"Yeah, okay, that does it." Shinon walks over to the customers and grabs Andrea firmly by the arm. "I'm just going to borrow her for a second. Kay thanks." If Andrea doesn't resist him, he leads her into an alley and lets her go, crossing his arms.
"Alright, what's going on with you? You've been acting really weird ever since we got into that sewer. Did something happen?"
"Yeah, okay, that does it." Shinon walks over to the customers and grabs Andrea firmly by the arm. "I'm just going to borrow her for a second. Kay thanks." If Andrea doesn't resist him, he leads her into an alley and lets her go, crossing his arms.
"Alright, what's going on with you? You've been acting really weird ever since we got into that sewer. Did something happen?"
1d20+9
Andrea lightly rests a hand on the customer's arm. Henri Stoutpour, that is his name? We now know who to pray for. Was he a friend of yours? Was he having troubles? Please tell us so we can pray for his salvation.
Oh yes. An excellent sacrifice. Please do.
Unnhhmmff.. A trickle of blood runs down from Andrea's bitten lip.
The one eyed customer looks at poor ole Henri, "Henri was part owner of Stoutpour's Brewery and Pub up on Merchant's Alley. He's had it fer along time, not sure 'bout his partner...just know it ain't his wife, Missy Stoutpour of the Clambake family outside of town." He makes the sign of Asmodeus again. "Haven't been to his pub in a week, didn't know he was missin'"
"Wonder when he went an' got himslef killed?'
He looks over at vernus, "Ever been to Stoutpours?" Vernus shakes his head back and forth, "Naw, that place serves a bit 'igher end people...my coppers spent in other places."
Andrea nods and dabs her lip with a bit of cloth. we will make sure that his wife knows of his passing [i] and perhaps larn more about that partner[i/i] thank you for your concern my good gentlemen.
Duncan taking a load off his short legs riding next to the bandit and the dead Mr. Stoutpour. The sound of Duncan drinking and dabbing the booze on his face makes a splashing sound.
Vernus looks up, "The city needs guud folks likeyouhelpin'out." His words running togetehr at the end.
Andrea points off to the morgue. While Stoutpour has taken much damage to his body, the mortician may be able to fix him up slightly. Plus, we have a victem of the attacks that might be able to speak if we use magic. I am not able to perform such a miracle, but if we ask at the Temple of Asmodeus, perhaps through John's Hellknight connections, we may be able to pay for such a spell.
I crawl out of the hole and join the others. Looking around at the crowd, I turn to my companions. "What now? Where we go from here?" I await an answer.
Andrea looks at Kenji. We will take the body to the morgue to be stored in the cold cellar. Then...I need to bathe and tend my wounds, I will be going to the bathhouse.
The draft horse drawn cart slowly winds its way around the Rego Sacero "Priest Sector" and towards the a non-descript morgue that is tucked in a back alley on the west side of the sector. Actually, everyone but Kenji would realize this particular morgue is not far from safehouse. Andrea is familar with the alley and the layout as she directs Ermolos to go around the back of the building to a rear entrance.
While travelling to the morgue you do run into Yakopulio, the female gnome, walking down the street, she would nod at you but not draw unwanted attention to the group or herself.
Andrea motions to the others and knocks on the door before pushing it open. Nathabiel? Andrea pokes her head in. Are you here? It is Andrea. I need to place a body into the cold cellar. It seems there was a killing by either the shadow beasts or bandits.
If Nathaniel pops up Andrea explains. Henri Stoutpour of the Soutpour Brewery was found by us in the sewer. Unfortunately, the rats have had their way with him so I am afraid the most that can be done is tidying him up for burial.
Andrea waves to the others to bring in the corpse. We will be informing his wife of his death. Plus will be attempting a divination to see just how he diead.
When we reach the morgue I will take the hand cart with the unconscious bandit and prepare to leave. If you guys still need the cart I will pull the bandit onto my back in a fireman's carry fashion. "You handu tings here. I take him back to safehouse an secure him. We question him rater but I need speak wit Janiben. Prus is best we get him secured soon, as he may wake any minute." I look around confused. "Where is safehouse from here?"
Ermolos looks up at Kenji, "Ah...w...why so fast, Kenji? Can't Andrea check his injuries here a the morgue and well,..." pausing and looking donw the alley, "it is a bit secluded,"
"Beside Arael, Janiven and the others will know we are back soon enough...that was Yak on the street, sure she passsed word on."
Andrea calls to Kenji before she enters the morgue. You can bring the bandit in as well. Nathaniel is discrete and I used some minor magic to keep the bandit from dying. I believe we will need to dump a healing potion down his throat to bring him around.
Nathaniel comes to the back door and greets Andrea, "Hello, Andrea." Nose crinkling, "Whoa, my clientele smell like roses compared to you right now." Suddenly realizing that Andrea is not alone, "Oh, hi, I'm Nathaniel, do come in. I'm not use to many LIVE customers." Directing Andrea and the others into his preparation room.
