Mists of Winter: Chapter One

[ewancummins]

Benn tries to conceal his alarm at Ignatz's close presence, but knows the creature can smell the cold sweat on him.

"Gracious of you to offer," he says, after collecting himself, "But as usual I must decline. I value hygiene too much to live in a place like this. And besides, I'd just end up playing second fiddle to you, you know that."

He gives a gracious smile and doffs his hat, backing down the tunnel towards the exit.

"If you find anything, please drop the information through the mail slot at the office. At night, if possible. I'm afraid you gave my hired man Hornsby quite a fright the last time."

"Yes, I'll visit at night."

VIEW CONTENT:

see post below for continued scene

[ewancummins]

DORGIO, THE PORTMASTER'S OFFICE


Dorgio walks uphill from the river and mounts a long walkway that runs south. He seeks out the Portmaster's place of business, which stands near the massive earthworks of the southern flood control levees.

The old brick and stone port office has sprouted a tall wooden tower since last Dorgio saw the building. A blue banner with a silver kingfisher sigil flaps from one of the upper windows.

Four men kitted out with arming swords, gambesons, bucklers, and steel caps stand watch outside the main door.

A grizzled fighting-man challenges Dorgio as he approaches.
"You got business with the clerks, go around back." He eyes Dorgio's weapons.

[ewancummins]

BENN AND FRANZ



Munchen hops about, barking at the tunnel mouth.

Benn slides out, a little dirty and looking pale in the face.

The girl look at Benn and then back at Franz.
"You are looking for coins and jewels and stuff in there, m'sieurs?"

[steveflam]

Franz puts a hand on Mathilde's shoulder. "This doesn't even concern me. I don't ask questions unless my friend wants me to know. Keeps me healthy this way. Less I know is better." He smiles at her.

"Okay, Herr Benn. This is Mathilde. Someone I met. I promised her a hot meal and I think she'll need a bath. Can we pass by the Inn first?"

[kintire]

KAT'S HOUSE

Kat suddenly looks thoughtful

"Actually, we might have one option. There is the Lorelei. Its turned all flashy and glitzy lately and I do hear tell there is a bard that performs there occasionally. I hear he might drink there more often than he plays as well. It might be worth a try. And if nothing else, its supposed to be a pretty good evening!"

[Adam]

Benn stops for a minute to collect himself, mentally giving the command to remove the light from the end of his staff. He reaches into his coat, pulling out a hip flask and taking a swig before replacing it.

"What, sorry?" he says, mentally reviewing what Franz and the girl had told him, "No, no, we're not looking for treasure in there. The sewers are very dangerous, Mademoiselle. I recommend you stay clear of them."

He looks down at the much on his shoes, angrily wiping it off against the pavement. "Look, I'm sure you are a nice girl. My friend here has a generous heart. Follow us and, when we pass a boarding house, you may have some money."

"Franz," he finally says, "We need to find Dorgio and Vlad. It's time to review notes and make a plan of action."

[steveflam]

"Very well. Mathilde we will leave you there, but I am staying at the Sign of the Two Goats. Leave word there where you live for me, please."

He will follow Benn, hoping Mathilde follows as well.

[alhoon]

KAT'S HOUSE
"Actually, we might have one option. There is the Lorelei. Its turned all flashy and glitzy lately and I do hear tell there is a bard that performs there occasionally. I hear he might drink there more often than he plays as well. It might be worth a try. And if nothing else, its supposed to be a pretty good evening!"

"Sounds good to me!" Raen said.

[VAN]

"That's great, we can go and buy him some drinks or give him some coins if he prefers and ask if he has heard these foxmen. We can go right now or after your shift Kat."

[kintire]

Kat smiles

"I have a few hours yet. Lets drop by and see what happens. I can always leave you there if time gets on!"

She heads into a back room and emerges a few minutes later rather differently dressed. Gone is the slightly shabby dress, replaced by a crimson shirt and leather breeches over bucket boots, topped with a tricorn hat at a slight tilt, with a cloak around her shoulders and a rapier at her hip

"ready!"

[VAN]

Sara smiles when sees Kat's new outfit.

"Looking good my friend! Lets go get some answers!"

[JMaytr]

Vlad follows Dorgio to the Portmasters office.

[Brock Marsh Runoff]

PORTMASTER'S OFFICE

Dorgio deliberately keeps his hands away from his weapons. "Thank you, friend, but I am seeking no mere clerk. I have business with the Portmaster himself. There's trouble at the docks, the sort of trouble that the Portmaster would want to hear about right away. Where might I find him?"

[ewancummins]

VLAD AND DORGIO, IN THE PORTMASTER'S OFFICE


The guards insist on the two visitors leaving any socially inappropriate, warlike weaponry in a locked room near the entrance,
After that's taken care of, two armed men lead Vlad and Dorgio through a long hall of unpainted gray stone, pierced here and there with unadorned doorways, and up a flight of wooden stairs into the wood-paneled rooms and corridors of the upper floor.

One of the guards raps on the door. He calls out,
"There's a couple of Barovian gentlemen here to see you, my lord."

A cultured voice answers from the other side,
"By all means, do bring them in."

The guard pushes the door open and shows the two visitors into the well-appointed private room. Windows across the room admit hazy light; light snow falls on the other side of the glass.
Books line one wall. Maps and charts spread out over a massive desk of polished hardwood.

Behind the desk, a plump, tall man in rich garments rises from and offers a greeting.

"Ah, what is it I can do for you fine fellows?"

[ewancummins]

VLAD AND DORGIO, IN THE PORTMASTER'S OFFICE


The guards insist on the two visitors leaving any socially inappropriate, warlike weaponry in a locked room near the entrance,
After that's taken care of, two armed men lead Vlad and Dorgio through a long hall of unpainted gray stone, pierced here and there with unadorned doorways, and up a flight of wooden stairs into the wood-paneled rooms and corridors of the upper floor.

One of the guards raps on the door. He calls out,
"There's a couple of Barovian gentlemen here to see you, my lord."

A cultured voice answers from the other side,
"By all means, do bring them in."

The guard pushes the door open and shows the two visitors into the well-appointed private room. Windows across the room admit hazy light; light snow falls on the other side of the glass.
Books line one wall. Maps and charts spread out over a massive desk of polished hardwood. The plump, tall man in rich garments seated behind the desk rises and offers a greeting.

"Ah, what is it I can do for you fine fellows?"