[Session Start] [You have received instructions to report to the Blackened Blade. Your signal will be to have a piece of flame-roast with only one bite taken out of it. You will be working with operatives you already know.] [It has been several weeks since your last operation, and you have not had contact with other members of Khyber's Maw until this summons.] * Kansakhad goes to the Blackened Blade and does what has been requested * Drunik hobbles into the Blackened Blade again, looking around carefully for any faces (or cloaks covering a face) that he recognizes. * Barkeep has an expression of vague recognition. "What can I get for you?" * Drunik sees Kansakhad, nods, and orders a piece of flame-roast from the Barkeep How much will it be? "Don't have any fresh. How about a little from yesterday? Only two silvers." * Barkeep looks at Kansakhad. "And what about you?" I think I'll also have some day-old flame-roast. * Drunik shrugs and pays the 2 SP. "Excellent. I'll have the girl bring it out. Beverages?" "Might I suggest something with a strong body?" Ay, a dwarf doesn't make it to adulthood without eating worse stuff than that from time t' time And yes, some ale to wash the roast down. Something in older shape. I'll have some ale as well. "Right." He pulls up some rather musty-looking mugs and turns to fill them. * Brute pushes his way through a group of departing gnomes. "Outta my way!" He sidles up to the bar beside you. * Barkeep turns with the mugs of ale and pushes them in front of you. "Another silver each." * Kansakhad pays the barkeep * Barkeep looks to the new arrival. "The usual?" * Drunik slaps the silver on to the bar "Aye. Extra hot, and extra rough." * Brute moves to a table with two dwarves. "Clear off! This is my spot." * Drunik turns to Kansakhad. * Kansakhad raises an eyebrow * Dwarves looks half-startled, half-frightened, and half-offended. Reluctantly, they get up and move to another table. Shall we get a table or sit at the bar? I think a table may be better * Kansakhad whispers quietly to Drunik, "Well, we don't know what he's ordered yet." Unless you know what his usual is. * Dwarves carry their plates of meat and mugs of ale with them. * Drunik whispers "Who said anything about him? I meant so we'd have some more solitude" Ah. Yes, let's find a table. * Drunik gestures and walks over to an empty table. He takes a seat that gives him a good view of Mr. Brute in case any trouble starts up * Kansakhad takes a seat at the table, perferably one that puts his back to a wall * Wench carries in a large tray of food. She eyes the Brute and hurries over to him first. "Here you go, Truggle. Just like you like it." She sets down a large bowl of stew with a huge spoon resting in it. * Brute now known as Truggle * Wench looks around, eyes your empty table, and heads your way. "Fire-roast?" * Kansakhad nods. "Yup." * Drunik: Yes'm * Barkeep eyes the Wench at your table, and his eyes bug out. "Merith! Get over here!" * Wench is now known as Merith * Merith looks to the Barkeep. "Sorry, guys. I'll be right back." She rushes to the bar. * Barkeep takes out a large knife and cuts several chunks out of the meat on Merith's tray. * Barkeep takes the chunks and tosses them on the floor behind the bar. * Merith returns to your table. "Fire roast. Nice and hot." * Merith puts down two plates of meat, partially carved (by Barkeep). "Enjoy, boys." Thanks * Drunik accepts the... improved(?) fire-roast, and beckons her a little closer * Merith bends down. "Yeah?" * Drunik gives her 2 SP and tells her to bring an extra round of ale from me to the two dwarves that were moved by Truggle "Won't be strong, but I'm not sure it matters as long as they've been here. Anonymous gift?" * Barkeep brings a tall glass of vile black liquid from behind the bar to Truggle. On the contrary, let them know it was from me * Kansakhad whispers to Drunik, "We don't want unnecessary company, though, unless they're the people we're waiting for." * Merith: "Easily done." * Merith goes behind the bar to fill glasses. * Truggle pinches his nose, and blows a small line of flame from his mouth to the liquid, still in Barkeep's hands. * Barkeep nearly drops the glass. "Must you?!" * Drunik whispers back, "Ale buys friends in a barfight." (smiles) "Old dwarven saying" * Kansakhad smiles and nods "Aww, c'mon, Bitter! You should expect it by now!" He lets out a hearty laugh, shaking the silverware on nearby tables. * Barkeep is now known as Bitter "I suppose I should, at that. Enjoy." * Merith delivers the glasses to the Dwarves, nodding back at you. * Dwarves look your way, and raise the glasses, a little shaky in their grip. * Truggle glares at you. "What, not sharing all around the room? A little dwarven pussy party?! Huh?!" * Merith hurries back into the other room. * Bitter hunkers down behind the bar. * Drunik shrugs and