Chapter 10: Eye of the Storm

[Jeff]

Team K

Condign finds that the Iron Watch warforged has returned to where the ettin has fallen. He stands there, waiting. When Condign appears again, he says squarely, "All witnesses and participants must come forth. See to it."

Meanwhile, the half-orc woman with the broken arm is speaking with the warforged, seemingly telling her side of the story. She gestures toward Condign in the telling.

A few of the witnesses have gathered around as well, to speak of what they saw. All of the merchants and street vendors affected by the ettin's rampage have returned as well, to guard against looters. Some are arguing with one another. One, owned by an elderly woman, is actually crying.

There are five dead from the fight; the two men at the center, two of the Stormreach Guard, and the older woman smashed messily against the column.

[Brian]

Pushy 'forged Iron Guard:

When Condign appears again, he says squarely, "All witnesses and participants must come forth. See to it."

"Certainly," says Condign with a respectful bow and withdraws. As he is striding away from the warforged, he mutters, "Allow me to do your job for you."

When he is once again standing next to Kal, he says, "The Iron Guard requests your presence, my lord. Along with the halfling and the girl, if she is well enough to be moved. He was most . . . insistent." Then he cocks an eyebrow at Kal, waiting for the human to take the lead.

[Joe]

TEAM K

Streko rises and takes Rinti's hand. He glances up at Condign, with a grin.

"Rinti and I shall go tell our side of the story, my Lord Kalarian. And then, the Teifling can relate yours and his side of it, including the stranger who may or may not have been a part of this. After all, the poisoned arrow in the hill giant's neck had to come from SOMEWHERE, yes?"

Streko grimaces a moment, then smiles and shrugs. "Oh, of course, I neglected to mention that detail in all the fuss over Rinti. The ettin escaped the Hill Giant's hold due to the giant being struck by a poisoned arrow. In the neck. Which, I suspect, may have come from the stranger above or an accomplice."

He looks across at the girl. "Now, shall we, dear child? Our imperial warforged inquisitor awaits."

[Darren]

Kal sticks his nose high into the air and wrinkles his face up as though he has smelled something rotten. "Very well," he says with exaggerated annoyance. He begins to stride regally forward, pushing his sleeves up along the way. He stops before the warforged and studies him over his upturned nose. "What may Kalarian d'Deneith do for you, Master Warforged? Now that my companions and I have dispatched this threat to your city, how else may we be of service to you? We shall try to be brief, as we wouldn't want to waste too much of your very valuable time." The sarcasm drips from Kal's tongue like fresh honey.

[Jeff]

Team K

The Iron Watch warforged stands looking down at the ettin. Before him, the half-orc woman is speaking, explaining her point of view to him, even as she nurses her clearly-broken arm. Her face is a mask of pain and determination.

When Kal finally comes up and speaks to him, the warforged lets him finish.

"Kalarian d'Deneith," the warforged repeats. "I shall remember this name and report it to my superiors." A pause. "My lord."

Kal catches the eye of the half-orc woman. She manages a friendly, small-tusked smile through her pain. "Thank you for your valor," she says. "And that of your companions." She shares her smile with Condign and Streko, and wonderment shines in her eyes at the three of you in total. "I think...I'd be dead if you hadn't."

The woman leans her axe in the crook of her elbow and extends her good hand out. "I am Huru d'Tharashk. I am honored to know you."

Kal feels an instinctive pulse of warning: Tharashk is Deneith's chief rival, particularly in the mercenary trade. While House Deneith dominates the market of hired soldiers, House Tharashk is known for having an edge in the monstrous hired muscle side of the business: goblins, orcs, and more. But he knows it's mere house prejudice. He's met pleasant Tharashk heirs and known some asinine Deneiths.

Each of you recalls that Sem Darlesh and Larest have both mentioned House Tharashk as being one of the most obvious rivals in seeking the Eye of Azalar. It bears the Mark of Finding. No one is better than a human or half-orc of Tharashk as finding lost things.

