Chapter 11: This Civilized Veneer

[Dave B.]

Without moving a muscle, Shorak pipes up. "A party? Good thing I purchased some new clothes this morning."

[Ken]

Starg shakes his head. Sem merely says, "I think she's been making contact with the Stormreach branch of her family. Perhaps she has a bone to pick with some of them?" He grins.

Unsure at first whether the minotaur's expression of bared teeth is a smile, a challenge, or the result of a sudden movement of gas within Starg's bowels, Belarin chooses to be optimistic.

"Starg! Well played!" he says with pleasant surprise. "Still, I had expected she... no matter.

"Kal, does Greigur expect to see Nerrin's map at tonight's event? There's no 'right' answer -- I just need to know how best to prepare. And Condign is wise to point out the perils. If you reveal 'your'--" Belarin adds a note of wounded incredulity "--master plan of deception to him in the early stages, you may be able to win him over. If, however, he is so taken with the map that he makes plans to act on it, then you likely will have publicly humiliated him. Personally, I'm fine with that! Enjoying public humiliation is one of my favorite meals. But for you, my friend, such a meal could have a foul aftertaste."

"So where are we going next?" Rinti asks, interrupting the moment.

Belarin doesn't answer. Instead he gives Kal a quizzical look, as though Why is she asking?

[Darren]

Kal places his hands behind his back. There is a bit of a satisfied look on his face. "I believe it would be best if you had the map ready and with you this evening. If it is true that the Coin Lords will not allow bloodshed to occur at this gala, then I believe it will be safe. At least, while we are there. What happens once we're outside the palace walls...."

Kal waves a hand as though shooing away the notion. "We'll cross that bridge later. As for right now, while I would dearly love to pursue....other leads....I think it best if we check out this White Raven. Just remember, we must be back with Greigur by eight bells, and we must all look our best." Kal holds an admonishing finger up to Syrdan. "No. Fighting." He continues with a grin. "This is recon only."

Kalarian does not ignore Belarin's look. He clears his throat. "Rinti, I believe this to be too dangerous for you. Starg? If you wouldn't mind, may I leave Rinti here in your care?" "Dammit," he thinks. "The paranoid fool has me questioning everyone, now. I'll be jumping at shadows any day now."

[Jeff]

"Public humiliation is all well and good, Belarin," Larest says with the lecturing tone of a professor, "But the wrath of a dragonmarked lord with a wounded pride is not." He throws Kal a glance and smirks.

"Rinti, I believe this to be too dangerous for you. Starg? If you wouldn't mind, may I leave Rinti here in your care?"

Rinti frowns and sighs, the picture of every child told to stay put. Stag nods his head after a moment's pause. "Indeed, I do not wish to go anywhere near this center of excess and gold. I will remain here and guard those who stay."

Sem says, "I'm torn. Certainly, I'm keen on seeing the strutting and the plumage of all in attendance at the palace, but if my only way in is being listed in on a House Deneith roster...that makes me nervous. I prefer being unnoticed. What do you think? Should I really go? Kal, did you already name me to Lord Stick-Up-His-Arse or would a gnome be an unexpected and unwelcome addition?"

[Darren]

Kal was actually talking about the trip out to the White Raven when he asked Starg if he would keep an eye on Rinti.

"No, Sem, I did not name you specifically. But I have come to trust your skills of observation, and in an environment such as we will face tonight, I would welcome your abilities. I will not force you, but I would be appreciative for your company. More importantly, though, I did not volunteer us to be part of the Deneith expedition. I only said that I would consider aligning 'my' expedition with theirs. We do not yet know what form Greigur's assistance might take, and I still believe this to be a deal that we can walk away from if we choose, albeit with some new enmity at our backs."

[Mike]

Sept 29, 2012 22:21:45 GMT -4 Darren said:

Kal holds an admonishing finger up to Syrdan. "No. Fighting." He continues with a grin. "This is recon only."

