Zarbyn finishes his breakfast and joins the others as they prepare to leave.
"Looks like the group is changing again, losing Morric and adding a few new faces, this reminds me of when 'The Twice Shy' would make port."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
The gnome healer, Meknola discusses Lev's condition:“Mark this well — the Liminal state is the narrow road between life and death, walked only when the gods themselves demand judgment. The body lingers, but the spirit is held apart, weighed upon the Scales of Libra. No prayer nor potion can reach them until the choice is made. You will see their breath falter, their eyes fixed on things unseen, and their shadow split from their form. Do not try to drag them back — only their own decision, tied to the fate of another, can turn the balance. In this case, the name — Werik Longfinger — is the tether. Until Lev chooses his destiny, his own cannot be written.”
The group steps into the circle as the mayor reads the scroll. After a bit of an uneasy feeling, you find yourselves standing on the rise of a dusty hill, about a quarter mile from Port Blacksand. It is very warm here near the sea, and you are much further south than Silverton, far from the Ice Finger Mountains.
The crooked skyline rises from the sea like the teeth of a dying shark — broken, jagged, and dangerous. Smoke coils from leaning towers, gulls wheel and cry overhead, their feathers ragged and eyes glinting red. The stench of fish, tar, and unwashed bodies drifts across the fields, carried on the warm, salty breeze. Welcome to Port Blacksand — the City of Thieves
You determine quickly that there are likely three ways into the City of Thieves:
The North Road — a broad, rutted highway leads straight to the Gate of Skulls. Five bodies hang in chains above the arch, swaying in the sunlight. Black-helmed guards pace beneath, stopping wagons and travelers alike, their hands greedy for coin.
The Catfish River— to the east, the waters wind toward the city. You can see movement along the banks and several barges move toward town but the details are unclear.
The Walls —the city walls rise dark and sheer, surrounding the city to the sea. From here, they look steep but not impossible. Whether there is a climbable route, a guard-free stretch, or some hidden flaw is uncertain.
Jherak takes in the sights and smells of the disgusting looking town, but keeps to himself about the first impression he gathers.
He will wait for others to speak first, since he is new to the group. “At least it’s warm here,” he thinks. He starts to peel off some of the outer layer of clothing and tuck it away in his pack.
Lira squints against the sunlight, the salt tang in the air mingling unpleasantly with the stink of tar and rot that rolls from the city. Her eyes track the hanging bodies above the Gate of Skulls, but rather than flinch, her expression hardens in quiet recognition. Adjusting the strap of her pack, she lowers her voice just enough for the group to hear. “I may have a way through the gate. When we were in the mines, I found something hidden in Needle’s--er, my dagger's--handle. Proof of thieves' guild ties here in Blacksand. We might buy safe passage without too many questions.” She looks to Jherak with a hint of discomfort. "It's...a long story, but I'm not working for the guild anymore."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep| Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep| Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia| Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA| Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren| Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron| Mavilius - Tiefling Bard - Golden Vault| Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor |
Vydar has to force himself not to pull away when the old woman suddenly grasp his wrist. He'd been expecting a card reading not a hand holding session. His discomfort only grows when she proceeds to vaguely tell him and anyone within earshot about his past. As she does this his gaze flicks between any of his companions within his proximity to the old lady's face, and down at his own hand.
Shattered web? The threads of his fate up for grabs? No that's not true, he holds his own fate.... His shocked expression fades as he realizes he does not like what he's hearing. Though he shouldn't be surprised, that seems to be how real fortune tellings work. If any of this is true, he'll make sure he's the one to grab the threads of his fate, he's claim his fire... or whatever, and he certainly isn't going to let some ice lady cloud his reason just cause she's pretty. No sir, he's never let anyone's looks stop him from beating their face in if they deserved it and he's not about to start now.
Once the woman releases his hand he draws it back quickly almost as if something had bitten him. "Noted."He says bluntly before getting up and moving back to his food. He glances at Lev and Iolinder, just in time to see the paladin slap the fighter across the face. This nearly makes him laugh. He certainly did not expect that from the paladin. He wonders what Lev said to cause Iolinder to have such a reaction. Regardless, he's glad those two were distracted when he'd had his fortune told.
Glancing back at the woman, he notes she'd pulled out a crystal ball for Lira's reading. Why was he the one who ended up with a palm reading. He rolls his eyes and turns back to his food just in time to hear the crash of shattering glass causing him to jump back out of his seat. He calm's down when he sees the shattered ball and an almost sympathetic expression crosses his face as he looks towards Lira. He's pretty sure he knows what the old woman saw in there.
Deciding to abandon the remains of his meal, he makes his way over to Iolinder, Lev, and Amdaeng. It seems the conversation between the two men had ended and their focus had shifted to this northerner. He looks the man up and down as everyone introduces themselves. When it comes to his turn he states. "Vydar." The young elf isn't really sure why the group had taken an interest in this guy other than the fact that he seemed a lot less downtrodden than the rest of the town.