"You have done very well, it seems," the warforged interrupts impassively and nods his head again at Kal. "I am to understand that these victims"—he gestures to the slain—"were the work of the ettin, and not your own doing."

"That is so," Huru d'Tharashk says. "Were it not for Lord Kalarian and his associates, the dead would number dozens, I am sure of it." A wince of pain crosses her not unpleasant face. "Master warforged...if you will come with me to the Jorasco house of healing, I will then accompany you if you wish to make a report on this incident."

"Yes," the Iron Watch 'forged says, looking around. "The Stormreach Guard will find others to clean up this mess."

Meanwhile, you notice that the hill giant is coming to. He rolls up into a sitting position, looking bewildered....but the dumb, brutish look on his face sharpens into tragedy as he looks around at the bloody scene.

[Joe]

TEAM K

Streko has a quick thought, then looks up at Kal.

"My Lord, if I may?" Before his friend can speak, Streko moves toward Huru, but turns quickly to Condign. "Perhaps you might assist the Hill Giant. Get on friendly terms. Assist him in his grief."

Then he steps up to the half-orc warrior.

"My Lady, I am from House Jorasco. If I may have a look at your arm, perhaps I can end your pain sooner, rather than later. As to why I would do so, well, we are new to your fair city and the more friends we have, the more enjoyable our stay will be."

With that, Streko allows his Holy Symbol to flair with the power of Olladra. He whispers Huru's full name and calls out to his Goddess, then places his palms on either side of her broken arm.

The Holy Symbol pulses with energy that whisks down his arms and into the injured extremity, surrounding it, enveloping it in a soft glow before seemingly melting into her arm.
____________________________________________________

Streko casts HEALING WORD on Huru.

[Ken]

Team B

"Now then. This map of yours sounds promising...err, Master...Nerrin, is it? Aye, there are others who would be interested in it, should it prove genuine—another matter in itself. It might be that our house could broker a buyer for you. If you wish to be selective about your customer and the weight of his gold."

"But I wonder," he adds, "How genuine a map to Gerhest can be. The place is purported to appear every ten years in one of two places. Or...is this a map of Gerhest, of the place itself? That would be a rarity indeed. It is well known in Xen'drik as an old abandoned ruin yet thick with guardians and traps. Giant spiders, golems, and the spirits of the dead. If the stories are to be believed."

The old dwarf steps forward and inclines his head and extends a hand to Belarin—the bodyguard places a hand on the handle of his hammer at the same time. "My name is Worgan d'Kundarak. This is my niece, Lady Diesa d'Kundarak."

At the official introduction, Belarin inclines his head -- or rather hunches his shoulders a little more. It seems to be the best that Nerrin can do with his slightly twisted form. He's about to respond when Shorak and Adamant speak up. He's grateful for the delay, but he pointedly directs Nerrin's scowl at his two servants for their unrequested commentary.

Jan 8, 2012 9:27:08 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Lady Diesa chuckles, seeming amused by the banter between Master Nerrin's choice of servants. "We can arrange a deal to suit your concerns," she says. "My elder cousin is Lord Korbek d'Kundarak ... and has the ear of Yorrick Amanatu himself. We are in a position to arrange for a purchase."

Lord Wargon frowns but for the moment says nothing. He seems less eager to keep talking about this.

"Have you got the map with you?" Diesa says, looking Belarin up and down. He can practically see the platinum stacking up in her eyes.

"In this area, my good Lady Diesa? Oh ho ho," he says with a self-amused chortle. "Certainly not, not based on what I've heard and seen. It is safe." He looks around them once more, before continuing in a conspiratorial voice. "Your offer is intriguing, my Lady. Most intriguing. Yes, a tidy profit and an end to my servant's tongue waggling? What is not to like?" He scornfully glances at Adamant before shrugging. "Ah, Redoubt was well named. He re-doubts my safety again and again! Yes, yes, heh heh....

