CH. 11: The Show Must Go On

[TristenC]

The goblin stares at the irritated Gnome incredulously for a moment. Hey, man, this thing is way bigger than any performance I've ever seen. I didn't grow up in a big city or anything, I've lived most of my life in caves. he counters flatly. Besides, I've never seen you perform before that I can remember, so how the blazes would I know how good you are? And i don't know what you're talking about with the mages comment, but I'm just a dumb goblin anyway right? Shaking his head he turns to Delarn. Let's go. He starts off to find a vendor that sells hoods. Good luck or whatever. he says before he gets more than a couple paces away.

[Haahque]

“Yeah, that’s probably the reason.” At least this dumb goblin has the brains to know that he’s a dumb goblin. But… just as Gobax is declaring his intentions to leave, Haahqae recalls that he needs to find someone trustworthy to collect money for the show, and this goblin, for all his annoying traits, did save Haahqae’s life before. That’s one good thing. Also Haahqae had the chance to turn him in and hadn’t. He knows that, so he’s got reason to be beholden to Haahqae in a way. If this goblin isn’t trustworthy, then there’s no goblin in the world that’s trustworthy. That’s quite possibly possible. But Haahqae needs someone to help out today.

“Hey wait, what are you doing this afternoon, at around tenth watch today?”

[TristenC]

Grubnick stops, turning sideways to regard the Gnome. I've got a few things going, why?

[Haahque]

"I was wondering if you'd help out with the show. I need an extra pair of hands because amazing as I might be, I can't be everywhere at once. I need to make sure everything goes smoothly."

[TristenC]

The goblin barks a derisive laugh more on impulse than anything else. Buddy, you've got a funny way of asking for help... Gradually possibilities form and he sees an unexpected opening. Tell you what, let me think about it and I'll let you know within the hour. He shrugs, Maybe I can adjust my other plans. Where can I find you an hour from now? Here?

[Haahque]

What the heck was wrong with Haahqae's way of asking for help? What do people usually do? Handstand while they ask for help?

"Yep, I'll be around here probably for the rest of the day."

[TristenC]

Alright, I'll let you know. See you in a bit. Grubnick heads off to buy a hood, making sure Delarn is following without blowing up at the Gnome. In a low voice he speaks to the Dwarf as they walk. I think we may just have stumbled on an unusual opportunity... If I agree to help, I might be right up close to them when the attack hits... I don't like the escape routes around here much, but from the cobbler's if you head West behind the shops you can probably join any traffic on Blade street somewhere between the checkpoints. Or you can cross Blade Street west into the next block, then head South to your own inn. By the time you get far enough to cross the streets the area will be bedlam. What do you think? We might have to forego the flaming oil, I'm not sure you could throw it from the roof of the shop without them seeing you anyway. This could give us both a decent escape. If I get in a bind i can always catch my clothes on fire somehow and pretend to burn to death in the confusion. he says, knowing Delarn understands about his fire immunity.

[HorizonsDream]

Kendra looks surprised upon the sudden embrace, but she returns the hug. "I'm sorry that I haven't been by to visit," she says sadly. "It is just that I've been busy."

[djhyland]

"Not the priestesses, no," admits Arulia. "But the Army certainly has. You say that the Church and the Army are two separate things, but that's not what the people in town see. You came here at the same time, you both serve the same, uh, goddess, you both rely on each other. To us, you are one and the same."

Although she's increasingly alarmed at Niniva's apparent interest in the priestess's offer, Arulia bites her lip and doesn't interrupt her sister's questions. She had, after all, just proclaimed Niniva's right to control her own body. But she intends to have a long talk with her about the brothel after they return home...the priestess, after all, can't be telling the whole story, and she doesn't want to put Niniva in the same situation that she put Cassilda in.

[JadedDM]

Haahqae (Grand Market)
Gobax and his dwarven companion step away to talk in private. The dwarf never did introduce himself, or even say anything. He just stood there and watched the gnome with suspicion.

Kendra Synclair (Prefect's Mansion)
Pulling away from her, Norris says, "I can only imagine. What news do you bring? Are you doing alright?"

Grubnick (Grand Market)
Once the two are a good distance away from Haahqae, Delharn chuckles sardonically. "So you know the bastard what's giving this performance? Small world, I guess." He strokes his rough, red beard in thought. "Hmm, you may be on to something there, lad. Plus, if you are collecting the coin for him, then that means you'll see everyone who shows up. I heard a rumor that the prefect himself might attend. If that's so, you can identify him. We'll need some kind of signal so you can point him out to me without giving yourself away."

Arulia Seroth (Farmer's Street)
"If you take issue with the army, you should speak with the prefect," the cleric responds. "And the church serves Takhisis directly, while the army serves the Emperor. And while the Emperor is a great man...he is still just a man, as flawed as any other mortal." She addresses this next part more to the gathered crowd than Arulia herself. "Come, and see for yourself at the temple. We cannot control the prefect or his army, but we are responsible for ourselves. And you will see, we are doing everything we can to help alleviate the difficulties of this transitional period of the city. We offer free food and drink to those in need, as our priests can create it from thin air. We offer guidance, to those who feel lost in this new world. All we ask in return is for you to hear us out on the wonders and virtues of the Dragon Queen, and how she can help you, personally."

Again the crowd murmurs among themselves. They sound fairly impressed. Even the Seekers could not conjure up free food and drink for people.

Felran, Ne-Chanz and Shima (North Sewers)
The three continue down the corridor to the intersection, and head north. There they find the path abruptly ends near a massive underground river of sludge. The smell is repulsive, to say the least. Shima immediately regrets that second breakfast as the terrible odor makes him want to toss it. This is the source of the sound they heard. The water is pouring out of a series of pipes on the east wall, and the water flows to the west. It's unclear how far the river extends.

The stonework in the corridor is identical to the stonework in the upper area they have already explored.

[spyguy1503]

"Other way, then?" Felran inquires dryly. Ne-Chanz concurs.

[TristenC]

Know him? Yeah, I saved his life I guess. The goblin shakes his head, He was in the group that cleared out the Belzorite lair... He and a bard found it and went to check it out, but the guards knocked them out. I convinced the guard to let me patch them up before they bled to death, then was able to escape with them... I guess I've told you all about this, though... They know about me. he said with a significant tone.
The bard got arrested not long ago, he's the one whose house I mentioned as a potential hiding place... Shaking himself from the exposition, he returns to the plan, If I find the prefect, I can always just give him a formal bow. he says with a crooked grin.

[Chris1234]

"Sure, just keep going," responds the dwarf.

[HorizonsDream]

"I'm all right, Norris," Kendra assures him with a light smile. "As for news, everything is pretty much the same sadly enough. I'm trying, but I don't want push him too much," she explains. "I plan on taking a day off soon so I can sell that gem you told me about."

[djhyland]

As soon as the priestess turns her attention away from her, Arulia pulls on Niniva's hand to lead her away from the crowd and on again towards Kendra's house. Once they make it to a quieter section of the city, she asks, "What do you think of what that priestess said?"