Chapter 1: A Peaceable Kingdom

[Jeremy]

I'm from the Eldeen reaches, where my people still reside, disappearing into wood and dell, as they dwindle and the years lengthen. Like each of us here at this table I have business of my own, but this little...interlude, has sort of become my business. And it turns out that those whom I seek may be directly involved in this atrocity."

He lowers his voice a little.

"The Emerald Claw, to whom I owe a debt of vengeance, and more, seem to either been involved from the beginning or have gotten themselves tangled up in this mess for reasons that are not clear to me. It is to them I would personally like to cast my most devoted attention...but I will go along with what the group decides."

[Jeff]

"What do you want to know?" Taymra asks Grafth. "I work for my house, in a sort of freelance manner. I started full time in the Transportation Guild, often working security with the Deneith guards, but I've probably spent more time guardign the repair teams along the rail routes. As you know, I live in here in Fairhaven. My father was a wizard of the house."

At Goran's description of himself, Taymra listens with interest. When he finishes: "I've always wanted to visit the Reaches." Then, "The Emerald Claw....yes, I'm certain they're part of this. But are they the only part?"

Her face darkens and she draws her dagger, pointing the blade at the rogue. "Perhaps it's time to get some answers from our only current lead. Yes?"

"Who will do the talking? One, two at most, should take the lead in discussions with him. We need to be organized with this. From experience, if we do not come across as a united force against him, this won't work. We need to consider what to ask, and what to offer. You can't offer him nothing. If he's got no way out, he'll try to run, or perhaps submit to death. We don't know his training."

"And let's decide now if we're letting this man go. If you decide not to sent him back to his employers, then consider giving him over to me. House Orien could learn much more from him. His attempt on my life would be enough to bring him under fire."

[Joe]

"Indeed, My Lady. I am Streko Tavven, cleric of Olladra. My sister was on the train and was wounded, but also survived. She was, however, left in the care of another and my search for them led me to the Deneith enclave, where I found Lord Kalarian. Their cause is mine now, although I feel that the search for my sister is directly connected...which makes things a bit easier."

He takes a drink of ale and sighs contentedly.

"However, having been involved in two attacks, one of which seems to have claimed a member of our group, for he has mysteriously disappeared, I can truthfully say that I have also had enough of being a victim in this. I wish to find out why we are being hunted and how we can become the hunters. If The Emerald Claw is behind these attacks, and they have somehow infiltrated or allied themselves with at least two of the great houses, perhaps more, then for our sakes, we MUST end their plan quickly. Unfortunately, we have no answers yet, just guesses. There are too many loose threads as of yet."

Streko takes another deep drink of ale.

"A warm bath and sleep would be ideal. But I wish answers first."

The blade still resides in his hand and it is still situated near our unconscious Rogue's most precious jewels.

"I will follow the lead of Lord Kalarian, as I have given him my service first, but I do agree with you, My Lady."

______________________________________

Jeff, does Streko glean any knowledge about the blade or the sigils from glancing at it during Kal's inspection?

[Jeremy]

Goran's expression turns grim.

"No, the Emerald Claw plays little more than a supporting role, I would guess. Something larger and...if possible, more sinister, is the engine behind this."

"I'll join the questioning, if everyone will agree. I might have a word or two for him. And yes, we must sound united. That will be more effective."

"This I say, however: I will not release him into anyone's keeping where he will face extreme torture or death, that you will have to fight me for if it's what you intend. Probably he is a mercenary, and perhaps worse, but he has done no murder that we are yet aware of, and did nothing more than threaten and then fight for his life against overwhelming odds. I have little love for him, but will not submit to his sentenced death unless murder by him is proven."

Goran speaks his last sentence into his cup of tea, sipping at it.

"Ask the others. They'll tell you I am tiresomely inflexible on points such as this."

[Jeff]

and did nothing more than threaten and then fight for his life against overwhelming odds.

Taymra scowls at Goran. "Did nothing more than threaten us and then defend himself from us?" She pulls down her ragged cloak, displaying some of the massive scar along her collarbone, the caked blood. It still looks ugly and quite painful. "I'm glad you see him as an innocent," she snaps. "But it was not your throat he tried to cut."

To Streko, she says politely, "Please, no need to call my 'Lady.' I was not raised as such, and do not require the title."

[Jeremy]

"I understand your anger, Tamyra, and I have no desire to handle him gently. And I never said he was innocent."

