"Should we all go see what is happening to draw everyone's attention?"
Zarbyn points in the direction everyone, including the sailors, are going.
(If anyone agrees and begins heading in that direction Zarbyn will accompany them, both anxious and curious to see what the kerfuffle is all about.)
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.”
Sure, I will accompany until the end and the remain outside.
and for the money
it depends...that's a lot to carry around anyway. do you have a common place where to store all these coins? I have also heard of places where they borrow and lend money:
the citizens called them banks. we could store the money there and then head to the meeting
Curiosity finally draws the group out of the shop. You follow the sailors and others on Winding Street.
As you approach, the streets begin to widen, the air thickening with the smell of damp stone, smoke, and something coppery beneath it.
Then you step through one of the great stone archways into Executioners’ Square.
The first thing you notice is what hangs above you.
Cages sway gently from iron hooks. Severed heads stare blindly from rusted spikes. A hand, a foot, a broken torso—grisly trophies left to rot as warnings. Each archway is a monument to Lord Azzur’s justice: loud, unmistakable, and meant to be remembered.
Beyond lies a broad paved expanse of flagstones, stained darker in places no rain has ever fully washed clean.
Scattered across the square are the tools of the trade: chopping blocks scarred by countless blades, gibbets creaking under their burdens, and other implements too cruel to name. Even from a distance, you can see old blood soaked into the wood.
And today… the square is alive.
A crowd presses in from every street, shoulder to shoulder—locals, sailors, wide-eyed travelers, hardened criminals all pretending they aren’t. Some cheer. Some jeer. Some watch with the dull hunger of those grateful it is not them.
Vendors weave through the mass calling out:
“Hot pies! Fresh meat!” “Spiced ale! Best view for a copper!” “Place your bets—will he beg?”
Some sit atop barrels for a better look. City guards stand in a loose ring, bored but armed, their eyes scanning for trouble rather than mercy.
As you take in Executioners’ Square, you quickly realize this isn’t only a place of death— it is a place of spectacle.
The square is ringed by buildings positioned like theater balconies, and four taverns in particular have claimed the best vantage points. Their windows are thrown open despite the smell, their rooftops crowded with silhouettes, and their patrons seated comfortably with drinks in hand as if watching a play.
At the center, a condemned figure is dragged toward the block, knees buckling, chains scraping stone. The executioner waits nearby, hooded and still, his axe resting against his shoulder like a farmer’s tool.
The crowd hushes for just a moment.
The only sound is the creak of hanging cages… Then the sound of the mans head falling into a basket.
The crowd cheers, shouts, exchanges money with each other. Then they wait for the next victim.
Jherak thinks avoiding a crowd would be in the best interest. “Remember the last time we wandered into the crowded dock area? Let’s not have a repeat of that. This city isn’t something we should trust. We could head to a shop and spend some of our hard earned coin, and still have time for a meal before making our meeting. Just my thoughts.”
As Jherak has second thoughts about this grotesque spectacle, he sees the next victim approach the executioner, walking up on the elevated platform. It’s the dwarf the party saw this morning eating breakfast.
Zarbyn feels a momentary twinge of loyalty toward the dwarf as he sees him led in chains toward the chopping block, and even takes a step forward before catching himself realizing he only feels this way because they happened to share an inn the night before. The truth of the matter is he doesn't think anything can be done to help the dwarf at this point as part of these public executions is the spectacle. It serves as a cruel and gruesome means to keep what order there is.
Best to get about our business so that we are free to leave Blacksand when it's done.
"I agree with Jherak, let's not get distracted this close to the meeting."
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.”
Lira rolled her eyes at the baying crowds....not a one of them realizing they could as easily been on the block themselves if only fate had turned slightly in a thousand little ways.
Amdaeng walked tightly close to Ning, her senses telling her this was a very dangerous place to be....a crowd drunk on bloodshed could easily turn itself on anyone who looked out of place or different within a moment...
Her homeland was no better but at least the condemned were usually given the option of dying on their feet with a weapon in their hand.....
