Up staircases, down winding corridors filled with citizenry and governmental workers. Moving through one hallway after another our guide leads us onward to the guest accommodations. Finally we exit the building entirely to hastily cross a courtyard adorned with artfully positioned statues. Perhaps because we are closer to the base of the gargantuan tree trunk there are not nearly as many fallen leaves here as had been over the rest of the more outlying city districts. Still, walking along with burlap sacks and rakes, collecting leaves, are more of the groundskeepers that we'd spotted in the gardens and around the entrance to the Citadel.
Midway across the yard, our feet crunching on the black chipped gravel of the decorative walkways, Ellian slows when she spies a group of men carrying some long tables into the yard and arranging them in a far corner.
The break in her near manic stride gives me my first opportunity to sidle closer and engage in any sort of conversation with her since we departed from the sign-in desk. I clear my throat to grab her attention; catching her exhaled breath of irritation as a sign that she has indeed taken notice of me.
"Ellian, I was just wondering, do you happen to know Crod?"
"Crod? You mean Crodrick? The bridge troll?" Ellian pulls her gaze from the workers and glances over her shoulder with an inquisitive look. "Yes, I know him. Professionally at least. The Twinwater Bridge falls under our office's purview so I often have dealings with him concerning the tax collection. Why do you ask? Did you have some sort of problem or complaint?"
"No, nothing like that. He is a friend of ours is all. Cinnamon and him go back a ways." I shake my head then motion with a thumb to Cinnamon a step or so behind. "You wouldn't happen to know if he was around would you? Were hoping to catch up with him."
Conversation vs Ellian: Success!
"Keeping up with the comings and goings of the bridge troll is not actually part of my duties." Ellian rolls her eyes, and starts to pick up the pace. "I have enough to keep me busy as it is." She then wobbles her head from side to side and gives a shrug. "But he did come by the office earlier today."
Knowing full well that he had done just that I throw in a bit of surprise into my voice before answering.
"Oh he did?"
Deception vs Ellian: Success!
"We were looking to catch up with him. Crod didn't happen to mention where he might be going after you had your meeting did he?"
"I'm afraid our interaction was brief. He had stopped in to see Lady Civata but if you are trying to find him I'd assume he would be back at the bridge by now."
"Is that right?" Now we were getting somewhere. I push on with my hopefully subtle inquiries as Ellian steers us toward yet another building.
"The head lady herself, huh? I'm sorry I just assumed that a fella like Crod would meet with you or, I think Marshal Thomas mentioned another person who works closely with Lady Civata. What was his name? Morren?"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Ellian crinkles her brow.
"It's just that where I'm from upper class, political types like her tend to pawn of those sort of duties to their staff. I'd have thought she'd deem herself too..." I adopt a slightly mocking tone, "important to take meetings with a… how do I put it? A rough around the edges type like Crod."
"If it wasn't already obvious that certainly shows that you are not from around here." Ellians steps slow then she stops and turns. "The duties of the council are extensive, but as hard as the rest of them work there isn't a single member that can compare to the devotion Lady Civata has." She levels her eyes at me. Emboldened by my accusatory inference her mousy features harden.
"Every day, every single day she is the first to arrive and the last to leave. Working long hours, day and night for the city." Ellian pushes out her bottom lip and her eyes narrow her words tinted with barely concealed vexation. "The council as a whole may share the praise for the economic boom we are enjoying, but let me tell you so that you can be properly educated. Most of it boils down to her tireless efforts and everyone knows it. So, I would appreciate if you didn't cast any of your personal prejudicial judgments or disparaging remarks toward her character while in my presence, thank you."
Cheeks flushed Ellian doesn't wait for my response, instead she spins on a heel and starts off once more, her annoyance near palpable.
"Careful you don't trip, Too Tall." Kryst snickers in my ear. "I imagine it's pretty hard to walk with a foot crammed in your gullet."
I ignore Krysts jab and indeed, keep my mouth shut as we follow. Most likely not for the reasons that the others may think. My probing had done exactly as I'd intended. Shedding light on more useful information to mull over and potentially capitalize on.
"Ellian! A word if you please."
We all turn at the shout. Already irritate, Ellians eyes close and the teen lets out a low sigh. Striding across the courtyard a man beelines towards us, stepping around a group of workmen busying themselves with a set of wooden poles as they erect a canvas canopy to keep the lightly falling leaves off a large table. The approaching man has a thick chested build tucked into a tailored dark red tunic patterned with yellow embroidery. A fox fur fringed cloak puffed up around his shoulders.