"But remember he only gave you that wound when we all launched ourselves at him and his comrade in a sudden and, in retrospect, foolhardy attack. As I said, he is a criminal, seemingly, and deserves such treatment. But I do not think, yet, that he deserves death."

"Then again, he might just be desperate. I think it's high time we found out. But this last I'll mention again: He may be of more use to us all if set loose...

"...especially if he thinks he managed to escape."

[Jeff]

"I'm sorry," she replies. "This just hurts like Khyber. My memory of that fight is a bit skewed. It was very nearly my last." She looks to Oss, nodding again for thanks for his assistance.

[Joe]

My half-elf friend, I have no intention of sending him to his grave, but I doubt he knows that. Further, until I am satisfied, I don't intend to let him go free, especially after the way he handled our new Orien friend. If he should "escape" for the better progress of our mission, than it would be best to make sure we are all in agreement...perhaps a signal of some sort. However, if he has answers to our myriad questions, he WILL provide them to us. And, as I have said, I am in agreement with all who have thus far spoken their mind on this matter and will assist to the best of my abilities."

He turns to Taymra. "Should you need more healing assistance, it would be my honor to assist you after our...interrogation...has ended. Then, perhaps a bath and some much needed rest before we begin our quest."

[Jeff]

Over at the bar, the dark-furred shifter appears to slouch heavily onto the bar, possibly asleep. Tangat keeps an eye on him.

"We need some decisions," Taymra says. "That's a good idea, Streko. Depending on what we hear...we need some method of...'voting' for whether we're letting him go back to his employers, or for holding on to him."

She ponders this. "If, during this interrogation, you decide your vote is that he be released (to send back a message), then...use a weapon, any that you possess, and make contact with the tabletop. If we get, say, four such taps...then we'll agree, we let him loose."

"What say you?" she asks, looking to each of you—particularly Oss and Pellorien—for any final suggestions regarding the interorgation. "I'm not for waiting any longer on this man."

___________________________

Streko could deduce nothing of his own from the dagger passed between Goran and Kal. Unless he is allowed to inspect/appraise it himself. Certainly he would not be able to deduce any of its properities anyway.

[Darren]

"I did not mean to say that House Orien should not be involved, Taymra. They are ALREADY involved. My statement was in reference to your suggestion that we involve House Kundarak." It's not clear if there is distaste in Kal's mouth as he says the name of that house.

"As for him," he says, pointing a thumb at the rogue, "I doubt he's a part of the Emerald Claw, which means that they were probably hired by whoever also sent him. Or, again, we're dealing with several factions. Hopefully rival factions. I think we are sending him back to his employers with a message, and I think we all agree on that. Master Streko, I don't believe that any false escape attempt will be necessary. I want this man to know that it is by our grace that he is being let go, and we want his employers to know that we are looking for them."

"Goran, I agree that you should question the man, and Taymra, I believe you should back him up. I will prefer to remain silent, and interject if necessary. Let him know that we have power amongst us." Kalarian rolls up his sleeves and leans forward, placing his arms on the table. "I believe it is time to wake him up."

_________
Sorry for the delay. I've been out all day.

Anyway, let's get this rolling. Wake the sucker up!

[Lara]

Pellorien nods as she listens to the others speak. Looking about the room, she attempts to notice anyone who might be paying too close attention to the conversation.

"Do you want to wake him and deal with him here? And if we are being watched, either up close or from afar, perhaps we should take steps to lessen the chance that such attention is paid to us while we deal with him..."
______________________
Spot check
Knowledge (arcana) or something to determine whatever might be going on with scrying or Locate Object or whatever it is + how to stop it [an assist from another arcanist might be A Very Good Thing]

[Joe]

"Do you want to wake him and deal with him here? And if we are being watched, either up close or from afar, perhaps we should take steps to lessen the chance that such attention is paid to us while we deal with him..."

Streko nods.

"Agreed, my friend. If we are being watched from afar, as our good friend Goran suggested he felt while we were travelling to this fine establishment, there might very well indeed be some magical means being employed. I have some limited knowledge in regards to the arcane arts, but I am no master. I will help as best I can. What do you suggest?"

_________________________________________

Streko will use whatever knowledge he has at his disposal, as well as looking around and doing spot checks, etc... All it takes is a mug of ale and a pretty woman to ask me to do something and I'm all a twitter...I mean...Streko is all a twitter....

