The loading of the containers continue well into the night. Coreen and Gian checked the transfers. As workers hauled the final crate, a skiff descended onto the landing bay.
Zonnos and a pair of his shifters emerged from the skiff. Rhe young Boromar lord and his followers boarded the Ravenstorm. They looked over the last container before heading towards Devlin.
“Lord Boromar. Is there anything I could do for you?” Devlin cordially greeted the halfling.
“I wanted to wish you good luck on your mission and tell you that I have no hard feelings.” Zonnos gave a wide smile. “I know that you are going into a dangerous situation, and I want you to know you have the support of our entire clan.”
“However,” said the Boromar lord, “Even if you fail to find my sister, or – Sovereigns forbid – you find her too late to help, you will still have an ally in our clan.”
Zonnos gave Devlin a friendly wink. “I trust I am clear in this matter?”
1.6.07
Four Scrolls
The Regalport Scroll
The Lhazaar Principalities is a nation of factions that vie for supremacy. Its population is primarily human, with strong gnome, half-elf and changeling presence.
Dozens of princes control land and ships in the Principalities. Ryger ir’Wynarn is the best known, since he represented the Principalities at he thronehold discussions. Ryger seeks to unite the Principalities into a true nation, but has met with strong resistance from the other lords. Prince Ryger’s flagship, Dragoneye, makes it home port at Regalport.
The Seadragon principality Is typically regarded as a backwater corner of the continent. Its population trades in local animal products and minng for Eberron dragonshards though. Being far from the main land though, the Principalities have become a common meeting place for smugglers and other scoundrels. The local government is tolerant as long as it gets its cut and one of the local folks gets killed.
Aside from Prince Ryger’s Seadragons, other groups include vicious pirates of the Cloudreavers, the mercenary Diresharks, the changeling Gray Tide, the Bloodsails of Farlnen, the half-elf Wind Whisperers and the well-intentioned Heavenly Fleet.
The Plague Scroll
The plague appeared three weeks ago and quickly swept the Principalities. It is assumed to be airborne, and those affected are seriously weakened. The symptoms of the plague include fever, dehydration (resulting in crusting about the mouth and eyes), general weakness, and the thickening of the fingers and tongue. Repeated exposures can kill and individual.
The first indication of the plague occurred when a cruise ship from Regalport showed up in Valenar, its crew too weak to land. The ship was boarded and impounded. The Lyrandar fleet was sent to keep a lid on the Principalities as healing supplies were prepared to help those trapped in the city. Several ships, mostly pirates, fled Regalport before the blockade was fully in place, but for the past two weeks nothing has arrived or left the Seadragon Principalities.
The origin of the plague is unknown to those on Regalport.
The Lyrandar Fleet Scroll
Officials of the Dragonmarked Houses contacted the Lyrandar fleet to secure the area until a sufficient response could be mounted. In response, the fleet has assigned the airships Resolute to patrol the area. Nothing gets on and off the city without the Lyrandar fleet’s permission, and so far the only things that it allows are protected Lyrandar and Medani forces. In addition to the Resolute, the fleet employs a dozen stormships to help maintain the blockade.
The contact at the Lyrandar fleet is Angela Krin d’Lyrandar. A note describes her as a frustrating, officious bureaucrat.
The Mika ir' Boromar Scroll
Mika is the second child of Popora ir’Boromar. An illustration of her shows a young, bright-eyes halfling with greening eyes and yellowish blonde hair. Popora has entrusted particular missions to Mika, as much as he has to Zonnos. Although Zonnos is expected to take control of Popora’s holdings once Popora steps down, Mika figures prominently in her father’s plans as well. He hopes Mika will add a subtler touch to her older sibling’s decisions. Mika’s interests include foreign cultures, history, and magic, all of which would serve her well in such a rle.
Mika was on the Principalities for two weeks before the plague broke out. She was negotiating with a collective of dragonshard miners for 1% of their yearly haul in exchange for transport to Sharn on Popora’s ships. The notes on the Principalities geology come from Mika’s reports back to her parent and sibling.
