Heroica RPG - Quest #27: Badger Badger Badger

[Darkdragon]

"Ah ok, well that's good. I don't know why you didn't just ask Began for the map. Anyhow, that's neither here nor there. I have your item right here actually. I'll just need the 300 gold for it."

[Khorne]

An annoyed look struck Eric's face as Nab mentioned there was a map that could've easily led them through the sewers. The fact that the man would also charge 300 gold for the item didn't help much in settling Eric's temper.

"I'm sure our Cleric can help you out with that coin. His pockets seem pretty filled." the Barbarian grinned. "Anyway, could you tell us something more about all those symbols in the sewers. What do they mean?"

[Darkdragon]

"Ah the symbols. I am sure you must be talking about the guild glyphs. We place those to aid our members, to let them know when an area is dangerous or a good route to take. I'm sure you saw the one at the door to this chamber."

He looks at Eric with a keen eye.

"I bet you had no trouble figuring them out. You seem like a man that would fit nicely here."

[Khorne]

"They were easy" Eric replied smugly. The Nord leaned closer to Nab and said in a hushed tone. "What's your organisation all about? What's there to gain for me?"

[Etzel]

An annoyed look struck Eric's face as Nab mentioned there was a map that could've easily led them through the sewers. The fact that the man would also charge 300 gold for the item didn't help much in settling Eric's temper.

"I'm sure our Cleric can help you out with that coin. His pockets seem pretty filled." the Barbarian grinned. "Anyway, could you tell us something more about all those symbols in the sewers. What do they mean?"

"Pffh, just because I'm not wasting my hard earned gold on drinks and bets!"

Maurice didn't like the place they had ended up in, neither the men they had encountered.

"Listen now, Mr Knees. We are not going to fall for you trickeries, I'm sure you have already got paid by Began Drake and you are just trying to scam us for more gold. Give us the item we want and we will be on our way from this stinking hole."

[Darkdragon]

Just as Nab was about to respond to Eric, Maurice interrupts him. He whips his head around and shoots a glare at Maurice.

"Listen here boy, you are in my world now and I hope you keep that in mind. You should watch your tongue around here."

The air in the room suddenly changes, all the background noises stop as the guild members look to see why their leader is raising his voice at the outsiders. They all turn and appear to get ready for what might happen next. Nab looks around the room quickly and with one wave of his hand everyone goes back to what they were doing, but the tenseness does not leave the room. The voices are quieter, the sounds of practice swords hitting cloth dummies is somehow softer, and everyone seems ready to spring with only a gesture.

"Why should I take your word that you already paid for this very hard to get item? Look at you in your clean white clothes, probably never seen a day's hard work in your life! I don't know why an obviously great man like this", he motions to Eric, "would even allow one such as yourself to tag along. Now if you don't mind, I'll be getting back to my conversation with him."

With that, Nab turns his gaze to Eric again.

"As I was about to say", he speaks in a low tone that only travels as far as Eric's ears, "my organization is here to train the best, but it appears that you have already been trained by one of the best. Do you happen to know the Copper Fox? Either way, I'm afraid there is not much I can teach you. However if you would like to join the guild, we always have room for one such as yourself. We are here to make sure the rich don't get too rich, if you get my drift. Here's a little something from me to you, don't share it with the likes of him", he motions slightly to Maurice with a raised eyebrow,"or with anyone really. If we are in need of your service we will post something at the Hall and

you

will know it's from us."

Nab hands Eric a small rolled parchment, then lifts his head to address the other party members.

"So what will it be? I hear from Began you are on a tight schedule, so I'm sure you shouldn't be standing around here yappin all day. Either prove to me this item belongs to you or give me the gold for it. I care not what you decide, but do it quick."

What will the party respond?

[Khorne]

"I'm always happy to help those less fortunate help themselves. It's a dog eat dog world and I prefer to be one of the bigger dogs." Eric replied as he pocketed the small piece of parchment. The Barbarian smiled at the thought of new prospects. He then answered Maurice's earlier remark about how Barbarians tended to spend their money on betting and drinks.

"It's called enjoying life, monk. You should try it, you might brighten up somewhat."

[Quarryman]

"Mr. Nab, would it be sufficient proof for you if we showed you that we already have part 1 of Began's package? Seeing as your part is supposed to be number 2 I gather you'd know what part 1 is?"

"And don't mind the cleric, poor guy is delusional, harmless though."

(and quietly to Maurice: "Now, you better shut the Hell up so we get out of here alive, these guys look like they mean Business.")

[Peppermint_M]

Tesni had stayed quiet, intimidation would be inapproriate here. However it seemd the cleric had a death wish. She sidled up beside him (an impressive feat for a barbarian) and gave him a gentle on the head.

[Darkdragon]

"I make it a point to not know or care what my clients need items for. I procure, they pay. That's how it works. Having something that may or may not be related to what I have proves nothing of ownership. I'm busy here, so I must insist that you either pay me or show some actual proof or you can leave, though I'm sure Began would be mighty cross with you if you choose that option."

[Peppermint_M]

Tesni levelled a look at nab. Slowly and deliberatly she took the timer from her pocket. Grasping it firmly with one hand, the other hand dancing on the pommel of Dryw.

[Etzel]

Tesni had stayed quiet, intimidation would be inapproriate here. However it seemd the cleric had a death wish. She sidled up beside him (an impressive feat for a barbarian) and gave him a gentle on the head.

The berserk's idea of "gentle" was as good as one can expect from such people and as a result Maurice collapsed like a house of cards with a stupid smile on his face.

