Chapter 11: This Civilized Veneer

[Mike]

Syrdan watches as his companions slowly emerge from the Freighter.

"No blood?" the elf murmurs to Lerrhana. "That's good, I suppose. Let's hope that wasn't our only success."

Syrdan waits until his friends are almost out of sight, and then looks at Lerrhana. "Time to go, I suppose," he says. "I think we may have a gala to prepare for ..."

[Darren]

Kalarian stands at the bottom of the ramp to the Black Freighter, waiting for Nerrin to come outside. There is anger on his face, and his hands are on his hips. "How dare you?" he shouts at the bespectacled man as he walks outside. Waiting for Nerrin to get closer, Kal looks around and realizes he is standing on a public street, so he lowers his voice, but not so much that passersby could not hear him. "How dare you try to sell my map out from under me? What's your game, Blackwell? Are you trying to push your price up? I offered you fair value for that map of yours and I expect you to honor your side of the bargain." Kal moves close to Nerrin, pushing his finger practically into the other man's nose. "I expect to see you this evening. Do not let me down."

Kal whirls on his heel. His cloak flaps into Nerrin as he takes off down the street. There is a slight grin on his face as he gets further away.

[Ken]

"Stop hounding me, 'my lord,' or you'll be swallowing more than your pride!" says Nerrin coldly to Kal's retreating back. He then quickly takes two steps behind Redoubt as though suddenly fearing a lightning-tinged reprisal.

"The nerve of that man," he says at a normal volume to Shorak and Adamant. "He clearly doesn't like not being in control of a situation, does he?" He scratches his head and shrugs his shoulders anxiously. "Well, nothing to be done about it now. It's been a good day, and we have a promising new contact, but now, let's go! We must hurry...."

"...and get the Khyber out of this place," he continues in an urgent yet hushed voice as Belarin.

[Brian]

Condign stands idly by as the drama flows thicker than dwarven mead. Once Kal is finished with his theatrics, he follows 'his lord' down the street and back to the inn where they are staying.

[Dave B.]

Shorak watches Kal's tirade with the smallest of smirks on his face. As Kalarian stalks away, the half-drow turns to Belarin/Nerrin and almost laughs aloud when he sees him hiding behind Adamant/Redoubt while throwing his retort Kal's way.

"If he weren't one of your more promising prospects, I'd offer to take his head for you. For a higher fee, of course." He winks at his friends, showing that he can stay in character as well.

[Joe]

It is really all Streko can do to keep from laughing as the drama unfolds and Kal abruptly turns away in a huff.

Streko hears Nerrin start to speak but turns his back to him defiantly. About ten paces away, he turns back to see Nerrin cowering behind Redoubt.

"That'll teach you! Our backs are mightier than our swords!" He turns back and must jog to keep pace with Kalarian and Condign.

[Jeff]

"Should I be attending the gala, Syrdan?" Lerrhana asks quietly as the two elves begin to follow the others from a distance. "I'm not...inclined to. Already two parties are looking for me. I think for this evening I should distance myself from all of you completely. If there is any chance of Krez being there, perhaps my absence will distract him."

As they walk through the advancing dusk, Syrdan sees many of the Southwatch residents marking the passage of Belarin's and Kal's group.

...But none more than a single crouched, cloaked, and hooded figure, who perches atop a massive slab of stone used to support several facades about twenty feet in the air. For a moment he almost thinks it's some unimaginative gargoyle carved from the stone. But a slight breeze ruffles the garment it's wearing. He doesn't think it's Krez himself—not only does it seem a little too early for that, the figure is smaller framed than the villainous major. But Syrdan doesn't like the look and feel of this form.

Lerrhana notices it, too, moments later as they start to pass by the one of the buildings attached to it.

"Undead, perhaps," she whispers. "It's holding much too still."

No one else on the street appears to notice the figure.

[Dave W.]

