Fantasy Rifts [IC][Closed]

[Worthlessplebian]

Edoardo Vargas Melcher​

Resigned to his duty, Edoardo pressed on, his mind hounded by thoughts of the fetid stink that awaited them. The sewers spewed the city's substantial waste in the yawning ocean — Edoardo's hard eyes followed the overflowing waste, pooling at the bottom of the sewage tunnel, spreading its decaying tendrils, the colour of dark copper, to the sea. For a moment, he felt a spike of anger surge across his thoughts, then smothering his rage with comprehension's illumination.

Still, the noxious fumes filled Edoardo's senses as he entered into the fine-cut, narrow tunnel; sickly sweet miasma of long-dead rodents, the rotted musk of algae, the putrid waft of excrement swept down stream. Edoardo gagged but persevered, hoping that his revulsion will pass. His head shifted to Terrence, nose and mouth shielded by the white sheet of the handkerchief. "Incongruity begets incongruity, that's how this all began." Edoardo said, mouth half-wide, almost grinning, his wicked teeth catching the glimmer of the weak light in the tunnels.

Then a voice rang out from the hard darkness of the depths, a figure coalescing into the light admitted by the entrance. It stood barely higher than his knee, cloaked in homespun, bedecked with the gleaming trinkets of stolen wares —a thief, pawning goods. Edoardo crossed his arms against his chest, amber eyes glistening from beneath the pale shadows that hung about his features, backlit by the day's light. Terrence's expertise as a merchant meant that he would be their most valuable negotiator.

 

[joshuadim]

The Customs House
Breadman​

"Debt collectors?" Arnas mused, thinking over the proposition as they both continued to walk towards their destination. "...we don't look like official debt collectors. But perhaps we can spin that in some manner." He scratched his chin, thinking it over some more until they rounded a street corner and saw that at the end of the cobbled road was the front gate of the Customs House. A small group of guards loitered at the front, passing the time as they either kept themselves busy through chatter amongst themselves or did something to occupy their time. But the idea came to his head that perhaps they needn't deal with simply the front door.

"I reckon we have a bit of time... lets scout around, see if we find anything we can use to get inside just in case." Arnas then said to Fraskia, "I'll head right, you can go left around the outer walls. Meet back here in... a quarter-hour?"

---

The Gutters
Infab Vexumin Oreo Cookie​

Ornam shook his head to Vera at first: "Nay. Not a regular 'round here, if that's what yer wondering." the dwarf spoke as he took another puff from his pipe, glancing to his periphery. "But I like the elf-lad's idea. Find someone who talks... or has a big mouth. Bound to be a few 'round 'ere if they speak to the city watch." He then turned to Levy and chuckled: "Save that skull-crackin' fer later. We're after Kiri, not any o' the gangs that be here." The dwarf would then stride forward, allowing the others to follow him as they went on a search for information. While under normal circumstances they would have to start from scratch, Ornam did have an idea.

"Keep yer eyes peeled for any 'merchants' 'round here. More likely ta scam you, but they also like to talk..." Ornam mused aloud as he led the group to turn a corner that led into an alleyway; rather than be one of the many in the city - wet and dirty - this was habitated by makeshift tents and wooden boxes that counted as 'shops'. Above ran the twine that hung various baubles for other enterprises above, while below various entrepreneurial souls shouted and called upon any passersby walking along their stretch of territory to partake in their goods.

"Come come! Charms to guard soul!" spoke a rat-like creature known as a Rakeed, its teeth chattering and shoulders spasaming almost as if something were wrong with its muscles. But all seemed well as it didn't pay any mind to its twiches and continued to try to earn a living. "Sell good charms! No sellbacks!"

Another was a seemingly drunken vagrant whose own wooden shack housed liquids of unknown types, one of which he kept sniffing rather than drinking, and gave a grin of yellow teeth towards the group as they passed by. "Need to kill some fella?" he asked, "Poisons right here... from the worst stuff imaginable! But also some nice fragrances..."

Ornam let out an audible tsk, as he stopped and put his hands onto his hips with mild frustration. "Alright, we need to split up and ask around. Ask about information, keep it discreet fer now. See if anyone bites."

---

The Sewers
Beann Chaos Gallant Worthlessplebian​

Janna was silent for a moment, rubbing a claw at the edge of a small blade as his eyes trailed between the trio on the mention of procuring the beverage. He then let out a raspy chuckle and sheathed his blade before nodding deeper into the sewer. "Sea-brine? Come. I make." he simply said, wading further into the depths. Without much else to go off of, they would follow the kobold into the depths with only a few torches to light the way. The dripping of water and the pattering of their footsteps filled the air, echoing off the walls as they moved further. Janna remained silent himself until he took a sharp turn to the right and banged on a wooden door. "Ch'korla! Yakka teru!"

Another brief moment of silence was then interrupted by the unlocking of hatches before the door flung open, revealing another kobold - lighter in their scale colour - who looked to Janna and the newcomers with suspicion. "Tam dzekha?"

"Sea-brine, they buy." Janna simply said, which in turn made the other kobold relax and walk back from the door. On entering, Aelestra, Terrence and Edoardo would be greeted with a large cistern that seemed to be out of use when compared to the rest of the sewer system. This was fortunate for the kobolds, as they had imported a great amount of equipment inside of flasks, tubings, barrels, crates, and gods know what else for their entire operation. It was an impressive sight, but also very illegal given what some of the things they concocted down here for sale and smuggle.

There was also a table nearby that Janna took a seat at, before uncorking a bottle that held a vibrant blue liquid inside and poured a small amount into small glass. "Taste. It real brine. Very pure." Janna simply said, motioning a clawed digit to it.

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Edoardo Vargas Melcher​

The priest inclined his head slightly, hard gaze watching the grime-crusted claw dragged along the length of the blade, amber eyes smouldering from the shadows like twin suns glaring down amidst starless night skies. Edoardo loomed in the half-darkness of the sewers, the raspy laughter echoing weirdly from the moss-riven walls. Following the dead-eyed creature, the sickly quiet disturbed only by the droplets of condensation and the shallow thump of their footfalls. The stench of waste refused to fade, Edoardo's hands clenched. Then Janna turned abruptly, knuckle rapped loudly against a rustwood door, hatches clicking in the darkness, the door swung back.

It was a kobold, scales pale whereas Janna's dark. Voice grim with mistrust, staring with feverish intensity, soon placated by the promise of transaction. Edoardo took a step in their chamber, head shifting. The cluttered state of their floor littered with open crates, heavyset barrels, stained glassware and other less-identifiable refuse. His eyes narrowed as Janna motioned towards the cup of azure liquid, gleaming in the dimmed light of their claustrophobic space.

