Blair's Story Arc (Special)

It was just past noon when Blair concluded a meeting with his new employer, Athmael. After leaving the Adventurer's Guild through a back door, he was welcomed by an empty back street that was a bit cleaner than other ones in the neighborhood, though unsavory smells were still prevalent.

Blair sighed and pulled a hood over his blonde hair, he wondered about his next step as he entered a labyrinthine web of the back alleys.

-’ Hmm, I wonder where the best place to gather information about Barstein’s affiliation would be? I doubt that visiting him at a garrison would yield any results, he had cut me off from any important jobs after the warehouse request… ‘

Blair let out a sigh and continued to weigh his options, he was still in thought when he reached one of the main streets. Absentmindedly, his gaze traveled over a crowd of people passing in front of him and was inadvertently drawn to a group of adventurers that were pushing their way through the crowd with impunity. They brandished their white armbands, which had an embroidered yellow sun on them, and behaved like they owned the place.

-’ The, so called, peacekeepers doesn’t look peaceful at all. ‘ Blair commented silently while observing adventurers who were supposed to keep the streets peaceful in the name of the Church. -’ More like a bunch of thugs on their home turf. I wonder why the Church of Holy Light lets them do that... Also, why the Church was even allowed to patrol the city in the first place? ‘ He wondered as his gaze rested on a nearby pair of city guards that vehemently clenched their halberds, but did nothing to stop the group.

-’ Wait, that’s a good idea. Maybe adventurers that joined the city guard have some useful information. ‘ With a plan in mind he left the alley and mingled with the crowd. Blair proceeded in a direction of a tavern that he knew was usually graced by the off duty guardsmen.

Few intersections later he noticed another group of 'peacekeepers' ahead. Knowing their tendency of sparking trouble with any single person bearing arms in the open, Blair decided to take a detour through side alleys. -’ I wonder if Baleg has the same problem. ‘ He smirked at a thought of the barbarian swarmed by a bunch of puny adventurers. -' They would probably fare no better than the brigands. '

After few twists and turns, when he was turning at a corner, he was suddenly forced to stop. The road ahead was blocked by few tense looking men of thuggish sort. -’ Damn, when it rains, it pours. ‘ Blair cursed his luck. -’ And this happens after I bothered to take a detour. ‘ He sighed.

Blair knew that there was no turning back, as running away would only incite thugs. Instead, he put a hand on the pommel of his sword and slowly continued forward, showing an unconcerned attitude.

Thugs grasped their clubs harder and moved menacingly towards Blair, who resigned himself to facing the unavoidable engagement and prepared to draw his estoc at a moment's notice.

The tension intensified and when the fight seemed imminent…

-” Let him be, he’s more trouble than he’s worth. “ One of the thugs, who stood behind the others, suddenly issued an order.

Blair took a cautious look around, taking in thugs who grudgingly lowered their weapons and then took a step back. He didn’t expect them to stand down.

-” But boss, he’s surely an adventurer… “ A bulky man with a scar on his face complained.

-” Maybe, still he’s not the one we are looking for… “ The boss admitted and nodded towards Blair, as in grudging acknowledgement. -” Also, I saw him going with second floor regulars… we don’t want to mess with that; be on your way. “ He waved Blair to pass.

Blair, intent on avoiding unnecessary trouble, nodded his thanks and promptly took the boss on his offer quickly walking past the thugs, paying no mind to their hostile glares. He was relieved that they didn’t try to stop him.

-’ Hm, what was this about… ‘ Blair wondered. -’ For some time already all of the thugs near the slums seem to be really riled up… ‘ He considered the situation.

-’ Maybe those peacekeepers done something? The Church sends them mainly to slums, docks and merchant district after all... also there was that rumor… ‘ Blair remembered a tale about a big adventurer with long black hair and white skirt who supposedly killed several people in the slums. -” Hmph. “ He snorted. -’ Likely it was some Conan wannabe that didn’t know about the mark… He probably re rolled afterwards, but people are still looking for him, taking it out on other adventurers... ‘

Satisfied with the conclusion he continued on his way and managed to reach the tavern without any further troubles.

He lowered his hood before opening the door and walking inside. As he entered he took a look around, taking in the dim interior that was sparsely illuminated by oil lamps that hung on the walls. Weak scent of wood smoke, brew and sweat permeated the place. On cue Blair looked to the left where smouldering flames danced playfully in the fireplace, giving their warmth to both the cauldron and the atmosphere inside. Tables and counter were old but neat and tidy, whole place could be summed up as calm and welcoming.

Blair headed to the counter where he ordered a beer from a grey-maned and grizzled veteran that had a good natured smile. After a quick exchange with the barkeep, Blair took a mug and casually approached a group of people that he noticed when he entered. There were four and each of them wore a different kind of clothes, but they had one thing in common, all had a sash or scarf, in a navy blue color, that shown their affiliation as city guardsmen.

