A New Dawn for Neverwinter [Gralx's Solo Game] IC

FyreByrd · 05-08-2013, 05:00 PM

The Hawk bunched her wings and launched herself from the tall pine tree deep in the heart of Neverwinter Wood just as the first rays of dawn broke over the horizon. The sun warmed the air, giving her the first thermal of the day, with which to lock her wings, and soar ever higher. Slowly she rose, higher and higher, until her tree was all but out of sight, then as she warmed, she turned south, and beat her wings until she was flying towards the human city they called Neverwinter.

Her sharp eyes missed nothing, as the rays of light from the ever rising son, broke over the walls of the city, shining it's beauty into the buildings she saw all. She saw the courtesan entertaining her final client of the night, in one of the Moonstone Masks rooms. She saw the corpse of an unfortunate victim of the gang turf walls floating down the river. She saw two elven children skipping out of the way of a good natured Dwarvern Cartier on the Dolphin Bridge. She saw Lord Alagondar, sitting in his deeply carved wooden chair in Castle Never. The hawk saw all this and much more as it circled over the walls of the great city.

Dawn broke over Neverwinter....few new what this dawn would herald, the hawk certainly had no premonition about the day...yet it would be a day that would change the multi-verse.

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Glarx · 05-08-2013, 05:13 PM

Pulling her shawl up and over her shoulders, compiling her mirror images so they were nested inside of her body -- an altogether confusing sensation, as the mind sought a tactile confirmation and received none -- getting everything where it needed to be, Franziska prepared for the day. Garth was asleep downstairs while one of the unimportant cultists obsessed with her beauty manned the manor proper, giving the appearance of life without raising suspicions. Her feet were bare, and the cold stone of the manor's courtyard radiated through them. Each step brought jingles out of the anklets she wore, the light sound mixing with the noises of a city slowly shaking off its slumber. Night-soil men and servants of the city's health toiled away, trying to end their shifts before the streets became too full of people. It was into this general state of stirring that the clandestine succubus made her way into the heart of Neverwinter.

The roads were beautiful and well-maintained in this part of the city. She took a moment to admire the stonework, running her toes across the designs found every few yards. There was no rush today. Blackmail was a patient art, especially for one unconcerned with the tick-tocking of time.

Time, she thought to herself, envisioning the clocks of Neverwinter. An atemporal creature in a city obsessed over the tracking of time. Is this irony?

She made her way towards the nearest alchemist's shop. Garth had developed an idea -- or, he would develop it once he woke up and realized what Franziska had whispered in his brain through the night -- to get into the potion selling business himself. The writhing ochre jellies continued to produce their agony, and while the liquid pain flowed, there was always something addictive to add to the potions. It wouldn't take long before his healing potions were either the best, or subject to scrutiny by the paladins of Tyr.

Neverwinter was bizarre. A capitalist's playground, but a society that frowned on greed. She wondered whether she could flourish in such a land or not.

She also needed to determine who her five nearest neighbors were. That could happen after the visit to the alchemist's.

FyreByrd · 05-08-2013, 05:23 PM

The city becomes busier as you walk, however no-one gives you a second glance. Little people living little lives scurrying to and fro like ants in a machine. As you pass out of the more expensive side of town and into the even more crowded, and busier sections, the streets close in, becoming narrower, the houses, shops, and other buildings crowding in closer. Other than that nothing much remarkable happens until you reach your destination Mirabel's Potions, a small, unremarkable shop on the corner of two streets. Mirabel himself, a short elderly human is brushing the step of his shop with a broom as you approach.

Glarx · 05-08-2013, 05:28 PM

"Good morning, Mirabel!" she called out, her Common tinted with a foreign but unplaceable accent. "I hope I am not too early!"

Alchemists were a powerful breed, often unremarkable on the outside and writhing with thoughts within. Ziska concentrated her Detect Thoughts on him, attempting to glean his innermost thoughts to supplement the words he spoke.

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FyreByrd · 05-08-2013, 05:40 PM

Mirabel smiles at Franziska, "No, no, my dear." he replies, a smile on his wrinkled face, "Come away in, what is it you'll be requiring today?" taking his broom, he steps into the darkened interior of his small, and slightly pokey shop, expecting you to follow.

He leans the broom behind the door, and steps behind the counter. The shop, as always has that slightly strange smell about it, a mustiness, intermingled with various natural smells. There are small plants growing everywhere, a testament to Mirabel's gardening skills, as well as the expected large number of jars, pots, and sealed vials containing more liquid ingredients.

Detect Thoughts Result:

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Glarx · 05-09-2013, 12:38 AM

With a smile across her face, Franziska followed in behind him. "I wished to see your potion prices, Mirabel. I might have some friends coming through soon, and they would need healing draughts and antidotes. After that, I'll let you get back to the sunrise."

