The continent of Issrisyl was a jewel. It was perfect. The land was fertile, the weather was always pleasant, and all creatures lived in peace with each other. It had been like that for centuries. It truly was a paradise. No crime, no poverty, and no hunger. At least, it used to be.
The continent of Issrisyl was struck by a magical disease a little over 60 years ago. The Blight, as it is called, affects the yield of all crops and the mortality rate of all creatures on the continent. Half of the harvest is always killed by a mysterious black disease and half of all children die within a day of being born. The source of The Blight is thought to be a curse placed on the land by a dark wizard, though no one really knows the nature of The Blight.
In the early years, teams of scholars and sages worked to restore the land to its previous state. None succeeded. The previously peaceful people began committing all sorts of crimes in order to survive. Disasters struck cities as riots broke out and monsters suddenly appeared out of the wilds, attacking settlements.
The jewel of the world, Issrisyl, was now a place of fear, violence, and despair. The rest of the world turned its back on the once-favored continent rather than risk being infected by its curse. Almost no one cared about the future of Issrisyl anymore. The older people who had lived in the times of prosperity were still holding onto hope that the land would be restored to its splendor, but the youth of the world mostly just accepted that this was life.
There were no more teams of scholars or mages working to solve the problem, but there were a few people with the will and the resources to still try. Finding them was impossible, however. They did, however, occasionally reach out to certain individuals for help.
The city of Farrin is the capital of Issrisyl and is the home of Queen Ann and the royal family. Queen Ann's family has ruled over Issrisyl for millennia, though the power and influence of the royals have diminished greatly since the Blight. Her keep is in a walled enclave in the Southern part of the Rose Quarter. The Rose Quarter is home to the wealthy upper-class of Farrin and is more heavily-patrolled by the city guard than other parts of the city.
Arbane Dorsalor was an elf past his prime, somewhere over six hundred years old, according to rumor. He was also quite wealthy, connected, and magically accomplished. Receiving a summons from him was an event in itself, let alone actually meeting the man. Which was why you were surprised to receive a note that said just that. You arrive at his manor in the Rose Quarter and are sent to a study by the butler, Gordon. After a few minutes, Gordon fetches you and sends you to the library where you find yourself in the company of several other individuals.
An old elf walks in a moment later and begins talking without preamble. “I’ve run into a bit of a problem. There’s some sort of shield that is keeping me from inspecting a piece of the city, and I’m not as capable of heading down there in person as I once was. You lot seem competent enough to investigate the area and figure out what’s causing the disturbance. Hey, maybe you’ll impress me and take care of the problem yourselves. Anyway, that’s all. This is a map of the city with a location marked as the area. Good luck.” Arbane gestured to the map on the table in front of him and then turned around and walked out of the library without waiting for a response.
Gordon remained behind, standing at attention to answer any questions the group might have.
(Any character that has spent more than a couple days in the city knows the following:)The Sunken Quarter used to be a thriving part of the town, but The Blight came and with it, the aqueducts broke. That section of the city has since been entirely flooded. The streets now act as canals, where only the tops of the one-story buildings are visible. The Sunken Quarter is known for being a smuggler’s paradise because no guards watch the East Gate. The more upright citizens would never go into the Sunken Quarter, but it’s where everyone knows to go if they want to enjoy some less-than-legal activities.
In order to navigate the Sunken Quarter, one needs to rent or own a boat, as that is the only means of travel. There are some rope bridges that connect buildings, but they are uncommon. The outer wall has ladders so people can leave the city from the tops of the walls, as the gates are unusable with all the water flooded in. Numerous attempts to open the gates have failed, as there is a large amount of debris blocking them.
"I hate the sunken quarter. Master Arbane mostly like just doesn't want to go himself since that places is dirty. But I agree with the child. If we head in there we can't be looking for trouble or we'll find it."
“I am Fallen Twig, a wanderer of the Restless Wilds Clan, but you may call me Twig"said the lithe, pacing Tabaxi, gray-white tail erect and twitching.
