Turning again to Parker, whispering quietly, “From your investigation of this dwarf... have you uncovered anything of concern? That we should fear for our safety?”

That is part of.the problem. Every lead ive tried or story ive followed comes to dead ends.  Like hes a ghost or something"

Terrence guides the shallow barge masterfully along the different currents, before turning hard for the bank. You estimate from the distance that you're a little beyond Tumbledown. At first you don't mind the sudden turn, but when you see nothing but the bare cliff coming rapidly closer, you get nervous. Only at ten feet or so do you see that a dirty curtain is hanging off a set of pitons, hiding a natural cave in the side of the bank. Pulling you in, you quickly disappear in the rock face, and slowly follow the underground stream, guided only by your red lantern. A few winding turns later, and the small barge runs aground on a soft shore of pebbles and sand.

"Follow me, it's up ahead." With that, Terrence hops into the water, carefully keeping the lantern aloft to avoid it going out. Once you follow, he leads you on a narrow path, occasionally giving a warning to help you avoid stalactites and other obstacles. After another ten minutes of walking, you suddenly make out voices, and the shine of torches or oil lamps. Accelerating your step, you enter a much larger cave, with several tables and benches, and a small podium set up. Looking around you, you see about twenty people here, judging by their clothes mostly labourers, harbourhands and sailors. Up in front of the cave, in the middle of the semi-circle, you can make out the figure of Magnus, the drunken dwarf. Only, he appears far more sober now, and you could swear that his red nose is significantly less discoloured. From the appearance of things, he was waiting for your arrival.

"Good even'n. Do ya have anythin' fer me, or any questions, 'fore we start this 'ere?"

I’ll hold up the pouch and gesture to ‘Terrance’, “This one said that this was for you.” Then tossing it towards Magnus. Raising an eyebrow, “I have several questions. Who are you really? Who are these people? Get what started?” I’ll rattle off rapid fire. Not giving him a chance to answer between questions. Then look to Parker to see what he thinks about the assembled group.

"What do you need papers for a ship swarming with imperials for another"

Magnus stretches out his hand and catches the bag in the air. Before answering your questions, he opens the bag, and has a look at the red bark and the parchment. A smile creeps up his face. He hands the bag off to one of his lieutenants, before looking you in the eyes, and slowly starting to answer each question in turn, in a far less heavily accented voice:

"I am Magnus, but I guess there's more to me than that. Started out with the imperial navy, an' was captured by the Brelish. It took a while, but seeing how they flourish, working together with the freed skins, and seeing what destruction they could wreak upon us, they turned me. I was approached by some men, who trained me, and gave me a cover story. That's when the Magnus you met in the tavern was born. I "washed up" on an island where we could be sure I would be picked up by Zhivarg ships within good time, and made my way back to the mainland. I helped with some of the uprisings further West, before moving to Borogrod about five years ago, to set up a network here.

Now, what you see before you are the fruits of my labour. Through careful selection, our cell has grown, and with the occasional clandestine support from Brelish agents, we've been able to infiltrate the harbour, Brampton, and Rivington. I wanted to test you too, to see whether you could be of use. At first, we were suspicious, when you set fire to one of our magazines in Tumbledown and destroyed several barrels of powder, but some of my lieutenants convinced me to give you another chance. You being here is a good indication that you not only have what it takes, but that you're willing and trustworthy. Now, Parker, the ship didn't pan out, some of my guys were picked up in a bakery, and one of them must have cracked. The watch got to the boat before we could. The plan was to use the fake trading company and the ship to get necessary materials in and refugees, skins, and the sick out. I couldn't signal that our deal was off. Glad to see you weren't caught up in that action though.

Now lastly, I'd like to enlist you in our resistance. I know, you've been doing fine on your own, but if we can coordinate actions, we might better wound the governor where it hurts. Now, what do you say?"

I stand silent for a good long while processing what has been said. For a moment wondering why he wasn’t more specific in what he wanted with a distraction before. The realizing it wouldn’t have been a very effective test of ability if he had spelled it out for me. I feel bad about the destroyed blasting powder and the loss of a ‘secure’ hiding place for it. ‘Perhaps I can make up for that loss by joining up with Magnus’

I further consider his words “you being here shows you have what it takes” ... all I did was show up when and where he said too... ‘is following directions all it takes?? Surely there’s more to it than that’ I think. Plus Parker knew nothing about this meeting until I met him yesterday. Not to mention the bakery ... we were at a bakery and none of us got picked up ... although we’ve seen and heard precious little from Sparks, Harper, Doc, or Uncle in the last few days since then. Maybe they got swept up in a second patrol???’

