Metropolis - The Weight of the World (and Found Wanting)
- Thread starter Phoenix
- Start date
Phoenix said:
Reaching into his pouch and pulling out two coppers, Azot placed them in his outstretched palm and picked up a small stone carving from the blanket. What manner of beast the sculptor meant it to be Azot had no idea, but a trade was promised and Sebek gave nothing away out of charity.
"Know that Sebek watches you above as well as below, when next your voice prays to those who do not answer give thanks to one that does."
Slipping the carving into his pouch pocket, Azot begin the journey through the Market and towards the docks. The giantkin had spoke of taking a ferry across the river that divided the districts to find the ones who called themselves Leaguers and if his prey was on the other side he would find them.
Scotley said:
[sblock=Jasmine]You may openly witness these events and stay hidden.[/sblock]
Jazick moved towards the gastly barrier, staring at the thousands of human bones that had been piled all too neatly about the cathedral. It was shoulder height to Jazick, unstable, and extremly dangerous to the unwary and unprepared. Jagged femurs, shattered ribs, and dozens of other hazards await one wrong step or fall and Jazick began to duobt the sanity of simply climbing through it.
[sblock=Jazick's Appraisal]The barrier would require a reasonably difficult Balance check to navigate rather than a Climb check, failure would plunge the climber into the barrier and cause some damage to the victim.[/sblock]
Fenris said:OOC:[sblock] You're a bastard you know that. And I love you for it. This was why wild dingoes couldn't keep me away from another Metropolis game.[/sblock]
As he approaches the waiting knights, to forestall the question that was on their lips and in their questioning eyes:
"Some urchin tried to swipe something out of one of my bags. I went and got it back and taught him a lesson" says Alexi darkly. He was in no mood to talk or reveal his second vision to the others, even if Whale had seen her. Well maybe Whale had. In any case. Alexi wanted some time to think.
"We ready to sail then?" he asks The Dragon.
[sblock]It's funny, I got home on the weekend to find a severed horse head in my bed along with a box of really nice chocolates, I guess that was you
[/sblock]The knights looked strangely at Alexi has they lead their horses onto the enourmous vessel, Dragon muttering under his breath, "...bloody paladins..." Boar simply nodded whicle Whale slapped him on the back with a heavy clang as steel met steel. "C'mon then boy, les' get on this beastie!"
Upon the deck the knights lashed their horses to the rear of the vessel and watched the sailors at work. They looped thick ropes through the loops of large oxen's bridles, attaching them to large wheels at each side of the barge. Easily thirty of the creatures struggled up and down the deck, turning the massive wheels that pulled the barge along the ropes, beginning their journey.
It took two hours to simply leave the dock, and another to make sure that the wind and tide wouldn't simply tear the ship free from the ropes that guided it across the river. The other knights took this time to sleep in the cabins provided, little more than a handful of rooms in a shed at the rear of the barge.
Alexi stared across the waters, and for the first time ever, he felt like he was no longer in the city. The storm, the mist, the waves, they all shrouded both shores of the river, only shadows of the massive buildings on each side could be seen, but even these could be mistaken for mountains, for great trees.
Waves crashed against the barge constantly, freezing rain pelted against Alexi's face and armour, some of it freezing onto his steel. It was cold, damn cold out here. The storm seemed to get worse as the hours past and they slowly dragged their way over to the next shore.
From above him there was a cry from the crow's nest, another yell was heard from the Captain, but Alexi couldn't make out what they were yelling over the storm. The crew dashed out at a furious pace, forcing the oxen to move faster and trying to get as much speed out of the vessel as possible. One of the crewmen passed Alexi, wiping grime and rain from his face.
"Either you help us sir, or git oot of our way. There be something coming in the mist, an' nuthin' out here is good. Jus' thank whoever yer god is p'ladin that it ain't the kraken, though I think we may wish it were after this..."
At the rear of the ship Whale and Boar stepped out onto the deck, grabbing a sailor and yelling at him, no doubt they had just been told the same thing as Alexi. Before he could act the crows nest cried once more, this time he heard all too well was was said.
"DRAGON!"
GlassEye said:
She smiled once more and walked up the stairs at the rear of the shop, leaving Ymris alone to peruse the other pieces with the other customers. For several minutes she watched two well dressed men try on hair pins and eventually spend several gold pieces on them, then purchase another six each for other days of the week. Some people obviously had money in this city, just not the ones outside.
The salesperson returned and gestured to Ymris, "Senor Draconis will see you if it pleases. He requests that you take the time you rest in his guest quarters at the rear, there is bathing water and food awaiting you there."
Tonks said:
The old man nodded, tucking away the coppers and thanking Azot polietly. The dwarf made his way across the Ivory Markets, looking at the strage wares available. There were Alchemists that paid for pints of elven blood, jewelers that sold necklaces of human teeth, stores that smelt of familiar places in the sewers which sold candy to affluent children and their families. This was a place for those that wanted their lust and gluttony catered for.
