Adventure the First

[badger2305]

The 9th of Shapru, 2354 A.S.

For Kogush and Nyara, the return to the Foreigners Quarter was almost anticlimatic. Lord Niru was generous after the monster on the beach was dealt with, but there was obviously something more going on than an early morning hunting expedition. The return to Jakalla itself was uneventful.

Passing through the narrow, constricted courtyard of the Tower of the Red Dome, you again find yourselves in the entrance room of the hostel. As always, there is a thin haze of smoke several feet from the ceiling. Immediately inside the entrance room, there are several rough-looking fellows as well as a scarred-face Shen. On a dias in the back of the room resides Shukoaz Vishshe, the proprietor. He sits with several women of uncertain nationality lounging nearby, conversing quietly. Additionally, there is a young muscular fellow with a flame pendant sitting uncomfortably nearby.

Seeing you enter, the hostel keeper smiles - but his eyes remain hard and observant. "Alas, but there have been various demands forced upon me, and I have been required to assign your quarters to another guest. You are free to depart, but should you wish to stay, I may have better accommodations available - but the price will be more. My apologies for the inconvenience - here, have some Dronu-wine as an apology-gift from me." A slave brings over a tray and some clay cups and a ewer of the Salarvyani beverage.

"Even worse, there is a new arrival here, who has been similarly discommoded. Perhaps you might be able to make some arrangement...?" Shukuoz leaves the question open as he gestures towards the warrior, who gets up warily.

A slave whispers something in his ear, and Shukuoz raises an eyebrow. "It seems your reputation precedes you. Your friend Dresu has left a message for you - he will be visiting tomorrow, should you stay here, with a possible offer of employment." He waves his hand, and a curtain is pulled aside to reveal another smallish room in which you may converse and make your decision.

[Actions: Your choice at this point is simple: you can either stay at the Tower of the Red Dome (and probably offer a bribe), or seek another hostel in the Foreigners Quarter - however, most of those charge much larger sums, and your host knows that. Please converse amongst yourselves and decide on your course of action.]

[rleduc]

The young foreigner steps into the alcove, apparently ill at ease, perhaps more comfortable with wide open spaces. He is dressed as a simple herder or perhaps a woodsman, muscular but also somewhat wan and grey. His rustic nature shows as he stumbles over his choice of formal address - the ''you of humble piety' for the priestess of Dlamélish or the "you of polite anonymity" to include her companion, and due to his ineptitude, narrowly avoiding use of the 'you of gentle chiding' by accident.

"Greetings, er, honored persons. My name is Bátikan. I am very pleased to make your acquaintance. It is, indeed, a discomfiting situation as our host suggests. For myself, in more ways than one. I am already in the city several days and my funds are reduced to a single night here - I have no means to pay an inducement or afford more expensive lodgings. Without employment, I will be on the streets as of tomorrow. I would be most grateful to share lodgings, even for a night."

"Forgive me for my unseemly prying, but I am pressed in dire circumstances. I could not help but overhear the noble Shukuoz say that you may have employment through a patron tomorrow. If it is amenable to you, perhaps I could be of service. I am skilled in weaponry; I am a good hunter, and a know a little about fashioning arrows and repairing armor. It would be my honor to serve you in your endeavors until I can earn enough to pay my own way."

[greentongue]

Kogush glanced sidelong at Nyara while fiddling with his hood. One might think him a follower of Drá from the shapeless cloth draped haphazardly over his body. It obscured his unusual good looks from casual glances.

After some consideration Kogush addresses the young man, "Bátikan, I can provide shelter for you this day. I too am trying to find my way in these new surroundings. It is not at all like the wilds I am used to, though I do sense that it just as filled with predators."

"As for our possible patron, we shall see what opportunity presents itself."

Turning to his companion, "What say you Nyara? Shall we allow this stranger to join us?"
=

[Achán hiNidráne]

Nyara smiles prettily at the stranger. She is "dressed" (if one can call it that) in nothing more than a pair of sandals and skirt/loincloth of transparent, green thesun cloth while proudly showing off the rest of her body for all of Tekumel to see and admire. From an opening in the bulky pack she was hefting on her way in, the handle of a mace and portion of leather armor is revealed. Her long black tresses are braided and rolled back to a tight bun at the nape of her neck and held in place by a simple pair of lacquered sicks. After a tiring hunting trip and a long voyage back to Jakalla, even she was looking forward to a night's rest on one of the awful woven rag mats that Shukuoz had to offer.

Especially if she could convince the aloof, yet divinely handsome, Kogush to share it with her.

