Sky follows up behind the other still contemplating if he should of intervened with the illusion but shaking his head heads towards the blast sight with the others.
Although the group tries to move away from the commotion, they're stopped by the crowd of gnomes and others coming down from the upper part of the city. They're followed by gnomes in uniform and armor, lead by a gnome in just a uniform and hastily put on breastplate. He has graying blonde hair and sighs as he sees the crowd start to form about the streets. He turns to his squad,
"Alright, let's get this crowd under control and find out what happened. If any citizens ask, tell them it was a misfired firework. Keep them calm and don't have this crowd panic."
As the man tries to direct the others, he notices River try to head towards the epicenter of the explosion. He interjects himself,
"I'm sorry. But by my authority as Watchmaster, I need all citizens..." He gives River a glance over, "But you're not one...I apologize if this is abrupt but may I know who you are and-" He notices the other new arrivals that trail behind, "Well, now who you all are and what did you all see?"
"We were on the way to the tavern, Watchmaster," begun Isobi, "when seven strangers run into us. Six were cloaked, the size of gnomes, but had tails. And the seventh was very-very tall. Also cloaked. And he did something - covered all of them with some mist. Magic, I think."
Reporting all that she looked at Watchmaster with curiocity, as if expecting an explanation for such a strange thing happening in one of the most practical down-to-the-earth city in the Empire.
Dice stops short at the words of the official, after listening to Isobi give the explaination he says "So my good man, are we only tying to keep the peace or is there something to hide here? I am a traveler who needs work and these are my new friends." He waves at the group.
"That does sound very suspicious...but that raises another question. If you all were headed to the tavern, then why are you all headed towards the prison?" He casts a glance to River as she remains silent, "And no offense but staying silent does not help your case..." He looks to Dice, "If I knew what happened then I wouldn't be prioritizing my men to have this crowd quelled or questioning you all. Most of the folk here were up in the festival with a few that already called it a night." He examines the group more thoroughly, noting their armor and weapons. "Work...So you all are adventurers then? Even you, lass?"
"Not me, no," (well, she could be called that now, probably... may be... but that evening she had all intentions to stay a normal working citizen and technically could be counted as one)"I was walking these people - the guests of our city - to the Idleworks Shelf (they wanted to meet you, in fact, on account of job hunting) when the great explosion happened. It was unclear what exactly happened and where, then those hooded figures run past us, and the group went to the sound of commotion."
"Out of curiosity mostly," added Isobi thoughtfully.
"Ay, that's the truth. We were walkin' in your direction when there was an explosion of sorts. Figured we'd run over and check out what happened. We aren't lookin' for no trouble, if that's what you're sayin', and we certainly didn't set that explosion off neither."
Dice thinks for a bit "So there is a prison up there? It would look, then from the happenings, that you had a prison break. Is that what I'm learning?" He thinks again. "Yes, as Isobi says here, we were looking for you to find what employments might be available for an able bodied creature like me, like all of us."
When addressed directly, River's arm jerks and a sound more than a word escapes her lips, but she falls silent again as the lead gnome continues asking the others questions. It isn't until there is a slight lull in the conversation that she croaks, "I, River."
The gnome captain stares at the floor, muttering to himself, "...sounds like kobolds...why help a goliath...who can set this all up..."
He then looks to you all, "Alright then, if you four are looking for work, I've got an offer for you all. I need someone to recapture the prisoner, by your description, I can tell it was a prisoner of war, Sken Zabriss. She's a goliath, if you were wondering, easy to tell with how she towers over mostly everyone here. That's the primary goal. The secondary being I want someone to investigate who is behind her break out. With the timing and extra hands, it sounds like there is someone managing all this." There's grimace as the watchmaster looks about, the crowd slowly dispersing. "I'm willing to offer 500 gold coins for the reward of her capture, possibly more if you all manage to find out who is behind this."
