Keys to the Martelain Rebellion
From Channel Cities
This will be the page that provides a running log of the activity occuring in this story as they unfold. Note, if any of the players want to include how their characters came to the meeting at the Grey Tortoise or any information about their back-story, please let me know and we can work together to post that here as well (otherwise I will leave that out for now).
This is essentially a story being co-written by myself (the GM, Aaron) and the players who are participating (Aran, Mark, Monte, and Stephen), with copyrights to this material belonging to all contributors as appropriate based on their contributions.
Contents |
Rightful Heir Prediction
The once great city of Martelain, had grown to become one of the economic power-houses within the World of Ærnth. It had at one time been one of the two most powerful and wealthy of the five Channel Cities due to the mineral wealth of the mines in the mountains to its east, however four decades ago the Northern Empire had infiltrated the Martelain government placing agents who worked towards weakening and corrupting the Martelain Kingdom and weakening it from within for several years, then when they felt the time was right, they invaded and overthrew the Royal Family of Martelain. The city fell into disrepair and despare as most of the mineral wealth that had once flowed into the city from its mines in the mountains to the east now passed over the mountains into the heart of the Northern Empire. Many of the skilled tradesmen who had lived well were now without work and moved out of the city, while others upset with the ruthless rule and unfair taxes and regulations placed on the residents of the city by the Northern Empire rebelloed off and on (sometimes somewhat organized, but more often than not simply in the form of minor riots that did not last long). In short the once great city has lost more than half of its population and now is on the verge of economic and social ruin.
However rumors have been surfacing as to there being an heir to the Martelain Throne who has been in hiding. According to the rumors, one of the former kings daughters was taken prisoner by the Northerners instead of being executed as the rest of the royal family had been, and that years later she had a child. Recently an elderly woman who was an herbal healer and furtune teller named Porte Endere went into a trance and made a prediction as explained here:
While at a large gathering of "stoners" and other people of the city of Martelain at the "headsman's block" (area #2) just outside of the Martelian Prison (building #1) K3 when several rebels were being executed for "treason" (standing up the Northerners) Porte Endere recently went into a trance and rattled off a prediction which many who were there remembered and spoke of. Word spread like wildfire through the oppressed among the streets of Martelain in the weeks following, as many claim that she predicted the downfall of the Northern Empire's control over the city of Martelain and the appearance of the Rightful Heir to the throne of Martelain:
"Two score years after the fall of Martelain
Suffering under the Northern Empires reign
A long hidden antagonistic amalgamation
Emerges from shadow as if an apparition
Rumors rise like smoke
Rallying the Martelaan folk
Agents of Martelain’s rightful heir
Will furtively regain artifacts rare
The Royal Sword and Signet Ring
To the heir they will bring
Seeking the ancient Sovereign Sphere
At the Martelain people's great nadir
The king’s be-gemmed Scepter fair
Will once again pass to an heir
Out of the Empires oppression
Weapons stockpiled in discretion
Then his agents travel to distant lands
To find and hold in their hands
The Royal Fur Mantle once subject to thievery
Found and returned to the lawful progeny
And the Martelain Royal Crown
Brought from the mountains down
They shall find the Silken Banner
In the Great Calumniator's Manor
When they return from the west
Beneath the Northern Empires Crest
The Martelain heir long concealed
His proper place will be revealed
The Conquerors troops shall fall
Beneath the Conch Trumpet's call"
And so begins our story...
Invitations in the Street
Each of the characters is passed a peice of parchment by a stranger in the street asking them to meet at the Grey Tortoise Inn & Tavern, located at the south end of the Martelain Market Square.
Details will only be provided behind each characters specific note and reason for being invited or reason for wanting to help the rebellion if the player wants such information made public, otherwise such info will be kept private for now.
The Grey Tortoise
The Martelain Market Square (which oddly enough isn’t square at all) used to be an extremely crowded and busy open-air marketplace where small vendors would sell their wares from tents and carts, however in recent years with the decline in population and poor economic conditions in Martelain, the market square’s cobblestone surface is barely ¼ full at the height of the day and is nearly empty at night. However the square is still patrolled by small bands of Northern Empire soldiers who roam the streets of Martelain looking for anyone who may try to cause trouble or anyone that they can harass.
The Grey Tortoise is one of the larger inns and taverns in this part of Martelain. This three-story cut-stone building sets at the south end of the Martelain Merchants Square. It is one of the few taverns in the city of Martelain that is still busy and sometimes crowded (even with the depressed economy that dominates the city). This part of the city is usually somewhat busy with cart merchants hawking their wares in the market square, so the area tends to be bustling during the day, but the people tend to thin out on the cobblestone streets just before dark. However this is when the Grey Tortoise tends to be the busiest.
Link to Grey Tortoise
They offer a wide variety of food and drinks for their customers. The customers vary quite a bit in profession and background. This is also known for being one of the few establishments in the channel cities that is a "neutral" place for the various underground guilds. Thus it is not uncommon to see meetings between the leaders of the various thieves or other espionage guilds taking place here. While it is a very visible place, the busy nature and low lighting (some tables have candles and a few small lanterns hang here and there from the heavy wooden beams that support the floor above, but overall the lighting tends to be somewhat subdued) helps to tone down the watchful trying to gain information. The place is kept quite dark after the sun sinks across the other side of the channel, and the back entrance through the stables as well as the private booths help to keep the "meetings" quiet and un-noticed. The place has a somewhat low ceiling
There are two men sitting at table #3, intently engaged in a game of chess, with one dressed in fine silks and smoking a finely carved wooden pipe occasionally blowing smoke rings, and the other man in drab and mundane wool with a grey hooded cloak shadowing his face and an obvious bulge down his back beneath the cloak indicating a large sword not-so well hidden.
Tables #5, 6 and 7 all have checkers games going at them, with all the seats around them being used by what appear to be average tavern goers, possibly dock workers, merchants trying to relax after a busy day of haggling over prices, or mercenaries taking their minds off of their work.
A lone half-elf dressed in worn clothing of a dock worker (with a bit of a shadow on his face from a couple days of not shaving) sits at table 1 (seat B), sitting quietly and watching the room while sipping on a drink of some type.
Then in walks a very short person, roughly the size of a Halfling, but with elfin ears, build and facial features, who looks around quickly and heads to table #2, pulling it out from the wall a short distance and moving one of the stools next to the wall. He then pulls out several pieces of parchment and sets them on the table and climbs up onto the stool and starts reading while casually chatting with the tall half-elf sitting at the next table over.
The half-elf sitting at the table in the corner (table #1) says (in Elvish) to the other (short) elf, "Hello. I haven't seen you around before. What're you reading there?”
