Kulan: Knightfall's Shackled City Legacy PbP Game [IC] (Game Cancelled)

Part 1 – Introduction
The Dominion of Cauldron. Also known as the Realm of the Silver Hand (or the Shackled Realm by its enemies), Cauldron is a land in transition. Once dominated by squabbling noble families and by dark forces hidden underneath, Cauldron, the city, has shifted from a place of woe to a community with hope. The city still has a Lord Mayor, but the feudal power has moved away slowly from the republic it once was. That old republic acted more like a vicious oligarchy with little regard for the people of the dominion.

That all changed when the Order of the Silver Hand was founded in the city eight years ago. It was those heroes that unveiled the darkness underneath, the Cagewrights, and purged them from the city. It wasn't an easy victory, however. Cauldron was cracked wide open by the volcanic eruption that the Cagewrights set into motion under the city. Cauldron was nearly destroyed and if it hadn't been for the Order, the dominion would not have survived.

Soon after those events, the Order's beloved wizard, Hezekiah Grofus, was elected as Lord Mayor and he has held the title and power of the office ever since. The eccentric mage from another material plane rules the city with velvet gloves, except for those that would do evil, and he has become known as the Orphan King. Many in the dominion believe Cauldron will soon become a Monarchy with Lord Mayor Grofus named as its first king. Such a thought would have been inconceivable before the Cagewrights, but when your city almost gets pulled into the lower planes, priorities and values quickly shift.

The other heroes from the Order have also done great things for the dominion. The holy man known as The Trúa, Argo Flameheart, has become a living embodiment of his god, Jalivier, and the Pantheon of the North throughout the Kul Moren Mountains. Jalivier is now the state religion, but all good (and some neutral) faiths are welcome in the dominion. The High Sun Sanctuary stands in the southern half of the city in between Magma Avenue and Lava Avenue. It rises high into the sky and can be seen from every gate leading into Cauldron City.

Argo's cohort, and trusted friend, Amaryllis Greenbottle is a renowned leader amongst the halflings of the city. She is a mainstay in the Halfling District where her fine home sits on Lava Avenue North just east of Burrows' Street. The young frost giant, Shötte, befriended by Argo and the Order, is now commander of the city guard. He is quite the sight walking down one of the wide avenues even with his magical bracers that allow him to shrink his size. He is a good soul in a massive frame. The commoners love him, as he works hard to protect them (but he cannot be everywhere).

Another beloved member of the Order is the dwarf Toryn Stonecutter. While Toryn isn't a mainstay in the city anymore, he is often honored by his kin who live in the Dwarven District. The bridge that spans the gap between Brass Corner and the Woeborough bears his name and it was he who supervised the construction of all four of the massive stone bridges that reconnected the southeastern sections of the city. Stonecutter Bridge is the most impressive of these bridges with the Weavers' Bridge being a close second. Borough Bridge* and The Elf Bridge were the last of the four to be built. Each bridge is anchored by at least one tower with Stonecutter Bridge having three. The central tower of that bridge rises nearly as high as the High Sun Sanctuary.

The last of the main group of heroes of the Order isn't so much beloved as grudgingly respected. The ranger and horizon walker named Karr'toomba is the Warden of the dominion and he runs the fortress known as Blackwall Bastion, which sits at the end of Cliff Street near Warden's Gate. Karr, like Toryn, doesn't spend as much time in the city as his responsibilities take him beyond the city's walls and out into the mountains and beyond to protect the dominion's borders. He is quite the sight when he is in Cauldron, riding on his rhinoceros mount. If there is one member of the Order who remains an enigma, it is Karr.

One might think that with all these old heroes around, life in Cauldron City and the dominion would be perfect. That is not so. Like with Guardian Shötte, the members of the Order cannot be everywhere at once and with their other responsibilities, they do not have time for adventures. There are still many problems in the city that need fixing. Overpopulation is a concern, as the dominion took in refugees from Mor's End after the war with Diabolic Enclaves. The evils of the Warlords of Flamerule are always on the minds of Cauldron's citizens, and they worry that what happened to the Domain of Anoria might happen to the dominion as well, if the Order should fall or disappear.