Edoardo grunted, hand reaching out to the glass. Wicked claws clinked against the cup, going up to his snout. Edoardo shot a withering look to Janna, a sudden threat hung about the Sobekon as though his body could snap into rapid, blurred motion before drinking deep from the potent liquid.

 

[Chaos Gallant]

Terrence led the trio after the kobold treading warily behind him as the underground dealer guided them to his “headquarters.” This hadn’t been the first time the orc found himself in underground dealings, though usually they were less literal, located in the maze of Dandolio’s alleyways or clandestine warehouses. Their choice of locale for their base of operations was hard to argue with, the smell alone was likely to ward off any curious explorer’s, let alone overworked and underpaid guards.

He listened as Janna spoke in the unfamiliar tongue with the door guard, its suspicion was warranted, customer’s were probably the ones being sought out in their business not the other way around. Terrence took in his surroundings as they entered. It wasn’t a half bad operation they had running considering the scant number of personnel they were working with. His eyes followed Janna moving to the table holding their quarry.

Before Terrence could step forward to take the drink, Edoardo had already volunteered to be the impromptu quality assurance representative. “Ah, excellent.” He gave Edoardo a cautionary glance to make sure he wasn't about to keel over in front of them. “What do you weigh as fair for a bottle then? Coin? Or do you prefer material payment?” Terrence said as he turned his gaze back to Janna.

Aelestra looked between Edoardo and Terrence, mildly surprised that the former was quick to sample the drink rather than question its integrity. ‘Do we have anything to trade with them other than your spices?’ She questioned Terrence and then looked back over at the priest. Between the three of them, the half-orc seemed to be the only one with any real valuable possessions.

Terrence knelt down as he signed, ‘I have some of the payment from the Guardian, and a bottle of Dandolian Port, and coin of course. I am not familiar with the sea brine market though, so I do not want to reveal our weakness just yet.’ He started to rummage through his bag, looking at Janna as he awaited a response.

 

[Breadman]

I reckon we have a bit of time... lets scout around, see if we find anything we can use to get inside just in case. I'll head right, you can go left around the outer walls. Meet back here in... a quarter-hour?"

"See you soon then." Fraskia looked to her left and the path didn't seem all that remarkable. Still it would be best to take a look. As she walked the street, the rune knight took notice of the different shops spread around between the homes and other buildings. A great many of them sell wares that have little interest to her. Pottery, trinkets, knickknacks and the final one having a strong smell of fish.

Fraskia continue to walk down the path and something caught her eye. Up ahead she spotted an armored figure. A towering figure standing a good head above the other people near them. She narrowed her eyes as she saw the talisman hanging from his sash. What would one of her order be doing all the way here in Gwell? Could it be him? She picked up the pace to catch up to the man up front. As she got closer, she could make out more of his armor. The scratches and dents. The marks on his exposed arm. She had to make sure.

"Have you followed the path to its end, brother?" She raised her voice to make sure he could hear her. The man stopped in his tracks and slowly turned. The winged helm hiding the his face, but she could feel his eyes find their way to her and stop as he recognized something.

"I walk it for years and I only find it turning and twisting, sister." He answered, but soon his laughter would betray the serious tone of the answer "Come closer, let this old man take a look at you." Fraskia approached him with a renewed confidence and as they neared their arms clasped together. "One of Duncan's recruits, no?"

"How did you..."

"The markings, girl. My sight may have waned, but so close, I can see the hags curse still covering your face." Fraskia looked away for a second, remembering her childhood and the hag's lair. "Ah, do not feel shame. I remember Duncan's tale and your bravery."

"I was a child, ser. I barely knew what was happening."

"No, you knew. He told you clear as day what would await you if you chose to join our ranks and that small malnourished child now stands in front of me a scarred hunter."

"I can't believe its really you, Ser Jordie."

"Ahh, my titles mean nothing here." He laughed again "I may be from noble stock, but the people of Gwell see me as something different."

"What do they see you as? What are you doing here in the first place?"

"The path led me here. Last you saw of me would be...when you were about this high" He placed his hand slightly lower than his waist "Thats when I started to feel it. I had slain many beasts and placed many blighters back in the grave, but one thing we could never defeat is the stings of fate and the dagger of time she wields."

"You could have stayed at Castle Vrana. To teach and share your experience."

"Not with this." He pointed an armored gauntlet to his exposed arm. A series of tattoos enveloped it like vines chocking the life out of a tree trunk. The skin caught between them looked burned or covered with scar tissue. It was his curse. There were stories of what he did to earn such a fate. One talks of a rune spell gone horribly wrong, another of fighting an elemental lord that was rampaging its way across the country side. A third talks of Jordie shattering a demonic portal by crushing the sigil stone with his hand. Whatever the truth is, it is between him, the elders and the gods.

"Is it drawing you somewhere?" She wondered if the recent rift activity was connected.

"In a sense." He lifted his marked hand and looked at it "It was causing me a good deal of pain. I thought I would be consumed by madness so I decided to take my leave and leave for the path early."

"You were still so young."

"Aye, but the pain would not leave me. So I endured months of travel and crossed the sea. There are people here. Versed in the ways of magic and medicine unlike those back home. The process could not be reversed, but the pain could be subdued. I have been living here since. Serving this city and its fine people in the only way I know how. How either of us can, really."

"How many beasts have you slain?" She faintly smiled. "Surely there can't be that many left to hunt."

"You have no idea what these lands hide, do you?" He was quiet for a moment "Some things here, they would make a cyclops or troll look like gentle giants out for a stroll. The elements here are different from how they are back home too."

"What do you mean?"

"Have you tried talking to them? The way we are trained to do can be limited here. The kingdom of the elements is much deeper than what the elders would teach you. Those dwarfs from ages ago only scratched the surface."

"Have you tried making contact with Castle Vrana over this? Surely they should know about this if its so important."

"Aye, I've send a few letters here and there and have compiled a few tomes worth for those curious." He was silent for a few moments "But you are not here for them, are you? No, you would have said so from the start. Tell me, girl. Why have you come here."

"Its a very long and complicated story, ser."

"We can walk and talk then." He invited her to join him with a motion of his marked hand.

"No, I need to be heading back to the customs house. I'm meeting an ally there and..." She was silent for a moment before she thought crossed her mind. "If I tell you of my immediate task, will you assist in any way you can?"

"Depends on what said task is." He crossed his arms.

"Do you know Gerwin?"

"Gods above, girl! What are you doing dealing with him?" Fraskia invited him to accompany her to the way back to the Custom's house. Arnas was right. They didn't look like debt collectors, but maybe someone of some importance and renown could help them in their deception.

