Nthal
Lizard folk in disguise
Echoes of shame - 08/21/2020
Everyone learns things along the way. That’s just how life works, you experience something, and you internalize it for use later.
But sometimes you find you have retained something ugly or have a memory of something you would rather forget, and you wonder;
“What good is that?”
Everyone learns things along the way. That’s just how life works, you experience something, and you internalize it for use later.
But sometimes you find you have retained something ugly or have a memory of something you would rather forget, and you wonder;
“What good is that?”
We stood there staring. I was trying to hold in my anger, and not let the fury I felt show on my face. Beepu’s treatment made the hobgoblins we faced looked civilized. The hobgoblins at least didn’t torture their slaves; everything was done with a brutal purpose.
But this? This was cold and cruel entertainment to a crowd. I hoped that the commoners only laughed because it made their daily plight bearable, and not because they truly wanted the gnome to suffer. But whatever the commoner’s thought, it was clear that the pirate thought that poking a gnome with a spear was entertainment.
“Start laughing,” I muttered to the brothers, as I forced a smile on my face. “Keep blending in.”
“This is hard to watch,” Iesa whispered in my ear and then started to laugh. Daneath simply guffawed and otherwise said nothing.
I reached into my pouch and pulled out a length of copper wire. I then quickly wound it round my finger into a crude braided ring. Then, with a forced smile I pulled on two small strands of light and dark and whispered under my breath.
“Beepu! We’re here in the crowd!” I whispered. I watched the gnome’s head slowly turn, looking at the crowd. Then the weave returned to me his reply, that no one else could hear.
“Thank the gods. Foggle just told me you were close. Get me out of here!”
I smiled and pulled on more strands to continue the conversation. “Hang on, who put you up there?”
“The owner of the brothel. They have my things as well!”
“You mean your spellbook?”
“Yes, I mean that! Also, a small smooth orange stone, that should be in my pouch of components.”
“Well, sit tight then, we’ll get you out somehow.”
“Very funny.”
“Don’t go anywhere?”
“Really?”
“Hang in there?”
“Myrai! Just get my things and free me!”
“He’s mostly alright,” I whispered aloud to the brothers. “His mood is about where I would expect.”
“Great. Now how do we get him out?” Iesa muttered between his teeth as he laughed, keeping up appearances.
“The key, and Beepu’s effects are inside,” I gestured towards the grey marble building.
“A whorehouse?” Daneath said dubiously.
I shrugged, “Beepu said the owner has his things, and likely the key to the cage.”
“Probably in a safe place inside,” Iesa said. “Any guesses where to start?”
“Not really, but if the owner has a room, I’d start there.” I said.
“That follows,” Daneath agreed. “But how do we get inside?”
I turned to look at him and blinked in surprise, before replying, “Well…I think my men are overdue some quality time with a woman.”
Daneath began to blush furiously, “You can’t be serious! I mean…they’re…um…”
I pulled in Daneath close to me, “Look, this is for Beepu here,” I hissed. “I’ve known jinkskirts, and some like their profession, but most are forced into it for one reason or another. We can’t help them right now, so be considerate, gentle and tip well to keep their mouths barred, and don’t get them into trouble. What you do…well…I leave that in your…hands. Same goes for you Iesa,” I said turning to him. He was already raising his hands defensively.
“Look, I’m sure I can work something out,” Iesa said. “But I will try to engage the owner in conversation and work out where things are first.”
“Sure,” I said thinking. “One of us will need to keep the owner busy so you can do that.”
“What are you going to do inside?” Daneath asked, his cheeks still flushing.
“Well…I’ll improvise,” I said. “If I need to hire a girl, I’ll do that, or I’ll keep the owner distracted, whomever he is.”
“What do you mean ‘hire a girl?’” Daneath asked bewildered.
I squinted at him in surprise, “D’ trust me things between women do happen, and we are NOT discussing the details of it right now. Just…just…worry about what you are going to do, so you can help Beepu.” I said. I was not expecting to have to educate Daneath on this type of topic.
“I’m not good at that on the fly stuff,” he said nervously.