-” You don’t mind if I join in? “ Blair asked casually and smiled earnestly.

-” Why not? The bigger the company the better. “ A slim faced young man with a slicked up, platinum blonde hair waved to Blair, inviting him to sit in. The man was somehow giving off a mature vibe that didn’t match his young appearance, which was evidently aiming for a 'prince charming' vibe. -” Speaking of company, I am Nildhardt an aspiring knight, nice to meet you. “

-” Same wise. “ Blair nodded politely. -” I am called Blair, a blade for hire. “

-” Haa, still with that cheat of an Adventurer Guild? “ A wide jawed man with a bulky build chimed in passionately. -” Ah, pardon me. I am Velthor, a warrior… or at least that was the plan. “ Velthor finished awkwardly and laughed at his own joke.

-” Actually yes. “ Blair decided to admit his agenda freely, he wasn’t comfortable with telling lies and the group seemed decent enough for it to work itself out, or so he hoped. -” I need to gather some information about the city, I hoped that you could help me. “

-” Wow, that was direct. “ Nieldhard took a sip from his mug, the mood at a table turned somewhat sour. -” I don’t want to sound like a jerk… but you know, we barely know each other and stuff... “

-” I understand perfectly. “ Blair continued unfazed. -” I just wanted to be perfectly honest with you. Also, I am not asking to help me for free. “ He took a gold coin out of his purse and placed it on a table. -” Opening a tab with one of those would surely be a sufficient compensation. “

-” Man, is that gold? “ Suddenly, a third guy, who was silent until then chimed in. -” It’s a first time I see one for real. Where would you get that! “ He looked at Blair expectantly, his eyes wide in wonder. Rest of the adventurer’s at the table had similarly befuddled looks on their faces.

-” What kind of quest is that? One gold just to get some info, that’s a lot of money, mate… “ Nieldhard’s polite and knightly act slipped a bit as he reflexively addressed Blair casually.

-” I didn’t know that you could get such money working for the guild! Argh why did I join  the city guard! “ Velthor exclaimed in anguish.

-” Actually, it’s not really a request from the guild. “ Seeing the commotion Blair decided to intervene.  -” I got it from an aristocrat to scout the situation in the city… after he left. “ He felt bad for lying, but he couldn’t disclose the employer’s identity after all.

-” Oh, so it was like that... “ Velthor calmed down, a bit disheartened, but suddenly brightened up. -” So what do you want to know? “

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-” Do you know anything about Quentin Barstein, the Captain of the Guard? “ Blair asked directly, but was met with uncertain looks.

-” He’s a big shot… “

-” Never met him… “

-” My boss has orders mailed to him from time to time, that Barstein guy supposedly sends them… “

-’ I guess that it would be too easy if they just knew. ‘ Blair sighed to himself.

-” Actually I heard about him a bit. “ Nieldhard stated suddenly, surprising everyone and instantly becoming the center of attention. -” There’s not much, but since they made me a corporal I’ve heard this and that. “ He spoke with a bit of uncertainty as everyone's gazes were focused on him. -” First off, I heard that he was the one who got the potions… “

-” What potions? “ Blair interrupted, curious.

-” Most of the regular guardsmen in the northern districts, which are near the magic academy, received some anti magic potions. “ Nieldhard downed the rest of his ale and ordered another mug, before continuing. -” That stuff ain’t cheap or easy to get as far as I know. “

-” Yhea, I checked out an Alchemist’s shop once. “ Velthor agreed. -” All of the prices were in gold. “

-” There you have it. “ Nieldhard gave a nod to Blair and took a mug from a servant. -” I also heard a talk, that he was protesting against that peacekeeper rabble touring the city... I mean, you surely can't call that patrolling. " Nieldhard appended seeing Blair's blank look. -" Anyway, the Church supposedly threatened that they would pull watchers and templars off the streets were keepers banned... “

-” Do you have any idea why he agreed? “ Blair asked. -” I don’t like any of them. “

-” What are you saying?!” Nieldhard almost screamed in surprise. -” Those guys are great, they are totally different from those peacekeepers. They are like real knights… Anyway where have you been recently? “

-” What do you mean? “ Blair was surprised by the sudden question.

-” Haven’t you heard that there was a warlock on the run… “ Nieldhard started passionately, but was suddenly interrupted.

-” Ey, weren’t we asked to keep our mouths shut about it? “ Velthor suddenly silenced Nieldhard.