takes a bite out of his roast "I'm calling you out, little man! Is that all you've got? Hiding in the corner?" * Kansakhad takes a bite of his roast, so he at least has something to eat before the barfight begins * Truggle heaves his form out of his seat. "It don't take much, dwarf-scum, to make friends. But you've offered even less, and made an enemy. One last chance." * Dwarves duck under the table, shaking. "Good sir, I have no quarrel with you. I'm a man of peace" * OneEaredHalfling appears at Truggle's table before anyone sees him approaching. * OneEaredHalfling climbs up on the table and whispers something to Truggle. "Dwarf! If you are peaceful, you are a traitor to your people. But I will allow you your peace if my table is on your purse tonight." * OneEaredHalfling climbs down to a seat beside Truggle. * Drunik definitely pretends to give him no mind now "Not smart, shorty!" He topples over several chairs as he makes his way to your table. * Elira appears in the doorway. "Truggle!" * Truggle stops short, and screws his face up like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar. * OneEaredHalfling looks over at Elira with disgust. He throws his hands up in exasperation, revealing the daggers he was hiding under the table. "The Blackened Blade is under the protection of the Maw. Get out." * Bitter pops up at the sound of Elira's voice. * Truggle slumps his shoulders and shuffles out, making sure to leave Elira lots of shoulder room. * Dwarves pop their eyes over the table with trepidation, searching frantically for signs of trouble. Seeing none, they return to their seats and begin the revel again. * OneEaredHalfling sheathes his daggers, waves to Bitter, and watches you with squinted eyes. * Bitter sees the OneEaredHalfling, and jumps into action, filling a surprising array of glasses with many different libations, then carries them personally to the OneEaredHalfling's table. * Elira starts toward your table. "What're we having today?" (When she is a little closer) "Leftovers" * Kansakhad starts to say something, but stops, and smiles at Drunik's comment "Looks like you haven't had a chance to get started. How hungry are you?" Hungry enough to actually eat this. Could probably do with more. Just watching the evening's entertainment "Really? I'm not one for fire-roast myself. But I might take half of yours, if I may?" "Well, maybe just a bite." She picks up Drunik's roast and cuts a piece off with her knife. She takes one bite and lays it on the table in front of her. * Elira's eyes open wide. "Whew! I remember why I don't get that, now. I'm done. Just one bite for me." * Elira pulls out a familiar orb, and places it in the center of the table. * Drunik waits until it appears to be in effect "Are you two the only ones who answered?" * Kansakhad nods. "Looks like it." Seems that way * OneEaredHalfling downs his drinks, and hurries out the door. * Kansakhad frowns. "I have a bad feeling about that halfling." * Elira: "Which halfling?" The one that was with Truggles. He was following us last time. * Elira: "Are you sure? People tend to frequent similar places. It's the way of things." * Kansakhad shrugs * Drunik: Missing an ear, I dunno. I managed to barely overhear him whispering to Truggles. He didn't sound quite like a halfling, either. "Truggle is no stuffed animal, and you would be wise to be careful with his name." Interesting (regarding the halfling), but probably beside the business at hand "Down to business. It is unfortunate that no others answered, but you will have to succeed with what you have." "You are to make an extraction." Who, and where? "There is one of my kind called Velaren d'Lyrandar. He is in his family's stronghold on business." "We need to speak to him." So this stronghold belongs to House Lyrandar... um, Stormhome, is it? "Yes. We don't know how long he will stay there. He normally runs some of the Lyrandar operations in Zilargo." Is it likely that he will come of his free will if we ask? Or should we be planning to subdue and secret him away? "I suppose it depends on what approach you take and who you say you represent." We don't know that he is the one who needs extracting Is he in danger from someone or something? "We need to speak to him, and you are to bring him. That is all you need to know." "Any more questions?" Is the Maw paying for faster travel? The north end of Aundair is a long way from here "We can arrange for travel on the lightning rail to Thaliost." "You can then travel by land or sea up along Scion's Sound to Stormhome. You will need to make these arrangements yourselves." "How far away is Thaliost from our destination? Haven't heard of the place meself" "If the guild thinks that's close enough, I expect we'll be fine, mind you" "About 400 miles." * Dwarves pass out after downing several more mugs. * Bitter shakes his head and stomps