Once the plague broke out, all contact with the Principalities ceased, resuming sporadically only with the arrival of the Lyrandar forces. Popora’s aides have contacted the Lyrandar Dragonmarked house but have received no response concerning any halfling on the city. A quoted section of the report uses the phrase “… more important things to do than play nanny to some missing halfling.”
Mika last reported in from Regalport just before the plague. A couple of Boromar halfling bodyguards accompanied her.
After the Meeting
Following the reception by Popora, Vago once more greets the group outside the audience chamber, the warforged Herald at his side. The halfling then hands over four scrolls to Devlin. “Information on Regalport … information on Popora’s youngest child … information on the disease itself … information the Lyrandar blockade. We’ll be loading the medical herbs and spices this afternoon. You can take off by day’s end, or tomorrow at the latest.”
Vago and Herald then lead the group out back to the landing bay where the airskiff is. From there the group is shuttled back to the Lyrandar docking tower.
Upon landing, Vago lowers the ramp. He then produces a pouch at his side. “Oh one last thing. You’re going to need your medicine,” he says, a slight smile spreading across his face. “It doesn’t have a pleasant taste.”
The halfling hands over the pouch to Rothaide, which the elf hesitantly takes. “There are ten vials of vaccine. Those are for you and your crew, as well as for negotiations with the local population. I suggest, however, that you save at least two doses for Mika.”
Coreen meets Vago and Herald on the deck while Devlin proceeds to the ship’s helm. Gian and Rourke, on the other hand, prepare the ship to leave the docking tower. Rothaide, meanwhile, heads for the medical room to take care of the vaccines.
Under Devlin’s direction the ship carefully makes its way towards Precarious to where the Boromar warehouses are located. Once the Ravenstorm arrives, and has carefully secured itself floating under the magical lifts and cranes, Vago signals the warehouse laborers to start loading the containers of herbs and spice unto the Ravenstorm.
Vago and Herald then lead the group out back to the landing bay where the airskiff is. From there the group is shuttled back to the Lyrandar docking tower.
Upon landing, Vago lowers the ramp. He then produces a pouch at his side. “Oh one last thing. You’re going to need your medicine,” he says, a slight smile spreading across his face. “It doesn’t have a pleasant taste.”
The halfling hands over the pouch to Rothaide, which the elf hesitantly takes. “There are ten vials of vaccine. Those are for you and your crew, as well as for negotiations with the local population. I suggest, however, that you save at least two doses for Mika.”
Coreen meets Vago and Herald on the deck while Devlin proceeds to the ship’s helm. Gian and Rourke, on the other hand, prepare the ship to leave the docking tower. Rothaide, meanwhile, heads for the medical room to take care of the vaccines.
Under Devlin’s direction the ship carefully makes its way towards Precarious to where the Boromar warehouses are located. Once the Ravenstorm arrives, and has carefully secured itself floating under the magical lifts and cranes, Vago signals the warehouse laborers to start loading the containers of herbs and spice unto the Ravenstorm.
The Wrestling Match
“It is a simple fight. No weapons are allowed. First one who gets wounded loses.” Zonnos states much to the other shifters’ cheer.
The shifter named Tamara lets out a howl in the hopes of intimidating her opponent. Gian ignores the attempt and calmly removes his coat and gives it to Herald, leaving him unarmored in a sleeveless white shirt. He then takes on a defensive stance opposite his opponent.
Unfettered, Tamara likewise assumes on her own attack posture, at the same time her body seems to change – seemingly growing to almost seven feet tall, her skin taking on a tougher appearance and fingers transforming to claws.
“First to get wounded loses.” The shifter repeats as she looks at her claws and shows them off to her opponent. Shouts of approval erupt from where the others shifters are.
Gian simply gives a small nod and pushes back his eye glasses.
Angered by the simple gesture the shifter pounces at the smaller human; her two claws leading the charge attack.
The artificer simply sidesteps the initial attack, and dodges with expertise the second claw.
Infuriated at not being able to connect, Tamara renews her attack, changing her tactics by getting closer. A short jump takes the shifter closer to her opponent. A raking claw of her right hand to Gian’s face causes the human to step a bit to the left to avoid it. The movement saves him from the attack but puts her into the path of the second claw which rakes towards the artificer’s midsection.