To which the un-naturally short (only about 3-1/2 feet tall, and dressed as if trying to look like a halfling, but not pulling it off due to his obvious elven features and ears) elf replies, "Sort of a shopping list mixed with a 'farmer's almanac.' I am checking on my various crops and herbs, seeing which are in need of harvesting. Haven't seen you around either. The name's Alix. Nice to meet you."
To which the un-naturally short (only about 3-1/2 feet tall, and dressed as if trying to look like a halfling, but not pulling it off due to his obvious elven features and ears) elf replies, "Sort of a shopping list mixed with a 'farmer's almanac.' I am checking on my various crops and herbs, seeing which are in need of harvesting. Haven't seen you around either. The name's Alix. Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you. My name's Ilnaite. If you're growing things, you must be from a ways out - no place to grow much in the city." At that, he sits back in such a way as to welcome conversation and continue sipping his ale.
About half the seats at the bar are taken, with a mixture of patrons, ranging from peasants to well dressed merchants and everything in between, as well as three Northerner soldiers sitting in seats H, I, and J with grim looks on their faces and a haughty air to the sneers that they give to anyone nearby. Needless to say, about a third of the patrons nervously watch the solders off and on. Seat U is taken by a tall and stocky man wearing a fine felt cap with two feathers stuck in the brim despite the rest of his clothing being simple grey wool, and who seems to be watching the soldiers very closely and suspiciously, as well as keeping an eye on the rest of the rooms occupants while slowly drinking a pint of ail.
A boisterous card game is going on at table #15, with all six seats used by the half-drunk card players gambling away their day’s earnings. Meanwhile dice games are going on at tables #20 and #28.
A small and shifty fellow with long black hair tied back in a pony tail with a swath of leather wearing typical worn woolen clothing of neutral colors, but with several daggers tucked into his belt stands leaning against the corner wall between tables #16 and #26, watching the room and its patrons while he drinks from a mug, with an occasional glance of hatred towards the guards sitting at the corner of the bar.
Another man walks in, dressed in black woolen trousers, blue shirt and dark blue woolen cloak and carrying a staff, with a dagger at his side and his hair tied back in a ponytail. He quickly surveys the room and heads towards the bar nodding to a person here or there as he walks around the various tables. Once there (seat C), he orders an ail and sits while surreptitiously looking around the room.
A few non-descript patrons wander in or out as the midnight hour approaches, with the place slowly becoming quieter and less busy.
A little before midnight, a young man of a little better than average height, perhaps around the six-foot mark walks in and looks around. A patch laid across his left eye is as black as his hair and probably the first thing everyone notices. The second would be that, missing eye notwithstanding, he is … well … pretty. Astoundingly so in fact. Particularly since he is also clearly not well off. His cloths, from the cast-off boots bound to his feet by leather ties to the sailcloth cloak and mantle he likely uses to sleep in as much as to ward off the weather might all be charitably described as “lived-in”. His black tunic does appear to be fairly decent although it is likely also refashioned from the cast-offs from someone considerably better off than he. A pouch or bag of some sort likely hangs from the sturdy leather strap across his chest but, aside from second or third glances from ladies looking for some low-brow entertainment he doesn’t appear much different from the rest of the laborers and street rabble found throughout the city.
This man heads towards a table near the bar (table #23) with two men sitting at it whom he seems to recognize. As he heads in that direction, he speaks a quick greeting to people sitting at some of the other tables, most of whom respond in a friendly way or will stop him to talk for a minute or so. Alix recognizes the man as being familiar and knows he was a friend of Porte Endere.
As a distant bell starts to toll the midnight hour, barely discernable over the low conversations of the taverns patrons, a tall stocky man wearing chain mail shirt and leggings and a leather skullcap with a broadsword hanging from his belt steps around the corner from the hallway leading to the stables and surveys the room, stopping for a moment at the Northern solders. He looks around the room for a bit, pulling out several pieces of parchment that is the same size and coloration as the one you are carrying, and then starts to walk around the large room, stopping to talk to a person here and there.
First he walks over to the bar and stops to talk to the guy wearing the black trousers and blue shirt and cloak with a staff and whispers in his ear for a moment:
The man leans down close and whispers, “Wait about five minutes after I walk out the door and head down the hallway I came out of, then wait around the corner towards the far end. If any of the Northerners over at the bar take notice and move to follow me or to follow you or anyone else I talk to, be very cautious. A few other people will be coming also, and you will be signaled to enter one of the curtained booths.”
He then walks to the man who just sat down moments earlier at the table near the bar (table #23) and whispers something into his ear:
“Wait about five minutes after I walk out the door and head down the hallway I came out of, then wait around the corner towards the far end. If any of the Northerners over at the bar take notice and move to follow me or to follow you or anyone else I talk to, be very cautious. A few other people will be coming also, and you will be signaled to enter one of the curtained booths.”
He then turns and starts to walk towards the door, stopping for a moment to talk to someone at one of the tables near the smaller square tables (table #9), then continues on to table #3 where he speaks to the two men seated there for a moment, then goes on to the square table that has been pulled out from the wall and sits down for a moment, and talks to the elf and half-elf sitting there for a little longer than to any of the others, then he stands and walks out the door, taking a quick look back at the Northern Empire soldiers sitting at the bar just in time to see that one of them stands and heads towards the door as if to follow (as they had been watching him making his rounds):
“Wait about five minutes after I walk out the door then head out the door and to the inn’s stable to the south and enter through the back door into the hallway that runs between here and the stable. If any of the Northerners over at the bar take notice and move to follow me or to follow you or anyone else I talk to, be very cautious. A few other people will be coming also, and you will be signaled to enter one of the curtained booths near the stable door.”
After about a minute or two, one of the men sitting at one of the tables he stopped at (table #9) jumps up and runs to the door after he finishes eating and drinking what was before him in a hurry. A second one of the Northern Empire soldiers gets up and follows the man as quickly as he can, leaving on one of the three solders still sitting at the bar.
At the square tables near the door, the half-elf says (in elvish) to the unusually short elf sitting at the next table over, "What was that all about?", as he fumbles for a couple of coins to cover the cost of his drink and sets them on the table.
To which the short elf replies in elvish, “I am not sure, but it can’t be good. I see you are here for the same reason I am,” as he nods towards the parchment. Porte needs our help!”
The half elf has a puzzled look, as it appears he doesn't know who Porte is or why this person needs help.
“Sorry, I thought you knew her. Nice gal in need of some help. Great chatting. Hope to see you around sometime,” as the short elf stands up and heads for the door.