With overpopulation there come increased tension between neighbors, especially between neighbors of different races. Most of Cauldron City's poor 'urbanite' elves are forced to live in the district known as Elfwatch Ward, which is isolated from the rest of the city. Cauldron's elves tend to be proud and stubborn, which often puts them at odds with the city's dwarves (who are more respected due to Toryn's influence). Gnomes, once unheard of in the city, have come back to the northern lands from the Far South, drawn by the tales of a rediscovered Jzadirune. The old gnomish enclave sits under Cauldron with its entrance, Jzadirune Hall, near the High Sun Snactuary. This gives the gnomes some growing prestige, which tends to irk the city's halflings (even though the halflings outnumber the gnomes 10 to 1). The other race with a strong presence in the city are cat race known as the kitt **. These strange felids are are akin to both the rakasta of the Far South and to halflings. They tend to scurry around the city and live wherever they can find acceptance. Hallfings treat them as a kindred race and gnomes usually accept them too. Dwarves and elves are less accepting of kitts, and the worst of humanity considers them pests.

Humans. While Cauldron City is more diverse than it used to be, the Shackled City (don't call it that in front of a local) is still dominated by humans. The entire dominion is roughly 74% human (although that is changing). Yet, in Cauldron City, humans still dominate the streets with nearly 80% of all citizens in the city being human (or partially human [half-elves, mainly]). Many of the families are the old guard from Cauldron's time as a city-state. The worst of them have been forced out of the city, but there are still the Aslaxins, the Knowlern, and the 'watched' Taskerhills. Gone are the Lathenmires, Navalants, and Skellerangs, as well as the infamous Neberns and Vanderborens, although many of there abandoned homes and manors still bear their names. What was once House Vhalantru – the lair of an evil beholder in the guise of a man – was reclaimed by the Order and given to the Church of Hades (a respected North God). The temple called The Halls of Grieving is even more imposing than it was as the beholder's home/lair.

The old thieves' guild, The Last Laugh was purged from the city shortly after the Order defeated the Cagewrights. They have not been seen in the city since. New guilds have tried to enter and setup in the city but they are always rebuffed by the Order and the Halfling Syndicate, which is the closest thing the city has to a true guild of rogues. However, the Halfling Syndicate operates openly and with the good graces of the Lord Mayor's office. The few criminals in the city tend to band together and keep their heads down. Street toughs risk a lot if they are noticed by the city guards or the Order.

Cauldron must also deal with the many legacies of the volcanic eruption, as well. There are fissures all over the city and it isn't practical (or likely safe) to try to seal them. Doing so could probably cause another eruption. The largest of these fissures is called the Deep-Gap, which bisects what was once the northern half of Ash Avenue. Now, only the roadway east of Deep-Gap is called Ash Avenue. The western roadway was renamed Flameheart Avenue in honor of The Trúa. Every once in a while, something crawls up out of one of these fissures and causes havoc in the city, but when that happens, the Magical Threats Agency, or MTA, is usually there to help (but they cannot be everywhere and they've lost a good people over the years).

It is time for Cauldron to have new heroes.

* Misspelled on map. Doh!
** Think of the kitt as being a small race of kenderlike catfolk but less prone to stealing.

Part 2 – New Heroes
Dawn in the city...
High Sun Sanctuary, Bloodsun Hall:
Quaen Horuk Rah, or Kane as he is commonly called by his family and friends, kneels in the isolated chapel set aside for the Disciples of the Bloodsun, his order, in the High Sun Sanctuary. The chapel is more austere than the rest of the temple of Jalivier, which denotes the martial nature of the Disciples within the religious structure of the Church of Jalivier. A single stern stone statue of Jalivier stands behind an alter made of the same plain hewed stone. Here, in this place, there are no pews or comfy divans. There is only a stout wooden plank to kneel on and the warmth of two torches on either side of the small chapel.

Argo Flameheart had this chapel built to keep his Disciples, Jalivier's faithful warriors humble and tough, and they wouldn't have it any other way. As a newly graduated initiate into the Disciples, this is the first time he has been allowed to pray to Jalivier in the chapel. He knows that outside the chapel's single stout, iron-reinforced, wooden door, is his mentor, Minister Jefferie Knobel. The aasimar cleric and seer has been watching over him for years, making sure Kane stays devoted and humble. The Khemitian man has never faltered in his belief in Jalivier and his devotion to the Disciples of the Bloodsun. The Trúa, Lord Flameheart, has always been there for him too, but Argo recognized the bond between Kane and the man he often refers to as 'Redshirt' – some inside joke of theirs – early on in Kane's training.

Argo left the young man's training to Minister Knobel and Kane flourished amongst the faithful of the Disciple's initiates. (Most of the others quit or were tossed out for bad behavior.) Now, he has the chance to become an adventuring priest for his church. Perhaps Krank Qallar will bring him into the inner circle of the Disciples? No, it's to early for that. More than likely, he will be given a task important to the city and to his faith. A sharp knock on the door and the voice of his mentor interrupts his prayers.

