Lokilia frowns when Normont suggests not staying outside the walls.
She does however listen to what the gnome has to say and take it in. After a long pause, she says, "The Sun Tree. Fine, perhaps that will make the journey worth it." She sighs, seeming more resigned to entering the city than actually being encourage. "Might as well get moving."
"Did I ever tell you there are more tie flings in Whitestones than gnomes? At least so I have heard", he says not looking directly at Dev.
Dev is dumbfounded at this statement. He does a double-take, a moment passes as he digests this incredible fact.
"More... more people like... me?," he says, almost inaudibly. Dev has never met another tiefling. He knows nothing of the ways of tieflings, whatever those ways might be. Yet too, if there are many here, then... Suddenly thirsty, he gulps dryly as his eyes now bob back and forth from Normont to Lokilia while they discuss options. He doesn't hear what they're saying, his mind is racing. His brick-red complexion takes on a paler hue. What if... what if they are here. My parents. My birth-parents. Maybe they wouldn't want me to disturb them...
The teenager's hand moves to his hood and pulls it up over his head.
The companions are waved through and Normont leads them through the streets of the southern expansion of Whitestone, the new Pale Hall sits equidistant between the House of the Lawbearer and Hearth of the Everlight snug up against the southern side of the old city walls that divide the original borders of Whitestone from the new southern expansion.
The other three not that all the buildings they pass are relatively new certainly much younger than any of the buildings in Drynna. The streets are bustling, mostly humans but a sizeable minority of dwarves and halflings and a scattering of others including, Dev notes, a sizeable number of tieflings. The cobbled streets are in excellent repair compared to Drynna and many shops and restaurants line the thoroughfares.
Normont cuts diagonally through the southern ward, before turning north and leading the group that way past the Hearth of the Everlight, there are numerous inns and drinking houses on the way but Normont is aware they will be able to find lodgings and food under his sponsorship at the Pale Hall.
As the group walks north they approach the much older original southern wall and to their right just before the gate leading into the older section of the Common Ward is the Pale Hall. A solid stone building dressed in marble and granite with brass fittings.
As Lokilia walks north she notes the large green hill showing over the top of the old wall, seemingly in the centre of the town but as she draws closer she realizes that the massive green shape is not earth but rather the top of the canopy of a gargantuan tree crowned with a scattering of white flowers and its leaves still verdant despite the cold and snow.
As they head north Quinn and Lokilia note a small number of Fire, Air and Earth Ashari scattered amongst the crowd.
Coming level with the Pale Hall two guards at the door in their customary armour hail them, Normont recognised both ( Kincaid, Human Male and Lemar, Half-Elf Male) and they recognised him in turn holding the door open for him to enter.
" Haven't moved yer cubby, if'n these three are wanting to stay in your quarters we can move Mengel upstairs....just give us a shout. Trish and Colby are in the office doing reports."
Lokilia is quiet as they walk, eyeing the large numbers of people filling the streets. "How can there be so many?" she whispers to Dev. The sight of the large hill, which turn is revealed to be top canopy of a tree, fascinates her. When they arrive at the Pale Hall, she is clearly unimpressed by the structure. "What an imposing building," she again whispers mostly to Dev, not wishing to give any offense to Normont or the other Whitestone residents. "It's so... cold."
What she really would like to do is go to see this tree. But she waits patiently to allow Normont to speak with these others who seem to know him.
"Hey Kincaid. How are you Lemar? Been a while. I kind of promised my friend here I would show her the Sun Tree first", Normont says looking back to Lokilia. "None of them have been to Whitestone before".
"I am not sure where we will stay in truth. I need to go see my grandfather as well", he says and frowns. "We really need to see the Commissioner though, as soon as possible. Maybe I will just pop and chat to Trish and Colby. I will only be a few minutes. I can meet you at the Sun Tree if you like?", he finally decides and says to the others, pointing the way to the Sun Tree which was obvious anyway as they can see it. "Or we can stick together, I really won't be long. You can come in as well if you like", he adds allowing them to choose.
Dev tries not to stare at the other tieflings he sees. They’re so… red!…and their horns are so…obvious, he can’t help thinking, finding fault. He frowns. What’s wrong with me… that’s how I look too.
He barely registers Lokilia’s whispers, even more so, Normont’s conversation at the doors to the Pale Hall. But he notes a tone in Lokilia’s voice, and when Normont offers the choice of coming in or not, one look at the Ashanti is enough.
