Nevlav catches up to the group, now with his traveling gear. He watches the proceeding situation, "If they just got out of the Factory district then they should not be boarding any trains. It could very well spread the sickness," he says low to Alden.
Thalion didn't alert the rest of the group to the presence following them, not wanting to cause alarm. Besides, he had been hunted by beasts - and worse - and this tag-along moved with the sly cunning of a back-alley sneak. And Thalion Strongbow didn't worry his pretty elven head about shady cityfolk.
Of course, trouble seemed to find them regardless of his intentions. Part of him wanted to move along and hand in his ticket as Alden prepared to do, but the other part was interested in the plight of these kenku. They were certainly creatures of nature even if they were stuck in this brick and mortar jungle. He didn't interfere as Yoric addressed them, merely standing behind to look imposing.
As you look around, you don't notice anything particularly unusual going on while the three Kenku are in the midst of the argument with the railroad clerk-- a few more clerics of the Church of the Engineer, who are responsible for operating the locomotives are starting to gather to observe the confrontation, but otherwise, nothing.
The Kenku who was speaking looks at Grin and Yorick hopefully. "We have tickets, please. Family in Seewaldt. Woman not let Kenku on train.Our mother dead. Sickness take her weeks ago." The other two Kenku make mournful chittering noises.
The woman behind the counter's expression turns to that of disgust. "The rules set down by the Committee of Public Safety are quite clear. Anyone living in or working in the Factory District are NOT allowed on the trains unless a waiver is signed by a Committee member. If they've been exposed to that disease, then they HAVE to return to the quarantine area. I'm not even sure how they got tickets, but they cannot get on the train. " She looks at the Kenku again and says "You need to leave now. "
The Kenku leading the group seems to be growing more agitated. "Weget on train." His voice says in approximation of the woman's voice. "You help?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Turning away from the bureaucrat trying to keep the kenku off the train, Thalion turns toward the chattering birdfolk and starts to examine them more closely. "I'd like to examine these kenku and see if they show any signs of sickness. If they're healthy you should have no problem letting them outside of this 'quarantine area'."
Alden sighs. "I did not want to be a part of this." he thinks to himself.
Alden steps forward closer to the where the party has gathered. "Can I speak with each of you all for a moment?" and he steps back away from the gathering crowd.
Once (Hopefully) the group gathers Alden will say, hushed tones:
"I understand your concern and wanting to help but, the ticket taker is just following strict orders by the Council to prevent the spread of the disease to the rest of the country. I ask you to let them deal with it." he pauses leans in then continues, "If we find the doctor and his" Alden raises both hands with the index and middle finger extended and curls them in as he says this. "process" he drops his hands, "works, it can be used for everyone."
Alden waits for this to sink in then continues: "So you see what we are doing has wider implications and, for lack of a better term, save 1 we can save them all."
With that Alden will turn, walk to the train, hand the conductor his ticket and get on the train.
Nevlav stands beside Alden and nods with his comments. "He is right. We need to contain the sickness so that it is easier to cure everyone when we return successful. I will not allow you to subvert the quarentine and risk the whole nation for three persons we do not know." The paladin moves with the watchman to the train doors but stops and observes the rest of the party.
Despite limited exposure to Kenku physiology, you are able to conduct a pretty thorough examination. Apart from an increased heart rate from the ongoing argument, the three of them (two female Kenku and one male) seem perfectly healthy.
The woman signals for one of the clerics to come over, then turning to you. "Listen, I am sending for the city watch now. I don't care if they're perfectly healthy, they are NOT permitted to leave Valance without a signed permit. I would suggest you and your friends board now unless you wish to be detained as well."
The kenku are beginning to get angrier and angrier. They start to chirp to one another in their strange, chittering language, the leader of the three pointing at the woman and the train behind.
"We are healthy. We want our family. Let us outside of this quarantine area and onto the train. We no want fight, but we will. Please help us, sir." The Kenku grabs Thalion's armor, his voice almost frantic.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Thalion takes a half-step backwards, surprised by the desperate kenku gripping his leather armor. His almond eyes go wide and he looks around at his companions, half of them already boarding the train, suddenly feeling rather desperate himself. He was never any good at the talking part of being a hero, just the shooting monsters full of arrows part.
His breath seethes through his clenched teeth as he whispers, "Here, take this," as he presses his hand - and his sack of 100 gold - into the kenku's chest, shoving him away in the process. He hoped the woman and the approaching clerics wouldn't notice the exchange.
(Rolling a Sleight of Hand check to give the gold to the kenku without the guards noticing.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Yoric snaps back at Alden. “You act like you can only have it one way or the other!”