::dragonmark::A dark blue light flares out from Gian’s arm and elaborate skin patterns appear on it just before the attack connects with flesh. The shifter’s claws bounce off harmlessly as if blocked by some sort of invisible field of force.
At that time, a gasp is heard from one of the Aereni elves.
“The Mark of the Sentinel.” Popora laughs as pleased by the revelation. “Impressive Master Lyrandar. You didn’t tell us that your bodyguard is a member of the House of Dennith.”
Taking advantage of the distraction, Gian punches at Tamara’s midsection. Taken by surprise, the blow connects but to no effect as it fails to penetrate the toughened shifter hide.
The shifters at Zonnos’ mat lets out a howl while Tamara conceitedly yells with them.
Gian raises an eyebrow and nods in understanding as if he just got an answer to some mental computation he’s been doing and goes back to his defensive stance.
::smite::
Tamara howls back and once more pounces on the human. Gian on the other hand simply thrusts out his hand towards his opponent’s chest. The two combatants finally connect for a second neither one makes a move.
::wraithstrike::
The shifters claws targeting her opponent’s face but stops just inches before reaching her target. The human however had his fingers extended and buried deep up to the palm into the shifter’s right shoulder – human flesh penetrating shifter.
The audience chamber is silent until the first drop of blood falls on the floor. It is only then that Popora gives out a hearty laugh.
“I guess I win!” The older halfling lord calls out to his offspring. “I’ll be collecting soon Zonnos, my child.”
The younger halfling bows to his father and leads the Shifters outside the chamber to take their wounded to be taken care of by the Arenai elves.
“But for now I think we have a business deal to finish.” Popora turns back to Devlin and his crew. "Captain Lyrandar, bring back my child."
Fight Conditions
Devlin studied the menacing shifter, ignoring the brute's attempt to intimidate him. He shifted his gaze towards Zonnos. The young Borormar lord was itching for a fight, his eyes gleamed with excitement and pleasure. He threw a mocking smirk back that the war wizard.
"Wrestling?"
A familiar voice echoed across the chamber. The word hung in the air as everyone turned to face the speaker.
"That's hardly a challenge fit for a spellslinger." The stranger continued as he tilted his head and blew smoke into the air.
Devlin smirked as the stranger began to casually walk into the dimly lit audience chamber. He was smoking a stick of Black pit Blend, exhaling a veil of smoke towards the menacing shifter.
"Rourke," Devlin said to himself. "Always late."
The stranger's steps filled the audience chamber with the scuff of soft leather boots. Rothaide whispered a soft prayer of mercy in elvish.
"Now if it were 'who could burn the most shifters where they currently stand...with a gesture'-- that would be more appropriate."
Vago waves the guards off and addresses everyone in the room. "This must be Timothy O'Rourke, a warmage of Karnnath. Another companion of the Captain d’Lyandar." Vago chimed in before his master's curiosity could turn to annoyance.
"At your service." Tim quipped.
"Where have you been?" Devlin muttered to his former war compatriot.
"Got tied back at Precarious," the warmage whispered back. "Good thing Coreen told me where you guys are."
"Excuse me," Zonnos interrupted the two war veterans. "I thought we were in the middle of a wrestling challenge."
Devlin and Rourke turned towards the young halfling Lord. "Normally we prefer to settle things without the use of violence and force," the half elf wizard replied. "But we can make an exception in your case."
Zonnos gave mocking smile as he signaled the shifter to step into the center of the chamber. "Go choose your fighter," he said to Devlin.
Devlin gazed over Gian and nodded his head.
“Be careful but likewise be quick.” The wizards mentally instructed the artificer.
“I will.” The young artificer nodded back.
"I guess I will be wrestling her." Gian thought back to Rourke and walked to face the challenger.
Zonnos stands up and lifts his goblet as acceptance and thereafter addresses the combatants.
“It’s a simple fight. No weapons are allowed. First one who gets wounded loses.” Zonnos states much to the other shifters’ cheer.
“So it’s Tamara against the one called Gian. No aid shall come from anyone else. “ The young halfling lord adds as he looks directly at the half-elf captain; causing the latter to step back and away from the artificer.