“Ummm…,” Dev says, “I’d just like to keep soaking it in, the people of the city I mean… but I’d rather not go alone…” He looks beseechingly and also, compassionately, to Lokilia. “Want to keep me company? To the tree?”
"Yea, let's go find this tree," Lokilia says eagerly, relieved even, as Dev suggests it. "You'll find us there?" she asks Normont, even as she's already heading that way.
"Of course, of course", Normont replies happily. "More than welcome. You might have a vested interest, because the Pale Guard are the equivalent of the city watch here".
Lokilia doesn't pay much attention to Quinn and Normont's conversation. She moves along, only glancing to see if Dev is with her or not. "The tree must be just to the other side of this wall. Probably a gate here nearby?"
Lokilia doesn't pay much attention to Quinn and Normont's conversation. She moves along, only glancing to see if Dev is with her or not. "The tree must be just to the other side of this wall. Probably a gate here nearby?"
Dev matches step with Lokilia, letting her lead the way. He tries to mark their path in his mind, it’s a natural inclination of his especially to note alleyways and their points of entrance and egress and potential hiding places, but the main streets are so interesting that they command his interest and soon he is gawking in every direction.
"Quite so, Quinn", Normont replies as he leads the genasi into the Pale Hall and towards the office. "We may have a little explaining to do if we are to be able to persuade folk to allow us to speak a member of the Chamber. It might require explaining that a few times as well. I will confess I am fairly junior still", he says with a smile.
"And we also have the Cobalt Soul to deal with. I don't remember there being an office here, but Magnus was certain there was", he says solemnly.
Dev and Lokilia head north on the road until they arrive at the ancient, and now outgrown, city walls barring the way. There is a small open gate that has been made in the base of the wall and they pass through it. Continuing north along the street, through the crossroads, they can see even more of the enormous tree now shading two and even three story buildings, whilst the top of the tree they sighted over the walls was green with white speckled through....possibly flowers....now that they can see more of it they note that most of the foliage is a radiant orange colour like a setting sun.
The two of them continue somewhat north passing fabric and clothing shops and homes and come to another crossroads to their right is a large, stone, half-dome amphitheater built to face the crossroads. Within it a stern gray stone temple with towering doors and a small courtyard built around it, encapsulated by a small three-foot stone wall. Attached to the back of the amphitheater is a square, brick building. Two severe looking guards stand at the door and folks dressed as both clergy and judicial officials converse without. Inscribed on the doors are doubleheaded axes inlaid with balance scales......this seems to be both a Temple to the Lawbearer and a Courthouse.
Travelling on the two of them see that they will need to turn right at the next intersection to get to their destination the street they are walking on, mostly residential, terminates at a T-junction and directly ahead is a colourful shopfront which seems quite busy.....a sign hanging over it reads ' The Slayers Cake'. Turning right they can see the immense tree on a small green hill at the centre of a large market square, travelling toward it it grows larger and larger until the sky itself is blocked out by its branches. A sign at the entrance to the square reads '' Dawnfather Square". There are quite a few people sitting and standing about the place and enjoying the dappled sunshine despite the winter chill in the air.
Most of the businesses around the square seem to be small cafes and taverns such as The Tipsy Quorum, Consequences and Cows and Echoes of the Past.
"Quite so, Quinn", Normont replies as he leads the genasi into the Pale Hall and towards the office. "We may have a little explaining to do if we are to be able to persuade folk to allow us to speak a member of the Chamber. It might require explaining that a few times as well. I will confess I am fairly junior still", he says with a smile.
"And we also have the Cobalt Soul to deal with. I don't remember there being an office here, but Magnus was certain there was", he says solemnly.
Quinn and Normont nod to the two guards and head inside, Gilbert at the front desk looks up, sees Normont and waves them through.
Following the corridor back he finds himself in the general quarters courtyard, a number of Pale Guard are eating and chatting in the canteen and others are drilling in the dress hall. He is about to look around for someone when the light above is suddenly blotted out....
A rather tough-looking female warrior with dark brunette hair pulled back in a tight bun and dressed in a pale Guard Uniform that is a little careworn looks down at Normont. She has piercing green eyes and a long-healed scar on her face, and Quinn notes she is slightly wider across the shoulders than he is and her forearms are formidable.
" Normie! Long time no see! What you doing back?", she looks up and catches Quinns eye throwing out a hand for him to shake.
( He does. Senior member of the Pale Guard.- https://criticalrole.fandom.com/wiki/Trisha )
Lokilia frowns when Normont suggests not staying outside the walls.
