DM Vord's Zeitgeist Act I - Portents of a Starry Sky

Game Master Vorduvai

"Times are turning. The skyseers – Risur’s folk prophets since their homeland’s birth – witness omens in the starry wheels of heaven, and they warn that a new age is nigh. But what they cannot foresee, hidden beyond the steam and soot of the night sky, is the face of this coming era, the spirit of the age. The zeitgeist."

Current Date: 6 Summer, 500 A.O.V. (towards early Hunter's Moon on 10 Summer)
Current Location: Cloudwood District, Flint City, Risur
Prestige Favors Used: Risur 0 / Flint 0 / Unseen 0 / Family 0
Summary of Clues HERE


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Human (Risuri) Oracle/Gunslinger/Investigator AC 16/12/14 / HP 30 / F+5, R+7, W+6 / Init. +6 / Perc. +4 / Sense Motive +4 / Max Grit/Luck Pts 8

3 Summer, 500 A.O.V. – Early Morning (near dawn)
128 Canton Street (home), Bosum Strand District
Emerson Hill

”Oh, we had a rough last couple of nights.” He waves her in and pulls up a chair for her while he puts on some fresh clothes and washes his face. ”What have you been tinkering with? Building Skimmer a friend?”

He gathers his firearms together and runs his hand through his hair in an attempt at being presentable. ”Ready when you are.”


Male

3 Summer, 500 A.O.V. – Early Morning (near dawn)
128 Canton Street (home), Bosum Strand District
Emerson Hill

"Nah, just trying to keep my mind busy before having to meet up with Coin every morning," answers Talyssa as she enters and gives Emerson a quick peck on the cheek, letting him do his business as she patiently waits in the main sitting area. "He and I are working Parity Lake for any signs of the Ragman," she says despairingly with a similar echo from Skimmer, "and to be quite honest it seems like a big waste of time at this point - but Saxby promised Gohins that we'd help, so there we are." Talyssa sours her face at the prospect of her current mission. "I never thought I'd suffer worse than working with the King's Royal Engineer on his precious Coaltongue after the sabotage attempt, but the engines and the Brand I could at least understand. This...well at least we liaison well with Parity's chief police inspector, Reginald Filby, but the 'who's' and 'why's' of the Ragman and his gruesome victims remain an enigma."

Talyssa rummages around Emerson's flat as he gets himself ready, adjusting the engineer goggles atop her head and nibbling absently on a lock of black hair as she often does while she's waiting. "Oh, I know we shouldn't collaborate on cases outside of briefings - regulations and all - but Coin and I did discover something odd about all those factory fires in Parity...something he and I want to check out today at Central's main Records Hall, but maybe it's something at least."


Female Human (Risuri) Fighter (tactician) 3rd AC 20/14/16 / HP 33 / F +5 R +5 W +2 / Init +6 / Perc. +7 / Sense Motive +5

2 Summer, 500 A.O.V. – Late Evening (just before midnight)
116 Maimesbury Road (home), Eastside District
Gemma Atherton

As soon as Gemma hears Devinn LeMont’s voice mixed with her sister’s laughter, her jaw sets. When she sees them together, it’s enough to make her put down her book. But it’s his jab that gets her out of her seat.

Her thoughts had been too focused on the meeting with Kell for her to take notice of the men watching the place. Yet, never in a million years would she let Devinn know that.

”Now why the hell would I signal to the men watching me? Yes, let me just show whoever else might be watching the place that we have undercover chaps around. Not very smart.”

She makes a quick, hard look to Bliss as a warning not to interfere, then looks back to Devinn LeMont. ”I tell you what LeMont, there’s some lines that you’ve already crossed with me, but anything involving my sister is somewhere you don’t want to go. Now, get out.“

Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Gemma moves up to escort the constable out if he isn't already moving towards the door.


Male

2 Summer, 500 A.O.V. – Late Evening (just before midnight)
116 Maimesbury Road (home), Eastside District
Gemma Atherton

Indimidate vs DC 15 successful, Devinn shaken 1 round

Devinn's smug charm turns to momentary apprehension under the threatening visage of Gemma Atherton. He takes an involuntary step backwards before he realizes what he's doing, though he recovers quickly to collect his bearing. "That's fine Heaves, I was just leaving anyway. I have all the answers I needed from your sister concerning my inquiries and possible connections regarding the case."

Devinn turns to Bliss and bows with a flourish and slight smile. "A pleasure, Miss Atherton. I take my leave of you this fine night." With a final glare back at Gemma he says simply, "Constable." Then he turns on his boot and exits down the hallway towards the stairwell, whistling an upbeat tune.


Risuri Human Male/ Mesmerist (Vexing Daredevil) 3│HP: 28/28 │AC:17 T:12 FF:15│CMD16 CMB +4│Init+7 Perception +4 Saves: F3,R6,W7 │Hero Points: 2
Quick Ref (Skills):
│Skills: Acro +7, Bluff +13, Climb+2, Dip. +11, Dis. Dev. +4, Disguise +9, EsArt +6, Int. +8, K. Arc./His./Nob +5 Loc+6, Perception +4, Per. Oratory +8, Sleight of Hand +6, Stealth +7, UMD+8 │

3 Summer, 500 A.O.V. – Early Morning (near dawn)
234 Lower Bay Court (home), Bosum Strand District
Tobias Utegg

"I do owe her large, I really do." Tobias says with a sigh as he rests his forehead against the chalkboard and enjoying the coolness against his skin.

"Alright, might as well get a move on." He finally convinces himself. Before he dresses he takes a moment to throw some money on the counter for Chip by way of thanks for the food and he write a quick letter to Roksana.

I love you, I love you, I love you! It begins, and follows up with a promise of a visit to his family's land as soon as he gets some real free time. You've got a key to my place, anytime you feel it might be too dangerous to stay in the Nettles, you can stay with us, your Mother too if you can convince her. We can figure out what to do about the shop.

He lets her know he'll be working out of the Nettles for a little while soon, though he skips over the Cauldron Hill bit, not wanting to worry her more. Finally he writes up some plans for the coming weeks end and hopes it makes up for all the work he's done lately.

Eventually, dressed, fed, and letter given to courier, Tobias makes his way toward the Flint Branch, swearing he can still hear the sounds of Chips snoring behind him.


