During the conversation with the Council member, Valdr did not add much, only providing the additional information that these demons clearly intended to infiltrate mortal society and it seemed that they were working or communicating with someone. They had both a cache of Pesh with them and notes in a writing that none of their number could read. This information would be provided to Jori, along with the materials found for identification and decision by the Tower.
Valdr did not immediately rejoin his group in the investigation of The Crow, wishing to receive some additional healing before continuing on in his current condition.
Shortly after he arrived at the upscale inn in no guise save a heavy cloak, drawn up hood, a nondescript outfit and his axe shifted to appear as a simple shortsword. There was no reason to alert anyone by way of illusion. He did not ask any questions and merely ordered a beer and sat by himself. He was there for backup if needed, leaving the diplomacy and information gathering to those better suited. Besides, too many people asking questions would be bad. Yet the whole time Valdr would peer closely at all present. Seeking to pierce any illusions they might be weaving over themselves. It seemed that he was not the only one with access to magical disguises.
Valdr would keep careful track of time, wishing to arrive ten minutes early to the public meeting and ensure that he is confident with security. His disguise would shift before he arrived to that of a half-elven aristocrat, a curved sword hanging from his belt and his dark hair pulled back in a braided tail. It seemed a good place for the criminals to target to strike back at the Merchant guild representatives and he wished to take no chances.
Elise seems a little surprised at being interrupted by Serelina's question. "Oh, hmm, well the dwarf, she came in complaining about everyone and everything. I don't know what got into her beard. But I think she was with the halfling, and was fighting against the half-orc and a little gnome wizard - oh and another man with a limp and the strangest set of armor I've ever seen. I didn't get a look at who was doing the fighting outside."
Tavrus likewise disguises himself when he gets to the meeting, appearing as a geriatric, bumbling old man.
Serelina nods and smiles, taking in the information. Two factions working against each other, one is owned by the Merchant's Guild... the other obviously against them. But who are they and why is the Guild so concerned to risk such overt action...
Thank you dear, I'm sure you have other tasks to be about... With that the witch feeds a few bits of bread through the air holes in her Raven's roost and leave a half full glass of wine as she makes her way out of the tavern.
Tomlin let another few minutes pass by after Serelina left. He finished his drink and made periodic, weather-related small talk with the other patrons and wait-staff before departing as plainly as he entered. The halfling then attempted to gather the group up to discuss what was found by each. Afterward he stated, I'm still uncertain exactly what happened here, but perhaps we have a few clues. The public meeting may shed more light on the matter. Any other thoughts?
Having gathered what information was available from the inn and its employees those with an interest head to the great library for the public meeting.
A large crowd of people mills around the entrance to the library where a number of guards are peace bonding any blade or weapon larger than a dagger. The guards go about their work with a bored detachment.
The meeting hall is crowded. Even the balconies above have people standing at the railings looking down into the room below.
A dozen city guard stand placed around the room, their armor and uniforms standing out from the rest of the crowds. Four tower guard stand near the east end of the room where the three mages sit facing west, Masters Veray, Torenest, and Liam. The guards breastplates and helmets are of a slightly different design than the city watch, but still bear the familiar crescent moon symbol. A fourth man, Master Hast, stands to one side of the three council members.
The rest of the room is filled with chairs where merchant's and commoners alike sit packed close together, though the front two rows of seats are taken by those of clearly greater wealth and a few personal bodyguards.
Upon seeing you enter Master Veray waves you over for a moment to speak quietly with you. "I would like to speak with you in private when this meeting is adjourned. Meet with me in the southeast reading room on the second floor."
Master Liam stands up to the podium and the small talk instantly quiets. He speaks for several minutes covering several details of city management and concerns that are of little interest. ”The rest of the time is now open to the public.” He looks down at a sheet of paper he carried up with him. ”Anton di Alkanov, you have something to bring before us?”
