Have you ever seen the spires themselves, protruding from the waters? Chen asks the captain. If following the sound of the bell is not practical, then he offers to commune with nature to see if he could pinpoint the location of the sunken city.

She shakes her head in response. "I've not personally. The locals treat the danger as very real. I've no interest in losing my ship over a site seeing tour. Thank you for your offer, but if you want to do some exploring you'll have to find another vessel. I've got work to do." 

 She leaves you each to discuss, but the ship continues to push on throughout the day.  By later that evening you are pushing along when once again the captain comes to greet you, taking you to the south facing side of the ship...and points to the woods pressed against the shore of the Moonsea. "There is the forest town of Elventree. The closest refuge for non-humans to Hillsfar. Now we the shore bends southwest and into the bay where Hillsfar sits. We should be there by morning." 

The town is tough to spot, merged within the towering trees of Cormanthor, but you can just make out bridges arcing between the trees and the shadows of large structures across the jagged and hilly coastal landscape. 

Soon enough however, the ship moves on, and sure enough the coast bends southwest and the ship turns to follow.  The sky is grey, the wind cold, but the trip fast an uneventful. One more sleep passes aboard the rocking, creaking vessel. 

You awake the next morning to the sound of rain pelting down on the ship....but...also the sound of something else. The sound of a harbor. It's distant, but obviously large. As you find your way out into the cold grey rain you are shown the city state of Hillsfar, the largest human city within a thousand miles, and the nexus of trade in the region. The walls of the city look massive, tested, and quite old, though it would seem relatively recently they've had their height extended by another ten feet so that they rise to a total of 60 feet high. 

The captain draw Chen and Jahren to her also calling for Loane, and brings them into the dry of her cabin. Her face is serious as she begins to talk, "Loane, I appreciate all you've done. I know you were wanting to take port here, but we're headed back south to the Fallen Sea after picking up a load here. I'd be pleased to have you stay on. But...a deals a deal."  She hands her a sack of coins as payment. Then she addresses all of them, "I don't know what has drawn you three, but I can tell you this. Hillsfar's recent law may no longer make it illegal for non-humans in the city, but that hasn't changed the hearts or minds of most people that live here."  She looks to Loane, "People will get a sense that you're not entirely human."  She looks to Jahren, "But...you're a dirty half-breed here, and .." she looks to Chen, "Well....you're just a walking talking monster.  One of the few places that will give any of you a bed for the night is the Diamond in the Dung at the intersection of Pearl St and Silver St.  Keep your heads down, don't flaunt your features, don't show off any flashy magic, and you should be ok.  The red plumes will search people at random, but....they will search you less randomly if you understand me...raise a hand against them and no matter what the feelings of the new First Lord, you'll be strung up, put to death, or sent to the arena. Good luck, if you need a friend, we'll be in port for the next couple of days."  She nods to each of you, especially to Jahren, then goes out to see to having the ship dock. 

Chen has gathered his belongings and is shrouded in a very large black cloak, which entirely fails to make him any less conspicuous. He stands by the railing and says:

It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Jahren, if you should require anything of which I can may be able to assist, I would be glad for the opportunity to repay you for your sacrifice on our behalf. It was likewise a pleasure to meet you, Loane. I intend to take the captain's recommendation and seek this inn, which I hope is more inviting than its name. There I will advertise for any willing to venture into the forest - a difficult task perhaps while also trying to avoid attention.

Loane scoops up the bag of coins, looking into it to check the payment. While the captain is trustworthy, making sure she was properly paid had become a habit early into her sailing career. "I appreciate the concern, Captain. I think I'll be able to pass in most situations, but I'll take your advice. If we end up meeting again, don't hesitate to offer a job. Would like to see how the crew shapes up. If you don't mind, I'll walk with you, Chen. While you're formidable in size, the more unsavory types might not be intimidated by it."

"A pleasure Captain, thank you."

To Loane and Chen the half-elf says "I'd be pleased to keep your company at the Diamond, if you'll have me.  I'm sure we each have our own business to tend to, but I'd enjoy your company as time allows, perhaps in the evenings for a meal and a drink."