[Darkdragon]

When the cleric falls to the ground, a surprised look comes over the giant's face and then his eye squint to see something in the distance. He runs back to the door, noisily, and then up to Tesni. He has a strange look on his face and his cheeks are a bit pink.

"'Scuze me miss....I think you dropped this back there."

He hands Tesni a capped tube and heads quickly back to his place behind Nab. When she opens it up, she sees the 5 parchments Began had neatly sorted and put in there for them.

[Peppermint_M]

"Oh, thank you." She checked the documents. "One of these should do Mr. Nab"

[Darkdragon]

Nab takes the receipt from Tesni and looks it over.

"Ah yes, I remember now. Began did send me payment for this item."

He reaches under the desk and pulls out a small packaged wrapped in string. Handing it to Tesni and placing the receipt in a book on his desk.

"Alright then. Is there anything else I can do for you folks tonight?"

Tesni Hightribe, Level 21 2/3 Berserker (peppermint_m) *Party Leader*

Power: 35

Health: 37/37

Gold: 275

Inventory: Dryw ar Zoot, Longsword (WP:14), Mockthril Shield (SP:5),Cysgodion the Great Sword of Darkness (WP: 11, Darkness), Cryfder (WP:6), 2 Phoenix Essence, 4 Potions, 3 Mead,4 Venom, Nostrum, Timekeeper, Bone, Scroll Tube [4 receipts], Box 2

[Peppermint_M]

Tesni considered her options. "We might have missed out boat. Anything thet will be going our way?"

[Darkdragon]

"Well the Shaggier Slumps is the only ship I use. I know it stops taking on passengers at 21:30 though. It might not have left yet, you would have to run to get there fore it sails off, it will be gone for a couple weeks. They might still be loading cargo for a few hours, cargo they don't necessarily want the passengers to walk by. If you catch my drift. Gorn here can show you the quickest way out of here. The surface will be faster to get to the South Docks."

The giant man behind him, Gorn, steps forward. He looks right at Tesni when he speaks.

"Are you ready to go then?"

[Peppermint_M]

Tesni hefted the prone cleric onto her shoulder, if he didn't rouse soon a bucket of water should do the trick. She nodded to Eric and Namyrra. "Let's get to that boat then. Lead the way Gorn."

[Quarryman]

"Indeed, let's get going."

[Etzel]

"Zzzzzzz"

[Darkdragon]

"Yes ma'am. Just follow me, show you the secret way."

Gorn leads the party under some stairs farther back in the room. He pushes a certain stone in and the wall slides away, revealing stone steps leading straight up. The short stairway is lit with one wall sconce and ends in what appears to be solid stone. Not wanting to ask too many questions, the party follows him up the stairs. At the top, stooped over, Gorn pulls on the sconce handle and the stone ceiling spits apart in the middle as two slabs of stone slide away to reveal a dark stary night beyond.

"This is where I say goodbye. You will want to run as fast as you can down that street there. " He points at a street that seems to head Southeast. "You should be able to get to the Southern Docks in thirty minutes this way. Good luck on your quest ma'am."

As soon as the heroes step out of the stairwell, Gorn pushes the sconce handle up and the stone slabs close leaving nothing but a very fine line. The heroes notice a small symbol carved in the stone, it looks just like the one next to the door of the room they just left.

[Peppermint_M]

Tesni looked about for a handy well, the only water seemed to be a murky brown puddle. The cleric didn't weigh too much and lugging a body about was bound to keep the crooks and thugs away. Namyrra had a lot of sparkly gems and even accompanied by two strong warriors, it wouldn't put off the most desperate of muggers. Besides, this man of Ennoc seemed an argumentative and moralising chap, whatever shady stock the ship-men had, he'd object.

"Who fancies a late night run?" she asked her party mates with a grin, starting into a steady lope.

[Darkdragon]

And so the heroes run down the street Gorn pointed them toward. They run as fast as the can, never stopping or slowing down, not even for the little girl crying and holding a broken teddy bear. Maurice's limp form is tossed up an down with every step Tesni takes. His weapons and pockets stuffed with gold jingle and jangle as she runs to the other end of the city.

By the time the group reaches near the dock, they are out of breath and sweat is dripping, except Maurice who sleeps contentedly. They can see many ships are there. Why wouldn't there be many ships, it's the middle of the night and nobody sets sales in the darkness. One ship, as black as the night itself, is full of activity. The heroes can see items being loaded from the docks, sailors tending to the lines, and it looks like the ship is about ready to set off. As they get closer they can hear orders being barked out at the deck hands and a flurry of activity on board the ship.

On the dock itself though, there is no sign of a captain or first mate to welcome them on board and take their tickets. They can see three sailors, two of which are loading a chest onto the ship and one that appears to be guarding the last of the cargo. He is busy ribbing the other two and poking at them with his sabre to pay much mind to the approaching heroes.

"Hurry up and get this stuff loaded, be sure to leave room for the last four big 'uns too. Cap'n'll tan yur hides fer shur if you leave something behind again."

What will the heroes do?

[Peppermint_M]

Feeling guilty about leaving the child, Tesni dropped Maurice onto the floor and walked up to the men. "Ave! We have arranged passage on this ship. May we board?"

[Darkdragon]

The

pirate

sailor at the foot of the boarding plank stops laughing and turns to look at Tesni.

"You shouldn't be here. The passengers finished boarding hours ago and we can't let you board. Only the captain and first mate can take your tickets. I'm here to make sure all this junk...er cargo gets aboard the ship so we can head out. You can come back in two weeks but you will need new tickets."

His pirate accent was hardly noticeable when he spoke to Tesni, but the heroes didn't have time to worry about that right now.