”Yes, I do Master Liam.” A finely dressed middle aged man stands from the front row and moves up to the podium as Master Liam sits down. The similarity between him and Aurelion is plainly evident. Anton wastes no time in getting straight to the point. ”As the government is well aware, one of my ships was attacked on its way back from the islands five days ago. The pirates are at this very time still sitting in your cells. How long will our seeking redress for these things fall on deaf ears?” There are several angry mutters from the crowd.
Master Liam speaks up, ”Mister di Alkanov, we hear your words, but considering the tidy profit you made from that expedition, uh, a new ship added to your fleet, I don't believe you personally are suffering from the issues facing our kingdom.”
”Oh, I was fortunate, this time at least. But my colleague, Miss Ashin, we've learned today has not fared so well.” di Alkanov gestures to a woman sitting near the front, and a man in leather armor sitting next to her stands. ”Idmech, can you please relate the events of two days ago to this council.”
The man steps up to the podium as di Alkanov steps to the side to make room for him. His face is well tanned from what has likely been a lifetime in the sun and he walks with a casual ease. ”I am Idmech Daniay. I serve as one of the caravan guards for Miss Ashin. Two days ago we were ambushed on the road to Issust Hold, little more than a days journey outside of Coran. Several men and one woman dressed in the livery of the empire approached us with claims that our captain was smuggling flayleaf. When our caravan captain refused to bow to their fraudulent demands they attacked us. There were several hiding in the trees, a catfolk, a wizard of some kind who conjured up a demon, and another whom I did not get a good look at, had a cloak pulled down close over his head.” The room is silent has Idmech continues the tale. ”Seeing the caravan guard rushing toward them they ensorcelled our captain, and demanded we depart. I had already taken several arrow wounds, and some of the men were also hurt. Being as we were outmatched we had no choice but to withdraw and have seen nought of the caravan or our captain since.”
Mister di Alkanov stands again, ”Will you deny Miss Ashin redress for the loss of her caravan? And Idmech brings up a concerning point, are the patrols no longer to be trusted? Do they harass the honest and hard working folk for their own gain now?” More mutters from the crowd at the questions.
The mages confer for a moment with one another then Master Liam speaks again, ”I can assure you Mister di Alkanov that those who waylaid the caravan are not representatives of the tower.” His look shows anger that such would even be suggested as true. He turns his gaze to the woman, ”Miss Ashin what was the value of your caravan?”
Her voice is nasally, ”Fifteen hundred gold crowns Master Liam.”
Master Liam sighs resignedly, ”Very well, we will see your losses are covered.” He leans over to to confer with one of his associates again to whisper for a moment. ”And from forthwith there will be a change in the road patrols. Two members from a patrol will hereby accompany all further caravans as both added protection and to prevent any such attempts to impersonate government authority. The same will be done for all sailing vessels headed down the coast to Issust Hold or to the islands.”
As Mister di Alkanov takes his seat Master Liam speaks again, ”Coen Aldath, you may take the podium.”
A man in rich clothing and jewelry stands, one ear is pierced and a tattoo of a dragon climbs along one side of his face. He is a little taller than average with blonde hair and a handsome face. His voice is a clear tenor as he speaks. ”You are well aware I'm sure of the murders in the city streets these of two nights past Master Liam.” Coen's face grows dark for a moment, but he suppresses whatever anger he has. ”I also heard this afternoon a rumor that Radgar the Butcher has returned, and that he was responsible for the murders.” There are gasps and murmurs among the crowd. ”What do you know of this news? It is also said there was a small settlement a day east of Gumlat that was slaughtered.” His hands clench and unclench around the pulpit.
Master Liam is about to speak, but Master Veray puts a hand on his arm and stops him. Adian Veray stands to address Coen, his voice is calm when he speaks. ”We have indeed heard that news. And I myself traveled there this afternoon to see for myself if these rumors were true. I will tell you there indeed has been an atrocity committed. However, it could not have been Radgar that committed the murders in the city. Those who were killed two nights ago were all killed within the space of an hour.”
