A Tale of Urban Decay IC

[AlanBruce]

"All that you are seeking is also seeking you"

-Franz Kafka



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Months have gone by since King Marcus Airdan decided to leave the City of Power. His motives unknown, merely speculated, the proud descendant of the Dragon Queen Maira is gone.

And in his place, Grand Inquisitor Connor of the Cudgel has risen from ecclesiastical obscurity and now rules the City of Power with an iron fist, as those horrid Eyes in the Sky watch it all from their lofty heights.

Halmathan has never been in a worse situation before: a mad power zealot has taken over. Everybody’s afraid of their freedom and their very lives. Religious persecution, soaring taxes…

And yet… for those in The Mercy, this is nothing new.

For once, it can be said that Connor has brought everyone together: those on the other side of the Wall of Separation are just now starting to feel how it is to live under a tyrant. Hell, you have endured countless tyrants for over a decade. Some never make it past their proud announcement to the Mercyfolk. Others have been a force to be reckoned with… until they were slain and replaced.

Thing is, for those in The Mercy, the absence of the king is a bad thing, yes. But it isn’t terrible. It isn’t life changing. For many who have lived amidst the tall ash bound towers of the once glorious Hope’s Caress, it’s eat or be eaten. Yes, over the years, a semblance of order has erupted here and there. Talks of factions, guilds, societies…

In the end, they are all glorified thugs with fancy titles. Perhaps a vain attempt to copy the status quo on the other side of the wall.

Maybe some of them believe that they are in fact helping The Mercy grow back to its former glory.

Or- as is most likely- some just want to cut your throat and take your coin purse and not feel too bad about it.

Whatever the case may be, The Mercy continues. Amidst the vendettas, the muggings, the extortion, some people are actually bringing light into this dismal district. This is by no means an easy task. Most people want The Mercy to remain as is- it’s free from Connor’s laws, it allows those with the muscle to enforce it unhindered and best of all… there are no taxes to pay. Not to His Holiness, anyway.

And yes, people disappear. Flocks of Raptorans dot the charred skies and take roost like feathered gargoyles from the highest buildings. Their reason for being here not unknown and mages slip through the cracks of the Wall of Separation every day… or so the rumors state.

By now, a man like Connor would have been deposed, much like the tyrants in The Mercy. Deposed and replaced.

Problem is, for all the power in Halmathan’s namesake…

He’s not going anywhere.



@Lendra: The rain falls down mercilessly on the district and you take a look at the old stables.

Back in the day, before the Great Fire that swept Hope's Caress in one devastating night, your father Aiden was known as one of the best handlers. Nobles from all over the city used to request audiences with your father to see his stock, such was his business. and a good one it was.

In fact, Kara Londen used to tell you that the King himself, being a big fan of horses, came to see the stables many years ago and apart from purchasing many from your father, had you as an infant ride with him on one of his prized Lipizzaners, claiming that:

I can already tell, Aiden. This one is going to put you to shame one day! She's a natural, this one...

Of course, you don't remember this episode, hard as you try. Many things have happened since those happy care free days. Houses were burnt down.

People were killed. Some which are missed a lot more than others.

And so, in a long line of love lost and gone, the Pierce Household was reduced to ashes, along with hope to bring it back. The stables remain, scorched and badly rebuilt with what little help you and Vargas could find over the years. Be it buying or looting, the stables carry a semblance of what they used to be, but in truth, much of its former splendor is gone.

At least you still have Vargas and Kara to keep you company. Even though you are already a fully trained warrior, following Trithereon's way, they still see you as a child.

That isn't to say you haven't made friends in this place.

Pythia Sapfo, the Actress and Singer who always seems to carry a secret agenda. Both had planned for months to depose of Sarjon when he ruled as The Mercy's wralord since nobody on the other side of the wall was going to do it and then...

Then he was dead. Killed by the new missing church leader Borazon the Merciful and Lady Keéra, after whom the school of Knowledge was named.

That isn't to say things have calmed down since his demise: with the fat cat gone, the rats came out in droves, all carrying different names:

The Society

The Revenants

The Roosters

All thugs in some way shape or form. Some a lot more agreeable than others. With the others getting a lance to the face. And on this rainy day, as the buildings weep from their many broken windows, Vargas warms the house, doing his best to keep the fire going as a lone figure walks through the rain, covered in a cloak.


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"Lendra, get inside. Don't want you catching a cold...""

That's one of many key words you and Vargas have practiced over the years. Basically, be ready to ice anyone stupid enough to come looking for trouble.

And trouble has a way of always looking for people in The Mercy. Whether they ask for it or not.

The rain falls on Vargas' broad shoulders like knives, but the half orc doesn't budge as he stands with his hand on the hilt of his blade as the much shorter figure rubs her arms as the rain soaks her completely.

You are going to let me freeze out here, Vargas? How rude of you...


It's a woman's voice. And one the half orc recognizes.

"How many with you?""

"For an orc with only one eye, you sure keep it sharp. Three on the rooftops and four hidden behind the wall yonder... but you already knew this. Now, may I come in?""

Vargas looks at the cloaked woman, her hood hiding her features and looks at you and does a quick nod for all three to walk inside.

The fire crackles nicely as Vargas shuts the door, but keeps his hand on the hilt of his blade as the woman wipes off the water from her cloak and reveals herself to both:


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"You keep the place just as Aiden did... all things considered. And is this Manila's daughter? She sure has grown all up...""

This comely elf is Prustina Silentread, known as The Mercy's Swansong. She belongs to one of the many factions in The Mercy- the biggest and most organized to date: The Society. Vargas has dealt with her before, years back, but given why he holds his hilt, it is clear that is is no mere colloquial visit, as the half orc invites her to take a seat.

"This better be quick, Prustina: I have work to do.""

The elf looks at you and smiles, giving you a wink.

"Which is another way to say for me to get out? Vargas, we are in need of you again...""

"No you aren't. You and your stooges came looking for a trainer. I trained your men and I got paid. That's it: we are done. We made a deal that your people would leave us alone.""

Prustina shakes her head.

"The Society honors their word, Vargas. You trained our Enforcers very well and for that, you have our gratitude and coin, but it isn't my people you ought to be concerned about.

The Society has come under attack by a lowly gang. Dubs itself 'The Roosters'. We have been given three days to deliver people on a list. And before you say anything: they aren't going only after people from our group.

Someone is targeting specific individuals and as we speak, The Society has already split into The Mercy, taking the battle to them, however...""

Prustina looks at the fireplace as this one crackles.

"We are losing, Vargas. The men you trained? Most of them have not returned from these locales. One of our own recruited a group of vigilantes if you will, but they haven't fared that well either. As a result, we have lost key members of our group in just one day...

And time is not on our side.""

Vargas crosses his arms and goes deep in thought.

"So one group wipes out another. In the end, both are so damaged, that they can't rebuild fast enough before a third group comes in and picks them off.

Either way, we win."

Prustina gets up and looks at you and then at the half orc.

"Wrong, Vargas. If the Roosters get what they want, I am afraid we all lose.""



@Rusty: It's been another day working in the basement forge at the Olidammaran hideout.

It almost seems like yesterday when the Grand Olidammaran Temple in the city was attacked in the middle of the night by Connor's police. The lights from above blinded all of you and capture was easy, as the younger acolytes were apprehended and shackled in the most painful manner- old and young were dragged into the night and thrown into black metal carriages that sped away to that damn prison.

Not all shared that fate, though- a few lucky ones were graced upon by the laughing Rogue himself and so, you made it to The Mercy, escaping Connor's brutal laws against those that follow your faith.

Maybe that is why one side of your hammer has a tiny "C" carved into it. It's aim clear:

Connor's head when you get to stand up to him face to face.

But The Grand Inquisitor is the least of your problems now, as Ross Underhill summons you to the old library that the group has chosen to hole up in.

Back in the City, Ross was a high ranking member in the Guild of the laughing Rogue. Very close to father Roland, it was said he would succeed the Laughing Shadow upon his demise.

Given the situation now, Ross has begrudgingly accepted this role in The Mercy, but his views are quite clear:

Never endanger his flock. Connor may not have his Eyes in the Sky floating above the old district, but who is to say spies aren't among the old streets? That bastard would love to drag all of you in chains to St. Noria's prison and get rid of your influence once and for all.

The halfling greets you alone in his study. His left hand- or what is left of it- hidden beneath his cape as he invites you to take a seat:


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"How is everything going down there, Rusty? I hope the forge is still lit. I am sure getting a breath of fresh air will not kill you...

But that may not be the case for everyone. You know Sasha, right?""

That is a rhetorical question. Sasha used to be a top assassin in one of Olidammara's secret enclaves. Eventually, the killing got to her and as a result, she was caught and sent to prison. Life sentence.

Oddly enough, a few months ago, Sarjon had her as one of his enforcers- The Sarjon Scabs. It was said Sasha lived up to her title of the Crimson Tigress and many were brought down by her blades, said never to miss its mark.

In a strange twist of fate, Sasha turned on Sarjon and helped the Merciful Father and Keéra take that warlord down. Ross saw in her a great asset and pardoned her, rather than turning her into the authorities. To date, Sasha is still quite unstable, but the halfling and Drakan, as well as the other Olidmmamarans keep her in check and she usually guards the entrance to the hideout, always using the shadows.

"Sasha is gone, Rusty. Some Society git by the name of Seti came here, boasting and preaching all manner of nonsense and, despite my warnings, he convinced her to go on some stupid Society mission.

She has not returned and it's been hours. I warned that guy NOT to take her, so I am making him responsible for her fate. Since I cannot leave this place and risk being recognized, I am asking you to go find Seti and any of his Society friends and get them to talk about where Sasha is...and bring her back.

I don't think I need to tell you how to do your job. And I doubt that despite your nickname, that hammer's gone rusty.""

[Chimaera]

Rusty was busy hammering down several metal scraps that some olidamarans savaged from the Mercy and turning them into sharp daggers, swords and rapiers. He almost fail to hear Ross speaking to him and granting him a break, as he use a dirty towel to dry off the sweat all over his face and arms.

"Everything is fine, chief. Soon I'll finish this batch of daggers and knives. As for Sasha?", he grin is large below his red beard, "How can I forget that pretty hot ass?"

He follow him to his study and take a seat, drining from his waterskin. After hours laboring in the forge, he is surprised he completely forgot how thirsty he was, emptying it in a very long swip, giving him time to think on what was said.

"I see. Well, I'll go get some fresh air and find out about Sasha's fate. And worry not", he grips his massive hammer, "It's not rusty yet".

He then bid goodbye to Ross and go to his quarters and don his armor and a great gray cloak above over his shoulders.

"Maybe the Bitter Coffee is the place to start looking", he thinks scratching his beard and set his destination to it.

[AlanBruce]

@Pythia: The ride towards the Temple District in Halmathan is rather long, what with the rain pouring madly and the traffic.

All manner of insults are uttered amongst cab drivers as the vehicles- both steam and horse powered, cram themselves on the road, trying to one up the next as pedestrians cross the street in a hurry or fight amongst each other for that one cab to take them home and shelter them from the rain.

Others have already opened fancy umbrellas and walk along the sidewalk, as the mounted police strolls casually, their bulky armor a wall in and of itself against the rain as the ominous Eyes in the Sky break through the grey clouds like metal whales, their search lights on in sight of the heavy rain.

Who would think that your current home:


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Would be a wall away from this:


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And yet, despite its obvious advantages, the Mercy has its pull. You did grow up there and there, you buried your parents. It is true that life has not been easy since the fire. The loss remains painfully palpable to date for many, yourself included.

But people there are trying to make it work. Hannah's school for one, provides not only knowledge, but also shelter to the many downtrodden, despite the ever churning chaos that is living in that district.

Warlords show up every now and then. Crime runs rampant in the cracked streets and alleys, but here...

It all seems rather safe.

And despite what Lendra might argue, isn't it worth a shot? They are people too.

The imposing temples, built hundreds of years ago beckon amidst the rain as the carriage drives by and you can only guess what manner of people live in these small walled villages, each a small nation in its own right.

Muoquol, Pelor, Heironeous... the main churches in the City of Power and then your carriage comes to a stop a few blocks away as a strong contingent of guards both on horseback and on foot patrol the Palace of Justice:


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So this is where His Holiness lives? It is an imposing temple to be sure, as the cabby turns around and looks at you.

"Ten gold, lady. Can't drive you to the entrance. This is as far as I can go.""

Nobody said life in the city was cheap. It is over an hour drive from the wall to the Royal District and naturally, these vehicles have to be repaired and the horses fed. It all makes sense.

Ten gold back in The Mercy could probably buy you a house. Here? A cab ride.

It is as you walk over to the contingent of soldiers that one of them towers above you, the famed Royal Guard, sworn to service to the Royal Family and the City.


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"What business do you bring to the Palace of Justice, citizen? State your name and purpose.""

[dantiesilva]

To think twenty seven short years ago she had walked these streets with her parents, making their way to Glenndale Park to enjoy the beautiful weather. People were more friendly with one another, or at least it seemed that way to her as a child. Now there were so many people rushing to get where they needed to go, no one was able to really look at the beauty their fair city had become. Even with the rain coming down, she could not help but admire the beautiful buildings all around her reminding her so much of Hope’s Caress before the fire had destroyed it.

Pythia often heard as she worked within the city about how dirty the Mercy was, and how its people were nothing but killers, and while she remained silent knowing if she spoke up she would only prove them right, she could not disagree more. Having spent all of her life living within Hope’s Caress as she still called it, she felt that the people who were able to make a living in the broken down district were made of stronger stuff then most. Each day they had to fend for themselves, take care of their families like the people on this side of the wall she now visited. It was a struggle, and hard work, however the people of the Hope’s Caress were resilient in her eyes. It was why she had never left when the fire tore through and destroyed everything she ever knew. Even her parents who had two headstones where her house once stood, had been taken in the fire and instead of paying for one of the churches to bury them on holy ground even if their graves were empty, she let her parents rest where they had devoted their life. As she one day would no doubt find peace as well.

It was because of the people of the Mercy she made this trip today, to ask his Holiness to allow the school that Lady Keéra, known as the Mercy Maiden to a great deal of people, would be allowed to be a place for magic to be used. Unlike most who did not believe he would allow it, the simple actress had faith, she knew that the Grand Inquisitor was only trying to do what was best for the people and as such she had even made a list of spells that would be used for teaching, so that it was clear she only wished to bring joy to the children and help them learn in an environment that they felt safe inside.

As the driver finally stopped a few blocks away from the palace of Justice Pythia gets out and does a slight bow. “Thank you for your help today, I hope you have a pleasant day.” She says kindly as she hands the driver eleven gold coins for the trouble he went through driving around as he did in the rain before walking in the direction of the Palace of Justice, not minding the cooling rain at all as it washed away her doubts.

“Hello, it is a pleasure to meet one of your order, I have seen plays of the many tasks your order has accomplished.” The bard says kindly, bowing to the knight as in the manner befitting a lady in a dress. “My name is Pythia Sapfo, I am an singer when I can get a job.” She explains before going on. “ I wished to seek an audience with one of the clergy of Saint Cuthbert because I have taken to in my spare time helping teach the children at The Mercy Maiden’s House of Knowledge and wished to ask that the laws of regarding magic be looked at to possibly add this establishment. It is my hope that with simple spells to create colors and shapes, that I could create an environment that the children feel safe inside and have fun.” She explains to the royal guard, waiting for his reply.


History on The Royal Guard [roll0]
Knowledge Local on current events [roll1]
Knowledge Local on the Royal Guard [roll2]
Bardic Knowledge Check on any stories she may have heard about famous royal guards [roll3]

edit rolled in ooc
Diplomacy check with the royal guard (1d20+16)[29]

[AlanBruce]

@Calliope: Ravenna once told you, in one of the rare instances when she chose to speak in a less formal tone that:

Beware the gilded snake, which coils amidst the coffers, dazzling all before its eventual bite....

...


...

Who in the Hells knows what the esteemed Walker of Fharlaghn meant by that? The stories are well known that, even the wisest scholars and mystics in Halmathan are not sure if Ravenna is sane of mind, but this should come as no surprise:

Diviners are taken over by powers beyond the scope of mortal men. Their words channeled through common tongue and so, the message is vastly unclear.

What is painfully clear is that Ravenna isn't in the City. That much is a fact. Unlike the Merciful father- Halmathan's newest elected church leader, Ravenna is known to leave at will. She has that ability. Most likely the others do as well, but they have remained in the city since ascending to such lofty position.

What is also painfully clear is that her temple has been seized. The humble Lighthouse in Rashema's Marina, which was a literal beacon in the dark for many ships is now closed by "The City". In other words, His Holiness.

Sure, some acolytes of Fharlaghn have, after being literally pushed away from their home of worship, silently uttered threats. Others pushed back.

Those had their arms and legs broken before the shackles came in and like old baggage, were thrown into the black iron carriages bearing the Cudgel emblem, straight to St. Noria's Castello.

Today, the temple of Fharlaghn is closed, but a squad is always kept around. One could think it would be easy to sneak past them, but because of its proximity to the Marina, the Eyes in the Sky are always hovering above the whole area, chugging black smoke during the day. Shining those damn beams of light at night.

No, violence is not the answer here. You need a different approach to the matter.

And so, you hail a cab to take you across the city as the skies turn grey and it starts to rain heavily as the streets become slightly flooded and traffic packs hard, with local law enforcement on horseback blowing their whistles to direct traffic as best they can before you reach the Royal District, past all those grand temples to Pelor, Muoqol and Heironeous, forever locked until His Holiness decides to let them free, and finally to the outskirts of the Palace of Justice, where a heavy squad of Halmathan's finest patrol St. Mary's Plaza and upon inspecting your papers and your trappings, hail for a few guards to escort you into the actual palace.

Grand and Ominous are two words that come to mind as the boots of the Cuthbertine Guard echo on the dark marble floors and your attention goes to the walls and ceilings, which have been decorated with the finest tapestries, depicting grand saints of the Cuthbertine Order from days gone by, as well as statues of His Holiness, recently sculpted showing him raising a blade towards the sky as a cadre of cherubim place their hands in prayer at his feet, with a golden plaque that reads:


Our Holiest of Saviors, Sacred Steward of the City of Power

It is well known that Connor is a patron of the Arts. Not the arcane kind, but the one he can hang in his halls of Law, being the humble inquisitor that he is. In fact, Owzzer's Gallery in Uptown Halmathan has been blessed by the hefty and speedy commissions Connor makes to the artists enrolled there.

Of course, all work must be of a flattering nature. Woe be the artist that depicts him in a negative light... or so the tales go.

It is almost two hours that you are left waiting ina small room with a painting of St. Cuthbert looking sternly at the viewer and a small oval window made of stained glass which shapes the water outside into off dorms before a lowly acolyte dressed in black bows to you and gestures to follow her to a room flanked by two angel statues holding sword aimed to the ground.

A pair of Royal Guards stand at attention as the acolyte bows to them and knocks on the thick wooden door, crafted exquisitely in golden leaf motif.

"Inquisitor Dalpinian will see you now, Mother."

The room inside is a grand hall with a few chairs, tall corinthian columns and a long desk, far , far from where you are. A gigantic painting of Halmathan in its early days hangs on the end of the room and seated behind a desk, with towers of paperwork and surrounded by a phalanx of Royal Guards, is Halmathan's Sword of Justice himself:


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"The Ambularet per Pade of the church of Fharlaghn. You are a Mother....""

Dalpinian snaps his fingers as one of the many lower ranking acolytes/bureocrats leafs quickly through the ocean of papers and hands him one, before making sure it's the right one.

"Ah yes.... Calliope Fareyes. Did I get that right? No need to come closer. I can hear and see you rather well from that distance. What brings you to the Hallowed Palace of Justice, Mother Fareyes? I do hope you have rehearsed your speech rather well:

I am a very busy man and can only give you a few minutes of my time.""

[AlanBruce]

@Masix: It's been... who knows how long. Liquor does that to memory- cradles it in cheap spirits and washes over you a false sense of euphoria only to bash you hard like a hammer the following day. A crude and painful wake up call to reality.

What would Cordelia have to say if she found you like this? Your family has most likely stopped looking for you. Why would they? With Connor's witch hunts for all Olidammarans and casters of the arcane, they would be taken from their home, sent to the Palace of Justice and, upon not finding you, sentenced for hiding a runaway of the Law.

And that would be it for them, but chances are they have kept their mouths shut.

The one who doesn't shut his mouth is Drakan, who sits opposite you at the Bitter Coffee as the rain pelts the roof above your heads and some of it washes into the half opened door to the dirty pub. Connor and his lackeys rarely if ever come here looking for you or him, although with a new church leader hell bent to open a temple in this district, it's only a matter of time before Ross, Sasha, Drakan, yourself and Rusty, along with all the others have to find a new hole to dig themselves in.

Drakan nearly topples his glass as he keeps one eye closed to aim as the cheap whiskey washes half in and half out the glass.

"And so I tell him... I tell him... what was I talking about? Aramian, was it? Yeah, the elf pencil neck that worked for Sarjon:

You and me at the stroke of midnight. We have ourselves a knife fight, to the death. Coward never showed up. I heard his guts were later spilled right outside...""

Drakan nearly falls off his chair as he points at the door.

"Right... about there, a few yards away., Guts spilled all over the place. They say elves are all so proper and clean. bastard stank...Ha! And then Ivo and I...""

Here it comes again: the Ivo subject. That rogue was an accomplished enforcer for the Olidammarans and Drakan's best friend. As close as a brother. Neither he nor anyone on the group talks about 'the incident', suffice to say, it drove Drakan to the bottle. Drove him hard.

The rogue gets up and places his hand on the table, making sure to maintain his balance.

"I'm done here. Pick up my tab and I'll pay ya later, ok? Tell Kyle...

Where is Kyle?""


This is odd: Kyle is the Leader of a group of vigilantes here, but he's been absent all day, with a pretty wench replacing him. The man is a former Royal Guard and like so many others, he has chosen to leave the city and found a job as a barista in the Bitter Coffee.

Nana Rose can be seen behind the bar tending to whatever an elderly gnome pub proprietress can attend to, but getting drunk isn't the only reason you are here.

You have to meet your lawyer.

Drakan bumps into a fragile old man, soaked down to his socks on the way out and it is clear that the Olidammaran must've definitely done with his purse as this one dries himself and looks around the lightly occupied pub:


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Kastell Marn, barrister of the City of Halmathan. That's what his business card says. The man is not a mage. Not a warrior. In a way, like Sister Hannah, but where the good sister teaches people in good faith, Marn has to deal with wolves in suits and gavels amidst crowded courtrooms, looking out for the little guy in the big city.

And he is one of your best contacts to what happens there, as Kastell looks around and you do a simple sign, indicating it's you and the old man grabs a chair and raises a wet hand to the lovely wench.

"A coffee for me...and a shot of your strongest whiskey, please. Don't drink it yet, Masix. We need to have a little talk.""

Marn unbuttons his rain coat and takes out a stack of drenched papers, which he carefully peels off from the main stack.

"Things are not looking well in the City- word is that a Bill has been made law by The Grand Inquisitor- they are going to finish the Wall of Separation. I was not present at the hearings, but this is happening. No word yet about what they will do with the church of Phaulkon, which is scheduled to be built here, but they build that wall, and everyone here will be locked out of the City. For some it may be a blessing. Maybe for you it is, but I doubt the vast majority want to stay locked in with, well... these folk.""


The lovely wench brings the drinks and Kastell has a sip of his coffee, wincing at the taste before placing his old hand on the shot of whiskey.

"There is another reason why I'm here. A tad more personal.

St. Constanza's Cemetery of the Dearly Departed is being relocated for some urban project in the city. Details about it are sparse at best- they have already begun digging the graves and moving them somewhere else. I was present as legal presence of this and to testify that all graves and the bodies within were moved properly with their caskets..."

Marn takes a sip of his coffee and lifts his hand off the whiskey shot.

"Cordelia's grave was unearthed, Masix... but there was no body inside. The gravedigger got spooked something good before I calmed him down and inspected the old casket.

No bones. No shroud. Nothing.

Professional opinion: I don't think Cordelia was killed that night, but that's just me.""

[AlanBruce]

@Will: The House of Knowledge has had unusual activity to date.

For one, the Githslayer Squad, tall broad shouldered and armed to the teeth, have been patrolling the school house. Michael, a Runestone scholar and refugee from the city mentioned that one of his colleagues left with a group of rather diverse people. Mention of the word Society was brought up only once.

You know the Society. They are, like many others, a guild of thieves and cutthroats, but not all of them. And they respect Sister Hannah enough to not go and harass her and her students.

the same cannot be said about the damn Roosters, who peck on the weak outside for no other reason than feeling important. It has been several occasions when Githslayer Kyrich had to step in, those brutal chains wrapped around his massive arms, to give them pause and scamper away like stray dogs.

But with them around the school making it safe, you have decided to head to the Bitter Coffee and get yourself a drink tow arm you up with this brutal rain.

Besides, the Bitter Coffee is within the Hawk's protectoral influence. Other gangs can come in. Have a drink.

But raise a ruckus, and you will not like how it ends.

The first thing that strikes you is that Kyle, its leader, is not here. These are his usual hours.

Another unusual sign is that gentleman with a half masked face talking to some old man across the pub, speaking in low voices. One doesn't look like he belongs here. The other certainly does.

And then a beautiful wench comes over with a wide grin:



https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/6e/57/d3/6e57d3285786691d0934e112531b046c.jpg

"How are you? care for our special? We have mystery meat sauteed with sewer... seasonal mushrooms... dammit get it right! Or would you like a drink? I;'d go for a drink, honestly.""

That's Vim Vom.

Of the many who fled the City after Connor's laws, Vim was one of the most colorful. She, like you is a bard, but not one that can excel in the performing Arts such as you. She is a good soul, but as smart as a bag of rocks.

Still, Nana Rose gives her plenty of work at the Bitter Coffee entertaining the patrons with her music as she moves towards you and adjusts a poster covered in cobwebs behind you:




http://orig15.deviantart.net/9c23/f/2008/019/4/c/my_adventure_party_by_rob_jr.jpg

ADVENTURE AWAITS


Tired of killing rats for a living?

Wishing to leave your mark in the history books... stained in BLOOD?!

Then come on over! The Syndicate of Swords welcomes thee!

Inquire to Sword Mistress:

Isobel Thorne

"Can't get it too dirty or else no one will notice! So what will it be?""

[AlanBruce]

@Toby: It's been several years since you left Runestone and you hated it then.

You hate it even more now.

Your family are devout Cuthbertines. In fact, you were raised to follow the tenets of the Cudgel, one of the most important churches in the City of Power, having attended mass at the temple of Cuthbert before this one changed its name to the more apt Palace of Justice, now that Connor sits on the throne as Steward and oversees it all.

But one thing is retribution, which the dictionary defines as:

Punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act.

To your knowledge- and the populace at large- nobody you know in the arcane arts has committed acts of vengeance or indulged in criminal activities.

It's like the guy covered his eyes and spun a wheel, see who gets to suffer hate crimes today.

You guys got lucky.

But it could be worse: The Olidammarans are now seen as criminals and arrested on sight. Mages are potential criminals that can share the Laughing Rogue flock's fate if they go "crazy with vile power", quoted from one of Connor's many speech through his infamous Eyes in the Sky.

Of course your parents immediately sucked up to Connor and his lackeys when it was clear who was in charge. Your mastery of the arcane was never seen as a desirable trait in your family.

With the new laws in place, you are now a threat to them, because if one thing this bastard loves to do, from what you have heard, is go after the families of those mages he cannot catch.

And so, you were given a dispensation of sorts by netting a low profile job not at the Palace of Justice, but at the Halmathan Royal Library.

This historic landmark was funded by the Airdan family several hundred years ago. Vast volumes of all manner of topics can be found here. Many imported from Runestone itself, which comes as no surprise given who manages the library:



https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/09/77/4d/09774d59a887db640626dee08518ac70--character-concept-character-art.jpg

Enter Loremaster Aurealia Virdigris.

Loremaster Aurealia is a Runestone graduate and an accomplished mage in her own right. Her power is said to match that of a few high ranking masters of the arcane at Runestone and it is said that when Connor took over, he wished to seize the library, claiming that many works penned in its shelves would incite anarchic ideas upon the common man.

Loremaster Virdigris is said to have stood in front of Connor himself, who came with a garrison of soldiers and masons and proclaimed that Knowledge is to be shared by everyone and that nobody- not even the King himself, would even consider such ridiculous idea.

This was followed by an ancient document signed by one of the Airdans, stating that the library is of use to everyone and Connor, for all his power, had to retreat.

To date, the library is seldom visited. You can read the books inside as much as you want. You can even check them out...

But you never know when a 'surprise inspection' may come to you in the form of armed thugs, seizing the book, pretending to read it and finding some stupid law to incarcerate you, taking the book with them.

This has not met well with the Loremaster, who has attempted several times to knock on Connor's door, only to find him 'extremely busy with matters of state'.

And so, the large halls collect a lot of dust and little use as you get to the task of cataloguing the books- yet again- by category, when you realize a few of them are missing.

Mainly, Lore on the Far Realms. Several books checked out years ago, but never returned.

It is then that the back of your head stings a bit and your body shudders as you feel the familiar effect of the Sending spell reaching you, along with a familiar voice.

Toby Funk! I hope you are well. It is I, your old mentor. Please meet me at Runestone as soon as possible.

That was Master Noirin, a mage specializing in Conjuration. You took a few lessons with him during general studies before devoting yourself to higher studies. The man is not known for having a love of the new regime. In fact, some say he mentioned in passing starting a coup early on, but as has been observed to date, that has not come to pass.



@Pythia: You hand the cab driver the money and then walk up to the wall of guards, recalling what you may know of them.

The Royal Guard, established centuries ago by the high mages in Runestone Academy, blend a unique mix of both martial and arcane power to better protect the King and the City. Not many are able to endure the hard training of the Royal Guard, but those that do, are said to be one man armies, able to decimate hordes of enemies with but a single sword slash and a well intoned spell.

Which is strange, considering that His Holiness banned all magic. It would seem that he too has use for it now and then.

The Royal Guard listens to your honeyed words and scratches his helmet.

"Well, I... darn! That is a lot more compliments than I have heard in years, Miss Sapho. Let me see what I can do. Wait here.""

It takes a few minutes for the guard to come back with someone who is clearly above station even on these legendary warriors:


https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ef/f0/02/eff00222a4e97f4762a994972a8ec0b8.jpg

"Captain, this is the woman who wishes to...""

"Yes. You already told me. Pythia Sapho from The Mercy? Hmmm...""

The captain looks at you for a few seconds of awkward silence and beckons you to follow him as the guards break the human wall.

"I cannot guarantee you will get what you want, Miss Sapho, but it is a noble intention. The guards inside will take care of you and oversee protocol.""

The man looks at you one last time and turns his back on you as the massive doors are opened and a retinue of guards greet you at the door, with an acolyte dressed in black garb sitting at a desk with a large metal bin and wets a quill as he starts filling out a form.

"Name, profession, place of business and all items of power, weapons and trinkets in the bin, please...."


@Rusty: Ross tugs at his cape, covering his hand and smiles at your comment regarding Sasha.

"Good thing she isn't around to hear that one. Last guy who tried hitting on her ended in three places in The Mercy, but yes: I need her back. And I need her back soon, as in today. And if you find that Seti guy or any of his friends... you make them talk and he better pray nothing has happened to her because then there won't be any jokes to be thrown around...

Ah, why am I lecturing you on that? Go ask around... Rusty style.""


And so, you crack your back after being hours working down and bring along the best inquisitor you ever forged and head out the secret door and down the streets lined with beggars.

These are actually Olidammarans. They may not be as tough as you, but they are great scouts- disguising themselves as mere shrouded beggars, they alert of anyone suspicious coming through the street and towards Ye Olde Bookshoppe, your current hideout.

They alert using their rusted pans and then Sasha or Drakan get the jump on the poor fool...and that's it.

But neither of these two are here now. Drakan is most likely getting drunk somewhere and right now, Sasha is the one you're out to fetch.

It doesn't take long before you reach the Bitter Coffee, despite the heavy rain soaking you from head to toe and walk in, brushing the mud off your boots in the entrance and look around.

A half elf is sitting next to a large poster, talking it up with a nice looking wench.

Nana Rose nods as you come in and resumes her duties of getting drunk some more.

Then there's Masix... the Phantom Guy.

An Olidammaran too, and one you are glad is on your side. This guy has a big chip on his shoulder and might... just might give you a decent fight if the situation arose.

And the old codger he's talking too... one splat and it's over, but no Sasha.


@Will & Masix: You have just taken your respective drinks when this guy comes in:


https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/15/ef/f4/15eff492256068fd63d73dd455fb3136.jpg

For Will, just another big thug with a hammer. Nothing new around here.

But for Masix, this isn't good.

That's Hannibal "Rusty" Rust, Ross' personal enforcer amongst the Olidammarans.

Drakan is quite agile and nimble with his blades, when he's sober. You haven't had a chance to see him in a fight under the influence of a bucket of cheap liquor.

You can fight... a lot and put up a damn good show.

But Rusty is a different matter: When this guy is out of the safe haven, it;s not for a casual stroll. He';s out to find answers. And he isn't the one talking.

That hammer of his has been said to be able to bring down a building in The mercy if used right and only Rusty can use it. If it can bring down a building, how fortunate you are that he isn't after you.

[Chimaera]

Rusty walks in the Bitter Coffee, retributing Nana Rose's nod with another. He's a man of few smiles when he's tasked to do his things.

He looks at the half-elf and the waitress, ignoring the first to better admire the later. What pretty face Kyle managed to smuggle into the Mercy. But now is not the time for distractions as he slowly walks towards Masix.

"Hope you doesnt care if I take a seat", he says sitting regardless of the answer or any protests, "I'm looking for Seti and Sasha. Did you saw any of them?", he then looks to his hammer and adds, "That's me asking though".

Once he hear the answer he get up and go talk to Nana Rose, but not before asking Masix to "Contact me if you see any of them". Walking to Nan, he takes a seat close and invite her to join him. "It's been a while since I last got some fresh air. How are things going, Nana? Any troublemakers lately or is things just as usual?"

"Me and my hammer are looking for two fellows: Sasha, the Crimson Tigress, and a man named Seti, from the Society. Have you seen them today? Need to ask them some questions".

Dipolmacy if needed [roll0]
Gather Info on Sasha's and Seti's whereabouts [roll1]

[esorscher]

With little else to occupy his mind, Toby has found the missing library books a curious puzzle worth considering. He is checking the records to find the identities and addresses on file of the individuals responsible for checking out those books when he receives the intrusive spell.

Outwardly, Toby betrays no indication of having received the Sending Spell. "Loremaster?" he calls out from behind the bookcases. "Since it's not too busy, if you don't mind, I'm going to take my lunch." Assuming no objection, Toby retrieves a small sack from behind the desk containing an apple, some cheese, and some bread, and leaves the library.

But instead of heading for the park bench he usually eats at, he eats as he walks, making his way to Runestone.

[dantiesilva]

“Why of course.” Pythia responds kindly as she stays in place singing softly a simple tune of the Dragon Queen while she waits. Just as the final versus ends she looks up with a smile on her face as she notes the royal guard who had been helping her, returning with someone who looked like they were a little higher up than a typical guard. Perhaps those outside are merely new recruits, that or they are keeping a very large section of the city safe for his holiness in case he wishes to take a stroll. She notes to herself as she looks up to the new knight of the royal guard and listens to what he has to say.

“I understand, magic can be a very dangerous and freighting thing to most people. After all before the Grand Inquisitor came to power I cannot count how many times I had my pockets picked for spare change by the use of those with magic. And those who use the talents of a bard to trick people with their magically induced voice are no better. “Pythia explains to the royal guard, having not gotten his name. “I am hopeful however, after all our Savior did allow the Mercy Maiden to build the school knowing of her talents. And while she has left us, he has not.” She remarks following him up to the large double doors that serve as the portal to the Palace of Justice.

