Chapter 11: This Civilized Veneer

[Jeff]

Chapter 11

This Civilized Veneer

Wir, the 11th of Aryth 998 YK dawns bright and early. It's only your second day in Stormreach and it feels like you've been here a week.

While Adamant has watched the sky through the window slowly bleed from star-filled black to deep blue, both shades offset only by the golden line of the Ring of Siberys which arcs through the heavens only a little bit to the south. By the time true morning comes, he's already heard the shuffle, grumble, and distant murmur of Cyrans going about their lives beyond the window in Dannel's Pride. It sounds so very much like High Walls. It's seems like forever since he heard his countrymen laugh or sing.

Nevertheless, hope never fades, and with the rising of Dol Arrah's light the warforged hears through the misery the sounds of life in these people.

One by one, the rest of you rise and greet the day. The day is bright, but far too warm. The sky is blue and almost cloudless, and you feel a great deal better than you did last night, though a few aches and pains linger. You could have used another hour or two of sleep, but there's much to do today.

You find Rinti and Starg sitting on the floor in the suite's central chamber, evidently playing some sort of minotaur game comprised of bone pegs in a small wooden board. The two seem to have become fast friends. Tangat is lying on the floor next to them, panting contentedly.

Larest is also up, perusing some of his books and notes. There is no sign of Histra, and Sem Darlesh seems to still be sleeping.

"I realize it will be a busy day," Larest says without looking up. "Perhaps before the madness begins, you will wish to visit the message station of House Sivis, which is situated in the House Kundarak enclave. In case there's....anyone you wish to contact in Sharn."

He keeps his stolid gaze in his books, but you hear a faint note of regret.

____________________________

Everyone's got max hit points (and a few of you now have more hit points and a higher surge value), all your healing surges back, all powers recharged, and 1 action point. Have at it!

[Darren]

Kal rises with stretch, his arms extended well above his head and his back arched, twisting out the kinks. Despite the previous day's activities, he feels somehow stronger for all that has happened. A grin spreads across his face, and involuntarily he curls his hand into a fist as though testing that strength. Before pushing himself up from the bed, he tightens the straps around his right leg, then grabs his shirt and buttons it up as he walks out the main room.

"Good morning, Rinti," he says as he emerges. "And to you, Starg. Don't distract her too much. I need her focused, today." Kal smiles, then catches Tangat's eye and winks at the dog. It's an odd expression, really. Tangat seems far too smart. How can a dog understand Kal's humor?

"Professor, have you been up all night? You must get more sleep. It's effecting your appearance." Kal grins as he sits down across from Larest. "Just a bit of a joke, Larest. No need to get upset." Kalarian grows more serious. "Yes, there is quite a bit to do today, but perhaps a message back to Sharn would not be a bad thing. There are those who should know where we are, and those who are probably sick with worry." Kal spares a glance across the room towards Streko, imagining the halfling thinking of his parents, while his own thoughts lingering on Varna a bit longer than he can control.

"First, a proper breakfast. Then we'll make our way to Sivis, and immediately after that to the Deneith enclave." Kal turns his head to Rinti, making sure she heard the order of march. "Let us be off within the bell, yes?"

[Dave W.]

The first rays of light brighten Adamant's emotions considerably. She rises again; how can we not rise with Her? He needs to raise his voice in reply, but looks to see some of his friends still asleep.

"Quietly then," the warforged quietly chants She Battles the Dark, We Praise the Light", an ancient hymn to Dol Arrah.  

Adamant greets everyone as they wake, but is distracted with thoughts of High Walls and Streko's parents. He watches the little human and the large Minotaur play the game but doesn't really pay close attention.

Adamant agrees with Kal and the Professor, "Yes there is much to do. I would like to send a note to the Tavvens and perhaps a thought for Luthwen." He taps his left leg, "But I should get this looked at. I wonder if Spindrift would be available to introduce that artificer."
_________
we will see tomorrow if I have access at the beach. If we don't and Adamant disappears for a while, he could be at the artificer... I'm still hoping we'll have wifi,  I'm not sure my kids would survive...

[Joe]

Streko frowns, reminded again of his method of leaving Sharn. "Yes, I will want to visit Sivis as soon as possible."

He glances over at Kal and smiles. "After a proper breakfast, of course."

