Tulbas' Vignette

[JadedDM]

After saying his good-byes, Tulbas set out that very afternoon, leaving his backpack and most of his money, spellbook, and other equipment in his room, taking only his weapons and a few coins.

He walks toward the harbor district. The sun above is largely hidden, not bringing much more warmth than the morning had shown. This was the 'bad part' of town that his uncle previously had always warned him to avoid when possible, and now he was deliberately walking right into it. Sailors, longshoremen, and shady looking folk wandered the streets, more than a few taking notice of him, but none bothering him yet.

Finally, he found himself on River Way, the southern most street in Haven that ran parallel to the Haven River.

[BishGada]

Tulbas only now realizes how exposed and unprotected he is. Never being in this area before he didn't imagine it could be that bad. He glumly thinks of Keira who had to live here through her childhood, and then he sees the other miserable people around. Seeing an old crippled beggar, Tulbas hands him three copper coins and bless him quietly, then continues his walk trying to look certain enough of himself on one hand and avoid attracting too much attention on the other hand.
Tulbas first intension is to avoid being trapped in deadend streets being pursuit, glad that he is here at daylight, he uses the last few hours before darkness to explore the streets to find routes which will be crowded enough for him not to be assassinated. He also looks which street will be most illuminates later at night. If all hell break loose, he can always jump to the river, but obviously this should be the last resort.
As he walks through River Way he tries to look at the warehouses for any signs or people movement that will reveal the warehouse the followers of Darewind are assembling their meetings at.

[JadedDM]

As Tulbas wanders up and down River Way, hoping to find a clue, his keen elven ears pick up a bit of conversation that piques his interest. "The Master welcomes you, brother..."

When he turns toward where he heard the voice, he spots a pair of guards standing in grey robes at the entrance of a small and somewhat dilapidated looking warehouse. They stand aside to allow another person in grey to enter, then quickly resume their positions to keep others out.

[BishGada]

Tulbas quickly looks away and tries to find a spot where he can watch that place for a while hidden from the guards eyes as much as possible. He tries to estimate the guards age, and whether they are military trained guards or just a couple of goons. He also tries to see what let people in, some gestures, spoken password, or just their enthusiasm to follow The Master. Especially he looks if some of the people who are let in looks as if this is their first time there and what helped them get in.

[JadedDM]

Searching around, Tulbas notes a building across the street that would serve as a good perch for him to observe from. His keen elven sight and hearing would allow him to observe the guards without must risk of being spotted or heard himself. Finding some crates in the back, he uses them to climb up to the roof and lies flat on his stomach, peeking over an awning for the next hour.

The guards, a male and female humans, both appear rather young, maybe in their late teens or early twenties. Their robes conceal any weapons they might be carrying, but at one point Tulbas notices they are wearing leather armor under their robes. He also notices that everyone they let in are wearing grey robes, as well. Every now and again, he spots someone entering without the robes, but in every instance, they are accompanied by someone who is in grey robes.

[BishGada]

'I thought as much' Tulbas thinks to himself, 'Current members bringing new members... well, I'll have to trust my luck, and maybe prepare a good excuse for the reason I want to join the worshipers'.

Tulbas climbs down the roof, cleans himself, then approaches the male guard. Keeping a respectful distance from the guard, but yet such that will allow him speak in low voice, he opens conversation by saying quietly, "Hello. I heard about this meeting place in the Steel Tankard. I've also heard about Darewind's healing powers. I seek to join The Master worshipers ranks, but unfortunately I know no one in person already following the Deity." With that Tulbas waits for the guard answer, already preparing his reasons for joining the cult.

[JadedDM]

"Wait here," the female guard states. She looks to the male. "Go get Nora." The male nods and steps inside a moment.

He returns a short while later and beckons to Tulbas. "This way. I will take you to our leader."

[BishGada]

"Thank you." Tulbas humbly answers and follows the guard.

[JadedDM]

Tulbas is escorted inside. He sees a large hall full of people in grey robes--perhaps fifty or more, but it's difficult to get an exact count as he is quickly ushered away to a small office and led inside.

There he encounters a woman, perhaps in her late twenties or early thirties, with short black hair and hazel eyes. She's dressed as a warrior, and two additional warriors stand at her side, keeping a close eye on Tulbas but not in anyway participating in the conversation.

"I understand you wish to join us, young man?" the woman asks. "I am Nora; I'm in charge here for the moment."

[BishGada]

Tulbas considers whether to explain at length what made him come here, but then decides to keep things simple and see how it goes.
Seeing the woman hadn't extended her hand for a shake, Tulbas follows her example. "Hello Nora, I'm Tulbas Erogund, it is a honor to meet you . Yes, I'd like to join you." he answers shortly.

[JadedDM]

The woman, Nora, coolly looks Tulbas over before speaking again. "You have no sponsor, as I've been told. But you still wish to join us? Why is that?" she asks politely, her face not betraying any emotion.

[BishGada]

Tulbas, already prepared for the question answers honestly, "Well... the Old gods has abandoned us long ago... And now, if there is a god that looks upon us, I'd like to serve under his watchful eyes..." he says, his look a little bit dreamy. "I would like to be able to help people at need, whether by magical means or others, and after hearing about Darewinds' miraculous healing abilities I thought here would be a good place to start doing so."

=====================
(OOC: Tulbas might still have the benefit of the cantrip he had cast to make himself more charming, but even without it he is still being honest.)

[JadedDM]

Nora shows the first sign of emotion, a bit of surprise, which she quickly tries to conceal. "Magical? Do you have arcane skill?" she asks. "You seem rather young for that," she adds.

[BishGada]

Tulbas keeps serious countenance, even that he is a little bit amused. "Well, I'm not that young in human terms."

"I have some arcane skills, but nothing like Darewind's. I wanted to hear in the meetings about The Master, his ways and the group intentions. How do we worship him? What actions are we taking? Are we pro-refugees or helping both refugees and Haven's original residents."

[JadedDM]

"'Human terms?'" Nora asks, puzzled. She approaches Tulbas and with a quick motion, takes hold of the back of his hood and pulls it back, revealing his elven ears. Her eyes widen--only slightly--as she takes the sight in. "An elf...Silvanesti, if I'm correct? Fascinating."

She smiles pleasantly. "Well, I'm sure you have lots of questions, but since you have no sponsor, you have to perform a little task before you can join us. As luck would have it, we are in need of someone with arcane abilities, too. I assume you know how to sense the auras of magical items and spells, yes?"