Chapter 11: This Civilized Veneer

[Jeff]

Team K

Greigur says, "Understood. The girl will not want for work in House Deneith while I am here. Be sure to inform administration about this. I will corroborate."

The Deneith lord leans on his desk. "Thank you for your visit, Lord Kal. I am confident this partnership will be fruitful, for the honor of our house. I will see you again at the eighth bell."

_____________________

Dave: How about a Stealth check? The kobold isn't running yet, so if Shorak can sneak up on him he can easily grab him.

[Dave B.]

Stealth Check (1d20+12=13)

I hope whatever the kobold took wasn't dear to Belarin.

[Darren]

Kal bows one final time. "Thank you, my lord. We will not take up any more of your time. Until the eighth bell, my lord...."

Kal leaves Greigur's office and gathers Rinti and Tangat. A smile is on his lips as he moves through the enclave, stopping at the administrator Greigur told him to speak with about Rinti. Once finished, he returns to the inn to re-gather the group.

[Jeff]

Team K

Kal soon leads Condign, Rinti, and Tangat back out of the Deneith. Rinti peppers him with questions. "What did he say?" "Does he know your brother?" "Was he nice?" "Was he mean?" "Does he have a magic sword?" And so on.

Team B

Shorak glides toward the retreating kobold, but the kobold turns his head and looks right back at the half-drow. His eyes widen, emits a shrill yelp, and he quickens his pace, hoping to get lost in the crowd!

Shorak has one chance to try and cut him off before the scaly humanoid loses him in the bustle and squalor and one of the less obvious exits in this place—kobolds are good at that. Even though Shorak hasn't been in the Bazaar's basement before, he's developed a respectable understanding of Stormreach's shallow subterrane.

_______________________________

A Streetwise check will serve, Dave, given the nature of this place and its likely exits. It will be opposed by the kobold's own Stealth check.

[Darren]

Kalarian chuckles at Rinti's questions. "Yes, Rinti, my brother is serving with Lord Greigur, and no, I do not know if the sword in his office was magic. He was quite pleasant. Now, you are going to have to learn that there is a time and place for questions when you are working within House Deneith, which Greigur has promised you will be allowed to do once I depart Stormreach." Kal turns to face the girl. "Do you understand?"

[Dave B.]

Shorak curses himself for his clumsiness and moves to cut off the kobold. If he can just get in front of him a little, he knows he'll be able to capture the thieving kobold.

Streetwise check (1d20+11=21)

[Ken]

Team B

Sept 14, 2012 13:45:48 GMT -4 Mike said:

"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?"

"Yes, we should find that Kalarian fellow," says Belarin/Nerrin. "As for the Black Freighter, if you don't recall the way, I'm sure that Shorak can do.... Shorak? Shorak!"

He spots the drow running toward -- after? -- someone, and then Belarin's own anxiety and first-hand knowledge of crimes in crowded marketplaces comes to the fore.

"Check your pockets and pouches, everyone," he says glumly. He fears the worst....

[Dave W.]

Adamant

Sept 14, 2012 8:23:01 GMT -4 Jeff said:

"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.

"I'm told I disemble well... I think my friends are just trying to be kind."

Adamant enjoys the feeling of returning to his full potential. "That feels magnificent," Adamant says when Drüth finishes. "My complements, Master Artificer. Your work lives up to Spendrift's recommendation. Speaking of which," Adamant turns to the sea-faring warforged, "as I said, I've come into some coin, I would offer a similar amount for your tuning up if you are willing."

_____________________

Thanks Jeff, for the reminder, and Ken for the detailing. I'm thinking Adamant won't recall that just now. He will mention it to the group when we meet up.

if Spendrift wants a tune-up, Adamant will pay for it. Not sure how long this took or how long Spindrift's will take... am I still on the same time-line?

[Joe]

Streko begins checking the pockets and folds of his cloak, then thinks about his bad, checks it and heaves a sigh of relief. He then looks around and also notices that Shorak is heading away, toward the darker recesses.

"I think I still have everything of mine. Having said that, I must say that I do not like this Stormreach place much. Too much thievery, deception and overall decrepitude. And WAY too many shadows for my liking. Now, let's find Shorak and assist him, shall we?"

[Jeff]

Team B

With Streko's remarks, the rest of you notice that Shorak has suddenly vanished. You get only a brief glimpse of his white hair moving swiftly through the crowd.