[Brian]

Condign's eyes open. He spent years living with the hazards of the Demon Wastes, and by habit he wakes fully, his ears straining to detect any hint of danger. He hears Kal and Streko, and the failed professor. The others are already awake.

Sliding out of bed, he dons his clothes and armor. He feels refreshed, almost invigorated. Still, he needs to find time to train. He cannot recall when he went through his patterns. Lorjad would beat him about the shoulders and horns for such laxness.

He takes a moment to retie the hair braid around his wrist, and then proceeds out to the central room.

Kal is talking about the plans for the day. A message to Sharn? He was supposed to meet the changling woman. He glances guiltily down at the hair braid. Well...yes, he had been lonely. And it would be proper to send her word as to why he didn't show.

"Breakfast is a fine idea," Condign says. His gaze finds Larest. "Did you have any concrete plans for us?"

[Dave B.]

Shorak rises feeling much better for a good night's rest.

"I'm planning on heading over to the bank after breakfast. Anyone care to join me?" He looks at the clothes he wore yesterday and those he is wearing today and frowns. "I will certainly need to do some shopping today. I didn't get a chance to grab any fresh clothing before my lodgings were burned down."

[Jeff]

When it comes to shopping, or even Adamant seeing to an artificer, we can hand-wave a lot of that, as long as I'm clear what everyone's after. I'll summarize it, in that case.

Best to just list off what you want to do rather than worry about breaking up into different groups and all that.

I probably won't get a chance to post again until tomorrow.

[Ken]

Belarin sleeps deeply and quietly. Although he barely stirs, his dreams are full of hobbling accountants wrapped in shadows. They surround him and wave ledgers in his face, telling him that his actions have a cost -- and it'll soon be time to pay. A chilling blanket of darkness covers him...

...and he wakes up. He soon discovers that he seems to be the last of his friends to do so. He moves slowly. Although he's rested, the previous day was not an easy one, and he wishes he had another full day of slumber.

Stepping out of the room, he greets the others and looks around. "So... any word from Histra?" Pause. "I'll take that as a 'no.' I hope she's all right."

"I'm planning on heading over to the bank after breakfast. Anyone care to join me?" He looks at the clothes he wore yesterday and those he is wearing today and frowns. "I will certainly need to do some shopping today. I didn't get a chance to grab any fresh clothing before my lodgings were burned down."

"I'll go with you, Shorak," says Belarin. "Or rather Nerrin will. It'll look better if Shorak's 'employer' is there to, ahem, authenticate the transfer of funds. Give me ten minutes or so to put him back on, will you?"

[Jeff]

"Breakfast is a fine idea," Condign says. His gaze finds Larest. "Did you have any concrete plans for us?"

Larest shakes his head. "The only solid plan is to secure an invitation to the palace for tonight. It may be difficult. But again, I think our best hopes lie in Lords Kalarian and Streko, as it seems likely that their houses may already have a connection. Wealth and influence is all the Coin Lords care for."

When no one else answers Belarin's question, Starg looks up. "The lady Histra has not been seen yet this day."

Belarin and Shorak ready themselves to depart, bound for the House Kundarak enclave and vaults. It is also there that House Sivis has their offices and keeps their messaging station. Therefore Adamant and Streko could go with them, and it wouldn't be too far to swing through the Harbor and visit the Merrow Down.

Where will Kal and Condign go?

[Darren]

Kal retrieves the note from Larest, then holds it up for Streko. "If you are going to the bank, would you take this for me? I'd like to get to the Sivis station before going to Deneith, and there is so much to do today that I don't think I'll have the time." Kal then goes to his room to retrieve writing implements and begins to pen several letters.

_____________________
Jeff, I'll put Kal's letters in the private thread.

[Ken]

"Thank you, Starg," replies Belarin after the minotaur answers his question about Histra.

He then returns to his room and reapplies his makeup as Nerrin Blackwell. He hobbles out and says in Nerrin's complaining voice, "Thunderation, Shorak, are you ready yet? I've met courtesans who take less time to pretty themselves up!" He straightens up and continues in his normal voice, "Ah, that's better. I simply had to wake up Nerrin a bit. He's a bit crotchedy first thing in the morning. Ready, my friend?" Shorak isn't sure if the question is directed at him or something within Belarin's puzzling mind.