"Chen, how long will you wait to gather forces to set out into the forrest?  If it isn't too much trouble, might you let me know once you set your departure?  I may have a small favor to ask.  I'd also be quite eager to hear about your adventures upon your return, if our paths cross again."  (By now I bet Jahren also would have asked Chen if he has been on similar adventures in the past, not necessarily knowing just how powerful of a hero he is.)

Just before departing, Jahren says to his new friends "I really hate to do this as it goes against my better sensibilities, but given the general prejudices of this place I am inclined to test the waters as a human before it is too late to go back."  At that Jahren casts Disguise Self and simply adjusts his ears and any other features that would make him look anything but human.  He makes sure his now human looking ears are quite visible for all to see as they size up this new stranger in town.  "Apologies" he adds, to his new non-human friends.

As the three depart the ship, Jahren also casts Detect Magic to further size up his new companions as well as see what this sixth sense can see as he enters a new city.  He takes note of the powerful auras on several items on Chen and Loane.  When they hit the dock Jahren chooses to take his leave from the others and walk alone for now.

This ship pulls into the rainy port and finds a berth at a suitable dock. Deck hands nimbly descend rope nets on the side and land on the slippery planks of the dock. Ropes are thrown and tied down as the ship is eventually settled against the large beams of the docks edge. The gang plank is hooked onto place and soon enough the Captain is down on the dock discussing moorage fees and offload procedures with the dockmaster. Despite the rain you all see a bustling dock full of activity. Amidst the crowds and workers red plumes bob up and down, dyed feathers atop pinnacled helms worn by the cities mercenary force that are both police and army. 

The three of you take your leave of the ship, firm hand shakes to the captain as you're on your way. The dockmaster all but scowls at Chen as he walks by, but also notes Loane and stops her.  "Say there, you need to peacebond that weapon. Make sure you go to the office at the top." 

It's fair to say that none of the three of you have ever witnessed such a homogeneous population in your lives. Humans is pretty much all you see milling about. Round ears, brown, pink, beige, and black skin, and round eyes. The walk from the ship to the gangplank leading up to the dockfront sports Chen more attention...and...dark looks, than he's earned in an entire year. As you reach the top of the last walkway Jahren nods to Chen and Loane, looks around, then vanishes into the crowd, disappearing among the humans. 

As wet droplets gather in your hair and on your shoulders, you scan the city street. The harbor seems to be very business focused, with only a single bar within site, while there are at least a dozen trading company offices and the rest if filled with warehouses and industry. A ship building dock can be seen down the way, another beyond it. The sound of sawing and banging can be heard from here. Dock hands move amongst ships like ants, unloading and loading. It looks like raw materials are largely coming in, including wood, ore, food and animals, while going out are goods produced in the city, from wagons, to fabrics, to clothing, furniture and tools. Wood is predominant here, with stone accenting most buildings but otherwise everything is shake roofing, wood frame, and wood panelled. The fashions in the city seem practical. Though there are many accent colors and people find a way to show off personal style, it seems as, especially in the rain and cold, people have several layers on and wear waxed leather outwear to keep off the moisture. Most coats are lined with fur to keep away the chill. It's a raucous scene as people move in every direction all about their own individual business. 

--------------------------------

Before the other two can take one step, two plumed soldiers are standing in front of them having emerged from the crowds.  You see at least one other pair down the street who are watching as well. They're glaring darkly at Chen, barely noticing Loane. "Papers please. No papers? Rules are clear." He jabs a finger up to a sign that you hadn't yet noticed. Along with a dozen other rules, it states that visitors much apply for a visitors pass in the Dock Office, which you were headed to anyway. You notice the 2nd rule, "Non-humans are forbidden entry." has a line drawn through it.  The guard turns to his friend, "Search 'em."

Glancing through the rules, you see that weapons must be peacebonded as you were told.  The first rule, that nothing shall interfere with Trade, is emphasized in many of the other rules. A few new rules seems to have been added below, as an additional board has been nailed to the sign, "Practicing magic without a permit is a crime. Any crime performed with magic will be punished with death. Magical items must be registered and marked."

The guard moves to search each of you, attempting to also grab your bags to search through them as well.

