[center][img]https://i.ibb.co/PZT8Cf7g/Untitlfdgfdgded.png[/img] [img]https://i.ibb.co/MktBgWh3/a47093f5-888c-458d-9d6a-6b92f482fdf0.png[/img][/center] [center] [hider=Info] [b][color=#50C878]Race:[/color][/b] Urban Halfling [b][color=#50C878]Class:[/color][/b] Rogue [b][color=#50C878]Location:[/color][/b] Port Verge [b][color=#50C878]Interactions:[/color][/b] None [b][color=#50C878]Equipment:[/color][/b] [color=black]⦾[/color] Hand crossbow [color=black]⦾[/color] Shortsword [color=black]⦾[/color] Coil of silk rope (lightweight, quiet) [color=black]⦾[/color] Small lockpicking kit [color=black]⦾[/color] Concealed shoulder satchel (documents & odds-and-ends) [color=black]⦾[/color] Hooded travel cloak [b][color=#50C878]Attire:[/color][/b] Plain traveler’s shirt, tanned vest, dark trousers tucked into leather boots; hooded cloak worn or stowed depending on visibility. Currently stowed to conceal weapons. + Patchwork old shirt (+ concealment) [b][color=#50C878]Gold Balance:[/color][/b] 30 [b][color=#50C878]Injuries:[/color][/b] Hungry. [/hider] [/center] [center][img]https://i.ibb.co/S4tvw0RW/Chat-GPT-Image-Jan-23-2026-08-37-31-PM.png[/img][/center] [center][h2][color=#50C878]The Recap Episode (Pt 2)[/color][/h2][/center] Tommy prepared himself to venture the streets and alleys, ready to meld into the cacophony. Despite the town's small size there are several nooks and crannies are available to obscure himself if trouble comes his way. Never a stranger to getting into or out of petty squabbles, the ports confined nature means any altercation could come back in force later if caution is not taken. Main goals: Gather information and scout possible ways to leave this place, acquire more coin to secure food and passage, and find out why that Warforged has the same gem on its chest. Easier said than done, even with Tommy as a disguise these port dwellers might recognize a new face if he lingers too long or makes too much of a scene. People usually overlook the antics of a child but there is a limit, keeping between those lines is a Tommy specialty. Observing the locals is an easy task, take in cadence and habits, adopt, and execute. Relevant information does not take long to cross Tommy's path, a few local children knock over a food merchants display. Among the cursing and hurling of threats from the street merchant, the kids scurry away with laughs and cheers despite the jeering of passerby's. Entertaining as the antics of children may be, their presence did give up something critical Tommy overlooked, his clothes were too clean and well made to blend in effectively. Even if he dirtied his shirt and pants that would not make up for the bags and gear. "[color=#50C878]Still too noticeable.[/color]" Tommy muttered under his breath. Sitting here would grant him no progress, he knows he has to keep moving if he wants answers. The chaos of the children's altercation has died down and the streets momentarily focus on the aftermath. Tommy slips out from the brush into an empty alley. [center][img]https://i.ibb.co/qF1hWgqW/Tommyinstreets.png[/img][/center] The alleys of Port Verge sell a vivid picture of poverty and destitution. The shanty itself being a patchwork of mismatched building materials gave a strong impression, but an underbelly often finds itself unwashed. Before Tommy lies rows and columns of filth and desperation. Dirt, waste, broken shards of wood and glass litter the ground. As if tragedy itself came in layers, a sight Tommy knows all too well. Tommy's boots treaded fast but cautious in search of anything that might improve his odds of blending in. A few gruff men cross the alleys ahead deep in conversation, Tommy ducks around a corner before the men can get a chance to spot him. Thomas was lucky enough to avoid the pirates when he entered the island but getting caught alone by anyone associated with Beckett would likely become a problem very quickly. As Tommy watched them pass he took note of a short sword sheathed at the mans waist, the other carried a mace tucked into the belt. Tommy could not be certain if they did work under the Prince or Beckett but better safe than sorry. After a moment the alleys were clear of unwanted eyes, Tommy took a moment to breathe. The ports buildings are not laid out like Tommy was used to in the established city he once roamed. The alleys do not run in even straight lines, often it is difficult to find line of sight to the main road. Several times he finds himself at a dead-end, after an hour of skulking Tommy finds something useful. A patchwork shirt that appears old and stretched. The shirt looks to be handed down but on its last leg, years of repairs tell a tale of generational poverty. Despite being made for a human teenager it fits Tommy well, covering most of his well kept clothing and gear. A solemn feeling washes over Tommy, taking something like this may seem small to some but the people here seem to have so little that taking it felt like he was stealing from a beggar. Alas nothing short of leaving the shirt behind would compensate for the act. A bitter taste lingers as Tommy makes his way to the main road. "[color=#50C878]Stealing should always be done for good reasons and from those who have more than they need.