During this ... inner monologue I look frequently between Parker and Magnus trying to work out all of the details. After a good long while I begin to speak “I have some more questions I would like answered. When I first met you, you mentioned seeing a war forged, was that you trying to get something into the city? Or being directed by someone else to move it?” Looking around at the group “Sorry for blowing up your blasting powder, I know that stuff probably isn’t easy to come by.” Then refocusing on Magnus I continue, “I’ve been trying to track down a shipment of medical supplies to get the to the hospital to help the wounded. The most I could discover was they were last on the empress and I was hoping I could use you to get them off of it. ... though seeing the group assembled here now ... I imagine they aren’t there anymore if they ever were there. Further, I’ve been keeping tabs on the slaughterhouse in Sows foot, which was what I was doing when I ran into you and you caused me to miss out on my breakfast that day” pausing to ‘mourn’ the loss of breakfast. “Most I could discover was that someone was slaughtering all of the livestock to can it and send it to one of the armies... though I’ve yet to discover who was behind it.”

Taking a deep breath at this point I’ll look around at the assembled group and gauge reactions to what I’ve said. Then I’ll turn to Parker and converse quietly to him, “You said this guy was like a ghost right? All leads that you tracked down to find him coming to a dead end. Seems much to elaborate to be the watch or even a Fist setup ... right?”

Much too elaborate, i doubt any of the watch could scheme that well without something leaking   He leans up against the nearest pole/wall  the watch, they are a bit more clever but wouldnt bother trying to get false papers, they would just have their people draw up whatever was needed Doesnt have the stink of any intelligence units neither.  no this seems legit, well as legit as any band of supposed outlaws would be.

(this may be the most Dart has heard Parker speak)

turning to Magnus  So what are the terms for pay etc.  i mean taking down the Fist is great and all but doesnt fill the belly

Sensing your confusion, Magnus looks at you, and calmly says: "It might seem like the steps that got you here were small. But the fact you took them proves to me that you're willing to stand up to the military governor, and more than anything it proves your courage. As for the 'forged, I had you pegged as a former soldier, they way you hold yourself. I wanted to test which front you were at, and figured a mention of a warforged would get a reaction if you had ever faced them in battle. As far as I'm aware, there are no warforged units in Borogrod yet, thank the Heavens."

Turning to Parker, he adds:

"Parker, you're right, the random arrests have increased. To make sure the population sees them as random though, we need papers and documentation as good as real, to get our story straight. Plus, in my experience it's always  easier to trick a bureaucrat, if he's got a paper trail that is real.

Now, for the bad news. We are being supported by Brelish agents with weapons and blasting powder, and occasional money reserves, but those are mostly used up to take care of the families of those already imprisoned or off with the Flying Columns. I can't guarantee you pay, but I can guarantee you shelter, and food. You won't get rich with us, but you will be free."


Then, turning back to Dart:

"We're aware of the medicine shortage, and had the Empress come into harbour, you're right that those medicines would be with the doctors and patients now. But the Empress is docked out at the Floating Flotilla, with a whole Platoon of Fist on board. From what we could gather, they're waiting for the canned goods to ship them up to the front, together with the requisitioned medicines. If you're sure that the slaughtering is done, I expect we don't have much longer, before the Empress is sailing out again. I expect this to be a career move for the governor, so getting those medicines from under the Fist's noses would be a great blow to them.

Most of my men are tied up with the Insight Park siege, but I could lend you some experienced sailors and burglars for the task. Go to the harbourmaster and find out where the Empress is docked at, or anything else that might be handy, such as which company the ship runs under, or how many guards are on the ship and when they change shifts. Come back to me when you have more details, and I can see what resources I can spare."

“A few more questions if you would be so kind to indulge me, (at least for now) what’s the stuff in the pouch and what’s it for?” After getting an answer, “As fate would have it, I have business with the harbourmaster. Perhaps I can accomplish two things at the same time.” 
Quietly to Parker “I’m in if you are. ... Bit of charismatic leadership couldn’t hurt anything right?”

"Right  im in lets do this"

"Torimesh has a prophetic gift. In return for our little support, he's offered me a reading of the future of our endeavour. The signs look promising." Seeing you both agreeing, he nods in ackowledgement.

"Glad to have you on board. How long do you reckon you need for your inquiries? Should we meet at the usual tavern in Sow's foot tomorrow evening?"

“I’m not sure. ... I’ve been accepted into the ranks of a local mercenary group and have been given the task of investigating an unusual occurrence at the harbour.” Realizing I had something else I needed to give back to Magnus, I quickly pat around at the various pockets on my clothes feeling for the earrings.  Finding them I walk towards him and when in arms reach, hold them out towards him “I believe these are yours as well.”

Magnus thanks you for his earrings: "Sounds like you already have a reason to go to the harbour, then. We'll make it simple, I'll be at the tavern tomorrow evening and the day after. If you need longer, leave me a message. I don't know when the ship's going to leave though, so the sooner the better."

“Agreed.” I give magnus a curt nod. “Let’s get ... this started ...” I then gesture to the ensemble. Looking around expectantly for a place to stand/sit. 