over to drag the dwarves out the front door. * Drunik turns to the others. "Unless you (Kansakhad) have any other questions or you (Elira) have more to impart, I'm ready." "Anything you think you'll need?" You said you didn't know how long he was going to be there. Since it's going to take some time to get between Thaliost and where we need to be, I'm wondering if it might be more productive to go to where he's likely to return to - Zilargo - and wait for him there. If we need to go to Stormhome, I'm not sure I have the currency to get me there from Thaliost. Travel that distance is expensive, and if time is of the essence, it'll take us a couple of weeks to walk that far. * Elira gets a fire in her eyes. "Was I not clear?! If we wanted him extracted from Zilargo, those would have been your instructions!" err.. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to question your judgment. But I'm not going to be able to get to where we need to be in a timely manner with what I have. * Elira pulls out a bag of coins. "An advance was not in the arrangements. This is a personal loan. I will extract payment when I see fit, in a way I consider reasonable. Good enough?!" * Kansakhad nods in agreement as he takes the bag. "Now, if there's nothing else holding you here..." * Kansakhad quickly shakes his head no * Elira waves her hands in a shooing motion. "Then go!" * Drunik: "Very well, m'lady" And with that, Drunik gets up and starts to leave "Keep him safe at the Hilt Overlook when you return with him." "Oh, actually" * Drunik walks back over to her. "Was there a return trip on the Rail for all three of us at Thaliost?" "Once you have him, time is less important. Get him here however you must." * Kansakhad departs quickly on Drunik's heels. "Let's stop by one of our places for a moment to determine a quick plan" * Kansakhad nods in agreement. "Care to lead the way?" * Drunik leads the way to wherever a fine, young, and poor cleric such as myself would live in Sharn [Drunik leads the way to Third Tower, where, about half-way up, sits a small temple of the Sovereign Host.] "How much did she loan you?" * Kansakhad counts the coin. "350 gold." "Get any supplies that we think we'll need, and buy fast horses after taking the Rail?" Yeah. We'd need, what, a week's worth of supplies for the journey, at least? It would probably be better to pick those up once we reach Thaliost. "Agreed. Two horses for now?" How long will the lightning rail take us to get there? "And I don't know how long it will take. Probably a lot faster than riding horseback, though" I ask because that'll determine whether we'll need supplies to get to Thaliost. I've never actually ridden the rail before, so I don't know what to expect. "Wouldn't hurt to pick up a few days of trail rations now and refresh our stock when we arrive." * Kansakhad nods * YoungPriest knocks on Drunik's door. * Drunik goes over to answer it (to Kansakhad) "I think we're about ready then. Do you have papers?" yes. * Drunik opens the door "Good e'ening, Silutay" * YoungPriest is now known as Silutay * Silutay's voice is quiet as she eyes the man she does not recognize. "You've had a visitor. Not a very nice man." * Silutay holds out a small pouch. "He left this for you, but didn't seem to want to see you." "Oh? Tell me about him." * Drunik looks over the pouch "He had a cloak whose hood hung low over his head. He just said to give you this and forget he was here." * Drunik winks and says, "And a fine job you did." [The pouch is a simple black cloth with very light contents.] "Thank you for delivering the... message. Could you be so kind as to tell the others that I'll be away for a short time?" * Silutay smiles at you. "Thanks. No problem. The work of the Host could carry us anywhere. I'll see you when you get back." "Not sure how long it will be, a lot of travel is involved." With that, Drunik frowns slightly. "The Host is indeed sovereign. They will not forget you. May their light show you the righteous path." "Thank you again, and I will pray to the Host for you and the others back here in Sharn" "And we for you." She smiles at your words and retreats back into the hall to leave you with your guest. "Shall we see what this is, first? I wonder if it is from one of our friends in the bar." * Kansakhad nods * Drunik examines the contents of the pouch [The pouch contains two slips of parchment, bearing a rune, a source of payment, and instructions to provide meals and passage to Thaliost.] Well, the Maw is well-connected. * Drunik holds up the train tickets. * Kansakhad nods. "Quite helpful, indeed." * Drunik reads over the credit note and instructions. "Well, meals are on Orien it seems. We've spent enough time here, shall we set out?" [The Lightning Rail platform is packed with people. Sharn sits at the end of one of the lines, and the arrival of the coaches is