Chapter 11: This Civilized Veneer

[Jeff]

"Aye," the bartender answers with a sly grin. "You're talking to him."

"Let's hear what you sort of feather you've got." He seems to scrutinize Nerrin more closely. "I don't know you."i

[Dave W.]

Oct 13, 2012 23:23:22 GMT -4 Ken said:

Belarin takes another sip of the whiskey, sets it down, and says abruptly as Nerrin, "Oh, stop worrying, Redoubt. You're worse than my mother. Shewas a sergeant in the City Watch, by the way, so it's a high bar." 

"Yes, well you pay me to worry about your safety; your mother was an amateur wasn't she?" Adamant replies in the put-upon servant voice.

He gets up and casually limps over to the bar, paying as much as attention to the Claw soldiers as he would a pair of daffodils.  

Adamant almost follows Belarin, taking half a step. But he stays at the table, statue-like.

[Ken]

Oct 14, 2012 8:59:40 GMT -4 Jeff said:

"Aye," the bartender answers with a sly grin. "You're talking to him.

"Let's hear what you sort of feather you've got." He seems to scrutinize Nerrin more closely. "I don't know you."i

"Ah," says Nerrin, "my name is Nerrin Blackwell, good sir, recently of Sharn." He lowers his voice to a more conspiratorial level, one that would appear almost comical to someone experienced in shadowy dealing. "I have come into possession of something that I've decided it would be best to sell, but some of the 'interested parties' have been demanding, threatening, fraudulent, or worse. Or all of the above. I'm exploring the possibility of retaining an intermediary for this transaction -- someone with more local connections than I who could distinguish the 'true' buyers from the less trustworthy ones.

"My information led me here, good sir. If that information is not sound, then I shall complement you on your excellent choice of whiskey and be on my way."

[Jeff]

"I've got two questions, then," the man replies to Belarin. "What is this something? And do the Storm Lords want it for any reason?"

[Mike]

Oct 13, 2012 8:40:18 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Lerrhana: "It was in Karrnath where I picked up Krez's trail. If you think this place threatening"—she gestures to the district around them—"then you would not like Atur or Korth, either."

"I don't know if threatening is the word I would use," Syrdan replies. "Dangerous, to be sure. Only a fool would think otherwise. But a threat implies fear ... and I do not fear this place."

"As for these other places you mention - Atur, Korth, and the like - if others like Krez are there, then I guess I'll be making my way there someday." His fingers restlessly tap at his side as he looks about the street. "I'll not rest until Krez is no longer a danger to any of us."

Syrdan kneels down for a moment, giving Tanget a good-natured scratch on the head. "You're probably the wisest of us all, friend Tangat," the elf murmurs. "Although why you choose to travel with madmen - and madwomen - like us, I'll never know." He looks up at Lerrhana, giving her a sly wink.

[Dave B.]

Shorak takes another small sip of ale, watching Belarin at the bar and making note of any of the patrons who appear to be taking a particular interest in his conversation with the bartender. Hopefully, Master Nerrin won't do or say anything too offensive. Another altercation is the last thing they need.

[Ken]

"Well," says Nerrin, "the answer to your second question is yes, good sir. That, in turn, may... point the way to the answer to your first question." He spares a sidelong glance at the two guards farther down the bar, as though reluctant to say more in their presence. "Perhaps I've come at a bad time...?" He leans back a bit, apparently reconsidering his options.

[Jeff]

Smargat looks around suddenly, as if Belarin's words are meant as a distraction. Seeing nothing, his face shifts into something like disgust. He lowers his voice and leans in toward Belarin. "I've got time to sell you drinks and offer you the company of Southwatch's finest, but no time for vagaries and rubbish." He pauses. "There's more to good ale than a silver flagon, and that's what I serve here."

Belarin thinks that last remark includes a Karrnathi proverb, but he doesn't immediately know its meaning.

[Darren]

Kal rests his elbows on the table and steeples his fingers together. Leaning his chin on his hands, he cocks his head slightly as though straining to hear Nerrin's conversation.

[Ken]

Nerrin smiles amiably. "Heh, you are wise, young man. Very well. If you'll allow me...." Slightly shifting his body away from the Claw soldiers, Belarin slowly withdraws the map case from within his garments. Seeing how easily the bartender jumped a few seconds, Belarin is careful to let the bartender have a clear view of his hands. He then takes out a cloth and gingerly -- without letting his fingers touch the parchment -- unrolls his map about a third of the way.

