand why someone might question the appearance of a new person in our midst... particularly when we're in the middle of certain vital, clandestine plans. Yes?" He looks at his friend pointedly.

[Jeff]

Kal:

"Professor, what do you know of The Coin Lords? They hold an event tomorrow night at the Palace of Lorsmarch, and it is my intention to receive an invitation." Kal grins and says to Rinti, "It is only proper that I should be there, anyway."

The Professor nods slowly, then opens his mouth—

But Sem gets to it first. "The Coin Lords and the Storm Lords are the same people, basically. They run this town because they're the wealthiest and most influential. Period."

Larest smiles mildly, places the circlet back on his head and stands up, as if ready to formally discuss this. "Well done, Lord Kalarian. I gleaned only the rumor of some sort of event involving the Palace. Do you know if this event, this party, has any relevance to the search for the Eye?"

[Dave B.]

Shorak adds any information he has on the Coin Lords, but is mostly quiet during the conversation.

Now that they are relatively safe and in private, he contemplates the events of the day. Trying to make sense of it all, he sits quietly mostly wondering what it all could possibly mean.

[Brian]

While the others catch up on their separate events, Condign sidles up to Starg.

"That magic circle on the floor," he says to the minotaur, nodding to the object of his interest. "Is the failed professor expecting some guests? Or perhaps he plans on compelling someone else to join him against his will?"

[Joe]

Streko decides to stand next to Rinti, allowing her to continue in her role of squire for Kal, but also quietly showing solidarity in having her present.

Streko leans forward to Kalarian and whispers in his hear: "...if you would like to know what your parchment says, I might be able to read it, if you give me a few minutes. Also, if you wished to learn this particular ritual, I might be able to assist you in that."
____________________________________________________

Streko will perform the Comprehend Language ritual on the draconian parchment if Kal decides this is a good time to do so.

[Jeff]

Sem makes a subtle gesture at Kal, seeming to acknowledge the Dragonmarks heir's request and to indicate just wait.

Starg regards Condign. The minotaur has always seemed direct, neutral in temperament, and not keen on favoring anyone's cynicism. He forces a shrug. "Protective circle, as I understand it."

Shorak reminds you that the Storm Lords, individuallu called Coin Lords, are the light-handed but indisputable rulers of Stormreach. As there are only a few of them, he can name them all. They are the primary celebrities in this city, subject to numerous scandals and gossip tales.

They are: 

Coin Lord Yorrick Amanatu, lord of Respite and Silverwall. A venerable dwarf, Lord Amanatu is one of the original founders of Stormreach. His family trains and organizes the Stormreach Guard; an old maxim states “The Amanatus are the steel of Stormreach.” 

Coin Lord Varen Lassite, lord of Cross and Marketplace. The Lassites are master brewers and frequently sponsor festivals and feasts; as a result, Lord Lassite is easily the most popular of the Storm Lords. 

Coin Lord Kirris Sel Shadra,  lady of Southwatch and Oldgate. A family of gnomes, the Sel Shadras maintain a low profile for lords of the city. Some say that the Shadras have connections throughout the criminal underworld of Stormreach, but it is unwise to spread such rumors.

Coin Lord Paola Omaren, lady of Forgelight and Temple. The Omarens are the smiths of Stormreach, and it is the Omaren forge that produces the arms and armor of the Stormreach Guard. Lady Paola is a passionate young woman who claimed her current position with her blade. 

Harbor Lord Jonas Wylkes is charged to maintain the harbor and support the vital shipping trade. While travelers may hear stories of debauchery and excess attributed to Lord Wylkes, this young man has allegedly set aside the irresponsible ways of his youth now that he has assumed this position of authority.

Larest leads the discussion again. "It is paramount that we learn whether the gala at Lorsmarch Palace is relevant to our search or merely a distraction. If it is the former, then I agree, an invitation is needed. My lords..." The professor indicates Kal and Streko. "There are none better than you in seeking a way in through house connections. If possible. While I may be of noble blood, the ir'Zathyran name means nothing here. But both House Deneith and House Jorasco are major players in this city. Gold, not blood, is more valuable here."

[Dave W.]

Jun 15, 2012 10:44:45 GMT -4 Ken said:

After Adamant speaks, Belarin says, "I'm astonished. I expected you to burst a gear at finally being able to drop the pretense for a while! By the way..." He now addresses him and Shorak. "...you two dissembled magnificently today! Oh, relax, Adamant, it's a compliment!"

