Port Nyanzaru.

She sits at the mouth of the Soshenstar River, not just a major trading center in the Bay of Chult, the trading center on the Bay of Chult.  And not just a trading center, the largest city for 1000 miles in any direction...or so say the travel brochures across the Western Coasts.

Sure, 'Zaru boasts nearly 1000 souls, but maybe only half of them are free, many of them don't actually live in the Port.  Of the few that are left, grinding out 12 hour days loading rock and dredging the crocodile, constrictor snake, and bull shark infested river delta, ain't no kind of life at all.  The company stores lend more than the common man earns, so before you know it, you owe your soul to the company sto.

While Port Z is the central hub for the Mooshaes and the Sword Coast, it serves houses and companies all over; Dwarves from the Starspire, Genasi from Calimport, and others.  Similar to Calimport, there's 'everburning flames...but instead of being in crystal lanterns, they're on huge rocks, the pilings of piers, or the trunks of palms.  Instead of clean streets, there's rivers of mud in the rainy season, filty earthen avenues in the wet season and cracked dry dirt in the dry season.

The Harbormaster, weathered, sunburnt old man, runs the place.  While there are self-styled Earls, Caliphs, and Boyars...they all know that without the harbor, this place is nothing.

There are a few places of note;

The Four Markets - the dock-market; the central-market, the gold-market and the slave-market
The Charthouse - the seat of 'government' here with the residence of a few key people, the barracks, the stables, the whipping post, the executioner's block, and the one well.
Dockside - warehouses, ships, sailors, roughhouses, roughnecks, lyin', cheatin', stealin' & wimmin
Rich Quarter - fancy houses, high walls, guards, gates, gold & wimmin
Poor Quarter - hovels, misery, hope, hate, bead doors, bugs, leaky roofs, & wimmin

Why there's only two quarters...by the four markets, I tell you I don't know.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:35, Sun 13 May 2007.

13 Uktar (Dry Season), 1375

The day starts hazy; as it does nearly always.  The difference is that in the Dry Season, it rains as the sun rises, and then stops.  Usually.

Today seems no exception; extremely humid, the clouds above the haze start to cook off, and there is a torrential downpour for about twice as long as it would take to boil water; then it stops.

Barely a 100-count later, the puddles of water on the rutted earth streets of Nyanzaru are gone, soaked back into the ground.

Not that the heat and humidity are gone - oh no, not in Chult - but they are dimished.  As the sun warms the ocean and the land, a breeze will soon strike up, and that will be a further boon.

At the house of Khalid Ahmed in the Rich Quarter, the last of the slaves puts together a meger breakfast; perhaps this day will see the help that your father has promised?

At the small, but safe, boarding house near the Gold-Market, the morning bell chimes for the residents to prepare for breakfast; with less and less coin every day, Sabu Armiir peers out through the mosquito netting that surrounds her...

While at the edge of the jungle, looking out across the fields that surround Nyanzaru, Alexandru contemplates the pallisade wall that encloses the Port, waiting for the gate to open for the day - though  truth be told, there are enough gaps in the wall, especially toward the Poor Quarter, that he could slip in at any time...

And Ovi and Balrok are roused by the beating of the tom-tom, the drum by which the slaves row, indicating that the double-lanteen galley Mint Slewlep was headed to the quay.

The boat creaks and rocks, and in the half-lit gloom of the hold of the ship, a red-bearded dwarf lets out a small groan from his place on a spartan cot.  "Vergadain's beard, brudder," the dwarf mutters, "I dunno how yu convinced me tu get on this damnable boat.  I think I'm as green as me cloak.  Remind me again why we couldn'ta walked here like sensible dwarfs?  Chult's a peninsula ain't it?  Or we culda gone through the Underdark... anythinged be bedder den these waves."

When the drums start, the dwarf quickly sits up--too quickly from the grimace that follows!  The sunlight streaming through the slats in the ship reveals a scared face, garnet-set eyepatch glinting sinisterly in the sun.  Dressed all in black chain with a small armory of weapons, the dwarf looks ready for total war even in the hold of the ship ("Pirates, yu know....").  He would look forbidding, perhaps even intimidating, were it not for the green tinge to his face and the tangled mess of his red beard--both the results of the long and unenjoyable crossing to Chult.

"Drums!  Now ders a respectable instrument--and that must mean wure close, brudder--thank Vergadain and all du gods!  I'd rather carve me way through uh jumble of jungle monsters den spend one more minute on this damn boat."

