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Kingdoms of Kalamar; Rancor of the Unholy - Act 1: Scene 1
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<blockquote data-quote="narayan" data-source="post: 7573492" data-attributes="member: 6677509"><p><strong>Thale Occius Iceforge</strong></p><p></p><p><img src="https://i.imgur.com/QJWCHPhh.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p></p><p><strong><em><span style="font-size: 12px">City-State of Zoa, Reanaaria Bay, Late Fall, 1044 Y.K.</span></em></strong></p><p></p><p><em>A cool drenching rain pummeled the old bricks of <strong>Market Street</strong>, suitable only for a walking pace even on the best and clearest of days, so fractured it was with cracks and holes that would just as easily break an ankle or shatter spokes on a carriage wheel. Nevertheless, Thale Occius Iceforge strolled purposefully towards the <strong>Great Market of Zoa</strong> with an intimate familiarity of every pockmark and rift in his path. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Each graceful sidestep or great long stride he took accentuated his extraordinary height and lean warriors physique. This alone set him apart from the great majority of the locals. Reanaarians were medium in build, often stocky and sometimes fat. Thale's garb and weaponry only exaggerated these differences further. He was dressed in fine, yet hardy, traveling garb of elven make tailored especially for him.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>From a casual observes point of view, the way his boots and cloak ignored the puddles and spray seemed almost magical. Thale passed through the downpour like a shadow through a flame. The truth was, he was merely meticulous and methodical with upkeep and care of all his possessions. His boots, for example, he brushed and oiled everyday, the better to stay quiet and withstand the rigors of the road. His cloak, likewise, was regularly cleaned and scrubbed in pine oil diluted with hot water before it was brushed free of every errant thread. All the better to mask noise as much as scent, leave no trace, and also resist stains and moisture. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Across his back, Thale carried a masterwork halberd made in the finest forges of Korem, capital city of the Militocracy of Korak. The halberd was a gift from one of the cities famous mercenary captains who swore it was battle-tested against the mighty hordes of Hobgoblins from Norga-Krangrel. Thale had every reason to believe it was, though the mercenary captain not lost an arm and the ability to properly wield it some time ago. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Impressive as the halberd was, Thale's true pride was his fathers sword, a very old masterwork hand-and-a-half barbarian-style battle sword crafted in the finest traditions of the Fhokki smiths in the so-called 'Ice Forge', that was also his namesake. The weapon was a family heirloom, wielded by generations of clan lords. Known simply as 'The father's sword' by his fathers people, the runic inscription along the blade read <strong><span style="color: #008080">"Suffer no guilt who wields this in the name of their father"</span></strong>. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Thale was uncertain if every wielder of the blade was an honorable man. Indeed he could not say from his own experience if that was true of his own father who died of a magical curse when young Thale was just three years old. He liked to think of the inscription as a reminder to wield the blade with pride for some sort of cause, even if that cause was as plain as vengeance. Someday he hoped to return to the frozen north, to the lands of his fathers people and learn more about the history of the sword, and perhaps find some way to use it there to honor his fathers memory.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Now however, his thoughts were focused on the present and the wishes of his step-father, an elven merchant-lord named <strong>Aeron Beijor Sartoris</strong>. Their relationship was formal, lacking affection, though Aeron took interest in young Thale from an early age as soon as he showed magical aptitude enrolling him into the <strong>Duskblade Training College</strong> very young. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>The disciplined life of a Duskblade was a poor substitute for a normal childhood in some ways, but it spared him the gossip and ridicule given to his Reanaarian noble mother (<strong>Isabel Faerooel</strong>) for wedding a cursed Fhokki followed by an elf. Thale was closest with his twin half-elven half-siblings, both of whom looked up to him with awe, and also quite mischievously used him as a chaperone whenever they wanted to be away of their fathers stuffy mansion. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Thale often cursed their curiosity and penchant to run off to explore the cities many dark alleyways. They weren't old enough yet to understand how lucky they truly were, despite his mothers repeated attempts to remind them of their noble families humble roots as slaves. </em></p><p><em>______________________________________________________________________________</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Though slavery itself had always been an accepted norm in the great city-state of Zoa, it was certainly more humane here than most other regions of Tellene. Most slaves come from two sources. The first and larger is debt servitude, often for a period of 7-10 years. A citizen who suffers a substantial fine or debt in Zoa is subject to imprisonment and slavery to work off the debt. In the case of a public fine, the citizen usually works directly for the city until the debt is paid. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>In the case of a private debt, the city pays the creditor some or all of the money owed and the city sells the citizen to the Slavers' Guild for a standardized price. The guild sells of the slaves to merchants or other citizens who have asked for a particular trade skill or quality. Once every few weeks, the guild auctions off the unwanted slaves in the market. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Secondly, the Zoan navy brings brings in prisoners or military action as slaves to be sold in the Slavers' Guild. After capturing a pirate vessel or a smuggler, the city enslaves the remaining crew, although it might free some based on extraordinary circumstances (such as a trusted character vouching for the captive). In rare cases, the ship captain may take prisoners as personal slaves as part of his booty. Most captains trade the salves for political favor or gift them to land-bound family members.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Fully 80% of the city's slaves work in the <strong>Coins Disctict</strong>, the <strong>Citadel District</strong>, or in the wealthy villas just north of the city's walls. The remaining 20% are individuals who live and work in the <strong>Artisan </strong>and <strong>Market Districts</strong>. These slaves are considered valued additions to the family business, treated in some cases more as partners than property.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>[Sblock=Districts of Zoa]<img src="https://i.imgur.com/j06gAmVh.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />[/Sblock]</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Only the very wealthy citizens maintain slaves for entertainment. Bards, Basiran dancers, gladiators, jugglers, magicians and jesters. These slaves are signs of prestige, and some have even earned their freedom. Only in the case of House Faerooel has a family of slaves risen to the level of influential aristocracy. Because of their history, no Faerooel owns a slave. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Thale's mother Isabel likewise never tolerated a man who would tolerate a slave. Both the elves and Fhokki have similar beliefs, so it was only natural she would consider them as suitable suitors. Of course, noble marriages also served other purposes. The alliance she hoped to hold with her first husband, Thale's father, was was intended to shore up long term relationship for trade and shipbuilding, and to guard vs. war if any threat loomed large enough to threaten their properties abroad and around the city. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Aeron was likewise a noble among his people, not hers, but his longstanding influence as a wealthy merchant here in Zoa with a voice in both the Merchant and Mages Guild was also valuable for her family. </em></p><p><em>______________________________________________________________________________</em><em></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>As Thale approached the Great Market he slowed his pace somewhat, glancing over his shoulder once or twice to be sure he wasn't being followed. Aeron's message warned him to be careful, as had several others over recent years. Thale wasn't sure what the source of this step-fathers newfound paranoia was, but Aeron was no fool or one to make warnings lightly. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>What Aeron asked him to do was also something of a mystery to Thale. Although the duties of a Duskblade usually required discretion, most of their assignments were planned out by high-ranking senior leaders and done together as a group. Targets of the Duskblades were usually roaming bands of evil humanoids, errant monsters, undead, pirates, slavers (for which Thale had a singular hatred), brigands, dishonest merchants, smugglers and mercenaries. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Yet there were also other targets kept secret from public knowledge. Corrupt officials, clergy, even lords sometimes faced the wrath and justice of the Duskblades. These righteous killings (and they weren't always killings) were never acknowledged or spoken of again to ensure the perception the Duskblades operated entirely within the law under the auspices of local lords and regional laws. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>For Thale, or any other Duskblade, to be tasked as an individual to undertake a mission or task outside the regular Duskblade chain of command was a rare and unusual thing, but not unheard of. Afterall, the Duskblades as an organization were not as autonomous and self sufficient as they appeared. Powers throughout Tellene supported and used the Duskblades for tasks they could not, or preferred not to be seen to do themselves. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Thale was always told these powers were forces of good in the world (largely the elves for the most part) and thus rarely questioned his orders, yet this time was different. This time the orders came directly from his step-father Aeron. The message read as follows.