A pause. "Oh, Shorak... I think I'll take my dagger back if you don't mind. I felt somewhat naked without it during yesterday's dance with our fire-loving imbeciles. Thank you." Once the pact dagger is back in his hand, Belarin feels a pleasantly warm rush through his veins. "That reminds me..." he says. "We go nowhere without strong coffee first."

[Brian]

Condign waits until Belarin is finished, and then turns to Adamant. "If Kalarian is going to the messengers, I should go with him. Keeping up appearances and all. If you could deposit this for me, I would be grateful."

He hold out the bank note to the warforged.

[Joe]

Streko takes Kal's offering.

"Perhaps we should go as a group, first to House Sivis and then to House Kandarak...which will place into the minds of those watching us that we needed to make contact with someone and then perhaps make payment. OR should it be the other way around? I shall let those with better ideas regarding financing to choose the correct order."

[Darren]

Kal looks up from his seat at the table across from Larest. "Good idea, Streko. You go with Nerrin here, play up my interest in the map. Make it seem like you are going with Nerrin to Kundarak to confirm my ability to meet his price. I will head over to the Sivis station. Anyone watching me might assume that I am sending word of our quest back to our associates in Sharn." Kal's gaze sweeps across the room. "If anyone has messages they wish me to carry, I will take them for you."

Kal stands and begins to walk towards his room. "Once I've completed my tasks there, I will return to the Deneith enclave. Streko and Condign, I'd like you to be there with me. Can you meet me there by the tenth bell?" Kalarian pauses as he walks past Streko, his back to Larest. Even though his voice is low, he still speaks in Halfling. "Depending on the outcome of that meeting, if there is time, I would also like to investigate this Onyx Fountain." Another pause. "I have written a message for Varna. If you'd like me to send her a message from you, as well, I will carry it for you." Kal places a hand on Streko's shoulder, his own head lowered, unable to think of more words to say. He gives Streko's shoulder a squeeze, then goes into his room to don his best clothing, grab his weapons and pack, and head out for the day.

[Joe]

Aug 8, 2012 9:58:03 GMT -4 Darren said:

Kal looks up from his seat at the table across from Larest. "Good idea, Streko. You go with Nerrin here, play up my interest in the map. Make it seem like you are going with Nerrin to Kundarak to confirm my ability to meet his price. I will head over to the Sivis station. Anyone watching me might assume that I am sending word of our quest back to our associates in Sharn." Kal's gaze sweeps across the room. "If anyone has messages they wish me to carry, I will take them for you."

Streko nods. "A good plan. The tenth bell should be adequate time to do what needs be done at the bank, assuming, of course, Master Nerrin doesn't have any more enemies we don't know about here. Not that we need any more enemies, mind, it just seems to happen that way.

"Once we have made out deposits and inquired into certain financial aspects of our favorite member of House Deneith, we can go to Sivis. This should reinforce to any onlookers that what we are doing is geniune."

Kal stands and begins to walk towards his room. "Once I've completed my tasks there, I will return to the Deneith enclave. Streko and Condign, I'd like you to be there with me. Can you meet me there by the tenth bell?" Kalarian pauses as he walks past Streko, his back to Larest. Even though his voice is low, he still speaks in Halfling. "Depending on the outcome of that meeting, if there is time, I would also like to investigate this Onyx Fountain." Another pause. "I have written a message for Varna. If you'd like me to send her a message from you, as well, I will carry it for you." Kal places a hand on Streko's shoulder, his own head lowered, unable to think of more words to say. He gives Streko's shoulder a squeeze, then goes into his room to don his best clothing, grab his weapons and pack, and head out for the day.

Streko shakes his head. "Tell Varna I love her and will see her again shortly and to tell our parents that I am fine and not to worry. After all, I have the best companions in all of Eberron. And the best friends.

"BAH! My long-windedness might take more funds out of your acount than is necessary. I shall trust you to say the correct words and convey my feelings. And thank you, Kalarian, again."

He moves to Belarin's side. "Shall we deposit our pay into a more secure location...and put on a dandy show for all those who may be in attendance?"

[Ken]

Aug 8, 2012 23:48:40 GMT -4 Joe said:

He moves to Belarin's side. "Shall we deposit our pay into a more secure location...and put on a dandy show for all those who may be in attendance?"