Yoric turns back to the ticket taker. “I understand, and they certainly must be kept under quarantine. We need them with us, after all. You see, we’re on our way to research a cure, and need to know our cure works. So we’ll need to take them with us - under quarantine - to test the cure.”
Grin looks back and forth at the mention of the guards she pulls a hood over her head and slinks aboard the train. (Making sure hey books and other elements are in place)
If Alden hears Yoric bluff the ticket window attendant he will approach and say.
"Yoric, if you follow this course of action I will not interfere with what you are doing but, when the Watch does arrive you will be taken into custody, arrested, and I will attest of your actions and, because of the importants of our mission, you can be tried for treason."
Alden pauses for a moment:
"You have already revealed our mission to the populous and that will not go unnoticed. It will spread like wildfire through the city and place people in danger." Alden shakes his head. "I agree the law is not always the way but in this case it is." he finishes.
Alden turns and walks away saying: "I am not sure why you were chosen for this mission but you have singlehandedly place us all in open danger." Alden says matter of factly. Reading his face one might see the slightest hint of disappointment.
Yoric, as you speak to the woman, you see her expression begin to change. "A cure? Is that...well, if you are seeking a cure, I suppose we can make an exception if you and your friends are willing to vouch..."
Just then, though, there is a loud squawk from the lead Kenku, who angrily throws a bag of coins at Thalion Strongbow's feet. "You think this is a game? Money is no good to us. Our survival is at stake!"
The Kenku pauses for a moment and his hands slip into his cloak. Yorick and Thalion -- you see his head dart around, taking in the number of Church of the ENgineering priests who have come around as well as a patrol officer from the City Watch who has just entered the station. He looks back at the two female kenkus, and makes a loud noise that is clearly frustration in any language.
"Come, sisters. We will find another way to Seewaldt." He turns to you Thalion, and hisses "I shall remember you, knife-ears."
The three of them rush out of the station before the City Watch roundsman can take any action.
The halfling conductor, who had been watching carefully, announces in a very forced sort of jovial voice "Alright, well! I bet you folks did NOT expect a show tonight along with your train. Haha, all part of the service. If we could continue boarding, we can leave," he checks his watch "only about five minutes late! The Engineer is smiling upon us this evening, ladies and gentlemen. Service to Clingham Heights, Broccton, Seewaldt, Valois, Yellow Creek and the Granholm border. ALL ABOARD!"
Alden, Grin, and Nevlav, as you board, you find that Admiral Garrick had purchased tickets for two adjoining first-class carriages for you. Nevlav, Grin, and Yorick are in the first cabin, with Thalion and Alden in the second cabin. The two are connected by a door that can be propped open or locked on either side. You have the first two first class cabins, and there are three others in the first class car, with a saloon car immediately behind your car, a coach cabin behind that, and the luggage car/caboose in the rear (map of your car to come.)
If you've read the time tables correct, you have slightly over four hours until you arrive in Yellow Creek, putting your arrival time just after midnight.
Alden enter the train, going to the second cabin he will stow his gear and then sit for a few moments. While there he will review the days events for a moment then settle in for the trip, catching a nap if he can. "it's going to be a long night"he thinks to himself.
Remembering something, he takes out one of his daggers and places it in a place of close easy access. "just in case"he thinks to himself.
Thalion stares in disbelief at the kenku as they depart, blinking at the bag of coins on the ground before picking it up sheepishly and heading onto the train. He might've bristled at the term "knife-ears" if the situation wasn't becoming quite so dire with the spectacle he'd helped create.
Sitting next to Alden he sighs heavily. "I've little need of money myself, but surely those crazy crows could've used some coin to get out of the city," he says with a dejected tone.
"From now on," he firmly declares, "I'm focusing on the mission and only the mission. Oh, and someone has been following us since the tavern. I wonder if it's the tiefling?"
He chattered away while stowing his own gear. He left one of his shortswords sheathed but next to his bed on the floor.
"Thank you for keeping an eye out. I did miss that tail but I suspected the tiefling would be sending someone." he says.
Alden pauses as he settles in then says: "But, I tend to be suspicious of everyone." again he pauses then says: "I am not entirely sure the Kenku were not his agents either. They seemed to turn to us very eagerly for aid in getting on this train. All in all I suspect a tail or trap for the entirety."
Alden pauses and rubs his chin a moment, switches to Common: "Either they want to stop us or want us to find Dr. Aleksei for them. Either way, we are are in dangers doorway for this trip."
