Chapter 11: This Civilized Veneer

[Ken]

Team B

Belarin is about to satisfy his curiosity about the stall with the guard when Syrdan returns. His eyes widen as he realizes the import of his words. "Yes, I suppose that does change the circumstances somewhat," he says as Nerrin.

He looks at Shorak and Streko. "These two people need to discuss, as Mallan says, a creature that is a major interest of mine," he says, using the same inflection in case his two companions hadn't heard Syrdan. "And I'd rather not stay down here, in the dark, any longer than necessary." Belarin is suddenly, painfully aware that there is no easy exit from this area if the entrance through which they came were to be blocked. "We'll wait for Redoubt to join us outside. Shorak, make yourself useful, Khyber take you! Find us a spot where we can converse for a few minutes."

Belarin is pleased that the noise of the marketplace should mask the details of their discussion, so once Shorak has helped them find an isolated corner, he says softly to Syrdan and Lerrhana, "All right then. You first. I yield priority to royalty. Yes, I know, Lerrhana. I'll explain how in a moment." He looks expectantly at Syrdan.

[Brian]

Team K
Kal:

"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."

Condign arches a thin, blue eyebrow at this comment. He had never been confused for a human before, and he was pretty sure he had been in that fight. In fact, he distinctly remembered cleaning the ettin's blood off his blade after killing the creature.

Most of the conversation has been naught but a battle of egos, but when Condign hears Greigur's comments about standing for Deneith--that Kal's men 'will act in accordance with' the Captain's--the tiefling's golden eyes narrow slightly. He is most curious as to how his friend will navigate this prickly trap.

[Mike]

Team B

"Know that I ordinarily wouldn't wish to jeopardize your work," Syrdan says quietly, "or our safety." He glances about the marketplace uneasily, and gives Lerrhana a knowing nod. "However, I fear time is not our friend at the moment."

"Two things. Major Krez is here in Stormreach. Where, exactly, I cannot say - the Patriot is not yet in port - but he's here just the same. The villain and Lerrhana share some sort of connection, and are aware of one another's presence. He's most likely in either Southwatch or Respite, but as to a precise location ..." The elf simply shrugs. "We don't know."

"However, I do believe that there's a fellow who may know of Krez's location - the White Raven. And we do know where to find him. We've not been idle since we last met ... the Raven, apparently, makes his nest in an establishment called the Black Freighter - west of here, in Grindstone. That's a part of Southwatch, so perhaps Krez is there as well. But if not, then I'm sure we can convince our white feathered friend to point us in the right direction."

[Darren]

Team K

Kal grimaces at Greigur's reproach, but offers no other response. "I am not aware of the exact venue, my lord. I know only that the Coin Lords intend to impress their guests tonight."

"As for my people, I can promise you two things. First, I will guide my people to work with those who venture forth from Deneith, to aid when necessary and to in no way hinder. Second, I swear that if it is within my power to deliver the Eye to Deneith, I will do so." Kal offers a formal salute to punctuate his statement.

[Joe]

Sept 11, 2012 16:31:47 GMT -4 Mike said:

Team B

"Know that I ordinarily wouldn't wish to jeopardize your work," Syrdan says quietly, "or our safety." He glances about the marketplace uneasily, and gives Lerrhana a knowing nod. "However, I fear time is not our friend at the moment."

"Two things. Major Krez is here in Stormreach. Where, exactly, I cannot say - the Patriot is not yet in port - but he's here just the same. The villain and Lerrhana share some sort of connection, and are aware of one another's presence. He's most likely in either Southwatch or Respite, but as to a precise location ..." The elf simply shrugs. "We don't know."

"However, I do believe that there's a fellow who may know of Krez's location - the White Raven. And we do know where to find him. We've not been idle since we last met ... the Raven, apparently, makes his nest in an establishment called the Black Freighter - west of here, in Grindstone. That's a part of Southwatch, so perhaps Krez is there as well. But if not, then I'm sure we can convince our white feathered friend to point us in the right direction."