Balrok begins gathering his things in the hope that he can quickly abandon ship.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:47, Thu 17 May 2007.

Alexandru squats beneath an exceptionaly healthy tree who's thick green roots creep out in all directions from the trunk like slithering pythons,it's abundant vines weeping to the earth,freshly kissed by the morning showers. Inahling deep the pungent scent of the Chultan jungle,Alexandru smiles contently at his lot in life,biting savagely into a starfruit he'd come upon earlier.

"Any minute now..."He states matter of factly to a 4 foot figure slumped against the base of the tree,legs straight out,arms drooping to the side,head hanging foward.The sound of grinding stone plates eminated from the figure to which Alexandru replied.

"I know,neither do I,but we need to resupply..."
More grinding sounds
Alexandru smiles and continues,"I need to resupply a bit,a man can't get by eating rocks every day."
What sounds like falling rocks upon slate from the figure,Alexandru takes another great bite from the starfruit.
"I know, I know, sucks to be me,not being able to digest rocks n all.I'm so glad I have you to pitty my state of existence."
With that said a great horn sounds from the port city and the gate creaks and pops as it begins to open for the day's business.Alexandru grabs hold of a vine in one hand and swings himself towards the figure,hurling the starfruit core at the figure,striking it dead center.

"Race you to the gates!"He laughs as he turns about and makes for the gates at a liesurely pace,aware that his companion's stubby legs and weight prevent him from ever passing or even approaching him.More grinding noises from the figure as it leaps up and makes chase.

Her bare feet barely making a sound as she walked to the open window of her room, Sabu looked out onto the street. She hid her nude form behind a sheer curtain as she watched pedestrians walking toward the market. Most of the vendors were already in full voice for she could hear them three blocks away.

She took a step onto the balcony and let the sunlight hit her face. It was going to be hard to let this room go, but she could no longer afford such luxuries. Most of her coin was gone and she was still unemployed. Of course, if she were to lower her standards...

Never. She thought. I lived that life already. It is time to honor those that got me to this point and make a new life for myself.

She released the curtain and relished the feel of the sun on her skin. It was almost as enjoyable as the look on the face of the young man across the street that obviously caught a glimpse of her before she went back into the shade of her room.

She quickly gathered her belongings and began to dress.

After hearing his brother grumble Ovi woke up, squinting his eyes a bit as they adjusted to the dim lighting. We're on dis boat cause time is money brudder. Ya know what I say, "when it's not about da money, it's about da money..."  Not that I like it any better den you... But this way, we get tu Chult soon, take care o' our business with that Cally family, and we can get on t' makin' money...our own money dat is. Vergadain be praised.

He grins and glances at his brother, rubbing his eyes a bit again before standing. He couldn't help but notice the sun glinting off of the array of metallic points and blades from the arms Balrok wore. I still think yu could lightin' up brudder. Der is no need for ya t' be wearin' all dat gear when yer sleepin' on a ship. Works fer me, though. Any lonely lasses come wanderin' 'round here and decide they want t' share a bed, dey won't be choosin' yours, heh.

He bent down and reached under his cot, grabbing a suit of dark studded leather, which he pulled over his head, then slipping on his gray cloak before pulling out a mirror. He went ran his fingers through his hair, smoothing it back into a pony tail, before clasping a circular golden clasp on it. He smiled and smoothed his well-trimmed beard before putting the mirror away.

Let's check up topside and see if we can get on t' business. An maybe we can find a drink. I could use somethin' t' settle my stomach. With that he scoops up the rest of his gear, and makes his way to the stairs.

Balrok glares at Ovi with his one good eye.  "Yah, y'll be sigin' a different tune when we get 'tacked by pirates or sum turtle dragon!  Yull be diggin' round under du bed goin', 'Hold on a minute, I jus' gotta get on me armor and find me chain!', and BAM!--yu'll be feedin' du fishes!" he expounds.  "'Sides," he continues, nodding sagely at his brother, "jus' cuz I'm paranoid don't mean der not out'ta get me."

As he talks, Balrok paws around in his pack, coming out with a stoppered flask of clear quartz.  "Anyways, I can't find find ya no lost lasses, but I can be taken' care uh du drink!  Garnet wine, from me secret stash.  Brought it for du road."  Balrok swirls the garnet wine, the liquid shimmering and glinting too brightly in the sunlight, then takes a swig and sighs, handing the flask to Ovi.  "Dat's more like it!"  He then busies himself with packing up the Kor-Gim board, placing the onyx and marble game pieces into separate cloth bags and folding them into the collapsible playing board.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:30, Thu 17 May 2007.