 

[Vexumin]

Reece nods along as it's decided that the group will separate in search for a lead on Kiri, or at least a good source of information that won't backfire on them. Whatever the case may be, the elf fella was just excited to do some walking around, hopefully he'd get to talk to folk. He regretted that they could not make a more formal greeting to those that ran this place and he hoped that they wouldn't be stepping on any toes while doing their business. Reece just prayed that nothing would go wrong.

He passed various stalls, looking at questionable goods and people, but he didn't show any aversion to those he passed. His friendly demeanor even seemed to catch some people by surprise, especially those doing their best to look as intimidating as possible. Those that might want to do Reece harm for bringing his joyous nature into a place like this held off though as they studied the knife he carried. He is a cleric, but he can't be left defenseless in the big open world.

The fact that he is an elf also caught the attention of others, one of which decided to make their move as he was walking down a shadowed road. Suddenly Reece's arm is tugged and he comes face to face with a lady dressed to catch the eye. Deep red hair frames a tired yet eager to please face. The smell of pricey fragrances cling to her skin.

"Don't see many elves. Never had one before myself. You're a cute one aren't you? Interested in spending a bit of time with me?"

Reece wasn't even phased by the proposition. He just cants his head to the side a bit as he looks at the womans face, gazing into her eyes and then scanning her skin a bit. He shifts his gaze down her body a bit after that, but it doesn't seem to be out of lecherous or perverse intent, instead it was more like he was scanning her a bit, looking for something in particular.

The long gaze from the elf caught the lady by surprise. Her face twists a bit into a nervous expression. She has had strange customers before, but the look he was giving her was different. She feared what he might be searching for until she felt him gently take back his arm and place a warm hand on her shoulder. He was now looking exclusively on an almost well hidden bruise on the side of her face. He offers her a somber smile.

"You work so hard. I can't offer much, but I can give you a little strength back."

In that moment, before she could pull away, Reece willed forth his magic. The necklace hanging from his neck began to twinkle with deep blue energy, a joyous light that is covered by the elf's hand after a moment. He figured that it would be better if people didn't notice that spark of magic. Some might mistake his tool of faith as some powerful trinket or a piece of jewelry that might sell for a profit. As the almost liquid, paint-like energy began to weave over her skin, the bruise on her face started to fade. She noticed the pain from her face and other places on her body simply disappearing. By the time she took a step back, the marks of her work were already gone. The elf just offers a smile and a bow of his head.

"I wish you success, miss. Please be safe."

Then, just as suddenly as the interaction started, the elf was on his way. The woman didn't bother going after him or going out of her way to express her gratitude, and Reece would honestly prefer it that way. Better for Tereila's clergy to be known for their kindness without expecting a reward. Was it a risk to expose himself like that? Perhaps. However, he had to follow his purpose before anything. Helping those in need was the whole reason he traveled as a cleric. He tried not to let it worry him too much and got back to his search promptly.

It was not hard to find those merchants that got the most out of their time in The Gutter. All you had to do was look for the soft sparkle of gold in the shadows of this place. Reece would rather not get tricked into selling his soul for the sake of gathering information, so he just kept on searching. Eventually his efforts led him to a small stand tucked out of the way from the usual walk of strange stores with their unsavory wares. However, this stand was about just as shady as the rest. It was blades that this man sold, and judging from the weapons he had on his person, he had an almost professional familiarity with weaponry aside from his work selling them.

Other than the weapons he carries around, he was rather plain for someone in these parts. He was dressed in leathers, a hood over his head, but a rather common looking face with stubble strapped along his chin. He looked at Reece with a raised brow as the elf approached his stand.

"A fine collection you've got here. Only ever kept one blade for myself."

 

[Oreo Cookie]

Vera strode through the makeshift market, the crunch of the alleyway’s filthy ground mixing with the clink of her armored steps. She felt the eyes on her, some sizing her up, others quickly looking away. Here, among stalls hawking rusted goods and questionable wares, her plate armor made her a glaring anomaly, a steel-clad shadow that didn’t belong.

"Oi! Tin can!" A voice cut through the marketplace din, bold and brazen.

Vera turned slowly to the source. Beckoning casually from a nearby stall was a wiry man with a mop of dark, unruly hair and a grin that stretched too wide on his gaunt face. A crooked sign nailed overhead his stall read Bit's & Bob's Odds & Ends in a hand-painted scrawl. Beside him, a hulking brute stood as a silent sentinel, wide as he was tall, one good eye fixed on the approaching Vera for the other was hidden behind an eyepatch.

"Lemme guess: you're Bit?" Vera directed at the smaller man. She took in the wares spread before her—chipped weapons, patchwork clothes, dark bottles with dubious contents, and an assortment of other trinkets probably held together by false hopes and broken dreams. The stall entire was cloaked in the smell of rancid oils and cheap incense, a sorry attempt to mask the stench of the Gutters.

"Bob, actually." The lanky man answered with a laugh. He jabbed a thumb at his looming companion. "And this be me brother, Bit."

Bit greeted her with a grunt.

"So, what's a fine lady knight doin' down here? Lost yer horse? Lookin' for yer squire? Wantin' to sell that shiny metal yer wearin'? Or maybe..." He gestured grandly to his hodgepodge of goods. "Ye're here to trade? Got plenty to offer. Maybe a lucky ring for yer prince charmin', or a vial of somethin' to slip into an enemy's drink. Maybe ye're in the market for a spear?" He held up what looked like a broomstick with a kitchen knife tied to the end.

Vera arched an eyebrow at the 'weapon.' "I'll pass. Don’t foresee myself bein' attacked by a ham anytime soon, or at all really."

Bob chuckled, tossing the makeshift spear back onto the pile with a shrug. “Suit yerself, tin can. Guess not everyone's got an eye for quality craftsmanship.”

Glasses and metals clinked as he cleared the counter to make room for his elbows as he leaned forward. "So, if ye're not here for quality weaponry "what brings a fine lady like ye down to these parts? This ain’t the place for sightseeing, unless ye’re in the mood to get fleeced."

"Flayed more like." Vera quipped, casting a pointed glance at Bit.

Bob cackled, a dry laugh choked off by a phlegmy cough. Even Bit let out a low rumble. Whether a laugh or a growl, the mountain of a man's stony face made it impossible to tell.

"Aye, flayed, fleeced—same difference 'round these part. Parts well-off folk don't venture to unless they’re lookin’ for somethin'." He paused, a glint reflected in his eyes and the silver tooth in his smile. "Or someone?"