Male

3 Summer, 500 A.O.V. – Morning (approximately half-past nine o’ clock)
First Floor Briefing Room, R.H.C. HQ Building, Flint Branch Compound

Flint Branch Active Mission Board:
1) Investigation of possible radical Eschatologist cell infiltration from Drakr (considered possibly dangerous from Drakran Embassy, but objectives in Risur unknown).
• Mission Status: First Tier Verdant Seer with Staff on Two Horizontal Bars
• Resources Assigned: Dauntless Team

2) PRIMARY: Investigation of Nilasa Hume death at Danoran Consulate (official status: death by security forces from failed burglary attempt; unofficial status: murder by former R.S.S. agent – S.T.T.I - for reasons unknown; confirm relationship to Gale and purpose of Hume’s mission).
SECONDARY: Investigation of Gale terrorist cell contacts within Flint (Nilasa Hume confirmed as Gale operative; focus on known Dockers in Bosum Strand and Cloudwood brigands; dossiers begun on Jered Lawman, Renard Woodsman, Heward Sechim, Skyseer Nevard Sechim, Wolfgang von Recklinghausen)
TERTIARY: Establish contact with Gale through known contact if possible (Skyseer Nevard Sechim as possible liaison, no known terrorist actions in file, terminally ill status unconfirmed). Any actionable meeting to be redirected to CI Saxby and Dauntless Team ASAP!
• Mission Status: Second Tier Verdant Seer with Staff on Vertical Bars
• Resources Assigned: Emerson Hill, Anneca Summers, Tobias Utegg, Fethryth Teldanona, Jesselle Wesmere, Gemma Atherton and Willem Muhnee

3) Investigation of Vekeshi Cult assassination attempt upon Constable Atherton (focus on initial carriage attack and possible ties to Spring Season action upon Axis Island – i.e. death of Sorkana Dell)
• Mission Status: Second Tier Crimson Wolf with Spear on Crossed Bars
• Resources Assigned: Alastair Rayne, Devinn LeMont, four Risuri soldiers assigned by Captain Umurn for protection detail
• Note: Undercover status approved by ACI Delft

4) PRIMARY: Ongoing search for “Ragman” serial-murderer in Parity Lake District (eighteen deaths officially recorded, coordination of investigation with Parity Lake Police Inspector Reginald Filby)
SECONDARY: Investigate possible links between eighteen factory arson fires and forty+ deaths for criminal pattern (Gale terrorist involvement as primary motive, other motives undetermined)
• Mission Status: Second Tier Crimson Wolf with Spear on Two Starbursts
• Resources Assigned: William Coin, Talyssa Dane; two full police squads assigned to search detail


”Alright, so as I stated at the outset of the briefing, LeMont and Rayne are fully undercover as of this morning and will not be attending formal briefings until further notice, with correspondence between myself as ACI and the constables being conducted by the usual dropoff locations via trained R.H.C. couriers. I want to get back to these latest developments from last night by the Seven’s meeting with crimelord Lorcan Kell, but before we do that let’s have Dane and Coin fill us in on their proposals for today’s research into the…”

So far the morning briefing of the third day of Summer has been a rather subdued one for the constables in the room, for a variety of reasons. Just before eight in the morning as the constables arrived, a heavy line of thunderstorms rolled in from the Avery Sea, causing a downpour of rain that still has not abated and dampens even the most cheery of moods. With the dramatic turn of events yesterday in both the Cloudwood and Kell’s impromptu meeting in Parity Lake, the seven constables had quite a bit to record in their tiny makeshift offices before morning briefing’s start. While Talyssa Dane and Wilhelm Coin are both present, the absence of Alastair Rayne and particularly Devinn LeMont is most noticeable in the morning’s typical proceedings. Only minutes after Assistant Chief Inspector Delft started the briefing, Senior Constable Sorginson came in to excuse Constable Muhnee…to attend to Chief Inspectress Saxby directly and immediately in her upstairs office. Delft seemed to have a decidedly dour frown upon his face as Willem left the room, but said nothing to the rest and continued on with updating the mission board just as he always does.

”…and that’s the addition then to Dane and Coin for your mission objectives, hereby approved. Check in with Police Inspector Filby in Parity this morning and then make some excuse to go run down a lead…and then see if you can turn up anything on your hunch in Parity’s records halls.” Delft stops then and leans forward on his podium with both hands, regarding Talyssa Dane intently. ”Officially the Parity Lake factory arsons have all been cited – both publically and by the Parity police – as conducted by Gale and her terrorist faction, either directly by her or via hidden terrorist agents in the city. The attacks are linked to the fact that the owners of said factories are industrialists and business magnates she opposes. So tell me again Talyssa, why do you think there is another pattern to sniff out here?”

”It just seems not to be as…potent…as it could be, Chief. Before I left the Coaltongue repairs last season, some of the factory arsons had already happened, but to the best of my knowledge it in no way impacted timely delivery of supplies for the Royal Naval yards, or the King’s Station rail lines to Bole, or Central’s subrail construction or anything else that have been important targets in the past. I mean, why would Gale set fires to factories and kill workers locked inside them, if not to disrupt those things the traditionalists have hated most? That doesn’t seem, well, logical sir.”

”Doesn’t have to be logical there Dane. It could be she had vendettas against these particular owners, even if their production impact was miniscule to Flint’s industrial initiatives.”

”Yessir, but I think it’s worth checking out why these particular factories and owners. The reports maintained by Parity Lake’s station on the arsons are…well sir…extremely lacking.”

”Understood.” Delft nods to Talyssa and Wilhelm. ”See if you can figure out something today, but I need you both public on The Ragman case so as to not get an earful from Mayor Gohins. Be sure to coordinate any leads with Filby as per usual.”

With the pair of constables nodding, Delft then turns to the remaining six constables in the room, and after spitting in his spittoon by the podium he asks, ”Well now, so the most notorious crime boss in the city is dangling the carrot of this foreign doctor in return for throwing a wrench into the works of his new rival. Lovely. Then there’s this business with your new best friend old Sechim – oh and Saxby approved your request to talk to Mayor MacBannin up at his manor by the way – so you can escort him up to Cauldron Hill when you’re ready and willing to do it. So what are your intentions today, in order of priority?”


Human (Risuri) Oracle/Gunslinger/Investigator AC 16/12/14 / HP 30 / F+5, R+7, W+6 / Init. +6 / Perc. +4 / Sense Motive +4 / Max Grit/Luck Pts 8

3 Summer, 500 A.O.V. – Early Morning (near dawn)
128 Canton Street (home), Bosum Strand District
Emerson Hill

”Actually, I would like to hear a few details. This Hume case has taken a turn and there seems to be an almost supernatural element that we haven’t figured out yet. Maybe we can each get some new perspective.”


Male

3 Summer, 500 A.O.V. – Early Morning (near dawn)
128 Canton Street (home), Bosum Strand District
Emerson Hill

"Well, I can't say much as it's just a hunch and you know I don't like those without something logically solid to back it up," answers Talyssa, now absently pushing back strands of her jet black hair in irritation of it. "It's just that, well, if this is all Gale's doing and Gale is trying to disrupt the industries of Flint, she's doing a pretty bad job of it. At least not that I've seen out at the Royal Shipyards with the Coaltongue or the two new keels they're laying down out there. A couple of the factories Wilhelm and I went by that were burned are back in full production now, as if nothing had happened seriously to them...not that they weren't set aflame but the repairs must have been both enormous and expedient."

Talyssa wrinkles her nose as if disagreeing with her own guesswork. "I don't know. It's flimsy, but Wilhelm actually agreed with me that it was fishy - and you know how he never agrees with anyone on anything. Maybe it's just he want's something to do other than chase after Ragman leads that are pointless, but I think he thinks there's something to it at the least."


Human (Risuri) Bard (Archivist) Lvl 3 AC 16/12/14 / HP 26 / F+2, R+4, W+5 / Init. +2 / Perc. +7 / Sense Motive +8

3 Summer, 500 A.O.V. – Early Morning (near dawn)
903 Larimer Lane (home), Central District
Jesselle Wesmere

Jesselle holds up a hand before she takes up her warm cup and sips at the coffee. After a few swallows taking in the delectable beverage. She than sits and looks over at her friend.