Syrdan cocks his head slightly at Kalarian, a mildly puzzled expression on his face.

"Lerrhana and I were the ones who located the White Raven," the elf says simply. "If we wanted to fight him, we could've gone straight to the Black Freighter. We're quite aware of the difference between reconnaissance and fighting, Lord Kalarian."

The elf shakes his head in bewilderment, and listens to the others continue their discussion in silence.

[Dave W.]

To Lerrhana's smile, Adamant nods, "Then it will be simply, 'Good to see you again, Lerrhana. You look well."

The warforged listens to the tales and plans. He obviously wants to say something in reference to Rinti, but doesn't.

When the conversations breaks briefly, Adamant interjects. "I know I’m just the tin bodyguard, but I'm afraid I'm lost. Is Belarin to appear at the gathering as Belarin our sorcerer who talks to invisible friends or as Nerrin the map seller? Does Lord Greigur expect to meet both? And am I a bodyguard or a member of Kal's expedition?"

"It's beginning to seem like one of those odd plays where the actors keep chasing each other and for some reason one of the male characters must dress in women's clothes. They tell me it's terribly funny but it is confusing."

"I hesitate to add that my current tunic is probably not suitable for this party… I must insist that I will not be the one to wear a dress."

"Now this scouting, I believe I am correctly dressed for that."

-----------------------
Sorry I disappeared again… holy cow what a mess at work.

[Darren]

Kal sighs. "Remember, there are two parts to this. The first is meeting with Greigur. The second is the gala. I will present you to Greigur as your alternate identities, and then gauge his reaction. If it becomes necessary to reveal your real names at that point, or should we decide that we can trust Greigur," Kal rolls his eyes, "then we shall do so at that point. Otherwise, you can carry on the masquerade straight through the gala."

Kalarian spreads his hands wide. "My friends, do not worry so. I promise you, we will come out on top of this."

[Jeff]

Yup, Starg's reaction was also in regards to the gala, not the eventual expedition.

"Well," Sem says with a warm smile to Kal, "if you're willing to present me to Greigur as one of your professional associates, so that I might attend tonight's pomp-fest, by all means. I'll attend and happily rake in some new information. I'm not so keen on going to a vampire sympathizers meeting—that is, this Black Freighter business—just now. So I'll opt out of that one, and caution you to be especially careful. Remember the Stormreach Guard only gets involved in brawls and violence that interrupt the Storm Lords' interests. Anything else...and you're on your own in this city."

_________________________________

So are we headed to the Black Freighter? If so, who? All?

[Dave B.]

Shorak just smiles at all the back and forth between Kalarian and everyone else. He easily stays out of the conversation, since he's more or less going along for the ride. Whatever is decided, he'll just continue on in his role as guide. Willingly standing by his new companions' sides.

An idea does come to him, though.

"If this half-drow finds himself unwelcome to attend the gala, I can find something occupy myself this evening." Maybe Captain Morsha would be available for that dinner he and she talked of sharing? His smile warms at this thought. "Not that I don't want to see how it all turns out. I have no doubt it will be quite...entertaining."

[Joe]

Streko listens in and finally nods. "As a member of House Jorasco, I must be in attendance as well. Not to mention that Lord Kalraian and I have already been seen together. It would seem...suspicious...if I were not there."

[Jeff]

Starg, Rinti, Sem, and Larest turn other business as you turn to go. Larest returns to his books, and Sem heads off to take a nap. "Just be careful," Larest cautions. "I suspect you'll want to retain your mental and physical fortitude for tonight's event."

Belarin-as-Nerrin soon heads out of the Cornerstone, with Adamant-as-Redoubt (gleaming but with his battered/torn tabard) and Shorak the drow locale accompanying him.

Syrdan and Lerrhana also depart, moving (for now) ahead of the group to surreptitiously guide them to the Black Freighter.

Soon after, Kal, Condign, and Streko follow.

