Chapter 2: Rites of Passage

[Jeff]

Grafth helps each person, in turn, climb from the open grate. The first to appear is a human boy of 9 or 10, who looks smudged and soiled by time away from a wash basin and time spent in the sewers. The boy, looking borderline terrified as he comes out, looks up at Grafth like he's some sort of storybook hero. "Thanks, sir," he breathes.

Streko's familiar face follows, looking no cleaner and an edge of fear on his face, too. But he's less skittish than the boy and seems immediately relieved to be above ground again. His face is blackened by smoke and soot.

He, and all of Grafth's companions, could use a good wash. They stink.

Next comes Pel, then Tangat (squirming in Kal's arms). When Kal follows, Grafth sees the nasty wound on Kal's hands. Every moment of that hand seems to pain the Deneith heir greatly; his typical Kalish manner can't hide the excruciating wound.

Next comes Taymra, hoisting an unconscious and badly wounded soldier. A look at his bloody back and the pierced armor tells Grafth that a Goran arrow found itself a very good hit. The shooter of said arrow himself follows, looking ready for a fight.

As Grafth helps the Orien heir and soldier through the opening, everyone hears shouting below...between two men, then a curse and a splash of water. Once Taymra is through, she and Grafth peer down and see the armored paladin, Velhan, climbing his way up the rungs with a composed, if hurried pace. "Close this behind me," he growls. "Or that thing might come up! The Claw soldier made a bid for freedom, and it's probably going to get him killed!"

Within seconds, everyone is out, gathered around the hole. Matheu surveys the cobbled little courtyard from a wrought-iron window guard. For just a moment, as you look up at the small dragon with dark red scales, it's easy to picture him perched on a rocky outcropping in the far distant continent of Argonnessen: one of a race of creatures that have ever looked upon humans, elves, dwarves, changelings, halflings, and all the rest as mere children.

You...all smell very badly, the pseudodragon says, with which Grafth can only concur.

The boy, Toler, stares in wonderment up at the dragon. Taymra smiles big and Velhan inclines his head with respect. It's hard to tell who Matheu included with his telepathic voice.

[Josh]

Grafth shuts the grate quickly, locking it once more.

"Let's get Amal and get out of here. I have a skycoach waiting in the park by that brewery you all demolished. Though it will probably take a handful of galifars to get him to let you board in that condition."

He looks at Taymra, "Phorem was quite concerned- he will be glad you are alright." The shifter looks down at the small boy, then at Kalarian. "Perhaps we should get you all healed... and cleaned... as soon as possible. Then, some lunch might be nice."

[Darren]

Kalarian glares at the grate, then casts a glance at Velhan, clearly annoyed that the Emerald Claw soldier got away. "It's hardly justice," he says to Velhan. "Since the immediate danger seems past, you won't mind if I take that back," he says, indicating the longsword he lent to the man. Once it is returned to its scabbard, Kalarian flexes his stiff fingers a bit before moving them in front of himself and muttering a few arcane words. The stains upon his clothing remove themselves. "Better," he says quietly.

Looking around at the group, he composes himself. "Okay," he begins, "we have some work to do. First, you are correct, Grafth. We need to get Amal. Then we need to see to Enan and the Marshal's wife. I got sidetracked by this mess before I could actually collect any information on the ir'Turian's, so I'd still like to see if we can find a chronicler who might have something for us. In the meantime, I'd say we have a few good leads to follow, between what Grafth found and our suggested meeting this evening with the Emerald Claw's employer. So, first we collect Amal, then we see to Enan and the Marshal's wife. Then we get ourselves cleaned up and attend to our wounds. Then, as Grafth suggests, a meal while I try to locate a chronicler and get some information on the ir'Turians. That should give us just enough time before the meeting this evening. Grafth, I'm afraid the lead you brought may have to wait until tomorrow, unless we split up, and I think we've had about enough of that for today."

__________
Casting Prestidigitation. Will that remove the smell, as well?

Also, what time is it?

[Jeff]

It is mid-day now, just past highsun. When anyone glances at a clock tower (outside this courtyard), they will find it to be an hour after the 12th bell.

Velhan shakes his head. "A mess indeed. I am sorry...that man should be brought to justice, but that thing down there....it's not worth it right now. At least we have the other." He indicates the unconscious soldier.

