Chapter 10: Eye of the Storm

[Ken]

Team B

Dec 18, 2011 10:10:01 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Belarin, Adamant, and Shorak are free to move on...or linger and see what unfolds next.

Belarin beckons Shorak and Adamant forward. "Come along, you two," he commands in Nerrin's nasally voice, "and you, elf, see if you can find a path less troublesome next time. Oh by the Host, now I've got a rock in my boot..."

After moving about twenty feet past the arguing trio, Belarin crouches down -- facing away from the conflict -- and begins examining his boot. His hands hidden from the guards' view, he beckons Shorak and Adamant to lean in. "Dammit, Adamant," he whispers harshly, "commanding you is as distasteful to me as it is to you! But we can't get involved. Take solace at least that I slipped that 'forged five galifars when I, ah, tripped. So far, he's savvy enough not to have commented on it. But we're pushing our luck with every second. Now let's keep moving."

He then stands up, although only as far as Nerrin's stopped posture would allow, and resumes his limping progress -- if somewhat more slowly necessary. Despite his words, Belarin, too, is curious as to what will happen next.

[Dave B.]

Team B

Shorak follows Belarin, makes a show of helping him with the stone in his boot. "Good, that is the only acceptable help we can give this warforged at this time." He whispers.

He looks back at the unfortunate warforged, committing him to memory. Perhaps more can be done to assist him later.

"This way Master Nerrin. We are not far." He says in a normal voice, resuming his role as guide and bodyguard. With that he continues on towards Locksmith Square.

[Dave W.]

Team B
Adamant looks down at the gaurd admonishing him for a moment, but for good or ill, his face is incapable of showing his thoughts. Without comment he turns and heads up the stairs, staying in front of the party.

[Belarin]: "Take solace at least that I slipped that 'forged five galifars when I, ah, tripped. So far, he's savvy enough not to have commented on it. But we're pushing our luck with every second. Now let's keep moving."

[Shorak]: "Good, that is the only acceptable help we can give this warforged at this time."

"Really?" Adamant whispers, "Then you both have divined that the lizard and warforged are innocent? You must tell me how you did that."

"I was hoping to discover a just outcome. You're both as wrong as the guard. Well, perhaps not in the same measure; you were not bribed into your response and neither of you represent justice by profession."

"But we may have helped a cutpurse turn a profit today."

Adamant waits for Nerrin to stand but says nothing more. He heads up the stairs as Shorak directs.

----------------------
If the stair are as narrow as described, Redoubt will insist on being in front. Sorry Dave B, Shorak will have to direct from the back.

[Jeff]

Team K

A short time later, Rinti leads Kal and his companions to a narrow street that runs along one of the high "walls" that forms the border between the Harbor district and the district of Cross—in truth, the wall is a fallen but largely intact marble column from a giant's fortress.

The street would be a shady alley if it weren't for all the vendors packing it tight. As it is, you'll have to go single-file through here because of the other people coming and going. "Hold onto your purses through here, my lord," Rinti instructs—and you can see enough dubious children about not to doubt the soundness of her advice. "But it's worth it, trust me."

She leads you halfway down the narrow lane, until the sour smells of the street suddenly evaporate under the assault of a stronger, evocative smell: pork indeed. It smells fresh, roasted, and mouth-watering. Rinti leads you right up to the open canvas of a particular stall. There, a thickset, gray-haired shifter stands at a grill, a badly stained apron wrapped around his substantial frame. He grins a large-fanged grin at you, and waves a carving knife in one meaty fist. "Aye, how many, my lords?"

Then he spots Rinti and sighs. "Ahh, girl, I'm done giving scraps. Piss off!"

Rinti shakes her head. "Nah, Snagg. I brought you some customers, been out at sea too long. Sick'a fish, need the best Stormreach's got to offer that was born on land."

Snagg, the shifter butcher and pork vendor, looks your way. "Aye, you'll find swine no sweeter anywhere on this continent or the next." He indicates a little cave behind him carved into the ancient marble column. Presumably he's got a little kitchen in there somewhere. "Will it be skins or flanks? What's your cut? A silver, either way."

