Staff disc number 898 is handed across. "Save travel m'lady," Talvar mumbles. He evidently forgets, in the midst of his embarrassment, that elves are also sharp of sight. Whilst one of the coins goes into a lock-box below the desk, the other is clumsily diverted into a pocket hidden in the Administrator's cloak.

Upon spotting that the next in line is a dwarf, Talvar's shoulders relax slightly.  He has seen through the last staff visitor now, surely? What the north needs is swords and shovels!

The exterior of the Underpassage here is similar to the entrance at the other end. Two great armed statues stand vigil over the entrance itself.  The travellers find themselves in a wide semi-circular courtyard surrounded by a high crenelated wall. The wall is high and smooth, containing two arcing rows of arrow slits pointing inwards. Mounted on the high wall are four ballistas on swivel mounts that can face outwards or inwards and can also be elevated skywards.  The only exits are through two widely spaced gates that have flanking towers and are barely wide enough to accommodate the laden carts that pass through.

There does appear to be a general convention that out-bound traffic passes through the gate to the right.  Those on foot have to dart through quickly between carts who don't appear inclined to slow or give way for anyone.  Once through the wall, which has a pair of raised portcullis recessed within the gateway, you find yourself in the city of North Keep.  A cobbled road descends in several winding sweeps towards the lower city, while to your left and right roads lead off along terraces cut into the mountainside along which rows of buildings have been constructed.  The buildings appear to be larger and more impressive on the uppermost tiers, reducing in size and scale as the road descends. Beneath you at the lowest level sprawls a great untidy mass of largely wooden buildings, contained within a second sweeping wall that mirrors the one you have just passed through.  This embraces the entire city and appears only to have a single gateway.  You see more ballistas atop the towers that are spaced evenly along the wall, though further detail is hard to make out at this distance.

For Avery, this will be the largest city he has seen - it's considerably larger than any in Carvos and also larger than Vencarrion. It's a similar size to Karthenor, but that city is on a river flood plain, while this city is layered and rises up the side of a mountain.  The grander buildings are on a larger scale than those found in Karthenor.  Also, the walls are far sturdier and taller than anything most of you have seen. 

About midway down the road on the third tier, there is a large Inn built on a crossroads. Those travellers who appear to have moderate means make for this inn. Those who do not head further down the road, seeking less glamourous establishments with presumably lower fees.  This looks to be a large, but not especially high-status establishment; one whose fees should be affordable without the accommodation being squalid.

You can make a Perception check.

Rin looks all around, gawking in wonder at the sights until the press of people behind her gets her moving again. 

Perception 10

Having been jostled back to her senses, Rin thinks to herself, 'Okay, I've made it this far. Now what's next... I need to find an inn. I also need to find some companions, I was warned that exploring alone would be foolish.'

Turning to those around her that had also declared they were going on, Rin asks, "Umm, excuse me. I heard that you're also going on. Do you already have companions for that?"

OOC: I don't know who's near her at the moment, so anyone who wants to can respond.

Lumaris catches sight of the diversion of one of the coins as the man fumbles it into his pocket. "Ah, Administrator," Lumaris says, "I do hope the collection going to your pocket isn't coming by your own initiative. Perhaps your left and right hand are not communicating very well. One must be careful of such distractions, that something sinister might not be found to be occurring." Leaving him with her cryptic warning, she takes the token, and it disappears under her cloak with everything else. "My thanks," she says, as she moves past through the tunnel's exit, the bright daylight and the towering stone walls spilling across her new freedom from the dark, underground tunnel.

The elf looks up. Corrupt here as in all places, she thinks morosely, though I wonder what threats he has on his mind, to wish for more military and financial security, than the higher-minded pursuits? He had found it so odd to get three staves in a row. Thoughtfully, she scans the crowd moving before her, picking out the three ahead, and picks up her pace a little to walk abreast to Gwen, Avery, and Rin. "Greetings, fellow staves," she says, with a bright smile. "The pursuit of knowledge and inner peace is the most lasting work that one can do... though by our friend the toll-taker's reaction, it seems, perhaps, rare in these parts."

Perception: 20 (dirty)

[OOC - Natural 20 on Perception for a total of 25!]