“And I am not sure how well we can sneak into the Sunken Quarter...it is sunken, is it not?"I thought that the fact that I'm new to this continent would make me the most ignorant...perhaps not. Or perhaps I am misunderstanding these strange folk. "And therefore only accessible by boat? I excel at stealth, but I do not excel at...ahem, boats”The seasickness on the ship to Issrisyl was bad enough...
“But most importantly, what is our host trying to get a look at? With his resources it certainly isn’t anything money could buy. Which means it is much MUCH more interesting....” Twig said with a glint in her eye, purring with anticipation.
Twig paces over to examine the map while conversation continues.
"The name is Garth Stonemore, and I'm 'bout as serprised to be here as everyone else. Glad to be here though, since I am 'bout outta coin after travelling here from Russo."
"My 'da always wanted to ride the river south from Farrin back to our home in Russo, but he died before getting the chance. I finally made the journey north and emptied his ashes where the lake empties into the river, fulfilling his last wish. 'Course, after I emptied the bucket I kept his ashes in, a local fisherman told me that it's spawning season for the salmon just a few leagues downriver. Da always liked eating salmon, so I don't think he would've minded."
Cor listens with one eyebrow raised taking in the spectacle before him. This seems to be a very 'interesting' group of individuals. With a quiet sigh he clears his throat.
"I apologize Ms. Sticks... Well, if we are introducing ourselves, then I am Xavcoril Waf-Flez but please, call me Cor. And, if you cannot tell for yourselves, I am of both Human and Elf descent. I have been in this city for sometime and I agree that sneaking into the Sunken Quarter probably won't work but as I said earlier, we don't need to sneak in, we just need to not go looking for trouble." Cor says to the three strangers before him.
"Gordon, will Master Arbane be helping supply us with a boat as transportation?" Cor asks as he turns towards the butler. "Also, what are to be looking for in the Sunken Quarter?"
Gordon waited a moment before responding to Cor with a stiff voice, exactly the kind you would expect from a wealthy man's butler.
"Lord Arbane has given his assistance in the form of this map. He assumed you would be up to the task without needing your hands held. If that's not the case, I am sure there are plenty of other individuals in the city who would leap at the chance to assist Lord Arbane." Gordon said with his chin held high. "As for what you're looking for, Lord Arbane has told you - a disturbance that is keeping him from scrying that part of the city."
Gordon gave Cor a meaningful stare before focusing his attention on empty space again. It was clear that he didn't think too much of the group and their capabilities, despite his master's apparent confidence that they could complete the job.
(OOC: The group is currently at Lord Arbane's manor in the Rose Quarter. It is mid-morning, about 9-10 am)
"Cor, you mentioned that you've been here for some time. Know anyone reputable that rents out boats, preferably one that keeps the water out?" Garth said, scratching his stomach. "I like to bathe on my own terms, and bathin' in my armor with a bunch 'o people I just met ain't on my to-do list for the day."
“Mmmmm....” Twig chirruped thoughtfully “I still have questions for Garden. First, does Lard Albatross require that we hire a boat with coins? I do not know how much that might cost, but I doubt that I have the coins. I'm sure that we could procure a boat in another manner, as necessary, but it would certainly expedite the venture if Lad Algernon were to pay for the vessel”
"Second, on a related note, while Car (Cor) and L (Q) are clearly as excited to begin solving this mystery as I am, unlike them, I will require more coins to trade for food and lodgings. Will there be renumeration upon progress or completion of this task?"
“And third, how precise is this area of shielding on this...map?" Is this a map? They keep calling it a map, but it has no up, it has no scent, it has no indication of the tugging orientation, or anything else.... Very strange. I clearly must learn to comprehend this backwards thing better.
Gordon's eye twitched at the mispronunciation of his name and then a vein throbbed on his head when he heard the mispronunciation of his master's name; the vein nearly burst from his head and flew across the room the second time Lord Arbane's name was mispronounced.