Some time later, you pass through Marketplace and enter the district of Southwatch. Almost immediately, you feel like you've crossed a national border. For one, it is almost exclusively human in population. The air has taken on an entirely different feel. Sullen people glower at you from doorways and windows, and you feel the least human features among you—horns, tails, dark gray and red skin, composite plating—are being scrutinized by the locals. Children stop playing their street games and only the vendors of the market stalls seem to look you straight in the eye. By this time, Syrdan and Lerrhana have drifted to the back, hoods up, looking mostly human if not completely convincingly.

You do see a few Karrnathi pennants hanging from some residences.

You recall Sem's first description of this district when you first pulled into port: "Finally, there's the district of Southwatch. This is where all the Karrns hang out, which is why you should stay away from there unless you want trouble. Without a doubt this is where Major Krez will lair, and where I KNOW the Emerald Claw operates...somewhere. Of course, there are plenty of regular, honest, hardworking Karrns there, too. But good luck telling the good folk from the bad.

______________________________________

Just a note (not a threat): with the party traveling in three separate groups, this will take longer.

[Darren]

Kal yawns as they move through the streets. "Sem's idea might not have been a bad one," he says, one hand covering his mouth to stifle another yawn. He is indifferent to the looks. He is, after all, a Kaarn. He glances at Condign, though, and sees the tiefling's discomfort. "I don't think they like you very much," he says with a smile.

_________________
To which Condign responds, "I'll be careful." Then Kal shouts, "YOU'LL BE DEAD!"

And then, I guess Syrdan cuts off Kal's arm or something like that....

[Brian]

Condign grunts at Kal's comment. He is used to getting strange looks from the people around him and hardly notices anymore.

The tension here is worse than in the rest of the city. He does not know much of Karns--other than what Kalarain has told him. And that hasn't been much. But whatever these people have gone through, it has left them scarred.

He suspects the undercurrent of resentment and suspicion will only get stronger the closer they get to the Black Freighter. As such, his senses are attuned to his surroundings. Hopefully he will notice anything out of the ordinary before it sticks a rusty sword in his back.

__________________________

Jeff, I know you roll perception checks, but I wanted to let you know that Condign is actively scanning his surroundings, in case that made any difference.

[Dave B.]

Shorak is even more cautious than usual when the enter Southwatch. If there is one area in Stormreach he is unfamiliar with, this is it. Knowing how non-humans can be received here, he draws up the hood of his cloak, hoping to draw less stares. Although, the large wood and metal Adamant is already drawing the looks away from him.

His eyes are in constant movement as they make their way towards the Black Freighter.

[Ken]

Belarin/Nerrin limps along, seemingly oblivious to the occasionally hostile or at least unfriendly looks of many of Southwatch's denizens. He mutters, "I hope this idea pans out, Shorak. I've dealt with enough unsavory types over the past two days."

__________________________
When the trio gets close to the Black Freighter, "Nerrin" will delay for a minute, fidgeting and fussing about a bothersome insect, Redoubt's shininess, or what-not -- while Belarin does an Arcana check to detect magic on the Black Freighter's entrance and whatever he can sense beyond that.

I went back and forth on whether to bring Map #1, but I figured that the White Raven will ask to inspect it before committing himself, so Belarin has it -- unless someone wants to quickly talk me out of it. Map #2 is safely stashed away and hidden back in our suite.

[Dave W.]

Team What-the-Hell-Have-We-Got-Ourselves-Into  

Adamant is initially dumbfounded by the looks and hostility. He calls back to old behaviors: shrink, be unremarkable, be unthreatening. But he stops himself and pulls himself back up tall, I am Redoubt, bodyguard, a warning to those who mean Master Nerrin harm. Miscreants tremble in fear!

As soon as the large warforged begins his strut, he notices a child hiding, afraid of him. It takes the wind out of his sails.  by the Host, this pretense is hard. Maybe just an alert walk.