-” Ah, right… “ Nieldhard looked around, with alarmed expression on his face, then continued in whisper. -” Well, the cat’s out. Please don’t tell anyone or they will grill my back. “ Blair affirmed with a nod. -” You see, there’s some evil mage out there and I thought that everyone heard about it, there's a wanted warrant n' all. Anyway, that’s why they let the Church, with its watchers and templars, to join in as he’s supposedly some big shot. I heard that he fled but before situation with the Church changed there was an incident… “

Blair motioned Nieldhard to go on, the tale grew more and more interesting by the moment.

-” Some criminal tried to get into a city, but a watcher spotted him. “ Nieldhard voice was soft and conspiratory. -” They chased him until he almost fried a whole street. “ A surprised and doubtful expression appeared on faces of the people surrounding the table. Seeing their doubts, Nieldhard continued in a heated, but quiet voice. -” I spoke to a guard who was there at a time, he said that the criminal, who turned out to be a mage, shot a lightning that would have fried half the people on the street were it not stopped by a wall of light summoned by the watcher. “

-” I see. “ Blair sighed, he learned a lot but he was unable to get any decisive information. -” So, the church uses criminals as threats to keep its presence… “ He mumbled to himself

Blair spoke with adventurers some more, but he wasn’t able to get any more useful information from them, so he politely thanked them and donated the promised golden coin.

-’ That was a bust… though an interesting one. ‘ Blair thought to himself as he walked away from the tavern. He was wondering how the captain’s image could wary so much, on one hand Blair’s employer depicted him as an incompetent fool, on the other, he seemed like someone skillfully balancing unfavorable circumstances. -' But none of that shows his allegiance. '

-’ Ok, what now? ‘ He wondered, considering his options. -’ I guess that I won’t be able to get much more out of  the guardsmen… where should I look for info then? ‘

At that moment Blair remembered his meeting with Oliver during the warehouse incident and how knowledgeable the man was in regard to the situation in the city. -’ Maybe someone from that Assassin’s Guild would have some info… though I only know the location of the Rogue’s Guild… I guess it won’t hurt to check what info criminals have. ‘

After making up his mind, Blair made his way to the northern part of the slums, where a kind of a buffer zone between it and merchants district was. To Blair’s relief he didn’t encounter any trouble on the way and, after some detours, he arrived in front of a big, run down building.  

To his surprise, Blair wasn’t able to see anyone in the neighborhood, which seemed empty, almost dead. After a bit of hesitation he disregarded the ominous feeling and entered the building.

It wasn’t Blair's first visit there, but the last one happened some time ago. He was visibly surprised by finding out that, apart from two people, the ground floor was empty. He was also surprised by a light coming from the galley that surrounded the central area, as it was usually shrouded in darkness.

That wasn’t the end of surprises, Blair looked at a man sitting at a table that was nearest to the counter. Their gazes met and Blair was barely able to contain his nervousness, the sitting person was clearly a watcher. -’ What’s going on? Why there’s a watcher there? ‘ Blair thought to himself, in vain try of understanding what was going on.

A second passed and Blair decided that it would be best to show indifference and talk with the barkeep, who might provide some clue regarding the situation.

After making his resolution Blair headed to the counter, where a bald and athletically built barkeep impassively cleaned a mug. -” We are really short on ale today, though I might be able to get some blessed wine. “ The barkeep stated casually, as if the church official sitting nearby was not there, or because he was.

-” I was wondering if I would be able to talk to anyone in private. “ Blair decided to play along and ignore the knight.

-” That’s entirely up to you, on my gallery there are bugs, of peaceful sort, if you make them go away... there’s a possibility. “ Barkeep spoke in disinterested voice, totally ignoring watcher’s threatening gaze. -” Alternatively, you might go up and sit down, miracles do happen. Right, mister knight? “

The watcher ignored the jab and just glared threateningly.

-” I see, thank you. “ Blair thanked the barkeep and turned away, wondering what he should do… -’ I am not exactly sure what this is about, but there’s one word that comes to mind. Politics. ‘ Blair shook his head and headed for the exit. He was disinclined to get into a fight with peacekeepers, and most definitely he wanted to avoid facing the knight.  

Blair left the building and started walking aimlessly through the empty neighborhood. -’ That turned out to be a bust, I need to figure out another way of approaching this. ‘

-’ I wish I had some contacts in aristocracy, they tend to know who works for whom, but, apart from Bolton, I don’t know anyone… ‘ Blair let out a sigh. -’ Damn, and I can’t just contact him… ‘

-’ Wait! ‘ Blair suddenly remembered something. -’ I do know a person that had ties with aristocracy. ‘ Blair recalled Gerhard mentioning that he was a Sergeant in some aristocrat’s retinue. -’ He’s bound to have some useful contacts or information that I could use. Also, I should pay him back for teaching me that cheat of a skill. I would be in a really bad spot if I didn’t know it. ‘ With clear goal in mind Blair headed for a training centre, his task nearly complete.

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