“It is time, Quaen Horuk Rah.”

Kane respects that his mentor chooses to use Kane's full name during official ceremonies. Yet, it isn't like his mentor to interrupt anyone during prayers, so Kane knows that Minister Knobel has something important to tell him. Will it lead to his future?

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City Library, The Stacks:
Dorin sits against a quiet wall in the stacks of Cauldron's library. Rebuilt after the eruption by order of the Lord Mayor, it is one of the most impressive buildings in the city. The duskblade has several books on the arcane and the history of the city piled up around him. A hooded lantern sits nearby, placed carefully on the floor, as not to be to close to any loose paper or books. Its light illuminates the pages Dorin is reading – an old journal of the Lord Mayor, “A Detailed Account of my Life in Sigil.”

The pages in his hands were highly valuable to anyone who knew anything about the planes. In it Hezekiah Grofus writes about his time as a janitor at the planar city's Great University, built by the Church of Boccob. Dorin looks out a nearby window facing towards the Gate of the Archmagus. In between the library and the gate, behind the manor house of Argo Flameheart, is the House of Boccob – the temple of Boccob in Cauldron City. The temple is considered one of the most important arcane temples in the city, if not the entire dominion.

It had always been suspected that Lord Mayor Grofus has a longstanding connection to the Church of Boccob, but no one had been able to give Dorin any real proof, no matter who he'd asked. Yet, here it was in his hands! Of course, the Lord Mayor had never denied it, but he'd never confirmed it either. The loose pages detail how Hezekiah secretly studied magic in the Great University right under the noses of Boccob's faithful. The next few passages are cryptic. Lord Mayor Grofus writes about being discovered by a mysterious being he calls the Eye of Boccob. The treatise ends with Hezekiah leaving his job and jumping through a mysterious portal to Kulan.

Dorin looks up to see that dawn's light is muting the light from the lantern. The city's library will soon be open to the general public and voice reminds him of this fact.

“Dorin, my boy, that's it for tonight,” Tondbeorth, the Night Caretaker, walks down the stacks towards him. “You need to go before Wisym gets here.

The Head Librarian, Wisym Sparay, was not fond of Dorin, considering him just another rogue to be thrown out of the library. If old Tondbeorth hadn't taken a shine to the duskblade, Dorin would have never been allowed to step foot in the city's library, legally. It didn't matter who his family had once been in the city.

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Elfwatch Ward, the Elvin House:
Under the watchful gaze of the massive Solitude Tower sits Arininiia's Elvin House and the rest of Elfwatch Ward. Here, the poorest of Cauldron's elves live together – banded together after the destruction of the old Elven Borough, which was just east of the Old Sanctuary. Now, the elves of Cauldron look mainly to the clergy of House of Blades to protect their interests in the city. The priests of Tethrin, The Shining One, are highly respected amongst Cauldron's elven community even those not living in Elfwatch Ward.

But it is Elvin House that the elven rogue and wizard Oleander calls home. A child of Cauldron, he was born and grew up in the old Elven Borough. He got out before it was destroyed during the volcanic eruption eight years ago. Others of his kin were not so lucky, and he remembers all their faces. While he lost many friends, he did help others escape the destruction. When the new elven district was created for Cauldron's elven population, he relocated to Elvin House to help as much as he could. Oleander could have moved on from the Elfwatch Ward years ago, but these are his people and he's one of them.

He's had his room in Elvin House for years, and Arininiia has treated him well. He's had to help her protect the house from those wanting to take advantage of the poor elves living in massive four-floored lodge. It had been his pleasure to beat back the unscrupulous in the new district who wished to get out by any means necessary even if it cost other elves their lives. More often than not all he had to do was flash a glint from his blade or mumble a few arcane words and the cowards beat a hasty retreat.

A guest looking around his room would be able to tell that Oleander is truly settled in Elvin House. Everything he owns is in the room. His past and his present, but will his future be here too? He knows that he's outgrowing the old lodge and that there are elves less fortunate than him that could use the space he's occupied for years. 'Perhaps', he thinks, 'it is time to consider finding another place to live in the city'. Arininiia will try to talk him out of it, of course. She has come to see Oleander as a surrogate child after losing her two sons during the eruption.

But his future at Elvin House can be decided at a later time. For now, he's got the itch. The desire to explore more of Cauldron City and see if he can find some adventure in its streets. Oleander's gear is organized on his table ready to gathered for the day ahead.

