Infiltrator in Orckon! [Open]

[Malkaer Andares]

Timestamp: Mid-Cryxatum, Summer of Era XIV PF

-continued from here-

Perhaps the most unusual character to walk around in Ire at this moment, the Thane of Taralon in fact did. After his ‘talk’ with the city master and brutal torture Malkaer had gotten himself together. He was afraid that even if his mark was covered by the makeshift bandage he had created, orcs would pick on him nevertheless for being a pale elf. The esh’lahier therefore adopted a humble pose to dissuade random green brutes from challenging him. If they did do so, they were in for a surprise though. Even without his most proficient weapon, the longsword, the former Alyssan elite was still an opponent to be reckoned with.

The shadow elf left the compound wherein the Great Hall stood. He would first ask directions to a temple or other religious site, preferably to a member of a non-orcish race. Surely as the subservient species they would feel some remorse for another one of their kind.

All the while Malkaer would keep his eyes peeled. If he survived this situation, he might as well return to Taralon with some information that could be of use for military or diplomacy. Although he had to consider the possibility that what he saw was what the orcish authorities wanted him to see. Secondly he knew that he was being watched.

[Gauls]

The esh’lahier moved out of the relative seclusion of the Great Hall Enclosure and into the hornet's nest. The hustle and bustle of the residents of the city kept them from noticing right away that Malkaer was "marked". He was walking around with a bandage over the burn on his forehead which fluttered in the air like a flag as he walked along. Though injuries and wound wrappings were a common sight in orc society, more so with the dark races of the city due to the fact that orcs don't cover up wounds they display them, the Shon Zi were surely not going to let a "marked" person roam around the city freely. It would not be long before they spread the word through their servants where Malkaer was and what he looked like. The esh’lahier was roaming on borrowed time.

Where Malkaer stood near the center of the city, it would not be hard to see all three of the massive spires that were the iconic image of Orckon. Most people would have only seen the parts of the spires that could be seen from a distance towering above the outer city walls but actually within the city and standing so close to them, Malkaer could finally appreciate the enormous grandure of the great spires. They were great stone spears jutting upward with holes at various intervals for some unknown function. None of the holes were low enough to the ground for someone to easily climb up to or peer inside from the ground level.

Peering around, Malkaer would quickly note that the city of Orckon is divided into two halves, the upper city and lower city, by a stone wall that is about 10 feet high. It is not as impressive as the outer walls defending the city but it is capped with ramparts and a walk way for the guards to traverse the entire length of the city from East to West. From this wall, the city can be defended from the inside should any outer wall be breeched. There are only two gates through this “sub-wall” one is on the east side of the Great Hall Enclosure, and the other is located on the west side of the city. A North-South road runs through the west gate and just past the gate, this road is intersected by a large East-West road that runs the entire length of the city as well on the sub-wall’s north side. As one can imagine, this crossroad is very busy with traders, merchants, citizens, and visitors in the city all trying to squeeze through these gateways. Malkaer could also make a mental note of the defenses of the Great Hall Enclosure after his pleasant visit there.

What could be of use to Malkaer also would come from his friendly visit to the Great Hall Enclosure. Standing at nearly 12 feet high, the stone enclosure sports its own battlements at each of the three gates leading into the district plus the walls are equipped with ramparts running the entire length which make the enclosure a perfect defensive position to make a last stand if that were needed. The enclosure has a barracks to house a permanent garrison of archers, plus its location is situated squarely in the city to give it protection from each of the three main spires of the city. Pardahun orcs guard all three gates into the district. One gate is located on the east, west, and north wall of the enclosure and are the only entrances known by the public. The entrances are usually left open except in the case of attack when the heavy iron reinforced wood doors are sealed shut.

Looking around for a friendly face to initiate conversation was a difficult task in Orckon. Everyone in this city had some kind of personal agenda or loyalty toward any one of the many factions within the city walls. One would have to be careful in any conversations, even the seemingly innocent ones since whatever is said could be of some value to someone else. Squatters are everywhere in the city and though poor, they are a good source of info just for the fact that they sit around "watching" all of the daily occurences in the city day-in and day-out. Before long, Malkaer would be able to see many vysstichi, and even fellow esh’lahier wondering the city with their regal airs about them going about their own daily routines. Various wilderkatta, can be seen in the city as well as rodenti, and gnomes to a lesser degree.