--------------------------------

Jahren, you step into the rainy streets. Cobbles and well maintained buildings stretch in many directions, the harbour a large region that fronts this entire half of the city. You look back and see Chen and Loane being accosted by soldiers already. You're given glances by folk, but they're much warmer glances. As is usual for you, people are often drawn to you and eyes track your movement down streets appraisingly. You notice the large sign of laws by the dock office when you look back, though no one seems in a hurry to check your non-existent papers.

Jahren frowns ever so slightly at the oppressive rules and the treatment his two new friends are surely getting at the moment.  He has the fleeting instinct to go and help them, out a bit but alas he knows they will encounter similar scrutiny within minutes of the first occasion.  The rules about magic items and the use of magic are especially troubling; he'll have to be even more careful than normal here as he won't willingly let these local authorities inspect him at the moment.

Dressed in his very average traveler's garments with a cloak around him and both the cloak and an extra bit of cloth over his pack and shield, the now human looking Jahren slowly makes his way through the streets while leaning on his wooden walking stick just a bit.  He makes mental notes of business names and locations, and the same with any street names he notices.  He makes his way towards Purse Street, asking a young person or other kind looking stranger for directions if he must; always with a smile and a great deal of appreciation.  

Jahren makes his way across the slick cobbles to the nearest street, "Lye St", and moves down the narrow affair that is little more than an alley. Water pours down a spout and empties into an overflowing rain barrel. the water sloshing into a narrow stone gutter and vanishing through a grate. The alley intersects a large street running north south, Brickbuilders St, and continues across...but Jahren quickly realizes this city could take a while to search. He approaches a young man loading boxes from a wagon into a store room. The man glances over, then places a wooden box full of nails down and nods to Jahren. 

"Aye, your a ways off of Purse street. Yer best bet is to head north up Seminole Av just there, till you hit Silver. It's the main thoroughfare goin east west. Then you'll hit Market St eventually, it's after Pearl which is the main North-south road. Once yer down Market, take a right at Old Silver St, then a left at Baker St, and that'll run ya into Purse St.  Best o' luck to ya!"

Jahren follows the instructs finding himself on a wide thoroughfare, Silver St that runs the width of the city from docks to western gates. The city is crammed with foot traffic and wagons, loads of goods traveling both to and from the dock to be dispersed throughout the cities businesses. He picks his way along the street, rain dripping from the hem of his hood, droplets running down his staff. For all the people he's seen he's only counted perhaps a half dozen half-elves as he's walked about, one elf, a couple gnomes, a halfling, and a single half-orc who happen to be in chains along with a handful of humans being led through the street by a troupe of twelve red plumed soldiers. 

He passes Pearl street, another street heading north south that is almost as wide as Silver, but half as busy. When he sees a spots a large warehouse and outbuildings on the left with a sign "Dragon Breath Brewery", he also spots a smaller side street, "Market Street" to the left. He heads down there, this street living up to it's name with shop fronts lining either side of the road, and small stands and tables with tarp covers hawking their wares all down the street. He spots foods of all types, the styles a mix from across the world including their attempt to bake elven breads, Thayan spiced rices, or a mix of seafood chowder and Calimshan noodles. As he passes a stall selling warm chocolate chai he smiles at the thought of Chen being unable to proceed down this road without several steps. 

Despite Chen's propensity for food, Jahren had noticed the powerful muscles bunched beneath his clothes and the deceptively graceful way he moved his body. After seeing the magical aura's on his body his suspicion had been confirmed. Loane likewise was more than just a practiced sailor. Two small mysteries in a fog of the unknown. 

He found old silver road, hanging a right, and then shortly after comes to Baker St which only goes left. He heads down there and finds Purse Street. A short three block long affair ending in a cul-de-sac at one end and a T intersection with Zhentil Street at the other. The sign of the Coin Bros Merchant House is spotted quickly and it's with a small degree of relief that he steps out of the rain, his wet hood being flung back in a spray, the door jangling a bell.

A young man looks up from behind a desk. There's a small sitting area here with two chairs. A hallway leads off, next to a narrow flight of stairs. The smell of old wood and dust fill the space and creaking floor boards from above can be heard. The wall has a map of the Moonsea pinned to it, with demarkations for different types of resources all around it. Wood all along the southern shore, ore from northern mountains and so on.  A painting of a two men with their two families is behind the desk and a chalk board is adorned with a grid of current trade prices for a variety of goods. The man responds to Jahren's inquiry, vanishing up the stairs. A few moments later he leads you up the narrow stairs, down a hallway to a front office that looks out onto Purse Street.  A large desk covered in papers is here, a man sat behind it scribbling furiously.  He barely glances up at Jahren until the door is closed and they're alone. 