My initial thought is that he is sick. Splotchy jaundiced skin clings tight to a jutting muscled jaw but transitions to a faded greenish tinge around the sides of his neck and his larger than normal ears. Behind him a small gray Pomeranian dog races to keep up with his long stride, hopping about on all fours and transitioning to its hind legs. It's amusing to see that it too is dressed in a tiny tunic and leggings of its own.
I never really liked people who dressed up their pets. Alright, yeah. It could be cute on special occasions like Christmas and Halloween, and for short YouTube videos, but surely it can't be fun for the critters. I know I can barely stand wearing certain clothes so I can't imagine how uncomfortable it would be to be forced to wear some silly human cosplay over fur costume.
Although, the pups owner definitely wasn't human. Glancing him over I try to pull on my gamer background.What the heck was he? An orc? A bugbear? He could be either depending on the setting. Perhaps some new race entirely? As I'd learned so far the creatures and races here didn't seem to be from any one particular rules system. At least, not one that I have been able to ascertain. And I was familiar with quite a few.
Maybe my in-character knowledge could shed some light…
Knowledge Skill: Humanoid Races: Unowned
…but nothing comes to mind when I attempt to pull on it either. The same thing happened when I tried to get information about Crod when we first met him. I hadn't even attempted with Kryst or Cinnamon. And I'd known about the goblins and Plogz before our meeting. Could be that I needed a skill. Something like 'Fantasy Races' perhaps.
Deduction: Success!
Knowledge Skill: Humanoid Races -Available for purchase.
Yeah that had to be it. I sigh internally. More points that I'd have to spend.
"Councilman Karabos." Ellian plasters on what I can easily tell is a fake smile. "I'm afraid that I am very busy at the mo--"
The man cuts off Ellian with a wave of a yellow skinned palm. The back of his hand and wrist fades to mottled light green. Wait! Karabos? This is the fella that Plogz mentioned earlier.
"I was just informed that some fairies which had been sequestered for the Burrows were removed by your order and sent back to the Cragcliff docks. Would you mind telling me why? Correct me if you will, but that seems outside of your authority."
"Ah. You see those fairies were ordered from the G.U. and--"
"Should the G.U. have had some issue then they should have come to my office directly." Karabos huffs. "I don't appreciate this sort of overstepping. As per proper protocol a council meeting--"
"And," it was Ellians turn to cut off the Councilman mid-sentence, "credit payment for an airship captain in good standing had already been processed. I'm sorry there was no time for meetings. However, you should be getting some paperwork regarding the situation from either Mr. Morren or Lady Civata herself in short order."
At that Karabos blinks. After a brief moment of contemplation, he lifts his chin and clears his throat.
"I see." Karabos nods in understanding but doesn't seem eager to lose face by letting the matter drop completely. "Very well. I understand that things can happen. However, I would appreciate if in the future, should some sort of similar situation arise, that the proper channels were followed. So as to not have these sot of incidents sprung upon my office at the last minute."
"Of course, Councilman." Ellian concedes in a lulling tone designed to appease. His pride apparently soothed Karabos grins showing off polished, slightly elongated pointy teeth.
"Might I ask, for which ship were the faeries bound?"
"The Pyria Phoenix."
"Oh? Captain Reigns ship?" The Councilman raises a eyebrow then reaches down and tugs on his tunic, absently smoothing a few wrinkles. "Well, I suppose that exceptions should, nay must be made."
Next to Karabos the Pomeranian is still on its hind legs craning its head, as if listening to the conversation but more likely simply looking for attention.
I had never had a dog growing up, though I would have dearly liked one. While Ellian and Karabos talk I take a knee and reach a hand out slowly toward its head. The furry face cocks in my direction. Mouth closed in that look of doggie confusion it stares at me with wide puppy dog eyes.
"Brian!" Cinnamon gasps.
Drow sense tingling!
It's only due to the duel warning that I pull my fingers back in time to prevent a bite from the tiny muzzle as it snaps in my direction.
"What do you?! Were you going to pet me?!" The dog yips, exposing cute but very sharp teeth.
"Whoa! You can talk?" I stammer.
"I can do more than that, spooker!" The Pomeranian person snarls.
"Porchata!" Karabos voice is harsh and chastising.
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"Please. You will have to forgive my secretary." Karabos says, placing a firm tight grip on my shoulder, "Porchata, you know I do not like those sorts of racial epithets." The grin Karabos shoots at me however leaves me anything but convinced. "Might I assume that the gentleman has simply never encountered an Arfie in his travels?"