She does however listen to what the gnome has to say and take it in. After a long pause, she says, "The Sun Tree. Fine, perhaps that will make the journey worth it." She sighs, seeming more resigned to entering the city than actually being encourage. "Might as well get moving."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Dev is dumbfounded at this statement. He does a double-take, a moment passes as he digests this incredible fact.
"More... more people like... me?," he says, almost inaudibly. Dev has never met another tiefling. He knows nothing of the ways of tieflings, whatever those ways might be. Yet too, if there are many here, then... Suddenly thirsty, he gulps dryly as his eyes now bob back and forth from Normont to Lokilia while they discuss options. He doesn't hear what they're saying, his mind is racing. His brick-red complexion takes on a paler hue. What if... what if they are here. My parents. My birth-parents. Maybe they wouldn't want me to disturb them...
The teenager's hand moves to his hood and pulls it up over his head.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
The companions are waved through and Normont leads them through the streets of the southern expansion of Whitestone, the new Pale Hall sits equidistant between the House of the Lawbearer and Hearth of the Everlight snug up against the southern side of the old city walls that divide the original borders of Whitestone from the new southern expansion.
The other three not that all the buildings they pass are relatively new certainly much younger than any of the buildings in Drynna. The streets are bustling, mostly humans but a sizeable minority of dwarves and halflings and a scattering of others including, Dev notes, a sizeable number of tieflings. The cobbled streets are in excellent repair compared to Drynna and many shops and restaurants line the thoroughfares.
Normont cuts diagonally through the southern ward, before turning north and leading the group that way past the Hearth of the Everlight, there are numerous inns and drinking houses on the way but Normont is aware they will be able to find lodgings and food under his sponsorship at the Pale Hall.
As the group walks north they approach the much older original southern wall and to their right just before the gate leading into the older section of the Common Ward is the Pale Hall. A solid stone building dressed in marble and granite with brass fittings.
As Lokilia walks north she notes the large green hill showing over the top of the old wall, seemingly in the centre of the town but as she draws closer she realizes that the massive green shape is not earth but rather the top of the canopy of a gargantuan tree crowned with a scattering of white flowers and its leaves still verdant despite the cold and snow.
As they head north Quinn and Lokilia note a small number of Fire, Air and Earth Ashari scattered amongst the crowd.
Coming level with the Pale Hall two guards at the door in their customary armour hail them, Normont recognised both ( Kincaid, Human Male and Lemar, Half-Elf Male) and they recognised him in turn holding the door open for him to enter.
" Haven't moved yer cubby, if'n these three are wanting to stay in your quarters we can move Mengel upstairs....just give us a shout. Trish and Colby are in the office doing reports."
Lokilia is quiet as they walk, eyeing the large numbers of people filling the streets. "How can there be so many?" she whispers to Dev. The sight of the large hill, which turn is revealed to be top canopy of a tree, fascinates her. When they arrive at the Pale Hall, she is clearly unimpressed by the structure. "What an imposing building," she again whispers mostly to Dev, not wishing to give any offense to Normont or the other Whitestone residents. "It's so... cold."
What she really would like to do is go to see this tree. But she waits patiently to allow Normont to speak with these others who seem to know him.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"Hey Kincaid. How are you Lemar? Been a while. I kind of promised my friend here I would show her the Sun Tree first", Normont says looking back to Lokilia. "None of them have been to Whitestone before".
"I am not sure where we will stay in truth. I need to go see my grandfather as well", he says and frowns. "We really need to see the Commissioner though, as soon as possible. Maybe I will just pop and chat to Trish and Colby. I will only be a few minutes. I can meet you at the Sun Tree if you like?", he finally decides and says to the others, pointing the way to the Sun Tree which was obvious anyway as they can see it. "Or we can stick together, I really won't be long. You can come in as well if you like", he adds allowing them to choose.
Dev tries not to stare at the other tieflings he sees. They’re so… red!…and their horns are so…obvious, he can’t help thinking, finding fault. He frowns. What’s wrong with me… that’s how I look too.
He barely registers Lokilia’s whispers, even more so, Normont’s conversation at the doors to the Pale Hall. But he notes a tone in Lokilia’s voice, and when Normont offers the choice of coming in or not, one look at the Ashanti is enough.
