CH. 10: Hard Choices

[HorizonsDream]

"Nice to meet you as well," Kendra says with a nod. She looks back to Arulia, then lets out a sigh. "Gregeddin," she stated. "He is what happened." Kendra clenches her fits tightly for a few moments in hopes of controlling her anger over the situation before she continues. "The trade guild wrote a letter to the prefect in hopes of getting the taxes lowered. Gregeddin was the messenger they sent with their letter. I don't know what type of discussion that they had, but Gregeddin didn't make the best first impression. At some point during the meeting with the prefect, Gregeddin decided to take matters into his own hands, and tried to cast a spell upon the prefect. It didn't work, he was arrested, and everyone else that signed the letter that Gregeddin delivered was arrested as well because the prefect believes that it was all a plot to take him out, thought up by the members of the trade guild." Kendra lets out an annoyed sigh, and looks towards the two people standing before her. "I tried to convince the prefect that the trade guild wouldn't do that due to their families, but he wouldn't listen to me especially after there was a fire started within the city right after that. Norris, your father, and every other trade guild member isn't going to be let go for awhile."

[BishGada]

A dark cloud pass over Tulbas features, his eyes narrowed. 'Is he mocking me? But why? He is a goblin after all... But he is a priest of Sirrion! He seems sincere with his concern...' the moment briefly passes and Tulbas answer cautiously, "It is hard. I keep thinking of my uncle everyday and staying with... Magnus... doesn't make it any easier." he smiles humorlessly.
"And how are you doing? How did you join... hmm... our group?" he asks his tone suggesting he is not sure they are indeed a group.

[TristenC]

Noting the Elf’s sudden changes in countenance, the goblin realizes he could have broached the subject better. I’m sorry, I could have been more… tactful. I don’t always have the best way about me… I just want to make sure you’re holding up… He pauses a moment, letting the tension ease a bit before answering Tulbas’ question.

I kind of fell into the group, I suppose. I was trying to find out more about the mercenaries that work for the church. I saw your allies Gregeddin and Haahque asking questions. They were some of the first I’d seen with weapons that didn’t seem part of the army or church, so I figured they must be mercs. He shakes his head, using the motion to glance around them for any listeners, and speaks more quietly. I’ve been looking for a way to work against her. I figured I could find an operation and undermine it from within so I approached the bard… well, it turned out the cult was just as terrible if much less powerful so… he shrugs, since the rest was mostly known to Tulbas.

Very quietly he What would happen, do you think, if your teacher, he practically spits the word, were to… vanish? Would they accept you in his place once you passed the test? He allows the thought to sink in for a brief moment before continuing. From what I know of her a little… competition between the followers is encouraged. She wants the strongest, even if they step past others to get there… I don’t want you to risk yourself if you think you won’t be accepted in that role, but if you do… then I will help you bring down the man that murdered your uncle. ‘Gobax’ casts a few glances in Tulbas’ direction as they walk, gauging his attitude towards the proposal.


[OOC: Jaded, let me know if I’m overstepping on Grubnick’s knowledge of the Dragon Queen and her followers, but I figure this is pretty general knowledge for anyone knowing a little about her…]

[djhyland]

Arulia pales at Kendra's explanation. "Gregeddin? That...that fool is why my father was arrested? And what do you mean, 'not for a while'? How long do you suppose that will be? Will they even be released, or will the prefect...kill them?" She shakes her head in disbelief. "Even if he does let my father go eventually, it will likely be too late," she snaps. "My family is already starving; without my father we'll surely be...sent away. Maybe I can keep us afloat for a little while if I run the shop, but not for long."

After fuming and inwardly cursing Gregeddin's name for a few moments, Arulia sighs. "I suppose you aren't responsible for this," she apologizes. "I'm sorry to take out my worries on you. How have you been these last few days?"

[BishGada]

Tulbas was about to answer he never thought of the group as mercs, but then when Gobax continue speaking he suddenly becomes fully alert. "Even if I could bring him down..." he starts cautiously, "he is my only protection against the army. They hate elves and especially the few Silvanesti that had still left. Although the priestess talked about making those who will surrender priests of other true gods agents of the church and thus I could be protected even without my mentor." he says understanding he crossed the line where he could take back his words and actions. He moves casually to a more hidden location on the road and stops abruptly turning to Gobax. Taking him by surprise he asks him quickly, "Forgive me for giving little trust in others, but I find it hard to do so after so many stabs in the back. You understand that right?" he says passionately. "You are different. You risked yourself exposing your true nature to me. I'd be very happy if your suggestion could come true, but I currently don't see how it can beside finding a priest of true god that can be surrendered to the church. Or if I live in the mageware shop forever pretending to be my mentor. And even that I'm not sure is possible to pull off as the priestess can scry on people." He then scratches his head a second more and then say, "Maybe the church doesn't hate the Silvanesti as much as the Army. Maybe they will be happy to have a Silvanesti protégé just to peek their eyes. It seems they have conflicts between them." he pauses to think of the options. "In any case, don't mention our discussion to anyone. ANYONE! It is too dangerous..."