[Darren]

lara said:

Knowledge (arcana) or something to determine whatever might be going on with scrying or Locate Object or whatever it is + how to stop it [an assist from another arcanist might be A Very Good Thing]

Kal will help with this.

[Jeremy]

Let's just do it. Wake him up now, or take him upstairs.

[Darren]

Sighing at the timidity of his companions, Kal once again calls over the pretty waitress. "My dear," he says, smiling broadly, "I wonder if you might tell me...is this place generally full of locals and regulars? People you recognize, I mean. Do you see anyone nearby that you haven't seen much around here before? Anyone out of place? Besides us, of course. Although," he slides closer to the girl, "I think I may have to come back here more often."

[Jeff]

"None too unusual," the waitress answers Kal. "But some travelers stop in here, so I don't know every face." She smiles flirtatiously. "Want me to keep the scary strangers away from you, my lord?"

Taymra rolls her eyes. "Yes, miss, please do so." She flips a gold coin to the girl, whose eyes widen. Taymra waves the waitress away.

None of you feels any untoward attention upon the group right now. There are too many unknowns among the tavern crowd, but none are close enough to even eavesdrop. Only magic could allow someone in this very room to overhear. Beyond that...you sense nothing at all, no magical intrusions. But then, such things can be very difficult to detect.

Taymra looks to the group. "If things get ugly...we'll just knock him out again. Whatever your threats, we aren't killing this man. And certainly not in here. As I said, the owner of this place knows me. I don't want to make a mess for him or commit a crime here. Agreed? We're just some folks sitting at a table. So let's keep it as civil as we can."

She takes a mug full of mead and empties it over the rogue's head. He begins to stir, then she jabs him hard in the rib with the pommel of her dagger.

The rogue slowly blinks, then gradually opens his eyes. His slack face tightens with pain—no doubt the many bruises levied upon him from Goran, Taymra, and Pellorien—and his eyes widen. His one free hand (the other twisted behind him by Taymra) goes to his head, where he wipes the mead from his eyes and then holds his fingers against his temple.

"Welcome back, scum," Taymra says close to his ear. "If you don't like your situation now, you're going to like it very much less if we have to wake you up a second time. "

The rogue lifts his head from the table. "I....what...?"

[Jeremy]

"Let's not bother with the preamble."

Goran growls, looking the fellow dead in the eye.

"You're going to tell us the following: Who you are, why you want the book, and most importantly...who you're working for. We might be inclined, if you're helpful, to not only let you live...but to let you retain possession of all your body parts."

"My diminutive friend here was most anxious to remove your manhood, but we have so far prevailed upon him to exercise patience."

[Jeff]

The man struggles for his voice, which comes out raspy.

"You...threaten to dismember me...here?" He glances around the room. The look prompts you to take stock of just who's nearby. But for all the tavern's people, none are very close by and the mumur of voices has steadily increased. The serving girl is actually steering people away from the nearest tables. She winks at Kal.

But then...something catches Grafth's, Kal's, and Oss's eye:

A slender figure steps languidly up upon the stage (the one across from the bar), several tables away from the wall your booth is situated again.

A minstrel of some sort, garbed in black, red, and green. He has shining black hair, long, and a handsome, sculpted face. Grafth, Kal, and Oss are certain: this is the same elf from the boarding platform yesterday. The performer who might be a House Phiarlan member.

His attention is fixed only on a lute in his hand, and he starts tuning it.

_______________________________

Spot checks: Goran (9), Grafth (21), Kal (21), Oss (18), Pellorien (15), Streko (7), Taymra (23).

[Darren]

"Khyber..." Kalarian mutters, looking at the stage. "This can't be coincidence." He leans closer to Goran and says in a low voice, "Keep dealing with this one. I'm going to go talk to the minstrel." Grinning at the rogue, Kalarian excuses himself and goes over to the stage.

"Well met, my friend! That's a beautiful instrument you have there," he says, pointing towards the lute. "I, myself, am a bit of an amateur entertainer." Kal again makes a small ball of light dance around his fingers. "I once saw a performer do a trick like this that was so....it was breathtaking."

___________
A bit of Bluff, I suppose, mixed in with a helping of Sense Motive.

[Jeremy]

His eyes never leaving the rogue, Goran grins at his question.

"Well, the aforementioned parts are beneath the table...but no, we're not going to dismember you here. Personally, I'd rather not dismember you anywhere. I dislike such acts of violence...I honestly do. Nothing would please us more than for you to answer us, without our having to resort to the use of excrutiating pain. But, alas, we will do so if necessary."

