[RoS] Soldiers of Fortune (IC)

[Anyr]

Shakchir was a broken man. Prolonged contact with those loathsome creatures had taken its toll from his soul. Not that Kate felt the slightest sympathy for him. As far as she was concerned, he deserved to suffer. She just wanted to stop the whole city from sharing his intimate familiarity with the Dark Ones. The stories he told about them caused her own unpleasant memories of last night to resurface. Nonetheless, she did her best to take note of everything he said. Even the smallest detail might play a part in defeating the Dark Ones.

When at last he'd finished, Kate rose from her seat. It was almost time to depart.

"One last question: Was this conspiracy really created by just a small splinter of the council? If the blame casts a longer shadow than Unaric claims, we need to know."

Then (assuming there were no more questions), she'd escort Shakchir out of the inn. This pathetic man had evaded justice for too long already.

[Lacco]

Shakchir looked surprised.

"What? I honestly do not know. I got my orders directly from my guildmaster, Lord Thnusny Parchan. And to ensure me that it was not just his idea, Lord Alaric, the Master of the Coin, confirmed it, personally - which is something to say considering that shipwrights and the master of the coin have history of backstabbing..."

He seemed to be lost in his thoughts for a moment.

"And as far as Unaric is concerned, he may be the representative of judges, but why do you think he's called the master of whispers and master of lies...? Still, considering his influence, he remains as clean as a member of the council can be - I personally dislike him, but few of my colleagues consider him extremely honorable...in some way. And that's all I can say."

And then, suddenly, the door opened again. It was Gregor - but something was amiss. His black hair had shifted to brown, his scar was gone, and a pair of conspicuous red scratches had appeared on his chin and hand. With a look of determination burning in his eyes, he simply said, "I'm ready to take that oath."

[Cavir]

Nazir nods in acknowledgement to Gregor but then looks to Kate and points to a table off to the side. "A word please?" Nazir sits so he can keep an eye on the merchant.

"I know you and Gerric spoke last night. I also spoke with him during the night. Did he tell you that once Euric is gone Gerric plans to take that army, march on Zhengar, and kill every single person in this city? How do we handle that? I will not join that horde and I don't think you would either. I would sooner pluck his eye like Mad Dog and accept death. It would be worth it. Shakchir knows he did wrong, but thought he was under legal orders and did it for the city. He's remorseful and still aims to help the city, even with his dying wish. Why is it he deserves to die when Gerric has done far worse, plans to do so again, and sees no issue with wiping out whole cities at a time? Or us even, when we are willing to turn a blind eye to side with the Demon of Dragontooth?"

[XIII]

Urukubarr stood outside the doorway listening to Shakchir's words. His own experience with the Dark Ones flashed in his mind, he winced at the mention of their terrible mind-powers, the cruelty he was subjected to. Urukubarr felt a tinge of pity for Shakchir's suffering, but reminded himself that the merchant had a choice where Urukubarr was captured. He dared not think what would have become of him had Ruark not saved him.

Urukubarr physically shook off the thoughts like a wet dog, refocusing on his task. He walked with a purpose to retrieve their things and take them back to the warehouse. He smiled at the thought of how much cleaning and organizing there was to do in their new warehouse. The work was cathartic and easy to lose one's self in, and so he did until his brothers and sister returned or the work was complete. He reminded himself to stop by a blacksmith after retrieving the broken armor and inspecting the runic blade Gerric had mentioned.

[Anyr]

Kate sat down opposite Nazir. She'd been expecting this conversation. In a way, it was also an argument with herself. His questions were the kind of thing she'd been privately wondering. She only hoped that her answers were good enough.

"You're making a false assumption: I do think that Gerric deserves to die. Part of me wants to walk over there right now, and stab him straight through the heart. There's a good chance that, sooner or later, he'll meet his end on one of our blades. As for why that hasn't happened (yet), there are two reasons. First, we swore an oath with that man: An oath to overlook one another's pasts, in order to build a better future. Is it right to break our word, just because his past is worse than we imagined? Such honour would be brittle indeed.

