(030) The Plough and Furrow

[waysoftheearth]

sulldawga wrote:
Dorgan will follow Josiane. He's trying to determine what sort of traffic has passed through this gate recently.

[waysoftheearth]

eris wrote:

The Plough and Furrow Common Room

When he gets a chance Olaf gets the innkeeper aside, "Albert, we do enjoy your company, but I think the lot of us are going to be staying in town for a few days. We'd like to take lodgings of a less temporary nature. You're cellar was big enough for all of us last night, but not the most comfortable. Do you have any suggestions?"

Olaf pulls Albert aside as he is headed back to the kitchens with a stack of dirty plates and dishes tottering almost to his head-height.

"Lodgings, moi good Sir?" repeats Albert, as he puts the plates down on a bench so that he can mop the sweat from his brow.

"Well, let's see... a regular fellow might stay at an inn, but I must confess io'd be busy here with the full dozen o'f you. As to more stable lodgings, well Io kin see your Sirs are not overly short o' coin, if you take my meaning, so you could lease a villa or town house. You might find yerself something on the nicer side o' town, or if ye's more circumspect perhaps an empty warehouses? Up there at the Traders' Concourse they've records o' all such establishments to be let. You'll find what yer after up there, I don't doubt."

Albert bobs his head to some of his other customers, and then excuses himself as he is hailed from the kitchens....

"Thanks for the information, Albert." Olaf says, "I'll talk to the others about it."

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
Josiane and Dorgan; The Cemetery Gate

The iron gate is taller than a Man, but hangs ajar upon rusty hinges. It does not appear to be held fast by any means.

Dorgan surmises by the general wear of the narrow path leading to the gate, and the fact that the hinges are rusted but not ceased, that this gateway might be used infrequently by the townsfolk.

[waysoftheearth]

doctorx wrote:
"A resting-ground for the common folk, it seems," says Josiane quietly; "Let us walk with respect."

She bows her head momentarily and makes the sign of Thuul before opening the gate and entering.

[waysoftheearth]

danhem wrote:
After a quick lunch of bread, cheese and fruit Ulric signals to Highbough his readiness and makes his way to the Concourse Library.

Before departing Ulric briefly discusses his plans and the future the division of the treasure with Olaf and Dieter.

"We should find better lodgings for tonight and get a good night's sleep in an actual bed for once. We can split the take tonight."

"I have left the dagger with the Pelenwin, Wibert, and the deacon of the Temple of Thuul along with payment for it's identification. Wibert should be back soon. Highbough and I will return from the library soon with some information on the spear and flask."

[waysoftheearth]

ehiker133 wrote:
Desmond nods in agreement. He needs a good night's sleep in a safe place.

"Then," he yawns, "we can talk to our new friends about the predicament they're in and see about helping out."

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
Josiane and Dorgan; The Cemetery Gate

Josiane presses the rusty gate inward upon its creaking hinges, then enters the bone yard, followed by Dorgan.

It is a sombre place on the back slope of Ket's hill, stretching perhaps 50 or 60 yards to the rear wall. The yard is of weather-beaten tombstones, and only a few larger crypts and monuments. Many of the stones are overgrown by lank grasses or weeds, as are the few narrow foot-paths that wind haphazardly through the place. Black crows caw and keep vigil from the branches of several gnarly trees that lean over the yard.

It is not an unexpected sight.

What now?

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
Ulric and Highbough; The Traders' Concourse

After luncheon is taken and plans discussed, Ulric and Highbough make their way across town and up to the Traders' Concourse. Ulric, of course, remembers the way from his previous visit.

It is almost a quarter hour walk, mostly uphill, through the well to do part of town to the Concourse, which is without doubt the most splendid structure in Ket. It is larger and more grandiose, even, than the Temple of Thuul, and is certainly busier.

Merchants (Snorks and Men alike) mill about on the plaza dressed like courtiers, discussing business and politics. Their body guards loaf about on the steps, but still keep a watchful eye on their charges.

The pair raise only a few eyebrows as they stride up the broad stairs, then through the gaggle of merchants and the great double doors of the Concourse, and into its vast lobby.

Within, the floor is a broad check of black and white polished marble. Elegantly carved columns reach upward across regularly spaced arches that embrace dozens of regal looking doors and support a mezzanine level and a lofty domed ceiling, above. Despite its imposing size, the hall actually quiet.

The few merchants and clerks here go briskly and silently about their business, though every step does echo audibly in the hall.


"And you are?" asks a withered old concierge in stiff and formal collared shirt and waistcoat with a pair of tiny brass spectacles upon his hawk-nose, who glares unhappily at the new comers.

[waysoftheearth]

doctorx wrote:
Josiane ponders the bleak and sombre scene before her. "It grieves me to see a place of worship so unloved," she says quietly.

She stands at the gate, looking carefully at the lank grass, the weathered gravestones, the sky, the trees, everything and anything.

She has that watchful, expectant look on her face again...

[waysoftheearth]

eris wrote:

After a quick lunch of bread, cheese and fruit Ulric signals to Highbough his readiness and makes his way to the Concourse Library.

Before departing Ulric briefly discusses his plans and the future the division of the treasure with Olaf and Dieter.

"We should find better lodgings for tonight and get a good night's sleep in an actual bed for once. We can split the take tonight."

"I have left the dagger with the Pelenwin, Wibert, and the deacon of the Temple of Thuul along with payment for it's identification. Wibert should be back soon. Highbough and I will return from the library soon with some information on the spear and flask."

"Albert suggests we try the Trader's Concourse as they will know of any townhouses or villas available for rent in the better part of town. He also suggested we might want to rent or buy a warehouse if we wanted a lower profile. That wouldn't be as comfortable lodgings, but in the long run it might be a good idea."

"For tonight, though, we might consider simply lodging here. Finding a place to rent and moving in sounds like a job that will take time, and I think we are all)/b) in need of a good night's sleep before we take on any new adventures...even moving into our own housing."

"Ulric, I'll see to getting us rooms here for the night and as you're going to the Traders Concourse anyway, would you ask after an empty villa or townhouse we could lease...or an empty warehouse if you think that best?"

"Does that sound reasonable to everyone?" Olaf asks of the group as a whole.