"You know the deal... no questions about work." She says with a light laugh. As a friend, implying not as her reporter is, "The last two days have been a whirlwind. Seen lots of the city and more than a few unsavory people. Tis the job though."

She takes a bite of the fresh bread and after a chew and swallow ah asks, "And today should be no less busy.

3 Summer, 500 A.O.V. – Morning (approximately half-past nine o’ clock)
First Floor Briefing Room, R.H.C. HQ Building, Flint Branch Compound

She looks to her companions and than to Delft, "We have several options that is for sure Sir. If we want to speak with this doctor than we need to find out more about where and when this weapons deal if happening. Is there any RHC chatter about deal going done?"

"And we need to speak with the Mayor to get some permission to climb a mountain... might start there and then come back to see what we can track down about weapons before we have to disrupt it." The woman says and looks from her superior to her colleagues to see what they have to say on the matter.


Female Human (Risuri) Arcanist 3; AC 12/12T/10FF; hp 17/17; +2F/+3R/+3W; Init +3; Perc. +0; Sense Motive +7

Anneca stares at the mission board, unable to take a seat. She spent all night at her ever-growing connection board, looking for interactions between the various clues and details of this complex investigation. "The Ragman murders are ritualistic, right? Not to sound too quick to see connections where there are none, but have we evaluated the evidence in relation to the oily substance we found in the doctor's room, or to the shadowy monster that killed Nilasa Hume?" The others seem to be looking at her as if she is mad, so she elaborates on her train of thought. "We know that she was killed by a man with a false face and shadows. We also know that some of her injuries were healed after her death as to hide their exact nature, and that her wounds bore the telltale marks of necromancy. The oily rag also had necromantic properties. Necromancy isn't my specialty, but it is the most ritualistic school of magic, and the one most tied to ritual death. I don't know if there is any connection, but I believe it's worth looking into."


Female Common Elf / Sacred Fist Warpriest 2 + MOMS Monk 1 / AC +16[*20] Touch +16 Flat Footed +13[*17] / HP: +30/30 / F +5 R +6 W +7 / Init +3/ Per +10 / Sense Motive +8
S+SP:
Spells:3/3Blessings: 3/3 Stunning Fist: 1/1 PoP Ready Skyseer Ready Cloak

”Huh. Interesting. You know, Hume’s spirit was begging us to keep her foster-father safe. I thought she was worried about the factory fires but that could have been the wrong assumption.”


Male

"Well I don't know..." answers Stover Delft as he considers Anneca's speculation, "...as the Ragman killer has been strictly limited to Parity Lake, and mostly the poor at that. Plus the murders, while gruesome, do not match any of the necromantic claw or slashing wounds that the body of the Hume girl has on her." He pauses slightly as if to try and reconcile something together in his mind. "You're not suggesting Grannan Telbor is the Ragman, are you Summers? If so, that doesn't add up in terms of target or motive. Yet if you asking for a check on any similarities between Hume's wounds and the wounds on the victims of the Ragman, I'm not opposed to Dane and Coin checking that out." He turns to the pair of constables. "How about it you two?"

While Wilhelm Coin simply scowls and glances at Anneca as if she's just dumping more work on him, Talyssa shrugs her shoulders and nods in benign agreement. "Sure, we can do that, even if to rule it out...the victims when they were found by the Parity Police were all put in their morgue, so we only have their records to go on, but I'll see if I can find any traces of necromantic magic from the latest victims that have not been interred yet."

Delft seems satisfied at that answer, turning to Jesselle then to say, "I hear MacBannin has no pressing formal meetings in Central from what Saxby mentioned, so you'll have to go on up to his manor if you want to speak to him today. To your point, I'm wanting to know how you lot are going to sniff out this weapons deal that Kell wants you to break up...from your reports on the meeting last night he seemed to think Hume had direct contacts with the smugglers to set it up." Delft furrows his brow a moment and looks through the briefing reports to key in on a piece of information, tapping on it with thought. "As for the foreign competitors Kell kept hinting about, I believe I can at least shed some light on that one. The Family they seem to call themselves - something Makala Fileccia ferreted out while on her last case in Pine Island. They're Crisillyiri, having moved in somewhere last Winter season. Highly organized and with outside funding to buy off informants and make a splash here...Makala's report proved to me that a sudden rise in turf wars by local Pine Island gangs wiping each other out was supposedly caused by The Family, who moved in neatly after the stupid toughs did most of the blood-work upon each other with weapons supplied to multiple sides."


Female Human (Risuri) Arcanist 3; AC 12/12T/10FF; hp 17/17; +2F/+3R/+3W; Init +3; Perc. +0; Sense Motive +7

"It's not necessarily the injuries. I'm not proposing the possibility that someone - Telbor or otherwise - is killing the Ragman's victims in the same manner that Nilasa Hume was killed, or for the same motive. The first assumption I make is that the Ragman's victims were killed in a ritualistic fashion. It's possible - probable even - that this is merely an artifact of the killer's urges and criminal insanity. However, it's possible that the ritual is a means rather than an end unto itself - such as the gathering of necromantic energy commonly released upon the death of a living being." Anneca tries her best to recall the various lessons in magic that she never truly seemed to grasp at Mitchell, and explain them to the others in a manner in which it might make sense. "If that is the case, it's also possible that this necromancy is fueling Hume's shadowy killer, Telbor, or both. It's also possible that they are one and the same. It would be a coincidence that we have been plagued by ritual killings right as a necromancer comes to our attention. It's just a theory, currently requiring plenty of unsupported supposition, but a plausible one worth exploring as we continue our investigation."


Risuri Human Male/ Mesmerist (Vexing Daredevil) 3│HP: 28/28 │AC:17 T:12 FF:15│CMD16 CMB +4│Init+7 Perception +4 Saves: F3,R6,W7 │Hero Points: 2
Quick Ref (Skills):
│Skills: Acro +7, Bluff +13, Climb+2, Dip. +11, Dis. Dev. +4, Disguise +9, EsArt +6, Int. +8, K. Arc./His./Nob +5 Loc+6, Perception +4, Per. Oratory +8, Sleight of Hand +6, Stealth +7, UMD+8 │

"I'm inclined to agree with Anneca in that there's at least a chance of connection between the two cases. Add this to our soon coming excursion to Cauldron Hill, and the amount of necromancy we're being faced with makes a significant jump, at this point we should be at least willing to speculate on tenuous connections, even if it's just to break them."

He shuffles a bit where he is while thinking on the situation. "In any case, we certainly need to handle this arms deal tonight, or we lose a decent shot at grilling the doctor for more information. So if you've got Dane and Coin checking on the Ragman victims, then I agree with Jesselle, a trip up the hill, then back to disrupt the deal makes the most sense. Then we can retrieve the old sky seer tomorrow and work on that lead too, assuming we get permission from the good mayor anyway."


Human (Risuri) Oracle/Gunslinger/Investigator AC 16/12/14 / HP 30 / F+5, R+7, W+6 / Init. +6 / Perc. +4 / Sense Motive +4 / Max Grit/Luck Pts 8

"I agree as well." Emerson looks down in thought and is about to say something, then apparently thinks better of it. After a moment he asks "Chief? Can we see the file on 'The Family'? Any help in locating the target quickly would be great becuase honestly I don't know where to begin."