"Jahren was it?  I'm Matt Berkings. I don't recognize you. Have we had dealings in the past?"  He pauses his writing and looks up as Jahren makes the quick sign of the Harpers and reveals his badge on the inside of his vest.  He stops and looks, "Purple rose. Impressive."  He places his quill in its stand and folds back his shirts collar revealing a red violet, then folds his hands, "How can I help you?" 

"Pleased to meet you, Matt."  Regarding his purple rose, Jahren casually says "right place, right time", adding "don't tell" with a wink.  "I hear the new Lord has some promise, but could use a few more friends.  Our colleague in Elmwood said I should check in with you on such things or anything else that might need doing around Hillsfar."

(Please substitute any Harper speak or manner of further concealing the contact in Elmwood as appropriate, thanks!)

Matt nods, "Oh. I see." He appears to easily switch from "about to take orders" to "ready to assign orders".

"Indeed, if you're here and you can help it would be greatly appreciated. The new First Lord is man named Vuhm Yestrel. He is a strong man, with a powerful personality. He was behind the assassination of the previous First Lord, Torin Normenthal in Yulash. The Harpers supported his coupe, along with the Order of the Gauntlet, the Emerald Enclave, the Lords alliance and the Zhents and helped ease him into power. However his first move to quash the anti-human laws and free the slaves from the arena ate up a lot of his political capital. The people of Hillsfar are racist in their hearts which is why those laws have always found root here. There were previous attempts to relax these laws. A couple decades ago, the then leader of Hillsfar, a wizard named Maalthiir tried to woo the support of the elven nations and loosened the laws. But as soon as Maalthiir was gone, Torin found great support in the city and was driven into power based on his xenophobic and pro-human stance."

He sighs.  "All this to say Yestel has played his hand early. He doesn't have very much support and already factions in the city seek to undermine him, slander him, and eat away at his power. Honestly, he has a firm grip on the Red Plumes. The military adore him. He currently has regiments of the plume spread thin trying to maintain peace and order, but without outside support their numbers will be too thin and he'll lose control here in the city. He needs what's left of elven court and the elves of Myth Drannor to support Hillsfar so he can bring some of the troops back to the city. As long as they're on their own patrolling what has become a very dangerous region, his grip on power here is tenuous. And anybody who fills his shoes will be far worse for the whole region. If Hillsfar can't step up, find allies, and control the fallout from the Netheril war, the forest could become a potent home for evil. It could be disastrous." 

It's clear he is passionate about this, and also that he's given this spiel more than once.

He shakes his head, "Honestly, his whole stance on magic has threatened to drive a wedge between the Mages guild and the military. He had their support during the coupe, but it's clear he has some hang-ups. Likely leftovers from his time when Maalthiir was in charge. He was an evil wizard who attempted to achieve Lichdom."  

"So, back to the request. The Harpers have a good relationship with Yestel. He's shared with us that he needs something to influence the elven nation to his cause. I would like you to see what you can do. Maybe win back some artifacts from the ruins, one of their fabled Elfblade's perhaps. Or, go entreat them directly if you can find their leaders, or ...I'm not sure to be honest. The elves have been betrayed by Hillsfar in the past and their people have suffered for it. They have long memories. If you do negotiate directly with the elves, it can not be as an agent of Hillsfar unless Yestel sanctions you. If you find yourself in a position to negotiate please first return and meet Yestel so he can give you his blessing."

In reply to Jahren, Chen explains: If I don't find anyone within a tenday, or if Hillsfar is no longer welcoming, then I shall likely make for Elventree.

Chen complies willingly to the guards' searching, and even tries to strike up friendly banter.

Here, allow me to open my pack for you, sir.

My apologies, I forgot that was in there, I should have eaten it by now.

Oh my, you do have a firm grip, sir.

One must admire the diligence and thoroughness of the Hillsfar constabulary.