Second, Gerric is...Look, this pains me deeply to say; But it's true. Gerric is...useful. We need him. He's an experienced combat veteran, with intimate knowledge of the army that's planning to attack this city. We'd be fools to discard such an asset."

She grimaced as she said this. It felt unclean to bring such cold pragmatism into a moral dilemma. But it'd be even worse to pretend that such considerations weren't a factor. Kate studied Nazir's reaction carefully. She wouldn't blame him for rejecting everything she'd just said. The decision to let Gerric live was on decidedly shaky ground.

"You don't have to like or trust him. I certainly don't. And if he steps out of line, no oath will save him. But for now, we and this city will have a better chance of survival with Gerric beside us."

[Cavir]

Nazir listened intently to Kate. He had known of her before the group's origins and she saved him from rotting away in jail as a halfling freak so there was a bond for him beyond the group's oath. He was glad there was common ground.

"Yes, that oath is what kept me from dealing with him on my watch last night, as hard as that was. Like I told Gerric, If I had recognized him that first day we met I would have called it out for the whole tavern to know and overrun him in with a wave of people. Even if we overlook his past, if others discover he is with us we are all dead. If others find that the Council knew of him in within the city then the Council and the whole city is lost."

"I know I don't stand a chance toe to toe with him. If we do have to face off with him, protect yourself and I will use his focus on you to put an end to him. I just hope his chaotic ways don't bring some of the others down with him."

"As for Shakchir, he too could prove useful. I do intend to have a word with Unaric. If you are not with me on that and Unaric doesn't agree fully, I will at least seek exile for him. He can go back to his family and make a new life. He's not a threat to others on his own."

"Let's grab the rest of our gear from upstairs and get out of here."

[Anyr]

"I of course agree that Gerric's true identity should remain hidden. As for saving Shakchir, you're free to try. Just be sure to make it clear that you speak only on your own behalf. Don't allow Unaric to assume that the whole group shares your way of thinking."

With that, Kate rose to her feet again. It was high time they departed.

[Dienekes]

While Nazir and Kate went off, Gerric was left to sit with Shakchir. He gave a few more questions about the dark ones, and how Euric fit into all of this. But ultimately it wasn't anything he hadn't figured out for himself or heard before. After a few moments, and more than one slight dig that the merchant was going to dance from a noose before long, Gerric finally grew bored playing with the broken man.

"So, you write that note? You don't want to **** that up, your last words to your children. You mess that up, and it'll haunt you, right up 'til the end. Maybe after as well, dependin' on your gods, of course."

When Kate returned, Gerric gave her a quick nod. It'd be on her to deliver their captive, it wouldn't do for him to wander around the Zhengar halls. Just askin' for trouble that is. But he did have some ideas on what to do next. Seeing Uruk carrying their equipment to their new storage, Gerric rose from his chair to help him. After, they could maybe find a place to fix up those weapons he found.

That gave him a moments pause. Half out of his seat, Gerric turned once more to look at Shakchir. "Tell me, why did weasel like you have a box o' half-forged weapons. You don't look the type to pick up fightin' at your age."

[Lacco]

The merchant slowly wrote the letter, while calmly answering Gerric's questions.

"...as a merchant, I tend to buy goods and then sell them. The box you are talking about is - if I remember correctly - a part of larger shipment of steel from Garnall - a city down south. They have excellent steel, and rather cheap, but they have imposed significant taxes on ready weapons. That's why we buy only the blades. Also, their woodwork is rather bad - their hafts break, the handles crack. Does that satisfy you, master Gerric?"

He rolled the parchment - it was finished.

"Now, let's see if the halfling lad is correct. Here you are, mountain man. Take this letter and deliver it. It is my last request - and we'll see what you are made of."

He stood up, and nodded towards Kate.

"I am ready."

---

The sun was high when they left the inn - only two hours were left until noon.

