Chapter 2: Rites of Passage

[Lara]

"That said, I should explain to you that I am reasonably confident that I can pretend to be this man and fool his leader at a distance, but once close to him... Well, that is another matter. I have prepared as best I know how. Had I the opportunity to observe him in action longer, I would have a better idea of the ways he carried himself and moved and spoke."

She pauses for a moment before standing and assuming a different stance and walking about the room in a pattern of movement that to the observant in the group simply does not look like Pel. As she moves, she begins to speak again, and her manner of speaking seems slightly different from what the party have come to expect from Pel.

"His attitude might reflect his demeanor towards this leader we seek to confront. Can any of you think of anything in his behaviors that I might have overlooked and should add to my repertoire?"

[Jeff]

Just then, the nearest window lifts of its own accord, offering a considerable gust of wind. A few other occupants of the room look on, annoyed, then turn back to their own conversations. Each person seems content to remain in their own chair or sofa.

Then you hear a loud chittering just outside the window, as of a squirrel. A few seconds later, the soft scrabbling of claws upon the sill, then a rich, if quiet draconic voice..

I am here, now, to learn what your intentions for this evening are, Matheu says. Lady Taymra is currently occupied, and isn't yet certain if she'll be able to rendezvous here with you at the twenty-first interval of the city's quaint clocktowers as she'd intended. But I will...happily relay back to her whatever plans you have decided to make. There is no hurry. I will wait for your decisions.

Matheu then pops into visibility, curled up like a cat at the base of the wall beneath the window. It's the first time you've seen him on the floor. His tiny dragon head looks this way and that as if appraising the lounge.

[Josh]

Grafth looks from the dragon to the others. "Well, I suppose we should decide some specifics then. If we do want Taymra to rendevous with us, we'd best let her know exactly where and when.

"The sooner I can head to Lyrander tower, the better; who knows how long it will be before I can find then speak to Ralsor. The others will need to scout the area and perhaps find some locations that could be to our tactical advantage, should things take a turn for the worse."

[Darren]

"Perhaps a few hours rest, and then we head to the hour at, say, 20th bell? That should give us time before midnight to scout the area and meet with your contact."

Kalarian still seems to consider the plan, clearly concerned for Pellorien's safety. "Pel, the man on the dragonhawk does not seem to be without resources. It is likely that he will have heard of the burning of Coron's Brewery and know that something is up. He may even have heard of our escape. What he may not know is about the demise of the commander, depending on whether or not anyone has looked under the brewery, yet. Seeing you there, his first question will likely be whether or not you have the book. I think some practice is in order. What will you say?"

[Jeremy]

"I agree with Kal in this. I can be only beneficial if you practice your demeanor and what you will say. If this man's knowledge of recent events is a weakness for us, we must turn it into a strength: play directly to his suspicions of a trap or ruse. Trying to hide it will only elicit more suspicion. As to precisely how we do this, I'm not sure. I need sleep, my mind is misfiring a bit."

Goran stands, and prepares to go to his bedroom. He finds one of the inn servants.

"Please wake me half past the 18th bell. I'll want something simple to eat, please, just bread and some soup, or a slip of meat perhaps. And a glass of tea...the good stuff please. I'll see you receive a galifar for your promptness."

Just before going up, Goran suddenly stops and looks at Streko and Grafth, half a grin on his lips.

"Did I hear something about a certain wine...?"

[Joe]

Streko grins, reaches back into his sack and produces the bottle of Reach Wine, half empty.

"I truly had no idea they had such fine stores in Aundair. And as I know of your fondness for the region..."

He hands the bottle over to his half-elf friend. "Enjoy and when you are ready to depart, come get me and we shall do what we do best...well...no...forget I said that...we don't need to get into any MORE trouble now, do we?"
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Streko, too, will go back to his room and rest for a time. He will be ready when Goran comes to retrieve him. Question: Did Streko's dragonmark ability do anything for Goran? I don't understand the italicized number 10 after the 16 in your stats section, Jeff...

[Jeff]

The italicized number next to hit points represents a person's nonlethal hit points (which counts up from 0, instead of down from the total hit points). Streko's dragonmark doesn't heal hit points, though; so that doesn't affect Goran's hit points at all. However, once Goran starts to get some rest/sleep, the nonlethal damage he took will start to go away fast.

My, my , Joe...Reacher wine, eh? Sounds like you're straddling the line between player and DM. (Seriously, no big deal, but don't take that too far! Especially since wine can be expensive.)

[Joe]

Just wanted to add a little detail to the experience...sorry if I stepped over the line a bit...besides, I felt like I (Joe) had dissed Goran (through Streko) and wanted an excuse to make up. :-) BTW, Reach wine is a figment of my imagination and could be the equivalent of Boone's Farm for all Streko knows...in any event, I understand and won't be a bad boy again. :-)

[Jeff]

Matheu appears to drift into a half-wakened trance as he lays curled upon against the wall, just beneath the window. Waiting for the continued discussions to turn into something more substantial.

