The Four Lands - The Great North

[Canaan]

Noting the others' concern, Finnian checks to make sure his money pouch is securely fastened back under his belt then turns to keep pace with Jaroth.

"You have an interest in history? It seems we have more in common than just being on the same ship. I, too, am a student of history. Perhaps we could compare notes once we get back to the ship. Is some era in particular you are looking to learn more of?"

Noting Finnian's conduct, Jaroth, too, secures his money pouch in an inside pocket of his robe. "Ah, a fellow scholar. Good to hear it." Jaroth says heartily. "I'm most interested in a comparative history of the races of the Four Lands. I find it fascinating that, despite how different we are from one another as races, the same sorts of events percolate throughout our histories, wars, famine, religious extremism, etc." Jaroth pauses for Finnian's reaction.

After a moment, he asks, "And you?"

 

[Canaan]

Vadric happily accepts Jaroth's invitation to visit the market square. "One of the nice things about travelling is being able to see the sights and, ah, taste the fruits of different cultures. This marketplace sounds like an excellent place to start."

"I could not agree more, Vadric." Jaroth replies to Vadric, smiling.

[OOC: While in town, Jaroth has invoked his tongues and comprehend languages abilities]

 

[Scotley]

Bertrand

Chatting with the others, Bertrand does not call attention to his own pouch having tucked it away carefully safety while still in private. He carries a enough coins for the expected expenses in a smaller pouch about his neck. "Would stop in at a temple while we are here. If only briefly."

 

[Dracomeander]

"I'm most interested in a comparative history of the races of the Four Lands. I find it fascinating that, despite how different we are from one another as races, the same sorts of events percolate throughout our histories, wars, famine, religious extremism, etc." Jaroth pauses for Finnian's reaction.

After a moment, he asks, "And you?"

"Unfortunately, I have not had the chance to treat with other races. All I know of them is the imperfect snippets that human historians have attributed to them.
"My studies have concentrated on the history and development of the various nations of humanity. How greed and ideological differences have led to nationalism and a fracturing of human culture in spite of common ancestry. The only human culture I've found to be truly unique and not derived from original tribes of the Four Lands is that of D'shai."

Finnian looks around at the other companions and the crowds around the dock before continuing.

"But these are discussions to involved to try to continue here in the road. Besides if we go into greater depth now, we will miss the chance to see what wonders might await us at market."

 

[Canaan]

"Unfortunately, I have not had the chance to treat with other races. All I know of them is the imperfect snippets that human historians have attributed to them.
"My studies have concentrated on the history and development of the various nations of humanity. How greed and ideological differences have led to nationalism and a fracturing of human culture in spite of common ancestry. The only human culture I've found to be truly unique and not derived from original tribes of the Four Lands is that of D'shai."

Finnian looks around at the other companions and the crowds around the dock before continuing.

"But these are discussions to involved to try to continue here in the road. Besides if we go into greater depth now, we will miss the chance to see what wonders might await us at market."

Jaroth nods his head smiling. "Yes. Yes. Let's continue this discussion later, aboard the Western Star."

 

[Fenris]

For Ravensblight
The western star is anchored away from the docks/piers as there is no space for her. Captain Sweetwater let the party use the ships cutter to row ashore in.

The young man takes your information and informs you that anchorage tax is 5 silver pieces and ask if you will be paying now or later.

"We'll pay now, by the day for as long as were here." Replies Modjan fishing out the ship's purse before heading off to the rest of the docks, making note of the ships anchored here.

 

[J. Alexander]

Amster

Having paid the taxes the party gathers itself and goes in search of the central market. Walking up the main road, the party discovers a thriving seaport with huge warehouses close to the piers. Going further into the city you come across working class neighborhoods with their attending shops and finally after about 45 minutes to the great central square.
A cathederal is located to the west of the square with a small goverment palace, office building located across from it on the east side. To the north and south are three story buildings with shops on the first floor and residences on the 2nd and 3rd. Througout the square are small merchants selling various goods from their carts and stalls. To the east and west run streets lined with other shops. The one to the north leads to what appears to be the homes of the upper class.

A quick scout of the square shows bookstores and general merchandise as well as provisions of all types.

 

[Rath Lorien]

Anniston enjoys tagging along with the party, going where they want to go. He will buy an empty book, pens, ink, food, drink, some books on meditation and theology, and visit the cathedral.

 

[Scotley]

Bertrand

Taking a moment to orient himself, Bertrand asks, "What shall we visit first? I believe book stores were mentioned?"

 

[Canaan]

"Ah, excellent, Jaroth, it is well you made this clarification, for I found the lack of a statement regarding the old religion in your initial declaration to be confusing. The confusion, of course, was caused by the flawed assumption that you were a practitioner of the old ways. But now I recognize that the interest of your order is truly to isolate yourself from these boundaries in order to serve all side equally. Please correct me if I have misunderstood you."

"Do you find it sad that you can never allow yourself to pursue objective truth? In other words, do you ever find yourself dissatisfied with the relative morality that is necessary to respect all beliefs equally?"

Jaroth laughs, "Oh no, good man. I am no practitioner of the old ways. I am intrigued, however, by the fact that you show somewhat more tolerance for such things than some of your brethren who would have had me drawn and quartered by now if abused of the notion that I were a practitioner of the old ways." Jaroth looks around to make sure nobody is listening and finishes in a lower voice. "In my humble and unenlightened opinion, such tolerance bespeaks great wisdom."

Jaroth continues in his regular voice, "Relative morality. Morality, I believe, is a unique to the society or faith in which one finds himself. Thus, you have hit the nail on the head. To an outsider, my morals would appear to be relative to the society or faith I happen to be studying. But that is not truly the case. My morality does not change. My acceptance of differing norm or moral based systems is what sets me apart from most others. I do not pre-judge a group, culture, race or faith by imposing on it norms and morality of my own culture or faith. That does not prohibit me from seeking objective truth, however."

Taking a moment to orient himself, Bertrand asks, "What shall we visit first? I believe book stores were mentioned?"

"I think that would be a lovely way to spend out time." Jaroth responds with a smile.