-------------
Adamant will be alert of course

[Darren]

Kal makes no pretense of what he is doing, which is to say he does not hide the fact that he is following Nerrin. He occasionally mutters to himself about "damn fools" and no one "getting their hands on" what is his. The further Nerrin wanders into Southwatch, the further his brows draw down.

[Mike]

Syrdan and Lerrhana actively do little to call attention to themselves. Instead, they walk in silence to the Black Freighter, trying to keep a reasonable distance between themselves and the rest of the party. Once they get within sight of the Freighter, they stop, letting the others in the group pass them by.

Syrdan mutters a few mock words of disgust to Lerrhana, to maintain their little ruse of "Mallan/Rhae", and then they look for a place to stop within sight of the Freighter. Both put on an appearance like they're waiting for someone.

_________________________________

Ideally, Syrdan's looking for someplace where 1) standing around wouldn't be too conspicuous, and 2) have a good view of whatever main road leads to the Black Freighter. Something like just outside a busy tavern or shop would be perfect. They're really keeping an eye out for Krez or some sort of trouble heading towards the Freighter, but for the moment, they're pretending that they're "waiting for a messenger".

[Jeff]

Aside from the many stares and glares, Condign doesn't perceive any particular threat, and no one moves up close to anyone in your groups.

All three groups walking through Southwatch at first walk the avenue between the wards of Summerfield and Grinstone, though to everyone but Shorak the two look the same. While Grindstone, to the west, is the undisputed Karrnathi neighborhood, Summerfield, to the east, is where the rest of Stormreach's rabble live. Pariahs, outcasts, and anyone who doesn't belong in any other district.

Southwatch itself is considered the most "exposed" part of the city, as the old walls that formed the perimeter on this side of Stormreach have long since fallen into rubble. The jungle and all its dangers are in plain view here. In addition, just to the west beyond the river where the Black Freighter sits, sits the encampment known as the Tents of Rushemé. There the nomadic giant tribes from around the area come together to trade with each other, to be close to the ancestral city, to perform their rites and also to trade with the inhabitants of Stormreach, even to hire on as guides for the interior for those who can afford it. These are mostly giants and half-giants—particularly hill giants, who Shorak knows have druidic traditions.

But within Southwatch, the Karrns keep their own company. As Syrdan points furtively in the right direction, Belarin-as-Nerrin leads the way.

The deeper into the streets you go, the more tension you feel. Armed men in something resembling a uniform appear at the edge of your vision, watching. Shorak knows these as the Swords of Karrn, a sort of grim militia that the people of Grindstone respect and fear—a common, joint feeling among Karrns. The Swords patrol their own district like organized citizen vigilantes, punishing infractions that the Stormreach Guard would probably ignore. It is these men that you suspect you'll need to be wary of, should violence erupt.

Throughout this walk, the only warforged you see besides Adamant is lifting heavy blocks of stone in some sort of building repair. The construct is watched closely by humans.

Eventually you enter an open square where the crowds are the thickest. To the north you see a fairly large gathering outside the steps of an old and unassuming ruin. Shorak and Syrdan know this is the Temple of Vol, which is to their knowledge the only place one can openly worship in the Blood of Vol faith, perhaps in the whole world.

Then you finally approach the establishment known as the Black Freighter. Hull-shaped and jutting out from the shoreline onto the Koronoo River (that cuts through the western edge of the city), it really does look like an antiquated ship but it's constructed of an unusual dark green stone. A large plank of wood leads up like a gangplank from the ground to the door. Plenty of sullen people loiter around at the base of the plank, eyeing the first of your groups with interest: Evidently some pecil-necked scholar has come to call with a warforged bodyguard and a cowled, skulking guide.

Syrdan and Lerrhana find as inconspicuously a place as they can, under the eaves of an abandoned shop within sight of the Freighter's entrance.

_______________________________

I do suggest looking at the map now that you've got some place names.

[Dave B.]