“Then let Iesa and I do the talking.” I said flustered. “Come on, let’s see about buying you a girl, or at least an overpriced drink. Maybe both in your case.”
I quickly twisted the copper wire around my finger and sent Beepu a whisper, “We’re headed inside, have Foggle keep an eye out, but don’t let him be seen.”
“Thank you Myrai, and please hurry. My back is killing me.”
Gos, heading in. Stay out of sight and tell me if something comes up. Oh, and make sure Foggle doesn’t do anything stupid.
--What like make that ridiculous sound and hopping around like mad?
As long as no one notices I don’t care. But try to get close enough we can still talk though.
I swallowed and strode towards the house of ill-repute with the brothers in tow. I reached the carved wooden door, that had pictures of women in various forms of undress ‘frolicking.’ I pulled it open and walked inside.
The first impression that hit me was the rich, sweet scent of sandlewood mixed with the sharper edge of clove that hung in the air. The second one was that the inside was paneled in dark colored woods, with scattered oil lamps in the interior. There were no windows to the outside from here, and the suns’ harsh rays did not penetrate the room. While warm, there was a breeze as overhead fans spun continuously, using a system of belts that wound their way through a pair of holes in the ceiling to an adjacent room. In front of me was a long bar, where glass bottles containing liquor were arrayed in front of a mirror. And to my right was a wooden staircase with elaborate banister work, leading to the upper floors.
Around the bar were several pirates, but these men looked to be more senior, or at least wealthier. Three of them sat quietly, with a drink in hand, while one also smoked some type of herb from a pipe. Iesa and Daneath closed the door behind me, and I noticed that flanking the staircase were two guards in leather jerkins and armed with long curved swords. One of them noticed me and stepped forward, looking at Daneath. He reached his hand out to grab my left arm.
“Ah, a newcomer! How much for h—URK,” he exclaimed as Daneath’s fist lodged under the breastbone of the offending guard, knocking the wind from his chest.
“Do you normally treat your clientele this way?” I asked coolly. “Dan, if he touches me again, please retrieve his hand for an art project I have in mind.”
The other guard blinked in surprise and drew his blade, while his peer stumbled backwards, grasping at his own. The three pirates turned their heads to look at the commotion with a look of surprise.
“Dorin! Potro! These are clearly are guests of…intriguing caliber!” I turned and saw a woman approach. She was heavy set and wore a silk dress that clung tightly to her curvaceous body, while a tight leather bodice strained to support her overflowing bosom. Her face was powdered white, with tinges of red on the cheeks, and deep plum colors painted on her lips. Her eyes were a deep green, while surrounded in dark smokey rings, making them stand out, even in the dark light. Her hair was clearly a wig, but one that gave her an extra foot in height, and had hair in tight curls, while stuffed birds poked their heads from beneath the tresses.
Iesa moved to intercept her, “Ah madam, may I— “and found himself playfully slapped away by a folding fan across his lips.
“Now, now, I am sure your employer can speak for herself, as she boldly walks into my den,” she smiled as she looked me over with interest. “I had heard that a man was seen running for is life with his britches lacking support. All caused by a woman of skill and her two friends.”
“Small port, word travels fast,” I said smiling, while feeling on edge. The pirate before I didn’t need to talk with, more talk at. Here I needed to perform and be that person in charge. My stomach tensed into knots as I tried to maintain that smile and said, “And some men need to be brought to heel like a common dog. That’s why I invest in men of quality.” And I reached to caressed Daneath and Iesa on their cheeks, if not just affection, but reassurance that they were here with me.
The woman arched her eyebrows and continued to smile, “Indeed, and what brings a woman to my humble establishment?”
I looked around; the place had a touch of haphazard elegance. Planned and creative using whatever was at hand. I’ve been to bars where men would mount any old object on the wall as a trophy. This place had a woman’s touch. “This is all yours? You have done well. But my business is ensuring my boys are taken care of. I think some drinks are in order first, and then I am sure they will want to sample…other fare.”
The woman regarded me with uncertainty but smiled and nodded, “But of course, although I am…refreshed to see a strong woman who knows what she wants. But of course, it does beg a question or…more.”
