SESSION #06: Battle for justice

[istainion]

  

CHARACTER: Streth Evira  
CLASS: Paladin  LVL: 02
 

"After we planned our day at the inn, we left the room to head outside and got surprised by the heavy rain that fell from the clouded sky above. As we observed the rain, Arden and Smuck began to discuss a deal among themselves, related to the gold they may receive in return for the magic item. The one we obtained from the Old city's beggar prince.

 

It was to earn at least 435 Gold, if Arden would succeed, Smuck would pay the difference in gold to Arden, if not, then Arden would pay the difference to Smuck. I thought it was rather questionable and assured that there is no rivalry involved within our teamwork. They told me that it is entirely friendly. Quite convincing at that. The two indeed made this deal after they finally confirmed the price. Arden is a master merchant, it will be interesting to witness his efforts. We do need the gold after all ...

 

Our travel resumed toward the mansion at the end of the large bridges, above the marketplaces. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the guard, and have made our request known to meet Wakanga O'tamu to discuss something of importance. And we were in luck, for there is a spot free after the current meeting. With the exchange of some kind words, the guard allows us to wait inside the waiting room, away from the heavy rain.

 

I enjoyed the music that is played and the gentle sounds of bird song. The other men spent time on copying the map, studying the dictionary we bought, or just by making themselves comfortable after drying.

 

After the visitors left, the merchant prince greeted us with a warm smile. I told him what we are here for and gestured to Arden to present Wakanga the magic item. He seems already familiar with it. A specialist, indeed. 

 

As Arden resumed to suggest the value of the item, Wakanga made the first offer, but Smuck then added the negative aspects of the item. Something that Arden was not prepared for, and it interrupted his flow of business. 

 

A scene came to being that confused both the merchant prince as well as myself. An argument at that. They had told me that it would be a friendly challenge, but words of hate and accusations were shared among the two. 

 

I apologized to Wakanga for it, who verbally seems to doubt our teamwork. Then Smuck spoke up, and gave the merchant prince another reason to increase his offer from 330 to 400 Gold. This, by the mentioning of our successful efforts that affect his homeland and the surroundings. After that was mentioned, Wakanga seems interested where we obtained this gem, to which we answered his question. It came to a surprise that a person like Po holds onto something so valuable, and he could only assume the hard work we did to earn this.

 

The price was accepted. 400 gold was given in platinum, making a total of 40 platinum which I have been handed. It was something that Smuck wanted to, for reasons unknown. I happily hold onto it for everyone.

 

. . .

 

After it all came to an end, we left with an apology and a friendly wave for each of us to leave Wakanga's mansion. 

 

We headed toward the first bridge, until I stopped in my tracks and turned toward the others. Once we removed ourselves far enough for no one to overhear us, I scolded both Smuck and Arden for that moment. Not only does it put us as a group to shame to an important contact, it also reveals that our teamwork may struggle and this man to lose faith in us. 

 

To avoid this from happening again, I demanded the two to apologize to each other. Through multiple reminders, attempts and corrections, this eventually did work. The two took each other's hand for a friendly gesture after an apology and I am very proud of them! I knew they had it in them! 

 

I was also told to secure the gold we have better, and hid it underneath my armor not to lose sight of it. The financial situation of Port Nyanzaru may cause the poor to prey on us. Best to be avoided.

 

Our next stop is to meet Klahu, but only after we ensured that this does not cross Po's will. This means we would need to meet this man to ask him. 

 

Upon arrival at the Old City, Smuck approached a group of children, using their language to communicate that casted surprise on each their faces. We learned that they are on good terms, both Po and Klahu, however, I heard them mention that she is the "booker" and is quite scary. This did not seem to interfere with their judgment. They also offered us to bring us to her after a silver piece was given by Jasper. Four silver pieces are given by Smuck and a ride from Gat, one of our taller members. It was a joyful sight, the way the children enjoyed themselves.

 

Together, we met with Klahu, who sought shelter from the rain with a number of other people. We parted ways with the children and discussed the details of our task.

 

We are told that the one in great debt is a gambler, and that he is not an easy catch. Our task is to ensure that he does not escape, and violence may be expected, depending on the situation. She expects us to begin as soon as we are available, the soonest being ... Immediately.

 

After ensuring that this is indeed a threat to the law, the people, and that no false accusations are at play, we agreed to the task, and headed back toward the Merchant's Ward, Northeast of Port Nyanzaru with Klahu by our side. It was where we found the culprit.

 

After surrounding this man, who has the appearance of a gladiator, using a spear and shield with a height I have not seen before in this location. Tall, strong and ... Quite intimidating. He was drinking from a bottle, seeming mildly affected by the liquor. Unpredictable behavior is to be expected ...

 

Klahu announced herself after we moved in position to block his escape routes. To which Taban, our target, said he refuses to pay. The battle began when the first strike landed by Jasper. Immediately, Taban reached toward his weapon and shield and struck him down with a pair of attacks. This, with great ease. Jasper landed unconscious onto the ground, and the culprit ran away. Each of us made an attempt to stop him in his tracks, chasing after him as we did, placing an obstacle in his path, however ... Little mattered to this incredibly strong individual.

 

I called upon the divine protection of Helm to guide us toward a positive outcome in favor of the law and justice, and made haste toward him. He hurried toward a northern path after he recognized the offense from the south, to which I sprinted to block his path. Commanding him to stop, but he did not listen. 

 

Soon, I was assisted by Jasper, who took the southern position. I held back the strikes that were aimed toward me with success, holding back even an attempt to rush past me.

 

Arden in the meanwhile used his magic to obtain the pouch from Taban's possession, I caught briefly with my eye, when the man was distracted. A great plan! 

 

With Smuck joining our forces, we had hoped to corner him correctly, but the goblin in disguise was not a match to his immense strength. Easily, he was pushed away for a new path to clear up for this man to run to. Until he came to a stop, when he sought his person for something that may be lacking. Klahu returned the confusion a laugh, realizing the situation.

 

We chased after him and kept this man busy, striking non lethally to keep him from moving and face the consequences of his own actions. Another pair of strikes had Jasper land on his back again, recovered by Gat who passed him by and landed a strike onto the culprit.

 

All, until Taban could no longer move and surrendered. He dropped his weapon and lifted his hand. With his weapon kicked away from immediate reach, this man confirmed his surrender.

 

Out of breath as each of us was, we could finally smile at a good outcome in which none has to die. I feel terrible about Jasper however, the poor man ... Now, we await Klahu's orders. I cannot believe we managed ... Haha ... I am in such great company. 

 

 

I thank you, Helm, for Your protective shield. It is by Your hand and might that I fight to bring balance in times of deceit and danger. Justice will prevail."

 

NOTE: 4 Silver must be returned to Smuck.