Nodding to each guard she passes to show proper respect, Pythia makes her way over to the reception desk and is happy she does not have to wait long before being called. “My name is Pythia Sapfo, an opera singer and ballet dancer. As for my place of business I devote most of my free time to helping teach at the Mercy Maiden’s House of Knowledge within the Mercy. Besides that I look work at whatever theater will hire me within Hamalthan.” She explains as she takes of a very expensive looking cloak, and a matching set of gloves which look like they are made of silk before lastly removing her backpack, placing all inside the metal bin. “My bag is a Heward's Handy Haversack, it contains many of the instruments I use, of masterwork quality, a quill enchanted to scribe scrolls which has not seen use since our Savior deemed it dangerous to the populace, two wands of magic, and my mother’s necklace.” She explains should the clerk ask what was inside. “Knowing where I was coming I thought it best to not bring any weapons or wear anything but simple clothing. After all only someone wishing to cause trouble would walk into the Palace of Justice armed, or at least that’s what I think.” Pythia remarks, allowing her person to be searched if she is not believed.

At the moment she does not in fact have her sword, buckler, or armor with her. Having left it at the bitter coffee asking Nana to watch over it for a gold piece.

Perform sing earlier, non magical nature [roll0]

[Centaurion]

[SIZE=5][B]
@Lendra: The rain falls down mercilessly on the district and you take a look at the old stables.

Back in the day, before the Great Fire that swept Hope's Caress in one devastating night, your father Aiden was known as one of the best handlers. Nobles from all over the city used to request audiences with your father to see his stock, such was his business. and a good one it was.

In fact, Kara Londen used to tell you that the King himself, being a big fan of horses, came to see the stables many years ago and apart from purchasing many from your father, had you as an infant ride with him on one of his prized Lipizzaners, claiming that:

I can already tell, Aiden. This one is going to put you to shame one day! She's a natural, this one...

Of course, you don't remember this episode, hard as you try. Many things have happened since those happy care free days. Houses were burnt down.

People were killed. Some which are missed a lot more than others.

And so, in a long line of love lost and gone, the Pierce Household was reduced to ashes, along with hope to bring it back. The stables remain, scorched and badly rebuilt with what little help you and Vargas could find over the years. Be it buying or looting, the stables carry a semblance of what they used to be, but in truth, much of its former splendor is gone.

At least you still have Vargas and Kara to keep you company. Even though you are already a fully trained warrior, following Trithereon's way, they still see you as a child.

That isn't to say you haven't made friends in this place.

Pythia Sapfo, the Actress and Singer who always seems to carry a secret agenda. Both had planned for months to depose of Sarjon when he ruled as The Mercy's wralord since nobody on the other side of the wall was going to do it and then...

Then he was dead. Killed by the new missing church leader Borazon the Merciful and Lady Keéra, after whom the school of Knowledge was named.

That isn't to say things have calmed down since his demise: with the fat cat gone, the rats came out in droves, all carrying different names:

The Society

The Revenants

The Roosters

All thugs in some way shape or form. Some a lot more agreeable than others. With the others getting a lance to the face. And on this rainy day, as the buildings weep from their many broken windows, Vargas warms the house, doing his best to keep the fire going as a lone figure walks through the rain, covered in a cloak.

[CENTER]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/af/5b/88/af5b8892dfdc2957d582075c94178be0.jpg

"Lendra, get inside. Don't want you catching a cold...""

That's one of many key words you and Vargas have practiced over the years. Basically, be ready to ice anyone stupid enough to come looking for trouble.

And trouble has a way of always looking for people in The Mercy. Whether they ask for it or not.

The rain falls on Vargas' broad shoulders like knives, but the half orc doesn't budge as he stands with his hand on the hilt of his blade as the much shorter figure rubs her arms as the rain soaks her completely.

You are going to let me freeze out here, Vargas? How rude of you...


It's a woman's voice. And one the half orc recognizes.

"How many with you?""

"For an orc with only one eye, you sure keep it sharp. Three on the rooftops and four hidden behind the wall yonder... but you already knew this. Now, may I come in?""

Vargas looks at the cloaked woman, her hood hiding her features and looks at you and does a quick nod for all three to walk inside.

The fire crackles nicely as Vargas shuts the door, but keeps his hand on the hilt of his blade as the woman wipes off the water from her cloak and reveals herself to both:


http://orig01.deviantart.net/53ca/f/2016/040/b/4/_ethereal__by_rezwanadimechkhan-d9g3uou.jpg

"You keep the place just as Aiden did... all things considered. And is this Manila's daughter? She sure has grown all up...""

This comely elf is Prustina Silentread, known as The Mercy's Swansong. She belongs to one of the many factions in The Mercy- the biggest and most organized to date: The Society. Vargas has dealt with her before, years back, but given why he holds his hilt, it is clear that is is no mere colloquial visit, as the half orc invites her to take a seat.

"This better be quick, Prustina: I have work to do.""

The elf looks at you and smiles, giving you a wink.

"Which is another way to say for me to get out? Vargas, we are in need of you again...""

"No you aren't. You and your stooges came looking for a trainer. I trained your men and I got paid. That's it: we are done. We made a deal that your people would leave us alone.""

Prustina shakes her head.

"The Society honors their word, Vargas. You trained our Enforcers very well and for that, you have our gratitude and coin, but it isn't my people you ought to be concerned about.

The Society has come under attack by a lowly gang. Dubs itself 'The Roosters'. We have been given three days to deliver people on a list. And before you say anything: they aren't going only after people from our group.

Someone is targeting specific individuals and as we speak, The Society has already split into The Mercy, taking the battle to them, however...""

Prustina looks at the fireplace as this one crackles.

"We are losing, Vargas. The men you trained? Most of them have not returned from these locales. One of our own recruited a group of vigilantes if you will, but they haven't fared that well either. As a result, we have lost key members of our group in just one day...

And time is not on our side.""

Vargas crosses his arms and goes deep in thought.

"So one group wipes out another. In the end, both are so damaged, that they can't rebuild fast enough before a third group comes in and picks them off.

Either way, we win."

Prustina gets up and looks at you and then at the half orc.

"Wrong, Vargas. If the Roosters get what they want, I am afraid we all lose.""


When Prustina entered, Lendra stood in the room, her back to a wall, and her arms loosely folded in front of her torso, half in rejection, half ready to put one hand on the hilt of her sword. Her lance leaned against the wall a few steps away from her, but this was not the place to attack with such a weapon anyway. Curiously, she manages to keep her mouth shut through the slightly unsettling dialogue, but the longer it goes, the more the defiance in her face grows. She is curious about the woman though: While her affiliation seems somewhat clear, she had spoken the word of Lendra's mother: Manila, who is dead since fifteen years. If she was at all associated with one of her parents, it had mostly been "Aiden's girl/brat/daughter". Then again, her parents were both well-known before the fire, so it might as well mean nothing.

When Prustina says "Wrong, Vargas. If the Roosters get what they want, I am afraid we all lose.", a question slips out of Lendra' mouth:

"What do you mean by that?"

There is a certain defiance in her voice, but at the same time, she apparently took the the bait.

[El'the Ellie]

Calliope makes her way through the soaked streets, shielding a small armful of books and papers from the rain within the folds of a heavy green traveling cloak.

Rain... A sign of challenge and adversity in the road ahead. As if that was not clear enough.

She paid little attention to the grand artistry around her in the temple of Saint Cuthbert except to do a rough mental calculation of how much taxpayer money she was looking at. She hands her coat to an acolyte and takes a seat. The wait was no object to her: be it twenty minutes or two hours, Calliope spent it engrossed in The Tales of Stillwater Valley, a collection of survivor testimonies from an ill-fated town nestled in the Crystalmist Mountains. The priestess usually carried with her whatever she was in the middle of reading wherever she went.

When the acolyte notified her that Dalpinian was ready, she nodded wordlessly, marked her page, and began switching gears into the speech she had prepared. The Grand Hall was like the waiting room before it: unnecessarily grand, intimidating, and wasteful. She stopped when Dalpinian spoke up, and withdrew a copy of her speech from the folder she had carried in. Dalpinian would have a copy as well, of course: she would have made sure to give one to the acolytes a few days beforehand. However Dalpinian's tone stung a bit: she knew he knew who she was. This wasn't the first time they had interacted, and once upon a time they had even held similar level roles in their respective faiths. Still, if he insisted on a distant formality, she could acquiesce.

Calliope takes a deep breath, adjusts her glasses slightly, and begins.
"Of course sir. Then you will forgive me for skipping pleasantries." She hadn't prepared any in the first place.
"I come before you to plead the case of reopening the Lighthouse of Rashema's Marina as a holy temple to Fharlanghn, which will facilitate bringing order to one of the thirteen pillars upon which this city rests. The crux of my argument is that restoration of the temple to the Traveler's people will be a threefold boon: once to the faith of Fharlanghn, once to the great city of Hamalthan, and once to the church of Saint Cuthbert itself.

The benefit to the faith of the Traveler is clear. A centralized place of worship will increase the moral and faith of the Fharlanghnites, and will ease our exchange of ideas and teachings. I believe this point is obvious to you and will not labor on it.

The second is the city of Hamalthan's benefit. Temples to Fharlanghn serve as a place of rest and recuperation for travelers of all kinds. This has always been the case, and is well known. Consequently, the presence or an absence of a Fharlanghn temple is an enormous factor when planning trade routes, holidays and tourism, traveling entertainers, and technology showcasings. The presence of each of these things vastly increase the wealth of a city, and Hamalthan is no exception: the immaterial gain is obvious and difficult to calculate, but the physical gain is also not to be ignored. If you'll turn your attention to Appendix A, you will see a formal evaluation I had done by Brother Tesimo in the church of Muoqol that estimates the annual losses incurred by the closing of the Marina Lighthouse. Bear in mind the estimate describes only the foreign financial loss: the Traveler's faith has been known to have a positive impact on the city internally as well. In fact if you turn to Appendix B you will see a sample of historical cases, some of which take place in this very city, that detail how a strong Fharlanghn presence almost universally generates positive fortune and good will for the city in question. In the interest of time I will let you read over the appendix in your own time while you deliberate this case.

This leads me to my final point: that restoration of the Temple of Fharlanghn is a direct benefit for the church of Saint Cuthbert, for High Inquisitor Connor, even for yourself." She takes a breath and adjusts her glasses again. Knowing fully well that this would be the part that bears the most influence, she speaks carefully and evenly.
"We live in trying days, where often times one must help themselves before they have the resources to help their neighbors. It is a sign of strength, then, that the Saint Cuthbertines have been so vocal about preparing the King's Crusade. Selflessness such as this are part of why the general populace look to this faith as a sign of order, strength, and steadfastness. It follows, then, that any event that supports the Crusade also supports the strength of the Cuthbertines. First, the increased wealth from foreign sources, as I pointed out previously, will also impact the total revenue from the city's taxation. I am certain a swell in funds would go far to assist the noble goal, as well as whatever else needs funding in a faith as extensive and carrying as much responsibility as this. Second, the good will of the Fharlanghnites is no small measure. What we lack in direct numbers, we make up in leaps and bounds of skills few others are capable of. Some of these, such as travel, wayfinding, and good fortune would be directly helpful in the Crusade and should our temple be restored to us, we would be happy to assist in whatever reasonable way.
And the good will, support, and strength of the Fharlanghnites is helpful in lesser known ways as well. Many people in Hamalthan are lost on their journey. And lost people have an overwhelmingly tendency to find Fharlanghn, and seek righteous and lawful behavior within His faith. Those that are unable to find Him unfortunately have a tendency towards becoming more lost, and adopting immoral or unlawful actions to survive. When you weaken the Fharlanghns, you strengthen the forces of disorder and unlawfulness. And since the Cuthbertines are responsible for punishing and dissuading unlawful behavior, this creates more work for you. In Appendix C you will find a Law and Order report that details the increased strain on the Cuthbertines since the closing of the Lighthouse. Aside from the... unfortunate backlash from some members of my church when our Temple was closed, the report shows that the Fharlanghns have continued our lawful ways. It follows then, that the increased criminal activity is new activity: people who have looked for Fharlanghn and been unable to find Him, and have turned towards an unlawful life. Unfortunately we can only expect these numbers to rise as long as Fharlanghn lacks a proper temple in this city. In this way Sir Dalpinian, our two faiths are entwined. When you weaken one, you weaken the other. When you strengthen one, you strengthen the other."

Calliope pauses again to let her words fall in the open space, having said the majority of her piece. After a moment and a sip of water, she concludes.

"Finally, if I may, Dalpinian. The temptation to shut out others faiths and walk alone in one's own is massive. But none of us live in isolation. I hope you can see the benefits of working with the Fharlanghnites. And I hope you can see your way to the only decision that benefits Fharlanghn, Saint Cuthbert, and Hamalthan itself. Thank you all for your time."

She gives a small, formal bow after concluding her statement.

[grifter730]

Masix: (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1251748)

Masix was about to lift his cup of coffee when the old man's sucked the breath out of him. He momentarily lost track of the conversation, words losing its meaning even as he watched Kastell's face and mouth moving and forming words. He blinked, and took a small breath, and the world seemed to right itself again.

"... opinion: I don't think Cordelia was killed that night, but that's just me," Kastell said, as Masix picked up the conversation thread again. Masix was a steady man, never had the shakes during battle, or due to alcohol, but he found his coffee cup trembling as he picked it up. He took a sip, and nodded his head several times as his mind raced to parse through the information.

Masix took a deep breath. "I'm not sure if you just brought me good or ill tidings, old man, but I'll tell you one thing you just gave this drunkard: hope." He gave the man a grim smile. "I wasn't involved in whatever Cordelia was doing at the time of her attack. You got any leads on whose head I can knock around to get some answers out of them? Paperwork from the investigations would also be appreciated." He motioned his head towards the stack of papers. "Are those papers about the wall, or about Cordelia?"

------------------------------------

After Kastell leaves [OOC: I presume this is when Rusty entered the Bitter Coffee.]:

Masix's mind was still reeling from the information from Kastell when Rusty sits down in front of him. Masix never cared for the man one way or another. He was an Olidammaran, but seemed a bit too happy to do his job enforcing things at times. Like right now. He seemed to carry a swagger with him in his posture and the way he talks. Masix shrugged his shoulders in response to being asked whether he knew about two individuals' whereabouts. He had his own problems.

[Baby Gary]

Will:
After thinking for a moment Will replies to Vim's question, "I think I will have a drink for now. I'm in the mood for some Vino Verde, chilled of course". When Vim returned with the wine Will graciously thanked her and took a sip. Behind Vim he noticed Rusty come in and Will made a mental note to talk with him later. returning his attention to Vim Will asked, "what is the latest news on Sedge?". Vim started to say something but Will cut in with, "before you ask I know that she has been gone for almost a month now but there is still hope, there is always hope". Vim didn't answer straight away and Will knew what that meant, she hadn't heard anything about Sedge. Without waiting for Vim to answer Will strolled across the room to the table in the corner where he usually sat. he sat down and stared into his wine thinking about all that was happening, how his best friend, Sedge, had been abducted by Sarjon and no one knew where she was. After a sitting a while in thought Will decided to go to Sarjon's abandoned headquarters once again in Hopes that this time he would find something. He would do that in the tomorrow so he had the rest of today to prepare. "Rusty" Will thought, "He would be a good person to ask to accompany him on a mission like this, he was a good fighter and he would sympathize with Will because he had also lost people close to him recently". Before talking to Rusty Will sat back in his chair and plucked a few chords on his lute while listening to what the other patrons were talking about. "It never hurts to know what else is going on" Will remembered his father saying "but sometimes it hurts to not know". After listening for a few minutes Will got up and approached Rusty, he sat down on the other side of the table from Rusty. "Would you be interested in helping me tomorrow?" Will asked, "I was planning on back to Sarjon's headquarters to look for any signs of Sedge tomorrow and I would greatly appreciate it if you would join me. I may be a better lute player than you, but you are definitely better when it comes to fighting and you never know what will happen in the Mercy so you should be prepared for anything."

listen (for hearing what people are saying) [roll0]
Gather info [roll1]
Diplomacy if needed [roll2]

[AlanBruce]

@Lendra: You watch and listen the conversation between Vargas and Prustina go on and reason that by the elf's words, she may have known your parents.

This isn't too far fetched: your mother lived the life of a mercenary until her eventual disappearance in The Mercy. These guys Vargas deals with are not too different. Could your mother have belonged to this Society or worked for them in the past?

Questions to be resolved later on.

The elf maiden gets up from the table and looks at you, raising an eyebrow and nodding.

"It's good to see someone in this house cares.

They have a weapon, the Roosters. We don't know what it is, but we know what it can do.

It decimated a city block yesterday, blowing off half of our headquarters in the process. It was a warning shot, they say. So we know they mean business.

The man who is behind this calls himself Gram. Or 'Brother Gram' amongst the Roosters. A sort of messianic figure. Said to have risen from the depths of The Mercy, whatever that means.""

Vargas looks up at Prustina and shrugs.

"So another zealot... what's new?""

Prustina shakes her head and walks towards the door.

"Those buildings decimated? Not all of them had our people. We rescued about ten families. By the body counts..

About three hundred. Give or take. Do we really want another Connor here? I came to find help, but clearly I was mistaken. For what it's worth, you have our word:

Your house will not be bothered by us. I hope you can strike such a deal with The Roosters when they take over. Have a nice day.""



@Rusty: Masix and the old man don't exchange much pleasantries with you. The guy may be Olidammaran, but even by their standards he's a bit crazy. What with all the masks he likes to wear.

But given that they don't have any answers to give, you and your hammer take a walk towards the bar, where Nana Rose pockets a small pearl and flashes you a smile.

"And here I thought the boogeyman was mere legend. Changed a sack for a hammer? Good to see you, Rusty. I hope Ross isn't working you too much?

As for Sasha? That's a tricky one:

I heard she was with you guys. I have not heard from her, but Seti... he was here not too long ago. Kyle told me he was asked by Seti to go on some roughing up type mission deeper into the Mercy- The Ludus Magnus. They should be back by now, reason why I asked Vim over there to cover for Kyle.

He isn't in any trouble...Seti, I mean?""

The Ludus Magnus... yeah. You know of that place.

Before the fire that consumed The Mercy, it used to be an amphitheater. Lavish plays and extensive discussions on all manner of boring subjects attracted people from the entire city to witness them. Sometimes, the Ludus Magnus had friendly bouts, since it was dedicated to Kord by the Airdan family.

Of course, that was before the fire.

Today, the Ludus Magnus is home to a gang called The Cold Hammers. These guys are mean. They believe in strength, but to a homicidal degree. Those who choose to prove their strength, sign up voluntarily to participate in brutal displays of war.

Very few have survived... and with good reason.

Their leader is a mad dwarf by the name of Kurgen Steelfoot. Before the fire, Kurgen was a seasoned and well respected gladiator who drove thousands to the amphitheater.

It may be his age and the fact that this place is so messed up that Kurgen now proclaims himself "King of the Cold Hammers" and invites anyone worthy to match their strength with him in battle.

As far as gangs go, his is the smallest in number: his dogma is that one strong warrior is equal to a hundred frail ones and so, only the mightiest thugs and cutthroats flock to that place.

If Seti has taken Sasha to the Ludus Magnus, chances are she's already killed all of them, since those idiots train in brute strength only, but if that were the case...

Why isn't she back by now?

Knowledge Local to know more about the Cold Hammers


@Toby Funk: Loremaster Virdigris looks up from her desk and closes a heavy book as you pack your lunch.

"Just be wary of the rain. It's a flood out there. Don't want you catching a cold. Oh! If you can... ""

The Loremaster takes out her coin purse and hands you twenty gold.

"... stop by Cossimo's and get me a chicken salad. No mayo. Tell the clerk it's for me. I get the Runestone discount.""

Halmathan is a diverse city. This has been known for generations. because it is a metropolis, there are many cultures that have migrated here and with them, their culinary savvy.

Many hardened adventurer would be complacent with a bowl of gruel and a water skin, but not when you live in the city, where fine dining is a thing. Enter Cossimo's.

The restaurant isn't that big. In fact, it has had offers for years to expand, but the owner has refused time and again to turn it into a franchise, claiming that with it, it would lose its soul.

Back in the day, they actually had mages from Runestone working there and operating a delivery service. If you lived too far away, all you had to do was cast a Sending or some other messaging spell and bam! You;d have your meal delivered to your apartment or house in thirty minutes or less.

Today, with Connor's magic ban, that isn't happening anymore and although people still go to Cossimo's, the lines are so long that by the time you are up to get a table, you have to reschedule and hope you can get one by next tuesday.

And because Runestone did help in the restaurant for years, the most esteemed mages get the Runestone Discount, much like the Loremaster.

Whether Connor knows of this or not is up for debate, though.

However, you can make time to get Aurealia her salad after your trip to see Noirin at Runestone as the rain hammers your head and you have to push and resist getting pushed back to catch a cab amid the crazy weather as you slide into one before a group and shut the door, asking the driver to take you as fast as he can to the school.


Traffic is a killer, but thankfully, the Library isn't too far from the academy as you are charged a two dollar fee and watch the vehicle leave as you take the last bite of your apple and look before you:


https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/99/09/87/990987eefb2301e0b8a9d07688d9eee0.jpg

The old Alma Mater, Runestone.

The gates are closed, as is usually the case, inscribed with dozens of ancient arcane runes and flanked by massive statues of a chimera and a gryphon. These are animate and are said to know the name of every single mage that has studied in Runestone, able to identify them by mere sight.

Comparing Runestone to any other 'mundane' school would be rather unfair. Whereas both kinds of institutions commit themselves to increasing their student's knowledge, The Academy has been, since its inception, one devoted to the arcane soul and mind.

However, like a mundane school, Runestone shares some of its less than lofty aspects.

For one, Runestone caters to all eight school of magic known on Oerth. In that regard, you will find specialist mages like and universalists like you on campus. This has not only limited itself to the iconic wizard in a dusty study. For centuries, Runestone has prided itself in diversity and it is not uncommon for a sorcerer to share a class with a Focused Abjurer, for example, with both taking the same exact lessons and doing the same exact exercises.

The problem comes with the clique issue. And this has existed for ever.

Every practitioner of the Arcane at Runestone has a school that they more or less favor the most. In the case of a specialist, this couldn't be more true, which has lead to an exhaustive and age long feud between groups of mages. Sometimes, these have escalated to dangerous levels, but in recent years, the Council of Eight has managed to reign in their pupils and reduced what could be a devastating war zone of arcane power, to your typical locker room dispute, with a few cantrips on the side.

Naturally, the ones to claim they are the best are the Enchanters. These range from your by the book mage, to sorcerers, beguilers and bards. Many of the other mages are quick to refute their biased claim...

It's funny how a few seconds into the argument, they end up agreeing with them. These guys are the preppy pretty boys and girls of Runestone, with some coming from Halmathan's wealthiest families.

Then there's the Illusionists. Deceptive bastards the whole lot. Can't really trust one...or three. Or ten. You never really know how many are in the same company as you. Rumor has it that there's only one illusionist in all of Runestone, but he or she is so good with their chosen craft, that it has become impossible to tell them apart except for...

The Diviners. Magic's Buzz kills. These guys keep themselves apart from the other cliques and enjoy nothing more than spreading gossip amongst the other cliques, using spells that other groups have not bothered to master or never will.

Incidentally, Diviners tend to do really good at tests, scoring the highest grades. They claim that this is the result of diligent study, but come on...

Which takes us to the Abjurers- the peace brokers on campus. These guys like to butt in and break any fights- even if they aren't involved in it. Some say that Abjurers do this out of a desire to establish peace.

The truth is that, deep down, they just love dispelling the other mages and watch them become a laughing stock.

Then there's the Necromancers. These guys are considered a pariah on campus, especially by the Enchanters since they know that the Necromancers have abilities that their own spells cannot affect.

Grungy looking with a bit of goth and emo and punk thrown in, these guys are rarely seen outdoors during the day, since most of their classes take place after sundown, but when you do spot one, you spot their group- a macabre looking mix of pierced faces, dyed hair and disturbing little critters animated to run across campus and jump on the Enchanter's laps just because they can.

Then there's the Evokers. The jocks of Runestone. These Metamagic Roid Rangers are seldom seen on campus, practicing their craft in the shooting arena way back and away from the housing complexes. You can usually hear them before you see them. Big explosions, followed by chest pumping and draconic chants of their Alma Mater herald their latest exploits in the arcane.

Feisty to the extreme, the evokers love to test their abilities against anyone, even if unprovoked, mainly because of...

The Conjurers. AKA The Nerds of Runestone.

That initial cliche image of the wizard locked up with a bunch of books? That's the conjurer. Back in the day, everyone used to make fun of them:


By the time you summon a rat, four eyes, I'll have thrown at least three magic missiles and a scorching ray in your face!


That all changed many years later with the development of a series of spells geared towards Conjuration, in the form of orbs. That and the unique ability to break Time & Space has put Conjurers and Evokers at odds for years, since the Evokers- and rightfully so- claim that big explosions are a staple of their School.

Today, the Conjurers still hold a position of respect in Runestone, but they know that if they aren't careful, any of the other cliques might get the upper hand on them.

All it takes is one deceptive little spell and you can see one such as yourself carrying books for an Enchantress for weeks before they break off the effect.

Finally, there's the Transmuters. Weird to the extreme, these guys love to alter their faces and forms just for kicks. Besides, they are the ones most likely to master Flying before any other clique and they are not humble enough to hide it, soaring way above ground...

At least to the allowed limit. Connor has been very clear about just how high they can fly in campus before breaking his many foolish laws.

And then there are the famous 'gishes', those who decided magic was not enough and took to swordsmanship to complement. They may not be as powerful as a full fledged mage, but make no mistake:

Connor was quick to recruit them to his own private army of Royal Guards. A cynical move, since they are now deployed within Runestone to monitor any mage who might get ideas about escaping beyond the hallowed walls of the Academy and start spell slinging.

But in the end, the only true loser here is Physics, who gets beaten up like a red headed stepchild and sent to cry in a corner every single day for the last five hundred years.

Oh the memories.

And so, the two statues look at you and the glyphs begin to glow with white light as both speak in a grave voice:

"Toby "Big T" Funk.... welcome."

The great gates open slowly and both of you are allowed inside to campus, letting you inside and to green pastures, as far as the eyes can see.

Mages of all kinds- wizards, sorcerers, bards...even warlocks- they are all practicing their crafts be it under huge banyan trees or sitting on circles around the grass in deep concentration, even as the rain pelters on them. The amount of magic felt just in this place is enough to put the best mage in the Mercy to shame, and then there's the Tower of Magi, which breaks the sky and gets lost amidst the clouds as more of Connor's Eyes in the Sky chug sluggishly above you all.

In fact, several garrisons of Cuthbertine soldiers patrol campus grounds. They are aware of the magic practiced here, but who knows what odd law has been set in place that they are not arresting the young apprentice mages.

The gates shut behind you and the many mages look at you, shrug their shoulders and keep doing whatever it is these guys do, since many classes have been cancelled, but for many, it's stay in here and be safe, or risk it out there and be arrested.

It's a black umbrella that walks up to you and wet shoes hidden behind it as the man that summoned you shakes your hand:


https://i.warosu.org/data/tg/img/0285/01/1385480973123.jpg

"By Boccob! I thought you wouldn't come, not having answered my Sending. You look, well... wet. Let's go inside.""

Despite the heavy rain, the many mages keep practicing their craft in the large wet meadows as the heavy set Royal Guard inspects them from a distance, with one unlucky apprentice inciting the wrath of a soldier for who knows what reason as his books are thrown into the ground, causing the young mage to pick them up, only for them to be thrown down again as Nopirin Gilstern, one many high mages at Runestone and the one who summoned you, shakes his head and ignores the issue, heading into Naruil Hall, one of the many lofty buildings of Arcane Knowledge in the school, short of the Tower of Magi.

"I am sure your parents would be proud if they saw how well their dear leader treats us. You know it starts with one group... then it moves to the next and the next and before you know it....""

A soldier inside the hall looks at both as Noirin fakes a cough and puts down the umbrella, opening the door to his study.

"Let's talk in here. These walls have a lot more ears than usual these days.

So... how's life with the Loremaster? Aurealia is an accomplished caster and I have nothing but respect for her. To be able to stand in front of Connor the way she did...and alone. But I have not asked you to come here to praise her skill.

More to ask for yours in help.

There is a student of mine. A pair of students, to be more precise: Travis Wood and Michael Dunston. Both are very skilled and both like the current regime as much as I. So, they reside now in The Mercy. Michael is not the one I am so much concerned about...

It's Travis. He is a Conjurer. And a very talented one. He was here a day ago to do shopping and became quite disillusioned with the tax raise Connor has placed all over the City. That isn't the problem, though.

He mentioned he might not be alive soon. Something about a big problem in that district. A conflict of sorts. I would like nothing more than to go over there- matter of fact, I am considering that with each passing day- but, I do have students here that I must teach. In a way, Travis is a teacher himself over there. What's the name of the place, hold on...""

Noirin opens several drawers in his desk and takes out a small notebook.

"Aha! The uh... Keéra's School... no. House, yes. House of Knowledge. I guess they built something similar to this over there... in theory, I suppose. Still, I would be very grateful if you could go check on Travis. see that he doesn't get into any trouble.

If needed, I can speak to the Loremaster about this issue. i doubt she will have any qualms about it.""

[Chimaera]

Hannibal listen to Nana's comparing him to the boogeymonsters, even letting out a short laugh.
"So they were off to Ludus Magnus? I fear the Cold Hammers are dead by now then. Has for trouble... Cant really say that, but he might be", he look around noticing the absence of Kyle, "And Kyle is gone with them too? Hopefully he isnt gettin gin trouble as well. I'll go check that place. Thanks, Nana. If you see any of them: Sasha, Kyle or Seti, let me know", he says and get up to leave when he notice the lute player was actually speaking to him.

"You want waht? A favor? Scram!", he let out as he move past him towards the door, but he pause at it and ponder for a while, "Want help investigate whatever might be found left in the devil's lair, right? Well... me and my hammer are busy with other stuff but if you help me with this thing I will help you out once we are done. Sounds like a deal?"

He then turn back and begin to leave the scene going to Ludus Magnus. Going alone might not be ideal, so maybe this bard might actually help him, but not for free. A favor for another.

If Will follow him he ask the bard on their way to Ludus Magnus, "Heard anything about Seti or the Cold Hammers?"

[Baby Gary]

Will stood in the door of the Bitter Coffee thinking about what Rusty just said. With sudden determination Will downed the rest of the wine, gave the cup to Vin, and ran after Rusty.

when Will caught up with Rusty he said, "warming up before entering Sarjon's old lair would be a good idea so I think I will join you". After about a minute Rusty said, "Heard anything about Seti or the Cold Hammers?" to which Will replied "Seti? no, I haven't heard anything about her, I think that you know more about her than me. the Cold hammers however, I think I can recall hearing something about them"

Know local about the cold hammers [roll0]

[esorscher]

Big T considers carefully. This could be an honest invitation, or it could be a test of his loyalty. Best to play his hand close to the chest. He looks around the room for something to write on and something to write with, and, once he finds both, begins taking notes. No reason to use his own supplies when he's in a university with an abundance of resources--or that should have an abundance of resources, unless they're being mismanaged. "Travis Wood," he says as he writes, "at Keera's House of Knowledge. Do you have an address? Anyone other leads besides Michael Dunston? Did he say anything, even the smallest thing, about the conflict? Any other information you haven't shared with me yet?"

[AlanBruce]

@Calliope: The dark decor of the Palace of Justice is definitely overwhelming as you read your book and look around.

Utter silence, except for the metal boots that occasionally break it through the tall dimly lit halls. And then your attention goes to the newer additions brought in to extol the virtues of the Grand Inquisitor.

The statue alone must be worth close to several hundred thousand in gold. Enough to start a new church of Fharlaghn and yet, here is the tax payer's money, for nobody to ever see.

And so, once summoned in front of Dalpinian, with his retinue of Royal Guards and acolytes in the vast room with almost a yard between both as towers of papers threaten to collapse over his desk, you clear your throat and begin your speech about how both churches need to work together.

The benefit of having a center of worship for the followers of the Traveler, which ultimately, benefits everyone.

Dalpinian leans back on his chair as you mention a copy of the dossier and an acolyte hands it to him as the Sword of Justice skims through it and then looks at you.

"Mother Fareyes... have you considered converting? Just a joke, to lighten the mood. I have to admit, Sister Calliope that this is perhaps one of the best written manifestos on both Urban and Theocratical improvement that have landed upon my hands. And this is coming from me, Halmathan's Sword of Justice. I can assure you that the City will dedicate it its utmost importance...""

Dalpinian snaps his fingers and one of the acolytes takes the report you have written and stacks it at the bottom of a very tall pile.

"That being said, from a Metaphysical and Conceptual perspective... your church is everywhere.

Is this city not divided by blocks, and these blocks by roads? Do we not have maritime trade routes to other parts of the world? Since I know that your answer will be yes, then it is logical to state that Fharlaghn is everywhere, despite, of course, the simple fact that the church of the Traveler is not considered high ranking in the City of Power.

I do understand your concerns: not having a place for formal worship. The City can assure you that this issue is being looked into, Sister Calliope.

His Holiness is not heartless and will not allow Ravenna's flock to get wet in the rain. As far as this meeting goes, I am afraid that...""

It is then that the doors open and a humble acolyte rushes in and stops as Dalpinian gives him the stare down and bows deeply next to you.

"Apologies, your Grace. There is an issue that just came in... ""

The acolyte walks towards Dalpinian and whispers to his ear and hands him a folded piece of paper as the Sword of Justice reads it and a smile crosses his lips.

Well, this is too good to pass...

"Sister Calliope: perhaps you might want to bring this query directly to His Holiness? I am sure that your case can be heard by him. It so happens that there is someone with a similar request at the gates and he will.... he will definitely like to hear your case and this one.""


@Pythia: The captain of the Royal Guard looks up at the Eyes in the Sky, which prod through the grey clouds and sighs as he looks at all his men.

"... yes, Miss Sapfo. We are extremely fortunate for His Holiness being in power. I heard that tune you were singing earlier. About Queen Maira? The founder of this city would be... proud, I am sure. This way.""

He never gives you his name, but you can tell he is not happy having all his men guarding the Palace of Justice.

Once inside, you fill out the forms and the acolyte takes note of every item of power you have as another runs down the grand marble halls.

It is a few minutes later that that same acolyte comes back with a pair of guards and these tower above you as the acolyte gestures further down the dimly lit halls.

"He will see you, Miss Sapfo. This way...""

The amount of art both on the walls and as statues is overwhelming. Never have you seen such lavish decor dedicated to a church. Not even the grand Royal theater has works of art like this, all or most of them showing statues of a proud warrior surrounded by angels and pointing his blade to the heavens, with the word "Savior" repeated in many of the pieces as you are lead to a vast room and stand next to a woman:


http://i.imgur.com/xLH5Btf.jpg?1

This one carries the trappings of clergy and seems wise beyond her years.

@Calliope: What exactly happened here? Why is Dalpinian offering you a meeting with Connor?

It is then that the acolyte from before brings in a couple of guards and a woman:


https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/74/d2/02/74d202cf71e6436ad45a1fc14f4a2dc6.jpg

She isn't armed and lightly armored. Not a face you have seen before as Dalpinian looks at both and smiles as he gets up and snaps his fingers, with an acolyte carrying the pile of files and nearly breaking his back as a dozen Royal Guards escorting Connor's protege towards both, always keeping himself well protected and away from you.

"Sister Calliope Fareyes, meet Pythia Sapfo... did I get that name right? She has graced us with her presence and I believe that it is only fair that two noble and lofty causes are brought to His attention.

Follow me...and stay at least ten paces behind me at all times."

@Pythia & Calliope: It's a somber silent walk through the Palace of Justice, with more paintings of the city and statues of stern looking angels with cudgels in their hands that seem to follow you behind blank marble eyes before Dalpinian and his escort of Royal Guards stop at a massive iron wrought door, easily big enough for a giant to walk in without even having to lower his head.

The emblem of the Cudgel has been crafted in gold in front as The Sword of Justice looks at both.

"Wait here. And do not speak until I return. Guards, make sure they don't wander about...

especially that one.""

It's nearly twenty minutes of silence before Dalpinian opens the door ajar and peeks his head out. Words have been written in Celestial for those who can read such divine language above an arch on the door.


Jus est super omnes est. Et sub illa omnis est.

Which translates for those who know:


The Law is Above Everyone. And everyone is Beneath it.


"You two, come in. Guards, wait out here.""