Vera kept her expression carefully neutral and picked up one the shivs on display. "Sharp for a junk peddler, ain't ya?" She turned the blade in her hand, examining it with feigned interest. "But you're not far off the mark, friend. I'm lookin' for a certain somebody, and I'm willin' to help a humble merchant like yourself turn a fine profit today if they point me in their direction."

 

[joshuadim]

The Customs House
Breadman​

Arnas circled around the part of the estate that he took upon himself to investigate, looking for anything of note that could aid them in getting inside. Walking on the cobbled street next to the high stone wall he took note that it seemed to be well-built, meaning that knocking it over was probably out of the question. As his attention was focused on trying to find a weak point, he found himself wandering on the street until bumping into a smaller body. This snapped Arnas back to reality as he realized that he had accidentally bumped - and knocked back - a small child. The young boy, who sat on the ground in confusion, looked up towards the young mercenary and let out an annoyed 'tsk': "Watch were you're going!" the kid spoke, feigning anger with an expressive face. But Arnas knew better as he simply crouched down to meet the boy at eye level and smirked.

"C'mon, I know you were trying to go for my coin." Arnas stated bluntly, recognizing that this was a petty thief in the making. The kid's eyes widened, realizing that he had been made, but Arnas simply smiled. "I would know, I used to be a street rascal like you. And you would've been successful if you had positioned yourself better."

The boy was silent for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully, before nodding: "R-right... I had my hand in your pouch." he admitted before shaking his head, "But I didn't steal nothing! I promise!"

"I know you didn't, I'd feel it if it was lighter." Arnas then said, offering a hand to help the young one up which he readily accepted.

"You're... not gonna to report me to the watch?"

"For what? You only bumped into me." Arnas said, before nodding to the wall. "I need to get inside the Customs House, but I'm having trouble. If you know anything, you can earn that coin you wanted."

"Hmm... the masons are workin' at the rear to fix the wall up... they have rope an' wood thar. You can climb... I guess?" the kid then said, shrugging. And soon after, Arnas tossed over a small gold coin that the boy quickly caught with a grin. Despite needing every piece for his initiation, Arnas figured that in this instance a single coin was worth getting what Gerwin wanted. "Thanks. And stay out of trouble you hear?" Arnas said, waving the kid off as he walked back to meet up with Fraskia. On circling back around once more, he saw that the rune-knight was now was someone else, much to his surprise, and approached. "So, there's rope and platforms at the back of the estate." Arnas said to Fraskia, not elaborating as it was obvious as to its usefulness, before turning to the unfamiliar face. "I assume you're a friend of Fraskia's here?" he then asked, crossing his arms.

---

The Gutters
Infab Vexumin Oreo Cookie
​

"A good blade goes a long way, friend." said the knife-seller to Reece with a slow nod. "Always need to make sure you can trust it. From tip the hilt. Otherwise, it will fail you." His accent was thick, but carried a smooth elegance to it that was usually the norm for those from Kasora. "And these aren't for show, if you're wondering." he then said, tapping a few that he kept specifically on his person. "These blades have been forged with ancient methods, many of whose masters have been lost to the ravages of time. Very few can make things like these... not since the time when it was your kin that ruled the world." He then looked over the cleric and frowned ever so slightly: "Though... I don't think you can afford what I have to sell." he then remarked.

​

As the others went about asking around, seeking an informant on their search, Ornam looked over a few stalls with strange goods and asked - though he was met with both hesitation and hostility on asking. A usual response, given the nature of crime in this part of the city as well as the treatement rats get on spilling to anyone, even those not affiliated with the City Watch. Much the same came about with Levy, as she found little luck in her own search for anyone willing to talk on the likes of Kiri. In Vera's case, however, her question made the duo look to one another for a moment before Bob nodded with a wide grin. "How much are we talking?" he then asked, as if ready to haggle over price for his tongue.

---

The Sewers
Beann Chaos Gallant Worthlessplebian

Edoardo Roll 1d20 = 7
​

When the liquid hit Edoardo's throat, he was met with the acrid taste of salt that proved difficult to even swallow down his gullet at first. But when he did manage to force it down, the salt become worse - considerably so - and he felt as though he himself was becoming a piece of mutton dipped in it. And then came the bitterness that nearly made the Sobekan double over, only just stopping himself from expelling the contents of his stomach. The entire experience was horrible, and the physical sensations only became worse as the moments passed and his vision doubled, then tripled, as though he had received a concussion. The world around him seemed to grow closer and further apart at the same time, leaving him disoriented to boot along with everything else that was going wrong in that moment. In his mind, it seemed as though the whole world was about the crash down upon him.

But just as quickly as it had wreaked havoc upon his senses and body, it soon dissipated and was reduced to nothing whatsoever. In fact, what came after felt very pleasant. A soothing warmth took root in his chest that then radiated outwards, and his body relaxed as though he was getting ready to sleep in a warm bed. When it became clear that Edoardo's experience had become better after all, Janna let out a scoff as his partner handed over a small clutch of coins with annoyance. "I took bet ya won for me." Janna said with a toothy grin, pleased with himself in the end. He then leaned back where he sat as Terrence made his offer known, which made the kobold tilt his head. "Sea-brine expensive. Lots of risk. Lots of trouble to make. To carry." Janna stated up front, making known that the drink itself was priced highly.

"What have you?" the kobold then asked, leaning forward in interest as Terrence made mention of material goods. "Coin good. Items better. Barter. Make trade. Always make profit on that."

 

[Vexumin]

Reece nods along to the mans words. He had to admit that he knew what the fella was talking about. The elf has had his own fair share of weapons, and elves did tend to make some very fine pieces. There is no weapon more thoroughly tended to than one forged or cared for by and elf. The meticulous effort, the days on end spent on the simplest things. Reece had once seen the smith of his town sharpening a blade for nearly two weeks, the stone in the mans hand slowly traveling along the blades edge until it was so fine that you would drop a hair on it and it would cut in two without any movement.

In the end, that was the one thing that elves had. Time. It was also the one thing that scared Reece to death about his people. Time had such little meaning to them. Days go by and that is normal to them. They don't have to see each other every day to see if they're doing alright. Things are left forgotten. They are left so long that they spoil before anyone realizes what was lost.

He undoes the sheathe strapped to his hip and pulls out his own blade, holding it very carefully. He's nearly lost a finger from this blade before after all.

"I know. I tend to see blades as just that. It's a shame when a solid weapon is turned into a mantle piece or something. And I might not be able to afford one of these special blades, but I've got my own. A keepsake from home, and It's served me well. No, I'm not here for a blade, but I am here for information. I figured someone with respect for their craft might know people. I'm sure there are plenty around these parts in need of a good weapon."
Reece just smiles along, his face betraying no ulterior motives.