Disgusted by the spectacle and helpless to intervene, the group decides to leave the area. There are few shops in the execution hill district, and those present seem closed for the event. (Choices: You can head back to the Inn you stayed at last night. To the west is the Garden district (where the Serpent Queen's home is located and some shops). To the South across the river is the Merchant District, Palace, and Noose Districts).
(Those present in Silverton recall the sailors description of the various districts)
Blacksand’s split into districts, aye—but don’t think there’s any lines drawn in the muck. One blink and you’re outta Temple land and knee-deep in cutthroats. Locals cling to their turf like barnacles; gangs sprout like mold to keep their bit o’ the city from the bastards next door.
Heh, lemme give it t’ye straight—no sugar, no sailcloth:
Harbour District: My home before smuggling made me rich…ish. Oldest rat’s nest in the city, slapped together from busted hulls and driftwood. Sailors pissin’ in alleys, carts cloggin’ the docks, and thieves slippin’ through crowds like eels. Poorer’n a deckhand’s pockets. You smell fish? Yer in the right place.
Garden District: Gods’ balls, you’ll know it when you see it—smooth stones, fancy windows, guards who look like they’d sooner gut ya than greet ya. Nobles, artists, and city fatcats all behind high walls. Lord Azzur’s gardens bloom like a bruise in the middle. Walk soft, and mind yer boots—they don’t like street filth.
Execution Hill: Built on hills so steep even goats think twice. Houses crumble without warnin’, stones give way like promises from a pirate. At the top, Hangman’s Hill stands watch—Executioner’s Square, cold and empty ‘cept when it ain’t. Folk here live in fear or don’t live long at all.
Fish Market District: Ah, the sweet scent o’ dead mackerel and desperation. Fishermen’s haven; warehouses stuffed with exotic goods—some stolen, some not. Poor sods tryin’ to make a living while sharks in boots circle ‘em for coin. Hold yer nose and keep yer eyes open.
Temple District: Gods stacked like crates—every street’s a sermon, every corner a bellowin’ priest. Wide, clean roads, surprisingly tidy—considerin’ the rest o’ the city. Show any interest in the street-preachin’, and you’ll have more holy men than fleas on a hound crawlin’ over ye. Shops here do a brisk trade in charms and relics.
Noose District: Home turf o’ the Thieves’ Guild. Walk in there if yer brave, or if ye got a death wish. Beggars spy for the Guild, kids’ll filch yer coin and smile doin’ it, and shadows move when they shouldn’t. Market square’s busy in daylight—night’ll see yer throat slit for the shine in yer eyes.
Merchant District: Where coin does the talkin’ and ears do the stealin’. Shops small as coffin boxes or big as sea galleys, dusty shelves stacked with wares both fair and foul. Merchants here got guards and glares, streets swept clean to make gold feel welcome. Haggle like it’s your last breath.
Lord Azzur’s Palace: Heh, the big man’s castle—walled tighter’n a mermaid’s clamshell. Iron gates, patrols thicker than whale blubber. Inside’s all gardens and hush, like a grave with flowers. Outside, the city roars; inside, not a scream to be heard. Don’t even think about it unless yer invited—or suicidal.
Relieved to have left the executions behind, Jherak will suggest heading back to the Inn, though stopping off at a shop or two wouldn’t cause him to object. “We should be smarter about the decisions we make going forward. Let’s not forget, we have an important meeting today that impacts what we came here for. Getting caught up in what others are doing shouldn’t be what we focus on.”
(ooc: are any shops left open or did they all close for the execution?)
"That was a ghastly spectacle! There's got to be far better things to experience in Blacksand."
...the sound of Twiggy's voice echoes from somewhere nearby.
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.”
As the group hurriedly leaves the gruesome scene, you decide to go to the familiar "friendlier" Garden district.