[/color]" Tommy muttered under his breath like he was repeating it from an old memory. Tommy moved to unite with the crowd under the light of the shining sun. The memories come and go but one stays at the forefront as if to grant Tommy comfort. "[color=#50C878]Anderl, what would you do?[/color]" Anxious, Tommy wipes his eyes and after months of running lets the world see his face. Tommy would say his anxiety was under control, but stepping into the street he felt his heartbeat in his ears. The presence of pirates was staggering, Tommy wanted to dive back into the alleys with haste at the sight. The eyes gazed upon the pirates but Tommy's mind saw the guards of Stormreach looking to collect the bounty. For a moment the cold stone of Stormreach spread over the dirt streets of Port Verge and the shanty buildings turned stone and wood. Tommy wanted to flee, his blood ran cold screaming through his veins as if a great flood was let to run rampant. Only for a moment but as quickly as the visions came, they passed. Tommy had no idea if these pirates were as dangerous as the Bludhounds, but the dangers here were not looking for him. He wished this revelation calmed his mind and body, while the raging blood has started to calm his mind but still felt a lingering unease. It has been more than an hour since the Warforged was last in his sight. Tommy felt an urge to get the fellow ship passenger back into his sight. "[color=#50C878]Gasp[/color]" A sharp pain nearly forces Tommy to the ground. Shuffling off to a less traveled spot he took a moment to catch himself. It does not take long to recognize the familiar sting, he had not eaten for several days. With the stress of the crash fading Tommy's other necessities were screaming for attention. “[color=#50C878]Some food might do me right.[/color]” The hunger pains were not constant but the initial sting was not something to be ignored. The wind wafts a scent of seared fish and meat along the street, despite the heat of the day warm food feels right to unburden a weary mind and body. Walking slowly it only takes him a few minutes to find a stall offering something hot and affordable, “The Salty Squid Skillet.” A tall half-orc stands at the grill tossing squid and vegetables across the flame soaked pan, her tusks peering as she works the grill. A halfling's stature does not quite clear the counter of the stall, rather than standing out of sight Tommy steps around the stall to get the cooks attention. "[color=#50C878]Um, scuse me miss?[/color]" Tommy's voice soft like a lullaby reaches out to the half-orc over the sizzling of the pan. Despite thinking it would take several attempts to get her attention, the woman pauses for a moment and spares a glance towards Tommy. “[color=#008080]Sorry kid, you’re cute and all but coin for food.[/color]” "[color=#50C878]Kay, can I have a Kraken stew and a Tide tea please?[/color]" After a drawn silence between Tommy and the woman she responds “[color=#008080]Okay, that will be three coins kid.[/color]” Three gold, a tenth of all gold to his name. A big price to pay with no foreseeable coin coming his way, but staying hungry would be of no benefit. Three gold appear from under the cover of the patchwork shirt, reaching to the sky Tommy places the coin in a neat stack on the counter. Another moment crawls before a smile breaks across the half-orc's face, two tusks splitting the smile like a tall mountain breaks the clouds. “[color=#008080]Sure thing squirt! One tea and stew coming right up, don’t be going anywhere you hear? Mama Mara’s got you covered.[/color]” A short nod from Tommy confirms he understands. Who in their right mind would spend the coin on food they intend to waste? He does not have the coin to squander on such games, but the twinge in his guts almost anchors him in place. Tommy kneels down to the ground and passes the time by drawing swords and bows in the dirt. Two loud thuds snap Tommy back to reality, the passage of time blurred as he waited but before he could address the sound two big hands scoop Tommy up by his armpits. In a flash he feels his butt hit the top of a stack of crates sitting on a makeshift tall chair letting him reach the counter where his food sat steaming. Usually the sensation of being handled like that would send Tommy into a panic, lucky for Mara he was too interested in filling his belly to protest. Mara returns to the stove keeping eye contact until Tommy takes his first bite. The food is almost scalding hot, she must have moved the crates as soon as she plated the food. Despite the burning sensation the food is amazing, unsure if the flavor is a result of her craft or his appetite taking control. Mara must be satisfied since she has returned to the stove tossing what looks like eels into the smoking pan. "[color=#50C878]Thank your miss Mara.[/color]" “[color=#008080]Mara the Ironpan always takes care of her customers' squirt, you just let me know when you’re full. [/color]” She huffed over the scream of the pan. The stew settles his stomach assault, but it will take a bit for the food to fully put the issue to rest. While waiting for the meal to convince Tommy’s body it’s not in danger he nurses the tea to wash down the first hot meal he's had in over a month. Rhythmic taps echo off the makeshift chair as Tommy kicks his feet in instinctual satisfaction. Mara however did not seem satisfied with his demeanor, with the swiftness and grace expected of those with elven blood gets face to face with Tommy. “[color=#008080]You full or not squirt?