A slender esh’lahier noticed that Malkaer looked a bit "lost" or at least not in his element here in the city which would probably mean that he was an outsider. The esh’lahier moved toward Malkaer with a sly yet confident manner about him.

"Ashdauntas Vrasbatlat" the elf said to Malkaer in greeting. "You look a bit roughed up (referring to Malkaer's bandaged head). Is there something I can do for one such as yourself."

To Malkaer, the esh’lahier carried himself well as most esh’lahier do but his appearent knowledge of the orkish language and his attire would hint that he's either a resident here or has visited way too many times to be an average esh’lahier. He wore tan pants with black mud spattered boots. His white shirt was covered by a brownish-green hooded cloak. The hood he always kept off his head as if to proudly display his light gray colored hair. Oddly he wore a cutlass hooked to his belt and a dagger protruded from his right boot. The cutlass would hint that he was a merc of some sort, possibly a pirate or some other sea tradesmen. The esh’lahier stood looking upon Malkaer with his slate-black eyes for a reply.

[Malkaer Andares]

The former commander memorized Ire’s defenses as best he could. Taking this grand fortress city through a conventional siege was more costly than the Sherian could afford at this moment. What amazed the esh’lahier was the casualness with which the traders carried their businesses as if they did not know what was happening outside. The holes in the great spires probably provided some light and ventilation into the massive structures. Defensively they could be used to pour down hot pitch over any attackers that managed to get this far. A more fantastical guess would be that they were entrances to flying creatures; one never knew which dark beasts nestled in such unholy places.

As another shadow elf approached him, Malkaer was instinctively on his guard. The pale elf did not like it one bit that some of his kin inhabited this city. They were a scourge to his people, having fallen back to these dark teachings. Malkaer had contempt for the man, although he was not beyond salvation yet. “It’s nothing, but thanks anyway”, the wounded esh’lahier grunted. That the stranger offered his help sounded extremely suspicious in Malkaer’s ears and he did not trust Ashdauntas’ motives at all. Then again you often saw that a small minority tried to help each other as best as it could, even in evil places like Ire or Vortex. “Veltrak Hiphaelim. I would appreciate to know something about the local customs…” Malkaer said, indicating that he was indeed new here.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Malkaer Andares

The former commander memorized Ire’s defenses as best he could.

OOC

Safe to say that what Malkaer has memorized might be useful in the future, thus the Thane needs to post in this thread, just which of Ire's defenses he was able to recognize.

Of course, AGM Gauls needs to post a description of what the Thane is able to see. He need not describe whether or not thay are defenses.

[Malkaer Andares]

I think the defenses were outlined quite extensively by Gauls. With that line I was referring to the following information in the post:

Peering around, Malkaer would quickly note that the city of Orckon is divided into two halves, the upper city and lower city, by a stone wall that is about 10 feet high. It is not as impressive as the outer walls defending the city but it is capped with ramparts and a walk way for the guards to traverse the entire length of the city from East to West. From this wall, the city can be defended from the inside should any outer wall be breeched. There are only two gates through this “sub-wall” one is on the east side of the Great Hall Enclosure, and the other is located on the west side of the city.

And:

What could be of use to Malkaer also would come from his friendly visit to the Great Hall Enclosure. Standing at nearly 12 feet high, the stone enclosure sports its own battlements at each of the three gates leading into the district plus the walls are equipped with ramparts running the entire length which make the enclosure a perfect defensive position to make a last stand if that were needed. The enclosure has a barracks to house a permanent garrison of archers, plus its location is situated squarely in the city to give it protection from each of the three main spires of the city. Pardahun orcs guard all three gates into the district. One gate is located on the east, west, and north wall of the enclosure and are the only entrances known by the public. The entrances are usually left open except in the case of attack when the heavy iron reinforced wood doors are sealed shut.

Since there is a reference to the outer wall before which Malkaer teleported himself I assume he saw that as well and knows what is written in the thread Ire City Defenses (should be Orckon ha!). That thread mentions all visible defenses.

I was also hoping that Malkaer would be able to draw this basic map of Ire (Orckon - Aelyria Gallery @ http://www.aelyria.com/gallery).

[Gauls]

The esh’lahier frowned a bit when Malkaer did not respond to his standard orkish greeting of "Ashdauntas Vrasbatlat" with the standard orkish greeting of "Nar Udautus". To this shadow elf, this surely meant that Malkaer was indeed an outsider and did not understand the orc language. How pitiful the types they let into the city these days with such low education.