Shorak glances towards where he thinks there may be exits. With all the people in here, he knows he can't catch the kobold, but maybe he can cut him off. He takes a measures guess and cuts right, winding past a few more stalls on one side of the corridor and spots a very narrow alley between stalls and even in the dim light manages to see a way out, an opening that's little more than a wide crack. He positions himself...

And the kobold suddenly pops out of the crowd and right into his hands!

The little lizard-man yelps goes for a dagger, but the object in his hand makes him a little slower. Shorak grasps both hands first, and he's much stronger, arresting the creature's attempt. He can see that the kobold's holding one of Belarin's wands. The one that's wooden and wrapped with petrified plant tendrils.

The kobold just holds still and stares meekly up at the half-drow. Terror lingers there, but maybe desperation, too. Shorak knows his next reaction will make all the difference.

[Dave B.]

Shorak looks down at the kobold in his grasp, with more than a little pity. "I do not wish to hurt you, but you do need to explain yourself. You will also need to return that wand to it's owner, with an apology." He speaks in a calm and confident voice, trying not to be any more threatening to this pitiful creature than he has to be.

He wants to be careful with the thief until he finds out whether this is a simple crime of opportunity or if the kobold was paid to rob Belarin/Nerrin specifically.

"You can start with your name, if you find that easiest."

[Jeff]

Team B

The kobold quivers a little. "Sneev."

He drops the wand, and it clatters to the ground. "Sneev will go."

[Mike]

Syrdan quickly reaches into the small sack that's tied to his waist. He rather doubts that a greatsword could leave his possession, but he still decides to check. Once his fingers touch the hilt, he nods grimly, and looks up towards where Shorak has gone.

"Shorak, it seems, has made a new friend." he says to his companions. "Shall we go introduce ourselves?"

The elf moves quickly up towards Shorak, up through the crowds of the bazaar. He moves with quick, deft strides, almost as though he's quite used to hunting and pursuing a foe.
_____________________

Whenever Syrdan makes his way up to Shorak and the kobold, if the kobold tries to escape (i.e. Shorak's not voluntarily letting it go), Syrdan will use an unarmed Bond of Pursuit attack on the creature for non-lethal damage ... mostly so Syrdan gets his crazy shift movement for following the kobold. He's not going to let it get away.

[Dave B.]

Shorak gently places his foot over the dropped wand, but continues to hold on to Sneev. "Sneev, I am Shorak. Now, tell me who hired you to rob that strange man?" Here a small smile raises the corners of his mouth.

[Jeff]

Team B

"Not hired," Sneev squeaks. "Not hired. Told. Told by clan warren master Creesl. Creesl wants gold for clan."

Shorak thinks this might be the truth, that the kobold is nothing more than one of the many thieving humanoids lurking in the Waterworks and various undercity locales.

It takes a moment for Syrdan to locate Shorak and the kobold, but eventually he does, pushed to one side of the crowded, stall-filled corridor. Lerrhana keeps close by, hand on the hilt of her new sword, watchful of those who may be watching.

________________________

Insight rolled.

[Brian]

Team K

"Good work in there, my lord," Condign says to Kal once his friend is done talking with Rinti. "But I wonder if you have not out-flanked yourself this time." He looks around to make sure no one can hear his next words. "Lord Greigur is now aware of you and your purpose. Of our purpose. And a man of his stature must be well connected. It would not surprise me if he had us checked out before introductions later this evening. Which means he may learn about Larest." He gives Kal a hard look. "A good commander knows all of the answers before the questions are even asked, and that would include the mystery of Lord Kalarian and his company. We will need to tread carefully tonight lest we walk into a trap."

[Darren]

Kal places a hand on Condign's shoulder. His legs are a bit less stable right now than he'd like, and his voice betrays a bit of nervousness, perhaps finally being released after being locked away during his meeting with Greigur. "Indeed, Condign. Indeed. I was a bit cornered in there." Kal mumbles a bit to himself, then his voice comes back, quietly. "I'm sure he will look into us. I'm sure of it. We just need to determine how to use that to our advantage. What can he find out? Belarin's true identity? That would be acceptable...it would lend credibility to our cause for him to know the deception we are working on. If he learns of Larest?" Now Kal grins, some of his swagger returning. "Well, we'll just have to convince Greigur that I'm the one in charge." Kal's grin splits his face. "Shouldn't be too hard...." Kalarian lets go of Condign's shoulder and begins to whistle a tune as he walks down the street.