Alden settle back for a nap. With his eyes closed he says: "If you spot the tail again, make sure you say something about it. We need to get rid of the tail one way or another."
There is a long pause then Alden says: "Most races, that do not have your length of lifespan, place a lot of value on gold. Though you may not have use for it, it can help you negotiate their world." he says. Then he places his right hand over his heart, bows his head slightly and says in Elvish he finishes "Your gesture to the kenku, to ease their burden, was an Honor to life itself. Thank you for showing me that example."
As you settle in, you hear an emotionless, lilting voice echoing throughout the train.
"Greetings travelers, and the blessings of the Engineer upon you. I am Sister Ultha, and I am piloting this locomotive this evening. The saloon car will be open after we depart the station and begin this voyage, an approximate five and one quarter hour trip to the Granholm border. For travelers continuing to the Kingdom of Granholm, you will need to hire horses to complete your journey, as the people of that country have not accepted the blessings of the Engineer.
Just a reminder that the use of magic or any of the arcane arts aboard the train is punishable by a fine of 200 gold pieces and up to a week in prison, as per regulation 46b of the Magick in Public Act of the Parliament of Languedoc.
If you have need of anything on your trip, please press the green button found near your seats and our train station will be happy to assist. Thank you and may your clock always keep time with the Engineer."
As she finishes her spiel, you are all shoved forward as the train pushes off its blocks and begins chugging along, picking up speed slowly.
Thalion smiles when he hears his mother tongue and replies in the same Elvish language.
"I always feel paranoid in big cities like this. But once we get off this infernal machine they'll find it more difficult to follow us - and maybe we'll be able to lay a trap for them so we can discover their identity."
He looked at Alden with newfound respect as the half-elf spoke, bowing his head in return and responding, "I only followed my heart, as I always do. Anyway, you're a shrewd half-elf, Alden. I feel much more confident that we'll succeed in our mission with you in the group."
In much higher spirits he lays back on his bed and kicks his boots off, enjoying the comforts of modern technology despite his principles and the rocking of the locomotive as it began to move. Who can turn down a cozy bed after weeks in the wild, after all?
Nevlav catches up to the group, now with his traveling gear. He watches the proceeding situation, "If they just got out of the Factory district then they should not be boarding any trains. It could very well spread the sickness," he says low to Alden.
Thalion didn't alert the rest of the group to the presence following them, not wanting to cause alarm. Besides, he had been hunted by beasts - and worse - and this tag-along moved with the sly cunning of a back-alley sneak. And Thalion Strongbow didn't worry his pretty elven head about shady cityfolk.
Of course, trouble seemed to find them regardless of his intentions. Part of him wanted to move along and hand in his ticket as Alden prepared to do, but the other part was interested in the plight of these kenku. They were certainly creatures of nature even if they were stuck in this brick and mortar jungle. He didn't interfere as Yoric addressed them, merely standing behind to look imposing.
Grin approaches the Kenku. "What'cha need of leavin' of de place? Why you going? Mayhaps we can'elp"
Alden
As you look around, you don't notice anything particularly unusual going on while the three Kenku are in the midst of the argument with the railroad clerk-- a few more clerics of the Church of the Engineer, who are responsible for operating the locomotives are starting to gather to observe the confrontation, but otherwise, nothing.
The Kenku who was speaking looks at Grin and Yorick hopefully. "We have tickets, please. Family in Seewaldt. Woman not let Kenku on train. Our mother dead. Sickness take her weeks ago." The other two Kenku make mournful chittering noises.
The woman behind the counter's expression turns to that of disgust. "The rules set down by the Committee of Public Safety are quite clear. Anyone living in or working in the Factory District are NOT allowed on the trains unless a waiver is signed by a Committee member. If they've been exposed to that disease, then they HAVE to return to the quarantine area. I'm not even sure how they got tickets, but they cannot get on the train. " She looks at the Kenku again and says "You need to leave now. "
The Kenku leading the group seems to be growing more agitated. "We get on train." His voice says in approximation of the woman's voice. "You help?"
Turning away from the bureaucrat trying to keep the kenku off the train, Thalion turns toward the chattering birdfolk and starts to examine them more closely. "I'd like to examine these kenku and see if they show any signs of sickness. If they're healthy you should have no problem letting them outside of this 'quarantine area'."
Medicine: 21
Alden
Alden sighs. "I did not want to be a part of this." he thinks to himself.
Alden steps forward closer to the where the party has gathered. "Can I speak with each of you all for a moment?" and he steps back away from the gathering crowd.