This room is even bigger than the one Dalpinian was in, with a lot less lighting.

It has been modeled after a forum, used back in the days to discuss politics and other such manners, with stairs leading up to ornate chairs.

The symbol of the Cudgel has been laboriously crafted on the ground in which you stand, made from a single emerald.

Then there is the main chair, above all of the rest and about twenty feet above you.

This chair is no regular chair- it's a throne. A golden throne that bears eight massive angel wings extending to the sides of it with a number of rubies decorating each.

The feather of a single wing from this throne could feed The Mercy for a decade. And then there's an Eye of God window behind it, which grants some light into the room, but since it's raining outside, you can barely make out the rest of the room as Dalpinian looks at both of you and smiles wickedly before clacking his heels together and clearing his throat.

"Presenting Halmathan's Royal Steward. Paragon of Law and Righteousness. Exemplar of Order and Justice. He who has been given the keys to the City and accepted in a most humble of ways...

His Holiness: Grand Inquisitor Connor of the Cudgel!""

Dalpinian looks at both of you and looks at the floor.

"You are supposed to bow now...""

It's a distant clip clopping as a hunched figure walks the upper area of the room like a shadow and takes his seat on the golden throne as lightning strikes outside and allows both of you to see the man who would be King:


https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/b0/61/1d/b0611df4cd4f12e560a3cc96b971359b.jpg

It is impossible not to tell that this is no mere priest. This is the man both reviled and lauded from both sides of the wall, For better or for worse, he is the absolute authority in the City of Power...

And he is not afraid to boast such title as he looks down at both, speaking in a low grave voice.

"An Ambularet per Pade of the Order of the Traveler walks my halls with worn out sandals, not unlike her elusive mistress, gone into the shadows... like the Olidammarans.

And this one...""

Connor snaps his fingers as Dalpinian hurries up to his side and delivers the piece of paper.

"Pythia Sapfo... a performer. You sem to want to teach magic in the Mercy. So I don't need to be told that you are a bard. Witches have been known for years to break a man's mind with their voice. Times change. It doesn't have to be a song. Some use the carnal displays with their bodies, enticing good men to perform ghastly deeds.

And even others use instruments...""

Connor produces one of yours.

"New tools of the trade? I will allow each one a chance to expose their case because in all frankness:

I don't have to be dealing with this!""

Connor looks at Dalpinian, who gulps and smiles nervously.

"I thought it would be funny that...""

The entire room shudders as Connor raises his voice.

"AM I SMILING? Ravenna's neophyte, you go first.""

[AlanBruce]

@Masix: Given your training, there are few things that actually rock your feet...

Except for her... Cordelia.

After all these years... could it be? And if so, why didn't she attempt to reach you? What happened to her?

Where is she????

Kastel watches you shake and looks around at Rusty, talking to Nana with that brutal looking hammer and then back at you.

"This is what I saw, Masix. It is my opinion that she was not killed, but what do I know? I'm just a lawyer.

Look, I am glad I brought you hope, but don't entertain any ideas that might get you killed, my friend. Strange things happen and maybe she isn't even in Halmathan anymore.

As for leads, Masix: this is your turf. Mine is in the crowded courtrooms of the city. The Mercy is your abode. If any heads need knocking, I am sure you will find them, but don't make it a personal vendetta, boy.

If we plan to undermine the current regime, we need you alive. Sir Royce would want that, as would I. As for the wall? I promise I will have something for you in the following days, maybe: Connor has those details drowning in a sea of red tape and there is only so much I can do.""

Kastel takes out a pocket watch and then gets up.

"Time to hit the trenches for me, Masix. I hope we get to see each other again. Give me a week. Here, and I will have something for you.""

The old barrister places his hand on your shoulder and is about to say something when he leaves a few coins for the drinks and leaves the Bitter Coffee.

It matters not what Kastel says: she is alive. You know this to be true... and you need to find her.

But here in The Mercy, hiding is second hand to pretty much everyone.

How to go about this?


@Will: Vim struggles with the small notepad, jotting down your order.

"Vino Verde... chilled? Ok!""

She comes back shortly with a bottle that is not Vino Verde but Goblin Grey, a cheap vodka sold by the box for a mere two gold.

"I saw goblin, so I thought to myself:

Goblins are green, so it's like the other one right? besides, they just told me we don't have that on stock. Sorry.""

On the subject of Sedge, Vim blinks twice.

"Whose Sedge?""

It's Nana who overhears from the bar and looks at you.

"Last I heard, she's fine, half elf. You're Will, aren't you. You want a date with the Diplomat? Good luck:

She's like a shadow around these places. hard to find.""

And then you play the lute, which causes Vim to dance around the tables and giggle as she looks at you.

"You're a musician too? We should do a duet sometime!""

And once you speak to Rusty, who is not the best conversationalist, you try and gather info about Seti. She should be around here, except for one problem:

Seti is a man. A high ranking enforcer for The Society, but there are so many, that who knows where he is right now.

Then the discussion goes into the Cold Hammers. These you have heard of.

A gang of muscle heads that have taken over the Ludus Magnus and train their men to be physically imposing.

There is a heirarchy amongst the Cold Hammers, however.

First if Kurgen Steelfoot, King of the Cold Hammers. An old dwarf gladiator who you definitely don't want to face in combat.

Then there's Thernus and Bharthran.

Thernus is Known as Laduguer's Black Hammer, the priest amongst the Cold Hammers. He is, however not a dwarf, but a duergar, dark cousins of the more common race.

And then there's Bharthran, the Sanguine Savant.

Very little is known about this one, except that he's a sadist. Rotten evil and has an unhealthy obsession with blood and practices dark magic.

@Rusty: If Masix will not join you or help with information, screw him.

Then he better stay out of your way.

The Ludus Magnus should be about an hour away from the Bitter Coffee and environs. If this half elf is any good, you might be able to find Seti, Sasha and Kyle...

And Sasha better be fine and covered in her enemy's blood and not her own.


@Big T: Noirin sits on his chair and takes out a flask of whiskey, which he is quick to down.

You could go to The Mercy. Over there, you can cast at your heart's content, but how safe is it really? You did train as a master mage for years. perhaps this is your final test.

"I wish I had an address to that place, but there is one well known pub in the Mercy: the Bitter Coffee. Travis mentioned that many people gather there. People with information.

If you go, head there first. I was told it was the only pub not burnt down during the fire. Info is always accessible for the right price. works here and I am sure as hell it works over there.""

[Baby Gary]

what Will is saying here is back in time when Vim asks him a duet

Vim came capering up to Will and she said, "You're a musician too? We should do a duet sometime!" Will looked up from his lute to smile at Vim and say "sometime, defiantly sometime" and then in what seemed to be an after though he continued "and maybe more than just a duet, who knows?" Before Vim can respond Will stood up, leaving 2 gold on the table for the vodka, puts his lute in his backpack, dons his cloak and goes over to talk to Rusty.

[AlanBruce]

@Will: Vim blushes at the suggestion of performing more than a duet as she keeps dancing around the tables, balancing the trays of liquor with grand poise.

"You are a naughty, naughty man! We'll have to see one day, won't we? But today i have to work for Nana!""

A lovely girl, but romance will have to wait.

Rusty wants to go fetch Kyle- someone you do know rather well since he works here. But if they are in the Ludus Magnus...

You can fight rather decently, but in that arena, your half elf body will be demolished by Kurgen and his crew. However Rusty...

Rusty doesn't seem so frail.

But will a two man group be enough?

[El'the Ellie]

Calliope's stonefaced resolve cracks a bit into relief when Dalpinian lightens the mood, but the placement of her plea did not elude her.

"Thank you Dalpinian. I tend to be resolute and exhaustive when charged with something important, which seems to never be an effort wasted on Cuthbertines. I'm sure you intend to place it at the top of your priorities." She smiles briefly for the first time since getting out of the cab.

"Theoretically speaking, the Traveler is everywhere, yes. Just as Law, Order, and Retribution of Saint Cuthbert can be found anywhere. Although most people, especially those beneath our stature in the clothe, do better with a physical representation and attachment to their faith. The reason we are having this conversation within your lofty halls and not out in the rain, for example."
Still, she lets the philosophical argument die as new matters came to light. The proposition to bring the matter directly to Connor momentarily leaves her stunned. The offer is too good to pass up, of course, but she had not a moment to plan! To make an argument directly to the High Inquisitor with but the few minutes it took to get there for preparation was terrifying. Immediately the gears in Calliope's head began spinning at a breakneck pace.
"Of course. An audience with His Holiness directly would be a tremendous help, thank you." And she does seem to look thankful. Whether Dalpinian made this happen as a friendly gesture or simply as a matter of convenience or for any other reason didn't matter so much.

Calliope nods and smiles at Pythia politely, but is clearly distracted and barely seems to notice the woman. Not rudely, or at least not intentionally, but her mind is clearly busy stripping down and rearranging her speech to better fit Connor's audience.

As she takes in the room and the man before her, she very nearly gasps. The vertical slash of lightening down the circular window behind Connor. A snake eye. Perhaps... Beware the gilded snake, which coils amidst the coffers Was this indeed some symbol or simply her wanting to put two and two together? Something to meditate on.

"Thank you High Inquisitor. Out of respect for your undoubtedly busy schedule, I will keep my plea brief. Dalpinian has a more exhaustive version that you can evaluate when you have the time if you should wish for a more detailed argument.

The crux of my plea is a simple one: all across history those who have helped the Fharlanghnites have benefited in return in no small order. The Fharlanghnites are in need of a place to worship, and you alone have the power to help." Calliope was playing to her odds that feeding his ego would help her case. "The city of Hamalthan has much to gain, both in philosophical wealth and literal commerce, that can only be gained with an active Fharlanghn temple and, consequently, the taxes of those that would go directly to helping the goals of the Cuthbertine church. In fact, such a massive display of power and compassion could be accomplished quickly and efficiently: with a signing of a suitable order an ambassador of your order and I could work through all the details of the restoration and you would feel the warm gratitude of the Fharlanghnites around the world. Should you send me away today, Dalpinian will surely bring this matter up to you again in the coming days or weeks: and I am certain you are not the type of man that wishes to be bothered by the same thing twice.
Thank you, your Holiness, and again if you would like a more detailed account I or Dalpinian would be happy to provide it."

Calliope breathes a silent sigh of relief when she finishes. It was not her best argument: basically a stripped down version of the one she had given before, but it was the best she could do with the time she had. She was glad Connor had her go before the bard: this man would tire out quickly, that much is obvious. Oh well, at least it meant she wouldn't have to be in his presence long.

[AlanBruce]

@Calliope: Dalpinian may not be as bad as people make him out to be. Or as strict, but that is yet to be seen as Pythia is brought into the room and then both are escorted to The Room of Law, where Connor passes down judgement.

As far as powerful men of the cloth go, Connor doesn't seem that strong. Definitely not in a physical sense. He is old. older than any other Church leaders you have met...at least for a human.

That clip clopping sound was an onyx cane the man used to walk towards the throne, which means he isn't that nimble on his feet. This is a feeble old man...

And yet, he sits on the Golden Throne, which has deliberately been designed to give off an aura of Divinity, what with the wings and all.

The fact that the entire room shudders when Connor berates Dalpinian is not normal, but Church leaders are said to have access to powers other priests do not, like Ravenna, who can travel the Dreamscape.

His Holiness listens to your words and his hands, old and wrinkled claw at the arms rests of his throne, clearly never intent on letting go as he looks down upon both you and Pythia, his eyes like a hawk, locked directly on you.

"You are one of Lady Ravenna's higher ranking acolytes, are you not? Of course. Mind you, take it not as a compliment- the followers of Fharlaghn are not organized enough. always walking everywhere. Meddling in affairs they ought not.

In fact, according to one of my reports, a few of your fellow men of the cloth assaulted the City Guard. Need I remind you that such an attack is an affront to the King and therefore to he who represents him? I am sure you have not forgotten that, being as verbose and well learned as you are, Miss Fareyes.

The City of Halmathan is going to endure. None of you... Fharlanghnites ned to worry about it. And as much as I would like to reopen the temple for your use, I have to ask...""

Connor leans over, like a vulture ready to swoop down.

"Where is Ravenna? You do know that she is the acting Church leader in Halmathan for your faith, don't you? I cannot simply give the keys of a temple to any priestess, regardless of how noble her intentions may be. This City was founded on Laws, child. Laws that you as a mere neophyte do not understand and never will.

In fact, your presence here and the mention of this does bring an issue at hand: why would she leave? I see two possibilities.

One, Ravenna is dead. An unlikely outcome, given how canny that aasimar can be.

And two... she decided to abandon her faith and church. If that were to happen, she would have to be labeled a traitor and by default those beneath her, which would then have a resolution I am quite certain you and those that share your faith would not like at all.

I am inclined to believe in the latter, but at this point it is mere speculation, is it not?""

Connor leans back and a smile draws upon his face as his clawed hands hold tight to the throne.

"Be grateful that you have lost nothing more than a building, Calliope. Others have lost much, much more. And it is only because of my good graces that I have not devoted time into looking into that matter, something I just might if this is brought to my attention again."

Dalpinian smiles smugly and looks at both of you as Connor raises his hand and waves it dismissively.

"This matter is settled.""

The gavel comes down hard as Dalpinian bows to Connor and you look up at him.

How could anyone give a man like him so much power? His words are laced with poison and deadly innuendo. Now it is becoming clear why so many other churches and their priests have planned to assassinate him.

This might explain why he has so many Royal Guards outside and inside the Palace of Justice- an army of his own.

@Pythia: Connor looks at Calliope Dalpinian motions for her to stay in the Room of Law as His Holiness looks down upon you now.

"A bard comes to The Palace of Justice, well aware of what the Law says about them and with an unusual claim no less.

Speak... while you still can.""

[esorscher]

The Bitter Coffee, Big T writes. Then he leans back in his chair. "If," he says. "That's the word, isn't it? If any of the Cuthbertine soldiers on these grounds have recognized me, they might yet report me. If I decide to help you, it could mean disaster not just for me, but for my family as well. If this weren't the kind of job that might run afoul of His Holiness the Grand Inquisitor Connor, you wouldn't have been so secretive in summoning me here. Besides playing on my obligations to you--which, I'm sorry to inform you, is not sufficient to make me forget my obligations to my family--what is it exactly that makes you think I'd be interested in this kind of work? I haven't studied magic in months. Why would I? To master a skill I'll never be able to use? I'm quite happy where I am--the universe wants me to be a library clerk." He smirks sarcastically, hinting, "It's safe, even if it doesn't pay well."

[Centaurion]

@Lendra: You watch and listen the conversation between Vargas and Prustina go on and reason that by the elf's words, she may have known your parents.

This isn't too far fetched: your mother lived the life of a mercenary until her eventual disappearance in The Mercy. These guys Vargas deals with are not too different. Could your mother have belonged to this Society or worked for them in the past?

Questions to be resolved later on.

The elf maiden gets up from the table and looks at you, raising an eyebrow and nodding.

"It's good to see someone in this house cares.

They have a weapon, the Roosters. We don't know what it is, but we know what it can do.

It decimated a city block yesterday, blowing off half of our headquarters in the process. It was a warning shot, they say. So we know they mean business.

The man who is behind this calls himself Gram. Or 'Brother Gram' amongst the Roosters. A sort of messianic figure. Said to have risen from the depths of The Mercy, whatever that means.""

Vargas looks up at Prustina and shrugs.

"So another zealot... what's new?""

Prustina shakes her head and walks towards the door.

"Those buildings decimated? Not all of them had our people. We rescued about ten families. By the body counts..

About three hundred. Give or take. Do we really want another Connor here? I came to find help, but clearly I was mistaken. For what it's worth, you have our word:

Your house will not be bothered by us. I hope you can strike such a deal with The Roosters when they take over. Have a nice day.""


Lendra

"Three ... hundred?" Lendra's voice is low and rather unbelieving than sad... yet. How would they obliterate such a huge number of people in one night? Other than a fire of course, but this would have spread to the other houses most likely. Three hundred lives taken... Can we afford to let her go without pumping her for more information? It was not making things easier for her knowing that Vargas would discourage her behavior, but three hundred in one night? And they want people...

"Wait. Please. Who do they want? This list of people you spoke about. What do they want with them anyway?"

[El'the Ellie]

Connor's response, so swift and aggressive, is like kicking the beehive that is Calliope's mind. Rebuttals and explanations swarm inside her head like so many angry bees, fighting for dominance. Instead she quieted them, and made her face a mask.

Calliope gave a polite curtsy and said only. "If there is anything I can do to change your mind, members of your order know where to find me."

She takes a step back, lost in her own thoughts and hoping the bard has more success.

[dantiesilva]

Bardic knowledge Queen Maira to see if I know anything besides her being an ancient queen
Knowledge Local (same as above)[ roll]1d20+5
Knowledge History (same as above) [roll1]
Knowledge History (how the city was formed) [roll2]

Listening to what the royal guard says Pythia wishes she knew more stories about the founding of Hamalthan and Queen Maira, so much seemed to be missing in her eyes of how the city came to be. One thing remains clear though as she notes him not being happy his men were guarding the Palace of Justice. “Do not worry, it can’t always rain, eventually the sun will shine again.” She says kindly, making sure she was on the church grounds before using a simple spell to dry off all of his armor, before stepping inside with a smile on her face, hoping she had at least brought a little joy to the man.

As the acolyte returns with two towering guards, the actress wonders if she may have broken a law, however remains silent in fear as she simply follows them down the hall, as she notes the many depictions of the Saviour, his holiness Grand Inquisitor Connor standing admist a field of angels in almost all pictures. As she is at last lead to a room to wait for her questions to be answered, or so she thinks, she notes the red headed woman in clergy attire and bows her head slightly. After all the members of any clergy were always to be respected, even the vile deities granted great gifts upon their followers and to attract one’s anger was never a wise idea. Though from the looks of it this woman before her held more wisdom then most. “Why yes Inquisitor you did, I am surprised one as high as yourself even knows my name.” she says in awe, before noticing the stack of files by his side, and guessing one of them must have been the one she had filled out. We are going to see his Holiness himself, I had hoped but never dreamed he would have free time for me. I thought I would be dealing with one of the normal clerics, oh no, my speech is nowhere near worthy enough for him. What will I do. Pythia thinks to herself, her mind racing as she follows the instructions of the inquisitor before her.

As they are led to the grand door the young bard listens as they are both told to wait outside until he returns, looking around she notes the words in celestial and can not help but think of the irony of each person having to walk through these doors in effect proving them true. After all they work walking beneath the word Justice. While Pythia waits she looks around at the art near her area trying to see if she recognizes any of it.

Bardic Knowledge [roll3]
History [roll4]
Local [roll5]

As the doors are finally open Pythia walks in, making sure to stay at least ten paces behind Inquisitor Dalpinian as he had instructed ealier. However even all the years she had spent working within the theater business could not prepare her for the grander she had walked into. So when the Grand Inquisitor himself walked in, her mouth was open in awe as she gazed up to see that it was really him coming to listen to their case. Had it not been for Inquistor Dalpinian reminding her to bow she no doubt would have remained as such, looking like a complete fool stuck in awe, and because of this she almost falls over as she quickly tries to bow properly.

As Pythia listens to the Grand Inquisitor she sees that what she had at first thought of as a stroke of luck was the exact opposite as he explains that he was in fact busy. Which begs the question of why Inquisitor Dalphinian had not handled the situation himself in her own mind, though she remains silent as it is made clear it is not her turn to speak yet.

As Pythia listens to the plea given by the priestess of the traveler she notes at how easily it is rebuked and cannot help but suspect Connor had been very busy before having been bothered. “Your Grace, had I known you were so busy I would not have….so willingly come here to bother you. I know you have so many burdens on your shoulders so I will try to be as swift as I can.” She says bowing once more before speaking. “As I am sure you are aware, after all you to my knowledge helped the Mercy Maiden, a school was opened within the Mercy to help teach the young so that one day they can become productive members of society. As a part time teacher I have noticed that sometimes it is hard for the children to focus given all the violence in Hope’s Caress. So I thought that perhaps using a few simple cantrips along with a few other such spells may help take their minds away from the dangers of our district and help them focus so that when they are older they can do their jobs properly. However as magic is not allowed I came here today with a list of spells I was hoping you would allow to be used to help teach the children.” Pythia explains as she takes out a wet piece of paper, and begins to read the spells out. “Prestidigitation, Mending, Silent Image, and Animate Instrument are the only spells I am asking to be allowed to be cast within the school. Animate instrument and Silent image as tools to help us explain history which will allow the children to focus, like a play in a theater almost.” She says to better give the Grand inquisitor an idea of what she meant, “Mending so that the children who have their clothes torn and in rags, can have some decency and a semi nice pair of clothing. And lastly Prestidigitation, this one in particular I feel could help the students greatly. We could make letters appear to learn the alphabet, as well as shapes and colors, it could even help with cleaning up the classroom as well as the clothing of the children so they are not walking around in dirty rags.”

[Chimaera]

Rusty listen to Will's words about the Cold Hammers and stop in his track for a second.
If these guys are all lunatics and sadistics, there is little way to go there without a fight and although he do enjoy a fight, he is way more smart than he looks.

"Okay, let's get some back up then", he turn back to the Bitter Coffee and look for Masix. Which isnt hard, since the coffee is almost empty. He go and sit at his table.

"Yo", he says to bring the man back to reality and focus on him, "I need your help with a little exploration. Boss asked for help and so I think you better help me", he put his hand on his purse and put a single copper piece in front of Masix, "I'll even pay you".

With Hamalthan's sky high prices, a cooper piece is worth pretty much nothing. This one however isnt any regular cooper piece, as instead of Hamalthan's crown on it tails, it have the holy symbol of Olidamara.

"The same way I'm asking you for a favor, Phantom Boy, that Rusty Coin might be traded back when you need a favor. And come on, everyone needs a hand from time to time. Can you help me out today?"

[AlanBruce]

@Lendra: That number rings like a death knell in your heart.

Three hundred.

All those lives snuffed out in a single attack. Thugs or no thugs, that isn't right. That is outright monstrous. At a level close enough to be labeled Genocide.

And it's happening right now, in your very home.

Prustina turns around as you try and gain more questions from her and the elf smiles as Vargas fills a glass with cheap ale.

"Don't get her into this, elf!""

"She is an adult now, Vargas. Lendra can speak for herself. This, child is the list we were given by Gram himself yesterday after the attack. Here, read it."



https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/96/64/3d/96643dd10830d168696a98b2944d674d--mermaid-tattoos-tattoo-flash.jpg

Members of the Society,

By now, you have witnessed the immense power we wield. I am not one to spew idle threats. I want the following persons delivered to the locales mentioned below:

Ludus Magnus Colosseum:

Githslayer Kyrich

Friar Spooner

Vasla Tirrus


Camazotz Den:

Eldarn Luichin

Davorin Mineshadow

Drakan


Sewer Tunnel 2-B:

Corwin Knell

Soraya Nurnavzi

These will do for now. You have three days to deliver the subjects by nightfall.


"Not all of them belong to the Society. Some serve in other factions and guilds in The Mercy. One of them isn't even part of a guild at all, but all of them are rather skilled at what they can do.

You may have noticed that one name is crossed off the list: I got news a few hours ago that she is no longer with us. One of our teams went to Camazotz' Den and it was a slaughter. By mere luck, they managed to get out, but not before losing many lives in the process.

I know that a team has been dispatched to the Colosseum and another to the sewers. Our plan is to deal with them before they can strike us, but I have no news on what befell the other two groups so far."


@Big T: You finish writing down the key places mentioned by Noirin and then look at him, expecting him to give you at least a decent reason why you should risk yourself and your family by going to The Mercy and help some gung ho Conjurer in a battle that doesn't concern you.

Plus, life in the library is beautifully adequate. Who would want to relinquish that?

Noirin nods and smiles as he paces around his study.

"Mister Funk, with all due respect, that is exactly why you would be perfect to go there.

You don't attract attention in a crowd. Hell, you look like David Cross and we all know he hasn't done anything worthy since Bigger and Blackerer, but I digress.

There is another reason that your skills might be of good use and most likely improve. This comes with financial gratification added to it.

Travis has theorized that there is a weapon being used in The Mercy. This one, I am quite certain was designed here, in Runestone. If such a weapon is the one Travis believes is being used, then we are talking destruction at a massive scale. If whoever is behind this uses the weapon at full power, not only The Mercy, but the City will be affected by it.

This will have Connor in a rage and place the blame on us...again. This time, his reasons might even be justified. And if you think the Library and the Loremaster will be able to protect you and your family, think again.""


@Pythia: Once Connor has finished berating Calliope and the priestess of Fharlaghn is asked to remain still and quiet, your turn comes up as the Grand Inquisitor looks down upon you and places his hands together, raising an eyebrow as you explain your points about teaching innocent magic for the good folk of The Mercy.

"Had you known I was so busy... have you been spying on me, Miss Sapfo? Bards are not unlike Olidammaran rogues: their skills in stealth and subterfuge are well documented. Although where one stabs you in the back, the other drives a needle into your mind.

In the end, the result is the same.

Regarding the "Mercy Maiden", is it? Keéra Tiwele, a sorceress hidden under the facade of civility. I would not put my faith on a practitioner of vile arts such as her, Miss Sapfo. But you were saying...

Ah yes, a school in The Mercy. You might have a better chance teaching animals tricks at Glenndale Park. Those pariahs in Hope's Caress were given a chance to rejoin the City and they have refused the call. They are lawless and the City cares not for their fate, chosen by their own hand. A teacher is supposed to have a certain degree of intellect and wisdom, so I ask:

Why did you come all the way here to ask about teaching these so called 'Cantrips' to children?

You are a citizen of Halmathan, are you not? You are an aspiring teacher. I assume reading is one of your many skills. So you should by now know from the many written edicts that magic is NOT allowed. You call them cantrips. Let us review these parlor tricks of yours:

Prestidigitation: The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing of these so called novice spells.

Mending: Good to fix a broken blade after one of your students killed an innocent bystander in order to mug them.

Silent Image: By all means- keep the good folk under a literal veil of lies.

Animate Instrument: How quaint. A bard that devotes her life to twisting other people's minds now wants to have an army of children doing the same with instruments brought to life by the fell powers of Hell!"

Lightning strikes outside the grand window, causing Connor's shadow to envelop both you and Calliope for a few seconds as the throne seems to extend its wings even more.

"Miss Sapfo. This is not a debate. The Law is clear: Magic is not be used in the City and if you are so intent in having ruffians in The Mercy learn it, I am not going to stop you.

You have, after all, a Church leader there. You have an inquiry? Have it brought to him and he will bring it to me. On another note, I must thank you, Miss Sapfo:

Your intentions have rung a note in me. Perhaps it is time that I paid more attention to The Mercy. Keep an Eye out to make sure things run smoothly. You do care about them so much, it is difficult not to empathize.""

Connor's smile turns to a grim as the gavel comes down hard.

"This meeting is concluded. If I were any of you two, I would pray to Fharlanghn and whatever pagan power you worship under a full moon that we do not meet again. Dalpinian! Escort these two out of the Room of Law and then come back here."

Halmathan's Sword of Justice gulps and looks at Connor, whose face is covered in shadow as he sits silently on the golden throne and snaps his fingers at both to walk out as he looks at the guards.

"These two are done here. Make sure they are escorted outside the palace.

Something tells me we won't be seeing them again. For what it's worth, ladies:

Have a Lawful and Blessed Day...""

@Pythia & Calliope: The Royal Guards escort you in abject silence through the dim halls of the Cuthbertine Palace until you reach the entrance, where the acolyte hands you your weapons and items of power and has you sign a form, indicating that indeed, all items presented are yours.

The rain is still coming down hard as you find yourself outside the plaza and look back at the imposing gothic cathedral.

This may not have come out as good as you planned, but where to go from here?

[esorscher]

He ignores the veiled threat--if anything, proceeding along this path would make that eventuality certain, while walking away and keeping his head down would probably keep him safe. If it wouldn't he could always report the activities himself. Of course, that depended on the answer to his next question. "Exactly how gratifying are we talking, here?" Big T asks simply.

[AlanBruce]

@Big T: If what Noirin says is true and Travis whatever is right and there is some Runestone weapon of mass destruction used in the Mercy, why the hell would you want to even get near that place?

Best to lay low, dust some books. Hope to drive by unnoticed. It has helped you before and it definitely will help now.

Of course, then there's the mention of coin.

"Five hundred now... and an extra if you can confirm that Travis and Michael are safe. Mind you, that's a big amount of money. Enough for you to buy any materials you need here before going there, so no haggling.""

[esorscher]

"Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeellllllllllllllllllllllllll llllllllllllll..." Big T says, his voice getting higher and higher with each extension of the vowel. "Okay," he says, finally. "I guess, for 500 platinum."

[AlanBruce]

@Big T: Noirin uncorks a small flask of whisky and is savoring the swig when he raises his eyebrow and you mention your price.

The Runestone Master's eyes widen as he sprays the whisky to the side, coughing as his eyes go red.

"Five...*cough*... PLATINUM?!!! Are you insane? I like Travis, but not that much! I don't even have that amount in my own coffers! Look, I can give you five hundred gold now. Depending on how things go over there, maybe. MAYBE...


There can be a bigger reward afterwards. That's the best I can work with at this point. I'm not made of gold, kid.""

[esorscher]

"Well, then MAYBE is my answer for you as well." Big T says, rising. He folds up his notes and puts them in the front pocket of his pants. "You find deeper pockets, let me know. If I suddenly become suicidal, I'll let you know as well."

Unless he's stopped, he'll go and buy the Loremaster's lunch, then return with it to her. "Sorry I'm late, boss. You know how the lines at Cossimo's get."

[El'the Ellie]

Calliope looked up at the rain, letting it hit her face and fog up her glasses. If life were more poetic, the rain would be hissing off of her in steamy anger.
It wasn't the rejection that had her angry, although that certainly was frustrating. It was the blatant disregard for any kind of logical discussion that raised her hackles. What is the point of having a hearing if there we be no... well, hearing. Connor was ignoring a personal gain for what? A petty show of power.
Her mind keeps going back to the flash of lightening cutting across the window like a slitted eye.

Apropos of nothing and without taking her eyes off the rain clouds, Calliope asks Pythia with an even tone, "Would you have described the High Inquisitor's throne as 'gilded'?"

[AlanBruce]

@Big T: Noirin puts his flask down and shakes his head.

"From mage to merc in less than a year. How true it is that Connor does reach everybody in some way shape or form. Go back to the Library then. I am sure Aurealia is waiting for her book keeper. We are done here.""

Noirin doesn't escort you back to the gates as the rain intensifies and campus is largely empty- spell or no spells, nobody wants to get that wet and catch a cold.

The gates open for you and it's a cab ride and a long line at Cossimo's to get the Loremaster's salad, to which the clerk cannot apply the discount as a Cuthbertine agent reads the paper a few feet away and raises an eyebrow.


The King's Campaign tax, kid. We all have to contribute somehow, right?



Back at the library, Aurealia takes the salad and looks at the change.

"No discount? Unbelievable! I labored to get that place of the ground and... by Delleb! They put mayo in it!""

The Loremaster will live, even if she got more seasoning than she bargained for...

But as you check the books and dust them off and push the cart with more books to place on the shelves, it hits you:

That's some confidential information Noirin just gave you. Big weapon with mass destruction potential? Made in Runestone? If that thing exists and is actually used, The Mercy may not live, true...

But if you went to share this information with certain people that might be interested in it, you could get a hell of a lot better deal than what Noirin was offering.

[esorscher]

Big T walks the shelves quietly, considering his options. He knows the organization of St. Cuthbert reasonably well, and he considers who the best person to bring this information to would be, were he interested in that. He can not help but consider Noirin's criticism, which he is able to rationalize away as a drunk's natural response to rejection.

I don't know any of the NPCs ;). Intelligence Check to know who would be most interested in the intel that he has. [roll0]

[AlanBruce]

@Big T: As you catalog the books, you brush aside Noirin's statements as those of a frustrated drunk.

This information- whether true or not- is something you could definitely bank on...

But who in Halmathan would benefit from this?

Well for one, Runestone Academy. Noirin did say it was designed there, but who there would sit down and hear this info and give you what you want?

Which leads you to the other churches.

The Temperate Mother of the church of Moquol would definitely be interested in this. She is not only a High Priestess, but also a Runestone graduate and considered one of the most powerful religious leaders in the City.

She is also known to side with Connor.

The church of Pelor has the Exalted Father Jace. Even though they don't deal with weapons, Pelorites are devoted to helping the downtrodden.

An angle can be worked there.

Glenndale Park and the church of Ehlonna could take interest in this. They may not deal with big weapons, but they certainly would not like having the land destroyed.

The church of Kord is not in good terms with Connor and word is their leader is as strong as the Brawler himself...

You could go to the church of Heironeous, but Connor has them in lockdown and who knows if they can even contribute in some way.

Which leaves you with the Cuthbertines. A bunch of inquisitors would love to know about this, especially Halmathan's Sword of Justice, Inquisitor Dalpinian, who answers directly to Connor himself.

[dantiesilva]

“I most certainly have not been spying on anyone your holiness. I understand where the preconception comes from; many who travel down the path of a bard do so for personal use, however all my life I have worked in the theater as my parents before me. My passion is the stage and bringing history to life once more so that it is not forgotten.” She explains, trying to be understanding of his preconception of bards, after all she knew what the powers of a bard were capable of in the wrong hands and what he said was not incorrect in those cases.

“I am not asking to teach these cantrips to anyone your grace, but to use them as a teaching tool, much like one would use a chalkboard in a classroom in the city. However with all the money in Hope’s Caress being taken by the many different gangs it is impossible for most to afford such things. And while I am sure many refused to rejoin the city because they did not have the coin, after all when the fire burned through Hope’s Caress 15 years ago all those who lived their lost everything they had. There are the families who work hard every day trying to make a living to one day rejoin the city once more, but when they have to pay protection money it is difficult.” .” She explains before continuing, making sure to still refer to her home as Hope’s Caress. “Then there were those of us who were born and raised within Hope’s caress. Our families are buried there as is any life we have ever known. For us to move is to give up all of our memories and surrender to those who wish to take everything they can from the hardworking people of Hope’s Caress.”

As the lighting strikes outside and the Grand inquistiors shadow seems to swallow her up, Pythia cannot help but shrink back in terror as he speaks, twisting her words to the point she hardly even recognized them anymore. “It is the sun actually, Lydia goddess of knowledge, music, and the sun. I am sorry we have taken so much of your time your holiness and I promise not to bother you here in the palace again. I will bring all my concerns to the Merciful Father in Hope’s Caress as you have instructed.” She says bowing her head in defeat, knowing that the more she spoke the deeper of a hole she would dig.

As Pythia returns to the reception desk with the priestess known as Calliope she quickly checks that all of her things are where they should be before signing the paper and placing a gold piece on the counter. “Have a wonderful day, and may the lights of these hall never dim.” She says politely as she walks once more out into the rain wondering what she would do now, she could try to raise the money to buy a chalk board, but it would risk someone simply trying to take it. In the end however she knew that she had to at least try to do it the proper way even if it was more difficult.

It was the sound of the priestess Callope’s voice that broke her train of thought as she looked to the priestess of the traveler and thought about her question for a moment. “If we were In a theater I would call it such, yes, though why do you ask?” Pythia asks puzzled as she tries to hail a coach to bring her to runestone so that she could ask the price of a chalkboard.

[AlanBruce]

@Pythia: Connor's left eye twitches as his claws grasp the arm rests of his golden throne.

"And yet, you keep on talking! How true it is that bards are fetching but nothing more! There is NO magic allowed. Is that understood? Or must it be branded upon you as a reminder?

As for the ...Mercyfolk you speak of. They were given a chance and chose not to take it. I have far more important business to deal with than the acolyte of a runaway priestess and a clueless bard. Leave this Palace of Justice at once and hole yourself in The Mercy you love so much, Miss Sapfo.

For as long as it remains.... and Lydia? goddess of the Sun. She isn't here today, is she? You people and your obscure deities. Never adhering to the ones lawfully appointed to the City... we shall see how long that goes on.""

It is unwise at this point to try and speak to Connor. His Holiness is clearly under a lot of stress and let's face it:

Both Calliope and you are not in a true position of power right now to speak to him in a long cordial tone. Perhaps all the pressure of running a city like this got to the old man and naturally, Dalpinian's little "joke" must've broken a nerve in the Grand Inquisitor.