He leans forward suddenly, his eyes aflame, and draws the Deneith dagger from its sheath, slowly and with much ceremony, then slips the edge across a finger*, drawing a thin bead of blood. he watches it with interest, as the dark liquid runs down his hand and drips on the table. He swivels his gaze back to the rogue. If the guy thinks the half-elf is certifiably nuts, well, so much the better.

"We'll take you elsewhere for the worst of it."

---

*NOT on the hand he pulls back his bowstring with, mind.

[Josh]

Grafth watches the proceedings with interest, and makes not of the minstrel, not giving it too much of his attention. His eyes remain focused on their captive, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

As Goran speaks, an almost imperceptible smile turns one corner of the shifter's mouth.

Under the table, his hand rests on the handle or the pick he obtained from the warforged.

[Jeff]

At the Booth

Taymra is surprised to see Kal get up suddenly and walk away. She glances at the rest of the group questioningly.

The rogue looks back at Goran and his finger, fear and anger warring in his eyes. Then he turns his eyes to Taymra, whose body is pressed close to this (from afar they could appear to be an "item"), her dagger at his chest. Fear starts to win.

"There's no need to be rash," he says. "I'll tell you what I can. But let's be clear on this, right? I'll answer your questions, you let me walk out of here, untouched."

At the Stage

The elf is considerably shorter than Kal, seeming even moreso as he perches on his stool. He looks up at Kal only briefly, who sees no recognition in his eyes.

"A nice display," he says, seeming not impressed, turning back to his lute. "But thank you, my lord. I keep my instruments in excellent condition. If I may say so"—he still isn't looking up—"that is a rather remarkable sharash. The largest I've seen. You like...oversized things?"

The elf grins and looks up again. "I jest, my lord. It's kind of my job. For your unexpected but very welcome compliment, I'll ask you...would you care to supplement my song with some visual displays?"

Kal can see a bag set against the wall—probably the entertainer's props.

____________________________

Intimidate checks coming. Goran is making the check; Taymra is assisting.

[Jeremy]

Goran's face is like stone, but his eyes do not stray from the rogue's, and he continues to play with the blade in his hands. The blade itself and his hands are all sticky with the blood now, he seems not to even notice it anymore. Of course, this is all intentional and yet...it also feels natural.

"My dear fellow, you are in no position to insist on guarantees! We have not yet heard what you have to offer. However, I can assure you we are not interested in being burdened with you any longer than we have to. Your usefulness will end once you've told us what we need to know."

Pausing to let that comment sink in, Goran continues.

"But...you will be treated fairly, if you speak the truth and do not withold what we ask. If so then the only blood shed tonight will be my own...right here!" he finishes with a disturbing grin, holding out his hand a bit, streaked with the sanguine ribbons across his flesh.

"Speak!" he blurts out, suddenly, like a command.

[Jeff]

At the Booth

“All right!” the rogue says to Goran, then takes a deep breath.

“Listen, I’m no killer. I was just doing some work for a man named Urek. He’s a…dealer in information. Freelance. He was recently contracted to do some work for a man named Malov. I know virtually nothing about that man, so please don’t ask me. I haven’t met him, I only know Urek’s work has been coming exclusively from him the last couple of weeks. The man's real secret-like.

“A short while ago, my boss was given a new job. Retrieve something Malov lost. Some book. It’s not Urek’s care that this Malov didn’t want to go to the House of Finding for this. But that’s the thing: Malov didn’t need help actually finding it—said he knew where it was—but he wanted Urek to do the picking up. And I work for Urek, so that meant me.

“But…it’s strange. Malov sent one of his men, some mage, to come with me. Said he’d point the way. Used a wand, I guess it was, to find where the book was—where you were—I guess. Seemed to know someone was carrying it. I didn’t know you were this many.” The man gestures with his free hand at the group at large.

“But not only did Malov send this mage to show me the way, but he also gave us some muscle—that warforged who was with me. I guess....you killed it.

"But, didn’t get that, either. Seems Malov’s got the right people for this type of work already, but didn’t want to do this himself, I guess. Doesn't want to get his hands dirty? Some noble, I guess. I sort of felt like I was…unnecessary. But I’m not going to go asking questions. He paid Urek quite a bit for this job. So we—I—took it.

