[If I move along faster than you had wanted, feel free to state what else may have happened, for example in the inn that night.
Also, the payment promised is a healthy sum, but don't assume it is the same denomination as in "100 gold" in Civ4
)]
[tab]Those who found the offer to their liking all made sure to note the address before retiring for the night, and packed everything of value before setting off the next day shortly after the noon meal. Some had the money for a meal of substance, but many were finding the prospect of full pockets quite enticing as they took the basic fare Nan gave them.
[tab]Nindoro was the first to the home, a sturdy multistory manor in the noble section of the city, by the northern cliffs. Out of habit he made a study of the surroundings, a park with the city obelisk behind the home, a market along the city wall to the east, and one row of homes between him and the shore to the north. He paused before, knocking, then decided to wait and see who else approached before announcing himself.
[tab]Tsanal and Ken were the next to arrive, engaged in a heated debate on the merits of various mana spheres. Ken was an advocate of the more obvious and destructive uses—after all, Kylorin’s own wife controlled the flames. Tsanal was hesitant to argue with Ken, but pointed out that changing a rulers mind cut out the need to immolate his army.
Ken’s retort was drown out in a clump-clump of hooves on cobblestone, and a high pitched squeal—a small pig was running down the block, followed by a young woman in pink robes.
[tab]“Gung-Fu!” Munak shouts, earning glares of a passing merchant. Noticing two adepts who had also been staying at the Ferryside Inn with her, she paused and bowed slightly. “I’m sorry, sirs, she is usually better behaved.” The pig was still running, but paused before a robed elf coming from the market. He placed a hand on the pig’s head, calming her enough to be picked up and returned to the owners.
[tab]Mryddyn’s solemn face bore a quick smile, and he told the girl, “It’s alright, young Munak, I have noticed many animals spooked today.”
[tab] “As have I,” said Thomas, “But that is an experience I’m familiar with. Are you each here for the job? There will be safety in numbers, then.” He was dressed in trappings common to traveling merchants, but under the tunic a necklace gave him a comforting coolness even in the warm weather.
[tab] The five of them opened the gate, and knocked on the door to the manor. “You are coming too, aren’t you?” Nindoro started, unused to being found when hiding, but Mipe had walked straight up to him, piercing the shadows with a practiced gaze. “You do not want for coins, I know, but perhaps it would be good to earn some today?” Nindoro stared back, revealing nothing, but the nodded, and they followed the others into the manor when the door was opened by Corvanes servant, the same pale elf from the night before. The seven of you are shown to the parlor, where you are soon greeted by your employer.
[tab] “Welcome!” their host greeted them. He shook their hands one by one, leaving a small pouch in each. “I took the liberty of cashing your payment in Swords—the currency of the Bannor looks to be more reliable here in the near future than the Lanun Sails.” (If you take out the money you see the flaming sword stamped on each one.) “There is little more to tell you about you mission, save the location of the dock in which to find my vessel. I wanted to avoid advertising exactly where in public, a pointless caution, hopefully.” A map of the city hangs on the wall. “Across the canal and to the south is the commercial harbor. After the second pier the
Long Vision is docked. There is a warehouse nearby that is abandoned, it should provide a suitable hiding place from the Bannor should you see a patrol approaching. Again, I hate to involve strangers in something that is, strictly speaking, against the law, but I am in a bind, and you should not be in too great trouble for simply breaking curfew.
[tab] “I expect no trouble before sundown, my rivals are not so brazen. But be there each night until my inspection next week, if you want your payment. If you want for weapons, I can provide you with staves that should be acceptable even under martial law—or at least appear so.” He takes one from a rack, showing how to unsheathe the blade hidden inside. “Less effective than a sword, but discrete.”
“If you have any questions, I can help you… other wise you are free to attend to your business until dusk.”