Once outside, you look up at the sky, which pelters your face with rain and look at Calliope, whose glasses have fogged up, but her expression could very well burn the entire street alone. She doesn't look happy whatsoever about this meeting at all, but two girls stranded in the rain? Not a good thing, even with all this security around you.

You will have a school in The Mercy. One already exists, but at its most basic. Hannah needs more materials and what better place than to go to the biggest school in Halmathan?

@Calliope (if willing) & Pythia: The Mercy Bard hails a carriage and sets off across the City to Runestone Academy, fighting the horrible traffic as the Eyes in the Sky break through the grey clouds as lightning strikes several blocks away and a friendly female voice can be heard in the skies, projected from the imposing metal machines:

A reminder, fellow Citizen:

Magic are the tools of the Devil. His Holiness, who embraces us all as his own, wishes for your safety. So don't use magic and if you know anyone who does, please notify our Arcane Rehabilitation Centers where the confused practitioners will be treated in the most humane way possible. The Halmathan way.

Have a Lawful and Blessed day!

Once in the cab, one of you notices, stacked in the back seat, an old pamphlet. These are given to travelers to the City. Back before the King disappeared, these were handed all over, so people knew where to go and what to do.

Today, there is still tourism, per se, but not as much.

Still, a little read before reaching Runestone shouldn't be a big problem.


https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/90/39/b2/9039b2826ba59eff0d6523a4e2caf8ce.jpg


Travelers Guide in Halmathan

Hello, Weary Traveler!

I'm King Airdan. And I'm here to welcome you to the City of Power. Halmathan has strengthened itself over the centuries through what I consider to be the three most important values: Hard Work, Vision, and Trade. And boy do we have a lot of the last one! I have enclosed for your ease, a number of places of interest that you might be inclined to visit. Be it a place of worship, fine dining, or even a few tasks for the brave and the bold, Halmathan has it here for you!



Worship


https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Notre-Dame-Basilica_opt-2.jpg

Let's face it. You are probably traveling with someone who worships a deity or power, or ideal of some sort. Halmathan has, over the years gathered quite a diverse flock. As such. The City of Power offers the following places of worship.

These are the first four churches established in Halmathan. I myself cannot follow up with the change of pace in religious heirarchy day to day, but I'm sure they will put you up to speed.


St. Cuthbert- Father Calchis

Pelor - Father Jace, the Exalted

Muoquol- Mother Katherine the Temperate

Heironeous- Sir Randolph Brunhausser

The following are faiths and churches that have only been in the city for the last century or so. They are by no means lesser in influence, so worship away!

Kord - Father Bhagazzin the Blunt

Olidammara- Father Roland

Fharlanghn - Ravenna the Wanderer

Ehlonna - Lady Silvarel of the Resting Meadows.


Shopping & Services


https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/63/1e/52/631e524f61e78e80088d26a03d2d882b.jpg

You slew the dragon. Looted the mummy's tomb. Took down the evil tyrant. You need to spend that hard earned gold and get to those places fast. Halmathan has a way for you to do it!

Bakkor's Blades and Bows

Maurice's Alchemical Emporium

Gunther's Shields & Arms

Kenshiro's Tempered Blades of Honor

Little Dora's Shoppe for Explorers

Rosenberg's - The Jeweler You Trust

Orthun's Brilliant Baubles

Ogradok's Mounts

Fentasel's Magnificent Mounts

Johnny's Coach and Delivery service

Casey's Lightning Coachmen

Faroul's Amazing Coachmen. Period



Taverns and Leisure


https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rx089rRHDjk/V08bQwqry_I/AAAAAAAAH18/XZZ8erSR8DMzMFXtyFBoD87PyjkxxD-hQCLcB/s1600/concept-4-tavern.jpg


If you're not squashing some goblin sneaks down to a pulp or buying that blade at Bakkor's, chances are you're taking some downtime. Worry not, tired traveler. Halmathan has a bed for you! (whether you're seeping on it is another matter!)

Jon's Bed & Breakfast

The Royal Mare (Ask for the King's Challenge!)

The Smiling Imp

Cassandra's Bordello di Divertimento (Halmathan Gazette gives this one 5 Stars!)

Jerag's Jagged Joint

Manny's Inn. Why Ask for More?

Madame Luccia's


Guilds and Places of Interest


https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/21/23/36/21233684c5f6167a6d12e887def6e39a.jpg

You came, you shopped, you ate. In no particular order! What else to do, you ask? The City of Power opens their doors to those who would want to hone their skills. Be it a toughened warrior in shining plate, the nimble scout or the thick glassed bookworm (Crowell is so going to have a fit on this one!)


Runestone Academy for the Practicing Arts- High Archmage Bartholmeus Crowell

Halmathan's Royal Archive and Library- Lore Master Virdigris

Twin Arrows Sportsman's Club - Huntmaster Cannock

The Brawling Lions Fraternity - Sir Jory

The Smiling Salesman - Felix "The Cat" Fantasio

Lady Rashema's Marina

Glenndale Royal Park


I hope you enjoy your stay in Halmathan. And remember... keep it swingin'! :cool:

King Airdan

He sure seemed like a nice fellow. This must've been printed before he disappeared... but there is another piece stapled to it. Much newer.




http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/assets/193599/GHDeityStCuthbert.png



By edict order no. 489, the following places are legally allowed for use of teleportation and magic only after an approved City Official has overseen and confirmed their use:

Runestone Academy for the Practicing Arts

Lawfully approved Church Grounds

Glenndale Royal Park

Failure to comply with the above laws will be faced with swift trial and prosecution.

Grand Inquisitor Connor of the Cudgel :mad:



Of course this guy had to ruin the fun, but at long last you arrive at the gates of the imposing Runestone Academy, which cost a hefty ten gold fee.

The two gigantic statues of a chimera and gryphon look down upon you and remain silent for a few seconds before speaking in unison:

"Who are you and what business do you bring to this Hallowed School of the Arcane?""

[grifter730]

Masix: (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1251748)

Rusty was back again, must be something real desperate to go to the same man twice. Normally, Masix would've jumped at the possibility of action just to kill the boredom, but he was hardly himself after Kastell's shocking news. "On any other day, I would've jumped at the boss's word—actually, that's a lie, but I'd have probably gone with you just to make some coin for another bottle. I just got dumped some life-altering kind of news though, the kind of bone-crunching news that'll give that big hammer of yours a run for its money. I'm not in the right state of mind to think, much less help out. That said, I've got no lead on this news, so if you're just needing extra muscle, so long as I don't gotta think while I regain my senses, I'm good to go. Whaddya say?"

[esorscher]

Inquisitor Dalpinian would surely be a safe bet, well... that Inquisitor Dalpinian would care about this information and do something about it would be a safe bet. That he would reward the source of the information? Still in doubt. Big T considers what he knows about the faith of Moquol (Knowledge: Religion [roll0]), as well as what he's heard about both Dalpinian and the Temperate Mother (Knowledge Local: [roll1])

[El'the Ellie]

Calliope shrugs. "No reason. I'm just... thinking about something a friend told me. I have need of a magic sanctioned area, and I suspect we will no longer be accommodated here. If you have similar business we might split a cab fee."

In the shelter of the cab Calliope flips through the pamphlets. "I cannot imagine two people more dissimilar than King Airdan and our High Inquisitor. Is there really no one he trusted more to take over in the event of his disappearance?"

Upon arriving at Runestone, Calliope speaks to the animate artwork. "Calliope Fareyes, Ambularet per Pade. I come seeking to employ my magical craft, as my own haven for such practices was stripped from me."

[Chimaera]

"I dont need you to think, just to give back up", Rusty tells Masix and help him up, "Found out a lead to where them might be, but it since it's lead to Ludus Magnus and those crazy Cold Hammers, I think three is a safer number than two. Anyway, keep the coin: you never know when you'll need my help".

Looking to Will he nods, "Now I guess we are good to go".

He start walking toward Ludus Magnus with the other two with them alongside.

"The plan is simple: we are going there to find information on Sasha's, Seti's and Kyle's whereabouts. If they're there, dead or alive, we take them with us. If they're not, we just leave. If fight is unavoidable, we fight, and if negotiation is not off the table, we negotiate".

He turn to Masix, "Do you have any spell to help us, shuld the need to fight arise?"

@Grifter: what kind of buffs and strategies your character uses, etc?

[Baby Gary]

Will stood by the door while Rusty went over to Masix. After about a minuet of talking that Will overheard they started towards the door. Right before they exited Will said, "I am glad to have you come along Masix, but there is one thing that I want to know. you were talking about how you got life changing news but you have no lead on it so you will come with us. I need one thing from you, if you find any clues while we are on this little mission you will not go to further investigate until we are done or say so. I don't want you running of on us but I want you to help us."

[AlanBruce]

@Big T: After going through several choices about who to give this news to, your two options land on the Cuthbertines and the Church of Moquol.

First, the Merchant God, Moquol:

He is the Baklunish god of Trade, Negotiation, Ventures, Appraisal, and Reciprocity. His symbol is a set of scales and weights. Mouqol is a neutral deity; in the ancient war between Darkness and Light that resulted in the Baklunish Hegira, he refused to take a side, trading with both antitheses. Mouqol is a skilled bargainer, able to haggle skillfully even with the notoriously tricky and sly genie races.

Mouqol's greatest talents, however, are his ability to discern the true desires of his clients and procure rare items from exotic and seemingly impossible sources. Mouqol takes the side of neither the gods of good nor the gods of evil. As he does with the rest of the Baklunish pantheon.

As such, his followers follow a similar tenet- they are businessmen, first and foremost. Every problem in their life is approached like a sale. One that can be bargained and profited from. Fair Trade is key in the Moquolian church. No one gets a bigger share than others by virtue of anything, other than their own self worth.

And then there's its leader in Halmathan, The Temperate Mother, Lady Katherine Ashcroft.

She hails the title of Temperate Mother or Grand Merchant, depending on who she is dealing with. Katherine is the least connected to her followers since, to her, the simple act of buying or selling is enough to partake in a mass of sorts. Not much is known about her because, well...

She rarely leaves the Tower of Commerce, the Temple of Moquol.

Which leads you to Dalpinian, Halmathan's Sword of Justice.

This inquisitor can be seen in the streets of the city, but never alone: as Connor's second in command- or so he would have people believe- Dalpinian is always well protected by a cadre of Royal Guards and at lest one Eye in the Sky floating close by.

If he's not out in the City flaunting his power and meting out justice in the name of His Holiness, Dalpinian can be found in The Palace of Justice itself.


@Calliope: You read the pamphlet and look out at the window as the rain slides over it and look at the tall buildings pass by...

Why would the King give this entire place to someone like him? It just doesn't make sense. His majesty was known for being a good man. A man of the people. This one is trying to isolate everyone and in so doing, employs cruel methods hiding himself behind the mantle of The Law...

If only Ravenna where here. Perhaps she could tell you what happened, but as is, you are on your own...

And with this bard from The Mercy, no less.

@Pythia & Calliope: Once at the massive gates of Runestone, the priestess of Fharlanghn states her name as both statues look at each other and then back at both.

"Calliope Fareyes, Ambularet per Pade...and guest. Welcome""

With a massive shudder, the gates open, revealing an extensive campus and a gigantic tower that breaks through the grey clouds and seems to never end, surrounded by much shorter but no less important buildings.

There aren't many mages out on campus itself: it is raining, but you do see more of those Royal Guards patrolling the area, since Connor seems to want a close eye on them.

Speaking of which, one of the Eyes in the Sky breaks through a cloud above and aims its search lights around campus, blinding both for a few seconds before ignoring you and ascending back to the rain clouds.

This place is being monitored, let there be no doubt about that.

And upon query, you are both guided to Human resources, a vast office decorated with paintings from different stages of Runestone's construction as a pair of towering Cuthbertine agents flank a small, frail gnome clerk with a pair of thick glasses behind a counter as he looks at both and then at the armored bullies and smiles.

"Good day, ladies. You are here to enroll? No? You want to purchase... a blackboard? That is unusual. We have blackboards in the classes, where they serve the best purpose, but for sale? Hold on...""


The gnome struggles to get a huge heavy bound book on his desk as the Cuthbertines looks at both, especially at Pythia, given the oddity of her request and remain silent as the gnome flips through the pages.

"We don't have any blackboards on stock- nobody has ever requested to buy one. At a guess, I would peg them at a gold before taxes. You could have one made by a carpenter, maybe? We do have chalk, though. Since you're asking about blackboards. Two coppers a piece.""


@Rusty, Will & Masix: Whether drunk, rattled or simply curious, it is decided.

The three of you are to head to the Ludus Magnus and find Sasha, Kyle and Seti's whereabouts. Ideally, the three are alive. If not, bring the bodies back. If those Cold Hammers get feisty and you have the upper hand, take them on, if they are on a talkative mood, who knows...

You might strike a deal with them.

And so, with the rain coming down hard above all three of you, you trek through the cracked Mercy Streets towards what was once a place of Culture and the Arts...


And today is a Pit of Blood and Death made stone and iron. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?524026-Cat-amp-Mouse-IC&p=22140663#post22140663)

[esorscher]

Big T finishes his shift like a real team player would, and bids his colleagues farewell in the evening when his services are no longer compensated. Unless he is stopped, he heads to his small apartment in a rough part of town, opens the security door to his building with his key, walks up the flights of stairs to the top floor and down the narrow corridor to his dwelling. He unlocks his door and enters his home.

He feeds his cat, and himself, and washes his face. Instead of continuing his nightly routine, however, he goes to the bookcase and removes a book that he has not touched for months. He brings it to the desk in his bedroom and opens it, the familiar crack of the pages as they unstick themselves sending a wave of nostalgia rushing across the landscape of his mind. From there it is almost muscle memory as he spends an hour preparing spells, and then, heads back out into the world. As always, he pets his cat across her nose and says goodbye, then locks the door behind him and walks carefully down the stairs to the ground floor.

From there he walks a few blocks and hails a carriage to take him to the nearest public park or landmark to the Temple of Moquol.

[dantiesilva]

Pythia gets ready to say more when something deep inside tells her to remain silent against the onslaught given to her by the Grand Inquisitor Connor. However inside her own mind her mind was racing at the fact he had suggested he would ban all religions that were not lawfully appointed. He is pushing all others aside out of his path, but why? A single arrow is easily broken, where as a quiver takes a great deal more force to break. She thinks to herself, wondering if this was how the members of the laughing rogues order must have felt that fateful day their church was disbanded.

“That sounds like a great idea, I need to go to Runestone to see if they know where one can find a place to buy a blackboard, and saying they are a lawfuly sanctioned place perhaps you could ask to use their grounds for your own magic?” She replies happy she wouldn’t have to pay another full 10gp herself. As the two sit in the carriage Pythia reads over the pamphlet in the back seat, however the voice from above catches her attention as she stops what she is doing to listen. “Magic is what? The gods themselves give those who follow their religion magic, and the royal guard is well known for their ability to use magic.” Pythia says in a momentary outburst, the very idea of magic strictly coming from devils was observed to her. Sure Devil’s from what she was aware from the many stories she had heard were able to wield magic, but so were angels, not to mention demons and the other host of extraplanar creatures. “And rehabilitation, will he send the royal guard and every clergy member to this rehabilitation? Magic was meant to serve man, not rule over him I agree, but this is going too far.” The bard says, forgetting where she was for a moment, before letting out a sigh of frustration. After all walking back in their now would no doubt only get her thrown in jail how she was feeling, the powerlessness, the inability to help her people, it was not why she had become an actress.

As she returns to the pamphlet she cannot help but smile as she reads the old kings kind words to travelers to Hamalthan. This city used to stand for equality where everyone was looked after. Even those who lived in Hope’s Caress after the fire were not treated as badly as we are now. I shudder to think what the true king would think if he could see his city now, not even a shadow of what it once was. I am not even sure if he would recognize it. Pythia thinks to herself, a faint smile coming to her face as she sees Cassandra’s Bordello di Divertimento on the list.

Noticing the back held more the curious bard turned the page around to read, however quickly placed it down. She understood the ban on teleportation, it was a dangerous tool that could be used for vile purposes, but it could also be used to save the lives of thousands from a fire for instance. How could something so strict be anywhere near the paper of the lost king who seemed so very much for the people. “Maybe the King knew the man before he had so much weight on his shoulders and believed he could handle it. After all the order of the crudgel has handle many things over the years, Father Jace would have been too soft no doubt in the kings eyes for a fair hearing. Sir Randolph would no doubt have had the army mobilized the moment the king was gone, leaving the city unprotected. From what I know of the worshipers of Kord trail by combat may have come back, so it did seem like a logical choice.” Pythia explains, at least what she believes were the kings reasons for having Connor have so much control, after all before the king vanished she could not remember a time she had heard the Grand Inquisitors name.

As Calliope explains why she is at Runestone she watches as the doors swing open, happy she didn’t have to explain why she had arrived as she suspected they may not have let her in for such a simple question on her own. Following after the woman she had shared a cab ride with, and split the bill with she keeps close to her heels allowing her to explain what she needed first. After all it would give her time to admire the beauty of the place, much like the palace of Justice, however in a less horrific sort of beauty.

“I am sorry for the odd request but given you are a school I suspected you would at least be able to point me in the right direction if you didn’t have any spares for sale. You see Hope’s Caress has had a school built there, and I was hoping to donate a blackboard to help the children learn.” She explains to the kind gnome before looking to the two guards behind him, noting the symbol of the cudgel on them. “Also I was wondering what classes you had that a bard would be able to learn something from? I am not sure if I will enroll given my lack of funds at the moment, however the key to life is knowledge, and from what I can see Runestone holds a great deal of knowledge. It is no doubt why the Grand Inquisitor has sent such lovely guards to protect you all from robbers.” She says smiling to the two guards behind the gnome as she speaks up about them being there to protect the mages from thieves.

[AlanBruce]

@Big T: It's just another regular day at a regular job.

Aurealia bids you good bye as she locks the door to the library and both part in different ways, with the raining falling over you as the cab heads to Montealva Heights, Halmathan's less reputable neighborhood, but by no means The Mercy.

It's your fat dwarf landlord that wakes up from his drunken stupor as you walk in to the lobby and wipe your shoes on the dirty mat.

"Pul, gələcəkdə pul qazanacaqsan!!! Ehhh... you wait, wait...RENT! I collect wednesday. You don't have rent money, you find cat and mouse and all that funny stuff out on street. Next wednesday!""

This fat bastard can barely master Common, but he sure as hell knows when to collect..."next wednesday".

If this were different times, there would be no next wednesday for him, but the Law is the Law...and it has to be observed.

It's hard not to hear discussions and all manner of unsavory sounds from the apartments next door as you slop through the creaky wooden stairs and fumble with your pocket and get out the rusted key to your one bedroom apartment:


https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/54/71/da/5471daa34eebb92e2935c6d5ca34fd1b.jpg

Who says librarian's life isn't glamorous? For five hundred gold a month, you get a slice of heaven! A piece of the City... all for you.

The cracked mirror on the wall makes it hard to comb your hair as your splash water on your face, but if you're going to do some business, might as well look as presentable as possible.

But first, you have an old friend to visit.

The pages are crisp as you turn them slowly one after the other as your cat hops on the table and lays way too close to the book, prompting you to move a little to the side as you finish memorizing the words of power that no one in this city dare even utter.

Once you peek outside the window, which is very small, but still, it lets air in, you take a look at those metal gizmos, The Eyes in the Sky.

Titanic clockwork beasts of the sky, the E14GD or "Sky Eyes" were developed by the now defunct Skylarios Metalworks Corporation, or SMC, for short. These are not unlike a golem, in that they fit into the construct category according to Runestone, but unlike a golem, these can be piloted from within.

As far as you can tell, it can fly, since it chugs black smoke all the time. And they can project images and voices from them, usually edicts from His Holiness. They are said to keep an eye out for Halmathan.

How good of an eye? Who knows. Nobody has bothered to test these things.

And chances are, nobody will...


By now, the rain has turned into a drizzle as you walk downstairs and catch the old landlord asleep on the lobby, snoring as loud as his complaints before you head out and for the lowly price of ten gold, are taken to the Royal District and leave the vehicle as the Tower of Commerce well... towers above you:


https://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/12/127692/4212660-4815543446-42107.jpg

The story goes that the Tower of Commerce of Moquol is never really finished- there are so many new innovations and additions that it is in constant construction. Some say that the tower self operates under the will of the acting Temperate Mother, in this case, lady Katherine.

Others say that she, as a Runestone graduate, wants to see if her temple can be taller than the Tower of Magi. Whatever the case may be, one thing is true:

The finest crafters of magic are here. Many are from Runestone and now work for the Merchant God and by extension, the City.

If any items of power are to be purchased, this is the place. However, if you do plan to meet with the Temperate Mother directly, that may be a little more difficult.

[El'the Ellie]

In the cab

Calliope considers for a moment. "Perhaps. Power corrupts. Maybe there was a time that Connor was a the same as you or me. If so the notion that one can change that much is horrifying."

At Runestone

Once at Runestone, Calliope expertly disengages herself from the conversation about the chalkboard, saying, "Oh it's her that needs the board. I'm just here to cast a spell or two..."

While Pythia talks to the bursar, Calliope finds a quiet spot out of the way and begins to quietly intone a few spells.

"Fahrlahnghn guide my steps. Give me precision in what I attempt. Give me wisdom to know what way is right."

Then a thought occurs to her. It had an extremely small chance of actually working, but it was worth an attempt at least, and the conversations she and Pythia had had earlier made Calliope curious. Calliope closes her eyes and intones a much longer spell. When she opens them, her entire eyes have turned a faded green, looking far, far outside of Runestone.

First casting Divine Insight. Then, casting Scrying on King Airdan. I imagine it will probably run into some problem, but maybe it will fail in a useful way.

[AlanBruce]

@Pythia: You read the pamphlet penned by the king who knows how long ago and a smile crosses your face as your cab takes you to Runestone and cannot help but wonder why is this man like that?

His words were cruel. They carry an unhealthy amount of hate. Who knows what he did to the Olidammarans in a single night to rout them out of the City, but going back to see him and complain about the Arcane Rehabilitation Centers now seems like a terrible idea, lest you are branded like cattle.

Once at the bursars's office, the gnome looks at the guards and then opens several drawers.

"We do have space here in Runestone for enrollment. The Academy prides itself in diversity. Any so gifted in the arcane are welcome here...""

The guards looks down on the gnome, but this one, despite being small and frail, produces an old form.

"You don't have to pay now, but take it with you and fill it up on your own time. When you are done, bring it back here and we'll work from there."



Runestone Academy Enrollment Form


Magia est fons est scientia in urbe

1. Full Name, Gender and Race:

2. Do you practice the Arcane Arts?

3. If YES, what type of arcane art do you master?


4. Have you had any formal teaching before applying to Runestone?


5. If YES, please state where and under whom.


6. Describe in a paragraph or less where do you see yourself as a student of the arcane arts?


7. Do you live in the City of Halmathan?

8. If you answered NO, do you have a place of temporary residence in the city?

9. If you practice the common career known as "adventuring", how would you classify those that you adventure with not versed in the arcane?

10. If accepted to Runestone, would you be willing to live in campus or off campus?

11. If accepted to Runestone, please state an address where the letter of admissions can be sent.


The gnome lets you read it and then looks up at you.

"Once the form is delivered and filled, there is a 250 gold fee. This is non refundable. As for a black board...""

The gnome steps down from his chair and picks one behind the counter and hands it to you.

"I believe education is paramount. Even in The Mercy. Take this as a gift, not a purchase.""

The guards fume as they look at you and then at the gnome, who puffs his chest.

"It's a gift! I don't think there is a law against that? For crying out loud...""


@Calliope: With Pythia discussing blackboards you excuse yourself from the bursar's office and walk out to the campus gardens, now empty on account of the rain and find a bench under a banyan tree with a font of rain water which you purify and watch ripples of green light appear on them as the leaves above rustle and the rain pelts your face.

This might take a while, but if nobody has done it yet....

You call on the Traveler himself, who has been in all corners of the known universe and for whom his eyes cannot ever be pierced, no manner what Power stands in its way and then focus on the one and only, King Airdan...

The skies above become darker as the rain seems like daggers that fall upon your head and shoulders, but the intricate Divination has been cast, as you look into the sanctified pool and Runestone disappears completely, as dos the tree and the ground and the bench, having the pool extend and become an ocean as you stand above it and look at the ripples forming in the cerulean water...

Something is coming into view... hard to tell. A man? Why is the image so distorted?

It is then that the cold of the grave takes upon you as the calm water turns into a vengeful ocean, with your own powers trying to calm the tide and hopefully, see what lies on the other side.

Have Calliope roll 2 casters levels and a 2 Will saves

[dantiesilva]

As the kindly gnome hands her the enrollment form she realizes something she had not thought about, buying ink, as well as a writing utenclie to fill the form out when she found the time to do so. Reading over the questions she noted most were rather straightforward, though a few seemed more difficult to answer than others, after all while she did not consider herself an adventurer, having lived her entire life inside Hope’s Caress, she wasn’t so sure they would see it the same way. “Thank you, when I know I have the proper funds to pay more than just the opening fee I will make sure to return this forum.” She replies happily, wondering what she might learn here in Runestone.

Pythia is floored as the gnome hands her a chalkboard, even one so small, as a gift. Noting how angry the two guards were getting she pulled out her coin purse quickly hoping to distract them. “Thank you for this gift, I will make sure the children of Hope’s Caress know that the fine teachers of Runestone believed their education was as important to you as is to us. I would also like to purchase 1gp worth of chalk, an inkwell and a quill for writing please.” She explains, waiting to hear how much that would cost, trusting that her buying something would put the guards on ease that she was at least buying something, so it was more like an investment in giving her the small chalkboard instead of a free gift, after all without chalk it would be worthless.

[esorscher]

For 10g, Toby waves the cab driver past. He was raised to expect things to cost a reasonable amount, and when things cost an unreasonable amount, he simply does not purchase them. He walks, and fortunate he is able to do so, for if he had taken a cab he would have been brought directly to his ultimate destination, rather than some distance away as he intended for discretion.

As he walks, he considers retiring to a quiet farm out on the country, where all of this mess would be someone else's problem. He considers the reasoning behind obscene costs when no one is offering employment that can cover them. He considers that in Halmathan, he can not pursue magic, he can not sell magic items, can not purchase magic items... really there is little more that he is permitted to do that he is not already doing. Perhaps he will simply live out the rest of his days as a meager librarian, constrained by lack of economic freedom to do much else. When a carriage ride within the city limits costs as much as a 300 mile ride, things have reached an unsustainable point. He wonders how long it will be before the impoverished start to revolt. He thinks about his rent, and how most of his salary from his relatively high-paying job goes to cover it. Then he thinks about the 95% of the population who do not have anything approaching his skills at knowledge and wizardry, but rather make their living by plying their unskilled labor. He wonders what their wages are, and where they live, and why they tolerate such an existence when they have the numbers to overwhelm the city's elite. They may be common, but they outnumber all His Holiness the Grand Inquisitor Connor's forces twenty-fold.

Once he arrives at the Temple, he enters the chapel to listen to their prayers. Seeing the business activity, he wonders who can afford to purchase magic items still, with the extraordinary taxes, and he wonders why the producers of magic items continue to toil knowing that their market is dwindling. He wonders what their intended use is if their use is supervised. He looks at the obviously skilled craftsmen and wonders what keeps them selling their wares legitimately and paying the high taxes on their goods, in disbelief that none among them have the business savvy and courage to operate in the dubiously legal realm of a black market for magic items. However, while he wonders this, he also focuses on the ritual worship, sitting in the back row of the chapel to observe the parishioners as well as the clergy. When the service is over, he returns to his quiet life, abandoning all pretense of rebelling against the establishment, instead contenting himself to be but a cog in the machine. He passes his notes on the job off to the inquisitors at the Grand Palace, and then fades into the background.

[AlanBruce]

@Lendra: You go over the names handed by Prustina, as well as the locales in the list and try and make something of them...

The Ludus Magnus Colosseum used to be just that, a colosseum. Back in the day, it was a place where great minds gathered to discuss grand philosophical debates. The Ludus Magnus also hosted a variety of plays and from to time, displays of combat.

After the fire... it has become largely abandoned, as far as you know.

Davorin Mineshadow is a dwarf. He belongs to an organization that may or may not be connected to Prustina's. His group is largely found in the sewers. Smuggling jobs that in theory, protect them form Connor's gaze.

The guy is said to be an expert trapsmith.

Githslayer Kyrich is one of those odd ilumians that simply popped up in The Mercy months ago. They aren't many- about three or four to be precise, but his strength is said to be legendary, as is that of his squad, named the Githslayers.

Drakan the Drunkard is known in The Mercy as perhaps the last surviving Olidammaran after Connor's purge in the City, but the other names elude you except for one.

Camazotz Den.

Vargas has warned you for years about that place. The Mercy is already a dangerous district, but even the most vile cut throat knows to avoid that place.

Camazotz Den is located in the deepest reaches of The Mercy, where pollution has escalated to such a degree, that men have turned to beasts and feast upon each other or any other hapless fool who wanders into their domain.

You would have to be either extremely strong or with an unhealthy obsession with suicide to even venture into such domain, said to be ruled by beasts one would not even find in their worst nightmares.


@Pythia: The gnome bursar hands you the blackboard, which isn't that big- you should be able to carry it alone with both hands and it won't take up much space on the walls of the House of Knowledge.

"Education is paramount, miss...regardless what others might believe. As for the items you requested, here's the list of prices, adjusted by the King's Campaign tax.""


Ink Vial (1 oz.) 12 gp

Inkpen (quill) 2 silver

Chalk (50 units): 1 gp

The gnome has you fill out a form, stating your name and date of purchase as well as listing the items bought as he bundles them up in a small wooden box, except for the blackboard and loos at you and then at the guards as he sighs.

"Have a Lawful and Blessed Day...""

And so, you walk out to the campus, as the rain falls harder than usual and spot Calliope sitting on a bench under a banyan tree as a dark purple aura surrounds her....

What's going on?


@Calliope: This was a bad idea!


No wonder nobody has attempted to scry on the King. Wherever he is. Whoever or whatever holds him is powerful. It is powerful at a scale that you cannot even fathom as a heart beat resounds all over reality and the blurred image of what you thought was a man turns into a horrid visage that envelops the calm pool as the waves turn into a tide of inky blackness and then your eyes are punished for their intrusion as an image is etched into them, as well as a sinister whispery voice speaking in an unknown language:


https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/8d/5f/4e/8d5f4e0cbb6593eb6658bd850bc48227.jpg

Er ist meins, sterblich! Geh weg!!!

The backlash of power is too much as you are thrown back and writhe in pain as the world breaks apart and you try and see an inch away from you, only to realize you have become not only severely hurt, but also blind.

Calliope takes 53 damage and is blind for 1 minute. All scrying effects are ended.


What the hell was that? It felt ancient. Powerful... and that sound of a heartbeat... was that the King? And why can't you see?

[dantiesilva]

Pythia could not agree more with the gnome bursar as he stated education was paramount, after all without it no city could ever evolve. And so as she places the 13gp and 2sp onto the counter she fills out the paperwork for her purchases using the elven alphabet and draconic language as she smiles to the gnome suspecting he could read that all the information was correct, but the guards could not. “And to you as well Mr….?” Pythia says waiting to see if she would get the gnomes name or not.

With her purchases done the young bard tucks her items into her backpack so that they would not get wet before traveling outside where she is happy to see Calliope was still there, seeing the dark aura surrounding her Pythia raises up her voice as she walks forward, performing the song her mother taught her ages ago for if she was ever targeted by magic, trying to break whatever effect had taken over the woman as she continues to get closer and closer until the aura dissipates. Stopping her song she rushes over to the priestess and puts a comforting arm around her. “Calliope are you okay, what was that?” the bard says not realizing the woman could not see her as she tried to steady her. “There was some dark purple aura around you, and I didn’t know what else to do besides to try and break the spell.” She explains hoping any of this would make sense, and that the priestess would explain what had happened.

Though it looks like it seems to have broken on its own, Pythia would have not stood idle while someone was in trouble so 1 use of bardic music gone for the day because she used the Spellbreaker song ACF from Complete Mage

[AlanBruce]

@Pythia: The gnome watches you fill out the forms in a language you are pretty certain the guards won't understand, but file anyways.

"Sinio. Master Sinio. Nice to meet you.""

But once outside, despite singing to get rid of whatever malignant aura has trapped Calliope, it is too late as the priestess of Fharlaghn is thrown back against the banyan tree and you hurry to her side and check on her.

She is alive, but badly hurt. The fountain she was using as a scrying tool has been cracked and destroyed by whatever attacked her as well. Her eyes are blank, as you move your hand over them and her pupils do not follow.

The guards on patrol watch the incident from a distance and even the Eye in the Sky breaks through the clouds and aim its search lights at both of you while several mages step out of their buildings and peek through the windows, wondering what the hell happened.

[El'the Ellie]

Calliope rolls over on the wet grass with a groan. Not so much from the pain: that would come a moment later. But the force, the power and the anger that radiated off of this thing was immense. The King wasn't just lost, he was captive by gods only know what. Her senses began to return to her, all but one, and she felt herself being helped off the grass. Then she heard Pythia's voice calling to her. It took Calliope a second more to get her bearings.

"I... don't know. I don't know what that was.I have several ideas." She reaches around for her glasses, not that they will do much in her current state, and accidentally just grabs Pythia. "Is this... Oh, that's your shirt. I should be fine, in a moment. I think my sight is coming back to me..."

Calliope fumbles around for a moment looking for her glasses and after a minute she can start to see agaibn. Once she puts her glasses back on, she gets up gingerly.

https://media.tenor.com/images/f2040b94617eb4d79ba7a2d2ad02a739/tenor.gif

"I'm... ouch. Some blunt trauma, nothing that's out of my ability to mend in a moment. Thank you though, Pythia. That was quite... well I would say interesting if I didn't think I have a broken wrist and rib."

Once her vision is restored, she starts to intone a familiar prayer of healing. There isn't much outward change, but inwardly her bones and organs begin to repair themselves rapidly. In the mean time, she wracks her brain for what that thing might have been, or what it had done to her.

Exchanging Doom, Doom and Identify for cure light wounds. [roll0]
Exchanging Shield Other for cure moderate wounds [roll1]

Checks:
Spellcraft to see what it did to me: [roll2]
Trying all the knowledge I have to see what it might reveal about the thing:

Religion [roll3]
Arcana [roll4]
The Planes [roll5]
History [roll6]

[dantiesilva]

"It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance Master Sinio. I look forward to seeing you again when I have the money to enroll." she says kindly, bowing to the pleasant gnome, before the two guards and making her way outside.


Spellcraft [roll0]
Arcane [roll1]


As Callipoe begins looking for her glasses, Pythia quickly grabs them, however in the process feels the priestess grab onto her shirt. "I believe these are what you are looking for." she says kindly, knowing unlike the drunks at Cassandra's this was an honest mistake, as she hands Calliope her glasses. "Whatever it was I think you might want to talk to someone who runs this place, you may have just broken their fountain...and gotten some very unwanted attention." she says softly to her hoping that she would understand what she meant without asking any questions.

"I wouldn't call it interesting, that is one of the reasons Connor has banned magic, I don't know what you were trying to do, but what you did was cause a lot of destruction." Pythia says to the priestess knowing now that she could see she would be able to notice what had happened. Looking towards one of the guards Pythia calls out, " My friend here needs to report an incident of magic going incorrectly, and ask who to pay for the damages to the fountain. Who do we go see inside Runestone?" she tries to say with a kind voice, though she doubts with the eye in the sky watching over them, and the incident that just happened she would get a kind response.

[roll2]

[El'the Ellie]

Calliope quickly jumps up and waves away the nearby guard.

"No! No, I certainly do not!" She sighed and said to Pythia, "My spell worked just fine. I was seeking to observe and I did. I just to happened to observe some kind of... monster, that did not take kindly to it. And at any rate, the fountain is mine, of course. Repairing it will be a simple task tomorrow."

She follows where Pythia is looking, up to the eyes in the sky.

"Have no fears, everything here was perfectly legal and orderly." Dismissively to the guard she says, "Have a lawful and blessed day sir, you needn't worry about this triviality."

