[DnD 5e] Homebrew high fantasy fun in Etindra!

[StarSiren]

The Trouble With Trolls

New Emerald City was not the largest city in Etindra, but it wasn't the smallest either. It had all the staples of a booming town, complete with a notable crime lord and an underbelly. But this was to be expected of a settlement in the middle stages of rebuilding. Construction was part of the daily grind in New Emerald City, and it allowed for a constant flow of traffic and commerce into the city.

There were several recommended establishments for food and drink, and a number of Inns and Hostels throughout the city. New Emerald City even boasted a progressive Boudoir: Elven Whispers. This exclusive establishment, run by the Eternal Madame Meril and frequented by the local aristocracy, is the first of it's kind in Etindra: a brothel owned and run by the only legal guild of sex workers. The Sisters of the Night are the highest class of escort available and their screenings for both applicants and clients are the most rigorous in the country.

Naturally, after giving everyone some brief directions and recommendations, Chett suggests you ask the governor about invitations to Elven Whispers, if that's your cup of tea. He gives you all the address to his home near the center of town and requests that you dinner elsewhere tonight. He'll have to charm the Missus into letting the lot of you stay, after all.

With the sun bright overhead and dusk a few hours away yet, there is time to explore for anyone who wishes it. Chett does mention that the Governor's Office is only open for a couple more hours. So perhaps, lunch at Steak N' Ale and a stroll down Market street to acquaint yourselves with the town before visiting the Governor?

Other than the bustle of construction, the people coming and going on the streets are much the same as those found anywhere else. What you do notice, however, is the unusually large number of homeless. Some walk with their belongings in sacks or pulled in carts, others are huddled in alleys and against vacant buildings. Some look angry, others fearful, but all have the glint of hopelessness in their eyes.

As the afternoon wears on, it becomes apparent that a visit to the Governor should happen sooner rather than later. If the office closes before you make it there, you'll have to wait until they open again in the morning.

 

[Illven]

Heather for her part, started rubbing her hands under the sleeves of her full wizard robes as the afternoon went on. "Weal, and nothing. That was in my dreams last night." She murmured quietly.

Heather for her part, looked over most of the group with disinterest, the male gnome seemed to catch her attention with the look of wizardry clearly on him. That would be something to talk about on longer nights.

The female gnome had been the subject to much squeeing from Heather. Calling her adorable, so cute, and etc.

But the main object of her attention had been the beautiful red-head who Heather's gaze kept flicking too, and when the red head wasn't looking checking out her chest.

"Do." Heather replies coughing to clear her throat. "Do... um.. by chance... uh... do you remember me?" She asked blushing as she suddenly found it very hard to look the girl in the eye.

 

[DiscretionarySilence]

It had been a long time since Aradis had anyone to talk to other than Neville. Under other circumstances this might have led him to chatter nonstop, but the overwhelming number of people here in the city combined with the feeling of suddenly being recruited for a cause he hadn't known existed was all a bit much. Most of the time spent talking with Chett was spent with him in silence, occasionally muttering under his breath and apparently to himself. It wasn't until they were out on the streets again that he began to relax a little, his voice growing a bit louder. "Quite some trouble we've wandered into, isn't it Neville? Don't give me that look, you know as well as I that it was your idea to come out of the mountain. That's no cause to be so smug."

The only creature he may have been talking to was revealed occasionally when his steps made his robes shift, revealing a small clockwork frog tied to his shoulder by a bit of old string.

 

[lilithsboy]

Dalren's eyes never cease moving as he calmly walks down the market street taking the measure of everyone around. Instead of availing himself of the local tavern as suggested he heads straight for the Governor's estate, speaking calmly and clearly to the three with him along the way.

Look at the people here, many have lost hope. I want each of you to start teaching anyone who is willing how to be most useful.

Gareth in the morning I want you to have a plan of action to get us a steady stream of provisions begin with canvas small lumbers ropes and medical supplies. Get runners and show people how to find the best quality product for their money make funds stretch we are going to sell all our things at cost to people in need here.

Fedrid, I believe it best to build tents for the time being not only can people take them should this area fall but we can house far more in a shorter time than if we were to build more permanent structures. I want you to oversee that, mind I said oversee not do it.