"You will see the matter through personally, Master Veray?" inquires an ifrit woman from near the back of the crowd.
Master Veray looks around the room for a moment, his eyes settling on the woman when he finds her. "I will be overseeing the hunt for Radgar. He will not escape." Master Veray speaks with confidence, the apprehension of the murderer is a foregone conclusion in his mind. "We are also increasing the watch patrols until he is apprehended."
Coen speaks up again, "And what are we supposed to do until he is caught? No one is safe while he roams free."
"I cannot deny that what you say is true Mr Aldath. Radgar is very dangerous. If any encounter the man they should immediately find members of the city guard. In the meantime though we cannot let our fears rule us."
Coen calls out, bristling with anger, ”Ten years ago that animal evaded the city guards and the towers mages. What makes you believe he will not simply outwit you again?”
Master Veray's face darkens and his eyes narrow, but his voice remains calm. ”I was not on the council ten years ago Mr Aldath. There will be no escape for him and he will be executed for his crimes, both past and present.”
There is a tension in the air, though none seem willing to openly express their doubts regarding the mages words. Coen Aldath returns to his seat. Master Liam calls out, ”Are there any others who have issues they would like to bring before this council?”
A crisp nod answered Master Veray at his request to see the group after the meeting. Tomlin's compliance was a forgone conclusion; the nod was simply to let his superior know he knew of the command.
The halfling proceeded to take a seat near the back, looking to stay inconspicuous. He did glance around the room casually, to see if any members of the merchant's mercenary group had shown up. Listening to Aurelion's father, Tomlin frowned a bit. why don't we execute pirates? The request seemed simple and straightforward enough, but the question was quickly squelched by the halfling's faith in the mage's decisions. If they didn't execute them, it was for good reason. He listened intently though as the discussion shifted to the ambushed caravan. That seems more than mere brigands he whispered to whomever of his group was closest.
The Radgar issue caused Tomlin to shake his head. If such a man really did exist then it was a shame he had not been put down yet like the animal he is. But the halfling also kept open the possibility that the murders and atrocities committed were attributable to the criminals and to the creatures the group had eliminated earlier. Perhaps this Radgar was just a straw man for people's fear.
Tomlin continued to listen intently as the meeting progressed.
Listening intently to what is going on, Serelina's brow is wrinkled as she tries to glean the relevant facts from the frivolity. She turns and whispers to Brother Tomlin, "Might you be able to position yourself to overhear what Aldrath is saying to his compatriots?"
Ian walks through the crowd, looking for troublemakers--an old habit. He doesn't seem interested in the politics.
After his patrol, he spots Serelina, looking rather concentrated, and walks over.
"Any of this mean anything to you?" He asks, looking in the general direction of all the politicking with a slight squint.
Tomlin nodded in response to Serelina's question. It was a good idea; more information could always help. As Ian approached the pair Tomlin slipped out of his chair and casually made his way over to where Aldath was seated. He positioned himself nearby, acting as if he was simply looking for a place to take in the meeting.
Serelina speaks quietly, answering Marros while mainting her focus, "The actual claims and words don't matter as much as the people saying them and the attitude they are displaying... The merchants are trying to shift blame on all the woes befalling them on the tower, and specific Masters at that. They also seem to know more of what is going on than the Tower itself does, and they are playing their information for profit rather than trying to work together with the tower to rectify the issues. Instability and war raise prices and stockpiles become valuable, and there is little risk if they can pressure the Tower to cover their losses. The merchants are stirring the trouble higher rather than cooperating to let things cool down - and trying to cast the blame of their fanned flames on Master Liam and Master Veray."
Raising his eyebrows in surprise, "Guess I'll leave the thinking to sharper minds than mine."
Ian nods in the direction Tomlin disappeared, "Where's he off to?"
"None of this bodes well." Valdr said in whispered words as he looked over those with the loudest voices and continued his own posture as a half-elven aristocat.