He looks to Isobi, giving her a nod, "And sorry for the confusion, feel free to head on home. Just keep the conversation I had with these adventurers secret and I'll be sure to put in a good word with your...are you an apprentice or a helper to a workshop?" He asks.
Isobi was thinking about the answer to that very question from the moment she decided to visit her home. After long hard consideration she chose to stick to the truth for the most part. "Just returned from a journey, Sir. Do not know yet if the job is still my." She sighed pretty naturally (the steady familiar job was so very tempting) and dared to ask her own question: "mmm... Sir? Is it really so important for the city to catch the prisoner? I mean, feeding that Goliath alone should be a burden for the city, and that way it would not be our problem anymore?"
The gnome looks a bit taken back by the suggestion, shocked for a moment as he is silent, "...Lass, you did hear me right? The goliath is a prisoner of war, meaning, she's a trained soldier and killer. It's not a burden upon the city but to assure their safety. If she's out and about, then she's able to find ways to hurt and harm the empire. Worst of all, she's known for her sadism against even innocent civilians...So to answer your question, yes, it is important to capture her. To ensure that she won't cause a problem for the city or the empire." He gives a sigh, "Ah, but you've just only returned...I've not even the slightest notion of how long either, so you may not have known about her transfer here. I apologize for being a bit blunt and wish you success in your field."
He looks to the four others, "So what say you all? Will you accept my offer or is there something you are dissatisfied with?"
(Just a warning, the Watchmaster truly sees Isobi as a regular citizen of the city. If she does not take in the offer, then the adventure shall end for her.)
After watching the Watchmaster and Isobi converse, the cloaked figure says, "River help." Then, looking down at Isobi, she continues, "Gnome help. Gnome come."
Sky still on one knee looks shocked at the little gnome after her out burst. Then turning to the guard “This one shall help in its capture for this one feels slightly responsible for not intervening.” Then turning to Isobi he nods “Each ones path is their own to make.....but know that darkness only wins when the light refuses to shine.” Then standing up to his full height still addressing Isobi. “What ever path you forge this one hopes for your success and thanks you for your kindness to this one.” Mentioning himself.
Dornik nods as well. "Ay, I'll be helpin' to bring that monster in. I've heard the stories from my time on the front. She's best brought in, trust me on that. Plus, I could use the work right about now."
Something did change during these two years - Isobi did not remember citizens of Hupperdook, so proud of it's independence even after joining to care so much about Empire's wellbeing. On the other hand, she never cared about politics either. And a rampant Goliath on the streets of gnomish city was a disaster no matter how long would it last. Shame on her, that a bugbear (River! She said her name was River) had to point an obvious to her.
Thoroughly embarrassed by her own dismissiveness of the threat to the city Isoby nodded to River "gnome help, yes" and very officially addressed the Watchmaster: "I would like to help too. I know the city at least, may be it will make search easier. But ... could you tell a bit more about that terrible Goliath? Who would want to free her?"
The gnome gives a sigh of relief, "Thank you all, but I'm afraid I don't have a clue on who would. As I was saying before, during her transfer here a few months ago, she managed to slip the guards before getting into her cell. We quickly mobilized to find her and we did, she took shelter in a workshop...taking an apprentice hostage. And...I won't go into detail on how it happened but she killed the hostage before we could apprehend her...So the people's memories of her are not fond of her at all and you described others with her, kobolds, so that makes it all the more strange. My best suggestion," He looks to the smoke pillar from the explosion, "Is to check the scene of the breakout for clues."
He turns to you all, "Ah but before you all go, take this with you. It's a badge to show that you are working under my authority" He pulls out a gold and copper emblem in the shape of gear with a shield atop it. "My men and I will be keeping the peace and checking for any leads as well."
Sky follows up behind the other still contemplating if he should of intervened with the illusion but shaking his head heads towards the blast sight with the others.