[AlanBruce]

@Calliope: You feel out and reach for Pythia's... blouse, as sight slowly recovers back and you look at your font, destroyed after casting the Divination.

It is true what they say about staring into the Abyss...

First off, it is unclear if you got see the king in the first place. Your spell was thwarted and at a great distance. This was no mere cantrip. That was powerful magic you have only read about in books.

If Airdan is indeed captured, someone with formidable power is keeping him away from prying eyes.

As for that eye that hurt and blinded you... at a guess: it was Draconic in origin. But you are not one hundred percent sure, given that if they were able to mess your Divination, Illusions must've also come into play.

The guards stop walking towards both of you and the Eye in the Sky turns off its search lights as it recedes back into the rain clouds.

And as you ask Fhralaghn to wash your injuries, you have to wonder who has wields power at such a scale that it can foil not only your attempts at finding the king, but most likely, an entire school of wizards.

@Pythia: Maybe Calliope is right: the last thing you might want now is to garner more attention from Connor, especially at Runestone.

A few of the students keep looking from their windows at both of you as the guards patrol the area, but keep their eyes directed at Calliope.

They know what a mage can do: they aren't taking any risks and even if the Eye in the Sky has disappeared above the clouds, who knows if it isn't still watching.

For what it's worth, at least you got your blackboard and teaching utensils.

[dantiesilva]

"My spell worked just fine. I was seeking to observe and I did. I just to happened to observe some kind of... monster, that did not take kindly to it. And at any rate, the fountain is mine, of course. Repairing it will be a simple task tomorrow."

Looking at the woman oddly for a few moments she says, " I thought spells that allowed you to observe could only be blocked, not send attack the person using the magic. And this is your fountain?" she says perplexed beyond belief, this was far to much for a simple actor who had lived in Hope's Caress all of her life. And honestly even without all the rain she would have felt like she was drowning, and didn't know where a life raft was. "While the guards may have turned away, the students and no doubt a few of the teachers here are still watching. You have anyplace to go? If not you can come back to my house in Hope's Caress. Its not much, barely even four walls, but it is home." she offers the priestess, not sure if she had accommodations for the night.

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty, Masix & Will: It is already dusk by the time you have reached the Bitter Coffee and a lot of people are crossing from the Wall of Separation back to the Mercy.

This is nothing new: many people work in the City and live here. Rent is a lot cheaper. The lucky ones have their employers pay for their housing, but it is rare for that to happen, since Mercyfolk have acquired over the years certain... unlawful tendencies, such as an uncontrolled desire for other people;s belongings.

Tales abound of fair maidens in The Mercy who, working as staff in some of the richest houses in Halmathan, never returned because some trinket or bauble was found in their pockets before clocking out.

But still, it's a living... more or less. And what better way to spend that hard earned money when it's not being shaken out of you by some gang?

The Bitter Coffee.

The old rusted chandelier has already been lit as Vim sits on a makeshift stage and practices her tunes with the lute as a few of Kyle's men- The Mercy Hawks- have taken to his boss' job of serving the hungry and very thirsty patrons, who flood the tables as Nana looks at all three of you and pours herself a drink.

"No blood on you. Either you washed up before coming here, or it was as they say...a flawless victory. So, you find Sasha and Seti?""

[Chimaera]

"Found some information, if a crazy man is to be believed", he answer Nana and get a place to sit down, "Found some news on Kyle as well, but those are bitter ones".

He put his hand on his belt pouch and find it empty.
"Oh well, was planning on telling the story with a cup of coffee or glass of beer, but find myself too short on anything: even gave Masix here my last cooper", he get up and look sadly to Nana, "I guess I'll tell the story another time. And guys, I'll pay the coffee another day. Meet you here tomorrow Will?"

He then slowly begin to go away, hoping to catch Nana interest on whatever info he got about Kyle, but he she desnt stop him, he'll go and tell Ross what he have found.

[Baby Gary]

Will enters the Bitter Coffee with the rest of the group. When Nana says "No blood on you. Either you washed up before coming here, or it was as they say...a flawless victory. So, you find Sasha and Seti?" Will doesn't reply, instead he looks her in the eyes for a couple seconds and then slowly walks his way the corner table that he usually sits at. He takes his pack, sets it on the floor, and pulls out a beautiful harp inlaid with snowflake-like patterns and presides to play a song on it.

this is the song Will plays (arranged for a harp though) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZvKXDtTXjc)

After completing the song Will leans back, pulls his hat over his face and rests there for a bit. About an hour later he got up, straightened his hat, slung his bag on his left shoulder, grabbed the harp and walked out the door, the entire time he doesn't say a single word

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty: Nana's expression changes to a very serious one. She;s usually quite sarcastic and sardonic when need be, but at the mention of your words, she grabs your hand.

"Wait.""

It's a tall pint of cold frothy beer that is placed in front of you as the gnome looks at you, a very serious look on her face.

"Here's your drink. Now tell me...

What happened? Where is Kyle?""

[AlanBruce]

@Will: You may not have known Sasha, but Kyle?

You have met his Hawks before and ran errands with them at night, keeping The Mercy safe. The guy was never in it for the money or fame. A Mercy born native, he trained hard all his life to become one of the finest soldiers in The Royal Guard and then, when Connor rose to power, he returned and vowed to protect the people here.

In fact, you can remember one of the few conversations you had with him, months ago, as he patrolled the streets after dark:

From the outside, many people might think we are lost. That there is no hope, but you know what? I disagree:

I think if any other group has managed to endure, it is The Mercyfolk. They may not have powerful mages or almighty priests, and yet, they endure. They believe in the concept of family and that, Will, is something you can never break or take away. No matter the odds...

And so, you walk away from the bar and let Hannibal do the talking and take a corner of the Bitter Coffee, lower your head, as your hat shadows your face and begin playing a song with your harp as the buzz from the patrons silence as they listen to it and all are affected, in some way or another.

After all, every single person in this place lost someone dear to him at one point. The cheap liquor a simple placebo.

Vim even stops playing her own harp and watches you as she wipes a tear from her eye, the message clear to all in the very bitter lot Fate has handed them.

[grifter730]

Masix: (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1251748)

Masix had never been so glad as to have been so out of it that he kept quiet the entirety of the encounter with the metal-leg brute. They all at the whiff of insanity about them, which was the last thing he needed at this time. He makes his way back to the Bitter Coffee in much the same way as leaving it, in complete silence and brooding in his own thoughts.

Back at the Bitter Coffee, Masix bids Rusty and Will farewell, walking back out for a while lost in his thoughts. His feet carried him towards the separation of the Mercy and the city. He hadn't consciously realized exactly what he was going to do, but the leads to Cordelia's alleged murder was a couple years too cold. Kastell knows nothing about her doings at the time, and this empty coffin business seemed far too mysterious for someone like Viktoria Croft, that left Lord Royce, and if not him, perhaps pay his old haunt, the Church of Pelor, a visit. But first thing first, time for the masked one to make an appearance. Going to an empty abandoned building, Masix begins to don his disguise.

A meeting with Lord Royce demanded respect. Masix took out a simple mask that covered his eyes and nose, a theatrical mask for a drama he enjoyed watching with Cordelia once. It was fitting for the occasion. He adds a scar with makeup, and slicked his hair back. Lastly, with a muttering of words, Masix adds the final touches using his spell, changing his hair color to dark brown, and his eyes to a piercing amber color. Satisfied, he double-checks all his equipments, and begins the trek to Lord Royce's estate.


Disguise (includes Disguise Self spell): [roll0]

[AlanBruce]

@Masix: Even with the grim revelation of these two dead and taken, your mind is not even remotely close to them or the consequences of those involved at the hands of Hannibal and his Hammer.

Cordelia's fate is far more telling blow than any of Ross' thug could land upon you as Will plays his song, which can be heard in the distance as you walk to the Wall of Separation and look at the streets beyond, all clean and well kept. Not a single crack on the pavement.

It is true that if you are caught in The City, Connor will show no Mercy. You are an Olidammaran and your kind is persecuted, reason why you are in The Mercy now.

But you need to meet with Lord Royce. The problem is that the good lord lives in The City, not the slums you are currently in.

If you are to brave Halmathan, you need to be as inconspicuous as possible and for that, you need a disguise. But not any disguise.

It's the shade of a ruined column with a flaming barrel nearby surrounded by hobos too drunk to care that gives you ample preparation as you choose one of the more gallant masks, used at fancy balls and theater premiers. Back when such things were the biggest concern in the city.

And just to make sure, you intone the words of power and grant yourself an illusion. One to truly confound any onlookers about your true self and head out past the wall and into the City proper.

It's like the difference between Heaven and Hell , but hard to tell which is which.

The city, with all its glitter and people walking about, heading home or to some fancy pub or esteemed club, for which there are many in The City...

And then those damned Eyes in the Sky, patrolling it all above the high rises with their searchlights.

Lord Royce lives in Halmathan, but in the far east side, in what comes as close to being the suburbs- Nessus Estates.

This place is a gated community. Only the wealthiest and finest families live here, away from the buzz of the City, but certainly not bereft of its laws. Rather than high rises, the Nessus estates are long roads lined with trees and opulent manors, overlooking the Oljat Sea from a high cliff.

It is said that during the summer, those who are lucky and have friends that live there go spend entire weekends at these palazzos, enjoying days of leisure, drink and other excesses that only the richest of the rich can afford.

If you choose to walk over to Lord Royce's manor, you will probably get there in the span of several hours, when the noble will be already asleep.

With a cab, it will take about an hour...maybe hour and a half and ten gold, traffic pending.

Regardless of your mode of transportation, as you head towards the Nessus Estates, you can hear the whirring sound of one of those damned machines up above,. Its lights beaming down on purpose so as to annoy as a recorded female voice can be heard for all to hear:

A reminder: Magic is forbidden in the City of Halmathan, as decreed by His Holiness. To practice such vile art is not only against the Law but a Sin.

Don't be a Sinner... don't practice magic.


Once at the Nessus Estate, you speak to the guard at the booth and mention whatever lie you have up your sleeve and he, being probably underpaid, opens the gate for you as you walk down the lonely streets with the imposing manors looking at you and laughter coming fro inside as families rejoice as they have dinner together, attended by who knows how many servants.

An Eye in the Sky is floating above the gated community, while the one that pestered you for several blocks has ascended into the night sky.

The smell of the ocean wafts through your mask and you do notice that there are no guards patrolling the streets here. It is relatively safe. People live here without a care.

And then you reach Lord Royce's manor:


https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/bc/b1/6b/bcb16b815e674f59ff2c7c5c759a0d63.jpg

To be fair, it isn't the biggest one in the block, but even as a lesser noble, he invested his money well and so, he can afford to live here with other families of much higher renown.

Now the question is... how to get inside? There is the front door, which the logical way, but do you really want the good Lord to meet you like that?

Choices choices...

[Centaurion]

Lendra

It was a lot of information to be processed at once. The names on the list -- some rang a bell, some didn't. The places -- pestholes at least, but some even viler. While Prustina had continued her explanations, Lendra's eyes were focused on the parchment as if she could elicit further information if she only stared at it for just a bit longer.

Lendra looks up from the list to her uninvited guest. This is the time to make allies, but in the Mercy, picking allies is a dangerous business. While Prustina appears polite and friendly, the Society was an organization bringing misery. But this appears to be more than just a simple gang fight -- and even if nothing else, such conflicts usually demand high collateral damage. 300. For a mere moment, Lendra's eyes contract a little bit as she focuses on calling upon her the god-granted power of distinguishing the vile from those who withstood the corruption of evil.


Using detect evil.

[Chimaera]

Hannibal sit with the gnome and drink from the beer.
"Thanks for that", he says and look to her in the eyes, "We went there to Ludus Magnus as you told us and the trail of death made us clear that Sasha anf the others had been there: the Cold Hammers were slaughtered like lamb... Until they fought the big guys there. They killed Sasha and Kyle, but Seti managed to escape with the Tigress' corpse. Kyle was left there and her body and soul sacrificed to their 'Queen', whatever it may be".

He drinks more and continue his tale, "King Kurgen of the Cold Hammers is completely mad and surround himself with weird insects and gnolls as well as an audiance of dead skeletons: he believe he's stanfing in all the former glory of the colisseum. The baths have been turned into a marsh of blood and dismembered limbs. The stench... Overwhelming".

"I managed to gently play his madness and get this information and even tried to recover Kyle's body, but that was beyond my diplomatic skills and would require me to swing this hammer against uneven odds. I'll look for Seti and find out how kuch of this.madman's tale is true and how much is his desillusions and once I find out, I'll make sure you know", he raise his glass and enjoy the moment of silence to say, "To Kyle".

[El'the Ellie]

With her healing magic taking effect Calliope was feeling much better physically, and able to mentally focus on the thing that had interfered with her scrying.

"Erm, thank you Pythia, though I should be fine. I am, however, interested in this school you are helping. It seems like a curious light in the storm. If you need help carrying the chalkboard I can go with you, although I need a moment to consult about what I just saw."

She breaths deeply to clear her head and calls upon Fahrlahngn's magic once again. This time she can be heard whispering quietly, and oddly enough something whispers back to her.

Casting Spiritual advisor for a +4 to all knowledge skills.

Retrying Knowledge Arcana with the spell active, and consuming divine insight for +15 [roll0]

Edit: uuuuuuuuugh...

[dantiesilva]

"Erm, thank you Pythia, though I should be fine. I am, however, interested in this school you are helping. It seems like a curious light in the storm. If you need help carrying the chalkboard I can go with you, although I need a moment to consult about what I just saw."

"It will be another 10gp for the ride there, never mind a ride back to wherever you are going so I don't think you will want to take the time or money to go see it. I live in the Mercy and work in town so it is not that bad to me, I am used to it by now, and on bad days I simply walk or go to my second job." Pythia says not sure if the priestess would have enough to make it home if she were to join her in Hope's Caress. "Though you are more than welcome, word of advice though keep your gold tied to your belt strongly to make sure no one can rob you, or hide it where they wouldn't look. As for what you saw, I don't know, but I saw a purple aura around you, and it was very unpleasant."

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty: Nana Rose listens to your tale and you can see the rage building up inside her as the glass you're drinking from begins to dissipate into wisps of ale scented smoke and she grips your arm with strength unlike any gnome has ever demonstrated.

"You go get Seti and ask him whatever questions you and your hammer have to ask, Hannibal...

And then, you bring him here. Dragging him if you have to!""

She is not pleased by what she has been told, that much is clear. You have heard that no one messes with her or her pub and even you with your massive hammer most definitely don't want to find out why.

But Seti most likely will.

@Lendra: You look at the list and without anyone noticing, ask Trithereon to grant you a brief moment to assert whatever wickedness goes beyond this written manuscript...

There is none in the room. Not on Prustina... definitely not on Vargas.

The elf stands close to the door and opens it ajar, noticing the rain is subsiding.

"I suppose then, that my visit was for naught? Vargas, I can understand if you don't want to come. But you, Lendra, you are Aiden's daughter... he would not have allowed this to go on like this.

If you wish to help, join me now. If you change your mind later and wish to mull it over, go to The Bitter Coffee. Ask for Seti to Nana Rose.

But please child: don't take too long- we are on a bit of a tight schedule.""


@Calliope: Once your wounds are healed, you look at Pythia and adjust your glasses, now that the rain is turning to a light drizzle and once more, ask Fhralanghn, while the many spells on you are still in place, one last chance to identify that monster!!!!!

But alas... nothing. It's some sort of draconic creature, as far as you know. Whoever interrupted your Divination is no mere amateur.

This may have to take some more time.

As for your own home, it's a rental, split evenly between six acolytes and fellow followers of the Traveler. Rent isn't cheap in the City, but you can get by when it's split.

Space is a problem, though: no privacy, so getting an invite to The Mercy, despite all the bad rap it has gotten over the years and the mention of a school, is not such a terrible prospect.

@Pythia: It's dark by the time you and Calliope reach the Wall of Separation and both share yet another expensive cab as you help the priestess over the wall, through the rebar and debris as a result of vandalism over the last few months over Connor's grand wall.

Unlike the City, there are no patrols here, but beggars. Lot's and lots of beggars. All huddled around barrels filled with garbage and coal, lit up to provide warmth and light as a few stray dogs fight over a cooked rat, which seems to be the main nutritious income in The Mercy.

The shadows cast by the barrels on the old towering specters of the buildings that once made this place so famous are ominous indeed, as their cracked windows and dark eyes follow you from above.

@Calliope: Best keep your purse close to you as Pythia is greeted by a few beggars, having some degree of renown in this place.

But where to go from now? The district is huge, dimly lit, and houses who knows how many thieves and muggers in the many alleys.

[Chimaera]

Hannibal is impressed by the old gnome's lady strenght, but try not to show.
"Aye, Nana. Will just drink this and see if anyone might know about his whereabouts", he says and drink it all at once and get up, "I'll try to keep him in one piece so that you can ask your questions to him as well".

He then begins to move around the coffee, asking people where this Seti boy might be found.
"Seti? Ever heard of him? Know where he might be?", he goes around asking, making sure his greathammer is well visible in his shoulder and with a not that friendly face, "Hammer feels talkative today".

On his going asking around, he make sure to ask at least two of Kyle's Hawks for information as well, being glad that the coffee is filled with people.

Tracking down Seti
[roll0]

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty: There is a reason why Ross keeps you working on an anvil...

They don't break as easy or as quickly as a skull. It's not pretty, but some people will only answer to the right questions.

And your hammer ALWAYS has the right questions... and a lot of them too.

It's business time as you finish your drink and walk amongst the patrons, asking if anyone's seen Seti, as Will finishes plucking the last chords on his harp.

And it's one of Kyle 's own Hawks, covering for his boss at the pub that nods and looks around for anyone suspicious.

"Saw him and that mage teacher Travis and a pretty girl head to Hannah's school few hours ago. Dunno if he might be elsewhere."

Hannah's School...

Corwin mentioned that place to you and Ross. It was funded by a former ally of his, a princess from a far away land. The gangs won't pester the place and with good reason:

The Githslayers protect it, as do the Hawks and even the Society, but if he's there...

@Will: It's hard not to notice Rusty now with that hammer of his. There is no party now, just business.

And not the one that will involve talking.

Not from Rusty anyways.

[Chimaera]

"Thanks", he answer and begin to move away to this school.

He does take a halt in front of Will, "Wanna finish what we started?" he ask him, offering no favors this time, "Might need a backup".

Regardless of the answer he'll go check the school and look for Seti, Travis or any pretty lady. Sadly not for fun, but business.

[Centaurion]

Lendra

Before she can say something, Prustina is at the door. Before the elf leaves, Lendra speaks up, sounding as if she has made up her mind.

"You were right when you said that I am old enough to speak for myself. And so I will. Your visit here was not in vain, as I will not stand by and tolerate such casualties. Not for yours or the Society's sake though. If you came here to find an ally in a gang war, I tell you that I will only fight against this madness on the side of those who suffer under this conflict although they never chose to be a part of it." She shortly pauses. "I must thank you for disclosing your information to us."

Once Prustina has left, she addresses Vargas: "Before you say anything: Yes, I know that she most likely did not come here out of kindness. But we both know that she's right in the sense that this is a threat we cannot tolerate. Three hundred in one night. I will see that I find out how much of what she's saying is actually the truth though, and what's behind it."

[Baby Gary]

"I think I will", replied Will,"I was originally doing this so you would help me in my search for Sedge, but these missing people of your have sparked my interest. I do not like when people go missing with little to no notice. Should I, you, or we try to find Masix for additional backup? also what about others here, I am sure that there are other people here who can pull their own weight and not run away half way through what ever we are doing."

Will put his carefully places his harp back in his bag and slings it on his back. "Hannah's place right? I know her, I have helped her quite a few times in the last ten years I have been here. She is nice, but a bit too religious for my taste. I am skeptical about her being involver in this but I wouldn't mind going to see her is this all turns out to be nothing."

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty: It's time to find some answers and even if it's the House of Knowledge, you can only hope, somewhere deep in your mind that it doesn't become the House of One Thousand Corpses.

and so, you look at Will, who is half way through his drink and ask him to join you and wrap up what you began, making it clear that it might not be that pretty.

Whether Will accepts or not...

You make your way out of the Bitter Coffee, hammer in full display slung over your shoulder as the beggars watch you from the safety of their flaming barrels, careful not to attract your attention.

But your attention isn't with them...

And as you climb the rickety mud covered wooden stairs to the House of Knowledge, you can only hope this is resolved fast...

or as fast as The Hammer wants it to be. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?512887-A-City-of-Sinister-Delights-IC&p=22148622#post22148622)



@Lendra: Prustina turns around and smiles as she opens the door and you can see several half orcs wearing leather armor and wielding falchions standing outside, as well as a trio of lithe masked archers behind them.

"I really hope it wasn't in vain, Lendra. This isn't a turf war, child: this is our home being taken and everyone in it exterminated...or worse.

Despite what some here might think, we aren't the bad guys. We are the ones trying to make The Mercy a better place. Our methods may not be pleasing to all, but we work with what we have.

And once the dust settles and this conflict is finished, we can sit down and break bread if you so wish. Until then, I have other people to see. If you wish to help, you know where to go.

So long.""


The door slams hard behind her as Vargas serves himself another drink and closes his eyes as you address him.

"Look, Lendra: I made a promise to your folks that I would keep you safe. I want to keep you safe, I... ""

Vargas gets up and nearly drops the glass off the table as he looks at the fireplace.

"It's like fifteen years ago... in three days. You have become far stronger than I in all these years. This should come as no surprise. It's the bottle...and the opiates. Heh!

They make you soft. I wanted to leave this place. Take you and Kara with me. sail as far away from this Gods forsaken city. Find a nice island. Settle down.""

Vargas looks at you from the corner of his eyes as the fires cast a strong shadow on his hardened face.

"At this point, it's you and Trithereon riding alone. Godspeed.""

[AlanBruce]

@Pythia: You guide Calliope through the cracked streets and towards the boisterous pub that is The Bitter Coffee, which is already flooded with drunken patrons and keep the priestess close as you navigate the sea of scumbags and make your way towards the back of the bar as Vim Vom, an apprentice bard, waves at you from her makeshift stage and plays her harp.

Nana is not looking too happy as she raps her fingers on the bar and you have to call her names several times as she mumbles and grumbles before doing her best to feint a smile.

"Oh, hi Pythia! Your stuff? sure! I guess your trip to the City was a nice one? And you brought a friend with you? Told you they had nice stuff over there.""

Nana gives Calliope a wink and looks behind the bar, putting your items on the counter.

"Check them out. All accounted for. What's the chalkboard for?""

[dantiesilva]

As the carriage pulls up to the hole in the wall of separation Pythia takes out her share of the gold, and hands it to the driver, thanking them for their time. Looking up to the sky she could tell that it wouldn’t be safe outside much longer, at least within Hope’s Caress and quickly begins leading Calliope through Hope’s Caress towards the bitter coffee to pick up her belongings from Nana Rose.

As she passes the many fires that light the way, she waves hello to the familiar faces of those she knows, telling them next time she would remember to grab something sweet from the other side after work. Those living close to the wall tended not to have to worry as much as the rest of Hope’s Caress about the strange things that happened during the hours after the sun had set, given they could easily flee into Hamalthan where to most people’s knowledge nothing ever seemed to follow. Add in the many lights from the fire’s it kept most away that were not seeking warmth.

It does not take long in her haste to reach the Bitter Coffee as a calm finally settles over her. “We should be safe in here. Once the sun sets in Hope’s Caress it is best to remain indoors for the rest of the night. I won’t force you to stay here, but if you wish to see the school I must ask that you either stay at my house a few blocks away, or perhaps ask Nana Rose if she has any space for you to sleep for the night. Had I known the carriage ride was going to take so long I would have asked you to meet me at the wall in the morning, I hope you can forgive me.” The young bard says quietly to the priestess as she notices Vim Vom on stage with her harp. Looking around however she notes that Kyle was not there. Maybe he is patrolling tonight making sure nothing gets too close to this part of town. Pythia thinks to herself as she waves to the apprentice bard, in truth she knew little about harps, and what little she did know was mostly learned from Vim by watching her play. She had never really had a talent for instruments herself, singing and dancing came naturally to her. However all the music notes she had to read, and how each instrument was unique had always confused her when her parents had tried teaching her how to play.

“Not exactly Nana, but I hope what I did do will help.” Pythia replies kindly, though it is clear the stress of the day has worn off on her. “Is Kyle working the streets tonight? I didn’t see him when I entered, and well he is not here either.” The young bard notes curious as to where he could be while she makes sure her crystal echoblade, Mithral chain shirt, and Buckler are hers. “Thank you, you are the best, as for the chalkboard, its for the school. I was hoping I could get a permit to use magic as a teaching tool, however lets just say it would have gone better if I was talking to the wall of separation. So A gnome by the name of Master Sinio gave me this as a gift when he heard I was trying to help the school. I also have some chalk so that the students can use the chalkboard with the teacher.” Pythia explains, before realizing she had not introduced anyone.

I’m so sorry Nana, this is Calliope a priestess of the Wander I meet during my meeting early. She wanted to see the school, but given all the traffic in the city we didn’t make it back before the sun set, and I don’t want to risk bringing her there at night. You know the stories about the streets at night.” She says as if that’s all that needed to be said. “Calliope this is Nana, the owner of the Bitter Coffee, one of the safest places in Hope’s Caress, and the best place to eat unless you don’t mind the taste of rat. In truth it grows on you, and when you get it from someone who feeds it right, it almost, just almost tastes like deer.” She says with a hint of sadness in her voice, if she ever became rich she would make sure Hope’s Caress began getting rebuilt again, not like the Mercy Maiden who left after starting a single building, no she had been born and raised in Hope’s Caress and she would die on these grounds before she left if she had a say.

[El'the Ellie]

Calliope is too distracted by the Bitter Coffee's appearance and clientele, in fact most of the Mercy gave her extreme pause. She feels very out of place in the Bitter Coffee and looks it. She keeps a few inches of distance between herself and any of the patrons, though it appears more as a precaution than any intended rudeness. In fact you can almost smell the skittishness as she looks for a quieter place in the bar and not finding one. Boisterous social gatherings like bars were already difficult for her, and the Bitter Coffee seemed to bring it's own slew of challenges.

"The board is for a school in here. A gift from Runestone, I believe. I was interested in this school Pythia was talking about. I might have a few books back home that haven't seen much use in a while that would be happier at this school. Pythia I don't mean to be rude but erm... is there a reason we stopped here?"

She eyes the people with weapons nervously. Seeing folks carrying around weapons was nothing new in Hamalthan, but these people seemed to know how to use them. And more than one of them looked like they wanted to.

Calliope smiles politely when introduced. "A pleasure to meet you Nana. Erm... rat?" For all her wisdom Calliope honestly can't tell if it's a joke or not. The diseases alone on a rat, never mind the lack of nutrition...

[dantiesilva]

Completely oblivious to Calliopes discomfort being around so many people Pythia listens to the priestess as she tells Nana almost the same exact thing she had just said. "I thought that was obvious when I came over here and collected my sword, armor, and shield." the young bard says with a confused look on her face as she struggles to put the chain shirt on over her normal clothes. Normally she would wear it underneath, but given she was not home and was out in public that was not going to happen. Just a little more...Oh no, not now... Pythia says as the chain shirt gets stuck with her head caught in the hole. " Calliope, could you perhaps help me...I seem to have gotten stuck." the young bard says from inside the mithral chain shirt.

Once her armor was on, she quickly staps her buckler shield to her right shoulder, before trying the belt which held her blade around her waist. "There now we can travel to my house if you wish. Or I can walk you back to the wall and you can return to your own home. The choice is up to you, either way going to the school will have to wait until dawn the earliest." she explains, a tinge of fear in her voice at the thought of trying to walk their at this time.

"Yeah, I know it doesn't sound that good, but well not many of us have the money to go buy the good stuff over in Hamalthan. For a short while a woman named the Mercy Madien and the Merciful Father came each day bringing food, but it has been a while since that happened. Plus these are not normal rats, think of them like chickens or pigs, as they are the cheapest and easiest thing to find they are a main source of food in the mercy, well that and bread." she adds in as a n after thought After all it was almost impossible to grow anything in Hope's Caress since the fire, and what few things that did grow, never seemed to taste quite right.

[AlanBruce]

@Pythia: The Mercy is definitely not a place you want to be once the sun sets.

Even if you aren't mugged by some cutthroat, there is the matter of disappearances as of late. many of them, and without a trace. The tales of demons skulking through the shadows...

Best not get the priestess too worried, as you head inside the Bitter Coffee, filled with all manner of ruffians sporting all manner of weapons designed to inflict great harm.

And amidst them all, innocent Vim Vom, playing her harp. Any other time, she would have been kidnapped or worse, but here in the Bitter Coffee, she plays a soothing song amongst the beasts.

Once at the counter with Nana, you check on your stuff and see that everything's in order.

It is the question about Kyle that has the old gnome crack her voice a little.

"He's... he'll be back. He's on a little scouting patrol is all. As for the chalkboard? That was very nice of those Runestone egg heads to part with one. But going to ask for a permit? That was just silly, Pythia:

Connor has no place in The Mercy. Don't give him a reason to place his gaze here. We have enough with Borazon's well intentioned stooges trying to build a mission that I had to see that insufferable Dalpinian a few days ago here, always well escorted, spewing threats behind a wall of steel and blades. Coward.""

Regarding accommodations for Calliope, the gnome nods to the priestess and pours herself a drink.

"I heard what that idiot did to Ravenna's temple. Who does he think he is, anyway? Look, this isn't an inn, but I do have a storage room in a small basement below this pub. It's where I store... food. And drinks for all these nice honest folk. If you don't mind sharing a cold floor and a few rodent roommates, it's hers for free."

@Calliope: Nana Rose raises her hand before you speak and wipes her eyes with a dirty rag.

"Sorry, been a bunch of onions. So you're a city priestess? We don't have many here. Hell... trying to think: none. We had "Borazon the Merciful", but he's gone and now we have Rothen the Non Cleric. Great with a bow...and not much else. Heart of gold, though.

Then there's his squeeze, Senerain. Heh, she sure can cause wounds, but not patch them, so no. No clerics and unless Connor decides to give your temple back to your flock, The Mercy could sure use some helping hands in the Divine.

As for books for the school? That's a great gesture. Thank you. Hannah is quite the bookworm and she really believes in making The Mercy a better place....""

It is at this point that Nana looks off into the crowd and her eyes water up and then shakes her head as she dries them with he rag and smiles at your comment on local cuisine.


"As for rat? I call it...Mercy Meat. Cooked well and with enough spices and my secret recipe, you might as well be having boar at the Royal Mare. When you live here as long as I, you learn to cook for several hundred people a day. You gotta improvise and in some cases, cauterize! Heh. So yeah, I won't be closing until a few more hours. If you want to stay, one of Kyle's men can get you a table. If you wish to sleep here, come back in a few hours and knock on the door.""

Who knows if sleeping in this place is a good idea? Nana Rose can sure talk tough, but these guys don't seem safe at all. Not a single one.

For all you know, Pythia could find you in the morning with smile carved across your neck.

[grifter730]

Masix: (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1251748)

Masix peers at the mansion, images of his own family estate rushing into his mind unbidden. He had always met with Lord Royce by setting up a meeting through letters, so he wasn't quite sure where the man might be. The bedroom would most likely be upstairs, and so his eyes naturally went to the windows on the second higher floors, hoping to catch a glimpse of the man, or even a silhouette of some sort. He shakes his head. Getting that lucky would require the cosmos to conspire for his success. Instead, Masix began to walk carefully around the perimeter of the mansion, staying behind trees and in shadows as much as possible, trying to spot a well-hidden location to enter through a window. After making the first round and getting the lay of the land, Masix went back for another round, this time with a spell at his disposal. One at a time, going from his preferred location for entering, Masix stays at a distance and moves his mage hand to try to open the window. I really should just ink a note and summon the man through normal methods, Masix thinks to himself with a sigh.


Move Silently: [roll0]
Spot: [roll1]

If none of the windows are able to be opened (because it's too heavy for Mage Hand, or because they're locked, Masix will go back to his preferred spot and attempt to break in. In this case, he would use Obscuring Mist while doing the deed, after he does his best to ensure no one is in the room.) Should he be discovered, Masix would flee.

[AlanBruce]

@Masix: To think that many years ago you spent days in this place, not a care in the world...

All these people in their homes, eating and laughing, completely unaware of what happens a few miles across town, deep in The Mercy. If they only knew monsters have been set loose, they would have all these places boarded up, but then again...

As you look up at the Eye in the Sky, chugging black smoke into night sky and hovering above the manors with its search lights dimmed, maybe they don't need to worry about any monsters creeping in.

The second floor windows are dark- either the man is asleep or...

No, the first floor windows are lit, the study. Lord Royce enjoys a nightcap by the fire after a hearty meal. The trimmed bushes across the street should give you a chance to lift the window and hopefully sneak past that floating metal whale without being noticed.

And so, you conjure a wispy skeletal hand that crosses the street, making no sound as you direct it as a puppeteer and have it fidget with the first story window as the Eye in the Sky moves a bit higher and releases a loud chug of black smoke, but nothing to worry about.

It doesn't seem to have noticed you.

Sweat runs down your temple and your cheeks as you manipulate the hand to lift the window as it turns around and gives you a thumbs up.

It's a casual stroll across the street as you stick to the shadows cast by the trees and like a literal thief, sneak into the manor.

A painting of Lord Royce and his deceased wife Emily hang above a large ornate fireplace with several beast heads stuffed and mounted on the walls, as well as a fancy decorative musket from days gone by, mounted by a pair of metal hooks.

A large chair faces the fireplace and you ca see that beside it, a small table has a glass of brandy, half full as a familiar voice grips the arm rests of his chair, but doesn't get up.

"Whoever you are... I have a gun right here. This place has guards in every corner of the house. Be smart, shadow, and leave the same way you came in...""

Sense Motive DC 20

[El'the Ellie]

Calliope's expression is at first one of disgust. Then of confusion, then of extreme sadness as realization dawns on her.
They eat it because they have to. They make jokes because it softens the blow of eating rat... Could it really be that there is no cleric worth their salt in the whole Mercy? I thought a church was being established here.

She feels something in between pain for this plight and satisfaction as she realizes why Fahrlahngn brought her here today. His doings were truly mysterious sometimes, but always revealed themselves to her before too long.

"Nana I... It's unfortunate you have no clerics here, of any faith. I believe my god may have brought me here for a purpose. If you'll have me, I would be happy to stay the night: I want to help but to do so I have to wait until morning, and to be honest travelling the Mercy at this time of night makes me nervous.

In the mean time, these 'well intentioned stooges', who are they? Are they proper clerics or craftsman? If it's the former I would very much like to have a word with them."

[AlanBruce]

@Calliope: The ruckus from the patrons grow as one drunken fool tugs at Vim's dress, aiming to bring her on his lap, only to be suckered punch by one of the bartenders as the crowd goes silent for a few seconds before blades are drawn on both sides and Nana slams her fist on the counter.

"YOU GODDAMN PUKES ARE GOING TO START S*** AT MY BAR?!!! THINK REALLY WELL ABOUT THAT IN THE NEXT FEW SECONDS!!!!""

Vim looks wide eyed at Nana, who is much smaller than everyone else in the room and the patrons quiet down and resume their drinking as the bard keeps playing her harp.

Nana serves you and Pythia a drink that by the smell alone, you can tell it's not going to sit well in the morning.

"Sorry darling. You get a bunch of drunk desperadoes in a room and these things just sort of happen. Nothing a few well placed threats can't solve.""


It becomes clear then:

These people, drunk and and feasting on rat- they don't really have much of a choice. Fate drove them to be this way. Like animals. Nana is old, and in time, she won't be able to control them.

And that's just the pub. Who knows what else goes on in the Mercy itself.

On the subject of priests, Nana shakes her head.

"That's the problem: no church in the City wants to build a temple here. They have tried, don't get me wrong, but the fact is, Mercyfolk don't really trust the clergy. Look at what the most recent one is doing to us: he wants to wall us in!

Of course, that changed when Borazon came into the scene.

