Adventures in Alivast [IC]

[Xihirli]

It isn't uncommon for Agil to be invited to speak with Abacus Fleetfinger. Almost all government contracts in the Lower (or General) District of Alivast were handled by either her or the captain of the guard.
Abacus is a busy, no-nonsense gnome who offers contracts, asks if there are any questions, and ushers you out immediately. So it's a bit surprising when she invites you to sit and pushes a small bowl of candies across the desk.
"We're just waiting for your partner," she says by way of explanation.

Truth's been in the city at times. She don't have residency papers but there's various ways to get in... for a little while. The criminal underbelly of Alivast has a deal going on where they're largely left alone as long as they don't print fake residency papers, Truth knows that much. So she's really only been in and out quickly.
Being invited in with temporary entry papers is a new experience, to be sure.

She is, however, happy to note that she's escorted to Abacus's office not by a guard but by a clerk. A clerk who doesn't deal with crowds very well.
"Go on ahead, I need to catch my breath," he wheezes, and True is allowed into a neat, but overstuffed-with-papers office with a pink-haired gnome sitting across from someone with solid blue eyes.
"Miss Truth. Wonderful. Please, have a seat."

Spoiler

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How do you both introduce yourselves to one another? Perhaps you already know one another, by reputation if nothing else?
Please, feel free to fill that in.

[Amnestic]

Agil Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: -- | -- Concentrating: -- | Aina is curled up at Agil's feet in the office, quietly snoring away on a bed of scattered papers that were probably too important to serve as a place for a nap, but then perhaps they shouldn't have been bathed in sunlight. Agil himself is leant back in his chair, one hand resting on his cane, bearing the air of stoicism. He has dabbed a floral scent today - lavender with a hint of grape, based almost entirely on his purple coat. The cane is long and black, tipped at head and foot with gleaming silver. The head - covered by his white-gloved hand - bears the hand symbol of Helm. When Truth enters, he assesses them in a moment, his eyes judging in a flash. A person of the streets. A troublemaker. He didn't know them, and from a glance didn't know of them, but he thought he knew enough. This was his...partner? The teachings of Helm came to him at this time, a stern reminder. If we do not make the light welcoming, can we really blame them for choosing darkness? Whatever trouble they were, they could be lead down a better path, if only the opportunity presented itself...and if they chose it. "Investigator Agil." He held out a gloved hand to Truth to shake, unrestrained in its openness. Whatever judgements he has made privately, he has buried them - at least until he knows more.

[Bobthewizard]

Truth Tiefling Warlock AC: 17 HP: 24/24 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11 Conditions: none Concentration: none

Nija Imp Familiar AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3 Invulnerable: Fire, poison Resist: Cold, Nonmagical Invisibility, Devil's Sight Magic Resistance Rat, Raven, Spider Conditions: dismissed

Truth had never been in the city without needing to look over her shoulders before and it's a hard habit to break. She holds her pass tightly so it is a crumpled ball of paper by the time reaches her destination. She's never been in the city in her true form before, previously always using her innate illusions to disguise herself. Finally, she's also never been in the city during the day before, a fact she realizes only at this moment. The colors of the city are brilliant in the sunlight.

She's not sure why Duke, her grizzled old friend and handler for the Guild, chose her for this job, but she's glad to have the opportunity to see the city during the day. When the clerk falls behind, Truth takes the opportunity to detour around through the main market. She doesn't try to steal anything, but is just checking out her options. She moves as quickly as she can but is still a couple minutes late for the meeting.

The gnome, who appears to be in charge, doesn't seem to mind her tardiness, but she can sense some annoyance from her new partner, so she tries to smooth it over.

"Hi. I'm Truth."

Nija, who had been riding on Truth's shoulder, invisible, this entire time, chides her for being late as they go through the market.

"You need to see what they have to say."

Once in the meeting room, Nija flies off and explores the room, remaining invisible. She recognizes the Aasimar in the chair next to Truth, an old acquaintance of Zadiel. She had met him before, but didn't know him well.

Spoiler: OOC

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Nija Stealth (1d20+5)[23]

[Amnestic]

Agil Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: -- | -- Concentrating: -- | "An auspicious name." Or a duplicitous one. His resting face is allowed only the smallest hint of a smile. He leans back in his chair and turns away from his supposed new 'partner' back towards Abacus. "Well then, with introductions out of the way, may we proceed?"