Gwen's keen eyes sweep across the visage of the city, feeling at home with the size, but with an awe at its construction. Before  she can decide where to go, an elven woman approaches her and a few others who had been lingering nearby. "Greetings as well!" She says cheerfully. "I came to a similar conclusion. I imagine that not many of the learned are flocking to these lands. Likely they will wait until more civilization has been brought here by the blood, sweat, and tears." She gestures with the recycled token she had been given. "Before they come to these lands en masse. Oh, but where are my manners. Gwendallyn Ashenstaff, but you may call me Gwen for short if that pleases you, milady."

Rin's attention is caught by the word "milady", She tries to do a curtsy, but the gnarled wizard staff in her right hand makes it somewhat awkward. "I am Rin, a humble maid and student of the arcane."

Perception : Rin's senses are a little overwhelmed by the bustle and strangeness of her surroundings.  That "I'm not in kansas anymore" feeling when you cross from the comfortable familiar to something entirely different. Nonetheless, she does not feel any pressing danger about her and detects only open friendliness from the other "staves" she has fallen into company with. She is keenly aware of what to look for in terms of thievery and has spotted a couple of chalked marks, which suggest some thief gangs operate in the city. However, aside from a pair of amateurs in a doorway, she sees nothing of immediate concern.

Lumaris' senses are stretched by the stimuli of the place.  Habitually attuned to wilderness or woodland environments, human cities are hard work to process. Like Rin, she senses no immediate danger but is aware that this is not necessarily an entirely safe place. The bustling streets are a cut-purse and pick-pocket's dream environment.  She is alert to any figures approaching the group, looking for purposeful movement in the random eddying of people. Fortunately, she sees nothing of this kind. One woman does briefly catch her eye, though for a more mundane reason; a young lady wearing a heavy, grey cloak turns abruptly to side-step a laden cart. There is a brief flash of vibrant blue to be seen - she appears to be wearing a robe beneath her cloak of very fine material - before it is hidden once more.  The lady moves on up the hill and is quickly lost to sight. Lumaris senses only friendliness from those she is speaking to.

Gwen is acutely aware of her surroundings and the familiar challenges and perils of a large city. She has the sense that there is a generally good level of law enforcement here from the conduct of the people she sees.  With a practiced eye, it is possible to pick out a few locals from the crowd and they appear relaxed and at ease.  She has spotted a couple of figures on whom she resolves to keep a close eye - loungers in doorways who, though they engage each other in conversation, have eyes ever on the crowd. At present they appear to be content to watch for a mark or easy prey. They are some distance away and no threat to the group with which Gwen is speaking.  Gwen too spots the flash of blue, brief and vibrant. The only real colour she has seen since arriving at Cragellan. Gwen recalls seeing the woman before - just outside of the Underpassage in the courtyard. Then she was chatting to one of the guards while watching the new arrivals come through.  Considering everything, Gwen would favour a little expense to remain in this part of town than risk a rougher, though cheaper, inn further down the road. Gwen has the immediate sense that the people she is speaking to are friendly and in much the same situation as her.

Avery takes in the city with an experienced eye. For one who has been forced, by economics, to live in one of the rougher parts of Vencarrion for many months, North Keep holds no fear. Like Rin, he dismisses the loungers as amateurs. They are scanning for easy prey, preferably of low status whose losses will be of little concern to the authorities. Like any city, it is a place to be vigilant. If possible, since the city is unfamiliar ground, staying in a better class of Inn would be preferable - just until you get a feel for the place. The flash of blue catches Avery's attention briefly also. A rare splash of colour in a drab city, but the wearer is quickly lost to view. Avery detects no malice or deception from any of his fellow staves.

Avery takes in the grandeur of the city, eyes wide with wonder as he marvels at the towering walls and impressive architecture. He can't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead in this new and unfamiliar place.

As he glances around at his fellow travelers, he remarks with a chuckle, "Seems we're all in the same club!" He flips his token in the air playfully. "Study, magic, and religion are rare business here then," he adds with a grin, amused by the coincidence. "Best to get into a venture from the ground level."