The remaining Northerner soldier stands and starts to make his way across the tavern towards the door as well.
Meanwhile…
The guy sitting at the table with a patch over one eye that was spoken to, stands and continues wandering around the tavern, heading towards the northern corner of the room and stops at the bar, waving over a barmaid and ordering an ail. After she fills a mug and hands it to him, for which he gives her a couple of coins, he pulls out a waterskin and appears to spike the ail with its contents. He then takes a sip, then adds a little more of the contents of the skin to the mug but in the process also spills some of the contents on the bar. He then appears to be mumbling while running his fingers through or over the spilt liquid.
Aldo’s vision: As Aldo unobtrusively casts the spell, using the puddle of water as his viewing medium, he sees in the water a shimmer of a hallway, with himself looking down it, thick and heavy red curtains line most of its length, with each curtain opening into a private booth. At the far end of the hallway is the solider who had followed the chain mailed mercenary out of the tavern, peaking into each booth as he slowly walks towards Aldo and a many dressed in black trouser and blue shirt and cloak carrying a staff standing almost next to Aldo. Then he sees a small person (maybe a Halfling or a child) stick its head out around the corner at the far end and duck back behind the corner again. Then the guy wearing chain mail steps out from behind one of the curtains (the second one from the end on the left side (from Aldo’s perspective) and immediately draw his sword when he sees the Northern Soldier standing almost next to him, then the short person steps out from around the corner as the image in the water fades away.
The man wearing black trousers and the blue cloak and shirt after several minutes starts walking towards the doorway that leads towards the kitchen and the inn rooms, as well as the booths that line the hallway towards the stables.
About this same time, the last Northerner soldier walks out the door.
The half-elf sitting at the square table nearest the door stands up and staggers a little as he starts to head towards the door.
About this time, the man in the black trousers and blue shirt and cloak stands and starts to head towards the doorway that the chain mailed guy who spoke walked out from, about the same time that the guy with the patch at the bar heads in the same direction.
Meanwhile, Outside...
As Alix exists the building, he looks around to see where the others went. He sees that the guy from the table a little ways from his is running and nearly completely across the market square, dodging the few other people that are out on the streets this late, while the second Northerner solider is about 30 or so paces behind him, both of them heading north at a run. He looks down the street to the south and sees the man who spoke to him, wearing chain mail casually walking and suddenly ducking into the Grey Tortoise stables just to the south of the tavern proper. The first Northerner solider is casually walking around just outside the door to the tavern, only about 20 feet away from Alix, but as soon as the chain mailed mercenary ducks into the stables, the soldier hurries in that same direction. Alix tries to stay out of sight by using the deep shadows of night to follow as unobtrusively as possible.
Unknown to Alix, the third solider follows him out the door as quickly as he can, who is then followed by Ithil, staggering a little so as to appear somewhat inebriated. However, the soldier is unable to see where Alix went due to his skill at not being seen, so the soldier stands there for several minutes, unsure of what to do looks down the street to the south and not seeing anyone starts heading to the north-west along the edge of the market square. This gives Ithil the opportunity to head south towards the stables as he had heard the chain mailed mercenary tell Alix.
As the man with a patch over his eye and the man with the staff walk around the corner nearly together, they see a long hallway lined with heavy red curtains (blocking the view and muffling sounds from within each private booth, so that those sitting in each booth can discuss ‘business’ with minimal risk of being overheard) and the Northerner soldier who had first followed the contact in chain mail that had spoken to each of you. He is carefully pulling back curtains a tiny bit and peaking inside with his hand on the pommel of his sword as if ready to draw it.
The two men then see someone carefully and minimally poke their head around the corner and see the solider, causing the person to pull their head back quickly to avoid detection. Then the solider pulls back the curtain of the second booth on the left a little bit to peak inside (the side towards the tavern common room). He then suddenly jumps back and start to pull his sword, as the man who had spoken to them steps out from behind the curtain drawing his sword, followed by a second man similarly armed and armored who steps out from behind the nearer end of the curtain of the same booth.
Ilnaite walks through the door that he heard the man in chain mail describe from the stables into the hallway, to see the above, just as the short elf steps around the corner to assist the two men with swords who appear ready to deal with the Northerner at sword point.
Alix nods to ‘Ilnaite’, then brings his hand up in a ‘shushing motion’ and motion to draw back a bit to see how the possible combat plays out.
Ilnaite whispers to Alix "Looks like they have it covered – he…” (nodding to the soldier) “…should have kept his nose out of where it didn't belong". ‘Ilnaite’s voice grows obviously angry as he talks about the soldier.
The solider starts to back away as he says, "I ain't seen nothin', an' don't want no trouble."
The first guy in chain mail steps to his left (towards the stables a little) and says, "Damn right you didn't see nothin'. And you ain't gonna say nothin to anyone either." As the second guy in chain mail steps to the other side, to make sure that the solider can't make a run for it without opening himself up to a potentially fatal wound from one or the other.
At the sight of the swords being drawn Aldo’s eyes go round with alarm. “Whoa! Stop!” he yells, raising his hands up as if to ward off something bad. “I am willing to help stop…” but stops speaking when swords start to swing and a dark bolt of energy-like substance appears to shoot from the hands of the man standing next to him…
The first guy in chain mail swings for the head of the Northerner, to which the Northerner successfully parries, only to be hit in the abdomen by the other guys sword, creating a large gash through the leather breastplate and drawing a modest amount of blood. Then a dark bolt of something hits Northerner’s left side (just above the fresh gash, as the leather armor seems to stiffen up instantly. When the Northerner grabs his side in pain (from both the sword and magical attacks, with his eyes wide as if partially stunned), the leather armor just crumbles away into little fragments, as if it was glass that was hit too hard and shattered. Then the first guy in chain grabs the northerner and covers his mouth, to prevent any screams, although none occurs anyways.
The curtain is pulled back slightly by someone still in the booth who says quietly enough to barely be heard, "Dispose of the body quickly and quietly. We don't want to bring any undue attention to little meeting here."
The second guy wearing the chain mail armor, sheaths his sword and grabs the dying soldier's feet while the other guy hands his sword to the short elf while trying to keep the solider from falling to the floor with his other arm, then once both hands are free lifts the soldiers shoulders. They start to head towards the stable door, as ‘Ilnaite’ opens it, looking around the stable to be sure that there is no one to see them carry the body out.
A hand wearing black leather gloves waves for all of you to join him behind the curtain (pointing towards the east side of the booth (across from where the gloved figure is likely sitting)).