Deloris, you and I are going to be up to our old tricks again want you to get ready to start making medicine and reminding people about hygiene, the last thing we need is sickness making its way here it will get to the guards and able-bodied fighters, any injuries, of course, we can see to on a case by case basis. I want you to start by teaching those who are willing how to make soaps and medicine, you need not show them how to actually heal unless you suspect they have a talent, it would take far too much energy to try and train everyone in everything.

All of you, when you need me find me I would rather repair broken items then find new I will enchant potions to heal, whatever you need I put myself at your disposal but I want these people to learn they are not powerless do this with as little outside interference as possible make these people understand they are not powerless that they still have vast amounts of untapped potential.

Dalren visibly straightens an almost tangible air of purpose and entitlement settling around his shoulders like a cloak. The old habits he allowed himself to shift back into falling away as he goes from Dalren concerned citizen to Marquis Parathaegeous of Ashos.

 

[pods6827]

As Roland made his way through New Emerald City he couldn't help but notice the large numbers of homeless that were present, if you knew where to look for them. He'd given a few coins to one or two since arriving there that morning but it seemed as though for every one he helped three more took their place. Shaking his head slightly, the young man perked up as he heard mention of a place called Elven Whispers. Perhaps he'd make his way in that direction at some point...

Parting ways with Chett Roland decided to head in the general direction of the Verdant Leaf, thinking that perhaps he'd get a drink before going to see the Governor.

 

[StarSiren]

Hazelthyst knew adventurers when she saw them. Partly because it was her job to know, partly because only 3 types of people wandered into New Emerald City: the destitute from the Troll-riddled lands up north, likely victims of a raid.. the workers from the local estates and steadings here to work or sell their wares.. and the nobles sent to see the governor, or visit the Boudoir. Adventurers had an entirely different look about them, no matter if they were high-born or the lowest of low. She called it the glint of wanderlust.

It was this description that she had shared with the town guards so they would better know who might me in town to aid with their crisis, and who was here for other purposes. She couldn't watch the gates all the time in search of help, so she asked Chett to inform her when anyone showing promise might pass through the town. There had been several alerts recently, but none as promising as the few who had just entered.

Hazelthyst assumed they were strangers to one another, despite their nearly exact arrivals. Some seemed chatty while others were more observant. As Chett was speaking to each of them in turn, he sent a runner to find Miss Haze. It didn't take the boy long.

Hazelthyst watched the travelers react and respond to the news they received. When Chett dismissed them into the city, the gnome woman approached.

"Hello. Welcome to New Emerald City. I'm Hazelthyst, call me Haze, and I can take you to see Governor Elim Matisse." She spoke with an air of authority, considering her small size. At first glance, one might assume she were a mage of some variety, due to the shimmering nature of her amethyst pauldrons and the periwinkle tunic she wore. Upon further inspection, however, that tunic was split at the sides, up to her hips, to allow for greater mobility and underneath it she wore grey leather leggings. The amethyst breastplate on her chest was also clearly meant to be protective rather than decorative, and when viewed closely it did seem to provide ample torso coverage for the small female. A grey leather holster belt was fastened around her waist that supported a scabbard for some small, pointed instrument of death (like a dagger) along with several closed pouch compartments. And the gloves she wore were not of cloth or mail, but of leather. They provided extra support to her wrists, as well as the pointer, middle finger and thumb on her right hand, but the palms were uncovered as well as the pinky finger on her right hand.

Clever deduction might lead one to believe she was an archer of sorts, but she did not carry a bow or a quiver. At least, not yet.

As she walked alongside the group, she made a point of moving their attention to the various interesting places they passed on the way to the Governor's Office.