"Actually, it's more relaxing to not burst one's gears... And I do know you intend it as a complement."

Seeing Shorak in contemplation, Adamant slips away from the conversation, too many Commanders in there anyway, he thinks. The warforged moves near the drow, "You are having deep thoughts? I can guess of what. Does it make sense to you yet? It would seem someone has been looking forward to your return. I would like help"

[Dave B.]

Jun 16, 2012 20:04:06 GMT -4 Dave W. said:

Jun 15, 2012 10:44:45 GMT -4 Ken said:

After Adamant speaks, Belarin says, "I'm astonished. I expected you to burst a gear at finally being able to drop the pretense for a while! By the way..." He now addresses him and Shorak. "...you two dissembled magnificently today! Oh, relax, Adamant, it's a compliment!"

"Actually, it's more relaxing to not burst one's gears... And I do know you intend it as a complement."

Seeing Shorak in contemplation, Adamant slips away from the conversation, too many Commanders in there anyway, he thinks. The warforged moves near the drow, "You are having deep thoughts? I can guess of what. Does it make sense to you yet? It would seem someone has been looking forward to your return. I would like help"

"No my friend, it still does not make much sense to me. Until I can actually get out there to do some investigating, I have only theories and guesses." He sighs at this. "This afternoon's experience was only a bit reminiscent of my tribes demise, if only because of the fiery elements of the attack. So, is there a connection? Possibly. But, if so, then I wonder if I was truly the right target. There was only one other survivor from that long ago tragedy. A cousin, of full Drow blood. Throughout the battle, calls for 'the Drow' were heard. Never 'the half-Drow'. Since I did not once hear any of the cultists speak my name and if their ritual is connected to my tribe, then it could be they thought I was my cousin."

Shorak takes a deep breath and smiles up at Adamant. "Of course, that is just a theory, with no basis in fact. Another guess is that there was some importance to the sight of that building and my return home was just bad timing. The rumor of my cousin is what led me to the Merrow Down and that rumor proved false. Were other false rumors used on the rest of my neighbors to get them to leave the building unoccupied? Again, possible, but still another guess." He shakes his head. "Just two of a number of potential scenarios. When time allows, I'll head out to find some answers. For now I will just try not to let my imagination take on a life of it's own."

[Dave W.]

Adamant continues his side conversation with Shorak, "I'm afraid to say that I think of you as 'drow', but I have not yet met a drow, is there such a great difference?"

"When you set out, I would be willing to go with you. I have to mention that I'm unlikely to move about unnoticed however."

[Dave B.]

Jun 17, 2012 21:06:24 GMT -4 Dave W. said:

Adamant continues his side conversation with Shorak, "I'm afraid to say that I think of you as 'drow', but I have not yet met a drow, is there such a great difference?"

"When you set out, I would be willing to go with you. I have to mention that I'm unlikely to move about unnoticed however."

Shorak smiles at Adamant. "Thank you. Though I wouldn't ask you to try and be too stealthy."

He considers his next words carefully. "As for the difference between half-drow and full blooded? I don't feel that there is a huge difference, especially when raised along side them. I was fortunate, because the tribe I was born into is much more tolerant than most Drow. I won't say it was very easy for me, but another tribe might have ostracized me or even put me to death at my birth. So yes, there is a difference. I also encountered some animosity from other races due to my mixed blood, but not much. This is Stormreach after all." He chuckles at the irony of it all. "There's just too much racial diversity."

[Darren]

Without looking, Kal holds up the scroll case for Streko to take. He does not immediately let go when Streko grasps it, though. He looks up at the halfling. "Careful with this," he says before he lets go.

"Professor, I am certain that the gala has very much to do with the quest we are on, and it is critical that we attend. This is no distraction. My sources...are to be trusted." Kal grins.

He offers Sem a short nod, acknowledgement of the other's signal. "I also agree that Streko and I are best suited to gain access," he says as he leans back in his chair, "but we must not count on the two of us alone. I think others here should attempt to gain access by alternate routes. Perhaps posing as servers or entertainers? Is anyone here familiar with the type of event these Coin Lords would give? We must use any information to our advantage."

Kalarian seems to consider, folding his arms and putting one hand on his chin. "Perhaps, Belarin, you could rouse enough interest in your 'map' that the Coin Lords would take notice....."

[Joe]

The professor indicates Kal and Streko. "There are none better than you in seeking a way in through house connections. If possible. While I may be of noble blood, the ir'Zathyran name means nothing here. But both House Deneith and House Jorasco are major players in this city. Gold, not blood, is more valuable here."