She continued to concentrate on the man, reading his thoughts, and at the same time she considered the options available to her. She could either attempt to have Mirabel sell the Agony-laced healing potions, or she could sell them herself. With the ability to disguise herself perfectly as any member of this mortal race, it wouldn't be too difficult to avoid inspection from the Church of Tyr or Oghma.

Once she was done in the alchemist shop, too, she could see whether the lords of the other manors were awake. Then a day of fun and fact-gathering could commence.

FyreByrd · 05-09-2013, 01:47 AM

Mirabel sighs gently, "I haven't had much business for my healing potions recently." he shakes his head, a little sadly, "Unfortunately most of them that would want such a thing buy from the stockists on the other side of the city." he shakes his head again, and you get the feeling, backed up by your supernatural knowledge of his thoughts that the old man is about to make a speech. "They blow in, these adventurers do!" the old coot begins, his voice rising in pitch as he speaks, "Straight into the east side of the city, straight to the Moonstone Mask, to drink their fill, and spend their ill-gotten coin. The only time they leave is to head to the adventurers supplies shops opposite the mask, never do they spend all that gold in these lowly streets."

He catches himself, and coughs a little embarrassed about his rant. "Anyway, my dear, I'm having to sell my healing draughts and antidotes cheaply, thirty in gold for a lighter healing draught, and forty for that which could cure some minor disease, or other ailment." he shakes his head once more, "Unfortunately I cannot afford to stock the more potent potions...I lose money on every sale as it is."

Detect Thoughts:

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Glarx · 05-09-2013, 04:15 AM

Franziska moved over to Mirabel and gave him a firm hug, pressing the elderly gentleman against herself. "This is not an insurmountable issue, Mirabel! You have the talent and the skill to make great potions, but as a businessman, you are suffering. The proximity to the Moonstone Mask, that is an opportunity for some shops, but Neverwinter is renowned for its people, and especially for their craftsmanship. I think we can turn this situation around!"

She let go of him and took a step back, placing her hands on her hips and nodding. "Do you have any assistants? Or do you do everything alone?"

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FyreByrd · 05-10-2013, 04:12 AM

Mirabel looks uncomfortable until you release him, then moves back behind the counter, subconciously trying to put something solid between you, then he shrugs, "I grow the plants, I harvest the reagents, I brew the potions and then I sell what I have. There's a couple of good lads that I send out once a week to gather ingredients in the surrounding wilds, and occasionally I'll hire a small company of adventurers to source my more...rare ingredients, but that's it really." He glances around, "It's not too big a shop, and it keeps me in food, but it's never going to make me rich!"

Detect Thoughts:

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Glarx · 05-10-2013, 04:31 AM

She tutted and looked around the shop. "No, that's where you're wrong, Mirabel. I think this shop is going to do exactly that. I have five men who are alchemists by trade, I'm sure you've met one of them -- Garth Rabbinash? He and his assistants are going to help you in this endeavor. With some proper help, you will still be able to brew your potions, if that's what you actually enjoy doing, but the tediousness won't be there. I also know some urchins, little boys who I feed and clothe. They'll wander around and sell your wares to the citizens, eradicating the placement bias inherent in the proximity to that brothel.

"That's not all, though. No, it's all becoming clear now..." Franziska smiled and leaned on the counter 'strategically.' "You've already established the shop. Raising the capital for this sort of venture, that's the hard part. Now we need a turn of fortune. If you're willing to accept my help, Mirabel, I promise you that turn of fortune." She smiled even wider.

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FyreByrd · 05-10-2013, 04:56 AM

Mirabel looks a little shocked...when he woke up this morning all he was thinking about was a nice quiet day in the shop...now there's this..."I...I...I'm not sure..." he stammers, and sits on a worn wooden stool behind the counter. You can see, even without your magics his thoughts whirling through his brain, before he once again looks up at you, slight signs of tears glistening in his eyes.."Why would you offer such a thing..what would you gain?"

Detect Thoughts:

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Glarx · 05-10-2013, 05:04 AM

"I'm new here, Mirabel." Franziska sighed and looked around the shop. "I am a gypsy by nature. Coming to a city, any city, for an extended period of time feels... bizarre. I wasn't raised to understand this sort of culture. But helping people? Ignore what you think you know of my people, we long to help. What will I get from helping you? Other than peace of mind? Happiness? I will show, if no one else, I will show myself that I can still do good. And in helping you, I will help young children gain job experience. They have no chance at an apprenticeship at the present... this way, at least they won't devolve into thugs and brutes." She returned her attention to him.

"Because it feels right. That's why I wish to do this."