Ovi grabs the flask with a quick hand and takes a swig. That hit da spot, brudder. Good thing wit' all dose weapons ya still have room fer the important stuff--gems and booze.

He passes the flask back to his brother and begins places a booted heal on the first step. I ain't worried one bit about pirates or turtles. You'll be out der battin' dem away an' leavin' me plenty a time to situate meself. 'sides, I dun fight well when I have a sharp pain in me back from sleepin' on a giant axe.

With that he strides up the stairs, rather deftly for a dwarf, and makes his way out to the deck of the ship. He hears the steady thumping of the drums more clearly, as its steady rhythm paces the oarsmen. Ovi strides over to the side of the ship and glances off in the distance, eyeing the port they were approaching.

Taking back his flask, Balrok takes another swig and then belches contentedly.  "Aye, du gud stuff!" he says, holding it up to a beam of light to watch the deep red liquid glimmer and sparkle, "30 gold worth of garnets ground up in it, fur flavor!"

Dragging his eyes away from his precious flask of spirits, Balrok notices Ovi heading up the stairs and out of the hold.  "Hey, brudder, where do yu think ur goin'?!  Yu'r crazier den a moon-drunk elf if ya think I'm steppin' one toe out uh dis here hold until the boat come tu a full and complete stop."

As Ovi continues up to look at the port anyway, Balrok grumbles to himself, "Yur loss--more garnet wine fer me!"  Then, calling after Ovi, "Hey, if yer goin' up anyways, have a look see in on Muley!  I'm worried 'bout du little feller."

Ovi shaded his eyes from the sun as he glanced at the port. He saw the workers hustling about the wooden planks of the docks, loading and unloading materials on and off the ships. Looks like any minute will be makin' our way. Better check on good ole' Muley like Balrok wanted.

He turned away from the edge of the boat and made his way to a pen where their trusted sure-footed ally waited. Muley wasn't much to look at, but then again not many mules are. He was your average mule with coarse, dull brown fur coating his body, a tail that hung slightly to the left, and a slash in his right ear--a mark of his first treasure hunt with the dwarves. The most notable thing about Muley was the deep purple banner. Fringed with a dark golden tassles at each corner, the center of the banner displayed the mark of the dwarven duo. The mark depicts a pair of dwarven faces in profile looking in opposite directions. Above these faces is a laughing dwarven face, the symbol of their patron deity Vergadain.

Ovi strolled up to the mule, reaching out to pet the mule, brushing his fingers along a wirey patch of black hair at the top of his head and then down along his scarred ear. Der's a good boy. Ya better get ready to exercise dose legs. We're gunna be headin' out soon. He reached into his pouch and grabbed a couple sugar cubes, holding out his hand so the mule could take his treat. He patted the mule on the head after it had finished. Soon enough, Muley... Soon enough you'll have some treasure t' fill dose empty bags o' yours. That should make up for the time on dis boat, right? He paused for a moment. And you know da rule, no tellin' Balrok 'bout the sugar cubes. That's our li'l secret. He gave Muley one more pat and a sly wink and then laughed before turning away from the loyal companion.

He made his way back to the door to the cabin stairs. He opened the large wooden door and yelled down Brudder, hurry it up! We're almost in t' port and Muley needs to get packed. Yer da strong one so stop yer hidin' and help!
This message was last edited by the player at 01:52, Fri 18 May 2007.

Balrok's voice bellows up from the twilight of the hold, sounding somehow slightly green.  "Nine hells I will!  When du world stops rockin', I'll start loadin'!"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:55, Fri 18 May 2007.

Nuthin's gunna stop rockin' 'til were off dis boat, even if it is in port. The faster ya get Muley ready, the faster we can leave when it stops. Besides, some fresh air will do ya good!

"Maybe some nice dank cave air'd do me gud, but this sea air ain't natural I tell ya--if Moradin had intended fer air tu have salt in it, he would have put it underground!"

Balrok refuses to come out until the boat stops, but when it does, he ventures cautiously out onto the deck and begins loading up the mule.  Muley nuzzles Balrok affectionately in greeting, then goes back to nuzzling Ovi, giving him mule kisses, sticking his nose in Ovi's backpack, and nudging Ovi insistently.  Balrok shakes his head as he loads, eying Ovi and the mule suspiciously.  "Damnest thing--dat mule always did like yu best."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:01, Fri 18 May 2007.