"Miss Twig, Lord Arbane has not mentioned a boat to me. You will need to find your own way to the location on the map without help from him. He is, of course, very generous and will compensate you all for your efforts upon the task's completion - though assisting Lord Arbane should be enough for anyone. As for the map, it is an approximation, but I assure you that it is very accurate. Have I answered your questions to your full satisfaction?" Gordon said with mock politeness. Without waiting for a response, he continued, "Good. Follow me, please."
Gordon led the group down the stairs to the main entrance where he opened the door for the mismatched party. "Good luck. And don't dally. Lord Arbane needs this matter taken care of quickly." Gordon promptly shut the door on them.
The group found themselves clumped together in the courtyard in front of the manse.
(OOC: Cor, if you want to answer Garth, you can roll a history check)
"I believe I may know someone who we can talk to. I might be able to lead us there if that is what you all would like." Cor says with an introspective look on his face.
While hunting down criminals in the city, you have seen many boats at the docks by the lake, though you don't know if they rent them for travel to the Sunken Quarter. You do, however, recall seeing a number of boats set up at Queen's Bridge on a recent chase. An interesting tidbit about Queen's Bridge comes to mind as you recall that event, the bridge was named after Queen Margaret Thayyer over a thousand years ago. The current queen, Ann, is a direct descendant of Queen Margaret, though she is quite young and has no heirs yet.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Pit of Vipers: Watl Wiggins - Halfling Rogue(10) League of Improbable Adventurers: Alan Quatermain - Human Fighter(3)
"Garth, I actually remember seeing some boats over by Queen's Bridge. I wonder if we could rent one out, or at least come to some agreement on how to get temporary use of one." Cor says, "Why don't we head over there and see what we can do?"
Cor gestures down the way that will lead to Queen's Bridge.
"And as we walk, why don't we get to know each other a bit more. As I said before, I am Xavcoril Waf-Flez, but please friends, call me Cor!" Cor says as he puts his hands in front of him with his palms facing inwards about a foot apart. He causes "COR" to appear between his palms.
"Excellent! Although I am not opposed to non-traditional means of obtaining a boat, I would prefer to negotiate something with the boat's owner." Garth said, beginning to walk down the street.
"As for me, not too much to tell. Prior to coming up here I ran a successful trading post just outside Russo, but lost nearly everything after my cousin convinced me to invest in his formal garb business. Coulda really taken off, but after our customers all seemed to get fleas, they burned the shop down with my cousin still inside. Thank goodness I was a silent partner!" Garth said, adopting a lopsided smile with his last statement.
"I was able to invest in my cousin's business with some money bestowed on me by some nobleman for saving some his son from getting gutted during the rebellion around Russo a few years back." Garth said, seeming to extend non-existent suspenders.
Your remarkably diverse group heads away from the Rose Quarter toward the square in the center of the city where the Queen’s Bridge over the river marks the start of Queen Street and the Sunken Quarter. Your walk through the city is unremarkable, save for a few stares directed at Twig, and you make it to the bridge without trouble. This part of the city once held a tremendous view. The Sunken Quarter used to be the Shipping Quarter and was always much lower than the other areas of the city, separated by a river and about a dozen feet in height. The wide stone bridge, wide enough for three or four wagons to ride across simultaneously, had walls on either side that were four feet tall. The bridge arched over the river, offering an even higher vantage point from which to look out at what was once a bustling part of the city with people and goods moving every which way.
Now, the latter third of the bridge was submerged and acted as a dock for boats. As you step out onto the bridge, you see four skiffs tethered to anchor points in the bridge and a fifth overturned skiff on the stone in front of them. A few chairs sat around a bunch of crates and several individuals were playing cards. The one on the far right was a lizardfolk man who hardly seemed dressed at all while the other three were humans dressed in what looked like light leather jerkins. All were smiling and seemed to be having a good time except for the human at the far left who looked to be complaining and throwing his cards down in a huff.