He allows the bartender a few seconds to peruse it, then he rolls it back up. "That, my friend, is the taste of the ale within your silver flagon," he says as Nerrin in a thoroughly pleased voice. "Enough to warrant further discussion, or should I move on?"

________________________
Jeff: I'm going to make a Bluff check (and kick in the fey bonus from beguiling tongue). You let me know if you think it's warranted. Here goes: Bluff check (with Beguiling Tongue) (1d20+16=36). OH MY!

Everyone else: Sorry to be hogging the conversation this week. But this does seem to be the reason we're here.

[Brian]

Seeing Belarin remove something from his robes, Condign grips his sword hilt a little tighter. His eyes slide over to the Claw soldiers to see if they react. While they do not seem interested in 'Nerrin,' that could change quickly.

[Jeff]

The Emerald Claw soldiers casually glance at Belarin as he speaks with the barkeep, but they don't seem terribly interested. They obviously know the man, and trust him to his own conversations.

Meanwhile, Smargat's brows come together as he glimpses Belarin's map. Belarin can feel the interest, as well as puzzlement. When the map is away again, the man leans in and says, quieter, "What's that lead to, then?"

[Ken]

"That which nearly everyone who is powerful enough or desperate enough to be seeking, of course," Nerrin says softly in a voice only the bartender can hear. "The Eye of Azalar. This came into my possession during... well, as part of my former responsibilities. It was found in the wreckage of an old Cyran vessel. Fortunately, those who brought it to me had no understanding of the secrets it held. However, I lack the stamina to go on such an ex--"

He glances at a window and sees that dusk will be upon them soon. "Oh dear, oh dear... is it that late?" he says with some concern. "I must prepare for the fest." He looks back at the bartender. "If you are interested in learning more, please let me know, sir! I fear that after tonight, more scalawags and frauds shall seek me out, and I seek to get the value I deserve. If you wish to enrich your pockets, let us meet again, Goodman... I never did hear your name, actually. Only this place. How may I address you?" Belarin peers at him over Nerrin's red-tinted spectacles.

[Joe]

Streko watches everything play out and cocks his head.

He whispers to Kal, "I'm confused. I thought we were going to fight. I am not used to this...not fighting thing. Of course, they are just Emerald Claw soldiers and not Vampires or Otyughs or demented Warforged or Elves or Dragons and such. Perhaps we've become too powerful for thier likes."

Streko picks up his mug and takes a sip. He winces and grumbles softly. "Tell me why I ordered tea again and not something of substance?"

[Darren]

Kal raises an eyebrow at Streko. He says nothing as he slides his glass next to Streko's elbow.

[Jeff]

"Captain Smargat," the bartender says, introducing himself. He nods at Belarin, tipping his hat. "And you are brazen, mate. But you're surely welcome here. I've little use for that damnable Eye, but I know of some folks who would be more...economically interested. Can you wait for a spell? One such will be along shortly. How about one cup of Nightwood, while you wait?" He indicates a few bottles behind him, neatly labeled Nightwood Pale, of Karrnath.

[Ken]

As Smargat speaks, Belarin/Nerrin's expression quickly runs the gamut from disappointed to excited to anxious and back to disappointed. "In a while, you say, Captain?" he says sadly, glancing at the window once more and appearing to calculate potential time options in his head. Finally, he sighs oh so slightly and looks at Smargat with sadness and frustration.

"It is tempting," he continues, "but I really am running late to an appointment that I absolutely must prepare for. These 'Coin Lords' -- is that the name? -- these Coin Lords of yours are having some celebration or other far-too-fanciful event this evening, and I've already made arrangements tied to it. I apologize, Captain -- it's my own fault for dithering earlier when I should have come straight to you."

He pauses, as though having a new thought. "Oh! If this person you recommend is so well connected, it's possible that he -- or she? -- will be at this event as well, yes? From what I've heard, it is supposed to be a, what do they call it, a high-profile event. Have your friend seek me out.

"Otherwise, if not there, then in the common room of the Bogwater Tavern at, oh, the eleventh bell tonight. I've made it my 'office,' so to speak, and I expect to be done with this tedious event by then.

"I hope that's acceptable to your contact, Captain. You've been hospitable to a stranger, and I shall mention that when I meet this person."

[Joe]

Oct 18, 2012 1:04:27 GMT -4 Darren said:

Kal raises an eyebrow at Streko. He says nothing as he slides his glass next to Streko's elbow.