 

[Breadman]

I assume you're a friend of Fraskia's here?

"Of a sort, aye." Jordie commented. "I assume you're the ally she spoke about." He looked at Arnas trying to examine him as best he could. After a few brief moments he turned to Fraskia "He seems alright."

"Arnas is a proven warrior, ser." The rune knight answered with confidence to her superior before she would talk to Arnas directly "This is ser Jordie. A veteran rune knight that departed the castle some time ago. As luck...or fate had it, we crossed paths."

"Fraskia told me that you're doing a job with a certain scoundrel, lad." Jordie crossed his arms "I don't like you getting caught up in his business, but he seems to be your only option to secure a boat quickly."

"He was recommended to us by a mage."

"Of course." Jordie sighed.

"Jordie is of some renown in this city. I think we can use that as leverage to give some credit to our disguise and get inside."

 

[Chaos Gallant]

Terrence gave another brief glance at Edoardo after seeing him take what appeared to be the full effect of the sea brine before looking back to Janna. "Coin, spice… Wine.” Terrence withdrew about ten small vials, half containing cinnamon, and the other half containing cloves. Next he withdrew the bottle of wine and his sack of coins, clinking it onto the floor beside the rest of the goods. He pushed the bottle of wine towards the kobold, taking out two gold coins to place on top of the cork. “A bottle of Dandolian this far north is worth at least one gold piece, I’ll give you two more to make it even for one bottle of sea brine.” He pushed forward three of the cinnamon vials and two of the cloves, setting another two gold coins besides those. “Three portions of cinnamon and two of cloves, each worth twenty silver, maybe more here in Gwell, plus another two gold for the second bottle of sea brine. Weigh them if you wish, I promise it is all genuine.”

The orc looked up to Janna with a smile waiting to gauge their company’s reaction to the offer he set forward.

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Edoardo Vargas Melcher​

The brine flooded his throat, it stung his tongue with vile taste, drying his mouth as it went down. His fists clenched tight, knuckles white. Edoardo tried to marshal his will, he tried to withstand the sickening sensation surging strangely through his stomach. His whole body rigid, shaking in the noxious gloom of the illegal merchant's dwelling. A frigid chill roared through his body like the gusting of a blizzard choking the land in thick sheets of snow. He fought back a shudder, fought back the incessant urge to keel over, his vision dimmed, swimming about the room's encroaching confines. Then it bent. His mind tumbled, lost amidst the tumultuous black ocean, straining to recognise the reality around him as it warped and weft as though pushed and pulled by unseen forces.

And it was gone. The long seconds of the concoction's hold over Edoardo's senses vanished, receding into the darkness of his mind. A fire sprouted within his chest, overtaking the harsh cold like a beacon in the starless night. It became a surging tide of heat through his body, trying to ease the tension, the edge of his thoughts. Despite the warmth in his heart, he shivered. His amber eyes gleaming fiercely in the subterranean lighting, possessed of a blinding fury. The priest found himself forced to suppress a snarl of frustration, though the barest hints echoed from his throat.

He recognised the potency of the drink, its enthralling alleviation anathema to Edoardo's convictions. A poison of the soul, as much as it had been the body. He flexed his hands as Terrence began with the opening offer of their negotiation. His unerring gaze not leaving the kobolds before him.

 

[Oreo Cookie]

Vera let the crude shiv fall from her hand, dropping it onto the counter with a clatter. "Depends on how reliable I decide your spiel is, friend. Might be worth a few silvers."

She paused to produce a gold piece from the pouch at her waist, the coin gleaming as she danced it across her knuckles with practiced ease. "Or maybe your tongue is truly worth its weight in gold."

The coin slipped into her palm, and she closed her gauntleted fist around it. "O'course, I might decide whatever you have to say is worth less than the dirt beneath my feet and take my business, and coin, elsewhere."

She leaned forward to deliver her next words in a whisper, just loud enough for Bob and Bit to hear. "Lookin’ for a fella named Kiri. That name ring any bells?"

 

[joshuadim]

The Customs House
Breadman​

Arnas nodded to Jordie, realizing how much simpler their circumstances had become as a result: "Unfortunately, Gerwin is our only means to pass according to the Guardian. Your presence would help us get inside, I'm sure. Thanks for the help." he commented with regards to working with such a figure before turning to Fraskia, "If things go sour, we can use the construction on the rear wall as our escape. A solid enough plan if I say so myself." Arnas then looked back towards the guards loitering around the front of the estate down the street and chuckled: "Worst case, we'll have to find a way to get out of the stockades."

Arnas, Fraskia and Jordie would then approach the front of the estate - the latter taking the lead given his role in all this - which promptly caught the attention of the city guard. One of them stood up straight from the wall he was leaning against while the other's gazes trailed the newcomers with a small amount of wariness, though they remained where they were as they simply didn't expect anything wrong to occur on a job that normally saw little action aside from shoving away some hecklers and scaring off suspicious figures wandering around. "Halt!" stated the guard as he brought his halberd upwards next to him, firmly planted into the cobblestone below.

He looked over the trio with narrowed eyes before addressing Jordie under the assumption that he was at the head of the group: "Can't let you just waltz into the Customs. State your business or begone." the man then said before snorting and spitting out a globule of spit onto the ground nearby. His tabard, baring the emblem of Gwell's coat of arms with a fantastic colouring of orange and black, gleamed in the sunlight with the same intensity as his pride within his work. He took his job seriously, despite the downtime that he and his fellows constantly had throughout the days.

---

The Gutters
Infab Vexumin Oreo Cookie
​

The knife merchant only spared a soft smile to Reece as he made his request, before shaking his head. "Information... a valuable commodity that one needs like spice or water. But I'm afraid I can't help you with that, friend. I'm merely but a visitor here like you. Those whom I sell to are simply faces amidst a sea of bodies. They come and go, parting ways with me... if someone had to return to me once I parted ways with a blade, then I would not be as fine of a trader as I am." He took a moment of silence to voice his own regrets with a sigh. "A shame that I cannot be of service on that front, friend." His head then tilts, as if observing Reece further and spotting a detail previous unknown to him; from under the shade of his hood, Reece could spot a smile grow on his face again. "I must take my leave and wares elsewhere, but I'm certain we will meet again. Perhaps, then, we shall conduct business?" the man then spoke, flipping a coin towards Reece. The elf would catch it, seeing that it was not currency but rather a token of some kind - with cut out indents to form a cross within its interior - that seemed to be made of iron. And just as quickly as Reece's attention moved away, the man had disappeared entirely.

