DEALING WITH A TYRIAN TEMPLAR

Koreth walks alone over to the dwarven templar, a ready smile upon his face. "I think we both know what is needed in return for a recommendation," Koreth says loud enough so that only those close enough can hear.

The dwarven templar smiles back at Koreth, he knew damn well what he wanted and just who to ask to get it. Koreth knew that he would have to be careful in negotiating this. Templars were cunning, especially dwarven templars.

"Do you think that a most generous gift of five silvers might tip the council's opinion to our favor?" Koreth questions, beginning the game.

The templar snorts, "Five silvers would not even get you into the council chambers. Give me twenty and I can assure you that you and your companions will be selected." The dwarf grins, his templar smile hiding his greed.

"Twenty? I could buy a seat on the council itself for that much. Eight silvers should be more than enough to convince the High Templar." The dwarf laughs, "Eight? Perhaps you could buy the High Templar's consideration for that, but if you will give me only sixteen silvers I will make certain that he selects you."

"Sixteen? Look at my companions, they are varied and capable. Who could not see that we are the most qualified for this task? I will give you ten silvers, which I would have to say is a fair price." "Ten you say? Perhaps a fair price in getting recommendations of someone of lower rank than myself."

The dwarf grips the chariot's hand rail as he leans over to Koreth, "Lad do you know who I am? Why, I practically run this city! Fourteen silvers and I will make sure that you are the most qualified."

Koreth shrugs, "Twelve then. Will you not agree that twelve silvers is more than a fair price for someone of your position?" The dwarven templar looks Koreth and the rest of the group over." Thirteen, and not a bit less. You can not expect me to convince the High Templar of your worth for any lesser amount, especially with the odd companions you have chosen."

Koreth nods, "Thirteen silvers it is then. I shall meet you outside the council chambers then, as you know no sane man carries such an amount upon his person in these times. I shall pay you then."

The dwarven templar snorts and in a cocky tone adds, "You insult me. Do you take me for a fool? Maybe my partner here is right and you are stupid. I want to see some money right now, how will I know you will show up later? I need to talk to the High Templar right now." The dwarf and the half-elven templar talk to each other in quiet tones while nodding and looking over your group of friends.

The half-giant guards again become apprehensive as the rest of the group silently walks over. Tak and the kreen discussing amongst themselves and each looking more confused than the other. Ayrus trails behind, just as confused as his two other companions, his cerulean cloak catching the hot noon breeze while Gaigin and Elric take the lead with long purposeful strides.

Aryus stands quietly and patiently throughout the whole exchange between Koreth and the templar. He watches with a certain curiosity, never having seen a bribe take place, he is unsure of how to act.

As soon as he hears Koreth and the templar speak of money, Aryus involuntarily reaches into this own leather purse. Inside is a pile of coins, money left over from his many travels before.

The dwarven templar impatiently waits for an answer, "Well, lad, I don't have all day for you. Can you make good on your gift?"

Koreth sighs, his mind working. "I do not take your for a fool, anyone who does is a fool himself. What I will do is this." He unhooks his bastard sword in it's elaborately decorated scabbard, drawing it slowly, laying it across his hands and holding it up so the dwarven templar can see it "I will give you my sword, a valuable item as you no doubt can tell. This you will hold onto until I have paid you. If I do not, the sword is yours to keep." Koreth sheaths his sword and holds it in his hands where the templar can reach it. He watches the templar's reaction, if he could only speak with his mother all this would be solved. "Do we have a deal then?" he asks, looking the templar in the eye briefly.

The dwarfs eyes light up when he observes the beautiful sword and quickly adds, "No, I won't take your sword but I will talk to the High templar within the hour." The dwarf confers with his half-elven companion one more time and turns to address the noble warrior once again. His face shows a wide, tooth-filled smile that does not extends to his eyes. "I will tell you what I will do. We cannot have the exchange of goods outside the Council Hall as it would be too risky for you so I will take any money you have right now and meet you later on today, before you go to the Council Hall, when you will generously donate the rest." The mocking tone of the templar seems to linger longer on words such as "exchange of goods" and "generously donate." The half-elf templar jumps in, "You are one lucky fellow so don't push your good fortune; just give us what you can come up now and tell us when and where you will meet us with the rest of the money..."

Koreth steps back and confers with his new found companions explaining the situation to them.

Gaigin, who has stood impassive through out the bargaining, leans in close to Koreth, speaking softly.

"Here is 65 ceramic pieces, half of what they want." Gaigin presses a small purse into Koreth's hand. "Try and pick a place in the Elven Market, where they'll be at a disadvantage...no guard will willingly patrol the Market...at least so far as I remember." Gaigin steps back, leaning comfortably on his spear as he eyes the Templars.

Elric moves quietly to Koreth's side. Being sure not to interrupt the delicate negotiations or make eye contact with the dwarf. Elric speaks in a low tone meant for Koreth alone 'I haven't much on me but I'll give it all to help." He steps back watching intently to see if his offer will taken. The half elf rummages through his pouches and comes up with the other 65 cp needed to close the bargain.

Koreth takes the money from his 'insane' companions who actually walked around Tyr with a lot of money on them. It would not help them any if anyone found they had this kind of money on them. "OK, I will give them the full amount right now and we won't have to meet them later. I really don't want to show in the elven market with a lot of money anyway." He steps forward and addresses both templars, "I have the full amount right here and now, so there will not be any need to meet later." Both templars greedily approve and the dwarf extends his hand for the pouch. He passes the money to the half-elf who quickly counts the coins inside, the half-elf nods and the deal is about to be closed.

