Quick update whilst I can. Dax and Terfel are trying to see if they can sniff out K'zzal within the back room. We met a gnoll who advised there was a large lozardfolk acting as a butcher in this tavern. Warden and I are still sat at the table, waiting. I am not sure what this drink is that Terfel ordered us, all I know is that it tastes what I would imagine being kicked in the throat would be like. Even Warden who doesn't reaally taste - I think? I mean, if his people do not eat or drink, would they be able to taste? - seemed to be physically knocked back at the drink. I wonder if it will affect him in the same manner as the other patrons. There is a Warforged tavern after all. And, perhaps it is frivolous of me to consider, the idea of a drunken Warforged is just amusing. Or a lizardfolk. I have seem plenty of humans and the like stagger out of the few places that sell alcohol in New Cyre. And the other non-humans of the camp seem to have a fairly similar reaction to the stuff, if requiring different quantities to get inebriated. Looking around now at the rather strange patrons of this particular tavern seem to definitely follow that all people can more or less get drunk, only the types of drunk and the amount of alcohol needed differntiates them. I do not really remember seeing my people drunk - it clouds the mind which is somewhat frowned upon. One of the things in the world that can distract you from doing good. Fine in moderation, like everything else, but hedonism is a limiting framework for doing good. Not that the concept has stopped me trying it when Terfel kindly bought the drink, of course. It would be impolite as it is a gift. Even if it tastes like a throat infection and is a rather unpretty colour.
Unfortunately, we were unable to communicate with the comatose changeling. It was quite the effort to get to the hospital in the first place. We had to make our way back down to High Walls - which incidentally, is becoming increasingly taxing on me. Runing from the positively lush realms of the higher city to the desolate undercity highlights the divisions here at the core and that these poor people are being left to their own devices. It is most uncharitable! These people had fled a horrific disaster and I would argue that those in New Cyre are better off. At least in New Cyre, food can be grown, game can be hunted, buildings are starting to be built and militias educated. There is no such provisions here - just tents and the stench of desperation. The people who run this city should be damn well ashamed!
Regardless, we met up with Terfel's friends who advised that in order to be allowed into the hospital, we would need to track down the one called Greykell. She has been spoken of before hy Terfel and the others from Cyre. A proud warrior type. She has managed to secure herself lodgings in an actual building so we had to track her down inside (well, everything is technically inside but the weather seems to disagree. Strange, strange place.) Her room was very spartan in nature, a table and a bed and little much else. It struck me about how much it reminded me of the rooms at the monastry - well, if they were individual rooms, of course. She seemed to be receptive at the idea of myself trying to communicate with this changeling to find out exactly went on and why the others attacked Terfel's friends. She secured passage into the hospital and in the name of il-Yannah, I tried.
I connected with his mind but there was...nothing. When I have connected to anyone, there is always noise. Minds are noisy things when not under strict control. The conscious mind - unless trained, of course - flit between thoughts and concepts like a bee pollinating flowers. Fluid, bouncing almost. A single concept brought to the mind brings around a dozen or so semi-connected concepts which itself branch out infinitely. But to hear absolute dead silence...it is rather unnerving. I tried my best to bring him around - I used the wand I received, I tried to wake him using other means including playing my flute and that the taste of soap may rouse him out of sheer disgust. I prayed that he would wake. Nothing. No change. I should not be disheartened - perhaps it is out of my skill range and that il-Yannah has a different plan to bring him awake...or another lead to chase in the meantime. Still, I cannot help but feel disappointed.
We spoke again to Greykell. She spoke again about the Mourning and the horrific things that she saw, that Terfel's people endured. I am not entirely sure what manner of spell or act would cause such a thing but I fear that this could be replicated. What if Riedra got a hold of such a weapon? Or the demon that Dax fights against? Or Warden's beastly shadows? Or anyone else for that matter? Greykell also advised that it was a kalashtar who woke up Daine although where she is now or why she did so is unknown. I suppose the obvious reason is that she's a kalashtar and she is obviously on the Path of Light and it is a noble act to do. Perhaps if we find her, we could try together to walk the changeling.
After this, we resolved to find the lizardfolk and so back in Kybher's Gate and into this tavern. Shamukaar. A sort of one stop shop for fresh meat, drinks and other food. We were well warned to not cause trouble as the patrons would not put up with it and kill us. And I believe that, given the rippling muscular frames of the inhabitants who are in to have a quiet drink. It's sort of nice to see such camaraderie, even in such a dark place.
It is -
Dax just left, I will finish this later.