Meeting at the Grey Tortoise
As all of you walk to the booth and start to crowd into the east side, the two guys in chain mail return (they were only gone for a minute, if that) and sit on the other side, across from the four of you. The booth is crowded with seven people in it, with the table taking up a little less than half the room, but at least it is set up such that the benches on each side are not right up against the wall, so it is possible for people to squeeze around behind each other to get in and out when they are sitting up close to the long wooden table.
After everyone sits, the man who remained in the booth is of average height, with a long neutral grey hooded cloak, with the hood being somewhat long and partially covering his face so it is difficult to make out much detail of his features.
The hooded man looks at each of you then speaks, "Alix." as he nods to the unusually short elf, "Aldo" as he nods to the man with a patch covering one eye, "Karsten" as he nods to the man with the staff who assisted his bodyguards in dealing with the Northerner. Aldo and Alix, Porte is okay, although she is imprisoned beneath the Martelain Castle, however she is not being tortured or treated poorly, as she knows nothing of what we are up to, so she is safe for the time being. Karsten, Anya is also imprisoned, but some agents that I have within the prison have assured me that she is also relatively safe, and as soon as we can gain foothold in retaking the castles we can release both of them.
Then he looks at the half elf with a puzzled look and says, "You are not Ramile, and Günter…” as he nods towards the guy wearing chain mail that had let each of you know to meet here, “…said he did not see him. Are you a friend of Alix, as Günter said the two of you were sitting together, or are you a friend of Ramile who came in his place?"
To which the half-elf replies, "I am a friend of Ramile. He had invited me to come along and gave me his parchment. I hope to one day find out what happened to him – I suspect he was taken as he disappeared suddenly."
After Ilnaite explains his being there, the hooded man continues, "Well, all of you have been contacted as each of you has skills that may prove useful to the rebellion. Each of you also has a hatred for the Northern Empire and its way of doing things, thus the main reason you were sought out and contacted. But first a little about my background, then I will explain the basics of what I am organizing you guys for and then we can discuss each of your backgrounds in more detail and how you can each contribute to the rebellion. My mother was one of the daughters of the former king of Martelain, and as best as I've been able to gather, she is the only member of my family to have survived the Northerners invasion. I was born the following year, and she manged to keep me safe, but she herself ended up being killed before I saw my 10th year."
"My identity was kept quiet until I was old enough to gather people around me who were sympathetic to the cause, and now I think the time has come to put the pieces in place to reclaim the throne. My goal with all of you, at least to start, is to have you gather the heirlooms of my family. There are two reasons for this; the first is that it will provide a rallying point for the people of Martelain to rally around once I reveal my identity, especially if I possess those heirlooms. The second is that each of those heirlooms has value beyond their being recognized as symbols of the Martelain throne. But we need to recover these items carefully and judiciously, as we don't want to raise the alarm to the Northerners too quickly but yet want the people of Martelain to start to put the pieces together themselves. Likewise we want to be sure that the first couple of items are recovered with minimal death or property damage, and likewise we will go after the easiest items to gather first. The low hanging fruit, if you will. There are a couple of items that we are still trying to track down the locations of, so of course those items will need to wait. Nearly all of the items in question were taken by the Northerners and auctioned off after the seized the castle, thus some are still located here in the Channel Cities, while others have been transported elsewhere. But the couple that I mentioned who's locations are not known had simply disappeared and were never auctioned off, but we are following up on rumors as to their possible whereabouts.”
“If you choose to assist in this endeavor, there will be some travel occasionally. I will cover all reasonable costs, however funds are somewhat limited and we need to avoid raising any flags, so care must still be taken in all dealings. We are also in the process of stockpiling weapons and armor for the people of Martelain as we are liable to have a major battle on our hands once my identity is revealed, and we will need to be sure to secure the castle right away. So if any of you are willing, we will start to get you set up to play a major role in that as well, be it helping to organize the people and getting them ready, or being part of the initial infiltration into the castle so we can take control of it as quickly as possible. Of course, once I have reclaimed the throne, each of you will be well rewarded for your efforts and the part you have played in driving the Northerners back over the mountains, and if all goes well, possibly even in helping to organize their other enemies and possibly even bring down their entire empire in time."
“So I would like each of you to explain a little about yourselves and why you want to see the fall of the Northern Empire, or at least their ousting from Martelain, and so that you can each get to know one another. Then I can explain some of the details about the first two items and their locations, so you guys can scope them out and try to figure out the best way to regain them.”
The half-elf is the first to respond with an extremely calm attitude, even throughout everything that has happened. Other things that may be noticed are that his skin is a slightly odd base complexion and looks a little toughened (as opposed to the normal soft skin of elven-kind). He has piercing eyes that make you feel like he knows all about you (but in a comfortable sort of way). He does not appear to be wearing any metal items at all, not even a belt buckle or clasp of any kind on his clothing, nor a dagger which is nearly unheard of for anyone out at this time of night not to be armed for their own protection.
"My name is Ilnaite and I am from the forested area of South Shore near the coast. I studied at the Isles of Stars so am proficient in unarmed combat and intellectual studies as well as being at least passable at stealth and communication skills."
"The Northern Empire must fall because it is a disease spreading to nearby kingdoms while killing itself and its subjects. Martelain is only one such place." said with venom in his voice.
"I am very loyal and dedicated but will avenge betrayals," said with a note of warning in his voice.
Next the short member of the new group speaks up, "I am merely a hobbit in need of work. I have skills that allow me to go unnoticed. I use these skills for causes that I find to be just and right. However, anyone who would imprison Porte is an enemy of me! Who knows who else they have falsely imprisoned? I will gladly fight them to free the people! Long live the rebellion!"
At this point the cloaked figure speaks again, “Porte has not been harmed and is at least somewhat safe at the moment. Rumor has it that she has been captured, but has been taken to the dungeons beneath the Martelain Palace rather than to the Prison. There are insiders there who have assured me that she is safe and that they are doing what they can to keep her from being noticed by those who would be concerned about the rebellion gaining strength. So she is safe for now, and hopefully we will be able to rescue her before anyone who would do her harm realizes who they have locked away.”
Karsten considers for a moment, carefully thinking of what to say. "You know of Anya so you know why I am here", he pauses a minute and looks at the others "but perhaps not all of you know.......to keep it simple, the northerners have taken the woman I love and I am willing to do whatever it takes to get her back".
Looking at "the king" he says "I need no reward from you beyond securing Anya's release. If seeing you installed as king will help me achieve that then I will help however I can".
The would be king responds, “Anya is also as safe as can be expected being in the clutches of the Northerners,” stressing the last word with disgust, “as she is also being held within the palace rather than in the prison and the insiders who have brought me word of Porte also assure me that she is low enough on the list of importance to her captors that she is also at least safe. However we can not yet risk breaking either one of them out of the palace until we are ready to take control of it, which we hope to accomplish as soon as we can gather my grandfather’s heirlooms and arm the citizens enough for it to be safe for me to reveal my existence.”