Once (Hopefully) the group gathers Alden will say, hushed tones:
"I understand your concern and wanting to help but, the ticket taker is just following strict orders by the Council to prevent the spread of the disease to the rest of the country. I ask you to let them deal with it." he pauses leans in then continues, "If we find the doctor and his" Alden raises both hands with the index and middle finger extended and curls them in as he says this. "process" he drops his hands, "works, it can be used for everyone."
Alden waits for this to sink in then continues: "So you see what we are doing has wider implications and, for lack of a better term, save 1 we can save them all."
With that Alden will turn, walk to the train, hand the conductor his ticket and get on the train.
Nevlav stands beside Alden and nods with his comments. "He is right. We need to contain the sickness so that it is easier to cure everyone when we return successful. I will not allow you to subvert the quarentine and risk the whole nation for three persons we do not know." The paladin moves with the watchman to the train doors but stops and observes the rest of the party.
Thalion
Despite limited exposure to Kenku physiology, you are able to conduct a pretty thorough examination. Apart from an increased heart rate from the ongoing argument, the three of them (two female Kenku and one male) seem perfectly healthy.
The woman signals for one of the clerics to come over, then turning to you. "Listen, I am sending for the city watch now. I don't care if they're perfectly healthy, they are NOT permitted to leave Valance without a signed permit. I would suggest you and your friends board now unless you wish to be detained as well."
The kenku are beginning to get angrier and angrier. They start to chirp to one another in their strange, chittering language, the leader of the three pointing at the woman and the train behind.
"We are healthy. We want our family. Let us outside of this quarantine area and onto the train. We no want fight, but we will. Please help us, sir." The Kenku grabs Thalion's armor, his voice almost frantic.
Thalion takes a half-step backwards, surprised by the desperate kenku gripping his leather armor. His almond eyes go wide and he looks around at his companions, half of them already boarding the train, suddenly feeling rather desperate himself. He was never any good at the talking part of being a hero, just the shooting monsters full of arrows part.
His breath seethes through his clenched teeth as he whispers, "Here, take this," as he presses his hand - and his sack of 100 gold - into the kenku's chest, shoving him away in the process. He hoped the woman and the approaching clerics wouldn't notice the exchange.
(Rolling a Sleight of Hand check to give the gold to the kenku without the guards noticing.)
Sleight of Hand: 7
Yoric snaps back at Alden. “You act like you can only have it one way or the other!”
Yoric turns back to the ticket taker. “I understand, and they certainly must be kept under quarantine. We need them with us, after all. You see, we’re on our way to research a cure, and need to know our cure works. So we’ll need to take them with us - under quarantine - to test the cure.”
persuasion/deception? 18
Paladin - warforged - orange
Grin looks back and forth at the mention of the guards she pulls a hood over her head and slinks aboard the train. (Making sure hey books and other elements are in place)
Alden
If Alden hears Yoric bluff the ticket window attendant he will approach and say.
"Yoric, if you follow this course of action I will not interfere with what you are doing but, when the Watch does arrive you will be taken into custody, arrested, and I will attest of your actions and, because of the importants of our mission, you can be tried for treason."
Alden pauses for a moment:
"You have already revealed our mission to the populous and that will not go unnoticed. It will spread like wildfire through the city and place people in danger." Alden shakes his head. "I agree the law is not always the way but in this case it is." he finishes.
Alden turns and walks away saying: "I am not sure why you were chosen for this mission but you have singlehandedly place us all in open danger." Alden says matter of factly. Reading his face one might see the slightest hint of disappointment.
Alden boards the train.
Yoric, as you speak to the woman, you see her expression begin to change. "A cure? Is that...well, if you are seeking a cure, I suppose we can make an exception if you and your friends are willing to vouch..."
Just then, though, there is a loud squawk from the lead Kenku, who angrily throws a bag of coins at Thalion Strongbow's feet. "You think this is a game? Money is no good to us. Our survival is at stake!"
The Kenku pauses for a moment and his hands slip into his cloak. Yorick and Thalion -- you see his head dart around, taking in the number of Church of the ENgineering priests who have come around as well as a patrol officer from the City Watch who has just entered the station. He looks back at the two female kenkus, and makes a loud noise that is clearly frustration in any language.
"Come, sisters. We will find another way to Seewaldt." He turns to you Thalion, and hisses "I shall remember you, knife-ears."
The three of them rush out of the station before the City Watch roundsman can take any action.
