Month 2 - Into the Border Zone

[Doby]

~ Citadel Forge, Administration and Treasury Sub-station ~

~ Month 2, Day 6: Mid Afternoon~

"Um, no one speaks common?  I can see about getting an interpreter over here..." he says as he looks to both sides of the counter, though you don't share his view as whatever or whoever he is looking at is on the other side of the wooden wall.  His gaze eventually circles back to the group, and he taps his finders nervously on the counter.  "Ok, let's just try this.  New to town? That's 5 gold a person for the paperwork costs," he speaks intentionally slowly and clearly, and holds up five fingers and a gold coin he has nearby, then points to each of you.  "Another gold for the ponies, and two for horses and donkeys.  And 2 gold each will pay taxes for a week."  He does some quick math, and finishes with, "53 gold, if I'm counting correctly."  He smiles broadly hoping someone in the group understands enough to pay him and be on your way.  "I will need names though, for your passes.  N-A-M-E-S!" he repeats loudly and slowly.

[Pheonixfire]

 

Draco Tiras
Male NG Human (Brass) Eldritch Scion Magus 1, Arcane Duelist Bard 1 (Aristocrat 0), Level 2, Init 3, HP 21, Speed 30
AC 18, Touch 14, Flat-footed 14, CMD 14, Fort 3, Ref 5, Will 4, CMB 0, Base Attack Bonus 0
+1 Rapier +4 (1d6+3+1, 18-20/*2)
Explorers outfit donned under Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition None
Speaks Common
Speaks Draconic

 

Draco was busy pouting and didn't really respond to the clerk yet. Then he starts speaking slowly and that grabs his attention, and then pauses at the amount of money required. "Right, Sorry, was miles away. Yes, that sounds about right. Do we get a list of the local laws and stuff as well? And I'm Draco."

[TheFred]

Nancy has been more than a little nervous about the trip to the Citadel, but it seems safer than Crossroads and, well, last time they went anywhere they were attacked by a dragon, so it would be hard to beat that.

Besides, they need supplies; even before the extra kobolds there were just too many hungry mouths to feed.

The logic of it is one thing, though, and the reality another. Nancy eyes the guards, officials, and general populous nervously from beneath a large hooded cloak. Ever since they approached the gate she'd been uncomfortable, heightening to a kind of terror - not the terror of almost being eaten by a dragon, perhaps, but a different kind of fear. Her mother had always kept her away from strangers, and though by now the escaped slaves and former guardsfolk had gotten used to her horrid appearance, these people would likely not be so welcoming. Besides, the last thing any of them wanted as unwelcome attention or prying questions.

"Perhaps we should have offered that man a bribe..." she muses, though she doesn't say it too loudly. Honestly, she isn't quite sure how to offer a bribe, or whether the guard had been interested in one - but, as galling as the notion is, it seems preferable to this... inspection.

It's clear that Quim, too, isn't comfortable here, but at least he blends into the background. Nancy hangs back near where he's busying himself with the wagon, keeping her head turned away so that the Citadel man can't see her scaly red skin.

[Robot]

Ingrid Hearthkeep

Female LN Dwarf Battle Shaman 2, (Adept 0), Level 2, Init 0, HP 32, Speed 20
AC 19, Touch 10, Flat-footed 19, CMD 10, Fort 3, Ref 0, Will 5, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus +1
Masterwork Heavy Mace +2 (1d8+2, 20/x3)
Masterwork Breastplate (+6 Armor, 0 Dex), Heavy Shield (-2 Nonproficiency Penalty, +2 AC)
Abilities Str 15, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 15, Cha 10
Condition None
Speaks Common, Dwarven

"Nothing for it then," Ingrid sighed heavily and fished in the heavy purse she had taken from the chests and bundles spread across the pack animals and the wagon they had brought along.  "Draco Tiras, Nancy Netherwater, Ingrid Hearthkeep, Coalscuttle no surname, Vannan no surname, Quim no surname."  She laid out the coins in stacks of five with the care and precision that only someone that had done work as an auditor or coincounter might manage.  The price of doing business here was higher then the coin indicated, they just didn't know what the underlying costs would be at the end of the tally until they had taken stock of the place.  She already didn't like that the entrance fee was significantly more than most peasants made in several months.  That a week's taxes was more then some light metalwork took.  The Citadel must thought highly of itself.