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Lake Park, west of the Old Orphanage:
His old home. Bravec Trask sits cross-legged in Lake Park near the edge of the shore of Crater Lake with Squeaks sitting quietly nearby. Well, the park is really his home next to his old, forced lodging – the Old Orphanage, what was once called the Lantern Street Orphanage (but few call it that now). That was eight years ago, and he'd been near the end of his childhood. His headmistress had been the old halfling woman Gretchyn Tashykk. She'd been tough but fair. The rest of the staff had watched out for them – Jeromir the gardner, Neva the nurse, Temar the cook, Willow the schoolteacher, and Patch the janitor.

Bravec shudders when thinking of Patch. The old half-orc had been in league with The Last Laugh and the Cagewrights, although the janitor hadn't known it at the time. The urban druid's mind quickly goes through the events of the kidnappings that plagued the orphanage (and the entire city that year). Four children – Deakon, Evelyn, Lucinda, and Terrem – had been taken by sinister creatures that Bravec later learned were called skulks and dark ones. The creatures had been in league with slavers that were taking people from all over the city.

All but the boy Terrem were returned to the orphanage by a group of heroes who would eventually become known as the Order of the Silver Hand. The orphans were never told what happened to Terrem, but Bravec soon realized that the boy had likely come to a bad end at the hands of the Cagewrights. Bravec still saw the other three from time to time, although all three were scarred by the experience. Soon after the kidnappings, the city nearly went to hell, literally. It was the Order of the Silver hand that saved the city, although much of the city was ruined during a volcanic eruption.

Once Hezekiah Grofus became Lord Mayor, he shut down the Lantern Street Orphanage and built a new orphanage on the other side of the city near the new House of Boccob. It was in the upscale Hostel of the Orphan King that Bravec spent his last days as a ward of Cauldron City. Compared to the Old Orphanage, it had been a great place to live. Most of the old staff retired after the volcanic eruption. Patch was forced to clean up manure in the city's streets for his part in the Cagewright Incident. Once his penance was done, he was exiled from the city. Poor Jaromir and Temar hadn't been so lucky. Both had died during the eruption. Bravec often visited their graves in the city's graveyard.

The waters of Crater Lake glow with the dawn as Bravec looks out towards the scraggy islet known for the old Bone Tower. The sun's light glints off the tower's stark white surface.

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Gateway Inn, just south of The Stone Gate:
Broom in hand, Brother Pi sweeps up the kitchen of the Gateway Inn. Dawn is coming and he has only this room and the back entryway to do before he is finished for the day. The work is hard but rewarding, and the inn's keeper, Ined Aeredson, is a good man who treats him well. Pi knows that Ined might not be so understand if he knew of the dwarf's early life in the city of Fruen, in the Theocracy of Thallin. Yet, he's come a long way since then thanks to his old master and friend, Hassan of Fallow's Cross.

Thinking of Hassan makes him think of the Jagged Peaks where Master Hassan trained him in the ways of the ninja – a martial form that is unknown in the Lands of Harqual. He smiles to himself as he sweeps, thinking of Hassan's allies, the Fallow's Cross Adventurers. An eccentric bunch of heroes that fight for the common people against the vicious soldiers of Thallin, the Fury of the Dragon. Pi had considered joining their numbers but Hassan had told him that he should go to find his own place in the world. 'You will always have a home here, but your destiny lies elsewhere. Find students to teach in the lands south of the Eastern Shores,' Hassan had told him.

After that, it had been an easy choice to leave the Jagged Peaks and travel down the wild Wind River to the Duchy of Minar. He soon passed into the Thunder Lands where he learned of the darkness shrouding the lands around Lake Anoria and the bright light that is the Dominion of Cauldron. Here there are great heroes who have built a new realm on the shattered remains of an old decadent republic. While Pi has yet to find new students to teach Master Hassan's fighting techniques, he has gained friends through his job. Ined, his elven wife, Gilmithien, and their four children, Eariel (16), Vyncis (13), and the young twins Hilda and Celinor (7). And there are others amongst the dwarves of the city and few others that chose to befriend him.

Pi sweeps the last of the dirt from the back entryway just as the dawn turns to morning. His work is done until the early evening. The rest of the day belongs to him. He wonders which part of the city he will explore today, as he looks towards Wall Park and Mountain Hall. There's always the Lakeside Pavilion. He hasn't been there yet in his explorations. He could also take a tour of the Old Orphanage. And on the other side of the city is City Library.

Pi's senses quickly perk up as hard footfalls approach him from behind. He smiles. The boy is not stealthy at all. “Hi Pi,” Vyncis says abruptly. “All done, I see. You certainly do work hard, and fast.”