Rinti stands back, trying to look pathetic and hungry. But she is a little too skinny, even for a half-elf.

[Jeff]

Team B

The stairs have been cleared already, and now Belarin as Nerrin starts to make his way away from the scene, slowly, just enough to try and see what's going on behind them.

They're too far away to hear, but Belarin, Adamant, and Shorak see the Stormreach Guards surrounding the warforged while the dwarf merchant stands off to the side, looking like maybe he'd rather just go on his way again.

As you watch, you see the leader guard reach out and pry the shrieking kobold out of the warforged's grip. The construct relents, relinquishing possession, as the kobold kicks and screams. A clawed foot swipes across the guard's neck and her growls in fury. The guard takes a few steps and throws the kobold out over the stairs. The small scaly creature screams and disappears beyond your view, but you know it's at least a twenty foot drop from there.

The warforged slumps, like Adamant used to at times before becoming Redoubt.

The dwarf merchant drifts away.

The guards stand talking to one another.

[Ken]

Team B

Belarin had been considering a response to Adamant's question/critique, but the guards' activity cuts him short.

With a neutral expression, he turns away and bids Adamant to continue leading the way, following Shorak's directions.

"It was just a hunch, Redoubt," he says in Nerrin's voice. "Just a hunch." He shares a grim look with Shorak, knowing that he, too, has committed the lead guard's face to memory.

[Dave B.]

Team B

When Shorak is sure they are well out of earshot of the guards, he says,
"This is Stormreach justice. It has always caused my guts to twist and whirl. One day that guard will choose his victim unwisely and that will be the end of him. Unfortunately, you will not find what you call proper justice here."

Shorak allows Adamant/Redoubt to take point when it becomes too narrow to walk abreast with him, but he will make sure to stop him as quickly as possible if he senses any danger.

Large warforged shielding Shorak from any initial salvo? No problem. ;D

[Darren]

Team K

Kal folds his arms, making sure his blue dragonmark stands out against his skin. "Snaag, is it? Snaag, you will not speak so disrespectfully to an employee of Kalarian d'Deneith. Rinti!" he calls out, gesturing for the girl to move up to his side. "Rinti, pick out the best this man has to offer, and make sure you order a generous portion for yourself. As much as you can eat, mind? I will not have anyone in my employee looking as you do." Kal hands a gold coin to Rinti. "I will expect change, Rinti," he says with a stern look down at her. Then he smiles and turns his back to Snaag, looking out at the people passing by on the street, waiting for Rinti to secure his meal.

_______________
Witness Kal's continuing diplomatic campaign to secure Rinti's loyalty.

[Brian]

Team K

Condign quietly watches Kal's display, careful to keep his expression neutral. But in the end, he cannot help himself: he rolls his eyes. Luckily, their solid gold color makes this a mostly meaningless gesture to everyone but himself.

Reaching into his purse, he asks the butcher for a flank portion of pork.

[Jeff]

Team B

With Shorak's guidance, Nerrin and his warforged bodyguard weave through Harbor, avoiding all the trouble spots that Shorak knows about...such as the intersection the Bilge Rats have exclusive "rights" to and the ambush site used by the Quickfoot Gang.

At one point, they spot a pair of spindly figures lurking atop a massive stone head, but they move off seconds later. Belarin thinks they must be thri-kreen! Shorak knows they are—an elusive and enigmatic race, which once had their own civilization here in Stormreach. What happened to the mantisfolk as a whole no one knows, and the thri-kreen that remain seem impossible to coerce. They are aloof, neither hostile nor particularly friendly.

Adamant has never even heard of the thri-kreen before recently.

The stone head itself is a wonder to the human and warforged. At least fifteen feet even on its side, it must have belonged to a giants' statue millennia ago. And there are other such statue heads lying about the city, leaning against walls, lying in the streets, and teetering on ledges. Each sports its own expression and hairstyle. Although people have repurposed the ruins of old and sometimes move the heads, built them into walls, no one has ever tried to quarry them or break them a part. Shorak knows this is part of the city's superstitions; even the most modern-minded builders do not touch them. In fact, rumor is, they possess a deadly curse. Some of the city's older residents claim that the heads' expressions have changed over time, reflecting the ancient giants' opinion of the modern city and its people. Other residents occasionally lay offerings on the heads and reverently clean them of moss, lichen, and dirt. Children are often seen climbing them.