Streko nods and sighs. "I was hoping not to make that gentleman's acquaintance again in this lifetime. Of course, I should know better and it's not as if this wasn't expected. This time, though, better to get to him first, then he get to us. Also, daylight will be our friend in this matter."

He smiles. "Fortunately, I am mid-day person myself. It's the other 23 bells that cause me grief. Well, we should consolidate our "resoures" then...tackle this problem with all of our might, rather than piecemeal, yes, although there are still errands that must be run?"

[Dave W.]

Adamant

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

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.

"Well, literally, doors are made to open and shut or how would we get in to make use of your services?" Adamant follows the dwarf into his chambers and lets the door shut. "But yes, my friends do seem to be in some disarray today. It's this map Master Nerrin is trying to sell. Just between you and I, I believe it is the most valuable thing he has ever tried to sell."

"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?"

"Yes, clubs and fire. Before that a couple of fights under the ocean… poked with spears and a strange vision thing that happened when I unlocked a chest. I think that was magic. Also fighting a vampire and his minions. There have been a number of smaller skirmishes."

"No I have no concealed weaponry. The Light and the plating is all that's attached." When the dwarf indicates the Octogram on Adamant's chest, the warforged answers with some caution, "ummm, well… I wear the symbol Dol Arrah of the Host. I am Her servant; Her arm in this world. Is there an issue with this?"

[Dave B.]

After finding as much of an isolated area as possible for their conversation, Shorak listens intently. He adds any helpful comments as to the geography of the areas they mention. Otherwise, he just listens and keeps a wary eye on their surroundings. He will give warning if anything seems amiss.

[Ken]

Team B

"Don't get carried away, Good Streko." Belarin's usual term for his halfling friend sounds odd coming out of "Nerrin's" mouth. "From what Shorak told us earlier, this 'White Raven' is not someone we can easily fool or bully. Still..." He ponders for a moment. "Best to encounter him now, I suppose, and see what he knows before the rest of Krez's forces arrive. But first--"

He looks at Lerrhana and, as succinctly as possible, describes the encounter with the eladrin who are looking for Princess Lerrhana. He adds, "I told Ptolyn that I would not aid him in searching for you. Carrying your limp body out of a vampire den and into a raging sea has left me feeling rather protective of you." He smiles slightly. "However, regardless of his reason for seeking you, I believe Ptolyn wants more than anything else to keep you safe, Lerrhana. Through him and his team, you may get the help you need to truly escape Krez. Consider it, please."

[Jeff]

Team K

Greigur nods and offers a mild return salute, seeming to accept Kal's words. "Well, tell me about your team, then. I would know with whom I ally. Names and professions, would be helpful. You are a student of the arcane yourself, correct, Kal? The only one in your family, I understand?"

[Jeff]

Team B

Lerrhana nods at Streko. "Daylight is our best ally against Krez, Streko. Yes. We must remember that. Unfortunately, he is allied with many who do not fear it. It is during the day that his allies and servants will be on their most defensive."

When Belarin speaks of Ptolyn, Lerrhana nods. "Thank you," is all she says for a while. Then, she eventually adds, "I will consider all things. But for reasons of my own, I am not ready to return to Aerenal. I thank you for not betraying me to these others. That I have...duties back home I will not deny. But that Ptolyn has been sent to secure me, at great pains, does not diminish my reasons for independence or their value."

"I also do not wish to further endanger you. You have done too much for me already. Syrdan has assisted me thus far...but upon learning of the White Raven's whereabouts, we felt it wise to share this information with you. I refuse to bring Krez to you again simply for being too close to me."

You see some activity around the stall with the line and the bald guard. One of the people who'd been waiting in line, an elderly human, having disappeared inside, now walks away, weeping bitterly. Others in line appear nervous at this. The tall, greatsword-wielding warrior continues to glower at those who dare to look his way too long.

__________________________________

Note that the map includes the Black Freighter (upper left-hand corner, which is the southwestern corner of the city), whose location Shorak has now described and which Syrdan and Lerrhana can also lead you to.