The small square looked completely different - it produced none of the sleazy, dark atmosphere from yesterday night - it was already bustling with activity - there were only few real stalls, however dozens of merchants were selling right off their carts, and even more just sat on the ground, presenting their humble stock from a piece of carpet or square of fabric.

Cries of merchants, mixed with haggling, as well as sounds produced by the unfortunate animals that were sold and bought here today produced a rather loud, but not completely unpleasant ambience, further hammered in by the smells - of fresh and cooked meat, of spices, however also of unwashed bodies and animal produces.

Their wagon was still there - guarded by the lad from the inn, who drove potential "buyers" away with a stick with skill. It was obvious it was not the first time.

To their left was the small street that brought them here - they knew it lead to the eastern side of the docks. In front of them, they could see another crooked narrow street, with wide steps - it seemed to lead towards the spires of the temple district, and to citadel. A bit to right, directly across the marketplace, they saw rather wide, straight street - it was also sloped up, surrounded by houses. To their right was a narrow, but straight street, which lead to eastern walls.

They only had enough time to take in the sight - to their left a figure separated from a column. It was a woman, of at least twenty winters, dressed modestly in simple dark blue dress, with a wide smile full of teeth and squinted eyes that moved from one to the other, never staying on one person too long. As she approached, they noticed a slender dagger behind her belt.

"'ello, excellencies! This your first visit here, 'innit? Would like a guide, to not get lost in the big city, wouldn't you? See the citadel, the markets, haggle with merchants...? Say no more, my name is Blava and I will gladly be your guide for a paltry sum of one silver and a meal!"

Spoiler: Nazir

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Nazir's ears were almost ringing. How could these people hear anything over the ruckus...?

Still, as his eyes accustomed to the sun as opposed to the dim lighting of the tavern, he was able to pick up some clues regarding their current position and heading.

The crooked street with steps would lead them to the temple district - but the new market was between temple and guild district and the best way to get there was the wide, straight street - called Blackcowl row - which lead through largely residential part of the city.

Still, sticking to the eastern wall was the safe choice - they could find the eastern gate and follow on from there...but it may cost them some time.

Which way to choose...?

Spoiler: Urukubarr

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The smells were unpleasant and the sounds deafening. Even Ahvori warcamps did not produce such loud noises - and he suddenly longed for the smell of the sea and fresh breeze.

Spoiler: Gerric

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When the lass spoke, something in Gerric's mind stirred. It was not directly threatening, but he was sure she was not only a guide.

Spoiler: Kate

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The lady that approached them - Kate disliked her eyes. And while there was no proof she meant harm, something in her voice warned Kate. Her intentions were not only good ones. Still, it was a guide...

Spoiler: Gregor

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The woman was a criminal - Gregor was sure. She talked the talk, she had the look. She definitely knew the city, its inns and outs, but was not "guide for hire". Still, she seemed relatively honest - and the fee she asked was appropriate for the service.

But someone had to watch her if the others decided to use her services.

Spoiler: Ruark

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Accompanying Urukubarr, Ruark tried not to think too much about the smell - he was not a city-dweller, and he lacked free air, the smell of sea, and the sound of waves crashing against a ship's bow.

Ah, a man can dream.

He left the daydream as soon as the woman moved towards them.

[XIII]

Urukubarr rubbed his nose and sneezed, letting out a string of orcish expletives with a final drawn out whiny complaint in common, "Smmmelllll!!!!"
Humans have no right to complain about 'less civilized' species, for their collective stink was like a bog of eternal stench. Urukubarr thought of stuffing flowers up his nose.

"City is disgusting, loud, terrible." He shook his head as if it would dispel the noise from his ears.

Urukubarr didn't speak when the young woman approached them, instead looking from Kate to their wagon and back again. He wanted the armor to be repaired and to inspect the blade Gerric spoke of, and of course to tidy up the warehouse and take inventory. Urukubarr waited for the woman to be addressed by one of his companions, or for a good moment to just walk away.

Of course, he was amused to see the lad 'protecting' their cart and chucked from time to time.