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>[Sblock=Aeron's Message] 'Seek Captain Raeden Corbry at <strong>The Crossed Cutlass</strong>. Prepare for a long voyage. Be Careful.' [/Sblock]</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Thale was well aware (more aware than most, even within the Duskblades) how many of their orders began as suggestions from Aeron (or those of his elven court mouthed by Aeron) yet this was the first time he was tasked specifically alone for a purpose by his step-father. Beyond that, Thale doubted his brother Duskblades would even be told exactly where he was and what he was doing. Unusual indeed. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Thale had no problems operating alone. Self reliance and bravery were hallmarks of his character, but then again, he was normally given more information. </em></p><p><em>______________________________________________________________________________</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em></em><img src="https://i.imgur.com/z4bxJZih.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /><em></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Typically by midday the Great Market had the atmosphere of a carnival. Screeching animals, performers, displays of richly colored silks and rugs, the pungent odors of exotic spices, herbs, fresh fish and other foodstuffs from around the world were an assault on the senses. Rainy days like this subdued that environment somewhat, but by no means was the market empty or any slower in terms of business. Every square inch of available space for tents, booths, carts, or just a spot to squat beside a basket of oysters was still taken. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>As Thale walked into the market proper shrugging off or staring side-eyed at all manner of con men, pickpockets, evangelists, and beggars the ground changed from old bricks to packed sandy-clay turned to wet paste in the rain. He made his way through the muddy avenues between the vendors, heading towards one of the raised platforms of the Shields (City Watch). </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>These were 12' tall and about 8' square with wooden frames formed like a ladder for easy climbing. Above each was an angled roof, extra spears, shields, crossbows, a hot coal brazier and several lanterns. Typically each platform held half a Shield Patrol (a full shield patrol includes 9 shields and 1 sergeant).</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Thale spotted his old friend Zilaxi, an elderly Svimohzish expatriate standing below the tower quietly smoking his pipe. Though his back was turned, Zilaxi called out his name a good few paces away. </em><em>The old Shield might as well have been a bloodhound.</em><em></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Zilaxi:</strong> <span style="color: #8b4513">"Thale!"</span> He grunted, turning to smirk at the young Duskblade. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Thale:</strong> Half-smiled. <span style="color: #008080">"Good to see you old friend." </span></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Zilaxi:</strong> <span style="color: #8b4513">"What brings you to the Great Market today? Don't tell me you lost track of the twins again?"</span> He scolded. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Thale:</strong> <span style="color: #008080">"No, no, not this time. I merely wished to have a word with you about someone."</span></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Zilaxi:</strong> Peered at Thale beneath white bushy brows. His dark features had the look of old-creased leather, but his eyes glinted with keen intellect and experience. <span style="color: #8b4513">"Oh? And who would that be?"</span> </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>As a few other shields looked over their sholder, Thale indicaed to Zilaxi that he wanted to share the word in private with a quick jerk of his head. The old shield obliged, tapping out his pipe before he stepped out from beneath the awning of the towers roof into the rain.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Thale:</strong> <span style="color: #008080">"What have you heard about Raeden Corbry? I'm told he is a merchant captain of sorts."</span></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Zilaxi:</strong> Chuckled. <span style="color: #8b4513">"Of a sort yes... once he was simply a pirate."</span></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Thale:</strong> <span style="color: #008080">"Ah, that's what I was worried about." </span></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Zilaxi:</strong> <span style="color: #8b4513">"They say his years of boarding ships are over, and he only uses his crews now to guard whats his along the trade routes. Raeden is not one to trade in slaves, or one to butcher or maroon a ships crew. His standards of common decency are better than most reformed from that trade."</span> </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Thale:</strong> <span style="color: #008080">"Does he still serve The Thirteen?" </span></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>[Sblock=The Thirteen]'The Thirteen' refers to an actual pirate alliance within Reanaaria Bay known as the <strong>Captains' Table of Thirteen</strong>. Only the most powerful thirteen captains have a place in this group. Ostensibly they work together to organize and govern piracy within the bay. In fact the truth is a far less democratic. In actuality the founder of The Thirteen rules the Captains' Table with an iron fist, served by a huge spy network known as <strong>The Friends of the Coin</strong>.