Episode 1: Pradesh

Led by Adi and Ash, you climb a mango tree in the back of the compound and slip over the wall. Ybus needs a little help but you all manage it. After several turnings through mostly back alleys you come within sight of the Trident Gate (because of Dasai, open even at this hour) and swing east towards the docks. Aditya points out the barges, anchored in between the Tusks of Gajenndra, from which the fireworks will be launched. You plenty of other people speaking in hushed tones taking positions for the anticipated spectacle, but not nearly the crowd one would expect. Aditya says it's because the Docks are generally not a safe place to be at night - not even in Dasai when the guard patrols are doubled. Occasionally, raucous laughter from one of the many taverns that line the docks rings out across the water.

As promised, at midnight, fireworks paint the night sky rainbow hues. It is glorious - doubly so reflected in the water of the bay.

As the lights fade, and the cheers and applause eventually dies away, the crowds begin to melt into the darkness - some to finally rest for the day, others to continued revelry in the nearby taverns or elsewhere. Still others flit among these, relieving unwitting folk of whatever wealth they carry. The sight of these remind you of the seedier side of any city. It is much the same in Port Llif.

A tavern door bangs open, spilling light across the darkened boardwalks. A bearded man with a peg leg and a parrot perched on his shoulder stomps out of the doorway. He mutters something under his breath, but then the parrot repeats it, squawking for all to hear, "Go fuck yeself, Copperhorn! I ain' afraid o' ye!!!" whereupon the man runs in abject terror up the walkway to some hidey-hole. Booming, throaty laughter echoes from the doorway before it slams back shut.

Aishwarya springs to her feet, seeming on the brink of heading for the tavern right this moment. What do you do?

The two-story tavern sits shoulder to shoulder with two other structures, so there are probably no side exits. Based on the glimpse of the back alley that you got on your way here there is probably a back door to service the kitchen. Out front there is a frosted glass window on the ground floor, and two on the second story. The faded sign out front reads "Ye Scum & Villainy."

Insisting he go first, Urban yanks the door open and strides inside, followed by the cousins, and then the rest of you. The place is as seedy as one might expect. Groups of patrons keep mostly to themselves in the smoky dimness of the large but cramped space. A band plays music on a variety of instruments near the circular bar curiously positioned in the center of the floor rather than to one side.

Ash heads straight for the bar to ask for Copperhorn but she spots him before she gets there. It's easy enough, because he sure stands out: holding court at the table closest to the fireplace is a hulking minotaur, his curved horns tipped with gleaming copper. He smiles widely when he sees the cousins. "Sunitha sends not one, but two of her brood! The old lady must really like me!" he booms. Downing his rum, he shoos his villainous-looking table companions with a sharp look, and gestures with a clawed hand for you to sit.

Ash declines the undoubtedly tick-infested chair. "Captain Copperhorn--"

"Please. Call me Valrakas. Or Captain, if ye prefer."

"Very well. Captain. Given our satisfaction with your previous services we wish to renew your contract with a substantial bonus of an additional 3% commission on top of the already generous previous rate of 12% of gross sales..."

"Come now, Miz Aishwarya. Tis bad luck t'be talkin' money matters a'fore a few drinks, aye?"