"These men profit thanks to the laws and protection The Tower provides, yet they do not care to work with us toward a mutual end. There are risks to ever endeavor and yet they blame brigands on the roads on the government? This is one incident out of hundreds of caravans. Nonsense is what it is. Our resources are being stretched further and further... we all know that the Merchants guild is not without its own hired forces, did we not just give them more authority to act to protect their interest from outside forces? Ungreatful wretches." Valdr was clearly not in the mood to listen to these complaints and the idea that chaos was creeping in and undermining everything ranckled him deeply.
Tavrus sits in his disguise, just listening. I really couldn't care less about these whiny merchants. Bloodsuckers.
Focusing in on what Coen is muttering to a woman next to him you are able to make out what he is saying over the noises in the room. "They made promises to capture him ten years ago and yet he escaped. How many families will be butchered this time? If we are to be safe we need to protect ourselves."
The meeting continues for another two hours with minor complaints brought up and addressed in one fashion or another, not always to the liking of those with the complaint. Many are simply deferred to be taken before a local district magistrate.
At last the meeting ends and many of those in attendance begin to file out. A couple of the merchants stay to discuss some private matter or another with one of the mage council, but those meetings are brief.
As the meeting broke up, Tomlin made his way back over to where Tavrus, Serelina and Ian were. He suspected Valdr was around in a more thorough disguise and did not want to blow his cover. As he sat down he said softly, They are given to vigilantism now. The sentiment seems to be that the Tower cannot protect them so they will protect themselves. It is the rule of law breaking down and more than a little concerning.
The halfling continues the discussion with his comrades, then moves to meet with the Masters. Sir, we are at your disposal. How can we assist?
Valdr decided he would learn little from snooping about and overhearing conversations. The individuals who were truly a danger to the Mageocracy would be intelligent enough to conspire secretly and beyond the walls of the meeting. It was those who were all smiles and had no complaints at all that Valdr watched.
When the meeting finally concluded, Valdr kept his distance from the rest of his group, lingering within hearing and sight range so that the Masters knew he was present, but not close enough to be signaled out as a dutiful soldier of the Mageocracy.
He knew that Master Veray had requested their pressence on the second floor reading room, but it seemed sensible to listen to the words the other Masters might have for Tomlin and the others.
Seeing Valdr standing around as the room empties Master Veray raises his voice slightly, "Tenan, Mariann is fine. I expect her to be here in a weeks time. And your daughter is quite capable of handling herself as you well know, and as you are also aware is quite a mind of her own and would not be persuaded by me in any case." Master Veray is speaking with a stocky man in his late forties. Despite his age he looks to keep himself fit.
Tenan huffs, "It was you who set her on the path of life she leads though, and I have not forgiven you for that. And I will hold you accountable if anything should befall her." With those words the man stomps off and Master Veray gives Valdr a nod then heads out of the meeting room and up to the second floor.
The man is readily recognizable to any who pay even the least attention to such things. Tenan Sorrin, first merchant of the guild. A very wealthy man with his hand in nearly every industry throughout the kingdom and beyond. While the Sorrin estates are on the Ioso islands they have residences in Coran, Issust Hold, Gumlat, Akleta, and no doubt in the neighboring nations.
With everyone gathered in the small study room on the second floor Master Veray closes the door then casts a silence spell covering the doorway and the hall outside. His expression is grim, an unusual countenance for him. "Take a seat please." Without waiting to see if you do he grabs one of the cushioned chairs sitting at a small desk and spins it to face towards the center of the room and promptly sits down.
"I spent this afternoon at a small settlement about a days journey east of Gumlat. A mere three farmhouses where several generations of a family once lived. The only member left living is a young girl, now being cared for in Gumlat." Master Veray rubs at one side of his head. "That girl will be scarred for life by what she experienced."
"Every other living thing on the farm where she lived is dead. Not just her family, but the cow, the two plow horses, the hens. Most were beheaded."
Master Veray lets his words sink in for a moment. "Everything, including the girls account of things, points to Radgar. He intentionally left her alive - he wants everyone to know he has returned."