Overall, Vydar doesn't seem against the newcomer joining... though he does seem a bit skeptical and slightly concerned. He's not sure how to feel about bringing a random stranger into their group... he'd felt the same way about Morric.... who seems to have gone missing. He also seems extremely unconcerned about this port Blacksand place. He's dealt with plenty of street trash in his lifetime... if anything he's eager to go...
The sight of Morric being a statue of ice doesn't give Vydar any grief, instead it just makes him angry. He hadn't been extremely fond of the ridiculous man, but that certainly doesn't mean he wanted him dead. He has to stop himself from shouting at the Mayor... why the hell hadn't he brought this up sooner? He clearly knew this had happened. Biting his lip he stays silent. This is the second time they've lost someone... he can't let this happen again.
Once teleported onto the dusty hill, the sun immediately assaults the dark elf's eyes. Squinting and blinking rapidly, he angrily wipes tears away as his sensitive eyes try to adjust. He hadn't realized how much the clouds of the stormy skies had shielded them from the sun. Once his eyes stop watering, he squints towards the town. Shading his eyes with a hand, he looks over at Lira as she speaks up.
"Well that's worth a shot."He says somewhat trying to mask the irritation in his voice, "Though in order for it to work you'll have to give us a bit more information about your former guild in case we are questioned. It would be suspicious if you were the only one who answered any questions."
Lira brushes a lock of dark hair back from her face, her green eyes narrowing as she considers Vydar’s point. “My branch of the Blacksand guild is run by Danetyr the Spike,” she says quietly, lowering her voice just in case the wind carries. “When I left, she gave me a Needle. Hidden in the handle, I found a sample of gunpowder and a note from Danetyr saying to grant me entry. That’ll open the door, but once we’re past the gate, it’ll be obvious you’re not guild by the way you speak. Thieves’ cant isn’t something you can fake, and trying will just get us all caught. Best let me do the talking until we’re inside.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep| Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep| Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia| Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA| Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren| Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron| Mavilius - Tiefling Bard - Golden Vault| Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor |
Quick summary of Iólinder's actions so I don't have a massive text wall and I have limited time:
He will welcome Jherak and warn him of the danger they face while intimating it sounds like they share a common enemy.
He will inform the mayor he has left scale mail and a vial of holy water with a local to help with defense.
He will speak with the healer that helped them about Lev's condition.
He will assure Lev they will revisit their conversation once they both have a chance to consider things.
He is ready to go when the others are.
Zarbyn finishes his breakfast and joins the others as they prepare to leave.
"Looks like the group is changing again, losing Morric and adding a few new faces, this reminds me of when 'The Twice Shy' would make port."
Iólinder
The gnome healer, Meknola discusses Lev's condition: “Mark this well — the Liminal state is the narrow road between life and death, walked only when the gods themselves demand judgment. The body lingers, but the spirit is held apart, weighed upon the Scales of Libra. No prayer nor potion can reach them until the choice is made. You will see their breath falter, their eyes fixed on things unseen, and their shadow split from their form. Do not try to drag them back — only their own decision, tied to the fate of another, can turn the balance. In this case, the name — Werik Longfinger — is the tether. Until Lev chooses his destiny, his own cannot be written.”
The group steps into the circle as the mayor reads the scroll. After a bit of an uneasy feeling, you find yourselves standing on the rise of a dusty hill, about a quarter mile from Port Blacksand. It is very warm here near the sea, and you are much further south than Silverton, far from the Ice Finger Mountains.
The crooked skyline rises from the sea like the teeth of a dying shark — broken, jagged, and dangerous. Smoke coils from leaning towers, gulls wheel and cry overhead, their feathers ragged and eyes glinting red. The stench of fish, tar, and unwashed bodies drifts across the fields, carried on the warm, salty breeze. Welcome to Port Blacksand — the City of Thieves
You determine quickly that there are likely three ways into the City of Thieves:
The North Road — a broad, rutted highway leads straight to the Gate of Skulls. Five bodies hang in chains above the arch, swaying in the sunlight. Black-helmed guards pace beneath, stopping wagons and travelers alike, their hands greedy for coin.
The Catfish River— to the east, the waters wind toward the city. You can see movement along the banks and several barges move toward town but the details are unclear.
The Walls —the city walls rise dark and sheer, surrounding the city to the sea. From here, they look steep but not impossible. Whether there is a climbable route, a guard-free stretch, or some hidden flaw is uncertain.
Your Map from the Captain in the Inn.
Jherak takes in the sights and smells of the disgusting looking town, but keeps to himself about the first impression he gathers.
He will wait for others to speak first, since he is new to the group. “At least it’s warm here,” he thinks. He starts to peel off some of the outer layer of clothing and tuck it away in his pack.