"Ah, an outsider I presume!" the esh’lahier tried to act surprised (pleasantly of course). "Well Mister er.... uh... whatever your name was, my name is Kle'anther and customs are something we have alot of in this city! I would love to share some of the city intrigues with you if you would allow me to buy you a brew."

The shadow elf bowed a bit to Malkaer and as he returned to his erect posture, his eyes kept glancing at the apparent wound wrapping around Malkaer's head. The shadow elf motioned for Malkaer to follow him.

"Come! This way!" the esh’lahier said as he began to walk eastward along the outside of the Great Hall Enclosure wall. As he walked, he pointed to Malkaer's head. "Are you sure you don't me to take a look at that? It looks like a nasty wound."

[Malkaer Andares]

Had he just made a terrible social faux pas? Malkaer thought he might; apparently Ashdauntas Vrasbatlat was not the esh’lahier’s name at all but a native saying. He nodded sourly to confirm Kle’anther’s easy prediction. ‘Outsider’ was written all over him. “Veltrak”, Malkaer said again, both to remind himself and his host. “Sure, I could use a drink.” He said more enthusiastically than he actually was about Kle’anther’s proposition, but followed him nonetheless.

The man had an air about him that Malkaer did not trust. He was just too caring a person to be living in a place like Ire, especially now that he began about his wound again. Then again it would be awkward to turn down an offer. The wound had to be treated sooner rather than later. “It is.” Malkaer resisted the urge to lie about how he acquired it. Hiding the truth was always easier than trying to cover it. “Do you have any experience with treating wounds?” He asked before making a final decision, scrutinizing his companion.

[Gauls]

"Oh sure, you should know that us elven-kind have a healing touch almost naturally. May I?"

The esh’lahier turned to face Malkaer then slowly lifted the wrapping around his head. As the burn mark appeared the esh’lahier muttered: "Marked". His usual stoic face shown some surprise, some pleasantry almost before returning to his plain non-expression face.

"Ah, it appears to be nothing a little herb can't remedy. I know you probably have been through some rough beginnings here and so let's get that brew before we start playing with that nasty wound. You know that Orckon's "Angry Brew" is famous for taking away pain."

The esh’lahier turned away from Malkaer and started to walk eastward. He looked back over his right shoulder and added; "My name's Rol'aer by the way."

Rol'aer motioned for Malkaer to follow him as he led the way along the south side of the Great Hall Enclosure to the Beer Tent District...

Just east of the Great Hall Enclosure is an odd collection of structures scattered atop a small, plateau. This plateau is the entertainment center of the city and is named after the largest and most important structure on it, the Beer Tent. Ragged tents and dilapidated wood structures circle a larger, more elaborate stone and wood structure sitting directly in the center of the plateau. Goblin squatters have made temporary homes all over the plateau. These squatters simply sit in one spot and create a small fire to stay warm until the Pardahun Votar shoo them away. In the meantime, they scavenge, steal, and squabble over scraps of food or a silver or two a passing orc or other may throw at them (more to try striking them than out of sorrow for them).

The ragged shacks around the main structure are private inns and food/entertainment shops. The main structure is known as the Beer Tent. This is the main spot in the city where one can meet and blow off a little aggression. This tavern hosts a variety of clients from every social class above and below ground. There are several small rooms built into the side of the structure where one can mingle without being mobbed by drunken orc warriors. The Beer Tent is a rough place but if one keeps his head down, weapon at the ready, he may just find others in decent spirits and a break from the ever-present violence of the city.

The lower half of the walls are build of stone and the upper halves and roof of wood. There is one bar immediately on the right as you enter. Several wood tables and chairs are lined up around a small pit (a small version of the main pit in the west of the city) in the center of the room. Orcs yell and laugh at the orcs that play orkish games within the pit while they eat and drink large amounts of alcohol.

As you enter the Beer Tent, only a couple orcs look up and notice that you have entered. The others are far too entertained to pay you any mind. On the right wall is a long bar with stools. One orc is passed out on a stool with his head lying on the bar. Behind the bar is a busy-looking orc. The owner and barkeep is an old orc named Phlog. Phlog is nasty and brutish even by orkish standards. It is said that working for him is worse than working on the work crews.