Ken: Ptolyn and Haralee and Syrdan and Lerrhana are actually strictly elves. Belarin knows of eladrin (and their basic tie to Thelanis) and in fact some of the party have met eladrin once or twice before, but they are decidedly rare.

[Darren]

Team K

Kal smiles at Greigur's return salute. Inside of his head, his eyes roll. He gestures towards his chair, an unspoken request to return to his seat, and plants himself back into it. Crossing his legs, Kal gestures with his right hand to the tiefling standing behind him. "Condign, you have already met. That blade he carries is not just for show. Ask the ettin," he says with a grin. "I also travel with Lord Streko d'Jorasco. He exhibits all of the fierce pride and determination of the Talenta Halflings, but his faith in Olladra grants him considerable power. His loyalty is not to his house, however, and I would trust him beyond many in our own house." Kal holds up a placating hand. "No offense meant, my lord, but I'm sure you understand."

Kal places his hands on his thighs and sits up straighter. "As for the others...I must ask that I not reveal more at this time, and I will have to ask for your trust in this matter. My plans are already in motion, and revealing too much right now might jeopardize them. Suffice it to say that I have the proper mix of personnel, from scholars to those skilled in the arcane, those whose trade involves moving in the shadows, those who are skilled with the dead like our allies in Karnaath, and others like Condign who can be relied upon to stand on the front lines of a battle. I have seen them all in combat, my lord, and not only are we all alive to speak of it, they have all earned my trust, as I must now earn yours. I beg you to understand, and I give my word that I will reveal more to you when it is safe to do so."

___________________
Can I get a Diplomacy check to see if Greigur will accept that? Is that even necessary?

Also, if Insight will give Kal any sense of Greigur's motives, I'd be happy for that roll, too.

[Jeff]

Team K

Greigur lets out a sigh, like he's heard this sort of talk before. "On the Talenta Plains, Kal, would you have signed transfer papers for a request to send a unit of White Blades to march under the orders of a general you knew nothing about? Yes, Blademarks are mercenaries; they fight for gold. But we discriminate our clients, my Lord Jaeren. We do not ally or send our men into harm's way when we know little or nothing about allies we are supposed to march with. Come now. I respect that you wish to keep secrets...but I need more than that."

Kal has a hard time reading Greigur. Given the man's reputation, he's certain there's plenty the Sentinel Marshal captain isn't saying. but Kal doesn't think anything he's actually saying is a lie. He doubts any of it's even a half-truth, either. But Greigur regularly talks with diplomats, barons, sea princes, lord merchants, and monarchs. The man is going to be difficult to unravel.

Condign has even more difficulty assessing the man. He's charismatic, certainly. Where Kal radiates his confidence, his good looks, and even his magic, this Lord Greigur exudes authority based on who he is—this city's highest ranking House Deneith noble, and commander of this enclave—not necessarily because of his likability. Greigur reminds Condign, just a little, of a Carrion Tribe chieftain in Fah'lrrg. He was an ugly savage, a human named Gradak, whose claim to fame was the slaying of one hundred men in a single battle. His battle prowess gave him great respect, and he was certainly cunning for a barbarian. But in his arrogance, he dared to insult the tiefling "nobles" allied to his tribe. His ambition eventually led to exile into the Labyrinth (a merciful fate among the Carrion Tribes), where he was never heard from again. This was before Condign himself had left his people for the Labyrinth.

______________________________

Darren, yes, definitely. Give me a Diplomacy check. (I've just made an Insight roll for both Condign and Kal; the result is what I just posted.) Also, the outcome won't just be determined by your roll. It's a combination of your roll and all that you've been saying. Which has been pretty good so far!

[Jeff]

Adamant

"Yes, clubs and fire. Before that a couple of fights under the ocean… poked with spears and a strange vision thing that happened when I unlocked a chest. I think that was magic. Also fighting a vampire and his minions. There have been a number of smaller skirmishes."