"But I can sense that you, Lord Worgan, wisely wish that we not continue this conversation in such an environment. Very sensible, sir. What is prudent to tell you now is that the map is not of Gerhest, but of an unknown -- and arcane -- route to it, near the Ring of Storms. As you are clearly businesspeople of fine standing, I shall continue to speak frankly and admit to a shortcoming. As used to dealing with politicians and bureaucratic drudgeons as I am, I lack the expertise in this sort of enterprise to quickly distinguish the legitimate buyers from those who would waste my time.

"That is why I am so pleased by your interest to act as a broker. You have demonstrated a sharp business insight, and I am sure we can come to an equitable arrangement that will satisfy all of us. Perhaps we can even toast to those less-sensible folks who decide to pay you gold for the directions to the doom that you so well describe, my Lord. May I send a message -- perhaps through Shorak here -- to arrange a meeting, and a proper examination and transaction?"

____________________
That good enough for a Diplomacy check, Jeff?

Update: Diplomacy check (1d20+5=12). Feh.

[Jeff]

Sure is. Roll it, sir!

[Darren]

"Hmph," Kal says, looking down at the half-orc. "Tharashk. I should have known. It explains why I had to save you." Kal's voice is somewhere between serious and gentle ribbing. Part of him probably believes what he's saying.

It has been so long ingrained in him during his years at Sentinel Tower that Tharashk were nothing but a bunch of thugs looking to take market share away from Deneith. It's probably even true. But as Kal has learned since the lightning rail platform in Fairhaven, every story has two sides to it.

Once Streko's healing magic has finished its work, Kal extends a hand to the woman, helping her get off the ground. "It was our pleasure to help, d'Tharashk. Remember what you have seen here today." The grip of Kal's right hand, his dragonmarked arm, tightens for a moment. "Should I have need, I will call upon you to return the favor."

[Dave B.]

Team B

Shorak follows the conversation carefully, nodding in confirmation in regards to the safety of the map, looking a bit smug when Nerrin glares at Adamant for speaking out of turn, reacting to the conversation in the way he hopes will be a benefit to Belarin's attempt to win their trust.

He puts all his effort in to playing the dutiful servant.

I don't know if you'll allow this Jeff, but I have to try.
Diplomacy assist (1d20+6=18)

[Jeff]

Team B

You see approval flash across Worgan and Diesa d'Kundarak's faces when Belarin says that the map is not here, that it's safe; somehow that lends credence to your bluff. The Kundarak dwarves have been secreting away treasures for centuries. That's what they do.

But as Belarin goes on to describe the map a little more, you see a slowly ebbing interest. He glances briefly at Shorak, then back to Belarin. "The Ring of Storms," Worgan repeats when Belarin finishes. "So your map is only half as valuable as you surmise. The problem with Gerhest is that no one knows where it will appear this time around. Traditionally, it appears in one of two places. Near the Ring of Storms...that is one place. But it might be elsewhere. And there is rumor that there will be a third possibility this year. That is why few of the parties seeking it have departed yet. No one wishes to chance it."

"Indeed," Diesa remarks. "That is what the ga—"

"Hush, my dear," her uncle interrupts, and even holds up a hand at her. She frowns angrily at him.

Worgan d'Kundarak goes on. "I was rather hoping your map would be a theoretical prize to the one who chooses the right location, a map of the ruin itself. That would be a rarity worth platinum." He sighs. "As much as I would like to discuss this further, I'm not sure it would be a valuable use of your time, Master Nerrin." His tone sounds very...diplomatic.

_______________________

Belarin's Diplomacy check: 12 (failure #1)

Alas, Dave: Nodding and expressions aren't enough for an assist. But with Ken's roll, it wouldn't have mattered if it were.

Okay, one more skill use (from either Adamant or Shorak) is needed, and yup, this can make or break the challenge!

[Jeff]

Team K

Huru's eyes widen when Streko offers healing for free and then enacts it. As he grasps her arm, he can feel the vibrations of her bones fusing together again and righting themselves. She gasps from the pain, then it's gone completely.