[/Sblock] </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Zilaxi:</strong> <span style="color: #8b4513">"I believe he does, though who or how specifically is unclear."</span></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Thale:</strong> <span style="color: #008080">"Which ship is his?"</span> </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Zilaxi:</strong> <span style="color: #8b4513">"He arrived at port this morning in a fast little sloop called <strong>'The Sea Snake'</strong>." </span></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Thale:</strong> <span style="color: #008080">"Just a sloop huh? Did he offload much cargo?"</span> </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Zilaxi:</strong> <span style="color: #8b4513">"Some, but not a lot. It didn't look like he intended to do much business on the docks today."</span></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Thale:</strong> <span style="color: #008080">"Thank you old friend."</span> He said plucking a platinum coin from behind his belt. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Zilaxi:</strong> Swiped the coin away deftly. <span style="color: #8b4513">"Be careful!"</span> </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Thale:</strong> Hmmphed. <span style="color: #008080">"You aren't the first to say that."</span></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Zilaxi: </strong>Winked <span style="color: #8b4513">"Let's hope I'm not the last!"</span> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em><strong>[Thale:</strong> What do you do?<strong>]</strong></em></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="narayan, post: 7573492, member: 6677509"] [b]Thale Occius Iceforge[/b] [IMG]https://i.imgur.com/QJWCHPhh.png[/IMG] [B][I][SIZE=3]City-State of Zoa, Reanaaria Bay, Late Fall, 1044 Y.K.[/SIZE][/I][/B] [I]A cool drenching rain pummeled the old bricks of [B]Market Street[/B], suitable only for a walking pace even on the best and clearest of days, so fractured it was with cracks and holes that would just as easily break an ankle or shatter spokes on a carriage wheel. Nevertheless, Thale Occius Iceforge strolled purposefully towards the [B]Great Market of Zoa[/B] with an intimate familiarity of every pockmark and rift in his path. Each graceful sidestep or great long stride he took accentuated his extraordinary height and lean warriors physique. This alone set him apart from the great majority of the locals. Reanaarians were medium in build, often stocky and sometimes fat. Thale's garb and weaponry only exaggerated these differences further. He was dressed in fine, yet hardy, traveling garb of elven make tailored especially for him. From a casual observes point of view, the way his boots and cloak ignored the puddles and spray seemed almost magical. Thale passed through the downpour like a shadow through a flame. The truth was, he was merely meticulous and methodical with upkeep and care of all his possessions. His boots, for example, he brushed and oiled everyday, the better to stay quiet and withstand the rigors of the road. His cloak, likewise, was regularly cleaned and scrubbed in pine oil diluted with hot water before it was brushed free of every errant thread. All the better to mask noise as much as scent, leave no trace, and also resist stains and moisture. Across his back, Thale carried a masterwork halberd made in the finest forges of Korem, capital city of the Militocracy of Korak. The halberd was a gift from one of the cities famous mercenary captains who swore it was battle-tested against the mighty hordes of Hobgoblins from Norga-Krangrel. Thale had every reason to believe it was, though the mercenary captain not lost an arm and the ability to properly wield it some time ago. Impressive as the halberd was, Thale's true pride was his fathers sword, a very old masterwork hand-and-a-half barbarian-style battle sword crafted in the finest traditions of the Fhokki smiths in the so-called 'Ice Forge', that was also his namesake. The weapon was a family heirloom, wielded by generations of clan lords. Known simply as 'The father's sword' by his fathers people, the runic inscription along the blade read [B][COLOR=#008080]"Suffer no guilt who wields this in the name of their father"[/COLOR][/B]. Thale was uncertain if every wielder of the blade was an honorable man. Indeed he could not say from his own experience if that was true of his own father who died of a magical curse when young Thale was just three years old. He liked to think of the inscription as a reminder to wield the blade with pride for some sort of cause, even if that cause was as plain as vengeance. Someday he hoped to return to the frozen north, to the lands of his fathers people and learn more about the history of the sword, and perhaps find some way to use it there to honor his fathers memory. Now however, his thoughts were focused on the present and the wishes of his step-father, an elven merchant-lord named [B]Aeron Beijor Sartoris[/B]. Their relationship was formal, lacking affection, though Aeron took interest in young Thale from an early age as soon as he showed magical aptitude enrolling him into the [B]Duskblade Training College[/B] very young. The disciplined life of a Duskblade was a poor substitute for a normal childhood in some ways, but it spared him the gossip and ridicule given to his Reanaarian noble mother ([B]Isabel