Turning to Belarin Shorak whispers loudly, "There it is Master Nerrin. The Black Freighter. I'm not sure why you feel it necessary to look for a buyer for your map here, but, well, we have arrived. Just be cautious. I am not as familiar with this inn's reputation. I can't advise you as to what to expect inside."

Shorak looks at Adamant's discomfort. He feels a little guilty that he's playing a role that is quite natural for him, while poor Adamant has to struggle at act against his own morals. He'll have to think of a way to cheer him up when this is all over. Maybe a new set of repair tools. A very nice set, yes.

[Jeff]

From the looks of it, the Freighter has only just opened its doors. The gangplank appears to be removable, and is only placed there when the tavern opens. A few clearly-in-need-of-forgetting-things souls amble towards the plank, the first customers of the day.

Shorak and Syrdan both know, from their time in the city or recent reconnaissance, that the Freighter closes at dawn and usually opens around dusk. Right now it's a few hours early.

A couple of youths, boys probably no older than 10, sidle up nearby and start laughing to each other quietly. One of them points at Adamant. "Looks like they're dressing up their golems now," he says aloud with a snicker. Neither boy gets close, though. They're not urchins, but their clothing is a bit threadbare.

[Dave W.]

Oct 4, 2012 10:19:35 GMT -4 Jeff said:

A couple of youths, boys probably no older than 10, sidle up nearby and start laughing to each other quietly. One of them points at Adamant. "Looks like they're dressing up their golems now," he says aloud with a snicker. Neither boy gets close, though. They're not urchins, but their clothing is a bit threadbare.

Adamant turns to stare at the boys a moment. He almost says something but only shakes his head and let's the moment pass. 

The tall warforged looks at the Freighter. Turning to Belarin he gestures to the gangplank, "It does not appear to be open for business, shall we see if it will open for us?"

[Brian]

Condign's gold eyes scan the storefronts, the tavern, the groups of people huddled around the square like forgotten memories. The sun shines hot and white, burning shadows into the corners and the alleyways, and providing more cover than he liked. A warm wind blows in from the west, carrying with it the deep, luxuriant smell of the jungle.

"We must be careful, my lord," he says to Kalarian. "This square is not easily defensible, nor do we know the layout of this part of town. Having to fight our way back to the city center could prove difficult." He leans in so that only Kal and Streko can hear. "Please try to be more accommodating with the local rabble. The plan does not include dying before tonight's event."

[Mike]

Standing near the abandoned shop, Syrdan takes a piece of parchment out of his bag, pretending to study it with great intent. Occasionally, he mutters something under his breath about meetings and late messengers, and how much he hates waiting for people. In between such minor theatrics, though, he keeps a vigilant eye on those heading towards the Black Freighter.

"You said earlier that you can sense Krez," Syrdan murmurs to Lerrhana in Elven as the day winds on. "Is it just a sense of his presence? Or do you have a sense of him moving about the city?"

[Jeff]

Lerrhana doesn't tear her eyes from the streets around her, not even to glance at Syrdan's parchment. "Yes," she mutters distractedly in Elven, on purpose so as to seem nonchalant. "But only vaguely. I can sense that he's in this place, this city, but I can't pinpoint it. I can only hope it is the same for him...but I don't know. Perhaps if we are in close proximity, it will intensify. For both of us? I'm not eager to test it."

She glances briefly at the Freighter. "I'd say there is a realistic chance that there will be violence here. The Deneith heir does not inspire tranquility among those he meets." A small smile curves her lips. "But at least he does inspire victory among his allies."

[Joe]

Oct 5, 2012 6:22:51 GMT -4 Brian said:

Condign's gold eyes scan the storefronts, the tavern, the groups of people huddled around the square like forgotten memories. The sun shines hot and white, burning shadows into the corners and the alleyways, and providing more cover than he liked. A warm wind blows in from the west, carrying with it the deep, luxuriant smell of the jungle.