Belarin finds that walking with a tall warrior warforged is giving him a different spin on Nerrin. Usually Nerrin skulked about the cities of Khorvaire, minding his own business, "attending" to affairs of House Orien. But he feels a little more important with both a strong metal guard and an exotic guide at his side. He gets more looks than usual—mostly from fighter or thuggish types who may be wondering what about him is so special that he needs such a guard.

And then Shorak leads them out of Harbor, between a massive open gateway and into the district of Cross—which must be passed through to reach Silverwall and Locksmith Square to the north.

Cross seems to be a turbulent place. The main streets lead to and from the city's other districts—it is the junction of five other districts. Above the streets hang clotheslines and rope bridges between ruins and the places where people have built precariously perched homes. Voices clamor against one another, accents and idioms owing to Cyran and Brelish dialects.

Shorak's route leads into the Sloths, the part of Cross that's the heart of Stormreach's Brelish community. There seems to be a lot of clothing vendors in this part of town—Breland is known for its light and colorful fabrics, which are perfectly suited to this climate.

__________________

Dave B: Especially in this city, if you ever wish to see if Shorak knows something extra about any location or entity, we can make a Streetwise check for him. Just say the word.

[Joe]

Team K

Streko considers. "Flank. And do you have any jerky, some that has been cured and will last a few weeks?"

He looks up at Kal and begins speaking in Halfling. "I shall supplement your payment with some of my own should we procure some meat that will hold and sit in my haversack for the journey ahead."

Back at Snagg: "Enough to feed a group of, say, ten, for two weeks...three strips of jerky per day. Is this something you can provide?"

[Dave W.]

Team B
Adamant sees the guard throw the kobald over. Adamant places his right hand on the one clean spot on his chest and stands like that for the span of time it takes for his friends' hearts to take a single beat.

"I'm sure reporting the guards to their superiors would be at best pointless..."

Putting back on the mask of Redoubt, the warforged starts moving again. He tries to stay alert despite the distracting sights and bustle, but his friends can tell that the giant heads are pulling at his attention.

Redoubt will stay next to Nerrin as the group proceeds.

-----------------------

Large warforged shielding Shorak from any initial salvo? No problem.  ;D

thought you might see some advantage...

[Jeff]

Team K

Kal:

"Snaag, you will not speak so disrespectfully to an employee of Kalarian d'Deneith.

The shifter raises an eyebrow at Kal's words and gives Rinti a suspicious look.

The girl then eagerly hands Snagg the gold coin Kal just gave her. "Give us your best, Snagg." He shrugs, accepts the coin, then doles out a hefty assortment of pork—rinds, skins, flanks—to your party. Salted to perfection. Rinti immediately launches into her own impromptu meal, then remembers Kal's change. She starts to count it up, grinning as she handles so many pieces of silver.

Tangat's tail swishes like mad as he roves between each of you, looking for the most likely to hand him out some pork.

Streko:

"Enough to feed a group of, say, ten, for two weeks...three strips of jerky per day. Is this something you can provide?"

Snagg considers this, then nods at Streko. "I can do that for you, little master, but that's a tall order. But I'll need a day, maybe two, to get it fresh and packed up right for your journey." He points to Rinti as she counts through the silver. "Leave the rest o' that silver with me as down payment, eh? I can get you your jerky for ten stomachs for fourteen days....for fifty gold. That work?"

Streko knows that's a fair price, considering. Standard iron rations for a single person for ten days is usually five galifars.

Rinti looks up at Kal. "You're leaving soon, my lord? Going on an expedition? Are you...going into the jungles?" A cloud of disappointment passes over her face.

[Brian]

Team K
Condign gratefully accepts his portion of pork and bites into it. Wonderful, salty juice flows into his mouth, and he realizes how much he'd come to despise fish at every meal.

"Very good, my lord," he says between mouthfuls. "By the way, do you happen to know where I could purchase a decent scabbard?"