Faerooel[/B]) for wedding a cursed Fhokki followed by an elf. Thale was closest with his twin half-elven half-siblings, both of whom looked up to him with awe, and also quite mischievously used him as a chaperone whenever they wanted to be away of their fathers stuffy mansion. Thale often cursed their curiosity and penchant to run off to explore the cities many dark alleyways. They weren't old enough yet to understand how lucky they truly were, despite his mothers repeated attempts to remind them of their noble families humble roots as slaves. ______________________________________________________________________________ Though slavery itself had always been an accepted norm in the great city-state of Zoa, it was certainly more humane here than most other regions of Tellene. Most slaves come from two sources. The first and larger is debt servitude, often for a period of 7-10 years. A citizen who suffers a substantial fine or debt in Zoa is subject to imprisonment and slavery to work off the debt. In the case of a public fine, the citizen usually works directly for the city until the debt is paid. In the case of a private debt, the city pays the creditor some or all of the money owed and the city sells the citizen to the Slavers' Guild for a standardized price. The guild sells of the slaves to merchants or other citizens who have asked for a particular trade skill or quality. Once every few weeks, the guild auctions off the unwanted slaves in the market. Secondly, the Zoan navy brings brings in prisoners or military action as slaves to be sold in the Slavers' Guild. After capturing a pirate vessel or a smuggler, the city enslaves the remaining crew, although it might free some based on extraordinary circumstances (such as a trusted character vouching for the captive). In rare cases, the ship captain may take prisoners as personal slaves as part of his booty. Most captains trade the salves for political favor or gift them to land-bound family members. Fully 80% of the city's slaves work in the [B]Coins Disctict[/B], the [B]Citadel District[/B], or in the wealthy villas just north of the city's walls. The remaining 20% are individuals who live and work in the [B]Artisan [/B]and [B]Market Districts[/B]. These slaves are considered valued additions to the family business, treated in some cases more as partners than property. [Sblock=Districts of Zoa][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/j06gAmVh.png[/IMG][/Sblock] Only the very wealthy citizens maintain slaves for entertainment. Bards, Basiran dancers, gladiators, jugglers, magicians and jesters. These slaves are signs of prestige, and some have even earned their freedom. Only in the case of House Faerooel has a family of slaves risen to the level of influential aristocracy. Because of their history, no Faerooel owns a slave. Thale's mother Isabel likewise never tolerated a man who would tolerate a slave. Both the elves and Fhokki have similar beliefs, so it was only natural she would consider them as suitable suitors. Of course, noble marriages also served other purposes. The alliance she hoped to hold with her first husband, Thale's father, was was intended to shore up long term relationship for trade and shipbuilding, and to guard vs. war if any threat loomed large enough to threaten their properties abroad and around the city. Aeron was likewise a noble among his people, not hers, but his longstanding influence as a wealthy merchant here in Zoa with a voice in both the Merchant and Mages Guild was also valuable for her family. ______________________________________________________________________________[/I][I] As Thale approached the Great Market he slowed his pace somewhat, glancing over his shoulder once or twice to be sure he wasn't being followed. Aeron's message warned him to be careful, as had several others over recent years. Thale wasn't sure what the source of this step-fathers newfound paranoia was, but Aeron was no fool or one to make warnings lightly. What Aeron asked him to do was also something of a mystery to Thale. Although the duties of a Duskblade usually required discretion, most of their assignments were planned out by high-ranking senior leaders and done together as a group. Targets of the Duskblades were usually roaming bands of evil humanoids, errant monsters, undead, pirates, slavers (for which Thale had a singular hatred), brigands, dishonest merchants, smugglers and mercenaries. Yet there were also other targets kept secret from public knowledge. Corrupt officials, clergy, even lords sometimes faced the wrath and justice of the Duskblades. These righteous killings (and they weren't always killings) were never acknowledged or spoken of again to ensure the perception the Duskblades operated entirely within the law under the auspices of local lords and regional laws. For Thale, or any other Duskblade, to be tasked as an individual to undertake a mission or task outside the regular Duskblade chain of command was a rare and unusual thing, but not unheard of. Afterall, the Duskblades as an organization were not as autonomous and self sufficient as they appeared. Powers throughout Tellene supported and used the Duskblades for tasks they could not, or preferred not to be seen to do themselves. Thale was always told these powers were forces of good in the world (largely the elves for the most part) and thus rarely questioned his orders, yet this time was different. This time the orders came directly from his step-father Aeron. The message read as