Pershimar: the City Above Rolling Sands (3.5e adventure, IC)

[Meirnon]

OOC (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=167185)
DICE PAGE (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=9393608#post9393608)

The day is the 5th of Sul in the cliff-faced city of Pershimar. Weary sailors drag crates from their ships, panting in the heat as their heavy wares are set aside. The arid heat of the desert beyond has a hard time reaching down the cliff-face, and the humid vapors of the salt-water make it miserable as the docks are bathed in sunlight all day from one angle or another.

Set against the docks like an authoritative figure, the plateau face is carved and lined with a wide path and numerous dug-out housing, as well as pipes emerging from the complex sewer system built when the city was founded. Up the winding road, and past the dock gates, however, a completely different scene is unfolding.

Rather than dockworkers slaving for coin, hundreds of people are gathered in a large clearing in the urban landscape. Sandaled feet slap and step against the sandstone blocks in a bustling bazaar, wares such as colored cloth and sweet pastries being vended at every turn. This bazaar is a daily trip for most residents as they seek daily needs or wants. Indeed, the bazaars of Pershimar are the heart and soul of the city, one of the most wealthy trade city in the entirety of Balekatheir.

So, the 5th of Sul seems like any other day, the doubts and worries of people swept up in the bustle and thrill of the city they call home. But in a stone building behind high walls emblazoned with a White and Blue flag, 3 men sit together, concern across their brow. The dark office is mostly unadorned, a simple desk, a few chairs and a rug on the floor, the only other adornment being an extremely large sword mounted above the windows that shine light in on the occupants. To a knowledgeable native, these 3 men would be known as Balthazars, the servants of the Ba'al city lord. To an especially observant native, the colors upon their bodies would be known as the colors of Protection, Arcane and Underworks. But the one thing every native would know is what their meeting was about, the shadow of the unknown dangers that made themselves lurking in the sewers hanging just as steadily over these men. All they can do is wait and hope for their requests towards individuals, friends and acquaintances not bound by civic and legal duties, to be met with agreement. So they sit in worry and converse with each other about the prospects of a solution to their nightmarish predicament, not sure how everything will turn out.

Roxianne
You are awaken early by Ahmeil like every other day, a smile on his stubble-covered face and his white and blue tunic covering the jingling of a chain shirt. He talks of some trivial matters with the other soldiers as you two walk to the main hall of the building, a hundred soldiers holding out their plates for the normal, scheduled meals. By now you've gotten used to the looks you receive for being the only female here.

After the morning meal, Uordon approaches you, the burly and tattooed Orc tussling Ahmeil's hair again before asking what you're doing with "the Gardener, here", provoking a crass glare from "Ahmeil the Gardener". The small conversation that builds between you two only reveals that Uordon is sad to see you go, and that he wishes that you'd stay a bit longer to learn some more of the strategies he has to teach.

The sentiments are quickly cut short when two soldiers approach you, asking you to follow them to the Balthazar's quarters. Uordon and Ahmeil only nod their consent and start to talk among eachother, the easygoing Orc leaning on the wooden bench and the hungry Ahmeil quickly taking what food you left for himself.

During your meeting with the Balthazar, an eager fellow dressed in scale armor almost jumps into the room, a large smile on his face. His innocent brown eyes quickly meet yours before he eagerly calls out his name and exclaims "Reporting for duty!"

Morgan
You wake up after another day spent in the Drunken Antlion inn, subsiding on the coins your master gave you to find the great Pershimarian arcane library he seemed to know so much about. Right now, though, you seem to have your doubts about its existence. Taking up your satchel of possessions once again, you set out onto the hot streets, heading to the last destination of one who might know what you're looking for, having exhausted all other sources or leads with ambivalent shrugs or apologies. You've even begun to wonder if your Ahreimian is as fluent as you once thought.

Before long, sweating and panting softly, you curse the weather of Pershimar once again. Back in Zedaysia, things were not so intolerable, you think to yourself as you make your way to a small shop on the edge of the northwestern bazaar. The cool relief of shade as you step inside, the faint smell of incense and burning mu'assel floating around jars and pots and vials of numerous reagents and herbs and spices. A sickly man is sitting in the back, taking a long draw from a strange pipe you have not seen before. He nods to you and draws you into the shop, his yellow teeth showing in a smile and a disarming "what may I do for you?"

Jariat
Having dismissed yourself from the charge of your mentor and friend only a few short weeks ago, living on your own with Nic'ti hasn't quite been as you expected. Since then, however, there's been a steady flow of odd jobs where your talents have been particularly useful, most-often down on the docks. That's where you first heard of the terrors in the sewer, chatting with other workers as you controlled crates from ship to shore. A few of the strongest men even joke about hunting down whatever overgrown sewer rats that count as "terrors" themselves, hiding their fear with false resolution.

Looking at an opened sewer grate, you can't help but feel the slightest bit of curiosity and adventure waiting inside of those tunnels waiting for you, even if it were only empty rumors.

Theruvial
Sitting inside of some corner-tavern, sipping on some warm ale and nursing a pounding headache, you sit and listen to rumors and merry song. How so many people could be so inebriated this early in the day is beyond you, although you wonder how they could have gotten like this on such piss-weak ale even more. With your falchion sitting up against the table, your chainmail covered body sitting on a stool, looking at the tattoos that run up your arm in elegant, traditional patterns.

One thing, however, has caught your ear: a certain Balthazar is looking for a sword arm and is willing to pay handsomely for anyone to fill the spot. Or so some bumbling clout says. However, the chance of a well-paying job is worth more than sitting down and listening to fools be fools.

Downing the last of the house-brew, you grab your falchion up by the strap and throw it over your shoulder, paying off your tab and stepping out into the bright sunlight and heading off in the direction you're quite sure is the way, determination set across your face as you think of each little gold coin being dropped into a sack for you.

Vaeltak
Morning prayers are always somewhat boring. Looking out of the few windows that adorn the shrine devoted to Mah, carved out of the plateau-wall, you see the ships and workers and wares moving about the dock. Officers of the Balthazar of Ports patrol, making sure all taxes, tariffs and other such legalities are paid due. A small sigh escapes your lips as you go back to preparations, your lowly status as an acolyte giving you few liberties in this place.

You hear some footsteps behind you as your residing Priest of Mah, Gharivel, comes to you, a stern look on his face. Every encounter you've had with him has always been a bit abrasive, and this exchange would be no different. After some subtle arguing in the form of orders, you realize just exactly what you're to be doing: become a liaison for the church to the Balthazar of Protection. Surely such a duty would give you a higher rank in the church, you think, and so you eagerly thank Gharivel (for once) and get ready. Surely, Mah has blessed you with this opportunity to serve her interests, and you hurriedly prepare. Grabbing your gear and heading out, you barely manage to thank Gharivel one more time as you rush yourself out the door of the church and up the stone ramps to the city, running the entire way to the Balthazar's gate.

It is about noon by the time you reach the gate, and after a few formalities are let in and asked to follow to the Balthazar's quarters. A young woman, a native to Ahreim, stands dressed in the white and blue garb of a soldier, and you meet her soft gaze while she talks to the Balthazar about some things of seemingly minor importance. You quickly introduce yourself, reporting for duty.

Suleiman
Taking a bite from your apple, you make your way down a familiar alley-way. How long you've spent your life here and how much you long to escape it are the two things that pass through your mind every time you smell the foul air and step in the rotting filth with each pass. However, this time you've come back a bit richer, having made a home for yourself a little closer to the high-life of wealth and glory.

Why you came back, however, is not out of some vain nostalgia. Once you're covered in the gold and gems of a thousand kings, you'd spit upon this place and burn it down if you could. No, you're here for information, from a weasely man you knew back in your much more foolish youth.

To make a long story short, a quick altercation ensued and, while you got your information, the weasely man you once knew so well wouldn't be seen again. You knew all too well that he'd try something on you, and you came prepared.

Stepping outside of the alleyway, you look at your new set of directions and walk down the sandstone streets, heading towards another source who might be able to outfit you with some necessities for traversing the sewers. You're going to become a hero one way or another.

Cait
Nearly two months have passed since Sirra has disappeared. Walking through the Bazaar, looking for some item to pique your interest, you overhear a faint rumor. A ghastly terror, missing people, and the interest of the Balthazar of Protection to gather a party together to check in on the validity. Without anything to lose by showing interest, you decide to ask around a bit, eventually being led to a white and blue ward, that of the Balthazar of Protection.

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne
You are awaken early by Ahmeil like every other day, a smile on his stubble-covered face and his white and blue tunic covering the jingling of a chain shirt. He talks of some trivial matters with the other soldiers as you two walk to the main hall of the building, a hundred soldiers holding out their plates for the normal, scheduled meals. By now you've gotten used to the looks you receive for being the only female here.

After the morning meal, Uordon approaches you, the burly and tattooed Orc tussling Ahmeil's hair again before asking what you're doing with "the Gardener, here", provoking a crass glare from "Ahmeil the Gardener". The small conversation that builds between you two only reveals that Uordon is sad to see you go, and that he wishes that you'd stay a bit longer to learn some more of the strategies he has to teach.

The sentiments are quickly cut short when two soldiers approach you, asking you to follow them to the Balthazar's quarters. Uordon and Ahmeil only nod their consent and start to talk among eachother, the easygoing Orc leaning on the wooden bench and the hungry Ahmeil quickly taking what food you left for himself.

During your meeting with the Balthazar, an eager fellow dressed in scale armor almost jumps into the room, a large smile on his face. His innocent brown eyes quickly meet yours before he eagerly calls out his name and exclaims "Reporting for duty!"

Roxianne
The Balthazar of Protection's Office
OOC: Think you can tell me more about the room and the conversation? :3

[Meirnon]

The room itself is not much different than the last time you visited it. It's made of simple stone, with a colorful rug extending from the wooden door to the (also) wooden desk. A strong built man, whom you've heard many stories about from Amesh, sits behind the desk and is talking to you about searching the rest of the sewers, as more people have gone missing since your first encounter with what lies below. Above the man, as always, is his personal greatsword, a weapon worthy of tales sung about it.

The newcomer who has just barged in the room is wearing a suit of gleaming scale-mail, a white tabard covering the front with the green sphere of Mah emblazoned across it. At his side is a morningstar, and a simple shield is strapped over his satchel. A helmet covers some of his tussled brown hair, his olive skin and deep brown eyes portraying maybe a mixed heritage. He seems to be a few years your elder, although still extremely young.

Regarding your conversation with the Balthazar, this young man even seems to be the liaison that was requested to ensure safety and sanctity in the undertakings of the quest, although such a detail is easily overlooked by the kind of character that the man portrays.

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne
The Balthazar of Protection's Office
I look at the guy with an odd look, greeting him. I listen in more into the conversation while taking notice of what the newcomer is doing.

[Sallera]

Cait
Outside the Ward of Protection

Standing outside the Ward of Protection, a man gazes up at the blue and white edifice, squinting in the sunlight. Fairly young in appearance, he is olive-skinned, with short dark blond hair and a thin, unmarred face with pleasant features. He is dressed in well-made clothing of tan, and a belt of soft black leather holds a slim longsword in a sheath embroidered with silver thread.

He doesn't seem to be in any particular hurry, and remains like that for several minutes, the fingers of one hand softly tapping on the hilt of his sword. 'Duty is what it is.' I always thought that sounded so meaningless when you said it. A silly attempt at aphorism. Yet here I am, about to volunteer to risk my life hunting down some ephemeral threat, and... it doesn't make me crazy at all, does it? Because I think I am beginning to understand what you meant. It is that category of things we do for no other reason. Too simple to put any other way, yet impossible to comprehend until experienced. To simply do. And so I shall. Sirra...

The tapping stops with a last audible click, and he lowers his gaze, firmly tying the hilt of his blade to the scabbard with a crossed length of black silk. Only courteous, after all, considering where he was going. Striding up to the door, he knocks twice, then enters, looking around for someone who might be able to direct him further.

[Meirnon]

Cait
Outside the Ward of Protection

Standing outside the Ward of Protection, a man gazes up at the blue and white edifice, squinting in the sunlight. Fairly young in appearance, he is olive-skinned, with short dark blond hair and a thin, unmarred face with pleasant features. He is dressed in well-made clothing of tan, and a belt of soft black leather holds a slim longsword in a sheath embroidered with silver thread.

He doesn't seem to be in any particular hurry, and remains like that for several minutes, the fingers of one hand softly tapping on the hilt of his sword. 'Duty is what it is.' I always thought that sounded so meaningless when you said it. A silly attempt at aphorism. Yet here I am, about to volunteer to risk my life hunting down some ephemeral threat, and... it doesn't make me crazy at all, does it? Because I think I am beginning to understand what you meant. It is that category of things we do for no other reason. Too simple to put any other way, yet impossible to comprehend until experienced. To simply do. And so I shall. Sirra...

The tapping stops with a last audible click, and he lowers his gaze, firmly tying the hilt of his blade to the scabbard with a crossed length of black silk. Only courteous, after all, considering where he was going. Striding up to the door, he knocks twice, then enters, looking around for someone who might be able to direct him further.



You are quickly met by an armed guard, a fair-sized courtyard greeting your gaze past him. A scowl crosses his unadorned and tanned face, quickly deferring your progress into the compound. He quickly asks what your purpose for entering the Balthazar's ward happens to be, the grimace loosening as he takes in your fine attire, your relative status visibly making him more amiable towards you.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Ward of Protection

Cait nods to the guard as he approaches, maintaining a posture of neutrality with the subconscious ease of one not unused to appearing unthreatening. "Greetings. I have been informed that the Balthazar seeks those willing to investigate the recent troubles. As I have a... personal stake in the matter, I am interested in offering my services."

[Meirnon]

Cait
The Ward of Protection

Cait nods to the guard as he approaches, maintaining a posture of neutrality with the subconscious ease of one not unused to appearing unthreatening. "Greetings. I have been informed that the Balthazar seeks those willing to investigate the recent troubles. As I have a... personal stake in the matter, I am interested in offering my services."

The guard nods you in, sidestepping the entrance and greeting you inside. He quickly instructs you to wait outside the door to the Balthazar's office, telling you that a meeting of abject importance but similar subject happens to be ongoing within.

Trusting you to sit still, your escort walks back to the visible courtyard, the soldiers below being caught up in various mandatory weapons drills, a heavyset and authoritative Orc subjugating any recalcitrance in the training's objectives among the men.

[Nixed]

Vaeltek
The Balthazar of Protection's office.

Vael waits until regarded before introducing himself. I am Vaeltek follower of Mah. The church has sent me to aid you in your quest in any way I can. Offers a slight nod of his head to both the Balthazar and the woman in turn, doing his best to come off as formal and professional.

[Meirnon]

Vaeltek
The Balthazar of Protection's office.

Vael waits until regarded before introducing himself. I am Vaeltek follower of Mah. The church has sent me to aid you in your quest in any way I can. Offers a slight nod of his head to both the Balthazar and the woman in turn, doing his best to come off as formal and professional.