Female orcs emerge from the back rooms some being escorted by clients, others have their hands full of plates stacked with meat and mugs of orkish ale. The females deliver their loads and speak sexually to the orc clients in the room.

This was probably exactly what Malkaer had envisioned what an orkish tavern would look like. A rowdy place teeming with the seedy types one would expect to find in the back-alleys of Aelyria Prime. This was the social norm however in Orckon and acting any other way would put ones own safety at risk.

:Pointing to the left:
"You may find a place to sit over there somewhere while I go speak to the 'keep about those brews. If you must speak to someone, make sure he is not an orc otherwise, keep to yourself. If anyone knew that you were not a natural here, they would try to take advantage of you."

A sparkle in the eye and a brief smirk and Rol'aer left Malkaer's side to go over to the bar.

[Malkaer Andares]

To his surprise the esh’lahier acted before Malkaer could approve. Having gained some proficiency at reading people the newcomer realized that his wound, caused by one of the orc’s shamans, was something unusual and that Rol’aer or Kle’anhter or whatever his name was recognized it. No doubt a plan was forming in the seemingly friendly shadow elf’s mind to abuse his kin. So too construed Malkaer his own plan to deal with the situation.

In the esh’lahier adventurous days he had liked the being in a good old fashioned tavern with wenches, booze and above all fighting. The Beer Tent was probably the orc’s heaven on Telath for orcs with the same taste as Malkaer used to have. Today the nobleman generally thought of them as filthy places for the mob to get their base pleasures. Which was tolerable as long as they were able to toil next brightening for their lord and did not cause too much unrest.

The pale elf avoided showing his disgust which would mark him an outsider even more. The last thing Malkaer was interested in was to get caught up in a Beer Tent melee. Among humans bar brawls were not that bad, but these orcs were all a size too big to dance with.

No ****, Malkaer thought at Rol’aer’s words of caution. No way he was leaving him alone in this place. “I’ll follow you to the bar ok.” Aside from avoiding the patrons of the inn Malkaer wanted to keep an eye on his esh’lahier friend.

[Steve]

A good thing that Malkaer chose to accompany Kle'anther. As they started off, there was a ruckus just barely behind them. An Orc raised his voice, yelling out something incomprehensible but obviously not a friendly expression. Next came the sound of a metal tankard smashing across the Orc's cheekbone. The tankard was almost flattened by the blow but the face of the victim showed no sign of injury. The Orc who was struck picked up a chair and smashed it over the head of the Orc who attacked him. Then both Orcs stared at each other for a moment and began to laugh. At this point, Kle'anther quickened his pace, zigging and zagging to avoid Orcs who were in the way.

Once at the bar, the Esh'lahier called out, "Two brews!" and slapped some coins on the bar. A Goblin behind the bar scurried over with two tankards, each holding more than a liter of the potent brew. The Barkeep then scooped up the coins and hurried over to the next customer.

Quickly the Thane was lead over to a nearby vacant table. The table was very messy as were the others. Once they were seated, Kle'anther raised his tankard and toasted, "May your next fight not be your last fight!" He then took a long drink.

[Malkaer Andares]

‘At least they had some fun’, Malkaer thought as he witnessed the friendly fight with mixed feelings, while he ducked to avoid wooden shards of the broken chair. Aided by his natural elven nimbleness the esh’lahier finally made it to the bar unscathed. As the tankards were filled up the suspicious shadow elf made sure that no poisons or the like were added to the brew- not that the murky fluid on itself was incapable of knocking him out. There seemed to be no such communication between his esh’lahier ‘friend’ and the bartender though.

Seated across Kle’anther Malkaer’s stomach turned as he looked into the tankard; was that a goblin thumb floating in his mug? No doubt orcs would rejoice to find such a treat in their drinks for that extra crunch. The elf had found a reason to start a brawl though, as it would mean smacking the tankard into some orc’s face (and thereby losing all the brew). He would gladly undergo the subsequent beating if it meant not having to drink this stuff.

