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Rekindling the Last War

E

Eladrass

Moon
Joined
Mar 16, 2009
The sun was barely peeking over the horizon, shining the few rays it had left over Graywall's eastern walls. The common races of the eastern quarter were left in the shadow cast by the great fort. The tame lands to the east seemed to began their slumber as the moon started to slowly rise, as the wilder lands to the west seemed to stir. The fort stood as the great divide, easily portraying contrast between wild and tame, of Law and Chaos. . .

The "Lawful" end of Graywall was just starting to quiet down and the normal evening traffic was slowing, until only the rare, daring, individual walked the streets or a band of Tharask-employed guards made their patrol. Patrols became common sight at this time, and were known to stop any wandering drifter, asking for their papers. The "Chaotic" end of Graywall , however, was just becoming louder as the nocturnals stirred early in their "morning" .

But this contrast wasn't thought of much, nor was there a second thought given to the other end of Graywall at the Bloody Tail Tavern. Races from all over; traders, merchants, travelers, off-duty guardsmen, and the occasional adventurer drank the outside world away and spoke only of their looming travels, the immenent dangers they had faced, swapped old stories and bards' tales of fame and fortune, and even a few placed bets on the impending bloody battles of the arena the next day. Musics' loud, drink in plenty, and all things common place and common ground in the lands of the Unaligned.
 
Talia Nethar rounded the corner to THe Bloody Tail Tavern in Greywall. Not my most favorite of places, she was thinking to herself as she past a group of "lesser races" as she liked to call them. Perhaps my informant will have better information for me tonight. He better I'm tired of these useless leads. Waisting my time is only a small mishap but I dont think he will be needing another reminder after last time. She laughed. It has been way to long in this area for me. Im not so sure he is coming, she said as she pulled out a piece of parchment from her bag. Another name to the list i see.
 
Aro was tapping his fingers on the table, lost in thought despite the noisy Bloody Tail. He had gotten here early, much too early to be considered prompt even. He wasn't risking being late, not after last time. A shiver found it's way up Aro's back."Last time," he remembered. There was something slightly unsettling about a female elf threatening -promising- to castrate you and use your family "jewels" as currency with the monstrous humanoids across town, the ones that were just starting to stir. And that was just for showing up late!

Normally he would have skipped town, but there was something, some odd satisfaction about pushing his luck with this one. He knew she was a double-edged sword, not to be crossed. He also knew, that her type didn't forgive nor forget easily, and her type, the kind who knew her way around the Droaam wilderness better than most, wouldn't let him slip through her fingers. No, he decided to rough this one out. He'd spent good money and lots of time to get this information, and it was good information. He'd stumbled across a hobgoblin who came back from the Great Crag, who spoke of ruins, Dhakanni by the sound of it. And there was even more to it. Yes, Aro, was actually quite confident, eager to share his news with the elven mistress. He smiled to himself smugly in the corner of the Tavern and sipped his cool ale.

But any sign there had been of any smugness, any hint of confidence Aro had, it disappeared abruptly as he spurted out the ale,mid-swig in surprise. Talia stood but a few feet away, standing there, watching him with her hand on her hip.
"Oh!" he coughed, "Miss Nethar, what a pleasant surprise", Aro choked out, trying to compose himself."I have some good news that wont disappoint!"
 
A long time ago i can still remember my childhood, but as far away as it seems it still haunts me to this day. I always thought that the word Justice never really rang true to its meaning. Justice the example that was enacted on my family did not seem so much like justice at the time. More a self conceived lie to deny that what you are about to do is wrong to the core of your being.

Well That was a long time ago indeed and i have learned far more about what the implications of justice are. In my time I will expose this "justice" to its true reality. Tyranny I plan for my bow to ring true and set forth the war to end them all. I cannot wait to see all the ants burning in front of me...

Aro your late again, Talia said, jockingly as she scanned him up and down for any hints of treachery. I see that you learned your lesson at least im not quite sure the second session would have been as enjoyable. Well for you that is.
Talia scanned the tavern for any onlookers than sat with her back proped against the wall ready for anything. Have you any news for me? she asked as she waved her black hair out of her face to reveal the scar that had troubled her since her early days. I hope it is worth being in town cause i am getting tired of finding new informants all of the time. I am almost ready to just... well lets not go there for the time being.
spot1:8+9=17
spot2:13+9=22
 
Aro seems unarmed, sporting only light leather. He has a mug of ale in front of him, as well as a small pouch, assumed to carry enough silver for the next few mugs of ale. You also notice his hat on the back of his chair, with a red feather-quill tucked into the ragged and water-damaged rim-belt. He wears worn explorers clothing and has a leather cloak draped around his shoulders. His hands are covered in leather gloves, both on display having returned to their rhythmic tapping.