Belarin squints at Streko through Nerrin's red-tinted spectacles. "Eh? What's that you say?" he says in Nerrin's perpetual tone of annoyance. "A 'dandy show'?! The nerve! This is very important, young man. You are young, aren't you? Always forget whether halfings mature quickly or not... well, come along, then!"

He winks teasingly at Streko before he calls over to Kal in his own voice. "I appreciate the offer to relay messages, but alas the only ones I could give would be to a manufacturer of skillfully forged identification papers who would be most cross and..." His tone becomes darker. "...and to that damn dreamlily addict whose life I tried to save, or at least alter. I had given her instructions to meet me...." He stares at Larest for several seconds. "She's probably dead by now. Ah, Sharn, so full of wonder, so full of despair."

He shrugs resignedly. As quickly as a candle being snuffed out, Belarin's manner returns to its earlier enthusiasm. "Come along, Shorak... Streko. To another day of delightful duplicity!"

[Jeff]

Belarin-as-Nerrin, with Shorak and Adamant-as-Redoubt, depart from the Cornerstone. This time, Streko goes with them. In the common room of the Cornerstone, no one gives the much of a look. Adamant can see that Cyrans drinking their sorrows away in the morning look a lot like Cyrans drinking their sorrows away in the evening.

Out on the streets, it's not so different. The numbers are greater, and though the poverty is still as obvious as the beggars—who idle and wait, too proud to properly beg—Adamant can also still see the spirit of Cyre lingering, refusing to die entirely. Laborers come and go, driven by the pride of purpose.

Kal and Condign exit only a short while later. Rinti and Tangat follow—both dog and half-elf girl seem to be enormously hungry. But where Rinti's skinny frame is obvious, Tangat's slight paunch from the aboard the Merrow Down (and all the sailors who gave him scraps and fish) isn't fooling anyone.

It's another nice day out, if still uncomfortably hot out. The bright sun illuminates the good and the bad of Stormreach. As you make your way toward Silverwall and the Kundarak enclave, the city reminds you that you're far from any semblance of home:

In one alley you pass by, you see a member of the Stormreach guard is beating up someone who looks like a down-on-his-luck merchant. At least in Sharn they pretend to uphold the law.

A griffon screeches and sails by overhead, bearing a rider with a House Vadalis banner streaming behind him—it almost looks like an advertisement for the services of the House of Handling.

A husky human woman walks past, arm in arm with an orc. The orc has a sword on his back, but he's wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a lute in one hand.

Strange sights.

[Darren]

Kal draws a deep breath, and immediately regrets it. This part of the city certainly lacks the fresh air he's looking for. He glances back towards Rinti, then looks back forward and speaks as though to no one in particular. "I guess our plans for breakfast were not to be. Rinti, if you would lead us to something we can eat on the go?" He smiles at the girl's expression when he mentions food.

[Brian]

Condign takes up his position behind Rinti and Tangat, walking stiffly, almost formally, as if he were on duty and prepared for any threat. He absently lifts a hand to adjust his new helm. As unaccustomed as he is to wearing head protection, the tightness around his skull feels almost claustrophobic.

As the woman and orc pass by, Condign is careful to keep his expression neutral. Not that the two are together, but he has never seen an orc carry a lute. Smash one, maybe, but not carry one.

When Kal asks Rinti about finding food, Condign says, "Could you suggest a public place, my lady? One with lots of open spaces and lots of witnesses. It would be safer for my lord that way."

[Dave B.]

Shorak purposely ignores the Guards in the alley. He gives Adamant a look as if to say 'It's not our business. Best, to leave it alone'.

As they travel the streets, Shorak touches the pocket with the note of credit a couple of times. He's never had so much currency at one time before. He will need to think very hard about how to use it.

[Joe]

Streko sees the guard in the alley. His first instinct is to rush to the aid the merchant. Indeed, that is exactly what he begins to do before realizing that no one else is moving in that direction.

He stops and looks at his friends. He frowns.

"Normally, I'd question your lack of interest in this senseless beating taking place..."

They continue to walk, acting as if they hadn't see a thing...don't see a thing.

"This is wrong. This is beyond wrong."

And yet, the Jorasco halfling turns his back on the scene and races to catch up with the others. He can feel anger building within him, anger at his impotence, his cowardice. Rage that the needs of the mission outweigh the needs of the individual.