__________________________

It's cool, Joe. I'd rather you overstep your bounds more often than not enough! Err on the side of too much, that's what I say!

[Josh]

"So, unless anyone has any disagreements, how does this sound? We head to the Lyrander tower at 20th bell. I suggest that Kal and I take one coach, the rest in another. If we can manage to keep our association loose until close to midnight, that sounds better. We can ask Matheu to tell Taymra to meet us at the tower an hour before midnight if she decides to join us. At that point, we can regroup, consider our options, and prepare for the rendevous."

[Lara]

goran said:

"I agree with Kal in this. I can be only beneficial if you practice your demeanor and what you will say. If this man's knowledge of recent events is a weakness for us, we must turn it into a strength: play directly to his suspicions of a trap or ruse. Trying to hide it will only elicit more suspicion. As to precisely how we do this, I'm not sure. I need sleep, my mind is misfiring a bit."

Pel nods. "Your counsel would be appreciated, and while a brief rest will not restore my arcane abilities, it will, as you say Goran, refresh the mind and clear the head."

[Jeff]

Question for Lara: While Pel is reasonably sure she can physically impersonate the Emerald Claw commander, what does she intend to wear when the time comes? There was no mention of his appearance, and it's quite possible that an Emerald Claw helmet in public might draw unwanted attention. She's smart enough to guess that the commander probably wouldn't hold up a neon sign that says he's with the Emerald Claw.

[Darren]

"Agreed, Grafth. Your plan is sound. Still," Kalarian trails off as he begins pacing again. He turns sharply in front of Pel. "I think we need to work a bit more on your 'impression' before resting. At least, you and I do. If the rest of our companions wish to rest, so be it, but I do not intend to sleep until I am satisfied that you have the best possible chance of coming through this alive."

[Josh]

"If neither of you would mind, I will join you. I know the least about what went on at the Brewery, so perhaps observing or helping you out would aid my understanding as well."

[Lara]

admin said:

Question for Lara: While Pel is reasonably sure she can physically impersonate the Emerald Claw commander, what does she intend to wear when the time comes? There was no mention of his appearance, and it's quite possible that an Emerald Claw helmet in public might draw unwanted attention. She's smart enough to guess that the commander probably wouldn't hold up a neon sign that says he's with the Emerald Claw.

Good question. I thought I'd asked you what was on him and what he was wearing. That's what I was trying to accomplish by looking over the body so extensively and carefully while we were in the basement with the fire raging over our heads.

[Jeff]

Lara, we'll handle it here, you and I.

With the majority of the discussions ended, and Grafth's basic plan agreed upon, Goran is free to retire to his room for a few hours of rest. Pel, Kal, and Grafth remain behind to work out whatever details they want of their "rehearsal."

Streko is left to his own devices. Matheu lifts a single eyelid and watches.

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Darren and Lara: let us know what the deal is, so we don't make everyone else wait too long. If there's something you want to work on first, please commence.

[Darren]

"Alright, Pel," Kal begins as though he were an instructor, "let's begin. First, can we see your disguise? Next, perhaps a bit of 'roleplaying' is in order. You be the commander, and I will be the man on the dragonhawk."

Kalarian takes a moment to get into character, then turns and leers at Pellorien with an evil glint in his eye. "Where is my book, commander?"

[Joe]

Streko, too, will go back to his room and rest for a time. He will be ready when Goran comes to retrieve him.

That is what Streko is going to do...until such time as he is called to action by Goran...

[Jeremy]

Goran doesn't care from Boone's Farm , he's just happy to have a few swigs of wine before much-needed rest.

Even the faintest reminder of home....

[Jeff]

I'm just going to move things along and skip this pending "scene" tomorrow, unless there is some activity first. Just FYI.

[Jeff]

The next few hours pass with some much-needed peace, comfort, and relaxation. Goran falls hard into a deep sleep for a few-hour nap. The 20th bell near. Goran is roused; he is drowsy, but still feels much better.

The sky is darkening, dusk is fully upon Passage.

Matheu seems to have drifted away.

______________________

A reminder: the following people do still have some injuries. Not necessarily something you have to take action on, but a FYI.

Goran: (21) 16 (Goran's nonlethal damage is gone now.)
Grafth: (20) 16
Kal: (23) 20
Pellorien: (19) 18

[Josh]

Grafth stretches and stands. "Well," he says to Pel and Kalarian, "that was quite interesting. It seems like everything might just work out nicely."

Grafth secures all of his belongings in his pack and makes ready to depart. As the others regroup, he greets them. Once everyone has gathered, he asks, "So, shall we head to the tower?"

[Jeremy]

*yawn*

- - stretch - -


Considering the likelihood of sustaining damage this night, Goran will do a little healin' on his bad self.

Afterwards, he will request some hot water and wash his face and elsewhere. A bit of soup and some bread would be nice (just a little) and he'll pay. And...of course...some tea.