A firm look from the Balthazar causes you to instinctively straighten your posture. Anyone who has any knowledge of this man understands why a Northerner would hold this important position within the city instead of a native. A small smirk of mirth appears on his face, and he welcomes you to sit down, introducing the young woman as Roxianne Greenblade. He quickly introduces you to the information he has as well, and also as to what your job may be.

"Roxianne, just a short week ago, had her father disappear. She had single-handedly purged a section of sewers and rescued her father, as well as an unconscious man who, in the care of my good old friend Amesh, will recover with a little more time to speak to us. As for now, however, what we know is from Roxianne, and all she knows is that skeletal beasts roam our underworks, snatching victims for some reason or another. Your duty as a liaison is to serve as Mah's emissary to purge the northeastern quarter, as well as collect any information to what the exact nature of these beasts may be."

[WhiteKnight777]

Suleiman
Somewhere Less-than-Friendly

The slim young man sighed, tossing the core of the apple into the street. He didn't even bat an eye when he heart two beggars fighting over it in the dirt. His lips twitched a little - a mixture of disdain and stirring memories. That might have been him, not so long ago. And it might still be, if he failed - no. He would not even give that idea voice in the silence of his mind. He would succeed. There was no other option.

He continued to follow the directions, one hand on his blade. In a better part of town, drawing such open attention to a weapon might be considered bad form. Here, it was just sound judgement. He knew the area well, but the route was shifting and ever-changing, and he kept his eyes and ears open as he strolled through the dust and the muck.

[Meirnon]

Suleiman
Somewhere Less-than-Friendly

The slim young man sighed, tossing the core of the apple into the street. He didn't even bat an eye when he heart two beggars fighting over it in the dirt. His lips twitched a little - a mixture of disdain and stirring memories. That might have been him, not so long ago. And it might still be, if he failed - no. He would not even give that idea voice in the silence of his mind. He would succeed. There was no other option.

He continued to follow the directions, one hand on his blade. In a better part of town, drawing such open attention to a weapon might be considered bad form. Here, it was just sound judgement. He knew the area well, but the route was shifting and ever-changing, and he kept his eyes and ears open as he strolled through the dust and the muck.

As you move as the directions cater, you are brought upon a small, nondescript building like all the others in the area.

[SiieruMakina]

A firm look from the Balthazar causes you to instinctively straighten your posture. Anyone who has any knowledge of this man understands why a Northerner would hold this important position within the city instead of a native. A small smirk of mirth appears on his face, and he welcomes you to sit down, introducing the young woman as Roxianne Greenblade. He quickly introduces you to the information he has as well, and also as to what your job may be.

"Roxianne, just a short week ago, had her father disappear. She had single-handedly purged a section of sewers and rescued her father, as well as an unconscious man who, in the care of my good old friend Amesh, will recover with a little more time to speak to us. As for now, however, what we know is from Roxianne, and all she knows is that skeletal beasts roam our underworks, snatching victims for some reason or another. Your duty as a liaison is to serve as Mah's emissary to purge the northeastern quarter, as well as collect any information to what the exact nature of these beasts may be."

Roxianne
The Balthazar of Protection's office.

You make me sound so amazing. I'm flattered. Although I dont think I'm all that great. I fidget with my clothes, shy from the many people around me. As clueless as to my role in this meeting I cautiously interupt them. Um... What am I doing here exactly? Am I part of this quest or what?

[Meirnon]

Roxianne
The Balthazar of Protection's office.

You make me sound so amazing. I'm flattered. Although I dont think I'm all that great. I fidget with my clothes, shy from the many people around me. As clueless as to my role in this meeting I cautiously interupt them. Um... What am I doing here exactly? Am I part of this quest or what?

The Balthazar you know quite well nods, responding in kind.
"Of course you are. Your job is to do what you've already done before and hunt down the menaces that lurk below."

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne
The Balthazar of Protection's office.

Oh joy. Those filthy things scare the crap out of me. I guess I'll do my best though. I nod at the Balthazar and quietly stand aside, watching Vaeltek continue to talk to the Balthazar, wondering what kind of help he'll bring to the quest.

[Lorien077]

Jariat
Considering the Sewers

The young elf shifts, twisting a strand of dark red hair with her henna stained fingers. A notion of monsters and the unusual is always intriguing, but this situation has given Jariat pause. The green fragment at her neck is quick to speak up however, as he often is.
Jariat, for pities sake don't go in there. Its a sewer for pities sake, even you're smarter than that.
Indeed I am. Rats and sewage don't sound like any fun at all. But one can't help but wonder..... is it really pests down there or something else entirely...
With a whisper of silks she turns and pads away. Hopefully this day would prove fruitful, perhaps a barge would come into the docks needing goods offloaded. While Jariat's lithe form had little strength in it, her psionic skills gave her an edge in moving unwieldy objects. And, on occasion, an edge against those who might do her harm. But the weather is good and such thoughts are far from the young woman's mind as she strides towards the docks, quietly conversing with her companion on the way.

[Doombringer]

Theruvial
The Balthazar of Protection's office.


Theruvial looked to the massive flag high in the air his head pounding. The sun causing his eyes to squint before he spoke to himself. "Well here goes nothing" moving toward the office he spots what could only be guards and smirks. "Surely you know why I am here." Theruvial adjusted his falchion and then spoke "It seems there is a problem..I am the solution that is if you are going to allow me to pass and speak with those in charge." When allowed to pass he would enter those hooved feet making the usual clacking sound on the bare floor.


OOC:
Would you mind putting a OOC link on the Opening post for easier Navigation?

[Nixed]

Vaeltek
The Balthazar of Protection's office.

Sits as directed after a slight bow at the introduction to Roxianne. Skeletal beasts sounded more interesting than a typical day of work, even the prospect of a trip into the sewers wasn't enough to dull the excitement of the quest ahead of them.

"There will be no reason to fear. Mah will protect us in this endeavor." A reassuring smile is offered to the woman and then he turns back to the Balthazar. "How many are you intending to send, and when can we expect to begin?, if you don't mind me asking."

[Meirnon]

Jariat
Considering the Sewers

The young elf shifts, twisting a strand of dark red hair with her henna stained fingers. A notion of monsters and the unusual is always intriguing, but this situation has given Jariat pause. The green fragment at her neck is quick to speak up however, as he often is.
Jariat, for pities sake don't go in there. Its a sewer for pities sake, even you're smarter than that.
Indeed I am. Rats and sewage don't sound like any fun at all. But one can't help but wonder..... is it really pests down there or something else entirely...
With a whisper of silks she turns and pads away. Hopefully this day would prove fruitful, perhaps a barge would come into the docks needing goods offloaded. While Jariat's lithe form had little strength in it, her psionic skills gave her an edge in moving unwieldy objects. And, on occasion, an edge against those who might do her harm. But the weather is good and such thoughts are far from the young woman's mind as she strides towards the docks, quietly conversing with her companion on the way.

As you continue your work, a rather large vessel pulls in, draped in the flags of Harper, as if your prescience is working in favor of you today. Almost assuredly this vessel will be carrying loads of precious wares, as very few Harperite ships carry anything but.


Theruvial
The Balthazar of Protection's office.


Theruvial looked to the massive flag high in the air his head pounding. The sun causing his eyes to squint before he spoke to himself. "Well here goes nothing" moving toward the office he spots what could only be guards and smirks. "Surely you know why I am here." Theruvial adjusted his falchion and then spoke "It seems there is a problem..I am the solution that is if you are going to allow me to pass and speak with those in charge." When allowed to pass he would enter those hooved feet making the usual clacking sound on the bare floor.


OOC:
Would you mind putting a OOC link on the Opening post for easier Navigation?


The guards nod you along, and you find yourself sitting next to a rather well-dressed young man with a somewhat cheery, if precocious, expression on his face. Not one to bother with such social differences, you sit down right next to him on the bench, faint voices from inside the office catching your ear.

I'll get to it right after the post. :smallwink:


Vaeltek
The Balthazar of Protection's office.

Sits as directed after a slight bow at the introduction to Roxianne. Skeletal beasts sounded more interesting than a typical day of work, even the prospect of a trip into the sewers wasn't enough to dull the excitement of the quest ahead of them.

"There will be no reason to fear. Mah will protect us in this endeavor." A reassuring smile is offered to the woman and then he turns back to the Balthazar. "How many are you intending to send, and when can we expect to begin?, if you don't mind me asking."

"To be sure" the large man starts out, "At least you and Roxianne. So far, very few have answered the call of a Balthazar, and I may have to pull some strings to supplement you with a few of my own soldiers if no one is to respond."

Clearing his throat, he leans forward and, with a knowing look in his eye speaks somewhat louder "Oh how serendipitous it would be if someone could respond. Perhaps someone who has been shuffling about noisily in the hallway for quite some time now? No? No one?"

With that said, a smirk and a sigh escape his old face as he leans back into his chair and cups his palms with eachother.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Balthazar of Protection's Office

At least someone is enjoying this. Rising smoothly to his feet, Cait knocks twice in even cadence before opening the door and stepping inside. "I hope you shall not find it amiss if I take that as an invitation," he says with a small bow, "and commend you on your hearing. Although the shuffling may have been this one," he adds with a wave to the other waiting outside, "to whom I have not been introduced."

The hint of levity leaves his face as he continues. "I am Cait d'Arcen, an alchemist late of the d'Arcen Trading Interest. I am given to understand that you seek assistance in investigating the recent disappearances, and while my interest in helping does not stem from civic duty, I offer nonetheless."

[Meirnon]

Cait
The Balthazar of Protection's Office

At least someone is enjoying this. Rising smoothly to his feet, Cait knocks twice in even cadence before opening the door and stepping inside. "I hope you shall not find it amiss if I take that as an invitation," he says with a small bow, "and commend you on your hearing. Although the shuffling may have been this one," he adds with a wave to the other waiting outside, "to whom I have not been introduced."

The hint of levity leaves his face as he continues. "I am Cait d'Arcen, an alchemist late of the d'Arcen Trading Interest. I am given to understand that you seek assistance in investigating the recent disappearances, and while my interest in helping does not stem from civic duty, I offer nonetheless."



Sitting back in his chair, the Balthazar nods his consent, letting an admittance seep from his lips.
"I supposed the only incentive one could have for taking into account the city's safety would be her deep pockets. And the other one, you may come in, too if your 'civic duty' and empty purse is what happens to be calling you to my aid."

[Sallera]

Cait
The Balthazar of Protection's Office

Cait raises a hand slightly. "I do not wish to be misunderstood. I simply happen to have a personal stake in finding the cause of this." With that, he steps to the side, allowing the other through.

[Lorien077]

Jariat
At the Docks

With a smile on her face and a sway on her hips Jariat makes her way towards the Harperite ship. Giving the sailors on board a wave, she calls up to them in a sing-song voice.
Need any help unloading?
With a wide grin she waits to hear the incredulous response almost guaranteed to come.

[Meirnon]

Jariat
At the Docks

With a smile on her face and a sway on her hips Jariat makes her way towards the Harperite ship. Giving the sailors on board a wave, she calls up to them in a sing-song voice.
Need any help unloading?
With a wide grin she waits to hear the incredulous response almost guaranteed to come.

Peering over the side of the railings is a young man with red hair and a dark brown cap over his head. You can't tell much else about him from this distance, though, although his voice calls out to you "Sure, if you can find one of those muscly guys over there and tell them, that'd be great!" while lifting his cap slightly off of his eyes.

[WhiteKnight777]

As you move as the directions cater, you are brought upon a small, nondescript building like all the others in the area.

Suleiman
Somewhere Less-than-Friendly

Suleiman knocked on the door with the code he'd been given, feeling like an idiot for doing so. It was always the same damn "shave and a cut throat, two bits." He didn't see the point. And then... well, then he waited, radiating the cool calm that came from years of suppressing pants-wetting terror so that you wouldn't stink of it to all the human predators.

[Meirnon]

Suleiman
Somewhere Less-than-Friendly

Suleiman knocked on the door with the code he'd been given, feeling like an idiot for doing so. It was always the same damn "shave and a cut throat, two bits." He didn't see the point. And then... well, then he waited, radiating the cool calm that came from years of suppressing pants-wetting terror so that you wouldn't stink of it to all the human predators.

A quiet groan comes from the entrance as it creaks open. Inside is a small family of halflings, the one answering the door seemingly the father. Coyly he asks "What business do you have here at my home?"

Recognizing the setup, you remember the response you were given by your previous contact. As you remember, you were supposed to say you were "refunding overpaid taxes" as you dropped 3 minted gold coins into the Halfling's palm.

[WhiteKnight777]

Suleiman

Calmly, Suleiman said the requisite phrase and deposited the three gold pieces into the halfling's hand. He kept his hand near his blade, though - not a threat, merely a caution. The phrase may well have been a trap, after all - and it wasn't one he was about to fall for.

[Meirnon]

Suleiman

Calmly, Suleiman said the requisite phrase and deposited the three gold pieces into the halfling's hand. He kept his hand near his blade, though - not a threat, merely a caution. The phrase may well have been a trap, after all - and it wasn't one he was about to fall for.

Eyeing you suspiciously and sticking his head outside the doorway, looking side to side, the halfling exclaims noisily "Well, isn't this serendipitous for me and my meager family!", continuing with a hushed "Get inside you fool!"

[WhiteKnight777]

Suleiman

Suleiman nodded, stepping inside. He eyed the halfling coolly, giving him a light smile. "Thank you for your hospitality. I assume you have what I'm here for?"

[Meirnon]

Suleiman

Suleiman nodded, stepping inside. He eyed the halfling coolly, giving him a light smile. "Thank you for your hospitality. I assume you have what I'm here for?"

Nodding in tune with your own, his eyes wander a little bit to his "family", the genuine nature of which you have begun to question yourself. With a quick tilt of the head, they shift and move the table out of the way and lift a stone in the floor, revealing a passage barely large enough for you to fit through.

Below, it seems as though this were meant as some sort of smuggling route. The 10 foot by 10 foot sandstone room has been worn smooth by illicit traffic over the years, and at either end are doorways. On the wall is a small source of light that emits no heat and does not dissipate, under which lies a map of the city's sewer system and smuggling lines.

"I assume you came here for information regarding the sewers and any supplies we may provide you with," the halfling questions you. "You see, the 3 pieces of gold is just the surcharge. It isn't going to get you anything but in. And even then it doesn't guarantee your way out, either. Not unless I can trust you to keep this hush-hush. I have to provide for my family the best way I can, of course. Now, tell me what you're looking for."

[Lorien077]

Jariat
At the Docks

She laughs at the young man's comment.
Oh no, you'll be wanting my help, especially with the more awkward cargo. Once you lower the gangplank and are ready to unload I'll show you why, and then we can make a deal.
The tanned girl gives him a wink, and Nic'ti sighs.

[WhiteKnight777]

Nodding in tune with your own, his eyes wander a little bit to his "family", the genuine nature of which you have begun to question yourself. With a quick tilt of the head, they shift and move the table out of the way and lift a stone in the floor, revealing a passage barely large enough for you to fit through.

Below, it seems as though this were meant as some sort of smuggling route. The 10 foot by 10 foot sandstone room has been worn smooth by illicit traffic over the years, and at either end are doorways. On the wall is a small source of light that emits no heat and does not dissipate, under which lies a map of the city's sewer system and smuggling lines.