"Arfie? Uhh No! No, I haven't." I stammer still shocked by the talking dog. "My apologies…" I trail off before I can say, 'Sir.' The Arfie sounded male but I'd already gotten myself in trouble with the small creature and didn't want it to fly off on me cause I had incorrectly assumed its gender.
Insight vs Porchata: Success!
By the absolute fury written in its eyes it was barely keeping its rage in check. I can tell it wants me to grovel. All but prostrate myself in front of him for the audacity of my error. Even then I'm not positive that that would be enough for him to dismiss the slight.
Paws clenched at his sides. The small growl budding in its tiny chest pulls a silent, twisting snarl onto its muzzle.
From the corner of my shaded eyes I catch everyone staring at me. Ellian frowns. Karabos is wearing a fake politician smile as he studies my next move. Cinnamons eyes are wide with worry and, of course, Kryst has her typical ear to ear crap eating grin whenever confrontation comes calling.
This would usually be when the old me would stumble all over myself with apologies. Meek and bashful, not wanting to rock the boat. The old me. A strange thought. I mean I am still the same person after all. Aren't I? The dumpy dude who would smile and immediately squeak out a 'sorry' when confronted by slightest aggression in his day-to-day. I catch my indigo colored hands in my peripheral vision and it snaps me back into my new reality. Is it my stats? Perhaps Presence or Wits? Or how about my newfound 'gunslinger swagger?'
Whatever it is, it stops me from rolling over onto my belly. That, and something else. Something the little fuzzball had said that sticks in my craw.
The vast majority of the community here in Redtree seemed to be human. However there were many different races that I'd spotted while walking about in my short time in the city. Lepuri, Goblins, those Thundercat people? Katagat, I think Kryst called them. And of course whatever Karabos is. Dwarfs, Elves, a Gleam and even a Troll. Most hadn't batted an eye at me. Or if they had it was due to my crazy high Allure stat, but, I definitely stick out. And though this world doesn't seem to have the typical 'Drow are evil trope' I can almost physically feel that races from Depthsfell are not a common sight here.
Character Limitation Added
Social Limitation: Shadowkin – Occurs: Frequently. Effect: Minor: +10 Character Points - A member of a racial or cultural group that is somehow out of the norm for the surrounding society.
"As your boss rightfully assumed, I've never encountered your people before." I relax my posture. Still kneeling I lean forward and meet the Arfies eyes directly. Not shying away from his penetrating glare. Knowing that the dark reflection in my shades will make it all the more unnerving for him.
That same word that that guard and now this Pomeranian person had spat at me with disdain pops into my mind. 'Spooker.' The obvious insult causes my jaw to clench and my ire to rise.
"There was no disrespect intended," I harden my voice a bit, "on my part." Without backing down I attempt to shift the mood from outright hostility, pushing down my own anger. "Now with that said how about we put unfortunate business behind us, and move on. Without any further misunderstandings."
Presence Attack vs Porchata: Success!
Special Ability: Gunslinger Swagger: Lvl 1- Available for purchase.
The Arfies narrowed eyes dart between Karabos and I. It’s debating something in its mind, wrestling with an internal conflict of its own. The rage doesn't dissipate, however, the canine creature bares its teeth in a strange looking smile.
"No trouble at all. Please excuse me for my outburst I'm sure no offense was meant."
It could simply be the pitched voice or the Arfies animal face but I'm not sure I completely trust the words. I tighten my gaze to see if I can get a better read…
Insight vs Porch--
…when a heavy hand gives my shoulder a quick double clap, nearly knocking me off balance.
"There now you see?" Karabos pipes. "How so many problems can be solved with a little conversation and levelheadedness."
I rise and Karabos, once more grins.
"Tell me my good fellow. The Drow that I've heard about. The one who has just today received certification in the Union. May I rightly surmise that is you? Brian Branchly?"
"Brantly." I correct and absently raise my hand to show off the Union ring."Word certainly travels fast here."
"Not so quickly as you may think. However, along with the guard, the G.U. does come under my department’s duties."
"Gracious. That sounds like a lot of responsibility." Cinnamon murmurs.
"Indeed it is, young lady." Karabos tugs at his laced cuffed sleeve in a weirdly cocky show of self importance.
"It's quite fortunate that Union didn't lose its newest member so soon after issuing you your credentials, Brian. I must say if you had been searching for a way to go down in history, that most assuredly would have been some sort of record for the scribes to document." He chuckles, "Shortest Union membership for a non-goblin ever. Or perhaps even goblin for that matter. I don't think that would have been topped any time soon."