Oct 22, 2012 20:46:04 GMT -4 Joe said:

[Streko]
"That'll teach you! Our backs are mightier than our swords!" He turns back and must jog to keep pace with Kalarian and Condign.

Adamant's attention is taken by Streko's comment. He stops a moment and cocks his head watching Streko's back. "I have no idea what that means," he says. "So, Master Nerrin, back to the rooms to prepare?"

----------------
I'm assuming Adamant can't hear Lerrhana.

[Ken]

"Indeed, Redoubt," says Nerrin. "Do try to keep up this time." He begins walking quickly out of the area, giving no notice of Kal's or Syrdan's groups.

[Dave B.]

Shorak quickly moves ahead of Belarin. "Best let me lead, Master Nerrin. I'll get us back as quickly as possible." He proceeds along the safest and fastest path back to their lodgings, all the while keeping a watch for any danger.

[Mike]

Oct 23, 2012 9:24:03 GMT -4 Jeff said:

"Should I be attending the gala, Syrdan?" Lerrhana asks quietly as the two elves begin to follow the others from a distance. "I'm not...inclined to. Already two parties are looking for me. I think for this evening I should distance myself from all of you completely. If there is any chance of Krez being there, perhaps my absence will distract him."

Syrdan takes a deep breath. "I'll not tell you what to do," the elf says, "but to be honest, I do think you're better off accompanying us to the gala. Krez can already sense your presence here in Stormreach ... his finding you, or your finding him, is already in the cards. And considering the protection that the Coin Lords offer at the gala - namely, no violence permitted under their roof - perhaps that offers more sanctuary than anywhere else in this city."

"Also," Syrdan adds, "if you don't accompany us ... you'll be on your own, then?" He shakes his head. "Alone, you're easier to be found by Krez, or some of his minions. And if something should happen to you - if they should somehow manage to take you, or force you into hiding - it'll be all the more difficult for us to find you again. Your safety, I believe, lies in numbers, not being alone. I know you don't wish to endanger us, but you shouldn't worry about that."

A thin smile creeps to the elf's lips. "This may all be paranoid conjecture on my part, I know. And I know you believe you can take care of yourself ... it's what I would think, were I in your boots. But since you've sought my counsel, I'm offering caution."

"If you do choose to not attend the gala, though, at least let me stay with you. I have no burning need to attend."

"Undead, perhaps," she whispers. "It's holding much too still."

"Agreed," Syrdan says. He looks up directly at the creature, offering a mock salute to it. "Too still, too quiet ... I like this not."

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OOC, I'm absolutely not in favor of splitting the party for the umpteenth time ... but IC, this seemed to make sense.

Also, Jeff, can Syrdan try to identify the undead creature (if that's what it indeed is - Religion check, I think?)

[Jeff]

"Thank you, Syrdan," Lerrhana replies quietly. "I will consider this..."

If the cloaked figure notices Syrdan's salute, it gives no indication. Nor can he get a good enough look at it to deduce much...only that it is is likely intelligent. He can't even be sure that it's undead, it's just that it's so damned still.

______________________________________

Yeah, Syrdan would need to interact with it some more in order to make a guess about its nature. It might as well be a scarecrow for all he can really tell right now.

[Mike]

"All I ask is that you consider my words, nothing more," Syrdan says to Lerrhana. "I'll respect and honor whatever decision you make."

He gives one last glance to the cloaked figure. "Now is not the time," he mutters, as he continues walking through the streets. "Soon, perhaps. But we have more pressing matters, I think."

Syrdan and Lerrhana continue to trail behind the rest of the group, leaving the cloaked figure behind, eventually making their way to the Cornerstone to rejoin their friends.

[Jeff]

Night has fallen by the time the rest of you have gathered back at the Cornerstone, one group at a time to avoid obvious association. There is now little more than an hour until the designated time to meet at the Deneith Enclave.

Lerrhana keeps throwing glances over her shoulder, but she waves away any concerns Syrdan might have. "He can't find me that easily. I'm more concerned about his allies finding the rest of you."