[Xihirli]

Abacus nods, eager to get to business, and gently pushes a piece of parchment across the table. It had been warped by rainfall and travel so nearly no words were legible, just the word "danger" in the middle and part of the signature at the end. "Black."

"This letter arrived by carrier pigeon from Wolf's Den. Without more information I can't mobilize much in the way of a fighting force, so right now I'm only approved to send a small expeditionary force... within my position in the Alivastian government. Officially, I can only offer you fifteen gold coins to get to Wolf's Den as quickly as you can and report back exactly what's gone wrong." She leans a bit further forward despite only the five of you (counting familiars and companions) being in the room.
"Unofficially, Payton Black is a close friend and if you could handle whatever danger he's in personally I'd be willing to dip into my personal funds to properly compensate you."

Nija, meanwhile, flies about the place as silently as an owl. To avoid notice she can't pick up papers or open books, so she can really only read what's facing up in various piles. She is able to look over a recent contract with one 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' seemingly a contract for exclusive mining rights for his group in the north. She's also able to read the title of a file, though everything inside is obscured; "reports on the monster of the Everbright Mountain."

Abacus takes out a pair of contracts for the both of you. "You are each incredibly capable persons, the best I could find on such short notice. Please, find out what's happened to my friend."

[Amnestic]

Agil Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: -- | -- Concentrating: -- | Agil picks up the paper delicately with one hand, scrutinising it for any further hints. "Is the messenger bird available? I would speak with it." His eyes seek any signs of blood or an attempt to decipher any other words. Once done, he places it back down, gesturing that it is open for Truth's own perusal at their leisure. "Can you provide horses or other transportation? If time is of the essence I would prefer not to walk." The acceptance is already clear, but he still leans forward and plucks a pen from Abacus' desk, gives the contract a once-over, and then signs his name at the bottom before sliding it back. Whether Truth wished to sign up or not, he would still be going.

Spoiler: OOC

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Investigating the page for any clues or hints:-
Passive Perception: 18
Roll: (1d20+8)[23]
Passive Investigation: 14
Roll: (1d20+4)[16]

[Bobthewizard]

Truth Tiefling Warlock AC: 17 HP: 24/24 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11 Conditions: none Concentration: none

Nija Imp Familiar AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3 Invulnerable: Fire, poison Resist: Cold, Nonmagical Invisibility, Devil's Sight Magic Resistance Rat, Raven, Spider Conditions: dismissed

Truth didn't think 15gp was worth the effort. She could make that in a couple nights flirting with drunks at the taverns in the tent district. But Abacus is rich, and rich friends are always good to have, especially ones with connections that could get her into the city more often. She looks over at her new companion. He seems eager, and wants talk to the pigeon. That's a neat ability. She's intrigued.

"Ok. I'm in too."

She speaks to Nija telepathically. Although the Imp was trying to save her soul for a Planetar, she still had the mischievousness of an Imp and a Succubus in her blood.

"Don't bother anything here, Nija. We don't want to make this guy mad."

In fact, not trusting Nija to behave, she dismisses her to her pocket dimension. A handy trick she had learned to do without Nina's instructions. Nija always hates it.

"Darn it."

[Xihirli]

"The pigeon is with our aviārius, Master Taylor. As for a mount... I'm not at liberty to distribute horses, nor do I personally own one, I am afraid."
Abacus passed the contract and pen to Truth.

Spoiler: Investigation

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It occurs to Agil that the wear on the letter itself is something of a clue; the sort of storm that would cause this sort of damage is rare, and nothing he's heard any news of. He also notes that, while it's difficult to really tell anymore, the handwriting is unlikely to come from a man.

[Amnestic]

Agil Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: -- | -- Concentrating: -- | The Investigator frowns slightly. It was too soon to draw conclusions from anything on the paper, but it certainly indicated there was more afoot - that someone or something sought deception. Abacus had no cause to deceive him. "The document is weather beaten but I haven't heard of any storms in the area in recent days." He keeps to himself that the letter might not be signed by who Abacus believes - if it was an intentional deception, then involving the documentarian further could provoke whoever was behind it. And if there was no greater conspiracy, nothing would be lost by keeping the suspicion quiet. For now. He would inform Truth - if she did not speak it herself - at a later time. "Master Taylor may be able to tell us more, along with providing the pigeon for questioning." He waits for Truth to finish their own inspection, if any, before looking to move on. It was a shame there were no steeds on offer, but perhaps a caravan or similar was bound in that direction. If not, he supposed he would be pressing leather soon enough.