He then studies the Inn as they approach, a smile at the idea of taking a break from all the walking. Looking again at his fellow staves, "Rest and respite at the Inn? If they have drink the first round is on me! I'd love to hear more about why each of you is in town. Maybe we could help each other? Always best to have friends." He half bows, "I'm Avery. Scholar of all manner of lore."

(Edit: Oh and Perception was 18)

"It is an honor to make your acquaintance, my lady Gwendallyn, and my lady Rin," the elf says, with a deep bow and a flourish of her grey cloak, that shimmers as if it were nothing more than a passing shadow. "My name is Lumaris Flirore, a Wayfinder from Rienmarien." She's still holding the censer, by the three small chains that connect to small anchors on its decorated metal sides, but enough time has passed now that only a faint smell, and only the tiniest visible trickle of smoke, still emanate from the censer. Although pleasantly greeting the folk before her, her keen eyes wander the scene, noting the background threat of danger. "This may also not be the safest place to travel for those who cannot hold their own or keep their eyes about them, and while those who seek knowledge have great eyes to inner light and wisdom, their attunement to the world outside of them is sometimes perhaps less, and needs the support of civilization." She smiles lightly. "Though I suspect that this may not describe those staves who have chosen to venture here early."

Her eyes catch and follow the woman in the blue dress and cloak, thoughtfully. "Yet, there may be many who need protection for nobler causes, perhaps, than gold and glory."

Gwen pulls her eyes away from the pickpockets watching the crowd reluctantly. 'If there was a rich economy here, there would be no need for these people to steal.' She shakes her head and turns towards the Avery and the others. "I would not say 'no' to having some companions with whom I could rely upon in these strange lands. Finding lodging and food to discuss our goals here would indeed be fortuitous."

Rin answers, "I would be honored to serve the both of you my ladies." She is convinced that the both of them have a much higher status than her. After all, both Gwen and Lumaris have last names!

Lumaris nods her head to Avery. "And to your acquaintance, as well, sir Avery," she says, with a long, measured look. Study, magic, and religion are not arts the love of which she would equate with business. And the claim of being a scholar, along with the lack of identifying marks or any claims of bonds is sufficiently vague to make her wonder. "Are you a merchant, then?"

To Rin, she smiles kindly and says, "Humility is often the best teacher, but under whom do you study?"

Gwen appears to the elf to be more easily identified---the symbol of Delmar is prominently displayed on her chest, and she carries a staff, to Lumaris she seems easily recognizable. "My lady Gwen, I see you are a servant of Delmar. Your staff---do you belong to an order?"

The elf hasn't yet answered the request to eat at the inn together, instead it seems as though she responded to the suggestion by becoming more interested in the little group, seeking to understand and place them. The censer still swings gently from one hand, but after a few minutes as the smoke stops and the metal cools, she replaces it somewhere under her cloak.

Avery nods thoughtfully. "Not exactly a merchant, no. But there's a saying I don't think is quite right: 'Knowledge is Power.' Because you know what's even more important than Power? Money!" He chuckles, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. "Knowledge is knowing where to find someone, something, or how to get something done. And people will pay well to know what they need to know. It's all about being profitable enough to pay back debts, live a comfortable life, and have a grand old time doing it. Who needs a classroom when the world is your oyster, right?"

Avery continues with a grin, "So, I like to think of myself as a bit of a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to knowledge, scholar of all manner of lore. But, more than just that, I do have a secret power." He leans in, as if sharing a grand secret, "I can read anything. It doesn't matter the language, the script, or the encryption. If it's written down, I can read it." His eyes twinkle with excitement. "And this region, with its history, seems like the perfect place to put this peculiar skill to good use. Who knows what ancient secrets or lost knowledge might be waiting to be uncovered? Or how much it might be worth!"

"Ah, a mercenary, then. But gold cannot find you your way lost in the freezing mountains, nor can it feed you when drought and famine take the land and hundreds starve. Recompense is justly due you for your good work, be that as a translator or scholar, but take care that all your comfort is not only in a thing so finite!" The elf smiles, but her expression turns a bit wistful, then, lifting her eyes above the city walls to the cold northern sky. "For centuries we have protected the Southlands from the Breach and the lands beyond it... but if civilization and virtue can be brought to the North by careful work, it will be a worthwhile deed."