Male

The Assistant Chief Inspector nods in agreement. "I think that's the right approach myself, Constable Utegg. Remember that the entirety of this mission will be fully evaluated by Inspectress Saxby for her own recommendations to the Slate Directorate on 5 Summer, so you're going to need tangible results on the main objectives - particularly if we get any caterwauling coming our way from Consular Du'Nadria or Minister Lya Jierre. So don't get tracked into the weeds if you have something more solid to produce for me on this."

The Inspector spits in the spittoon once again, then instructs the six constables on a resource they did not expect. "This mention of 'docks and boats' in your reports of Lorcan Kell reminds me of something. If you find a need to head to Pine Island or Flint Bay today, I've authorized you all to be able to requisition our excise cutter Audacious for transport. Sub-Lieutenant Smithe of the Risuri Navy will be your engineer for it, one of Captain Rutger Smith's men. Just send word along to Fleet Square ahead of time in order to have it prepped for your arrival..."

Stover Delft is about to say more, but is interrupted when the door opens and Senior Constable Serena Taflis enters the room with a slight frown upon her face, politely gaining the ACI's attention. He waves her over curtly and she approaches him at the podium, whispering a private message in his ear which causes him to scowl in response. "All right," says Delft with a tone that tells the constables in the room that it's not all right. "Thanks Serena, I'll deal with it here and then be on up to her office."

Constable Taflis nods in acquiescence and excuses herself from the briefing room. For his part, their direct boss waits until she leaves and the door is fully closed before revealing the bad news to them.

"I've just heard that Muhnee has resigned his commission to the Constabulary, effective immediately. I'll have to strike his name from the mission, which leaves the six of you on it instead of seven."


Male

Clearly upset at the most recent news, it is not surprising that Inspector Delft responds to Emerson's inquiry rather abruptly. "The 'file' on The Family is about a page thick, Hill. There's not much more on them other than Constable Fileccia's initial report on them late last Winter out of Pine Island - and that had to do mostly with the local Pine gangs wiping each other out all convenient-like with furnished weapons. Like I said, they're a crime syndicate that's speculated to have come in from Crisillyir, or at least have Crisillyiri backing. While it was bandied about in the Spring to check them out further, Saxby decided the investment of resources on Gale's subversive connections inside the city as well as the emerging threat posed by a Drakran radical Eschatologist cell was more important to focus on, and I agreed."


Female Human (Risuri) Arcanist 3; AC 12/12T/10FF; hp 17/17; +2F/+3R/+3W; Init +3; Perc. +0; Sense Motive +7

"Wait, go back -- why did Muhnee quit?" She looks around at the others in alarm. She looks over at Hill, knowing that he has known Willem the longest. "Did you know about this?"


Female Human (Risuri) Fighter (tactician) 3rd AC 20/14/16 / HP 33 / F +5 R +5 W +2 / Init +6 / Perc. +7 / Sense Motive +5

Gemma's been just standing there, mulling everything over and over in her head, doing her best to have an "A Ha!" moment to no avail. Her brow is furrowed in intense thought but then she hears the news of Willem and immediately reacts along with Anneca.

"Wait...What?!?! She looks to Delft first with alarm then over to Emerson in case he has any answers.

"Did he say anything? Why wouldn't he say anything to us?"

Why didn't he say anything to me? More than anyone else in the group I thought we at least had a rapport. Guess not.


Male

"Because the fool went off and had a foolish tryst with M...with a high-ranking city official, that's why." Inspector seems to be in no mood to hear further gossip or outcry concerning Willem Muhnee, though after shaking his head and almost uttering an expletive, he adds, "It was going to be exposed, but came to our attention first. The fool is stubborn as a mule to boot, and won't call it off or heed branch transfer orders, and backed the Chief Inspectress into a corner to do the only thing she could do. So it's all done and sealed now."

After another awkward with Delft's face like a thundercloud, their boss shakes his head yet again, but softens his tone a bit. "After briefing is concluded you can go see him if you want - Dima is watching him as he collects his personal effects upstairs in his former office before escorting him to the Quartermaster. Just don't take too long...you all have a lot to do today in a short time, with one less of you to go around."


Female Common Elf / Sacred Fist Warpriest 2 + MOMS Monk 1 / AC +16[*20] Touch +16 Flat Footed +13[*17] / HP: +30/30 / F +5 R +6 W +7 / Init +3/ Per +10 / Sense Motive +8
S+SP:
Spells:3/3Blessings: 3/3 Stunning Fist: 1/1 PoP Ready Skyseer Ready Cloak

A wave of relief washes over Fethryth when she hears that Muhnee's quit. She liked him, he's a good constable, and she's honestly sad to see him go. It's just that when he was absent from her vision she'd worried that something bad had happened to him. He may be leaving the R.H.C but he's alive and in one piece and that's the most important thing.

"Yes sir. We'll make a quick visit before leaving for the Mayor's house"


Human (Risuri) Bard (Archivist) Lvl 3 AC 16/12/14 / HP 26 / F+2, R+4, W+5 / Init. +2 / Perc. +7 / Sense Motive +8

AS the others seem to go off topic of what they Delft asked them of how they were going to find out and bust an arms deal Jeselle considers the information on what she has head of the Family.

Knowledge (Local) on the Family: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

The news on their comrade was rather surprising. Consider the effort that he put in to become a Constable, but at the same time she never got to know the man as much as she would have wanted. In the end, they were adults and free to choose their path in life. He choose his...

I may have to contact a few people I know to try and get something about this deal tonight... So many different things to consider and do, with no enough time for all of them." The woman says.


Human (Risuri) Oracle/Gunslinger/Investigator AC 16/12/14 / HP 30 / F+5, R+7, W+6 / Init. +6 / Perc. +4 / Sense Motive +4 / Max Grit/Luck Pts 8

Emerson looks around at the others, all expecting an explaination from him. "Don't look at me. We served in the war together. Doesn't mean I know all his darkest secrets."


Risuri Human Male/ Mesmerist (Vexing Daredevil) 3│HP: 28/28 │AC:17 T:12 FF:15│CMD16 CMB +4│Init+7 Perception +4 Saves: F3,R6,W7 │Hero Points: 2
Quick Ref (Skills):
│Skills: Acro +7, Bluff +13, Climb+2, Dip. +11, Dis. Dev. +4, Disguise +9, EsArt +6, Int. +8, K. Arc./His./Nob +5 Loc+6, Perception +4, Per. Oratory +8, Sleight of Hand +6, Stealth +7, UMD+8 │

"Muhnee, always keeps you guessing." Tobias mutters as he hears about what the older constable got himself involved in.

"Alright, well, we'll say our goodbyes soon enough, in any case we should be moving out. I'm definitely going to the Mayor, didn't get all that diplomatic training for nothing." He says in response to Jesselles desire to meet with contacts.

"We probably don't need all seve- er, six of us, so we could split up and tackle a few different things if we need to. Whose headed to the Nettles with me?"


Male

Inspector Delft goes on to suggest that the six constables keep together for the MacBannin meeting, as the Mayor can get particular as to authorizing those to go up Cauldron Hill that he doesn’t see for himself. He’s keenly aware that the constables are under the constraints of the clock this day, and reminds them that if there’s something mundane or routine they need to get done they just need to message back and requisition it as best as they can. (DM NOTE: Don’t forget the PC’s have PRESTIGE benefits per pgs. 17-18 of the Zeitgeist Extended Player’s Guide, which you’ve not used yet. Please Review! Rankings in the Campaign Info Tab. Discuss in Discussion Tab for any particulars or scenarios.)