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FyreByrd · 05-11-2013, 06:28 AM

Mirabel seems to take a few moments to think about this, but you can sense the excitement winning over the prudence. "Damn it!" he exclaims suddenly, "You've got yourself a Partner M'lady" he thrusts his hand towards your own.

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Glarx · 05-11-2013, 11:57 AM

Franziska smiled and shook his hand. "I'll have my boys come by soon. Garth can brew en masse, four potions for the price of one, so he will assist you in the process of creating potions. And I'll get my little urchins to come by and learn what they'll need to say to others. Oh! And the four big urchins, too. We will turn your fortune around, Mirabel." Letting his hand go, she blew him a kiss and moved to leave the shop.

"I'll see you again soon!" With that she began towards the manor again. There was much her little cultists needed to do before they could fulfill the bargain she had just struck with Mirabel.

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FyreByrd · 05-11-2013, 01:58 PM

Mirabel obviously is not certain what to do as you leave...his world has literally turned upside down. He follows you out with broom once more in hand, but in the very act of starting to sweep he stops, smiles to himself, and walks back inside again.

As you move back towards your manor house, you notice that the streets are really getting busy now, no longer do you see a clear passage ahead of you in these narrow streets.

As you continue moving, you feel the stealthy fingers of a something trying to lift a coin from your pocket.

Glarx · 05-11-2013, 03:53 PM

She looked at the fingers and used Charm Monster. "Trying to steal from a handy haversack is a very bold move, sneakthief. Perhaps your talents would be better used elsewhere?"

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FyreByrd · 05-11-2013, 03:56 PM

As you turn, you see a short humanoid, probably in his teenage years, standing, slightly guilty in front of you, his hand withdrawing from you as you turn. "Sorry Ms." he stammers his face downcast.

Glarx · 05-11-2013, 03:57 PM

She took his hand and continued walking on, tugging on his arm if he didn't come with her. "We have some food at the manor. Perhaps you can tell me more about yourself when we get there."

FyreByrd · 05-14-2013, 03:14 AM

The urchin trails along behind you...snuffling a little bit as he does so, however he doesn't speak again to you.

The rest of your trip back to the mansion is without incident.

Glarx · 05-14-2013, 03:16 AM

Sitting at the dinner table, a plate full of nutritious food and a crystal glass of some nourishing drink set out before him, Franziska looked into the urchin's eyes. "Are you sick, little one?"

FyreByrd · 05-14-2013, 03:22 AM

The urchin, eyes the food slightly suspiciously at first before tucking in with abandon. His eating style is uncoordinated, and fairly messy, and there are multiple times that in his haste you expect the crystal glass to shatter on the floor. However he manages to keep most things either on the table or in his mouth.

"Not sick!" he manages to mutter, between mouthfuls, "Just hungry!"

Glarx · 05-14-2013, 03:25 AM

"And there are others like you? Do you work with fellow children, attempting to steal your way into a day's bread?" She made a gesture, and Garth trundled back into the kitchen, opening the everful larder and retrieving another plate and goblet. He placed them on the dining room table and returned to his seat in the foyer.

"Or are you all alone? A city like Neverwinter... it is sparkling, isn't it? No one wants to admit that there are orphans, there are abusive parents, there are issues."

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FyreByrd · 05-14-2013, 03:30 AM

The urchin thrusts himself up, this time knocking the plate and glass flying, although despite his anger his hands sneak out, and catch them both before they fall to the floor, replacing them on the table, "What you saying about my Mam!" he shouts, "She not done nuffin to me!"

His temper subsides, and he slowly drops back to the seat, a little surly now, "There's just me an' her. No-one else..no one cares." he slumps in the seat, playing with the goblet.

EDIT:
Detect Thoughts:

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Glarx · 05-14-2013, 03:39 AM

"That's not true," Franziska said in a low voice, looking over at the boy through dark curls and extending a hand on the table towards him -- not in an aggressive manner, nor so close that she could touch him, but a gesture of good will. "In a city like this, it's easy to overlook the beggar boy, the sneakthief. Anyone who is down on their luck, it must be their own fault." The exotic ring in her voice hardened, and the hand on the table clenched into a fist. "They blame the criminal, not seeing that he is a victim too. They look no deeper than they must, content to sit atop a festering cesspit and calling it justice. It is the same sickness that took my caravan. Corruption. It spreads slowly from the inside, tainting the heartwood and striking the tree dead. The bark is the last to feel the venom."

She took a moment to compose herself, sighing and taking her hand from the table. "We have an extra bed or two here, and food is not an issue immediately. Why don't you invite your mother to come and stay here for a few days, perhaps? I am currently involved in a project to help a local alchemist with his business -- if you're interested, perhaps I could help you in a similar way? It is in the nature of gypsies to be helpful, and in a place like this, you can never have too much help. Ah! But where are my manners? I am Franziska de Vor. Perhaps I might know your name?"