Although the group tries to move away from the commotion, they're stopped by the crowd of gnomes and others coming down from the upper part of the city. They're followed by gnomes in uniform and armor, lead by a gnome in just a uniform and hastily put on breastplate. He has graying blonde hair and sighs as he sees the crowd start to form about the streets. He turns to his squad,
"Alright, let's get this crowd under control and find out what happened. If any citizens ask, tell them it was a misfired firework. Keep them calm and don't have this crowd panic."
As the man tries to direct the others, he notices River try to head towards the epicenter of the explosion. He interjects himself,
"I'm sorry. But by my authority as Watchmaster, I need all citizens..." He gives River a glance over, "But you're not one...I apologize if this is abrupt but may I know who you are and-" He notices the other new arrivals that trail behind, "Well, now who you all are and what did you all see?"
"We were on the way to the tavern, Watchmaster," begun Isobi, "when seven strangers run into us. Six were cloaked, the size of gnomes, but had tails. And the seventh was very-very tall. Also cloaked. And he did something - covered all of them with some mist. Magic, I think."
Reporting all that she looked at Watchmaster with curiocity, as if expecting an explanation for such a strange thing happening in one of the most practical down-to-the-earth city in the Empire.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
River stops when halted, but says nothing.
Dice stops short at the words of the official, after listening to Isobi give the explaination he says "So my good man, are we only tying to keep the peace or is there something to hide here? I am a traveler who needs work and these are my new friends." He waves at the group.
Lot's of stuff ...
"That does sound very suspicious...but that raises another question. If you all were headed to the tavern, then why are you all headed towards the prison?" He casts a glance to River as she remains silent, "And no offense but staying silent does not help your case..." He looks to Dice, "If I knew what happened then I wouldn't be prioritizing my men to have this crowd quelled or questioning you all. Most of the folk here were up in the festival with a few that already called it a night." He examines the group more thoroughly, noting their armor and weapons. "Work...So you all are adventurers then? Even you, lass?"
"Not me, no," (well, she could be called that now, probably... may be... but that evening she had all intentions to stay a normal working citizen and technically could be counted as one)"I was walking these people - the guests of our city - to the Idleworks Shelf (they wanted to meet you, in fact, on account of job hunting) when the great explosion happened. It was unclear what exactly happened and where, then those hooded figures run past us, and the group went to the sound of commotion."
"Out of curiosity mostly," added Isobi thoughtfully.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"Ay, that's the truth. We were walkin' in your direction when there was an explosion of sorts. Figured we'd run over and check out what happened. We aren't lookin' for no trouble, if that's what you're sayin', and we certainly didn't set that explosion off neither."
Officially Joined the Expanded Signature Club
Will be on Hiatus: Currently Clear
Dice thinks for a bit "So there is a prison up there? It would look, then from the happenings, that you had a prison break. Is that what I'm learning?" He thinks again. "Yes, as Isobi says here, we were looking for you to find what employments might be available for an able bodied creature like me, like all of us."
Lot's of stuff ...
When addressed directly, River's arm jerks and a sound more than a word escapes her lips, but she falls silent again as the lead gnome continues asking the others questions. It isn't until there is a slight lull in the conversation that she croaks, "I, River."
Sky steps up from behind the others nodding "These ones tell the truth kind sir" as he gets on one knee to be closer to his height bowing forward.
The gnome captain stares at the floor, muttering to himself, "...sounds like kobolds...why help a goliath...who can set this all up..."
He then looks to you all, "Alright then, if you four are looking for work, I've got an offer for you all. I need someone to recapture the prisoner, by your description, I can tell it was a prisoner of war, Sken Zabriss. She's a goliath, if you were wondering, easy to tell with how she towers over mostly everyone here. That's the primary goal. The secondary being I want someone to investigate who is behind her break out. With the timing and extra hands, it sounds like there is someone managing all this." There's grimace as the watchmaster looks about, the crowd slowly dispersing. "I'm willing to offer 500 gold coins for the reward of her capture, possibly more if you all manage to find out who is behind this."