Bob snickered at mention of Kiri, before looking to Bit - who nodded approvingly - and spoke up. "Oh we know him." the former spoke with a toothy grin, "Cheated us of some silver some weeks back. Hard earned silver, mind you... has a small gang of his own causing trouble, though not enough to rile up the bigger players." He then looked around, as if seeing if anyone was spying upon their conversation; his head moved from one end of the alley to the other, glancing across the various faces and stalls, before deciding that the risk was worth the reward in the end. "You'll find him and his posse holed up behind some shithole tavern called the Fox and Hound, just a few streets down. Head through the alley into the back, that's where you'll find them... now, coin please." Bob then said, extending an open palm out eagerly.

With their encounters settled, Ornam would find the others and rally them to him out into the street and away from the bustle of the shady market. He looked rather disappointed in himself as he huffed from under his beard. "Little luck on my end." the dwarf muttered to the others, "I hope yer ventures went better than mine. Find anything on Kiri?"

---

The Sewers
Beann Chaos Gallant Worthlessplebian​

Janna let out a raspy laugh as he noticed Edoardo's lingering reactions in the aftermath of drinking the brine, though chose to not comment as Terrence instead moved into business. The kobold leaned intently onto the table as he observed what the orc procured for the bottle. He first observed the bottles of wine, though not caring to pour a sample but instead rattling the bottle next to his ear. He made a small chittering noise before moving to count the gold coins placed before him, followed by the spices procured in their vials - this time uncorking one of them and taking a deep smell of its contents. His nostrils flared and his eyes narrowed, focused on determining such worth of these goods, until he was interrupted by the speaking of his business partner.

"Tem brolte?" the other kobold asked warily, before Janna let out a 'tsk'.

"Zpezh, vian, goro..."

"Tat urr?" The question made Jannah jerk his head with a glare that made his companion shirk back slightly. However, a realization took hold of Janna with a toothy grin as he turned back to Terrence, corking the vial back and setting it down gently.

"We only seller in city." Janna then said, boldly wanting more payment within the negotiations. "Want more for risk take we."

 

[Chaos Gallant]

The orc furrowed his brow in feigned disapproval, he stroked his beard as if contemplating Janna’s offer deeply, he hummed a low tone, trying his best to put on a performance to strike “a deal.” In reality he was surprised they hadn’t offered up a number after his initial offer, there were far more expensive illicit substances between Dandolio and Kasora that dwarfed the price of the sea brine in comparison.

Once Terrence’s “thinking” was done, he gave a wink to Edoardo, then to Aelestra before finally letting out a sigh and facing Janna with his still furrowed brow. “This is a risky business, I cannot deny you that. Down here in the sewers, where the guards wouldn’t even be able to hear the loudest cries for help. Not many paths to run away either, if those guards were… to find out about this operation. It is good that we...” The orc gestured to his companions with both arms, “Took the labor to seek you out, that might have been too far a risk for you my friend. I will give you double the pay for your risk! Fifty silver pieces for the first bottle, and fifty silver pieces for the second, and I will make it even easier for you.” Terrence pulled out two gold coins, flipping one to the nameless kobold, and taking a step over to Janna, wrapping one arm around him and putting the other gold coin into his palm. “Since you have been so fair to us, an extra gold piece, for your magnanimity.”

Terrence stepped back over to Edoardo and Aelestra. “Ah, did you know, I had just recently made the acquaintance of my friend here…” Terrence patted the sobekon on the shoulder, “He is sobekoni if you had not noticed, but they can eat remarkable amounts I have come to find. I would wager he eats about, well about as much as a kobold weighs on the daily!. I bet after that little aperitif, he has quite the appetite, so let us not waste your time any longer, gentleman. Are our dealings concluded?”

 

[Breadman]

"Always good to have a backup." Fraskia nodded after Arnas shared his own ideas. "Lets hope we don't have to visit the stockades."

"I dont think it would come to that." Jordie assured them both "I have a story that will hopefuly work. Shouldn't be hard to follow." He motioned for them to follow him. It didn't take long for them to run into the first hurdle.

Can't let you just waltz into the Customs. State your business or begone

"Take it easy guardsman, we're not here to hang about. My fellow knight and her friend are hunting some beasts that have been smuggled out of these lands." Jordie pointed to Frasskia and Arnas "They have a lead as to who is doing it. Sounds like Jacobo is up to his tricks again. If you let us in and just let us talk to Lanya about it, we're going to be out of your hair in no time."

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Edoardo Vargas Melcher​

The priest tilted his head slightly, observing the kobolds as they bandied words in a tongue foreign to his ears. His gaze hardened when a wide smile twisted the illicit merchant's denticle-marked features after a moment of realisation. His hands clenched on his arms, possessed of a subtle, simmering frustration. Here, however, in the rank stench and rough-hewn stone of the sewers, the silence pervaded Edoardo's mind, quelling the disquiet of his mind.

He saw Terrence's gesture, feeling the motes of satisfaction bristling his mind. He nodded once, barely. "Indeed." Edoardo agreed, inclining his head slightly, voice edged with a muted, frigid fury. The weak light gleaming from his fiery amber eyes and wicked teeth in the pale, noxious darkness of the chamber. He flexed his stone-hard claws, sharpened to monstrous points. Then he stopped. As silent and unmoving as the moss-covered walls of their trafficking ring.

 

[Vexumin]

It was as quick as Reece had looked at the coin that he found the blade merchant he had been speaking to had completely vanished. Not only did the man himself disappear but his wares that were strung up had been taken away as well. It was as if each one was connected to him and as he swept away, they too followed.

Reece had to admit that it spooked him a little. As he turned away, thumb running along the surface of the token, he shivered a bit. Seems whoever he had been speaking to was a bit more skilled than he had anticipated. Although it's not as if he was expecting that much. Reece could act like the seasoned pro all he wanted, he was far from being anything such. This also reinforced the thought that he had so much of the world left to see.

Before too long he started returning to where the group had split up. His eyes continued to scan the coin, keeping it from sly hands that might try to take it from him. He was sure that if he had taken his eyes off of it for a moment that someone would have managed to slip it away somehow.

Ornam would find the others and rally them to him out into the street and away from the bustle of the shady market. He looked rather disappointed in himself as he huffed from under his beard. "Little luck on my end." the dwarf muttered to the others, "I hope yer ventures went better than mine. Find anything on Kiri?"

Reece offered an embarrassed smile. "Well, I made a connection with someone rather impressive, but found nothing on Kiri myself. I'm sorry, everyone." The elf had tried, but his efforts didn't pan out in the end. He only regretted that he couldn't be more help.