Pi looks over his shoulder to see the thick-boned youth – so much like his father. His older sister Eariel takes after his mother. She could be his student, but he doesn't want to risk his new home, just yet.

Oleander takes a deep breath and then one last glance about the room before his gaze returns to the few items on the table. The scimitar was reported to have been in his family for generations, the edges of the oleander branch on the pommel, his name-sake, worn down by the hands of its wielders, but family was now gone, only he remained.

The bracers had been fitted for his wrists. They seemed plain and unadorned. He had spent a small fortune on them, but they were imbued with the magical ability to offer the protection of armor he did not wear. Six small vials were tucked in the tiny pouches on the baldric sheath for the scimitar.

As he exhaled that breath, his decision was made. He clipped the bracers to his forearms and slung the baldric into place, checking his pocket subconsciously for his sling. He rarely used the door to the fourth floor room. This day would prove no different for it was time and he did not intend to return. He climbed out the window and up to the roof, walking away calmly blending in naturally to the surrounding.

"Vincys," Brother Pi says with a warm smile on his friendly face. "You should not sneak up on people like that."

The dwarf takes a look at the boy, briefly appearing stern before his eyes sparkle and a big grin appears in the middle of his greyish beard. "But if you do sneak around, step on the balls of your feet, like this." He demonstrates for a few steps and watches how the youngster tries to imitate him. Mentally, the dwarf reminds himself not to act out of character for even a moment in the inn, because one never knows how fast children learn and Pi does not want to be caught in any awkward situation with the kids.

"Alright, you stealthy rascal. I'm thinking of visiting the town today. What place do you think I should see?"

MacConnell said:

Oleander takes a deep breath and then one last glance about the room before his gaze returns to the few items on the table. The scimitar was reported to have been in his family for generations, the edges of the oleander branch on the pommel, his name-sake, worn down by the hands of its wielders, but family was now gone, only he remained.

The bracers had been fitted for his wrists. They seemed plain and unadorned. He had spent a small fortune on them, but they were imbued with the magical ability to offer the protection of armor he did not wear. Six small vials were tucked in the tiny pouches on the baldric sheath for the scimitar.

As he exhaled that breath, his decision was made. He clipped the bracers to his forearms and slung the baldric into place, checking his pocket subconsciously for his sling. He rarely used the door to the fourth floor room. This day would prove no different for it was time and he did not intend to return. He climbed out the window and up to the roof, walking away calmly blending in naturally to the surrounding.

Click to expand...

Oleander makes his way across the wide roof away from the city's outer wall easily enough, avoiding any open skylights and the few tents used on the roof by the worst off of the district. He comes to the edge of Elvin House and looks across the district. Even though the sun is still rising, the district is already bustling with activity. Here, it doesn't pay to stay in bed, of course, it doesn't pay very much to get up and work either.

Half-way down the building, a small enclosed walkway crosses from the flophouse to a local shop, a grocer. Oleander has often walked across the top of the walkway; he's one of the few who has the skill to do it. He heads down to the other side of the building and down a set of handholds he fashioned on the side of the building. There were no windows here. He comes down on a ledge just over the walkway and easily slips out on to its roof. His footfalls are quiet not that he has to worry too much. Very few walk the path this early in the morning.

He slip down to the roof of the shop easily enough and is soon blending in with the few locals that come up here. The shop owner, Imrodel, allows an old friend of hers to run a open-air eatery on the roof. Ahtalan's clientele are usually middle-aged elves with a bit more money than most in the district. A few of them come here across The Elfbridge just to eat. Then they go back to their easier lives. And they're a bit loose with their coins. More than once, Oleander has been tipped while walking through the eatery to clear a plate away. Today, is no different.

"Young one," a matronly elf says with a smile. "Please clear away my cup and plate please," she asks as she presses 4 coppers into his hand. "Here you go, my boy. Something for your trouble."

Oleander knows her face. She a regular at the eatery. Not wanting to draw attention, he does as she asks and takes the plate and cup away towards the small kitchen. He quickly passes it to one of the staff, as well as 2 of the coppers. An even split; that's all the dish runners ever ask for from him. Ahtalan nods to him from the kitchen before Oleander slips out of the eatery and across another walkway to the next building. Here, there are no patrons or high shops. Just the Guild of Elves in the building below. He doesn't tarry on the roof for long. A stone stairway is built into the side of the building and he is soon down it and through the intersection that connects the path from The Elfbridge to the Borough Bridge.

Which way today?