With the morning briefing ended, the constables that want to see Willem Muhnee go off and meet he and Dima Sorginson as they come down the side stairwell, the pair heading to the Quartermaster’s Office. Dima is stern and all business as per his usual demeanor, but even he seemingly understands the need for the constables to talk to their departing comrade. In the Quartermaster’s Office with the open counter area into the armory and equipment room, Quartermaster Ethan Babcock tells his two junior assistants to ‘go inventory the evidence lockers’ and then proceeds to studiously start a check on alchemical supplies in the rear of the supplies area, leaving the constables with plenty of room to talk freely. Dima stands in the main hallway just outside of the offices, a sign of respect to them.

As for Willem Muhnee, he gives a profound sigh places both pepperbox pistols and double-barreled musket on the counter for final check-in, rustling through a carried box and satchel to pull other R.H.C. items from them to inventory. While his demeanor is somewhat sad, he also has a determined edge to him, as if he will not be broken by this final experience, the last in a series of humiliations he never signed up for. Apparently, he finds no shame in telling his comrades the truth of what brought him to this point of resignation.

”My relations with Chrystine started almost two years ago now, when I was tasked on a couple of assignments from Slate Branch to deliver some reports to the Mayors directly. She and I hit it off and she asked me to have dinner with her, and…” Willem blushes and continues to rustle through his equipment while finding the words to explain to the others. ”…well it was an affair I guess, even though she and I aren’t married to anyone else, and I’d see her every time I could get to Flint from Slate Branch. But then at the start of the year here when the Coaltongue happened and the Rebellion started, and I was transferred here to Flint Branch, things got more serious. I mean, I love her, ya understand? And she loves me, or I think she does anyhow – maybe it won’t last forever but I’m willing to see how far it goes…and that pompous Lord Price-Hill or Lady Saxby ain’t gonna make me break it off because of how it looks or whatever nonsense they care about. And I ain’t gonna get shipped off to Bole Branch and live in a tree like something shameful.”

Willem places the rest of his ammunition, weapons and even his armor atop the counter, making for quite an impressive stack. He hasn’t been making eye contact with any of the constables since he started talking, but now stands tall and looks them in the eye, clearly bothered by the events but standing his ground to try and explain things to them.

”I guess that’s not the only reason I’m quitting, neither. Yesterday I almost got skulled by a marksman that could make a shot I don’t think I could have, and that would’ve been that for me. And I know, Anneca, that you think Skyseer Nevard is full of hogwash with his dreams and auras and all, but I’ve been thinkin’ hard about what he saw about me – how I had one foot standin’ on life and the other standin’ on…somethin’ else. And maybe that’s about the next shot finding it’s mark true on my head, or maybe it’s that I could serve in this forsaken Constabulary to where I’m just dead inside and killed off all that was wholesome and bountiful that a man can appreciate in this world. And I just can’t live like that. Not anymore.”

Willem sighs again, taking off his hat with the bullet hole through its front that now decorates it, and pats his duster coat and pockets for anything else he has to turn in. He shuffles his feet and looks at the ground a bit as he talks then. ”I’m sorry to do this to you though, I truly am. What with that Kell throwin’ his weight around and this business of smugglers and the Danorans up to their old tricks of hidin’ whatever it is that they’re lookin’ to get away with here. I truly am sorry to leave you all now in this muck…but truth to tell I don’t think I’d be much use in helping you sort it out, as I don’t seem to be very good at this anyway. Not unless it comes down to a scrap, and lately not even then. But I am sorry.”

Senior Constable Sorginson coughs politely from the hallway, and Willem nods to himself, putting his R.H.C. steel pocketwatch and badge on the counter last of all things. He then tries to give them all a smile and says, ”Well, I guess that’s it. I’ll be in The Stray if you need something from me that doesn’t break regulations. Anything I can do to help you, I’ll do what I can – even if it’s just to buy you a cup of coffee or what-not. It’s been an honor to serve with ya, and that’s the right truth as far as I know in my noggin. I wish you the best, truly I do.”

Once the constables present give their goodbyes to Willem Muhnee, he dons his trademark rider’s hat once again and gives them a final salute, then walks out the hallway with Dima Sorginson to be escorted from the compound.


Human (Risuri) Oracle/Gunslinger/Investigator AC 16/12/14 / HP 30 / F+5, R+7, W+6 / Init. +6 / Perc. +4 / Sense Motive +4 / Max Grit/Luck Pts 8

Emerson gives Willem a hugging handshake before he is escorted off by Dima. "Hey, don't worry about all this. If I've learned anything, it's that you should do whatever makes you happy, not what others expect of you. When all of this is over, let's go grab a beer. You pick the place."


Female Human (Risuri) Arcanist 3; AC 12/12T/10FF; hp 17/17; +2F/+3R/+3W; Init +3; Perc. +0; Sense Motive +7

As Willem talks about his reasons for leaving the service, Anneca puts her hand on her left side, near her hip. Under her uniform, she bears a rough scar, courtesy of one of the Duchess's conspirators in the early days of Ethelyn's rebellion. The man had nearly killed her with his sword when she ran foolishly into arm's length. It had been Willem who killed him before he could finish her off, shooting him in the head with a well-placed shot. While she had never thanked him (or Emerson, for that matter, for using his healing magic to keep her standing), she did feel grateful. "Thank you for your service," she manages to say curtly. "We could have used your skills in finishing this investigation." To her, it is a high compliment she is delivering to him.


Female Human (Risuri) Fighter (tactician) 3rd AC 20/14/16 / HP 33 / F +5 R +5 W +2 / Init +6 / Perc. +7 / Sense Motive +5

Gemma waits her turn to say her goodbye, sad that Willem Muhnee will no longer be a part of their group.

"It's been an honor and a pleasure." Gemma gives Willem a firm hand shake but then, in a brief show of emotion, she gives him a quick but tight hug. "I truly appreciate the conversations. Thanks for having my back. I hope everything goes well for you."

She takes a step back and gives him a slap on the arm before straightening her jacket. "Besides, I wouldn't want to go up on that blasted hill either!"


Male

3 Summer, 500 A.O.V. – Morning (approximately half-past ten o’ clock)
Manor House of Mayor MacBannin, Cauldron Hill, The Nettles District

After their goodbyes to Willem Muhnee and quick preparations before calling up a large carriage from the inner courtyard stables, the six constables soon find themselves rolling out of Flint Branch on a still-rainy morning, heading towards Cliff Route and the Mayor’s manor on the southern side of The Nettles District. Their driver is once again Sully from the day before, who greets them jovially; though he notices they are now six and not seven constables he doesn’t say anything about it, and soon rolls them along with a rain-proofed poncho and wide-brimmed hat to help keep the rain off of him. No guards accompany them this time of course, and with a good paved road from Central to the manor grounds along the Cliff Route, the only delay should be in the marketed rise in elevation from here to there, a thousand-feet up from sea level. That the peak of Cauldron Hill is well over twice that height is a testament to the foreboding presence of that mountain, currently enshrouded in a mixture of usual smog and moisture-laden rainclouds coming off the ocean.

