Many heard that Mistress Josephine the jeweler was injured in the market in the midst of yesterday's chaos when the market was attacked by dogs. She had posted a classified explaining that she lost gems in the attack. Some have gathered back in the market by random chance. Some gathered in the market with the intention of searching for her jewels after reading her post. The market has been mostly cleaned up from yesterday and it is back to business. The wood merchant is here, the jeweler is here. People of all ages and classes are gathered about. Some seems to be searching for gems even.

Cora comes to search, and as she arrives is already looking about with intent.

Rowenova directly wrote Josephine and even received a reply back which has been kept clean for Sir Floppington, the soulful hound, to clearly smell before the young scout with the helpful hound searches around the market place for the possible trail to those missing gems.

Jophiel had arrived in the market to shop, however, after speaking with a few people of Josephine's plight, he's decided to try to assist, though his skills are more for the mind than for a search - another set of eyes to assist the Mistress can never hurt.

Merek has decided to come and assist as a member of the Guard, as he moves to the market. He has on his crimson-black silks with a cape that is adjusted to the side. He is here to seek the gems to bring back to the jeweler Josephine.

Shiny things and Monique. It's a natural fit. Not to mention how enamored the Minx of the Marches is of the fabulous Jeweler herself. And so the Greenmarch lady shows up, backpack slung over one shoulder, waving a greeting to Coraline.

Gianna is also fond of shiny things, though it's difficult to say whether she arrived in the market to search or because she needed something else. She may not even be sure herself, but she has gotten word about what's going on and she is tilting her head up to peer about, so...

Brigida is actually here looking to buy a ding dang book, but when she shows up everyone is looking at the ground like a bunch of weirdos. So the Archlector of Petrichor stands there and, with such a target rich environment, just glares at everyone to be certain she's getting all the frivolous parties.

Sabella is on her hands and knees coming out from under a stall, "They're not down here!" She calls out, using one of Elizabetta's hands to help her to her feet and putting a hand to the small of her back, "Oof! If anyone sees any more dogs make sure you yell to give me a headstart!"

John arrives at the market, apparently some jewelry went missing. While he is quite green, he definitely wants to help. Might also be a way to meet new people. That was always the important thing: doing the deed without really expecting much in exchange. Thus Prince John has his eyes set on searching the area. Trying to ascertain if he can help with that particular issue. He pauses stunned at the amount of people in the market. Buyers. Sellers. Merchants. Those standing by. And those who were seemingly here for the same reason he is here: quite possibly find the jewelry. This makes him search with more oomph. As if this had become a game where he must show he can excel at. That Grayson blood definitely runs through his veins.

There are lots of places to possibly look for the gems and considering the traffic in the market there is also a pretty good chance that the gems are no longer here too. There young man of about eighteen with pimples and a bandaged leg who is sitting on the fountain's edge while trying to sell some roasted rats. There is man of about sixty harking some rather normal look wood. There is a pretty girl in her early twenties who is selling jewels. There a few waifs piled down with pastries and treats as if someone gave them money recently or they came across a windfall. Then there are all the norma market people vendors of all ages. Customers of all ages and people just lurking, hanging and enjoying life. A few people seem to be searching. One woman is crawling under tables, feeling around the ground and well likely looking for gems. There are no gems, jewels or expensive metals to be noticed just yet. There are lots of places to look though and lots of people to ask.

The woman looks to Sabella and ohhhs. "Princess..I didn't see them either." She says in her direction.

Rowenova checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 47 higher.

Merek checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 4 higher.

Gianna checked perception + streetwise at difficulty 30, rolling 5 higher.

Monique checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 8 higher.

Brigida checked perception + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 4 lower.

Waving cheerfully to Monique, Cora sees Sabelka and winces, "Maybe have someone else do the crawling under tables? she suggests looking worried. John's enthusiam gets her attention though and catches her eye, "huh. Go man go!" She heads to the rat seller, "how you doin? better?" she asks in real cincern.

Jophiel checked perception + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 18 higher.

Coraline checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 3 lower.

Merek moves to the place where the stalls were before, and moves through the place to search the cracks of the pavement to find any jewels that might be around in the place as he does. He also takes a moment to purchase a roasted rat.

Sabella checked perception + streetwise at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Greetings out of the way, Monique's eyes turn to Sabella's antics and she grins warmly. "Princess. You're looking shorter than usual, but no less elegant. It's awe-inspiring."

Approaching the young woman that is selling gems at her booth, Jophiel puts on a bright smile, flashing his whites towards her. "Good morning, Mistress. You have a fine selection of jewels you are offering. Do you buy as well as sell?" he asks her curiously. "There is a Mistress that lost some jewels yesterday that may have been shown to you - in a small velvet bag." His tone is warm and empathic, and he's hoping to use his natural warmth to gather some information. "Or anyone you know of that may have purchased some gems recently?"

Sabella checked perception + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 11 higher.

Brigida GM Roll checked perception(3) + survival(2) at difficulty 30, rolling 11 lower.