"There's the Verdant Leaf. Finest pub in town, if you ask me. They have shows three times a week, usually musicians or theater folk looking for some publicity. Steak & Ale is just down there. They are purely an eatery.. I highly recommend the Big Boar Salad. Emerald Market carries a variety of common goods at fair prices. The Copper Shop is a resale store. You can always find a deal there, as long as you don't mind buying someone else's used items. At Bertha's Emporium you can find all manner of unusual and exotic goods, weapons, armor and clothing. Bertha's even offers transportation services. She fancies herself as a 'one-stop outfitter' for travelers. Gwendolyn's is the place to go for jewelry and magical services. The herbalist is just there, where it says Good Earth. He's been stretched to the limit lately with all these immigrants pouring into the city. The Guild Embassies are over that way. You can see the intricate masonry rising above the skyline. And that gilded building at the end of Market Street is Elven Whispers. It's by invitation only, so you'll have to be invited if you want to go inside."

As she walked and pointed out businesses of interest, Haze noted that not everyone was listening. One young man was giving orders to a few cohorts that had been trailing in his footsteps. Another was more interested in certain named places than the overall 'tour' that Haze was providing. Market Street was approximately one mile of the best shops, bars, inns and restaurants in town. There were other establishments in this city of 4200 people, but Market Street represented the cream of the crop. It was also on the main road into town, which intersected the city center like the spoke of a wheel. And at the heart of it all sat a fine house surrounded by a large courtyard and tens of feet of green, lush grass.. all behind a 10 foot tall wrought-iron wall with sturdy brick columns at 30 ft intervals.

"The gated mansion up there is Governor Matisse's Estate. I'll make sure you get an appointment today, so meet me there by the guardhouse when you're ready. And keep an eye on your belongings. There's a lot of desperate folk out there." Haze took her leave from the travelers and headed for the aforementioned guardhouse.

 

[east]

Marius had just been passing through, on his way to the Verdant Leaf, lute strung along his back and a happy tune in his whistle, when he passed by a group of adventurers being addressed by a gnome, at the moment he seemed to have been caught among them and counted with their number, since there seemed no immediate objections to this idea, Marius looked around, he had nothing to do this day, his coin purse was not nearly as full as it could be, and these lot were apparently throwing in with the governor.

Well why not? He had no reason to not tag along, and the women in this group were a cute lot. They seemed eager to do something, and since he had been mistaken for one of their company (a rare feat in his case) he figured that he could at least throw in his lot with them until such time that someone corrects him. When they spoke of belongings he nodded. It was best to travel light at any point, that was why his gold went to better uses, though he had kept a small purse on him.

"Sounds good." Marius said agreeing to meet up with the Gnome later. Though he did step forward from the group. "Actually I don't have much to do, would you mind if I accompanied you on whatever errands you have to do in the meantime?" He was a local, but he had never actually dealt with the nobility of this town, he was a busker, and an occasional musical number at the Leaf. Which yes had been his goal up until this point today, but he wasn't on the stage, he was just going to go there to drink, and maybe find some company, this on the other hand sounded like a call to adventure.

~~

[ooc: Hi, so I made my character a local, which kind of meant that it didn't really work with the origin story of the group, so... I play this quote from the gamers, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIaIdv79Xz4 ]

 

[mystictiger]

Midian takes in what he sees with an impassive, unblinking green gaze. The despair felt familiar - the sense of fear and of change - were like old friends. Cities were always teaming with misery, decay, and injustice. Emerald City - despite the name - seemed to have nothing emerald about it either literal or metaphorical. Heavily draped in a cloak, he stood at the back of the group, watching and listening intently. He always stood at the big. He'd be in the way otherwise. They had their routines and their rituals. He did not understand it. Yet. But he would have this tour, and he would show he had listened.Once it was clear that the others were done, he spoke up:

"Thank you, Hazelthyst. I have questions if I may. Is it a salad made out of a big boar, or a large salad? Also, what is it that the elves whisper? I do not speak their tongue, so would not understand it"

His accent was slow and deliberate; the words sounded strange, coming as they did from a mouth and a throat designed for very different sounds.

There was little a thief might want to take from him, mostly because he probably had less than the refugees and the urban poor that crowded around them. Well, maybe not him in particular. There was an avalanche coming. Saving pebbles would do nothing.

"Actually I don't have much to do, would you mind if I accompanied you on whatever errands you have to do in the meantime?"

"There is indeed much to do in this city. Many hands do not spoil the broth. Or is it that many chefs make light work."