[Darren]

Team K

Kal scowls at Streko. Is it staged? Then he turns his gaze upon Snaag. "Very well. Fifty galifars. Rinti, let him keep his down payment. Enjoy your meal everyone," he says, handing down a healthy portion to Tangat. "I want to be at the Deneith enclave within the hour."

As he eats, Kal leans closer to Rinti. "It's true. My business here will take me out of the city soon. But I may continue to have work for you, if you are willing. Let us not get ahead of ourselves, though, dear Rinti. You must learn that in negotiation, all things must be done in their proper time. Never appear too eager, eh?" He smiles at the girl, a bit of genuine affection showing through.

[Jeff]

Team K[/color]

"A scabbard?" Stagg repeats, and shrugs. "A tanner, I s'pose. Plenty of 'em." Then he looks at the broadsword in Condign's hand that he's been forced to carry openly—which, fortunately, seems common enough in this city.

"You wanna good one...go to a Cannith leatherer, or..." He glances at Kal. "...the Deneiths." He shakes his head as if to say Why're they askin' me?

Rinti nods at Kal. "Yes, my lord. I can get you to your enclave in half a bell or less. No tour of the city, then?" She pauses. "Where you goin' out in the jungles? Another ruin discovered?"

Tangat chews his meal contentedly, and so does Rinti. "I like your dog," she says."He's part wolf, right?"

Snagg also hands Tangat a thin strip of jerky and smiles. Shifters usually have an affinity for animals.

[Ken]

Team B

Belarin is fascinated by the large heads and by the sight of the thri-kreen, and -- gathering that Nerrin would be, also -- allows that emotion to reach his face. "Shorak," he says in Nerrin's voice, "what are those strange creatures? The thrice-keen, yes? Do they eat people?" He speaks in a normal volume; if anyone is listening, he wants to appear like an out-of-his-element bureaucrat, but he doesn't want to artificially broadcast that impression.

Dec 19, 2011 17:22:42 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Belarin finds that walking with a tall warrior warforged is giving him a different spin on Nerrin. Usually Nerrin skulked about the cities of Khorvaire, minding his own business, "attending" to affairs of House Orien. But he feels a little more important with both a strong metal guard and an exotic guide at his side. He gets more looks than usual—mostly from fighter or thuggish types who may be wondering what about him is so special that he needs such a guard.

Belarin casts an appropriately wary glance through Nerrin's spectacles at a couple of the more disreputable-looking types. He clutches his backpack, now carried in front of him, more tightly as he continues to limp along.

He isn't quite ready, though, for the appearance of Cross. Although Brelish by birth, Belarin hasn't actually spent much time in Breland. Nevertheless, the colors and trappings of Brelish culture were as much a part of his childhood as were terrifying tales of monsters from neighboring Droaam. He pauses for several moments to mentally appreciate the sights and smells.

Still speaking as Nerrin, but now in a much lower voice, he says to Adamant and Shorak. "I take it we'll find some appropriate garb in this neighborhood? I require suitable business attire, and my bodyguard here needs a tabard."

[Darren]

Team K

Dec 20, 2011 13:59:08 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Team K

[/color]

"A scabbard?" Stagg repeats, and shrugs. "A tanner, I s'pose. Plenty of 'em." Then he looks at the broadsword in Condign's hand that he's been forced to carry openly—which, fortunately, seems common enough in this city.

"You wanna good one...go to a Cannith leatherer, or..." He glances at Kal. "...the Deneiths." He shakes his head as if to say Why're they askin' me?

Rinti nods at Kal. "Yes, my lord. I can get you to your enclave in half a bell or less. No tour of the city, then?" She pauses. "Where you goin' out in the jungles? Another ruin discovered?"

Tangat chews his meal contentedly, and so does Rinti. "I like your dog," she says."He's part wolf, right?"

Snagg also hands Tangat a thin strip of jerky and smiles. Shifters usually have an affinity for animals.[/quote]

"No, no tour right now," Kal says around a mouthful of pork, "but I do expect to be in the city for a few days, at least. After the enclave, there is some shopping we will need to do." Kal takes a bit of the fabric of Rinti's shirt between thumb and forefinger. "We may need to get you some new clothing, too, if you're going to be seen in public with me." Kal smiles and takes another mouthful of pork. "After that, we head to Cross to secure lodgings."