“I was given the book’s description: small, metal-bound, fine looking. It would be locked, and if I had any doubt, then I’d take all books with that description. The mage who came with me…he’d been nearby." The rogue looks around the room again. "Where…are we now?”

Pellorien and Streko get the sense that not all of his words are completely accurate, but they don't think he's lying, either. It seems like he's not even sure of some of the facts himself. In that, they believe he's genuine.

_____________________________

Goran's Intimidate check = 16 +2 (Taymra) = 18

[Joe]

Streko growls low, pointing the tip of his dagger at the Rogue's genitals.

"You know where to find this Urek fellow?"

Streko turns to Goran. "His words ring true...and explain why you felt that we were being followed. We WERE, by a mysterious mage accomplice. We continue to be in serious trouble here, my friend. I suggest that we move fast, before either Urek or Malov have the time to gather more forces against us."

Back to the Rogue, Streko smiles. "You, sir, have the favor of Olladra this evening. You have managed to anger scions of three of the major houses, and you still have a guarantee from us that we will allow you to leave should you have anything useful to say. Thus, I ask, where do we find Urek?"

As if to make his point extremely clear. he pokes the tip of his dagger in a very sensitive place...just a reminder, not strong enough to pierce clothing, let alone skin.

____________________________________

At this point, I am assuming that Streko is to the Rogue's left, as Taymra seems nestled on his right side, up close. He keeps his full attention on the Rogue, allowing the others to follow either Kalarian, the shifter at the bar or whatever else might be happening.

Tanget is still keeping the shifter in sight, I assume, while Kal is with the bard?

[Josh]

"And describe this mage to us," Grafth demands, following Streko's lead to gather more information.

[Jeff]

The rogue winces at Streko’s “reminder.” His eyes turn on the halfling, hatred evident there. “Yes, lucky. Remind me to make a donation to Olladra’s shrine,” he says sarcastically.

“But yes, if you brought me here, then the mage will be close behind.” His gaze rakes across the room, as if searching for the mage himself. He doesn’t seem to recognize anyone. “I don’t think he’d try to take the book by force. That’s what I was for, I guess. But he’ll be nearby. If you send me out…without the book…what do you want me to tell Urek?”

To Streko: “I don’t know where Urek lives. We don’t…work like that…in the trade. But I am supposed to meet with him tomorrow, near the docks. The book I would have given directly to the mage.”

"And describe this mage to us," Grafth demands

“Just some man. Younger than me, actually. Red hair, brown eyes. But somehow he creeped me out. Didn’t talk much. Never saw him use any spell except from that wand of his. And this man…he gave me the flasks…I guess you have the other now? Said to use it if things went bad. If I can’t get the book, destroy it instead. Said it wouldn’t be easy, but these flasks could do it.”

“Listen, that’s what I know. Are we done here?”

"No," Taymra answers, running her dagger blade along his collarbone, drawing a line of blood. "What else?" she asks the rest of the group at the table.

Tangat is still watching the shifter.

[Darren]

"I'm afraid I would make a poor showing out here, but entertain us well and I'll be sure to compensate you for it," Kalarian says as he walks back to the table.

Leaning into Goran, Kalarian once again speaks for his benefit only. "It's definitely the same minstrel. We should keep an eye on him." Raising his voice so the rogue can hear, he adds, "Have you gotten anything useful out of this one, yet, or should we dispose of him now?"

[Joe]

Streko looks up at the Rogue and shakes his head sadly.

"If what you say is true, then this does not bode well for you. You will have failed in retrieving the book, you will have failed in destroying the book, you will have failed in escaping from us and, finally, you will have failed in keeping your activities secret from us. If indeed we were followed by magical means, then your betrayal will be evident, especially if you walk out of here as if nothing untoward occurred to you and...weaponless...as you are. Perhaps you should remain here for a while once we leave. That, at least, will allow you time to flee from the mage, who will have no choice but to follow us."

He turns back to his friends, sliding the dagger into his backpack.

"Of course, the final decision belongs to the group. They may choose an entirely different approach to the situation.

He grabs his ale and takes a deep drink, enjoying the smoothness of the beverage provided by his kindred behind the bar.

______________________________________

Streko will back away from the Rogue now and perch himself near Kalarian.

[Ed]

Oss clears his throat and says, "Be done with the wretch once he tells you exactly where near the docks. There are others here that need talking to."

_______________________________________________________
Oss will leave the table to move closer to the minstrel and watch him carefully.