"I shall follow Lord Kalarian's lead then. Both of our Houses are already aware of our presence here. It shouldn't be too difficult for Kalarian to get an appointment. I might have to smooth some ruffled feathers at House Jorasco. After all, coin is coin, whether it comes from the hand of a peasant or an Emerald Claw, isn't that true, Professor?"

Without looking, Kal holds up the scroll case for Streko to take. He does not immediately let go when Streko grasps it, though. He looks up at the halfling. "Careful with this," he says before he lets go.

"Assuredly so," he whispers.

Streko looks around the room, feeling a growing sense of ease knowing that his companions are nearby again.

"My friends..." His eyes land on Larest and the Halfling almost snarls, but takes a deep breath and smiles instead. "...I must get some rest. Just a bell or so. Today's rather disquieting experience has left me somewhat exhausted."

"Kalarian, perhaps you will come up in about three quarters of a bell, after I have taken my bath and had a brief chance to relax. I would like to ask you to please remind me what exactly happened to us earlier. I would also like to recount my memory of the events to you and see if they agrees with yours."

He nonchalantly places the scroll case into his haversack and bows low to the room.

"If someone would please show me to my room and order a hot bath, I would greatly appreciate it. Rinti, would that be a task I can trust to you?"
____________________________________________________

If Streko gets his hot bath and a room, he will do exactly as he stated and take his bath, then perform the Comprehend Languages ritual upon drying off, dressing and preparing the components.

[Brian]

"Yes, protective circle," Condign says to Starg. "But protection against what?"

When there is a pause in the conversation, Condign quickly relates his experience with the female tiefling, Ajdalarr, at Crow Rock. "This seer, Orvak, seems to be on a mission to save tieflings. He may decide to join the hunt for the Eye as part of a means to that end." He looks down. "While it would have been nice to gather more information and take Ajdalarr up on her offer to meet with this seer, I felt it was unwise to do so alone. People with certain agendas--who believe in those agendas with a fevered passion--are often reluctant to let a perceived ally go once they have him in their presence. I had no wish to harm my own kind if I needed to make a strategic retreat."

He looks up, meeting Larest's gaze, and shrugs. "You have more information about our possible competition. And I suspect that Kal's idea to attend this fete may reveal more about what we will be up against. However, if we attend, I will go as Kal's bodyguard. The thought of walking around with a plate of drinks and serving a bunch of highborn lords is distasteful." He grins at Larest. "No offense intended, of course."

[Jeff]

Are Shorak, Belarin, and Adamant not relating the events of what happened to them with the group? Do they wish to share with Condign, Kal, and Streko? Is the intent to keep it from Larest for some reason? Please post what you're doing about this, so we all know.

Before Streko steps away, Larest nods in agreement with Kal's words about the gala. "Good. Then let us make that our priority. This event takes place tomorrow night, correct? So I think we'll all need a good night's rest and do our utmost come morning." Larest stands up from his desk and stretches idly. He looks at Condign. "Meanwhile, I shall catalogue what I've learned today, and see if I can identify our chief rivals. Also..."

He reaches into the desk and produces a small sheaf of papers. "I have been to the Bank of Kundarak." He hands out one paper to each of you. "These are letters of credit, each for the value of eight hundred galifars.*" He gives Shorak a look when he hands him one. This one's a little more than that, Shorak guesses from the look. "Consider this is a starting payment for your services. If help me find the Eye and we do secure it....regardless of the outcome, you deserve this much, and more. My coffers and becoming limited. But if I can replenish, you are guaranteed more than this. It is all I can do at present."

Quieter, to Shorak, "You will need to open an account with House Kundarak for this transfer."

He sees Condign's expression when he hands him a letter of credit. "Yes, I know you don't like me. Let us speak no more about this nonsense right now. There are more important things than how much you wish to quit my presence, all right?"

Streko soon finds seclusion in the western (left-most) chamber of the rented tower. When it's requested, the proprietor, Garzek, has hot water sent up by a pair of maids, but no one actually prepares a bath for Streko. Rinti seems instantly uncomfortable with the idea of being involved in that, so she politely excuses herself from Streko's immediate company.

Going back to Kal, Rinti says, "Lord Kalarian...I don't need to stay here."