Brigida looks around just in case these people are doing something important, but doesn't see anything. "Did everyone have a fit when I wasn't looking? Are we all afraid of the sun now?" Her pig pulls on the leash her Templar bodyguard is holding, but he doesn't find anything either. Which is good, because he would have eaten it.

Gianna's gaze lingers on the roasted rats for a few moments; the children with the pastries are eyed, too. Gianna moves around by the fountain, peering at areas where things might have rolled or gotten kicked out of the way accidentally. Around the edges. Then, she looks into the fountain itself.

Rowenova GM Roll checked perception(3) + survival(2) at difficulty 30, rolling 13 lower.

John checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 15 lower.

John could not believe how many people were on this market, alone. And here he thought Bastion was big. The compact is BIG. And that makes it hard to find the missing jewels. And he already noticed others are searching. Silently he says "Come on Johnny boy, you are a scout! A tracker! You got this!" He was probably psyching himself out and those who overhear him, might give him a blank or confused stare. But he was now looking really hard. Too bad he didn't have time to tame a new brand spanking pet for these type of tasks. But onward! Onward he presses like this was some kind of Archery Contest. "I'm finding that gem..." He says softly to himself.

John checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 16 lower.

Rowenova studies the market closely. Her dog is at her side, but the canine is distracted by so many scents. There is lots of footprints and the place is a confusing mix. Still she is able to find blood stains not far from the jeweler stand and these stains are likely from when Josephine was injured. She then notices an empty jewel bag. It is a starting point at least! Merek is able to find Josephine' blood prints as well and so is Monique. Gianna is is alert to the street and she notices a suspicious looking woman, making her way through the ground and studying the nobles. Could she be up to no good? Brigida is pretty distracted by the market and so is Coraline. The rat seller smiles to Coraline. "It hurts, but to thanks you all, I am okay." Jophiel has charmed the nervous looking jeweler. "Oh, my lord, I heard of that, Mistress Josephine's jewels. It is a shame." She says, sounding nervous and frightened. He can sense that. Maybe she knows something.

Rowenova sends out distracted waves all around, but she ultimately looks toward not only the ground below for paw prints but also any telltale marks, like.. stuck fur along the table cloths draping down from various stalls. Meanwhile, the soulful hound Sir Floppington is a tad confused, but Rowenova calls over toward the greying doggo. "Come over here and smell the bag and blood which will be better than the reply letter." Rowenova does not yet touch anything, looking around for any more clues, high and/or low.

Merek looks at the blood and also continues to search the cracks where that is as he does. He takes a drink of water from his flask, and wipes his mouth with a linen napkin as he keeps up the search.

Sabella notices that the jewel merchant seems nervous or to be hiding something as well. She notices that the rat merchant seems grateful toward the party here and doesn't see to be hiding anything.

Gianna is too focused on the search to do any waving or inclining her head slightly or anything even vaguely polite like that. She spies the suspicious seeming woman and watches her, looking at her clothes, her body language.

"Perhaps," Monique murmurs, slipping up close, and silent as a shadow, behind Coraline, "we should offer a reward for information leading to the recovery of Goodwoman Josephine's jewels."

Gianna has joined the line.

Sabella has joined the line.

Monique has joined the line.

Rowenova has joined the line.

Jophiel has joined the line.

Merek has joined the line.

Doesn't take long for John to notice the things the others seem to be noticing. He breathes in and then calms himself down as he walks over to the bag and blood. Like Rowenova he doesn't touch. He smiles up at her. "Hello, I am Prince John Grayson." He has crouched down to look at the bag. He realizes that Rowenova's pet might help them after all.

John has joined the line.

Turn in line: Gianna

Cora blinks as the silent Mo appears but nods at the words, "That is a very goid idea. How much you think? not too much cause then you get mauled."

Coraline has joined the line.

Turn in line: Sabella

Gianna checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 30, rolling 13 lower.

Brigida has joined the line.

Turn in line: Monique

Sabella checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 15, rolling 55 higher.

Monique checked charm + manipulation at difficulty 30, rolling 40 higher.

"Lady Monique!" Sabella grins her way cheerfully, "Just trying to get my hands dirty like all the other fair folk in this city! Mistress Josephine has always been a great friend to me and her work is so beautiful, I thought I should come out and try to help." She glances over at the jeweler that Jophiel is talking to and starts heading that way, "Oh, those are quite lovely! I was going to pick up some stones today to put into a tiara. Do you have any dragonweep? It must be difficult being out here, selling with all the other business around you. So busy! I can't imagine the stress of it."

Monique dips her flame-bright head to Coraline, and slips around the crowd. She'll pause here and there, always on the look out for shifty looking people with quick hands and furtive gazes. To them, the Minx offers a monetary reward in low, promising tones.

Gianna starts to shadow the suspicious woman, but it turns out she's not being very subtle about it. It is really, horribly obvious that the woman's caught her attention and that Gianna is trying to keep her in sight. How the suspicious women will deal with this is hard to say, but she definitely notices it.

Rogue, a black falcon arrives, delivering a message to John before departing.