"Yeah." I say, unsure how exactly I should take his grin.
"Speaking of which. I don't know if you heard, Ellian, but are you in fact aware of the accident with the lifters today?" Karabos doesn't wait for Ellians answer and instead puffs out his chest. "This is exactly the sort of situation that I have been predicting. Instead of heading my warnings though everyone wished instead to bury their heads in the sand. The council, Mr. Plogz and the rest of union heads. As if I have no knowledge of mechtanics myself." Karabos lets out a grunt of displeasure.
Perception: Success!
On his right hand I spot a Goblin Union ring, worn on a knob knuckled thumb. So he was a member too.
"How many times, Porchata?" He turns to regard the Arfie who is still giving me a doggie stink eye.
"Repeatedly, and at great length, Sir."
"Over and over!" Karabos reiterates, pointing at his furry secretary with a thick, ocher colored fingernail. "With this heavy increase in traffic over on the docks. More and more cargo arriving and departing daily, the lifters overladen with said freight. We should… No the G.U. must improve on its maintenance schedules. Mark my words the accident like we had today is a direct result of said inaction. Seems I will once more have to put forth my proposals. Lets hope that the council and Union finally have the good sense institute them."
Ellien’s head bobs in a familiar fashion. That of an employee who wants nothing more than to walk away but is forced to engage in conversation with a boss talking at them, discussing matters that are way outside their pay grade and/or job description. I feel her pain, having been caught in the same situation more than once during my employment history.
"It wasn't an accident." I say in an attempt to ease Elliens discomfort by pulling away the Councilman attention. "It was sabotage." I correct.
Karabos pauses in his spiel and fixes me with an icy stare "Ah yes. I believe that I had seen your recounting during my read through of the report. I'm sure you have your theories as to what may have happened but I think I will leave the investigation to the actual experts. Those who have been on the job maintaining Cragcliffs mechtanics for a bit longer than someone who's had as much time to familiarize themselves with their workings as it would to pass wind."
His snide remark rocks me back on a heel. I don't even have time to open my mouth with a response.
"No offense intended." He continues with a greasy smile. "So. What pray tell brings you to our steps? Just passing through, or..." The councilman's eyes travel each of us. Kryst on my shoulder. Cinnamons bow and covered quiver. My own worn armor. He seems to linger at the sword and gun strapped to my hip.
Ellian takes the opportunity to physically step back from the conversation. Her head turns to watch some of the laborers struggling to arrange a series of brass braziers around the courtyard.
"Hey. You are placing those too close to the bar." She announces.
"Are you sure?" One of them huffs. He motions to the workman carrying the other side of the brazier to stop. He immediately does so and they lower the decorative stone base to the ground and both of them commence wiping sweat from their foreheads.
Ellian lets out a groan and with clipboard in hand stomps over to the pair. Rifling through the papers she comes to one sheaf in particular and start shaking her head poking her finger at what must obviously be the event layout map Animatedly indicating to other open areas and spots around the statues.
"Looking for work, perhaps?" If Karabos is put off by Ellian suddenly walking away he exhibits no signs of it. "Might be that I could help with that. Have you ever worked as, or perhaps given thought to taking up a position as a guardsman? Our Citywatch is looking for recruits and there is plenty of potential for career growth for anyone willing to take advantage of the opportunity. If you are any good with that blade and iron they could certainly use more men who can handle themselves should trouble come calling."
"Ah-hem." Kryst clears her throat and leans against the side of my head. Full of cocky attitude.
Karabos takes in Kryst once more and seems to suddenly realize she is not a normal fairy. "Excuse me." He politely grins to Kryst and Cinnamon, but mostly Cinnamon, glancing again at the bow on her back. "Men and women who can handle themselves should trouble come calling."
"Not really my style." Kryst answers turning a cold shoulder.
The job offer gives me pause. What exactly was my plan? Right now I had cash in my pocket. Or I guess gold in my pouch would be more apt. How long would that last though? After it was gone, then what? This world was a dangerous place. Death defying situations could pop up at any moment. Cripes we were almost killed riding an elevator. There was a reason I didn't seek out some high risk career in my real life.
Now though, until I found a way back anyway, this world was my real life.
It's a sobering thought. Sitting around the game table the combat and peril was all exciting fun and laughs. Except for the emotional agony during exceptional role play sessions the pain my character felt wasn’t real. An easy separation from fact and fiction. Was I really prepared to go out hunting monsters or spelunking through caves and dungeons searching for treasure?
