CH. 5: Vying Factions

[djhyland]

Darga does his best to keep from looking at Kendra in surprise. When did she leave th' guard? They'll still see her ta th' Council, won't they?

Instead, Darga tries to look both respectable and inconspicuous, while likely succeeding at neither and hoping that Kendra can still talk her way past the guardswoman.

[HorizonsDream]

"I tried to quite the guard," Kendra explains. "But he technically wouldn't let me. I told him I wasn't coming back until I was healed. Though, I do need to address the council. There is a threat to the city that needs to be addressed."

[Haahque]

Well, looks like there's only one raised platform here, it might not be raised by enough, but it's worth a shot. However Darwind said some fierce things about dishonoring him, so once Haahqae makes it close to Darwind he makes sure to give the priest an honorable bow before strolling up and hopping onto the cart.

Once on the cart, Haahqae's first order of business is to scan the crowd to find said Biggs and Wedge.

[mgbevan]

"Drop my name and you'll be fine." Gregeddin replies, "besides they're saving all the really good hexes and curses for the giant right!" he adds with a wink.

"Duly noted, well if there is nothing else I shall return to our party to finalise some details and I will see you on the morrow"

Gregeddin will answer any questions or discuss further concerns with mateo and zoya, or otherwise make his way to the warehouse as he expects to meet the cult.

[JadedDM]

Kendra and Darga (Council Hall, Harbor District)
Gabrielle raises a brow at Kendra's rambling, not quite able to follow her completely. "Uh...I see. Well, go on in, I guess. But they're in a meeting and probably won't like getting interrupted unless it's really important."

Haahqae and Gregeddin (Market Square)
Haahqae climbs up onto the wagon near Darewind. Fortunately, Darewind is so focused on his speech and the audience is so focused on Darewind, nobody seems to really notice Haahqae. He tries to scan the crowd for Biggs and Wedge, but doesn't see them anywhere.

Meanwhile, Gregeddin heads north toward the warehouse, and passes by the marketsquare on the way. He sees Darewind, standing on an overturned cart, giving an impassioned speech to a growing crowd. They all seem quite mesmerized by his preaching, save for a pair of Holy Guard watching in the distance, both of whom appear quite uncomfortable. The bard also notices Haahqae climb up onto the cart next to Darewind and start scanning the crowd for something.

===========

It is now Third Watch (9:00 AM).

[HorizonsDream]

"They are always in a meeting," Kendra says as she walks past the guard to head inside the council chambers.

[BishGada]

Tulbas makes a mental notes to himself, first to try and dispose of the giant sack, second not to go to his lair, third, they must lure him to ground or lower level then their own.

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(OOC: Hi, what about the geography search, spells and history of previous battles with hill giants from which Tulbas can learn some better and worse tactics against hill giants?)

[djhyland]

Darga nods, half-apologetically, to the sentry and hurries along behind Kendra.

[Haahque]

Haahqae quietly waits for a breaking point in Darewind`s speach before speaking up. "Hello Mr Respectable Right and Honorable Darwind man. I have a honest, small and in no conceivable way disrespectful question for you. I was searching for Biggs and Wedge but I can't find them anywhere. I was wondering if you knew where they were. As you so honorably and respectfully agreed to help me with killing the giant terrorizing the citizens outside, it would indeed be a great help if you could point me to the locations of your men, please." Haahqae finishes his question with a gnomish hand sign and the accompanying word: "Respect."

[JadedDM]

Kendra and Darga (Council Hall, Harbor District)
Gabrielle escorts the two inside. She leads them to the chamber where the Highseeker Council is in session.

The vaulted ceiling in the spacious chamber is supported by pillars on either side. At the far end, nine chairs sit in a semi-circle on the polished granite floor. Upon each chair sits a person in clean white robes trimmed in gold. A steel girdle bands each man’s waist.

"Pardon the intrusion, but this Holy Guard says she has information on a threat to the city," Gabrielle says.

"Does Captain Woodwind insult this council by not even deeming to speak to us in person?" demands one of the Highseekers. He's a sour looking elderly man, whom Kendra recognizes as Highseeker Locar. "Or has he already resigned his commission and fled the city?"

Locar.jpg (52.62 KiB) Viewed 7389 times

Another man, this one in the center chair, holds up a hand to silence Locar then turns his attention to Gabrielle. "You may return to your post," he tells her. Gabrielle nods and departs quickly. Kendra recognizes this man as the Master of the Highseekers, Elistan. He has a white beard, thinning brown-gray hair and ice blue eyes.

Elistan.jpg (19.39 KiB) Viewed 7389 times

"What do you wish to tell us?" Elistan asks Kendra and Darga.

Tulbas Erogund (Mageware shop)

(OOC: Hi, what about the geography search, spells and history of previous battles with hill giants from which Tulbas can learn some better and worse tactics against hill giants?)

(OOC: I'm not sure what you want for the 'local geography.' This post gives information on Abanasinia, as well as a map, if that helps. I can't find any information about old battles with giants; that long description I gave you about giants was meant to be the sum of everything he could find on giants, including old battles. And as I mentioned before, Raetmal keeps all of the magical stuff, including spells, locked up in the backroom.)

Haahqae and Gregeddin (Market Square)
Darewind glares daggers at Haahqae for his interruption and for a moment, looks like he might reach out and strangle the gnome. However, he seems to regain his self-control and instead smooths out his robes. "They are waiting for you, actually, back at the warehouse, with the recruits they managed to find. I have prayed to the Master for your success with the giant. I do hope there won't be any...serious casualties."

[Haahque]

"Why thank you right and honorable mr Darewind man." Haahqae replies, then hops off the cart and makes his way towards the warehouse.

[HorizonsDream]

Kendra gives a small bow to the two men just to show a little respect towards them. "Forgive me for interrupting," Kendra says. "But the Captain doesn't know anything about this threat. I came directly to you. There is a cult that is rapidly gaining favor within the city that the guards aren't able to contain. Considering that they have so many followers now, they are plotting against the Seekers to take over Haven."

[mgbevan]

Gregeddin held his breath as he notices Haahqae mount the upturned cart, but seeing the gnome hop down without incident he does his best to skitter around the crowd and meet up with him on his way to the warehouse.

[JadedDM]

Haahqae and Gregeddin (Cult Warehouse, back room)
Gregeddin catches up with Haahqae and the two head to the cultist warehouse. After arriving, they are directed to a room in the back where Biggs and Wedge are waiting. "Ah, there you are," says Biggs upon noticing them. "Well, we managed to find five people who were willing to volunteer. Not a lot, I know. But, they seem pretty skilled. I guess anyone who'd agree to fight a giant would have to be competent...or crazy," he says with a shrug.

"I can go get them and we can start the interviews," Wedge volunteers.

Kendra and Darga (Council Hall, Harbor District)
Locar snorts derisively. "Well, thanks for the warning! Next you'll tell us a flaming mountain will hit the city of Istar soon."

"What Highseeker Locar means," clarifies Elistan, "is that we have been aware of this threat for some time now. As has the captain of the Holy Guard. In fact, he has most of his men on that project, so I am surprised you did not already know that." He shakes his head. "Unfortunately, there is nothing we can really do. Most of our Holy Guard have quit or vanished. Even though their leader, Darewind, killed a guard and two other prisoners in escaping, attempting to arrest him again would only lead to a massive riot. Even now, they are preaching in the grand market openly. For days, we have been searching for extra mercenaries to help aid the Holy Guard, but none have come forward. Now, I fear it may be too late."

[Haahque]

"That sounds like a grand idea. Let us see these brave volunteers who will help us with the giant."