“I’ma Bibo. ‘Least voor nu,” Aldo begins in a thick Stoner accent. “Of Blackie of da Black Priest. Dem’ll do too. Aldo’s not ‘erd lots. Ma ‘preciation voor ya ‘spectin dat. Ma understandin’ voor why ya spoke it too. I’ma bit dark on whya’d murder a Noord an’ make sure weir a known part’a it…” At that Aldo offers the man in the cloak a bright smile.
After a heartbeat or two he continues. He does so in a manner that is much easier to understand and would be acceptable in any reputable salon, “I do wish to offer my full appreciation for the information you have offered regarding Vrou Endere. I would also offer that, while I can have no appreciation for what you or your mother went through she must certainly have been a strong woman and one the city would be the better for if she were still with us.”
“As for the Northerners … I could say that I hate them for the loss of my eye, but that is only a trial that helps make me a better man. I could recount a number of incidents where some petty man did some petty thing to some unfortunate … although, out of respect for current company I would have to limit my exposition to those incidents where the petty man carried a Northern heritage and the unfortunate’s ancestry was pure Marty. That would drastically the number of available tales to tell which, in turn, sheds light more upon the similarities among men than the differences between our people. Surely a topic for another day...” Aldo flashes a brief grin. “But before I try anyone’s patience to the breaking point … I will do what I can to help for Porte’s sake, for the sake of Porte’s words, and because the Noord have to go.”
“We all have a place and a duty to our community. Rulers are responsible for managing the city the betterment of the city and the society they rule. The Noord are destroying the city.” For a brief moment Aldo seems to pause while a few thoughts almost visibly click into place and he utters a short “Huh!” to himself. His smile now seems much more genuine. “They are not ruling well. They rule for their own sake and not for the city’s sake. They are destroying the city. They have to go. That is what the Black Swan wants!”
A slight chuckle is heard from beneath the hood as the man speaks, “Yes, they have taken over the lands for the wrong reasons and have brought our once fair city to its knees and stolen our wealth from the mountains and used it to strengthen their hold over other lands and peoples. To be honest, my knowledge of how to rule over a kingdom is far from perfect and I will likely make many mistakes along the way, however I am always willing to listen to the council of those wiser or more knowledgeable than myself, and there are plenty of those people out there, so while I will not be perfect, I will do my best to return this city and kingdom towards a path which all its inhabitants can be proud of.”
"I take it the Black Swan you speak of is the one from legends past? My mother had told me some of those stories when I was young, about how one of my ancestors who was king had befriended such an unusual bird many generations ago. But regardless, we can discuss such things at a later time as we have other things to discuss at the moment." He then continues, "The first heirloom that I'd like for you to reclaim was the sword of my ancestors, the Royal Sword of Martelain. It is a decorative long sword with fine and detailed etchings in the blade. It was one of the items that the Northerners seized and sold at auction to the highest bidder. That bidder was the father of one of the wealthy merchants in the city of Argentum, sitting in the middle of the channel. The man who purchased it passed away several years ago, however his son Dobias Philinstar has taken over his fathers lucrative shipping business and still lives in the same manor house. It is one of the largest of the wealthy estates on the Isle of Argentum and is fairly well guarded; however he has few enemies as he is generally a fair businessman so his guards are more for show. However I would like to try to minimize bloodshed and property damage as much as possible, so care will need to be taken. "
"His manor house is located in the North-west Hill District of Argentum." G2 (location #3)
He then continues, "I will leave it up to the four of you to decide how you want to operate. If you want to look over and plan each items recovery together and handle everything as a group, or if you want to split up tasks and and go your separate ways until each of you needs help. But I can tell you that most of these items are in well guarded and potentially dangerous locations where undertaking it as a group would definitely be beneficial. Again, I will cover all reasonable costs as well as some extra for your time. All I ask is that you decide how you want to proceed and if you are all going to be staying together or separate and let me know how to get a hold of you if I need to. The innkeeper here is a friend and can get in touch with me if we need to meet here again, but it may take a few hours or as long as a day as we are working on multiple routes to retake the throne. In that respect, if any of you need a place to stay, I can provide coinage to cover room and board, but I'd ask that it not be here as the innkeeper is willing to help but needs to keep his distance from our operation in some respects for the protection of himself and his staff."
About this time, there is a tap on the curtain and one of the armored companions of this would-be king pulls the curtain back as a barmaid sticks her head in and whispers something in his ear. He stands up and steps out of the curtain, but you only hear him take about two footsteps and then stop as she walks away down the hall back towards the tavern proper.
The cloaked figure then finishes, "He will make sure that no one gets close enough to cause a problem, as another Northerner soldier has arrived out in the common room. So please discuss how you want to proceed and once decisions are made I will leave you to scout out your first target."
Aldo nods a greeting at each of the others as they speak. He had looked over at Alix when the Hooded Man included him in the news of Porte. When Alix mentions her specifically Aldo takes a closer look.
Karsten returns Aldo's nod of greetings and gives a brief nod to everyone else. "I, for one, think that we would be better off going as a group. I am a scholar, not a thief, and have no skills that run in that direction. I do, however, know enough of culture and heraldry to recognize the sword should we come across it."
Ilnaite nods in agreement and says "I also feel it would be best to go as a group. It will help us learn what each other is capable of and help to build trust which will likely be a necessity as the Northern Empire figures out what we are attempting to do." Aldo continues, “Is there a particular name you would like us to call you by?” Aldo asks the Hooded Man. “I’m thinking I could just call you ‘H.M.’ … for ‘Hooded Man’ at the moment … maybe somethin’ else if things work out, but if you have another name you would prefer I would certainly respect that.”
The hooded man replies with a quiet chuckle, “Yes, ‘Hooded Man’ or ‘HM’ is fine for now.”
“Well I would be glad to help,” replies Aldo. “Particularly if, when the time comes, we can free Porte, but I have to be honest,” Aldo says with a shrug, “If we are talking about fighting I am not sure if I’d be a help or a hindrance. I can help with some minor healing and maybe if we’re looking to be sneakin’ about help a little there … but I am not much for swinging a sword.” He laughs, “Heck – I have never even held one! Poked a fellow or two with a dagger to get them to back off but nothing much more than that.”