"I...." She seems at a loss. Then she looks at Streko with new eyes. "You are an Olladran and a Jorasco healer? Then I am indebted to House Deneith and House Jorasco this day."

Kal:

"It was our pleasure to help, d'Tharashk. Remember what you have seen here today..."Should I have need, I will call upon you to return the favor."

"Please do, Lord Kalarian." Holding up her no-longer-wounded arm and marveling at it for a moment, she points with it southward. "I live in Graystone, in Cross, and work at the enclave. Call on me there, my lord." She smiles and reddens slightly. "I will give you whatever favors I can."

The warforged, caring little for this part, turns and approaches the hill giant before Condign has a chance to. The giant struggles to rise. The construct says something to him that you can't quite make out.

The hill giant responds, quiet, too, but his voice is too deep and strong to go unheard. His Common is broken and thickly accented in what is obviously the Giant tongue. "Was leaving city. Go to Tents. Was taking...ettin...from the Red Ring. Bought...freedom. Trouble no one." The giant thumps his chest, inches from where the crossbow bolt had poisoned him. "Someone...wanted let loose."

"That is what I told the Iron Watchman," Huru says by way of explanation to Kal, Condign, and Streko. "The Rusheme was escorting the ettin..." She indicates the strange green rope on the ground. "It was docile, calm. But a marksman, the one who got away, shot the ettin first, then its handler, angering it. It got loose..."

Huru swears suddenly, with a vicious orcish curse. "Wait...I've seen that man before! Shit of the Six, I think he was after me. This was all...for me." She looks around, rage in her eyes, and she breathes deeply. Her orcish temper flares to the fore as she speaks quiet and lower, more to herself than to you. "I'll kill that bastard...for this slaughter. This was...attempted sabotage. If they kill me, they figure they'll cripple our opera—"

She looks up at Kal again and her face reddens again. "I am sorry."

[Darren]

Kal's eyes widen. "After you? Just how important are you, Huru? Or is it Lady Huru?" Kal flashes her a smile.

[Brian]

Team K
Condign smiles at the half-orc's colorful metaphors. When she is done with her rant, he listens to Kal's question, and then he adds, "Can you tell us more about his man, my lady? Perhaps his name, description, and affiliation, if he has any. I sense that what he has against you and what he had hoped to gain are not proper questions . . . for now."

[Jeff]

Team K

Kal knows that every legitimate dragonmarked heir is afford the title of "lord" or "lady," though many decline to use it.

Kal:

"After you? Just how important are you, Huru? Or is it Lady Huru?"

"I am not so important. My house is another matter."

Condign:

"Can you tell us more about his man, my lady? Perhaps his name, description, and affiliation, if he has any. I sense that what he has against you and what he had hoped to gain are not proper questions . . . for now."

"I don't know who that was. Just a damned assassin." Huru is starting to calm. "But sent by whom? Right now there are too many factions to count." Then her brows come together and she looks at Kal with a guarded expression. "What good fortune brought you here, Lord Kalarian? To the Market just now, I mean."

Rinti speaks up. She's been looking for an opportunity to jump in. "My lord, when that man grabbed me, he asked me who you were. 'Who are they?' he said. We mucked with his plans."

Huru nods. "You may have made yourself a new enemy by intervening."

You have the sense that there is definitely more to this story. But you don't think she's lying about anything; she's just careful about what to say. Streko, meanwhile, thinks the half-orc woman is becoming paranoid on top of it. She might even be wondering if your arrival was not so coincidental, that perhaps she's concerned that Kal, being from the rival House Deneith, might have had something to do with it the assassin. There is always political and economic tension between the dragonmarked houses, but there seems something special here in Stormreach right now and he can sense it in Huru d'Tharashk right now. Something's going on...

____________________________

Some Insight checks have been made.

[Dave W.]