"Of course, dear Kogush," she says. "As antithetical to my faith as it sounds, we need to work together right now lest we starve to death separately." She bows to Bátikan in a courtly manner. "I am pleased to meet you sir," say says, using the "you of auspicious introduction."

[rleduc]

"Then I am indebted to you both", Bátikan replies, bowing deeply, "and I am at your service. We shall see what tomorrow brings. In the meantime, it may be best to be watchful." Noticing the look that passes from Nyara to Kogush, he adds, "perhaps I should take first watch."

[Baron]

Kimesh:

Entering the dim interior of the Tower of the Red Dome, Kimesh minds his steps yet keeps his eyes moving. One eye appears almost squinted; or not, perhaps its appearance was merely a trick of the light.

Catching sight of familiar faces, the young man calls out in abominably-accented Tsolyanu, "Ho, Nyara, Kogush! Have you found our erstwhile host?" Walking up, the young man's shell-armor almost glows with reflected light as he juggles a spear so that he may clasp arms with his companions.

Nodding to an unfamilar face, Kimesh nods. "I am Kimesh, friend. May I ask your name?"

[rleduc]

Greeting, mighty Kimesh. I am Batikan, only lately of Jakalla. I see you and my new found benefactors are boon companions. I am honored at your acquaintance.

[greentongue]

Hogush greets Kimesh, "It is good to see you made it back to us. The proprietor said that Dronu is to contact us soon. We can hope that gainful employment, or at least more contacts, will come from it."

Gesturing towards Bátikan while addressing Kimesh, "I have extended my support to Bátikan for a time. Adding his abilities to our resources should help us offer more to a patron."
=

[badger2305]

The Livyani landlord is attentive to your conversation. "So you will stay then? Excellent - I am heartened by your consideration. I have a suite available overlooking the Foreigners Quarter. There is an antechamber and inner room, with a screened view. For such fine accommodations, the price is modest - 30 kaitars a week for each of you. This, ah, includes meals..."

What Shukuoz does not mention is that the "suite" is up four flights of stairs, the first three uneven baked brick, the last rickety wood. The mats are somewhat better (fewer beetles), and the view is mostly of the wall of the building next door. The food is somewhat better than before, but really not all that good, either.

Dresu's note is straightforward; he asks that you meet him at the Armory where he has found work here in the Foreigners Quarter, shortly after the Tunkul-gong has sounded for the Temple of Karakan's morning ritual tomorrow. There is a fellow who needs Underworld assistance and is willing to pay.

[NB: think about what sorts of Underworld equipment you might want and can afford]

[greentongue]

Kogush pays the landlord the 60 kaitars for Bátikan and himself in assorted coins and follows his guide to the new quarters. When reaching the suite, and after the guide leaves, Kogush checks the window to see if it can be used for an exit (and entrance).

Kogush passes the note to Nyára to read after looking at the symbols drawn on the note for a while. Some are similar to the Salarvyani he understands but, not enough to fully decipher the message.
=

[Baron]

Kimesh:

The young man raises an eyebrow at the landlord's comments.

"My good man, your price is outrageous. I will pay whatever price we agree on, but I suggest you reconsider. A man is wise who is liked and respected by all."

Kimesh attempts to bargain the man down politely, but will settle on a price with good grace.

Upstairs with the others, he remarks, "The underworld? I have heard of this. Will we need climbing gear, prybars and picks, do you think? As well as lanterns..."

He continues thinking in silence.

[Achán hiNidráne]

After paying her share of the room, Nyara takes the note from Kogush. "What is this," she asks as she looks over the text. "Where did you come by this?, Kogush?"

[greentongue]

Kogush answers Nyára, "That is the note Dresu left for us. I can make out some of it but I only read Salarvyani. I was hoping that your temple training included reading the Tsolyáni script."
=

[Achán hiNidráne]

" Ah! Certainly," she says then she reads the Tsolyáni to herself first.

[badger2305]

The 10th of Shapru, 2354 A.S.

The rest of the day and evening pass uneventfully. Dawn slowly reveals itself, orange-red Tuléng - as the Tsolyani call the sun - brightening the watery sky to the east, and the one passable advantage of the apartment's height above the street is the welcome breeze that sluices off the growing heat of the morning.

Despite the mild confusion on the part of your landlord, Dresu's note is clear - present yourself at the gate of the Armoury of Bushetra, and he will meet you there. The Armoury itself is in the north end of the Foreigners Quarter, uncomfortably close to the Prison of Little Ease, but the city is sufficiently large that the proximity is lost in the sheer numbers of people, the height of the buildings and walls, and the clangor of the day.