 

[lilithsboy]

Dalren waits patiently for other people to ask her questions once they are done he begins speaking though he is steadily traveling toward the Governor's Mansion the entire time.

Ms. Haze a moment of your time if you will. Someone in your line of work has to have your finger on the pulse of this town and you know its ins and outs. My companions are here to help as such we do not want to encroach on anyone's business. We intend to hand out medicine and emergency supplies will such actions hurt the business of Good Earth or some stalls in the Market? Furthermore, would Bertha be a good person to speak to about having goods shipped to this location? And is there a way to get messages across long distances quickly here?

I Dalren was indeed paying attention he simply was multitasking.

 

[Illven]

"If you wish... certainly. But I uh don't have much in the ways of plans besides talk to the mayor." Heather comments with a cock of her head.

 

[Tenshi]

Rini Hostler

On the way into town, the young redhead had located a berry bush. "A moment, I pray you," she'd said to her newfound companions.

Kneeling over a blueberry bush, she'd said a quiet prayer, faint light pulsing from her hands. Then she'd carefully harvested exactly ten berries. To her own eyes--wide and adorable living emeralds with saphire rims--the blessed berries had a soft golden glow, so she knew which one's to gather.

Then she'd headed into town again, staying close to the girl with the well coifiered ink-black hair and spectacles. Heather hasn't said anything yet... Does she even recognize me?

She probably doesn't remember. It's been four years...

As they passed through the walls and collectively met their guide and potential host, a ginger tom cat gave a soft purr as he moved between Rini's legs, brusihg against one calf, then the other. He looked at the spirit-cat traveling with Heather and sneezed.

"You keep doing that, Strut," the redhead inquired, lifting the big cat onto her shoulder and letting him drape over the back of her neck with a relaxed purr before hopping up to a rain gutter and stalking them along the roofs.

The female gnome had been the subject to much squeeing from Heather. Calling her adorable, so cute, and etc.

But the main object of her attention had been the beautiful red-head who Heather's gaze kept flicking too, and when the red head wasn't looking checking out her chest.

"Do." Heather replies coughing to clear her throat. "Do... um.. by chance... uh... do you remember me?" She asked blushing as she suddenly found it very hard to look the girl in the eye.

Emerald eyes blinked, and rosey lips spread into a wide grin. She gave a little happy bounce and threw her arms around the other girl. "Of course I remmeber you, HEather! I was afraid you'd forgotten me!"

She gave the other girl a kiss on the cheek and stepped back, grabbing her hands. "We have so much to catch up on, really! Did the Duke ever stop trying to make you ride that stallion?" She shivvered, "Seriously, putting a child on Marduke's back! What was his Excelency thinking? My father could barely control that horse!"

She trailed off, noticing antoher homeless family, this one with three children. "Oh. Give me a mometn please. We really should see the Governer soon, but I need to do this."

The young redhead moved over to the refugee family, her staff in one hand, five berries in the other. She walked straight up to the father, slipping the staff into the crook of her arm and slipped a berry and a golden coin into his hand. "I'm a priestess of Chaunteah, sir. Please allow me to offer your family a blessing."

If he didn't run her off, she took his wife's hand, and then each of the childrens', saying a quick prayer for their health and renewed prosperity. She slipped a blessed berry into each of thier hands.

If they ate, the family would find the pangs of hunger and first fading as if they'd eaten well for a day, and that their blisters and bruises were soothed as well.

On the way to the mayor's house, she paused a few more times, offering berries and blessings to other homeless. It wasn't long before she was out. The redhead gave a saddened sigh and glanced at her new compaions. "I should have prepared more..."

 

[DiscretionarySilence]

Aradis jumped a little in surprise when another gnome approached, his gaze fixated upon her as she spoke to the group. His gaze perhaps lingered a little longer than it should have, but after so long in the mountains he was finding it more and more difficult to remember just how to be social without being inadvertently terrifying. Ultimately he nodded along with her suggestion to guide them towards the governor's house. "Thank you very much," he said slowly, the words coming slowly. "Neville and I would be happy to have a guide, and a tour of the city would be most appreciated. It's been quite some time since I've...well, since I've anything."