Am I overdoing this? Maybe I’m trying too hard.
No. Relax. You can do this. We need to free Beepu, and find his things.
“My wants are…” and I struggled thinking what exactly I needed to say if pressed, “…complicated.” What did I want that would pass muster? I mean supporting ‘my boys’ was plausible I supposed, but I had her ear now and I needed to keep it. I needed time, and my stomach was still a bundle of knots.
“But let’s see to my boy’s satisfactions first,” I smiled. “Something dark and fiery from your shelf for my men and I, and I’m sure Dan and Ice here would like to see what your establishment has to offer.” A drink would be nice. Not too much, I needed to think straight. No I needed to relax, I wanted the bottle, not the glass.
No. Stop. Focus. Beepu.
“A woman that likes her liquor; I’d almost would have said you were a wine drinker,” the woman studied me, searching for something.
“I prefer wine when I am eating. Liquor is about the now.” I casually remarked. The madam nodded and waved at the man who tended the bar and motioned me to follow her.
“Come sit, while my man pours a whiskey that is well liked by the captains here,” she then reached across the bar and pulled on a rope, wrapped in red silk. “As for what we offer, we offer a fine sampling from across the realms, northerners from the Sword Coast, fiery ones from the Moonshae, dark and sultry from Calimsham and Amn. Anything in particular?” she probed. The barman slid three glasses full of something dark and with the scent of honey and spice, which we took into hand.
I sat down on the high seat at the bar, trying to relax or at least looking like it. “I’m sure my men, will be satisfied with whomever graces their presence,” I said and caught a flash of surprise on her face. “But I am sure one will suit their fancy. And if I am not mistaken, you have the only game in town.”
The woman smiled, “No one can offer anything finer. If you want to waste coin on drink and chance, I’m sure those…drow…in their damn cave can entertain. But a sure thing, warm and soft? This is the only place in town.” She drawled. As she spoke, I saw four women making their way down the stairs. They wore little to cover themselves; a skirt and bodice for modesty, with their arms, and most of their leg bare. All were human, with their long hair pulled back, baring their shoulders and neck. A blonde with eyes of blue, pale as if the sun never kissed her skin, another with a coif of honey gold, with hazel eyes and skin like bronze, the third had skin was the deepest brown I had ever seen, with dark eyes to match, and finally a one with fiery blonde hair and emerald eyes and skin that looked to be painted in freckles all across their skin. As they approached, I could smell the oils they wore that hinted at dark delights.
But their eyes told a different story; one of fear and shattered hopes. A look of a woman resigned to a cruel fate. Her will and desires no longer her own; a plaything and nothing more.
I knew this was the truth here; and I sincerely hated myself for playing a role that would do nothing to free them from their bondage. But there was little I could do. It was easy to say I was freeing a friend and that was what mattered. Not just because Beepu was in a cage, but because the whole reason for being here was to defeat the Kershak. The stark choice was uncomfortable for me, and yet I had to hide it. I needed something else to focus on to hide my distaste for the fate of these women.
“Ice and Dan, let me know what suits you; and madam…” I asked pressing for a name.
“Philandre,” she smiled.
“Philandre, what’s the ask for a night’s fun?”
“They say if you have to ask you can’t afford it,” she smirked at me.
“That is true, but it does make it hard to settle accounts doesn’t it?” I pointed out.
“Ten crowns will probably set your men’s mind at ease.”
I reached in between my cleavage and pulled out a small silk sack where I kept coins handy, and pulled out three merts, and lay them down one at a time on the bar. I watched her eyes grow wide as I said, “For the girls and the drinks.”
As I did so, I twisted the copper on my finger and whispered to Iesa using a strand:
“Get upstairs; I’ll watch for guards going up, and I’ll ask you in a bit how you are doing,”
“No problem. Find out about the key,” he responded. I smiled and said aloud.
“Enjoy yourselves boys; I’ll talk to you in a bit!” I said aloud and waved them on with my hands. Iesa moved toward the blonde, while Daneath chose the dark-skinned woman. Each man took their chosen woman in arm, while the other two sighed and looked at me with a look of confusion…or was it dread. I shook my head and waved my hand, and they slowly turned to regard the pirates already at the bar.