Jesselle:
The Family is a Crisillyiri-based criminal syndicate that has been around for quite some time…though never openly in Risur until apparently now. The Clergy and the Crisillyiri government (whom most consider one and the same) declare them as outlaws and lawbreakers, but despite their reach the syndicate seems to have flourished well across the northern side of the Avery Sea: From Crisillyir to the coastal parts of Drakr, from the city-state of Nalaam in the Penance Mountains to Orithea in the Malice Lands, and even Seobriga and other parts of Ber. That they have not had much sway in Danor is perhaps a testament to the close scrutiny Danor has against Crisillyir. That they have not had much sway in Risur is a testament to the extremely patriotic and provincial nature of most Risuri, even in the dealings of crime. The Family specializes in the more lucrative crimes of black market smuggling, extortion, blackmail, kidnapping and “protection” services.

On their way up the Cliff Route out of Central, they can feel the presence of Cauldron Hill looming up ahead of them and to the left side of their carriage. Cliff Route itself is maintained and marked with classic oil lanterns to mark the way at every quarter mile…and at times the precarious edges of the road that could plunge a hapless traveler down tens to hundreds of feet on steep slopes and ravines. Stories abound of wagoneers or horsemen losing control of their horses in some unnatural panic while traveling so close to Cauldron Hill and plunging off the side to their deaths. Whatever the truth of these tales over the years, the Cliff Route is traveled but not busily so: only some coming from the northeastern edges of the city’s coastal farmlands or the fringes of Parity Lake that had to get to Eastside would really save any time, with most opting to travel around Cauldron Way in the city proper to Central’s Northgate. Using Cliff Route to get to other parts of The Nettles is haphazard at best, with numerous “informal” dirt track cutoffs and trails coming off of the Route all the time, often changing with each major storm. As with most things about The Nettles, most Flint citizens do not care about what route The Nettles folk use, as their shanties and “neighborhoods” are not considered proper parts of the city anyway.

The elevation climbs to several hundred feet in height, and at a major apex of a foothill where a proper fork in the Route can be seen, Sully takes the carriage to the left and starts up a graveled wide path up Cauldron Hill proper. The rain has mostly slackened to a drizzle at this point and the air seems to be clearer, though the air definitely feels colder as the horse team is urged onwards and upwards. In the next quarter-hour they traverse numerous switchbacks that would be extremely treacherous without an experienced driver, and even a rumbling wooden log bridge over a fast-moving mountain creek that washed away part of the road originally. On and on they climb, until at last they come around a bend and emerge into a wide verdant clearing about a thousand feet up on the southeastern slope of the mountain. Lights from more oil lanterns guide the way in, with sections of high black iron fencing crisscrossing the ground and marring its rustic beauty somewhat. Ahead of them is a large manor house, with well-kept grounds all around it for gardens and even some farmland for vegetables and orchards: a stables, corral and track for horses, carriage house, small barn with pigs and goats nearby, greenhouse, red brick gardener’s shed and several row houses for servants complete the scene of the quite active grounds. Even in the drizzling rain as they drive through the front gates manned by liveried footmen, they see more than a score of servants tending the fields, gardens and manicured grounds around the main manor house. A chorus of barks and howls goes up from a small group of liveried mayoral guards with hunting dogs farther down the fence line, apparently patrolling and checking for gaps in the fencing.

Sully smoothly pulls the larger R.H.C. carriage up around the bend to a fine graveled receiving area near where there is a smaller parked black carriage bearing the mayor’s official sigil, inscribed and gilded into the polished door. A fine whitewashed large gazebo stands just within the manicured front gardens immediately opposite of the manor’s main entrance doors, which currently has one uniformed visitor sitting there. As the constables file out of the carriage, the front doors open briefly for a blonde-haired butler to emerge, not dressed in servant’s livery but wearing conservative attire of white tunic and grey vest with gold-colored buttons. He steps up to the constables and gives a slight bow, scanning the lot of them quickly and saying in a deferential tone of voice, ”Greetings to you constables. The mayor had heard you might be coming to call today. Unfortunately, he is currently not to be disturbed right at this moment as he performs a morning observance that cannot be disrupted, though I expect he will be done in but a quarter-hour of time.” The butler nods again and uses a hand to reference the gazebo just behind them. ”Please, have a seat in the shelter of the gardens for a small time, and I shall attend to you immediately upon the opening of his private study.” With a final nod the butler turns and moves back through the manor house entrance doors, quietly closing them once inside.

With nowhere to go but the covered gazebo or back inside the carriage, the constables that choose to accept the butler’s suggestion find the gazebo to be relatively dry and comfortable, with cushioned benches and even a small table set with teas and simple refreshments. Up here on the southern slope of Cauldron Hill the air seems clean and cool, devoid of the usual smog and stifling muggy mist that they are used to elsewhere in the city during the summer season. The well-tended flowers and shrubberies around them are pretty, but the breathtaking scene is in looking out towards the southern slope from whence they came – even with the rain and the mists the slope looks out across nearly all of Central and Eastside, with numerous gaslamps and miniscule movements of people and horses perceptible well below in the distance. Closer still to their left lie the dingier shanties and slums stretching across the foothills of The Nettles, with ugly brown lines representing the mud tracks and makeshift trails that are used by the locals there.

Sitting comfortably within the gazebo is a man bearing the uniform of a Risuri Post rider – though many Risuri confuse the postal couriers with the military, the constables know it is a distinctly separate branch of the King’s agencies. The middle-aged man is clean-shaven and has close-cropped brown hair much as an enlisted army soldier might have, relaxing and smoking a self-rolled cigarette of distinctive nicodemus leaf, the same odor that Inspector Delft chews so often in their briefings. The rider’s gaze is drawn to the slums stretching out towards their left across the nearby hillsides, and he shakes his head as he exhales a huff of smoke.

”Can you imagine what it’s like to live down there?” he asks the constables without so much as an introduction, almost as if he is asking the question rhetorically. ”Chaos. That’s what it is.” says the man as he nods his head back towards the manor house for emphasis. ”The mayor, well he could come up with the most brilliant plan to help those people. He could get all the money in the city’s coffers, could do everything perfectly right, but he’s just one man. Not a cog in a machine, but a pebble on the beach of the ocean. Chaos.”

The postal courier takes another draw of his cigarette, then smiles towards the constables. ”It’s beautiful, what people can create out of chaos. But I’d gladly give it up to stop their suffering.”


Human (Risuri) Oracle/Gunslinger/Investigator AC 16/12/14 / HP 30 / F+5, R+7, W+6 / Init. +6 / Perc. +4 / Sense Motive +4 / Max Grit/Luck Pts 8

"You know a few folk that live in the Nettles?" Emerson asks the courier.


Male

"Hmmm?" answers the postal rider almost sleepily, as if Emerson's question broke his philosophical reverie. "Oh, no, can't say that I do." He takes another draw of his nicodemus leaf cigarette and looks back towards the southern slope as if that fully answered the question.