"I assume you came here for information regarding the sewers and any supplies we may provide you with," the halfling questions you. "You see, the 3 pieces of gold is just the surcharge. It isn't going to get you anything but in. And even then it doesn't guarantee your way out, either. Not unless I can trust you to keep this hush-hush. I have to provide for my family the best way I can, of course. Now, tell me what you're looking for."

Suleiman
Somewhere Less-than-Friendly

Suleiman nodded, smiling pleasantly. "Of course. I understand the nature of business. Just so long as you realize that if anyone attempts to detain me, I will do my level best to kill or maim those who make said effort." He said, his voice never anything less than polite. "I am not so fortunate as to have a family to look out for me, so I must make do on my own. And, for the record, I am always discreet in my dealings. If I were not, I would be long dead in the gutter. Now, to business - what information and equipment can you offer me, and what will the prices be?"

[Meirnon]

Jariat
At the Docks

She laughs at the young man's comment.
Oh no, you'll be wanting my help, especially with the more awkward cargo. Once you lower the gangplank and are ready to unload I'll show you why, and then we can make a deal.
The tanned girl gives him a wink, and Nic'ti sighs.

Not sure how to reply to your brazen claims other than through laughter, the young man goes along with many others in readying the ship for unloading its cargo. After a brief inspection by one of the many dock-bound soldiers, the man invites you aboard and shows you the most awkward, clumsy looking crate on the ship: at least 12 feet long, wide and thick, and with a broken support on the side, probably from having much heavier crates stacked upon it, giving it a crinkled and caved-in look.

With a sly smirk, the man attempts to extort your claim, proposing a bet.
"Suggest you do move this crate down to the dock. I bet you... drinks as soon as I'm allowed shore leave. You win, I buy. You lose, you buy. Deal?" Surveying the man, who seems to actually be a brunette when not in-between you and intense sunlight, it would seem that drinks wouldn't be so bad.


Suleiman
Somewhere Less-than-Friendly

Suleiman nodded, smiling pleasantly. "Of course. I understand the nature of business. Just so long as you realize that if anyone attempts to detain me, I will do my level best to kill or maim those who make said effort." He said, his voice never anything less than polite. "I am not so fortunate as to have a family to look out for me, so I must make do on my own. And, for the record, I am always discreet in my dealings. If I were not, I would be long dead in the gutter. Now, to business - what information and equipment can you offer me, and what will the prices be?"

With a quick eye, the halfling specifies his wares and intel. "I have maps, information regarding the Balthazar and his orders, routes within the sewers, underworks mechanics and operations, as well as numerous paraphernalia to aid in the undertakings of such ventures. One common complaint smugglers have is the stench and sickness their stomachs receive from it, so, through a family recipe, I may also offer something to ease your malaise if you're unable to handle it. The information I'm willing to give you will cost 5 coins, and my sickness-stumper will cost 10 per dose."

[Doombringer]

Theruvial
The Balthazar of Protection's office.

Theruvial moved into the office and look to the one talking about civic duty..bah Theruvial was here for the gold. "I heard you had a problem..I am here to solve it." He said rather matter of factly before looking to the others sitting about the room. Theruvial waited for a response and a gesture as he stood before the man trying to read facial expressions. The arcadian's body was rippled muscle and that massive blade to his back gave a pretty good hint to what he did in his line of work.

[Nixed]

Vaeltek
The Balthazar of Protection's office.

A slight nod to each of the new recruits. The mention of a personal soldiers joining them raises the question of why mercenaries are being called for the task rather than the cities forces, but it's not a matter Vael plans on pursuing. Their group is now a much more reasonable size he looks back to the Balthazar. "Is there a map of the area you wish us to purge so that we may develop a nice systematic approach to clearing out these beasts rather than chase them blindly through the tunnels? If we can find where they are located quickly enough perhaps there are others which may still be saved." Assuming the lead for the time being.

[Meirnon]

Theruvial
The Balthazar of Protection's office.

Theruvial moved into the office and look to the one talking about civic duty..bah Theruvial was here for the gold. "I heard you had a problem..I am here to solve it." He said rather matter of factly before looking to the others sitting about the room. Theruvial waited for a response and a gesture as he stood before the man trying to read facial expressions. The arcadian's body was rippled muscle and that massive blade to his back gave a pretty good hint to what he did in his line of work.

Nodding and smiling, the Balthazar reassures you that "There will be plenty for your services to the city."



Vaeltek
The Balthazar of Protection's office.

A slight nod to each of the new recruits. The mention of a personal soldiers joining them raises the question of why mercenaries are being called for the task rather than the cities forces, but it's not a matter Vael plans on pursuing. Their group is now a much more reasonable size he looks back to the Balthazar. "Is there a map of the area you wish us to purge so that we may develop a nice systematic approach to clearing out these beasts rather than chase them blindly through the tunnels? If we can find where they are located quickly enough perhaps there are others which may still be saved." Assuming the lead for the time being.

Keeping that grin he turns his head to you and explains.

"Each sewer section has its own purging system. Roxianne knows all too well what it is. I'm not quite sure how everything works, but pumps and reservoirs of water are streamed through the section it's located in. Many years ago, it was used as a maintenance procedure every few months, but the current Balthazar of Underworks has been opposed to the discharge of the system for quite some time. The easiest way for ou to clear the sewers is to locate and purge the section using this system. As for the maps, we can provide them, although they are not necessarily useful. Any paths you'll be taking through the sewers will be completely random, as myriads of grates have locks that no longer have keys, or are welded shut. Some are gone entirely and open to your venture. A map would only show you were the tunnels are, not a path through them."

And, recalling a little bit of your own knowledge of politics, the jurisdictional predicament of Balthazar's domains prevents any Balthazar from sending his personal soldiers without legal ramifications against them. The Balthazar of Underworks is unable to send combat-ready soldiers, while the Balthazar of Protection is unable to send them into the sewers. Bureaucracy is much full of folly, you conclude.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Balthazar of Protection's Office

A slight frown creases Cait's face as he considers the Balthazar's words. "I don't suppose we might know why the system fell out of use? It may be relevant if we plan on activating it again. And I apologize for being late to the conversation, but I have not yet heard our knowledge of what we face."

[Nixed]

Vaeltek
The Balthazar of Protection's office.

Quietly waits for the other's questions to be answered and then speaks up once more. "I agree that purging the sewers appears to be the best way to make sure that we have cleared all the beasts, but is that our primary objective? It sounds like that's is more of a final catch all. Forgetting the fact that there is at least a chance there are other survivors down there which may need our assistance, as made evident by Ms. Greenblade's previous experience, a purge of the sewers seems to only be a temporary solution. Now, if that's what you want, I am at your service, but we could be running into this every few years if we can't figure out what exactly it is down there and how it got there. It will be difficult to collect information on what we're dealing with if we just flush the lot out to sea, or wherever it goes." His tone is polite and respectful. He's not questioning the Balthazar, only asking for clarification, but it's not hard to deduce he is hoping that his interpretation is the correct one in this case.

[Meirnon]

Cait
The Balthazar of Protection's Office

A slight frown creases Cait's face as he considers the Balthazar's words. "I don't suppose we might know why the system fell out of use? It may be relevant if we plan on activating it again. And I apologize for being late to the conversation, but I have not yet heard our knowledge of what we face."

Vaeltek
The Balthazar of Protection's office.

Quietly waits for the other's questions to be answered and then speaks up once more. "I agree that purging the sewers appears to be the best way to make sure that we have cleared all the beasts, but is that our primary objective? It sounds like that's is more of a final catch all. Forgetting the fact that there is at least a chance there are other survivors down there which may need our assistance, as made evident by Ms. Greenblade's previous experience, a purge of the sewers seems to only be a temporary solution. Now, if that's what you want, I am at your service, but we could be running into this every few years if we can't figure out what exactly it is down there and how it got there. It will be difficult to collect information on what we're dealing with if we just flush the lot out to sea, or wherever it goes." His tone is polite and respectful. He's not questioning the Balthazar, only asking for clarification, but it's not hard to deduce he is hoping that his interpretation is the correct one in this case.

Standing up from his chair tirelessly and turning to look through the fenestrated wall overlooking a section of the city, the Balthazar clears his throat before responding.

"I do not know why Reet does not allow regular purges any longer. The excuse he gave the other Balthazars and the Ba'al of Pershimar is that it was expensive and caused unaccounted degradation of his Underworks. He has since been ambivalent to any request to do so... I in fact had to work some strings to defend Roxianne for her "Illegal Purge Activation" that resulted in the removal of all Northeastern infestation. As for what is exactly infesting, we are not entirely sure. It is true that purging leaves very little evidence, but not many people care so long as it's taken care of. If you are able to find survivors and evidence as to what troubles are causing this as well as purging the infested section of the sewer, I would be grateful. However, doing so is not something I can request with full authority."

[Lorien077]

Jariat
On the Harperite Boat

It seems you get an evening out with me either way, so it doesn't seem to be much of a bet.
Jariat smirks coyly, while taking a subtle step towards the crate, and surveying it.
Look lad, you're better off finding someone who isn't half mad to drink with.
Her psicrystal however, does not seem to share her good mood, nor does he seem too concerned about startling the young man with his sudden speech.

But this does not stop the young elf, who warns the man to stand clear, then begins to pull on the crate with her psionic strength. Gesturing she steers it just over the rail of the ship, and carefully places it on the dock. With a heavy sigh she sits. Even for not having exerted any physical energy a crate that large and delicate was a drain.

[Meirnon]

Jariat
On the Harperite Boat

It seems you get an evening out with me either way, so it doesn't seem to be much of a bet.
Jariat smirks coyly, while taking a subtle step towards the crate, and surveying it.
Look lad, you're better off finding someone who isn't half mad to drink with.
Her psicrystal however, does not seem to share her good mood, nor does he seem too concerned about startling the young man with his sudden speech.

But this does not stop the young elf, who warns the man to stand clear, then begins to pull on the crate with her psionic strength. Gesturing she steers it just over the rail of the ship, and carefully places it on the dock. With a heavy sigh she sits. Even for not having exerted any physical energy a crate that large and delicate was a drain.

Tipping his hat with a flamboyant gesture, he calmly retorts to Nic'ti, whom he isn't surprised of. "I would say the same about her, oh floaty one with a voice. I haven't seen anything like you since I lived in Zedaysia. All kinds of crazy stuff happens there with the Grand Magocracy running things. I suppose I should've guessed that a young she-elf would've been able to best my bet just 'cause she ain't nothing but a she-elf, right?"

Taking a bow, he calmly gets back to work, noting before he goes that he'll be off once everything's unloaded.

[WhiteKnight777]

Suleiman
Somewhere Less-than-Friendly

The young man nodded, slipping his hand inside his coat and pulling the gold out - he had it stashed in several places about his person, no more than a few coins in each hidden pouch. He counted them out, and placed fifteen pieces of the shiny metal in the halfling's hand.

"I'll take both the information and the curative. Pay is no good if you're too sick to spend it or too ill-informed to earn it in the first place."

[Meirnon]

Suleiman
Somewhere Less-than-Friendly

The young man nodded, slipping his hand inside his coat and pulling the gold out - he had it stashed in several places about his person, no more than a few coins in each hidden pouch. He counted them out, and placed fifteen pieces of the shiny metal in the halfling's hand.

"I'll take both the information and the curative. Pay is no good if you're too sick to spend it or too ill-informed to earn it in the first place."

Nodding and grabbing something from one of the small crates, he presents you a marked-up map with paths popular to smugglers written out, as well as a small felt bag. Feeling it in your palm, you can make out a single tablet. How this particular medicine would cost 10 gold coins in and of itself you have no idea, but it would be best not to argue with someone with such obvious connections. Hurrying you, the Halfling asks if you could leave now that your business is done, and threatens you with a grim fate if you ever let word slip of his dealings.

[WhiteKnight777]

Suleiman
Somewhere Less-than-Friendly

Suleiman took what he was offered, and after verifying its authenticity to the best of his ability, nodded once and giving no sign of fear at the Halfling's threats - managing to look only disdainful as he exited the hovel. He had better places to be - time to head to the Balthazar's and sign up. Glory awaited.

[Meirnon]

Suleiman
Somewhere Less-than-Friendly

Suleiman took what he was offered, and after verifying its authenticity to the best of his ability, nodded once and giving no sign of fear at the Halfling's threats - managing to look only disdainful as he exited the hovel. He had better places to be - time to head to the Balthazar's and sign up. Glory awaited.

By the time you arrive, the dim glow of the early-morning light has made itself sparse, instead the new noon lighting giving your eyes more generous focus.

OOC: If you could wait a bit before responding~ you're about an hour ahead of the other players chronologically (due to travelling)

[SiieruMakina]

Standing up from his chair tirelessly and turning to look through the fenestrated wall overlooking a section of the city, the Balthazar clears his throat before responding.

"I do not know why Reet does not allow regular purges any longer. The excuse he gave the other Balthazars and the Ba'al of Pershimar is that it was expensive and caused unaccounted degradation of his Underworks. He has since been ambivalent to any request to do so... I in fact had to work some strings to defend Roxianne for her "Illegal Purge Activation" that resulted in the removal of all Northeastern infestation. As for what is exactly infesting, we are not entirely sure. It is true that purging leaves very little evidence, but not many people care so long as it's taken care of. If you are able to find survivors and evidence as to what troubles are causing this as well as purging the infested section of the sewer, I would be grateful. However, doing so is not something I can request with full authority."

Roxianne
The Balthazar of Protection's Office

I sulk on the spot and look down at my feet, playing with my toes. You could have just left me to get arrested instead of going through all that trouble... I mumble. A bit shy from all the new faces arriving, I wonder about what I really got myself into and question myself of what I'm doing here. So... When do we head out to the sewers? I ask curiously and innocently, holding my hands behind my back.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Balthazar of Protection's Office

"Hm, this is starting to look rather bleak..." murmurs Cait, half to himself. "But then, I suppose that's why we are being sent," he adds.

"Maps will be useful, I'm sure, if for no other reason than to keep us from getting lost. These locked grates... would anyone complain if they were to be opened? I've picked up a little knowledge of the workings of a lock as a side benefit of my studies, and I'm sure I could scrounge up some makeshift tools from my lab, but I don't want to damage anything essential by mistake."

[Doombringer]

Theruvial
The Balthazar of Protection's office.


"Sewers you say?" Theruvial looked to the man and nodded. He then stepped back looking to the others. "We best get going soon the sooner we get this done the sooner we get paid. You are right maps would prove very valuable" Theruvial said nothing else he was more of action when the time came for it. He did however look over to the one called Cait interested in any further thoughts he might have.

[Lorien077]

Jariat
On a Boat
After a brief rest Jariat goes about making arrangements with whomever is in charge of the ship, citing the already offloaded crate as an example. While some mild drinking later may prove fun, living on her own has shown the girl that making coin is a serious matter. Assuming the captain is amenable, she spends the next several hours helping to offload cargo, and happily accepts her hard earned coin at the end.
After all of that she leans on the rail of the ship, waiting for the young man to come back. With a mischievous smile on her face and the wind in her hair she looks out at the horizon.