 

[Basil_Bottletop]

Regardless of what he was actually doing at the wagon, Quim was being rather obvious with his vigilance of the goings-on at the counter. The low rumble of constant noise made it hard to hear every word, but he caught enough to know that the proceedings were going well enough. 

 

He heard his name and it caused him to stop pretending to tighten one of the leather straps on the wagon. He'd thought to suggest pseudonyms, but the idea sounded far too complicated and perhaps a bit overzealous. In either case, it was too late. His paranoia was his own to deal with now.

 

Quim kept himself busy while Ingrid counted coins. He wanted to make sure that when the group returned to the wagon, they could get away quickly.

 

 

[Doby]

~ Citadel Forge, Administration and Treasury Sub-station ~

~ Month 2, Day 6: Mid Afternoon~

"Draco...Tiras," the man says quietly as he fills out a small slip of parchment, then copies the name down again on a larger piece.  He does the same as Ingrid repeats everyone's name.  Once he takes the gold from Ingrid, he stamps each slip and slides them over to her.  The slips are heavy paper, designed to last longer and be hardier then a simple sheet of parchment.  The slips have some basic info, such as everyone's race (or apparent race), approximate height, and any notable features (Nancy's reads, "horns").  The slip has spots for additional stamps on the back, each of which would indicate that taxes were paid for the time frame indicated.  The man smiles politely and nods his head, "Thank you, and have a nice day," which is clearly meant to indicate that his business with you is concluded.

Your attention is drawn back near the gate, where the guards were milling about in strangely high numbers.  "Rebel attack, Southwest, near Diller's Mine!" One of the guards calls out, which causes a large group of at least a dozen guards to charge a nearby stable, mount up on barded horses, and rush out the front gate, nearly trampling a group of travelers just inside the gate in the process.

It doesn't take more than a few seconds for activity around the gate to return to normal.

[Robot]

Ingrid Hearthkeep

Female LN Dwarf Battle Shaman 2, (Adept 0), Level 2, Init 0, HP 32, Speed 20
AC 19, Touch 10, Flat-footed 19, CMD 10, Fort 3, Ref 0, Will 5, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus +1
Masterwork Heavy Mace +2 (1d8+2, 20/x3)
Masterwork Breastplate (+6 Armor, 0 Dex), Heavy Shield (-2 Nonproficiency Penalty, +2 AC)
Abilities Str 15, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 15, Cha 10
Condition None
Speaks Common, Dwarven

"Diller's mine."  Ingrid commented to herself with a shake of her head as she guided the lead for the wagon's horses slowly into the city proper.  Not all was well here, and Tyras' furtive comment on the way of things in this place suggested that the problem was systemic.  It wasn't the appropriate time to get involved in the troubles of another sovereign state, but eyes wide and ears open was a fine thing in any place.  When the wagon was parked, animals stabled, and they had been largely unburdened of their immediate responsibilities (read; goods and coinage secured in a well locked room), Ingrid turned to the others and clasped her hands in front of her.

"Keep your papers on you, and dry.  Consider having them lightly waxed to protect them.  If asked for them, be courteous and brief."  She paused to organize her thoughts and took a deep breath.  The smell of real civilization was intoxicating in its own right.  Flax and coal, the distant ring of hammers, so many voices picking out a-one was difficult at best.  "Draco, please no embellishment.  It doesn't matter if the story sounds good, if it's proven false you could be put in irons, or worse, fined."  At that she made a face.  "If the truth serves just as well, leave it at the truth."