The soldiers cast glares at Loane but don't bother to search her. They thoroughly search Chen though, looking irritated at his good humor about it all. Eventually, everyone thoroughly soaked in the rain, with Chen's belongings haphazardly heaped about, then grunt to themselves and wander away. Loane begins helping Chen to pack his gear back up. A woman approaches, wearing leather pants and a white poofy shirt under a black fur lined leather vest, though looking thoroughly wet as well with only a brimmed hat to keep her dry, she smiles to them both, looking down at Chen's stuff all getting wet.  "I'm sorry about those black souls. Why do the bullies among us always end up in power I ask ya? Or maybe power turns them into bullies. Anyway, not much of a welcome fer a creature as grand as you. All golden under there. Very exotic. Ignore those tripe, not ere'ones a grand bastard here in Hillsfar."  She bends down and lends a hand passing things to Loane to pack into the bag. 

(You can both roll perception vs DC : 19 if you wish.  No reason.) 

Chen and Loane both notice her pocket his tinderbox while she's being helpful. Oh...and there goes his soap. 

"Oh, my apologies" adds Jahren.  He waves a finger past one ear and allows his true half-elf form to return.  "I intend no deception amongst friends."

The bard listens and takes in Matt's account of the current state of Hillsfar.  "I managed to engage a new contact with the elves on the way here.  I would surmise that both sides could benefit from this renewed alliance, if Yestel is worthy of our support.  Your account bodes well in this regard.  What is you opinion of arranging an audience for me with Yestel over the next day or two?"

Jahren also goes on to ask Matt about the law against the use of magic, having to register as a visitor, having to register magic items, and the like.  He would not at all be opposed to someone making sure he has such paperwork without the actual scrutiny of his magic or his belongings.

(Also going to toss in an Insight roll to see if Jahren picks up on any deception, anything Matt is holding back on, etc., despite that his intentions seem good, if of course Yestel is actually worthy of all of this support.  It is Jahren's job to give his own account to the elves, at least, not just take Matt's at face value.  Insight: 30 )

He taps his finger on his lips, "Well...you are a half-elf, he may see this favourably. I will ask the Harper commander here. If he agrees we'll setup a meeting. However, he's unlikely to give you permission to negotiate on his behalf at such an early juncture. Are you hoping to simply arrange a meeting between the two parties?"

"Well, the paperwork is a real thing. You'll be asked for it, so you should have some. Luckily, I have a contact. The magic items are another matter. They use magic to permanently mark your magical gear. I have someone who can replicate the sigil well enough though, so you should be fine on both accounts. I'll summon him here and get some papers made up for you before you find your lodging for the evening, if you can wait around for a couple hours. Unfortunately the magic permit isn't available for visitors, only residents here. You're going to have to be very cautious with its use while in the city." 

Assuming you are willing to wait, a couple hours later you're provided a paperwork for your visitors pass, including a list of your magical items (though not the purpose of each), along with magical sigils marked upon each of them. 

---------------------------------------

Loane, Chen, assuming there's no kerfuffle  with the woman, missing some soap and a tinder box you wander into the dock office. An older human woman who looks in a foul mood barely glances up as you enter. You approach the desk where she taps the wood, "5 gold each for visitor papers, good for 30 days. 5 gold for each magical item registered. The wizard at the back can mark them.  The mark also fades after 30 days. Ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it, but, you look new, so, don't interfere with trade or it's to the arena with you. And...no magic use in the city for visitors. That's a new one...so..mind yourself." 

Regarding the meeting, Jahren replies "oh no, I'd just like to meet the man."  "Sounds like an interesting fellow, and I'd like to see just who I'm trying to help here.  I'd be curious to hear his own words on the current situation and what assistance he could use.  It sounds like this rift with the mage's guild could use some mending as well."

Jahren is happy to wait the couple of hours for the paperwork.  He asks Matt to confirm the marks the city places on magical gear are permanent, where as the sigils placed on his gear are just for show?  He expressed the concern that the permanent marks could let the city trace the activities of an individual for the rest of their days, and including on trips into the forrest.