[Nixed]

Vaeltek
The Balthazar of Protection's office.

His concerns answered he nods in agreement with Theruvial also anxious to get started. "Has the best place to enter the section been determined yet?"

[Meirnon]

Roxianne
The Balthazar of Protection's Office

I sulk on the spot and look down at my feet, playing with my toes. You could have just left me to get arrested instead of going through all that trouble... I mumble. A bit shy from all the new faces arriving, I wonder about what I really got myself into and question myself of what I'm doing here. So... When do we head out to the sewers? I ask curiously and innocently, holding my hands behind my back.


Vaeltek
The Balthazar of Protection's office.

His concerns answered he nods in agreement with Theruvial also anxious to get started. "Has the best place to enter the section been determined yet?"


Theruvial
The Balthazar of Protection's office.


"Sewers you say?" Theruvial looked to the man and nodded. He then stepped back looking to the others. "We best get going soon the sooner we get this done the sooner we get paid. You are right maps would prove very valuable" Theruvial said nothing else he was more of action when the time came for it. He did however look over to the one called Cait interested in any further thoughts he might have.


Cait
The Balthazar of Protection's Office

"Hm, this is starting to look rather bleak..." murmurs Cait, half to himself. "But then, I suppose that's why we are being sent," he adds.

"Maps will be useful, I'm sure, if for no other reason than to keep us from getting lost. These locked grates... would anyone complain if they were to be opened? I've picked up a little knowledge of the workings of a lock as a side benefit of my studies, and I'm sure I could scrounge up some makeshift tools from my lab, but I don't want to damage anything essential by mistake."

Rubbing his hands together and sitting back in his desk, the Balthazar consents towards your departure, instructing you to approach his Arms-Master Uordon before you leave for any supplies. Bidding you farewell from his office, he looks at some paperwork with a face of disgust... the face someone who misses the life of an adventurer would make when put behind a desk.



Jariat
On a Boat
After a brief rest Jariat goes about making arrangements with whomever is in charge of the ship, citing the already offloaded crate as an example. While some mild drinking later may prove fun, living on her own has shown the girl that making coin is a serious matter. Assuming the captain is amenable, she spends the next several hours helping to offload cargo, and happily accepts her hard earned coin at the end.
After all of that she leans on the rail of the ship, waiting for the young man to come back. With a mischievous smile on her face and the wind in her hair she looks out at the horizon.

After being payed your fair share in the unloading of wares by the captain, the young man approaches you, now in more amiable attire than his sweat-stained clothing from before (although he's still wearing that damnable cap). With a smile he greets you and properly introduces himself.

"Back in Zedaysia I was known as Willie the Swift- but my name's William, of course. Now people just call me Will." he states, offering his hand in friendly recognition. "See, I was called Willie the Swift because I wasn't necessarily on good terms with the authorities. Long story short, the couldn't catch me, although now I'm here taking up a straight job like my pap. Um... You wouldn't happen to know anywhere a good house-brew may be, would you?"

[Ertier]

Morgan
Bazaar
The flustered young man lets out a small sigh and dusts off his robe. Well, I suppose you could. Are there any shops in this... marketplace... that carry magical literature. Actually, never-mind, I doubt a slum like this would have anything. However, I do wish to know where could I find fellows of mine in this city. Magical scholars like me?

[Meirnon]

Morgan
Bazaar
The flustered young man lets out a small sigh and dusts off his robe. Well, I suppose you could. Are there any shops in this... marketplace... that carry magical literature. Actually, never-mind, I doubt a slum like this would have anything. However, I do wish to know where could I find fellows of mine in this city. Magical scholars like me?

Laughing, the man takes another long drag through a hose while staring at you. Smiling through his yellowed teeth again after releasing a puff of smoke that refuses to disperse, he stands up. Hidden beneath his loose robes is a bone-thin frame, and his gaunt face betrays such a fact.

"I am Ameshi the Alchemist. I know of no libraries within the city in particular... beyond what I have heard from a wounded and delirious stranger. And even then, they are not of the city so much as of magicians practicing."

Eyeing you with a bit of scrutiny, this "Ameshi" briefly asks if you believe in auspice.

[Ertier]

Morgan
Bazaar
It is very much a pleasure to meet you Ameshi. Morgan begins looking around the shop, eyeing the ingredients. Perhaps he would scrounge his pockets for change.

Auspice, luck and fate are all part of the framework of the world. Tho gods choose a path, and we are forced down it. Let me answer your question with another question. Morgan says with a raised eyebrow.
Do you believe that auspice brought me here today? No matter, tell me of this stranger, sir.

[Lorien077]

Jariat
Going Ashore, to a Bar

Giving Will's hand a good shake, Jariat laughs. The piscrystal at her neck sighs; he can tell this night will only lead to his young charge getting into trouble.
I know of a few places that might have what you're looking for, but I don't drink much so I couldn't tell you about the taste.
At least, Nic'ti mused, his insistance she avoid become intoxicated to any degree seemed to have worked.
Without releasing the sailor's hand Jariat drags him down the gangplank, and into the myriad of dockside streets and alleys, towards the noisiest bar she can find.

[Doombringer]

Theruvial
The Balthazar of Protection's office.
Making way to the Sewers.


"Well we best get a move on..all that is going to happen sitting around here is me growing hungry and old." Theruvial then looks to the others. "Do you need to stop in for provisions? I may take a look around to see what they have to offer." He was always up for acquiring free and useful things. He stood waiting for a few moments to let the others know where he was heading and then turned to go see what equipment was available.

[Nixed]

Vaeltak
The Balthazar of Protection's office.
Making way to the Sewers.


"Yeah best to give it at least a look" Nods following the arcadian. "Unless there is anything left to discuss here.. " pauses to wait for any objections. "I would think it would be preferable to try and get this done before nightfall if at all possible..."

[Sallera]

Cait
The Balthazar of Protection's Office

"Well, if we are to set out immediately, I had best collect some things from my lab. If you would be so kind as to obtain provisions for all of us, I will meet you outside the ward in an hour's time." With another small bow to the Balthazar and Roxianne, he departs, making his way swiftly home.

[Meirnon]

Morgan
Smiling and motioning you to the back of his shop, he weakly continues after a bit of a cough.

"I do believe that auspicious circumstance is a matter entirely possible for your arrival. You see... this stranger knows what you may be looking for. However, he speaks in inane riddles like a madman, and even one such as I cannot comprehend everything."

Jariat
William, holding onto his hat as you rush him to the loudest tavern you know (aptly named The Roaring Ogre), asks you to slow down. Upon arrival he makes it a bit of a point to step in before you, an ornery smile across his face as he pulls you in after him, some attempt to reclaim his stolen masculinity. Bumping into a rather large Arcadian dressed in chain on his way in, he almost mutters an apology (although the ambivalence the warrior has is displayed by his continued stride outside of the establishment).

Inside, hoots and hollars and singing are loud. Swordsmen and sailors alike are enjoying the brew and company. William quickly approaches the counter and leans on it with you in tow, ordering a mug of ale for himself and the same for you, a few coins being exchanged as the cups are filled. Turning around and letting your hand go, William smiles and asks if you'll properly introduce yourself now that you and him are in a more enjoyable setting.

The Balthazar's Ward
Without a further comment, you are all dismissed from the Balthazar's presence. After a flight of stairs and a bit of a walk through the hallway, you arrive in the courtyard and approach Uordon, a heavy-set and tattooed Orc. From Roxianne's experience, though, Uordon is anything but gruff, and his friendly demeanor easily shines through as he greets you.
"Going already, Roxianne? And I suppose these are the compatriots with whom you'll be adventuring, then?"

Already heading for some supplies back in the building and gesturing you come along, the Orc continues his one-sided conversation, not stopping for response.

"The Gardener's going to be worried sick about you. The boy enjoys having someone other than me to talk to. Someone who genuinely respects him is hard to come by, as it is for any Soldier of the Greens. Of course, he's no longer a soldier there, now is he?"

Cait
Passing through the Bazaar and up to your rather expansive house, you quickly transpire to grab your equipment, a task that takes longer than you expected due to the sheer mess of it all. You quickly pack as much as you can in your satchel, not realizing the weight of it until you strap it all on your person and try heading out. Looking at it again, you shake your head, telling yourself that they are all necessities before you head back to the Balthazar's office.

[Sallera]

Cait
Outside the Ward of Protection

Retracing his steps, Cait soon finds himself staring up at the ward again, although this time he makes a rather less elegant figure. Nothing has been lost, but a full pack is slung over his back, along with a cumbersome mass of gears and metal that one must assume to be a weapon, for the alternatives don't bear thinking about. Two bulging pouches hang from his belt, and a pair of overwrought goggles, featuring far more lenses than a sane person could possibly need, sits high on his forehead.

With an expansive sigh, he stands off to the side to wait for the others, hoping fervently that there will be no need for running where they're going.

[Meirnon]

Cait
Outside the Ward of Protection

Retracing his steps, Cait soon finds himself staring up at the ward again, although this time he makes a rather less elegant figure. Nothing has been lost, but a full pack is slung over his back, along with a cumbersome mass of gears and metal that one must assume to be a weapon, for the alternatives don't bear thinking about. Two bulging pouches hang from his belt, and a pair of overwrought goggles, featuring far more lenses than a sane person could possibly need, sits high on his forehead.

With an expansive sigh, he stands off to the side to wait for the others, hoping fervently that there will be no need for running where they're going.

As you approach, so does a man in gaudy, colorful clothing. He has a determined look in his intelligent eyes, and a masterful lute strung across his back. Arriving before you, he nonchalantly enters the compound.

[Lorien077]

Jariat
At The Roaring Ogre

Scowling a bit at being dragged across the threshold, Jariat apologizes in passing to the Arcadian in his native tongue, and finds herself staring down a mug of ale. She leans on her newly released hand, and raises an eyebrow at her escort.
What was improper about the last one, or is this a sailor culture thing?
Nic'ti would roll his eyes if he had any, but thankfully he lacked such things.
Inwardly his mistress sighs. Ah, the infamous last name. Pity she didn't have one. She takes a cautious sip of the brew, unsure of it and its properties.

[Meirnon]

Jariat
At The Roaring Ogre

Scowling a bit at being dragged across the threshold, Jariat apologizes in passing to the Arcadian in his native tongue, and finds herself staring down a mug of ale. She leans on her newly released hand, and raises an eyebrow at her escort.
What was improper about the last one, or is this a sailor culture thing?
Nic'ti would roll his eyes if he had any, but thankfully he lacked such things.
Inwardly his mistress sighs. Ah, the infamous last name. Pity she didn't have one. She takes a cautious sip of the brew, unsure of it and its properties.

William smiles his unsettlingly intelligent smile, raising his eyebrow back at you.

"The last setting didn't let me enjoy your presence as much. Can't have fun at work no matter how hard you try. Besides, wouldn't want the other sailors with much more moral ambiguity eye-ing you up, now, would we? The way I figure it, with me as your company, you don't have to worry about such distasteful things.

And besides, Sailor culture's quite elegant. We're the goddamn masters of culture."

[Lorien077]

She idly plays with the mug, twisting it one way then that as they talk.
Now now, from what you said you're hardly a moral compass yourself, and I can't imagine getting a crew that morally disheveled to work together would be easy. And if that's the case perhaps you should explain the phrase 'curse like a sailor' to me.
The young man, Jariat has decided, is likely someone not to be trifled with, at least lightly. But word games were meant to be interrupted, at least according to Nic'ti.
You were doing plenty of eying yourself lad, don't get any cute ideas.

[Meirnon]

She idly plays with the mug, twisting it one way then that as they talk.
Now now, from what you said you're hardly a moral compass yourself, and I can't imagine getting a crew that morally disheveled to work together would be easy. And if that's the case perhaps you should explain the phrase 'curse like a sailor' to me.
The young man, Jariat has decided, is likely someone not to be trifled with, at least lightly. But word games were meant to be interrupted, at least according to Nic'ti.
You were doing plenty of eying yourself lad, don't get any cute ideas.

Winking and taking another gratuitous swig from his ale, William already seems ready with an answer.

"I'm a complete gentleman. I wasn't a lowly pickpocket stealing indiscriminately from poor and rich. I was Willie the Swift! A real vagrant who could swoon any damsel and swipe from any duke! As for the crew, no, they're not bad guys in the least. They just haven't seen such a beautiful woman since the last port, and I wouldn't trust them if they got any ideas. As for why anyone of particular disrepute would obey, the coin's good and mutiny isn't so smart."

Looking down at Nic'ti after its remark and tipping his hat up from his eyebrows, he retorts: "Sure, but I am a gentleman."

[Lorien077]

Jariat
At The Roaring Ogre
Then remember that her eyes are up there, buddy. Nic'ti sounds exasperated. On the other hand Jariat seems delighted, if her laughter is any indication.
Then I shall have to be careful about you, sir used-to-be Swift.
The elf continues to sip at her ale, and move the conversation along.
So how long have you been on that boat then?

[Meirnon]

Jariat
At The Roaring Ogre
Then remember that her eyes are up there, buddy. Nic'ti sounds exasperated. On the other hand Jariat seems delighted, if her laughter is any indication.
Then I shall have to be careful about you, sir used-to-be Swift.
The elf continues to sip at her ale, and move the conversation along.
So how long have you been on that boat then?

Shaking his head in a thoughtful manner, William seems to be recalling his events aboard "that boat".

"About 7 months, now. And the boat's called 'Harbinger', which is an odd name because all we bring are fancy doilies and underloos or something. It's been a good job, and I've made 3 full trips across the sea and all around the gulf."

[Lorien077]

Jariat
At The Roaring Ogre

She tilted her head, looking up at Will, temporarily ignoring the ale.
So you don't really know what you're carrying? Aren't you the least bit curious?

Nic'ti, naturally, was less at ease than his charge, and carefully looked about, though 'looking' as it were might be the wrong word.

[Meirnon]

Jariat
At The Roaring Ogre

She tilted her head, looking up at Will, temporarily ignoring the ale.
So you don't really know what you're carrying? Aren't you the least bit curious?

Nic'ti, naturally, was less at ease than his charge, and carefully looked about, though 'looking' as it were might be the wrong word.

William shrugs, looking at his near-empty flagon with a mix of contempt and disappointment, as if he expected there to be more after his long draw.

"All I know is, we stop off at Polypheneos on our trip here, unload our cargo, load some up, get paid and head back after a few days. No one cares as long as we get paid for doing our work."

[Doombringer]

Theruvial
The Balthazar's Ward
Making way to the Sewers.

Theruvial looks to Cait and smiles "Well that makes two of use..one more is soon to join yes?" He then arches a brow "Need a hand carrying some of that?" Theruvial had no idea what it was but none the less he offered. He then waited just like Cait for this little job to begin.

[WhiteKnight777]

Suleiman
The Balthazzar's Ward

The slim young man stepped in out of the day's heat, looking politely around at the Balthazzar's office. He went straight to the point - he introduced himself, stated his purpose in coming for the job to clean out the sewers, and waited to be acknowledged by the Protector.