Once he's washed up, he finds the magical translation an easy feat. He hasn't used the Comprehend Languages ritual in several days, so he finds it to be a dose of familiarity leafing through his ritual book. With plenty of alchemical reagents in his haversack, it takes him only ten minutes' time (andten gold pieces worth of reagents) to unveil the words written on the scroll. Which is written in Draconic.

It in its elegant script, the scroll reads:

For answers that none can abide and a path of which you wish to be certain, bring this key to the Onyx Fountain.

Kal can only assume the "key" is the smoky black glass rod that was inside the scroll case. What the Onyx Fountain is, he isn't sure. Perhaps a Stormreach resident would know.

At one point, Histra glides over to Belarin. She reaches out and touches his arm gently. Her skin is cold, as usual, but it manages to warm him up anyway. "I will not be staying here," she says, indicating Larest's rented suite. Then, immediately changing topics, she slides her fingers along an obviously repaired hem on his garments. Without a smile, she says, "Did you nearly die this day, without my permission?"

Once rooms and beds are chosen, Kal can easily take Sem Darlesh aside if he wishes a more private discussion.

_______________________________

Just to show you the layout of where Streko's set himself up and what room Larest, Sem, and Starg are staying in. The rest of you can tell me where you prefer to be.

[Ken]

After the information about the Coin Lords and Kal's question about Belarin possibly using his fake map to draw attention, Belarin replies, "From the sound of things, these Coin Lords would likely see any forgery for what it is on the spot. I'm a good forger, but not that good. Still, I can spin a convincing tale as well as anyone, so I may not need to bring the map with me, just get more parties interested in it.... Speaking of which, we have had some success."

Belarin quickly describes the encounter with the dwarves in the shop and the mage associated with the Silver Flame expedition back at the inn. He also describes the very interesting encounter with the elves looking for Princess Lerrhana. When he is done, he adds, "I take it that none of you have seen either Syrdan or the esteemed Princess since departing the Merrow, yes? Well, these elves may not be exactly allies, but they despise Krez as much as we do. I only hope that they'll respect Lerrhana's wishes if she chooses not to return."

Jun 19, 2012 10:07:40 GMT -4 Jeff said:

He reaches into the desk and produces a small sheaf of papers. "I have been to the Bank of Kundarak." He hands out one paper to each of you. "These are letters of credit, each for the value of eight hundred galifars.*"

Belarin accepts the paper with a broad smile.

At one point, Histra glides over to Belarin. She reaches out and touches his arm gently. Her skin is cold, as usual, but it manages to warm him up anyway. "I will not be staying here," she says, indicating Larest's rented suite. Then, immediately changing topics, she slides her fingers along an obviously repaired hem on his garments. Without a smile, she says, "Did you nearly die this day, without my permission?"

Belarin chuckles. He says softly, "Perhaps I did. I do enjoy ... misbehaving." He gives her a devilish look. "We had some difficulties near Shorak's apartment. I'll speak more about it later. So, then, where are you staying if not here, hmm? I didn't think you'd be going to the family estate..."

_________
Belarin will likely bunk in the same section as Streko. He'll want to compare notes with the other team.

[Brian]

Larest:

He sees Condign's expression when he hands him a letter of credit. "Yes, I know you don't like me. Let us speak no more about this nonsense right now. There are more important things than how much you wish to quit my presence, all right?"

Accepting the credit note from Larest, Condign says, "Enforced conscription is far from nonsense, even if you pay well for the service. So you will simply have to deal with my disdain for you. I do promise it will not show when others than our little circle of friends are present."

He turns away from Larest, not waiting for a reply. Approaching Adamant, he smiles. "Shall we share a room? You do not snore, do you?"

_________________________________

It looks like Kal, Belarin and Streko in one room. That leaves Big Red, Iron Man and Captain Drow in the other.

[Darren]

Kal sits with eyes half-closed, seemingly lost in thought. He opens one eye fully when Rinti speaks to him. "No, Rinti, you don't have to stay if you don't want. But you may, if you choose to." He opens both eyes and turns to face her more fully. "Rinti, I know you just met me today, but understand that the promise I made, I intend to keep. Your old life is behind you, if you want it to be. But I will not force you to remain in my employ or that of House Deneith. The choice is yours."

Pushing himself to his feet, Kal realizes that the weariness of the day is pressing upon him. He catches Sem's eye as he moves towards the room where Streko and Belarin moved off to. He gives him a short nod, then joins his friends. "I imagine we may be short of sleep tonight," he says to them as he enters the room. "There is a lot of planning to be done...."