Kal takes a moment to really enjoy his surroundings. It seems like ages since he's been on ground that didn't move under his feet. He buries a hand in Tangat's soft fur. "He is part wolf, yes. He comes from the Talenta Plains. Do you know it? It's a marvelous place populated with some of the best people you could ever hope to meet." Kal nods towards Streko's back. "Tangat," Kal says in Halfling, "keep an eye on this one for me? I find I rather like her company." Kal smiles as he looks between the dog with his too-wise eyes and the girl on his other side.

[Dave W.]

Team B

Dec 20, 2011 18:18:18 GMT -4 Ken said:

Still speaking as Nerrin, but now in a much lower voice, he says to Adamant and Shorak. "I take it we'll find some appropriate garb in this neighborhood? I require suitable business attire, and my bodyguard here needs a tabard."

"Or perhaps a surcoat which would be longer and conceal more, Master Nerrin." There's still something off in Adamant's voice, as though he's playing the Redoubt part but not full-hearetedly. "Definatly a light material. Something black if it can be found, preferably with silver details representing light in the darkness. Or perhaps something in orange and red for the sunrise."

"There certainly seems some variety."

Adamant tries to remain vigilant, but the crowds complicate that.

[Dave B.]

Team B

"The Thri-Kreen usually keep to themselves. They won't eat you unless you anger them." He says this with a smile.

"I've purchased many a garment in Cross. Let's see, which vendors have I particularly found reasonable?" He says, mostly to himself.

"Ah, yes. I know exactly who we should visit. Not too nosy and quite reasonable in price."

Streetwise (1d20+11=31)

Look, Shorak is a fashionista all of sudden.

[Jeff]

This is where Dave B's good dice rolls come in. Not when in combat. When clothes shopping. ;D

___________________________

Team B

It takes only five minutes for Shorak to locate Sorenn's Wares, a small and mostly permanent apparel shop and tailor.

Although Shorak knows of the man himself, he knows Sorenn, the elderly tailor, doesn't know him. Still, Sorenn has a widespread reputation for fair prices, quality Brelish fabrics, and not giving a damn about anyone's business. He's the opposite of a fishmonger's wife. Rumors wither and die at his doorstep; hence, discretion can be counted on.

He's kindly enough, but perpetually sad. Shorak heard stories that his three children all perished: the eldest son died at sea, his middle daughter disappeared in the wilds of Xen'drik, and his youngest, a troublemaker, joined the Stomreach Guard and got knifed one year into the job. Although every district has protection rackets plaguing the business, as far as Shorak knows, nobody bother's Sorenn's business much. Perhaps out of pity?

The shops is unassuming, a construction of wood and thatch built into the side of what was probably once a giant's well, not sealed off from the sewers. The front door chimes when you open it. The inside is comfortable but cluttered with bolts of colorful cloth and plenty of readymade clothes. Sleeveless shirts and dresses seem to dominate the whole, while Brelish blue is winning the war of colors.

The old human is in the center of the main shop space, sewing. He turns in his stool and regards the newcomers: a tall warforged, a thin bespectacled human, and a half-drow.

"Good," he says without any tone at all, turns back in his chair to his work, and then finishes: "morning."

[Jeff]

Team K

"New clothing?" Rinti says. Her eyes widen, then subtly narrow. Gold, food, clothing...it looks like it's hard for a girl in her position to believe. Perhaps too good to be true. Perhaps there's a catch in all this. Kal can sense a shard of doubt in the girl's mood. She nods, though, trying to stay upbeat. "Whatever you say, my lord. Shall we to your noble house?"

Snagg inclines his head at Streko. "Give me two days, if you can," he says, "And I'll have your jerky. Just bring the gold." The gray-haired shifter grins his toothy grin.