For the most part he was quiet as they walked, looking around as if trying to memorize every detail of the city. For a few moments his gaze was focused upon the young women who seemed to know each other, curiously watching as one passed out magical berries. "I can create berries," he said aloud when she lamented she hadn't prepared enough for all of the city's refugees. "They don't last very long, perhaps it wouldn't work for you. But I could try," he added, once again looking at her a bit too long. There was no malice in the eyes, merely forgetfulness and social awkwardness.

 

[StarSiren]

The influx of responses was encouraging and Haze addressed the questions all at once. "You are of course welcome to come with me to make the appointment. You all are. Governor Matisse is a busy man, but he always makes time for travelers willing to help."

To the Dragonborn, she chuckled. "Haha, the Big Boar Salad is a large salad served with three skewers of grilled Wild Boar meat and a savory horseradish dressing. And I don't know why it's called Elven Whispers.. persumably to invoke a sense of mystery. But I have never been inside. It's a.. well, let's just say your gold doesn't last long when you visit. I have heard of many nobles spending more at Elven Whispers than they would on six months worth of food for their estates." His attempt and mix-up of several common sayings brought another chuckle to her lips, but she only nodded in agreement.

Dalren's questioning was definitely to the point, and hit the matter at hand directly on it's metaphorical head. "Yes, I have been monitoring this town for several weeks now, though most of my observations have come from those I trained as scouts. It hasn't been until recently that I've been able to see the suffering with my own eyes." She took note of the companions he mentioned and spoke up to avail his worries. "If you have the supplies, tell the Proprietor at Good Earth that I have sent you. He will be grateful for the assistance. He only has two employees, and they are his own son and daughter. They have been working tirelessly for weeks to treat the people of this town and supply the newcomers with aid, but he is fighting a losing battle and since he is not magically gifted, he must rely on what the land provides. I cannot speak for his children, but I know if you present yourself as an ally he will gladly welcome you. I do not know how this will impact the various peddlers of natural cures and herbs at the market, but hopefully with more healers on hand it will dissuade the Black Market racketeers from getting rich on their snake oil schemes. And yes, Bertha is the woman to speak to for shipping and long-distance messages. She has various services on hand of both magical and non-magical means."

The male gnome spoke up then, from near the back of the group and Haze found herself smiling more than usual at him. It was always nice to see another of her kind out in the world, but it made her miss home. Still, this one was pleasant, even if he did have an odd habit of staring too long. "It is my pleasure and my duty. I cannot expect you to care for a city if you know nothing about it's people and it's struggles. I have only learned of the situation recently myself, so there are still undercurrents that even I am unaware of."

As Haze answered questions a desperate family caught Rini's attention. The father was ashamed that he needed to seek help for his family, but they hadn't eaten in a day and had been too afraid to sleep the night before. It was with tears in his eyes that he accepted the redhead's generosity, and following his example, the man's wife and children did as well. The berries, while small, were the most nourishing and delicious things the family had eaten in days. The coin was also appreciated, but it was the berries more than anything else that they were grateful for. Each person that Rini helped gave her the same look of hope and salvation.

Now that the questions were dying off, Haze marched forward to the gate house in the distance. Those who followed her might note the rigorous way in which she held herself or the level of respect she seemed to command out of the Governor's Guards. The guard inside the gatehouse stood at attention while Haze approached. "Afternoon Miss Snowzapper, what can we do for you today?"

When Haze spoke with him, her words were precise and to the point. "These travelers are requesting an audience with Governor Matisse. I'm here to make sure that happens."

The guard bent and checked a board hanging just inside the gatehouse door. "He has an opening in two hours. I'll write you in."

"Thanks. I'll see you in an hour and a half then." With the appointment scheduled, she turned toward the group. "Well, we have an hour and a half. I suppose you're free to go about your own business and we'll meet back here." It wasn't a question. As the group moved back toward Market Street, she made a suggestion. "The Verdant Leaf can be a good source of information. We can head there if you like. I won't have time to do another patrol before our audience and I would prefer to stay somewhat near the estate. Not every part of town is as nice as this one."