[JadedDM]

Haahqae (High Hand Inn, Common area)
There are two baaz drinking heavily in the corner, and two kapaks sitting together near the entrance, quietly whispering to each other. The innkeeper glances to them, then looks back to Haahqae frowning. "You wish to purchase my ale, then sell it at your performance? How much are you looking to buy?"

At his request to put on a show here, she frowns deeper. "I don't want any trouble here. They can get overly rambunctious when drunk. I'll need a steel piece to pay for any possible damages first."

Felran, Ne-Chanz and Shima (Haven North Sewers)
Shima approaches the door but finds it is locked with a big, very high quality padlock. It's so complicated, even Shima isn't sure if he can pick it or not.

(OOC: This lock inflicts a -20% penalty to OL.)

[TristenC]

The goblin notes his passion, but tries to keep from getting himself worked up, steady... he's been through a lot lately... Calming himself, he addresses Tulbas' final comments first. I won't mention anything... particularly since this conversation never happened... but I believe those the church is hunting are in at least as much danger as you would be if you take my meaning. It was only a question, I am not so familiar with the man in question or the church or army's view of you personally.

The Elf before him was wound tight with his situation... he could be a powerful ally if he survived his current ordeal... If we can't find a way now, perhaps an opportunity will come along eventually. My... guide... he says with emphasis, is a being of passion and transformation or renewal. I truly believe we will find a way to improve your situation, but you may have to bear it a bit longer before a solid opportunity arises... I'm not convinced pretending to be someone else will work in thia case, but perhaps I am wrong. Watching his reactions carefully, 'Gobax' continues. If you find yourself slipping or having difficulty, you can always come speak to me about it. I will do what I can... Your hesitation to trust can be an asset, there are spies everywhere, I hear. You are right that I took a risk revealing myself to you, but it is because I believe you to be sincere. The others took a risk freeing you from the cult as well... The goblin looks around, We shouldn't linger too long.

[Chris1234]

"OK, big, expensive and top quality lock here. Assuming the monsters we're looking for don't have keys for locks like that, we go south," comments Shima. "How d'you want to deal with the nest of rats? Any better ideas than just trying to step over them? Like whack the little brutes? Or maybe light the torch to try and scare them off?"

In the absence of any better ideas, the dwarf leads the party south to the rat-room continues to lead them down the southern tunnel.

[spyguy1503]

"Or... we could break the door. Who knows what is hidden within?"

[Chris1234]

"True, could do that. But the monsters haven't, assuming they're simple monsters that don't use expensive keys," replies Shima. "Your call, guys, I'm only here to help you. But remember we're against the clock here - monster clearance or you don't get your two thieving women. I'd recommend we go through the rat's nest now. We can break the lock later if we hit a dead end southwards."

Shima moves out to go south and continues unless stopped.

[HorizonsDream]

"You have every right to be angry about this Arulia," Kendra assures her with a light smile. "And I wish I had more answers for you. It took everything in my power not to strangle Gregeddin when the prefect and myself caught him trying to escape," she explains. "I tried to get him to release the trade guild, but it failed miserably. On the bright side, though, I will now be working with the prefect so I might be able to persuade him to start letting the trade guild members go. That is only if nothing else goes drastically wrong in this city though."

[mgbevan]

Gregeddin listens to Tethys' clarification, already his heart was dropping since he imagined the Prefect wasn't going to like the answers. He tries to speak as clearly and concisely as possible. "I am currently working alone, previous "employers" as it were, include the church, Magnus the black robed wizard of herbalist street, he tutored me in a spell in exchange for grunt work. I volunteered to deliver the message to you that the new taxes were starving off the business people. I didn't ask for anything in return, I thought it would be a way to rub shoulders with the right sort of people, climb the social ladder as it were." Gregeddin pauses, flicking the chains for a few seconds, "I didn't think that the meeting would go so badly. Usually a lick of charm is enough to get by. But you wouldn't budge." The bard looks between the draconians through the bars of the cell, and says flatly, "I'm broke too, for the record. And I wasn't looking forward to going back to that lot empty handed. So yes, I tried something rather cheeky." Getting back to the point he hurries out the next few sentences. "Working with: alone. Used to work with all sorts, Kendra included though you might not guess that. Next target: getting enough steel to pay my rent. My people? I didn't know that I have people. I don't think anyone I know, apart from Kendra even realises that I'm down here." Gregeddin laments this fact for a short while, finally adding. "I'm very sorry to say that I do not know of any burning buildings in the harbour district or what that might mean."

[spyguy1503]

"Fair enough" Ne-Chanz says, following.

[chese780]

(OOC: Can I try and open it, or do I actually need the skill to attempt? )

"We should move."

[Chris1234]

Hearing the replies Shima says, "Ok, let's go. Felran, I'll go ahead, steadily, so that you can keep me in sight. If you can you guide Ne-Chanz, please. I'd guess that no one's going to be able to creep up on him with his keen sense of smell, but it's kind of tough to detect a hole in the ground, or something sharp sticking out, by scent alone.."

Shima moves forwards, exploring to the south. {MS 65%}