The jewelry vendor looks to Sabella, seemingly a bit nervous. While Sabella is a Grayson Princess, the vendor is probably used to dealing with nobility sometimes considering the price of her wears. Sabella notices that she is overly nervous. Still the girl gives her a smile. "Thank you." She says softly. "My dad is coming back with some opals that really sparkle and would look beautiful on you, Your Highness." She says toward the princess. When she speaks of dragonweep, she sucks in a soft breath, seemingly gulity "No, no, I sold my last dragon weep yesterday to Mistress..." She murmurs and glances down toward the spilled blood. "Well to Mistress Josephine."

There is a shifty looking thug in the market who probably is from the lower boroughs. He listens to Monique and nods in response to her words. "Oh, I can help you. Those gems ain't in the market any more though." He says.

The suspicious woman seems to notice Gianna following her. She turns about. "Are you following me?" She says, sounding offended or faking at such anyways.

Turn in line: Rowenova

Rogue, a black falcon arrives, delivering a message to John before departing.

Turn in line: Jophiel

Rowenova checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 12 higher.

Turn in line: Merek

Noticing the gem seller's discomfort, Jophiel takes a seat next to the woman and smiles warmly towards her. "You have some very lovely fare. I'm sure that you offer excellent prices, especially on the more exotic jewels." When Sabella comes over to speak up, the young empath offers a smile towards her. "Your Highness, doesn't she have very nice wares to offer for sale. I imagine she could even secure your harder to find jewels that you need for your tiara, as well as perhaps even.." he clicks his tongue thoughtfully, glancing towards Sabella and then to the young woman. "Maybe she can even provide some jewels to be used in the costume jewelry in your husband's upcoming productions." he offers to her. "And if Mistress Josephine purchased from you, surely you'd want to assist us so that she can continue to patronage your booth. Especially if you were able to help us with finding what gems were misplaced. That would be some impressive word of mouth. Maybe even be able to replace her missing dragonweep?"

Merek decides rather than looking for him self, he moves to where John is adjusting his gloves of silk, and nodding a bit. "I can assist you in looking around a bit if you like," he offers, then he smiles while looking with him.

Rowenova motions out toward the fallen bag as she speaks directly toward John, "Well, I am trying to discern whether the bag is only fallen and spilled or rummaged and dropped." She then looks up to the nearby structures past which the dog pack may have brushed up. "Looking out for any fur tufts as well as cloth threads." Meanwhile, Sir Floppington sniffs again, but this time he is doing so directly over the empty bag from the absent jeweler. "Paw prints, too, of course. Then, staying alert to the market gossip, as well, since you can hear people who continually yap about all this, most likely."

Rowenova studies the bag noticing that such was ripped open and has been handled. She notices dog prints all through the market and can see them heading toward the north. It looks like someone opened and emptied the bag. She notices some cracks in the pavement, one crack goes pretty deep and maybe could have something hidden in such.

The woman lifts her gaze to Jophiel, seemingly nervous "Oh, I want to help her." She says and then adds a moment later. "She is a great client." She adds a moment later. "I hope she finds the jewels."

Turn in line: John

As Merek approaches, John looks up and smiles at him. He nods politely towards him and quickly fills him in. "Mistress Rowenova found this bag. But we are unsure what to make of it." His focus returns to Rowenova, though it was clear he was multi tasking: the corner of his eyes can be seen as he watches what is happening with the jeweler. "Mistress Rowenova, that does sound like a plan." He begins to assist Merek and her in searching.

Rogue, a black falcon arrives, delivering a message to John before departing.

Jophiel checked perception + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 18 higher.

John checked perception + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 16 higher.

Turn in line: Coraline

Jophiel smiles slightly. "I'm sure you do, Mistress." he offers to her quietly. "Help her that is. But if she's unable to find the jewels, you'll just have to sell her some more. You sure that you want us to help her find them?"

Coraline checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 8 lower.

Rogue, a black falcon arrives, delivering a message to John before departing.

Rogue, a black falcon arrives, delivering a message to John before departing.

Turn in line: Brigida

John wields a dagger with etched turn of the seasons stoic hardwoods.

Cora is obviously not gettin nowhere on this looking lark so realizing this and seeing hinky man Cora slips in behind Monique to be there in case things go south.

Brigida has rolled a critical success!
Brigida checked command + intimidation at difficulty 30, rolling 95 higher.

Suddenly Jophiel starts throwing up. It's a violent sort of reaction, and it's in no way pleasant for anyone around him. What did he eat for breakfast? Everything that's now on the pavement. And still he's sick, and now he's suddenly, irrationally angry.

Merek looks like he is about to assist further, then he stands up and looks to Jophiel, and next to the woman Cora as he moves to the man as well as motioning her, knowing that she's a healer.

Monique has no fears. She has a Coraline with her now, and the Minx seems secure in the knowledge of the Thraxian warrior princess behind her, looking intimidating as all hell.

John has joined the line.

Rowenova has joined the line.

Merek has joined the line.

Sabella has joined the line.

Rogue, a black falcon arrives, delivering a message to John before departing.

