Re: Act 1, Scene 2: "Taking Care of Business" (Game Thread)

[TristenC]

Artanis and Yasir: Outside the Blacksmith Shop
John bids him farewell, and the two step out into the windy street. The crowd has grown a little in the warming day, though the breeze still chills it significantly. Artanis doesn't see any good places to practice, and using a back alley might be rather suspicious... the only large open spaces he can think of are the amphitheatre park, which might or might not be populated, and the sheep pens which would likely be empty until much closer to dark.

[Ooc: Dark comes around 6:30 pm from what they have seen.]

[Rivi]

cross smiles a little at Elsa's comforting words "thank you friend. your a wonderful person did you know that?" he takes a deep breath and starts of after the rest keeping a wide birth

[TristenC]

Cal, Cross, Elsa, Mira and Pyros: The Silver Scale
Elsa blushes a little at Cross’ compliment, We’ll all keep each other sane, right? I’m counting on you too, you know, she replies, giving him a quick sideways hug as they follow the others into the shop.

The narrow room sports many racks and shelves behind the counter; boasting Spellbooks, writing materials, potions and scrolls, as well as a hefty collection of reference volumes that line the wooden wall. Several mundane items are set out in the customer area before the counter, unlike The Toad’s Toe on the rougher side of town. A narrow door to the right leads to a small windowless room with a desk and chair, presumably for studying in relative quiet.

Merrick gives Pyros a small smile, which widens noticeably when the Kender stuffs his hands in his pockets in such an ostensible fashion. Serath gives a nod of a bow to the newcomers as Mira introduces them. He told me a little. Master Cross I did meet earlier, as well as Master Cal. It is good to see you again so soon. Once again the music-less nature of the Elven he speaks brings a pang of loss to the group. Serath, however, is apparently not surprised or very concerned to find the Kender in his shop. It is a pleasure to meet you Master Pyros, Lady Elsa. Merrick greets everyone as well, flushing only slightly as he weakly hugs Mira back. The Toad? he clears his throat with a small cough, the color receding slightly. I suppose… were you able to find the book you were looking for? I’m afraid I won’t be much help translating… he says. A faint throat clearing from Serath catches the younger half-elf’s attention. If you do go, I have a small exchange arranged with Rautant, the elder says quietly so as not to overly disrupt the conversation.

[Nocturno]

"I would shake your hand sir, but I have promised to leave all of your things were they lie. Do you have any little statues that hop around like Rautaunt?" Pyros will speak in Elven.

[Jenara]

"Yes we found a book... And I have a spell to read it, its written in Old Harmonian, or so I'm told." Releasing Merrick she gives Serath a curious look. "Oh good you can come.. See I have the spell, but its getting some of the ramifications of whats written... Serath, I might need some help with a few ideas too.. I'll need something to write on."

[kerap]

Artanis forgoes the sword practice for now and decides to wander around the town, eventually making his way to the Whirling bridge. If he can cross it and return without being stopped by the guards, he will do so. While on the bridge, he will check out the great catapult. He invites Yasir to join him if the burly fellow so desires.

[TristenC]

Cal, Cross, Elsa, Mira and Pyros: The Silver Scale
Serath looks a little confused at the Kender’s question about hopping statues, but Merrick’s mouth twitches up into a half-smile. So you’ve met Garibald have you? Quite an interesting fellow, Rautant. Sorry, my friend, we have nothing like that here. Mira goes on to explain how she intends to decipher the book. I should be able to join you, but not for very long. The two half-elves look at each other for a moment, whole conversations seemingly taking place in that short glance. Serath usually stays open until just before dark on Sundays, so I’m afraid it would just be me. The shopkeep produces a sheet of common-quality paper and a thin black charcoal stick wrapped in cloth. What sort of help did you have in mind? he asks.


Artanis and Yasir: Wandering
The Ranger leads the way Northeast along The Loop until they reach a large intersection. Yasir seems content enough to tag along, rattling on about various exploits. The cobblestone leads onward past a couple of buildings to a small harbor where various rivercraft have anchored. Sheer red cliffs rise some fifty feet or more just to the East of the docks. Perched high atop the edge of the cliff stands the massive catapult, designed to resemble a great hawk. The glass eyes of the structure catch some of the remaining light despite the clouds overhead. Just beyond it stands a stone tower that rises another thirty or forty feet above the top of the cliff. Turning left just in front of the Songstress inn, the duo moves on towards the bridge.

A large square moss-covered stone tower stands in the center of the river. The ornate carvings of gargoyles and monsters atop it seem so lifelike they might as well be breathing. The drawbridge to this side is currently raised, preventing passage, but Artanis sees that a small group of people are approaching from the far side of the river. After several minutes, the rattling noise of chain being played-out accompanies the creak of wood as the bridge is lowered before him. With a dull thump the bridge settles into a depression in the hard-packed red earth before him. He can now see that there is a tunnel running through the center that could easily accommodate a large wagon. A small table has been set up within the tunnel, tended by a pair of guards. A wooden door inside the tunnel obviously leads to the interior of the tower, though it must be a tight fitting stair-well to reach the top. The travelers Artanis spotted finish paying the guards, and continue onward. Another man approaches the table from beyond. He speaks to the guards, though it is impossible to tell what they are saying from this distance. He looks frustrated, but suddenly begins to sing! The song is very short, and it seems close to half of it is simply repeating “Harmonia” or something very like it. When he is done, he pays the guards and moves on.