Then Alix ads to the conversation "We are strong as a group. Our so-called leaders are nothing more than gangs of thugs. We are weak alone and must stay as a group. If someone has a plan, I can get in to get The Sword. I am small and can go unnoticed. I can protect myself, but would not call myself a warrior. We should assign roles as to our abilities? Is anyone good with a sword in case our plan goes badly? I am also knowledgeable about herbs and I may be able to brew up a nice toxin to knock out any adversaries, thus minimizing any casualties."
Ilnaite replies, "As I've said, I can fight well unarmed but I am no warrior. I too have my means to avoid detection if it comes to sneaking around."
To which Alix says, "Well, if you and I can get inside, perhaps the others can run interference?"
Aldo looks a bit relieved as everyone agrees to work together, and a bit worried at the talk of using swords and ‘interference’. “I would think that the first step would be to take a look around the area where this Dobias Philinstar lives. Just to see what is there and figure out *if* we can do it before we start looking at how. With a little luck he’ll be out sailing one of his ships around or something,” he offers.
“I can likely arrange quiet passage to Argentum, and if it isn’t good to stay here I can recommend The Broken Mug. The Mug may be a bit low-brow for some folk here but it is quiet and I am sure it will fit H.M.’s purse. It is right off of Noordwestmarkt Straad which makes it a straight shot between the market in the Black Swan District and the docks. Always a good bit of traffic to get lost amidst but, again, The Mug ain’t fancy. In fact it is barely low-brow – but it is a quiet place that the Noord don’t bother with much. I am sure we can get a room with four beds for a pence a day each, particularly if we offer a week or two in advance. That would include a blanket and linens and probably getting them washed once a week or so. Depending on your purse we could get a key to lock the room but that deposit is two schilling each. Same goes for the locks on the chests in the room. The deposits are returned if ya give the key back, less a pence. So that’ud be…”
Taking a moment and with minimal use of his fingers Aldo sums it up, “With meals two pence and two a day each … or nine P a day for us all … making it 63 P a week.” Aldo offers. “Plus any deposit for keys of course.” He seems clearly much more comfortable talking about this topic than discussing swordplay.
Karsten grins at Aldo and pats his (non-existent muscular) chest and says "That is more than adequate for me. I don't eat much". He looks at the others and says "I also agree with the idea of a group. I am not much use in a fist fight but I can master enough arcane power to make a fair fight if need be, and also perhaps help to protect or heal anyone who may need it".
The hooded man replies, "The cost sounds fair to me," as he pulls a small pouch out from beneath his cloak and sets it in the middle of the table. As it contacts the table, it is apparent that it has a few coins in it from the way it jingles. He then continues, "Several Sterling there, should cover that as well as other expenses that you may encounter over the next couple of weeks or until our next meeting, which ever occurs first."
Allowing for a moment’s pause to see if anyone else makes a grab for the coin pouch Aldo scoops it up and, without checking its contents or obviously weighing it in his hand, dumps it down the front of his tunic where it will be safest from irreverent fingers – not that anyone would consider him worth trying to steal from. “So,” he says to HM, “is there anything more you want to tell us or think we should know … or should we be about getting settled and taking a trip to Argentum?”
The hooded man chuckles quietly to himself and replies, "If you need to reach me, either due to complications that you encounter or once you recover the first item, let the Innkeeper here at the Grey Tortoise know and then plan to meet me back here in one of the booths the following midnight. Wait in the common room and one of my companions here will signal you to come back and which booth I will be in. Other than that, I wish you all the best of luck and hope that you will be able to recover this first item quickly and quietly with minimal fuss."
Karsten nods at this and looks at his companions "So, any ideas as to what we do first? Shall we wander merrily to our first objective or shall we take a more structured approach?". He winks slyly at HM as he says this last...
Ilnaite adds, "I think we should head towards our first target. We can plan more once we reconnoiter the area. There's really no point in planning now without solid first-hand information."
Karsten nods his head in agreement. "So, if everyone is in accord shall we be on our way?"
Alix replies with a bit of a move as if he just had an idea, "Hey guys, I have a great idea. I know someone who could really help us out for our upcoming acquisition. An old acquaintance of mine used to live in an abandoned building about two blocks north of the inn that Aldo suggested we stay in. I think she still resides there? I have worked with her in the past to run some of my trade goods quietly and I am sure she would be very knowledgeable about any secret access from the water. She is very knowledgeable about the sewer systems and their access to local waterways. Plus, she hates the Northerners more than most people! I am sure we could talk her into joining us."
He then asks, "What do you guys think?"
Ilnaite replies, "That sounds fine to me as long as we can trust her."
Karsten nods his head "I don't mind as long as you vouch for this person"
Aldo replies, "If you are talking about Alina, I was just about to suggest the same thing, although I was going to stop by her place to see if she would be interested first. But we might as well stop by there on the way to The Broken Mug."
The hooded man then says, "Well I will let you all make the needed arrangements at the Broken Mug, contact this Alina person to enlist her help, and take a look at Philinstar's manor so you can make your plans for recovery of my grandfather's sword.
His guard closest to the curtain leans out into the hallway, then says, it's clear as he stands and walks out. He is followed by the second guard and the hooded man. The first guard and the hooded man walk out through the door to the stables, while the second man heads into the tavern common area.
If your group goes out through the common room, you see that the second guard is at the bar talking to the barkeep and handing him a couple of coins, then heads for the door.
As you leave the Grey Tortoise and head north towards the Broken Mug, with Aldo leading the way, you see the second guard head across the Merchant Square and disappear down one of the narrower side-streets. The other guard and the hooded man are no-where to be seen.
Making Plans
Your group leaves the Grey Tortoise and walks through the dark streets to the north, heading towards the Black Swan District (J3). There are very few people on the streets this late at night, and most of those who are, tend to try avoiding being noticed. As you travel the several blocks to the north-west away from the Martelain Merchant Square (K4), people on the streets become even more sparse and shady looking.
A cool breeze blows in from the north-west with a slight damp feel to it. The crescent moon provides just enough light to see by, with a few light clouds blocking out the dimmer stars.
Aldo leads you all past the entrance to The Broken Mug, pointing it out, as you proceed north past the burned out block. Aldo takes a couple of quick steps ahead and looks through the gap of a boarded up window of the second building on the west side of the next block to see if there are any lights on. Seeing a faint light beyond the cloth covering the inside of the window, intended to make it appear as if it is dark inside and abandoned, he says, "I think she is home."
He steps into a shallow doorway and knocks on what appears to be a rickety and dilapidated door. It sounds much more solid than it appears. A small section of the door slides open at eye level as a dim light can be seen from the other side as someone looks out from behind the secure door.
Aldo says, "Alina it is I, Aldo and..."
And before he gets a chance to say anymore Alix chimes in, "And Alix."