"Yes, set them both on the tables, lets have a look."His eyes widen a bit, "looks like Henri was giant rot grub food. Nasty poison with rot grubs, this one was a doozy. Enthused he picks up a scapel, looks like time of death was 4 days. Don't be shy, Henri won't bite...take a look. Hey, there's a half keg of Stoutpour's finest in that cold cellar feel free to tap it. Don't have many cups though...don't usually get drinking company."
Looking up and shrugging, "Well it's only appropriate."
Andrea nods and bends over the corpse as Nathaniel goes to work. Giant rot grub? That is new to me. Is Henri too damaged to see if he was killed in any other manner? Andrea gets a few cups after Nathaniel replies and fills them for the others, she seems to have gotten her head back on straight now that she is out of the sewers.
Andrea takes a sip of ale and then swallows the rest of it as she watches Henri work seemingly forgetting that she is covered with rat bites and other substances.
"What kind of manner you looking for? His teeth were pulled out, recently...traumatic. Probably had some gold or silver in there. Can't tell if he had internal abdomen injuries, heart's missing grubs love internal organ. Don't see any signs of rope burn or bruising on his feet. Finger nails has some skin under them...scratched something." Continuing his exam, whistling, "There you go...crushed pelvic bone...blunt object but someone, or something, went to the trouble to conceal the bruising with some minor magic post-mortem."
Pointing it out to Andrea, and anyone watching, as he peels the skin back. "So you going to introduce me to your friends?"
Well something like the noble you worked on earlier; a wound that showed he was killed in a manner different from what it appeared. Claw marks that would make it seem that he was killed by a shadow beast and not a dagger wound.
Andrea waves to the others. These are some new friends I have made; Duncan,John,Kenji, Shinon and Ermolos. Andrea turns to the others. Do you have any questions for Nathaniel?
Andrea looks at the man's hands and wonders if there is a way to identify the skin.
"Well certainly a fractured pelvis but the bruising was hidden that is a similar MO, different type of creature involved though."
If we get messy bodies in much, ye'd have a place ta wash em? Might I pay ya so we can clean up? Ain't proper for a dwarf. t'have such filth in his beard.
Hmm..Maybe we should wake up our guest here and ask if he had a hand in Henri's death. Duncan, what do you think? Or we can wait to bring him to the others, or bring them here.
If we get messy bodies in much, ye'd have a place ta wash em? Might I pay ya so we can clean up? Ain't proper for a dwarf. t'have such filth in his beard.
"Actually have running water in here, and stall to clean up in," pointing towards a doorway for Duncan. Picking up his tankard, So, to Henri Stoutpour and his fine stout...it'll be missed." I shoos away the offer of coin, "Any friend of Andrea's is welcomed here."
Andrea toasts back after refilling her mug. To Henri. Andrea drinks and then looks John. So John, how well connected are you to the church? Would your mentor be able to arrange a divination to speak with Henri's spirit?
"I don't know if he could, I will ask him though. We could always ask Arael, even with his power coming from a lesser god, he might be able to perform what we need."
Of course, I forgot that he was a priest. Perhaps Kenji could go and find him since I do not believe carrying Henri's corpse through the city again would be wise.
Nathaniel washes his hands and steps over to the keg, refilling his tankard. Then he strolls over past John, Yikes, you look a like give armored turtle," he comments with a smile a quick knock on the massive shield. "That can't comfortable...John is it? His eyes mvoe from John to the bandit on the table.
He begins to walk over to that table. Nodding his head up and down, "Bandit you say this one is," more of statement than a question. "That would probably news to his father, Lord Cemaine."
Yes. We are fairly certain this is one of the Red Knives, we caught him in the sewer and think Henk and the Knives might be responsible for the killings of people such as Henri.
Andrea moves over to the table. He is severely injured but can be brought around with a little healing magic. The question right now is what to ask him and then what to do with him.
Andrea looks up at the rest of the group. Since we have a Red Knife in our custody, this may very well tip things in our favor. Depending on how Henk values his gang, we might be able to arrange a meeting with them. For either finishing them off once and for all or coming to an arrangement.
Already in the stall, derobed, dearmored and roughly scrubbing both his gear, his beard and himself Duncan comments, Noble, eh? Well leave the prat asleep for a bit, at least till we clean ourselves up. This be alot faster if we hada damned wizard who knew Prestidi...presti...that spell that cleans ya up right quick. Worth speaking to the corpse if we could. Ye ask me this could simply be bunch a young nobles enjoyin lording it over the common man. Might even be a protection racket.
Devoid of Soap, Duncan resorts to using the rubbing alcohol as, aftershave.