[Meirnon]

Suleiman
The Balthazzar's Ward

The slim young man stepped in out of the day's heat, looking politely around at the Balthazzar's office. He went straight to the point - he introduced himself, stated his purpose in coming for the job to clean out the sewers, and waited to be acknowledged by the Protector.

Seemingly absorbed by some dreadful paperwork, the Balthazar waves you off, saying something about talking to Uordon, and a few others coming before you and about to get on their way. Surprised, you realize it may be in your best interest to venture towards your would-be compatriots and join the group, lest it be too late.

[Sallera]

Cait
Outside the Ward of Protection

Cait considers for a minute, mentally shuffling through his belongings. After a little while, he sighs, shaking his head. "Thank you for the offer, but I'm afraid there is too much in here that I might need access to at a moment's notice." Pulling the goggles over his eyes, he flips lenses into and out of place, cleaning them of dust with a small cloth as he waits.

[Lorien077]

Jariat
At The Roaring Ogre

Jariat shrugs and nudges her flagon over to the sailor.
I'm told drunkenness and abilities like mine aren't a good mix. But I do appreciate that you got it for me.
She smiles up at him, and pauses to take in the bar a bit. Largely in part due to Nic'ti's whining, and somewhat in part to her own nervousness, Jariat has never been in an establishment quite like this.

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne
Outside the Ward of Protection

I chuckle a bit and shake my head. I'll be missing him too. I stop and pause for a moment realizing I forgot someone. And of course you too, Uordon. Smiling at him, hoping he won't punch my shoulder or anything.

I take a look around the area before I leave hoping to find Ahmeil. Is there any way I could have a chance to tell him I'm leaving now? I'd feel a bit terrible if I couldn't say bye to him.

[Doombringer]

Theruvial
The Balthazar's Ward
Making way to the Sewers.


"Oh I see well the offer is still there if you change your mind later." Theruvial then looks to the others gathering and says "How much longer before we depart?" He was growing a little impatient the longer this took the longer he had to wait before he could get paid. Theruvial then looked to Cait once more "Any ideas as to what could be the root of this problem?" seems like he was full of questions today.

[Meirnon]

Jariat
At The Roaring Ogre

Jariat shrugs and nudges her flagon over to the sailor.
I'm told drunkenness and abilities like mine aren't a good mix. But I do appreciate that you got it for me.
She smiles up at him, and pauses to take in the bar a bit. Largely in part due to Nic'ti's whining, and somewhat in part to her own nervousness, Jariat has never been in an establishment quite like this.

William scowls a little before accepting the drink and downing it.

"Would you rather have another kind of drink? And one of this piss-weak water isn't going to get you quite so inebriated as this crowd. And you shouldn't worry about the people here. They're here to drink and have fun, not slit your throat and steal your wallet. Yeesh."


Roxianne
Outside the Ward of Protection

I chuckle a bit and shake my head. I'll be missing him too. I stop and pause for a moment realizing I forgot someone. And of course you too, Uordon. Smiling at him, hoping he won't punch my shoulder or anything.

I take a look around the area before I leave hoping to find Ahmeil. Is there any way I could have a chance to tell him I'm leaving now? I'd feel a bit terrible if I couldn't say bye to him.

Uordon smiles a little and shakes his head back to you in mild amusement and slight, playful mockery. "You shouldn't miss me. You'll be back before long. The reason the Gardener's going to miss you is because he's got his own errands to run now that he's no longer needed to look after you. Off to another city with a Caravan on escort duty, so you can't really tell him. Not that he didn't already know."

[Lorien077]

She grins a bit.
I was more referring to my ability to pick up large objects with my mind, among other things. Not sure I want to see what happens when a psion gets drunk. 'Sides, if the drinks are so weak you'll likely need extra anyway.
Jariat seems surprisingly at ease, given the roughness of the crowd, and the general chaos.

[Sallera]

Cait
Outside the Ward of Protection

"We don't want to go into something like this unprepared. Give them time." Cait dampens the cloth from his waterskin, wiping away an especially persistent stain of mysterious origin.

"I'm afraid I know little about this sort of thing. My reasons for being here lie on a different path. I do wish to find out, though. Simply purging the place may be the easy route, but it seems unlikely to lead us to the root cause. Either way, it seems the young lady has been down there before; we can discuss this further once everyone arrives."

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne
Outside the Ward of Protection

Disappointed, I look down at my feet, saddened I may not be able to see Ahmeil again. I turn my head back up to Uordon. Would you still be able to talk to him? You could tell him I said bye. Smiling with some hope that he could.

[Meirnon]

Roxianne
Outside the Ward of Protection

Disappointed, I look down at my feet, saddened I may not be able to see Ahmeil again. I turn my head back up to Uordon. Would you still be able to talk to him? You could tell him I said bye. Smiling with some hope that he could.

Perplexed by your sentimentalism, Uordon doesn't seem to enjoy your decline from preppy and happy into a state of sorrow.

"Look, girl. Ahmiel's doing his job. He'll be back in a couple short months. Why are you so touched by his sudden absence? He isn't so sad about yours."

[WhiteKnight777]

Seemingly absorbed by some dreadful paperwork, the Balthazar waves you off, saying something about talking to Uordon, and a few others coming before you and about to get on their way. Surprised, you realize it may be in your best interest to venture towards your would-be compatriots and join the group, lest it be too late.

Suleiman
The Balthazzar's Ward

Suleiman nodded, moving swiftly out of the ward and seeking out the group. He was out of breath when he caught up to the rest of them, only his knowledge of the city, intimate as a lover's, let him catch up in time. Breathing hard, he looked at the others, introducing himself with a low bow.

"Are you the group heading for the sewer? I had your description from the Balthazzar's office, and I seek to join you."

[Sallera]

Cait
Outside the Ward of Protection

Cait nods, pushing the goggles back up to his forehead and putting the cloth away. "Yes, I suppose we are. There are two more of our member collecting supplies inside; they should be out shortly. Introductions can wait until then, but be welcome to the group nonetheless."

[Nixed]

Vaeltak
Outside the Ward of Protection

Joins Cait nodding to Suleiman having caught the conversation as he made his way up. "It appears we are just about ready to finally get going."

[Meirnon]

She grins a bit.
I was more referring to my ability to pick up large objects with my mind, among other things. Not sure I want to see what happens when a psion gets drunk. 'Sides, if the drinks are so weak you'll likely need extra anyway.
Jariat seems surprisingly at ease, given the roughness of the crowd, and the general chaos.

Not before long, William is starting to get bored (and a little bit tipsy). He puts down his 4th empty mug of watered ale, and, with a bit of resolution on his face, tries to continue the conversation.

"So, if you can do mind magic, why are you working at the docks, lifting boxes?"

[Lorien077]

Jariat
At The Roaring Ogre
She shrugs.
A girl has to eat you know. I've been able to stay afloat this way. So how long do you think you'll be in the shipping business?

[Meirnon]

Jariat
At The Roaring Ogre
She shrugs.
A girl has to eat you know. I've been able to stay afloat this way. So how long do you think you'll be in the shipping business?

Shrugging back, William doesn't seem to have an answer.

"However long it lasts, I suppose. And I guess what I meant was, if you can do that kind of stuff, why are you wasting it on boxes and crates?"

A sincere smile spreads across the young man's face, seemingly trying to get an honest and playful answer.

[Lorien077]

Jariat
At The Roaring Ogre

I don't see how its a waste. Moving things around doesn't really earn you infamy.
The elf seems somewhat non-plussed by her abilities. Her mentor was far more potent, and to Jariat her abilities were not impressive.

[Meirnon]

Jariat
At The Roaring Ogre

I don't see how its a waste. Moving things around doesn't really earn you infamy.
The elf seems somewhat non-plussed by her abilities. Her mentor was far more potent, and to Jariat her abilities were not impressive.

"Contempt," he asks, "from whom? It's not having the abilities, it's how you use them. And I disagree that moving boxes doesn't earn you infamy... the other workers looked finely disgraced by you taking chips out of their pride."

[Lorien077]

Jariat
The Roaring Ogre

Jariat shrugs, with a hint of mischief.
Well, so much for my dreams of being an evil overlord.
She's clearly joking, the whole thing having been a set-up for yet another flippant remark.
That was annoying even for you.
Oh shush Nic'ti, it was funny.

[Meirnon]

Jariat
The Roaring Ogre

Jariat shrugs, with a hint of mischief.
Well, so much for my dreams of being an evil overlord.
She's clearly joking, the whole thing having been a set-up for yet another flippant remark.
That was annoying even for you.
Oh shush Nic'ti, it was funny.

"Well, then. I suppose we should do something else before I become inebriated. I've held up my end of the bet, and have enjoyed your company in doing so, so I suppose the only question to my person would be 'what shall we do next?' I know that the bazaar is full of fun oddities. Or perhaps you're tired of me and wish to part ways for the time being?"

[Doombringer]

Theruvial
The Balthazar's Ward
Making way to the Sewers.

Theruvial looked to the two new comers and then said. "Not entirely it seems we are waiting on one more person still" He looked over to Cait "I understand waiting but this is getting a little foolish..no way it should take this long to prepare ..you brought your whole house and your ready." Theruvial was of course jesting with the man but none the less was getting very impatient with waiting and he would not much longer.

[WhiteKnight777]

Suleiman
On the Way to the Sewers

The lean, handsome young man gave a wry little grin. "I understand your point, my friend - but then again, better to tarry awhile and be prepared than rush in and be dead. I've buried more friends than I can count because of that mistake."

[Doombringer]

Theruvial
The Balthazar's Ward
Making way to the Sewers.


"I suppose you have a point..but the rumble in my stomach tells me that I need to eat sorry for my impatience." Theruvial then sits pulling out some cheese and bread from his rations to eat offering the others some while they wait..no telling how much longer they will be here and better to not travel on an empty stomach. "It is good help yourself to some the cheese is mild a little sharp at first but excellent flavor."

[Meirnon]

Morgan
Ameshi's Shop

Nodding, Morgan approaches the old man with a slight intrigue.

"And, where might this 'stranger' be?"

Ameshi pats Morgan's back and shows him to the backroom, a feint "back here" escaping the old man's yellowed mouth.

Before Morgan, a deeply pale man with haunting, gaunt features sits on a cot, eating, with bloodied bandages covering his body. The tenacity at which he's devouring his food could is matched by the noise it makes, with Ameshi making comforting noises as he goes to check in on the man.

[OOC]
@Everyone: This is left off for later. Don't feel like you need to wait for Morgan.
@Ertier: Next time Morgan's in the game is later. I'll fill you in on the rest of this encounter, but you can't really respond to it.

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne
The Balthazar of Protection's Office

I sigh and shake off my thoughts. Alright, alright. I'll head out now. Everyone's probably waiting for me. I wave back to Uordon and run outside running to everyone else, apologising for coming out so late.

[Meirnon]

Together you follow a course towards the northwestern docks, a guard waiting to show you to a nondescript pipe breaching the cliff-face, an entrance into the sewers. Waiting for you there, as well, is a young man, a foreigner it seems. He speaks to you with a funny accent, and his mastery with the Ahreimian language is juvenile at best. He references an old man named Ameshi telling him of something of arcane worth inside, and has chosen to accompany you. Together, you 6 set into the tunnel, unsure of what lies within, the sun setting in the afternoon over the western waters.

[OOC]
1. I'll award EXP later tonight.
2. If you haven't made sure everything is up-to-date on your character sheet, now is the time to.
3. @Lorien: PM me, and we'll resolve your involvement. I'll ask everyone to avoid posting until such is resolved when it becomes relevant that they do not post.
4. Remember, all rolls for combat must be made in the same post, as well as a brief description of the actions. Nothing flowery, just tell me what you're doing. Moving will be handled as it matters, such as "4 spaces down" and such.
5. Give me time to make the map in INKSCAPE and make you all tokens. I won't take long, I promise. Probably by the end of tomorrow. Feel free to RP until then. :P

[Sallera]

Cait
Entrance to the Sewers

Cait stops before the entrance, eyeing the pipe. "Well, I'm sure we're all eager to enter that den of filth, but I'd rather not go risking my life with strangers, and we have not been properly introduced. I am Cait d'Arcen, an alchemist late of the d'Arcen Trading Interest. Pleased to meet you all. Ah, and once we're finished with introductions, if the young lady could elaborate on her experiences with the previous section, I'm sure it would be most helpful."

[Lorien077]

Oh come on, bad jokes don't mean I'm eager to be rid of you. Perhaps we could both go to this bazaar. Unless you are so quick to be rid of me....
She puts on a mock hurt expression.

[Doombringer]

Theruvial
Entrance to the Sewers.


"The name is Theruvial your simple sword for hire. I have seen several combats and the weapon I have upon my back was won within one. I will take the the front so those of you wielding arcane art are not getting hit in the face if no one has any objections to it." he then shifted towards the entrance lettting his senses get use to the stench and the darkness that was ahead.

[Nixed]

"Vaeltek, Cleric of Mah. Assigned to help investigate the disturbance by request of the Balthazar of Protection."

[Meirnon]

Morgan
Outside the Entrance
"Morgan, apprentice of Zedaysia."

[Meirnon]

EXP Time:
1st) Sorry this took so long.
2nd) Here's your EXP for the roleplaying segment. I based this on character, content and quality. You don't have to necessarily have amazingly flowery posts, nor do you have to have posts that measure a short novel. As long as it's characteristic and what a person would really do, you get good exp for it. A lot of average posts, though, will technically get you more than 3 or 4 amazing ones, and a few amazing ones will get you more than a few average ones.

Morgan: 210exp
Roxianne: 300exp
Jariat: 350exp
Theruvial: 330exp
Vaeltak: 280exp
Suleiman: 300exp
Cait:390exp

As a DM, I can honestly say that this is not biased. I tried to value your RP on a relative scale, and give you a fair amount that will be easy to recoup if someone wishes.

[WhiteKnight777]

Suleiman

The tall, lean young man gave a florid half-bow. "Suleiman. Singer, teller of tales, and minor magician, at your service."

[Meirnon]

Roxianne
With the party

"My name is Roxianne. I'm not anything fancy like you guys," she says, and then curls her brow as she recalls her last foray into the sewers, "The monsters beneath look like bones, only they move and struck at me, with evil intent. They took my father and tried to take my brother, but I was able to beat them off."

You also notice, about this girl, that she carries no weapons on her, piquing your interest into just how she's able to fight without them.

[Sallera]

Cait
Entrance to the Sewers

"Animated bones?" Cait frowns slightly, his expression uncertain. "That is troubling. Some sort of construct?"

He shakes his head briefly, then offers a small bow to Roxianne. "Still, you must be quite skilled to have dealt with them on your own. It is rarely easy being the first to encounter a problem. I hope we will not have to rely on those skills once inside, but I admit that this sort of situation is quite beyond my experience."

"Well, be that as it may, I suppose it benefits no one if we remain here further. Shall we proceed?"

[Nixed]

Bows his head offering up a quick prayer to Mah and then nods his consent to Cait, ready to proceed.

[Doombringer]

Theruvial
Entrance to the Sewers.