Beyond the river Artanis can see that there are two more towers, identical to the one on the cliff near the catapult. One tower stands to the West of the road beyond the river, the other to the East. The East tower stands high on a redstone cliff, much like the first.


[ooc: In case the description was confusing, there is no apparent way to reach the catapult from this vantage. Check out the map in the Acquired Party Knowledge thread or feel free to ask if any of the other positioning is confusing.

[Jenara]

"Im assuming you have a steady hand? And you understand much of the .. Planes and other things. The book I think explains much, more than many people here would understand.." Thinking of the recent encounter with Marie she continues. "Its like.. Here is.. How to explain it..? The fear of magic.. Cross scared the life of the Seamstress, the look Elsa got when she healed Cal."

"I guess.." Leaning against the counter she shakes her head. "I need help. And you can't stay too late. Im playing later!"

[kerap]

Artanis is quite intrigued by this entire set up - being a woodsman he has not experience in engineering and he is amazed by the sheer mass of the structures. The catapult commands the approach to the city quite well. Obviously to enter and leave one must pay the toll and it would be quite helpful to speak the language.

He looks back towards the city - curious to determine if he can see how the city obtains it water supply - if from the river or not. Just curious.

The singing to gain entry into the town was a oddity. An interesting admission price. His mind wanders a bit: Who was that ditzy blonde girl that he had heard sing the one time he went to Waterdeep? She had a great voice! And was very easy on the eyes, although her hulking big brother kept the gawkers like me away. She could be one of the headliners in this place.

[TristenC]

Cal, Cross, Elsa, Mira and Pyros: The Silver Scale
Serath looks a little confused again. A steady hand? I suppose, but I really can't leave my shop. If Merrick is willing, he has a decent hand. What does the theory of the planes have to do with it? I assumed you were talking about the book you were searching for that mentioned silver... Merrick gives cross a sympathetic look at the mention of frightening the seamstress. People here are... superstitious... a little frightened of outsiders as-is. Even this shop... the name doesn't detail what we do, and frankly the emblem could mean anything. Rautant passes himself off as a purveyor of herbs and curiosities. Serath even had to claim he sis mostly scribe-work and research when he first came here... the only magic readily accepted are simple tricks that have to do with music. I think the Enchanted Lute over near The Hall is the only other place in town that deals with even that minor magic... When Mira mentions her performance, a small smile breaks on the younger half-elf's features. Ah yes, you should come, cousin. She doesn't start until dark usually, so you won't have to close early tonight.


Artanis and Yasir: The Whirling Bridge
Yasir watches the comings and goings with some interest, glancing significantly at various aspects of the bridges construction, the gargoyles, the soldiers and even the towers on the cliffs. Artanis gets the odd feeling he is marking everything in his mind and has even determined rough distances for the catapult. The warrior is remarkably quiet, however. From what the ranger can tell, the river would be an excellent source of water for the town. It is both deep and swift here, and with the mountains to the East as the source it is probably clean. The tremendous volume and speed of that source likely make it practically impossible to contaminate or stop. Even if the whole village were under seige it would take a rockslide of gigantic proportions to stop the flow completely.

[Ooc: time is about 2pm]

[Jenara]

(The confusion was intentional, the whole situation with Cross/Marie has left her shaken)

"Planes.. Sorry.. I didn't sleep well, I've been having bad dreams." She glances at Merrick some what hopefully. "Yes sorry I'm used to taking musical notations, not writing, if you could help Merrick, Cross and I can try to understand the words.."

Cross, she'd have to talk to him again, explain...

"The moment I feel at home here, something happens, makes me realise this isn't where I belong. I.. We appreciate your help, both of you. I have some new songs, one I've been trying to write.. I hope it will sound OK." Fixing her gaze on Elsa she tries to keep her voice level...

"I need to drop by the Hall, and then we can go to the Toad. Perhaps then we might get a few answers."

[kerap]

Artanis quietly says to Yasir: "Looking for the chink in the armor?"

[Nocturno]

Pyros will quietly look at the assorted goods on the shelves. He will listen to the conversation, but he doesn't really have anything to add, other than:

"I hope the book is locked again! It was fun getting it open!"

[Rivi]

cross stays quiet. keeping his thoughts to him self not sure of what to do now. thinking its best to be quite until hes needed. getting the info in that book might be his ticket out of here

[TristenC]

Cal, Cross, Elsa, Mira and Pyros: The Silver Scale
Yes, I will help if I am able. Afterwards I should come back here for a short time to help Serath close up, but it won’t take long. Merrick replies. Alright. whenever you’re ready, Mira. The Halfling says before chuckling at the Kender’s comments. I’m sure we’ll find another one for you to practice on if it isn’t.


Artanis and Yasir: The Whirling Bridge
Hmm? The warrior responds, distractedly. Just habit… they’ve fortified this whole place really well… Aside from a few farms I haven’t really seen any other villages or hamlets or anything, though I haven’t explored a lot… That kind of thing is typical in places with a lot of war, where smaller settlements become easy targets… and that catapult… See the platform it’s on? I’d bet my last copper it can be turned to fire on the town if need be… And those towers on the cliffs and the one by the road north… it’d take a siege engine to get in one of those things… They’re certainly afraid of something… Shrugging his shoulders, he snaps out of his musings and takes on a tone more like his normal boisterous self. Of course once we go cut down all the monsters around here they won’t need them anymore and they’ll make us kings and shower us with riches! His rich, full laugh breaks out but is quickly drowned out by the clink of chains as the bridges are raised. He gives the Ranger a wry look and gestures to the closing tower. Those gargoyles aren’t just for show either.