---

---

As the group moved slowly from Governor's Circle back into Market Street, many of the hollow faces turned away. Those with too much pride to beg or too defiant to ask for help held their gazes stalwart against the charity-givers. But not everyone shared the same notions. Many children peeked out from behind skirts and pants with hungry eyes and hopeful hearts. Some of the younger ones even ran about, playing with each other in the road as though they had been lifelong friends.

One group of children didn't seem to care about the travelers and played tag and chased each other into and around the people lingering or walking in the road. One child no taller than Dalren's waist tripped and plunged headfirst into the Holy Man. The boy quickly brushed himself off and apologized at least a dozen times in accented Common before scampering away to catch his buddies.

Another child darted between Marius' legs and blew raspberries at an older girl who appeared to be monitoring the kids. The teenage girl huffed in frustration and chased after the child who was using Marius as a barrier. She was pretty in a homely sort of way, but could do with a bath and new clothes. The child poked her head around Marius left side and then his right, teasing the teenager. Just as the older girl lunged to grab a wrist, the child burst into laughter and ran away further down the street. The teenage girl cursed and righted herself, but as she did so, the sun glimmered off of something shiny between her fingers. Somewhere in the group, a noise was uttered and the teenage girl startled, dropped the coin and dashed off into the throng of homeless lining the streets. Two copper pieces lay on the street by Marius' feet.

As the rest of the children play their way through the group of travelers, four of them bump into or otherwise momentarily distract one person each (Rini, Aradis, Heather and Roland). Two of them manage successful bump and grabs on their marks (Heather and Roland), but not without Dalren noticing the attempts. The only attempt witnessed by everyone is the child who tries, and fails to pickpocket Aradis.

Just as quickly as the children appeared, they vanish into the crowd. Some have gotten away with loot, while others slipped up and escaped empty-handed. Three copper coins lay on the ground by Aradis' feet. Six more silver ones are scattered in a three foot line away from Rini.

 

[pods6827]

Roland listened as the group he'd found himself conversing with conversed, the gnome who'd greeted them giving them all a brief explanation on the various sights and locations worth visiting in New Emerald City. While he'd been thinking about visiting the Verdant Leaf but since this Hazel was going to help them get a meeting with the Governor he figured that he might as well join them. He could always see the sights after setting up the appointment after all.

Once the appointment was set up he looked at Hazel as she mentioned some potential places to wait. "I was planning on visiting the Verdant Leaf anyway, so I'd be willing to wait there for a time." The noble watched as a number of children ran and played around the street, smiling as he saw them enjoying themselves in spite of their situation. One of them bumped into him and he smiled down at the child...That is, until he saw one of them attempt to pick the male gnome's pocket! "Oy!" he called out, looking around as he heard the light clink of coins hitting the ground, "What's going on here?"

 

[Illven]

"He- he- hey." Heather replied her cheeks turning crimson as the teenaged girl bumped into her. "M... m... my name is." She started before the girl started going off.

"Oh...." She said a little dejected, before turning back to Rini, as the child tried to pick the pocket of one of her new allies. "Yeah. Do we need to um... get your sister or something?" Heather said wanting an excuse to talk to the girl again.

 

[lilithsboy]

Dalren watches the tactic and sees what is going on with most of the party.
He says and does nothing to stop or prevent any of it giving no outward signs that anything is amiss until Roland ask a direct question.

Desperation brought about by hunger and fear is what is going on around here... The money will not last them long and it will not matter to you in the long run. If anyone's purse was actually damaged I will be happy to mend them. I would imagine we were all taken though I was not able to see the one who got you or I. Pointing at Marius and a quick investigation of his money pouch proves this.

Yes he got me an obvious tactic but an effective one bumping into me. Well now seems we should watch our money more closely for the rest of our stay.
I am going to get something to eat until we talk with Matisse it is the most practical use of our time. The Verdant Leaf is as good a place as any I guess to do that though I was wanting to try that salad as well, best we stick together I will let the rest of you decide our next location.

Dalren secures his money pouch and keeps a hand on it while taking steps away from where the children went. He does, however, make sure to memorize each of their faces for later.

 

[Illven]

Heather turns to Dalren and cocks her head.

"But I want to see..." She says stomping her foot childishly. "I mean... I want my money back....." She corrected after a moment, and another blush forming on her cheeks as she started to be unable to meet her teammates gaze.