Gianna has joined the line.

Coraline has joined the line.

It's so bad a wretch that it near brings Jophiel to his knees. He sputters, coughs, tasting the breakfast in his sinuses, in his throat and he glares at the jeweler. Gone is the sweet and emapthic man, instead, he glowers slightly. "Did you hire someone to take her jewels and resell them yourself?" he asks in accusing tone.

John wields Clarity of Vision, a longbow of golden yew with cat's eye gems set in the grip.

Jophiel has joined the line.

Monique has joined the line.

Brigida strides up behind Gianna, her walking stick giving a loud clack with each step as she slams it down against the cobblestones. Then with all the imperiousness of the Iron Thorn of Arx, she looks down at the shady woman, expression cold and filled with judgment, "Whatever you are doing, you will stop. Whatever you have done, you will make right. And whatever you plan to do next you will not. Instead you will take yourself to the shrine of the Sentinel where you will think on this, then donate whatever seems appropriate," and her tone makes it clear that 'everything' is appropriate, "to the Faith, or you will answer to me before you face the gods themselves." There is no question in her bearing as to which will be the harsher judge.

Brigida has joined the line.

"You know," Sabella says to the young jeweler, still smiling brightly, "I do love opals! But it's a shame about that dragonweep. You didn't happen to see what happened to it, did you? This place is so busy I can see how such a thing like three velvet bags might be missed, but if you had seen something and let people know, that seems like the sort of thing Mistress Josephine might reward. She takes on apprentices, I hear. It would be nice to work in a quiet shop fashioning these beautiful things into gorgeous creations, wouldn't it? I--" and then Jophiel is vomitting everywhere and she looks over at him in alarm! "Are you--ah, is there a Mercy here?!"

Brigida wields a staff of grotesquely knotted oak.

The power wretching grabs Cora's attention and she looks to the sufferer, "Are you in need of assistance?" She is glad she is far away to have avoided backsplash. "Are your humors out of alignment, you might nees a tonic to help with that."

The woman looks to Jophiel before he starts to throw up. "Oh, I um..want to help..." She says, but then he starts vomiting and she is backing up. "Oh, we need a mercy!" The woman who just confronted Gianna seems quite cowed by the archlector. "I'm sorry. I will just go to the shrine now. So sorry. I didn't mean to steal. I just..I just..I didn't mean to be par of it. I hope the Sentinel will forgive me." She says and is crying.

John and Merek are searching together for clues. They notice a bit of blood around a deep groove in the pavement and something shiny seems to sparkle. The blood maybe was tracked this way?

Sabella and Jophiel are near the jeweler who seems to be pretty freaked out at the moment. Jophiel was just sick and still doesn't look well. Rowenova is nearby them and just noticed a groove in the market pavement. John and Merek are searching together and think they found something wedged in a hole in the market's stone pavement. Monique and Coraline are together near a thug who just spoke of having some idea where the gems are. The man seems willing to help for a price. Gianna and Bridigda are near a crying common woman who just confessed to be part of the gem thief.

Turn in line: John

Suddenly, John gestures to the more experienced looking Merek. "Master Merek, look at this." Both men have probably noticed the wedge in the pavement. Not the kind to worry about getting dirty, John crouches again. "Hm... Wonder what this is." He pulls one of his daggers, and proceeds to attempt to see if he can unwedge the item with said dagger.

Merek seems to be looking between John and Jophiel, then he nods to Cora as he notes she has this after he motioned to her. He moves back to assist with looking into the place with the Prince.

John checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 0 higher.

Turn in line: Rowenova

John furrows his brow as he focuses on prying the item out. He takes it, pulls a rag from his belongings and cleans it up, since its probably dirty. Then looks up at the sapphire. "Well at least we found the gem. Was this it? Or is it something else?" He asks of his stalwart companion.

Turn in line: Merek

Rowenova checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 4 lower.

Rowenova gets out her survival knife and carefully slides it down through the cobblestone cracks, easing up a shining something, but then it rolls off the darkened blade into the crack again until she cannot quite get under it now. Sighing deeply, "Prince John, perhaps you would have better luck with this?"

Turn in line: Sabella

Sabella checked charm + propaganda at difficulty 30, rolling 23 higher.

Merek checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 17 lower.

Turn in line: Gianna

Whatever Gianna's answer to the suspicious woman was, she's lost it now that Brigida's snapped at the woman. Gianna's blue eyes widen, and she looks quickly between Brigida and the woman she'd been trailing. She takes a cautious step away from them both, not daring to say a thing. Her eyebrows arch, and she looks at Brigida, clearly impressed. So impressed she barely glances back at the projectile vomit, but immediately regrets it. "...Ugh."

Turn in line: Coraline

John has joined the line.

Gianna has joined the line.

Merek has joined the line.

John nods as he moves over to where Rowenova is. "All right. Let's see if I can pull this one out too." Again he attempts to put his dagger to work. The space is probably a tighter one. But that wasn't dissuading the prince from attempting to get it out. He was being as careful as possible. You don't just thrust a dagger and call it a day. You need a precarious balance kept.