"This is NOT who I am," he says out loud. He neither expects an answer, nor, from the fact that he slows and walks a few feet behind them, does he wish to discuss it with them further.

At this time.

[Jeff]

Business is concluded fairly swiftly at the Kundarak Enclave. In the bank, the no-nonsense dwarves process your letters of credit with a thorough inspection of your identification papers, matching up bank records with your own documents.

Shorak's takes a little more time, since he lacks identification papers. The dwarf clerk who works with him uses a mildly scolding tone, and tells him that he will only be able to withdraw funds from this particular bank, not any Kundarak bank...unless he secures identification papers. Which, she points out, Sivis administration can take care of with proper funds.

Despite her gruff exterior, Shorak thinks she's pleased to have processed a transaction for a drow elf (or even a half-drow). He can tell, not many of his kin come to the bank and have accounts.

__________________________________

NOW the bank amount below reflects all the money owed to you. I've pooled it all together, but you can individually remember that you each got 800 gp from Larest (with promise of more, in time) and 1,000 gp for Shorak.

[Ken]

Belarin lowers his spectacles to carefully examine Streko's updated balance after the transactions have been made. "Adequate, Lord Streko," he says matter-of-factly in his Nerrin voice as the group steps away from the Kundarak representative -- but still in full view of anyone who cares to look at them.

"Still... I had expected a better display based on that Deneith fellow's boasts. Probably frittered it away on women or searching for artifacts, eh? No matter, no matter. You can inform Lord Kalarian that I am satisfied of his ability to purchase the map... should I decide to sell it to him. There are other interested parties, of course."

"Redoubt, Shorak!" he says, as if just noticing the two of them. "Any additional word of those creatures that came aboard the Patriot last night?" He looks around nervously. "We're so close to finishing this that I don't want vampires coming in to ruin things.... Foul creatures."

[Dave B.]

Shorak thanks the banker. "Yes, I shall take care of that next. Thank you again for your assistance."

At least now he knows what to use some money on first. He takes a moment to let Nerrin/Belarin know of his need to take care of acquiring identification papers, in hopes that they can go there next.

[Dave W.]

Adamant will take care of his banking and Condign's as well (assuming such a thing is possible). It's a nervous process for him, both because it's new and outside any of his experience but also because he has to break his Redoubt role to create an account under the name of Adamant.

On the way, when Streko complains about the guard beating the merchant, the warforged replies quietly, "With respect my Lord, it chafes me as well, but there will be an Accounting. It is a hard thing when those who are charged with the law work without care for those who need its protection. But we must have faith that if this man abuses his authority, the Host will demand redress. It may be more satisfying for us if we are the instrument of Their redress, but it can't always be so."

Aug 10, 2012 23:33:22 GMT -4 Ken said:

"Redoubt, Shorak!" he says, as if just noticing the two of them. "Any additional word of those creatures that came aboard the Patriot last night?" He looks around nervously. "We're so close to finishing this that I don't want vampires coming in to ruin things.... Foul creatures."

"The vampire Krez and those poor sailors from the Patriot that he ... changed... into his unnatural slaves? I have not heard anything, but the day is young; perhaps the corpses of his victims are not yet discovered. Or he may have decided that the varied people of Stormreach would make useful slaves, in which case we would expect reports of disappearances instead."

"Shorak, you know the city, would the Gaurd be collecting stories of disappearances as well as bloodless bodies?"
_________
sorry I was gone so long...

[Jeff]

Before finishing, Adamant sets up with the clerks to have half of his gold (400 galifars) sent to the Tavvens in Olladra's Kitchen in Sharn (in the form of a letter of credit), along with a short message.*

A few nearby people give startling looks at Belarin and Adamant when they say "vampires." One of the Kundarak clerks even strides over to them, a rancorous expression on his face. "Aye, that's enough talk of that sort. There'll be no spooking customers and driving away business. Clear? If you're business is concluded, move along."

Meanwhile, Kal, Condign, and Rinti are nearby at the Sivis message station. Kal hands one of the gnomes the two letters he's written—and twelve gold pieces (5 gp per page, the standard rate, plus 1 gp for each letter to have it delivered to a specific destination within each city)—and then it is done. One message sent to Sharn, the other Fairhaven. It's a mind-boggling process the Sivis gnomes use to send messages and maintain the confidentiality promised by their services. Evidently, the messages are read by a specially trained heir, translated through a Speaking Stone into a complex code only they understand, and the heir at the other end, in the destination city, then translates it back and writes it down on a new piece of paper. At which point both gnomes deliberately and through a complex mental practice, then actively forget the message completely. Something only a gnome could possibly do.