Quim had been largely quiet, tending the puppy aboard the wagon.  Probably for the best that the animal not be left to fend for itself.  Would've been better had he left it back, but she wouldn't make comment on it.  They seemed a good pair for each other.  "Do not travel alone here, I cannot stress that enough.  Coal and Nancy should stick with one of the rest of us, in the event that race or deformity becomes issue.  I've some secondary business here for Suliyah that I can attend today, barring incident I suggest we price today and shop tomorrow to begin the trip home."

 

Edited March 1, 2023 by Robot (see edit history)

[Doby]

~ Citadel Forge, Administration and Treasury Sub-station ~

~ Month 2, Day 6: Mid Afternoon~

There are larger, more popular inns, but Ingrid seems more comfortable with something a little quieter, and it doesn't take too long to find a smaller, quieter one not far from the city entrance.  After talking with the staff for a few minutes, the group is comfortable enough and everyone unloads.  The owner offered to store the valuables in the main safe and provided a proper receipt indicating as much.

Ingrid spends a bit of time asking around about local affairs and business concerns.  Hoping to find a lead on a particularly good place to purchase or trade goods, all she can determine is that the general market is her best bet.  There are many manufacturers and distributors in the area, and these businesses have to keep prices comparable in order to remain competitive.

Fortunately for Ingrid, she's able to get an idea of the location of Suliyah's family without too much trouble.  They smithy is a smaller one, but known enough that she is able to get specific directions easily.  From the way people talk, the business has had better years.

Edited March 2, 2023 by Doby (see edit history)

[Pheonixfire]

Draco Tiras
Male NG Human (Brass) Eldritch Scion Magus 1, Arcane Duelist Bard 1 (Aristocrat 0), Level 2, Init 3, HP 21, Speed 30
AC 18, Touch 14, Flat-footed 14, CMD 14, Fort 3, Ref 5, Will 4, CMB 0, Base Attack Bonus 0
+1 Rapier +4 (1d6+3+1, 18-20/*2)
Explorers outfit donned under Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition None
Speaks Common
Speaks Draconic

 

Draco huffs. "It was all true. Those were most of the major, good points that happened. Since I last had my papers at least. Although they'll have to talk to the people back at the tower to verify it's the truth and maybe I should have made sure to state explicitly what happened as a separate incident. But condensing several months of stuff into under a minute is hard to do and I may have left out certain things and let others piece things together. But those truths would have made things a lot worse so I embellished a little. Isn't that a good thing for us as long as it's not hurting anyone else or an outright lie?" He then mutters out. "Or at least anyone really relevant that we care about. We're technically bad publicity and reputation for certain groups and really don't want to go back to them."

Although there was more wisdom in pairing up. So he does nod in agreement at that. Now the question is, who should pair up, or if they should split up at all?

[TheFred]

 

Nancy eyes her paper dubiously.

Horns.

Well, it is impossible to disguise the fact... even with her hood up, it's rather obvious, and the offical had likely caught a glimpse when she hadn't been looking away. It doesn't really matter, she supposes... he didn't say anything about it, after all. It's just a little strange to see something about her appearance written down so explicitly.

"I, um... we should get what we need, and leave," she suggests, trying to focus on the here and now. "The sooner we can get supplies back, the better... and I'd rather not spend any longer here than we have to, either." 

 

Edited March 3, 2023 by TheFred (see edit history)

[Robot]

Ingrid Hearthkeep

Female LN Dwarf Battle Shaman 2, (Adept 0), Level 2, Init 0, HP 32, Speed 20
AC 19, Touch 10, Flat-footed 19, CMD 10, Fort 3, Ref 0, Will 5, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus +1
Masterwork Heavy Mace +2 (1d8+2, 20/x3)
Masterwork Breastplate (+6 Armor, 0 Dex), Heavy Shield (-2 Nonproficiency Penalty, +2 AC)
Abilities Str 15, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 15, Cha 10
Condition None
Speaks Common, Dwarven

"None of it needed to be said at all, our names, and maybe our business."  Ingrid corrected Draco sternly.  "We do not want to be memorable, or noteworthy, and the more interesting our story is, the more attention it draws to us.  We are here for supplies, that's it."  She exhaled long and slow.  "Please, please, just mind your tongue while we're here.  The letter of the law is the strongest rope to hang oneself with.  The Clans have bureaucracy thick in their blood..."