Theruvial looked to Cait and nodded before moving into the sewers that massive blade out and to the ready. He was keeping and eyes out but said back to the others. "Well if bones are the problem I guess we will deal with them when they offer us resistance." He moved forward waiting for anyone to guide or offer hims a direction to take."Where did you run into the scum or problems at Roxianne maybe we should head that way." Theruvial then waited for a response curious as to whether the group thought that wise or not.

[Sallera]

Cait
Entrance to the Sewers

"Hm." Cait turns to Vaeltek and Roxianne. "I hope one of you got the maps we were promised? This may be a rather confusing venture otherwise. If we can reach the purging mechanism first, we can then move from there to find information before we activate it."

[Nixed]

Looks at Cait and nods again. "That sounds like the most reasonable plan. If we find that control area and set up base there we can explore and worst case we retreat back to there and flush whatever is left." Checks the strap on his shield before hefting his morningstar.

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne
Entrance to the Sewers

I look down into the sewers and plugged my nose, following the same path I took before to the first big room. I do believe it's this way. Pointing in the direction for the others to follow, memories of the night I was last here have come back to haunt me in my mind.

[Meirnon]

As you enter the first tunnel of the sewers, you are assaulted by a wave of foul, reproachable fumes. The warm, fetid air rushes out, as if trying to escape it's own filth and wallow. (Everyone make Fortitude Saves)

The first tunnel is a rather large pipe of metal, big enough to allow you passage. A steady stream of disgusting water and waste splashes against your feat as you take your steps.

Continuing for at least a few dozen yards into the cliff face, the tunnel opens up to an expansive junction: a rectangular box with pipes dropping their filthy contents into the communal basin that the room is, all pouring back down the tunnel you had just come from. Obviously the complexity of the system is meant as both a deterrent and as a means of efficiency.

The junction itself is easily a few dozen feet wide, equally long, and twice as tall. On floor level, there are 4 pipes leading away, out of the room: two on the right hand side, both of which have grates, one on the left with a bent open grate, as if something had forced its way through recently, and a last one on the far side, the grate once covering peeled back to an even more severe degree.

The map, carried by Suleiman, indicates that the one ahead is indeed the way to go.

(I'll put the Dice Page up in just a second, and I'll start putting up the map soon after)

DICE PAGE (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=9393608#post9393608)

[Sallera]

Cait
Entrance to the Sewers

Cait moves near the back of the party, idly scanning the construction as they walk. The smell wasn't as bad as some of the things he'd worked with in the lab, but one could usually leave for fresh air when working, and the persistent stench was starting to get to him. "I do hope the Balthazar will have new boots for us when we return."

He slips the goggles over his eyes as they pass through the junction, taking a look at the other bent grate. "These constructs would seem to have formidable strength, if this is their doing. Although I am not sure it is; bone is not the most resilient building material."

[Doombringer]

Theruvial
Wading through filth a fork in the road...err Sewers.


Theruvial stops and looks around before getting the message that the way is up ahead. "Well here goes nothing." He then moves forward at a steady pace alert and keeping an eye out. He knew whatever was down here was formidable at least bending metal grates was no small task. He tried to breath through his mouth not wanting to smell the waste. "I would rather not think about what we are walking in Cait." He frowned a long bath would be needed after this who ordeal was over. He then moved down the directed path further hoping soon to be at the root of this problem.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

Cait pushes the goggles back up as the approach the other end of the room. "That's not the safest philosophy. If, say, what you're walking in turns out to be flammable, and you try to stamp out a fire, or you're trailing powdered sparkstone through a heavy rug..."

"I wonder if the Balthazar of Underworks will concede that the damage from having all these things running around is probably a lot more than having the purge run regularly. I suppose he already has, since we're down here."

[Nixed]

"That's assuming the purges haven't stopped due to the mechanism being broken." Slight grin, he was mostly kidding, but then again they never really had received a clear answer on why they had stopped after all.

[Meirnon]

The gut-wrenching stench of the sewers is awful to be sure, but you choke up the bile caught in your throat and forge ahead, with the exception of Suleiman, who is caught up in a bought of disgusting coughs and hacks, barely able to keep himself from vomiting into the pool of filth below him.

(You take a -2 penalty to attack rolls, skill checks and all ability checks, WhiteKnight.)

The pipe leading forward has a noticeable upward inclination, the soft sound of running sewage sloshing along the rusted metal walls and eaten-away stone. It seems to go on further, and, in the darkness of it all, you realize you need a source of light. A safe-minded adventurer would still permit the use of a torch, however, as none of the fumes are explicitly ignitable in the current state of ventilation (albeit entirely wretched).

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

"Well, if it is broken, I might be able to do something about that, but works on this scale aren't exactly my specialty." Cait removes a thin gold-tipped iron rod from his pack, striking the end on the higher and slightly cleaner part of the walls. The tip emits a bright flash before settling down to a steady glow, and he passes it up to the front of the party. "Here. This won't go out if you happen to drop it, although I presume you'd want to avoid doing that anyway."

[WhiteKnight777]

Suleiman

Barely able to keep in his bile, Suleiman fished a small pill from his pack. Quickly swallowing it with a bit of water from his skin, he felt the symptoms begin to subside - it appeared the halfling hadn't poisoned him after all. Still shaking and pale, he nodded.

"Onward, then. And thank the gods for preparedness."

[Meirnon]

Suleiman

Barely able to keep in his bile, Suleiman fished a small pill from his pack. Quickly swallowing it with a bit of water from his skin, he felt the symptoms begin to subside - it appeared the halfling hadn't poisoned him after all. Still shaking and pale, he nodded.

"Onward, then. And thank the gods for preparedness."

You are immune to stomach-unsettling effects for one hour as the medicine keeps it calm (such as sickened). You will suffer the effects after the medicine wears off, however, as your stomach churns in discomfort once again.

[Nixed]

Vaeltek
Beginning of Sewers

Nods as the halfling appears to recover then looks at the others. "Shall we then?"

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

"Yes, yes, let's not linger." Cait glances pointedly at the other bent grate. "I have no idea how a construct of bone sees, but it may well notice the light somehow."

[Meirnon]

Making your way up the dripping, dropping sludge, your feet feel weighed down and it becomes difficult to walk up the sloping tunnel. Upon reaching the top, another junction-like room awaits you. Numerous pipes and tunnels drip their foul contents into the basin-like center, the reservoir of refuse running down the ramp you just ascended.

In this room, only one tunnel does not have an intact grate, on the far, southern side opposite of you. The illuminated room glows in the golden light, and the disgusting dregs thrown out by the city's denizens shimmers at your feet as it slowly drudges by.

(I hope you enjoy my alliteration)

[Nixed]

Looks around as they reach the next junction, taking on the role of rearguard at the moment. "Does the map point us in a particular direction as of yet? Or do we take the path of least resistance for the time being?" Indicating the gateless tunnel. "Seems if there are creatures down here that would be the most likely place to find them."

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

"Well, our first goal should be to locate the controls, but if these others are sealed shut, we shouldn't waste time trying to tear them open." Slipping the goggles over his eyes again, he fiddles with them for a moment, studying the fittings of the closed grates.

[Meirnon]

The immediate tunnels are misused and covered in moss and rust. None of them have been recently used, it seems. The map itself indicates that the way forward, which seems to have red smugglers markings around its entrance, is the way to go to proceed further into the underground complex.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

With a nod, Cait returns to the group. "Nothing's been those ways in a while. While that might make them more attractive routes, they're sealed up fairly well. I suppose we ought to continue down the open ways until it becomes a problem."

[Nixed]

Vaeltek
Sewers

Nods to Cait. "Agreed. " Takes a look down the open tunnel while waiting on the others.

[Meirnon]

The dim light peeks in through the upward curving tunnel, refracting along the walls to create magnificent patterns with the rippled, worn metal and stone. At the end you spot a soft glint: something is at the end of the path in the next junction.

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne
The Sewers

I begin to slow my pace and peek side to side to get a better look at what's ahead. I begin to remember that down the tunnel was not like how it looks now, being cautious and alert. Something doesn't look right up ahead.

(OOC: Yay, I got my lappy :D. I can post much more often now.)

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

Cait slows his pace to match, keeping his voice low. "Ah, hm. Bone doesn't glitter, but that isn't necessarily reassuring." He flips a pair of lenses into place, bringing the end of the tunnel a little closer. "Did any of the ones you met carry lights?"

[Meirnon]

You look further into the cavernous sewer in an attempt to recognize the flickering, although it is much too far away.

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne
The Sewers

No. I do remember though, a skeleton with armor. A chain shirt, I think, with scimitar and shield. I ponder a bit to think back to see if there were any light sources at all. There was a light source attached to the wall. Just that and my own.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

"So, someone's been keeping lights burning down here. That, ah, isn't exactly reassuring either. Either the place is well-used by several, or someone has set up a more permanent operation..." Cait's expression is troubled, but he manages to shake it off, looking back toward the end of the tunnel. "I suppose we must continue, albeit cautiously. I hope you'll forgive me if I do not lead the way."

[Nixed]

Vaeltek
Beginning of Sewers

"Well then, sounds like the muscle should go first..." a half grin offered to Theruvial as he readies his own shield and morningstar.

[Meirnon]

Theruvial
Sewers

Grinning widely, Theruvial draws his falchion, feeling the balance of the trusty weapon in his grip and stepping to the fore of the entrance.

"It is about time I were able to hack something apart. I had a feeling this was going to be duller than a kobold's spear."

[Meirnon]

(assumes everyone's just going to go ahead and go along)

You trudge upwards and the source of the flicker is seen...

A chunk of shiny, reflective metal swags slowly back and forth as a small stream of murky water runs against it. More debris fills the room, piled high in the smaller junction, with no other way through other than the way you came: it seems that this section has collapsed.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

"I find myself suddenly less than confident in the skills of this complex's engineers," Cait says faintly, studying the debris. "Although, it has lasted this long... I suppose there is always the possibility the collapse was deliberate. Suleiman, what does that map of yours tell of the area behind this fall?"

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne
In The Sewers

I look around and approach the rubble, placing my hand on it. Do you think we could search around to find any weak points in the debris? We could also search for another opening. Just a thought.

[Meirnon]

DM: You could very easily search the rubble with some muscle. Don't put too much on finding a way through, however: the stream of water suggests that there's a flow putting pressure on the pile, and removing it may release a surge of water at potentially deadly pressures.

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne
In The Sewers

Yikes... That'd be dangerous to meddle with. Anyone got any suggestions? I look back and around, seeing if anything has happened behind us up to this point.

[Meirnon]

DM: You see a glowing sunrod and 4 people standing around looking at the wreckage in front of the entrance.

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne
In The Sewers

Uh... Was that there before? I point behind them, unsure if we had left a sunrod back there or not.

[Meirnon]

DM: The sunrod is in their hands. Not all the way at the bottom of the tunnel. You wouldn't see it, then, and I would have mentioned there being 2 sunrods.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

"Hmm. I cannot say I am not interested in what is back there... but there is no safe way to release that flow manually, and I did not bring anything for demolitions work. Although now that I think about it, I should work on something like that when I get home... perhaps an internalized spiral fuse, of a slow-burning cord, and enough pressure to create a shock - " Cait cuts himself off with a shake of his head, stepping back from the rubble.

"Sorry, sorry, this isn't helping. Ah, if we can find something on the map, another route to the area behind; but no, there is the water. There were other openings in the first junction, so perhaps we should take whichever of those will lead us closest to our original route. We may be able to come around behind this fall on a higher level, where the water will have drained away."

[Meirnon]

DM: Regarding the map, it seems that the first junction's other path leads to a complex system of smaller junctions, likely under a residential area, creating an off-beat path that nonetheless leads to the purging mechanism.

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne
In The Sewers

I ponder a bit and study the map carefully. Do you think we could somehow get down the sewers through the houses up above? 'Cause it looks like we've got to take a different route...

[Nixed]

"Digging through this stuff doesn't seem like the most efficient use of our time. It looks like we'll have to take these smaller tunnels.."
Looking over the map as well.

[Meirnon]

DM: You cannot fit through someone's sewage drains, even if they were to let you into their house to try. Your best option is to take the alternate routes.

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne
In The Sewers

Hmm... I start to walk back to the previous junction. I guess that's our only option. I just hope we'd be able to fit through there.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

"Well, even if we could, it wouldn't be especially pleasant. Might involve a bit of a nasty fall." Cait follows quickly, clearly not eager to linger. "And, ah, climbing back up again might take longer anyway."

[Meirnon]

Roxianne
In The Sewers

Hmm... I start to walk back to the previous junction. I guess that's our only option. I just hope we'd be able to fit through there.

DM: The map shows that the tunnels underneath the residential areas are quite large enough to fit all of you comfortably. It's the drains that you cannot fit through.

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne
In The Sewers

According to the map, we could go east then south from the first justion we entered. Let's hope nothing would block our way from there.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

"Yes... I think it might be interesting to pass by this location labeled 'Guard Supply,' as well. It is more or less on our way, and it seems the sort of place that could hold useful information."

[Meirnon]

Immediately you hear hacking and wheezing behind you at the bottom of the tunnel. It sounds like a woman.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

"Oh dear, that doesn't sound good. Bring the light up front, would you please?" Cait doesn't quite move ahead of Roxianne, but he stays as close to the front as he can manage without slipping.

"Ah, hello? Are you alright?" he calls down the tunnel, the deeper intake of breath immediately reminding him of the likely cause of the woman's affliction. Oh. Right. "Coming down from above; there's nothing up there anyway."

[Lorien077]

Jariat
The Sewers

"Oh good, real people."
The young woman's voice sounds strained.

Jariat slowly and carefully moves herself towards the light, wishing that the one who dumped her here had a bit more tact.
As she comes into the light her features become more visible; tanned skin, henna stained hands, and long red hair. The elvish woman is dressed in (thankfully not long enough to dangle into the waste) sunset colored silks, and a emerald chip of crystal rests at her throat. She pauses to take in the strangers.
"Hello... might I inquire as to who you are?"
With a wince she tries to smile for the strangers, but is feeling rather ill at the moment.

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne
In The Sewers

I am Roxianne, these are Cait, Morgan, Theruvial, Vaeltak and Suleiman. I gesture my hands to point to each of them as I call their name to introduce ourselves to the woman in front of us. Were you sent by the Balthezar to aid us in our quest? We seem to have plenty of people helping out, in my opinion.

[Sallera]

Cait

"Cait d'Arcen, alchemist." The olive-skinned young man pushes the goggles up to his forehead, his short, dark blond hair already lying flat from the humid atmosphere, and introduces himself with a small bow. Despite the surroundings, he is wearing well-fitting tan clothing, and tracery of silver is visible on his blade's sheath. "Not the most appropriate circumstances for a chat, but certainly far more pleasant than what we've been expecting to run into. Suleiman, do you have any more of that medicine you used?"

[Meirnon]

Suleiman
The Sewers

Shaking his head, the gaudily dressed young man looks as though he made a mistake not getting more.

"I'm afraid not."

[Lorien077]

Jariat
The Sewers
"Its okay... I think I'll be okay...."
"Lets just focus on getting done down here quickly. I don't think she's okay."
The elf sighs.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence. My name is Jariat, and this little crystal is Nic'ti. My circumstances for arriving here are strange at best. I'd recommend that you all sit down for it but well...."
She pointedly does not look at the waste they're wading in, trying not to be sick again.