What about this Lord Cemine? High up is 'e? Once we know a bit bout the fool there we might have some tools t'get t' Henk. Rest assured though if the Lad be guilty o' Murderin a man, A BREWER no less, then It's death he be gettin. Me patron demands it fer the sake o the wronged. Too easy fer the wealthy to pay a bribe in this city. John, Yer infernal god not be havin no issue wit executin captital criminals does 'e? Rule o law an all that!
I merely follow the others around quietly as i let the professionals sort out matters. Merely listening to what is going on.
Mmmmm..doing this to nobles is always dangerous, but having blackmail information on Cemine can be useful. His son a member of a bandit gang? Shameful. Depending on Cermine's own ethics of course. If he is somewhat..virtuitous, then we can come to a better arrangement, perhaps clearing his family name of a shame. If he is just as brutal or even willingly works with the Red Knives, then removing him can only make things better.
Andrea looks at John and Shinon. Since both of you have contacts with members of personages of importance in the city, this can be helpful. Perhaps have them find out just what sort of person Lord Cemine is and his family issues if any.
Shinon raises an eyebrow. "Contacts with members of personages of importance? Who are you refer- Oh. Chelsi. Right." Shinon reaches into his pocket and draws the token out, glancing over it.
Nathaniel comments, "The Cemaine family has lots of boys, don't recall where the half blood comes from, certainly not his pappa's blood. With all the boys, he had to be way down on the inherit list for the family. Could have been a byproduct of business trip...maybe connections to elves? Who really knows with the wealthy."
An elven mistress perhaps. If he was far down, he might of been running in a gang for thrills, Andre ataps her fingers. I wonder if the Cermine family has had any deaths in the family, or would benefit from deaths in another family.
Nathaniel washes his hands and steps over to the keg, refilling his tankard. Then he strolls over past John, Yikes, you look a like give armored turtle," he comments with a smile a quick knock on the massive shield. "That can't comfortable...John is it? His eyes mvoe from John to the bandit on the table.
He begins to walk over to that table. Nodding his head up and down, "Bandit you say this one is," more of statement than a question. "That would probably news to his father, Lord Cemaine."
"No it's not that comfortable, but at least it is not as uncomfortable as a sword though the chest."
"Excellent point!" he laughs. "I've seen a lot of points through the chests."
"Oh by the way Andrea, rumor is Lord Mayor Arvanxi rejected the Rack's request to round up all dwarves for quesitoning." His eyes go to Duncan. "Although the story is commander Chard did not make the request but one of his ranking officer's has been pushing that request."
He looks at John, and the others, "People tend to talk while visiting the deceased and making arrangements here."
Andrea nods. That is good news, and of course brings up something that will no doubt need to be addressed; The Rack coming down hard on this city. I have no idea what is really going on with them, but if we can find out just what is happening and deal with it, we can get good men and women back into the ranks. Perhaps John can help in some way? Find good canidates to recruit for the Hellknight trainees and reduce the Rack's influence. No doubt the Dottari would be happy considering they don't have a good relationship with them.
Andrea looks at John. Yet another thing to put onto the list, finding out which officer wanted to round up the dwarves.
"Duncan whatcha going to do with him," pointing towards the unconscious bandit.
Erm's eyes move to Kenji and John, "What do you think should be done? Turn 'em over to the dottari? He seems to be a bandit but also a noble."
Andrea waits for the others to respond before voicing her opinion.
I'd hold onto im for a bit. If he proves a murderer, I'd execute im meself to see jistice done for his victims. His family would be allowed to bribe him out. Funny how this 'Lawful' place has regulations on buying yer way outta justice. Means.only the poor ever actually get punished.
"I need to get the cart and horse back up to the stable before it gets dark. Are you going to get 'em up walking, carry 'em or do you need wagon to move 'em?
Shinon frowns solemnly at Duncan's words. "The rule of law is only as strong as those who are appointed to enforce it. If the protectors of society are easily swayed, the power of law disappears."
Shinon walks over to the bandit and crosses his arms. "Let's bind him. Andrea, can you revive him? I think it's time we all had a little chat with our wannabe criminal here."
I think keeping him senseless right now is best, at least until we get him to a more secure place. I don't know if we should take him to the house since unlikely as it is, he might escape, but as he is senseless, that might not be a worry.
Andrea looks to Shinon. I can do that, but I think it is best we bind him and take him to our 'special place' before reviving him. I need to leave anyway, I need a bath very very badly.
Andrea nods to Nathaniel. Thank you very much for your help. We will hopefully be able to tell Henri's wife the unfortunate news soon.
I look at the bandit and then at Duncan. "So you justified to kiru dis man? On wat authorty? How when you strike, you suddenry not murderer yoursef? Da famury wont see tings your way an day rikery to come after us seeking deir own sense of justice. We wud hab been justified were he trying to kiru us. But he is now prisoner. What does "Rawfu" eben mean anyway? We are currentry against da raw so how can we ca ourseves rawfu?" I seem very interested in Duncan's answer.