Aryus listens intently, only half understanding the process of giving a bribe. He had noticed the obvious strain between Koreth and the dwarf that took place moments ago. When Koreth again walks up the cart and starts to close the deal, Ayrus misunderstands and steps forward with long graceful strides.

He interrupts the pair with a slight bow. "Excuse my interruption, sirs. But it appears you have strained yourselves so hard over merely a few coins. I have spent most of my life without money and civilization, thus I have no need for your currency."

Extending his purse forward, Aryus continues, "I am not familiar with the value of your coins, but I hope this will pay for your trouble to recommend us to the council of Tyr."

Aryus looks at the dwarf innocently, and opens his leather purse. The dwarven templar and Koreth extend their necks to catch a glimpse of the full purse. Inside they see a sea of ceramic bits with two shining silver pieces standing out like glowing eyes as they glint off catching the Athasian sun.

Before the dwarf has a chance to speak, Koreth grabs Ayrus' purse and closes it. "That is OK, we have no need for them. Thanks." When Ayrus looks confused and does not take the hint of going back to the rest of the group, Koreth calls Gaigin over. The warrior, who was taken by surprise by Ayrus approach, quickly walks over and takes the whole scene in one eye glance. He walks Ayrus back with him and nods to Koreth who continues the deal with the templar, hopefully with no more interruptions.

The dwarf's greedy eyes linger a moment longer on the air cleric's pouch of money. "Well, it seems, that your companions have a lot more money than you do despite their down trodden appearance. Nevertheless, a deal is a deal and I am good on my word. Who shall I recommend to the High Templar and when will you go?

Koreth swells with pride as he thinks of a way of making his father proud of him once again. He states, "You can announce that Koreth from the noble House of Harek and his friends will bring that job to a happy conclusion. We will be within the council hall this very evening." Both templar seem satisfied, the half-elf again signals his half-giant guard who slaps the kanks into motion. Leather harness creak and two parallel streaks of dust are raised as the chariot drives away. Koreth walks back to the group thinking of what possible benefits he might get for his family by leading the group that establishes a new trade route…

ON TO COUNCIL HALL

The heroes finally end that strange ordeal with the templars and decide to make for the Council Hall right away or as Tak, the halfling hunter, had put it "there is haste needed now". Gaigin and Koreth both agree that while going through the merchant district would be more pleasing to the senses, the faster and most direct route was going across the poorer parts of the city. The templars, their kank-drawn chariot, and their huge half-giant guards are but a memory; both half-elf and dwarf seemed quite pleased with their deal.

The companions are quiet for the most part and each brings forth his skills as best they can as they try to cover themselves from the harsh noon sun. Luckily this part of town had streets which were quite narrow with one-story buildings that did a fair job providing shade. Building was too kind a word for these shacks; this part of town had been affected the most by the recent earthquake and quite a few of the precarious houses had a wall or part of the roof torn down.

The smell of trash and human refuse was unbearable at times and this was what dictated the heroes' choice while walking in the area. Ayrus' nose cringed and his soul sagged at the smell the sweet air was forced to carry. Everyone else seemed unaffected for the most part although no one seemed content. Tak, however, was lost in thought as his gaze lingered on every child that lived in these conditions. His "savage" mind still not comprehending it all.

A dirty, barefoot child run past them almost knocking himself onto the large kreen who dodged the child aside at the last minute. The halfling recognized him as the leader of his "beggar tribe" and yelled after him. The whelp stopped in his tracks at the mention of his name. He turned around and threw himself at Tak in a big hug, the small child was sobbing uncontrollably. Tak picked up the small child in his arms showing a strength not common for his size and lovingly soothed him. "OK, I am here, everything is alright. Where is the rest of the tribe?" The child cried; tears leaving a clean streak in his dirty face. In between sobs, he added, "they're 'round the corner… big men… beat them…steal our money…nothing to eat today…or tomorrow…" Tak's eyes glared about dangerously as he put the child down. The halfling quickly walks up to the alley where the child had pointed to; his bare feet making no more noise than a wild tigone on the prowl.

The rest of the group quickly followed him. The kreen picked up the child with one of lower arms, understanding that he was part of the new pack and needs help. The small child's eyes open wide in wonder as he had never seen a mantis warrior up close, much less been carried by one. The group soon catches up to the halfling and looks into the alley. The heroes find themselves in a crowded alley. Here, refugees from the client villages huddle together for safety, hoping to beg for a bit or two from a passing noble or free citizen.

The ragged crowd that fills this alley is made up of destitute men, women, and children who appear as hungry and thirsty as they are dusty and weary. Normally, such a crowd would press toward you, begging for a bit or two with sad eyes and outstretched palms. That doesn't happen today, however.

Instead a gang of street toughs rampage through the refugees. A dull thud is heard as an ugly looking human with a shaven head brings a bone club down on the head of man trying to protect his family. The man slumps to the floor amidst screams and yells from his family. Another half-elf lowlife slaps a young girl as he scoops the lone bit out of her begging bowl; the girl cowers against the wall as she covers herself as best she can from any further violence. Three other toughs taunt an elderly fellow, laughing as they push him to the ground. Apparently they gain as much amusement from their acts as they do items of worth.

The companions catch up to the halfling hunter as Chit-Zik puts down the child. Tak is about to go into the alley when the whelp wraps his small arms around his waist for protection, half weeping and half speaking to him, he points his fragile hand towards the thugs"There…rest of tribe…"

Your actions…

GENERAL INFO

From your viewpoint, you can see about 5 thugs but there is more movement in the far end of the alley. The alley is about 10 feet wide and about 50 feet in length and there seems to be some sort of gate blocking the far end.