Amal hustles into the courtyard, a flustered looking watchman in his wake. The watchman looks frantically around, from the appearance of a bunch of sewer-smelling people to the closed grate...to Grafth's hand, where the key is. "You, weretouched! Give me that!"

"My lord," Amal says to Kal. "I am glad to see you well. They're taking Enan to the healers, along with the woman. They are both all right, but were badly hurt. The owner of the place is in custody of the watch. They'll have him questioned and out of Deneith's reach for a while. But it may come back to us, to you. We went in, there was a fire. There'll be questioning. What are your orders?"

The Sentinel Marshal looks relieved. "Thank you for your help, all of you. Despite this trouble, you've helped me save my family. I owe you that, and I will do what I can within my house to smooth this over. But...my voice in the house will now be in question."

_________________________

Prestigitation will remove most of the grime and a good deal of the smell with it. But not all. Only a proper bath will do the trick.

[Josh]

The shifter, hearing the watchman's words, takes the key and tosses it over his shoulder. A strange look crosses his face as he hears it clatter to the ground in the distance.

"Meeting? Enan?" Grafth looks at Kalarian, clearly perturbed.

"You've done nothing but drag everyone into unplanned, poorly executed endeavors, something that I'm not willing to be involved in. Does anyone," he asks, looking around the group, "even know what the goal of this was?"

He adjusts his pack, "I've taken a charge to speak to the man at the Lyrander tower, and I refuse to follow blindly into yet another endeavor, putting everything at risk, until my task is complete.

"Kalarian, we all gave you the benefit of the doubt when you went running off on your first errand. Instead of coming back and reporting what you found, you apparently burned down a brewery and dragged a child through the sewers. Excuse me if I don't choose to run headlong into the next mess."

He buttons his coat. "I'm going back to Phorem's to report that you're all safe. If anyone wants to join me, the coach is this way. Our protective box will be delivered shortly. After I speak with him, I would like to visit the docking tower, and find out what the man there has to say." With that, Grafth heads toward the park, hoping his coachman has waited.

[Darren]

"Peace, Grafth, peace," Kalarian calls out, his voice light as he trots after the departing shifter. "I was looking for expediency, not a fight. We can go to the Lyrander tower. I simply did not know if there was time before this evening. In fact, the meeting with the Emerald Claw's employer is at the Lyrander tower tonight at midnight. Perhaps this is no coincidence. Understand, I went to the Deneith enclave seeking information, as I told you. Lady Korvine had sent Amal and Enan to help us, and while there, I encountered the Marshal, Velhan. He had captured one of the surviving Emerald Claw soldiers who attacked us on the road. I offered to help in the questioning, and we were informed that this group of Emerald Claw soldiers was here, along with a commander who might have some information. Choosing speed over caution, the four of us set out to attack the place. That was when the Marshal informed me that a trap had been laid for me, and his family was being held hostage. So we chose to go in and rescue them, as I'm sure you would have done yourself. Of course, the gods do not seem to look so favorably on me as they do on our halfling friend, because the commander was killed in the fighting. One of his underlings informed us that they were to meet with their employer tonight at the Lyrander docking tower. Pel thinks she may be able to impersonate him, and given the helmets we pulled off of the soldiers, I think we might be able to pull it off, and perhaps learn a little more about our assailants." Kalarian's voice has been level this entire time. Now a bit of irritation creeps into it. "So you see, Grafth, I have been attempting to further our investigation. I thought it might be honorable to check in on a fallen comrade and an innocent woman who got caught in the crossfire before continuing on. I apologize if that does not sit well with you. If you'd like to suggest an alternate plan, my ears are open." Kalarian's tone suggests that he is sincere in his willingness to listen to other ideas, but serious about taking some sort of action.

[Joe]

Streko shakes his head in frustration.

"Well, so much for teamwork. Once again, our little group shatters like so many Siberys shards."

She steps over to Kal, takes the Deneith lord's hand in his and prays gently for a moment over the ugly wound.

Use up Guidance.

"My Lord, Kalarian, I will go with our shifter friend back to the tower. We need to be cleaned and refreshed and, once again, I've used up practically every spell in my repetoire before 12th bell...with no doubt too many more chances in store sooner, rather than later, than I have the ability to manage.

"See to your soldier friend's health and well-being, then come back to the Tower and allow ALL of us in this little party to decide as a group what we need to do. Now that we know we will be able to hide the book, we can prepare to do the next best thing in our quest to solve that riddle. Do not forget that we all have our own PERSONAL reasons to work through this...that cannot be forgotten or no one will follow you, regardless your heroic dedication if you dismiss it so out of hand.

