CH. 3: Mages, Mages Everywhere

[BishGada]

"Right. And yes, I did want your opinion too. So let's go to the harbor. We should find where the 'Salmon' is docking or will dock, but avoid, if possible, asking about it directly." In order to avoid farther delay, Tulbas takes the lead and heads to the nearest docks.

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OOC: first, which are the closest docks, the eastern or western docks? second, is it common for a group of six people to walk the streets? If that's suspicious we would split and after searching the docks re-group.

[JadedDM]

With that decided, Kendra lets her family know she is heading out, then joins the group as they head up to the eastern docks.

They arrive around Sixth Watch. There's a chill in the autumn air, and the swift running water of the river looks freezing; not that anyone would be bold enough to check and make sure. The clouds above are still dark and heavy, but so far they are holding back the rain...at least, for a time. There is a heavy smell of fish everywhere.

There are several boats tied up in the harbor and longshoremen work to load or unload their cargo before they set out again. Homeless people can be found in abundance, too. Most are huddled up together for warmth in alleys or sitting against old buildings, staring across the river to the elven lands with forlorn looks. Some try and fish in the river with makeshift sticks and string, but they seem to have no luck in catching anything and many are chased away by the sailors and longshoremen anyway.

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(OOC: The eastern docks are slightly closer to their current position. A group of armed adventurers isn't necessarily suspicious, but it is conspicuous. On the flip side, this is the more dangerous part of town, and being in an armed group is probably safer than being alone.)

[mgbevan]

Gregeddin surveys the docks in front of him. That smell was rather off putting, he hoped it wouldn't linger too long after they left.

"The ones left fishing have probably been here a while, they may have noticed new boats coming in or at least know the lie of the docks. And we'll remain fairly anonymous if we talk with them."

[HorizonsDream]

"These homeless people might have notice something too," Kendra points out. "For a lot of them, this is basically their home."

[BishGada]

"Yes, but each one of these people will sell us for a copper without thinking twice. The Ergothians might have paid someone at each dock to watch if anyone asks about their boat. Let's first try to look at the boats' names ourselves and listen to the longshoremen and fishers talks." Tulbas suggests.

[djhyland]

Darga shakes his head. "If time is so important, then searchin' fer our boat will take time we don't have. An' if we don't find th' boat in time, these people 'sellin' us out' won't matter. I say we start askin'."

[JadedDM]

"Well, we need to do something; standing around talking about it won't get us anywhere," Kynaston points out. "Should we split up and try all three tactics?"

[djhyland]

Darga nods and looks at each of his companions. "Ya have th' right o' it, I think. I'll ask about this boat. Who wants ta come wit' me?"

[BishGada]

"OK I understand, still try to ask if they have seen some new boats around here, and let them volunteer the information about the name and the crew description. If someone asks why are we questioning we can say we are waiting for a delivery of supplies from New Ports." Tulbas suggests. Then, "Kendra and Darga, go and ask the homeless people, Kynaston and Haaque, you go and ask the longshoremen, Gregeddin and I will check the docks. Lets regroup in 15 minutes and if nothing is found head to the western docks."

[HorizonsDream]

"Looks like I'm with you," Kendra says to Darga as she takes the lead. She approaches one of the homeless people, in hopes of not scaring the person out of their wits. "Excuse me?"

[mgbevan]

Gregeddin affirms, "Good, let's get cracking then!"

With a nod to Tulbas he begins to stroll along, "We should get a little distance from our meeting place, I reckon we try at down there." as his arm gestures in front of them.
His strides lengthened and meandered while his head and gaze floated freely around their surroundings, giving off the impression of a gleeful wanderer absently taking in his surroundings.

[JadedDM]

Kendra seeks out a solitary homeless person. She spots a man wearing a heavy but ragged cloak and hood, bundled up alone on the stoop of an old building. He looks to be in his mid-twenties or so, with unkempt brown hair and dark eyes and the beginnings of a beard from lack of shaving. When he sees Kendra and Darga approaching, he quickly gets to his feet and tenses, as if ready to fight or flee.

When Kendra speaks to him, he seems to calm down a bit, but still remains on guard. "What do you want?" he asks, nervously glancing to the swords on her belt.

[djhyland]

As Darga and Kendra approach the waterfront, Darga steals a sideways glance at Kendra. "I'm sorry we showed up at yer house," he says. "I didna know that ya were gonna come later, an' th' elf lad was anxious ta find ya."

In the shadow of the building, Darga holds out a hand to the ragged man to show that he means no harm. "We ain't gonna hurt ya. We're lookin' fer a boat called the Salmon. Kin ya tell us where it is?"

[BishGada]

Tulbas keeps few steps behind and to the side of Gregeddin. He keeps a steady stride, so anyone looks at him would hardly notice he is searching the boats, but with his keen eyes he manages to catch the boats' names with a quick glance as he passes by their side.

[HorizonsDream]

"Or if you have seen it," Kendra adds on to what Darga asked.

OOC: I will have Kendra answer him on what he had to say about showing up at her house. It didn't fit in with what was going on right now.