The Inn is named Dragon of the North and depicts a fire-breathing red wyrm, rampant, on a slightly weathered sign. Within, the Inn has a large taproom which fills most of the ground floor. It is a space filled with tables, benches and a few screened booths. A circular bar/servery stands in the middle of the room.

On entering, you are met with a wall of sound. The place is very busy indeed and raucous voices compete to be heard in a general cacophony.  The room is agreeably warm due to two roaring fires on opposite sides of the room but the atmosphere is a little stuffy. There is a strong smell of warm bodies, spilled ale and hot food, all mingled together into that unmistakable "tavern blend" which is welcome to those who have journeyed far.

Your group does attract quite a few looks and stares but nothing too intrusive or long lasting.  The company here is about 70% male which might account for it! Although busy, table space can be found and one of the servers is quick to attend. 

"Welcome to the Dragon. Might you be wanting food and drink? We have rooms too, just a few, if you wish to stay the night."

Lumaris steps into the inn, pausing just beyond the threshold for a moment as she takes in the warm, noisy, surroundings. It takes her a moment to adjust, and she replaces the censer, now having exhausted its aromatic fuel, back beneath her cloak. For a moment, a wistful look crosses her face, like that of a wild creature scenting danger and ready to take off into the woods, but in another moment the look is gone, and she smiles again as she accompanies the group to a small cramped space at an open table.

"Food and drink would be most welcome," she says to the server, "and three blessings to you for your hospitality in this desolate place. What have you on the fire?"

Avery steps into the Dragon of the North, and follows the group to the table and settles in, placing his pack by his feet. As Lumaris inquires about the food, Avery grins and adds, "Yes, and if you have any local specialties, we'd love to try those too. First round is on me!" He then turns to his companions, "Quite the change from the Underpassage, isn't it?"

Leaning back slightly, Avery continues, "So, what brings each of you to this part of the world? We've all chosen the staff, but I'm sure our paths to this point have been quite different. By the way, does anyone know why they give out these tokens and why they're important?"

[OOC] Sorry about the lack of posting over the weekend! My creative juices had been tapped! I apologize for not being able to respond to Lumaris' question!![/OOC]

Gwen requests a room as well as food, just in case she needs somewhere safe to sleep. The lingering looks of the many men in the room leaves her uneasy. "I would imagine the tokens are to help identify us or our remains in the event of our untimely demise." She holds up her own battered token with a grimace. "Myself, I have come here in search of Delmar's treasure. The faith has a belief that somewhere in the world lies a massive treasure from Delmar that the worthy shall find and share with the rest of the people of the world. Where better to look for such a treasure than these untapped, untamed lands?" She smiles wistfully. 

Rin asks Gwen if she would mind sharing a room, and offers to help her as a maid in return.

Responding to Avery's question, Rin says, "The tokens might also serve as identification for those who leave and enter the town, where you need a token to get in or out." She continues, "I'm not here for any specific reason, but it seemed like it would be a good place to practice my magic. My master kicked me out telling me it was time to be on my own, but I'd rather be supporting others than exploring alone."

"The treasure of faith is well worth seeking for," Lumaris says, as she takes a coin from under her cloak, idly turning it over in her fingers, before she hands it to the server. "And worth the service of one's life, and the protection of all one's powers." She looks wistfully across the table towards the darkening snowscape of the town outside the small tavern windows.

"My people have dedicated themselves to protecting the Southlands from the Breach and the North beyond the Breach. So few have ever ventured here... yet to bring guides and the forces of law to this wild place, to frame its beauty like an exquisite gem set in flame-forged gold, would allow us to stand as a two-pronged guard against the Breach. We would stand ever stronger against those who seek the rewards of Skelvath for pledging their eternal servitude to him. I am here for this purpose... as a scout force of the Wayfinders, as a friend of the Eyes."

The elf smiles softly at Gwen, and Rin. "So as the softer touch of the feminine hand beautifies all it touches... may this wild place bloom like a flower under your care. Gwen, I would stay with you and your handmaid, and share the cost of lodging, if you would be pleased to have me as a companion. There is much to see and find here in the North, and the human spirit brings a touch of springtime to all things, in a way that the old oak of long elven years may forget..."