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FyreByrd · 05-14-2013, 03:44 AM

The boy looks at her, still a little suspicious, then he murmers, his voice dropping, "Mam's sick...do you still want her in one of your nice clean beds!" his voice breaks a little as he says it.

He pauses for a moment, "I am known as Skiv." he says slowly.

Detect Thoughts:

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Glarx · 05-14-2013, 03:52 AM

"Dahn't warrah 'bout et, boyo," Garth said from the other room. "Ain't a disease ahr gahl Ziska can't figga out, an' not a cure Oy cahn't brew."

Franziska looked over at the man, an eyebrow raised. "Skiv, I will translate in case my dear friend's common was too muddled. I should be able to identify her illness, and he should be able to brew a powerful enough potion to cure her. The bed is of no concern. A life is worth far more than a simple bed." She tilted her head and looked over at Garth. "Fetch the elder boys, will you? Tell them that Skiv is going to need a little bit of help getting his mother here. Then have the stewards prepare the bedroom for her. And send the young out while you're there, have them map the city and note the wells." Garth nodded and moved off to complete his task, the familiar noise of his lumbering gait filling the mostly silent house.

"You have been mistreated, Skiv. But Auntie Ziska is going to fix everything. Your mother will be cared for, and if you want, I will take you on as an apprentice. Does that sound like something you might be interested in? Or would you rather go back to a life of petty crime, waiting until you pick the pocket of the wrong person?"

Spoiler

FyreByrd · 05-14-2013, 04:03 AM

The boy, Skiv, smiles cheekily up at you, "I thought I already had picked the wrong pocket." he shrugs, some of his good humour returning, as some of the older boys enter the room, "I'll take these 'ere lads, and we'll return with Mam shortly." he shrugs again, "I ain't particularly good with my brain, but my hands are quick, not sure if you could use me as an apprentice, but I'm willing to try!"

He looks slightly puzzled, "Why do you want a map of all the wells though?"

Detect thoughts:

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Glarx · 05-14-2013, 04:09 AM

"In the city of Calimport, the Sultan has put a tax on all fresh water. It is rare in the desert, and therefore a valuable commodity. By placing iron grates over each well, he can force the people to pay for the privilege to drink -- or die. Neverwinter is the opposite of a desert -- were it not for the warmth of the nearby mountain, our water would be frozen. Calimshan traders come to Luskan. How long before word spreads down? How long until a noble decides that freezing the water and taxing it is a way to make a little more ill-gotten gold from the backs of the poor workers?

"I need an accurate map of the wells so that if the nobles try anything, I know which wells are the most likely to be targeted. I do not believe there is a density map of water usage currently in existence, at least not for sale. It is the sort of tool a corrupt government might wish to keep hidden." She gave the boy a smile. "I think I will attempt to train you in the art of magical devices. Perhaps you have the air of a rogue to you. But that is for the future. Go and get your mother here -- we will provide her with food, and I will attempt to determine the cause of her sickness."

Spoiler

FyreByrd · 05-14-2013, 04:31 AM

The boy nods, as if he understands, although it's obvious a lot of the reasoning passes over his head. "Magical devices sounds a lot more fun than messing around with potions!" he comments, as he stands, and exits the room, the older lads in tow.

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Glarx · 05-14-2013, 06:23 PM

"It should only take you about three minutes to brew a potion of Extended Suspend Disease," she said telepathically to Garth after the boys had left the premises. "Have one prepared. It will be better to keep her 'treated' than 'cured.' Heal or break enchantment may be necessary, depending on the origin of the disease. If it is in truth a curse? But the Heal spell can be difficult to learn. I would not be surprised if the clerics of this city are either incapable of casting it, or if they are, if they charge quite excessively for the privilege. Another something we can offer..."

Standing, she teleported down into the bowels of the mansion, looking around the workshop. A small sensor popped invisibly outside the portcullis of the mansion, feeding Franziska real-time information of who was walking near the house. There wasn't sound, but the sight was good enough for now -- it would give her time to return to the mansion proper in the event someone was visiting.

She began to draft her ideas for Mirabel down in Abyssal, outlining the new potions and the addition of an addictant to the potions for the sake of enforced repeat custom. The use of Nystal's Magic Aura would prevent most investigators from deducing the truth of the potion and its additional ingredients.

And she also wrote down her ideas for the wellstones and the New Plague of Neverwinter. It was foolish to write it all down -- she could speak undetectably to Garth -- but in the event someone came down and looked in the basement, getting through all of her defenses... they deserved to know of her plans. It made things more interesting. And it wasn't as though she couldn't lie her way out of the realization. Or change her shape. Or teleport out of danger. She had contingencies. And having her instructions penned down for Garth meant she didn't need to worry about him making a mistake.

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