Talia notices the busy tavern in all of its lack of glory. It's nothing special, round tables taking up most of the floor room, with booths pushed to the sides and corners of the tavern. The Tavern seems very full, similar to the last visit here. Music fills the air and even for your elven ears, it's hard to hear a conversation more than ten feet away. Most everyone seems to be absorbed in their own business, laughing, joking, and drinking. Only a few residents don't seem very lively; a elven half-breed with a copy of the Sharn Inquisitor held up in front of him, a pair of hobgoblins sit at a booth across the tavern closest to the bar, sipping drinks tiredly, and a quartet of off-duty guardsmen; 2 Humans, a half-orc and a Hobgoblin -whose attention you grabbed when you entered the tavern, but returned to playing 3-Dragon Ante- sit at the largest booth. No, no one seems to be intent on overhearing your conversation.

Aro simply reveals a nervous smile at Talia's attempt for a joke. He lifts the mug of ale to his lips to rehydrate his now dry throat. "Would you like a drink, m'lady?" Aro offers as he pushes over one of the full mugs on the table
"Like I said, I have good news. Something right down yer alley actually. Aro shifts in his seat and slings one arm casually over the back of his chair, a smirk pulling at the edges of his lips, while his other arm reaches out and his fingers beckon for payment.
"We agreed on 9 pieces o' silver, a discount for me. . . ineptitude on the previous bit o' information."

{Give me a counter diplomancy or intimidate, your choice}
 
"Perhaps another time but your generosity is appreciated." She said Laughing at the thought of Aro trying to be on his best behavior. Talia Shifted forward in her chair brining her brush covered cloak closer into herself. " 7silver will be the price. The way i see it is you get to walk away with your more precious god given silver pieces. Call it a tax if you want, but this information better be worth my time or your jewels will be the last of your worries."
She shifted back in her seat again comfortably fiddling with the feathers on the arrows she had come so close to in the last century. "It would have been far more appealing to me had you given me any idea as to what sort of information i was dealing with."
intimidate:16
 
Aro brings the hand demanding the silver pieces back to his 5'o clock shadow, stroking the scruff that's been accumulating for the past few days. Aro hadn't expected her to be THIS difficult. He was going to have to talk to bloody bloke who referred her to him. That rat would be paying more than 7 silver pieces for bringing HER business! Aro went to drink more ale from his mug, only to realize he'd finished it already. He didnt drink this fast, not unless he was nervous, which he was. But even then. . .

Aro breathed and considered his options. This WAS very good information he had for her, and he was already giving her the price of a life time, but she unnerved him. Not many did this to Aro Stormcollar. Aro refilled his mug and took an actual swig.
"Fine,"he said after a moment."But ye didn't 'ear it from me. . .Ye're in luck, ye wanted a bounty and I found yeh one. Ug'rath Stonefist, leader of the Stonefist Ogre clan -or what's left of it anyway- has been raidin' caravans. About a dozen supply wagons and a few wagons carrying smuggled House Cannith arms and armor."Aro, with an eyebrow raised, paused to take a sip of his ale which was now warming his entire body.
"And there's more. . . The Hags 'eard about this and was wondering why 'e wasn't payin' taxes, given 'is recently acquired spoils. Lets just say there's a double bounty, and it has a few. . . perks. " Aro continued excitedly. He laughed and sipped his drink yet again while gazing intently at Talia, gauging her reaction reaction to the news. He KNEW she'd never heard of such a thing before, and he now felt this information was sufficent, if not facinating.
"So...," Aro coninued slyly,"About those 'Nine' silver pieces,"he pressed, emphasizing the amount.

{Bluff check to maintain a poker face DC = Opposed Sense Motive}
 
"I believe i have found my new informant, for Greywall at least. Perhaps you could keep an ear out for something more specific for me?" She said as she finally grabbed the mug in front of her. "This is news to drink to indeed" Talia stood up holding the mug in front of her and downed as much as she could stand. She had never acquired much of a taste for ales. She sat down and produced a gold piece from the pouch she kept hidden under her brush covered leather."I believe this will be payment enough. As for my other offer are you willing to work for me on a regular basis?" Talia said this thinking to herself I can't believe in order to make this war i would have to ally with those i hate most. It disgust me this world we are in, but this will be a great cog in the wheel to towards my justice.
 
Aro smiled, relaxed and casually took another drink of ale. He was happy to see he'd not only escaped her wrath -for now, at least- but had gained a reliable client. He knew toughing this out would pay off, and an adventurer like her was bound to bring in some interesting news, treasure and the Hosts know what else.
"I'm glad to be of service, ye can always count on Arogose Stormcollar of Karrnath to be yer loyal informant!"Aro exclaimed with a slight bow of his head.