[Darren]

Kal holds up a finger and bends closer to Rinti's face. "Good, Rinti. Very good. You begin to doubt my motives, yes? This is excellent, and you show true wisdom for it. It is rare in this world to get something for nothing. What you must always ask yourself is 'Why? Why is this being offered to me? What advantage does he gain from this deal?' But most importantly, Rinti, you must ask what advantage you have to gain, and whether it is worth your while to accept." Kal stands up and again smiles a genuine smile. "Very good, Rinti," he says again.

Looking back, Kal checks to see if Condign and Streko are ready to continue on. "Okay, let's be off, then. We have a lot to do today."

[Ken]

Team B

Dec 20, 2011 22:41:38 GMT -4 Jeff said:

The old human is in the center of the main shop space, sewing. He turns in his stool and regards the newcomers: a tall warforged, a thin bespectacled human, and a half-drow.

"Good," he says without any tone at all, turns back in his chair to his work, and then finishes: "morning."

Belarin takes a moment to snifff the air. Seemingly satisfied, he says as Nerrin, "Yes, I suppose it is reasonably good. I've been recommended to your shop. Some of my attire was lost at sea. I require new clothing for myself and, oh, I suppose my employees as well."

[Joe]

TEAM K

Dec 20, 2011 23:39:14 GMT -4 Darren said:

Kal holds up a finger and bends closer to Rinti's face. "Good, Rinti. Very good. You begin to doubt my motives, yes? This is excellent, and you show true wisdom for it. It is rare in this world to get something for nothing. What you must always ask yourself is 'Why? Why is this being offered to me? What advantage does he gain from this deal?' But most importantly, Rinti, you must ask what advantage you have to gain, and whether it is worth your while to accept." Kal stands up and again smiles a genuine smile. "Very good, Rinti," he says again.

Streko nods his approval. "An excellent lesson, indeed, my Lord!"

Snagg inclines his head at Streko. "Give me two days, if you can," he says, "And I'll have your jerky. Just bring the gold." The gray-haired shifter grins his toothy grin.

"Two days it shall be, if at all possible. Should there be problems, Rinti will let you know."

Looking back, Kal checks to see if Condign and Streko are ready to continue on. "Okay, let's be off, then. We have a lot to do today."

"As you say, my Lord."

Streko follows Kal and Rinti toward the enclave.

[Brian]

Team K

Condign finishes his pork flank, the juice and grease washing over his deprived taste buds, almost making them sing. He wipes his mouth on the edge of his cloak and smiles. The savory aroma of crisping pig skins is something he will not soon to forget.

"Thank you, my lord," he says to the butcher. "Truly, thank you. May the gods shine blessedly on your establishment." Then he rushes after Kal and Streko.

He gets about thirty paces when his stomach, unused to the rich porcine flesh, rolls quite unpleasantly. His intestines cramp, sending shooting pains around to his back and down to his--

"Oh my," he mutters, and starts to duck-walk quickly down the street. This could be bad . . . .

[Jeff]

Team K

Following Rinti's lead, you move beyond the Harbor and into the district of Cross. The Brelish flavor of this district is obvious—especially the laundry air-driving above the streets—but the half-elf girl takes you through Saltire, a residential ward that seems free of affiliations besides their own. No dragonmarked symbols or noble's manors; a working-class place with taverns and small houses layered upon one another.

Rinti looks back, noticing Condign's sudden discomfort. "What's wrong with your friend?" she asks Kal.

[Jeff]

Team B

I've been recommended to your shop. Some of my attire was lost at sea. I require new clothing for myself and, oh, I suppose my employees as well."

"Browse freely," the old tailor says with a gesture. "Or just tell me what you're looking for exactly." He presses his own spectacles further up on his face and looks appraisingly at Adamant. A frown settles onto his face.

[Darren]

Kal looks back, not sure what Rinti is speaking of. Seeing the look on Condign's face, he is forced to stifle a laugh. "I think he has grown too accustomed to fish," he says. "Just try not to walk downwind of him...."

[Dave B.]

Team B

Shorak looks around, not touching anything, but peering closely at some of the finer black silks. He also will browse the ready made wares as well. He's not really in a market for new clothes, unless of course he has no more clothes at his lodgings. Which is good enough reason to at least make note of anything he may want to purchase later if the needs arise.