Halbert and others if need reminder of Garden District
This district is one of the most wealthy in the city, with wide paved streets and well-constructed buildings. Consisting mostly of private residences, many walled and guarded, this district is home to much of the private wealth of the city, as well as more cultured individuals such as city officials and artists. Centred around the Public Gardens created by Lord Azzur, this district has a larger than normal number of both city and private guards on the street.
As you look around more in the day time, you note the following shops. All may be open.
G1: Public Gardens
G2: Empty Sports Arena
G3: The guild of Wizards, Sorcerers, and Warlocks.
G4: The Moneylenders Consortium
G5: Guild of Entertainers and Artists
G6: Large Mansion: the name "Hadrak" on a stone plague.
G7: Another huge mansion: House Kobassis.
G8: New Mansion: House D'arrago
G9: Black Skull (Gambling)
G10: (already visited: Dietrich Zuvember-Alchemist)
G11: Mansion: (Serpent Queen)
G12: Run down house
G13: The Great Garolon-Artist (The one the Serpent Queen had you get revenge on)
(OOC: We will fast track this segment of the game. Assuming no one leaves the garden district, anyone who wants to explore these places can, but we will arrive at the Serpent Queens Mansion on thursday, Feb 29th if not earlier). Can post on this forum if you want to do anything, but group could split up if they wish. For additional equipment, I would suggest you ask someone you "trust" where the good stores are.")
Jherak would like to shop for an upgrade to his studded leather armor and shield, and will ask the others if they recall seeing a shop that he could look around for these items. “Anyone care to help me look for some newer armor or a better shield with me? I’d be willing to help any of you look for anything you may need.”
(OOC: Armor and weapons are in the merchant district....but out of game, I'll let Jherak safely talk with an armorer recommended by the three sisters. ??What is Jherak looking for?)
"We should all visit a few shops that interest us but we should stick together. I mean we've only been here for about a day and we've already been in two... 'incidents' involving the gangs. And we probably avoided a third only due to having the sashes to disguise ourselves with."
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.”
"Should we all go see what is happening to draw everyone's attention?"
Zarbyn points in the direction everyone, including the sailors, are going.
(If anyone agrees and begins heading in that direction Zarbyn will accompany them, both anxious and curious to see what the kerfuffle is all about.)
Halbert thanks Lev for the explanation
Sure, I will accompany until the end and the remain outside.
and for the money
it depends...that's a lot to carry around anyway. do you have a common place where to store all these coins? I have also heard of places where they borrow and lend money:
the citizens called them banks. we could store the money there and then head to the meeting
Curiosity finally draws the group out of the shop. You follow the sailors and others on Winding Street.
As you approach, the streets begin to widen, the air thickening with the smell of damp stone, smoke, and something coppery beneath it.
Then you step through one of the great stone archways into Executioners’ Square.
The first thing you notice is what hangs above you.
Cages sway gently from iron hooks. Severed heads stare blindly from rusted spikes. A hand, a foot, a broken torso—grisly trophies left to rot as warnings. Each archway is a monument to Lord Azzur’s justice: loud, unmistakable, and meant to be remembered.
Beyond lies a broad paved expanse of flagstones, stained darker in places no rain has ever fully washed clean.
Scattered across the square are the tools of the trade: chopping blocks scarred by countless blades, gibbets creaking under their burdens, and other implements too cruel to name. Even from a distance, you can see old blood soaked into the wood.
And today… the square is alive.
A crowd presses in from every street, shoulder to shoulder—locals, sailors, wide-eyed travelers, hardened criminals all pretending they aren’t. Some cheer. Some jeer. Some watch with the dull hunger of those grateful it is not them.
Vendors weave through the mass calling out:
“Hot pies! Fresh meat!”
“Spiced ale! Best view for a copper!”
“Place your bets—will he beg?”
Some sit atop barrels for a better look. City guards stand in a loose ring, bored but armed, their eyes scanning for trouble rather than mercy.
As you take in Executioners’ Square, you quickly realize this isn’t only a place of death—
it is a place of spectacle.
The square is ringed by buildings positioned like theater balconies, and four taverns in particular have claimed the best vantage points. Their windows are thrown open despite the smell, their rooftops crowded with silhouettes, and their patrons seated comfortably with drinks in hand as if watching a play.