He takes the the glass and swallows some of the liquid, feeling it flow down his throat and expand in his belly.

"May The Host bless you, my friend!"

He glances up at Belarin and shakes his head. "May They bless us all."

He takes another drink and then returns the glass to his friend.

[Dave B.]

Shorak takes note of Belarin's body language and his frequent looks outside. Seeing that dusk is coming and knowing they do not want to be here when night falls, he takes one last swig of his drink and rises from his seat.

"Well, Redoubt. I think it is time to see Master Nerrin back to his lodgings. Otherwise, he will be late for his party."

[Brian]

Seeing Streko take a sip of Kal's drink, he leans in and says, "Evening approaches, my lord. A time for revelry. Would you care for a drink with a little more bite before the darkness settles?"

[Darren]

Kal also watches Streko drink. "Careful," he says, "Kaarnathi rum can go to a Halfling's head awfully quick." He grins, but that quickly melts off his face as Condign speaks and he glances out the window to confirm those words. "No more drink for me. I'd prefer to be going." His gaze slides back to Belarin, hoping the man will quickly conclude his business so they can be gone.

[Joe]

Streko belches. "Ah, Karnathi Rum. If it goes straight to this Halfling's head, I fear it might find itself quite lonely. Better to go to the belly instead...although, come to think of it, there might be a bit of lonliness there as well. Bah!! I, too, want out of this place quickly. It's beginning to feel more like a trap than a bar."

[Jeff]

Smargat smirks when Belarin mentions putting in a good word for him. But he seems genuinely surprised to hear Belarin mention the Coin Lords' event. But then he narrows his eyes a little. Perhaps knowing of the gala isn't such a surprise, but truly being invited to it...that would be.

"Blackwell, is it?" Smargat says. "Aye, my friend should be there, too." He says "there" with some disgust. "I'll mention you and your...prize. If he's interested, he'll be sure to find you. And you'll know him when he does."

Outside the Freighter, the dusk is deepening. Lerrhana looks visibly nervous. She meets Syrdan's eyes and says softly, "His slumber is ending now. He will come awake sharply..." She looks up at the brightening Ring of Siberys in the near, southern sky, which is easier to see as the night approaches. "...within fifteen minutes."

Tangat trots up to the two elves and sits down, wining softly.

[Darren]

Kal feels Tangat's concern, and it only makes the ball of ice in his stomach grow colder. He scrapes his chair back with a clatter as he stands up, making sure Belarin sees him. He throws Nerrin a withering glare, then stomps out of the bar, waving for Condign and Streko to join him.

[Ken]

"Excellent," says Nerrin, as Belarin feigns indifference to the bartender's tone. "I'm sure we shall meet again." He turns away from the bar, and sees Shorak and Adamant already approaching. "Ah, Shorak, Redoubt... about time! Let us be on our way - quickly. We are running late."

With that, the trio walkly briskly out of the bar.

[Dave W.]

Adamant moves to Belarin's side after long moments of stillness at the table.

"Ah, yes, the party. Wouldn't want to be late for that. Its not everyday I get to stand around and watch you people eat and drink yourselves senseless while we still carry this ridiculous map making us targets for all sorts of ne'er-do-wells."

"Oh, wait, yes it is."

[Dave B.]

"Ah, Redoubt. Always the doomsayer." Shorak says with a smile as they move out of the tavern, already plotting the quickest way back to their lodgings. "You really should sell that map soon, Master Nerrin. If the ne'er-do-wells don't do us in, it will definitely be Redoubt's frayed nerves."

[Brian]

Condign falls in step behind Kal and Streko as they make their way out of the tavern. In the square outside, he soon spots Syrdan and Lerhanna, and with a brief nod of his head, indicates that they are leaving.

[Joe]

Streko feels his stomach lurch just slightly (the ale?), but he rolls his shoulders and follows Kal out the door, looking back and giving his own withering glare.

"It just isn't the same from someone three feet shorter, is it?"

[Jeff]

Captain Smargat, the Emerald Claw soldiers, and all the locals turn their eyes upon each of you as you get up and leave. None say a word or move to stop you, but it's clear that both Belarin's group and Kal's group are affiliated in some way, leaving as they are at the same time.

Outside, Syrdan and Lerrhana see the others coming out. As usual, both Condign and Adamant draw some more looks on the street.

Lerrhana is particularly alert right now.

Tangat trots back over to Kal.