However, all these thoughts were generally impolite to his host who had paid for his drink with his hard earned money. With shivers going over his spine and a taste of vomit coming up in his mouth, Malkaer feebly raised his tankard and repeated the other esh’lahier’s toast. Then he closed his eyes and proceeded to take a very small sip. Maybe it wouldn’t be that bad…

[Steve]

With shivers going over his spine and a taste of vomit coming up in his mouth, Malkaer feebly raised his tankard and repeated the other esh’lahier’s toast. Then he closed his eyes and proceeded to take a very small sip. Maybe it wouldn’t be that bad…

The Thane forgot about the taste of the ale or what might be in it when the tankard was smashed against his chin. As he was falling flat on his back, Malkaer opened his eyes and saw a very large body pressing against his face. His own body shuddered as it hit against the floor. The Orc who was atop him rose clumsily and knocked down Malkaer's drinking companion. As the Orc was regaining his balance, he was struck on the head by a table and fell toward Kle'anther. The Orc's knee hit squarely against the Elf's neck and Malkaer could hear the crushing of the neck bones. When he looked over at his drinking companion, the Thane could see that he was dead.

By now the Orcs were done fighting and went to the Bar for fresh drinks. Malkaer was still on the floor with a very sore jaw, the mark still on his forehead and a dead esh'lahier lying next to him. A Goblin came along, rummaged through Kle'anther's pockets and pouch, emptying them and then stood over Malkaer, appearing hesitant as to whether ot not to rob him. However the Goblin was a scavanger, not one who would fight for what might turn out to be an empty purse. The Goblin walked off, seeking easier pickings.

A passing Orc tripped over Malkaer, turned and stared at the Thane lying on the floor and delivered a sharp kick to the ribs before leaving.

This was not a friendly place and the only person who might have cared for Malkaer's well being was now dead. If it be any consolation, at least Malkaer did not have to drink the contents of the tankard.

[Malkaer Andares]

Right now he would gladly be teleported to the beaches of Ieffreon, where young voluptuous elven servants awaited him with coconut drinks and a chest full of a crowns next to his beach chair… If the deity that had granted Malkaer’s first ‘wish’ had any decency at all it would grant this second. No? Well no sacrifices in your honour then.

Under a barrage of esh’lahier curses the bruised elf rearranged his headscarf and scrambled to his feet. He pulled himself to Kle’anther’s body to confirm that his eshie pal was in fact dead. The poor bastard. The man’s last words had taken a real macabre turn. Whatever Kle’anther’s sins might have been, Malkaer whispered a prayer to Ioannes and pleaded for his kin to be allowed into his kingdom. That was all he could do for him now. Well, that and taking revenge upon Ire for all the wrongs it had caused. Malkaer was getting seriously pissed off. This not so friendly place was about to find out this shadow elf was not so friendly either.

His gaze pierced the tavern crowd to search for the goblin that had stripped Kle’anther. If he found it the former soldier would wound his fingers around the animal’s scrawny neck to intimidate it into answering some questions. If Malkaer would not be able to find it in- or closely outside the tavern, any other goblin would do fine. While he was searching the warrior relocated the dagger hidden in his left boot to his belt, to be able to reach for it quicker if the need arose.

[Steve]

In addition to looking for the Goblin, Malkaer had to move carefully lest he collide with one of several Orcs who were moving around without paying much attention to where they were going. It was difficult to tell if the Orcs were drunk, clumsy or a combination of the two. Finally he came upon the Goblin he was seeking. The fellow was seated at a table with a female Goblin and two Orcs.

It sure did look like the Goblin who relieved Kle'anther of his wordly possessions. Of course the dead esh'lahier did not really need those things now.

Neither the Goblins nor the Orcs at that table took any notice of Malkaer. If fact it did not seem that anyone was paying attention to him. That may well have been fortunate for him.

[Malkaer Andares]

The brightenings where Malkaer rushed in blindly to kill everything moving (which usually ended up in a bloody nose on his part) were over. Therefore the esh’lahier hesitated as he noticed the goblin. Not because it really mattered whether it was the good one, but because of his large company. He paused for a moment to reconsider his approach. This was not the right way to go about it. The shadow elf sneaked out of the tavern, leaving Kle’anther’s motionless body behind. The place was simply too dangerous to try and accomplish anything there.

Malkaer wanted to find out where Kle’anther’s house was. Perhaps the man had relatives whom had to be informed of their son’s, husband’s or father’s death. If he lived by himself Malkaer could at least take a rest there undisturbed. He set about to walk in Ire in a circle to find a location where esh’lahier or other non-orcs lived. If he saw another esh’lahier Malkaer would ask him if he knew about Kle’anther and where he lived. Hopefully his dead friend had given him his real name.