Not the brightest dwarf in the bunch, but boy was he a true devotee of Phaulkon. Which is weird, since that god, as far as I know, is all about the sky and birds and dwarves, well... they;re all about the ground and caves. But having said that, Kord's representative here in Halmathan is a dwarf, so there's that.

Borazon was a peerless archer. I saw that guy drop Sarjon's men like fish in a barrel. Hell, when he, Keéra, Archaidous, Lysa and many others went after the big boss himself, I was told Borazon cooked up a literal storm to level his hideout. That's the power he had.

When Sarjon was defeated and disposed of, he took it upon himself to become a Church Leader, despite my warnings that it was a bad idea: that meant he'd have to deal with that Snake Connor, but Borazon wanted his mission to Phaulkon here, in the Mercy. reason why he chose the title of Merciful Father. You couldn't have missed it when the Conclave of the Eight was finished: they broadcast it all over the city- the humble archer from Suel driven in a chariot with rose petals raining upon him as he drove all over the City of Halmathan.

Problem was... he was a die hard adventurer type. You know: go down to a dungeon? Kill a bunch of unspeakable things? Loot and come back triumphant? Yeah, he and his friends loved that... way too much.

And then I guess he found the dungeon he couldn't come back from. To this very day, his stooges- and I use that term in the most light hearted way- are trying to find him AND finish his vision, which is to build his Mission here.

Having no followers of Phaulkon in the City, he somehow got two from his homeland to serve as his close acolytes.

Rothen of Suel, the archer. That guy, like I said before is really good at shooting things with his bow. I think I saw him turn into a hawk once... but that's it.

And then there's Senerain Blach, the former Empyrium Arcanamach. That girl means business. Good thing she's on our side. Rothen may not be as focused, but Senerain definitely is. I dare say she's on par with the Royal Guard in the City, reason why Borazon had her brought over, to be the muscle for his new church.

Today, those two are drowning in a sea of red tape. Borazon was said to resort to asking for hand outs from all the major churches. I don't know the details of how those meetings went, but with him gone, now those two have to be in excessively long meetings with Connor himself, overseeing legal matters and whatnot.

One is a farmer boy with a bow and the other a warrior of an ancient arcane empire from far, far away... what the hell do they know about legal protocols?

But that's where they are at now. They come in regularly, in the morning. If you want to talk to them, I can introduce you to them. They are nice people, but many in the Mercy don't like them:

They see their presence as proxies to Connor. Spies or some such. They say that isn't the case and I believe them: they don't have that icy cold ambition and cruelty that tyrant displays.""


Regarding accommodations, Nana nods and finishes her own drink.

"I hope you like cellars. I'll try and make it as homely as possible down there and know that The Mercy and this place is always open for good folk. We may not be a church, but you can definitely call Sanctuary here if need be.""

[El'the Ellie]

Calliope politely nudges her drink towards Pythia, if she wanted it. She can't help but laugh brightly, earnestly when Nana calls the rowdy patrons 'pukes'. Nana might not have meant for it to be funny, but for Calliope it was the first really positive thing that happened to her all day, and it showed. Something about the whole scene just seemed ridiculous to the priestess.

Once she settled down, in a much better mood she asks, "Archadious? Lysa? I've heard of the other two but not those names."

[AlanBruce]

@Calliope: Nana raises her eyebrow when the drink is nudged over to Pythia and smiles, but makes no comment about it.

"I am surprised you haven't. Both were a focus for Connor's anger for quite some time.

Archaidous was an elven mage from a far off land. Sailed all the way here with Ke'era after many perilous voyages at sea. I didn't talk to the guy much, but as a mage, I know very few that can compare to him.

At one point, he and a fellow friend, Tonel Carth, an archer in his group, were taken to Connor's Palace of Injustice.

The crime? Using magic in public to help someone. Of course that bastard twisted the whole story and because of that, taxes soared even more until both were forced to make a public apology extolling Connor's virtues and degrading magic...

Must've been very humiliating. You could see their faces through the Eyes above, since it was broadcast citywide."

Nana takes a swig of her drink and continues.

"I heard Archaidous studied at Runestone and later, aided Ke'era, Borazon, Lysa and many others to depose Sarjon the warlord.

The story gets murky after that: both Borazon and that elf disappeared. Nobody knows where they went, but we sure could use them.

The other one is Lysa Silentwhisper, the lovesinger pixie and the last fey Halmathan has ever seen in years. She was a bard of tremendous skill, part of Borazon's team. Given her nature and aptitude for magic, she of course incited Connor's wrath and he even labeled her a terrorist during the city's Elysium Bliss Panic, going as far as putting a 50K reward on her head.

Of course I hid her here and even helped her dress up as a halfling courtesan when she would venture to the City..."

Nana takes a last gulp and looks down at the counter.

"In the end, she and the others attempted to disband the Elysium Bliss Drug Ring and in the process, she died, not before taking the whole place down with her.

Of course, the next morning Connor announced that the City had brought down the 'notorious assassin and drug lord Lysa Silentwhisper in a fiery shootout, after she refused to surrender..

Many people believe that, of course and that gave rise to Connor's latest title: The Savior."

[El'the Ellie]

"So that's what all that was about." Calliope takes a moment to digest the new information. She shakes her head. "Of course. Why am I not surprised Connor would turn the death of a fey into fuel for his ego... Has no one tried contacting Borazon and Archadious? It seems unbelievable that Borazon would abandon the mission right upon the brink of its inception. And if Archadious studied at Runestone then he must feel some compassion for the city. I can't imagine what would demand their attention more than what is, essentially, the slow decay of Hamalthan."

Those names keep cropping up, why? Amidst a sea of distress those people had arrived, helped a little, and then suddenly left. And worse, no one really seems to know much about them. Well, learning more about things was one thing Calliope was good at. Perhaps it would lead nowhere: just the adventurer type who appear one day and are gone the next. But... that couldn't be the case. Borazon becoming a church leader and then leaving? What church leader would do that? At the very least there should be people who would know Archadious that she could ask. The whole thing stank vaguely similar to the king's own disappearance.

"Nana, you mentioned there were others that helped these people take down Sarjon. Are any of them still in the city?"

Then to herself she thought. What am I doing? Do I really have time to get wrapped up in all of this? I suppose a couple of questions can't hurt, right?

[AlanBruce]

@Calliope: Nana shrugs at your inquiry regarding Archaidous and Borazon.

"I am sure Runestone has attempted to contact both, never mind the churches for the Merciful Father. Do I think it's weird? Of course! But we have so many problems here already and it's not like we have a house full of diviners around the block..."

The fact Connor would blame a fey or any other to bolster his public image is, sadly, unsurprising at this point. But why haven't these two been found yet? A church leader, even a new one, does not simply disappear. A search would have alteady been underway.

As for the elf, if he studied at Runestone, they mist likely have attempted to find him...

And yet, they are missing too. Given what this city goes through, why did they leave? This is starting to go down a slippery slope.

Upon your inquiry regarding any other people involved in taking down Sarjon, Nana cleans her shot glass with a wet dirty rag.

"Borazon, Ke'era, Lysa and Archaidous were strong, but that bastard was packing some serious fire power when they faced him and so, they didn't go alone.

Pharis, a former royal guard that worked as an insider within Sarjon's crew. The man was, like any well trained royal guard, a one man army and was instrumental in taking Sarjon down.

He disappeared shortly after his defeat.

Silvia Tauber, Halmathan's "Eastern Star". I have never seen someone move so fast with a pair of blades before.

She is said to have died when Lysa caused the Elysium Bliss Ring operation to explode.

Corwin Knell. A... reporter from some newspaper in the city. Rumor has it he's still around, in hiding. From whom? Who knows.

And then they got the most unusual help towards the end from Sasha, the Crimson Tigress, one of Sarjon's enforcers. A consummate assassin, she was pardoned by The Mercy for helping to get it rid of Sarjon but you probably know by now my reply as to where she is..."

[El'the Ellie]

Calliope removed her glasses and cleaned a smudge while doing a mental inventory. This rapidly expanding circle of people had very few actual leads.

King Airdan: Gone, for unknown reasons
Head Priest Borazon: Gone, for unknown reasons with
Archadious and
Ke'era
Lysa: Dead, Connor took the credit
Pharis: Disappeared
Silvia Tauber: Presumed dead
Corwin Knell: In hiding
Sasha: Dead? Disappeared? Either way not likely to be helpful

What the f**k is happening to these people?

She pauses in her inventory. "Tonel Carth? You said he arrived with the others, but that's all I've heard about him. And it sounds like Corwin is hiding from whatever or whoever is crossing these people off a list. The fact that he is in hiding might be the only way to learn more about any of this."

[dantiesilva]

“It may have been a fool’s task, but at least I tried to do things the correct way first.” Pythia says acknowledging that Nana was right about how silly of an idea it was to ask Connor to allow a school to use magic as a teaching tool. “As for Connor having no place here in Hope’s Caress,” she says stopping to remind Nana she refused to call her home the title so many had given it over the last decade and a half. “Whether he likes it or not Hope’s Caress is part of Hamalthan, meaning he does as the ruler sadly have a say on what goes on within the Mercy if he chooses. Also I had not heard Dalphinian had come here, I saw him earlier with Calliope. We actually meet because of him.” She explains, gesturing to Calliope and herself. “As for him spewing threats it’s a good thing he didn’t do that to one of the gangs that live here. For some reason I suspect they would have put that wall of steel to the test which would not have been good news for us.”


As Nana explains that if she wanted the basement storage room for the night it was hers free of charge the bard turns to look to Calliope to see what she thought about the idea. After all she doubted a priestess would like sleeping on the floor, but in the Mercy very few beds actually existed to her knowledge. Maybe the different gangs might know where to find a good one, but no doubt it wouldn’t come cheap and that’s if it even was for sale.

As Nana Rose and Calliope begin talking Pythia sits patiently listening to the exchange between them, noting the different faces the young priestess seemed to make at talk of eating rat, as well as noticing Nana Rose was acting rather odd compared to normal, however as the crowd begins to get rowdy Pythia looks up at the stage and mouths to Vim Want me to join you? Hoping that the two could keep the crowd under control espically with a priestess in Hope’s Caress. Who knew, maybe she would have her whole flock move here with her and people could start getting better instead of more sick.

As she waits for an answer she downs her drink, learning long ago it was better to get it done quickly instead of trying to draw it out and taste the strangeness more than once. Listening to the tale told once more by Nana Rose of the many strangers that traveled with the Merciful Father, she wounders if perhaps she had meet them once, thinking back to the many times she had been both in the Mercy, as well as Hamalthan over the past year.

“Perhaps if they have to divide their time between looking for the Merciful Father and Connor they wouldn’t mind a little help looking for him. What do you say Calliope, do you think you could do that thing you did earlier. Just without the stuff breaking afterwords to find him?” Pythia asks the young priestess, curious of if she would truly help Hope’s Caress and the vision the Merciful Father had for it, or would be like all the others of the cloth who simply left when things got to hard.

Finished with her drink she walks up to the stage to help Vim with the crowd as she talks to the bard for a few moments as they pick out a song they both know before she begins to perform (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RugSclNY4y8) with the talented harpest, missing what was said about Archadious and the others.


Sing [roll0]
Dance [roll1]

[El'the Ellie]

Calliope nods. "I plan to do much more scrying tomorrow Pythia. Unfortunately I can't mend my font until then, but perhaps it's for the best. As for sleeping in the cellar room... well, I've slept in worse."
Her mind goes back to younger years, on her trek to Hamalthan with just the clothes on her back and the scrub grass for a bed. Then she says what might be a prayer:
"Any cloak may be a blanket when the road lacks. Any pack a pillow. Worry not about the comforts you lack, but make good the ones you have."

For the rest of the evening she is perfectly content to sit by the bar and continue her conversation with Nana Rose and listening to Pythia and Vim Vom's lovely music. Perhaps the Bitter Coffee wasn't so bad, knowing that Nana Rose was keeping things in line.

[AlanBruce]

@Pythia: Nana shakes her head when you mention about doing things correctly.

"Connor threw all concept of what is right out the window, Pythia. Do not trust that snake, child. He has nothing but utter contempt and hatred for everyone on this side of the wall and his...

In fact, I doubt anyone really cares for him. They all serve him out of fear, which incidentally, is not too different from the tenets the many petty warlords have here in The Mercy.

Hope's Caress, as you call is part of Halmathan, Pythia. It was the last district built by the King and all the noble families and churches. And the biggest to date. When the fire claimed so many lives, people turned their back to it. For years, many organizations, like churches and the Royal family itself, have tried to rebuild it, but the truth, it costs money. A lot of it.

That may be why Connor wants to wall us out of his "Utopia". He sees no reason for us to mar his image of a perfect city, but it gets tricky since Borazon became a church leader for The Mercy, so he can't really isolate us completely.

And you met Dalpinian? Connor's dog. He comes here to meet with Rothen sometimes. Usually to take him back to the Palace of Justice, since the man cannot stand the smell of the place. He, like Connor, is also a coward, who hides behind his Royal Guards.

I can bet you several hundred gold he wouldn't make it one single night out here alone.""

On the matter of finding the Merciful Father and the mage Archaidous, you ask Calliope if she'd be willing to lend a hand. Where others have failed, perhaps a more subtle touch is needed to prevail.

As for the names and places mentioned by Nana...

The Suel Empyrium is a kingdom far away from Halmathan, in the lands of Suel, from where it gets its name. The Empyrium is not a place that enjoys freedom. It is tightly governed by a Magocracy, who developed the Suel Arcanamach training, warriors skilled in both blade and spell that can weave their powers to devastating degrees.

Not all Archanamachs serve the Empyrium, and those that don't are usually labeled as traitors, persecuted and put to death, which would explain why Senerain is here.

Regarding Sasha, you never met her, but you did hear of her.

The Crimson Tigress was an Olidammaran who took stealth and killing in the shadows a bit too much. So much so, that the Order of her Church had to turn her in when her reckless actions threatened to put the entire order under Cuthbertine investigation, even before Connor.

As far as everyone knows, she was sentenced to life in St. Noria's prison and that;'s where she should have stayed...and yet, that isn't the case. Why? Who knows.

Corwin is a name you have heard only bits and pieces of.

He was a reporter for the Halmathan Gazette, the City's first newspaper which is now shut down by Connor, since the news are relayed through his Eyes in the Sky.

It was said that Corwin took to the live of a private investigator, accepting odd cases here and there. The kind that others would not want to be involved in.

As a journalist and an investigator who chooses to live in secrecy, if he's hiding from everyone, good luck finding him.

And then, you excuse yourself from the counter and walk up the stage where Vim plays her harp and tap her on the shoulder as the Mercy Muse listens to your whispered request and smiles as she pauses her song and you begin to sing as the Vim plucks the tunes from her harp, granting the Bitter Coffee not one, but two impressive performances.

Who is to say the poor can't have fun?

@Calliope: As Pythia walks on stage, the gnome goes silent for a few seconds as her voice takes over the pub and your mind races as the hooligans looks at the bard, completely mesmerized.

All these people, who either held high places in office- one of them the king and the other a church leader and heroes of The Mercy...

All missing in some way shape or form, but why? Those who didn't die, did they simply choose to leave? And why do that? No, given what Nana has told you, these people don't seem like the ones to simply leave the place when they know much more is left to do.

Something happened to them... and nobody's doing anything to find them. And that is scary in its own right.

"Tonel Carth was a priest, Calliope. A phaulkonite. I heard he got into a heated debate with Connor. Actually insulted him to his face in his own Palace of Injustice. Earned my respect right there. The lad was young, but quite skilled with a bow and the Divine...

Alas, like so many that cross 'His Holiness", Tonel's fate became unknown. His group never mentioned what happened. Some rumors say he sailed back to Suel. Others that he found out he bit more than he could chew and may in fact be hiding in this very city as we speak, but nobody has seen Tonel Carth in months.

As for Corwin, he's a sly one. One of those mages known as beguilers, is it? They mess with your mind and all that? The guy also walks around in disguise. I actually lent him my kit once, but when mundane won't do, magic is at his fingertips.

I don't know what he got entangled with after Sarjon's fall, but he is nowhere to be found and from what I have been told, if a mage wishes to hide from the world, they are even better than a master thief.""


And so, you stay by the counter and watch Pythia and Vim perform for the drunken audience as this one empties the Bitter coffee, one fool at a time.

Nana calls one of the servers and hands him a rusted key.

"Open the cellar and clean it. I think there are some blankets down there. Dust them off.""

The gnome serves herself an actual cup of coffee and sips it, wincing at the taste.

"So you plan to help, Calliope? That is very noble of you, but heed the words of an old crone:

Courage and a desire to win aren't enough. Find strength in numbers and keep them close. You are a priestess of Fharlaghn, are you not? The Traveler would not want you taking on this road alone, for I believe a dark one it might be.""

[El'the Ellie]

Calliope sits back and listens to Nana Rose's words of caution. "Perhaps not. But who then? Those in the Mercy have so much to worry about on their own, if they even want to help. This may be a lot of trouble to go nowhere. And to be honest, I've never been the best at rallying a group. Maybe once I know more..."

In the store room

This doesn't need to happen now, I just want to make sure I do this before it becomes the next morning.

Before Calliope completely retires for the night she sits cross legged on the cold stone floor, closes her eyes and lights an incense candle. She pulls a dove's feather in the candle as an offering, and channels the wisdom of Fahrlahngn directly into a single question.

"What is the best way for me to find Corwin Knell?"

Casting Divination. Success roll: [roll0] must be lower than 82.
Reroll and take the lower thanks to Divine Enhancement. [roll1]

[dantiesilva]

Listening to what Calliope is offering, the young bard looks at her kindly, yet also sounding oddly like a prophecy. “I can sense many people will tell great stories about you one day Calliope so long as you follow the road that the Wander has placed you upon.” Then returning to her sweet self she adds, with a little laugh at the end “After all I’m a bard, and we know all about great stories and how they tend to be written.”

“While he may have changed how the game is played Nana there are only so many rules that can be changed in the game. Certain pieces cannot be moved so easily, and by stooping to his level first we allow him to have full control of the entire game. By playing by the rules, and proving we are not the animals so many think we are is how we will win. Hope’s Caress is divided into many factions at the moment, all trying to take the piece of the pie. But what do you think would happen if the entirety of Hope’s Caress united once more? If I am not mistaken, after all I was still rather young, Hope’s Caress was at one point the largest district in all of Hamalthan housing many of the richest and brightest minds of that era. I suspect given the chance we could become that again, and with our numbers stand up for ourselves.” The young bard says thoughtfully, after all it was a good idea, however putting such an ordeal into action at this time seemed like an impossible task, though if she was able to talk to Kyle perhaps it could become a reality.

“As for Connor wanting to separate us from the city, by doing this he would in theory make us our own city, not ruled by the laws that govern Hamalthan. If we could find a way to unite the Mercy as a whole that could actually work in our favor. Not being under the laws of magic that Connor has put in place, as well as the tax rises, many would no doubt think of coming to the Mercy, no doubt many of the first wave of people would be mages at that seeing a way to escape Connor’s grip. If he then were to attack us in the Mercy he would be declaring war with people that were once part of his city, and for what? A place he walled off from the city to begin with? Many would question him if he tried such a thing I believe, and while he could argue he was doing it to stop the mages from attacking the citizens. How many attacks have you heard from arcanist in the city in the history of Hamalthan?” the young Bard explains, always looking at the silver lining of every cloud.

As she hears Nana mention the Suel empire she remembers that it was first and foremost an empire ruled by mages, and this led credit to her idea that all mages given the chance could easily police themselves and have a nation that prospers, meaning it was possible if the Mages came to the Mercy if Connor walled it off that new life could be breathed into Hope’s Caress. And if Senerain was willing to help she could teach others to be like her, creating a new Suel here.

The Crimison Tigress was a name she remembered from what seemed like another life, and one she feared for obvious reasons. Only the worst when the King ruled were sent to jail for life, so to imagine she was walking around again outside of her jail cell was something to put even the strongest of men on edge.

Corwin no doubt would prove a helpful ally in finding the others that were missing, the only problem was trying to find him. From what little she did know he was a Master of staying unnoticed unless he wished to be, meaning the chances of her finding him without Calliope’s help or him allowing her to were slim to none.

With so much on her mind Pythia turns to the one thing that allows her to focus, the fact it helped bring joy to others was an added benefit as she made her way to the stage and spoke with Vim for a few moments before they began to work in union as long as Vim was willing to play, and Nana was still open. After all making sure the crowd stayed peaceful was a top priority in her eyes. The Bitter Coffee was one of the few places anyone could go and not expect a fight to happen.

[grifter730]

Masix: (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1251748)

Masix peers in at the large chair facing the fireplace, briefly longing for a hearth and home to comfort him during nights such as this one, but the feeling passed in a heartbeat. He was surprised to hear Lord Royce's familiar voice, apparently hearing him enter and seemingly capable of making good on a threat, but he's known the man well enough to know when he was bluffing.

"Peace," Masix says, his voice deep and throaty, almost feral. "Be at ease, you'd have be incapacitated by now if I'd wished you harm. I seek information, asked without expectations. If you choose to help, it would be freely given, and you'd not suffer for it in either case."

Masix lets a couple of heartbeats to pass to let his words sink in before speaking again. "There was once a light that shone brightly even in the darkest part of this miserable city, a light named Cordelia, and this city has suffered her loss ever since her murder. A recent land deal excavated her burial site, and her coffin was found empty. It is believed that she may in fact still be alive. I seek information on her dealings during the time of her death. You were an acquaintance of hers. Any help would be appreciated. Any information, no matter how minor it may seem, would be appreciated. Will you help me find the light this city desperately needs once more?"


Sense Motive was rolled in the OOC thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=22152993&postcount=1062).
Diplomacy (in case it's needed): [roll0]

[AlanBruce]

@Pythia: You compliment Calliope on her skills as a priestess of Fharlaghn, one whose tales will surely be worthy of singing in any tavern and great hall across Oerth.

And then you bring your own opinion to Nana about how Connor has changed the rules...and whether he can change them completely.

"You are a visionary, Pythia. I applaud that. In fifteen years of ruin in The Mercy, many have sought like you to unite the district. Make it a nation of sorts, if you will.

Sadly, that isn't the case. It's this place, as much as I love it. It brings out the worst in people. The Great Fire has left burns that years have not healed. I dare say that more than just physical pain, it brought upon a mental strain so powerful that it drove many to madness and so, we have all these warlords today, claiming streets and broken apartments as if it were some sort of serfdom.""


Nana smiles and caresses your cheek.

"Hope's Caress was beautiful, Pythia. If the City of Power was a crown, Hope's Caress was the crown jewel above them all. You were too young to remember most likely, but I do:

The King himself used to walk through the streets with his entourage, Sir Randolph and High Father Jace. It wasn't uncommon to see him here, not always with them. The king was a man who never liked the life of protocol and many a times he would don a disguise and just wander into a store or shoppe and ask all manner of questions, aiming to test the owners, sometimes even going as far as irritating them with is questions, only to leave a small pouch of gold in some hard to find place for pestering them so.

I suppose it was his way to se if the people here were good and decent.


I recall that once High Father Jace flew all over the district, his wings glimmering against the sun, crying his name, for the man had been gone for longer than a day.""

Nana looks at the floor of the pub.

"It turned out he was sleeping in a cellar. A rough night out with the folks and several rounds of drinks will do that to you. Jace was not amused as he carried a laughing Airdan back to the Royal Palace, but that's how he was. He always seemed to know things in advance, which doesn't surprise me- being a descendant of the legendary Queen Maira.

But now... maybe his luck ran out, I fear.

As for your idea of isolating ourselves, that is already happening. Mages cross the wall every day, or so I am told. If we were to establish a Magocracy like the Suel Imperium, tell me:

How long do you think it will take before one bad element decides to wage war on Connor with his or her amassed arcane power? And don't tell me that cannot happen: the king gave the powers of Steward to a zealot and look where we are now. I would not like to discuss the prospect of war, Pythia. Matter of fact, I have had a very long and not the best of days and require my rest, as I am sure so do you.""


@Calliope: Nana smiles and gives you a wink as the servers start booting the drunkards out of the pub.

"A leader is not born, Calliope. It is made. When the forces of oppression, cruelty and evil rise and threaten to envelop us all, there will always be a path, small as it might be, hidden amidst the shadows.

All it takes is to find it and guide the others through the right one.""

@Pythia: Once the patrons have emptied the Bitter Coffee, Nana walks around the counter and takes Vim's hand, placing a few coins in it.

"Great show, darling. As always. Hawks!""

The servers take off their aprons and check their blades, well concealed.

"These two ladies are to be escorted to their homes. Vim, you are still at the Green Meadows?"

"Yes, Nana! But I thought Kyle would be here by now and...""

"He's... busy. His men will make sure you and Pythia get home safely. Hawks, listen well:

These two ladies are to be escorted safely to their homes. You do not leave their sight until the door is closed behind them. No parkour or leaping onto rooftops. Stay on the ground level and carry torches if need be. This I cannot stress enough.""

The Hawks leave in a group of eight, keeping a tight perimeter around both of you, much like Dalpinian at the palace of Justice.

The flaming barrels begin to wane as the snores of the beggars echo through the cracked streets and the moon can barely be seen with the thick clouds above as a cold wind blows through the alleys, nearly snuffing the torches away as the men look around and then at both of you, with a feigned smile.

"It would be best if we hurry up the pace, just in case.""

Vim Vom scratches her head and then rubs her shoulders as the cold wind blows through.

"I only hope my room mate is home. I certainly don't want to sleep alone in the apartment tonight. So... you are a very good singer, Pythia! You ever considered playing at the Royal Theater? I applied once, like a year ago, but didn't make the cut. They were casting Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, heard of it?

I wanted to play the role of Odile, but my leaps and bounds weren't enough to convince Sir Laughton and so, I chose to devote my time with the harp, rather than ballet.

That girl.. Calliope? She seems nice. I hope I get to see you both soon. Good night, Pythia.""

As the armed entourage nears your shack, you can tell that things are not normal, as quick steps in the shadowed alleys cause the men to look around and slowly reach for their blades, but not as quick to as to arouse alarm.

But one thing is clear:

You are all being watched. The guards know it too, and that is the reason why they want to speed up heir walk on the streets.

The old key is right where you left it as you open the door to yur chack, which isn;t anything close to the Place of Justice or Runestone's halls, but it is your home, which you clean every day as you light an oil lamp and unfold the sheets from the mattress.

Up until a few days ago, it was a bed, but legs gave in in the middle of the night- not a pleasant experience. You could fix it, but that may take some time.

Then, as you shut the windows and close the ragged curtains, you sit on the edge of he mattress and look at one of the few mementos rescued from the fire:



https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/45/e6/fb/45e6fbc02c00be366a86a796fd711165--king-queen-queen-of.jpg

That was the night after they performed King Lear. Still in props, they called you backstage and had a picture taken while still in props. He was Edmund. Your mother played Goneril.

That would be the last picture you had taken as a family. A few weeks later all was consumed in flames.

And so, you get rid of what bulky uncomfortable armor and lay on the bed as s lone moth flies near the lamp, clearly attracted by the light.

You can bring The Mercy together. This is not impossible. establish a home for everyone? Why not? How hard can it be?

The Fire did not burn you. The Wall did not crush you.

Where there's a will...


@Calliope: Nana looks at you as the last patrons are booted out.

"Who indeed? The Society looks out for us... or so I thought. Not all of them are bad apples. The Hawks that have escorted Pythia and Vim are always ready to protect this place and the entire block if needed.

But blades only go so far. As a priestess, you ought to know that by now. And since you are new in our lovely neighborhood, go pay a visit to Sister Hannah in the School of Knowledge come the morrow. A few good people there: Travis and Michael, both Runestone mages. One with a little more bravado than the other. I will let you decide which one it is.""

Once the pace is empty, nana Rose asks you to help her move a table and crouches as she clears the dust from an old dirty carpet and lifts it, revealing a solid lock as the key goes in and with a grunt, the gnome pulls it up and back, revealing several wooden barrels stacked horizontally on top of each other, several towers of potato sacks... and cloth covered cages from which squeaking sounds can be heard.

A cot and sheets have been placed next to an oil lantern and a small window lets moonlight in . If you were to look through it, you would have an eye view of the street. the window isn't big enough to slip out of, though.

Nana looks down at you and hands you the key.

"It opens on both sides. In case something happened to me in my sleep and you never got out..heh. You seem like a good sort. Keep the key and lock, just in case.

Good night, Calliope.""

The trap door shuts and you are left alone in the cellar.

Time to ask Fharlanghn for further guidance, as you sit cross legged on the cold floor and light an incensed candle, taking out a single dove's feather as an offering to the God of Roads...

The moonlight shines with a brighter silvery color through the small cellar window as the squeaking from the cages stop- a higher power has come in.

For the second time today, you feel he presence of the Divine overwhelm you as your eyes fix on the burning feather and the room wafts with sweet incense as this one takes on odd shapes, vaguely human as they walk around you and play with your hair and whisper into your ear, a whisper as cryptic as the cellar you are in.


To find the man with the Quill,

Stop the Cruel Queen's Toy

To the Mercy bring Joy

And her Puppet do Kill


it's a cold breeze that snuffs the candle and causes the incense shapes to dance into the walls and disappear as you lay on the cold floor and look at your reflection on the oil lantern, distorted.

What does this mean? Will the gods ever give you a straight answer?

It is then that a set of heavy footsteps can be heard above, on the main floor of the pub as nana's voice can be heard speaking to whoever came in, which is strange, since you never heard a door open.

She's sobbing... sobbing uncontrollably. And that figure- whoever it is, walks up to her as it sobs too, but this is not a sob you have heard a man or any other race you know make before as both speak in a language you have never heard before taking a few steps and then...

They are heard no more.

[AlanBruce]

@Masix: It sure would be nice to be able to lunge in front of a comforting fireplace like Lord Royce is doing, but for the old noble, it isn't idle complacency, but painful nostalgia.

He never had an heir and his wife passed passed away many years ago. A devout Pelorian, Lord Royce worked day and night to amass his fortune, which wasn't much at the beginning, carrying with him only a name and no small amount of debts left by his father, but eventually, his perseverance proved true and today, Lord Batthias Royce is a strong supporter of the church of Pelor, the city and its fellow Halmathans, having opposed Connor many times in the long heated debates in the palace of Justice.

Needless to say, he's most likely on His Holiness' black list.

"Peace is a such a fleeting word as of late, my friend. I shall not utter your name here, but I would be a terrible host if I did not invite you to a chair.. and some brandy.""

The old lord gets up and avoids eye contact with you as he gestures a chair opposite his in front of the crackling fireplace. Comfortable furniture. No loose springs or worm eaten legs. No dust or the smell of garbage here as the old noble serves you a glass from his bar and places the glass on the table next to you and sits back on his chair.


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"I have been incapacitated ever since Connor took office, my friend. The mask suits you. Truth be told, I would have preferred a missive to meet elsewhere. Barring that, a knock on the front door. The fact the Nessus Estates don't have ground patrols doesn't seem we aren't watched...""

Lord Royce takes a sip from his glass and aims at the ceiling.

And then you look at the fine glass as the fire reflects on its surface and you swill the brandy inside, looking at the painting of Lord Royce and his wife. This is a matter he would understand well.

The old noble looks at the portrait and sighs as he gets up and walks to a desk, opening several drawers.

"I know how much she meant to you, old friend. She had fire in her eyes, there is no denying that. I can only hope that same fire hasn't quenched from yours with her passing. What I have will not ease your suffering... and I don't know if it will bring you closure, but I suppose that if anyone needs to see this, it is you.""

Lord Royce hands you an old file.



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Patient Name: Cordelia Rosenkrantz

Gender: Female

Age: 27

Skills: Martial mastery, stealth, minor spell casting abilities

Proposal: Subject Cordelia is a prime candidate for the Inceptum Vespertilio Program. Her abilities as a homo sapiens are already remarkable, but that provides her clout. A way needs to be procured to make her death apparent to everyone.

Once she has been "buried", the Subject is to be transferred to The Facility and put under her Indoctrination Program.

Final Thoughts: If this specimen is able to survive, her latent abilities will be awakened by a hundred percent, making Subject Cordelia a prime Bio Weapon unlike any seen. Her memories will have been replaced completely and we shall be able to implant whatever belief we want onto her synapse.

This should be the window we need to further the Ubersoldsatdt Initiative.


Lord Royce looks at the fire as you read the file and finishes his drink.

"I never said you would like it, but I did find it fitting that you were the first to see it. This was a series of old files recovered from a crazed Runestone Mage years ago. Through my connections, I was able to make sure this copy ended in my hands, since I had already my suspicions regarding her death- Cordelia was not someone to go down easy.

I am afraid that for now, that is all I can do to help you, although I fear I have brought you much grief...and for this, I am sorry,""

[El'the Ellie]

Calliope rests uneasily that night for a number of reasons, the last of which being the cot and thin blankets: that she could handle.

The first being the status of people in the Mercy. She couldn't help but look over at the rats and know that that's what was being eaten. Every time she tried to close her eyes a new reason that was horrible came to her. And that was what people were paying for at a tavern. Odds are the majority of the Mercy would be lucky to get a rat a day. What on Earth were the even less fortunate eating? At least there was something she could do about that come the morning.

Next was the divination. It was a bat habit of Calliope's to divine before bed: she liked to be able to sleep on the new information, but sometimes it was troubling enough that it prevented her sleep.
Who is the Cruel Queen? And her puppet... The word was not 'break' or 'destroy', but 'kill'. Must I really become a killer to find Corwin? I suppose it would be best if the puppet in question is some sort of beast, not a person. But then, what beast would lurk in the Mercy.
Probably a lot, actually. 'Cruel Queen' is so vague though. Maybe one of the latest warlords of the Mercy is a woman? I need to find someone who knows more about the power struggle.

And finally there was Nana Rose. There was much Calliope didn't know about the gnome's life, and it wasn't Calliope's place to pry. But still, something was off. Not just unfortunate, almost... unnatural. Whatever... It's the bottom of a long list of problems for now...

Eventually however, sleep finds her. Calliope dreams of fat snakes hunting skinny rats.

The next morning...

Again, I don't mean to push the game over to the next day, everyone take their time. I just want to do something before things start to pick up whenever the next day begins.

Calliope gets up with the sunrise. She had a lot to do today, and despite some lost sleep the purpose filled her with energy. Plus, she wanted her gift to Nana Rose to be a bit of a surprise.

She begins, as she does every day, with a prayer to Fharlanghn.

"The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say."

Once her mind and soul is filled with the tools she will need for the day, she takes out the fragments of her font and, with a simple orison, mends it. Satisfied, she gathers her things, brushes the snarls out of her hair, and heads back to the main room of the Bitter Coffee. She starts pushing tables and chairs out of the way: Calliope would need a lot of room for what she was about to do. Once she has enough space to work, she sits crosslegged on a wooden table, closes her eyes in concentration, and begins channeling Fharlanghn's energy to an extreme amount.

Over the next hour, the space before her starts to fill with food and water, and no small amount.
Several conjured barrels of fresh water, free from the microscopic diseases that undoubtedly lived in the drinking water in the Mercy.
Round, hearty loaves of whole grain bread, bushels of vegetables: potatoes, carrots, onions, and kale. Not the highest quality you could find in Hamalthan, but good enough to make any reasonable market-goer happy.
Essential, live sustaining proteins and fats: beans, fish, ground chuck, chicken.
A smattering of fruits for easy, temporary energy: apples, oranges, a few bananas and even a watermelon.
And small conjured jars of trace minerals: salts and iodine for healthy hormone balance and production.

https://assets.merriam-webster.com/mw/images/article/art-global-footer-recirc/[email protected]

When it was done, Calliope looked up at her handiwork and wiped a small bead of sweat from her brow. She knew, with some regret, that it would lack the real punch that proper food had in flavor: the bread was not that warm, crackling fresh that she found so irresistible. The fruit sweetness was only a shadow of what you might get in Hamalthan markets, and the meat was a bland muted taste. But it was better than rats.
"A hell of a lot better than rats. I just wish I could do more." Calliope whispered to herself without realizing it. It all had to be eaten within the day, of course, but somehow Calliope figured none of it would go wasted.

Now it was just time to see what Nana Rose thought.