Risuri Human Male/ Mesmerist (Vexing Daredevil) 3│HP: 28/28 │AC:17 T:12 FF:15│CMD16 CMB +4│Init+7 Perception +4 Saves: F3,R6,W7 │Hero Points: 2
Quick Ref (Skills):
│Skills: Acro +7, Bluff +13, Climb+2, Dip. +11, Dis. Dev. +4, Disguise +9, EsArt +6, Int. +8, K. Arc./His./Nob +5 Loc+6, Perception +4, Per. Oratory +8, Sleight of Hand +6, Stealth +7, UMD+8 │

"It's not all Chaos." Tobias suggests, recalling more than a few strolls around the area with Roksana. "It's not cushy, that's for sure, but the downtrodden have a way of appreciating the smaller things." He smiles, remembering his own poor upbringing for a moment before also turning his gaze toward the Nettles.

"You seem awfully fond of the Mayor though. It isn't often a politician inspires such confidence. Never met the man, myself. Have you dealt with him often?"


Human (Risuri) Bard (Archivist) Lvl 3 AC 16/12/14 / HP 26 / F+2, R+4, W+5 / Init. +2 / Perc. +7 / Sense Motive +8

3 Summer, 500 A.O.V. – Morning (approximately nine forty-five) Quartermaster’s Offic, R.H.C. HQ Building, Flint Branch Compound)

She mvoes forwad and gives Willem a firm handshakes, "Do what you have to do. You need anything, just ask."

The woman then moves off to let the man's more personal friends say their goodbyes. As Willem departs with his escort Jesselle puts a comforting hand on Emerson's shoulder she give the man a nod and then departs herself.

3 Summer, 500 A.O.V. – Morning (approximately half-past ten o’ clock) Manor House of Mayor MacBannin, Cauldron Hill, The Nettles District

Jesselle stays at the end of the gazebo and waves a hand in a simple gesture to conjure a cantrip, "Prestidigitație ... lovitură." she says under her breath with a slight motions away from herself. A small almost not so noticeable breeze takes the man's smoke away from her.

She waits in a patient fashion as she considers other matters of how to find out about the evening's weapons deal.


Male

"Hmmm?" says the courier to Tobias, still a relaxed expression upon his face. "No, old Doro here hasn't met the Mayor until these past couple of days...that's an interesting notion about the poor that I hadn't given much thought to, constable, so I'll keep that more in mind myself."

The double doors to the manor open, and the blonde-haired butler comes out with a pair of sealed letters in hand, waving for a groom standing with a horse farther down the way to approach. Doro the courier finishes a last draw upon his cigarette and puts it out, then stands up to take his leave. "A pleasure talking to you, constables," he says. The postal courier walks out of the gazebo and over to the butler, takes the letters and deposits them in a rain-proofed leather satchel, and soon is atop his horse and trotting away from the manor grounds.

"If you would constables," intones the butler with practiced aplomb, "the Mayor can receive you now. This way." He escorts you into the front doors of the manor house, past a rather simple but nice looking foyer and receiving hall with stairs going upwards and a side room for coats and the like, and farther back down a central hall to where an elegant dining room is set, with one door leading to kitchens and another door leading to a comfortable parlor and adjoining study.

Coming out from the study is a rather handsome middle-aged man, Mayor Reed MacBannin, with a tired but friendly smile. "Constables, ahh good. My apologies for keeping you waiting, but my business is finished now and I can devote full attention to your visit. Please have a seat in the parlor here - with so many of you it's much more comfortable than in my little study!" The Mayor of The Nettles looks over to the doorway and nods graciously. "This of course is my butler and assistant in all matters of import, Cillian Creed. Cillian, would you be so kind as to provide some tea for us here?"

Cillian Creed bows in acceptance and leaves the parlor, as all the constables find plush chairs or couches to sit upon. The Mayor seems affable and at your full attention.


Female Human (Risuri) Arcanist 3; AC 12/12T/10FF; hp 17/17; +2F/+3R/+3W; Init +3; Perc. +0; Sense Motive +7

"Why are we waiting? Something isn't right," Anneca whispers to the others. Something doesn't feel right to her. Perhaps it's their task to go into a haunted and cursed land, or perhaps it's just been the weight of the last few days catching up with her. Either way, she is on edge and peering in every direction with a keen eye for anything out of place. Once they are escorted in the dining room, she doesn't take a seat. She launches into an immediate question as soon as the Mayor asks: "What was your business that you were attending to?"


Male

"Why, official business for Governor Stanfield, the rightful and lawful representative of your King," answers Mayor Macbannin primly with a raised eyebrow at Anneca, his countenance turning stern and superior. He holds that gaze upon her for a long pause of awkward seconds with the concluding Anneca had crossed a line with him. Yet just as the silence becomes uncomfortable the Mayor suddenly laughs and gives her a charming and disarming grin, playing along and not truly offended by her abrupt inquiry.

"Ah! Forgive my brief jest, for I have been up much of the night and the more political routine business of the city prevents me from a proper rest until the afternoon...and sometimes not even then. My business was, in fact, for our tireless Governor Stanfield. You see, aside from other duties it is my solemn oath to provide detailed accounts concerning each night's activities upon Cauldron Hill: status and strength of wards set around the mountain, patrols of the fenced perimeter and any detected infractions or breaches, scouting reports of cursed activity, confirmation of protection and lack of possession by permitted expeditions upon their return, so on and so forth." Reed Macbannin smiles and gestures once again for the constables to take seats even as he sits down heavily in a comfortable upholstered armchair, straightening a heavy iron necklace with a silver medallion around his neck and shoulders. "That, a report on progress from an improved ritual against dark necromantic arts that the Governor demanded progress on...and a vote in absentia for a lesser session of the Mayoral Council that I cannot attend in person today, comprise the extent of my morning business my dear constable - ah yes Cillian...good! Please serve the refreshments, and extra honey for mine if you please."

Cillian Creed who has just entered the parlor deftly puts the tray of tea, coffee and morning pastries down upon the low table and serves each constable in turn, after Reed Macbannin is served by him first. The Mayor smiles and sips his tea without comment until all six constables have been served, at which point the butler nods and exits the parlor with the door drawn closed behind him.

"Now then, I received a missive late in the night from Lady Margaret Saxby...your Chief Inspectress is she not? She informed me a group of her finest was to come up and make a request of me, and so here you are." Macbannin takes another sip of his tea and seemingly has a moment of recollection. "Why, you all were instrumental in the capture of the former Duchess upon Axis Island in the Yerasol, were you not? I am indeed humbled to be graced by such worthy agents of our King!"


Human (Risuri) Oracle/Gunslinger/Investigator AC 16/12/14 / HP 30 / F+5, R+7, W+6 / Init. +6 / Perc. +4 / Sense Motive +4 / Max Grit/Luck Pts 8

"We were fortunate to survive that Island, but yes that was us and a few more constables that are not currently here." Emerson sets his tea down on one of the end tables before continuing. "Mayor MacBannin, we are here to ask for access to Cauldron Hill. We believe a certain elderly skyseer may be able to help us with an investigation and he insists upon being able to gaze at the stars from the top of the hill."