[Ken]

Team B

Belarin quickly limps along in Syrdan's wake, accompanied by Streko. As he goes down the alleyway, the shadows peel off the walls and surround him, wrapping him in darkness as he comes to a stop just before the passage emerges back into the crowd.

The odd thing is... he doesn't recall intentionally summoning the shadows this time. Has he been portraying Nerrin so well that his own perceptions are altered? Or could it be something else? His free hand reaches down to touch the Candle of Night, secured in his belt pouch. Since he acquired it, the shadows seem to have come more easily to him. Almost... obediently.

From his vantage, he sees Shorak, Syrdan, and Lerrhana close around the kobold. He hangs back in the darkness, just in case the little thief has a bigger accomplice keeping watch.

[Dave B.]

Shorak turns to the two elves. "I don't think there is anything more here than a simple pickpocket. A fairly good one, I believe. If I hadn't been extremely vigilant, even I would have probably not noticed." He says this more to the kobold than the elves. "I see no reason to hold him. Although, I should check with Master Nerrin." He says this loud enough for the shadowy area not far from them to hear.

Shorak lifts his foot, revealing the stolen wand. He nods towards Syrdan. "If you wouldn't mind?" He says with raised eyebrows.

[Joe]

Streko follows alongside Belarin and suddenly feels the shadows come alive around him. He feels an almost overwhelming urge to flee, run, get away. The shadows will consume him.

Or is that just his imagination running away from him?

He turns toward his friend...

...and sees only the shadows.

"May the Host preserve us..." he whispers. "I hope you are still there, my friend, otherwise I think I might have to run away as quick as my legs will take me."

He tries not to look alarmed, tries not to act as if he's lost his mind and, most importantly, tries to figure out why everything around him feels so out of place. Or is it him?

"Bah!"

Streko looks around and decides to remain near the shadows. Perhaps some good can come from this and no one will notice him.

"My luck, a hound of some sort will be able to sniff my fear...or perhaps see it shimmering around me like an invisible flame."

He sighs. "Bah. Pay attention to your surroundings, you silly halfling. Watch Shorak and Syrdan. Keep an eye on everyone, except the Shadow Lord who has swallowed your friend."

He looks around. "Most importantly, stop whispering to yourself. It is a sure sign of mental fatigue."

He focuses on Shorak and Syrdan and the stranger they have stopped.

[Mike]

Team B

"Your master wants gold for your clan?" Syrdan says to the kobold. "Interesting." The elf points at the wand. "That doesn't look like gold to me."

"In my lands, Sneev, thieves lose their hands for their crimes. And liars lose their tongues ... while those who speak truth may be forgiven." Syrdan's eyes narrow at the kobold. "All of Sneev will go when he speaks the truth."

[Ken]

Team B

Belarin doesn't react at first when Streko approaches the concealing shadows, even though his friend is visibly nervous. He shakes his head, annoyed at himself, and whispers, "Have no fear, Good Streko." He's about to heed Shorak's indirect summons ... but Syrdan decides to try a little bit of intimidation first. Belarin smiles slightly in approval.

Having come to a stop, he allows his preternatural cloak of shadows to dissipate, yet he remains motionless in the alley's natural darkness, waiting to hear the kobold's response.

[Jeff]

Adamant

Spindrift waves away Adamant's request. "I am not as banged up as you, Redoubt. I do not need tinkering with."

When Drüth has finished, Adamant feels quite different...which is to say, himself, but in a condition he hasn't felt in a long, long time. Perhaps not since before the war's end. The artificer's tools have manipulated the living steel and wood of his body back into smoother shape, but the dwarf's infusions have left him feeling cleansed. Adamant's plating gleams, polished and oiled.

"Don't go shining for too long," Drüth says. "A dinged up 'forged looks like one not to mess with. Like scars, it shows you're not afraid of a fight."

It has been about a half an hour, and Adamant feels ready to go. The dwarf ambles back up to Adamant. "You weren't here? I can trust you, aye? If you come back, it better be with him"—he aims a thumb in Spindrift's direction—"or with a token of proof that he sent you. Aye?"