"Lord Jophiel, perhaps you'd best sit down and rest," Sabella also backs away a bit with the jeweler woman, glancing her way, "You have such a good eye, I'm sure you'll make a wonderful jeweler someday! The beat ones always know their customers so well. Like, I trust Mistress Josephine's talents to create the best sets at mostly reasonable prices. She's such a gem."

John checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 15 lower.

The jewel merchant seems unsettled now. "You really think I could be a jeweler?" She asks of Sabella. "Um, I thin her gems might have been stolen and taken into the boroughs." She says, finally breaking down as points toward the common woman near Gianna and Brigida. "She is part of it. I didn't wan to tell. They will be angry though." She says, looking nervous.

Turn in line: Jophiel

Jophiel is still trying to shake it off, but there's no denying the anger in his tone. Apparently his composure is blown at the moment. "Who else?" he says in a demanding tone. "Who else helped her?"

Jophiel checked composure + empathy at difficulty 40, rolling 7 higher.

Jophiel is barely able to hold his anger in check.

Merek stands up and moves from his search while he speaks to Jophiel, "Calm down a little," he offers, his tone quiet as if to try and not be a bother to others about. He's not upset, he's honestly concerned and also trying to assist him, and then adds, "We found some of the jewels already."

Coraline checked strength + intimidation at difficulty 30, rolling 9 higher.

The thug seems all impressed with the badass seeming Coraline. "I would be so happy to help." He says likely wanting to avoid any trouble this group himself. "I can escort you to the Lower Boroughs." He adds.

The jewel merchant "I..I don't know, she works with a whole gang in the lowers."

Cora is a silent presence behind Monique, her hand resting on a wicked looking diamondplate battle-axt that looks like it has seen action, as does the woman who has gone from friendly to silently menicing. She moves with slow, calculated motions sliding one finger along it's edge, leaving a very thin trail of blood behind, and smiling. That axe is sharp, yep, and the woman wielding it doesn't seem to feel the pain.

Turn in line: Monique

Merek checked willpower at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Merek looks up a little quietly, "Aion," he states simply, and sighs.

"Oh, they aren't in the market? And what would a Lady have to do to convince you to tell her where they might be found in the Lowers?" Monique replies, her voice as smooth as silk, a direct counterpoint (and yet somehow perfect complement) to the looming fierce Princess behind her. "I could promise you protection, the chance to keep your teeth as handsome as they are right now. Maybe even a kiss on the cheek from the beautiful Princess behind me."

Turn in line: Brigida

Monique checked charm + manipulation at difficulty 30, rolling 30 higher.

Brigida narrows her eyes at the crying woman, not a whit of empathy crossing her cool features. "If you have anything on you right now, you might want to go ahead and drop them. And if you have further information on these brigands, you should go ahead and tell," she glances around, then points to Merek, "him."

The jewelry merchant is not far from Jophiel and Sabella. She seems to be quite troubled and nervous. Rowenova, John and Merek are close to a gem wedged into a crack in the pavement. Maybe it fell when someone was running? Monique and Coraline are near the thug. He seems quite willing to help. "Yeah, I will take you down to see them. I would be honored, so glad to help." He says seemingly both frightened and charmed at the very same time. He seems to like Monique's attention, but fear the consequences of not helping this group both. The woman near Brigida and Gianna is still sniffling. She hands the archlector a ruby. "They paid me this for helping. I know what names they go back. I can tell them." She says, looking guilty. She seems to really feel bad!

John checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 4 higher.

John wasn't realky the type to give up easily. Instead of brute forcing it, he places one careful dagger point on the gem, then draws the second. He uses it as a pincer, by attempting to use both daggers, and pull it out as careful as possible.

"I really do think so," Sabella says encouragingly to the jewelry merchant with a warm smile, "Just remember that trust is key to building a solid clientele. And thank you for the information you've given us, I'm sure it will help Mistress Josephine get her things back and I shall tell her that you helped!" She then glances over to the rest of them, "I"m afraid if the rest of this search is going to take us to the Lowers I must decline. I don't think it's a good idea for me to be walking around there, especially considering my condition." She pats her stomach.

The Opal is very lovely and milky. It glimmers subtly with all the shades of the rainbow. The thug seems ready to lead them off to the lower boroughs and the girl seems ready to go tell Merek everything. The jewel merchant seems relieved. "Thank you, Princess."

The Opal is very lovely and milky. It glimmers subtly with all the shades of the rainbow. The thug seems ready to lead them off to the lower boroughs and the girl seems ready to go tell Merek everything. The jewel merchant seems relieved. "Thank you, Princess."

"I will probably.. need to step away as well." After all, who knows how badly Jophiel will puke again once he's in the Lowers. There's a look towards the jewel merchant and a frown.

Gianna shakes her head as well, one hand coming up to touch her sparkling sapphire necklace. "I'm not going to the Lowers wearing these. I'm sure the rest of you will be just fine handling this." Four sapphires? Nah, too tempting. Even if Gianna can't quite shake seeming just a bit shady.