He looks to Isobi, giving her a nod, "And sorry for the confusion, feel free to head on home. Just keep the conversation I had with these adventurers secret and I'll be sure to put in a good word with your...are you an apprentice or a helper to a workshop?" He asks.
Isobi was thinking about the answer to that very question from the moment she decided to visit her home. After long hard consideration she chose to stick to the truth for the most part. "Just returned from a journey, Sir. Do not know yet if the job is still my." She sighed pretty naturally (the steady familiar job was so very tempting) and dared to ask her own question: "mmm... Sir? Is it really so important for the city to catch the prisoner? I mean, feeding that Goliath alone should be a burden for the city, and that way it would not be our problem anymore?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
The gnome looks a bit taken back by the suggestion, shocked for a moment as he is silent, "...Lass, you did hear me right? The goliath is a prisoner of war, meaning, she's a trained soldier and killer. It's not a burden upon the city but to assure their safety. If she's out and about, then she's able to find ways to hurt and harm the empire. Worst of all, she's known for her sadism against even innocent civilians...So to answer your question, yes, it is important to capture her. To ensure that she won't cause a problem for the city or the empire." He gives a sigh, "Ah, but you've just only returned...I've not even the slightest notion of how long either, so you may not have known about her transfer here. I apologize for being a bit blunt and wish you success in your field."
He looks to the four others, "So what say you all? Will you accept my offer or is there something you are dissatisfied with?"
(Just a warning, the Watchmaster truly sees Isobi as a regular citizen of the city. If she does not take in the offer, then the adventure shall end for her.)
After watching the Watchmaster and Isobi converse, the cloaked figure says, "River help." Then, looking down at Isobi, she continues, "Gnome help. Gnome come."
Sky still on one knee looks shocked at the little gnome after her out burst. Then turning to the guard “This one shall help in its capture for this one feels slightly responsible for not intervening.” Then turning to Isobi he nods “Each ones path is their own to make.....but know that darkness only wins when the light refuses to shine.” Then standing up to his full height still addressing Isobi. “What ever path you forge this one hopes for your success and thanks you for your kindness to this one.” Mentioning himself.
Dornik nods as well. "Ay, I'll be helpin' to bring that monster in. I've heard the stories from my time on the front. She's best brought in, trust me on that. Plus, I could use the work right about now."
Officially Joined the Expanded Signature Club
Will be on Hiatus: Currently Clear
Something did change during these two years - Isobi did not remember citizens of Hupperdook, so proud of it's independence even after joining to care so much about Empire's wellbeing. On the other hand, she never cared about politics either. And a rampant Goliath on the streets of gnomish city was a disaster no matter how long would it last. Shame on her, that a bugbear (River! She said her name was River) had to point an obvious to her.
Thoroughly embarrassed by her own dismissiveness of the threat to the city Isoby nodded to River "gnome help, yes" and very officially addressed the Watchmaster: "I would like to help too. I know the city at least, may be it will make search easier. But ... could you tell a bit more about that terrible Goliath? Who would want to free her?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
The gnome gives a sigh of relief, "Thank you all, but I'm afraid I don't have a clue on who would. As I was saying before, during her transfer here a few months ago, she managed to slip the guards before getting into her cell. We quickly mobilized to find her and we did, she took shelter in a workshop...taking an apprentice hostage. And...I won't go into detail on how it happened but she killed the hostage before we could apprehend her...So the people's memories of her are not fond of her at all and you described others with her, kobolds, so that makes it all the more strange. My best suggestion," He looks to the smoke pillar from the explosion, "Is to check the scene of the breakout for clues."
He turns to you all, "Ah but before you all go, take this with you. It's a badge to show that you are working under my authority" He pulls out a gold and copper emblem in the shape of gear with a shield atop it. "My men and I will be keeping the peace and checking for any leads as well."
Sky nods to the gnomish officer once more and then to the others “Shall we see what we can find.” And begins to make his way to the explosion site.