Those bandits were harder than Crassus expected them to be and he needed a night's rest after that battle. He imagined that his companions shared his sentiment as well. " I actually liked the Jackalweres better than these guys. At least they don't lie to you before they try to kill you. But uh, good job back there Pict. Things might've been worse if you weren't there."

Violet produces a couple of berries, eats a few and offers the rest to the group. "Here, these might help alleviate the pain. They have always nourished me and kept me healthy"

 "I do not understand these people. I warned them. Why wouldn't they listen?" Turning towards Pict "From Crassus words I gather that you healed me as I lost consciouness. Thank you so much." Contemplating the events of the battle Violet continues "I guess I should have focused my attention on one of the enemies already engaged."

Addressing Crassus "And I didn't like the Jackelweres either, they just attacked us unprovoked. Why is everyone so eager to get hurt?"

"It's less of an eagerness to get hurt and more of an eagerness to hurt others."

Pict nods to the Dragonborn. "Aye lad, ye were a great help as well. Seems everyone here has seen their share of combat.. well, except for the lass maybe." 

Pict shakes his head sadly as he listens to Violet and Crassus' brief conversation. "It's true, there are many a man who would hurt others simply 'cause they enjoy it. And there are many more that resort to violence because they're foolish and scared. You're doing the world a service dealing with the first, but there's something tragic about the second."

Pict says this solemnly, and rubs the pendant around his neck in contemplation.

The Captain knew what he was talking about - when the group arrived to the small gate they were immidiately greeted by a guardsman and warned to stay away. The peace of parchment did its work, however - once the guardsman saw it, he nodded understandingly and removed a heavy bar from the gate. The group followed inside, then through the series of corridors, through the dungeon of some kind until they finally ended up on some street. The guardsman that led them then stopped.

“Look, fellas, this is as far as we go – I can’t leave my post for too long, and as far as my superiors are concerned, even going out for a piss is too long. So let me break it down to you real quick.” He turned around to face them. “There are very few things to do here, unless you’re a sailor – especially since the city closed down. There’s an inn, “Drunken undine” further down the street. It’s only good to sleep in, because the food sucks and so does beer. If you’re looking for some entertainment, there’s “Sinful blossom” a few blocks west from there. They call themselves a club, but it’s just a huge brothel. They got everything there – girls, boys, aasimars, a dragonlady… well, maybe she’s not a lady, it’s hard to tell from a distance. They even got orcs. It’s all very expensive, but totally worth it. If that’s not your thing, there’s also good food and drink inside, plus all the gossip in this cesspool.”

The guardsman paused to catch his breath.

“Walk a block from the “Blossom” to the sea and there’s a Bazaar – you can’t miss it. Pretty much all the trade in the city passes through there. Except for smugglers, those are in the port, but you’ll have to look for them yourselves. Farther still is a port, there isn’t much to do there – just don’t wander there after dark. Actually, better stay away from the port even in daylight – guardsman quarters are in the port too, folks might get suspicious as to how you got here. Other than that, feel free to walk around. Oh, and yes, magic is… restricted. No casting spell that even have a potential to cause harm, scare people on something – you’ll get arrested. Lighting torches and mending clothes is fine, but you’ll still get a few side looks. All in all, don’t draw attention to yourselves and you should be alright.”

Having warned you, guardsman left. Good thing he has not yet found out what happened to his employer, but that’s a concern for another day. For now, you need to decide where to go first and what to do.

Well, I think that's enough of the city layout for now. Agree on the location and go there, I will describe them as the need arises.

"Well, it's been a while since I've actually had anything worth eating, so I'm thinking that the Blossom is a good place to go for a meal. Also Violet, maybe don't do that thing where you talk to other people with your mind. At least not to anyone other than us."

Erlan

Steadfast and quiet for the trip into town was the way I traveled with the others. I snag a few goodberries from Violet as my health took quite a hit during hpour last encounter. I chime in that being alone may be the best way to live in such a world. Everyone seems to be out to step up on you in a world like this. I remove the scimitar collected from the fallen archer and give it a good look over, cleaning the blade and hilt. 