Bushetra's armoury is a large, wealthy concern, and after presenting yourselves, it is some minutes before Dresu appears, happy to see you.

"Friend Kogush!" Dresu's open, uncomplicated face shines with happiness. "Good to see you again. I see you have companions - that is well." With that, he welcomes you and walks with you along a colunnade and down a narrow hallway to a side room used for showing the smithy's wares to potential customers.

As you walk, Dresu recounts his own recent experiences, ending with "...and after that, Shanushash recommended me to the employ of Bushetra - and he accepted! So here I am, with some coin and noble patrons who think well of me."

Pausing at the door to the room, Dresu says in a lower tone, "So your own experiences must have been of some note. The noble lord who seeks companions was vouchsafed our names by the fellow who had us recover that book - or so he says."

Opening the door, Dresu steps inside. "My companions have arrived and I have brought them here, as you requested." He uses the "You of Noble Status" - /mìsritúsmidàli/ -

Across the small room, admiring a set of armor, a fellow dressed in a finely-cut kilt and wearing two armbands of gold set with gems, turns to greet you. As he does, you can see that there is a sword in a scabbard, hanging from his belt.

"Many thanks, Dresu. Come inside and take some refreshment," gesturing at a pitcher of chilled Chumétl-milk and cups near a semi-circle of mats on the floor. As you seat yourselves on the mats, he looks you all up and down, and continues. "My name is Mottán hiTlélsu. Two days ago, I was exploring in the Underworld with - a friend, and some clan guards. We were beset by warriors of unknown origin and creatures of the Underworld, and in the ensuing battle, I was knocked unconscious, and later carried out. When I asked about my companion, I was told he had fled down a side passage before our guards were overwhelmed. My task is simple: I wish to find my friend and bring him back to the open sky, or if not, find his body and sees that he receives a decent funeral. For this task, I will need to hire mercenaries as my clan deems this a futile endeavor; I am willing to pay 100 káitars and a share of any treasure found."

Mottán pauses. "I am sure you have questions."

[Baron]

Kimesh quietly observes all he passes, keeping his comments to himself, although smiling gently and nodding to any observations by his companions. Although he knows that he looks the foreigner, he is content to be in a district filled with foreigners of all descriptions. Someday he shall move freely among the citizens of this mighty empire!

Nodding and greeting both Dresu and Mottan, Kimesh struggles to use the correct forms of address, foregoing concern over his accent.

"This humble one thanks You of Exalted Kindness for your consideration. Of course, your generous offer is accepted by one such as myself, and my deepest sympathies for the uncomfortable situation. If I might I ask your forebearance, when did you wish to leave? How long will we remain below ground before we return? And would we be required to obtain any supplies or equipment ourselves, beyond our personal weapons and armor?"

Settling back into his place, Kimesh cradles his cup of chumetl, enjoying the spices.

[greentongue]

Kogush takes a seat on an appropriate mat after politely greeting the lord.

If response to the offer of questions, Kogush asks, "Is there something distinct about your friend that will allow us to identify him, no matter how we find him?"

When this is made clear, and if nobody else has asked, Kogush then asks, "These creatures of the Underworld, if they are still there, might you describe them so we may prepare for them?"

The pay is of little concern to Kogush, as doing a favor will be more valuable in the long term.
=

[rleduc]

Batikan remains quiet while the more seasoned adventurers speak. His heartbeat surges at the thought of descending to the Underworld, a prospect made palpable by the noble lord's tale.

If the others neglect to ask, he adds, "One last thing, noble lord: do you have a map of your journey, and can you show us how the last battle unfolded? For example, in which direction your friend - what was their name? - was last seen? Did the unknown warriors and underworld creatures appear to be acting in a coordinated way?"

[badger2305]

Mottán considers your questions in turn. "I was hoping to depart relatively shortly. I doubt that my friend would be able to survive the rigors of the Underworld for more than a few days, given the supplies we had with us. As for how long we would remain underground...that is less clear. No more than a day, possibly two."

His brow furrows slightly at the next question, mostly to give it careful thought. "I am willing to fund particular necessities, but I was assured by your friend Dresu that you were resourceful and battle-ready. I hope that is indeed true."

"As for how to identify my friend - I will be happy to discuss that, once we are underground and on our way." His smile is somewhat tight after that comment. "The same for the creatures we faced. I am sure a well-equipped party would be able to best them; we - we were taken by surprise." His thin smile turns to a frown.