"There is something very few people know about though. Radgar was once a paladin of the Mithral Rose. His wife was killed while under the protection of several lower ranking members of the order. With the loss of his wife he lost his sanity and went on a murder spree in the city. Killed half a dozen families in brutal fashion, including his wife's would be protectors, before the order and the city guard caught up with him - yet he slipped from their grasp."
"The man was extremely dangerous then, who is to say what ten more years have taught him. It would be extremely risky to confront him directly, yet he must be caught."
Ian sits as ordered, crossing his arms, then listens quietly, stonefaced.
"Radgar's been a stain on the guard's reputation ever since."
Tavrus takes a seat, looking like his usual dour self once more. He says nothing, but looks as if he has something on his mind. Something that doesn't seem all that unpleasant to him.
Sounds like a body I could use.
Edric stands silent watch inside the doorway.
"To top it all off, we still have this new criminal organization to deal with and the merchants who attacked them. We need answers. Too many riddles, not enough solutions. No offense intended Master."
After he had seated himself, he listened intently. Though he wore the face of a half-elf, his mind was entirely dwarven. He was meticulous and liked to complete one project before moving on to another. "Were you or the other masters able to decipher anything from the items and papers were brought back from the lair of the demons?"
[b]"Was the child able to accurately describe Radgar? While it was a butchery no doubt, plenty of men could have done this to a few peaceful farmsteads. A false sword is just as likely as the genuine blade in this case."
"None taken Valdr. The problems in our city are multiplying at an alarming rate. Unfortunately this is but one issue. There is something else that has come up, as of this morning one of our patrols between Coran and and Gumlat has gone missing. Captain Duvon in Gumlat reports that his scouts found signs of a battle. Shattered arrows, spilled blood, broken links from chain armor. The corpses of the dead were pulled half a mile from the road and left in the brush. Either whoever, or whatever attacked them had no casualties, or such casualties were completely removed from the area. This isn't your issue to be concerned with though, you've plenty to keep you busy here in the city. But I wanted you to be aware of it."
Master Veray closes his eyes, thinking back on his toils this day. "It is possible an imposter has taken up the name of Radgar. The girls memories of the event match what I know of the man though, including his full plate with the emblem of the Mithral Rose worked into the left breast. Blonde hair, square jaw, pale blue eyes. You can be assured that Captain Izash, head of the order, will lend you any aid you require in apprehending Radgar. But how and where to find him in the first place is a question I have no answers for."
Taking first the bird figurine he studies it for a moment "I believe I know what this is, but just to be sure..." casting detect magic he continues studying it. "Very interesting. Not quite as simple as I had first thought. This is a bird feather token, of which you are probably quite familiar with. But this one looks to be of a permanent nature. That is it is reusable."
Taking then the note he reads over it carefully. "And this... this is written in abyssal. I guess that is not surprising given what you found out there." The master scowls, "Where ever there be demons involved there is almost certainly something far darker and sinister going on than even the most depraved of mortals can imagine."
"This message is vague though." He reads over the letter again, translating it as he does.
"Arrived in Coran. Met with F and H. Be prepared for a pickup in eight days."
"Head to the hold and make further arrangements with D there."
Tomlin had gone even more rigid and impassive than usual listening to Verey's description of the farm massacre. A rage boiled in his eyes however; one that he either could not control or did not bother to try. He said nothing, but it was clear that something of what was said made him especially livid.
After Verey finished speaking the halfling responded. His voice was soft but the rage hovered in the background. Sir, where would we best locate Captain Izash? Perhaps he may know where this wretch's hideouts could be. Did this Radgar have any other associates we could question?
The halfling offered a nod of thanks in reference to the magical item assistance. Thank you sir. Aside from the Radgar situation and an interrogation of the prisoner the merchant's mercenaries fought with, are there any other specific objectives for us?
Ian listens intently, brow furrowed, and seems about to ask something when Tomlin speaks. He watches the halfling for awhile, trying to figure out why he's so angry, but returns his attention to Master Verey.