Rowenova puts away her own knife, "Good work, Your Highness." says she before glancing up toward the North then back this way. "The dog tracks head north, but... the Lowers is to the east." says she to all as she motions northward. "Should we split into two groups?"

Merek looks up and to the others, "I would prefer if only commoners went to the Lowers, unless you allow the Guard to escort you," he offers up to the conversation.

"Thank you Master Merek..." Jophiel offers to him. "But I will sit this one out."

Cora points behind her, "Officer Merek, I have three Thrax guards, two elite Thrax guards, and a very very large man who is determined to keep me safe. If you feel I need /additional/ guards I am fine with that as well, but I leave it up to you to make that decision." This time Cora isn't going without the guards note.

Merek tilts with his head to the side, "That's fine, it's for any that don't already have protection, and you are free to go regardless, I would just feel better with Guards on those that don't have any of their own."

Keski, a nervous disciple of Petrichor, Aletta, an even more nervous disciple of Petrichor, 1 Templar Knight guards, Oswald, the war pig leave, following Brigida.

"You were quite terrifying," Gianna tells Brigida with more than a hint of admiration. "Well done." That said, she inclines her head and begins to make her way out of the market.

Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting, Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting, 2 Grayson House Guards, Clark, an exasperated guard leave, following Sabella.

em Find Part Two!

Gem Find Part Two!

Merek moves someplace to change into his linens as well as leathers before he moves with the others to the Lowers.

Many in this party have left. The Lower Boroughs is not for everyone after all. It is known to be home to the poorest of commoners in Compact. There hunger, sickness and crime are commonplace. Much work has been done recently to help improve things. The Iron Guard does patrols there. The Knights of the Solace also patrol. The orphanage has got much help from Sir Jeffeth and many others. Mae Culler is running a soup kitchen that helps provide food. There is a clinic up and running where Coraline herself is often seen at. Things are improving, but they are still not good. There is still much in the way of the crime and proverty. It is considered a dangerous place for nobles and most don't go there. Nobles who venture into the lower boroughs often find themselves robbed, but once in a while a noble who has gone there has turned up dead too.

Still this party has lot of guards, including the Iron Guard and Thrax house guards with them. They are not exactly going to be easy targets. That thug leading the way seems pretty badass as well. He takes them through the boroughs, heading toward the river. They get lots of stares, but are left alone. A child does try to tug on John's shirt and begs for money or food.

Sir Floppington follows along behind Rowenova who follows along behind John, doing so with her cloak wrapped about her despite the summer weather, plus the many pockets underneath tied shut for now, hopefully making it much harder for wouldbe thieves.

While traveling through the Lowers, Merek tells others about the dogs that were used with the handlers to assault nobles. He notices that the kid is begging from John and nods to the Prince, while he shifts his cloak about him and also his hood is up. His orange-like gaze is watching the streets as well.

As the group heads into the Lowers, Cora continues her intimidating look, although the being offered for kisses did get a raised brow to Monique. Even still she didn't argue, and now she goes moving with the rest, small army of guards trailing after.

There is a look on John's face. Of pain. Of anguish. However he does keep a very serious expression. It is then that the boy tugs on him. And John is incapable of not paying attention. He gives the kid a friendly smile. But he keeps the jewels out of sight. No need to show more then he was allowing. He gives the boy some silver. "Get some food." He remarks quietly as he keeps an eye about himself.

Sir Floppington goes up to the little kid and peers deeply at him with those brown, soulful eyes before randomly nosing him and tail wagging very slowly.

For some reason, Monique is well known in the Lowers. Maybe it's the red hair? Still, she stays with Coraline, seemingly feeling more at ease with the Princess at her side. She doesn't look even remotely guilty at offering the Princess as tribute to their sneaky guide.

The boy take the silver and has a grateful smile for John. He seems to know who he is. "Thank you, Prince John!" He then is scampering off. The thug leads them through along the riverside and points to a scattering of tents and huts gathered not far from the river. "The gems should be in there with the them." He says. The party can see about five adults sitting outside the huts. Three woman and two men. They are playing dice, drinking and seem to be quite pleased with themselves. They are leathers and look pretty well dressed and armed for boroughs for people.

Rowenova pushes out her gloved hands between the side panels of her lovely cloak and briefly tugs her leather gloves before slow flexing her slender fingers, warming up her protected fists for the brawl to be. She stays with the group, and Sir Floppington heels close beside her.

Merek moves about with his cloak on, watching the others as they handle the situation. For the moment he is content with observation, and also keeping a watch.

Cora continues being the silent presence by Monique, she takes this silent muscle thing serious yo. Seeing the group, she looks them over with the intent of finding the actual dangerous ones in the group, and her eyes continue to go back to their overly hepful guide. There is no trust there.

One of the woman in the group looks pretty badass and dangerous. One notices the party drawing closer and gestures toward the others, murmuring to them. The smallest woman leaps and starts running toward the river. The others stay put, looking wary and one touches the handle of their sword. They got nice new standard steel swords.