At the center, a condemned figure is dragged toward the block, knees buckling, chains scraping stone. The executioner waits nearby, hooded and still, his axe resting against his shoulder like a farmer’s tool.
The crowd hushes for just a moment.
The only sound is the creak of hanging cages…
Then the sound of the mans head falling into a basket.
The crowd cheers, shouts, exchanges money with each other. Then they wait for the next victim.
Jherak thinks avoiding a crowd would be in the best interest. “Remember the last time we wandered into the crowded dock area? Let’s not have a repeat of that. This city isn’t something we should trust. We could head to a shop and spend some of our hard earned coin, and still have time for a meal before making our meeting. Just my thoughts.”
As Jherak has second thoughts about this grotesque spectacle, he sees the next victim approach the executioner, walking up on the elevated platform. It’s the dwarf the party saw this morning eating breakfast.
Zarbyn feels a momentary twinge of loyalty toward the dwarf as he sees him led in chains toward the chopping block, and even takes a step forward before catching himself realizing he only feels this way because they happened to share an inn the night before. The truth of the matter is he doesn't think anything can be done to help the dwarf at this point as part of these public executions is the spectacle. It serves as a cruel and gruesome means to keep what order there is.
Best to get about our business so that we are free to leave Blacksand when it's done.
"I agree with Jherak, let's not get distracted this close to the meeting."
Lira rolled her eyes at the baying crowds....not a one of them realizing they could as easily been on the block themselves if only fate had turned slightly in a thousand little ways.
" This is not where we want to be."
Amdaeng walked tightly close to Ning, her senses telling her this was a very dangerous place to be....a crowd drunk on bloodshed could easily turn itself on anyone who looked out of place or different within a moment...
Her homeland was no better but at least the condemned were usually given the option of dying on their feet with a weapon in their hand.....
Disgusted by the spectacle and helpless to intervene, the group decides to leave the area. There are few shops in the execution hill district, and those present seem closed for the event. (Choices: You can head back to the Inn you stayed at last night. To the west is the Garden district (where the Serpent Queen's home is located and some shops). To the South across the river is the Merchant District, Palace, and Noose Districts).
(Those present in Silverton recall the sailors description of the various districts)
Blacksand’s split into districts, aye—but don’t think there’s any lines drawn in the muck. One blink and you’re outta Temple land and knee-deep in cutthroats. Locals cling to their turf like barnacles; gangs sprout like mold to keep their bit o’ the city from the bastards next door.
Heh, lemme give it t’ye straight—no sugar, no sailcloth:
Harbour District: My home before smuggling made me rich…ish. Oldest rat’s nest in the city, slapped together from busted hulls and driftwood. Sailors pissin’ in alleys, carts cloggin’ the docks, and thieves slippin’ through crowds like eels. Poorer’n a deckhand’s pockets. You smell fish? Yer in the right place.
Garden District: Gods’ balls, you’ll know it when you see it—smooth stones, fancy windows, guards who look like they’d sooner gut ya than greet ya. Nobles, artists, and city fatcats all behind high walls. Lord Azzur’s gardens bloom like a bruise in the middle. Walk soft, and mind yer boots—they don’t like street filth.
Execution Hill: Built on hills so steep even goats think twice. Houses crumble without warnin’, stones give way like promises from a pirate. At the top, Hangman’s Hill stands watch—Executioner’s Square, cold and empty ‘cept when it ain’t. Folk here live in fear or don’t live long at all.
Fish Market District: Ah, the sweet scent o’ dead mackerel and desperation. Fishermen’s haven; warehouses stuffed with exotic goods—some stolen, some not. Poor sods tryin’ to make a living while sharks in boots circle ‘em for coin. Hold yer nose and keep yer eyes open.