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JustinCase said:

"Vincys," Brother Pi says with a warm smile on his friendly face. "You should not sneak up on people like that."

The dwarf takes a look at the boy, briefly appearing stern before his eyes sparkle and a big grin appears in the middle of his greyish beard. "But if you do sneak around, step on the balls of your feet, like this." He demonstrates for a few steps and watches how the youngster tries to imitate him. Mentally, the dwarf reminds himself not to act out of character for even a moment in the inn, because one never knows how fast children learn and Pi does not want to be caught in any awkward situation with the kids.

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"Sorry, I wasn't trying to scare you," Vincys as he awkwardly tries to do what Brother Pi does. He nearly falls over. "Ha! That was fun!" He exclaims loudly.

"Alright, you stealthy rascal. I'm thinking of visiting the town today. What place do you think I should see?"

OOC: I'm not sure if it would be appropriate to ask a child about specific locations, because I'm not sure what they represent. Asking a kid about a brothel, for example, would be in very bad taste...

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"You're going sightseeing again?" Vincys asks. "Well, adults love the Lakeside Pavilion, but I think it's boring. Stuffy ceremonies and plays not good enough for one of the theaters. I love the Puppet Tent! Do you know where that is? It's near the halfing's temple to that nice goddess, hmm, what do they call her? Yonda, or something like that." The boy continues to practice walking on the balls of his feet as her talks. "It's on the south side of Magma Avenue North just before the turn that leads through the heart of the halfling burrows. There is a shop that sell coins right next to it. Papa goes in there all the time."

Pi knows the 'shop' — Remet's Coin Exchange. And he remembers the large tent next to it that is always surrounded by families with young children. He has a few friendly contacts amongst the halflings, but most of them give him odd looks when he wanders down Burrows' Street. He's spent a lot of time around the northern part of the city.

"You know where you could go? It's almost time for what young kitts call the Shouting. They gather at the western end of Kitts' Lane each morning and run down the street through their adults shouting, 'watch me! watch me!' They all do a bunch of tricks and tumble around until the adults gather them together and pat them on the heads and give them treats. Mila said they'd let me have a go at it, if I can get papa to say 'yes'." Vincys sighs and sits down. "So far, he's only said 'no'."

The boy looks at Pi and see the look on his face. "Okay, maybe that's not for you." He sits and thinks for a minute. "You did say once you liked books, so why not go visit the City Library. There could be some excitement there. People are saying it's haunted. I'd like to see a ghost!" Vincys notes the serious look on Pi's face. "What?"

OOC: You are right, asking a kid where to find a brothel would not be appropriate.

Regardless, any more suggestions from him are going to be similar to that as above.

Bravec rose and stretched. He could feel the city starting to stir around him with the coming of a new day and that always filled him with restless energy. He picked up a pine cone and whistled at squeaks. He gave the cone an underhanded toss and the little wagon rolled eagerly down the hill just in time to get under the falling cone catching it deftly and trundling back to the tall man with the stylish beard and rakish hat. He scooped up the cone once more and threw even harder, but the surprisingly quick little wagon managed to reach it if just barely. The little wagon returned once more and Bravec grinned and tucked the cone into a pouch for another time.

He knew of a lass with a food stall on sundered road who just might be charmed out of a meat pie this morning to break his fast. He adjusted his sword belt and tilted his hat at a jaunty angle before taking up the handle of the little wagon and strolling toward the edge of the park. Seeing the wagon roll about on its own tended to attract too much attention, and so as usual he pulled it along instead. He whistled happily as he walked thinking of cunning lines that might make the lass smile.

Minister Knobel said:

“It is time, Quaen Horuk Rah.”

Kane respects that his mentor chooses to use Kane's full name during official ceremonies. Yet, it isn't like his mentor to interrupt anyone during prayers, so Kane knows that Minister Knobel has something important to tell him. Will it lead to his future?

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Kane stands at attention as his mentor enters the room. He bows before saying, "I am always ready to serve, Minister. What would you ask of me?" He tries his best to hide his nervousness from his mentor; he desperately wants to please him, and bring honor to his temple. And yet, he knows that despite his training, and his "gifts," the order still considers him merely a boy, and an untested one at that.

Knightfall said:

"Sorry, I wasn't trying to scare you," Vincys as he awkwardly tries to do what Brother Pi does. He nearly falls over. "Ha! That was fun!" He exclaims loudly.

