Part 2:Whispers on the Train

As is often the case, the easy job given by the Library of Korranberg quickly becomes complicated.

With nothing to focus on yet, the members of the Agency start claiming territory during the train ride. With four to a compartment and the halfling in baggage with his Carver, this should be easy. But, the bored males start trying to struggle for dominance by all getting in the seating compartment with their leader, who in turn tries to afford herself a bit of security by sitting with the Warforged, who in turn tries to afford himself a bit of security by riding with the Artificer... The matter eventually settles into a messy balance, with a good portion of the Agency sitting in the hallway outside Codee's compartment. It makes for a less than professional appearance as a stranger weaves his way through the group in search of their leader (I think at the time Thedra and Qaxq were breaking something). However, whatever else they may be, the men are loyal. The stranger is met with reluctance and suspicion, and gets into the crowded train compartment only by his own means. This man introduces himself (Djanruti? My memory isn't clear anymore), admits knowledge about their quest into Q'barra's swamps, and makes a request of his own: If they are to come accross any artifacts in the temple, contact him, and they will be paid well for anything they find. To help with the contacting, Djanruti reveals a stone with a communications enchantment, and stubbornly tries to give it to Codee and Codee only. And just as his attempts to speak with Codee only were far from successful (what with Thedra, Qaxq and Brannek listening in from the hallway), this too is thwarted by the paranoid mercenaries - Vincent snatches the stone away and pockets it.

Meanwhile, one would think Shwabus would have a simpler time with territorial impulses, being exiled to the baggage car as he was. However, partway along the trip, an energetic man hops up into the train - and into the baggage car - with the halfling. He attempts to engage Schwabus in conversation, but is rebuffed by the surly and antisocial cleric. Eventually, Schwabus even draws a small circle on the floor of the baggage car to deliniate where the other fellow is allowed to stand.

Before the party arrives in Hope, Q'barra (a lovely muddy refugee town), both unwelcome visitors leave the train. The Sharn Collection Agency thusly leaves the rail and aquire their mounts unmolested by strangers.

Memorable Quotes

"THIS IS MY SPACE! YOU CAN HAVE THAT SPACE OVER THERE!"
-Schwabus