[Dienekes]

"Like I said earlier, Uruk. This is civilization, bunch o' bastards pretendin' their **** don't stink. And everyone goin' along with the lie." He took a huge obnoxiously loud sniff. "Ahh, there it is, the smell o' ****. No wonder Kate feels the need to bath the stink off her. Not that I should comment. Startin' to get a bit rank myself."

Gerric moved the few items he was carrying into a more comfortable position, as he made his way to the wagon. He nodded to the lad guarding their items, it was good work, they should probably pay him a bit extra for the service. As he dumped the box into the wagon the woman began to talk.

"Eh, this one don't sound right," he says to the others, not even bothering to lower his voice to avoid offending the new woman. "I would hold onto my coin a bit tighter than usual with her around."

[Anyr]

Kate had to agree about the city's smell. Whatever the (many many) faults of her homeland, at least it was clean. Maybe she could induce change here by setting a good hygienic example? Then again, that hadn't worked on any of her companions. Ah well. As hardships went, this one was quite minor. She'd adapt.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of a potential employee. The woman really didn't make a good first impression on Kate. Should a guide be required, there were doubtless better ones available. She internally cringed as Gerric gave voice to similar thoughts. There was no need to be rude! Ignoring him, Kate gave the woman a far more polite refusal.

"Thank you for the offer. However, I doubt we'll require your services. Have a pleasant day!"

Unless waylaid again, she'd then make her way to the cart. The boy guarding it would receive a thankful smile, and an appropriate tip, from Kate. Good work deserved recognition. And even when dealing with someone like Blava, it didn't hurt to be civil. The young noble turned her attention to Nazir and Gregor. Presumably one or the other would soon suggest a route.

[Cavir]

Nazir takes note of Blava so he could recognize her again. After Kate sent her on her way Nazir looked around to find some points of reference. "Let's head towards the temple ward, those spires, so we can keep an idea of where we are. We'll make a right along the way to get to the New Market. Either we'll see the town hall's tower or tell the way by the traffic going to the market." He points to the crooked street on the other side of the market. "We can deliver Shakchir, shop at that market, then meet up again to head back?"

[Anyr]

Kate nodded. She wasn't particularly concerned about getting lost. Their destination should be easy enough to find.

[Mathis]

Ruark had worried the smell that assaulted his nostrils was coming from some foul thing he had breathed in during the night. His mother had always warned against breathing in too much bad night air, in such things lay only disease. In an attempt to set a good hygienic example for the others he thumbed one nostril after the other and blew hard, clearing out old snot and wiping the remains with his sleeve before nodding to himself, a pleased look on his face.

He continued the short journey along the streets by bantering back and forth with Uruk and Gerric, spinning tales about the heroic Stick-Boy who had defended their wagon with prodigious skill.

After Blava had been shot down by Kate, far too quickly in Ruark's opinion, he shot her a glance and a wink and shouted after her expecting no reply: "If I ever see you again I'll gladly take you up on that meal, my exotic friend!" His mind had been too pre-occupied with day-dreaming to notice her approach and when he finally did notice all he could see was the good set of teeth and interesting accent. It didn't take much to rile him up these days.

He adressed Kate and Nazir next, "So, while you're off doing business, myself and whoever wants to join can attempt to get the ware house back in order. I'm sure there's several days worth of work just trying to wrap our heads around all it's contents. I'll get started on that right away however. Getting familiarized with our new building that is, I've always heard I've got a good head for stewardship."

[Lacco]

Blava sneered when she heard Gerric talk, but when Kate responded, she in turn smiled politely.

"Well, you know where to find me if you need guide."

And then winked at Ruark.

"I can show you around..."

She then returned to lean against one of the columns.

The companions then parted ways, each pair going after their own goals...

---

Ruark and Urukubarr

The smell of sea was stronger down the street. Ruark carefully drove their wagon, while Urukubarr walked beside it - the pace was rather slow given the amount of onlookers and the fact some of them tried to peek inside the wagon, he wanted to be sure that nothing disappears.