quite impressive. Huge iron tubes float several feet above a row of stones, and lightning arcs between the tubes and the stones. A huge puff of dust rises as the coaches come to a halt in front of the waiting passengers.] [As you turn in the letters of credit, your travel papers are recorded, and you are handed boarding passes. You are told that the trip should take about six days, including several stops in Aundair on the way to Thrane.] [Six uncomfortable nights later, you pull into the end of the line, a bit stiff from sleeping in a chair for almost a week.] * Kansakhad inquires as to where the best place to buy a couple of horses would be [You are directed to some stables just a few hundred yards beyond the platform.] * Kansakhad goes there and asks how much to buy two fast horses. "Well, if fast is the name of the game, you can't beat a magebred steed. Only 200 gold coins for this magnificent beast here." That is quite a beast. A bit too magnificent for me, I'm afriad. Well, we could go with the mundane, but is your purse worth the sacrifice of quality? The magebred line is far more hardy, and indeed much faster. Would you consider it if I threw in the tack?" I need two of them, though. And I'm farely certain that I can't afford two of these fine beasts. I also only need them for a few weeks. Well, I'm going to take a loss, but I suppose I could come up with some sort of deal. 375 the pair, tack included? * Drunik wanders in to the stables "I'll be right with you, sir." * HorseHandler does a double-take. A dwarf, in a horse stable? As odd as it may seem, I'm traveling with him. * Kansakhad motions Drunik over "Ah, well perhaps you can tell him what a deal I'm offering. 375 gold pieces for this magnificent beast, another just like him and the tack to properly guide them!" (to Kansakhad) "How's it going? Do they have them or not" How fast can these two ride? "Faster than anything else in our stables, for sure!" * Drunik thinks for a bit, shaking his eyeballs and head around like doing mental math. (to the HorseHandler) "If you'll excuse me for a minute while I confer with my associate...?" "Mind if we talk for a moment?" * Drunik steps away and huddles with Kansakhad. "Certainly not. I'll just be over here helping this gentleman. Don't wait too long! These could be gone in a matter of moments!" (to Drunik, quietly) "What do you think? I'd like to get something reasonably fast, since we don't know how long we have, but if I buy these two steeds, that's almost every coin I have." "I'm not comfortable with being this far from home with that little money leftover to rely on if something happens. Those aren't normal horses, are they?!" He claims they're magebred. * HorseHandler talks loudly with the next man. "Magebred, this one. 200 gold, and I can give you a discount on the tack he was trained with!" I guess it's now or never. Can you handle the rest of our expenses? "I say we get two normals as long as they are in good health. If the guild wanted us to get there that urgently, they've have provided just enough money for it" goes up to the HorseHandler. "I would love to take those two magnificent steeds off your hands, but I simply can't afford even the fine offer you gave me. How much can I buy two regular horses for? "Tack and food for a week included, I can do for 175." ok, I'll do that. "Done. Good doing business with you. Stop back with us on your way back through. I'd love to hear how these beauties are treating you!" Will do * Kansakhad pays the man * Kansakhad sends Drunik to go buy trail rations and any other supplies we need so we can get going asap * Drunik buys 10 days worth of trail rations for the two of us * Drunik asks Kansakhad if he thinks ten days for each of us is enough [Session Freeze] (brr... it's cold in here) [When last we left our intrepid adventurers, they had just purchased horses and rations for a week's ride north along the coast of Scion's Sound to Stormhome.] [Session Thaw] "I'd say we set out along the quickest path." Well, might as well go along the ocean, then. We'll be pretty visible that way, though. I suppose we'll do 4-hour watch shifts? It'll be pretty brutal with only two people, though. "Maybe slightly longer rest periods too? Neither of us want to tire our horses." Yeah. I guess we should get going, then? Unless there's anything else we need? "Not that I can think of" Ok, then, let's go... [The pair set out on a ride north along the coast of Scion's Sound. As their trip progresses, the cliff seems to descend down to a fair beach, but they do not cross many other travelers.] [They travel at a pleasant pace, trying not to tire their mounts, and taking fair time to keep a careful watch.] [Expecting that they might not have enough food for the journey, Drunik keeps a sharp eye out and manages to supplement their stores with a few natural items he finds