What then? Will Kal, Condign, Rinti, and Tangat head to the Deneith enclave next?

And will Adamant, with Belarin and Shorak, head to the Merrow Down to check in and find out about that recommended artificer?

________________________

412 gp has been subtracted from the bank total.

*I hope I had that right, Dave? Going off of your post here.

[Joe]

On the way, when Streko complains about the guard beating the merchant, the warforged replies quietly, "With respect my Lord, it chafes me as well, but there will be an Accounting. It is a hard thing when those who are charged with the law work without care for those who need its protection. But we must have faith that if this man abuses his authority, the Host will demand redress. It may be more satisfying for us if we are the instrument of Their redress, but it can't always be so."

"Ah, well said and agreed. Thank you for helping to keep this hot head a little cooler." With that, Streko does what he needs to do and follows along.

[Jeff]

Next, Shorak heads over to the Sivis offices and has himself put down for identification papers. It's an outlandish custom to him—literally—but one that it seems stuffy Khorvairians require. Probably because of that big war of theirs. It doesn't help that he's half drow; he doesn't know of any who have identification papers. His old tribesmen would probably poke fun at him for being here. But they are long dead.

It does take quite a while, and the gnomes ask him many questions. Which is strange, since they really only need to put a few basic facts down on the identification papers.

Finally, he finds himself apart from the others, sitting across the desk from an officious elderly gnome with the Mark of Scribing verily glowing on the back of one hand. She has a set of mostly papers in front of her, ready to be notarized. He can see a few things already filled in, such as race, which is listed as "drow (mixed elvish)," and a basic physical description has already been filled in, too.

"I need the following certainties from you, Master...Shorak:

"(1) Name. And I do mean full given name, complete with surname."

"(2) Notable features. Are there any...other tattoos not readily apparent upon your body?" She eyes the white-scar tattoos on his face and neck with a grandmother's disapproving expression. "We must be thorough."

"(3) Residence. If you are transient—your accent does not suggest to me that you are—then we can indicate it as such. But if you have a proper home, then it is best to list it here. Border guards and Khorvairian officials look harder on 'transients.'"

"(4) Affiliations. Any guilds or houses or agencies with which you are affiliated."

"Speak the truth, young man." The gnome tries to smile warmly, but her eyes prevent it. She looks shrewd, her eyes piercing.

[Dave B.]

Shorak answers the gnomes questions. He actually seems to be enjoying the whole process. He continues to smile and stay relaxed throughout. It must be the novelty of it all.

[Jeff]

Belarin's and Adamant's words about "vampires" certainly do garner a few glares and distasteful scowls in the Kundarak enclave, but no one approaches them about it.

The Sivis gnome accepts and records all of Shorak's answers, and after waiting only a half an hour, she notarizes the thin sheaf of identification papers, now bound in a slender leather case, and hands it over to him. Then she collects the two gold piece fee and sends him on his way.

When Adamant ventures off to the Harbor district (with Belarin, Shorak, and Streko keeping a relative short distance from him?), he finds the Merrow Down precisely where he left it. Crewmen come and go and call out greetings to the warforged; fortunately, none of them shout his name or blow his cover. They just wave or grunt amiably.

But as he approaches the gangplank, he does spy Spindrift clinging to some rigging high up near the crow's nest. Captain Morsha is on deck, however. She stands proudly in a thin leather vest, her hair unbound, her Siberys dragonmark quite evident. Some of the men on the piers gawk at her, even from here. Her own crew seem to have grown accustomed to it. But you can sense from the bustling docks that she really is a known persona around here, and there's a murmur here and there about her secret, now unveiled.

There is no sign of the Patriot. Then again, it has only been one day and the Merrow Down was a faster ship.

Morsha spots Adamant and smiles grimly. "Keep an eye out, 'forged," she says, then points up towards some of the cliffs that encircle Stormreach on the south side. When he turns to look, he can see some distant, draconic shapes winging about near the clifftops. Wyverns, he thinks.