[Meirnon]

Jariat
You hear a faint whisper in your head, Jariat, almost programmed as if something was waiting for you to take this course of action.

"Don't tell them of master no, master must not be spoken of."

(Make a will save)

[Meirnon]

Jariat: Will 20
You are quickly able to wave the thoughts from your head, not knowing why you were thinking of those two's voices again. Must be recurring thoughts, you suppose.

[Sallera]

Cait

"A pleasure to meet you, then, Jariat, Nic'ti." His observance of the formalities is not mere rote, but he doesn't try to hide the concern in his expression. "This path is a dead end, so it should be fairly secure if you wish to talk, but if you would rather keep moving as we do so, we do have a map to guide us. We will likely be heading further in, though."

[Lorien077]

Jariat
The Sewers

With an annoyed expression on her face, Jariat just decides to spare these folks the trouble of being involved with such strange manners unawares.
"No, you should be told. But bear with me, this is going to make me sound like a mad-woman. I was placed here by two Licheus, under control of some sort of master of theirs, to investigate the matter of a possible demon living down here, evidenced apparently by the repeated disappearances and activities of various undead based in this sewer. I became involved when I spotted a cholli, an unintelligent undead of some sort, stealing crates from the dock and dragging them into the sewers. From there I was approached by the two licheus I mentioned earlier, whom other than being somewhat creepy seem harmless. Their master I am less than sure of. He wants me to bring some sort of information back to him, but I don't trust him. I just don't want to see anyone get hurt."
Her deadpan expression does not change throughout the speech, as if determined to get all of the information across.
If the crystal had a mouth, it would be hanging agape.
"You seriously just told them all of that?! Don't you think that might have been a bit dangerous?
"What, did you expect me to lie to them, or hide stuff like this?! They're involved too Nic'ti, I thought you were better than that!"
It seems that psions and their psicrystals can indeed have disagreements.


Edited to make more sense in the flow of conversation, that was a lot to spit up at once.

[Sallera]

Cait

Cait's expression becomes increasingly unsettled as Jariat speaks, and he is silent for a few seconds once she finishes, attempting to school his features into something less resembling fear. "Ah. Hm." Shaking his head, he tries again, managing to get his usual voice back.

"I... thank you for telling us. When I thought to investigate the source of these disappearances, and heard about these constructs of bone - undead - I had thought some mortal perhaps their creator, but a demon... it is good to know, even if all I now know is that I know nothing. Still, it seems we share a common cause down here, and I, at least, would be quite grateful for your assistance."

[Nixed]

Vaeltek
Sewers

"You haven't seen any of these things since you came down though?" Looking over at Jariat with concern. This mission had just taken a potential turn for the worse. "I don't suppose the Licheus gave you any clue as to what sort of demon you might be searching for down here alone?"

[Lorien077]

Jariat
The Sewers

She shifts a bit uncomfortably.
"I haven't seen any of them since I arrived, but that was literally just moments ago. And those licheus didn't say anything, but their master called it a 'humorous' demon or some such. Such creatures are well outside my realm of expertise."
After a bit of a pause, she turns back to the shaken man.
"I think if we all stick together we have a chance, even if its just a hasty retreat."
While Jariat doubted that would be particularly comforting, it was at least worth a try.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

Cait nods, resolve pushing the uncertainty from his face. "Of course. We must do what we can. We were on our way to the purging mechanism when you arrived, since that is technically our task here; if we circle around from the entrance, we can pass by the supply storage on our way. We were not planning on activating it until we found out what we needed about what has been happening, but it will make a good last resort as long as it is still operational."

[Meirnon]

Theruvial
The Sewers

Stepping past Jariat and getting ready to progress on this venture, he speaks up.

"Well, then, shall we not dally any longer? Demon or not, I want to be paid before a night of drinking has slipped through my fingertips."

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

"Yes, go ahead." Cait drops back to the middle of the party, inwardly wondering how anyone could be so blithely enthusiastic about this.

[Lorien077]

Jariat
The Sewers
A slight frown on her face, Jariat worries about Theruvial's statement. She falls in step next to Cait, feeling some level of comradeship in their mutual discomfort and fear. She also does not want to have her back left unguarded, half afraid the licheu's will sweep her away into the darkness again unexpectedly.
She tries to make conversation.
"So ah Cait, what do you do other than stomp around sewers?"

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

"Well... I still call myself an alchemist, but I'm not sure that quite covers it any more." He pauses a moment, rubbing the back of his neck. "Ever since Sirra found this thing," he taps the vaguely crossbow-shaped mass of gears and metal slung over his back, "I've been working on applications I never would have considered before. Now that she's gone, though, we don't have the Trading Interest any more... I'm not sure I can make a proper trade out of it. Never did have much of a head for business."

"What about yourself? You seem to know a fair bit about these sorts of things... more than me, at least."

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne

I slow my pace unsure about the monsters that lie ahead. Demons? Aren't demons suppose to come from deep in the underground? I feel a shiver run down my spine, sucking up the fear to continue walking. Maybe I should just keep quiet and keep walking... Besides, nothing could be as scary as skeletons moving about to kill you.

Continuing to walk in front of the line, we appoach the junction we first entered.

[Meirnon]

As you plod your way back to the first junction and turn into the next open tunnel, you find yourself at a crossroads. Which way shall you take? Left or right?

[Lorien077]

Jariat
The Sewers
"To be fair I know very little about undead and the like.... I suppose the best description for my profession these days would be a freelancer of sorts. Sometimes I help offload the ships that dock near here, some of the cargo is a bit large for the crews to move."
She pauses a moment, twisting a strand of hair.
"If you don't mind me asking, who's Sirra?"

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne

I turn right at the crossroads, stretching my head out first to see if there's anything blocking our way or anything suspicious.

[Meirnon]

Roxianne

I turn right at the crossroads, stretching my head out first to see if there's anything blocking our way or anything suspicious.

Ahead of you is cold, empty sewers.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

"Sirra is - was, I suppose - my older sister. She inherited the family business, but she vanished nearly two months ago. I... well, I don't hold out much hope of finding her, after all this time, but it is still my duty to find out what happened. I could have done little by myself, but now... hm. A chance, at least."

He smiles slightly, inclining his head in acknowledgement. "I suppose you must have some interesting techniques of your own, to manage a task like that."

[Nixed]

Vaeltek
Sewers

Follows Roxianne and the others down the tunnels towards the room marked on the map, half listening to the conversation while keeping his eyes and ears open for any other movement outside that of their group.

[Lorien077]

Jariat
The Sewers

While nervous and unsure, Jariat finds some comfort in conversing with a normal person, as opposed to the licheus and their potentially half mad master. She continues quietly.
"I am very sorry to hear about your sister. Though perhaps it is too soon to give up....."
Jariat trails off, uncomfortable.
"Anyway ah I'm a psion you see, a kineticist specifically."
She offers an awkward smile, until Nic'ti interrupts.
"It would be in all of your best interests to remain silent, as to not alert anything to your presence."
The psicrystal sounds somewhat miffed, and goes back to sulking.

[Meirnon]

Vaeltek
Sewers

Follows Roxianne and the others down the tunnels towards the room marked on the map, half listening to the conversation while keeping his eyes and ears open for any other movement outside that of their group.

It would be worth, to note, that Roxianne is going the opposite way to which the Guard Supply room can be easily reached, away from the others.

(She had turned RIGHT at the fork from the first junction)

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne

I look around to too where everyone is, only to find that Vaeltek is following. Did I read the map wrong? I finally realize that we were suppose to be heading towards the guard supply first. Stopping in my tracks I turn to Vaeltek. Forgive me, Vaeltek. Seems I mislead you. Perhaps I shouldn't be leading because of my lack of direction.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

Cait smiles warmly. "Thank you. I shall try not to. Alchemy has given me a great deal of experience in preparing for the worst, however."

"That is quite an interesting talent. I don't think I've ever met anyone with such capabilities. Although I suppose I would not necessarily have known, if I had." He scratches his chin, the thin black leather gloves he wears thankfully still untouched by the mire around them. "You know, in other circumstances I might agree with you, Nic'ti, but we, ah, don't seem to be the most stealthy group. And we are trudging through the darkness carrying a lit sunrod." He pauses as said light abruptly turns around and passes the junction in the other direction, not having realized they'd turned the wrong way. "Well. I suppose I, at least, could probably be paying a little more attention to my surroundings."

He does at least lower his voice in concession as he continues. "So it is... hm, a way of forcing your will on the world around you, then?"

[Meirnon]

Heading north from the fork, you are now in a 10ft. by 10ft. room, of which you proceed down the passage eastward. Not 30 feet down this, you are met by a metal grate at a new fork, preventing passage further eastward and turning your direction to the south.

[Nixed]

Chuckles slightly and shrugs to Roxianne as they head in the right direction. "I wasn't paying attention either apparently. I thought you had the map."

[Meirnon]

Suleiman
Sewers

Looking at you from the last junction, behind Cait and Jariat but ahead of you, he calls back, Theruvial at his side scrutinizing the map as well.

"I'm afraid it is I who has the map to read. I was the only one who bothered to procure one, even at expense."

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne

I guess since we separated, we should make sure of the supplies we have. Unless you'd like for us to go back and somehow catch up with them. I kneel down on the ground and open up the bag of supplies Uordon has given me.

[Meirnon]

Roxianne

I guess since we separated, we should make sure of the supplies we have. Unless you'd like for us to go back and somehow catch up with them. I kneel down on the ground and open up the bag of supplies Uordon has given me.

You find 3 vials of fluid, a map and a metal rod inside of the bag, as you were given.

It should also be noted that you were not separated more than 20 feet, still within visual and auditory range despite conditions.

[Lorien077]

The elf nods, and then nervously watches the others talk logistics. Tension seems to be high already, which as far as Jariat is concerned means a lower likelihood of survival.
The psicrystal also remains silent, monitoring the situation and satisfied with keeping the conversation at least a bit quieter.

[Nixed]

"Let's go back this way." Turns and heads back to the other group.

[Meirnon]

"Let's go back this way." Turns and heads back to the other group.

You are standing with Suleiman and Theruvial in the small room north of the fork. To the east you can see Cait and Jariat walking to the end of the eastern tunnel and inspecting the grate cordoning it off.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

"Hm, I think we can proceed in this direction," murmurs Cait, looking into the next room. "I'd rather not do so without the light, though." He beckons the others forward, feeling rather uneasy at the front as the conversation fades.

[Meirnon]

Cait
The Sewers

"Hm, I think we can proceed in this direction," murmurs Cait, looking into the next room. "I'd rather not do so without the light, though." He beckons the others forward, feeling rather uneasy at the front as the conversation fades.

Theruvial and Suleiman come forward with you, facing towards the new series of rooms. They call out for Roxianne to follow as she dallies through her pack.

As you step into the inclining tunnel to the new room, you find that, once again, the eastern passage is blocked off, leaving only the curving westward path.

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne

I'm coming, I'm coming. I close up my back pack and run to back to the group to catch up, following behind them.

[Meirnon]

You are now here:
Colors indicate players based on chat color.
http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy31/demonkill4600/DnD%20Maps/Map2.jpg

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

"Really, this design seems rather arbitrary. What is the purpose of all these grates? Were this not a sewer, I would think the engineers were trying to build a labyrinth." Cait steps to the side as soon as he has room, allowing the armoured members of the party to take the lead, then follows them around the corner.

[Meirnon]

Suleiman
Sewers

Laughing at your remark, Suleiman takes note of the map as well.

"It does seem so, doesn't it? It's as if the engineer were in a hurry and wished to please those he answered to. Although it does seem to be vaguely symmetrical in some places."

[Lorien077]

Jariat
The Sewers
Padding up behind the other two, Jariat eyes the map.
"It would't make any sense to have all of these unnecessary gates and rooms. An engineer in a hurry is more likely to cut corners to save money, not to add in extras. Perhaps this sewer was once some other kind of structure and then modified later?"
"....It would explain some of the layout...
The psicrystal begrudgingly admits, coming out of his sulk. At least Jariat was being logical about this now.

[Nixed]

Not having much to add to the why are the sewers locked down conversation, or at least not finding it more important to speculate than to not giving away their location to whatever it is they're looking for, he stays quiet. Following along with the group, the grip of his morningstar and shield comforting in his hands he offers up another silent prayer to Mah.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

"Ah, now that could make sense. But I cannot think of anything else that would be so extensive. Although... I suppose we don't know what the other sections of the sewer look like. If this quarter were older than the others, and the section originally converted... well, it might at least explain why the maps they have are so lacking in detail."

Cait peers around the corner, wishing he'd brought something capable of cutting metal. "I hope this way is not blocked off entirely."

[Meirnon]

Trudging your way through the cross-looking sections, noticing that along the walls numerous smaller pipes lead down and dump their waste onto the slanted and curved floor (the sludge going back down the pipe you were just coming up), you find a torn or shredded grate at nearly every pipe entrance, as if something had broken its way through some time ago. You now find yourself in a junction similar to the ones in the beginning of the sewers. However, looking to where the map indicated a guard supply room, you see another patch of stone.

Jariat
You notice a small bulge in the wall, as if a chunk of stone is pushing itself outwards.

http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy31/demonkill4600/DnD%20Maps/SewerMap03.jpg

EDIT: As a note, Morgan or whatever the apprentice's name is apparently disappeared. You should just assume that he never existed and his prior inclusion was inconsistent with what it snow canon. That, or he stayed outside because of the putrid stench, guaranteeing his share of the reward if you brought to him any texts.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

"Now this is curious. I wonder why that room was blocked off?" Stepping forward, Cait examines the wall, flicking a pair of lenses into place on his goggles. "And when, for that matter, since we still don't know how old those maps are..."

[Meirnon]

Cait
The Sewers

"Now this is curious. I wonder why that room was blocked off?" Stepping forward, Cait examines the wall, flicking a pair of lenses into place on his goggles. "And when, for that matter, since we still don't know how old those maps are..."

You may make a search check if you wish to investigate. I believe your goggles help with that, do they not? :smallconfused:

[Meirnon]

In response to the search check that passed amazingly well:

You find a notch on the wall, a piece of stone slightly poking out of the wall, along with fine seams where the door would realistically be.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

"Ah, is that... I see. A hidden door, I think. Definitely not the sort of thing one expects to find in a sewer..." Cait fiddles with the protruding bit of stone, trying to determine whether it is a latch or simply a hinge, and unlocking it if he can, then takes a step back, pushing his goggles up and eyeing the rather heavy-looking stone. "Do you think you could get this open, Jariat? I can't be sure, but if this is a door, I think it opens outward. Or I suppose if one of you with the strength for it could get enough purchase on that little notch, there, it might be possible to do it manually without a prybar."

[Lorien077]

Jariat
The Sewers
After stepping back to allow Cait to observe the stone bump, Jariat looks at it closely.
"I can try, but it may damage the door. Fine manipulations can be tricky."
She waves the others back, and carefully reaches out with her mind to tug on the door.