As you get closer to the group playing cards, the lizardfolk man abruptly puts his cards on the top of the crate, stands up, and greets you all with a big smile and outstretched arms (for those unaccustomed to the lizardfolk, this gesture is spoiled by a mouth full of wickedly sharp teeth). “Hello friends! I am Achuak! You want boat, yes? I help you, friends. Best boats in city, guaranteed! Best price! Where you go, friends? Casino down Box Street? Very popular right now.” The lizardfolk says energetically. He spoke very quickly as he asked questions and gestured animatedly with his hands. “Two boats for the four of you? Maybe squeeze into one with little one? I give you good deal, friends. You rent two boats for just ten gold for day. You tell my cousin Sammy at casino I sent you, he treat you nice.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Pit of Vipers: Watl Wiggins - Halfling Rogue(10) League of Improbable Adventurers: Alan Quatermain - Human Fighter(3)
"Good day Achuak. That sounds like a mighty fine offer, me and my friends need to discuss how many skiffs we want to rent." Garth gestured for the party to step away from Achuak and his human companions.
"Now I don't know about the rest of you lot, but 10 gold per boat sounds like a mighty awful deal to me since we would probably want to have two skiffs since we don't know what we'll find when we reach out destination. What say the rest of you?" Garth spoke quietly. "And as I alluded to earlier, I'm not exactly rolling in the gold."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
The continent of Issrisyl was a jewel. It was perfect. The land was fertile, the weather was always pleasant, and all creatures lived in peace with each other. It had been like that for centuries. It truly was a paradise. No crime, no poverty, and no hunger. At least, it used to be.
The continent of Issrisyl was struck by a magical disease a little over 60 years ago. The Blight, as it is called, affects the yield of all crops and the mortality rate of all creatures on the continent. Half of the harvest is always killed by a mysterious black disease and half of all children die within a day of being born. The source of The Blight is thought to be a curse placed on the land by a dark wizard, though no one really knows the nature of The Blight.
In the early years, teams of scholars and sages worked to restore the land to its previous state. None succeeded. The previously peaceful people began committing all sorts of crimes in order to survive. Disasters struck cities as riots broke out and monsters suddenly appeared out of the wilds, attacking settlements.
The jewel of the world, Issrisyl, was now a place of fear, violence, and despair. The rest of the world turned its back on the once-favored continent rather than risk being infected by its curse. Almost no one cared about the future of Issrisyl anymore. The older people who had lived in the times of prosperity were still holding onto hope that the land would be restored to its splendor, but the youth of the world mostly just accepted that this was life.
There were no more teams of scholars or mages working to solve the problem, but there were a few people with the will and the resources to still try. Finding them was impossible, however. They did, however, occasionally reach out to certain individuals for help.
The city of Farrin is the capital of Issrisyl and is the home of Queen Ann and the royal family. Queen Ann's family has ruled over Issrisyl for millennia, though the power and influence of the royals have diminished greatly since the Blight. Her keep is in a walled enclave in the Southern part of the Rose Quarter. The Rose Quarter is home to the wealthy upper-class of Farrin and is more heavily-patrolled by the city guard than other parts of the city.
Arbane Dorsalor was an elf past his prime, somewhere over six hundred years old, according to rumor. He was also quite wealthy, connected, and magically accomplished. Receiving a summons from him was an event in itself, let alone actually meeting the man. Which was why you were surprised to receive a note that said just that. You arrive at his manor in the Rose Quarter and are sent to a study by the butler, Gordon. After a few minutes, Gordon fetches you and sends you to the library where you find yourself in the company of several other individuals.
An old elf walks in a moment later and begins talking without preamble. “I’ve run into a bit of a problem. There’s some sort of shield that is keeping me from inspecting a piece of the city, and I’m not as capable of heading down there in person as I once was. You lot seem competent enough to investigate the area and figure out what’s causing the disturbance. Hey, maybe you’ll impress me and take care of the problem yourselves. Anyway, that’s all. This is a map of the city with a location marked as the area. Good luck.” Arbane gestured to the map on the table in front of him and then turned around and walked out of the library without waiting for a response.