[Bobthewizard]

Truth Tiefling Warlock AC: 17 HP: 24/24 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11 Conditions: none Concentration: none

Nija Imp Familiar AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3 Invulnerable: Fire, poison Resist: Cold, Nonmagical Invisibility, Devil's Sight Magic Resistance Rat, Raven, Spider Conditions: dismissed

To Truth, a horse would be an extravagant luxury, so it hadn't even crossed her mind to ask. But once Agil brings it up, it does sound like a more pleasant way to travel. She wasn't sure what she could get out of this gnome, but she thought she had to try. It seems like he doesn't have many other options, so she pauses before she signs the contract, making it seem like she's maybe not interested in walking all that way.

"Perhaps you know someone who might have a horse we could borrow. Or maybe you could front us some of those personal funds in order to help us lease a horse so we can get to Wolf's Den more quickly. The sooner we get there, the better chance we have of finding any clues. I'd also like papers to let me into the city. I think you have access to those."

She then waits long enough for him to think she might not sign.

Spoiler: OOC

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Deception (1d20+5)[23]
if Agil's counts as help (1d20+5)[16]

I'm not sure how far Wolf's Den is. If it's less than a day's walk, then we don't need horses.

Spoiler: Notes

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Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest

[Xihirli]

Abacus weighed this.
"I could, if I was assured that you would handle the problem, rather than merely coming back with a report. With Wolf's Den being two days' ride away, I fear for any danger that could befall them in the time it takes for you to come back, and the newly-approved greater force to go with you. So. If you can promise me," she leaned on her hands on the desk, "that you will do your utmost to handle this problem personally, I will front you the funds to purchase a horse."

Spoiler

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Charisma (Persuasion) or Charisma (Animal Handling) for this one. It doesn't REALLY apply but I like it.

[Bobthewizard]

Truth Tiefling Warlock AC: 17 HP: 24/24 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11 Conditions: none Concentration: none

Nija Imp Familiar AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3 Invulnerable: Fire, poison Resist: Cold, Nonmagical Invisibility, Devil's Sight Magic Resistance Rat, Raven, Spider Conditions: dismissed

Truth thinks she's making progress. She reads the contract while Abacus talks, thinking about the request. Two days ride would be a week's journey by foot. Then we'd have to buy supplies, worry about finding water, and set up camp every night. That sounds intolerable.

She smiles and looks up at the gnome.

"Of course. We'll find Payton Black and help them take care of this danger."

She glances over the contract one last time before signing.

Spoiler: OOC

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Persuasion (1d20+3)[16]

Spoiler: Notes

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Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest

[Amnestic]

Agil Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: -- | -- Concentrating: -- | "A promise once given, a contract once signed, cannot be rescinded. Whatever this problem is, it shall be solved." If she didn't believe him now, he would prove her wrong with his actions. Then she would believe him next time.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

He is not a people person.
(1d20)[4]

[Xihirli]

Abacus took a deep breath and withdrew coin purse, leaving it on the table.
"That should be enough for a riding horse. Now if there’s nothing else, I’ll thank you for getting a move on."

Spoiler

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Any other questions?

[Amnestic]

Agil Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: -- | -- Concentrating: -- | He lets Truth take the coinpurse. A quiet test. But he has no further business with abacus, for now.

Spoiler: OOC

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We can skip past it if there's no real need to RP it out, Agil will ask the pigeon (via Speak with Animals)
a) To describe who sent it - including a name, if possible.
b) How far it flew
c) What direction it flew from and what the weather was like

[Bobthewizard]

Truth Tiefling Warlock AC: 17 HP: 24/24 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11 Conditions: none Concentration: none

Nija Imp Familiar AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3 Invulnerable: Fire, poison Resist: Cold, Nonmagical Invisibility, Devil's Sight Magic Resistance Rat, Raven, Spider Conditions: dismissed

Truth signs the contract, takes the purse and thanks Abacus.

"We'll do our best."

When she has Agil in private, she decides that he needs to know about Nija, so she warns him, "If we are going to be working together, there's someone you need to meet."

A black Imp with white hair and golden wings appears on her shoulder. "Agil, this is Nija, my guardian angel. Nija, this is Agil, our new partner."