Team B
Adamant watches the dwarf politely brush off Belarin. He feels the moment starting to slip, a moment he believes was arranged by Dol Arrah. My Lady,[/i] Adamant begs silently, forgive me if I misunderstand what You need of me. And if it is allowed, Your vassal asks if You might ask Your Sister-Goddess, Olladra to shine favorably on this desperate gamble.[/i] After a pause he adds, Also may Belarin forgive me.[/i]

The warforged's wooden ligaments creak as his hands ball into fists and release again. Redoubt turns his head to glare down at Nerrin. One bass syllable fills the store, "No."

One deep tone falls upon the next, an avalanche of will, "This. is. not. acceptable. Nerrin."

"That weak effort? You are not even trying to broker the map. You don't hear or understand… the gods are involved in events. You will[/b] dispose of this thing and quickly. "

"You have not told Lord d'Kundarak of paladin Urthadar's claims… of the visions… of him 'wearing the Aspect of the Light in the Dark'… and most importantly of the notes he recorded on[/b] the wretched thing. An 'unknown arcane route', that's how you put it? By Balinor's swinging cod," Your vassal begs pardon.[/i] "… it's not a route… it's the key[/b]."

"Do you really need to know about this Gerhest place so badly that you would sabotage a potential opportunity here?"

"Oh, wait, please do not say this is related to that Kalarian d'Deneith, person. You can not mean to sell him the map? That egotist? These seem like very respectable dwarves; you would rather put the power of this treasure into Deneith hands?"

Adamant finally addresses Worgan, "Sir, I ask that you meet with this fool," he waves to Belarin, "… no, send a surrogate… but see the map and more importantly the notations before rejecting this opportunity."

---------------------------
Well, apparently Adamant is having trouble intimidating Belarin…
Intimidate vs ? (1d20+14=16)

Still I like the Adamant growth here… you guys are going to turn him into a criminal yet!

[Dave B.]

Team B

Shorak bows his head, hand covering his face in apparent dismay during the warforged's diatribe. Good thing he did, because he couldn't help but smirk slightly at Adamant's performance. A little frightening, but still a fine show.

Shall Shorak teach Adamant to pick locks next?

[Joe]

TEAM K

Streko clears his throat and gestures to Kal. "If I may, my Lord?"

He bows deeply and ceremoniously. "My Lady Huru, we are from Khorvaire on a quest of great importance. And believe me, my Lord Kalaraian welcomes any new enemies that may attempt to keep us from our intended goal. However, as we just recently arrived, enemies are not what we seek. Friends, on the other hand, are invaluable. This child, for instance..."

Streko takes Rinti's hand and pulls her up next to him.

"...promised to guide us to House d'Deneith in order that we might begin preparations for our quest, which lies, sadly, outside your fair city."

He glances down at Rinti with a smile. "For a fair price, I might add."

He turns back to Huru. "Her unwavering instincts brought us to this place and, as a healer for House Jorasco and a cleric of Olladra of the Sovereign Host, I fear I cannot stand idly by as I hear the cries for help coming from innocents. Nor can my Lord Kalarian, nor my compatriot, Condign.

"I fear that we have once again been dragged, unwillingly, from our primary goal and thrust into the local arena. I can assure you, however, that we have no desire to remain or become involved in the mechanations of Stormreach or her proud Houses. We simply wish to prepare for our long journey and, frankly, to learn once more how to walk on solid earth. The sea voyage from Khorvaire was, at best, trying."

He takes a deep breath and looks back at Kal for just a moment, as if willing him to read his thoughts, before turning back to Huru.

"As a friend, however, and one who may be in need of assistance, we would, of course, be willing to hear your plight and offer what assistance we may, should it not unduly impede our own plans away from here. Despite our Houses, we are no threat to each other in any way. This is not our homeland and we know not what intrigues may be occuring here. Your insights may assist us much more than our own..."

Streko looks back at Kalarian and bows low. "...my own...careless bumblings..." He turns back to face Huru, looking directly into her eyes. "...and demands for justice for the innocent and those who have been harmed in the performance of thier duties."
____________________________________________________

Streko tries a little diplomacy.

Skill check: 1d20+10=19

[Jeff]

Team B

During Adamant's performance, the dwarven bodyguard actually takes a step forward. His weapons never comes out, but neither does his hand leave the handle. The Kundarak dwarves themselves have slightly widened eyes, and their expressions are a mixture of surprise and confusion.

Confusion, mostly. The dissension among Belarin's group seems to have made them a bit standoffish.

"I see," Worgan d'Kundarak remarks.

"Indeed," Diesa says. She looks with curiosity at Adamant. "If you are so insistent that your master be rid of his map, why not destroy it? Are you so fearful and superstitious of it?"

Worgan clears his throat and faces Belarin. "You are not quite, err, committed to a course of action. This much I can see, Master Nerrin. I advise you to get on the same page with your servants. Understand, the validity of your map is what matters first. If you're willing to bring the map to the Kundarak Enclave in Coasthold and present it for a thorough examination, perhaps House Kundarak may still serve your interests."

Lady Diesa turns and continues her browsing, no longer participating, as Worgan remains standing by his bodyguard.

______________________________

Adamant's Intimidate check: 16 (failure #2)

A very good job, guys. It wasn't in the dice, but it wasn't for lack of trying. You'll still get some XP for the effort! And as I said, this isn't a closed thread. You don't get to learn the solid info these dwarves might have had for you right now, but this hook is still open if you're willing to keep following it.

[Darren]

Kal folds his arms and places a hand on his chin, his posture leaning back a bit as he listens to Streko. He smiles at Huru the whole time. "So you see, d'Tharashk, we are on the same side. I have many enemies, and it seems I'm destined to have many more. But whoever attacked you....well, we just happened to get in the way." Anger begins to drip into Kal's voice, leaks trickling through cracks in the dam. "And that bastard nearly killed my guide. If he is your enemy, then you now have a very powerful ally against him."

___________
Kal will assist Streko in his Diplomacy.

[Jeff]

Team K

Huru's suspicion seems to diminish, but it looks hard to kill outright. She shakes her head at Streko's babbling, but her demeanor softens from it.

"You have just arrived here then, my lords? You have not yet been to the Deneith Enclave? You are not...stationed there?" The half-orc looks surprised, then glances over curiously at Condign. "I didn't hear your name, master....?" She extends a hand, and Condign sees her arm looks strong—this is a warrior's handclasp.

Kal guesses that a warrior and heir of Tharashk, upon seeing an exotic warrior like Condign in the company of a Deneith heir, would assume him to be a recruit. Perhaps even for the Blademarks. As rare as tieflings are, he assumes both Deneith and Tharashk would be interested in appraising the combat skills of a tiefling.

__________________________

Kal's Diplomacy assist (1d20+12=15)
Streko's Diplomacy check: 19 (+2 assist) = 21

[Brian]

Team K

The half-orc looks surprised, then glances over curiously at Condign. "I didn't hear your name, master....?" She extends a hand, and Condign sees her arm looks strong—this is a warrior's handclasp.

Condign grips Huru's hand firmly. "I am called Condign, my lady. I am pleased to see that you are well." He releases her hand and glances meaningfully at the corpse of the ettin. "My lord Kalarian made short work of that creature, but, sadly, not before it killed many innocent lives. It was truly a vile act to set such a monster loose on an unsuspecting public." His gold eyes find her again. "The person who ordered this--the person you seem to know--will not be happy. He will not be happy that you are alive, and he will not be happy that we have ruined his plans. From my experience, that is motive for revenge. And as I am tasked with keeping safe the son of--" He abruptly stops. "My apologizes. I am tasked with keeping safe my lord Kalarian. My job would be made easier if I knew with whom we have just made enemies."

He then turns to Kal. "I do not wish to tarry long here, my lord. This delay has put us behind our scheduled arrival, and you have other . . . tasks to complete today."

__________________________

I guess this would be another effort at diplomacy. I'm trying to get a little more info out of Huru. Plus, I'm throwing in a bit a intrigue to solidify her interest in Kal.

Diplomacy Check: (1d20+11=17)

[Jeff]

Team K

"Con...dign," Huru says, taking the tiefling's offered hand and giving it a firm clasp.

Condign:

"My lord Kalarian made short work of that creature, but, sadly, not before it killed many innocent lives."

"No need for modesty," she says. "You hardly shied from the beast. You are greatly skilled with that sword." She indicates the broadsword he continues to have to hold in hand.

Condign:

"The person who ordered this--the person you seem to know--will not be happy."

Huru shakes her head. "No, I don't know who sent that man after me...who used the opportunity presented by the ettin. It is enough to know that one of House Tharashk's enemies are involved. I couldn't...say any more than that." She looks back to Kal. "But please, my Lord Kalarian, call on me again if you have need of my services. I'll be in town at least for another couple of days. Then..."

She reddens slightly, averting her eyes. She seems strangely demure for a strong half-orc warrior and an heir of Tharashk. "Well, you have a friend in Stormreach. It is a city without many to offer. Call on me at the Tharashk Enclave if you wish."

Huru isn't offering any more right now. She turns to speak with the Iron Watch warforged again. The warforged turns and nods again at Kal. "Lord Kalarian," he says. "Thank you for your assistance here."

Despite the triumph, you already begin to hear the wailing of those mourning. Some of the friends and family of the dead are showing up. It brings back fresh, unexpected memories to Kal of the fringes of the Last War that he witnessed out on the Plains.

"We should get out of here," Rinti whispers, tugging on Kal's sleeve. "To Forgelight and the enclave?"

___________________________

That's more of a Bluff thing than Diplomacy, Brian, at least the bit about who Kal is the son of. In any case, not quite high enough to yield anything.

[Darren]

Funny...I assumed Brian was going to say "...a female dog".

Team K

Kal considers giving Huru a flourishing bow, then nods instead. After all, you only bow to your superiors. But a show of respect is in order, and Kal does like this particular member of House Tharashk. "It has been a pleasure, Huru d'Tharashk. Please, let everyone in your house know that I am happy to help."

Turning away from Huru, Kal looks down towards Rinti. "No more delays, now, okay? And no more lying down on the job. I'm not paying you to sleep." He smiles warmly at her, letting her know that he is just joking.

Kalarian takes one last look at the survivors gathering around the fallen and his heart sinks. We did what we could, he thinks, but he knows it's a refrain he heard over and over again during the war, and it sounds as hollow now as it did then. With a sad shake of his head, Kal moves to follow Rinti.

[Ken]

Team B

Jan 11, 2012 23:24:05 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Worgan clears his throat and faces Belarin. "You are not quite, err, committed to a course of action. This much I can see, Master Nerrin. I advise you to get on the same page with your servants. Understand, the validity of your map is what matters first. If you're willing to bring the map to the Kundarak Enclave in Coasthold and present it for a thorough examination, perhaps House Kundarak may still serve your interests."

Lady Diesa turns and continues her browsing, no longer participating, as Worgan remains standing by his bodyguard.

Belarin (as Nerrin) glared at his warforged bodyguard while Adamant spoke, and he still has an irritated look on his face when Worgan and Diesa finally comment.

Ah well, a worthy effort, he thinks. With a tight smile and a placating look in his eyes, he says to the dwarves, "Lord Worgan, Lady Diesa, thank you for your advice. Once I have conclusively determined the map's authenticity, I shall indeed come calling. The interest and wisdom you have shown will be rewarded. Good day." He bows his head respectuflly, and then he turns to his two companions and says crisply, "Shorak. Come. And you, you superstitious scrapheap, come as well. Or we'll be late for our appointment." And with that, he limps out of the shop.

Expecting the Kundarak bodyguard to be watching them, he waits until they're out of sight before speaking to Shorak and Adamant.

[Jeff]

Team K

Rinti leads you on again, passing through the bustle and oblivious crowds of Marketplace. Just a few turns in the street and the surging life all around you makes it hard to believe you've just witnessed brutal death.

When you pass through the massive stone wall and gate into Forgelight, Kal and Condign both recognize the warrior's trade all around. No-nonsense humans dominate this district, and nearly everyone walks about with armor or weapons (or both). This region is the dominion of bodyguards, hirelings, guards, metalworking, armories and weapon smiths. You fit right in.

The hammering of smithies fills the air, as well as the tromp of foot traffic and the roar of furnaces. It isn’t quiet, but it is hushed. The people here don’t seem to waste words; they go about their business with a grim and admirable efficiency of language and motion that infects the whole district with an aura of oppressive seriousness.

You see inns and taverns as well as shops and foundries. Condign immediately thinks that this place must have a seller of scabbards...

Clear across the district at the far end you immediately see a large fort rising up from a hill. And Kal instantly recognizes the style of his house. It looks more like a fortress than a palace. And now that Kal sees it, he recognizes the influence that House Deneith has over this entire district. Here and there, Blademarks go about their business and their orders. He spots a few emblems of the Defenders Guild as well.

Rinti smiles up at Kal, then looks around curiously. He doesn't think the girl ventures into this part of the city very much. And given the gruff nature of its inhabitants, he doubts they'd tolerate unruly children for long.

[Jeff]

Team B

The bodyguard moves aside to allow Belarin's party to pass. On your wait out, Shorak does hear Worgan say something to his niece. All the half-drow can make out is "...Deneith."

[Ken]

Team B

Once they're out of sight of the shop, Belarin slows his pace and says conspiratorially to Shorak and Adamant, "Heads held high, my friends. You did magificently back there, both of you. Not as big a catch as we might have snared, but better than nothing, especially as it was a chance meeting. And you--" he looks at Adamant "--you stunned me! Such a wonderful performance -- completely improvised, no less!"

Looking forward again, he mutters, "A map of Gerhest itself? Should've anticipated that. Oh well. No, no, stop that complaining back there, before I force you to recall the memory of Kal's poetry. That's better..."

He speaks to Shorak again. "If we're not bering followed... perhaps a visit to a place where I can get the necessary supplies to finish the map?"

___________________________________
Dave and Dave: If either of you has parting words for the Kundaraks before we leave, feel free. Don't let this post dissuade you.

[Dave B.]

Shorak bows to each of the dwarven nobles in turn. "Good day to you both." He nods a farewell to their bodyguard and follows Nerrin/Belarin out the door.

When Belarin asks about map supplies a short time later, he replies, "Of course. There are several shops in Locksmith Square, where my lodgings are. Once I've taken care of my rent, we'll stop by and get you the supplies you need to finish your masterpiece."

He smiles widely at Adamant. "Yes, that was a marvelous performance. Let me know when you want some lessons in lockpicking or any other stealthy skills."

[Darren]

Kal smiles and lets out a satisfied laugh. "Yes! This is more like it!" He rubs his hands together in delight. "Marvelous, isn't it, Rinti? War is a terrible thing, but an army camp has a certain life to it. Almost like this place here. The only difference is, most of these people are not likely to march off to their deaths tomorrow."

Kalarian breathes in deeply, taking in as much of the place as he can. "Okay, first a bit of business. Condign, you must stop carrying that sword around. You look ridiculous. Let's get it properly stowed away. Then off to the enclave. We'll stop back here again on the way out to do a bit of shopping." Kal's expression grows a bit more serious. "Perhaps we should find a weapon for you, as well, Rinti. And then we must teach you to use it. What do you think? A shortsword, perhaps? You're too small for a quarterstaff....." Kal begins to stroll past vendors, hand on his chin, occasionally looking from a weapon over to Rinti and back again.