Team B

Syrdan:

"That doesn't look like gold to me."

"Magic, yeah? Creesl sells for many golds."

"In my lands, Sneev, thieves lose their hands for their crimes. And liars lose their tongues ... while those who speak truth may be forgiven.... All of Sneev will go when he speaks the truth."

"Sneev says truth-things." He throws a wary look toward the shadows where Belarin's form has materialized. "Picked someone...someone with goldy-sell things. Picked....wrongly. Sneev is sorry. Will not again."

[Jeff]

Belarin, Syrdan, and Streko all watch and listen to the kobold. None of them sense anything particularly false about his vague, broken Common. Sneev seems more skilled than a regular pickpocket, in that he knows (or has been told) what's likely to be more valuable than a small bag of coins, but you don't think there was anything more conspiratory about this theft than opportunity.

_______________________________

Insight checks rolled across the board.

[Mike]

Team B

Syrdan lets out an exasperated sigh. A loud one. "And you expect me to believe, of all things, that you wanted gold ... and chose to steal just a trifling, insignificant wand from Master Nerrin?" Syrdan says sharply. "No one told you about a map, did they?"

The elf gives the kobold a dismissive look of disdain. "No, of course not," he mutters. "What am I thinking? Kobolds aren't nearly so clever to know about that."

He picks up the wand, and tucks it into his bag of holding. Without another word, he heads back in Belarin/Nerrin's direction.

_______________________________

Assuming that we've determined the wand was the only thing the little bugger tried to steal ... then Shorak can by all means let him go.

[Ken]

Team B

"Nerrin" limps out of the alleyway, looking quite out of breath. "Oh... you... caught the rapscallion," he gasps. Then his eyes widen as though some horrible thought had just occurred to him. "The map..." he says with horror. He pats his hands around his garments -- and then sighs with relief.

Then, as though seeing Syrdan for the first time, he smiles appreciatively as he takes back the wand. "Thank you, young man... Mallan, was it? Thank you." He looks toward Shorak and the kobold. "So Shorak, did YOU catch him. Well, good, thank you," he says almost begrudingly. "But then, that's what I pay you for. What do you suggest as punishment for this thief? Soaking his hands in boiling wax? I honest don't know what they do down here...."

[Jeff]

Team B

Sneev wriggles in Shorak's grip but doesn't try to escape. "Let me go! No take golds or magic-sticks ever! No take maps, neither!"

The kobold's voice is shrill and definitely pierces the crowd. A few shady-looking people glance at the group, huddled around the kobold. But no one approaches.

[Ken]

"Oh enough with this," says Nerrin, sparing anxious glances at the crowd. (Inwardly, Belarin is delighted.) "Release the miscreant, Shorak,"

[Dave W.]

Adamant

Sept 18, 2012 22:24:14 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Adamant
Spindrift waves away Adamant's request. "I am not as banged up as you, Redoubt. I do not need tinkering with."

"ah, I understand," the large warforged says testing his joints, "a person shouldn't tinker with what's working. Oh, the knee connection is much better."

It has been about a half an hour, and Adamant feels ready to go. The dwarf ambles back up to Adamant. "You weren't here? I can trust you, aye? If you come back, it better be with him"—he aims a thumb in Spindrift's direction—"or with a token of proof that he sent you. Aye?"

"Yes, you have my word, I will not reveal you." Adamant pulls the damaged talberd over his newly burnished skin. The tattered cloth accentuates the shiny metal, but Adamant appears not to notice.

Thanking the dwarf, Adamant gets the door for Spindrift, "We should head back, I can't imagine the trouble my friends are getting themselves into." As the door closes behind them, Adamant also thanks the smaller warforged, "I can't thank you enough, my friend, I feel like liquid; everything feels smooth. I am in your debt."

[Dave B.]

Shorak just shakes his head at Belarin's theatrics.

He looks seriously at Sneev. "Remember us, Sneev. We are the ones who are not turning you in to the Guard. We are not punishing you for trying to rob us. Know that you owe a favor to Shorak. I may never claim this favor, but ever shall you owe it until I do."

With that he releases the little lizard, "Try not to get caught next time."
He watches Sneev as he goes, making sure that he doesn't double back for another try at Belarin's wand.

He turns back to his friends. "Where to now Master Nerrin."