So who's going and how are they preparing? What are you bringing and what are you leaving? Be specific.

Since my power hasn't gone out yet, I wanted to make at least this post...

[Darren]

When Belarin returns to their rooms, he finds Kal standing with his arms folded and a frown on his face. "I suppose that didn't really yield the information we would have liked...." He grows silent, not sure what else to say.

"Alright, then. It's almost time for the gala, and we must all be as presentable as possible. Put on the best clothes you've got and for the love of the Host, take a bath!" Kal puts actions to words and, after a quick bath, puts on his finest clothing and studies himself in the mirror to make sure everything is in place. He looks at his sharrash in the corner and considers bringing it, but decides it would be best left behind. He does buckle the Rekkenmark longsword to his belt and ensures that Skyfang is safely ensconced within the buckles of his right leg. Kalarian then grabs a brush and runs it through Tangat's fur, rolling his eyes every time the wolfdog whines.

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Kal will leave his sharrash and his pack behind, since it would look odd going to a gala carrying a backpack.

[Joe]

And Streko will keep his handy haversack with him, as he does, at all times. Streko will also take a nice, hot bath and luxuriate for a short time before getting back into his outfit and running his fingers through his long brown locks. He forgets how good it feels to do so and savors the sensation for a few moments, before taking a deep breath, letting it out in a soft sigh, and joining his friends in the common area.

[Brian]

Once theyis back together and the events at the Black Frieghter related to one another, Condign excuses himself to go prepare for the gala.

After a quick bath, he dresses in his best clothes. Then he inspects and cleans his armor with quick, practiced movements. When he is finished, he inspects himself in a mirror and shrugs. He was built for battle, not looks. Either way, he feels he is prepared.

Slinging the shield over his shoulder, he goes out to meet his friends. It is dark, and the city is now a far more dangerous place.

[Dave B.]

Shorak cleans himself up and changes into clean clothes. Fortunately, he bathed this morning, so he doesn't need a full bath. He stows his pack of clothes and most of his extraneous adventuring gear, checks to make sure all his small weapons and boomerang are safe within the folds of his cloak and other hidden places on his person. He then adjusts his short sword, making sure that it is the only obvious weapon showing. After he is satisfied, he sits and waits patiently for the rest of his companions to be ready.

[Ken]

Oct 30, 2012 21:32:27 GMT -4 Darren said:

When Belarin returns to their rooms, he finds Kal standing with his arms folded and a frown on his face. "I suppose that didn't really yield the information we would have liked...." He grows silent, not sure what else to say.

"Oh, yes, my lord," says Nerrin/Belarin acidly, rolling his eyes. "Perhaps I should have started the conversation with 'Excuse me, can you direct me to the White Raven. I have juicy information to present as I step into the vampire den.' Bah."

He straightens up suddenly and practically yanks the red-tinted spectacles off his nose. He rubs his forehead and mutters, "All right, enough out of you, Nerrin. Back in the box you go."

He looks again at Kalarian, but this time with a more Belarin-like mischievous glint. "On the contrary, Kal! That went exceptionally well," he protests. "Now we have potentially have the leaders of the brightest and darkest corners of Stormreach on the hook! The bartender said that his interested party would seek out Nerrin Blackwell tonight. Should said interested party approach Nerrin at the gala in order to follow up, we shall have the information you crave. Ha! I swear, Kal, you can be as subtle as a dwarf painted purple and playing love ballads on a harp. But you do show promise, my friend. That little dig at Nerrin on the way out was brilliantly improvised."

He looks around. "That goes for all of you," he says with pride. "I'll make scoundrels of the whole lot!" He walks off to prepare for the event.

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Belarin will take his usual magic items, with two exceptions: 1) the feyweave clothing since he's still dressed as Nerrin, and 2) the pact dagger, which he'll hide in their room. If they do have to surrender their weapons at the Deneith enclave, he'd rather not leave the dagger under the guard of persons unknown.