[/color]” The sudden aggression almost shocks Tommy off his seat, her expression twisted to a scowl. "[color=#50C878]Sorry, I’ll just go-[/color]" “[color=#008080]I ain't asking if you’re done, I’m asking if you're full. Growing boys don't need to be going hungry. [/color]” Tommy’s silence was all the answer she needed before pulling out something wrapped in steamed leaves. “[color=#008080]This didn’t turn out right, take it and beat it before people think I’m a charity.[/color]” Her tone and look says it all, she needs Tommy to scram. After chugging the tea Tommy hops down and stuffs the wrapped item into his pouch. She was so pleasant when he paid but now her demeanor has flipped. It does not feel right to Tommy to not thank her but something tells him that putting distance between him and her is the right call. No pleasantries, no goodbye, and no kind words Tommy mixes back into the crown. After a while he peaks back and sees three pirates arguing with Mara at the stall. She didn’t want him caught up in whatever they were up to. A final act of kindness she could not explain to a child. A short distance away a commotion can be heard from a stall, never a dull moment in this town. Although whether or not that is a good or bad thing is yet to be determined. Peering into the Odds and Ends stall a Elven man lay on the ground flanked by a cackling feline woman and being pinned by the Yuan-ti woman. Of all the passengers to run into, why did it have to be the one that scares the living hell out of Tommy? The situation seems tense and has the potential to get worse."[color=#50C878] I am not touching that, best try elsewhere.[/color]" Despite the chaos that seems to follow them Tommy felt relief seeing another passenger. The sensation is strange but Tommy does not deny he has relaxed after seeing a familiar face. Tommy spent more time than he would have liked trying to track the Warforged and the fellow passengers. This usually was a faster job with a home field advantage, not willing to risk exposing himself to the pirates at this juncture he often found himself ducking behind anything to keep himself obscured. With any luck anyone that did notice him would just assume this was the antics of a bored child with little to do. Any kind soul that wanted to check on Tommy would get the bug eyes and a quick excuse before he disappeared into the crowd or shadows with a giggle for flavor. A soft sensation squished under Tommys boot, a flower in the middle of this well traveled road was peculiar. Despite the oddity the flower shares its bed with grass and does not stand alone as it would seem an emissary of nature left a trail. Sure enough after following the patches the shape and spacing is unmistakable, its footprints. When Beckett was lecturing the group and the Yuan-ti woman emerged there was a girl wrapped in leaf and vine, was this her doing? The thought itself was enough to lessen the maelstrom within his head, the longer Tommy scoured the port anxiety built like another weight holding him below water. The path did not stretch very far before someone else caught his attention. [color=#CD853F]“Bastion! Come to mama! We have much to discuss, my second-in-command.”[/color] [color=#50C878]Uh oh.[/color] The loud feline's voice echoes out of “The Krakens Wake.” Tommy steps around the outside of the door to scan the tavern's patrons, finally the bronze giant appears. Around him the Teifling, Wolfman, Yuan-Ti, and leaf girl now in proper clothes are piling around a table off in the far corner. A man armored in gemstones and the elf that favors the ground have joined the group. Not all faces are familiar but the group Beckett took from the ship are all here, the odds of catching the Warforged alone has dwindled to near zero. But Tommy typically can’t just walk into a tavern, the barkeeps usually don't like unattended children in their business. The rum smell wafting out of the building might be enough to knock Tommy over. [color=#50C878]Plan B it is.[/color] If he could not get a one on one he figures vetting the whole group would improve his chances of avoiding a less than ideal confrontation. Tommy slips around the tavern where less eyes can pry and take to the roof with a swiftness. It is quite fortunate the buildings here are not well made and do not muffle the sounds from inside, Tommy makes it to the corner where his targets sit and drink. It does not take long for something of importance to cross his ear. [color=#6c2dc7]”Do we all have the same stories from our little decorations? I might be a fan of gems, but these might be a touch too personal for my liking.”[/color] “[color=#50C878]Oh, this is bigger than I thought.[/color]” The thought does not have time to settle before a loud creaking sound and impact so heavy it shook the building. A quick peek reveals the Warforged on the floor surrounded by what remains of a once well used dining chair. As funny as Tommy found the Warforged situation, he dared not laugh and give himself away. Tommy sat on the roof listening to his fellow passengers drink and talk. As time goes on he unwraps the food Mara sent him off with, a mixture of uneven bread, mussels, and clams lay on the leaf. She was right that it did not turn out right, but even then it was pleasant to Tommy’s pallet. 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