"Wrestling?"
A familiar voice echoed across the chamber. The word hung in the air as everyone turned to face the speaker.
"That's hardly a challenge fit for a spellslinger." The stranger continued as he tilted his head and blew smoke into the air.
Devlin smirked as the stranger began to casually walk into the dimly lit audience chamber. He was smoking a stick of Black pit Blend, exhaling a veil of smoke towards the menacing shifter.
"Rourke," Devlin said to himself. "Always late."
The stranger's steps filled the audience chamber with the scuff of soft leather boots. Rothaide whispered a soft prayer of mercy in elvish.
"Now if it were 'who could burn the most shifters where they currently stand...with a gesture'-- that would be more appropriate."
Vago waves the guards off and addresses everyone in the room. "This must be Timothy O'Rourke, a warmage of Karnnath. Another companion of the Captain d’Lyandar." Vago chimed in before his master's curiosity could turn to annoyance.
"At your service." Tim quipped.
"Where have you been?" Devlin muttered to his former war compatriot.
"Got tied back at Precarious," the warmage whispered back. "Good thing Coreen told me where you guys are."
"Excuse me," Zonnos interrupted the two war veterans. "I thought we were in the middle of a wrestling challenge."
Devlin and Rourke turned towards the young halfling Lord. "Normally we prefer to settle things without the use of violence and force," the half elf wizard replied. "But we can make an exception in your case."
Zonnos gave mocking smile as he signaled the shifter to step into the center of the chamber. "Go choose your fighter," he said to Devlin.
Devlin gazed over Gian and nodded his head.
“Be careful but likewise be quick.” The wizards mentally instructed the artificer.
“I will.” The young artificer nodded back.
"I guess I will be wrestling her." Gian thought back to Rourke and walked to face the challenger.
Zonnos stands up and lifts his goblet as acceptance and thereafter addresses the combatants.
“It’s a simple fight. No weapons are allowed. First one who gets wounded loses.” Zonnos states much to the other shifters’ cheer.
“So it’s Tamara against the one called Gian. No aid shall come from anyone else. “ The young halfling lord adds as he looks directly at the half-elf captain; causing the latter to step back and away from the artificer.
Enter: Rourke
"Wrestling?"
The word hung in the air as everyone turned to face the speaker.
"That's hardly a challenge fit for a spellflinger." The stranger continued as he tilted his head and blew smoke into the air.
At the sight of the newcomer, two of the shifters at Zonnos’ mat quickly moved to shield the halfling lord. They took on a defensive stance, ready to pounce at the new arrival.
The stranger began to casually walk towards the audience chamber, parting the veil of smoke he'd just exhaled. His steps filled the audience chamber with the scuffle of soft leather boots. Faint wisps of smoke trailed behind the stranger as he puffed a finely rolled stick of Black Pit Blend.
"Now if it were 'who could burn the most shifters where they currently stand...with a gesture'-- that would be more appropriate." He rambled as he stopped beside Devlin.
From the main mat, the Aerendi elves moved to cover the older halfling. A handful of halfling guards marched towards the front of the mat.
Vago waved the guards off and addressed everyone in the room. "This must be Timothy O'Rourke, a warmage of Karnnath. Another companion of the Captain d’Lyandar."
"At your service." Tim quipped
The guards and elves returned to their usual positions, but their eyes more alert than before.
"And my talents are far more...elaborate than mere wrestling - As I'm sure the wise Popora Boromar already knows." He continued as he bowed his head low. "I humbly request you spare your son and his...entourage this harsh lesson."
He then turned to let his gaze fall on the shifter and marked her with piercing eyes.
From within Rourke's mind came Gian's voice: "You're drunk again, aren't you?"
"Hey, you wrestle him." Rourke thought back.
The word hung in the air as everyone turned to face the speaker.
"That's hardly a challenge fit for a spellflinger." The stranger continued as he tilted his head and blew smoke into the air.
At the sight of the newcomer, two of the shifters at Zonnos’ mat quickly moved to shield the halfling lord. They took on a defensive stance, ready to pounce at the new arrival.