Now wasn't the time for that level of contemplation. I literally shake the thoughts from my head. To which, I note by the look on his face, Karabos takes as a refusal of the offer.
"I have to echo Kryst. I don't think that any of us have interest in a guardsman's job." I give a look to Cinnamon to reaffirm that my statement is true to which she responds with a small dip of her chin.
"Adventurers then." Karabos nods as if he expected as much. "I may be able to point you in the right direction along those lines too. There is always a need for scouts and rangers for the forests. More than a few of the outlying villages around Redtree that can use able-body warriors as well. It's can get rather dangerous the further one travels into the wild."
"Yeah, we are familiar. We were attacked by and killed a Drayger on the way in to town."
"Beasts and creatures more deadly than Drayger stalk the forests, my friend. Long-lost ruins, hidden caves in the hills. All manner of relics of ancient times can be stumbled upon out there. Most filled with unknown dangers." Karabos motions in a direction that I assume is to indicate the untamed land that surrounds the city. "Speaking of." Karabos stops and thinks for a moment, "Porchatta? Wasn't there a report from Pinedale recently? An old temple or some such that they'd discovered."
"That is correct, Councilman. When we first received the reports we'd sent word back that we couldn't spare any guard to investigate. As of the last communication it seems that a few of the lumberjacks have gone missing since the discovery. Hence the delays on the Pinedale Ironwood orders. They've been asking for any aid we can give them."
Weird. Was this pair some sort of quest givers? The delivery of information sounded like it could be an adventure hook.
Deduction: Fail!
Though I suppose they could just be discussing business.
"There is also that uptick in Bandit activity along the trade roads." Karabos states. "Rather unsavory business. Used to simply be a bother for some of the towns. But reports coming in are saying that many of the smaller groups have been getting more organized. What was that name? The Black Horns?"
Porchatta nods an affirmation.
Alright, if the first one didn't cinch it…
Deduction + Situational Bonus: Success!
…that definitely sounded like a sand-boxy adventure hook.
"And to make matters worse many of the fishermen have been--"
"Councilman Karabos." Ellian strides back over and steps between us putting a halt to the conversation. "Sorry to interrupt, but we really must be going. I need to see to accommodations for our guests and then put out a few fires with tonight banquet. I'm sure you understand."
"Quite right." Karabos puffs out his cheeks and lets out a breathy exhale. "I had best head off also."
"Brian." He extends a hand.
I take it and he shakes it firmly. In a standard test of male dominance he exerts a bit more pressure than what seems necessary. Squeezing my hand in a strong calloused grip. The old me would've most likely winced and said something stupid like 'good grip you got there' or turned to the others with a 'could use this guy around when I have a stuck jar.' Bolstering his alpha status to my beta. For a split second I almost do and the thought sickens me on an near primal level. The words in my brain feel like ground up glass.Was I really that much of a wuss? Maybe it's my 'in character' persona acting on instinct that takes the lead but I don't back down this time either.
Faceoff! (Casual)
Casual Strength vs Karabos: Tie!
Casual Presence vs Karabos: Success!
He breaks eye contact first and releases the grip. In my mind I celebrate with a small fist pump of victory.
"Ladies." Karabos tips his head and gives that sharp toothy grin. "Until this evening. Come along now, Porchatta. Much to do before the festivities."
The small Arfie lingers for a moment as Karaboss starts to walk off. He squints at me, and his tiny tongue licks the corner of his muzzle before he turns to follow.
We need to quick step after Ellian who has already reached the other side of the courtyard and the entrance to another white stone building. She waits for a moment for us to catch up then pulls the door open forcefully and steps across the threshold.
Inside we find ourselves in a small foyer area with a couple plush couches, a desk with a nervous looking woman seated behind it and a single other occupant who is pacing back and forth.
He is a rather stately looking gentleman and is wearing a well tailored medium length blue jacket; its golden buttons polished to such a sheen they seem to glow in the sunlight streaming through the large picture windows. Hands clasped behind his back, his sharp creased charcoal grey trousers practically cut the air as he struts.
Taking notice the man spins on a heel and I see that even his calf high black boots have a mirror like buff on the tips. His black hair and matching goatee are both well trimmed and expertly coiffed. Highlighting sharp, handsome features. He passes an appraising eye over each of us then settles a piercing gaze onto our guide.
The nervous woman at the desk looks at us and immediately smiles. Releasing an exhale she seems to visibly relax with our entrance.
In contrast, however, Ellians back stiffens.