“Nothing for you dearie?” Philandre asked, looking at me.
“I’m a little more complicated as I said. But I do have to ask something. What drew me here, was complaints of the little runt in the cage. He doesn’t seem to fit your…stock.”
Philandre laughed, “Oh, I’m just holding him until tomorrow. Some of the Sea Devils brought him here. Said he washed in with the tide. Now a smallfolk with a long life will do wonders in the bilges of a ship I’ve heard. So tomorrow to the block he goes! Anyway, I hope my man at the bar can keep your glass full, while I check on the girls upstairs,” and she smiled and started to move down toward one of the pirates nearby down the length of the bar, on her way to the stairs.
I needed to hold her attention for a while longer. But I guessed that buying a girl wouldn’t hold it for long enough. As I sat there, thoughts ran through my head, when it struck me why this whole exchange was so similar.
A friend in need.
A friend in pain.
I realized I had another dice roll to make, on thoughts and experiences I had kept buried in the past. Experiences that made me ashamed. Experiences that made me afraid.
Pike it; to save a friend, any shame about myself, no matter how disgusting was worth it.
I quickly twisted the copper and cast out a strand toward the gnome, “Beepu, I need you to cause a ruckuss outside and it needs to be noisy.”
“What? Well I have some dirt here I can toss at that Kenku.”
While the room had no large windows, there were small openings around the room right were the walls met the ceiling and from the direction where Beepu was hanging, came some noise:
“Take that you filthy carrion lover!...YOUCH!!” he screamed, and I flinched a moment, and looked towards the noises direction.
“That’s annoying.” I said aloud, and I saw that Philandre had turned her head to look in the same direction.
“Seems he hasn’t learned to accept reality; he’s just tomorrows stock. I should tell Claptrap to not poke him as hard; can’t damage the goods.”
I thought a moment and took a breath.
“So, how much for some time with the runt?” I said forcing a smirk on my face.
Philandre looked at me incredulously. “You can’t be serious. You want him for a tumble?!?”
I quietly chuckled, trying not to force it, letting forgotten memories and experiences surface. Remembering how my tormentors acted. I smiled and shook my head. “No! No! Not for that. But I do want him. You see its been a while since I had an opportunity to…make someone scream properly.” I said looking Philandre dead in the eye, with a deadly serious tone.
I now had Philandre’s full attention, “I can have Claptrap hit him for you if that’s what you want,” she said with a curious tone in her voice. She wasn’t prepared for this conversation to turn this way with me.
I shook my head, “If I wanted that, I would buy him and let Dan and Ice work him over. But I don’t want to own him; too much trouble for mercenaries on the move. And I don’t want to watch. I want to personally, make him…suffer. To show him what real pain is like.” I pulled out my greensteel blade and turned it over in my hands, as Philandre watched.
“Its been a while since I had some free time to flense someone properly,” I said wistfully as images of pain replayed itself in my mind. “To slice the skin away in strips. To hear the…scream of the man as his flesh is pulled away from muscle. To watch him shiver as the warmth of his body fades away in the air.” I leaned forward toward the madam, and pulled down the cloth from my eyes, and I watched her gasp in surprise. “To see them look into my eyes hoping for mercy, only to see themselves suffering.” I smiled wickedly and pull back up the cloth and watched her. I prayed the mask I wore was good enough. That my self-loathing didn’t peek through a crack.
The madam looked at me and nodded a bit shakily, “We…we have some who enjoy arts involving blood. But that does damage his value.”
I smiled again, took the knife and gritted my teeth as I pulled the sharp blade across my arm, opening a small river of blood. I had cut myself before; by accident several times…and in desperation once, seeking solace before I got a grip on myself. But greensteel weapons are some of the sharpest known to mortals or fiends, so the superficial wound hurt less than you would think. But I needed to show her that I was serious. The cut burned like fire as I watched the blood well up in the wound. But I quickly whispered under my breath and pulled on a bright white strand and circled around the cut and closed the wound in front of her eyes.