Then Aldo continues, "And there are some people with me that have a mission that Alix and I thought you might be able and interested in helping us with."
Alina replies, "Meet me tomorrow at noon in the Northeast Market Square a couple of blocks to the east, by the herb dealer's wagon and we can talk then."
To which Aldo replies, "We will meet you tomorrow." He then turns to the rest and says, "She is probably reluctant to let us in, especially with her never having met the two of you before," indicating Ilnaite and Karsten. He then continues, "Why don't we get a room at the Broken Mug as discussed earlier so we can rest for the night, as it is getting late." He then starts walking back to the south and walks into the small tavern that has a door nearly centered in the north of the second block south.
As you all walk in you see that the place is very narrow, with a bar along the west wall and a couple of long tables nearly end-to-end almost down the center of the room, with benches on either side. Thus you are never far from the bar. Towards the back there is a stairway leading up where the bar ends. The place is actually surprisingly busy despite the late hour, with nearly half the available seating currently occupied. Aldo steps up to the bar and talks to the barkeep in a hushed voice and hands him some coinage such that it isn't possible to see what changed hands. The barkeep gives each of you a suspicious look, but then you notice that he looks at just about everyone in the tavern with the same level of suspicion.
Aldo leads you all up the stairs, and down a hallway that winds around until he reaches a door with an odd symbol on it (all of the doors you have passed had odd symbols on them, none of them the same and none of them resembling anything you have seen before). He opens the door and says, "This is our humble abode for at least a few days. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm going to get some rest, as we have a big day of plotting tomorrow."
Alix says, "I am beat as well. I think I will turn in. Want to be my best for tomorrrow's meeting."
Karsten replies, "I am not really tired yet. I think I shall return to the bar and have a drink, and perhaps read one of my books."
Ilnaite says "I must meditate" and promptly tries finding some space to sit lotus in the room.
Karsten in the Tavern
As Karsten walks down the stairs to the tavern common room, there are three groups of people sitting together near the middle of the bar. Due to the fact that the bar is very long and narrow with several long tables sitting nearly end to end (with just enough space between each of them to walk through) stretching down the middle of the room, the only places to walk are down the east wall or between the tables and the bar that runs about 2/3 of the length of the west wall.
Karsten walks along the bar towards the barkeep to order a drink and listens for what the topic of conversation is so he knows which group might be most beneficial sitting down with.
The first group Karsten passes by is made up of three men who appear to be common working folk, possibly minor tradesmen of some type, who are joking about occasional run-ins with Northerner soldiers and how they have managed to avoid any major problems so far by playing dumb or grovelling.
The second group is comprised of four men and a woman, all dressed in commoner clothing and cloaks, but he notices that a couple of them appear to have bulges here and there beneath their clothing, probably concealing small weapons of some type. They speak in hushed tones, but Karsten catches something about weapons stockpiling for a rebellion. As Karsten gets close enough to hear though, one clears their throat abruptly and asks if the others think it might rain tomorrow in a slightly louder voice.
The third group (furthest south, towards the door) is made up of seven people, five men and two women, who are playing some dice game and making a fair bit of noise while drinking quite a bit.
There is also a fourth group sitting at the very south end of the tables (as far from the door as possible and with at least one of them always watching the door), all of whom appear to be unsavory types, with ratty and dusty looking hooded cloaks. Of the five men sitting there only two don't have their hoods up over their heads and at least partially blocking their faces. Both of them sport several scars on their faces from what look like occasional knife fights or run-ins with the wrong end of a bar stool or bottle.
There are also several people sitting up to the bar, but most of these are people by themselves, but with three groups of two people sitting together talking in hushed tones about such things as the price of fish and the weather, some ship that hasn't shown up in port yet and must have sunk or been hit by pirates carrying a shipment of iron from the Archendurn kingdom, as well as a discussion about some culture in the distant "Sea of the Burning Sands" and how they can work glass into strange and amazing shapes and objects. Then there are some not talking at all, and one group of three near the door who are being loud and boisterous from too much drink.
As Karsten gets to the barkeep, the grumpy looking man asks, "What'll ya have?"
Karsten looks at the barman and politely asks for an ale. He then takes the ale and wanders 'aimlessly' towards table number two. Rather than wait to be acknowledged he simply sits at the table and asks "so, do you really think it will rain tomorrow?"
The group in question is speaking in hushed tones again and gets quiet as Karsten approaches.
The man who had changed the subject to weather previously when Karsten walked by replies, "I pretty certain it will. As sure as I am that the Northerner scum will be driven from Martelain..." and he stops for a second or two as the man sitting next to him nudges him hard in his side with an elbow "...when they realize that there ain't nothin' left to steal from us." The entire group looks at him suspiciously and two of them (the woman and one of the other men) move their hands as if readying to draw hidden weapons.
Karsten looks at the man who replied to him and says "I happen to share your sentiments, but then again, I have my own reasons for seeing them go.....". He pauses for a reply.
The man who Karsten sits down next to and replies to is about average height and stocky build, with short dark and oily hair (appears to be someone who skills involve working around heat and as such probably sweats quite a bit) wearing thick wool clothing with several burns and scorched spots on it, replies with a slight smile, "There are many good reasons." This mans hands are calloused and also have several burns (some fresh, some old scars) as well as on his forearms, which look as solid as iron ingots. The guys cloak is fairly open as he doesn't have it wrapped around himself as tightly as some of the other people in the group. Karsten can see a small iron hammer hanging from a loop on the guys wide leather belt, the type that blacksmiths use pretty regularly.
The guys sitting on the other side of the first man who had elbowed him earlier is dressed in heavy wool clothing also and has heavy fingerless leather gloves, probably to protect his hands, the type commonly worn by dock workers or others who spend their days lifting and carrying things. This man is also stocky and muscular, but has longer hair that is tied back into a ponytail with a small leather strap. He responds, "Careful with your tongue there. We don't know this fellow."
The other three members of this group are sitting on the other side of the table. The man sitting in the middle of the other side is tall and thin with grey hair despite his early-middle age, wearing heavy leather pants and a light wool shirt with a bulge under his cloak that looks like a coiled whip. He also wears a wide-brimmed hat made of woven straw or some such material and wears worn leather gloves that are common among teamsters and drovers or others who work with horses. The woman sitting to his left is wearing neutral (grey) colored wool clothing (pants, a long sleeved shirt, hooded cloak) and is of short but sturdy build with medium length dark hair. She appears to have a couple of daggers at her belt and beneath her cloak, and a bulge beneath her cloak at her back that appears like it might be a quiver and a short bow. The last member of the group is the oldest, with very thin and nearly white hair and being of very small and frail-looking build and common wool clothing of a faded blue color. However one thing that stands out about him is what appears to be a nervous handling of several small colored glass balls not much larger than a strawberry, which he rolls around in his hands and back and forth over the backs of his fingers, giving the appearance of someone who while nervous is very dexterous and coordinated.