The wagon slowly rolled down the street, towards the docks. Ruark carefully managed it, but also enjoyed the sun on his skin and breeze in his hair. Still, for some reason, Urukubarr did not enjoy the sun or the breeze - he felt as he was being watched. As they left the crowded market, he jumped on the wagon, next to Ruark.

For a moment, it looked as the additional weight will cause the wagon to speed up downhill, and the horses will not be able to slow it down, but he reined the horses in and managed to keep the safe pace. And it was their luck, for a kid - young girl - stepped from the nearby alley and were they going faster, Ruark would not be able to steer to the side quickly enough. A worn-down woman pulled the small girl quickly back to the alley and they could hear her shouting for quite some time.

It took good half hour, but they finally arrived at the warehouse.

The front door was wide open, and Urukubarr's barricade still blocked part of the entrance. The street was not bustling with activity, but there were occasionally people passing by. The empty warehouse, which was a witness to Ruark's combat with corrupt guards, stood there, a reminder of the previous night.

---

Kate and Nazir

Making their way around the market, Kate and Nazir tried to evade crowds. Kate lead the way, and most people just stepped aside - either intrigued by her face, or intimidated by her armour.

Nazir watched the people, to ensure nothing bad happened. His bad feelings from this place did not yet subside.

They slowly ascended the wide steps, walking past tall but narrow houses, avoiding dishwater - at least they hoped it was dishwater - from upper floor windows, sidestepping the merchants bringing their wares to the old market.

They walked, but the tall spires of the cathedral and the domes of temples, their main guides, did not seem closer. And as they continued, it seemed the street was getting more and more crowded.

And suddenly they stopped, as they almost bumped into a man, wearing white robes and cape. He turned to them, with a friendly, but impatient look and remarked "Apologies. But you will have to wait."

Nazir looked forward, trying to pierce the crowd, to notice the reason for this congestion. It seemed there was a long succession of white-robed men and women, which - at some point - turned into a crowd of people clad in red robes. Somewhere in the middle stood a men in pure white robe, wielding something that looked like a golden staff, and a woman in ornate crimson robes.

The crowd was not moving forward or backward - most of its members just stood there, waiting, but there was a certain rumbling quality to the voices - it seemed violence was close.

Kate looked back. Last crossroad they passed was around five minutes of walk back, and there was a certain sidestreet - more of an alley - around fifty yards behind them.

---

Gerric and Gregor

For Gregor, the market was a playground. He and Gerric surveyed the stalls around them - well, the sellers mostly, as the stalls were not always more than just a piece of cloth, a carpet, or just pile of stuff on the ground. To their right, there was this young, shy looking lady, who seemed to be selling pile of old scrolls and books.

To their left, a fat, lippy guy, with unhealthy pale face and unnaturally red cheeks, who presented a basket full of ornate curved daggers, and sack teeming with spears and polearms, all marked with runes. Three burly men stood around him, watching the crowd.

There was a tall, agile-looking woman, who seemed to be selling cloaks and other clothes, a cheerful looking man that had a small, makeshift table full of shields, pauldrons, bracers and greaves, a tanned, shifty-looking guy, who actually had a stall, with small pouches hanging all around it, necklaces, and two small braziers emitting dark smoke and strange smells.

They also passed a small stall that looked like it was built few minutes ago, staffed by a willowy, tanned man, rather feminine. Gerric had to look twice to ensure himself that it was not a flat woman, but a girly man. The man had a large birthmark on his cheek, and smiled at Gregor as they passed him. The stall smelled of nuts - and true to the smell, the man sold mostly nuts, covered in sugar, in caramel, but also some other foods (including lizard on a stick and few other "specialties").

There was also a large cart, next to which stood a tanned, stocky woman. She had a horse-like face, but seemed rather athletic, and sported a long, red-blonde hair tied into thick braid. Wearing fur, she looked like a huntress. Her expression was that of disgust mixed with scorn, but the cart was full of spears and polearms, and small papyrus packages.

Spoiler: Gerric

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Suddenly a girl bumped into Gerric - he looked at her and noticed she was rather young, maybe thirteen. Large brown eyes, dark hair. She immediately started apologizing.