"I trust Jori has already apprised you of the increase in drug trafficking? If so then you are aware of the top concerns."
"I do not know the captains current whereabouts, but no doubt the orders headquarters can point you in his direction."
Master Veray turns to Ian, "You were going to ask something?"
You get the sense there is more troubling the council head than what he has spoken of.
"Yes, we need to get this barbarian out of the picture. I don't like senseless slaughter and I don't like the thought of us losing power for failing to contain this menace."
Ian clears his throat, a bit caught off guard.
"Sir...lotta' problems on the Tower's shoulders lately, and we'll do what we can, but are there specific orders you got for us? Somethin' you haven't mentioned yet?"
Nodding at the Master's words, Serelina adds:
"There are too many entertwining between events that detract from the tower for them to be dismissed as coincidence. Logic dictates that there may a larger link of some sort between all the events, even if the actors themselves are unaware of the connections. Between The militant vigilante actions of the Merchant's Guild, the Guild's begging for aid and reparations in other events, the attacks by the unknown "criminal group," and now the unrest in the outer villiages. All the actions have the conspicuous consequence of thinning out tower resources and reputation at a dangerous level. We must be alert that this thinning of resources and reputation could a broad goal by someone orchestrating events behind the scenes."
"That feather token could be especially useful in our hands, as it would allow for us to relay messages of import to the Council and back again should it be required. Which of you would like to be its caretaker?" Valdr said concerning the bird token.
"Let us not forget that the body of the deceased criminal is of use to us as well. Though I am still uncomfortable with the dangerous magic, Tavrus has proved himself adept at wielding it and prying secrets from the dead. The corpse should be kept in the best condition possible. Utilzing it we may be able to discover who leads the criminal organization, how the drow is connected to them and where we can find them."
Tomlin glanced over at Valdr. I'd say you are as good as any of us to hold on to it for now. The halfling nodded vigorously in agreement with both the dwarf and Serelina's points. Aye, these events seem ideally suited to eviscerate the Tower's reputation. Much too convenient. It seems we have many tasks ahead of us, and Valdr is right to remind us to investigate that corpse. It would not surprise me at all to see that scum tied into the drug trade.
Thinking a bit more he adds, perhaps the body should be our next stop assuming Tavrus is ready to use his magicks again. On our way we can stop at the Mithral Rose for any insights they may have on Radgar's location.
"given some rest, I can prepare that spell again. When are we planning on leaving?"
Master Veray gives Ian a good stare, but his mouth is in a half smile, then nods his head in approval. "Tower politics is what else is on my mind. I at times think delving through forgotten ruins is a safer occupation than navigating through political currents. Its nothing new, but at present we could use more unity than the council currently has."
"I believe there is wisdom in your words Serelina. Some things may be happenstance, but so many at once... cannot all be coincidence. The trick is to sift out which are truly random and which are part of some larger happening. And I confess to being at a loss for this." Master Veray taps the fingers of one hand against his leg, thinking something over in his mind. "I must speak with Dason Per'ald about this. I have an idea for something that may help. Meet me at the tower in the morning and I will see if my thinking bears fruit."
"Yes, Tavrus indeed has a rare talent."
You get the feeling Master Veray does not approve of Tavrus methods.
The mage stands and paces, "How to proceed now though? Captain Izash may have some ideas on Radgar" he shakes his head "but my fear is we won't be able to make any headway there till he reveals himself. That leaves us with the prisoner the merchants guild have caught and the pesh trade. Jori mentioned you had a paper with dates and names on it in relation to that? Following up on what you can there seems the best course of action for now."
"Excellent. If we aren't leaving until tomorrow, then I will be able to speak with the remains of the deceased."
Valdr considered for a time and then spoke again. "Given the recent events, should we postpone our movement of the prisoner drow to the ruined tower? Do we think that these criminals will not strike out at him? If so, we may still wish to visit him. It occurs to me he might have more information concerning the Pesh trade. An exchange of information for his timely release... I do not think we have much in the way of substantial crimes to charge him with anyway."