During the encounter with the gatesman, I keep watchful eye on him. After entering the city, I give my opinion to the group. “Rest or food may be best. I did not fare will in our last battle.” 

"Sounds like the elf and I are in agreement here."

Erlan, you've rested before entering the city (long rest).

"But uh, where do the rest of you want to go? The Blossom or the Drunken Undine?"

"Food is fine fer now, but I need to find the man the creature o' the woods spoke of. It's of grave importance that I speak with 'im. Someone in town must know 'em, and it sounds like the Blossom is the place t'look. " 

"Blossom it is then. But Crassus you might need to step in fast if anyone tries something funny. I sometimes lose my calm and in that case I might cast an unwanted spell."

"Can do. Glad that everything's settled."

When the guardsman said the "Sinful blossom" was big, everyone expected something the size of a huge inn. The building that rose in from of you is roughly the size of an estate. Three stores up in height, it takes the larger part of a block. Unlike most buildings here it is granite almost entirely. Violet, being the most perceptive of a group, notices clear signs of dwarven architecture. Tall steps lead to a heavy wooden door, guarded by heavily armed man and woman. The guards look so similar you all suspect they are siblings, if not twins. They don't say anything as you enter, but the woman notices Erlans bow and whistles in awe.

As you enter the building, you are greeted by a beautiful tiefling woman. Her wealth shows - in jewels adoring her fingers and horns, in revealing, but visible expensive dress, even in manners. That is not a common Madame.

"Greetings, and welcome to 'Sinful blossom'," she begins in deep voice. "My name is Velvet. Velvet Velour, I'm a proprietor of this club and one of the few people in the city whose good side is in your best interest to stay on. We offer entertainment for every taste, however exquisite. No judgment in these walls, discretion is our guarantee. The bar is open around the clock, ask the barman for the price sheet. There are booths available for both dining and other activities. This is a Common Hall, where majority of our workers and clientèle reside. The Royal Wing is available for VIP service. The prices there are steep, but just. Follow into the basement to discover our Theater Hall. There's no scene there, however. It is a place reserved for clients who enjoy... m-hm... reenactment, if you catch my meaning. If you do not find what matches your taste exactly in any of the halls, talk to me and, for a price, I'll see what can be arranged. Is there anything I can help you with right now?"

She ends her greeting speech and steps aside a little so that you can look around the room.

The Common Hall looks fairly usual, furniture is simple, but elegant. Even now, before noon, the place is crowded, with both workers and clients.

Describing everyone seems like a lot of work, if you wish to talk to the entertainers, I will tell who's there. Or generally, tell me what you wish to check out and we'll work our way from there. Alternatively, there's a bar. Or you can try to talk to Velvet.

Crassus can't remember the last time he had a decent meal, so he's going to head up to the bar and order some of the best meat and ale that the Blossom has to offer.

Violet stays close to Crassus and orders some stew and water.

The order takes some time, but not too much. Waitress, a slender elf, brings the food on the tray and escorts you to the nearest free table - it is not permitted to eat at the bar. "The best food" the establishment has to offer are wyvern hatchling wings with garlick sause and a side of mashed potatoes. It is pricey, but incredibly good. The stew Violet ordered is alright as well, far better than in the inn you started your adventure.

Crassus: -12 GP

Violet: -2 GP

As an older man, Pict looks around his surroundings with relative disinterest, and instead speaks to Velvet directly.

"An impressive establishment, to be sure, madame. And the offerings seems delightful, but I'm more in the market for information, if ye have any"

Velvet laughs.

"My dear, what answer do you expect?" she raises her eyebrow. "I do know everything in this city worth knowing, true, but, as I've said, discretion is our guarantee. Mundane things and idle gossip you can find yourself, just buy one of the patrons a drink. Better yet, talk to the entertainers, they give great... tours. I make it a point to not collect rumours. There's only so much one could handle."

"I care not to what business happens within these walls, madame. But I do know of a man by the name of Brennan. He has a number of tattoos that cover his arms and he lives in the city. Do you know of him, and where I might find him?"