The imp gives a courteous bow, "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Agil. But I think we've met before briefly. I had a different form before this curse. You worked with my husband, Zadiel, before he died."

Spoiler: OOC

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Spoiler: Notes

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Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest

[Amnestic]

Agil Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: -- | -- Concentrating: -- | Aina lets out a rumbling growl of hostility, and the hand gripping his cane flashes with radiant light when Nija appears. Devil. He exhales through his nose. Through discipline we prevail. He lays a hand on Aina's head, calming her as the light dims. "Zadiel was an honourable man. His passing is a loss for us all." He sounds aloof, and likely because he is, a little. But he's also sincere in his statements even if the tone is poorly conveyed. "I hope you will continue the legacy he left." He turns his attention to Truth. "Devils are duplicitous by nature. Remain vigilant." He couldn't and wouldn't say more. To do so would invite discord. Better that he watch and observe. There were tales - rare tales - of ascending fiends. Perhaps this was one such case. Or perhaps this was yet another deception. Time would tell.

[Bobthewizard]

Truth Tiefling Warlock AC: 17 HP: 24/24 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11 Conditions: none Concentration: none

Nija Imp Familiar AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3 Invulnerable: Fire, poison Resist: Cold, Nonmagical Invisibility, Devil's Sight Magic Resistance Rat, Raven, Spider Conditions: dismissed

Truth laughs. It's funny that Agil thinks Nija is the duplicitous one when she is trying to save Truth's soul.

"Did you here that, Nija? You are the duplicitous one, not me."

Nija shakes her head, "I have my work cut out for me."

She then explains the whole story to Agil. She was a succubus, tricked Zadiel into selling his soul, but then fell in love and voided his contract when he died. This caused her to be turned back into an imp and banished from hell. Zadiel, now a Planetar, found her and took her to Elysium, but she can't stay there in her current form and needs to save a soul, Truth's, in order to ascend and be with Zadiel again.

Spoiler: OOC

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Spoiler: Notes

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Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest

[Amnestic]

Agil Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: -- | -- Concentrating: -- | The Helmite Investigator listens in silence to the devil's story, his eyes occasionally flicking to Truth to judge their reaction, if any. "If you speak true then I wish you fair fortune in the endeavour. And if you speak lies, they will be turn up by their roots and exposed to the light of rightness." He taps the cane on the stone floor. "Whether in this life or the next, one can always decide to atone for past misdeeds...and failures. True justice requires it." Perhaps this was typically the time for him to share his own story? If so, he does not. He wouldn't breathe life to his shame so quickly, nor give ammunition to a devil or the supposed lost-soul. "Black shall not wait for us. Let us see about our atonements."

[Xihirli]

The coin purse given by Abacus contains 80 gold coins, a bit more than necessary to purchase a riding horse.

The stables nearest the exit to Alivast are host to many great animals, but only three riding horses:
One, a pure white horse that startles a bit when it catches Nija's scent named Fidelity.
Two, a shockingly red horse who seems utterly impassive to any stimulus named Bergamot.
And three, a plain brown horse with white socks who ignores you until you offer it food. Its name is Cheese.

Spoiler

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Any other supplies you want to look for, business to handle in a city? It'll probably be your last chance to like, buy something for a long time, frontier towns tend not to have shops.

[Bobthewizard]

Truth Tiefling Warlock AC: 17 HP: 24/24 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11 Conditions: none Concentration: none

Nija Imp Familiar AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3 Invulnerable: Fire, poison Resist: Cold, Nonmagical Invisibility, Devil's Sight Magic Resistance Rat, Raven, Spider Conditions: dismissed

Truth counts out the coins and looks to Agil.

"Should we just keep the money and walk? Maybe we could hitch a ride with a merchant. No reason to spend our money on something we could do for free. If you want to ride, I say we look at mules instead."

At the stables, with Nija in her pocket dimension, Truth asks about mules, seeing if she can get a good deal on a pair of them.

Spoiler: OOC

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Persuasion (1d20+5)[18]

I'd like to change her perception skill to persuasion. I think someone needs that and I'll just have to rely on Agil to spot things.