"No I have no concealed weaponry. The Light and the plating is all that's attached." When the dwarf indicates the Octogram on Adamant's chest, the warforged answers with some caution, "ummm, well… I wear the symbol Dol Arrah of the Host. I am Her servant; Her arm in this world. Is there an issue with this?"

The artificer grunts. "Under the ocean? Aye, I can see that. Salt-scoring, saturated wood. No, if you serve a god, it matters not to me. Just don't want any surprises. If this godly symbol sends out a spurt of flame or something...aye, that I want to know."

Drüth stands back and looks up at Adamant. "All right, look. You're kind of a mess. But you ain't falling apart, either. I can see you're a tough one, 'forged. And I can see you're studded with enchantments and toys. But I can clean you up and make you almost new. Almost. Thirty gold pieces will do it. You good for it?" He reaches up and taps the Disk of Energy Resistance embedded in Adamant's chestplate. "If you sold this, you'd have five hundred. So I assume you are."

Spindrift steps forward and says to Adamant, "In addition, Druther here is a master of item appraisal. If you have anything you still haven't figured out, he's your dwarf." The warforged swivels his head toward the dwarf. "In fact, wasn't it an item appraisal discount that first got you in trouble with the Canniths?"

Drüth shrugs. "Gem of Seeing. Kid's allies were fiends; thought he should know."

[Mike]

Team B

Sept 11, 2012 18:07:36 GMT -4 Joe said:

Streko: "I was hoping not to make that gentleman's acquaintance again in this lifetime. Of course, I should know better and it's not as if this wasn't expected. This time, though, better to get to him first, then he get to us.

Sept 12, 2012 0:02:56 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Lerrhana: "I also do not wish to further endanger you. You have done too much for me already. Syrdan has assisted me thus far...but upon learning of the White Raven's whereabouts, we felt it wise to share this information with you. I refuse to bring Krez to you again simply for being too close to me."

"The Major is anything but a gentleman," Syrdan says. "And Krez will find us if we don't find him first. I have no doubts of that. Too many things bind his destiny with ours - Lerrhana, the Eye, and Ancestors only know what else." The elf smiles thinly. "Best to dictate the terms of battle if we can, then."

Sept 11, 2012 21:52:15 GMT -4 Ken said:

Belarin:"From what Shorak told us earlier, this 'White Raven' is not someone we can easily fool or bully. Still..." He ponders for a moment. "Best to encounter him now, I suppose, and see what he knows before the rest of Krez's forces arrive."

"As for Ptolyn's request ..." Syrdan reluctantly shakes his head. "No. That's not an option right now."

"However, this assumes that matters more pressing aren't upon us already." He gives his friends a curious look. "It's only been a day, I know, but it seems so much longer than that. What have you discovered in Stormreach, since last we met?"

[Darren]

Team K

Kal lets out a sigh of his own. "My lord, I understand your hesitation, but I do not think this situation to be the same as what you describe. I am not asking for command of your expedition, but even if I was, you said yourself that you need only know the general you are sending your men to serve, not the men who serve him." Kal throws a quick glance back at Condign. "I am the master of this expedition, and the companions I've gathered obey my orders. What more information would you desire, my lord? When we question our clients, we ask only the complement of their army, not the names of those in the ranks. That is the information I have given you, my lord, and with all due respect, we would never ask one of our clients to reveal his battle plans to us on the eve of combat."

Kal stands again. "My lord, I would ask that you allow ME to earn your trust, and accept that those that I trust can then be trusted by you. If the events of the next few days go as planned and if you feel that supporting me in my expedition would be wise, then I will bring my entire party before you for inspection. Will this satisfy you, my lord?"

_____________________
I went to roll for Diplomacy, but the login wasn't stored anymore and it's been so long since I've had to enter it that I've completely forgotten what our login is. Sorry!

EDIT:
Diplomacy (1d20+12=17)

Not too great.....

[Jeff]

Team K

Greigur chuckles darkly and shakes his head. "You reason well, Kal, but these aren't armies we are assembling. They are strike teams."