 

[DiscretionarySilence]

Aradis jumped a little as the child bumped into him, glancing to the side and squarely into the kid's face as the child jumped back. Coins scattered to the ground as the children scattered, but the gnome didn't seem the least bit upset or even move to pick up the fallen coins. He seemed confused for a moment before nodding. "Oh, yes! People need money here, don't they? Well hold on Neville," he added, turning his head a little to look at the immobile, silent toy frog tied to his shoulder. "There's no need for that sort of thing, and it's not as if we desperately need the coin ourselves."

He glanced over at Heather's apparent concern, once more looking at her for a bit too long to be comfortable. He really did need to get better at that. "Well," he said aloud as he lifted a hand. The air briefly shimmered and flickered within his palm, a raven appearing from nothing to perch in his hand. He lifted his arm and the bird took flight, lifting into the air as Aradis shut his eyes. The bird's eye view granted by his familiar expanded as the raven rose, scanning the crowd. "I might be able to find them...or at least know which way they're going."

 

[east]

Marius watched the children with a kind indifference, he was watching the girl laughing and playing behind him, and his eyes caught the older woman of the group, he blinked feeling something was off about the situation, the woman looked so familiar he had lived on the streets for a very long time and knew a good majority of this city, and it clicked when the coins hit the ground.

It was kind of embarassing that Marius hadn't thought of it in the moment who ran behind a tiefling? No, this was a person he knew. "Relax." He called out to the group, sighing as he picked up the coin near his feet.

"The sixteen year old woman's name is Terra, the little girl was probably her sister." Marius gave a soft shrug at this point it was impossible to hide his local roots. "If your interested in getting to those children than I could assist in finding them, but the cost will be rather steep."

He looked between the group, a slightly more serious look. "I want in. Y'all are apparently in here for a job I can see that much. I want to sign up." He walked around the group. "And my offer to accompany you still stands." He said towards the gnome.

"In truth though, going after Terra will solve little, her urchine aren't local, and if harm should come to her they would just go to the next Dawkins they find. If the plan is simply to attack the children for pilfered gold than both my offer to join, and the offer to help you find them is rescinded. If your looking to find someway to improve their lives than that I can help with."

 

[Illven]

"I just want to talk to this Terra." Heather mumbles softly unable to look anyone in the group in the eyes.

 

[DiscretionarySilence]

"Well," Aradis added helpfully, his eyes opening. He looked around for a moment before pointing. "She went that way, if you'd like to talk to her. Not sure what for, but then it's been a while since I've really spoken with anyone but Neville." He still hadn't made any move to pick up his fallen coin.

 

[Illven]

Heather will start to saunter off in an attempt to find the pretty lady. -Her name is Terra.- She thought to herself.

 

[lilithsboy]

grr...

Dalren, is obviously annoyed he does not like to throw around his ability to help people in the streets much as he cannot possibly take on every refugee here. Though he had planned on tracking down the two who were able to escape his notice and offer them training the others were not nearly as good but probably have other talents he has not seen.

I fully plan on improving their situation of at least two of them it would cost little to add the lot. I, however, cannot do so till after I talk to the Govoner, now can we please go eat?

Upon seeing Heather walk off.

And where exactly do you think you are going? Stick with the group unless you want to find yourself robbed, raped, enslaved or worse. These people are scared and desperate. The situation here is too unstable with too many new faces the locals cannot possibly keep track of everyone. You would slip through the cracks and it would be Azuth's own grace if you were ever found.

 

[pods6827]

Roland gave a light scowl as he turned back to face the rest of the group, "...If they'd only asked I'd have given them a few coins," he commented with a slightly downcast expression. He shook his head though to clear those thoughts. "We should keep going to the Verdant Leaf though," the paladin said, taking a few more steps along the road. "While I wish we could do something to help them out now, frankly the best way to do so would be to do what we can about the trolls."

 

[Illven]

Heather frowned as Dalren berated her. "Fine. Fine. She relented. Let's keep moving." She grumbled starting to storm off in the direction of the verdant leaf as she started keeping more presence about thieves.