Spoiler: Notes

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Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest

[Amnestic]

Agil Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: -- | -- Concentrating: -- | ...perhaps Nija had been telling true about saving Truth's soul. The brazen suggestion of thievery - for that is the only way Agil could view it - disturb him. "The funds were secured to acquire a riding horse for transport, and that is how we should use them." But chances were such an argument would fall flat - the self-interested rarely seemed to understand the value of honesty. "You might be disappointed by a mule's performance if we are forced to flee at sudden notice." He was quietly impressed by Bergamot's stoicism. He had heard tales of a far off land in which a red horse was renowned to be faster than the wind and strong enough to carry even the heaviest of riders into battle. "I would recommend this one."

Spoiler: OOC

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No other buying requirements for Agil - he's not got any money really anyway. \o/

[Bobthewizard]

Truth Tiefling Warlock AC: 17 HP: 24/24 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11 Conditions: none Concentration: none

Nija Imp Familiar AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3 Invulnerable: Fire, poison Resist: Cold, Nonmagical Invisibility, Devil's Sight Magic Resistance Rat, Raven, Spider Conditions: dismissed

Truth smiles at Agil. She appreciates his honor, but thinks it's not important whether or not we buy a horse. She explains herself, knowing that Agil won't understand. She has honor, but for her, honor is more in helping people less fortunate than her than following the exact wording of a discussion.

"Maybe it's a technicality, but we never promised to buy a horse. He gave us money for one, sure. But the only promise I made was to complete his mission. And I intend to do that. He won't care how we get there as long as we get it done. And he didn't give us money. He loaned us money. So it's ours to do what we want with."

"But if it's important to you to have an actual riding horse, we can get the one you want. I'm not much of a rider so I'll just be holding on to you. Let's make sure we sell it as soon as we get to our destination. We will likely need the money to bribe some people into helping us."

She then tries to sweet talk the owner to see if she can get a better deal on the horse.

Spoiler: OOC

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Persuasion (1d20+5)[6] (hopefully the above roll helps some)

Spoiler: Notes

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Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest

[Xihirli]

Bergamot seems unimpressed by being purchased, but after Truth is able to talk the stablemaster into tossing in a riding saddle, bit, and bridle for only 5 additional gold coins.
And so soon they are leading Bergamot out of the city, out through the unofficial tent district of Alivast. While the lack of patrolling there makes the people present more vulnerable to thieves and "protection" rackets, most of them are just people looking for the second chance Alivast promised them, working for the farms surrounding the city when possible.

Neither Truth nor Agil are wholly unknown here, and there are a fair few lowlives who eye Truth riding out of town with an investigator with narrowed, suspicious eyes. But none who feel the need to start any conflict.
After riding past the fields surrounding Alivast the road beneath Bergamot's hooves ceases to be stone and becomes dirt. And further out it's hard to call it a road at all as the trees take over the landscape. Bergamot walks along at a brisk but unhurried pace, stopping wherever he can to nibble on leaves and grass.

While the ride was a day and a half and they encountered much in the way of wildlife – Wolf's Den was called as such because of the prevalence of wolves around it, after all – there was nothing that could truly threaten them, but Aina's presence and their general competence was enough to fend off any wolves who know better than to pick a fight with you all.

It's nearly sunset when the pair walk up a hill, and looking down it get their first sight of Wolf's Den, a frontier town built along the dirt "road" to Everbright. The dirt under their feet sinks in with moisture, soaked through.

One of the houses in the distance looks to have been cut in half.

Spoiler

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Amnestic, I think Agil's link is broken. The blue one.

[Bobthewizard]

Truth Tiefling Warlock AC: 17 HP: 24/24 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11 Conditions: none Concentration: none

Nija Imp Familiar AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3 Invulnerable: Fire, poison Resist: Cold, Nonmagical Invisibility, Devil's Sight Magic Resistance Rat, Raven, Spider Conditions: dismissed

Truth rides along on the back of Bergamot, holding on to Agil as he directs the steed. She's impressed with both the horse and Agil's ability to keep it moving. She tries not to complain too much during the night on the trail, but is clearly out of her element not being in a city. She helps where she can but isn't able to do much on her own without Agil's help. Even Nija is better at it. As they sit around a campfire, she decides she needs to let Agil see one more thing.

"There's something else I need to show you. I've been able to do this my whole life, but if we're working together, you need to know it."

She then briefly turns into an exact image of Agil himself, before changing to Abacus. She tries to imitate Abacus' voice but it comes out a little wrong. She's too sarcastic.

When they get to Wolf's Den and see the house split in two, she's not sure what to do.

"What could cause that?" hoping Agil has an answer.