"This is not how I would have wanted us to begin—with secrets. I will trust you, Kal, as you must trust me. My greater concern at this point is that you are not identifying your men for a reason—because there is something to hide. That implication is...unfortunate."

He sits down at his desk again. "So be it. But consider: If you're willing to introduce me to them—today—and tell me of their skills, then I may be able to extend an invitation to them as well. The Coin Lords have been frustratingly vague about their invitation to Lorsmarch Palace this evening. Deliberately mysterious, in fact. It just might be that I can bring more than a few guests with me."

[Darren]

Kal seems to consider. He places a hand on his chin and rubs at it. "As a matter of fact, my lord, I have a contact...an associate...who claims to have a map that shows the location of the Eye, or at least gives considerable clues to its whereabouts. I have seen it and it seems genuine. My friend, the halfling, seems to agree. This man, Nerrin Blackwell, seems to be something of a scholar, and his companions seem like they may be of use. Perhaps I could bring them to you? He travels with a warforged by the name of Redoubt, and I have seen a dark elf trailing him, as well."

Kal's insides flutter. He's treading on dangerous ground here and he wishes he had Belarin with him. The man has a better grasp for dissembling. He fears for what his actions may do to Belarin's plans, but sometimes in the heat of battle, decisions must be made.

[Jeff]

Bluff check, please, Darren. ;D

[Darren]

Bluff check (1d20+7=23)

Although, Kal's not really bluffing, except for the fact that Nerrin and Redoubt aren't Belarin and Adamant's real names.

Either way, that wasn't a terrible roll, so I guess we'll see what happens.

[Dave B.]

Shorak considered responding to Syrdan's query, but decides to remain quiet and let Belarin fill him in on their recent activities.

It's only now starting to sink in. He's been made homeless again. To make things worse, again fire played a major role. He shrugs his shoulders. Fate can be cruel at times, but fate also brought into the midst of these new friends.

He continues his role as lookout while keeping his ears open to the ongoing conversation.

[Ken]

Team B

Sept 12, 2012 10:59:51 GMT -4 Mike said:

"However, this assumes that matters more pressing aren't upon us already." He gives his friends a curious look. "It's only been a day, I know, but it seems so much longer than that. What have you discovered in Stormreach, since last we met?"

Belarin/Nerrin frowns. "Well... we've discovered that Shorak seems to have been targeted by a fire-worshipping cult that unfortunately sees him as the fulfillment of a crazy prophecy. And I know crazy." He looks sympathetically at the dark elf. "Kal and Good Streko here met a dragon -- yes, really -- which Kal somehow managed to antagonize. You're shocked by that, I know.

"As for Professor Scalawag's quest and our various roles, plans continue," he says. "Both maps are finished, and we were extremely successful in sowing seeds of disinformation about it, thanks to brilliant acting. So successful, in fact, that a wizard boldly attacked poor Nerrin in the middle of the street last night." His eyes widen with childlike glee. "And he had an umber hulk with him, Syrdan! Fantastic. We also have been spreading rumors about the Patriot and its diseased and/or vampiric crew.

"Kal, with Condign, is over at the Deneith enclave right now, trying to outflex and outbrag other members of his House. He is attempting to get us invitations to a grand party tonight held by the 'Coin Lords' -- local powerbrokers -- to 'honor' the more accomplished personages visiting Stormreach. Oh, and Syrdan, he's acquired a squire of some sort. Some girl who thinks the world of him. He's going to be insufferable."

He sighs deeply, stretching the sound for several seconds, as though he were settling into a warm bath. "AHHHH, by the Host, that felt good! Belarin needed to stretch before Nerrin puts him back in the cage for the rest of the day." He readopts Nerrin's hunched back, adjusts his spectacles, and says to Streko and Shorak in Nerrin's complaining voice, "Feh. Blabbermouth. Streko, Shorak... did Belarin leave anything out?"

[Joe]

Streko smiles.

"Not much, except, of course, for our brief dream whilst with the Elves and the fact that Kalarian is now convinced that it was prophecy. In fact, he has me convinced as well. So much so that I gave up my prized Gryphon to that aforementinoed dragon."

