2013-03-04
Kahaan takes his share of the money earned killing Imthaikalus and leaves the party without a great deal of ceremony.
Tyrus, having had time to consider the liklihood that Alklathix reincarnated him for free, presses Ulfgar on the issue, eventually asserting that he believes Ulfgar paid for it. Ulfgar is embarrassed, but admits that he did indeed pay for the special materials involved. When Tyrus asserts that he must compensate his dwarven companion, Ulfgar insists that he could not accept money from one of his companions for such a thing.
Eventually a compromise is reached, where Ulfgar allows that he would accept a potion of healing, as he never found himself so terrified as he did during the battle with Imthaikalus when he found his Belt of Contingent Healing was drained entirely and he had no back-up options. He suggests that Tyrus should add whatever sum he wanted to give Ulfgar to his next donation at the temple of Nephe, as it could well be said that luck more than anything turned out ot be their saviour that day.
Charles, impressed by the utility of the belts, requests that one be made for him in the future, though he would not be able to afford it as yet, having returned from Eathe's merchants quarter with a plethora of equipment.
It is decided that the rest of the party will travel to Age-Honen, after buying a wagon and additional mules which Tyrus quickly names Zep and Lin to carry the preserved dragon corpse.
Age-Honen
The travel goes uneventfully, and the party arrive at the city gates in the early afternoon. The guard-house is manned by a selection of five lightly-armoured Elves, the majority of them lounging around and leaving the other two to handle the foot traffic entering and leaving the city. As our heroes stand out with their caravan and covered wagon, a little extra attention is given to them.
A female steps forward and hails the party, "Greetings Travellers, I am Jetesil of the Blades. What is your business here in Age-Honen?"
Ulfgar gruffly responds "Our business is our own.", only to have Charles trot up on Dartanion and greet the elf warmly.
"We seek a craftsman of hides and armour, we have business to conduct with one such as this. We trust your economy would welcome the stimulation?"
"We have access to a range of goods and services which we might be able to arrange with you."
Charles cocks an inquisitive eyebrow "Who is we?"
Jetesil intones without too much ceremony that she is a servant of the Order of the Blade, and advises that they like to see themselves as Keepers of Order in this place.
"And how do you do that?" probes Charles, in his sweetest, most unassuming voice.
The elf rests on gloved hand on the hilt of her rapier more out of habit than intent as she responds "Well, that depends on the kind of order we intend to keep. Sometimes a word will suffice, sometimes more drastic measures. But I am sure that we will not need to resort to such measures with you and your friends."
Charles agrees "We are indeed all law-abiding here, and in a new city we might find it prudent to ask if there are any customs or laws which we might do well to know about?"
Jetesil lays down the ground rules, and the party are unsurprised to learn that killing in the street frowned upon etc. It is noted that theft of property is quite heavily frowned upon, and an example is provided where it is made clear that the victor of a duel might encounter resistance were he to attempt to claim the property of his fallen foe as his right.
Charles thanks Jetesil for her help, flattering her.
"Clearly you are quite important in your order, however might there be an administrative area of some kind where we might be able to go to to seek further information?"
Jetesil directs his attention through the gates to the Citadel of the Giants and giving directions to the nearby headquarters in one of the older buildings within the underground complex which has been renovated to suit smaller beings. She leans in closer and advises to steer clear of those who refer to themselves as The Fists of Korrughan.
Charles doesn't miss his cue, and dutifully asks why they should be avoided.
"Their servants are dangerous thugs who work for a conniving warlord, who seeks not the good of the city but his own personal gain."
"Why have they not been removed from the city then?"
Jetesil glances about to ensure no-one is watching before she responds. "To take care of these vermin would not be impossible, but it would be wisest to not simply uproot these weeds without ensuring that the balance of the city would not be upset overmuch".
A glint in his eye, Charles asks "What if we were to... change who was in charge of them? How does your city deal with elections? What would it take for this "Fist of Korrughan" to lose some of their influence?"
Jetesil regards Charles anew, finally responding "Well if this really interests you, I'd recommend talking to those with more authority at the citidel."
Ulfgar, growing weary of talk and anticipating a soft bed, interjects. "Would you be able to direct us to a modest inn with lodging space, and also to any temple to the god of Power and Fire?"
Jetesil's companion smirks a bit and says "Yes, we have 'some' religion here, though whether or not your particular god could be found in such a din I do not know."
At this, Ulfgar sizes the elf up and says "Well I guess not much more could be expected from such a small town." and with that passes into the gates as Jetesil provides Charles with directions to The Silver Screw. He shakes Jetesil by the hand, leaning in to whisper something in Elvish as he does so. A short but furtive conversation is completed before their heads move apart again.
As they travel through the city Tyrus shares his observation with the others that there are four main groups of people on the streets.
- "Average" Citizens, going about their day.
- What he assumes to be the Order of the Blade, equipped chiefly with light armour and rapiers and made up almost exclusively of Elves, with some Humans, examples of the more exotic elvish sub-races, and even Hobgoblins.
- More heavily armed and armoured types in equivalent numbers to the Blades. These wear chain shirts of an unusual manufacture, and tend to arming themselves with great-axes, heavy flails and the like. Most distinctive is an emblem of what looks like a open, clawed hand in red on a black background, making it not a great deductive leap that they identify themselves as The Fists of Korrughan. This element are mostly human, with a smattering of elves and even fewer dwarves represented. Additonally, a few of the more bestial races are glimpsed, including Orcs.
- What looks like beggars, which Tyrus recognises as followers of the creator-god Mundo Khull. It seems unusual to have such a strong presence of his followers in one place.
The Blades and the Fists seem to be studiously avoiding each other, with the Mundo Khull followers meandering wherever they please.
After some enquiries, the party are informed that talented craftsmen are generally tightly controlled by one faction or another. It seems that the Blades likely have resources to fashion items for the party, while the Fists would buy the items for a very nice price, however they wouldn't fashion anything. This is confusing at first, until it is revealed that Korrughan is a Huge Red Dragon. No real indication is given as to how Korrughan might feel about butchered Dragon parts being transported through the city, but Tyrus feels it best to remain discreet on that issue. Additionally there are vauge references to the followers of Mundo Khull being able to help, but nothing solid.
