Part 2 - Chapter 3.5
Having left off with our adventurers experiencing their first dawn in Redharbor, a few members of the group were eager to explore the market and the nearby avenues with what free time was available to them. Not only was this their first new day in the Capital, but it was the first day in quite some time which saw them awaken in relative safety, without fear of pursuit or siege.
Sindri spent a good portion of her morning in discussion with Eulid, the High Elf owner of Eulid’s Arcana and Exchange. Apprehensive at first about approaching the poised Golden Elf, the two quickly settled into comfortable conversation. It transpired that Eulid, a Golden Elf (also known as a High Elf) was quite interested in learning more about what brought a Wood elf into Redharbor, and how the Elves of the forest were faring. She invited Sindri to attend a meeting of the Elven Conclave of Redharbor; this was apparently a semi-regular event, wherein the Elves of the Capital meet to share the news from their respective districts and businesses, and generally have a good time - Elf style (It was assumed that fancy attire was likely expected, and that there would be fine food and drink to be had at the conclave).
Charax spent the mid-morning hours wandering the marketplace, and exploring the nearest avenues leading off into neighboring districts. Still amazed by the sheer size of Redharbor, and the diversity of dress and culture on display, the Bard set out to spin tales of King Natali’s wisdom and vision, along with some of his typical crowd-pleasing tunes. Amongst the masses of these new streets, Charax’s fine attire is less distinguished than in the villages and lesser cities scattered across the hills. Clad in his burgundy overcoat, and finely oiled boots however, he still cut a noticeable figure weaving through the crowds. Setting himself up on a corner within the Scholar’s Ward, just outside a tea and coffee house known as the Merry Moon, the Bard was greeted with smiles and nods from much of the crowd. A small troop of King’s Guard passes by, and the sergeant tosses a few pieces of copper along with a nod of approval. Shortly after that, a group of bookish types (read: nerd) offer to buy the performer a drink before they head off to their days’ study.
Nearer the Noble’s district, which Charax discovers does in fact have a name - Harborview - his performance garners a much more mixed review. Grogen heaves past and shouts his greeting, but seems to be hurrying a nobleman’s porters back to their estate with a haul from the market. A brief time later, a company of crimson attired men-at—arms bearing halberds and functional leather armor scowl in Charax’ direction. They jeer and mutter under their breath as they pass - one of the louts even spits whatever weed they were chewing onto the cobbles not far from the Bard. No money is to be had in Harborview, it seems - but a picture of Redharbor’s social climate is starting to take shape.
Boot, in typical fashion, takes a less laborious approach to his morning. Wandering the labyrinthine streets, the old Druid pauses every now and again to admire the abundant moss growth and ivy that seems to cover much of the old stone buildings. Copper takes it all in stride, seeming to enjoy the new climate, and the abundance of new smells and sights. Notably, Boot passes by an incredibly ivy-blanketed building with a sign out front reading ‘Greenhouse’. It appears that the doors are locked, and no firelight emanates from the cracks of the shuttered windows. Nonetheless, the druid takes note of the structure - built of worn river rock displaying hues of blue and green. Another time perhaps, he resolves to perhaps visit the place.
The companions all managed to find eachother again near the Rock at the center of the marketplace, and spent a little of the early afternoon exploring the numerous alcoves lining the exterior of the mysterious structure. Peering into the small private spaces, the group came to realize that they were familiar with many of the Deities represented within the shrines, through old rumor and legend, or as ties to the many small and distant villages that they’d visited along their travels. Seeing such a fine and permanent structure dedicated to them was new, however, and intrigued the party. Sindri left a handful of moss among the offerings to Ehlonna, willing it to grow alongside similar patches already taking hold inside of the Woodland Goddesses’ shrine. Carved out of the rear-most wall of Ehlonna’s alcove was the head of a Unicorn, and the group noted that wreaths of Rosemary and other aromatics had been draped over the statue’s horn. They also noted that the shrine dedicated to Boccob, the lord of Magic, was clean of all dust. The only thing item to be found within that alcove however, was a broken glass orb atop a finely crafted altar. Similarly strange, was an alcove full of, apparently, trash. Debris, splintered wood, and old food covered the floor of the small shrine. A close inspection of the small statue carved at the rear of this space revealed it to be dedicated to Vecna, the lord of evil secrets.
After their exploration of the Rock, the party decided to get on with their central objective for the morning: acquiring rations for the Deep Gnomes. They found a Dwarven quartermaster named Runnir who offered them a deal on an enormous brick of Rations, totalling 25 days’ worth of food. Each days’ ration was finely and neatly packed into a rectangular container of stiff waxy paper, and sealed with a drip of wax. It came to light that Runnir was a well regarged provisioner for a number of mercenary groups within Redharbor, and must have also been commissioned to source and pack rations for the Capital’s militia as well. The party ended up paying seven pieces of silver for the forty-pound brick of food, and happily went on their way.
Defeated: Some of Sindri’s anxiety about Golden Elves, also a bit of Charax’s bardic ego
Characters met: Runnir the Dwarven provisioner
Acquired: Knowledge of Redharbor’s High Elven Conclave, a general sense of how the different districts view King Natali, 3 copper, 25 days worth of Rations
Quests: Hunt the Green Devil / Assist the Deep Gnomes burrow home