The halfling conductor, who had been watching carefully, announces in a very forced sort of jovial voice "Alright, well! I bet you folks did NOT expect a show tonight along with your train. Haha, all part of the service. If we could continue boarding, we can leave," he checks his watch "only about five minutes late! The Engineer is smiling upon us this evening, ladies and gentlemen. Service to Clingham Heights, Broccton, Seewaldt, Valois, Yellow Creek and the Granholm border. ALL ABOARD!"
Alden, Grin, and Nevlav, as you board, you find that Admiral Garrick had purchased tickets for two adjoining first-class carriages for you. Nevlav, Grin, and Yorick are in the first cabin, with Thalion and Alden in the second cabin. The two are connected by a door that can be propped open or locked on either side. You have the first two first class cabins, and there are three others in the first class car, with a saloon car immediately behind your car, a coach cabin behind that, and the luggage car/caboose in the rear (map of your car to come.)
If you've read the time tables correct, you have slightly over four hours until you arrive in Yellow Creek, putting your arrival time just after midnight.
Yoric boards, finds his seat, and just holds his head in his hands.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Alden
Alden enter the train, going to the second cabin he will stow his gear and then sit for a few moments. While there he will review the days events for a moment then settle in for the trip, catching a nap if he can. "it's going to be a long night" he thinks to himself.
Remembering something, he takes out one of his daggers and places it in a place of close easy access. "just in case" he thinks to himself.
Thalion stares in disbelief at the kenku as they depart, blinking at the bag of coins on the ground before picking it up sheepishly and heading onto the train. He might've bristled at the term "knife-ears" if the situation wasn't becoming quite so dire with the spectacle he'd helped create.
Sitting next to Alden he sighs heavily. "I've little need of money myself, but surely those crazy crows could've used some coin to get out of the city," he says with a dejected tone.
"From now on," he firmly declares, "I'm focusing on the mission and only the mission. Oh, and someone has been following us since the tavern. I wonder if it's the tiefling?"
He chattered away while stowing his own gear. He left one of his shortswords sheathed but next to his bed on the floor.
Alden
Alden listens to Thalion then responds in Elvish:
"Thank you for keeping an eye out. I did miss that tail but I suspected the tiefling would be sending someone." he says.
Alden pauses as he settles in then says: "But, I tend to be suspicious of everyone." again he pauses then says: "I am not entirely sure the Kenku were not his agents either. They seemed to turn to us very eagerly for aid in getting on this train. All in all I suspect a tail or trap for the entirety."
Alden pauses and rubs his chin a moment, switches to Common: "Either they want to stop us or want us to find Dr. Aleksei for them. Either way, we are are in dangers doorway for this trip."
Alden settle back for a nap. With his eyes closed he says: "If you spot the tail again, make sure you say something about it. We need to get rid of the tail one way or another."
There is a long pause then Alden says: "Most races, that do not have your length of lifespan, place a lot of value on gold. Though you may not have use for it, it can help you negotiate their world." he says. Then he places his right hand over his heart, bows his head slightly and says in Elvish he finishes "Your gesture to the kenku, to ease their burden, was an Honor to life itself. Thank you for showing me that example."
As you settle in, you hear an emotionless, lilting voice echoing throughout the train.
"Greetings travelers, and the blessings of the Engineer upon you. I am Sister Ultha, and I am piloting this locomotive this evening. The saloon car will be open after we depart the station and begin this voyage, an approximate five and one quarter hour trip to the Granholm border. For travelers continuing to the Kingdom of Granholm, you will need to hire horses to complete your journey, as the people of that country have not accepted the blessings of the Engineer.
Just a reminder that the use of magic or any of the arcane arts aboard the train is punishable by a fine of 200 gold pieces and up to a week in prison, as per regulation 46b of the Magick in Public Act of the Parliament of Languedoc.
If you have need of anything on your trip, please press the green button found near your seats and our train station will be happy to assist. Thank you and may your clock always keep time with the Engineer."
As she finishes her spiel, you are all shoved forward as the train pushes off its blocks and begins chugging along, picking up speed slowly.
Thalion smiles when he hears his mother tongue and replies in the same Elvish language.
"I always feel paranoid in big cities like this. But once we get off this infernal machine they'll find it more difficult to follow us - and maybe we'll be able to lay a trap for them so we can discover their identity."
He looked at Alden with newfound respect as the half-elf spoke, bowing his head in return and responding, "I only followed my heart, as I always do. Anyway, you're a shrewd half-elf, Alden. I feel much more confident that we'll succeed in our mission with you in the group."
In much higher spirits he lays back on his bed and kicks his boots off, enjoying the comforts of modern technology despite his principles and the rocking of the locomotive as it began to move. Who can turn down a cozy bed after weeks in the wild, after all?