"I suppose this means ye'll want the rest of the news then,"Aro stated rhetorically. Aro then leans over the table and brings his voice to a near whisper."Both the Brelish and the Hags want one thing. . . Ug'rath's death! The Brelish dogs and them filthy Hags are offerin' a small fortune, each fer showin' proof of Ug'rath's death. The Brelish simply want 'is -it's- head as proof of Ug'rath's demise. Simple 'nuff. The Hag's, 'oweva, want sumthin' a lil' more. . . ornate as proof, claim to the Stonefist's greatest treasure, the Skull Scepter of the Stonefist, Aro swallowed hard as he finished his ale and set it down with a solid thud, shaking his head as if he could shake the dizziness that had started setting in.
"The Dogs offer 450gp, 17sp, 21cp after the Kings Tax, the Hags a straight 500gp," Aro said as he smirked. Aro liked numbers.
"There be one other player I 'aven't researched yet, one that would be the most dangerish to crossh, but the most rewarding as well," Aro breathed quietly, slurring his words that reeked, potent with ale. It was actually quite surprising that one as tipsy as him could speak so quietly. He pauses to glance quickly around the room cautiously before speaking again.
"Houshe Cannith." Aro held his breath and read Talia's reaction to the suggestion, hoping he hadn't crossed any unspoken, unwritten lines. He didn't know much about Talia, not as much as he'd like to anyway. He barked at a waitress for another drink while awaiting Talia's unascertained response
 
She sat in contemplation after his last statement. Could this really be? i have waited for such a long time to avenge you brother. Let's see how much Aro can withstand, or will he buckle and bow before me as he should? At this thought she spotted around the bar again to make sure that her surrounding were safe still.(spot 9+11roll=20) "So Arogose Stormcollar of Karnath" she said as she looked him square in the eyes to make sure that he understood she would not tolerate any misinformation for the questions she was going to ask. "Are you directly involved with the third party? If so i will not accept the job second hand. House Cannith and I see some aspects of life and death." She smiled sadistically at Aro. " I want you to tell me who you are connected to inside of House Cannith. If you understand me correctly now you have one of two options ahead of you. Comply! or I will hunt you down and kill you and all those with whom you would associate as friends or family. Many people have come to this crossroad with me and my arrows but no matter how fast you run they will be following right behind you." At this point Talia was back to her emotionless state she had banished herself to over the years. No one is worth time of day unless they are malleable. Then my friends you will be indeed, or at least so it seems.
 
Talia looks around and find nothing of threat around the tavern. You wait a moment for the silence to pass as the bard finishes one song and then begins another
Arogose was caught by suprise by Talia's request. He paused for three reasons; partiallially in fear, partially in surprise, and partially in amusement. Aro smirked for a moment behind his mug as he sipped his ale. 'Nothing calms nerves like a nice mug of liquid courage,' Aro thought to himself.
"M'Lady, no need to be rash! Ye musht understand that the confidentiality of mi contacts are mi whole business!" Aro rebuttled bravely. "Alas, m'lady, I do not have any direct contact with Cannith Shouth. I was simply offering mi services to gather information for yeh. But if ye like to speak with them yerself, I've no quarrel to point yeh in the right direction, for a more than reasonable price." Aro took another drink, finishing his ale, and then set it upside down on the table, signaling he was done drinking for the night and awaited the unhappy response he presumed was on it's was. . .
 
At the end of Aro's statement Talia allowed the pure disgust she had for him withholding information from her.Well time to see another name to the list. He is already to much of a liability as it is. Pfft Scum all of them are scum, and he will dealt with accordingly. She stood up and pulled the brown cloth she normally had covering her face back into place. She continued to glare at arrow as she pulled her cowl of her shrub cloak over her hair that seemed a black void. After continuing her glare for a time longer she gracefully weaved out of the tavern without a second thought to how Aro her newest mark was thinking...
Talia moved to the outside of the tavern and immidiatly started looking for any places to hide for a good ambush on arrow. She didn't want his name to be on the list longer than his worth. (spot 9+16roll=25)
 
"Hey, where are you going?" Aro flinched as Talia got up quickly and weaved out of the Tavern.

You hear Aro call out to order another drink as you leave the tavern. The alleyways on either side of the tavern are blocked off by wooden walls, decorated at the crown with razorwire. You are able to notice alleyways between most houses except for the houses directly across the tavern, with the same decorated walls. Each house in this area are about 15ft at their peak with slanted roofs that keep the rain in the gutters (3ft in fron of every house). The tavern is the only exception, being two stories and roughly 30ft at it's highest. A balcony sits 15ft high to the west of the tavern entrance and you notice two gents smoking tobacco with one hand and sipping liquor in the other.

As you look to the east, towards the town square, you notice the guard patrol that passed you on your way into the tavern. They seem to be coming back your way, to the west, as far as one can tell headed to the THarask HQ located 200ft down the road to the west at the head of a fork. There are 5 guards, and two of them escort a prisoner in manacles. The other three guards each hold a lantern (Everburning Lantern, as you're familiar with) and have weapons drawn. The patrons on the balcony dont seem to notice you or the patrol, too caught up in conversation.

There are everburning lanterns that line the street, granting 10ft illumination and 20ft shadowy illumination past the original 10 ft (or for low-light visions, 20ft / 60ft). The lanterns are placed 30 feet from one another and are staggered to have one on one side of the street and another 30ft down and across the street. , ' , ' , ' , ' , as such.
 
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