Giving his attention to Bátikan, the young nobleman says in a somewhat distracted tone, "there is little possibility of any decent High Cartography for the Underworld...everything is changed too quickly to make it worthwhile. And I doubt that a 'merchant's map' would suffice; how could all of the relationships be drawn properly? I have a decent idea, nevertheless, about where we need to go."

"Other questions? If not, then make a list of whatever articles you need to be purchased, and Dresu will see to their acquisition. We should be about this expedition with immediate dispatch, if possible."

[greentongue]

Kogush addresses Mottán, "Since you will be leading us, may I assume that you will be providing the torchbearers?"

From Dresu he will ask for rope, spikes, "a fire-starter" and a charcoal or chalk stick (or time to get them.)
=

[rleduc]

Batikan nods in agreement and bows in acquiescence, but defers arrangements to his betters. Being a poor man, he has but his mace and his armor to his name.

He mentally makes note of useful things: a light source, 2 days food and water, a backpack, a knife, a quantity of rope, some small sacks, a fire source (flint and steel). There is only so much he can expect the noble lord to supply; what is not supplied will have to be furnished as best as possible from his last 10 kaitars. Some may have to be done without. Although there may be bearer slaves, he would prefer to have a few torches and some food of his own in case he is separated from the party.

[Baron]

Kimesh listens carefully, and bows to the important Tsolyanu.

"Most honorable one, I'm certain we are all agreed, and can speak to Dresu for any further details. We can be ready when you specify, and assemble at the location of your choosing. Most humble thanks for choosing us. We will do our utmost to further your endeavors, Gracious Lord."

Kimesh prepares to make the following requests to Dresu: prybar, pick and shovel, rations suitable for the underground, spare water (beyond what a man normally carries) sufficient torches. This in addition to the rope and spikes Kogush mentioned. All for the group, he doesn't intend to make requests for equipment for individuals.

[Achán hiNidráne]

Nyara makes a quick inventory of her belonging. She has retained much from her escape from her homeland. "My lord, I don't not think I'll need much..." Her eyes fall upon her suit of leather armor. She had originally taken it off of a dead warrior and had to modify it to fit her slender frame. It may do in a brawl, but if they were expecting a fight, she should try to find better.

"I'll need a better suit of armor. Chlen plate if it can be acquired along with a shield. Also some rope, an extra warterskin... Oh, and a cloak. I hear it get's chilly in the underworld."

[badger2305]

Mottán smiles slightly at the admission from the young priestess. "Then you are in the right place. I am sure the noble Bushetra has armor you can wear."

At that moment, two slaves enter the room. Wearing only a breechclout, each of them carries a sturdy pack over his shoulder. Mottán says, "this is Jaru, and this one is Kemul. They are experienced in the ways of the Underworld. Give them such gear as you do not wish to carry yourselves."

Some time passes as the gear is assembled and distributed. "We'll wait another kiren (Trans: about a half-hour), and then enter the Underworld not far from here," says Mottán.

[greentongue]

Kogush will take the "fire-starter" and a marking stick while having the rest carried by the bearers.

[Achán hiNidráne]

Nyara glady accepts her new suit of armor, strips out of her skirt, and starts to put it on. This Mottan fellow has an excellent eye because he found a suit for her that would fit her rather well. However, a few of the leather ties that hold the breastplate together securely were hard for her to reach.

She looked over at her companions and smiles. "Would one of you gentlemen kindly assist me?" she asks.

[rleduc]

Bátikan gulps and fumbles with Nyara's straps. He is sure she is not as helpless as she appears. Or so he hopes; it crosses his mind that he may be safer in the Underworld.

[Achán hiNidráne]

Nyara looks over her shoulder and sees Baitkan's nervous expression as he bashfully fumbles with her armor. Her mind went back to a lesson the high priestess of her temple gave her when she was a novice: Cultivate your paramours, present and potential, as a farmer does his finest grain. Let them bask in your body's beauty as sprouts bask in The sun. Water them with with innuendo, flirtation, and longing looks from afar. Do this with care and when the time comes to harvest all that pent-up lust and desire in the joyous act, you and the Goddess will be most pleased.

"Why sir," she asks in a low, but playful voice. "What vexes you? Surely you've seen a woman before, ne?"

[greentongue]

Kogush relaxed a little after he saw Nyara's attention focused on Baitkan. He then realized he had tensed up but, was still glad not to be involved.
=

[Baron]

While enjoying the sight of the young girl's body as much as anyone, Kimesh remains vigilant for danger. He is, after all, most-used to hostile environments.