 

[Oreo Cookie]

Vera continued to clutch the gold piece tightly, her expression truly contemplative as she weighed the worth of Bob’s information. There was a heavy temptation to walk away with her coin still in hand, letting whatever consequences that followed play out. By her estimations, reneging on deals was probably as common as drawing breath in the Gutters, and it wouldn’t be the first time she’d walked off with both the goods and her money intact. But a quick glance at the looming Bit made her dismiss the thought, albeit reluctantly. She wasn't here to start a brawl. Not yet, at least.

"Your words are barely worth silver." She said sharply, her grip still firm around the gold piece. The pause lingered for a moment longer than comfortable, before a smirk played across her lips, and she allowed the coin to drop into the merchant's awaiting palm. "But I'm feelin' generous today."

Making her way back through the crowded market, Vera spotted Ornam and Reece, their expressions reflecting a mixture of disappointment and frustration. She closed the distance, catching the end of Reece’s venture.

Vera waved off the elf's apology. “Don't kick yourself over it. I managed to buy ourselves a lead on Kiri, and I intend to earn that coin back." She glanced between them. "Seems our mark has a small gang of his own, all of 'em holed up behind some tavern called the Fox and Hound, a few streets down from here."

 

[joshuadim]

The Customs House
Breadman​

The guardsmen looked to one another with a mixture of hesitation and confusion as Jordie made the case for their entrance, and muttered to one another so as to determine what their next course of action was to be. It wasn't until the guard that had originally confronted the trio spoke up that they got an update on the matter: "Normally she don't take any visitors without an appointment. But... I suppose I'll bring it up to her. Stay put." He then marched into the estate itself through the gates and disappeared into the interior courtyard. Minutes passed slowly, leaving Arnas to tap his boot onto the cobblestone below as he waited for any luck to bring them inside to their goal. The pattering of armoured boots on the ground alerted Arnas' attention back to the gates as he saw the guardsman return, who nodded towards the trio: "The Honorable Customs Magistrate invites you inside." he simply said, waving for them all the enter. "Third floor, it'll be in the office you can't miss."

Arnas exchanged a look with Fraskia before leading the way inside, and were shortly thereafter followed by Jordie; the interior of the Customs House was - by all means - magnificent in comparison to the outside. A series of archways led into the inner courtyard that the building itself surrounded, with a large marbeled fountain being the main vista for the garden that it centered. The pathways turned from cobble to slabs of polished marble, allowing for visitors to move around freely. However, they were not simply here to sightsee or enjoy tea as they awaited a meeting with the Customs Magistrate. And so they took the stairs upwards onto the second floor, which seemed to be home to various rooms for housing either diplomats or renowed merchant traders that made port within the city itself.

"Even just visiting here makes you live better than most in their entire lives." Arnas commented as he peeked into one of the rooms that were vacant, seeing that there was a large and immaculately carved wood bed with silk sheets adorning it as covers, along with jars of complimentary wine and other various needs such as artisinal furniture within the room itself. Then came the second set of stairs, which led to a more bureaucratic atmosphere as there were scribes and accountants working tirelessly to maintain the books on what came in and flowed out of the city's port. Though it was obvious that these were not what they needed in comparison to a set of twin oak doors with a heavy metal knocker for visitors to announce their presence. Arnas did so, allowing the metal to ring against the heavy wood before turning to Jordie: "Keep an eye out for us out here, yea?" he asked, before hearing a voice from the other side.

"Come in!"

The doors were heavy enough that Arnas had to push with extra strength, allowing them entry into the office of who they assumed was Lanya; and she appeared to be an Utterlin, like Gerwin, though she was more slender with a steely-gray coat of fur and held a more distinguished appearance as she wore elegant robes befitting of her status in the city - fitted to her stature - and held a small round glass so as to observe small writing on a piece of parchment. Her attention turned to the newcomers and immediately she narrowed her eyes. "I thought there was to be three of you."

"Our friend is waiting outside the doors." Arnas explained, but was stopped before he could elaborate further.

"Any reason I shouldn't have you thrown out here by the guards?" she asked, "I don't take well to liars."

---

The Gutters
Vexumin Oreo Cookie​

Ornam looked over first to Reece as he made his efforts known, and provided a faint smile. "It's quite alright lad." the dwarf simply stated, agreeing with Vera as she then revealed what she had discovered. "The Fox and Hound, eh? Makes sense for some lifelow like this Kiri to hang around there." Ornam then said with an approving nod, "But a gang though... will be a bit o' trouble to deal with." He looked over to Levy, and grinned: "At least we have some good muscle with us for the time being. Let's get to it then, shall we?" With Vera leading the way through the directions given to her, the group walked through the Gutters - passing by more slums as well as a few abandoned buildings that seemed to collect cobwebs and dust - before finding themselves on a larger and more paved street.

It seemed to be the dividing line between the Gutters and another district of Gwell, as Ornam looked down both ways. "Must be on the very edge o' the district. To not attract attention from the other gangs." Ornam commented, before pointing towards a sign that read: 'The Fox and Hound'. "I think that be it... now to find the alleyway..." They first looked to see if there was a alley on the rear side of the row of buildings, before circling around onto the main street and finding a pathway next to the building that led behind. As they moved through, it was then they could hear laughing and chatter...

Ornam stilled and got against the wall, as did the others, and listened. "Prox, you silly dumb bastard, I told ya ta not drink the whole keg last night!"

"Sorry Kiri..."

It was a verbal confirmation as to whom they were dealing with behind the walls of a small backyard, as Ornam turned to the others and whispered: "How ya suppose we do this? Talk? Or rush in and... well..."

---

The Sewers
Beann Chaos Gallant Worthlessplebian​

Jannah listened intently, shifting nervously where he sat as both Terrence and Edoardo made their not-so-subtle threats subtly known. The kobold's eyes darted between the two of them as they made the situation known, and his jaw began to clench out of nervousness. His companion was also shifting around nervously where he stood, unsure as to what to do and remained silent; he figured that Jannah would be able to deal with whatever it was that was going on here. But it was obvious that with the pressure that was being applied to Jannah, he was quickly folding as he let out a nervous gulp. "Have p-powerful friends..." he managed to get out with a dry throat, but little else came forward to further his attempt at a threat.

He then twiddled with the gold piece that Terrence had left into his hand and gulped again. "Deal believe... we-" he then said, before a sudden crash onto the entrance made him yelp and fall out of his chair. An entourage of eight men quickly entered, all looking hardened like brigands and highwaymen; they also dragged with them a man who looked worse for wear, shuddering and muttering incoherently, before being dropped onto the ground of the vestibule that this illegal brewery inhabited. The man who had dragged him, the ringleader by all accounts, was missing a few teeth - replaced with gold fillings - and snarled towards the kobold.