“He might lose the ability to speak for a bit, but I doubt that’s a problem. Besides, to watch their hopes fade as they realize you won’t let them die is so worth it.” I smiled. I hate this. It is all an act; all a story. A story from the past to fool a cony. I’m not really going to do it. I just have to remember it and how it felt…
“Well…for a..a…a hundred crowns…I have a place in the cellar; we can’t disturb my clients here after all. I would just need to get the key from upstair—”
“Of course,…We’ll wait for my men to finish up before I have my turn,” I smiled and thumbed the copper wire as I faked taking a sip from my drink.
“Daneath, you get unentangled yet?”
“Ah…no…still negotiating,”
Negotiating? What is he talking about? I looked to the stairs, and the two guards were still there staring at the room in general. I twisted the copper again around my finger.
“Iesa? The key is upstairs somewhere.”
“Great. No other guards up here. I’ll finish talking to Sanatha here and find the madam’s room,” came the reply.
“Did you have tools, and a way to keep the room warm?” I asked Philandre. “Its amazing how quickly a man turns cold, when he loses his skin,” I said as gave her a level look.
“Of course,” Philandre said. She looked at me as if summoning the courage, as if somehow the woman that sat there now alarmed her. “So, where did you learn your…skills?”
I took a genuine sip of the liquor, needing it to steel myself. I still felt ill; my stomach was churning with the stress of the memories and the story I was trying to sell. I needed them to help Beepu. I wanted to drown myself in more of the drink here and deny and forget ugly truths. But I needed to hold it together for Beepu.
"In a place far from here, taught by fiends that had countless lifetimes to hone their skills,” I said trying to keep a smile on my face. “There are no finer practitioners on the arts of pain. Pain you can scarcely believe.”
I twisted the copper wire again.
“Iesa?”
“Found her room. In it now searching, already avoided one poisoned needle.”
I twisted it again,
“Daneath?”
“I’m…ah…negotiating…. still!”
Still negotiating? What was the man doing?
“Dorin!,” Philandre called to the guard. “Check on the girls for me, and then I will need you to get Claptrap down in the cellars to…arrange the furniture.”
I thumbed the copper wire again and cast a strand out, “Iesa, we have a guard coming up!”
“I need time! I’ve almost opened this chest.”
I gulped and twisted the copper more.
“Daneath! Iesa needs time, and a guard is coming!”
“Crap. On it.”
“Are you alright dearie?” Philandre asked me, noticing my distraction.
I quickly smiled, “Just savoring the thoughts of what I want to do to that gno—”
Suddenly there was a clattering and there tumbling down the stairs was Daneath, entangled with Dorin, until both landed on the floor in a heap.
“What in the hells are you doing, you idiot?” the guard barked as he untangled himself from the warrior. Daneath grabbed the guard to use him to stand, and as I watched him intentionally leverage his greater weight to cause Dorin to fall down on the floor again.
I kept my mouth shut as I brushed the copper wire again.
“Iesa! We may be out of time.”
“Got the stuff, heading down.”
“Excuse me Philandre,” I grimaced as I looked towards the pair of men trying to stand. “But I need to have a word with my…help,” I said between clenched teeth, as I was also trying to stifle a laugh. I got off the stool and strode over to the pair. Once there, Daneath and Dorin stopped and stared at me expectantly.
I turned my head glaring at both, before settling my gaze on Daneath. I reached down and grabbed him by the right ear and pulled him to his feet. I didn’t really pinch him hard, but he certainly sold it with the grimace on this face followed by him muttering.
“Ow, ow,ow!”
“You are embarrassing me!” I growled. “Outside! Now!” and I pulled on his ear, and marched Daneath towards the door, while twisting the copper wire again and again.
“Sorry Daneath! Just play along,”
“Not a problem…you can tug harder if you…OW!”
Twisting again I threw out a strand towards Iesa;
“We are leaving! You have it all?”
“Yep, Book, Stone, pouch and a key. I’ll see you outside.”