Raising one hand, he ticked off his stubby finger one by one (though to the group not peering through his illusion, his fingers were those of a slender half-elven aristocrat) "We should assist Tavrus with his... divination. We should visit the merchant guild and question the prisoner they have as well as take him into our custody, they have no right to hold citizens on their own authority as our writ did not provide that clause. I think we should also pay another visit to the drow and inquire about his knowledge of the Pesh trade."
It is believed most of the pesh that flows into the city comes either from Issust Hold or the port (some deliveries to the port are also from Issust Hold, so it could be one and the same). Rumors suggest at least some of the merchant houses are involved in the trade.
The southwest districts of the city hold many of the poorer citizens and the density of dealers and users in that area are much higher than elsewhere. This area includes the slums and tiny town, but does not include the beggar's road.
The trade of pesh is a pretty loose organization, so while dealers are commonly caught on the streets, connecting them to suppliers has never proven very successful.
Tomlin listened intently to both Master Verey and then Valdr. Like the disguised dwarf, Tomlin's mind was focused on the next steps. Aye, I agree the plan to use the drow as bait makes little sense now. And our long list of tasks would seem to go as Valdr lists. Questioning the prisoner can happen immediately, and tomorrow we can question the dead one.
Ian nods to Veray in response, remaining silent as the meeting continues. He seems especially tense at mention of the pesh trade.
Additionally you'd know a few local dealers near the south gate.
Returning to the merchants guild hall you meet with Raseb again. The eunuch gives a small bow, "The captive has been quite docile since he was caught, but we shall be glad to have him taken off of our hands. As you understand we don't have the facilities for retaining prisoners."
The merchant beuracrat leads you into a small waiting room where the undine, Vados, is waiting. His eyes are closed but he opens them briefly to glance at you before closing them again. Near him sits a female dwarf wearing a breastplate underneath a long cloak. An empty scabbard for a large blade is strapped to her back along with a composite longbow. Like the undine she also looks to be resting.
He stops before another door, "These were found among the prisoners possessions." Raseb holds out several black crow feathers. He then opens the door into an inner room where a handsome man in his late twenties is tied to a chair. His hair is of medium length, burgundy in color. He is clean cut, but shows several bruises and scapes on his face and arms. Also in the room are a two merchant guard regulars along with the young female half-orc and another undine in an armored kilt with a composite longbow. There is also an inquisitor of Abadar present with a flail hanging from his side. Raseb nods to the young half-orc. "I will be available should you need anything."
Ian takes a quick trip to the south gate, not asking anything directly of the dealers, but looking for rumors. Applies some pressure if needed.
He arrives in his usual on-duty attire.
Before going to the waiting room, Ian asks Raseb, "This the one that claimed to work for the tower?"
When he is shown the feathers, "Some thugs a few nights back threatened a local merchant, left a feather like this as a sort of calling card. Must be part of the same group."
Ian takes a spot near the wall and watches the interrogation for now. He seems distracted, maybe bitter, since his trip to the south gate.
Tavrus, being better at speaking with the dead than the living, asks no questions initially.
"Before we begin... I want you to understand something."
Tomlin hadn't bothered with disguises this time. He learned last time, with more a little chagrin, that the merchant's mercenary's sharp eyes were more than a match for his skills in that area. Perhaps that memory aided in the halfling's especially grim demeanor. Then again he had worn a near-snarl since the meeting with Veray.
As the group headed inside Tomlin exchanged the perfunctory greetings with all he saw but was clearly distracted. He waited for his companions to file into the room in which the merchant's were holding the man. Interrogating him here and taking him to the jail seemed suitable enough.
He seemed on the verge of asking the prisoner a question when Serelina spoke up and quickly began casting a spell. Tomlin knew little of magic but he could tell the spell's intended effects. He turned to face the woman for a moment with an unreadable expression before turning back to assess the prisoner.