Casting Triad Spell on Create Food and Drink to add two more copies of it to my spell list.
Then casting Create Food and Drink five times. Each spell provides 1 day worth of sustenance for 3xCaster Level people. (3x9x5 = food for 135 people)

[grifter730]

Masix: (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1251748)

Masix stared in open-mouthed disbelief at the papers. His eyes moved to look at Lord Royce, trying to detect any hint of deception, but the man seemed serious. Slumping back on the chair, Masix took a long gulp of his drink and swallowed every last drop, letting the alcohol burn his belly and warm his throat. After a long moment of confoundment, Masix leaned forward, elbows on his knees, hands clasped together.

"Lots of ultra secretive sounding words in that document," Masix said to Lord Royce. "Do you know anything of this Inceptum Vespertilio Program or the Indoctrination Program? Perhaps information about The Facility? Or, what was it, the U-ber-sold-satdt Initiative? A bunch of mouthful words, all of which seem to indicate the genesis of some sort of super soldier program being created here in this gods forsaken city. And what happened to this Runestone Mage from whom you extracted this file from?"

Masix massaged his temples. "Excuse the barrage of questions, old friend. This news grows heavy in my heart. Death seems now a mercy to the kindness that was Cordelia."

[AlanBruce]

@Masix: The fire dims to embers as Lord Royce pokes them to reignite the fire as you read the file again and again...

What did they do to Cordelia???

"The story behind that file lies in Runestone, my friend. To be more precise, one of the eight Grand Masters of Magic there, one twisted man who came to be known as Dr. Cutter.

It was said that Cutter was a master in the arts of Transmutation, but his methods were highly unethical. The Council of Mages of such an Academy got word of what he was doing somewhere in Hope's Caress, before the fire, where he was said to have a home.

The number of people subjected to his... experiments were a staggering amount. When the City Guard found them, they had no choice but to put them to the sword. Cutter was sent immediately to trial for the atrocities committed and banished from Halmathan as a whole... and that was the end of his story.""

You keep tour eyes fixed on the file and on Cordelia's photo, aged and crumpled and glued to the file. That was the look you remember from her, but if this Cutter got ahold of her...

"Regarding a facility, Indoctrination... super soldiers? That, my friend, I do not know. This file was found in his empty quarters at Runestone once he had eloped to Hope's caress.

Chances are he had already gotten ahold of her... and chances are that the City Guard put her down when his lab was found. This last part I cannot confirm, but if what this document says is true, I hope such is the case.""

Lord Royce gets up from his chair and walks towards you, placing his hand on your shoulder.

"Do not embark on a voyage of woe, my friend. This was years ago. I question the validity of this document myself, but I felt you had to see it regardless. Keep it if you wish. Now, I am afraid that our meeting must come to an end. Brandy does get me a tad tired..and this is my third glass this evening.

Shall I walk you to the door or will you use the window?""



@Calliope: Who knows what Nana is saying...and to whom, but her sobbing is not fake, that much is clear. Something had her distraught while you and Pythia talked to her, blaming it on onions...

None where seen on the counter or behind her.

One can only guess that in a place like The Mercy the facade of a tough guy only goes as far as closed doors are concerned. But that is the least of your worries now as you look at the wick of your burnt out incense candle and lay on the ground, looking at the wooden ceiling.

A Cruel Queen... to your knowledge, there is no queen in Halmathan, only a king...and he is gone.

And what is this puppet that must be killed... Fharlaghn teaches that Death is the last road everyone must take when their time is due, but he has never preached that such a road must be brought abruptly to any traveler.

If a god like yours asks for blood, it must mean that this is something that cannot be allowed to walk the Roads of Oerth, but can you bring yourself to smite this "puppet"?

The floor is cold as your eyes grow heavy after all events transpired in just one day. There will be many more questions to ask on the morrow, that's for sure.

Hopefully Pythia can help you meet who's who around here.


The next morning.... (This will be merged in accordance with the other PCs's actions)

The light from the small cellar window awakens you as the distant song of a rooster heralds a new day and you look at the small cellar window, sitting cross legged on the floor as you intone the prayers to The Traveler, that he might guide you through this long treacherous road...

The rats squeak beneath their covered cages.

They are definitely not on the menu today.

Nana's key proves to be the real thing as you unlock the heavy lock and push the trapdoor open.

The smell of liquor no longer fills the empty pub. The barred windows let a bunch of sunlight in and Nana's boys have cleaned the tables as well as they can...

But Nana isn't here. Nowhere to be found.

These people have endured a lot, and this will not be the solution to end all their needs, but at least this day, The Mercyfolk shall be treated to food- not one caught in some dirty pantry or scurrying in a sewer.

Since there is nobody here to help, you struggle to arrange the tables as close as they can to each other, creating something akin to one large mess hall table, found commonly at barracks, churches or noble homes.

Then, you walk behind the counter and grab as many bowls and glasses and pitchers as you can find and arrange them on the tables.

The patrons should be coming shortly, as you use a chair to gain access to the furthest table and sit cross legged and take a deep breath as you call upon the powers granted by Fharlaghn. If these were allowed in the City, before Connor banned them, so many problems that could be resolved.

Then again, the mystic energy required for this spell is exhaustive, as you visualize a feast fit for hundreds as your arms call forth the wind from the opened barred windows and this one coalesces around your hands as you keep your eyes shut and attempt to draw in your mind the purest of water, that which Mother Beory weeps upon the land every fortnight.

Then you see a huge orchard and a a garden of fruits and vegetables that spill like rain and you can hear them bouncing on the table as you open your eyes and watch a cornucopia of food and water swell over the tables to the point that a few apples roll on the ground as the pitchers and bowls are brimming with fresh clean water,

If only anyone where here to see this miracle... because you are exhausted.

It s then that several footsteps can be heard outside the Bitter Coffee, with Vim's voice being the first as she jangles with what appears to be a key ring.

I am quite sure she said it was the red one... or was it the green one?

It's a male voice that knocks on the door.

You think she's in there? And I really am not looking forward to rat. If only they had wild boar for me to hunt around this place...

It's a third female voice, much more stern that responds:

I would not want to eat anything hunted here in the wild... if such a thing exists here. They keep the rats in the cellar, right? At least we get a break from that insufferable...

It is then that the door opens and Vim comes in, dangling a key ring around her finger.

"I told you guys I could do it and... whaaaa?""

Vim's eyes widen as she walks up to the tables, filled with a kingly feast as you step down from them and the bard smiles and runs towards you, giving you a huge warm embrace.

"Wow! You did this? This is... this is amazing! Guys look!""

It's two figures that walk into the Bitter Coffee. The first is a man dressed like a hunter, down to the bow and quiver, who bows courteously to you.


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"Nana was right: a priestess of Fharlaghn graces The Mercy. Rothen of Suel, a pleasure meeting you, Calliope.""

Behind him, a slightly taller and well armored woman walks in and does her best to hide the surprise, as she clacks her metal heels together and does a military salute.


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"Senerain Blach, at the service of The Merciful Father. By Phaulkon! I have never seen a bounty like this in the Bitter Coffee. It is a pleasure to meet you miss Calliope.""

Vim walks around the tables and tries counting the many fruits and vegetables and pitchers of water, but end up laughing.

"Well! I guess we are off rat peeling duty! Calliope, this is Rothen of Suel, Borazon's Bow.

And Senerain Blach, Borazon's Blade.""

The two phaulkonites blush and smile at Vim.

"We already introduced ourselves, Vim. Let us arrange this food for the people to come in and eat it properly. You have our gratitude, Calliope.""

Senerain walks up to you and kneels.

"Rare is a gesture so selfless as the one I have witnessed, Miss calliope. I wish nana were here to see this. Will you be staying here today? At the Bitter Coffee?""

[Centaurion]

@Lendra: Prustina turns around and smiles as she opens the door and you can see several half orcs wearing leather armor and wielding falchions standing outside, as well as a trio of lithe masked archers behind them.

"I really hope it wasn't in vain, Lendra. This isn't a turf war, child: this is our home being taken and everyone in it exterminated...or worse.

Despite what some here might think, we aren't the bad guys. We are the ones trying to make The Mercy a better place. Our methods may not be pleasing to all, but we work with what we have.

And once the dust settles and this conflict is finished, we can sit down and break bread if you so wish. Until then, I have other people to see. If you wish to help, you know where to go.

So long.""


The door slams hard behind her as Vargas serves himself another drink and closes his eyes as you address him.

"Look, Lendra: I made a promise to your folks that I would keep you safe. I want to keep you safe, I... ""

Vargas gets up and nearly drops the glass off the table as he looks at the fireplace.

"It's like fifteen years ago... in three days. You have become far stronger than I in all these years. This should come as no surprise. It's the bottle...and the opiates. Heh!

They make you soft. I wanted to leave this place. Take you and Kara with me. sail as far away from this Gods forsaken city. Find a nice island. Settle down.""

Vargas looks at you from the corner of his eyes as the fires cast a strong shadow on his hardened face.

"At this point, it's you and Trithereon riding alone. Godspeed.""

For a moment, Lendra stands still, feeling the emotions wash over her. Vargas had been family for so long now. His inactivity, his fatigue, they do not feel like betrayal. If anything, they felt like love. Vargas had become weak, maybe it was the drugs. Maybe the age. Those damn drugs! But still, Lendra owes him so much more than she could ever repay. Slowly, she walks over to him, to his side and stands beside him for a moment, staring into the fire, as they had done before, after Aiden was killed.

"Vargas. My friend. Imshari.* I will never be alone as it is your strength in my arms and your courage in my heart. You have fought so long, but I feel like my battle has just begun. Maybe you are right, maybe there is nothing here for us to save. If you think it is best, take Kara and leave this place behind. If the gods allow it, I will find you. But you know as well as I do that I cannot leave this place while such atrocities are gaining power. One thing I know though."

She turns around and stands between him and the fire place. She is tall, but he is still taller. Getting on her toes, she gently takes his head into her hands and kisses him on the forehead as he has done often with her.

"You never broke your promise, and now that I am old enough, it is on me to hold up the legacy. All your efforts of saving me will not have been in vain. You taught me how to protect myself, and your wisdom will guide me through my battles." A short pause, as she stands and looks into the fire again, wiping something off her eye.

"And now I should go, and see whether the elf told the truth." She tries to swallow down the lump in her throat, and turns to leave, not before she once more puts her hand on his shoulder. No matter how courageous she might be, Vargas is her oldest friend still alive, and part of her just wants to follow his ideas to leave town. But then, it returns into her mind.

300.

* orcish for older relative (than the person saying it) and protector (of the person saying it).

[dantiesilva]

“Then instead of fighting the warlords as a whole look for those the people can at least trust to keep their word. If you can get enough of them to join forces it will be easier to eliminate those we know are incapable of being any good for those who live in Hope’s Caress.” She says, not liking the idea, but believing that using a system that was already in place would be much easier to change, than one that had not seen the light of day in over fifteen long years. Hamalthan was not built in a day, nor would Hope’s Caress be reborn in a day. “Another problem is people with empty stomachs, and no coin tend to be more desperate then those with it, meaning more likely to turn to crime. If we make the warlords into Governers or some other such title their men would in essence be the police. The Hawks have proven this can work, but they are alone, and without aid I doubt they will last much longer than any of the others. Perhaps having the Society and Hawks meet could be a first step?” she suggests to Nana, trusting in the woman’s wisdom to know if this could bear fruit or not.

As Nana reminds Pythia of how the king once used to walk the city streets of Hope’s Caress she listens to the tale with great interest. If the king once walked these streets perhaps the people could be reminded of their noble heritage, and taught to walk with their heads held high once again. She thinks to herself, though doesn’t voice this as it seemed still too far off to do anything with just yet. Though perhaps she could turn this into a song for the Bitter Coffee for another night to try to remind them all, as well as herself of how they once were.

“Nana you didn’t!” Pythia says stifling a laugh at the thought of the king sleeping in the storage room below the bitter coffee, before adding. “If the king slept their you could make it a tourist attraction.” The young bard says with some added mirth in her voice at the idea of people coming to see where the king of the city once slept. “It’s been so long since I heard stories of how great our home once was Nana Rose, thank you. I will treasure this forever.”

As Pythia gets ready to reply, she hears Nana explain she rather not talk about it and bows her head in submission to the woman’s wishes. After all Nana always took care of everyone, there was no point in angering her over such an idea.

As the Hawk’s and Vim are being escorted home, Pythia notes the torches almost going out and looks to Vim. Why don’t we help the boys Vim, after all they are making sure we get home.” And as she says this four balls of light come into existence in a 10ft. radius around her taking the NE, NW, SE, and SW position allowing the Hawks a little extra light, and not wanting to make Vim work to hard on trying to produce a spell. “When I was younger I had dreams of one day performing at the theater, however now I much rather work with smaller theater groups. They are less likely to draw the attention the Royal theater seems to gather, meaning you are less likely to get in trouble for a bad performance. Besides Vim you are too good for them, they lost you when they didn’t allow you to join them. You did not lose anything. You bring hope to those we live with each night you play, and ease the minds of everyone in the room. In truth I am jealous of how well you play the harp. My father tried teaching me how to play instruments when I was younger. Let’s just say I was too busy dancing in the park with all the natural spirits that were so free. Sitting still to play an instrument would drive me crazy as a child and I would often try to hide each one my parents bought for me so I wouldn’t have to play.” Pythia shares with the group, trying to lighten everyones mood, while remaining quite enough so that she did not disturb the Hawks from paying attention.

As they leave Vim at her house for the night and walk towards her own she notes the shadows in the alley seeming to be a bit darker than normal, as well as the hands casually growing closer to the blades of each Hawk. “If you wish I can try wrapping us in an illusion, but that would give away that we know something is watching.” Pythia says softly to her closest guard, making sure to keep her eyes forward still as if nothing was going on.

Once home she quickly opens the door to her home, and sends the lights inside quickly to make sure no one was inside before bidding her guards goodbye, and wishing them a safe night. Closing and locking the door quickly behind her, she pushes one of the pieces of furniture, or at least what could be considered as furniture in the mercy, infront of the door as an extra barricade before making her way to her bed where she quickly uses a simple cantrip to take her sheets out and as another one of her spells fixes the worst of the damage to the mattress. At this point it was a losing battle, however it reminded her that so long as one tried something could always be done to help fix something that was broken. With the matress as good as it was going to be, and that only meant no springs stabbing her in the middle of the night, she allowed her earlier spell to lay down the sheets as she went to her secret cubby, a brick she had hallowed out and used to hide her coins, and most prized possession, the picture of her with her parents.

“Well Mom I’m trying, bought some chalk for the kids today at that school I was telling you and dad about. And meet a nice gnome at Runestone who donated a chalkboard to them. I’m thinking of applying their Dad, who knows maybe they might finally get me to learn how to play an instrument like you always wanted.” Pythia says to the picture of her parents, as if she were talking to them in real life. “Also I meet this young woman today, I think you two would like her, she is Staying with Nana for the night, and is thinking about donating some of her books to the school. She is a priestess of the Wander and with luck she may stay here in Hope’s Caress to help us all out.” She tells her two parents in the portrait, before looking at the lantern. “Well I have to go to sleep now, not much oil left in the lamp. I love you.” Pythia says, kissing the picture of both her parents before placing it back in its hiding place and replacing the brick so no one would know it was there before going to her bed and laying down, blowing out the lantern.

[AlanBruce]

@Pythia: Nana listens to your words and nods.

"It has been considered, Pythia. Many times. The problem is that everyone has an idea of what the 'right' way is to govern the Mercy, should it become independent. Many don't share the same beliefs as you.

Grant them a patch of land and suddenly they want it a few yards bigger. Perhaps that extra street. Why not that building yonder which, so happens, belongs to the other good governor?

I am afraid that as long as people cannot really get together, your idea is good, but not possible. Not when you have at least three or four factions out here that do not like each other. You think The Hawks and The Society work together? No, child.

Kyle was... is a man of honor and has values that sadly, do not count for much here. The Society is not restricted by them. Then you have the other gangs, some which devote themselves to bringing suffering to the downtrodden.

And to add a final drop to a very full glass, we shall soon have a Church leader here, well established. That means Connor will begin exerting his influence here and that is a whole new can of worms that I do not have the time to get into tonight.""

Nana goes glum again when the name of Kyle is uttered by her, but you cheer her up by pointing at the cellar.

"Hehehehhee...yeah! I remember him sneaking in, his boots in his hands as he looked at me and pleaded:

Please, Nana. I had a bit too much of...everything. If you see an angel flying around? Tell him I'm not here.

Slept three days down in that cellar, like a baby. Didn't even ask for a mattress or a pillow. That's how he was, but that was years ago. Could I profit from it? Maybe, but these folks are strapped for cash as it is. And drinks here are not that cheap.

I have to make a living too, you know. It's a little tale I share for special occasions, since Calliope here will be sleeping there tonight.

She can now boast she slept in the same room as the King.""

That is quite the story. Hope's Caress wasn't always this dreary broken husk of scorched buildings and misery. This place is rich with history, like the entire City of Power. All you have to do is listen.

And once you bid good bye to Calliope and Nana, you walk with a sizable retinue of Hawks, always keeping their senses up in case any fool would dare attack you as Vim runs her hand along the chord of her harp and this one casts off the simple Light spell.

"I think that's an excellent idea, Pythia! As for the Theater...yes. I suppose it is their loss. Lately, it has been a lot harder for me to find work outside The Mercy. Nana helps me as much as she can, but I do crave the limelight. When I was a child, my parents took me to the Royal Theater and by Lirr! It was spectacular! The dresses, the music. The dance...""

Vim walks a bit farther as she hums and dances away from the group, prompting one of your escorts to look at his fellow Hawk and roll his eyes as he rushes over to the Mercy Muse.

"Dance and talk in here, Vim. We love your stories, but we want you and Pythia inside this circle, ok?""

Vim blushes, not having realized her body took her dancing a few feet away and looks at you.

"Well, if you are interested, there is an artist here in The Mercy. She is a tad eccentric, but pays well! I can take you to see her whenever you have free time. I may have to let her know in advance, though:

She isn't much of a people person, but is harmless, I swear.""

Once Vim is left at her place in the Green Meadows Apartments, the Hawks escort you back to your own place, always vigilant.

"I wonder where Kyle is... he should be back by now.""

"He will be. He's probably dealing with those gangs he set out with The Society earlier today. Nothing he can't handle."

Once at your place, the Hawks are kind enough to open the door for you and you let the orbs of light shine in as one smiles and winks at you.

"All clear, Pythia. Have a good night.""


Once inside, you breathe a sigh of relief.

Vim didn't catch wind of it, but your escorts and you did:

You were being watched and followed... but by whom?

It's an old dresser that is pushed and used as a barricade on the door as you walk to the old bed and wave your hand in the air, singing the words of power as the bed sheets unfold themselves and welcome you to the worn out mattress you call a bed.


Then, you remove the loose brick from the wall and hide your stash, catching some moonlight from outside that shines on the old photograph, taken at what appears to be an eternity ago.

They say the dearly departed can still hear you... and that is one belief you aren't going to dismiss, as you sit on the ground and a single tear rolls down your cheek as you tell the last remnant of your family what you have done today. That you are striving to make this a better place, like the days back when you all lived together as a family.

You even got a free blackboard! Can't get a better bargain...

The tears inevitably come out. Truth be told, you miss them. How can you not? There is no worse feeling than the loneliness of sleeping every night without a mother's kiss and a father's embrace tucking you in.

And no pub or theater can ever fill that void, but by Lydia above... you are trying!

And so, kissing the photograph and putting it back in its safe spot, you lay on your bed. There is much to do tomorrow. That Calliope girl will be easy pickings for any hustler in The Mercy and you did invite her here.

And gods know this place needs a priest, since the one the City sent has been missing for way too long.


@Lendra: The Mercy has never been a kind place.

Even as a child, your parents had to fend off against all manner of ruffians, be they bearing rusted blades or dressed in the finest garments, life here has not been kind, but still, you have endured...

However, three hundred? All slain at once? Who would wield such abominable power and bring it down upon this place, which has suffered already for so long?

Vargas tries to hold in a tear as you kiss his head in a motherly fashion, mimicking his own gestures so many times, as the half orc looks at the fireplace and holds your hand.

"You are like your mother- Angijak - you carry iron in your blood, tempered in flames that can never be quenched.""

Vargas grabs a bottle of cheap liquor and looks at it before tossing it into the fireplace to ignite and shine a lot more.

"These old bones have not yet given up, Lendra. I shall protect Kara and this house. You go and follow Trithereon's tenets and protect our home, child. This isn't a good bye.""

The half orc gives you a quick paternal embrace- his race is not used to demonstrate affection, after all- before turning his back to you as you pick up your lance and blade and head out of the old farmstead.

The rain has subsided and the distant lights of the flame barrels signal your way to the more settled areas of The Mercy- mainly the old market place, The Bitter Coffee and The House of Knowledge.

You have been to these places before, of course, but in particular the House of Knowledge, since Pythia usually teaches music there.

Unlike you, Pythia is a lot more of a people person, which comes as no surprise- she has dedicated herself to singing the old songs and did mention in passing that she wished to teach her Craft, taught by Lydia herself to the Mercyfolk.

Naturally, magic is forbidden in the City and so, she did mention visiting Halmathan to see if something could be done, despite your initial hunch about how it may end...

Hopefully she made it back with good news.

It is as you round a corner that a group of beggars cough uncontrollably as they rest their tired bodies against the cold walls of a buildings, while others lay on the ground, shivering.

This is nothing new, sadly: The Mercy has not been properly maintained in decades. Garbage and filth have accumulated and only a few have done what they can to keep their own place as sanitary as possible.

Diseases of all sorts have become de rigueur in this district and yet... nobody does anything about it.

In the end, the bodies of those dead from malnutrition are eaten by the strays or dragged by some mad mage hiding from Connor’s laws for who knows what unholy purposes…

It is then that a your senses kick in.

As you walk down the alleys of The Mercy… you are being watched. By whom? Impossible to tell, but there is a fell feeling in the night sky as you grip your blade’s hilt, but nothing comes out of the shadows to lunge at you.

By the time you reach the Bitter Coffee, it is already late and the doors have been closed as you watch from the shadows as Pythia is escorted by several Hawks- yet another gang of vigilantes lead by a man called Kyle, a former Royal Guard from the City.

Amongst them is another woman, holding a beautiful harp as both ladies talk and Pythia uses her many arcane tricks to conjure multicolored spheres around the well protected group.

It is then that shadows above the buildings take grisly forms and it is only through your deep connection to Trithereon that a silent duel of wills takes place as the creatures look at you, their visage impossible to tell, being protected by darkness, with Pythia and her friends completely unaware.

To reveal yourself now, would mean these things would too and so, you become a silent escort in the shadows as the beasts seamlessly crawl up on the walls and sometimes fly like gnats, making no sound whatsoever as Pythia returns to her home, examines the interior and bids the men good bye.

Perhaps they could have been safe, but those things sensed you and your innate powers came into being without even being asked as they disappear into the night.

You are far from home now and Pythia's place is just across the street. You ca hear something heavy pushed against the door- she's barricading herself- smart girl.

But where to go now?

[grifter730]

Masix: (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1251748)

Masix nods at Lord Royce, making his way towards the window. "Apologies for the rather dramatic entrance, I had to see you right away. Just a few last questions, if I may. This Cutter, he might still be living in the Mercy?" Masix asked Lord Royce, a hint of hope in his voice. "What did he look like? Being a transmutation specialist, he'd most likely be dabbling with the arcane arts still. Might be able to track him down, and a description could go a long way to doing that. I'd have to ask around about arcane practitioners, I suppose, and that's not likely to go down well, what with no one wanting to admit it. Might have to go asking around in the Bitter Coffee, unless you have another suggestion?"

[AlanBruce]

@Masix: Lord Royce watches you get up from the chair and head to the window.

"I never met the man myself. It is said that by the time of his trial, he was barely recognizable from the illustrious mage who taught at Runestone. As far as everyone is concerned, he was banished, forbidden from ever returning to Halmathan under penalty of death....""

Lord Royce goes silent for a few seconds regarding your question.

"Many things that should not be are happening in the City since Connor's takeover. many inmates from St. Noria, sentenced for life have been spotted in The Mercy and some even in the City, so is it impossible for Cutter to have returned?

I shall let you ponder on that one.

If you want more information about him, Runestone would be my best bet, but a word of caution: Connor has his sights set on that school far more than any other place in The City. Be careful, given your affiliations.

Having said that, many practitioners of the arcane are said to have eloped to The Mercy. You might find some there that could provide further information than I. How you proceed from here, I leave it up to your own skill.

Safe travels, my friend.""

And so, you dash towards the window and look at the portrait of Lord Royce and his dead wife above the grand fireplace.

Had things gone differently, you could be in a house now with a portrait of you and Cordelia... Cordelia...

What did they do to her? This cannot go uncovered any longer. You need to find her or someone that can lead you to her.

And so, you leave Nessus' Estates, with the Eye in the Sky floating above the manors and following you at sluggish speed. It's search lights dim as the gears and propellers thrum in the still night air until you reach the gate and make your lengthy trip back to The Mercy.

More of Connor's machines chug black smoke in the urban sky as you make your way back. Not many people on the streets now, but plenty of lit windows in the high rises as ground patrols eye you with no small amount of suspicion, but do not stop to question you as one of them places his hand against his ear and motions for the guards to keep walking.

It would seem luck favors you this night.

Once past the half built Wall of Separation, you look around at the barely lit drum barrels and the drunk hobos sleeping around them, with a few trying to pickpocket their own sleeping comrades, hopeful to find at least one grimy silver piece.

Nana's place ought to be shut for the evening now and Hannah;s school is probably filled to the brim with Mercyfolk wanting a free bed.

[El'the Ellie]

Calliope is a bit surprised when Vim and the two warriors stroll in, but she smiles warmly at them all the same. Vim's hug takes her entirely off guard, and she uncomfortably returns it with an "Oh, ok..."
In fact between the bow and praise Calliope blushes and sort of stumbles over her greeting to the two new people.
"Oh hello! I'm um-- a pleasure to meet you. Err I mean, I've heard about you from Nana Rose but I didn't know..." Embarrassed, Calliope abandons whatever thought she was trying to get across and turns her attention to divvying out the food into portions.

"Please, think nothing of it." She says while the four of them help organize everything. "It's no more than what any proper cleric would do if they could. Do any of you have a knife..?" She says the last part holding up an apple with no way to cut it.

"I'm not sure." She says, answering Senerain "I plan on hunting down some answers today, and I suppose I'll be where that takes me. Although as fate would have it you are two of the people I was going to try to find today. Nana told me much and more about things that have happened in the Mercy of late, and I'll admit to being more than a little curious to the details. I'm trying to find out what happened to Borazon, and his companion Archadious. I know the path of a head priest is rarely a straight one, but it seems so... upsetting that he would accept a title like Borazon the Merciful and then... well, leave the Mercy. What worries me is that he wouldn't be the first person of note that suddenly disappeared. I figure if anyone knew what he was up to it would be his Bow and his Blade. Similarly, a man named Tonel Carth. Apparently he was a phaulkonite priest that arrived with Archadious, but he seems to have just... vanished as well. At least as far as I can tell."

She busies herself with the food for a while while they respond, and then switches topics.

"You also seem like you two know a thing or two about the Mercy as it stands right now. I'm also looking for someone who might have the title... The Cruel Queen? Or perhaps just someone that would fit that description. I know that when Sarjon was taken down there's been something of a power vacuum here: could she be some new force in that regard?"

[dantiesilva]

“I do not think the Hawks and Society work together, but I think they could if they could come to a mutual agreement, and then it would be a start at least. Besides the Hawks how many other gangs can you think of that would be open to such an agreement? At least with the Society it has a chance of success I believe. Who knows I may be wrong, but isn’t trying to build a better future for the next generation part of growing up?” Pythia asks Nana, after all she had with the help of others made the Bitter Coffee safe, and thus far the School was also safe. What was stopping more places from becoming safe places to live within Hope’s Caress besides the unwillingness to change?

“That is only if the Merciful father returns or one of his flock are allowed to take up the mantle of High Priest. Until that happens I doubt Connor will pay any more head then he has done thus far to Hopes Caress. And what if he does? If he notes we are starting to become organized we may become part of the city once more, and flourish like in ages long past.”

“And I am talking about people from the city, if you could prove that the king slept here people from Hamalthan would no doubt come to see the place their king once slept bringing revenue to Hope’s Caress once more.” Pythia explains, making it like a tourist attraction for the city folk.

As Vim and Pythia help keep the lights lit with their own magic she listens to how Vim simply wished to be noticed and how it was becoming harder and harder to find jobs outside Hope’s Caress. “I am sure the school would always welcome someone of your talent to teach the kids music Vim. It may not be the limelight you dreamed of, however if you were a good teacher your legacy would live on well past you as each generation of young bards taught the next what you taught them ages ago.” She says trying to paint an image in Vim’s mind that there were many forms of glory and fame. “As for your artist friend, I do not see what it could hurt in going to pay her a visit one day. How about we meet back up at the Bitter Coffee tomorrow after we both have our busy days, and we can talk about meeting your friend. Though I must ask why she would pay any mind to me, after all I am nothing special Vim. Just another person from Hope’s caress.”

As the Hawks open the door for Pythia and let her know it is all safe for her she gives a slight bow, telling them all to have a safe night before departing into her sanctuary of a shack for the night.


The Next Morning

As the morning sun rises up into the sky, Pythia slowly gets dressed for the next day, tucking her sheets once more under her bed so that they were hidden from anyone simply looking in a window or hole in the wall before taking out 50gp from her coin purse and placing them in her backpack for the days adventures along with the chalkboard, chalk, ink, and inkpen she already had within, never mind her instruments. With her sword strapped securly to her waist, and her chainmail armor hidden underneath her dress, the young bard began making her way towards the Bitter Coffee to collect Calliope so the two could go to the school house.

[Baby Gary]

As the sun slowly rises over the horizon Will rolls over and opens his eyes to gaze at the it. He slowly sits up to take in the brilliant sun and not be too blinded by its light. After about a minuet he got up on walked to the washstand on the other side of his room. There he cleans his face, combs his hair, and gets fully dressed with his chain under his cream silk shirt. He pulls on his soft, brown, leather boots and dons his brown coat. He then opened the secret hole in his floor and pulled out a rather beat up mattress made of reeds and put everything else in the room, the mirror, good mattress, and the washstand, into this cubby and closes it. Slinging his pack on his shoulder he makes his way out of his room and into the streets.

Walking through the rubble that is everywhere Will thinks about yesterday and all the crazy stuff that happened. Mulling this information over he makes his way to the Bitter Coffee to get a bite to eat and a bit to drink before heading back to Hannah's to continue his book. Right when he got to the Bitter Coffee Will opened the doors and walked inside.

[AlanBruce]

@Will: It's a restless night as you wake up several times, with the unnerving thought that someone is right in the corner of your small darkened apartment, leering in the shadows...

The colors of dawn couldn't be more welcomed, as you wash your face and look at the cracked fragment of a mirror and try and shave what little stubble you may have given your heritage.

Hopefully Rusty didn't make too much of a mess at Hannah's House last night...

The streets are already filled with all manner of people, few which can be trusted as you sink your hands into your pockets and walk down Market Street, which isn't really the name, but that's where vendors set up shop every morning until about noon, selling whatever goods they have managed to grow in tiny well hidden gardens.

People would literally kill here to have a patch of healthy land to grow food from and so, you peruse the goods, many of which are hardly what you'd call legit.

At least there is a sort of Honor System when it comes to goods in The Mercy: milk.

If a goat is tied to a table with goods, you know that the milk is good, fresh and a little pricier than usual.

If there isn't a goat, well... it's a lot cheaper.

But no time for that now, as you head to The Bitter Coffee and find Vim, the mercy Muse, along with Rothen and Senerain, the only two Phaulkonites in the entire city of Halmathan tending to the pub as the priestess Calliope speaks to them and then your eyes focus on the center of the pub.

Fruits and meats and water... all of fine quality- or at least as fine as it gets past this district. Did they buy all this at the market? Impossible.

Vim watches you come in and waves as the others nod and help set up the tables.

"Good morning! Lirr smile upon you! You are here for breakfast? It's free!""


@Pythia: Nana shakes her head as she looks at the drunken patrons.

"At least one out of three people in this place alone is hatching some half baked scheme to claim The Mercy as we speak. These people, like you, have lived here all their lives. Some have crossed the Wall recently, but unlike you or Calliope or even Vim in the stage, they don't have the best interest of everyone but their own.

Few people like to share power, Pythia. It's scent too alluring. This should be well known by now if you have been beyond the wall....

And I wouldn't put my faith on Connor, child. I never trusted that snake when he first reared his head, and I trust him a lot less now.

I wish we could all come together like a big happy family, but truth be told, that is an illusion. The best we can do is hope that they don't tear at each other's throats. Enter The Hawks and even The Society to establish some semblance of order.""



Once outside and en route to your homes, escorted by Kyle's men, Vim rubs her chin in thought.

"Well duh! It never crossed my mind! Pythia, you're a genius! I think I might visit Sister Hannah this week. See if she wants to take me in as a teacher. Playing for a pub full of drunken gropers isn't my thing.

Maybe the glitz of the City isn't for me...at least for now. You have given me much to think about Pythia.

And we are special. You and I are performers! In fact, this artist I mentioned, she will be delighted to meet you. Like I said before: she's a bit... weird, but nice.

See you around!""


The next day, you wake up and push the heavy dresser away, glad to not have had your shack burglarized and check on your stash.

Everything's there.

And so, you head to The Bitter Coffee, only to find Vim already there, helping place a bunch of food on plates, as well as The Merciful Father's acolytes: Rothen and Senerain.

The Mercy Bard, Will half elven is here as well. You have seen him many times teaching music at Hannah's School. Never before have you had a chance to actually converse throughly into musical matters, let alone have a duel the likes The Mercy has never heard before, but you never know.

The guy doesn't seem like a bad fellow, as Calliope can be seen in the pub as well, with a cornucopia of food and fresh water- a feast never before seen in this place.

Rothen watches you come in and does a courteous bow.

"Welcome. You are just in time for breakfast, free of charge.""

Oddly enough, neither Nana nor Kyle are here.




@Calliope: Vim's hug catches you by surprise and it does feel awkward as you return with a couple of pats to her back.

Personal space is a thing, after all... but some people are huggers and Vim Vom is certainly one of them.

However, your attention goes to both Rothen and Senerain, both of whom had been mentioned by Nana the night prior.

Rothen takes out a dagger and places it on the table.

"This is quite the feast, Calliope. You have The Mercy's gratitude. Nana came to see us and asked that we keep an eye out on The Bitter Coffee today. After that, we went to pick up Vim at her apartment. Nana Rose has the habit of leaving without giving much explanations, but she's a resourceful gnome:

I am sure we will see her again later today.

As for the knife, please, allow me to peel these. I was raised in a barn with twelve brothers and sisters. Cooking for a big group is second nature to me...after hunting. Sure miss those days back in Suel. Where the air is a lot cleaner.""

Senerain sits down and takes out a small blade herself and begins peeling.

"Speak for yourself, Rothen: you didn't have to live in the Empyrium. Sad to say, this place isn't too different.

So you want answers? I am certain you will find some here in The Mercy, but be warned: the locals aren't friendly. That's most of them....""

Senerain drops the apple and Rothen looks at her as you mention Borazon and Archaidous, concern in their face.

The archer places his hand on your shoulder and shakes his head.

"Fate has a way of guiding people, right? Let me be your guide in this matter, Calliope:

Do not concern yourself with The Merciful father and Archaidous. We are on it. Borazon is like a brother to us both. Archaidous I knew very little, but Borazon was a great friend of his and his exploits are legendary outside and the City and within.

As for Tonel Carth... no. I do not know where he could be. If you are going to help The Mercy, Calliope, I would suggest you try routing out the small gangs that pester the good folk here. I am sure that is what Borazon would want.""

On the matter of disappearances, Vim is completely oblivious as she prepares the table and Senerain looks at you.

"That is one thing you could help us with. In a semi official way, we are ... and I hate using this term "The Law", according to the Grand Inquisitor, but we are only two. There isn't much we can do, but if you would lend us a hand, perhaps together we can solve the Mercy's problems, one disappearance at a time, what do you say?"

On the matter of the Cruel Queen, Senerain cuts her finger as she peels an apple and winces from the pain while Rothen ignores your query for a few seconds, arranging the plates before responding.