Ovi chuckles as the mule continually nudges and plants ticklish mule kisses on him, gently redirecting the mule from his pouches. Heh, heh, heh. Down Muley...I like ya too but I think Balrok's getting jealous. Ovi idly pets the mule, scratching along the side of its neck as he watches his brother heft the  bulging saddlebags onto Muley's back.

Maybe if ya used dat soap I packed in Muley's bags maybe he'd like you as well as he does me. Course, you dun have me charm either... Ovi shrugs and starts to help Balrok rearrange the gear on Muley's back to distribute the weight evenly.

Khalid Ahmed - second son to Jassan and Shuri Ahmed of Calimport - grudgingly stirs from a sotted, murky slumber and rolls onto his backside.  The flimsy material of his bedsheets cling to his skin where beads of sweat have already begun to surface

"Curse the day..." he grumbles quietly in his native alzhedo language, sitting up on his bed and pulling the sheer linens away.  Standing with a stretch and a yawn, then very nearly stumbling from the sudden rush of blood from his head, he is forced to blink away the wooziness.  "I should know better than to stand so quickly after waking."

A hand moves to his head to gently massage a sweat-moistened temple, eyes turning to see an empty bottle and glass left atop his study from the previous night, "Most especially when the night before has been spent indulging a fine example of Calimshan Amber Wine."

The sleek nobleman's features contort into a wince at the effects of a mild hangover... especially in combination with the heat.  Though mentally, Khalid notes it is not nearly as unbearable as it has been many other days.  His steps carry him lazily across his bedchamber to where a basin of water sits attached to the wall.  "Come Abdul," dipping his hand into the water expectantly.  It only takes two powerful thrusts of his amphibious friend's hindquarters and the familiar now perches on the hand of his master - raised to eye level.  "We have matters which need attending and new friends to meet this day, but first... we shall have breakfast."

Quickly adorning his robe, Khalid leaves his bedchamber to discover what his father's native staff has prepared for this morning.  Probably fruit and things grinded into paste on leaves as per usual.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:02, Fri 18 May 2007.

After Muley is packed, Balrok abandons ship as quickly as possible.  Looking around the port, he grumbles, "Well, it don't look like much for the 'hub uh Chultan commerce', but if it's got uh good bar, it'll do."

Spotting a native-looking person leaning against a pier of the dock, Balrok pokes Ovi.  "I recken we culd get that'n tuh lead us tuh Ahmed's house.  I'll wave'm down if yu'll charm 'em!"  With that, Balrok sticks two fingers in his mouth and whistles so loudly that Muley whinnies in surprise, waving down the native.

Ovi walks alongside his brother and Muley as they make their way to the docks. Yeah, this dun look like a ideal place t' set up shop. I agree on the bar. We need t' find one an' fast.

As his brother moves off to flag down a native Ovi mutters... Just make sure ya dun scare him off. He then proceeds to pet Muley in an attempt to calm the animal.

He walks over to the man as Balrok attempts to convince him to come over and speak  with his brother. Now Balrok, we're just here 5 minutes an' you're already puttin' the fear into the local populace? He waves his brother away and looks at the man. Now you dun need to worry 'bout a thing. My brother may look all big an' bad, but he's really quite docile. He says as he passes Muley's rope to Balrok and reaches out a hand in greeting to the native.

The name's Ovi... Ovi of the Dwarves. Tis a true pleasure t' meet you. Now, me an' my companions... he gestures to Balrok and Muley. ...just arrived here an' are a bit unfamiliar with the lay o' the land. We're lookin' for a man by the name a Khalid.

Now, I no yer a busy man, I can see it by the look on yer face. Time is money and all... That's what I always say. If you can get us to this Khalid fellow, I'm sure we can make it worth your while. He pats the man on the shoulder.

Ovi's charm wins the man over and he directs them to Khalid's abode. Ovi follows the directions, taking in the meager sites of the city and commenting occasionally to Balrok as they move along. He notes the locations of any bars, and eyes any attractive women appreciatevely.

Balrok will follow the new guide and his brother to Khalid's place.  Clanking down the streets in his chain mail and armory of weapons, Balrok is anything but stealthy, but if this Khalid fellow hasn't noticed the dwarven duo before they get to his front door, Balrok will knock, loudly, with chainmail clad fist, then step back and put on his normal glowering "game face" when it comes to debt collection work, leaving his brother in the forefront.

Presumably Ovi pays the guide!

You've done good boy. An' ya earned a day's wage real quick-like. He winks at the boy and flips him a copper. Worth your while if I do say so myself. Ovi chuckles and smooths his beard, runs his fingers through his hair, and readies a smile to make sure he has his "game face" on as well.