along the way.] Well, anyways, we have a few days, but we should start to figure out what we're going to tell the guy we're supposed to bring back with us. We clearly can't tell him of the Maw directly, unless it looks like he'd be friendly to that sort of organization. But I don't know a lot about what his house does or works with, or about the guy himself, so I really don't know what would be a good idea. "I expect he'll ask who sent us if we're asking him to go to Breland." He'll ask us who sent us no matter where we ask him to go. Unless he's an idiot, which I'm not holding out hope for. "I wouldn't be much of a cleric if I let us outright lie to him about who we are representing" Maybe we could tell him we represent a trade guild based in Sharn that would be interested in opening negotiations with him or something. That isn't _too_ far from the truth. "And play the 'pitiful low-ranking couriers' card" * Kansakhad nods "She said they just want to speak with him there, right? It's not like he has to go alone and unprotected either" Well, I suppose that's true. I got the impression we would need to escort him back, but, as long as he shows up. Though, if we escort him back, there is less of a chance of their being unpleasant surprises. "Well, we are going back to Sharn either way. I meant that it didn't have to be just the three of us" * Kansakhad nods So, then, that just leaves the matter of whom we claim to be messengers on behalf of. "I thought that was decided." For when he asks the /name/ of the organization. We decided the what, not the who. "I told you, I'm not going to lie about who we represent." "Besides, how is it going to make the guild look if his possibly first experience with them they lied about who they were?" [They travel for several days, keeping watch at night, and sharing short pleasantries with the few other travelers.] I don't think Elira much cared about that detail. [One night, during Kansakhad's watch, he spies some dark shapes moving at the edge of his vision. Drunik slumbers a few feet away.] *snore* * Kansakhad quietly moves over to Drunik and nudges him awake. "I think there's someone coming." * StrangePeopleShapes starts moving toward you at a fast pace, crying out and brandishing spears. * Drunik wakes up and inches a hand towards his mace [The pair decide that diplomacy is not an option while the intruders are still twenty paces away.] * StrangePeopleShapes is now known as GoblinRaiders Oh. Goblins. Wonderful. * Kansakhad readies an energy ray for when they close within 25 ft * Drunik grabs his mace & shield in preparation for the fight * GoblinRaiders close some of the distance and toss javelins at the weary pair, striking the dwarf twice and his companion once. * Kansakhad diches the readied action and manifests force screen (quietly) * Drunik prays to Balinor to aid our fight (Obscuring Mist) * Drunik then steps 20 feet back and to the left [The adventurers are blinded by the fog which surrounds them, but they can hear footsteps approaching them quickly from the direction of the raiders.] * Kansakhad moves back behind Drunik and readies energy ray * Drunik readies to attack a goblin that gets within melee range * GoblinRaiders stumble through the fog, searching for their targets. * Kansakhad blasts the nearest goblin raider with an energy ray (fire), creating a loud shout in the process [The goblin hears the shout and ducks, sending Kansakhad's ray over his head.] * Drunik swings at the same goblin as it dodges the beam, bringing the mace squarely down on its head. [The goblin sprawls out on the ground, screaming in agony as it hits the ground.] [He begins to crawl away from the adventurers.] * GoblinRaiders home in on the noise and close with the adventurers. * GoblinRaiders land a solid blow on the dwarf, knocking him to his knees. * Kansakhad steps back 15 ft from the goblins and draws his quarterstaff * Drunik steps away from the goblins that had closed on him, and prays to the Host for healing * GoblinRaiders step into the fight swinging, but they both misjudge the whereabouts of their targets and swing wide. * Kansakhad fires another energy ray at a goblin, and misses again * Drunik swings cautiously at the goblin that had hit him last time * Drunik gives it a good thump to the side of the chest * GoblinRaiders stand toe-to-toe with the adventurers, swinging fiercely. One of them strikes Drunik a sound blow on the shoulder. * Kansakhad fires a ray of fire at the goblin in front of Drunik * GoblinRaiders is now known as GoblinRaider * GoblinRaider rolls away from his assailant, attempting to put out the flames on his tunic and flee from certain doom. * GoblinRaider takes a final swing at Drunik, and failing to connect, decides that it would be prudent to retreat with his life. * Drunik tries to tag the raider in the leg as it flees, but is unsuccessful [Having defeated the raiders, and shrouded in the protective fog, the adventurers are able to assess their situation.] * Kansakhad does not look well * Drunik offers to provide some healing to Kansakhad, and checks that their supplies are still there and in order * Kansakhad nods. I'd appreciate that. [They are not bothered again that night, nor for the next few nights. They arrive at the northern tip of Aundair without further incident.] * Ferryman greets the party as they ride up. "Mornin', gents! To Stormhome?" * Kansakhad waves to the Ferryman. "Aye!" "What business?" * Drunik gestures Kansakhad to answer We are meeting with Velaren d'Lyrandar on behalf of our employers. "And who do you represent?" A trading guild in Sharn. * Ferryman looks at Drunik. "You sure it's just a trading guild? You have a familiar look about you." I don't think that's possible. I've never been up this way before. "Family, maybe?" * Kansakhad shrugs. "Who knows? I suppose it's possible." "It's possible. Though I'm here on the guild business" "Alrigh', then. Keep your secrets. I'm just a stupid ferryman. One gold each, if you please." * Kansakhad gives the Ferryman two gold * Drunik hands the Ferryman a gold as well. "I've never met the man before. What is Velaren like?" * Kansakhad rolls another gold piece around in his fingers "Nor I. Favoured family travel in and out via safer means than mine. Though I expect he's very business-like, what with running all that business down in Zilargo." * Kansakhad continues to roll the coin around in his fingers. "Is there anything else you can tell us about him? Or how we might most easily set up a meeting with him?" "It's a bit odd that you'd want to meet him up here. Where did you say you were from?" Sharn. I thought it a bit odd too, but, I'm not in the habit of questioning my superiors' decisions. "That behaviour will make you popular with your superiours and open you up to a lot of danger. Though I suppose that's a trade some are willing to make." * Kansakhad nods "Anyway, you could just ask at the keep. I'm sure someone knows where to find him, and the channels you'll have to go through." Do you get many visitors that take the ferry across? [The ferry lands on a stony beach. All around the island are large black storm clouds, whipping up huge waves that break against the shore. The ferry ride was rather calm, however, and the island itself has clear, sunny weather. The light is temporarily increased periodically by a crack of lightning in the storm that surrounds Stormhome.] "Numerous enough to keep me happy. Ah, Stormhome. Here we are, gents!" Ah, well, thank you for the ride. * Kansakhad tosses the Ferryman the gold coin he was playing with as he departs the ferry "Thanks, friend!" [Stormhome is a large island, home to all of House Lyrandar's operations on Khorvaire. The keep is imposing, but the grand iron gates stand partially open with guards outside. The surrounding lands are storm-beaten and barren.] * Kansakhad goes up to the gates, and then through them, nodding acknowledgement at the guards, if they don't make a motion to stop or question us * Drunik does the same "Halt. Business?" We intend to meet with Velaren d'Lyrandar on behalf of our employers. "Strange place to come looking for him. What makes you think he's here?" My employer told me to meet him here. "and this is the House Lyrandar stronghold, in any chance" "True, but Velaren is to be found in Zilargo. Though I don't suppose it would hurt to try to book passage down there from here. Likely the fastest way, anyway. Go ahead in." He's not here? Do you know when he left? "He has not passed this gate in years." * Kansakhad looks at Drunik, concerned "Huh. Well, we may as well book passage back then." Allright, well, thank you for the information. * Drunik grumbles about wild boar chases under his breath but loudly enough for the guard to hear * Drunik heads inside * Kansakhad follows [As you enter through the substantial gates, you pass into a ginormous courtyard with hundreds of people moving about. The most eye-catching piece is a huge ship moored to a stone pillar in the center of the courtyard, floating thirty feet off the ground. Its center is surrounded by a ring of flame.] * Kansakhad turns to Drunik. "I bet it'd be nice to fly on one of those." "Ai, it is an impressive vessel" [There seems to be a great deal of activity centered around the vessel floating above the courtyard.] well, I suppose we should find an official-looking place and enquire as to how we might locate and arrange a meeting with Velaren. "Agreed" [There is a tent set up in front of the mooring pillar. There are tables set up inside, and a multitude of papers strewn across them, with several harried-looking people seated behind them.] * Drunik heads over there * LyrandarKhoravar looks you up and down. "Rides aren't free, for