Spoiler: Gregor

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And then Gregor noticed it. A boy and girl, watching Gerric closely. The girl stepped in front of him, bumping into him, while the boy went for Gerric's pouch...

[Dienekes]

It was so crowded. There were too many people. It felt like half the population of his mountains were jammed together and trying to sell their junk to the other half.

Immediately he looked at the weapons, he'd always liked spears and polearms. Didn't have the same feeling as a good axe. But he learned early when dealing with something big like an orc that extra reach was worth more than a dragon egg.

He was about to begin seeing what to do about his half forged axe when a girl bumped into him.

Immediately, he remembered Ruark and his father's gold. Well no southern bitch was going to get the best of Gerric.

He grabber at her. "Hands," he snarled. "Show me your hands."

Then he checked his coin pouch. To make sure the little fool hadn't taken it. If it was gone, there were consequences for getting caught stealing where he came from, usually delivered with at the end of a blade.

Spoiler

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Wrestling + Reflex to grab the girl
(12d10)[9][2][9][1][9][4][10][7][7][2][6][6](72)

I am assuming it's wrestling. If it's open hand Gerric still has the same score. If it's Brawling/pugilism he gets +2 so
(2d10)[8][10](18)

If it's none of these then I guess it would be just be Reflex. In that case just take the first 6 from the first roll.

[XIII]

Urukubarr tried to focus on the smell of the salt water breeze as it reminded him of Savaxen, his home away from home as they say. He resisted the urge to bare his fangs to startle people, one of his favorite pastimes when forced to be in cities. They just didn't need the attention, and so he smiled and waved away anybody who got too close to their wagon. He felt their eyes on him, heard their whispers and tried to ignore it all and enjoy the sun and breeze. He couldn't, they had taken that from him here, making his skin crawl. He looked nervously over his shoulder several times to check for stalkers on a hunch.

Urukubarr apologized to Ruark for the sudden shift in weight, and was mortified when they almost hit the young girl. He felt as if his weight on the wagon was to blame, and Ruark's handling of the wagon had saved her. He gave an apologetic look to the girl and woman, "Please, forgive us! Be safe!"

"Your handling of beast and cart probably saved that careless girl back there, I thank you for that. I am not surprised though, you've always had a way with beasts." Uruk tried his hardest to keep the smile from creeping onto his face, pointing at one of the horses rear ends,"This one even looks like that merchant's daughter that fancied you. Brynhild was her name, wasn't it? Didn't I see you two out behind old Eirik's tavern during a diplomatic visit?" Uruk made lewd gestures and crude horse noises, insinuating Ruark had taken the girl for a 'ride', much like a horse. He could stop himself from laughing loudly and snorting at his own joke.

Once at the warehouse, the half-orc got to work. He removed his mostly-broken plate armor and set his equipment aside. There was much to do: clearing the barricade, unloading the horses and tending to them, cleaning, sweeping, getting a feel for the place, taking inventory, and so on.

[Mathis]

Ruark let out a sigh of relief when they made it to the warehouse without running anyone over. "I remember now why I try to only travel by foot or by boat. These things are far deadlier than they have a right to be." When Uruk decided to get cheeky he stuck an elbow into his side and laughed a long with him. "That visit ended up being more than diplomatic enough I'll tell you, there's also been more than a few "diplomatic" skirmishes behind that tavern, most of which I'm sure none of us would like to repeat!"


As soon as they arrived at the warehouse and had finished teasing each other with stories about horses arses, Ruark tried to find a good place to tie up the horses and wagon. Preferably inside if there was room. He left his things where Urukubarr had left his and got to work.

He wanted to clear away the barricade, get the door way and entrance in order so they could use the wagon to move things in and out immediately. Once they had cleared that out of the way, he would explore the warehouse with Uruk, trying to see what was where and generally get a good understanding of the building.