Alexandru halts his trot some 300 feet from the gates upon which sentries now lean and pace like lazy ants on a fence.Smoke billows from various chimneys and other engines of industry,marring the beautiful Chultan sky.The harsh symphony of wheels,hammering,and slave traders barking eminates from within the pallisade which juts up like hideous teeth from the earth.As Alexandru observes the artificial blight upon the earth,his small companion catches up and pushes a toeless foot behind his knee,causing the leg to buckle.

"Lumpy!"He cries out as he falls to one knee,his assailant laughing in it's own strange tongue that sounded like pebbles being tossed about by a shallow stream.Alexandru turned and lunged at his companion only to watch in dismay as the being sunk into the earth,dissapearing as a stone dropped into a pond without a ripple.Alexandru landed hard on his elbows and forearms,laughter rising up from the earth beneath him.
"I should have known better than to try that."He muttered as he sat back on his heels,rubbing the pain from his elbows as he once again turned to face the port.
"Going to stay here?"He asks aloud in a tone which hinted at his already knowing the answer.His companion poked his eyeless,mouthless,and noseless head out from the earth but said nothing.
"I wouldn't blame you,they are vastly overrated by my kind."
Lumpy made a brief reply as he slowly raised himself from the earth.
"Really?Are you sure you want to come?"
He stared thoughtfuly at his companion,surprised by it's response,for an earth elemental Lumpy was awefuly curious.
"Very well..."He said,a tinge of dissaproval over his companion's interest in civilization.
"..but stay hidden in the earth or our visit will draw far too much attention."
Rumbling from Lumpy who began to meld back into the earth.
"Your right,I'm not the boss of you,but if you make your presence known in there don't be surprised when some mad wizard captures you for experimentation or you get mistaken for raw ore and tossed on a ship bound for for Calimport!"
Alexandru turns and makes his way toward the looming gate,the guards watching him closely as approaches.They eye him dully but he knows the Port Guards are wary of everyone and for good reason,this is the Chultan Peninsula.Alexandru nods in their direction as he files through.
"Just passin though for supplaiiiiiii..."Lumpy pokes both hands through the earth grabbing tight Alexandru's foot causing him to fall hard again upon his elbows.The guards erupt into laughter,hooting and hollering,slapping each other on the back as Alexandru scuttles back to his feet,brushing the dirt from himself,and stamping the ground beneath him.
"Welcome to Port Nyanzaru,watch your step Tanglefoot!"Was one of the many "greetings" thrown over his shoulder as Alexandru tromped through the gates and into the crowded,dirty,and dusty streets of the city.Although he was sure Lumpy had no idea,the elemental had probably prevented him from being questioned and possibly extorted by the notorious guards.
"I'll rememeber that one Lumpy."He warned.

Alexandru made straight for the central market,wading through the crowds of slaves burdend with assorted loads of trade and dreaming of better days.He scowled as he passed the slave market where several wild jungle dwarves stood forlornly upon a platform,shaggy heads down,hands and feet shackled.The wickedness of civilization made him sicker than any disease he had encountered in the wild.After finding nothing of interest in the Central Market,he made for the docks,hoping to come upon some goods fresh off the boat and a view of the ocean.On his way there he heads down a claustrophobic alleyway in which he spots two heavily armed dwarves knocking thunderously upon a door.Alexandru knew trouble when he saw it and turned to walk the other direction when as suddenly as before he was lying prone upon the earth.
"Rlguhruhk!Now is not the time!" He hissed as he raised himself,calling Lumpy by his Terran name indicating his displeasure.

Sabu opened the door to the antechamber of her room. Her mind was miles away and she nearly stepped on the envelope next to the outer door.

What is this?

With a sweeping motion she snatched the letter from the floor. Her thin fingers snapped the wax seal and quickly unfolded the paper.

An invitation?

Her heart began to pound. No one but the landlord knew of her presence. At least, that was what she believed. The kindly old man must have told someone of her. Her first instinct was fear. But then as she thought it through, she realized that the old man and his wife were probably trying to help her. They knew she was running out of money. They also couldn’t have helped but notice her practicing in the private garden.

...at the home of Ahmed.

She looked at the broken seal on the back and then the words on the paper again. The letter spoke of a meeting with a potential employer. It failed to give details just a residence.

We shall see where this path leads. It could be profitable.

She lifted her saddlebags from their resting spot next to the door, tested the placement of the concealed kukris hidden at the small of her back and walked out the door into the gathering morning heat.