"We need you...and you need us. Take care of your business and return to us in the Tower should you feel agreeable to doing so."

With that, Streko turns...stops...turns back..."And find someone with greater skill than I to inspect that hand wound. If undead disease seeped into it, and I consider that likely, you will do well to have it attended to quickly...otherwise, I'm afraid you will have to wait until tomorrow morning until I can beg Olladra's indulgence to allow me the opportunity to assist you...provided we are both still alive at that point, which is my no means guaranteed."

Streko then follows Grafth back to the safety of the Tower.
______________________________________________

Whoops! Darren beat me to it! And here I thought I was a fast typer...heh...do I fix this or what, Jeff?

[Josh]

Grafth stops to listen, but does not turn back. As Streko catches up to him, he merely nods, "Yes, see that your honor is taken care of, and then perhaps a true plan can be made."

As Streko and Grafth (and anyone else who might be heading that way) once again start walking toward the coach, He says to the halfling, "Let's pick up some lunch to bring back to the old man's place, as well."

[Joe]

Streko reaches back into his haversack and pulls out the last two morsels of food taken from the lightning rail...a journey that seemingly took place weeks ago!

He hands one to Grafth and bites into his own.

[Lara]

"Phorem's... a bathhouse... I don't care. Before we do anything else, I want a bath."

[Jeremy]

Goran looks at Streko.

"Have you ever heard of the term, 'Self-Fulfilling Prophecy'? Every time one of you guys bemoans how the group's unity is suddenly 'shattered', you reinforce that idea in everyone's mind, even when it isn't actually true."

His tone is that of annoyance, but also trying to come across with a modicum of politeness.

"One disagreement does not 'shatter' teamwork...but everyone crying about it can! Just let it go. When we all scamper off in different directions screaming curses at each other, then I'll say that the unity is broken. For now, remember that the unspoken feeling is better than the foolish curse."

Goran sheathes his weapon and re-arranges his gear as best as possible. He retrieves a handkerchief to wipe the worst of the grime off his face and hands.

"Let's get back to Phorem's, yes? We've some cleaning and healing to do...and I always get thirsty after burning down a brewery."

[Darren]

"Fine, let us return to Phorem's."

"Marshal," Kalarian begins, turning to Velhan, "perhaps you could do something for us. First, go to the healer and check on your wife and Enan. Next, go to the watch and see if you can question the brewer. I know they won't let us near him, but surely they wouldn't try to keep a Sentinel Marshal away. After that, come find us at the wizard Phorem's tower and let me know what the outcome is. Can you do this for us, Marshal? If you're concerned about Toler, we can bring him with us. I'm certain he would be safe at Phorem's until you got there." Kalarian smiles at the boy.

"Amal, you're with us," Kalarian says, knowing that the simple instruction will be enough information for the disciplined Deneith soldier.

[Jeff]

The watchman utters a curse beneath his breath, but Amal waits to see him off again.

Velhan looks to Kal. "My son will stay with me, Kalarian. I will return to the enclave and do what I can, and find out what I can. But I can make no promises, as I am uncertain what punishments await me. If I am able, I will find this Phorem. He is a wizard of House Orien, then?"

"Yes," Taymra says, pointing toward the center of the city. "Red tower. Can't miss it."

Grafth keeps walking, and everyone inevitably begins to follow even as they talk about the next course. Soon you reach Caravan Avenue again, where a small crowd still lingers outside of the still-smoking brewery. True to Amal's words, Marshal Velhan's wife, the other captured Emerald Claw soldier, and the brewer are gone, taken to the Jorasco hospital or into custody.

Grafth spots the Lyrandar coachman, whose skycoach hovers above the ground. There is a look of annoyance and self-deliberation on his face, but he lets out a sigh of relief when he sees Grafth approaching.

Taymra walks up beside Grafth. "You must have tipped him well," she says to him.

Matheu lights on the edge of the skycoach's railing.

There don't appear to be any taverns or restaurants in this immediate area, but the skycoach pilot would be able to bring you to one quickly enough, if you direct him.

Velhan turns to go his own way. He faces your group squarely. "Thank you, again, for helping me, whatever your disagreements."