Monique checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 30, rolling 18 higher.

Monique, being Monique, watches the scene unfold from the outskirts and as soon as she sees the runner? One might wonder where the Minx has gone. She was with the group only moments ago, and now it seems she has disappeared.

Coraline checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 19 higher.

Cora blinks and Monique is gone, however that little runner isn't going to get far, Cora takes off after her, and she is fast, blowing by the rest of the lowers group like they don't exist, does she go for flying tackle? Yes I think she does.

John wields Clarity of Vision, a longbow of golden yew with cat's eye gems set in the grip.

Merek checked perception + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

John pulls on his bow's string, arrow notched. Obviously the further the target, the more he has to compensate for the shot. Add the attempt to not outright kill the target(s), and it probably makes things a bit difficult.

Monique seems to have vanished! Coraline is chasing down the runner and is close to her. The girl is trying to get away. She has a bag of something in her hands, a small velvet bag. Merek is checking out the area and notices human prints, empty booze bottles and some dog prints. There are no dogs to be seen though. The group by the tents looks wary and starting rising to their feet. "Who goes?" The badass woman calls out. One of the man snakes off and seems to be intending to help the fleeing woman.

Merek looks around a bit, and searches the place. "Human and also some dog prints, booze bottles," he mentions quietly to the others, then he looks to John, "If your aim is off even a little... It's not the safest in an area like this," he offers politely. He watches then as Monique moves to keep on their tail, "She seems to have it."

John grits as he realizes Merek is right. He doesn't take the shot. But by the gods that his face shows he wanted too. So he does the next best thing. "What's the play then?" He obviously was looking to the more experienced man.

One of the men darts behind someone when John draws his bow. He doesn't want to be hit! He is cowering behind the woman who seems to be in charge. So brave! "We don't want no trouble." The leader says. "Silks like you got no place down here. Just go home an lets all forget we met." She says. "I gave you a bar of Stygian for your troubles, if you leave in pleace."

Coraline checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 24 higher.

Monique checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 26 higher.

That little so and so is going down dammit, "Cora puts on some extra speed and seeks to grab the woman by the scruff of her neck to stop her and incapacitate her in one motion.

Merek looks thoughtful a moment, and nods a bit, "Your daggers, use the pommels of them if you need to take on someone," he mentions, then he looks around a moment, and his orange gaze is settled upon Rowenova, "Can you do any of the talking? It might be better from you," he then adds to John, "Flank a side so they don't try to flee, but don't be too... Pushy with it, Your Highness, else it might be seen as hostile."

Monique appears all of a sudden, right behind the man drawing closer to Coraline and the fleeing woman. "Tch, tch, tch." And that's the only sound he hears before there's a dagger in his side, non-fatal, but certainly enough to give the man pain and pause.

The man grasps at his side and stumbles back, he looks stunned. "Stop, please stop..." he says, seeming to be giving up now. Monique might notice the pouch hanging from his belt.

John nods to Merek as he draws his daggers but switches the grip to be able to hit with the pommels but he doesn't go pushing. He is serious and probably he is frowning but he remains looking as calm as possible. Just looking at Merek and the others in case they need backup.

Rowenova eyebrow raises to Merek, "Sure!" says she with great gusto before striding forth but doing so with both hands held up in a praying position and easily seen before her. She boldly strides toward the lead woman. "Hey!"

Meanwhile, Sir Floppington the Soulful Hound looks up toward Rowenova before veering off and trotting around toward whatever flanking position he can find.

Pouch? What pouch? The man doesn't have a pouch. It seems to have disappeared. Weird! Monique steps back, cleaning off her dagger and looking innocent. "Oh, you'll be fine. Just don't do it again. Stealing is wrong."

Coraline has the girl tackled. She has a velvet bag clutched in her hands. Monique has the guy taken care of, who is still holding his side and now falls to his knees. "Please don't kill us, we are only making a living!" He says. The leader is facing off with Rowenova. "Step back, we don't want any trouble." A man is hiding behind her and one woman is at her side.

Cora lifts the girl slightly but the back of her collar and reaches around to pluck that pouch from her, "I will be taking that. And I will be making sure you haven't squirreled any more away on your person girl. Tell me now, if you have anything because if I have to search I will not be nice about it." she gives the girl a good proper shake to emphisize her words.

Rowenova smiles brightly to the lead woman, "Let's hug it out!" says she before finally doing the actual 'talking' she does best and just shoving up those already-lifted hands right forward in a double punch toward the leader's face whilst Sir Floppington charges forth toward the sidekick female!

The bag has something in it, probably a gemstone. Coraline is able take such from the girl. She tries to wiggling away and scampering to her feet, but not she seems intent on escaping rather than anything else.

Rowenova checked dexterity + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 47 higher.

Merek checked dexterity + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 15 higher.

Merek looks like he is about to step forward and even looks aside to Rowenova, though before he's able to even present his offer, he notices that the fists are sent from this side first. As such he moves to attempt to shift his fists up to block the hit or take it, just not wishing it to be landed upon the others, "This isn't how we do things, none of them have assaulted us as of the moment!"