To Jahren, Matt responds: "The marks are magical sigils, similar to the spell "Glyph of Warding", except they only last for 30 days and do not have any other affect than marking the object. They are not physical, just magical. They can also be dispelled if you're leaving the city and want them gone, assuming you have the power to cancel magic.  As for a meeting, the Harpers know well Yestel and at the moment he is the best the region could hope for. If it's simply to appraise him, the jobs been done many times over and you'll have to trust your Fraternity on this matter, at least for now. If you could come to us with some potential way for him to gain the elves favour then we can see about a meeting." 

"I will trust in your judgement, as always" replies Jahren, regarding the meeting.  "Thanks very much Matt, a pleasure.  You'll be hearing from me."  Jahren holds up his new papers "and thanks for these!"

Heading out again, Jahren decides to go ensure there is a room available for him at the Diamond before worry about any other business.  He disguises himself with magic again before taking to the streets of Hillsfar.

(Pause here for Chen and Loane to let me know what they're up to.  Go directly to the Inn, look around town first?  Anything else?)

Chen quickly gathers the remainder of his things, thanking the overly-helpful woman for her assistance as he does so, and makes his way toward the registration office. Seeing Loane's questioning glance, he calmly explains that he would rather avoid any conflict, and that he is sure he can replace a few small items, and that perhaps the woman needed them more than he did anyway.

Chen counts out 35 gold to the clerk, accompanied by more pleasantries and compliments regarding the woman's lovely appearance and Hillsfar's judicious immigration control. He removes his belt, boots, cloak and two rings, placing them in a small container on the desk along with his backpack and his large hammer. He walks through a slender arch that has the look of an inactive portal, and seeing that it makes no sound of alarm, he gathers his belongings again on the other side, and makes his way to the next checkpoint to have his items marked.

By the time Chen exits the building, he is astonished to find that Hillsfar's bureaucracy thus far has taxed his constitution far more than any journey through desert or jungle he has experienced before. His enthusiasm for exploring the city has waned for now, and he longs to seek the inn and secure food and lodging.

Chen and Loane grudgingly undergo the 'welcome' ceremony and eventually leave the cities dock office with the appropriate papers, and a magic sigil cast upon all of their magical gear. The wizard who cast the sigil gasped repeatedly as he handled the magical gear.  "Who the hell are these people..." was whispered under his breath, along with "...the mage guild will find this interesting..." and finally "...i've never....wow..." 

Leaving the exhausted wizard and grumpy, but not outwardly racist dock bureaucrat behind, the find themselves out in the streets an hour before noon. The sky is growing lighter, the clouds thinning, but a steady rain still comes from the sky. The crowds are still busy even though the morning rush is done, the slick cobbled streets amass with the hustle and bustle of a trade city. Despite what you've been told about anti-human sentiment, you seem to largely be met with indifference in the streets. You get some curious stares, some angry glares, and a bit more attention than usual, but otherwise the bigotry seems a bit overstated. It is still early though you suppose. 

The city of Hillsfar is quite large, the streets a veritable maze, though the main thoroughfare of Silver street offers a fairly good guide. You inquire as to the Diamond in the Dung, and are directed to Muller Lane between Silver and Old Silver.  Finding Muller Lane isn't too hard, and turning left you find yourself at the Diamond in the Dung, a four floor monstrosity of a building nestled amidst smaller buildings with its own courtyard crowded between other nearby buildings. It's walls propped up against buildings around it, the courtyard sports a stable and a narrow crowded warehouse. Large heavy drops of rain slide along the edge of the peaked wooden awning as Loane and Chen step up the three stairs and push through the heavy oak door. There is a tight hallway here with an office to one side. Half-way down there is a double wide doorway, the clinking sounds of meal time and the busy chatter of a room full of people emerge from within. A stairway leads up to the left. A pretty half-elf woman with brown hair tied up into a knot, a short dark grey frilly dress and tight white button up shirt with a plunging neckline, emerges from a doorway halfway down the hall from which a trail of steam comes, holding a tray four plates of food upon it.  She takes a few steps down the hall, smiling generously at Chen as they make eye contact, and then spins through the double wide door into the bar room. The scent of spiced rum, spicy fish stew, and spilled beer waft about the air. 

Am older human man, with a well trimmed grey beard and piercing grey eyes looks up from the open office window, "Welcome to the Diamond in the Dung. M'names Terry, the keeper here." He glances at Loane and Chen with an assessing glance. "Two rooms for you?"