Lira squints against the sunlight, the salt tang in the air mingling unpleasantly with the stink of tar and rot that rolls from the city. Her eyes track the hanging bodies above the Gate of Skulls, but rather than flinch, her expression hardens in quiet recognition. Adjusting the strap of her pack, she lowers her voice just enough for the group to hear. “I may have a way through the gate. When we were in the mines, I found something hidden in Needle’s--er, my dagger's--handle. Proof of thieves' guild ties here in Blacksand. We might buy safe passage without too many questions.” She looks to Jherak with a hint of discomfort. "It's...a long story, but I'm not working for the guild anymore."
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor |
Vydar has to force himself not to pull away when the old woman suddenly grasp his wrist. He'd been expecting a card reading not a hand holding session. His discomfort only grows when she proceeds to vaguely tell him and anyone within earshot about his past. As she does this his gaze flicks between any of his companions within his proximity to the old lady's face, and down at his own hand.
Shattered web? The threads of his fate up for grabs? No that's not true, he holds his own fate.... His shocked expression fades as he realizes he does not like what he's hearing. Though he shouldn't be surprised, that seems to be how real fortune tellings work. If any of this is true, he'll make sure he's the one to grab the threads of his fate, he's claim his fire... or whatever, and he certainly isn't going to let some ice lady cloud his reason just cause she's pretty. No sir, he's never let anyone's looks stop him from beating their face in if they deserved it and he's not about to start now.
Once the woman releases his hand he draws it back quickly almost as if something had bitten him. "Noted." He says bluntly before getting up and moving back to his food. He glances at Lev and Iolinder, just in time to see the paladin slap the fighter across the face. This nearly makes him laugh. He certainly did not expect that from the paladin. He wonders what Lev said to cause Iolinder to have such a reaction. Regardless, he's glad those two were distracted when he'd had his fortune told.
Glancing back at the woman, he notes she'd pulled out a crystal ball for Lira's reading. Why was he the one who ended up with a palm reading. He rolls his eyes and turns back to his food just in time to hear the crash of shattering glass causing him to jump back out of his seat. He calm's down when he sees the shattered ball and an almost sympathetic expression crosses his face as he looks towards Lira. He's pretty sure he knows what the old woman saw in there.
Deciding to abandon the remains of his meal, he makes his way over to Iolinder, Lev, and Amdaeng. It seems the conversation between the two men had ended and their focus had shifted to this northerner. He looks the man up and down as everyone introduces themselves. When it comes to his turn he states. "Vydar." The young elf isn't really sure why the group had taken an interest in this guy other than the fact that he seemed a lot less downtrodden than the rest of the town.
Overall, Vydar doesn't seem against the newcomer joining... though he does seem a bit skeptical and slightly concerned. He's not sure how to feel about bringing a random stranger into their group... he'd felt the same way about Morric.... who seems to have gone missing. He also seems extremely unconcerned about this port Blacksand place. He's dealt with plenty of street trash in his lifetime... if anything he's eager to go...
The sight of Morric being a statue of ice doesn't give Vydar any grief, instead it just makes him angry. He hadn't been extremely fond of the ridiculous man, but that certainly doesn't mean he wanted him dead. He has to stop himself from shouting at the Mayor... why the hell hadn't he brought this up sooner? He clearly knew this had happened. Biting his lip he stays silent. This is the second time they've lost someone... he can't let this happen again.
Once teleported onto the dusty hill, the sun immediately assaults the dark elf's eyes. Squinting and blinking rapidly, he angrily wipes tears away as his sensitive eyes try to adjust. He hadn't realized how much the clouds of the stormy skies had shielded them from the sun. Once his eyes stop watering, he squints towards the town. Shading his eyes with a hand, he looks over at Lira as she speaks up.
"Well that's worth a shot." He says somewhat trying to mask the irritation in his voice, "Though in order for it to work you'll have to give us a bit more information about your former guild in case we are questioned. It would be suspicious if you were the only one who answered any questions."
Amdaeng soaked in the heat and sighed contentedly, " Gate it is. Oh! They have decorations like we do in Fang during the Trial of Champions."
" C'mon, Ning. I'll find lots of new street food for you to try.....and maybe some muggers."
Lira brushes a lock of dark hair back from her face, her green eyes narrowing as she considers Vydar’s point. “My branch of the Blacksand guild is run by Danetyr the Spike,” she says quietly, lowering her voice just in case the wind carries. “When I left, she gave me a Needle. Hidden in the handle, I found a sample of gunpowder and a note from Danetyr saying to grant me entry. That’ll open the door, but once we’re past the gate, it’ll be obvious you’re not guild by the way you speak. Thieves’ cant isn’t something you can fake, and trying will just get us all caught. Best let me do the talking until we’re inside.”
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor |
Iólinder stays silent and follows "Lira's lead.