I pushed open the door to the outside. The sun had not yet set, although the buildings cast long shadows across the quay. I dragged the warrior by his ear, to a building directly across from the brothel, and flung Daneath against the wall.
“Dan, what do you think you are doing!” I said, trying to sound angry, and also badly suppressing a smirk, all while twisting the copper wire around my finger.
“Daneath, watch the door for Iesa, say yes ma’am a lot, and don’t make me giggle”
“Sorry your ladyship! I didn’t mean to be so clumsy,” he said aloud in a whiny squeaky voice, while I heard in my head:
“Oh please? You need a good laugh. Your glares could curdle milk.” Came back the reply which infuriated me. This was serious!
“You sound like a…a…fishwife you overgrown child! Pull yourself together!” I spat at him. As I looked Daneath in the eye, he nodded his head in the direction behind me. Turning, I saw Iesa trotting up and wagging his finger at the warrior.
“You stupid behemoth! You cost me time with Sanatha!” and to my surprise, he punched the warrior in the face. I was shocked for a moment, but then realized that he pulled it and had really barely touched him. Daneath however rolled his head back with the blow making it look like an impressive strike. Iesa then turned and pressed into my hand a metal key.
I looked at him and smiled. “We’re going to need to run once Beepu is free,” I whispered.
“And how are we doing that with that crowd?” Daneath muttered.
I twisted the copper and pulled more threads, but this time I talked to Beepu.
“Can you still make a fog?”
“Yes, I can. Does not require much, but I am still in the cage.”
“Tell Foggle to come to me and get the key and—”
“Ah hah! Alright. Meet me behind the brothel by the edge of the pier.”
“Guys, follow me.” I said. The brothers looked at each other, nodded and fell in behind me as I cut through the crowd, walking near the cage that held our gnome. As we walked, I saw a flash of blackend gold, and I saw Foggle swoop towards me. I quickly lifted my hand holding the key aloft and Foggle grasped it in his talons and flew to the cage holding Beepu.
The kenku, Claptrap stared at the owl in confusion. Once Foggle alighted on the top of the cage, I could see Beepu lips move.
“Run,” I said, and we bolted towards the water’s edge.
We ran and just as we reached the end of the pier, mists streamed up through the cracks between the cobblestones, and quickly our vision became obscured. The crowd that surrounded the cage was now no longer visible, and there were shouts of concern and panic as everyone now was functionally blind.
I stood there and listened and could hear the sound of something made of iron, hitting the stone cobbles with a clang. Then I heard running footsteps, and I smiled. The sounds ran towards me, the sound of boots stomping on stone growing louder.
Boots?
“Sodd—,” I muttered, and instinctively I raised up my rod. From the grey soup in front of me, a I saw the shadow of a spear, thrust towards my head. My rod just barely knocked the spear point from striking me square in the face, and instead cut across my scalp. I yelped in pain, and quickly my vision was clouded by blood pouring into my eyes.
I could barely make out the shadow of Claptrap and his spear as he twirled it, ready to strike at me again. But before he could do so, I saw the large shadow of Daneath collide with the kenku. It once again spoke with Beepu’s voice and said, “Ouch stop that!”
But it was too late for him, as Daneath pushed him past the edge of the pier, and I heard a loud splash of water as Claptrap found himself hurled into the dirty waters of the bay. As he splashed around in the fog, I then suddenly felt a hand grab onto mine.
Looking down I saw it was Beepu, wearing little more than some rags around his waist.
“Thank you Myrai. Can we leave?”
“Beepu is that you? Follow the water’s edge and let’s find somewhere safe to hide,” I heard Iesa say.
Grabbing the gnome’s hand, I started to run as fast as I dared without tripping, heading further into the fog, with the sounds of Iesa and Daneath doing the same. I just wondered one thing:
I hope we are going in the right direction.
Session notes:
Free as a bird, but not for free as we will soon see. The encounter was fun, feeling like I was in charge of Ocean’s 11 for a heist. The problem I had was the only reason this occurred, is that Beepu’s player missed a session, which forced us into a confrontation to save him. If it wasn’t for that, we probably would have handled the town very, very differently.