Gordon remained behind, standing at attention to answer any questions the group might have.
(Any character that has spent more than a couple days in the city knows the following:)The Sunken Quarter used to be a thriving part of the town, but The Blight came and with it, the aqueducts broke. That section of the city has since been entirely flooded. The streets now act as canals, where only the tops of the one-story buildings are visible. The Sunken Quarter is known for being a smuggler’s paradise because no guards watch the East Gate. The more upright citizens would never go into the Sunken Quarter, but it’s where everyone knows to go if they want to enjoy some less-than-legal activities.
In order to navigate the Sunken Quarter, one needs to rent or own a boat, as that is the only means of travel. There are some rope bridges that connect buildings, but they are uncommon. The outer wall has ladders so people can leave the city from the tops of the walls, as the gates are unusable with all the water flooded in. Numerous attempts to open the gates have failed, as there is a large amount of debris blocking them.
Pit of Vipers: Watl Wiggins - Halfling Rogue(10)
League of Improbable Adventurers: Alan Quatermain - Human Fighter(3)
"I know that place is very dangerous. We gotta sneak in rather than just walking in looking like we want something."
"I hate the sunken quarter. Master Arbane mostly like just doesn't want to go himself since that places is dirty. But I agree with the child. If we head in there we can't be looking for trouble or we'll find it."
"I ain't no kid, mister. Quit talking like you're in charge. We're a team now. My names Quibble Sticks but you can call me Q. Who are all a Y'all?"
“I am Fallen Twig, a wanderer of the Restless Wilds Clan, but you may call me Twig" said the lithe, pacing Tabaxi, gray-white tail erect and twitching.
“And I am not sure how well we can sneak into the Sunken Quarter...it is sunken, is it not?" I thought that the fact that I'm new to this continent would make me the most ignorant...perhaps not. Or perhaps I am misunderstanding these strange folk. "And therefore only accessible by boat? I excel at stealth, but I do not excel at...ahem, boats” The seasickness on the ship to Issrisyl was bad enough...
“But most importantly, what is our host trying to get a look at? With his resources it certainly isn’t anything money could buy. Which means it is much MUCH more interesting....” Twig said with a glint in her eye, purring with anticipation.
Twig paces over to examine the map while conversation continues.
"The name is Garth Stonemore, and I'm 'bout as serprised to be here as everyone else. Glad to be here though, since I am 'bout outta coin after travelling here from Russo."
"My 'da always wanted to ride the river south from Farrin back to our home in Russo, but he died before getting the chance. I finally made the journey north and emptied his ashes where the lake empties into the river, fulfilling his last wish. 'Course, after I emptied the bucket I kept his ashes in, a local fisherman told me that it's spawning season for the salmon just a few leagues downriver. Da always liked eating salmon, so I don't think he would've minded."
Cor listens with one eyebrow raised taking in the spectacle before him. This seems to be a very 'interesting' group of individuals. With a quiet sigh he clears his throat.
"I apologize Ms. Sticks... Well, if we are introducing ourselves, then I am Xavcoril Waf-Flez but please, call me Cor. And, if you cannot tell for yourselves, I am of both Human and Elf descent. I have been in this city for sometime and I agree that sneaking into the Sunken Quarter probably won't work but as I said earlier, we don't need to sneak in, we just need to not go looking for trouble." Cor says to the three strangers before him.
"Gordon, will Master Arbane be helping supply us with a boat as transportation?" Cor asks as he turns towards the butler. "Also, what are to be looking for in the Sunken Quarter?"
Gordon waited a moment before responding to Cor with a stiff voice, exactly the kind you would expect from a wealthy man's butler.