"See you made new friends, ya fookin' cheat!" he shouted in anger, pointing to the man curled up in a ball on the ground. "My man's been turned to THIS by your shite brew!"

"Brew good!" Jannah shouted back, taking cover behind his seat and peeking out. "Never bad-"

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!" the leader of the brigands shouted, pulling out a shortsword. "I'll fookin' gut ye..." Out of his fury, however, he finally acknowledged Aelestra, Terrence and Edoardo in the room and snorted. "Get the fook out of here. This don't concern ye."

Jannah, terrified of the prospect of being left alone with some angry customers, looked up to his newest buyers: "Give you what want if save me!" he shouted, desperate for a saviour in the moment.

 

[Beann]

Aelestra stood by quietly with her arms crossed as she watched the deal between Terrence and the kobold transpire. Although she was very much against making threats, it would seem that Jannah was almost persuaded to give in after Terrence talked up Edoardo’s hunger. Unfortunately before they could come to a solid agreement, a handful of unsavory men bursted in, dragging an unwell looking lad.

Terrence looked behind him when the group of men entered, their sorry ninth man looking like he was well under the effects of the sea brine. Compared to the large sobekon, a normal man, especially of his frame, would no doubt be feeling like the bad end of a basilisk.

While the ringleader of the group was rather rude, the monk preferred to keep things civil as possible, especially with the difference in numbers. She glanced over at the cowering kobold and then at Terrence. ‘We should help them.’ Aelestra signed, obviously referring to helping Jannah. ‘Maybe Edoardo can cure him of his sickness?’

The orc nodded at her suggestion, ignoring the kobolds for the moment and raising his hands in a calming gesture. “Well I would rightly believe it does concern us, we had just been in the middle of striking a deal here, and it would seem for the very same thing that brings malaise upon your poor companion here. Unfortunately our dealings cannot be avoided as we are on a strict deadline.” Terrence looked between the men as he spoke, sizing them up and deducing that combat would be too risky given their current party. “But let us not spill blood over brew or bad deals today. Perhaps there is some way we can resolve this matter for you, if it is a simple matter of illness brought on by the combination of a weak stomach and strong drink, our cleric may be able to assist. Think of it, no risk to you. If our cleric succeeds, your man is back on his feet, and we can all leave here with no hard feelings. If not, you have lost only the little time it takes for our clergy to perform his rites, in seeking your rightful justice. In return all we ask is that you let my humble companions and I conclude our negotiations.” The orc brought out his warmest voice, hoping the honeyed offers to the gang might be at least enough to calm their nerves enough to find a reasonable deal between the three parties.

 

[Vexumin]

Reece followed the others rather closely, keeping his hands on any open belongings as they weaved their way through the different alleys and streets leading up to The Fox and Hound. It would have been unfortunate if he were to have lost anything before this moment. It would have been especially inconvenient to be without his focus.

It doesn't seems to take long before they are right on the heels of the one that they are looking for. Only trouble is that they are certainly not alone, potentially having a gang worth of people with them. Reece wasn't too nervous. Perhaps a little, but only because there is the potential for a fight. He takes a moment to channel his magic, make sure nothing is wrong. He raises his hands around the bobble dangling from his necklace. The paint-like textured magic springs forth in the shape of a bubble, extending to his hands and then shrinking back into the focus. He was ready.

Ornam turned to the others and whispered: "How ya suppose we do this? Talk? Or rush in and... well..."

Reece bites his lip a bit in thought, speaking once he's had a moment to think through any potential approaches.

"Well, if it is a gang here, an issue about owing money might come down to... violence. I doubt someone with people behind them will give up what they owe. The last thing I would want is a fight, but it's hard to figure out if there is a peaceful way to go about this."

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Edoardo Vargas Melcher​

Edoardo looked at Jannah, the tension continuing to rise in the poisoned silence between them. The merchant's eyes flickered between them, the unease of his set jaw, the trepidation in his companion's twitching and shifting form. Then he spoke, voice low and pained by uncertainty. Edoardo realised the austerity of their operation, certainly they had connections of distribution, however, he doubted that any trafficker would come to the aid of a single, small supplier.

Then the door snapped open with a crash, followed by the thumping of leather-bound boots as a gaggle of men burst into the kobolds' dwellings. They had a rigid air of brutality about them, from the weary, wizened features of slum life, calloused rough hands, frank mode of speech to the weapons easily concealed beneath their worn homespun. Edoardo half-turned, eyes an amber rancor of flame in the gloom. He stepped forward slightly, then stopped when Terrence began his ploy.

He glanced down at the writhing man, hands clutched to the small of his back. He bit back a snarl of frustration, if he had not enjoyed the constitution afforded to the Sobekoni, he imagined that this would've been his fate.

"Allow me to perform rites of healing, as my companion here so rightly stated. All it would take is a few precious minutes of silence." Edoardo agreed, further imploring the men. He knew, however, that the winds of the Divine are never so favourable, even to the abbots such as himself. But Edoardo trusted their judgement.

 

[Oreo Cookie]

"Sounds like one of em's been nursin' too much drink." Vera remarked, her voice just above a whisper. "Could be a blessin' for us. If we're lucky, the lot of 'em are just as drunk and dull."

Her armor rustled lightly as she shrugged. "But I don't much fancy walkin' in blind. Don't know how many there are, or if they're sharper than they sound. Best to play it by ear—figure out who's who and what's what before actin'. If Kiri coughs up what he owes with words, great. If not..." She patted the pommel of her sword. "We use more persuasive means to collect"

 

[Breadman]

"Anrnas?" Fraskia looked at the mercenary with bewilderment. "What are you doing?"

"The lad has a plan of his own it seems." The elder rune knight placed his hands on his hips as he stepped aside "Go on, then I'll be waiting for you right here." As they walked it they could hear him talk again "What are you looking at? Can't a man stand without your shifty eyes praying oh him?"

Inside the office, things were hardly going to be easier. At least the lady was of a better stock than their boatsman.

Any reason I shouldn't have you thrown out here by the guards? I don't take well to liars.

"There is..." Fraskia wanted to repeat her story again just like she just did to Jordie not too long ago, but the details of it were not helpful in the slightest "If we were to tell you the whole story, you would be throwing us out for lying outright." She glanced at Arnas "Any lie we would come up with would have been more believable short of a ogre performing a ballroom dance" Back to Lanya "Any chance we can just buy the permit you confiscated off of Gerwin?" She crossed her arms "We need passage only he can provide and chances are you'll just catch him again by next week." She motioned with her hand to immitate drinking from a bottle.