With a shake of her head, Ingrid gestured for Vannan to accompany her, and started into the bazaar.  She assures herself it's a city, they'll be fine as long as they listen, but admittedly the verbal scuffle with Draco has her uneasy.  Nothing definitive came of her search for a good bargain, but the markets did have a reliable mix of goods and the areas were well lit and policed as far as she could tell.  Finding the smithy, she let herself into the shop casually to have a look at some of the wares and to assess how to broach the subject.

 

[Basil_Bottletop]

Quim didn't take the motherly scolding well. He gave the dwarf a snarled look and opened his mouth to protest but was laid low by Draco's own rebuttal. Quim hadn't even noticed that Draco had lied, nor did he properly care that he had, but to see him align his defense in such a way felt like proper penances.

 

When Ingrid returned the reprieve with more stubbornness, Quim thought to remind her that this was his city and he'd been the one that spoke up in the meeting back at the tower about coming here. He didn't need a mother hen to peck at him or Draco. But instead, he watched her dash off with Vannan and leave them alone in the street to commiserate. When the moment came, Quim didn't feel like it anymore.

 

"So we're not sellin' things today. So what are we allowed to do?" He asked those still standing there. 

 

 

[Illogictree]

Coalscuttle

Coalscuttle Kobold Paladin 2 || Guardian Tier 1 LG AC 21 HP 24/24 Speed 20ft Str 11 (0) Dex 13 (1) Con 11 (0) Wis 10 (0) Int 9 (-1) Cha 15 (2) Attacks Dagger +3 (1d4), +1 Longsword +4 (1d6+1), Light Crossbow +4 (1d6) Mythic Power 5/5 (+1d6)

---

The kobold has been very quiet and clinging close to Ingrid or Draco as the mood took her. It's been clear from the look on her face that she finds the whole situation overwhelming. The duergar factory had been noisy, true, but it was an orderly, regimented noise, with a sort of familiar rhythm that permeated everything going on in the facility. Instead, in this city, there was a chaotic clamour of hundreds or thousands of individual things going on, each disconnected and moving to their own beats or lack thereof. And so many people! It was impossible for her to grasp how so many people could get around without some form of organization!

Quim's question shakes her out of her reverie. It's quieter in the inn, and she finally has space to think.

The kobold thinks back to one of the first things they'd seen entering the city. "What are 're-bels'?" she asks. "The guards seemed quite excited about them."

[TheFred]

 

Nancy shrugs at the others. Ingrid and Draco's disagreement lingers in the air and the new boy, Quim, doesn't seem comfortable about it... but Nancy had been so caught up in her own thoughts that she hadn't really been paying all that much attention.

"We're here to get supplies, aren't we?" she asks. At least, that's what they'd all been talking about - feeding the ever-growing number of mouths back at the tower. Ingrid always seems to be the one with the plan, though, and whether she has anything additional in mind is impossible to say. "We shouldn't worry about any rebels... we already get caught up in too much of other peoples' business as it is! The last thing we need is to draw attention to ourselves." 

She pulls her cloak around more tightly, wishing there was some better way to conceal herself.

[Basil_Bottletop]

Quim tucked his thumbs into his belt and tried to look more the part he was trying to portray. "Rebels are folks that don't agree with something about this place. Could be something big, could be nothing. Sounds like maybe they are acting on it." By the look on his face, it was the best answer he was going to offer in mixed company. 

 

An idea struck him like a lightning bolt. He'd not considered it even once before standing here, but now it felt like the most important thing in his entire life. "If this is your first time here, let's go get some perogies. If'n he's still alive, there's one guy who makes the best."

 

In that instant, the Quim they had come to know vanished and in it's place was the youthful teenager that had introduced himself to them during their first days at the Tower. He tugged at Nancy's cloak as he passed her, sure that if he could convince her to join him...he could get them all.