[Anyr]

Kate scanned the robed figures curiously. What an odd sight. Some sort of religious ceremony? Regardless, it was blocking the path in a most inconvenient way. Perhaps they'd be better off finding another route. Though she didn't much like the look of that alleyway either. Kate addressed the white-robed man who'd just spoken to her.

"If you don't my asking, what exactly is this gathering? And how much longer will it be until the path clears?"

[Lacco]

Spoiler: Ruark and Urukubarr

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Ruark and Urukubarr jumped down from the wagon and Ruark proceeded to bind the horse to a nearby post. Together they entered the warehouse through the same door they entered yesterday night.

But there was something wrong.

As Urukubarr and Ruark moved inside, intent on starting to remove the debris from the barricade, they saw a tall, lanky figure move in the doorway of the main warehouse room. There was someone in the warehouse!

Standing in the small entry office, next to the remains of the barricade, they knew they had only moments before they would get spotted - if they were not already.

---

Spoiler: Kate and Nazir

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The man turned to Kate to impatiently answer, but suddenly he stopped and remained speechless for a moment. "Err... well, you must be new to town, or you would know that this happens here sometimes. That damned priestess of Ith-Ryannon knows that on every fourth Quintus - that is the fourth day of the week - we are obliged to take this path to our temple, and yet she orders her... her..." his face got redder than you would think it could "...erm... well, acolytes - there are worse words that describe them, but on this day swears are forbidden - well, they stand in our path. Last time it took two hours and intervention of the Vigilant Ones to make them let us pass. But let me tell you - Gar-Ahlis, our archpriest, will solve it. Can you hear...? He is now calling upon her wrath of the Great One!" with this, he turned forward, to watch what happens, seemingly losing any interest in you.

---

Spoiler: Gerric and Gregor

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The girl did not seem scared at all - she just shot Gerric a quick, wry smile, and showed her empty hands.

His pouch was also still at his belt.

"Hey you... why you harm my daughter...?" a voice came booming from the right - and three large figures moved from the shade offered by one of the stalls. They looked rather unpleasant, tall, and bulky. The one who claimed the girl had face covered by scars, and large cudgel in his hands.

The other two also wielded cudgels.

Gregor noticed, that the boy who originally went to grab Gerric's pouch stepped back, an unpleasant smirk on his face. And Gerric stood in a slowly expanding circle of solitude, accompanied only by the decoy...

[Dienekes]

It appeared that Gerric had made a bit of an error here. Or perhaps he was tricked into doing what they wanted. The girls smile came too easy, and the cudgels came out too quick. In all likelihood he'd be beaten, robbed, maybe killed.

But, there is always something you can do. Still holding onto the girl, Gerric moved his hand toward his axe.

"Simple misunderstandin'," he said, looking right at the scared face man's eyes. "Thought your daughter was one of them thieves I hear so much about in this city. But she ain't, and so I ain't hurt her. However, I gotta admit, I don't much like three men comin' at me with weapons. So what say, you all stop walkin' toward me, put down them mauls. And I let go o' the girl, and we all walk away friendly?"

Gerric took a second to see if the men were listening. Then he smiled his largest craziest grin. "'Course if you don't, I'll have to use my axe. No one wants that, 'specially the girl here." Gerric shakes the arm in his grasp just so the men and girl realize what was at stake. He waited to see if they stopped moving, to see how much they actually valued the life of the little girl.

As an afterthought, he glanced over to Gregor and gave a questioning look, one he hoped said 'How screwed am I right now? And how likely will it be that I get to butcher all these men in a brutal and amusing fashion without the city guard getting in my way again?' It was a very complex look.

Spoiler

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Intimidate: Soc 2 (only 1 if being Ugly means I'm less intimidating), Skill of 5.

(2d10)[3][5](8)

[XIII]

Unarmored with only his jeweled dagger on his belt, Urukubarr started towards the office prepared to visit violence, if need be, upon the intruder. "Ruark, intruder inside. Cut him off." Uruk marched himself to the office, planning to call out to the figure should he be seen before he reaches grabbing distance.

"You, what are doing here!?"

