CH. 5: Vying Factions

[JadedDM]

Kendra and Darga (Council Hall, Harbor District)
"Most likely so," Elistan admits. "I am not well versed in such matters, however. We do not know any mages to even ask."

Haahqae and Gregeddin (Cult Warehouse, back room)
Raena shrugs. "I'd rather have the gold. Satisfaction of helping others is fine and all, but it won't fill an empty stomach or give you a roof to sleep under on cold, rainy nights."

"I'll get the next applicant," Wedge offers. He escorts Raena out and brings in a very big fellow. He stands seven feet tall or more, and likely weighs 300 pounds at least. It's clear he is at least part ogre in heritage. His hair and beard are stringy and black, his eyes are brown and his skin is somewhat yellow. He wears some kind of hide armor that must have been custom made for his size. A massive maul is slung over his back, as is a quiver full of throwing javelins.

Despite the fact that he looks like he could crush Haahqae and Gregeddin into dust with each hand, he looks rather nervous while standing before them. He fidgets a bit with his hands, as if unsure what to do with them, and shifts his weight from leg to leg. "This is Burzan," Wedge says. "Again, no family name given."

[Haahque]

"Indeed. So mr Burzan, what makes you think you're qualified for this job? Are you comfortable digging pits, setting up traps or standing toe to toe with massive foes? How much solid stone can that maul smash through?"

[HorizonsDream]

"I think, maybe we could help in that matter," Kendra says, looking to Darga. "We should go so that these men can continue their discussion."

[JadedDM]

Haahqae and Gregeddin (Cult Warehouse, back room)
Burzan hesitates, as if unsure how to answer. "I, uh...I don't know. I mean, I've never dug pits or set up traps or smashed through stone before. Never needed to. Is that required?" He scratches the back of his neck with a big, beefy hand. "I can fight, though. I'm really strong. And big, too. Probably not as big as a giant. Don't know, never seen one before."

Kendra and Darga (Council Hall, Harbor District)
After saying their good-byes, the two leave the council hall and step back outside.

[mgbevan]

"I have but two further questions, do you get scared of anything? And have you ever killed a person before?"

[HorizonsDream]

"Do you think Tulbas could prove Darewind a fraud?" Kendra asks Darga as she leads them back to the mageware shop.

[djhyland]

Darga scratches his head. "I dunno. Mebbe he could, but I dunno much 'bout magic. Still, he'd be th' best ta ask 'bout it: if'n anyone'd know what kind a things ta look fer, it'd be him. But mebbe th' question ta ask is 'd'ya think th' elf lad'd want ta prove Darewind a fraud?'. He don't seem ta have a problem workin' wit' th' cult, after all..."

[HorizonsDream]

"True," Kendra admits. "But it doesn't hurt to ask him, I guess."

[JadedDM]

Haahqae and Gregeddin (Cult Warehouse, back room)
"I've killed plenty of people," Burzan says. "Once took out an entire group of bandits once. And if I can smash it with my hammer, it doesn't scare me."

Kendra and Darga (Mageware shop)
Kendra and Darga return to the mageware shop. After knocking, Tulbas presumably lets them inside.

=========

It is now Fourth Watch (10:00 AM).

[BishGada]

Tulbas let Kendra and Darga inside. "Good morning to you." he says politely offering them some warm tea. "So, did you got the council attention? You should be careful out there with this takeover. In fact everyone should, but the Holy Guard will take the full heat."
Although asking them about their doings, it is obvious Tulbas mind is not with them. He looks frustrated, concerned and constantly looks over his uncle bed.

[mgbevan]

"Ah good, it's the hammer smashing part I was after, pit digging is a bonus but we can work on that. I'm satisfied this here chappy is up to the challenge."

[Haahque]

"hmmm..." Haahqae thinks for a bit, stroking his chin. "Yes the hammer smashing part is very important, and I value Mr. Greggedin's council very highly, but I'm not convinced the digging party is unimportant, for it might make smashing a good deal easier. However I am confident that if you are very strong as you say you are, digging should be easy enough for you."

[JadedDM]

Haahqae and Gregeddin (Cult Warehouse, back room)
"I guess so," Burzan agrees with a shrug.

Wedge leads the half-ogre out and retrieves the next applicant. She is a gnome dressed up in red but wears no armor and the only visible weapon she carries are a pair of daggers on her belt. She has blond hair that's rather messy and pulled out of her face with a red bandanna. Her eyes are grey and her skin pale, especially for a gnome. A ferret follows her around, constantly underfoot but somehow always managing to not get stepped on. She grins and waves cheerfully to Haahqae and Gregeddin.

Wedge checks his notes. "This is--"

"Ismene!" she interrupts. "Nice to meet you!"

"Right," Wedge says. "No family name given."

"Well, you see, gnome names are really long and cover the entire genealogy of the family so family names aren't necessary but they do go on and on and on, like forever, and are quite a mouthful and really who has the time for all that so I just go by Ismene it's easier that way especially on humans and other non-gnomes because I find they get really impatient if you talk too long so just call me Ismene," she says in a single breath. "Oh, and this is Arcane," she adds, gesturing to the ferret.

[Haahque]

Haahqae nearly jumps in surprise when he sees a member of his own race. "Hello Ismene! My name's Haahqae. It's so nice to meet you. How have you been? I mean we've never meet before but I think you know what I mean. When were you last in Nevermind? I agree fully, humans always get so impatient, it's quite annoying some, or rather most of the time. Maybe even all the time." Haahqae pauses long enough to take a breath then dives at the ferret. "Oh isn't it so cute! You said the name is Arcane? That's a nice name for a nice ferret. How old is she? Is it a he or a she? When did you get her?"

[mgbevan]

Gregeddin slips wedge a little glance, the wide stare of his eyes would speak on behalf of his mouth to the cultist. Not that these two were going to be easy to separate from the looks of things.

Gregeddin noted that Ismene must be competent to take care of herself and a pet, but decides to let them have some chit chat before returning to business.