"Lord Arbane has given his assistance in the form of this map. He assumed you would be up to the task without needing your hands held. If that's not the case, I am sure there are plenty of other individuals in the city who would leap at the chance to assist Lord Arbane." Gordon said with his chin held high. "As for what you're looking for, Lord Arbane has told you - a disturbance that is keeping him from scrying that part of the city."
Gordon gave Cor a meaningful stare before focusing his attention on empty space again. It was clear that he didn't think too much of the group and their capabilities, despite his master's apparent confidence that they could complete the job.
(OOC: The group is currently at Lord Arbane's manor in the Rose Quarter. It is mid-morning, about 9-10 am)
Pit of Vipers: Watl Wiggins - Halfling Rogue(10)
League of Improbable Adventurers: Alan Quatermain - Human Fighter(3)
"uh... very well". Cor says as he starts to slows roll the map up and glances at the rest of the group. "Why don't we head on out people."
.
Pit of Vipers: Watl Wiggins - Halfling Rogue(10)
League of Improbable Adventurers: Alan Quatermain - Human Fighter(3)
Garth picked up his pack and walked over to Cor.
"Cor, you mentioned that you've been here for some time. Know anyone reputable that rents out boats, preferably one that keeps the water out?" Garth said, scratching his stomach. "I like to bathe on my own terms, and bathin' in my armor with a bunch 'o people I just met ain't on my to-do list for the day."
“Mmmmm....” Twig chirruped thoughtfully “I still have questions for Garden. First, does Lard Albatross require that we hire a boat with coins? I do not know how much that might cost, but I doubt that I have the coins. I'm sure that we could procure a boat in another manner, as necessary, but it would certainly expedite the venture if Lad Algernon were to pay for the vessel”
"Second, on a related note, while Car (Cor) and L (Q) are clearly as excited to begin solving this mystery as I am, unlike them, I will require more coins to trade for food and lodgings. Will there be renumeration upon progress or completion of this task?"
“And third, how precise is this area of shielding on this...map?" Is this a map? They keep calling it a map, but it has no up, it has no scent, it has no indication of the tugging orientation, or anything else.... Very strange. I clearly must learn to comprehend this backwards thing better.
Gordon's eye twitched at the mispronunciation of his name and then a vein throbbed on his head when he heard the mispronunciation of his master's name; the vein nearly burst from his head and flew across the room the second time Lord Arbane's name was mispronounced.
"Miss Twig, Lord Arbane has not mentioned a boat to me. You will need to find your own way to the location on the map without help from him. He is, of course, very generous and will compensate you all for your efforts upon the task's completion - though assisting Lord Arbane should be enough for anyone. As for the map, it is an approximation, but I assure you that it is very accurate. Have I answered your questions to your full satisfaction?" Gordon said with mock politeness. Without waiting for a response, he continued, "Good. Follow me, please."
Gordon led the group down the stairs to the main entrance where he opened the door for the mismatched party. "Good luck. And don't dally. Lord Arbane needs this matter taken care of quickly." Gordon promptly shut the door on them.
The group found themselves clumped together in the courtyard in front of the manse.
(OOC: Cor, if you want to answer Garth, you can roll a history check)
Pit of Vipers: Watl Wiggins - Halfling Rogue(10)
League of Improbable Adventurers: Alan Quatermain - Human Fighter(3)
History:9
"I believe I may know someone who we can talk to. I might be able to lead us there if that is what you all would like." Cor says with an introspective look on his face.
For Cor:
While hunting down criminals in the city, you have seen many boats at the docks by the lake, though you don't know if they rent them for travel to the Sunken Quarter. You do, however, recall seeing a number of boats set up at Queen's Bridge on a recent chase. An interesting tidbit about Queen's Bridge comes to mind as you recall that event, the bridge was named after Queen Margaret Thayyer over a thousand years ago. The current queen, Ann, is a direct descendant of Queen Margaret, though she is quite young and has no heirs yet.