He closes his eyes a moment. "Anything else? Dragon, Gryphon, little thief girl, umber hulk...oh, I'm sure there are more things, but my mind is completely muddled at the moment and I really can only think of sending Varna my letter to alert her and my parents that I am alive and none the worse for wear."

[Dave W.]

Adamant

Sept 12, 2012 10:25:11 GMT -4 Jeff said:

The artificer grunts. "Under the ocean? Aye, I can see that. Salt-scoring, saturated wood. No, if you serve a god, it matters not to me. Just don't want any surprises. If this godly symbol sends out a spurt of flame or something...aye, that I want to know."

"No, no flame." Adamant laughs, "My Lady is the Lady of Light, not fire. I am mostly harmless."

"And yes, 30 pieces of gold seems fair. I have come into some monies recently. Though I feel a little guilty spending on myself. Yes, let's do business."

"I don't know that I have anything that needs appraisal just now, but i will keep it in mind and mention it to Master Nerrin as well."

Drüth shrugs. "Gem of Seeing. Kid's allies were fiends; thought he should know."

"True fiends? As in Demons? Then you may have done the only thing that would be right."

------------------
I've been so fried from work recently, I have that tickle in the back of my head that there is something we need appraised but can't make it past the tickle phase."

[Dave W.]

Sept 14, 2012 7:33:37 GMT -4 Dave W. said:

Adamant

Sept 12, 2012 10:25:11 GMT -4 Jeff said:

The artificer grunts. "Under the ocean? Aye, I can see that. Salt-scoring, saturated wood. No, if you serve a god, it matters not to me. Just don't want any surprises. If this godly symbol sends out a spurt of flame or something...aye, that I want to know."

"No, no flame." Adamant laughs, "My Lady is the Lady of Light, not fire. I am mostly harmless."

"And yes, 30 pieces of gold seems fair. I have come into some monies recently. Though I feel a little guilty spending on myself. Yes, let's do business."

"I don't know that I have anything that needs appraisal just now, but i will keep it in mind and mention it to Master Nerrin as well."

Drüth shrugs. "Gem of Seeing. Kid's allies were fiends; thought he should know."

"True fiends? As in Demons? Then you may have done the only thing that would be right."

------------------
I've been so fried from work recently, I have that tickle in the back of my head that there is something we need appraised but can't make it past the tickle phase."

[Jeff]

Team K

Greigur's eyes brighten. "There are a lot of clues being tossed about, it's become difficult to sort them. But by all means, I'd like to meet your friend and see his map. If this helps Deneith win the Eye, Kal...good things will be in store for us both. But the rumor is also that the gala at the Palace this evening is about the Eye. That the Coin Lords know something about it and wish to share some information with all in attendance. Maybe it's nonsense, but we'd be foolish not to listen."

Greigur stands. "Let's do this, Kal: I've a busy day ahead of me, but let us meet again here at the eighth bell. The gala is set for the ninth. Bring with you anyone in your party you wish, and I'll see what I can do."

Adamant

"Harmless?" the artificer says, then gives Adamant's plating a hard rapping with his knuckle. "Then you're also a liar, too, eh?" He chuckles.

Then Drüth starts working. He guides Adamant over into one of the pools of light and begins a series of tinkerings. Half of the dwarf's work is nonmagical armorsmithing, and half is the use of artificer's infusions. Even before his plating starts to get its dents adjusted, Adamant feels his inner workings strengthening, the matrix of his living essence reinforced with magic.

Meanwhile, Spindrift wanders around the dimly lit chamber, poking around Drüth's stuff. The dwarf throws him a rebuke every once in a while. "Get your fingers out of my gear, you damned pirate."

Spindrift holds up his hands. "I have but six in total, Druther. I am severely disadvantaged."

