20060629
Undertow
01.15.1562 - 01.20.1562 Founder's Reckoning
Morning finds our heroes already on the road to Kardia City, with horses, supplies, and letters of introduction. A handful of guards are sent along and a fast courier is sent ahead to make arrangements for travel to Caryadis. The journey takes 4 days due largely to the party's lack of horsemanship.
Arriving in Kardia City, the group first meets up at the KOC to receive any messages left for them. There is a ship waiting for them. It should sail with the tide, in about 4 hours. Or tomorrow. Meanwhile...
Ali takes the opportunity to run off into the city to re-establish some old contacts. Unfortunately, the Rat's Nest has relocated. Some careful reading of signs eventually leads Ali to meeting her old gang. Her 2nd in command has been taken by the city guards, her trio of guardsmen have entered military service, and her hidden stash was taken by Parthos. Nobody recognises her due to the magic of the slave collar, so she claims to be a messenger from Ali.
Eriola convinces Doctor Marbent to introduce her to an apothecary colleague who may be able to help her face. She spends a great deal of time unconscious, and is given a tincture of mercury and witchhazel to apply to her face daily.
Sedge wanders off into the city to "earn" some cash. He simply robs a man and kills him in cold blood.
Horace lays low for a few hours.
At the appointed time, the group assembles at Dock 37, learning that in Kardia, it is considered bad luck to name a ship. Suddenly, someone thinks to ask where the Princess Alysanne and Jasper are. Oops. Several party members ride off through town at top speed, back to the KOC. Some words are exchanged, some blows, and a headlock. Ali makes believe they are taking a wayward daughter back to her father to get them out the front door, and Horace botches a Distraction spell and ends up with bright, glowing eyes for a few hours. They get back to the ship and sail off before anyone can ask too many questions.