Temple District: Gods stacked like crates—every street’s a sermon, every corner a bellowin’ priest. Wide, clean roads, surprisingly tidy—considerin’ the rest o’ the city. Show any interest in the street-preachin’, and you’ll have more holy men than fleas on a hound crawlin’ over ye. Shops here do a brisk trade in charms and relics.
Noose District: Home turf o’ the Thieves’ Guild. Walk in there if yer brave, or if ye got a death wish. Beggars spy for the Guild, kids’ll filch yer coin and smile doin’ it, and shadows move when they shouldn’t. Market square’s busy in daylight—night’ll see yer throat slit for the shine in yer eyes.
Merchant District: Where coin does the talkin’ and ears do the stealin’. Shops small as coffin boxes or big as sea galleys, dusty shelves stacked with wares both fair and foul. Merchants here got guards and glares, streets swept clean to make gold feel welcome. Haggle like it’s your last breath.
Lord Azzur’s Palace: Heh, the big man’s castle—walled tighter’n a mermaid’s clamshell. Iron gates, patrols thicker than whale blubber. Inside’s all gardens and hush, like a grave with flowers. Outside, the city roars; inside, not a scream to be heard. Don’t even think about it unless yer invited—or suicidal.
Relieved to have left the executions behind, Jherak will suggest heading back to the Inn, though stopping off at a shop or two wouldn’t cause him to object.
“We should be smarter about the decisions we make going forward. Let’s not forget, we have an important meeting today that impacts what we came here for. Getting caught up in what others are doing shouldn’t be what we focus on.”
Amdaeng, Ning and Lira begin heading West....
Zarbyn and Twiggy follow...
(ooc: are any shops left open or did they all close for the execution?)
"That was a ghastly spectacle! There's got to be far better things to experience in Blacksand."
...the sound of Twiggy's voice echoes from somewhere nearby.
As the group hurriedly leaves the gruesome scene, you decide to go to the familiar "friendlier" Garden district.
Halbert and others if need reminder of Garden District
This district is one of the most wealthy in the city,
with wide paved streets and well-constructed
buildings. Consisting mostly of private residences,
many walled and guarded, this district is home to much
of the private wealth of the city, as well as more cultured
individuals such as city officials and artists. Centred
around the Public Gardens created by Lord Azzur, this
district has a larger than normal number of both city and
private guards on the street.
As you look around more in the day time, you note the following shops. All may be open.
G1: Public Gardens
G2: Empty Sports Arena
G3: The guild of Wizards, Sorcerers, and Warlocks.
G4: The Moneylenders Consortium
G5: Guild of Entertainers and Artists
G6: Large Mansion: the name "Hadrak" on a stone plague.
G7: Another huge mansion: House Kobassis.
G8: New Mansion: House D'arrago
G9: Black Skull (Gambling)
G10: (already visited: Dietrich Zuvember-Alchemist)
G11: Mansion: (Serpent Queen)
G12: Run down house
G13: The Great Garolon-Artist (The one the Serpent Queen had you get revenge on)
(OOC: We will fast track this segment of the game. Assuming no one leaves the garden district, anyone who wants to explore these places can, but we will arrive at the Serpent Queens Mansion on thursday, Feb 29th if not earlier). Can post on this forum if you want to do anything, but group could split up if they wish. For additional equipment, I would suggest you ask someone you "trust" where the good stores are.")
Jherak would like to shop for an upgrade to his studded leather armor and shield, and will ask the others if they recall seeing a shop that he could look around for these items.
“Anyone care to help me look for some newer armor or a better shield with me? I’d be willing to help any of you look for anything you may need.”
(OOC: Armor and weapons are in the merchant district....but out of game, I'll let Jherak safely talk with an armorer recommended by the three sisters. ??What is Jherak looking for?)
Zarbyn pats Jherak on the shoulder, "Good idea!"
"We should all visit a few shops that interest us but we should stick together. I mean we've only been here for about a day and we've already been in two... 'incidents' involving the gangs. And we probably avoided a third only due to having the sashes to disguise ourselves with."
Something better than studded leather and the basic shield he has. I won’t spend too much of the group’s budget.
Medium Armor