The stranger began to casually walk towards the audience chamber, parting the veil of smoke he'd just exhaled. His steps filled the audience chamber with the scuffle of soft leather boots. Faint wisps of smoke trailed behind the stranger as he puffed a finely rolled stick of Black Pit Blend.
"Now if it were 'who could burn the most shifters where they currently stand...with a gesture'-- that would be more appropriate." He rambled as he stopped beside Devlin.
From the main mat, the Aerendi elves moved to cover the older halfling. A handful of halfling guards marched towards the front of the mat.
Vago waved the guards off and addressed everyone in the room. "This must be Timothy O'Rourke, a warmage of Karnnath. Another companion of the Captain d’Lyandar."
"At your service." Tim quipped
The guards and elves returned to their usual positions, but their eyes more alert than before.
"And my talents are far more...elaborate than mere wrestling - As I'm sure the wise Popora Boromar already knows." He continued as he bowed his head low. "I humbly request you spare your son and his...entourage this harsh lesson."
He then turned to let his gaze fall on the shifter and marked her with piercing eyes.
From within Rourke's mind came Gian's voice: "You're drunk again, aren't you?"
"Hey, you wrestle him." Rourke thought back.
A Penny for your Thoughts
Gian was wary of Popora ‘ir Boromar. From his past dealings with Saidan 'ir Boromar, he knew that one had to be very careful when dealing with any member of this halfling clan.
The young artificer allowed Devlin to do all the talking, so he sat there together with the half-elf and Rothaide in the middle of the audience chamber, and kept calm and simply watched and listened. He could still feel the copper piece in his pocket and knew that the infusions he placed on it earllier were still functioning as he had intended.
When he noticed Devlin’s eyes turning towards him, Gian opened his mind just enough to receive the half-elf’s thoughts.
“What are the Shifters up to?” The half-elf asked via the telepathic bond provided by the magic of the infusion.
“It’s hard to say. Talenta is a roundabout language,” Gian replied as he pretended to adjust his eyeglasses and stared back at the half-elf. “But basically, as far as I can tell, they’re just throwing insults at us and mimicking your conversation with Popora. Do you want to hear the details?”
Devlin gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head in disapproval.
Gian continued to watch and listen to the Shifters make fun of their group. Suddenly he hears the younger halfling warn his Shifter companions
“Heads up, Captain. Something’s about to happen.” Gian warned Devlin.
It’s then that Zonnos gives out a loud burp and addresses his father. The two halflings exchange words and finally come into a betting agreement.
“I take your bet, my child.” Popora tells his child before facing Devlin and his crew. ”Guests, is there one among you to prove young Zonnos incorrect? Does anyone care to wrestle a Shifter?”
“Wrestle, Captain?” Gian mentally asked Devlin; at the same time the artificer was already taking inventory of the resources available to him
The young artificer allowed Devlin to do all the talking, so he sat there together with the half-elf and Rothaide in the middle of the audience chamber, and kept calm and simply watched and listened. He could still feel the copper piece in his pocket and knew that the infusions he placed on it earllier were still functioning as he had intended.
When he noticed Devlin’s eyes turning towards him, Gian opened his mind just enough to receive the half-elf’s thoughts.
“What are the Shifters up to?” The half-elf asked via the telepathic bond provided by the magic of the infusion.
“It’s hard to say. Talenta is a roundabout language,” Gian replied as he pretended to adjust his eyeglasses and stared back at the half-elf. “But basically, as far as I can tell, they’re just throwing insults at us and mimicking your conversation with Popora. Do you want to hear the details?”
Devlin gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head in disapproval.
Gian continued to watch and listen to the Shifters make fun of their group. Suddenly he hears the younger halfling warn his Shifter companions
“Heads up, Captain. Something’s about to happen.” Gian warned Devlin.
It’s then that Zonnos gives out a loud burp and addresses his father. The two halflings exchange words and finally come into a betting agreement.
“I take your bet, my child.” Popora tells his child before facing Devlin and his crew. ”Guests, is there one among you to prove young Zonnos incorrect? Does anyone care to wrestle a Shifter?”
“Wrestle, Captain?” Gian mentally asked Devlin; at the same time the artificer was already taking inventory of the resources available to him
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