you or your horse. Do you have the cash?" Actually, we were looking to arrange a meeting with Velaren d'Lyrandar. We were told he was here. Do you know where we might go to take care of that? "He's probably overseeing the loading of cargo. Over there. Not much time. Do you want to ride or not?" How much does it cost? "All the way to Zilargo?" He looks you up and down again. "Not in your budget." * LyrandarKhoravar shoos you away. * Kansakhad goes "over there" and attempts to find Velaren * Drunik does the same * RegalKhoravar is dressed in expensive fabrics emblazoned with an elaborately curving design. He is talking to another Khoravar. * RegalKhoravar waves his hands at a stack of boxes, and points at a paper in the other Khoravar's hands. * Kansakhad walks over to the RegalKhoravar. "Hi. My name is Kansakhad, and this is my associate Drunik. We're trying to find Velaren d'Lyrandar so that we might have a few words with him on behalf of our employer." (When it looks like an appropriate time to do so.) "Just a moment." He points to another stack of boxes, and again to the paper. "Good job. Just finish up these here, and we'll be all set." * RegalKhoravar is now known as Velaren * Velaren turns to Kansakhad. "I am Velaren. What's going on, now?" "No problem, hope we're not overly intruding on your time." "Not at all. You said you came looking for me. Why here?" Our employer, a trading organization in Sharn, requests your audience. They would like to meet with you in Sharn. "I am not in charge of business in Breland. Who did you say sent you?" I understand, however my employer was quite specific in that they wanted to speak with you. "I am not bound for Sharn, and unless you give me good reason, I do not intend to redirect my course." "Your employer can come find me in Trolanport." "They were quite insistent for us to come find you here as opposed to Zilargo or Trolanport, but gave no reason to us other than they had to speak with you." "And your good reason would be?" "Certainly, you did not travel all this way and expect to say 'Please come to Sharn instead of going home to your family' and have that be enough to convince me?" "Whether there is a business opportunity for you, or something urgent or secret, there may be but I honestly don't know. I just know we were sent from Sharn and spent a good deal of time and our own money getting here" Our boss, also a Khoravar like yourself, wanted to discuss a business proposition of the utmost importance with you. "I understand that you have gone out of your way, and your boss may be of my race, but I am bound to family first, and my duties lie in Zilargo. I am a patient man, but you are wearing my patience thin. Who wants to meet with me so urgently?" Her name is Elira, if hopefully that might mean something to you. "Nothing. What group does she represent? One of the other Houses?" "Brelish royalty?" (turns to Kansakhad) "We don't know that she is the one who wants to meet with him." "A trade guild called 'Khyber's Maw' down in Sharn. From what little I've seen they do deal with the Houses." * Velaren 's eyes widen a bit, drift to Drunik's holy symbol, and a smirk crosses his face. "A servant of the Host with the Maw? Don't make me laugh. That's enough. I'm a very busy man. Move along, little priest." He tells but the truth. "Surely the righteous need not a witness as much as the wicked." * Velaren turns to walk over to a group of workers loading boxes into a net. "You come with jokes to waste my time. I don't know what you want, but my time isn't worth wasting on liars." * Kansakhad brushes aside a fold in his traveling cloak to reveal to Velaren the maw's dagger * Velaren turns back quickly. "Who did you get that from?" Not sure. Showed up in my room after I completed a mission for the Maw a few weeks ago. "Ai, the same" (eyes his dagger which was sheathed but conspicuous) "Stay here." Velaren hurries over to the tent and speaks with one of the Khoravar inside. He points to you, and to your horses. They start to raise voices, but Velaren soon silences him and nods forcefully. * Velaren returns to you. "I have work to do before departure, but please go speak with Godil. He will make your arrangements." * Kansakhad nods. "All right. I take it the destination is Sharn, then?" "For a quick stop. I can't be gone too long, and this ship is not inconspicuous, or long-missed." * Kansakhad nods. "I understand." "I'll leave you to your duties, then." * Kansakhad nods, or bows, or whatever is appropriate. "Thank you for agreeing to see our employer on such short notice." [A luxurious journey of five days awaits the pair and their mounts. Upon arrival, Velaren heads to the Hilt Overlook, with no small amount of distaste in his eye.] [Upon returning home, you find sitting just inside your door a small bag of valuables, payment for your services.] [Session End]