Karsten replies to the person who spoke to him first, saying "I can understand your caution, but not everyone who wishes ill for the northerners is a liar". As he says this however he is looking at the pony-tailed fellow who warned his companions.
"I have my own reasons for disliking the northerners, make no mistake about that. I simply sought some company from a few like-minded souls. Forgive me if I am intruding"
He looks around the table and makes a general gesture with a wave of his hand saying "unless you would prefer I leave you to your drinks.......?"
The man who had responded before says, "No, it's okay. They are a little cautious with all that has happened of late." He puts his heavy and calloused hand on Karsten's shoulder and continues, "You can sit with us. The others may not be real talkative at first, due to their caution, but I pride myself in being able to tell most peoples intentions due to often being asked to make things for people before payment is made."
The man stocky man next to the first man then asks, "So what is your story, stranger?"
Karsten takes a moment, looking at each person at the table before giving them an abridged version of his loss and his desire for vengeance and the recovery of Anya. As he finishes his tale he takes a sip from his drink and says "so, what's your story?" to the 'friendly' fellow.
To which the man wearing the hat replies, "Tis' a similar story to yours. Several family members have been killed or imprisoned by the Northerners over the years. My parents and one of my sisters were at home minding their own business when a nearby block was boarded up and torched to punish some other people in that block as part of trying to bring down the Leather Rebellion a little over 20 years ago. This caused my brother to get involved with a riot that occurred about a week later, where he was taken prisoner and held for more than 10 years. Then when he was released he had made contact with a lot of others who wanted to drive the Northerners out and got involved in a group of rebels that were all captured and executed a few years ago. I tried to contain my anger over my parents and sister, but when they executed my brother when was old enough to fully grasp all that had happened I could not just sit back any longer. As is the case with most of us sitting here."
The woman sitting across the table then speaks up for the first time, "Similar situation here. Most of my family was killed when I was young, a couple more when I was older. Then when the man I loved was also killed for trying to bring justice against the Northerners for killing most of his family just two years ago, it was the last straw for me."
Then the blacksmith that had first talk to you adds, "My father and mother also about eight years ago."
The other two men on the other side of the table remain silent.
The Next Morning
In the morning everyone wakes up to the sound of thunder off in the distance and prepares for their meeting at noon next to a wagon owned by an herb merchant in the nearby market square. Everyone is a little tired still due to getting to the inn so late in the night. Through the single small window (without any glass and only a rickety wooden shutter to minimize the weather from getting into the room), it can be seen that the sky is overcast with dark grey clouds giving an omen of rain being likely.
Everyone has breakfast if they desire and then prepares for the meeting next to the herb dealers cart in the small market square just a couple of blocks or so to the east. The sky has slowly turned more grey as the morning progresses, with a light rain starting late in the morning, so by the time everyone is leaving to head to the market square the cobblestone streets are already somewhat wet and the eaves of the cities buildings are dripping at a modest pace. As such the market square is not as busy as it often is this time of day, with some hawkers not being willing to get wet and those who are looking to purchase things waiting until the rain lets up if they can.
Alix has dealt with this herb dealer in the past (he will occasionally make small purchases from Alix of some of the rarer and harder to locate herbs), due to one of his businesses being foraging for herbs in the nearby wilderness areas and then selling them to various herb dealers and healers in and around the Channel Cities (and especially in Martelain). This particular one spends about two weeks a month doing his own harvesting outside of the walls of Martelain, and the remainder of his time in the market square selling his wares. He lives in the small wagon that is drawn by a pair of ponies, being that it is a rather small wagon and suits his stature, being that he is of gnomish decent. His name is Melnick Ramone and he tends to be a somewhat ornery individual who is usually dressed in drab colored clothing for a gnome, except for his wide brimmed bright blue felt hat with a rounded top (that is perfect for rainy days like today). However he has the common medium length white hair and beard that is somewhat common for older gnome males and smokes a rather long and intricately carved wooden pipe. Whatever it is that he smokes has kind of an unusual sweet smell to it with the smoke having a slight blueish tint and if asked about it, he says that it is a mixture of his own devising (which he will sell for a copper coin per pinch or 3 silver pieces for a small bag). He deals in both medicinal herbs as well as cooking and spice type herbs, with his selection varying somewhat by season.
The herb dealers wagon is near the middle of the western side of the market square, with several other wagons and carts (around a dozen in total) scattered about the market square and about 2 score [~40] small to medium sized tents and a few (a little over a dozen) wood and straw temporary stalls built in random locations. Normally the number of carts and wagons would be about double what it is today and the number of tents would be a little higher as well. Then there would normally be dozens of people selling their various wares from blankets spread out on the cobblestone, however there are very few of these today due to the rain. There would normally be about 5 to 10 times the number of people wandering around looking to make purchases or in a few cases simply wandering through the throngs of people looking for easy marks (to pick pockets or scam), however today the number of non-merchants is down to barely double the number of merchants present in the market square. As is common in the market square, there are a few Northern Empire soldiers, two pairs (as they rarely walk alone) that wander around, while another two groups (three in one and five in the other) are standing and talking near the north and south ends (respectively) of the market square.
Karsten wanders around the market wearing similar clothing as he had the day before, except for wearing a grey shirt, heading towards the wagon slowly. Looking at the available herbs for a while and occasionally looking around at others who are talking nearby or the likes.
Ilnaite wanders around looking at various trinkets and such at the various vendors nearby slowly working his way towards the herb wagon looking like someone casually shopping.
Meanwhile Alix walks directly up to the wagon and says to Melnick, "Hello Old Friend! It's been too long. Share a pipe of Happy Root with me. I might be half your size, but no way you can out-smoke a hobbit!"
Aldo follows Alix, but doesn't say anything as they approach the wagon.
Melnick turns to him and replies, "You got anythin' ta sell me?"
Alix replies, "Sorry, not today."
Then Melnick responds, "Only if your payin' for it. The stuff ain't free ya'know! Jus' cause I might smoke a li'l with ya when we are closin' a deal, doesn't mean I will just b'cause."
About this time a woman steps to Alix, dressed very low class. Tattered dress with an apron draped down from her waist and a handkerchief covering her hair.
Alix recognizes her as Alina. As she approaches Alix she asks him, "Why did you bring strangers to my place? My business is dependent on privacy and anonymity?"
