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  1. - Top - End - #751
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    Kleris glances back towards the rooms where the other prisoner was probably sleeping in right now and sighs a little jealously before turning back to the conversation. When Arimart mentions the good ambassador and getting close the thought starts to turn in his mind, 'He owes me a favor and seemed to hold me in some favor at least. What of instead of cashing that favor in for some quick reward I use it. Arimart said it would be good to get into his good graces but a step further then that. He would be a powerful friend to have in a tight spot.'

    'He seemed to be a good man, family oriented. He would be a positive influence on your life.'

    'More importantly he seems like a man who can pull you out of some tight spaces when needed. Always have a rich noble on call when you can. Spin a mission as being in their interest and your gold.'

    Kleris nods to Arimart and then raises a jaunty two finger salute to Gryphon with a grin "Well I'm sure that we and the ambassador will be visiting our new friends in the Sencriss family soon. Doesn't hurt to try and see where that relationship can go. What say you Gryohon? Ready to baby sit once more?"

    He turns to Drake as he asks about the inn "Well thats a bit complicated. I don't have a problem with it personally but uhh... maybe we should figure out exactly what we are doing with the man in question. We did sort of promise to take him to prison."

    He pauses and as an aside turns to the elf in question "No offense."

    Then turns back to Drake "After that is resolved we have the possibility that his better half may not want him around here too much, for very understandable circumstances. Finally I'll be doing some renovations here for a few days and unable to host until almost the end of the week I believe."

    After that he turns to Gryphon, "I was actually hoping to possibly have some of your help if you have the right spells for it? We can talk specifics later, we can come to an arrangement I'm sure."

    He snaps his fingers and jogs back to his room to grab some stuff and jog back, "I forgot. I grabbed these off one of the bards last night I figure we can sell or make use of them. We've done this before but Drake just so you know I have a contact at Pfennigans magic shop so we can offload the gear or get it identified. You helped so we will split this 5 ways unless one of the items is of particular use to someone."

    He tosses the items he had grabbed onto the table.
    Last edited by GameOfChampions; 2021-04-11 at 02:07 AM.
    "Facilis Descensus Averni." - Virgil, The Aeneid

    “Why would I want to win anything other than a beautiful game?” - Patrick Rothfuss, The Wise Man's Fear


  2. - Top - End - #752
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    3SecondCultist's Avatar

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    Arano sits deep in thought, listening to your theories and postulations but follows Kett's lead to say very little. Only when he is brought directly into the conversation by Drake does he speak up, addressing the dwarf first and then the rest of the room.

    "I would like very much to work with you to decrypt the rest of Kasimir's entries. It's bound to hold more secrets, and we need all the information we can get. Working together will get us results much faster." The Phiarlan agent spares one of his wayward but meaningful looks at his wife before swivelling to face all of you together. When Kleris mentions him going to prison, he holds up his hands as though to say 'none taken'.

    "For the sake of appearances at least, I believe I should go to Thronehold Castle. Recent break-in aside, I will be fairly safe and you can call on me at your leisure. Ideally, our good prosecutor would be able to arrange lenient visitation hours so that I could see Kett, and Professor Shardstone may spend time there with me as we make progress on the journal." He takes Kett's hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. "Faking my death was a good idea, but I'm worried that ir'Sencriss will see right through that. I would, in his shoes. It risks just compromising the rest of you in his eyes, which isn't what you need right now. As for your ambush... well I imagine Kett and the rest of you can help with that."

    Your second prisoner emerges from the bedroom that you put her up in, bereft of several pieces of her armor which she has slung in a makeshift bag over her back. Without the protective steel shell, you see that Draci boasts a very impressive physique; broad shoulders and a thickset midsection that look like she's made entirely of muscle, the half-orc cuts a solid figure that has to jostle herself into one of the seats. After asking permission, she helps herself to a few of the leftovers.

    "Good morning everyone," she effuses with a smile of dubious sincerity. "I suppose it's time for you to take us to the castle then, Sir Kaessel?"
    Last edited by 3SecondCultist; 2021-04-11 at 03:46 AM.
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    You divine bastard.

    "Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in the face of certain defeat."

  3. - Top - End - #753
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    Kett Collier
    Human Shadow Monk/Rogue
    AC: 19 HP: 52/52
    PP: 19 PIv: 13 PIs: 13
    Conditions: Darkvision (~7 hours), 6/6 Ki Remaining
    Concentrating: --

    "Veseur's a man, so we can scratch him off the list," Kett notes, unless Kasimir was in the habit of disguising genders in his book which...well that would just be very annoying of him to do. "Why did Velancor leave the auction if she was solely focused on the orrery?" She poses the question to Drake. From the way she was talked about, and the size of her retinue, it seemed unlikely she was in any real danger. Yet, she'd disappeared before the auction had even started.

    When Arano speaks up in favour of prison, an icy shard pierces her heart. She returns the affectionate handsqueeze but leans in close. Her voice is lowered, though more than likely everyone save Draci could still understand the words. "We know Dox is still after us and you want to go sit in a cell like a chicken waiting to be plucked? Their guards wouldn't be able to stop me from getting inside, nevermind a full squad." Their best way to avoid danger was speed, deception and stealth, none of which he could employ locked up. If this was the plan she might have to change tacks and deal with the phiarlan problem sooner rather than later.

    "I expect," she raises her voice again, looking at the rest of the group - eyes glancing only momentarily on Draci - "that my attachment is clear, but just to say it explicitly: My family is the most important thing in the world to me. I would do anything for them, and those responsible for any harm that comes to them will receive my full focus and attention. If we're going through with this farce, it's temporary, and I expect him to have trusted guards at all times." In truth she wasn't in much of a position to bargain, though hopefully Arimart could understand her concerns given that Thronehold had just lost Maugrim barely a day after his imprisonment. There were so many more threats she could issue - to Kleris, to Danilos, to the phiarlans in general - but perhaps keeping it vague, for now, was the better play.

    "Vicontessa Nebra ir'Ardev," she moves on, back to the topic of 'V', her voice losing the edge of threat that it had held, "is the person who sticks out to me most as a potential candidate as 'V' in the city. Walking in the front door accompanied by a prosecutor does seem simpler than my original plan," which she leaves up to the table's imagination, "If Danilos was tipped off about Kasimir by 'V' then chances are he knows who she is too, just in case we're barking up the wrong tree."
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  4. - Top - End - #754
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    Heartened by the fact that Arano understands the need of placing him in prison, Arimart preapres to offer a plan, when Draci coming interrupts him. He stops, turns to the half-orc warrior, and answers politely.