Rowenova can play bad guard good guard. She lets Merek take that hit, which would have been very well placed, and so he took one for their team, the opposing side, which will hopefully endear him to them.


Rowenova GM Roll checked dexterity(3) + brawl(3) at difficulty 15, rolling 26 higher.

10 inflicted and Merek is unharmed.

Rowenova says in Northlands shav, "Asshole."

Merek takes a pretty good hit from Rowenova, but his armor soaks most of the damage. Still he might have a minor bruise. The man Monique hit is still holding his side and is now sitting on the ground. The woman who Coraline tackled is still trying to escape, just without her treasures this time. The woman next to the leader is bit by Rowenova's dog. The woman cries out. "Go away, go away and we will give you what we fairly found in the market." The leader says, handing or trying to hand Merek a bar of Stygia.

Cora shakes the girl and forces her to sit near the guy on the ground, "Nope, you stay here, I won't hurt you if you stop moving." Her eyes go to the other group, looking for thoes little bags.

The girl goes very still! The sidekick and the man hiding behind the leader both have velvet bags hanging from their belts.

Merek looks at the bar that he is handed, as he shifts his form a bit after taking the hit. Exotic armour is quite useful for that. He then nods to the leader, and looks around a bit, "Listen... I'm willing to write this all off," he watches as the dog moves to one of the people and lifts his brow, "However, all of you here will hand us anything received in the market. This is a one-time offer, and the only way you're remaining out of the cells. Look, we have keen people here who can see what you're hiding, so don't try to pull one on us," he then nods a bit. He looks about towards Rowenova and nods thankfully, while he waits for the reply from others.

Rowenova growls lowly. She moves sideways and forward toward the bitten girl, doing so as she gathers up Sir Floppington with a slight whistle, except then momentarily whispers to him. He keeps barking as if he really wants to go and tear up the gang members, but Rowenova just holds him. For now.

Merek checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 30, rolling 3 lower.

Monique leans in to murmur something to the man she stabbed, and then she's off to notify the Mercies.

Merek says, "I'll also give you 5000 silver if you do."

"You are gonna arrest us anyways, guardsman." The leader says, sounding very untrusting. She seems fearful. Merek's whispered words seem to surprise the woman. "You would do that for us?" She says, looking confused. "We are poor. We have families and we found the treasures." She adds. She seems tempted, really tempted.

Coraline checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 21 higher.

Sliding up to the man, Cora slips her hand to his belt, and cuts the pouch off. It joins the previous one. She looks over to the girl on the ground who is clutching her dog bite, kneeling she gets her medical stuff out, "Here, let me help you with that." She says with a smile, even while she triest to get that one's pouch as she sees to the wounds, yes she really will take care of the wounds.

Merek seems thoughtful a moment, as he shifts his hip a little and looks at the leader with his smouldering gaze of orange. He then takes documents from a book he keeps, "You will sign an affidavit, agreeing to return the goods, in exchange you will have amnesty and silver to feed your families, but if you commit another offense, it will be a double penalty with the documents to prove your agreement in court. The sum is at 5,000 silver," he hands her the document to sign if she agrees, looking to all the other Lowers folk to see their views on it. He looks then to Rowenova and also Cora, seeing how they are with that.

Rowenova holds back the barking Sir Floppington who she cuddles close with her own body between him and Coraline, as she whispers back to the medic woman without really addressing Merek beyond glancing up toward him very briefly.

The girl with the dog bite is clutching her leg. Coraline can get her pouch and inside she founds another ingot of Stygian. The leader sees that they are cornered and that Merek's offer is a good one. She relunctantly reaches inside her shirt to some hidden inner pocket pulling out the dragonweep that is worth well 100 times the silver. "Thank you for being fair with us." She says, seeming concerned for her injured stabbed man and the girl with the dog bite both. Maybe she isn't all bad.

Cora finishes patching up the dog bit girl, then pats her shoulder gently, "Keep that clean and see me in the clinic." She heads off to help the man with the knife wound, "Stay still." she murmurs as she gets to work.

Merek tilts with his head as the other two seem busy with their own things, then he realizes there was a dragonweep being kept in a hidden pocket, instead of pouches. A good idea, all in all, to make that agreement. He examines the thing and takes a moment to wrap it with some linen and tuck it safe in his own hidden pockets of the leather he wears, with the stygian, "Thank you," he offers, as he looks to the others to make sure that they are indeed doing what was agreed.

Sir Floppington lets out a hound howl to really make them look like they have vicious capabilities, but Rowenova seemingly holds him back, moving around to follow along after Coraline while picking up Sir Floppington.

Cora finishes up the stab wound, "Come see me in a couple of days at the clinic, I will make sure it is healing well." She smiles and pats the man's shoulder, no longer scary Cora she is healer Cora. That done she goes to speak quietly with Rowenova and Merek, "You will be returning that to Mistress Josephine right?" She asks of the things in his pocketses.

"Yes, that was the reason I came. Iron Guard's duties," Merek mentions, as he nods to Cora.