At the far side of the markets was a long dock filled with dozens of barges, fisherman's boats, longships, yachts, and even a slave galley. If Azot could not find passage here, he could not thing of any other place that may offer it.
Phoenix said:
'Their lusts have sapped their strength and their souls. It is no wonder they allow those who would bring their downfall to act unchecked. Their gullets and loins guide their way these days.'
Increasing his pace to rid himself of those who bathed in flowers but wallowed in true filth, Azot began searching the rows of fishermen seeking the one who would take him across the river. Walking along the dock, the dwarf stopped in front of a battered but sturdy craft and knew that this was the one he was meant to ride in. Mounted on the thin mast in the center of the ship was a sun bleached skull that Azot was unfamiliar with, but it told him that this man was not afraid to defend himself when Sebek sent his children out to test those who worked the upper waterways.
Calling down to the man who was repairing a section of worn netting, Azot's deep scratchy voice only partially hid the contempt he held for the lecherous and gluttonous curs he had passed on his way to get here.
"I would have you take me to the other side. I offer coin and the blessings of Sebek should you choose to do so."
[sblock=OOC]I am trying to determine how someone who is not used to asking nicely for anything fits into a "polite" society. So if my statements seem blunt and short, it is just me trying to keep him in char.[/sblock]
Bront
The man with the probe
[sblock=Pheonix]Jasmine thought for the moment as she watched the man examine the barrier. 'What could that man possibly want in there? Am I not the only one looking for things?' Formulating a plan, her form shifted slightly, as she appeared a bit shorter, perhaps a bit weaker, and as if she'd been roughed up within the past few days. Blinking her eyes a few times, she got a few tears going, before she steped out of the ally and into the street. She had one hand under her cloak on her dagger if she needed it, but she had a hunch that she wouldn't.[/sblock]Phoenix said:
Out from an ally steps a smaller woman. She pulls a cloak around her tightly for warmth, though she trembles as she walks, constantly gazing back and around warily. She spots Jazick and goes to approach him quickly, though she walks with an odd gate, as if struggling to get there faster.
"Sir, s..sir," her trembling voice calls, "Is... is this the Spyre of Zsath? Sir, please...c.can you help me? I need to get in there. It...it's important. Please sir?"
As she draws near, she looks up at Jazick, emerald green eyes shown with a glimmer of new hope though their almond portals, though red as though crying reciently. As the light catches her face for a moment, there is signs of faded bruising, as if she'd been beaten or injured not too long ago.
Scotley
Hero
Jazick
The young man looks startled apparently having been unaware of the woman nearby. He eyes the woman suspeciously, but speaks in a friendly manner. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you there. Yes, I am given to understand that this is the Spyre of Zsath. I was trying to get in myself. Perhaps working together we can get past these bones. My name is Jazick." He gives a little bow.
OOC: [sblock]How thick is the wall? Could Jazick jump it? Could he use his glaive to pull enough bones away to make a narrow opening to squeeze through?[/sblock]
The young man looks startled apparently having been unaware of the woman nearby. He eyes the woman suspeciously, but speaks in a friendly manner. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you there. Yes, I am given to understand that this is the Spyre of Zsath. I was trying to get in myself. Perhaps working together we can get past these bones. My name is Jazick." He gives a little bow.
OOC: [sblock]How thick is the wall? Could Jazick jump it? Could he use his glaive to pull enough bones away to make a narrow opening to squeeze through?[/sblock]
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Fenris
Adventurer
Phoenix said:
Alexi's heart skipped a beat. But not in fear as the sailor's had. In fact a small smile crept over his face.
Let's see old Dragon's face when he's confronted by his own heraldric image he thought. Stags and Dragons, maybe the Kraken or a Whale would be next he thought.
The city was sending Dragon a message that would get through even his thick skull, of course that may still mean death so caution was needed. Just because his own visions were benevolent, didn't mean anyone else's were. And Alexi was interested to see this dragon. He had seen the pictures in the ancient books in the family library, and on Dragon's shield, but the pictures of stags hadn'ty doen justice to the Stag Metropolis sent him, so what did a real Dragon look like? And how did these sailors know of them? Perhaps, out here, in this strange no mans land, these dreams and legends came to life and were seen more often.
Alexi fought his way over to The Boar and The Whale.
"Alright Boyos. Whose shield comes to life next?" he asked with a grin. "More importantly what do we do about that damn thing? I'va bow that may be of use. But we need to reach the other side, if this tub sinks were in more trouble than not reaching the other side." shouted Alexi over the crash of the waves and howling of the wind.
"And where is Dragon anyway?"