    "Yes, yes it is almost time, I still have to arrange some things with my companions here, then we'll go. Fell free to eat or drink something before going. We'll need to talk about a couple of things that you may find interesting."

    When Kett starts speaking again, Arimart turns to her, and answers:

    "I concur, staying at Thronehold could be useful and I can arrange for you or Drake to visit him. As for additional security measures..."
    He comes closer to Kett before answering her with a lowered voice.

    "I took some time off to study the culture of the Tairnadal elves, those warriors we encountered during our first night together. I believe that their traditions would make them honorable and reliable enough for us; we could call in the favor from the survivor and ask her to protect Arano. She would be an outsider and, for now, that would probably be the best choice.

    And then we could start with the Viscontessa, yes. Maybe tomorrow?"
    Last edited by CozJa; 2021-04-11 at 06:37 AM.
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  5. - Top - End - #755
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    Kett Collier
    Human Shadow Monk/Rogue
    AC: 19 HP: 52/52
    PP: 19 PIv: 13 PIs: 13
    Conditions: Darkvision (~7 hours), 6/6 Ki Remaining
    Concentrating: --

    Kett taps her fingernails on the table at Arimart's suggestion. A third party. While she had no use for 'honour' she does understand its grip over people who adhere to it, and by all accounts she had no cause to doubt it with the elf in question. It'd work, if only to introduce an extra level of chaos in the situation for Arano to make any necessary escapes. Finally, she nods. "I agree," she says, her tone sincere. "If we can have her tasked to ensure Arano's life and safety in addition to whatever guards Throneport provides, that would suffice, for now." She'd rather not wait a whole day before following up on the V lead. Time was against them and it wasn't in her nature to sit and wait while there were things she had to be doing. So many things. Surely the bureaucracy of handing over her husband wouldn't take all day. Surely.

    She was regretting this already.
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  6. - Top - End - #756
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    Castling

    The gray pall barely lets up on your journey from the Reprieve back into the heart of town, but thankfully your party is once more able to fit into last night's new transport, which has miraculously survived the evening parked in the shadows of the inn. The horse - much the worse for wear, having been left out in the wet - neighs in protest until it is dried off with a blanket, had some water to drink and fed some tack before pulling you begrudgingly on your way. You are stopped at the usual border crossings - Port to Thrane, Thrane to Karrnath - until once more you are before the gates and battlements of the now-familiar castle of Thronehold.

    This time, your carriage is admitted through the entrance without too much of a fuss. Thanks to Gryphon messaging ahead to Berem Lann, the Throne Wardens have been alerted to your imminent arrival. The banners of House Deneith look a little bit less than noble soaked in the rain, yet you take note that as soon as you pass under the shadow of the walls and emerge in the yards on the other side that there is no trace of water. On the castle grounds, it would appear that some great invisible hand is at work, for not a single droplet touches soil or cobblestone.

    The greeting party that has come out to see you is quite a bit smaller than the last time you stood in this same spot. Other than the usual contingent of guards - with the additions of a few robed figures you surmise to be extra magical security - there is only one official: a short gnome with a shock of white hair around her shoulders with several streaks of... hot pink? Her clothes could charitably be called garish, with puffy sleeves, entirely too much frilly lace, and make-up that looks caked on. She has a bright feather in her cap that is surely the rage in certain rarefied circles, but out here among the soldiery looks more like a peacock shorn of most of its feathers.

    "Arimart! ThereyouareIwasexpectingyoutenminutesagocomeoncomeon!" squeals Nyctessa Orolain Esquire, in-house defense attorney for the Thronehold Tribunal and Arimart's counterpart on the other side of the aisle. Pushing past the Deneith escort, the three-foot nothing figure all but manhandles the paladin to drag him up the drive towards the keep and the Hall of Justice.

    "Youmissedsomuchlastnightyouknow." She stops to take a single breath, forcing herself to slow down (if only barely) as she forges a brisk path ahead. "I was in the law library doing research for the Nameless case and preparing my witness list and did you know that your friends make up most of my list hi there everybody! Anyway as I was saying I was making a lot of progress but I kinda sorta missed evening meal and they closed the gates for the night as they usually do so I got out my magic cot to find a little nook but I didn't get the chance because before I could get to sleep they raised the castle alarm and I ran out and met a pair of Deneith soldiers leading Nameless out of his cell but then I saw other Wardens and they asked me if I'd seen the prisoner and I pointed them in the direction and it was so chaotic!" The gnome stops in her tracks, as though a deeply profound idea had just occurred to her.

    "I'm counting this as a technical win in my column, since there was no 'guilty' verdict. Score one for Orolain!"
    Last edited by 3SecondCultist; 2021-04-23 at 12:21 PM.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Zeno Desaqqara View Post
    You divine bastard.

    "Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in the face of certain defeat."

  7. - Top - End - #757
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    As the newly made group enters Thronehold, the sudden change in weather resonates in Arimart's mind as if things were starting to get in their rightful place. At least now he is in his 'home'.

    And just to remind him, the familiar face of Nyctessa greets him just as he steps out of the carriage. Assaulted with a concentrate fire of unending words, the Paladin can't even defend himself, if not by trying to parry her barrage with a couple of "I..." and "Ehrm..." between a (brief) breathing pause of the defense attorney and the other.
    As she stops Arimart starts to answer her from the bottom.

    "Well, he did leave prison escorted by dubious people while you were working on the case. That's what every Tribunal in Sharn would call a victory for the defense." He smiles quietly, hoping Nyctessa doesn't take his joke too personally (you never know with gnomes!) then shifts to the more important matters.

    "I'm glad that they didn't hurt you, they could have been dangerous criminals! By any chance, did you notice if Maugrim seemed in himself or was lost in his musings? However, we may have another case to discuss sooner or later!" As he says it, he points at Arano and Draci, who are still behind him. "But for now I'll need to know what happened. Well, and I too have some things to tell you about MY evening!"
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  8. - Top - End - #758
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    Kett Collier
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    AC: 19 HP: 52/52
    PP: 19 PIv: 13 PIs: 13
    Conditions: Darkvision (~7 hours), 6/6 Ki Remaining
    Concentrating: --

    Kett watches Arimart get dragged away by a gnome half his size, following with Arano at a discrete distance that allows her to easily eavesdrop. Not that they seemed to be trying hard to hide the conversation. "Maybe we can't trust Arimart's abilities after all," she chuckles to her husband, "if he managed to lose a case that quickly and decisively." Nyctessa seemed to have him wrapped around her finger, though she gives it only a 50/50 chance it was romantically charged. Useful information if she ever had to play carrot/stick with the prosecutor. Appearances could be deceiving but the pinkest gnome in Throneport didn't seem like she'd pose any trouble if they had to put her in danger for leverage. And she probably wasn't a rakshasa demon like Lann, which helped.
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  9. - Top - End - #759
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    Professor Drake Shardstone

    Back at the Inn

    Drake listed to the musings of the others. When asked directly about the reason Velancor departed, he smirked. ”I may have had a little something to do with that. Let’s just say she was concerned the party was going to degenerate into violence. Which was true, as it turns out.

    I would like to ask a favor of you and your husband, once you’re finished with sussing out the artificer. We need to know everything thing you can freely share regarding the Counted Shadows ... and any suggestions on how to catch our bardic friend before she makes it inside ... if you don’t mind, of course.”


    When the group pulled out a few special items, Drake set a deck of cards and a wand on the table. Then after a moment, he unbuckled the rapier at his hip and set it there as well. When asked for the sword, he nodded to Gryphon. ”Please, sir. My talents tend to be less martial in nature. Wield it well.”

    Castling

    Drake was quiet as Arimart was quickly abducted by a pint-sized bundle of trendy princess energy. He slowly followed the others as they headed in to the keep, the click of his cane clearly marking his movement. He scanned the area, having never been to the keep before. Remember your lessons, boyo ... exits, angles and alibis...

    Counting Shadows

    Drake pulled his cloak tighter, keeping his face hidden within the cowl. He leaned back in his chair, glancing around the area. He had found the little cafe within the Lower Market, one that offered him a distant view of the theater. It wasn’t as close as he would like, but it also meant he wasn’t likely to be marked immediately. For now, he wanted to understand the traffic in the area, and perhaps identify a better place to surveillance from. The best bet was to intercept the orrery before it reached the House. Unfortunately, the two people beat suites to helping with that task were absent.

    You’ve certainly grabbed a troll by the wee ones, boyo. Question is ... do you have a ouch sense to know when to let go?

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    Prepare 9 spells, DC 15, 4-1st / 3-2nd / 3-3rd
    0: guidance, thaumatugy, toll the dead, mending
    1st (x4): command, identity, alarm, armor of Agnatha, cure light wounds, healing word, guiding bolt
    2nd (x3): augury, arcane lock, knock, suggestion, silence, blindness/ deafness, locate object
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    Wards & seals (1/long): alarm, arcane lock, mage armor

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    Life is ... life. As always bot/cut as necessary.
    DM: "Why do you have so many characters?"
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  10. - Top - End - #760
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    Castling

    Nyctessa barely has to think before launching into a second answer-as-tirade.

    "Well I didn't get a really good look at him because it all happened so quickly but he did seem a bit confused I read that he has some sort of mental condition perhaps magically induced or just because of age so it does make sense that he wouldn't have all of his wits about him if I had to guess I'd say he wasn't all there when he was taken." She stops momentarily, only to watch as Arano and Draci are put in new cuffs by the Throne Wardens. The former at least is allowed to walk with Kett for a time, Drake taking up the rear to trail behind the group.

    "I hope for our sake that she's effective," muses the elf to his partner in his crime. "It might be good to have a counterweight on the other side, should former parties not prove true to their word. Nothing wrong with hedging our bets."

    Obliviously, the gnome continues. "Well now I heard about Magistrate Taralos thanks to your missive and Navel arrived before you did but honestly who dies from falling into a lava pit? The castle's sending station has been going nonstop since you gave word, apparently Flamekeep's not too happy and even now the High Cardinals are in session deliberating over who to appoint to replace him but it might be as long as a fortnight before word comes down so the less said about that the better oh right sorry you were saying something else about your night what happened?"


    Counting Shadows

    From the vantage point of the table Drake has picked out, you have a pretty good view of the House of Counted Shadows across the open street even through the rain.

    Nestled in a block of three storey buildings - all of which boast storefronts and restaurants on the first floor and what look like associated tenement housing above - the House doesn't stand out too much at first glance, its features plunged into darkened obscurity. What is visible from the front is mostly weathered stone and chipped marble, streaks of lime readily apparent even from a distance. The painted wood is chipped and warped, a once rich scarlet now washed out maroon. There must surely be nests of pigeons and other fowl somewhere amid its crumbling rafters, for the flying vermin flit all about about its upper echelons, leaving more than a few droppings. All in all, it's hardly a winsome portrait for Phiarlan.

    Yet the more one looks, the more one can imagine the House as it once might have been. The colonnade in front, overlooking a set of stairs leading to a quatrain of double doors. Frescoes of dynamic scenes cast in ivory and stone, too many and too varied to recount them all. Rising cupolas and buttresses all leading to graceful crescendo in the form of a central domed roof, whose uppermost point still braces against the expanse of day. It must have been a staggering sight in its time.

    Tactically, there are no visible street entrances from the front besides the central doors. However, there are two alleyways on either side of the theatre house where it abuts its neighbours which may yet hold answers.
    Last edited by 3SecondCultist; 2021-04-19 at 03:35 AM.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Zeno Desaqqara View Post
    You divine bastard.

    "Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in the face of certain defeat."

  11. - Top - End - #761
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    Kett Collier
    Human Shadow Monk/Rogue
    AC: 19 HP: 52/52
    PP: 19 PIv: 13 PIs: 13
    Conditions: Darkvision (~7 hours), 6/6 Ki Remaining
    Concentrating: --

    Inn

    "Assuming they didn't lose a leg somewhere they'll already have been, done what they needed to and gone," It wouldn't have taken her more than half an hour to get to the theatre on foot from the manor if they were rushing, so maybe an hour maximum for the bard. "It's been...what, ten hours or so since they left the party? Maybe more? Your best hope is that they've not moved it from the Counted Shadows since getting it there. If they're smart - and that's still up for debate if they got fooled by Dox - then they've already shifted it to another safehouse with a few blind decoys to ensure that only the higher ups know where it's actually gone to, until they settle the matter of the controller. I'm biased, of course, but your best bet would be negotiations." All of this was true, so much as Kett knows, and it wasn't exactly phiarlan secrets. She'd expect any espionage group to make use of similar tactics for a valuable item.

    Castle

    She nods quietly at Arano before speaking up. "Introductions first please Arimart, I don't believe we've had the pleasure before," she offers a small hand gesture towards Nyctessa. It's hard to tell the cause of her affected politeness. She might well be making fun of someone, or she's just playing at nice to get into good graces.
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  12. - Top - End - #762
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    Counting Shadows

    Kleris approaches the area outside the House of Counting Shadows. The dwarven professor had told him to come here if he had wanted to help so here he was. An opportunity to see the inner workings of Phiarlan operations would be an opportunity he couldn't pass up. That's without even the mystery the orrery presents, information about that would be worth its weight in gold.

    He nods in appreciation of the house, of course a rotting building with delusions of grandeur would hide a den of of vicious snakes. There were layers upon layers of it. As a changeling he could appreciate that.

    He wanders about the area he was supposed to meet until he finds his partner in crime. He walks over and slides in across from him, matching his hooded demeanor. He looks across the table with an arched eyebrow. "So you got a plan there chief? How do you want to do this?"
    "Facilis Descensus Averni." - Virgil, The Aeneid

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  13. - Top - End - #763
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    The Reprieve

    As the team beings to split up to divide and conquer their obstacles, Gryphon easily selects the location more likely to put him in contact with the very people in Throneport he wants to influence. As others take care of the horses, he Shapes Water around the exterior of the carriage before freezing it in place to give it a new profile. He then snaps his fingers and changes the color of all the ice to black, at this point significantly disguising the ride from its original appearance. Things are going quite well these days, probably best to avoid a grand theft charge on the way to court.

    He shakes Drake and Kleris’ hands and bids them good luck. If you need use of my magical services when we complete these errands, Sir Kleris, you only need to explicate what needs doing.

    The Castle

    Stepping out of the carriage at a leisurely pace, Gryphon watches as a gnomish tsunami slams into Arimart. Seeing the prosecutor nearly overwhelmed with the small woman’s attention, a lopsided smile rises up the khorovar’s face, all the way to his eyes. Why do gnomes alway dress like they were going to attend a child’s tea party? At least I’ve now familiar with the infamous Nyctessa, another name added to my Sending network.

    Striding up to the conversing group, certain that his reputation precedes him far enough in advance to preclude the necessity of an introduction. Prosecutor Kaessel, Counselor Orolain; while I’m aware that lucidity his hardly Maugrim’s preferred mode of being, I could reach out and contact him this very moment if either of you wish. He’d even have the ability to respond to my contact. Not that the fine men and women of house Deneith need any assistance, but it might provide a lead on where to search for him.
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    Professor Drake Shardstone

    Back at the Inn

    Drake shrugged at Kett’s comments. ”Normally I would agree, at which point this task would become a fool’s errand and completely impossible. As it stands now, it’s only mostly impossible. A solid source indicated the orrery was to be delivered to ‘their Lady’ this evening. I suppose this either means they were set to arrive this evening, or she was. Either way, I feel confident that the orrery can be obtained outside the House walls; inside will require more than an old dwarf and a certificate of purchase. I also wonder at what the House Ohiarlan might have in store for both the orrery and the tome...”

    Castle

    Drake followed behind the others, his slower pace creating a natural buffer between him and the gnome. He frowned at her irreverence for her comrade’s demise, but perhaps she would grieve later. Or maybe it was true what they said about politicians - they only care about voters and money ... and money can always buy more voters.

    Counting Shadows

    Drake glanced over at Kleris, tapping his chin thoughtfully. This wasn’t his town, so he had hoped for more input from the ‘locals.’ Normally, Drake was used to a longer observation period - a job was only as successful as the planning one did before. Unfortunately, he wasn’t in charge of the timeline. The grains of sand were already falling and the poke was on the move. Of course, success also required adaptability.

    Quietly, Drake responded. ”Well, good sir, that depends. We don’t know where our little bird is, nor if she has a bag of birdseed with her. If we don’t catch her before the keeper comes round, we’ll be in a pickle. Looking at the roost, there are far too many questions, and more blind corners than I feel comfortable with. And likely several other interested bird watchers in the area.

    Now, how well known are you in these parts? I have the distinct impression you’re not a patron of the local art scene ... and they may not favor your particular patronage. If that’s the case, your presence here may serve less as an accomplice and more as a distraction. For now, have a drink, keep your eyes open for lines of sight and who might be watching the roost... or watching those who are watching the roost. The roof is likely guarded by critters that have found a home there. The tenements on either side will probably have a residents with an eye for theater ... but many of the stores and restaurants nearby might as well. Those two alleys probably lead to entrances, but I don’t trust them. ‘Servants’ would probably use something a little less obvious.

    If you have any friends who can help us find an entrance soon, that would be helpful. I trust you can be more circumspect than the average enthusiast.”
    As Drake spoke, he kept his drink high, or stoned his beard and slightly covered visibility of his lips. First thing a guild did was employ lookers, many of which could read lips - no magic necessary. He also shook his drink to shingle the ice, just in case someone was trying to listen in. He also took his own advice and checked around the rest of the area.

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    1st (x4): command, identity, alarm, armor of Agnatha, cure light wounds, healing word, guiding bolt
    2nd (x3): augury, arcane lock, knock, suggestion, silence, blindness/ deafness, locate object
    3rd (x3): non-detection, speak with dead, glyph of warding, magic circle, clairvoyance, meld into stone, dispel magic
    Wards & seals (1/long): alarm, arcane lock, mage armor

    Effects: 60’ darkvision
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    DM: "Why do you have so many characters?"
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    Fare thee well, N_R ... you will missed!y

  15. - Top - End - #765
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    Castling

    Nyctessa takes Kett's hand first, then Arimarts and Drake's in turn when they are offered. Her grip is relatively light but her shake immensely vigorous. "OhyesI'vereadallaboutyoufolksI'msopleasedtomeetyo uallinperson!" The litigator doesn't stop for more than a few seconds, legs pumping rapidly as she maintains her brisk pace up the rest of the path towards the inner buildings. "Come on I want to show you the scene of the abduction and maybe get your take on it the Karrnathi has her new hound on the case too but I don't much like the smell of him if I'm being honest."

    The edifice of Thronehold Castle's grand keep is hardly any less imposing than the first time you were here, not even a week ago. The rampant gardens and magical grounds have not changed, and neither has the immense silhouette of the towers, gate and courtyard. The reliefs of Galifar are just as striking, the grand archways and soaring colonnades making it look more mountain than building. Even with the cloud cover, a bit of the sun's glare winks back at you, opalescent, from the expanses of stained glass windows facing westward. The ancestral home of the Wynarn kings, it is said, is one of the wonders of the civilized world. At least this time, you're able to take in the sights without being led in wearing handcuffs.

    Well, most of you anyways.

    Arano raises both eyebrows upon taking in the sight. "It's a bit much," he says but there's mistaking the quiet awe in his voice despite himself. "I wonder if the cells are as nice as the rest of the place."

    "Sorry to disappoint you!" Nyctessa reports cheerily. "You'll be staying in the Hall of Judgment, which from what I understand from the folks who have stood there to be a pretty standard situation as far as prisons go but that's okay we don't normally keep prisoners here long anyhow they're usually sent to Dreadhold or executed which I'm guessing will happen to you since you're here - wait no that's some circular logic right there it would make way more sense if - "

    But she doesn't get to finish her lightning rail of thought, because Gryphon is finally able to get a word in edgewise to suggest sending a message to Maugrim. Nyctessa's eyes go saucer-wide as she considers the implications of that, smacking herself a few times lightly upside the head for not having thought of it herself as an obvious solution to their current conundrum.

    Spoiler: Gryphon
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    The reply from the other end of the line doesn't come right away when you cast the spell. After nearly a minute of holding your breath, you do hear a ragged whisper from a voice you recognize as Maugrim's.

    "Karrnathi dogs. I trade one prison for another, yet I preferred ir'Larro's ministrations to Kaius'. At least they didn't leave bones just lying about... disgraceful."


    Counting Shadows

    The languid minutes of the afternoon passes, sleepy overcast skies not one conducive for extended time out in the field, as the two of you remain tucked away on the café patio. Together, you calmly survey the area and look for any foot traffic or other street watchers; anyone who might be observing or reporting back in to anyone. True to form, there are a few spotters within sightline on the street: a woman with a cured meats cart whose position has just a little too convenient a view of the main entrance to the theatre, and a pair of thuggish looking teenagers having a drink and a smoke on one of the tenement balconies.

    But after about three quarters of an hour, something happens that disrupts the stakeout. Drake's keen eyes spot an unusual movement. Approaching from the west comes a ratty and slight looking figure, nothing much to look at by the looks of them. At a distance, their frame resembles that of a child, but the practiced ease with which they dance and dart underfoot would point to one of the smaller races. What little the dwarf can see of their hair and skin is literally covered with dirt, and a scarf covers the lower of their face. As they make their way inexorably towards one of the nearby alleys with presumed side entrances to the House of Counted Shadows, the dwarf notes that none of the other spotters have actually noticed their approach. When he points it out to Kleris, the latter follows Drake's gaze and recognizes the figure nearly instantly.

    Renn.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Zeno Desaqqara View Post
    You divine bastard.

    "Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in the face of certain defeat."

  16. - Top - End - #766
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    Gryphon lowers his right arm and opens his eyes again once he finally receives Maugrim’s reply. Well at least the old man is still alive. I wonder if it really is Karnath that’s got him...

    The wizard waits for Arimart, his verbose counterpart, and the married couple to stop speaking to report what he’d learned. If this gnome wants a Maugrim update then she can take a deep breath and let her pulse drop about 20 points. I’m not going to try and match a hummingbird’s energy.

    When the others make aural room for him, Gryphon speaks in an unhurried manner. He’s alive, it turns out. Coherence is hardly his forte, but he believes he knows who has captured him. Perhaps you’d prefer me to reveal just whom he’s accused in a more... private location?
    amazing avatar of my favorite character, Gheera, by Pesimismrocks

  17. - Top - End - #767
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    Kett Collier
    Human Shadow Monk/Rogue
    AC: 19 HP: 52/52
    PP: 19 PIv: 13 PIs: 13
    Conditions: Darkvision (~7 hours), 6/6 Ki Remaining
    Concentrating: --

    Castle

    She humours the small defender at first, but her words turn a lot less amused at the assertion that Arano would either be executed or moved. "Neither of those are going to happen." Kett replies flatly. "He's a valuable person of interest whose knowledge could be instrumental in saving Throneport, so he's staying right here, under the best guards you have. If anything were to happen to him we'd all be in a lot of trouble." She keeps it vague, and with just enough distance that it's not an explicit threat. "We'll be sending on an additional guard of our own later today. Supplementary forces, given the...problems from yesterday night. Wouldn't want a repeat performance."

    She shrugs at the offer of information regarding Maugrim. It was, frankly, irrelevant entirely to her, and dedicating any significant thought or effort to him at this stage. It seemed far down the list of priorities they should have. She wouldn't speak up against it (yet, at least) but neither would she encourage it. They'd done the job they got hired for. If Thronehold lost him, surely they had other agents to deal with recovery. If they even wanted him back. It seemed like a lot of expended effort for very little cause or reward, though the fact that they'd lost a high profile prisoner almost immediately after locking him up must be making the still-living magistrates look particularly foolish. Perhaps their positions would even be in peril.
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  18. - Top - End - #768
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    Castling

    As Nyctessa finally stops her relentless suppressing fire of words, Arimart is left with different answers to pick up.
    Starting with Gryphon, who lately proved to be the more valuable and dependable of his unlikely allies, he ponders on the mad old man words.

    "I appreciate your concern for privacy, and I concur we can expose our informations on Maugrim's case later. Thanks for your effort. If you can spare the time, and the arcane prowess, I think we could try to contact him periodically. If we get lucky we could find him in a moment of clarity"

    Then, he starts moving again, wanting to bring Arano and Draci to their 'prisons' as soon as possible.

    While walking, he speaks to Nyctessa again.

    "As my colleague Kett said, we contacted an external contractor to assure the safety of our prisoners. You know how it is with the Wardens. They are so good at looking around that they often end up doing it in the wrong place at the wrong time. Besides, our prisoners will be watched by Madam Kett herself, I trust that her extensive knowledge on stealth will be essential to help us!"

    As he says this, the Prosecutor turns to Kett with and winks at her with a half smile on his face.

    "So... Nyctessa, you were saying that Magistrate Jarus put a man on Maugrim's tail... Do I know him?"
    Does this poster have a sign?

  19. - Top - End - #769
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    Castling

    Nyctessa grins and holds up her hands in an obvious 'I surrender' gesture at the intercession. Whether she's picked up the threat that Kett laid down is unclear, but you don't get the impression that the defense attorney one to be rattled so easily by such things in any case.

    "Sorry I just assumed based on 98% of the precedents we've had here at Thronehold that your 'valuable person of interest' would be treated the same but then again there are some exceptions. Whatever happens to your friend you should know that I will make sure they're guarded well... but I'm also really excited to meet whoever you send! It's always fun to have new faces at the castle you know so many coming through it's really one of my favourite parts of the job though of course most of them go after a little while."

    She lets out a little noise that could be a high pitched giggle, or maybe a hiccup when asked about Jarus' agent. "He's not a man, Arimart..." For the first time in the minute or so since the rest of you have met her, this is the most measured pace the gnome has managed, but the violent twitch in her leg and the growing rose flush around her neck tells you that it's killing her not to speak up more. "But I'm pretty sure you've met him before."

    Passing through the walls of the keep and heading towards the Hall of Judgment. The justiciary and administrative wing of Thronehold Castle is as busy as it ever was; busier, in point of fact. On top of the legion of servants and day staff - from clerk to cook, and many more - it's impossible not to notice the additional security here. Beyond the usual Throne Wardens whose silver and green raiment is impossible to miss, you spy no less than two score hardened warriors on patrol. A mix of colours are on display here, with heraldry and banners from all across the Five Nations and beyond. There's even a quartet of hulking warforged keeping watch over the main entrances.

    "Ah, you made it," intones a warmly familiar voice. Magistrate Berem Lann rounds the corner of one of the courtyard colonnades, a scribe and two Throne Wardens in tow. The Brelish judge still strikes his rather rounded figure, yet today wears a quilted maroon jacket over a white shirt and khaki coloured trousers, with a single bloodstripe running down the sides of his legs in a surprisingly bold statement where they meet a pair of saddle brown leather riding boots. He carries a matching pair of gloves folded over one hand.

    "I just got back myself, had to pay a visit to Ambassador ir'Moran in person." He clears his throat, moving to shake all of your hands in greeting save for Arano and Draci. When he clasps Gryphon's hand in particular, the grip is much harder than it needs to be as he gives the Droaamite khoravar the flintiest of polite smiles. "Thank you for keeping in touch, Sir Kaessel. I apologize for my vagueness over the spell link, but there's still a great deal that we need to sort out.

    Before we get to any of that though,"
    Lann says with a look towards your two shackled companions, "we should perhaps deal with processing your prisoners."
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    Quote Originally Posted by Zeno Desaqqara View Post
    You divine bastard.

    "Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in the face of certain defeat."

  20. - Top - End - #770
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    Nyctessa words fill Arimart with dark doubts "a man... who is not a man? Did she call a Karrnathi undead creature? Or maybe an otherworldly entity? And why now?"
    He walks on, lost in his thoughts, when a familiar voice brings him back to the here and now.

    A voice he's used to hear with relief, but now, after all the things he heard last night, the shadow of a doubt creeps in the back of his mind, finding places to attach itself, places where the mind usually goes in search of safety and peace, but where now something whispers in the dark.

    But this sensation is as brief as Nyctessa's breaths between a word and another, and the Paladin greets his old time friend with pleasure.

    "Well meet, Ber... Magistrate Lann! I can assure you that we've been through hell too!" Arimart takes out the Identification Papers he previously confiscated from Draci and Arano (his probably false), and answers to Berem.
    "You are right, we may have to speed up procedures, since I doubt that at least one of them will stay here for long. However, I took the liberty of calling for madame Kett and another associate of us help in guarding them. We may need them to testify later."

    As he speaks, he tries to take Berem apart and speaks with him with a lowered voice.

    "So... what happened? Nyctessa told me something but... not everything. We may need to talk later?"
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  21. - Top - End - #771
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    Castling

    Magistrate Lann glances at the documents but doesn't take them himself; as you are all escorted into the Hall proper, he motions for a Deneith deputy to come and start the collection process. Both Lann and Nyctessa are standing aside to let the other officials do their jobs, neither wanting to get in the way of the castle's custodians. Draci, to her credit, doesn't resist at all even when they come for her gear. Piece by piece, her plate armor and sword are collected and locked up as she watches dispassionately. The half orc dips her head slightly at both Arimart and Drake when her time comes to be dragged off to her holding cell, not looking back once.

    When it comes time for the Throne Wardens to take him into custody, Arano asks for just one more moment with Kett. He doesn't move in for a hug, or a kiss, or embrace; now is not the time or place. Instead, he leans in slightly to murmur in his mother tongue: "This is my choice, Kett. For you - and for her - I would do it all again. Promise me that you'll do what you can to keep our family safe on the outside, okay?" His lip twists into a grin, and for just one moment the day almost breaks through the windows.

    "I'll see you when I see you," the Phiarlan spy waves at the rest of your group as he's being taken away. The guards lead him across the foyer to the same stairwell, and then he's gone.

    Neither lawyer nor judge interrupts the farewell, yet they stand expectantly in its wake. You notice for the first time that Lann's face is creased with open worry, a stark contrast to the breezy welcome you received upon your arrival.

    "We need to talk now, before the situation gets worse," Berem says in response to the earlier question. "This is serious, Arimart. The Tribunal is shaken, and I can't really blame them. Your allies would be greatly appreciated too; we need all the help we can get. Have them consider this a favor if they want, one that I would see repaid personally."
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    Quote Originally Posted by Zeno Desaqqara View Post
    You divine bastard.

    "Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in the face of certain defeat."

  22. - Top - End - #772
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    Kett Collier
    Human Shadow Monk/Rogue
    AC: 19 HP: 52/52
    PP: 19 PIv: 13 PIs: 13
    Conditions: Darkvision (~7 hours), 6/6 Ki Remaining
    Concentrating: --

    Castle

    They'd had barely one night together before being pulled apart again. Yes, she could follow. Yes, he wasn't blocked from her. And, yes, if the wanted they could be out on the streets within hours. But it still hurt to not have him there. To Kett's credit she manages a strained smile as he goes, her best attempt at reassuring him - and herself - that this was the right decision and not putting him in yet more danger. She purses her lips 'The situation,' he says, 'A favour'. As vague as ever. What favours could they even offer her at this point? Their reach extended as far as Arimart's did, and she already had him on board with the Codex's destruction. She didn't need an army of incompetents. She needed people who'd do the tasks they were given quickly, efficiently, and without failure. She needed...Kett sighs quietly to herself. She needed phiarlans, really. Ones that weren't dumb enough to get themselves duped by the first changeling that wagged her tail at them. Then again, maybe if Berem really was a rakshasa, who knows what powers or people they had to call upon.

    Her gaze settles on the door Arano has disappeared from, not looking at Lann as he speaks. Better to get it over with, get it all in the open. "We have other engagements, pressing ones." She wasn't even close to ready to tell another party - least of all Thronehold - about the Codex. Arimart, hopefully, had the sense of mind not to do so as well, if only to avoid adding further problems to Berem's apparently overwhelmed plate. "If you want to make use of our time, then don't beat around the bush." She counts up fingers on her hand as she turns to him, finally breaking eye line from her husband's absence. "What actually happened last night, what specifically are you asking for, and what are you specifically offering in return?" Raw currency to turn into magical boons seemed the most useful to her at this point, but she also doesn't have free time to spare doing honest work for an honest wage. Dishonest work was usually a lot faster at making money, even if you did it honestly.

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  23. - Top - End - #773
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    Of course, Prosecutor Kaessel. If you wish me to contact Maugrim again, simply let me know. The Khorovar turns from his companion as Beren Lann turns the corner onto their group.

    Gryphon smiles his serene smile at the Brelish Magistrate. Full of pith and vinegar, are we little Brelander? If you choose to be the paper tiger, you’ll only have yourself to blame when you’re disarmed by my scissors.

    When Bergen Lann takes the occidental wizard’s hand in his vice grip, rather than pitting machismo against machismo, a very curious thing happens. Gryphon let’s out a half cry-half grunt of pain, winces his eyes closed for a moment and almost falters to one knee; actually reaching his left hand out and steadying himself on the magistrates opposite shoulder.

    Ughhh... pardon me, Magistrate Lann; at the party last night, trying to defend Magistrate Navel and young Layla Sencriss, I received some rather painful burns from one of the fire monsters. He indicates the fire damage still present on his tunic, and the badly scabbed skin underneath. I haven’t yet had the chance to seek out any magical healing, and I was unprepared for your... vigor.

    He stands up straight, pats the Magistrate’s hand reassuringly, and gives him a look of manly understanding as if to say, it’s quite alright, old boy, accidents happen.

    Whatever differences our countries may have, it was good to sense your Sending response this morning. It brings me a great deal of joy to see how well we work together to eliminate some of the city’s most immanent threats. If there’s more that you need of me, then I’d be pleased to acquiesce.
    amazing avatar of my favorite character, Gheera, by Pesimismrocks

  24. - Top - End - #774
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    Professor Drake Shardstone

    Castle

    Drake was quiet, offering a smile and his name if introduced. Other than that, he gave the half-orc woman a small nod of respect as she was taken away. Don’t worry, boyo, we’ll probably be seeing her soon enough.

    He was quiet when Arano left, but turned with interest when the Magistrate beseeched them for assistance. While he appreciated Kett’s questions, he was less interested in specifics - better to have a loosely defined favor that one could leverage for what one really needed.

    Counting Shadows

    Drake marked the two obvious lookouts, smirking to himself. However, when he saw the Halfling making her way to an alley all the while unobserved, he blinked. Nudging Kleris, he murmured about the figure, his mind racing on how to take advantage of the situation.

    ”So, do we call her out to one of the lookouts to earn favor? Do we use her as a distraction to get in? Or do we follow suit and attempt to sneak in? I’ll admit, I’m not as sort as I once was, so my rolls may be a little lackluster ...”

    OOC - waiting for Kleris’ response
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    AC: 14 HP: 40/52 Init +2 Move 30’
    Saves: Str +0 Dex +2 Con +2 Int +2 Wis +6 Cha +0
    Skills: Arcana/Religion +8; Insight +5; Perception +9;
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    Weapons: shortsword (+5 / 1d8+2); shortbow (+5 / 1d8+2)
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    Prepare 9 spells, DC 15, 4-1st / 3-2nd / 3-3rd
    0: guidance, thaumatugy, toll the dead, mending
    1st (x4): command, identity, alarm, armor of Agnatha, cure light wounds, healing word, guiding bolt
    2nd (x3): augury, arcane lock, knock, suggestion, silence, blindness/ deafness, locate object
    3rd (x3): non-detection, speak with dead, glyph of warding, magic circle, clairvoyance, meld into stone, dispel magic
    Wards & seals (1/long): alarm, arcane lock, mage armor

    Effects: 60’ darkvision
    Life is ... life. As always bot/cut as necessary.
    DM: "Why do you have so many characters?"
    Me: "Because I never embraced the strategic value of running away."


    Fare thee well, N_R ... you will missed!y

  25. - Top - End - #775
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    Castling

    Lann offers Gryphon an apology of dubious sincerity and Drake a noticeably more effusive handshake before turning back towards Kett. "I was going to offer a personal favor to everyone in your group, but if you'd like to cash in yours now I can have 1000 galifars in your hand by day's end. There will be another 1000 when the job is finished to my satisfaction. Will that suit?" His voice is steady and position absent hesitation; if losing what most people would consider a fortune bothers him, the weight of that choice doesn't appear on his face.

    "If that's everything, then I'd rather show you what we're dealing with. Prepare yourselves."

    The Brelish judge leads the way down a side passage, which leads to another intersection and then another larger hallway, which in turn takes you down a flight of stairs and around a gallery before ending at a single innocuous side door. Or at least, it might be on any other day: at the moment, no less than three fully armed Wardens stand guard. One of the men in command, who trades in splint mail for robes and toughened leather vambraces at the joins, quickly assesses your group before leaning in to whisper something in Lann's ear upon your arrival. Lann pauses for only a moment to nod and usher you all forward. There is a series of knocks, followed by an authentication given by Lann himself - "the blade itself incites to deeds of violence" - before a series of heavy bolts on the other side are lifted and you are granted passage.

    What you find on the other side is a sight more fit for a battlefield than the inside of the castle, yet it's sadly one you are all growing increasingly acquainted with. It'd be easier to find a patch of stone or mortar that isn't covered in dried blood in this corridor, which extends at least another thirty feet before turning out of sight. Of the corpses, you count at least eight bearing what used to be the insignia of House Deneith. To say that their bodies have been torn to shreds is something of an understatement: in several cases, there is more outside their body than in. The forged steel plates have been torn open, and both scattered entrails and exposed organs glisten under magelight. The Warden nearest the door looks like his head was caved in by repeated blows to the face, helmet and all: fragments of sticky skull are spread out at your feet like a really unfortunate game of knucklebones.

    You're only able to fully take everything in for maybe a few heartbeats before you're hit with the invisible wall of pure gut-churning reek of day old charnel. Nyctessa immediately starts dry heaving behind you, the gnome scurrying away. All you hear is a muttered "Nopenopenopenopenope," which is followed by the sound of a faint splattering and more curses. Lann waves an attendant to look after her, stepping over the first of the bodies and inviting you all to join him.

    "As you can see, the intruders were more than ready for an organized resistance. Here, let me show you the infiltrator."
    Last edited by 3SecondCultist; 2021-04-23 at 01:24 PM.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Zeno Desaqqara View Post
    You divine bastard.

    "Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in the face of certain defeat."

  26. - Top - End - #776
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    As his companions start negotiations with Berem, the paladin follows them without speaking. He will probably ask for some help later, but that's his work, and he doesn't feel the need to ask for a favor.
    When they reach the 'crime scene', even the veteran of many investigations hesitates for a moment, looking at the massacre laid out before him.

    He slowly walks around, observing the scene and saying nothing; after a while, he approaches Beren.

    "That's... that's almost worse than when we discovered the Tailor of Menthis' liar. Who... or what could have done this?"
    Last edited by CozJa; 2021-04-24 at 07:08 AM.
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  27. - Top - End - #777
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    Kett Collier
    Human Shadow Monk/Rogue
    AC: 19 HP: 52/52
    PP: 19 PIv: 13 PIs: 13
    Conditions: Darkvision (~7 hours), 6/6 Ki Remaining
    Concentrating: --

    Castle

    "I don't know why you'd think I'd accept payment before knowing what the job is," Kett says idly, "Seems pretty foolish, and if you're dropping coin you don't want to be hiring fools." She's mentally tallying up how much it would cost to expand her tattoo. Haggling wasn't really her style, she'd rather just decline it outright if the price wasn't right, especially since they had more important things to do. She would, at least, hear him out. Having something to pursue on the side when not chasing down leads would at least keep her busy.

    Her reaction to the bloodbath is about what one might expect from Kett - curiosity more than revulsion. It was brutal work, not exactly graceful, but the sheer application of force was impressive. She has no qualms about approaching the bodies for a closer look, running a hand over rips and tears in the metal armour, grasping the information they offered. As if a whirlwind of blades had torn through them. Her eyes go back to the door they'd come from - locks upon locks, yet entirely intact, and there'd been no signs of conflict or brutality on the other side of it. Since the bodies were still here, it seemed unlikely they'd cleaned up outside and not inside. If the layers of security had been the same, then inside job seemed most likely. And if it had been here, then the one responsible for opening the door was probably one of the dead here - probably the one whose skull was smashed to pieces. She sniffs, ignoring the rotten stench of death and slowly onsetting decay, but doesn't share her thoughts - or questions - yet.

    Instead, she simply follows on behind Lann, ready to meet the 'infiltrator'.
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  28. - Top - End - #778
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    Castling

    The body of the being responsible for the carnage can be found right in the centre of the red mass.

    It might have once been well-proportioned, muscular and solidly built at least six and a half feet in height. A bruised, mottled hide of smoke-grey is visible under a torn up leather jerkin and the uniform of a Throne Warden, the skin smooth looking and furless at first glance. Pulling off a helmet to reveal its head, you see that it has a mane of flowing lustrous black hair and teeth of a decidedly pearly quality, which only provide contrast with its watery, bloodshot eyes, sunken cheeks and pair of straight black lips. Though your first impression is altogether that of a living corpse, some kind of undead creation, the thick emerald ichor-like discharge that has seeped out from its body would seem to indicate that this being was still properly living when it was finished off.

    Of the wound that actually dispatched it you can find no sign. Most of the visible cuts and wounds look fairly shallow, certainly not enough to have finished off a creature capable of taking on an entire squad of elite Throne Wardens. The only major injury you can find is a deep puncture near the creature's gut. The skin around it has been charred and peeled away, as though it was burned concurrently or immediately after the stabbing took place. By one of the entity's outstretched hands is a single sword which is quite unlike most of the other weapons on site: unlike the disguise the creature was wearing, the blade is nearly four full feet long, and it bears absolutely no crest or adornment on the hilt or crossguard. For such a plain steel thing, the greatsword is remarkably clean of dirt and rust. It looks like it was just made yesterday.

    "Magistrate Jarus and her team are still collecting the rest of the witness statements," interjects Lann, "but from what I've put together, two of these things entered the castle dressed as Throne Wardens, and they definitely didn't look like that when doing so. Neither of them carried any fancy swords either; that would have been noticed.

    Tell me,"
    he says as his eyes flit towards Gryphon and then come to rest on Drake, "what do you make of all of this?"
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    Quote Originally Posted by Zeno Desaqqara View Post
    You divine bastard.

    "Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in the face of certain defeat."

  29. - Top - End - #779
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    Looking at the scene and at the dead creature, Arimart recompose himself and tries to consider what they can see.

    "So... this puncture... It could be from a piercing weapon but it has burns around... Maybe a Crossbow bolt enhanced with Fire? Or a rapier? It could even be an Alchemy blade, or a spear spikard. It doesn't look like one of the usual weapons used by the Wardens... strange... The rest of the wounds don't seem terrible. It could mean that the fatal shot was particullary powerful or that this creature had some limited capacity of regenaration, thus leaving us wounds looking less serious than they were."

    After this cursory inspection, the paladin looks at the weapon.

    "It seems almost new, and maybe it was? I bet an artificer could do something like this without too much effort. And..."
    He says this by turning toward Kett

    "Years ago I met one of your elven friends who could sing things into existence."

    The Prosecutor stops for a moment, placing his chin on his left hand as if to think better.

    "I've heard about dopplegangers, but for what I know they have quite different features. And they don't have the strength to do something like... this. Sir Gryphon, you surely met many strange creatures in Drooam, anything resembling them comes to mind?"
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  30. - Top - End - #780
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    Gryphon frowns with consternation upon stepping into the crime scene. Even if the mess was on par with what you’d see after a troll-on-troll bar brawl, it wasn’t exactly a spring meadow. He snaps his fingers and Prestidigitates a bouquet garni of rosemary, sage, and crushed garlic into his hand, presses it to his face, and inhales deeply before couching down to examine the gore.

    Contrary to the serpent’s typical distain for all things human, Spritz raises up from his languid perch on the occidental magician’s shoulders and peers down at the carnage with rapt attention. His tongue flicking out repeatedly, tasting the scents in the air. Fury preserve us, it wasn’t a battle, it was a slaughter. Whatever this this was, it isn’t one of ours.

    Gryphon focuses on the crime scene for a quite a while, Prestidigitating various implements to prod and test the bodies, as he responds to Arimart and Lann’s inquiries. I know doppelgängers, I’ve even been to their city of Lost back in Droaam, and as far as I can tell, no evidence points to this being a doppelgänger. Prosecutor, have you considered this thing might have housed a parasite like a Mohrg or a Tsochar? This abdominal wound you’re trying to identify might have been an egress wound from such a creature leaving to take a new host. What do you make of it Professor Shardstone?

    Spritz and I are going to see if we can identify any blood that doesn’t belong specifically to one of the corpses here. If we can isolate blood that belongs to one of the still living infiltrators it’ll give a proper divination specialist a tremendous boon for finding
    our culprits.


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    Investigation Check: (1d20+4)[7]
    Advantage from Spritz’s Help Action: (1d20+4)[21]
    Last edited by (Un)Inspired; 2021-04-24 at 01:30 PM.
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