"A... warlord, like so many others here in this place. They all like giving themselves fancy titles. Senerain and I arrived after Sarjon's fall, but we have been around enough to know the who's who around here.

The Society is the biggest gang, and they control a lot of what happens in The Mercy, but they are a fractioned group, mostly operating under their own auspices, independent of the current leader.

The Roosters are a petty gang that does what the other half a dozen gangs do: steal. Nothig we can do about rounding them up, but not a big issue.

The closest thing to a Queen, would be a King... in title only.

King Kurgen of the Cold Hammers, a gang of toughened old school gladiators. They won't come to you, but if you are looking for a bloody fight, the Ludus Magnus is where you'll find them. I don't suggest that you go alone, though.""


It is then that you watch Pythia coming in and finally, a face you can relate:

After all, both have been raked through the coals in Connor's Court.

[grifter730]

Masix: (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1251748)

There was plenty for Masix to ponder as he made his way back from the estate. There were several leads, though none seemed particularly substantial, still, an insubstantial lead is still better than no lead. He could investigate St. Noria, where both Cutter and Cordelia seemed to have resided at for a time. He could go to Runestone, where Lord Royce recommended to go for a more solid lead on Cutter, though that school seems to be guarded more than the usual places. Lastly, he could ask some of the City's or Mercy's infamous arcane practitioners for leads on Cutter. Mulling it over in his head, Masix figured irrationally that a heavily guarded place would more likely turn up better results, plus it was the place Lord Royce recommended. That thought settled, Masix took off his disguise in an abandoned building. Next, he dabbed and sprinkled a bit of whiskey over his body, sniffing the odour to make sure it was strong enough, before making his way back to Hannah's school, playing the drunkard needing a place to sleep for the night.


Perform (acting as a drunkard): [roll0]

If nothing else happens at night, the next day Masix will help Hanna with the chores, befores making his first stop at the Bitter Coffee to gather his thoughts, get some grub, and get the latest news while preparing to make his way to Runestone, perhaps someone there might have more info on the place.

[El'the Ellie]

Calliope doesn't let the matter of Borazon and Archadious drop quite so easily. "Perhaps I can help you. I'm not much of a warrior, unlike yourselves: my strengths are in hunting information, not people. Have we tried sending to him? Or scrying? If he's not protected by whatever monster deterred my scrying on the King then I see little reason not to try."

Still, Calliope's not quite sure these two are telling her all they know.

Sense Motive! I'm not sure if I should split it up for different topics or just roll once, but for Borazon and Archadious: [roll0]

And for the Cruel Queen: [roll1]

Something about King Kurgen being this Cruel Queen seems off to her. Divinations were not always accurate, certainly, but it was 'her' puppet she was supposed to kill, not 'his'.

"No... I suspect it's not him I'm looking for, unless he has a toy and a puppet." If her phrasing is cryptic, she's too preoccupied with her own thoughts to notice. "Plus I have no desire to have my face smashed in today. But I suppose in the mean time I'll be spending a while in the Mercy. Certainly, I could help you find some of these missing people. Who are we looking for?"

She waves at Will cordially. "Good morning! By the Traveler, the musicians in the Mercy just keep coming, don't they?" She says the last part with a gesture to his instruments, and seeing Pythia arriving a bit behind him.

[Baby Gary]

When Will walks into the bar he spotted the priestess from last night talking to two of the merciful father's protégés; at first he makes nothing of it but when he hears the words "The Cruel Queen" he started to think that there was a lot that he didn't know that he learned yesterday. When the afore mentioned priestess hails him he walks over to her to talk. "Nana, can I have a cup of coffee, the regular please" he says when he reaches the bar, "Greetings priestess of the Traveler, I am but a humble musician who is honored to meet a spokesperson of the Traveler. If you don't mind I have a couple questions that I would like to ask you. When I entered the Bitter Coffee I chanced to overhear you talking to two others about a 'Cruel Queen' and about a 'King Kurgen'; I have heard these name once before and I would like to be further my knowledge of them because, as I am sure you know, knowledge is power."

Listen (If needed)[roll0]
Diplomacy (If needed)[roll1]

I messed up on the pluses for my rolls, I have +26 diplomacy and +14 listen so I should have had 29 listen and 45 diplomacy

[El'the Ellie]

"You're going to be waiting a long time for that coffee..." Calliope says with a tone of humor.
"Truth be told, I know nothing about this Cruel Queen or King Kurgen. Only that I have to confront the Queen to find who I need to find. Where have you heard her name?"

[Baby Gary]

"I heard you talking about this so called Cruel Queen with two people when I came in here, I think you know more than you are letting on. Also what do you mean by 'You're going to be waiting a long time for that coffee'?" Will says standing up, "What did you do to Nana? VIM! where is Nana!" He continues with his hand on the hilt of his half drawn sword.

sense motive to see if she is holding anything back [roll0]

[El'the Ellie]

Calliope stops suddenly mid-peel of a carrot when she hears the raspy sound of a sword coming out of its sheath. She had a very 'deer-in-the-headlights' look. Whether or not he realized his sword was being drawn, it was a threat. She had never been threatened before, at least not this directly. Although she wasn't sure why this was happening, she had been warned multiple times about the Mercy. Maybe this was the kind of place where you killed over coffee.

"Put that away." She says, not taking her eyes off of the exposed steel. Or really moving much, in fact. "I don't know where Nana is, she probably stepped out for a bit. You're going to want to think very carefully about your next few actions." Her words are meant to come out as intimidating, but they fall a bit short. Not to mention she glances at Senerain, clearly estimating how quickly she can make it to the knight if need be.

[Baby Gary]

"Just stepping out for a bit, eh? I hope for your sake that you are telling the truth and not hiding anything from me" Will replies without taking his hand off his sword "I will ask you once more, who is the cruel queen and what does she want. I heard you talking about it and it seemed like you knew something about her, not nothing as you told me"

Will reaches his hand into his pack and takes out a silvery buckler and slowly eases it onto his left forearm. "I have some friends who would like to know about this cruel queen, and I would hate to not have you alive to answer their questions."

sense motive on Nana being out for a bit [roll0]
I do not want to start a fight, I think that this could be an opportunity for everyone to meet up at Hannah's school of knowledge,
those friends who I spoke of should be there today

[AlanBruce]

@Masix: Once back in The Mercy, you hide in an abandoned buildings and ponder on the things Lord Royce mentioned as you take out some cheap liquor and sprinkle your face with it, so as to give the appearance of a drunk to any passersby.

The Castello di Santa Noria, or St. Noria's as is commonly referred to.

That prison has existed for hundreds of years, beyond the City's borders. Before Connor, it was largely empty, housing only a few of Halmathan's worst of the worst. It is said that to be sentenced to St. Noria's is a one way ticket. Nobody you know has made it out of that place unless it's in a shroud.

And that was before Connor took over. Now that place is swelling with inmates, most of which belong to your own flock, having been purged from the city by The Grand Inquisitor's decree. Who knows what kind of security they have in that place, since no one willingly visits it, but chances are Connor, knowing the Olidammarans, has made it extremely difficult for them to enter or leave...

Still, it's a place to go check.

Then there's Runestone.

Connor's hatred for your people pales in comparison to those who practice the arcane arts and so, Runestone is heavily monitored by not only ground patrols but those dreaded Eyes in the Sky. Wizards inside are said to live in some sort of gilded cage and not a single spell or conversation goes unnoticed by His Holiness, so going there is possible, but highly risky...

Which leads you to The Mercy itself.

Because of Connor's ridiculous laws on magic, many practitioners of the Craft have eloped here and remain in hiding. Finding mages in The Mercy can be tricky, since few in the district practice the arcane arts, but luckily for you, Hannah's school hosts not one, but two such refugees.

Travis and Michael, colleagues back in Runestone, both would not accept His Holiness' edicts and like many other mages, fled to The Mercy.

Unlike other mages that would take on the mantle of warlord here and proclaim the place as their own, these two have chosen to teach the Mercyfolk the simpler and honest crafts life has to offer.

And so, with a pretend stagger up the wooden stairs you knock on the door somewhat loudly as Michael unlocks the door for you with his eyes barely open and a half melted candle in his hand.

"You seek... *yawn*... shelter? Find a...""

The mage turns his back to you and nearly stumbles on a desk, having been awoken from deep slumber.

"... room. There must be a *zzzzz*.""

The mage retires to one of the rooms as you take one almost filled with smelly snoring beggars and find a corner to roll up and do your best to get some much needed rest...

That entire night, the image of Cordelia haunts your mind.



@Calliope: Both Senerain and Rothen seem to be withholding information from you, but why?

Well, for starters, they just met you. If they know any relevant information, why trust a stranger, generous as she may have been swelling the tables with food for the needy?

Vim raises an eyebrow as she finishes setting up the tables.

"A puppet? They make those here? I think a puppet show would be nice... something to bring up at the School.""

Rothen shakes his head at the your inquiries.

"We have no idea what this puppet is, or the Cruel Queen you speak of, Calliope, but you can certainly help us.""

Senerain finishes peeling an apple and looks at you.

"The missing people in The Mercy have been placed on posters at Lady Keéra's House of Knowledge. It's a school here that teaches people for free. The head teacher is a young Mercyfolk by the name of Sister Hannah. She will most likely have all the information you seek regarding the missing people.

It may not be much, but at least it's a start. As for scrying and divinations..."

Rothen nods and looks at you.

"We have attempted to, Calliope. Neither Senerain or I have such powers at our disposal, but we represent The Merciful Father in his absence and so, have asked some Church Leaders in the City to help us locate them...

So far, we have gotten no response. We are not ready to admit they are... gone, but merely hiding, perhaps? I have heard of spells that foil Divinations and Borazon did travel with an accomplished mage, but do not interpret my words as both of them doing this purposefully, reason why I think you;d help us tremendously with the matter of the disappearances at hand. Start there and maybe, who knows...

You might find out where they are.""


@Will: You dismiss the presence of both Senerain and Rothen- it is odd for them to be here, but they aren't the focus on your attention this morning, as you walk up to the counter and peek behind it: after all, she is rather short, being a gnome and all.

Vim chuckles as Rothen helps setting up more plates.

"She's taken the day off. Senerain, Vim and I will be handling the Bitter Coffee until her return. You are free to help yourself to the bounty Calliope has...""

But your attention once more shifts to the priestess of Fharlanghn, who seems to dodge your questions. Important questions.

King Kurgen you have met yesterday at the Ludus Magnus. Not a fellow you want to sit at a table with...

But this "Cruel Queen"? This is a new name and she seems to know. As a self entitled protector of The Mercy and she as an outsider, she must answer these questions for you to have an edge.

And speaking of edge...

Diplomacy is the fine art of arbitrating between two parties. Settling disputes in a civilized manner...

In the Mercy, there is one true way to settle them, as your rapier is unsheathed rather quickly, the steel catching sunlight as it beams off Calliope's glasses.

@Calliope: Why is this half elf policing you this way? He seems to have gone mental!

Rothen puts the plate down and crosses his arms.

"Will! Calliope is a friend. We have this bounty here because of her. Is that how you treat good folk that help us?""

@Will: Senerain says nothing and slowly gets up from her chair, before you hear a familiar voice from behind you as the sound of a weapon drawn bears way too close.

"For someone who claims peace, you sure have a twisted way to demonstrate it, Will. That is Calliope, a friend of mine. I consider you an equal at Hannah's House. Your talent as a musician is said to be unparalleled...

I would not like to have that written on a lonely tombstone. In some forgotten alley."


@Calliope & Will: That's Pythia! She sure did not waste time aiming her blade at the half elf as Vim clears her throat and Senerain looks at Pythia and Will.

"ENOUGH! I will not have blades drawn in this place! Miss Rose has trusted her pub to Vim, Rothen and myself and I will be damned if I have to endure petty threats at this early hour!

If you want to carve yourselves to death, choose some alley far from here, where nobody cares. If you are going to behave like people and not animals, Miss Calliiope here has been kind enough to bring forth a bounty.

I don't think I need to repeat myself...""

Rothen remains with his arms crossed as Senerain chastises both bards and Vim clears her throat again as she points at the door.

"Ummm...""


@The Party: It's a whole lot of Mercyfolk standing at the door and peeking through the windows as Senerain relaxes her stance and steps behind the counter, looking at Vim.

"You can handle them, I hope?""

The Mercy Muse does a short dance and gestures to the tables.

"The Wanderer treats us all to a bounty most merciful, worthy of our home! Eat and drink at your heart's desire!""

The Mercyfolk don't have to be told twice as they each take a seat and start eating and drinking to their fill, savoring each bite as if it were Ambrosia, a welcome change from the infamous Mercy Meat.

@Calliope: Rothen walks up to you and looks at the people shoveling their faces with gluttonous abandon.

"Again, thank you. I wish I had more answers for you, calliope, but I am afraid that is all we know. If you wish to help, you can try heading over to Hannah's School:

Pythia and Will both teach there.""


@Masix: After preparing morning prayer to Olidammara, you notice the beggars leaving the school house and taking to the streets, in hope of finding some coin.

Michael is busy teaching some students the fine points of Halmathan History, but Travis is nowhere to be seen.

With Hannah busy cleaning the book shelves, you bid good morning to the good Sister and head for the Bitter Coffee, where a large crowd has gathered in the pub as you notice way more food than usual, as well as some known faces.

Pythia, mistress of Song and Deceit.

Will, Half elven Bard of great Knowledge.

Senerain and Rothen, the Phaulkonite Church Leaders...???? Something like that.

And then there's another, a woman in priestly garb with the symbol of the Traveler upon her. a new face in this place.

@Rusty: A lot of people this early in the morning, as you catch sight of Rothen and Senerain, the two clowns appointed by Connor himself to be church leaders here, since their leader Borazon has been missing for quite some time.

Will can be seen in the far end of the pub, with a few women, all decent looking- some more than others, unless you like them wearing glasses.

But Nana isn't here... nor Seti, for that matter.

But Masix sure is.

[Baby Gary]

"Wait, wait, wait, can someone tell me what is going on here?" Will asks while he lets his sword slide back into its sheath. "I am sorry I threatened you; I didn't mean to. I was just a bit hungover from last night and not in the best mood; I can be a real jerk until I get my coffee. I will try to refrain from harming you. I am very sorry about my actions" he said to the priestess. "I have a few questions that I would be honored if you could answer before I go on my way. First, where did all this food come from? Second, where is Nana, I she has never taken a day of in the ten years that I have been here even when she was sick? Next, who is the Cruel Queen and what do you know of her? and Finally why are you here in The Mercy?"

Even though Will fully sheathed his sword and is sitting at the bar he seems like a coiled spring ready to jump into action if need be. He glances down at a simple anklet that is on his left leg as if too make sure that it was there.

Diplomacy (If needed) [roll0]
readied an action to use his anklet to get through the door if anyone makes any hostile actions towards him (not drawing a sword but if they seem ready to fight then Will will use his anklet

[Baby Gary]

"Rusty!" Will cries when he sees his hammer wielding companion of the previous day. "I think I have a lead on what what the the mad man with the hammer said yesterday" When Rusty comes over to hear him out Will continues in a rough language that not many know (Giantish) "You know how that mad man mentioned his queen, I have some info on her. I overheard these people talking about the so called King Kurgen and a Cruel Queen, from what I overheard I think that she might be the one who has Kyle. I think we should see what Seti, Anya, Travis, and that other mage, who's name is eluding me at the moment, know about the two of them; we only asked them about Sasha, not Kurgen or the queen he mentioned. What do you think we should do? Also what happened with Sasha?"

[Chimaera]

Rusty enter the Bitter Coffee and look as angry as ever. He takes a quick look all around the coffee, looking for a few faces. No Seti, nor Nana nor the Hawks are here. He then hear his name and look to see Will calling him. He was an okay guy, but kinda too loud (and that comes from the man who sleeps in full armor). Wo might be the ladies? Meh, who cares. Have seen prettier ones.

"Hey, Will. Calm down: I didnt even had breakfast yet", he says and look for a table to sit, "What's the reason of this celebration? Vim, a mug of coffee", he says to the bard, forgetting the magical word please. He motions to Will to sit with him and listen to his tale in the tongue of Giants.

"I understand that the mention of the Cruel Queen might have made you curious, but I'm here for business and no one is paying me to find her. Yet", he says grabbing some fruits, bread and cheese, "Seti fled with Sasha's corpse so I gave him until today to bring her back and apology from what he did. Which I doubt he will".

"And I found Sedge last night. You wanted to investigate Sarjon's lair for clues from her, right? Well, no need anymore: she'll meet you for a coffee here. Someday. She's fickle, but I believe that means we are even. And since nobody can uderstand this tongue here, thanks for the help yesterday. You did play a nice good cop".

He they look to Masix and wave to him, "Hey, punk! Care to join us for some breakfast? Have some things to discuss with you".

[dantiesilva]

As her fellow citizens of Hope's Caress begin to come into the Bitter Coffee for the feast created by Calliope she places herself by the priestess side, making sure to act as a wall between her and Will should he try anything again. "There is a reason Connor considers us all cut throats and murderers Will, jumping at anyone because you have not had your coffee yet is no excuse. It is why I won't stay on full time like Masix has asked me a few times." she points out to him as she allows everyone else to grab a share of food before she goes for a simple loaf of bread and some fruit. Not wanting her body to get used to such wounder incase they magically vanished one day.

As if on cue Pythia could not help but smirk as the man known as Masix made his way into the Bitter Coffee. "Masix I would like you to meet a friend of mine who wants to help with the school when you get a moment." she says kindly to her friend, noting the other man who walked into the Bitter Coffee, heavily armored and with a huge hammer. Someone best avoided if possible, espically if he has that hammer out. she notes to herself, still waiting for the priestess to begin eating before she did, after all some people liked to pray before eating their food and she did not want to seem rude.

[Baby Gary]

"Why am I not surprised that Seti got did something like that?" Will responded to Rusty, "As to Sedge thank you, I would ask where you found her but I don't want to pry. You weren't that bad as a bad cop, you did a good job getting them to start to speak. I have a feeling that the Cruel Queen and King Kurgen are working together, remember how he referenced 'his queen', and I have a feeling that they will play a big role in the future and that something big is about to happen. However I am probably wrong about that, I tend to be quite bad at figuring what will happen.

"About Sedge, when will she be here? I told Hannah that I would go over and help he for a bit today. What I have to ask her is rather important and I am sure that I will come out of this with more knowledge about...certain things."

"Some waffles please Vim" Will said to her when she comes by, "Maple syrup of corse, and, if you have any, some strawberries." After placing his order Will leans back in his chair and, while paying attention to Rusty, listens for anything new or interesting that anyone in the bar is saying

Llisten [roll0]
gather info [roll1]

[AlanBruce]

@Will: Senerain gives you a raised eyebrow as you mention your early coffee and walks behind the bar while Vim gets on to brewing a pot and the patrons flock in.

"You have been living here longer than I, half elf, and even I know that Nana leaves from time to time. Gnomes have their own customs. Even those that live here.""






@Rusty: So many heads to bash... but none is the one you are looking for.

But hey: free food. Whose to say The mercy is going hungry?

You take notice of the women and place your hammer down next to you, since the table would likely break under its weight as you shovel food into your mouth and snap your fingers for Vim to play her part, look pretty, and serve coffee.

Rothen eyes you from behind the counter, arms crossed as he looks at the other patrons as well.

Everybody here is a merc or thief or assassin of sorts, but at least they hide their blades...

You are not putting away your hammer anytime soon, something that becomes abundantly clear as a few patrons move their chairs a few feet away from you, just in case you decide to swing that thing.

Vim comes over and smiles to both you and Will as she places serves the coffee on an old dirty mug.

"Service with a smile!""

She's probably too dumb to notice your lack of manners, but who cares: you are angry. You need that clown Seti before you and you need to get back Sasha.

Will is a mouthful as he surprises you when he speaks in Giant, a tongue you haven't used in years.

So there is a Queen in The Mercy? That's new. All these petty gangs and their stupid names. Kurgen calls himself a King...

Maybe he has a Queen? At any rate, whoever that is hasn't given you reason to be concerned. One head at a time.

And that's when you spot Masix, brooding in the background and call his masked punk self over to the table:

There's a thief that needs hunting and two hounds are better than one.


@Masix: A bunch of known faces here... some you'd rather forget.

Hannibal "Rusty" Rust, The Olidammaran Hammer. AKA The Crushing Joke.

This son of a bitch is mean, even by your standards. You may have traveled with him yesterday, but your mind wondered elsewhere with the whole Cordelia affair and you might as well been a thousand miles away.

This guy is Ross' private enforcer. When things go south. When someone needs a lesson taught, they call The Hammer in.

Rusty isn't a talker, that's the joke: his hammer does the talking for him. And when it engages in conversation, it tends to be a one sided affair.

And now he wants something with you... something that will most likely be unpleasant.




@Pythia: You scold Will, stating that it's behavior like that the reason why Connor views The Mercy the way he does... as does the rest of the City.

The patrons flock in and eat as fast as they can before giving a quick nod- at least those with a few manners- before leaving to work across The wall or practice their craft a few blocks away, most likely the fine art of pick pocketing.

That's when the man with the hammer comes in, taller than the rest and with a look asking for trouble. Will seems to know him as they both grab a table and start talking- well, Will mostly- in some language you have never heard before.

You stand by Calliope and wait for the priestess to pray, which is usual in many of these faiths, before eating.

She did conjure forth this feast, after all.

[Chimaera]

"Heh, of course you would see things like that", he says, "You're a bard, a poet and artist. Everything become a great tale in your mind", he says in Common as he looks around, "But you're certain of something: if nothing is done soon, everything might change in the next few days".

He take a bite of the soft bread (what a change!) and look at Will.
"What's you deal with Sedge after all? Lovers?", he says and shrugs, "Just out of curiosity so no need to answer if you dont want, of course: it's not like my hammer was set to find that question after all".

He smiles, his humor become less dark due a decent breakfast for once, and when he start speaking again it it's on the tongue of the Titans.

"She was at my place. Never told when she'll go for the coffee, but she seems sincere when she said she would meet with you. If you're going to the school, I might go with you. And dont worry: made a deal with Hannah, so there wont be violence nor threats this time. Also, I take the investigation on Sarjon's lair is not a thing anymore, right?"

[El'the Ellie]

Calliope's silent but earnest look of thanks would have to be enough for Rothen and Senerain, since at that moment people from the Mercy begin piling. The priestess sits back down, her heart beating hard from the close encounter. But she would not be getting to relax any time soon: so many people entering so quickly, and so loud! The noise and crowd were setting her on edge almost as much as the confrontation before.

She responds to Will. "This food is for the people of the Mercy. But I was the one who conjured it. I'm in Mercy because... solvitur ambulando." She gives a shrug, knowing Fharlahngn phrases wouldn't really answer his question. "Because this is where I need to be right now." As for the Queen, she let the question slip away again. She didn't trust this man, so why should she share her divination with him? Besides, his thug-looking friend seemed to come in, and whatever they started discussing in that brutish language probably had nothing to do with her and, Calliope assumed, everything to do with Vim Vom and Pythia.

While everyone was distracted with the rush of activity, Calliope snuck away a handful of bread, apple slices, and a half-breast of chicken, thinking no one was watching. She closed her eyes and silently began a prayer until she noticed Pythia quietly sitting next to her, patiently waiting to eat. She smiled at the bard and started her prayer over out loud for the two of them.

"May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand."

Calliope sits towards the back of the bar and out of the center of the crowd where she had been, allowing her anxiety quiets back down. Watching the people eat, she ponders and plans what the rest of the day will be like.

[dantiesilva]

As Calliope says her prayer the bard bows her head for a moment in thanks before turning to Calliope.

Knowledge is found in music of old,
The sun will always show the way to go,
When their is a fork in the road.
And never turn down the stranger with a walking stick,
Nor the lady who is quick to play.

and having said that she begins to eat her own food, following the priestess to her table. "I just wanted to thank you for the feast you have provided everyone, I know it must not have been an easy feat to accomplish, and for that you have my thanks, and no doubt the thanks of many who live here. Even if they won't openly say it just yet. We of Hope's Caress have gotten used to nothing being that simple or easy to get, and while willing to accept a gift of food know there is always a catch. I do not believe you to be the same, it is why I defended you today against Will. Whenever you are ready, if you wish we can head to the school, just let me know." Pythia says softly to her, trying not to let everyone hear what the two were talking about, and hoping the commotion of the Bitter Coffee being full of people would help.

[El'the Ellie]

"Thank you for that, by the way." Calliope says between bites. "And this is the least I could do for the Mercy. If only there were a proper church here, priests might be able to provide for much more of the Mercy than just myself. What about you? Were you born here, or did you move?"

[AlanBruce]

@The Party: Whether discussing plans to hunt people down, or sitting in prayer and enjoying the feast Calliope has set out for over a hundred people, one of the patrons rushes in as the winds pick up outside.

"Hey, everyone! They got one here!""

It's the sound of propellers up above as Rothen looks at Senerain, who reaches for her blade, but the archer shakes his head.

"Stay here with Vim and make sure nobody steals anything..."

Seriously?! He brought that thing here???

The crowd gets up and rushes outside the pub as an ominous shadow covers at least three city blocks and above you, less than a mile above:


http://pre06.deviantart.net/9339/th/pre/i/2013/008/f/3/light_marauder_airship_by_michalkus-d5qw3tl.jpg

It's an Eye in the Sky... here?!

The entire Mercy hides in the alleys, but look up- never has one of them moved past The Wall of Separation as the winds caused by its propellers create a small storm and the sun blinds anyone that looks at it, given its metallic surface.

It is then that a woman's voice can be heard and echoes beyond the wall...

This thing is broadcasting all over the City!

Breaking news!

As of last night, Halmathan Intelligence has apprehended yet another conspirator against The City of Power...


An image is portrayed from the machine, larger than life for people to see, although nobody in The Mercy would know who this person is by looks alone:


https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/bd/3e/fa/bd3efa5831d6e82b9b67c8b89478260e--character-concept-character-art.jpg


Lord Batthias Royce, a well known business man and devout Pelorian... or is he?

Halmathan Intelligence has finally caught Lord Royce, who secretly has led a life of lawlessness and infamy. His connections to the terrorist group of Olidammarans has finally been unveiled after months of arduous investigation.

Lord Royce has not only been harboring Olidammarans in his home, but he also has been connected to a slave ring ran by them, using his wealthy contacts to sell people to neighboring nations and guilds of the lowest caliber.

It has also been revealed that Lord Royce, along with a group of Olidammaran Extremists, has been planning a coup on His Holiness. Plans hatched for months have been unveiled that reveal with uncanny tenacity and vile intent, the purpose of murdering our most Hallowed Steward.

When questioned, Lord Royce has, in true Olidammaran fashion, sworn bloody revenge on the City and those that would protect it, if not by his hand, through those of his proxies, quoting:

"My name is Legion, for we are Many."

Needless to say, Batthias Royce has had his titles revoked and all his assets have been seized by The City.

His Holiness has been grievously struck by this revelation, but has maintained calm and assures us all that:

"We shall not be cowed by these assassins. As long as The City of Halmathan stays together, we shall mete out Justice in the name of our beloved King. Let it be known that the Law is above everyone, from Commoner to Noble alike.

And to those who harbor Royce's beliefs....

We will find you.""


More of this story as it develops. Have a Lawful and Blessed Day...


The image of the noble disappears as the immense machine ascends several more feet and glides back towards the City proper, leaving the crowds in awe and just a tad more afraid than usual, as a few come back inside and keep eating before Calliope's feast is ended.

The comments run around the pub, as the Mercyfolk finish their breakfast.

Sucks to be him...

What manner of fool would hide them anyways? That's just stupid!

I want one of those...

Rothen gets back inside and shakes his head and looks at everyone.

"It's alright! It's fine! It's a city thing, not related to us. Carry on and enjoy your breakfast...""

[Chimaera]

Rusty watch the whole propaganda by the window and say loud enoug to be heard inside the Coffee.
"One day I'll bring down one of those things with my hammer".

He then look to Will, "Those things should stay at the city, not here in the Mercy. So I think it would be better if you keep an eye in the sky whenver you cast".

He look at the feast and get up, "Lost my hunger after that, let's move. Masix, you coming with us?"

His hammer is hoisted back to his shoulder and he walk to Vim, "Hey, cutie. Can you tell Nana when she get back that Hannibal was here?"

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty: As the gawkers stand like idiots outside or hide indoors and in alleys and Rothen stands defiant beneath the metal monstrosity, you look out the window and grip your hammer, stating that it's about time you had a talk with one of those, Hammer Style.

That bastard is going to pay alright... why is he sending those metal whales here, anyways? This is The Mercy, not his precious little city.

All of a sudden, breakfast doesn't seem too appealing as you look at Vim and make her know to let Nana know that Hannibal was here.

Vim takes out a small pad and scribbles on it.

"Is it with one "N" or two?""

She'll give the message.

Then you look at Will and Masix, you own band of desperadoes and gesture to the masked one to follow you.

There's a guy you need to have a talk to and Connor just made you very talkative right now.

[grifter730]

Masix: (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1251748)

Seeing Michael at the school reminded Masix that he'll need to have a chat with him and Travis if the the other leads don't pan out. That's a long shot though, and he has no excuse to be asking around about Cutter without blowing his cover, so he sets off for the Bitter Coffee.

Looking around, Masix was glad to see Pythia. He was walking over to her table when a man yelled at him. "Hey, punk! Care to join us for some breakfast? Have some things to discuss with you." Masix turns to look at the man. Rusty. The Hammer. It took Masix a heartbeat to realize that he had ventured out with Rusty yesterday. Masix waves at him, but points towards Pythia, "I'm here to talk with her, I'll catch you in a bit if you're still around!" He shouts at Rusty and continues walking over to Pythia, sitting at her table.

Masix greets her, and was about to begin asking her about Runestone when Pythia mentions that the person with her is a friend interested in helping out with the school. That was always welcome. "Who's this friend then?" He asks Pythia.

It was at that point that a patron rushed in claiming They got one here! Everyone immediately rushes outside, Masix along with them. As the news was broadcast and Lord Royce's portrait flashed, Masix's jaw drops, and he clenched his fists until he felt his fingers slick with blood. As if capturing the man wasn't enough, they had to spread a smear campaign as well. "Where do you think they'll take him?" Masix wonders aloud, to no one in particular.

[AlanBruce]

@Masix: Michael and Travis should be able to give you some relevant information about Cutter, but with one teaching the few Mercyfolk at the school and the other locked in one of the rooms, questioning will have to wait.

Once at The Bitter Coffee, the affluence of food becomes a welcome sight, something the patrons are more than grateful as they dig in.

Rusty and his damn hammer can wait... nothing that guy has in store for you right now can be good as you walk up to Pythia, who sits beside a priestess of Fharlanghn, who says a sweet prayer before partaking of the bounty.

And as you begin conversation with the thespian, a patron signals outside as you and many others watch the Eye in the Sky proclaiming Lord Royce's nefarious plot to kill Connor, as well as being involved in slave trading and all manner of horrible acts, in lieu with your church!

How did Connor get ahold of him? Lord Royce has always been very discreet. He certainly is not what that announcer proclaims him to be!

And his assets seized by The City? Yeah right. That's another fancy way of saying that Connor's coffers just got fatter.

Your fist clenches to the point of bleeding as the gargantuan machine chugs its way back towards the City of Power and you ask nobody in particular where the man will be taken.

He is most likely at The Palace of Justice by now...

You turn around and watch Rothen watching the same ship fly off. His fists are also clenched at what he has witnessed and heard.

"... and after a swift trial, he shall be taken to the Castello, no doubt. Halmathan's prison, St. Noria's. I don't know that man, but I will pray for true Justice to come through.""

[Baby Gary]

"I'll come along Rusty" Will replies to the hammer wielding man, "but there are a couple things a have to do first."

Will walks over to Vim and tells her, "I'm going to go to Hannah's school for a bit; if anyone comes asking for my just let them know that I am at Hannah's"

Will walks back over to Rusty and says a couple of words in the rough tongue that they were speaking in earlier while making sure that everything he needed was in his pack. He took out a plain ring and put it on his right fore-finger to match the one engraved with all different types of food on his left fore-finger. He then slung his backpack over his shoulder, checked that his sword was not stuck in his sheath in any way, and made sure that his silvery buckler was secure on his left fore-arm. "I am ready to go when ever you are" Will says to Rusty as he takes one last sip of his coffee.

"I needed to tell Vim that we are going to Hannah's school because if your friend who was supposed to meet me here comes when we are out and I gave no word as to where I had gone...I would have blown my chance to get information out of her

[Chimaera]

"I need to wait Masix. As it's important he comes along", Rusty tell Will and serve himself more food and coffee, "And they will probably throw him in the Slammer, Masix", he tell loud to the amsked olidamaran to hear, "Very few escaped that place. But a few did, sadly one of those is currently dead".

"Who should I thank for this great breakfast?", he ask those nearby. His bad day before was slowly washing away from his mind and the fact he kinda had the day off meant he would was as animated as he could get.

[AlanBruce]

@Will: You check all your possessions and don't make too big a fuss about an Eye in the Sky popping up in The Mercy. Thankfully, it did leave back to the City and who knows who that guy was, but certainly not a lucky guy.

Vim writes down the scribble on her notepad.

"You're at Hannah's. Got it, Will. And uhh... no waffles, though. Or strawberries. Just what Calliope placed here on the table. Sorry.""

And then you get ready to leave, when Rusty looks at Masix, offers very little comfort and sits back down, stuffing his face some more.


@Rusty: Whoever that guy was, Masix must've had some connection with him. And if what that lying report says is true, in a way, it connects to all of you.

Truth is, whether the guy did those things or not, he's in prison. And that's that. There is no way you are getting this guy out. Who the hell would want to walk up to St. Noria's and make a daring escape?

That only happens in stories, like those sung by Will. In reality, you'd most likely be shot on sight.

And then you ask who to thank for all this food, which is quickly disappearing- people have come in droves and although it's a lot, it's not enough to feed the entire Mercy.

Vim looks at you and points at the glass wearing woman seated next to the slightly prettier one.

"She's a priestess of the Wanderer. It was through her magic that all this food came to be. pretty neat, huh?""

That's the church of Fharlanghn. The traveling monks.

There's a story between Ravenna, head Priestess of that Church and Roland, but it eludes you right now. They had something? Or went on a quest together?

Can't snap the information back into your mind right now, though.

[Chimaera]

Hannibal nods to Vim after the info and look at the priestess and her friend, he get a piece of cake and walk to them, the hammer in its shoulders as usual.

"I cant remember seeing you around, but your meal was very much appreciated", he says and take a slight bow to her, "Welcome to the Mercy".

Being a farlanghnite, she most likely was on the trip and just got around.
He go back to Will and look at him, "Let's go. We can fetch Masix later".

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty: You walk up to the priestess of Fhalanghn, Calliope and thank her for such a meal, hammer always in plain sight, so people know it's business first.

Whether Masix joins you or not, you get a tingling sensation in the back of your head- the Sending spell from that reporter, but what...

Sasha is alive and with us. Seti too. Ross needs you here. Fast.

[Chimaera]

Hannibal shut his mouth and listen to the sending.
That brat is there? Good. And Sasha is alive, which is better. A shame he didnt brought her back to life the other day: maybe the tigress would be happy and express her gratitude, hehehe...

He stop daydreaming, look to Will and says "Things happened. I'm needed somewhere else. I'll contact you later at the school, ok?"

The big brute then storm away from the coffee and into Ye Olde Bookshop.

[grifter730]

Masix:

Sitting back down and trying to relax again proved elusive, Masix's mind swirling with thoughts of looking into leads to possibly find a still-dead Cordelia, and thoughts of rescuing the still-living Lord Royce. Or perhaps he could simply bide his time, since Royce was likely to end up in St. Noria's as well, the place where Cordelia and Cutter used to reside in. Masix also recalled Rothen's reaction at the news of Lord Royce's arrest. That's one ally to keep in mind if attempting a rescue or even just a break-in.

Returning to the topic at hand, Masix turns back to Pythia. "What do you know about the Runestone?" He asks the bard. "Did you attend school there? Might have a... friend attempting a break-in. Any info appreciated."

What does Masix know of Rothen?

[AlanBruce]

Everybody moves here, please. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?512887-A-City-of-Sinister-Delights-IC&p=22169330#post22169330)