"You're going sightseeing again?" Vincys asks. "Well, adults love the Lakeside Pavilion, but I think it's boring. Stuffy ceremonies and plays not good enough for one of the theaters. I love the Puppet Tent! Do you know where that is? It's near the halfing's temple to that nice goddess, hmm, what do they call her? Yonda, or something like that." The boy continues to practice walking on the balls of his feet as her talks. "It's on the south side of Magma Avenue North just before the turn that leads through the heart of the halfling burrows. There is a shop that sell coins right next to it. Papa goes in there all the time."

Pi knows the 'shop' — Remet's Coin Exchange. And he remembers the large tent next to it that is always surrounded by families with young children. He has a few friendly contacts amongst the halflings, but most of them give him odd looks when he wanders down Burrows' Street. He's spent a lot of time around the northern part of the city.

"You know where you could go? It's almost time for what young kitts call the Shouting. They gather at the western end of Kitts' Lane each morning and run down the street through their adults shouting, 'watch me! watch me!' They all do a bunch of tricks and tumble around until the adults gather them together and pat them on the heads and give them treats. Mila said they'd let me have a go at it, if I can get papa to say 'yes'." Vincys sighs and sits down. "So far, he's only said 'no'."

The boy looks at Pi and see the look on his face. "Okay, maybe that's not for you." He sits and thinks for a minute. "You did say once you liked books, so why not go visit the City Library. There could be some excitement there. People are saying it's haunted. I'd like to see a ghost!" Vincys notes the serious look on Pi's face. "What?"

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Brother Pi smiles warmly.

"I don't think seeing a ghost is as fun as you seem to imagine, young master Vincys," the dwarf says gently. "But yes, I might visit the library today. I'm not sure yet."

Looking around as if seeing whether they are being watched, Brother Pi whispers, "I heard that a friendly house spirit lives here in the Inn, and if you are quiet enough, you might even spot it!"

Not waiting for the kid's response, the enigmatic dwarf walks out the door with a big smile on his face, heading into town but in no particular direction.

Scotley said:

Bravec rose and stretched. He could feel the city starting to stir around him with the coming of a new day and that always filled him with restless energy. He picked up a pine cone and whistled at squeaks. He gave the cone an underhanded toss and the little wagon rolled eagerly down the hill just in time to get under the falling cone catching it deftly and trundling back to the tall man with the stylish beard and rakish hat. He scooped up the cone once more and threw even harder, but the surprisingly quick little wagon managed to reach it if just barely. The little wagon returned once more and Bravec grinned and tucked the cone into a pouch for another time.

He knew of a lass with a food stall on sundered road who just might be charmed out of a meat pie this morning to break his fast. He adjusted his sword belt and tilted his hat at a jaunty angle before taking up the handle of the little wagon and strolling toward the edge of the park. Seeing the wagon roll about on its own tended to attract too much attention, and so as usual he pulled it along instead. He whistled happily as he walked thinking of cunning lines that might make the lass smile.

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Bravec walks, and wheels Squeaks, out of Lake Park and onto Ash Avenue. Several locals great him warmly as he passes past the Silver Gardens and north onto Sundered Road. He enters the Coppice Marketplace, the small garden in between Sundered Road and Lava Avenue North, and heads for Krista's stall. She is hard at work, selling her meat pies and garden greens. Krista sees him coming and waves him over.

"Hullo deary," she says. "Bravec, you're up early as usual." She drops a small flat pebble into Squeak — a gift she knows he'll like. She was one the few who knows about the animated wagon and is not wary about it. "I've saved you a chicken and beef pie." She hands the urban druid the pie and quickly steals a kiss on his cheek. "And any others for only 2 cinders."

A couple of nearby girls, with their mum, giggle at Bravec and the attention Krista lavishes on him.

"What are you up to today? More fishing off Fisher's Warf by Sorison's Sails?"

Krista's questions reminds Bravec that still he owes Vilmar Sorison a special favor for the three weeks he let Bravec sleep in the Trundlehouse for free during the long winter. It had been bitterly cold beyond even what the urban druid could withstand. Of course, Vilmar wasn't likely to send anyone to break Bravec's legs. In fact, he's probably forgotten all about it but a favor is a favor.

Tellerian Hawke said:

Kane stands at attention as his mentor enters the room. He bows before saying, "I am always ready to serve, Minister. What would you ask of me?" He tries his best to hide his nervousness from his mentor; he desperately wants to please him, and bring honor to his temple. And yet, he knows that despite his training, and his "gifts," the order still considers him merely a boy, and an untested one at that.

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Minister Knobel easiyl sees Kane's nervousness and gives him, surprisingly, an encouraging embrace. "Do not worry, Quaen. You will do the Sanctuary and Jalivier proud, I am sure of it."