[Jeff]

Belarin:

So, then, where are you staying if not here, hmm? I didn't think you'd be going to the family estate..."

Histra looks toward the north side of the tower. "I am thinking of seeking them sooner than later. It may be best to make contact, rather than risk a chance encounter."

Kal:

Your old life is behind you, if you want it to be. But I will not force you to remain in my employ or that of House Deneith. The choice is yours."

"No, I'd..." Rinti is hesitant. "I like this place....your friends. They're different. But...I have a little brother. He's not always well. Would you be able to help him, too? I've also got a cousin..."

"Would you be able to find work for them? Maybe a better place to live?"

Kal suspects Rinti's got no family, but probably does know many impoverished children like herself. It's understandable that she'd want better lives for them, too. But how many of them are there?

Meanwhile Sem lingers, waiting for an invitation from Kal. If his presence is desired in the room with the others, he will consent to join them there.

[Dave B.]

Shorak accepts the paper from Larest. "I will open that account this afternoon or first thing tomorrow." He looks down at himself. "I guess a change of clothes and a bit more cleaning up will be necessary. Especially, if I go right away."

[Darren]

Kal sighs and presses his thumb and forefinger against the bridge of his nose. There are always so many who need help. The poor hate us because they think we don't care. But how can we help them all? "I'm sorry, Rinti. I'm not here to save all the orphans of the world. I wish I could, and if your...family...truly seeks honest employment, they can present themselves at the enclave and ask for work. If they handle themselves as well as you, I am sure that Deneith can use them." He looks at her as though he has something more to say, but instead he makes a motion to Sem to follow him and then steps into the adjacent room.

[Jeff]

Rinti nods sadly and leaves the topic alone. She has nothing to add.

Sem, meanwhile, slips into the side room with Kal. (Is anyone else to be part of this conversation, Darren? I'm still not clear on this.)

When the door is shut, the gnome makes a gesture toward where Rinti was. "Just be sure that you trust her, Kal. The urchins of any city have eyes all over the place, and paymasters lurking in the shadows. You'd be surprised what children are willing to do for the barest of crumbs."

[Darren]

When the door is closed, Kal smiles at Sem, Streko and Belarin. "Indeed, Sem, urchins tend to be most loyal to whoever can take the best care of them. I hope to show Rinti that that person is me. You are also right about the value they possess by gathering information in places where they appear to be almost invisible. Beyond, perhaps, Belarin's identity and our association, I don't think we've revealed anything to her that we don't want our enemies to know, anyway."

Again, Kal finds the nearest chair and sits heavily. He then relates the full tale of his encounter with the dragon, pausing to answer Sem's questions whenever he can.

______________________
Those are the three who appeared to be in the room. I'm not specifically excluding Condign, Shorak or Adamant if they choose to be in the room, also. Kal IS excluding Larest, Histra and Starg, however.

[Dave W.]

Adamant nods at Belarin's storytelling, adding a detail here and there. "That is the short of it," Adamant says at the end, "I could describe battling for my life while standing in fire to greater detail, but your imagination will serve well enough."

When Larest hands Adamant the bank note, the warforged glances at it briefly then folds it with large fingers. "Thank you Professor."

Jun 20, 2012 6:01:00 GMT -4 Brian said:

He turns away from Larest, not waiting for a reply. Approaching Adamant, he smiles. "Shall we share a room? You do not snore, do you?"

"Snore?" Adamant sets his heavy hand on Condign's shoulder, his tone echoes the tiefling's smile, "Surely not... I sing! Making glad noises to please the Host!" Steering his friend, Adamant limps towards their room, "And in order to reach them, of course, it must be done loudly! Being warforged, I have the advantage of being able to do it in several different keys! Not to mention singing all night long!"

Pausing to wave an invitation to the drow, Adamant's voice still filled with humor, "Shorak, shall all the lowly servants share a room so the Lords, Dragonmark Heirs, and Scoundrels have their own place to scheme uses for us?"

When they are safely in the room, Adamant turns to Condign and holds up the folded note, "my friend, do you have any idea what to do with this? Do I show it to a shopkeeper? And is this as much as it seems? I think we could buy a village somewhere?"
-------------------
I'm thinking we take one of the three bed rooms (that is a room with three beds) though I don't think Adamant needs to lie to rest so there would be room for one more)

[Brian]

"Sing?" Condign replies weakly as he follows Adamant into the room. "All night long?" Shaking his head, he adds, "Forget I asked."

Inside the room, after securing their gear and weapons, Adamant asks about the credit note.