He is bringing the map. Under other circumstances, he might give it to Nerrin's loyal bodyguard, but this may be the night where we want the map to be stolen. (The second map remains hidden in their rooms.)

[Dave W.]

Oct 31, 2012 21:33:56 GMT -4 Ken said:

 
He looks around. "That goes for all of you," he says with pride. "I'll make scoundrels of the whole lot!" He walks off to prepare for the event.

"I'm not certain 'scoundrel' is a thing I am meant to aspire to... " Adamant says lightly. "It is an interesting change of pace."

The tall warforged follows Belarin, "I assume Master Nerrin will want his bodyguard with him tonight." He leans down and says softly, "My instinct is telling me to stay with Lerhanna, but I assume the nobles will all be adorned with their guards. There's no help for it, but I will spare a thought and prayer for the elves tonight."

Adamant takes to cleaning, well, himself. The dwarven artificer's work earlier has made this a short task, and so he spends some time sharpening and polishing weapons and shield. His final preparation is to carefully wash the worst of the soot out of the remains of his tabard.
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Adamant will take sword and shield, a throwing hammer. He expects them to be taken from him at the party but trusts that they will not be stolen.

He'll have the octogram attached to his chest again, under the damaged talberd. The other warforged components are all attached (delver's light, armor plating, the energy resistance disk). He'll leave the breach bracers behind, spiked bracers might seem a little aggressive at the party.

 the rest of his meager possessions will stay at the rooms.

[Jeff]

After a long silence, Lerrhana speaks up, addressing everyone present. "I am inclined to go into hiding again...especially tonight. To perhaps draw Krez's attention away from where he is, which you seem to think will be at the gala. But Syrdan also believes I am safer in a place of neutral ground. And with numbers, with all of you. I am torn."

"So I ask you. I do not wish to endanger any of you further when it comes to Krez. Would you prefer that I stay away?"

Sem Darlesh, who has started to change clothes right in front of you—down to his smallcothes, he sure is skinny!—lets out a chuckle. "I'll always prefer the company of beautiful elf woman, even if they always have a strictly look-but-don't-touch foreign policy. Which I imagine is especially true among elven royalty."

Lerrhana's cheeks color ever so slightly.

Sem goes on. "In all honesty, I would almost love to see if we can incite Major Krez into violence at the gala. Let the Coin Lords handle him, as they surely will if he upsets their mandated peace. I say, bring the lady princess and try to piss him off."

"With but a word," Lerrhana says, shaking her head. "And I will slip away, and I do not think Krez will find me."

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That's the "fey" map Belarin's bringing, right?

Also, bear in mind when you decide on gear that backpacks are definitely not going to be inconspicuous.

[Dave B.]

Shorak looks at Lerhanna. "Sem makes a valid point. If Krez is at the gala and he notices you or feels your presence, he will probably do nothing. But, if he does, it would be to his own folly."

[Joe]

"I am a healer of House Jorasco. If anyone asks, my haversack contains my livelihood and is a part of me. It is not only what I do, but who I am. Should anyone wish to inspect it, they will not find any weapons, or so I hope. It can hold many things and, perhaps, if some of you feel...undressed...without certain items, I can keep them safe within it."

He looks up at Lerhanna and bows to her. "I cannot say you would be SAFER with us, per se, but we would all willingly lay down our lives to protect you and keep you safe. It is who we are, my Lady. Not just what we do. Besides, this is a party where violence is frowned upon. What could possibly go wrong?"

[Dave W.]

Adamant scratches his metal head with a thick metal finger, trying to scratch out the right words, "Respectfully, Lerrhana, we choose to set ourselves in Krez's path. My ... sense ... is that there is no way to get out of his way now. And I for one wouldn't wish for that if it could be had. He is a monster I would not mind another try to put an end to him."

"Also it would give me some ease to have more of us with you, even if we walk into his presence. Of course its your choice but do not worry on our account."