_______________________

Streko casts Cure Minor Wound, healing Kal 1 hit point. His hand feels a little bit better.

[Josh]

As the skycoach lowers to allow all to board, Grafth swallows the last bite of what Streko offered him and nods to the coachman. "Thank you for your patience. As you can see, my friends were indeed in need of some assistance." He hands the driver a galifar. "We'll be heading back to the tower where you picked me up."

He looks at the others. "I'm assuming that you'd all rather clean up and move forward than sit in a tavern, if one would even us let us enter in your condition. Perhaps we can have our meal brought to us?" He looks at Matheu, "After all, Phorem needs to eat too, and I doubt he would waste a dragon's time with shopping."

[Darren]

"Agreed, Grafth. The tower would be best."

Kalarian puts a hand on Velhan's shoulder and leads him a bit away from the group. He lowers his voice slightly and looks the man in the eyes. "Marshal, you have nothing to be ashamed of. You have brought no dishonor on your post. You did what you had to do, and any man in your position would have done the same. You acted with honor by warning me, and you fought bravely to rescue those you loved. Do not let guilt prevent you from continuing to fulfill the duties of a Sentinel Marshal. You are a good man, Marshal. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. The moment the opportunity presents itself, I will be certain to put in word at the Deneith enclave to that effect. Remain strong, Marshal. I hope to see you soon." Offering a bow to the man, Kalarian enters the skycoach, ready to return to Phorem's tower.

[Jeff]

Marshal Velhan nods at Kal's words, but Kal doesn't think its the man's self-opinion that he seems concerned with. "Thank you for the kind words, Lord Kalarian." The paladin offers a Deneith salute and leads his son away.

The coachman nods at Grafth's words and accepts the galifar without a word. When everyone has boarded the vessel, it lifts into the air once more, quickly putting the brewery behind. Matheu lifts into the air, deigning to carry himself. He darts forward, leaving the skycoach drifting behind.

A few minutes later and the vessel nears Phorem's tower again. The stone steps jut from the tower, and the entrance doors are wide open. When most of the group has stepped within the tower, they find several basins of fresh water set out, seemingly carried and filled by summoned unseen servants. Taymra runs within to speak with her honorary uncle.

The Lyrandar coachman eyes Grafth. "The old mage's tower is busy today. Shall I return again soon?"

[Darren]

Kalarian moves quickly to clean himself, inquiring about the possibility of laundering his clothing, as well.

[Josh]

Grafth thinks for a moment. "If you could meet me here again, at fifteenth bell," he says, "I am sure you'd have a fare." Grafth moves to de-board the coach last. Before he exits, he hands the driver two Sovereigns.

"That is for the ride. The galifar was for your time- and in case you need to do more than the usual cleaning to your vessel. May I ask your name, sir? You've been very helpful."

After the coach leaves, the shifter approaches Kalarian. "The coach will return in a little more than an hour. That should give us some time to plan our next moves. I feel it imperative to visit the Lyrander tower, and you've mentioned some sort of meeting there later- mind telling me more about that?"

[Jeff]

Before drifting away, the Lyrandar coachman leaves his name with Grafth: Lestrev. He shrugs at Grafth's mention of cleaning up.

By now, everyone's grown accustomed to the crimson light that surrounds their magical possessions when they pass through Phorem's door. Amal looks in wonderment as Kal's ring, his dragonmark, and various other possessions among the party flare up with the red glow.

The dark-skinned Blademark stands near Kal, but offers a respectful bow to Phorem when he sees him. The old wizard himself seems too distracted by Taymra and her tale to pay him much mind; he certainly doesn't seemed alarmed by the newcomer, who clearly looks to be in Kal's service.

Taymra relates the events at the brewery and the sewer to Phorem. His strokes his beard and listens intently. When she is finished, he speaks an arcane phrase and an invisible servant delivers a new object to his hand, which in turn he holds out.

At first it appears to be a gray, metal book...then you realize it's merely a hollow shell for a book. The craftmanship is rudimentary but purposeful: it is quite clearly some sort of lead or lead-alloy metal, hinged and ready to accommodate a regular or smaller-sized book.

"It's useful to make acquaintances among members of Cannith's Fabricator's Guild. Helpful in a pinch. This will block most divination spells used to discern the location of that troublesome book of yours."

___________________________

Who will take the lead case? (It weighs 3 lbs.)