Team B

Lerrhana shakes her head in wonder at Belarin's words, seeming unsure whether to believe half of it. Looking at her now, you can see she's somehow acquired some new gear of her own: beneath the light gray cloak she wears, fine leather armor can be seen. A fine longsword rides her hip, and a short bow is slung over one shoulder. Each of these items Syrdan saw her acquire, one at a time, in different shops. Yet he never saw coins change hands. He couldn't help but wonder if she bargained for them somehow. She certainly didn't steal, nor did she ask him for any gold. In all this time, the only time she ever left his sight was in a bathhouse in Oldgate, where she went to "freshen up."

But to the rest of you, Lerrhana does seem a far cry from the listless, haunted woman she'd been on the Merrow Down. But there is still sorrow in her eyes, and Syrdan's been with her long enough now to know that it doesn't all come from her time as Krez's victim. But Lerrhana is certainly a keeper of her own secrets.

While listening and watching intently, Shorak notices a kobold in patched leather armor (which is more than most kobolds wear) come slinking past Belarin (while Belarin is telling his story), and swiftly—very deftly—reach into the human's cloak. He comes away with a small object and starts to slink away...

_____________________

I've been so fried from work recently, I have that tickle in the back of my head that there is something we need appraised but can't make it past the tickle phase.

Just a tip.

I've deducted 30 gp from the bank for Adamant's repair.

Belarin's Perception check (1d20+3=11)
Shorak's Perception check (1d20+11=17)

[Darren]

Team K

Once again, Kal bows low to Greigur. "Your confidence is a great gift to me, my lord. Thank you." Straightening, Kal gathers his sharrash and says, "I shall return this evening with my retinue and present them to you at that time."

As he turns to leave, Kal pauses, then turns slowly back to the Sentinel Marshal. "My lord, might I ask one more favor of you?" Kal's head turns to look through the doorway to where Rinti sits. He smiles seeing the girl play with Tangat, thinking no one is watching her. The smile remains on his face as he turns back to Greigur. "My page, there. Her name is Rinti, and I believe she could be of great service to House Deneith. When I leave this city, I do not want to take her with me. I fear for her safety if I do, but my lord, I also fear for her safety if I leave her behind. I do not wish to see her end up on the street as another urchin. Is there a place for her here in the house? She has proven her willingness to work and she is as crafty as they come. I would consider it a personal favor, my lord."

[Jeff]

Team K

Greigur glances back toward Rinti, then holds Kal's gaze, and Kal can see the lord Marshal is torn. He seems disinterested, but Kal can see the implications of the request settling into the man's expression.

"I do collect favors, at times," he says with a mild smile. "I will consider it, Kal. What are her qualifications? I assume you didn't choose, and trust, just any street urchin."

[Darren]

Team K

A bead of sweat rolls down Kalarian's back even as a shiver runs up his spine. He knows the danger of owing a man like Greigur a favor. Still, he made a promise. "I put out a call for a guide, my lord, and this child set herself apart from the crowd. True, she has not led a soft life until now. That only makes her more eager to prove herself, and increases her value to Deneith. Since I arrived she has served me loyally and proven herself brave, smart, and a very quick study. I would not ask if I did not believe she deserved it."

[Mike]

Team B

"Kalarian and a dragon in the same room together?" Syrdan arches an eyebrow slightly at this, but otherwise shows no surprise at Belarin's information. "Interesting. If egos were gold, I'm sure that would've been the richest treasure trove in all of Xen'drik."

"This gala ... hmm." Templing his gloved fingers together, Syrdan appears lost in thought for a moment. "I was going to say we should press on to the Black Freighter as swiftly as possible, to find this White Raven, and perhaps Krez. But if the gala has information about the Eye, I find it hard to imagine that one or the other - if not both - would not be there."

"Perhaps we should rejoin Kalarian, then. Our next move may rely on his diplomatic skills." Syrdan winces slightly. "I did say we know the way to the Black Freighter, yes?"

[Dave B.]

Shorak does not make a sound when he notes the kobold pickpocket. He moves with all grace of a cat reaching out to grab the little thief. He knows that calling out would only spur the kobold to flight. Catching him right there and now is the only option in his mind.

Do I need to roll anything?