Pit of Vipers: Watl Wiggins - Halfling Rogue(10)
League of Improbable Adventurers: Alan Quatermain - Human Fighter(3)
"Garth, I actually remember seeing some boats over by Queen's Bridge. I wonder if we could rent one out, or at least come to some agreement on how to get temporary use of one." Cor says, "Why don't we head over there and see what we can do?"
Cor gestures down the way that will lead to Queen's Bridge.
"And as we walk, why don't we get to know each other a bit more. As I said before, I am Xavcoril Waf-Flez, but please friends, call me Cor!" Cor says as he puts his hands in front of him with his palms facing inwards about a foot apart. He causes "COR" to appear between his palms.
Minor Illusion
“Excellent. Lead on,” nodded the Tabaxi.
"Excellent! Although I am not opposed to non-traditional means of obtaining a boat, I would prefer to negotiate something with the boat's owner." Garth said, beginning to walk down the street.
"As for me, not too much to tell. Prior to coming up here I ran a successful trading post just outside Russo, but lost nearly everything after my cousin convinced me to invest in his formal garb business. Coulda really taken off, but after our customers all seemed to get fleas, they burned the shop down with my cousin still inside. Thank goodness I was a silent partner!" Garth said, adopting a lopsided smile with his last statement.
"I was able to invest in my cousin's business with some money bestowed on me by some nobleman for saving some his son from getting gutted during the rebellion around Russo a few years back." Garth said, seeming to extend non-existent suspenders.
(OOC: No response for a while, so moving on.)
Your remarkably diverse group heads away from the Rose Quarter toward the square in the center of the city where the Queen’s Bridge over the river marks the start of Queen Street and the Sunken Quarter. Your walk through the city is unremarkable, save for a few stares directed at Twig, and you make it to the bridge without trouble. This part of the city once held a tremendous view. The Sunken Quarter used to be the Shipping Quarter and was always much lower than the other areas of the city, separated by a river and about a dozen feet in height. The wide stone bridge, wide enough for three or four wagons to ride across simultaneously, had walls on either side that were four feet tall. The bridge arched over the river, offering an even higher vantage point from which to look out at what was once a bustling part of the city with people and goods moving every which way.
Now, the latter third of the bridge was submerged and acted as a dock for boats. As you step out onto the bridge, you see four skiffs tethered to anchor points in the bridge and a fifth overturned skiff on the stone in front of them. A few chairs sat around a bunch of crates and several individuals were playing cards. The one on the far right was a lizardfolk man who hardly seemed dressed at all while the other three were humans dressed in what looked like light leather jerkins. All were smiling and seemed to be having a good time except for the human at the far left who looked to be complaining and throwing his cards down in a huff.
As you get closer to the group playing cards, the lizardfolk man abruptly puts his cards on the top of the crate, stands up, and greets you all with a big smile and outstretched arms (for those unaccustomed to the lizardfolk, this gesture is spoiled by a mouth full of wickedly sharp teeth). “Hello friends! I am Achuak! You want boat, yes? I help you, friends. Best boats in city, guaranteed! Best price! Where you go, friends? Casino down Box Street? Very popular right now.” The lizardfolk says energetically. He spoke very quickly as he asked questions and gestured animatedly with his hands. “Two boats for the four of you? Maybe squeeze into one with little one? I give you good deal, friends. You rent two boats for just ten gold for day. You tell my cousin Sammy at casino I sent you, he treat you nice.”
Pit of Vipers: Watl Wiggins - Halfling Rogue(10)
League of Improbable Adventurers: Alan Quatermain - Human Fighter(3)
"Good day Achuak. That sounds like a mighty fine offer, me and my friends need to discuss how many skiffs we want to rent." Garth gestured for the party to step away from Achuak and his human companions.
"Now I don't know about the rest of you lot, but 10 gold per boat sounds like a mighty awful deal to me since we would probably want to have two skiffs since we don't know what we'll find when we reach out destination. What say the rest of you?" Garth spoke quietly. "And as I alluded to earlier, I'm not exactly rolling in the gold."