[Darren]

I think the book should either go in Streko's mystery pouch or Goran should probably hang on to it. Kalarian seems to get knocked down a bit too often.

"As I said, Grafth, the Emerald Claw soldier informed us that there was to be a meeting tonight at midnight at the Lyrander tower between the man who hired them and their commander. The commander is now dead, and I'd bet that the soldiers are, as well. Pellorien thinks she may be able to imitate the commander well enough that we might be able to find out who this mystery employer is. It sounds like the same dragonhawk rider that we've been seeing since the initial attack on the rail. If we can get there ahead of time and scout out the area, perhaps we can even set up some sort of ambush, in case Pel's ruse does not work." As Kalarian speaks, his hand idly scratches behind Tangat's ears. He has not forgotten the service the wolfdog provided for him.

[Jeremy]

"I will take of the book, if no one else wants it. But I am no wizard, nor expert with such arcane items."

Goran chuckles a bit.

"Although I get knocked down a bit too."

[Jeff]

Goran accepts the lead case from Phorem, which now contains the book itself, and tucks it away.

Phorem looks expectantly at the group. "You look battered, my young friends. Perhaps you need care more hospitable than mine. I would be happy to recommend you to a place that can accommodate you while you stay in this city. I'm afraid I don't have beds for all of you when night falls."

It is still early in the afternoon, and the skycoach will be returning shortly to bear you wherever you wish to go next.

[Lara]

Tired but cleaner, Pel once again appears in her changeling form.

"Thank you, Phorem, for your aid and your hospitality. After our adventures on the road, biding some time in your company was welcome and pleasant. I'm just sorry that our troubles followed us through your door."

She pauses for a moment, then speaks more to the group at large. "Lest anything else follow us here and trouble Phorem and Mattheu, I think we should find shelter elsewhere in the city."

She walks to Goran's side, places a hand on his shoulder and says, "Thank you for keeping the book safe."

[Jeff]

"My dear," Phorem says to Pel, "It has been my home that has been graced. Please return as often as you can." To Taymra, he holds out a pouch. "The Hound, I think," he says with a smile. She widens her eyes.

"Are you certain?" she asks.

"I am."

Phorem looks to the group at large again. "If there is anything else you wish to leave with me—magic or otherwise—I can give it a close examination. Then I can have it sent after you. If I can't identify it myself, Matheu surely can."

Obviously, the pseudodragon adds.

Taymra looks to Grafth. "Are we....missing someone?" She looks around. "Dhaz! Where did he go? What happened while we were gone?"

[Josh]

"Dhaz left before I came for you. I can't say exactly where he went, but I'm sure there's an inebriated shifter in a tavern nearby.

"As for what happened while you were gone, Well..."

Grafth brings the group up to speed on what transpired in their absence.

____________________

If you haven't read all of that already, do so!

DM's Edit: For a refresher, I'd start here and just scan through Grafth's/Phorem's conversations.

[Darren]

"Well, Phorem, I don't think you need to worry about putting us up for the night." To the group, Kalarian continues, "If we intend to try for this meeting at the Lyrander tower, it will be at midnight, so any sleep we get will need to happen before then. Perhaps it would be best if we rest now, then go to the Lyrander tower several hours ahead of midnight. That way we can scout it out and meet with Grafth's contact before potentially finding ourselves in another conflict."

__________
Jeff, how many hours would we all need to sleep to refresh our spells? Is there enough time now, and if we did, what time would it be when we could move on again?

[Jeff]

Nope. There won't be any refreshing of spells until tomorrow morning (in game), regardless of sleep. Taking rest before midnight will simply ensure that you won't become fatigued or exhausted for the night's activities.

At least, not until D&D 4th Edition comes out, when they change the way this works a bit.

[Jeremy]

Goran will cast Farmhand to clean his clothes, and will take some time to clean himself too. He will carefully devise the best way to stow the book/case in his gear, for maximum protection/concealment/security. He will also clean his weapons.

Everything he does will be done with care and at a measured pace, that's how he works. If possible, Goran will grab a few bites of food, some water and a few hours' sleep.

[Darren]

"Matheu," Kalarian asks, "is there a way we can get a message to the Deneith enclave?"

[Joe]

Streko has been DYING for a hot bath since...well...forever. So he will definitely go clean himself up as best he can.

Afterwards, he respectfully asks Matheu if there is anything he can do for the pseudodragon in thanks for his help and then he'll ask the same of Phorem.