I assume Goran is still carrying the book?

---

Do you mean Matheu fell asleep, or has disappeared?

[Darren]

Their practice session concluded, Kalarian rises and stretches his arms out above his head. "I could use a bite to eat. Then I believe it will be time to leave." So saying, Kalarian heads for the dining room to get some food before packing up his belongings and meeting with the others.

[Lara]

A half-grin on her face, Pel says, "I don't think I could eat right now if I tried. Nerves always make my stomach... flutter."

[Joe]

Streko stretches the knots and kinks out of his muscles after his brief snooze. He gets himself ready and prepares to go meet Goran.
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Are we all meeting together before separating? Goran and Streko will be doing their thing while the others go to the meeting...is that correct? If so, Streko will use up resistanceand do a minor wound healing on Grafth...but only if everyone is together.

[Jeff]

A single sovereign given to the dining room staff yields Kal with a steaming bowl of hearty stew and some broiled trout from Lake Galifar. Goran scores some bread and some regular tea (free of charge).

Soon the others gather around the Deneith heir and Eldeen ranger. Grafth is sated still by the pastries from earlier and neither Streko nor Pel have the stomach for any food. The halfling priest softly channels healing magic into Grafth, making him feel a bit better.

Amal has returned, and reports to Kal that Enan is still at the Jorasco house of healing. Evidently they found traces of sickness within him and he is being treated. Unless they receive payment to use magic to purge the sickness. Either way, Amal himself is able and ready.

To recall Grafth's earlier plan:

"We head to the Lyrander tower at 20th bell. I suggest that Kal and I take one coach, the rest in another. If we can manage to keep our association loose until close to midnight, that sounds better. We can ask Matheu to tell Taymra to meet us at the tower an hour before midnight if she decides to join us. At that point, we can regroup, consider our options, and prepare for the rendevous."

The 20th bell chimes from a wall clock inside the foyer of the Transient Hound. The halflings and humans who staff the inn smile casually, unfazed by your mustering. In fact, a trio of men in brigandine armor—mercenaries, perhaps—also appear to be gathering nearby as if ready to head off on a martial errand of their own. One of the men gives Pel a shy smile. Another, their obvious leader, eyes Kal up and down. Either he wants to know what a dragonmarked heir of Deneith is doing here, or he's...interested.

The blink dog you saw earlier suddenly flashes into existence several paces in front of your group as you're checking your gear. She sniffs the air and whines softly. Tangat's ears go up, and he sniffs the air as well as if to catch whatever she's noticed. Tangat just looks puzzled. Grafth smells nothing, either.

__________________________

Streko heals Grafth 1 hit point.

If there's any last-minute things, say them now. As of this moment, Pel is still in her Pellorien form (a woman). Lara: please be sure to tell me when she intends to shift into the Emerald Claw commander's form. She's already selected the most gender-neutral, utilitarian clothing she has for this.

[Darren]

Glancing at the two dogs, Kal nods in their direction and says, "What do you make of that, Master Streko?"

At Amal's words regarding Enan, Kalarian says, "Hm...yes. We'll see to Enan's mystical healing as soon as we return from tonight's activities. What of the woman, the Marshal's wife?"

[Joe]

The blink dog you saw earlier suddenly flashes into existence several paces in front of your group as you're checking your gear. She sniffs the air and whines softly. Tangat's ears go up, and he sniffs the air as well as if to catch whatever she's noticed. Tangat just looks puzzled. Grafth smells nothing, either.

Glancing at the two dogs, Kal nods in their direction and says, "What do you make of that, Master Streko?"

"I'm not entirely sure, but if a blink dog acts in this manner, it is usually because they sense something evil and fear it. That THIS particular blink dog can sense it, and neither Tangat nor Grafth can, means that it may be soemthing they cannot sense naturally. What is the natural enemy of a blink dog?"

Looking at the concerned faces of his friends, Streko shrugs his shoulders. "Then again, it could simply be gas. I would suggest, however, that we be extremely alert and prepared for whatever comes. It may be sooner than we expect..."

Streko removes his sickle from tthe ever-convenient haversack on his back and slips the sickle between the folds of his cloak. He begins looking around, seeing if there is anything he can sense or if he notices anything out of the ordinary.

[Jeff]

"Lady Deltir d'Deneith is well, my lord. The Marshal saw to it his wife—and son—would be well cared for while he is debriefed. She was also afflicted with a sickness but the Jorasco healers cured it with magic. I don't..."

Amal looks uncomfortable. "I don't know what's going on with Marshal Velhan. He is certainly in...trouble and under house scrutiny right now. The Emerald Claw soldier who was incarcerated at the enclave has evidently gone missing as well. He may have been complicit in that. I don't know. I'm not authorized to inquire any further into the matter, though I was asked to give my account of what happened at the brewery. Your presence has been requested as well."

Streko senses nothing amiss.

The mercenaries exit the inn, leaving you all standing alone in the foyer.