The warforged pauses to pull together more words, starting quietly, "I would not worry about being attacked at this party; I do have some concerns about getting back or at least being followed back. But we will do our best there. But there is another possibility you must consider."

"Is it possible that your people will be attending the gala? Will you risk running into them? And what will you say to them? I suppose, since they are here looking for you, any turn of a corner could require that you have a response for them."

"I... um, it's really not my business... perhaps I should not have mentioned it... it's just a thought that occurred to me..."
___________________________
no backpack for Adamant

[Ken]

"Adamant has an excellent point," says Belarin honestly, looking up from the table where he's touching up his Nerrin makeup. "Consider well how you'll respond when you see them, whether tonight, tomorrow, or a week after my birthday.

"And yes, your beauty and grace would improve any party, and it would irritate Krez, who wouldn't be able to do much about it." He smiles slightly as he returns to his work. "All the better." A pause. "He will, of course, do his utmost to see that you're followed upon your departure. Wherever you intend to stay tonight, make sure it has appropriate vampiric countermeasures."

He looks up again, this time at Kal and Streko specifically. "The same goes for us and this place. As I've said, Krez is no fool. Whether he sees through hapless Nerrin here or not, he'll associate this group with Lerrhana. If he can't find her after the gala, he'll attempt to find us. Be prepared." He looks back at the makeup mirror. "Now would be a good time for Histra to return."

[Brian]

Condign nods at the others' comments. They have summed up the situation well. Except....

"The Coin Lords are having this gala for a reason," he says. "One that is undoubtedly important to them--or at least serves their purposes. And we are attending with our own goals in mind. We must consider how our little charade may impact on their purposes. Might we not upset these Galifar Gods and cause undo--and perhaps in this case, unwanted--attention to ourselves? Or are we of a mind that fame and infamy are simply both sides of the same coin, and any attention at this point is good?"

[Darren]

"On the battlefield," Kal says from a seat in the corner, "all things are fluid. We make plans simply so that we can change them at the right moment."

[Jeff]

Lerrhana says, "I would be surprised if my countrymen attended the gala, Adamant. They do not idly consort with pirate lords; I would be indeed surprised if they received an invitation or even advertised their presence so strongly."

She walks out of the room and returns a few minutes later. Her already nondescript clothing has become even moreso. She now wears the vaguely uniform-like garb of a servant, the sort of thing a dragonmarked heir's valet might wear.

"For this event," she says to Syrdan, "I am your servant, Master Syrdan Sar Dathiel." She smiles and winks.

Straightening, she looks around. "I don't expect this ruse to hold up long, but at least it's in keeping with what you're all doing."

[Dave W.]

Nov 2, 2012 23:25:44 GMT -4 Ken said:

"Adamant has an excellent point," says Belarin honestly, 

"I do?" Adamant says quietly, "That's disturbing."

Nov 3, 2012 9:50:44 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Lerrhana says, "I would be surprised if my countrymen attended the gala, Adamant. They do not idly consort with pirate lords; I would be indeed surprised if they received an invitation or even advertised their presence so strongly."

"Well, I suppose that is one less worry... at least for tonight."

"For this event," she says to Syrdan, "I am your servant, Master Syrdan Sar Dathiel." She smiles and winks.

Straightening, she looks around. "I don't expect this ruse to hold up long, but at least it's in keeping with what you're all doing."

"Yes, I'm stunned our ruses have lasted as long as they have." Adamant says brightly. "But, thank you Lerrhanna, this is the better choice I think. At least I will worry less being able to move to aid you if necessary."

[Jeff]

So....

Adamant, bearing only his sword, shield, and throwing hammer.
Kal, without his sharash and pack.
Streko, with all his stuff mostly packed away in his haversack.
Condign, without his pack; mostly just his sword and shield staying with him.
Shorak, without his pack; mostly with just his weapons.
Belarin, leaving behind his feyweave and his pact blade. (What about his regular backpack and gear?)

And Syrdan?