[Mathis]

Wearing all his regular things, sword on his belt but without his shield, Ruark made his way towards the main warehouse room where they had seen the lanky figure. His initial thoughts went to thieves, after all this place had been unlocked and open all night. He drew no weapons but walked on steadily.

"Get outta here you good for nothing filth, or there'll be a good beating coming your way!"

[Cavir]

Nazir shook his head in disappointment and turned to Kate and Shakchir. "We're not required to take this route. Let's go back a bit and avoind this mess. Shakchir, you know the way without back alleys right?"

[Anyr]

"Agreed. This is no time to get embroiled in a religious dispute."

Kate turned away from the squabbling robed figures. Church politics was just as messy as she'd always imagined. No wonder such organisations were banned in her country. Though admittedly, that was probably just to prevent competition with the nobles.

[Dienekes]

Uruk and Ruark

As the men shouted at the intruder, they heard a crash and a shout of pain.

The warehouse where they had fought the night before had been cleaned, the corpses were gone, the monsters as well as the dead men in the boat. The preternatural darkness that tainted the room was gone. Now the light that came in through the various windows and open doors displayed what appeared to be a normal warehouse, still filled with boxes arranged in various piles and pyramids, with a few scattered about from the night before.

Only the smell seemed remained, that vile smell that brought rotting flesh to the mind and made the air feel heavy around them.

Instead of the dark and the monsters, in the middle of the room stood a lanky man, the contents of one of the boxes scattered in front of him as he clutched at his foot.

"Oy! Who goes there? What're you doing?" He said, as he regained his composure. As he stood up, you could tell he wore the uniform of a city guardsman. His eyes grew wide as he saw the red-haired raider, and somehow grew even wider when he saw the half-orc. "Wha-what? Uh, you're not supposed to be in here."



Nazir and Kate

"I know another path, we'll have to head back for a few minutes, though," Shakchir said, and started to head back the way they came. Though he kept looking over his shoulder at the commotion they left behind.

The pair could hear in the distance a powerfully voiced man shouting vengeance and doom. "The Great One looks down upon those who shall deny his light. And with furious anger he will cast aside those who thrive in the darkness! Those who mistreat their fellow man! Those who deny him with their wasted words and wasted lives! Heed my words, oh, servants of blind gods! It is not too late to save your souls from the-"

He continued shouting until he was finally drowned out by distance and the constant noise of the rest of the city.

As they turned down a separate path, they saw several guards run past them in the direction of the market proper. Dutifully Shakchir moved aside to let them past, before he continued to lead them toward their destination.

Nazir

Spoiler

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As the three continue moving through the city Nazir noticed a young woman, looking intently at the group. She is well-dressed, with ornate robes in a style Nazir is unfamiliar with. She stands tall, confident and seemingly superior to the rabble around her. At first, Nazir doesn't pay her any mind, but when she appears again, still watching several streets further down, he starts to think something is wrong.

[Anyr]

Kate gladly left the religious clash behind. Taking sides in a conflict she knew nothing about wouldn't have ended well. She made sure to walk right behind Shakchir as he lead the way. As sincere as his resignation seemed, it'd be foolish to trust him. Any last minute changes of heart would be quashed.

[Mathis]

Although they had only been able to claim ownership of the warehouse a few hours Ruark had already grown accustomed to the thought of owning a nice large piece of something in a city such as Zhengar. It was for this reason that he reacted so strongly when a stranger, a guardsman even, acted as if he was in charge of the warehouse. He hoped to gang up on the guardsman with Uruk and went to stand close to him so the two of them could approach the guardsman together.

Without being overly aggressive, he thought, he approached the guard with his usual swagger, finger pointing at the poor guardsman's chest as he spoke. "No, you're not supposed to here. This is our building now, as of this very morning. So how about you tell us what you're doing here, and why everything is so....clean?"

[XIII]

Letting Ruark do the talking was probably wise in this (and most) cases. Uruk nodded to accentuate Ruark's claim of ownership and added, "You scream, you hurt?"