Having spent most of the morning commiserating himself in his hangover, Khalid had moved to a seperate study from his bedchamber.  More of a small library, most of the books were rarely touched as they belonged to his brother who felt that simply having books on a shelf gave guests the impression of intelligence and culture.  Actually reading them was a needless effort.  In his brother's mind, a few worthwhile anecdotes brushed over by charm was all it took to overcome the fact that he didn't have a clue as to what was generally being said.  "You always were a fool, Jassan" Khalid mutters with a shake of his head.  "...and now older brother, you have left for me a fool's errand"

He kneels beside several smaller stacks of books, the bindings on many of them worn and flimsy, the pages bent and creased around corners from being flipped through many times.  This was his personal collection that he brought over from Calimport three months ago.  In a home full of luxury, these were his most prized possessions.  "That I have scoured these pages many times... for many years... and still have not even reached the cusp of breaching their mysteries.  A needless effort perhaps, but I am more prepared for this than he would ever have been.  At least, I can hope."

A sound of metallic knocking echoes through the walls of his father's estate, causing him to tense and stand quickly.  His eyes gleam with intense concentration, focusing on the hallway leading out from the small study and into the reception chamber where a servant will dutifully answer the door.  Visitors this early in the day?  Even those cursed merchant traffickers don't acquire the ambition for their solicitations until high sun.

His thoughts preoccupy him as he takes a few careful steps closer to the hallway as a better vantage for listening.  If it is someone that Khalid wishes not to speak with, the servant will simply explain that he is away... and he will enable this common lie by remaining crouched in this side room out of plain sight.  This would normally be the standard procedure for anyone and everyone whom approaches his home but he is expecting company today.  Perhaps that mercenary whom I sent a summons.. or the supposed troubleshooters my uncle promised... we shall see, his thoughts resume.

Meanwhile, the servant unlocks and opens one of the double doors and greets the dwarves, asking how they might be assisted by the home of Marakhim Ahmed.

[Private to Balrok; Ovi: Marakhim is Khalid's father and actual owner of the estate.  Marakhim's brother Jaffar Ahmed (Khalid's uncle) is the head of the Ahmed family and likely the person you were in primary contact with regarding the debts.  Just putting names to the important people in this hook as I fill in my own background details.  I don't know if the DM has anything to add on that front.]

Ovi passes Muley's rope swiftly to Balrok and extends a hand while flashing a smile uncharacteristic for a dwarf. Well, well, well, good t' see someone's home. It's a pleasure t' meet ya. The name's Ovi, Ovi of the Dwarves. This here is my brother, Balrok of the Dwarves. He gestures to the armored dwarf. An' don't you mind those weapons of his. More fer decoration den killin', I promise. He gives the doorman a pat on the arm.

Oh, where's me manners? How could I forget? Muley, the doorman, doorman, Muley. He says, formally introducing the doorman to the mule.

Anyway, enough idle chatter. Yer probably wonderin' what a pair o' handsome dwarves like us are doin' here in Chult of all places, and at yer doorstep specifically. Well, the two of us our emissaries of sorts for the dwarves an' the church of Laughing Dwarf. We had some very important business with the Ahmed family. Jaffar sents us t' get in touch with Khalid so we could sort matters out. So if ya would be so kind as t' let us in and to mind Muley while we meet with Mr. Ahmed, it'd be much appreciated.

If Ovi and Balrok have any official papers from the church or from Jaffar, he'll go ahead and flash them so they can move along.

Balrok stands slightly behind and to the side of Ovi, arms crossed over his chest, performing his normal and vital roles of glowering (at everything) and serving as a dwarven display case for "decorative weapons."  The garnet set in his eyepatch glints blood red in the unrelenting sun of the Chult, but if the chain-clad dwarf is uncomfortable in the armor, he does not show it.

When Ovi hands him Muley's rope, Balrok will tuck the end under one arm and go back to arms-folded glowering.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:35, Tue 22 May 2007.

Sabu walked slowly toward the house. It had taken her a short while to navigate the busy streets and make her way to the Rich Quarter.

She gave pause for a moment as she observed two dwarves standing at the front door of the large house. By their demeanor and the facial expressions of the servant that stood before them, their presence was not unwanted. Slowly she approached.

As she stepped up behind the two dwarves, she cleared her throat.

I am terribly sorry to interrupt, but this is the House of Ahmed? I am Sabu Armiir...

She produced the letter with the broken wax seal that she found in the foyer of her room that morning.

... I believe that your master is expecting me.