Two Paths Diverge: Toranoshi Alone - Chapter 8

[JohnnyWeird]

The days find the dhuka restlessly prowling the city, both near the Brahmin's house and near the docks. Each day brings new anxieties, foes that must be conquered as surely as the occassional cutpurse. But Toranoshi is a killer - fear is a luxury he finds distasteful. He meditates when he can and prowls when he cannot, speaking with the Mystic and waiting for something to happen.

OOC

Don't sweat it - thanks for being patient with me this far!

[Vardaen]

Toranoshi has prowled the area around Vivec's house some, but eventually returns to the Noisy Dog, the house of ill repute he said he would be at in the note. Sitting with the Mystic, in this place with several other Zakharans and plenty of sailors and corsairs a lone man enters. Dressed like a Shudra he stands in the door way and calls out.

He even calls out in the mystic's language, content that shouts in odd languages are nothing strange in a place that caters to sailors from many lands. "<Ancient>I'm looking for the mystic and his friend Toranoshi. I'm a friend of Vivec's. We got your note!"

The Mystic taps Toranoshi on the shoulder to confirm he heard the man's words.

[JohnnyWeird]

Toranoshi nods to the Mystic; either this is a friend or a ruse cunning enough to warrant investigation. He approaches the apparent Shudra. "<Ancient>A friend of Vivec's is a friend of mine. How fares the Brahmin?"

Action

Sense Motive on the gentleman. No sense getting too trusting just yet.

[Trogdor]

Janak looks the Shudra over, but not without some suspicion. This could still be a trap set by the local government. "<Ancient> He's doing well," the shaper replies, "though the same can't be said for his home. After getting what he needed from the font he came here to obtain, we - he recruited me to help - joined the rest of your friends. He then made his trip to see the holy man he wished to consult."

I think I've found him, Mani, he says through the mental link to psicrystal. Please ask the others what question I can ask Toranoshi to make certain that I am speaking to the right man.

[JohnnyWeird]

"<Ancient>This is excellent news! I also have good tidings; I have procured what he bade me procure, though obviously not without difficulty."

Keeping his words informative but not revealing, Toranoshi examines the reactions of his contact; a twitch of the eye, a quirk of the lip, any sign of deception.

[Vardaen]

Janak hears through Mani, "Just ask him his brother's name."

[Trogdor]

"<Ancient> Your friends said I should ask you your brother's name to verify who you are," Janak says to Toranoshi. "In return, I'll tell you where Vivec brought me when we left the city. That should settle both our worries."

[JohnnyWeird]

"<Ancient>If you must ask, my friend, you have never had the burden of meeting Anoop. For this blessing you should thank all the devas."
Toranoshi speaks quickly, fluidly and wryly. When he is done, he waits for his new contact's own explanations.

[Trogdor]

Janak nods. "<Ancient> Shamad says that's right," he replies. "And now for my part. "Vivec took me to your camp in the ruins of Mahanaga itself. And from there to meet a variety of people. But we can talk of this later. He gestures towards the door. "Will you come with me to meet your friends?"

[JohnnyWeird]

"<Ancient>Very well." The dhuka turns to the Mystic. "<Ancient>Hopefully we can finally get to the bottom of all this." So saying, he follows his new acquaintance out the door.