follows. [Sblock=Aeron's Message] 'Seek Captain Raeden Corbry at [B]The Crossed Cutlass[/B]. Prepare for a long voyage. Be Careful.' [/Sblock] Thale was well aware (more aware than most, even within the Duskblades) how many of their orders began as suggestions from Aeron (or those of his elven court mouthed by Aeron) yet this was the first time he was tasked specifically alone for a purpose by his step-father. Beyond that, Thale doubted his brother Duskblades would even be told exactly where he was and what he was doing. Unusual indeed. Thale had no problems operating alone. Self reliance and bravery were hallmarks of his character, but then again, he was normally given more information. ______________________________________________________________________________ [/I][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/z4bxJZih.png[/IMG][I] Typically by midday the Great Market had the atmosphere of a carnival. Screeching animals, performers, displays of richly colored silks and rugs, the pungent odors of exotic spices, herbs, fresh fish and other foodstuffs from around the world were an assault on the senses. Rainy days like this subdued that environment somewhat, but by no means was the market empty or any slower in terms of business. Every square inch of available space for tents, booths, carts, or just a spot to squat beside a basket of oysters was still taken. As Thale walked into the market proper shrugging off or staring side-eyed at all manner of con men, pickpockets, evangelists, and beggars the ground changed from old bricks to packed sandy-clay turned to wet paste in the rain. He made his way through the muddy avenues between the vendors, heading towards one of the raised platforms of the Shields (City Watch). These were 12' tall and about 8' square with wooden frames formed like a ladder for easy climbing. Above each was an angled roof, extra spears, shields, crossbows, a hot coal brazier and several lanterns. Typically each platform held half a Shield Patrol (a full shield patrol includes 9 shields and 1 sergeant). Thale spotted his old friend Zilaxi, an elderly Svimohzish expatriate standing below the tower quietly smoking his pipe. Though his back was turned, Zilaxi called out his name a good few paces away. [/I][I]The old Shield might as well have been a bloodhound.[/I][I] [B]Zilaxi:[/B] [COLOR=#8b4513]"Thale!"[/COLOR] He grunted, turning to smirk at the young Duskblade. [B]Thale:[/B] Half-smiled. [COLOR=#008080]"Good to see you old friend." [/COLOR] [B]Zilaxi:[/B] [COLOR=#8b4513]"What brings you to the Great Market today? Don't tell me you lost track of the twins again?"[/COLOR] He scolded. [B]Thale:[/B] [COLOR=#008080]"No, no, not this time. I merely wished to have a word with you about someone."[/COLOR] [B]Zilaxi:[/B] Peered at Thale beneath white bushy brows. His dark features had the look of old-creased leather, but his eyes glinted with keen intellect and experience. [COLOR=#8b4513]"Oh? And who would that be?"[/COLOR] As a few other shields looked over their sholder, Thale indicaed to Zilaxi that he wanted to share the word in private with a quick jerk of his head. The old shield obliged, tapping out his pipe before he stepped out from beneath the awning of the towers roof into the rain. [B]Thale:[/B] [COLOR=#008080]"What have you heard about Raeden Corbry? I'm told he is a merchant captain of sorts."[/COLOR] [B]Zilaxi:[/B] Chuckled. [COLOR=#8b4513]"Of a sort yes... once he was simply a pirate."[/COLOR] [B]Thale:[/B] [COLOR=#008080]"Ah, that's what I was worried about." [/COLOR] [B]Zilaxi:[/B] [COLOR=#8b4513]"They say his years of boarding ships are over, and he only uses his crews now to guard whats his along the trade routes. Raeden is not one to trade in slaves, or one to butcher or maroon a ships crew. His standards of common decency are better than most reformed from that trade."[/COLOR] [B]Thale:[/B] [COLOR=#008080]"Does he still serve The Thirteen?" [/COLOR] [Sblock=The Thirteen]'The Thirteen' refers to an actual pirate alliance within Reanaaria Bay known as the [B]Captains' Table of Thirteen[/B]. Only the most powerful thirteen captains have a place in this group. Ostensibly they work together to organize and govern piracy within the bay. In fact the truth is a far less democratic. In actuality the founder of The Thirteen rules the Captains' Table with an iron fist, served by a huge spy network known as [B]The Friends of the Coin[/B].[/Sblock] [B]Zilaxi:[/B] [COLOR=#8b4513]"I believe he does, though who or how specifically is unclear."[/COLOR] [B]Thale:[/B] [COLOR=#008080]"Which ship is his?"[/COLOR] [B]Zilaxi:[/B] [COLOR=#8b4513]"He arrived at port this morning in a fast little sloop called [B]'The Sea Snake'[/B]." [/COLOR] [B]Thale:[/B] [COLOR=#008080]"Just a sloop huh? Did he offload much cargo?"[/COLOR] [B]Zilaxi:[/B] [COLOR=#8b4513]"Some, but not a lot. It didn't look like he intended to do much business on the docks today."[/COLOR] [B]Thale:[/B] [COLOR=#008080]"Thank you old friend."[/COLOR] He said plucking a platinum coin from behind his belt. [B]Zilaxi:[/B] Swiped the coin away deftly. [COLOR=#8b4513]"Be careful!"[/COLOR] [B]Thale:[/B] Hmmphed. [COLOR=#008080]"You aren't the first to say that."[/COLOR] [B]Zilaxi: [/B]Winked [COLOR=#8b4513]"Let's hope I'm not the last!"[/COLOR] [B][Thale:[/B] What do you do?[B]][/B][/I] [/QUOTE]
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Kingdoms of Kalamar; Rancor of the Unholy - Act 1: Scene 1
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