"We must be careful, my lord," he says to Kalarian. "This square is not easily defensible, nor do we know the layout of this part of town. Having to fight our way back to the city center could prove difficult." He leans in so that only Kal and Streko can hear. "Please try to be more accommodating with the local rabble. The plan does not include dying before tonight's event."

"I would tend to agree, Kal. This is an information gathering expedition and it would do no good at all to go to tonight's festivites drenched in the blood of our enemies. Or, maybe it would. Heh. Olladra's will be done."

He smiles at his friends and nods towards the gangplank. "Shall we see what lies ahead?"

[Darren]

Kal only smiles at his friends. "It would be unseemly to get into a fight before a big event like the one we attend tonight. No, I don't plan to do that. Besides, Condign," he says, gesturing around the street, "these are my people, after all. I don't anticipate starting a fight with them."

Kal's brows draw down as he watches the door of the Black Freighter and Belarin's entrance into it. "No, it is my hope to do very little here but watch. We're going to follow Nerrin inside, find a nice corner to sit in, and be ready to get him out of there if all hell breaks loose. Otherwise, we're just going to have a nice drink and be on our way."

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Kal's really just waiting for Belarin to go inside.

[Ken]

The tall warforged looks at the Freighter. Turning to Belarin he gestures to the gangplank, "It does not appear to be open for business, shall we see if it will open for us?"

"Absolutely," says Belarin as Nerrin. "I've walked quite enough today through this Host-forsaken city, and even if we don't meet this Crow person ... what? oh, whatever you call him, Shorak ... even if we don't meet him, I need to sit down for a few minutes." A pause, and an exasperated sigh. "I miss Sharn at times like this. A gentleman could get one of those skycoach thingies, couldn't he... tsk tsk. This place. Tsk tsk."

Still muttering, he walks in with Shorak and Adamant, and he defers to their judgment as to where to sit.

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Apologies again for missing a day. I have more sympathy for Dave W now that access has been cut off at work.

It seems to safe to assume, based on Darren's comment, that Kal, Condign and Streko will follow shortly behind... although if attendance is as sparse as I'm guessing, it might be difficult for Kalarian to continue "hiding."

[Jeff]

Walking up the gangplank, you step up into the open doorway of the Black Freighter. The "roof" of the place appears to be thick tent canvas that can presumably be removed for pleasant weather (but it doesn't look like it's been removed in a while). The interior resembles the top deck of a ship, but only superficially and certainly smaller than a galleon like the Merrow Down. The furniture, decor, and atmosphere is certainly that of a tavern.

Lanterns keep the space from getting too dim, though very little daylight actually creeps in. Where there would normally be a mast there is instead a hearth forming the centerpiece of the common room. There is a bar on the opposite side, and only a scattering of tables. Two short flights of steps lead up to rooms on opposing sides of the room.

A tattered but well-kept red, black, and gray Karrnathi flag hangs from the canvas overhead. Kal can tell from its condition and the particular arrangement of the crest's wolf that it's a war banner recovered from the field of battle.

There are only a few people here now, languishing at the bar or idling at a table, drinking already. They look like working class Karrns, with the scars and weathered faces of soldiers on a couple of them.

Manning the bar is a wiry man with a lean, vulpine look to him. He wears a tricorn hat, which certainly gives him a decidedly maritime aspect, and a bandoleer with a couple of daggers sheathed in plain view. There don't appear to be any serving wenches; perhaps the tavern is much too small to require them. If there's a kitchen, it's not obvious where it would be. Behind the bar are many kegs, mugs, glasses, and bottles.

As Belarin, Adamant, and Shorak step through, all eyes turn their way. Someone deep in his cups calls out, "What's the 'forged gonna drink?" Someone else laughs.

When Kal, Condign, and Streko shortly follow, you hear another man utter under his breath. "Oh? Aye?" They seem to be reacting to Condign's appearance.

The man at the bar just gives everyone an appraising look. When he spots Tangat, he meets Kals eyes and shakes his head. Not the dog is quite clear.