[Meirnon]

The chunk of stone easily pops out of the surrounding wall- revealing a handle. This may seem familiar to Roxianne.

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne

I moved to the side to see what Cait had found. The handle flashed in the back of my mind as I become familiar with it. I came upon a handle just like that in the sewer I purged. I pulled it and the stoned wall moved out of the way. It took a couple of pulls for me to open it so it shouldn't be too difficult.

[Meirnon]

Theruvial
Sewers

Stepping forward, the finely muscled Arcadian latches onto the handle everyone else seems to be reluctant to touch, not taking a moment before tugging with all his might.

A small rumble and a thin section of the wall comes off the rest, peeling aside on a hidden hinge. Immediately, a gust of damp air rushes out, smelling musty instead of putrid. A tunnel looks down, and a door at the end shows as it does on the map.

"Who's first?"

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

"Well..." Cait gestures to the door. "Go right ahead. There's another door, after all." That, and sealed or not, the tunnel did not look particularly inviting.

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne

I slip in to the front. I guess I could go first... I shift my eyes as I walk to the next door, hoping that I wouldn't be greeted by skeletons again. As I reach the door, I turn around to see if everyone's following right behind me to reasure myself that I'm not alone this time. I slowly attempt to open the door. Hopefully it's just supplies behind this door...

[Meirnon]

Indeed, you find an empty room, structured exactly like the supply room you once stumbled into an attempt to rescue your father. It is similarly empty as the last one was, save for a small light, a desk and a chest beneath it, along with a rotten map.

[Lorien077]

Jariat
The Sewers

Sweeping in after the others, Jariat pads about, and comes to stand at the desk and carefully look over the rotten map, half afraid to touch it for fear of destroying the information.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

As soon as it becomes apparent that nothing especially dangerous is lurking within the sealed room, Cait follows the others in, glancing around. He leaves the map to Jariat, crouching down to examine the chest.

[Meirnon]

The chest easily opens, and finding its contents is not particularly difficult: it's a rather small chest, after all.

Inside you find 5 vials of black fluid inside of a pouch and a piece of parchment folded up.

As for the rotten map, it is similar to the one you hold, only with a guard's markings instead of a smuggler's. Large chunks of it are missing or ruined, though, as the walls seem to be leaking slightly.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

"Hm. Strange things abound in this sewer, it seems." Cait tilts one of the vials back and forth, examining the colour and viscosity of its contents, before uncorking it and carefully wafting a little of its scent towards his nose. Replacing the seal, he ties the pouch to his belt and unfolds the parchment.

[Meirnon]

The smell immediately makes you light-headed and dizzy, although you do not recognize the substance.

The parchment has instructions on it, it seems, all of which were relayed to you by the Balthazar about the system purge, although one small section covers the growth of sewer fauna & flora and the use of solvent to ease the process of turning the lever to activate the system purge.

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne

I chuckle a bit at the sight of the vials. Well, this brings back memories. Just as a note to everyone, don't drink it. It's likely for the massive amount of moss, mold, fungus, slime, you name it. I scratch my throat remembering the feeling of the liquid in the vial go down my throat, shivering from the sickness I experienced. I slightly cough. It was not a pleasant feeling...

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

"You... drank this substance?" Cait shakes his head slightly, eyes narrowed in disbelief. Well. I, ah, suppose one cannot fault your courage, at least. These should prove useful down here, anyway." Folding up the parchment, he puts it into the pouch with the vials.

He takes a quick look at the map. "I suppose it doesn't seem that this place has been disturbed recently. Shall we proceed to the purging mechanism and see what state it is in?"

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne

I scratch my head in embarassment. There shouldn't be anything else we need to do here. Taking a look at my map, I try to find the shortest route to get us back on track. I guess we just have to keep going south.

[Lorien077]

Jariat
The Sewers

Finding the map widely useless, Jariat glances up to see Cait sniffing the black liquid.
"Ah.... should you really be smelling something you don't know what it is?"
She walks to his side to see if he is okay, and after hearing that Roxianne actually drank the substance instead turns and stares at her, a bit wide-eyed.
"Well ah I'm glad you know which way to go. The sooner we can all get out of here, the better."

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

Cait smiles a little sheepishly. "It is usually safe, and one of the more effective methods for identifying a substance's likely properties. The trick is to not inhale it directly, but let it diffuse itself through the air first. Of course, the fumes from this particular solvent were enough to make me rather lightheaded even at that degree of diffusion, so it ought to be used with caution."

"Are you feeling any better yourself? I noticed that the air in here does not seem quite as bad as that in the main area."

[Lorien077]

Jariat
The Sewers

"I think so. To be honest I'm just trying not to think about it."
Jariat looks a bit green around the gills, reminded of the stench.

[Meirnon]

Jariat
The Sewers

"I think so. To be honest I'm just trying not to think about it."
Jariat looks a bit green around the gills, reminded of the stench.

You are, in-fact, not suffering the ill consequences of the noxious fumes. However, you can tell you won't fare so well if you were to re-enter them again.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

"Ah, sorry." Cait looks back to the door a bit awkwardly. "Well, let's close the doors behind us when we leave. This might be a good spot for a break if we need one." 'A good spot to retreat to' was probably in the back of his mind, but that was a thought best avoided. "Forward, then."

[Meirnon]

Theruvial taking the lead and Suleiman standing at a reasonably safe position, you further yourself deeper within the complex. At the bottom, a torn grate similar to all the rest at any conjunction stands before you, leading to tunnel that is sloping upwards, sludge draining across your boots. At the end is a grate that seems to have been torn once but reset in its position.

http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy31/demonkill4600/DnD%20Maps/SewerMap04.jpg

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

Cait peers past Theruvial at the second grate. "It is almost as though whoever made this place into a sewer just took a series of existing rooms, carved out connecting passageways, and then placed grates wherever they could afford them. And all torn out, as well... one would think someone would have had the foresight to use locks and hinges in places someone might actually need to get through one day."

He gets halfway through a sigh before cutting himself off. "Ah, sorry, I should not be complaining. Theruvial, could you shove that one open again?"

[Meirnon]

Nodding, Theruvial heaves at the grate with all his might...

And bends it straight open, revealing the passage ahead. Swatting his hands together to get off the rust he had stripped with his powerful grasp, he bows before you almost sardonically.

"Is that far enough for you, dear alchemist?"

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

Cait raises an eyebrow. "You were the one in a hurry, as I recall." He drops a few steps back as they proceed through the wider area, to let Suleiman move ahead with the light. Certainly not to distance himself from the strange Arcadian.

[Meirnon]

You continue down the pathway to the image on the map labelled "purge device". As you close the potential doorway, another ripped grate greets you, and beyond it a partially illuminated room (of which, seemingly heatless and fuel-less lamps line the walls.

Gazing into the humongous room, in the center is a massive pillar with hashmarks strewn up the center of each side. At the base, you can see about 7 cloaked figures busying themselves with carrying boxes and boxes of supplies into an uncovered panel at the base of the purge mechanism. The figures shuffle and bramble on with their duties in ignorance of your presence.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

Cait stops short, only just remembering to do so quietly. His voice is barely above a whisper as he rests one hand on a belt pouch. "Ah, Jariat? Would these be the, ah, undead you mentioned?"

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne

As Cait mentioned "undead", I flinch from the thought of skeletons hunting her down as she purged the previous mechanism. I try to slip a bit closer to the front to take a better look at what's happening. Do those happen to be the Licheus you were talking about earlier, Jariat?

[Lorien077]

Jariat
The Sewers
Those ah aren't the licheus. They're some kind of mindless grunt, they look like the one I encountered on the docks stealing the crates...."
"Or at least moving them." Nic'ti adds. "Whoever controls them may have arranged for what ever is in those crates to arrive, so they may not strictly be stolen goods."
Jariat continues to hesitate, looking unnerved.
"That would imply quite a scheme here.... but would explain why the crates weren't registered with the guard....."
Neither psion nor psicrystal show an interest in approaching the monsters. Jariat keenly remembers what their faces look like, and given how strong they are is in no hurry to discover what might agitate them.

[Nixed]

Vaeltek
Sewers

A frown at the words as he watches the creatures. "Yes, if there is something down here taking deliveries then there is much more to this than we initially thought."

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

Cait studies the creatures' movement patterns, his hand shifting from one pouch to another. "Mindless and dead... these won't be much use then, if they get annoyed. But we need to get a look at what those crates hold, I think. I don't suppose they use eyes to see?"

[Meirnon]

Theruvial
Sewers

Stepping forward, the Arcadian draws his sword and puts himself in a close-footed stance, ready to charge forward.
Well, then. They are inbetween us and the purging mechanism, and I do not believe they will be finished moving their contraband quite soon enough.

Taking a quick step forward, the Arcadian charges at the closest undead, and, taking a swing, connects with a powerful, if not deadly blow, ripping the cloak apart and sending a sickening splash of black bile across the unmarred, raised stone the column sits upon.

Everyone... Roll initiative. :smallwink:

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

"Wait! We're not done..." Cait is cut off as the armoured warrior charges through the murk. "... planning!" The pitch of his voice rises a few tones as he fumbles for a weapon. "Is that sort of thing normal in this business, or is he just insane?"

"Do they need their eyes to see? If you know, at least; it's rather more urgent now."

[Lorien077]

Jariat
The Sewers

Shaking her head no, Jariat continues to whisper.
"The one I got a look at at least didn't have eyes.... but it didn't react to me at all. Maybe if we sneak down and look into one of those crates without bothering them they won't attack...."

[Meirnon]

The other figures (known to Jariat as Choli), do not seem to stop their labor as their companion is being hacked down.

Battle Order:
Theruvial
Roxianne
Jariat
Choli
Cait
Vaeltek
Suleiman

http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy31/demonkill4600/DnD%20Maps/SewerMap05.jpg

Surprise round: everyone gets a standard action before regular combat starts.
DR will not factor into damage given to monsters in a way visible to players.

Theruvial
Sewers

Theruvial strikes at the creature, spending 4 points of Combat Grace to counteract his Powerful Charge Gambit penalty (-4 attack), leaving him with 0 points of Combat Grace left.

Theruvial slashes the foul creature, dealing 11 points of damage.

Theruvial ends his Powerful Charge Gambit in Common Guard.

[Lorien077]

Jariat
The Sewers

After a wince from the sound of Theruvial's blade cutting through undead flesh, Jariat decides that instead of getting involved with the choli to simply sneak down and see if she can't peer into a crate. Every nerve in her body screams at her to stay away from the monsters with the others, but as best she can tell they will not react to her.
Once she has reached a crate Jariat will try to get a look at the contents.

[Sallera]

Cait
The Sewers

Cait nods, following Jariat's lead. He twitches away whenever one of the choli moves in his direction, his fingers itching for a weapon to defend himself but his mind telling them not to risk antagonizing the mindless creatures. He briefly considers telling Theruvial not to annoy them further, but dismisses the idea as futile. At least the crazed Arcadian was providing a distraction.

[Meirnon]

With the sound of Theruvial's gnashing falchion tearing through black bile, the resulting offcast making soft patters at it is thrashed against the ground, you peer into the nearest crate. Taking a moment to pop the seal, you look inside to find a large plate of a white calcification, purple ink staining it in intricate designs. It sits upon a soft and airy bed of shredded fabric inside its container.

Immediately, the rest of the Choli divert their attention to your burglarizing of their crated goods, intent on ceasing your intrusion of their property.

New Battle Order:
Theruvial
Jariat
Choli7
Choli1
Choli2
Choli4
Choli3
Choli6
Cait
Choli5
Roxianne
Vaeltak
Suleiman
http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy31/demonkill4600/DnD%20Maps/SewerBattleMap2.jpg

[Nixed]

Steps around the wall in an attempt to get around the group, only to find his way blocked. Swings his morningstar in an effort to remove it.


Move to D8 attack 7

[Meirnon]

The swing lands heftily, although the awkard positioning and sludge underneath the cloak only causes the force to be shunted off, tearing the cowl from the undead's body.

Revealed is a disgusting sight to behold; the skeletal frame is filled with pulsating black organs that seep fluid. Its eyes and nose and mouth gurgle with the necrotic ichor as the creature turns to face its newest assailant.

Roxianne's Turn

[SiieruMakina]

Roxianne

As I come out into the opening, I charge for the Choli from the side to back up Vaeltak. Calling out a battle cry, I punch the Choli with utmost force.

Moving to E9 to attack #7 as well. :D

[Meirnon]

The choli takes the punch straight to the side of the head, a chip of bone breaking from your cestus's studs, revealing a umbra-hued encephalon. The rubbery mass deflects the rest of the blow, although the choli seems extremely aggravated.

It takes 6 points of damage.

[Meirnon]

Suleiman
Sewers

Cooly walking his way to the doorway, Suleiman undoes his loot and begins strumming a few chords, the Ether manifesting as a visible golden stream around his body, rippling with every note.

Delayed action to last.

Move to E12 and use Inspire Courage (+1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls to all allies.)

__________________________
NEW ROUND________________

Theruvial
Sewers

Laughing at the beast he now faces, Theruvial strikes at it again.
Recharge 1 Combat Grace: Total 1
Gambit: Quickguard, Low Guard (-4 attack)
Gambit: Piercing Strike, Lesser (-3 attack)
Spend 1 point of Combat Grace (+1 attack)
Attack with Falchion, Dealing 12 damage and bypassing 2 DR
End Piercing Strike Gambit in Low Guard

_________________________
_________________________

Taking the brunt of Theruvial's powerful slash, the Choli collapses under the brutal force, its blackened organs splattering across the ichor-covered floor.

Jariat's turn.


MAP
http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy31/demonkill4600/DnD%20Maps/SewerBattleMap3.jpg

[Lorien077]

Jariat
The Sewers
The psion winces at the sound of rotting flesh hitting stone, and puts her hands against the crate in front of her.
But, instead of cowering she pulls herself atop it, and fires a slim ray of frame at at one of the cholis.


Jariat is firing an energy ray at Choli #2.

[Meirnon]

Recoiling from the strike, the charred bone revealed beneath the now-incinerating garb reveals the same sickening sight of an emaciated skeleton filled with seeping black organs.

Choli 7: Turning and gurgling at the assailant who had damaged him the most, the Choli swipes its arms in a swift blow, swatting Roxianne for a vicious 9 points of damage.

Choli 2: Snarling at you, Jariat, the Choli lumbers forth, ready to attack. Positioning itself in I11, the Choli throws its weight throughout its frame in a desperate aggression. The attack swats Jariat for 5 points of damage.

Choli 4: Pulling its head back, the Choli jerks violently forward, a vile burst of caustic and sickening fluid swatting and drenching Jariat in black bile. Jariat, make a fortitude save.

Choli 3: This one aiming for Cait, the disgustingly putrid fluid smothers your senses. Make a fortitude save.

Choli 6: The choli waddles its way towards you, over the boxes and to F11. The disgusting creature provokes an attack of opportunity from Theruvial, who takes it with the Swiping Trip Gambit. Theruvial deals 9 points of damage and knocks the Choli prone with an outstanding display of strength, leaving the Choli in F9.

Cait's Turn