Parker leans against the wall waiting for Dart

What follows is a strange ritual of sorts. Magnus starts with an oath, to fight for the weak, to resist the oppressors, to die if he must, for the freedom of all. It is picked up by the other members around you, and when it is finished, they all take a seat. You're about to do the same, when he asks you to step forward.

"Brothers and Sisters, the resistance grows daily. These two are only the most recent additions to our struggle, and the most recent proof of our winning it! For every one of us they imprison, two more join our ranks. Take heart in that knowledge, and when you go home tonight, tell your loved ones to stay strong in the face of the enemy. Our suffering will soon be over."

The whole has a ritualistic feel, but the fire and conviction of Magnus' words seems to give the others around you confidence. Then, this sort of preamble taken care of, five different members step forward. In turn, they give a brief introduction for your benefit, before giving a general update of their respective assignments for the benefit of all.

"Name's Tark, but the boys down at the docks call me the Hammer", a large, and grey-skinned half-orc with the markings of a harbourhand and scars from well over a dozen fights starts. "The crews have backed off the harbour, an' though some smugglers are still runnin' their schemes, most activity in the harbour has our eyes on it. Brampton's a diffrent story though. With less to go around, the crews have started up with the ol' rivalries again, and the Watch're happy standin' by as we kill ourselves. With the troops in the district, 'cause a Torimesh, tensions have been rising." Taking a step back into the ranks, Magnus acknowledges Tark's report.

The next person to step forward is a lithe elven youth: "I'm Elendor, and I keep an eye on the merchants in the city. With the confiscations and the reduced trade, many of them are in dire straights. Most don't like us any better than the governor, since the conflict is bad for business. Good for us though is that many have started installing their stores in the Undercellar as well. They're desperate, and the prices are high, but if we're being smart about it, we can keep the city supplied and win the tradesmen and merchants to our cause. I have some schemes in mind, nothing concrete yet though." With his briefing concluded, he too steps back.

A small halfling woman with auburn hair and ink-stained fingers steps forward "Marion. My pamphleteers are busy as bees, but we're lacking presses, paper and artists. They got one of our best caricaturist the other week, and many of the Whitkeep group are scared after the raid last week. Scrawling on the walls has worked well though, and any Watch we can tie up cleaning off our posters and slogans is one less we need to deal with elsewhere." She too gets back into the ranks, after a nod from Magnus.

A stocky dwarf in simple robes and with bushy mutton chops wobbles forward: "Bernard is my name, coins my game. We've been makin' aboot five thousand gold denars a day, but gettin' them into circulation is difficult, there's little to buy legally, and with most anyone else not havin' that kinda cash, my runners have been ogled somethin' fierce. It would be fantastic if we could get'r hands on the stamps fer shiners an' reds too, but since me cousin took their plates when he ran, the mint's really upped their security." Magnus acknowledges him as well, and he slowly gets back to the bench.

Lastly, a human woman with a pockmarked face gets up: "Tamara, hey there. I'm sorry Magnus, but with our powder blown up an' the bakery raid, we took a blow to our stores. We're low on most anything- a couple pounds of powder, a few hundred hatchets, daggers and clubs for weapons. We're missin' leather for our boots, barely any grain for the widows and orphans, no medicines for the sick. The only thing we have plenty of is clothes and fish. I've been trying to get new supplies, but most tradesmen that produce anythin' like that are supplyin' the army directly. Most of them get good prices, and even if they don't they're runnin' no risk of associatin' with us. A bunch of my boys have made a list of the shops, an' once we're stronger there'll be a reckonin' for sure... Bur for now, I got little funds, and little material." Magnus doesn't look too pleased at her report, burt doesn't question it further, knowing her to have their interests at heart.

After the five lieutenants have made their statements, he gets up again: "Times may be hard, but our newest additions are working on something that'll raise a stink, and might help with some of your problems there, Tam. I'll let each of you know when it's time, but for now, take strength in what we have, and take comfort in knowing that we will be victorious."

With that, he dismisses the other attendees, who slowly filter back out of the cave, until only a few stragglers, you, and Magnus is left.

"I'm sorry for the weirdness there- I like to be kept in the loop of what goes on once a week, and hoping you'd come tonight, I wanted you to get involved straight away. You might have sensed it, some of mine don't fully believe we can win yet. Seeing us pull off something like getting those supplies from the Empress would definitely help. Anything you need, come to me, and come early, I'll see what we can do."

After Marion speaks, I blurt out “Was it Twitch? I haven’t seen her for days and heard she had been put in the Tower. If there’s a way to get her out I would like to do that.”(OOC I’ll have more before the scene moves on but want to see what happens from this first)

Marion gives a surprised look: "Yeah, she was one of my gals. I'm surprised you know her. If you want to bust her out, you'll have my support for sure!"

 Parker thinking to himself.     I can probably get tax stamps for them. And maybe other stuff to help with the merchants