"You go to the Kundarak and deposit it into your account, or open one if you do not have one. However, I would keep some gold on your person in case you find something you would like to buy. And yes, it is a significant sum of money. Not enough to buy a small village, though."

Then he turns to Shorak (provided he followed us into the room). "These Coin Lords. What can we expect from them if we are able to find our way into that gathering? What possible dangers might we encounter?"

[Ken]

Jun 20, 2012 9:54:33 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Belarin:

So, then, where are you staying if not here, hmm? I didn't think you'd be going to the family estate..."

Histra looks toward the north side of the tower. "I am thinking of seeking them sooner than later. It may be best to make contact, rather than risk a chance encounter."

"Probably the better course," replies Belarin. "I hope it goes well ... or, at least not poorly. I'll see you soon." He briefly places his hand over hers before she departs.

Again, Kal finds the nearest chair and sits heavily. He then relates the full tale of his encounter with the dragon, pausing to answer Sem's questions whenever he can.

"That's... remarkable, Kal," Belarin says, clearly taken aback by the details of his friend's bizarre "interview." He continues, "And I thought I had a strange day!" He then goes into full detail about the attack at Shorak's building and the strange cultists. He looks at the gnome. "Does that sound like any lunatics you've ever heard of Sem?"

[Jeff]

Sem shakes his head and raises his eyebrows, as appropriate to each man's tale. "Quite a day you've had. You really do draw all manner of dangerous creatures close, don't you? Vampires, sahuagin, krakens, fiery cultists...dragons. I'll have to think twice about placing my bedroll near yours in the wilds of Xen'drik..." No smile suggests a jest in that, but with the gnome, it's hard to tell.

To Kal he says, "I don't know that I'd have spoken to a dragon like that, or been so...insisting on easy answers to the mysteries of the world. But you've got steel in your groin, that's for sure. What do you intend on doing now? The Lorsmarch gala aside...or do you feel that is your destiny to be part of?"

To Shorak and Belarin, Sem says, "I don't know this city too well. Least of all its occultic lunatics. I have no idea who these men were, but just how active can you be in finding out? Short of camping out near the fiery building itself, what can you do? If they were just trying to destroy a building, well, the deed's done, right? If they're after you specifically, Shorak...then I guess you have only wait for more attacks. It might be worth telling the Professor about this, no? I can do it, if you prefer."

When Condign asks Shorak about the Coin Lords, he shrugs. "What to expect? It's very hard to say, as there are several of them and they each have their own interests. Each one monitors a particular part of the city and oversea the major industries, so they're more about protecting these interests than anything else. They act when threats to their gold arise. If you understand that, then you can try to guess at what they'll do. But they're exceedingly wealthy and...rightfully smug about it. And of course they control the Stormreach Guard. For the most part, no one knowingly messes with them, but from time to time the Storm Lords have to act to defend against raids, usually from giants, and then you want them on your side."

[Joe]

Streko shakes his head at all the tales being told. "By Eberron's beard, one of these days I WILL have a story to tell...about walking to a market, buying herbs and a nice steak, coming home, preparing it masterully, eating it and having some wine with my dinner. That will be the extent of it. Sadly, I fear, adventure shall always find me. Us. All of us. We do have a destiny that is intertwined, to be certain. And to answer your question, Sem, I am completely convinced that this gala with the Coin Lords is a part of that destiny. A step on the journey. An odd step, but no more odd than most we have taken."

He pauses to reflect back on the dragon encounter. "I did so love that little figurine of mine, though. Alas, it was meant for more than me. As a token of love, among dragons no less, it could have a much worse future."

[Darren]

Kal hears himself tell the story of the encounter with the dragon, and after Sem's remarks, he looks a bit puzzled. "Yes, perhaps I should have chosen my words more carefully," he says, slightly amazed. "But then, Olladra favors the bold, does she not, Streko?" Kal grins.

When Sem speaks of the Storm Lords protecting the city from giants, Kal chimes in, "Did I mention we killed an ettin today, too?"

Kal stands and begins to pace the room. "Sem, I don't know if this party has anything to do with my destiny, or if my destiny is somehow connected to the Eye. There was, however, this...." Kal reaches into his pockets, but seems confused to not find what he was looking for. "This...." he looks around the room. "Ah, yes. Streko has it. Streko, would you show Sem what we received? It appears to be the key to....something."

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More conversations about how to get into the gala coming soon. Just wanted to get something in here since it's been a while.