Minister Knobel leads Kane out of the chapel and down the hallway and into the temple's main hall. Kane expects to see other members of the Disciples there but there is no one. The minister has cleared the temple. He stands at his pulpit and waits for Kane to take his normal place at the front of the temple.

"I'm sure you have guessed by now that your time as an initiate is over. You have excelled well beyond your peers," Minister Knobel says. "But your training isn't over. It is not I or the other Disciples that will train you. It is the world. I spent some time as an adventuring priest but it wasn't my calling. The Trua's bravery in the face of danger showed me what was required to face Harqual's evils head on. I see that in you."

Minister Knobel sighs and hangs his head. He steps down from his pulpit and is soon pacing back and forth.

"What I am about to tell you cannot be repeated to anyone else." He looks at Kane to make sure he has the young priest's complete attention. "If the faithful learn of this, it could shatter Jallvier's church in Cauldron." He pauses again. "The Trúa, Argo Flameheart, my mentor, has disappeared."

He pauses again to let that information sink in. "I'm sure you've heard that The Trúa and the other members of the Order of the Silver Hand are in seclusion at Jalivier's Stronghold in the mountains. That is a cover story. No one outside the Sanctuary and the Disciples of the Bloodsun knows the truth." Minister Knobel sits down next to Kane. "I do not know what has happened to him and not even Amaryllis Greenbottle knew his mission when he left Cauldron six weeks ago. She and The Trua have a mental connection and she has not sensed him in all that time. He was supposed to have returned two weeks ago."

He leans back a sighs. "And now there are strange new troubles in the city. The Order is too busy looking for The Trúa and keeping vigilant against the machinations of the Warlords of Flame to look into what could be only minor troubles."

Minister Knobel looks at Kane, "That's where you come in, Kane. I need you to look into some of these troubling events. But you will need help. There is a young druid, an urban protector, who you might remember meeting that day last year in Lake Park. His name is Bravec Trask. He could be a useful ally and the lowborn people of the city seem to trust him. I'm sure there are others you know or could recruit and if they need an incentive, the High Sanctuary will pay them for their aid."

Minister Knobel stands and looks up at the massive statue of Jalivier. "I have communed with Jalivier, seeking His guidance, as well as having a priest of Cull cast legend lore for me. The cryptic reply he got was thus, 'Seek them in the house of scholars and in the broken remains of the caldera'." He turns and looks at Kane. "The first is obviously the city library but the second might refer to any part of Cauldron City. While it likely refers to the southeast part of the city, legend lore is never a straightforward spell."

JustinCase said:

Brother Pi smiles warmly.

"I don't think seeing a ghost is as fun as you seem to imagine, young master Vincys," the dwarf says gently. "But yes, I might visit the library today. I'm not sure yet."

Looking around as if seeing whether they are being watched, Brother Pi whispers, "I heard that a friendly house spirit lives here in the Inn, and if you are quiet enough, you might even spot it!"

Not waiting for the kid's response, the enigmatic dwarf walks out the door with a big smile on his face, heading into town but in no particular direction.

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Brother Pi wanders down North Street all the way to corner leading down to Obsidian Avenue North. He cuts through Star Park and down to Magma Avenue North. As he moves towards Crater Lake, the streets and avenues become more crowded. He stops in front of the Temple of the Cat to watch the priests of Bast perform their early morning rites in The Felid Grove.

He knows that on the other side of the temple is the Hall of Bast, which stands as a memorial for the clergy that gave their lives during th city's turbulent past. Pi Has seen that memorial already, however. It is well done but a bit morbid.

He wanders down the wide avenue all the way down to Smoke Street. He looks up to look at The Three Towers. The city's wizards' in residence live in these three spires. Well, they lived in them. Two of them have disappeared and third, a human only known as Tarean, has been accused of foul play. Well, that's the rumor that was floating around the Gateway Inn last night.

As he stands there, looking up, the smell of freshly baked bread and other delicacies wafts to his nose. The stalls in the Coppice Marketplace are open, as usual. He knows Dornin will have some good elk skewers and rock-salt bread still. It's been weeks since he's visited the garden marketplace.

His ears perk up to the sounds of boots clomping. The guards at the Eastern Barracks are doing their morning drills. The noise must be driving the vendors of the Obsidian Marketplace to distraction.

Doriin looked up from his research, the excitement of his discovery still fresh on his face, "Tondbeorth you're too kind. I hope one day I can repay your kindness." he then jots a few notes in a journal, picks up his things, and exits out the back and into the dawn.

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