A slow smile crawled across the halfling's face.
As Serelina begins casting her spell a hooded man approximately 5'11" steps to the prisoners left side, giving Serelina a nod of approval. His pale complexion mixes a hue of dark blue with drab grayness. Most of his facial features are well hidden by a crimson scarf as well as by the shadows cast from the hood of his sand colored cloak. His breastplate is a ceremonial golden scorpion carapace. A silver symbol hangs from a chain on his neck and rests on his arms which are crossed at his chest level. Black leather gloves adorn his hands. He emulates the casting of a spell, though whatever he is doing seems to come from natural powers within the man.
He has used a spell like ability to Discern Lies.
Showing no emotion the man looks Serelina in the eye, "I didn't realize there would be a show involved."
Taking a moment to gather in his surroundings. He speaks again. "In all seriousness, I am glad you are here. There is a murderer in our midst. Arrest this witch!" He looks straight at the young woman, Cindy, "Guilty of cold blooded murder. Showing no respect for the laws that the mageocracy uses to keep people safe from such evil."
The inquisitor of Abadar speaks up, his voice is cold, "Playing the innocent martyr? Pfah. What part did you take in threatening the life of Mr Jumai?"
The undine with the scorpion breastplate leans in close to the captive, staring intently at him. "He lies. He is attempting to drive a wedge between those in attendance."
The prisoner is slow to answer, staring intently at the undine for a moment before speaking again. "You don't know me. And to pretend to know enough to call me a liar is not only rude but shows lack of thought. Why don't you prove my accused lie and bring in my friend whom you say was not killed in your bloodlust. After your magic beast left him barely a carcass. The overly manly female dwarf was carrying the body away. I'm sure she has already devoured my dead friend and we can use your magic to identify him by the blood that now stains the street."
He clears his throat and opens his mouth to answer the inquisitors question but stops mid breath. Shaking his head slightly, "It seems clear that regardless of what I say I will be accused as a liar. It seems to me the quickest way for actual truth that can't be disputed would be to have this Jumai person look at me face to face. He will confirm that I was not one of his perpetrators."
Glowering at the falure of her magic and looking from person to person and Serelina tries to discern who is being honest. Turning to the prisoner,"Enough banter. You claim innocence, then simply explain the circumstance that brought you here. Why were you in the altecation that brought about your incarceration? What is the meaning of the black feathers? Who are the others you are working with? What is the goal you are working towards... If you are innocent then you lose nothing by explaining yourself."
Prior to entering to meet with the merchant's guild, Valdr once more doned a disguise. Beneath all the illusions he wore a heavy robe with a obscuring hood and a scarf around his mouth. That way even if the merchant's guild or their prisoner pierced his illusion, they would see little of his real features. He atended the merchant's guild in the guise of a short, human beauracrat or a banker. He had a pinched face and wide spectacles and a receading grey hairline. Yet upon hearing the information Raseb presented about the prisoner impersonating Tunny, he allowed his disguise to shift and he took on the likeness of his ally. Two could play at this game.
Having lingered in the background and frowned at the harsh methods of his new companions, he quietly approached the inquisitor who had cast detect lies. (Spellcraft take 10, 10+13= 23)
"An excellent manuever. Please inform me when the prisoner utters a lie." He said in a low whisper. Then he stepped forward, in the guise of Tunny, and held up a hand.
"We have crediable witnesses both among the merchant's guild, the staff and customers of The Crow, and amongst the guard that ye were impersonating a ranking member of the Mageocracy, namely me. This alone is a serious crime. Halt yer lies and speak truth, or do ye truly believe we do not have divinations in place to piece yer falsehoods?"
"Yet there may yet be a chance for you, tell us what we want to know about your outfit criminal and we will find leniancy." He did not lie in this instance. Justice was not his intent, upholding the laws and the stability of the government was. If he needed to let a mid-level criminal go to catch his boss and associates, so be it. He knew that crime would never be completely purged from a city of Coran's size, but it could be contained and minimalized.