Spoiler: OOC

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Spoiler: Notes

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Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest

[Amnestic]

Agil Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: -- | -- Concentrating: -- | The more Agil saw of Truth, the less he trusted but the illusionary or shapeshifting ability might come in useful, depending on where and how it was applied. Aina would hopefully keep their scent regardless of their form, if need be. On the topic of the split house, he's somewhat at a loss. "Magic, perhaps, or a giant's blade? We'll know better if we ask the occupants." He gently tapped Bergamot forwards towards the house. "I once read a story of a breed of dragons whose bodies were lined with steel blades, and a single whip of the tail could slice through stone. 'Adventures of Ser Gregory Bravehearted', suitable for children aged 3 through 8." He cracks a light smile.

Spoiler: OOC

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Link should be fixed now, must have copied it over wrong.

Roll for identifying potential cause of cut:
If an int-check: (1d20)[18]
If investigation, +4
If survival, +6.

Precast Goodberry to keep us fed on the journey each day, so 6 berries remaining after feeding Agil, Aina, Truth, and Bergamot.

[Bobthewizard]

Truth Tiefling Warlock AC: 17 HP: 24/24 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11 Conditions: none Concentration: none

Nija Imp Familiar AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3 Invulnerable: Fire, poison Resist: Cold, Nonmagical Invisibility, Devil's Sight Magic Resistance Rat, Raven, Spider Conditions: dismissed

Memories come flooding back of a book Truth had read in the orphanage. She lets the feeling of nostalgia wash over her.

"We had one of their books growing up. They had a little friend named Emi, right? Or maybe she was only in one book. I don't remember a dragon in the book I read. Anyway, I hope whatever did that to a house is no longer here. Let's see what's in this town."

As they ride forward, Nija stays invisible and flies ahead about 80', staying in range to communicate with Truth.

Spoiler: OOC

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Nija Perception: (1d20+1)[10]

Spoiler: Notes

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Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest

[Xihirli]

Nija is able to fly inside the house and take a look around. Nothing out of the ordinary for a hunter's lodge, except that clearly there's a good hunter living there. Wolf pelts and deer skin make up carpeting, bedding, and decoration within.

As Truth and Agil enter the town, they are regarded by grizzled hunters and frontierspeople. Hidden behind their distrustful grimaces is a real and present fear.

Getting nearer the house that has been cut in half, Agil runs a hand over the slice. It was certainly cut by a weapon, a huge one, by his investigation.

Asking around for "Payton Black," the pair find that the hunters shortly and coldly nod to the largest and longest of the houses. Just from the smell as you open the door, the smell of the place instantly identifies it to you as a sick house or infirmary. Present are two women and one patient. The older of the two women is stroking the throat of the patient to get him to swallow something in his sleep, while the other is merely holding his hand. The man is wrapped in bandages and seems to be in an induced coma.

The woman holding his hand looks up to you both, a spark of hope in her eyes.
"Did... Did Abacus send you?"

[Amnestic]

Agil Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: -- | -- Concentrating: -- | "She did." Abacus answers, taking a moment to ascertain the state of the infirmary. "Investigator Agil, and Truth." He gestures to himself and then his travelling companion in turn. "The letter Abacus received was marred by weather damage and illegible with only a name to denote its source. We have been asked to investigate. Please explain, from the beginning, what has transpired and what assistance is required. Please take your time and include any detail you can think of, no matter how minor it may seem." He was prim, professional, and calm, an attitude that served him well in the past for inspiring others to believe he competent - even when he might not be so at that time. Aina remains outside, sat on alert.

[Bobthewizard]

Truth Tiefling Warlock AC: 17 HP: 24/24 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11 Conditions: none Concentration: none

Nija Imp Familiar AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3 Invulnerable: Fire, poison Resist: Cold, Nonmagical Invisibility, Devil's Sight Magic Resistance Rat, Raven, Spider Conditions: dismissed

As they move through the settlement, Truth tries to find out what happened to the house. Each time, after Agil asks about Payton Black, and we've gotten a response, she asks,

"So what happened with that house?"

Once inside the infirmary, Nija flies around quietly investigating, while Truth looks over at Agil, impressed with his formal authority. He really seems like he belongs in this role. She wonders why she is here, though. She's just a petty criminal. Why did Abacus choose her?

Spoiler: OOC

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Spoiler: Notes

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Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest