Chapter 11: This Civilized Veneer

[Darren]

Team K

Kal's eyes snap open at the sound of the voice from the other room. He pushes himself to his feet and retrieves his sharrash from where it is leaning against the wall. Kalarian's boot heels click on the floor as he strides forward with his head held up. When he passes through the threshold, he offers a low bow with an elaborate flourish. "I am Kalarian Jaeren d'Deneith. Thank you for seeing me."

[Brian]

Team K

With a quick motion to Rinti to stay put, Condign steps forward to follow Kalarian into the office. While careful to keep his hand away from his sword hilt, he does strike purposefully, as if following his friend is the most natural thing in the world.

[Ken]

[quote author="@admiTeam A

n" timestamp="1346937321" source="/post/19185/thread"]While Belarin looks at the woodcarvings and the fey-ish sculpture, the crowd around him tightens and presses against him. When the swell subsides, he feels the presence of two figures immediately behind him, and they're not Streko and Shorak.

"You have good eyes, human," a voice whispers. "But not good enough."[/quote]
"Oh?" says Belarin/Nerrin. He chuckles. "Well, yes, my spectacles are rather good, yes, yes, yes," he continues amiably. One hand moves to ascertain that nothing has been stolen, then he slowly turns his head to get a better look at the speaker.

And the mirth in his voice abruptly ends. He says in a soft, unearthly, and unmistakably threatening tone, "I see more than you realize. Do not vex me."

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Belarin is turning slowly to face the speaker. Intimidate check, with a bonus from the beguiling tongue power: 1d20+11=14. Not so good.
If there's an attack against him, he'll use sudden retaliation (eyebite) as an Immediate Interrupt.

[Dave B.]

Shorak turns around to make sure Streko and Belarin are still following. He sees Belarin talking to a couple of people he doesn't recognize and slows down to let him catch up. He does his best to also keep the two warforged in sight.

[Jeff]

Team A

Both Belarin and Shorak suddenly realize there is something familiar about these figures...

________________

Stay tuned.

[Jeff]

Team K

Kal and Condign step through the threshold, which flares softly as detection or divination magic screens them. But nothing comes of it, and they pass smoothly into the office beyond. Tangat whines, eager to follow Kal, but Kal suspects that bringing an animal into the office without expressed permission may be pushing the limits of respect.

The office is sizable, commanding several views of the city below, but the walls are otherwise unadorned. Only a single thing hangs: a tapestry woven with the full Code of Galifar in a black archaic characters against silvercloth. The effect is striking, but Kal can't help but consider it ironic, since Greigur has a reputation for setting the Code aside here in Stormreach. And indeed, the Five Nations and the Code of Galifar has no authority here in Xen'drik. Only what its subjects and allies bring with them.

Greigur himself is seated. But he rises and gives an ever so slight bow. The man himself is handsome, blue-eyed, black-haired. He is probably Kal's senior by twenty years, and is wearing the non-armor version of the Sentinel Marshal's uniform, black with silver trim and stitching. Greigur's badge, a metal brooch signifying he is a Captain in the Sentinel Marshals (high ranking) lies on the desk in front of him. Leaning against the wall just behind him, well within reach, is a longsword.

"Welcome, Lord Jaeren," he says, his tone even. "Please have a seat." He gestures to one of the many chairs here. He also glances at Condign with obvious curiosity and merely nods a greeting to him but says nothing directly. "Kalarian....Kal, is it?"

[Mike]

"I see some rather interesting things as well, sir." Syrdan replies. "I doubt they would vex you. In fact, I've heard that you might also find them of interest ... in particular, a bird. A raven, to be precise."

The elf gives Belarin a studied look, one bereft of any familiarity or friendship. It's almost as though Syrdan doesn't recognize him. "Forgive my manners. I'm called Malian," he says. "My companion here is Rhae." He gestures towards the female elf accompanying him. "Any other information you'll want from us comes with a price. "

[Ken]

Belarin's eyes widen in shocked delight. "Syr-- seriously now, young man!" he says as Nerrin. "I have no interest in birds. All they do is chirp and defecate. Still, I do have need of someone familiar with the local flora and fauna. Hmmm....

"I have another appointment later today at an admittedly seedy establishment called the Cornerstone, in the Danniel's Pride area of the Cross district. Shall we meet there in, oh, three hours? Or do you have another suggestion, Mallan? Eh? What did you say?" He leans closer and whispers in Elven, "I'm happy to see you both! We have a lot to discuss."

[Brian]

Condign returns the Sentinal Marshall's nod, and then stands quietly behind Kalarian.

[Darren]

Team K

Kal smiles as he moves to the chair, sitting his his sharrash leaning against his shoulder. "Indeed, my lord, my friends call me Kal. I would be honored to number you amongst them."

Kal knows Greigur's type. Threats don't work with them. They feel a need to always show others how strong they are. Neither will deference get you very far. Kal needs to make sure that Greigur sees that he is an asset, someone with his own strength, who can be trusted.

Gesturing towards the wall hanging, Kal says, "An interesting choice, Lord Greigur. Our comrades back home certainly take the Code to heart. I'd heard it doesn't hold much sway here." Kal pauses, then adds, "A pity, no?" One side of his mouth curves up slightly, and he waits to see Greigur's reaction.

[Jeff]

Team K

Greigur smiles neutrally, revealing little. "Ostensibly, the Code has no real presence here across the Thunder Sea. It exists only if we as sentinels carry it with us. That is a decision each heir or retainer of the house must decide for himself."

"Kal, then." He sits down and reclines backward a little bit. His tone turns friendlier. "I hope your family is well. Are your mother and father stationed in Sentinel Tower still?"

[Darren]

Team K

Kalarian appears to relax. Inside, his nerves are still on fire. "It has been some time since I have seen mother and father, or even had word of them. I had hoped, actually, that you might know something of them. I've heard that Marin is a loyal member of your staff. How is my brother?"

[Jeff]

Team A

Spindrift lingers only a moment longer, as both warforged see Belarin and Shorak nearby speaking with someone. Then he turns and leads on to the unassuming spiral stairwell in the corner. He heads down.

Shorak sees where the two have gone, and can lead Belarin there if they follow soon.

At the bottom of the stair, Adamant sees that the basement of the Bazaar is spacious. And has a few more merchant stalls set up on the sides of a long and wide corridor like a gauntlet of wares. Only a single everbright lantern hangs from a hook, casting deep shadows. The merchants here seem to favor the dark. Now you can see that some of them are goblins. There's even a few kobolds wandering about, but you're doubtful that they're sellers. With an angry curse, you see a hobgoblin merchant send a kobold sprawling away with a vicious kick.

One stall, its contents too shadowed to see without close inspection, has a small line forming away from it. A tall, muscular bald human stands at the entrance with a greatsword in hand, blade pointed down. He looks ready to cleave someone in two. But he's clearly security for that particular stall.

Unfazed, Spindrift walks right up to a different stall about a third of the way down the corridor, turns and enters the stall, and you can see that it's empty, except for a door on the wall where normally wares would be displayed. He knocks on it, and a tiny door in the wood slides open at waist level.

"Aye?" a gruff voice issues from it.

"None sails before the wind as I," Spindrift replies smoothly. "Let me in, Druther, or Captain Morsha will blacklist you in this city's entire list of disreputable employers."

A series of locks slide and tumble, then the door is yanked open. Adamant sees a dwarf standing there, looking up at him. A rather ugly one, too, whose face is marked by chemical burns and an unevenly regrown beard. His left arm is either encased in very strange plate-like armor or has been entirely replaced by one that looks very much like a warforged's.

Spindrift gives a short bow and taps Adamant on the chest. "Greetings, Druther. This is Redoubt, an old friend in need of some repairs."

The dwarf glowers. "It's Drüth. Anyone else?"

Spindrift waits to see if Shorak and Belarin are coming.

[Jeff]

Team K

"Marin is well. I have him on assignment here in the city, and to my knowledge it hasn't taken him beyond its limits yet."

He turns the conversation back on Kal. "I confess my curiosity, Kal. What business brings you to Stormreach?" He throws a glance at Condign. "In what capacity are you serving the house now? I understand you were stationed in the Plains when the Blademarks were needed there. But the needs of the house have obviously changed with the war's end."

[Joe]

TEAM A

Streko hides his surprise at seeing Syrdan and shakes his head with a slight grin.

"My friends, as much as we might enjoy standing here speaking with strangers and such, we must be moving on and catch up with our metallic guide, who appears to have already taken down a flight of stairs. No offense, Malian, you say? we are just falling a bit behind our schedule. We have other places to go and other friends to meet."

He nods at Syrdan in a way that, he hopes, imparts his joy at seeing the two elves once more.

[Darren]

Team K

Sept 9, 2012 9:35:38 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Team K

"Marin is well. I have him on assignment here in the city, and to my knowledge it hasn't taken him beyond its limits yet."

He turns the conversation back on Kal. "I confess my curiosity, Kal. What business brings you to Stormreach?" He throws a glance at Condign. "In what capacity are you serving the house now? I understand you were stationed in the Plains when the Blademarks were needed there. But the needs of the house have obviously changed with the war's end."

Kal registers no emotion with regards to his brother. He'd like to see his brother again. He also would like to get as far away from his as possible.

"Indeed, after my service on the Plains ended, I was left to..." Kal twirls a hand as though searching for an answer, "...find my own way. I have not been idle, by any means, nor a disappointment to the house, I assure you. That path seems to have led me to your doorstep, and I guess that's why I'm here." Kal leans forward, even throwing a quick glance over his shoulder to see if anyone is listening. "I am sure you are aware of the search for the Eye of Azalar? I intend to find it."

[Dave W.]

Team A

Adamant tries to appear nonchalant as he and Spindrift make their way through the Bazaar Basement. It is challenging.

He mimics his friends bow in greeting the dwarf Drüth.
 

Sept 9, 2012 9:10:53 GMT -4 Jeff said:

The dwarf glowers. "It's Drüth. Anyone else?"

Spindrift waits to see if Shorak and Belarin are coming.

"It will be just me for repairs, though I was required to let my employer know where I was going so he may come to call if an emergency were to arise... Some vital task such as buttering his toast or sealing an envelope.... He is a demanding person."

"But as you can no doubt tell, I have had a number of demanding tasks of late. And my friend Spindrift tells me you are a talented articer."

[Jeff]

Team K

"Right to business, then. Good man." Greigur makes a dismissive gesture like he's shunting away all the obligatory talk about family and others' well being.

"So, Azalar. I suppose it was only a matter of time before that name made it to the street." He meets Kal's eyes, searching. Waiting.

________________________

For Team A, I'm waiting to see if Belarin, Shorak, Streko, or even Syrdan intend to go inside with Adamant or stay in the corridor outside.

[Ken]

Team A

Sept 9, 2012 11:17:02 GMT -4 Joe said:

"My friends, as much as we might enjoy standing here speaking with strangers and such, we must be moving on and catch up with our metallic guide, who appears to have already taken down a flight of stairs. No offense, Malian, you say? we are just falling a bit behind our schedule. We have other places to go and other friends to meet."

"Yes, yes, Lord Streko," says Belarin/Nerrin sarcastically, "let's DO be on time. It's not as though you or any of your friends even kept anyone waiting, yes?" He looks over at Syrdan. "You may certainly follow along, Mallan, if you wish. Otherwise, I hope to see you later, as suggested."

With that, Nerrin limps ahead, accompanied by Streko -- and possibly the two eladrin -- and guided by Shorak. Once inside the entrance, he says softly, "I've never seen the inside of an artificer's shop. Could be entertaining!"

Below, he catches a glimpse of Spindrift standing by a stall. The warforged was apparently casting a final look back for the trailing party before disappearing behind a door.

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If Syrdan comes with us, Belarin will stay in the corridor to share details of recent events. Otherwise, Belarin will go inside if that's allowed. If he's too late for that, he'll pause in the corridor and glance around curiously at the other stalls down here.

[Darren]

Team K

Kal also waits, meeting Greigur's gaze, wondering if the man will say more. When it becomes apparent that he intends to make Kal speak first, Kal takes a deep breath. "It's made it far beyond the streets, Lord Greigur. It's made it across the ocean. I doubt there are many in this town who have not heard the rumors, which means there are none in power who will ignore them." Kal leans back in his chair. It is his turn to study Greigur. "That means that a man such as yourself already has plans in motion..."

[Jeff]

Team K

Greigur throws a glance to Condign, interested in the tiefling's reaction to this turn in the conversation.

Regardless, he replies: "But rumors alone didn't bring you across the Thunder Sea. It takes time, and gold, to come here. Have you been hired by someone to seek it, Kal, or are you here for yourself?" There is just enough emphasis on that last word to suggest that it's either very positive or negative in his eyes.

[Brian]

Team K

Greigur throws a glance to Condign, interested in the tiefling's reaction to this turn in the conversation.

Condign maintains his expression of studied indifference, as if conversations like this were an abstraction at best: he has a job to do, and paying attention the words of others is not it.

[Mike]

Sept 8, 2012 12:02:18 GMT -4 Ken said:

(Belarin) leans closer and whispers in Elven, "I'm happy to see you both! We have a lot to discuss."

"Indeed we do, my friend," Syrdan replies in his native tongue. "At the Cornerstone, then." A hint of a smile creeps to the elf's lips, if only for a moment ... and then just as abruptly vanishes, as he gives Nerrin a reproachful look, folding his arms over his chest.

"Very well," Syrdan says curtly, his lip curled in obvious disdain. "I should've expected as much. By the way, give your bodyguard my regards. If only other people were as easy to sneak up upon ..." He gives Nerrin a brief nod, and then heads off.

______________________________

After departing Belarin, Syrdan and Lerrhana will still remain in the Bazaar for a little bit, but at a distance from their friends - basically, as far as they can while still being able to keep a rough visual of their whereabouts. They'll definitely be trailing behind Team A, though, and following them when they head to the artificer's shop. They won't enter though - they'll browse through some of the other merchant stalls of the Bazaar nearby, if that's possible.

Also, Syrdan currently has his greatsword in his bag of holding, so he's got the thing most people would recognize him with under wraps.

[Darren]

Sept 10, 2012 6:14:02 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Team K

Greigur throws a glance to Condign, interested in the tiefling's reaction to this turn in the conversation.

Regardless, he replies: "But rumors alone didn't bring you across the Thunder Sea. It takes time, and gold, to come here. Have you been hired by someone to seek it, Kal, or are you here for yourself?" There is just enough emphasis on that last word to suggest that it's either very positive or negative in his eyes.

Kal shrugs. "It's true, my original plans did not include a search for the Eye. I was...convinced...of its importance. But now that I know of its existence, I do plan to find it." Kal grins and leans forward in his chair, placing an elbow on Greigur's desk. "Of course it's self-serving, my lord. Don't we all look to increase our own glory? Fortunately, I am a member of House Deneith, so my glory is also the house's glory."

Kal spreads his hands wide as he sits back in his chair. "I don't intend to keep the Eye for myself, if that's what you are asking. At least, I don't think so. Regardless, I already have a party put together to find it, but knowing that I have the backing of House Deneith would be a great boon to my expedition." Kalarian steeples his fingers beneath his chin, pressing the tips of his fingers against his lips. "So, Lord Greigur, would you lend your support?"

[Dave B.]

Shorak hides his surprise at the appearance of the elves. He is heartened that they have returned and seem well. He does keep an eye on the two warforged, so as not to lose them. He motions to Nerrin/Belarin that he will go ahead slightly.

He leads Streko and Nerrin/Belarin towards the artificer's stall, where Spindrift dallied before entering with Redoubt/Adamant. "Well Master Nerrin. Shall we enter or linger in out here until they have finished their business within?"

[Jeff]

Adamant

The dwarf squints out into the dimly lit corridor. "I don't like open doors. Doors are made to shut." He turns and disappears into the room beyond, leaving Spindrift and Adamant standing there.

Spindrift shrugs. "Your friends do not seem to be making up their minds. They will have to wait outside, then." He leads Adamant through into Drüth chambers and closes the door.

The space is difficult to size up. All in all, it's dark, but a number of magelights shaped like down-pointing bullseye lanterns hang from chains in the ceiling, creating multicolored pools of light. If the artificer has tools or workbenches, they're lost in the shadows. It's damp here and Adamant can hear the dripping. If he didn't know better, it looked and felt like a traditional castle dungeon.

"Aye, you look dinged up," Drüth remarks, turning appraising eyes on Adamant, pointing to a spot near one of the chain-lights. He swivels it on Adamant. "And burnt. Hit by clubs and fire, aye?"

The dwarf drags a stool over to Adamant, climbs atop it, and scrutinizes the warforged's composite plating. "Anything else I should know about you or your workings?" He taps the fingers of his metal arm on Adamant's chest. "Delver's light, aye. Cyran-sold. You've seen action, aye. Plenty." He eyes the warforged's arms. "No armbows or axe-hands. Anything hidden? Spring-blades or wand-sheathes. Are you a caster?"

He points to but doesn't touch the symbol of Dol Arrah embedded in the chestplate. "Hmmm. What's this about?"

Team B

Belarin, Shorak, and Streko idle in the hall outside. The bald warrior with the big sword catches Belarin's eye and grunts. The line forming at the stall has grown a little shorter.

Syrdan and Lerrhana linger only a short distance behind. Syrdan has grown accustomed to blending into crowds more and has found it easier to do without his greatsword drawing eyes. Lerrhana keeps close to him and whispers even softer to him now. "It may be best to talk about the Raven sooner than this...Cornerstone. The Patriot may not have arrived yet but he certainly he has. I don't know how strong his senses are, but he knows I am here, too. Just as I feel he is. He'll either be holed up somewhere in Southwatch or Respite. That's my guess, but he's not too close now."

[Jeff]

Team K

Lord Greigur chuckles. Not a particularly friendly sound. "I am encouraged to hear you have taken such initiative, Kal. None would doubt your heritage, even if you hadn't a dragonmark. But the truth is, I know little to nothing of your fighting experience.

"And do not doubt...there will be fighting to acquire the Eye. One hopes it will be limited to jungle monsters, but I'm not naive. Many are vying for it. Given my position here, I'm not likely to lend support to any expedition I didn't hand-pick or at least orchestrate myself."

Greigur stands and walks over to the nearest window, looking out, his back to Kal and Condign.

"I intend to find the Eye as well, Kal. When I bring it here, in the care of House Deneith, I will send immediate word to Baron Breven. If he wills it, it will remain in Stormreach under my guard. If he prefers it to be housed or studied in Sentinel Tower, then I will send it to him. End of story. He is my liege, and yours.

"Perhaps, Kal, if you were to join the expedition I am sending, and proved yourself there, you could be the one to deliver it to Breven himself should he desire it." He turns and looks at Kal carefully. "In fact, I am attending an event this evening that might interest you. You come from a good family, Lord Jaeren. If we are in accord, perhaps you could join me tonight."

[Mike]

Sept 10, 2012 22:48:24 GMT -4 Jeff said:

"It may be best to talk about the Raven sooner than this...Cornerstone. The Patriot may not have arrived yet but he certainly he has. I don't know how strong his senses are, but he knows I am here, too. Just as I feel he is. He'll either be holed up somewhere in Southwatch or Respite. That's my guess, but he's not too close now."

Syrdan raises an eyebrow at Lerrhana's words. "Is he now?" he murmurs in Elven. "That changes things a little. Yes, let's not wait."

Syrdan makes his way over towards his trio of friends, making sure Lerrhana always stays within a few steps of him. "Pardon the intrusion, but If we can, we need to talk now, rather than later," the elf says to Belarin. "I've just received some information that may need your attention ... a major arrival, so to speak." He glances about. "It'll be well worth your time, I'm sure."

[Darren]

Team K

Staring at Lord Greigur's back, Kal can feel heat rising inside of him. To have his fighting abilities questioned by this man? By a member of House Deneith? How long would it take before he would be recognized for what he could do? Would he have to kill a dragon with his bare hands before they would accept him? Small sparks jump across the fingers of Kal's clenched fist.

But then Greigur mentions this evening's event, and Kal can barely contain the beating of his heart. He forces his hand to open and studies his face to composure. "As to my abilities, my lord, perhaps word reached you of a fight in the streets just yesterday between three men and an ettin? I can assure you, the ettin did not survive. My exploits since leaving the service of the Blademarks have not been insignificant, I can assure you." Kal sighs. "Still, I am a reasonable man, and I understand the need for proof."

Kalarian rises to his feet. "Therefore, my Lord Greigur, it would be my honor to accompany you this evening, if you will have me." Kal offers Greigur a bow as he speaks.

[Jeff]

Team K

"Word has not reached me," Greigur replies. "Street fights seldom inspire me. An ettin? Well, that is encouraging. Well done." He sounds genuine enough. "But boasting does not become you, Lord Jaeren. I will take your word on it, but I don't know your talents. Perhaps you will demonstrate yourself in the coming days. But come, let's talk about this evening, then. From your acceptance, I am guessing you already know the venue?"

"But as I said, I want to make sure we're in agreement first. If you have a worthy expedition yourself, then I want you as an ally, Kal, not a rival. If you would search for the Eye, I would like to know that your men will act in accordance with mine. We march for Deneith. Will you?"