“Ummm…,” Dev says, “I’d just like to keep soaking it in, the people of the city I mean… but I’d rather not go alone…” He looks beseechingly and also, compassionately, to Lokilia. “Want to keep me company? To the tree?”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Quinn feels closed in and uncomfortable with all the people and buildings. When we walked closer to the building he cowers.
"Yea, let's go find this tree," Lokilia says eagerly, relieved even, as Dev suggests it. "You'll find us there?" she asks Normont, even as she's already heading that way.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"Yes, yes", Normont responds. "Of course. You three go and have a look around. Let's meet up at the Sun Tree in a bit", he adds as Lokilia walks away.
With that he pats Amber on the head. "You stick with me", he says in gnomish.
Quinn will add looking to Normont, "Are you sure you would like us to leave you alone? I can accompany you if needed."
"I'll be fine, Quinn. This is my home", Normont replies a smile, seeing how uncomfortable Quinn is as well for the first time.
The big stone man bends down to Normont, "Is it okay if I join you, I would feel better." Normont will see worry on his face.
"Of course, of course", Normont replies happily. "More than welcome. You might have a vested interest, because the Pale Guard are the equivalent of the city watch here".
Quinn nods and says, "I am also a pretty good communicator in case that is needed." (AKA I have decent Charisma)
Lokilia doesn't pay much attention to Quinn and Normont's conversation. She moves along, only glancing to see if Dev is with her or not. "The tree must be just to the other side of this wall. Probably a gate here nearby?"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Dev matches step with Lokilia, letting her lead the way. He tries to mark their path in his mind, it’s a natural inclination of his especially to note alleyways and their points of entrance and egress and potential hiding places, but the main streets are so interesting that they command his interest and soon he is gawking in every direction.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"Quite so, Quinn", Normont replies as he leads the genasi into the Pale Hall and towards the office. "We may have a little explaining to do if we are to be able to persuade folk to allow us to speak a member of the Chamber. It might require explaining that a few times as well. I will confess I am fairly junior still", he says with a smile.
"And we also have the Cobalt Soul to deal with. I don't remember there being an office here, but Magnus was certain there was", he says solemnly.
Dev and Lokilia head north on the road until they arrive at the ancient, and now outgrown, city walls barring the way. There is a small open gate that has been made in the base of the wall and they pass through it. Continuing north along the street, through the crossroads, they can see even more of the enormous tree now shading two and even three story buildings, whilst the top of the tree they sighted over the walls was green with white speckled through....possibly flowers....now that they can see more of it they note that most of the foliage is a radiant orange colour like a setting sun.
The two of them continue somewhat north passing fabric and clothing shops and homes and come to another crossroads to their right is a large, stone, half-dome amphitheater built to face the crossroads. Within it a stern gray stone temple with towering doors and a small courtyard built around it, encapsulated by a small three-foot stone wall. Attached to the back of the amphitheater is a square, brick building. Two severe looking guards stand at the door and folks dressed as both clergy and judicial officials converse without. Inscribed on the doors are doubleheaded axes inlaid with balance scales......this seems to be both a Temple to the Lawbearer and a Courthouse.
Travelling on the two of them see that they will need to turn right at the next intersection to get to their destination the street they are walking on, mostly residential, terminates at a T-junction and directly ahead is a colourful shopfront which seems quite busy.....a sign hanging over it reads ' The Slayers Cake'. Turning right they can see the immense tree on a small green hill at the centre of a large market square, travelling toward it it grows larger and larger until the sky itself is blocked out by its branches. A sign at the entrance to the square reads '' Dawnfather Square". There are quite a few people sitting and standing about the place and enjoying the dappled sunshine despite the winter chill in the air.
Most of the businesses around the square seem to be small cafes and taverns such as The Tipsy Quorum, Consequences and Cows and Echoes of the Past.
Quinn and Normont nod to the two guards and head inside, Gilbert at the front desk looks up, sees Normont and waves them through.
Following the corridor back he finds himself in the general quarters courtyard, a number of Pale Guard are eating and chatting in the canteen and others are drilling in the dress hall. He is about to look around for someone when the light above is suddenly blotted out....
A rather tough-looking female warrior with dark brunette hair pulled back in a tight bun and dressed in a pale Guard Uniform that is a little careworn looks down at Normont. She has piercing green eyes and a long-healed scar on her face, and Quinn notes she is slightly wider across the shoulders than he is and her forearms are formidable.
" Normie! Long time no see! What you doing back?", she looks up and catches Quinns eye throwing out a hand for him to shake.
" Trisha. Trish. And you are?"