Risuri Human Male/ Mesmerist (Vexing Daredevil) 3│HP: 28/28 │AC:17 T:12 FF:15│CMD16 CMB +4│Init+7 Perception +4 Saves: F3,R6,W7 │Hero Points: 2
Quick Ref (Skills):
│Skills: Acro +7, Bluff +13, Climb+2, Dip. +11, Dis. Dev. +4, Disguise +9, EsArt +6, Int. +8, K. Arc./His./Nob +5 Loc+6, Perception +4, Per. Oratory +8, Sleight of Hand +6, Stealth +7, UMD+8 │

Tobias nods as Emerson reveals their intent. "We understand that this is not a request to be made lightly, given how tirelessly you work to secure the world from whatever exists on the hill, but success here could be a tipping point for our investigation."

Tobias smiles at the mayor as he sips his tea and bows his head briefly in thanks. "You're already somewhat aware of our qualifications, and apparently Lady Saxby holds us in higher regard than I expected. We're hoping our reputation might allay any fears or reservations you might have about letting us in."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28


Human (Risuri) Oracle/Gunslinger/Investigator AC 16/12/14 / HP 30 / F+5, R+7, W+6 / Init. +6 / Perc. +4 / Sense Motive +4 / Max Grit/Luck Pts 8

Emerson picks up his tea and is about to take another sip but lowers the cup and ads "But we would graciously accept any assistance or protections from your Mayorship."


Male

"I see...Cauldron Hill is not to be traversed lightly. Particularly at its summit, and especially after nightfall. I do have the authority to grant you this request - and I am inclined to grant it - but you must be fully aware of the dangers you would be incurring upon yourselves. And this matter with the elderly one, the Skyseer. Whom, may I ask, are we referring to that you would deem such a necessity to escort?"


Human (Risuri) Bard (Archivist) Lvl 3 AC 16/12/14 / HP 26 / F+2, R+4, W+5 / Init. +2 / Perc. +7 / Sense Motive +8

Jesselle nods at her companions remarks before she answers the Mayor's question, "The man we wish to escort is Skyseer Nevard Sechim."

Jesselle watches the man's reaction, as she does recall that Nevard had asked to accend Cauldron Hill on several other occasions but had been denied. Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Without fully getting a sense of what the Mayor feels on the matter she continues, "Besides helping us. it may be the last time Skyseer Sechim will be able to make such a trip. his health appears to be failing. It seemed rather important that he make this attempt."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18


Female Common Elf / Sacred Fist Warpriest 2 + MOMS Monk 1 / AC +16[*20] Touch +16 Flat Footed +13[*17] / HP: +30/30 / F +5 R +6 W +7 / Init +3/ Per +10 / Sense Motive +8
S+SP:
Spells:3/3Blessings: 3/3 Stunning Fist: 1/1 PoP Ready Skyseer Ready Cloak

"We wouldn't ask if it wasn't extremely important" Fethryth adds. "Sechim believes this trip is the only way he'll have his last vision. I am a Skyseer myself, I've seen that he must make the trip. Sechim said you denied him before, but please, you must allow us to try."

Aid Another (Diplomacy): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7 :(


Male

"Ah. Yes, Nevard Sechim. I thought it would be him." Reed Macbannin seems lost in thought a moment, stroking his chin in consideration of something in his mind. After a slight pause he answers, "Well of course I'll agree to your request, brave constables. How could I stand in the way of your investigation, those who captured the former Duchess and ended the Spring Rebellion! A Skyseer yourself, you say? I must admit that particular magical art is an enigma, even to one trained as myself in mysterious magics."

The Mayor stands from his chair and walks a bit in the parlor, clearly lost in thought on the matter. "He has a...son I believe? An industrialist in Parity? You are correct that I did deny him passage to the cursed mountain. On more than one occasion as I recall." Reed smiles sadly and says to both Jesselle and Fethryth, "It was for his own protection you see, feeble and aged as he is. Many of my citizens of The Nettles revere the name Sechim, and it would not bode well for me politically if he died upon Cauldron Hill...or worse...under my blessing. I have no quarrel with the Skyseers otherwise."

Reed Macbannin considers the matter another moment and then nods his head. "Very well. I give my leave for you to take this action with Skyseer Sechim. Yet you must understand the Constabulary will bear full responsibility for his health and safety while beyond the wardings and the fences. And you must consent to each one of my wards and protections placed upon you, and follow my instructions exactly and without misstep. Do you agree to those terms?"


Risuri Human Male/ Mesmerist (Vexing Daredevil) 3│HP: 28/28 │AC:17 T:12 FF:15│CMD16 CMB +4│Init+7 Perception +4 Saves: F3,R6,W7 │Hero Points: 2
Quick Ref (Skills):
│Skills: Acro +7, Bluff +13, Climb+2, Dip. +11, Dis. Dev. +4, Disguise +9, EsArt +6, Int. +8, K. Arc./His./Nob +5 Loc+6, Perception +4, Per. Oratory +8, Sleight of Hand +6, Stealth +7, UMD+8 │

Tobias sets his drink down and nods in agreement to the Mayor's demands. "I think we're all used to following orders when we need to, and in this regard you're likely the foremost expert on how to stay alive in Cauldron Hill, I, at the very least, agree to your terms."


Human (Risuri) Oracle/Gunslinger/Investigator AC 16/12/14 / HP 30 / F+5, R+7, W+6 / Init. +6 / Perc. +4 / Sense Motive +4 / Max Grit/Luck Pts 8

Emerson concurs. "Gladly, sir."


Female Human (Risuri) Fighter (tactician) 3rd AC 20/14/16 / HP 33 / F +5 R +5 W +2 / Init +6 / Perc. +7 / Sense Motive +5

Gemma takes a sip of her tea, happy to have something warm to stave off the thoughts of Cauldron Hill and then adds her agreement.

"Most definitely!"


Female Common Elf / Sacred Fist Warpriest 2 + MOMS Monk 1 / AC +16[*20] Touch +16 Flat Footed +13[*17] / HP: +30/30 / F +5 R +6 W +7 / Init +3/ Per +10 / Sense Motive +8
S+SP:
Spells:3/3Blessings: 3/3 Stunning Fist: 1/1 PoP Ready Skyseer Ready Cloak

"We do." Fethryth swears.

After the constables have given their vows she'll throw in a subject change. "Say, you're an expert on necromancy right? Could we ask you a few questions. We've run across some odd...stuff..during our investigation"


Male

"Have you now?" Mayor Macbannin shrugs in agreement, nodding to Fethryth. "Why, I would be happy to help in your investigation. It is true that I am considered an expert in the dark arts by most in the city, though despite my meager knowledge I am humbled by all that I realize I do not know!" Reed smiles and for a city official seems to have a good dose of self-depreciating humor. "Perhaps like the Skyseers, there is always more to learn and needing a lifetime of patience and study to learn it...perhaps too like the Skyseers I have always desired to tutor those of proper potential and wisdom to bequeath what I have worked out. So far in that regard, I have neither found the proper students nor the adequate time to devote to such endeavors, worthy as the undertaking would be."

Taking his plush seat once again after pouring himself another round of hot tea, Reed Macbannin looks to all six of them and says to them solemnly, "Before we talk of your oddities that I may be able to assist with, let us finish our understanding of the particulars with ascending Cauldron Hill. If you know the night upon which you will undertake your enterprise, that is all well and good. Otherwise, please inform me no later than the early morning of your anticipated climb, so that I may arrange my afternoon schedule accordingly. Arrive with Skyseer Sechim no later than three o' clock that afternoon - it will take approximately an hour to conduct the rituals and wardings you all shall need, and a climb from here during the day takes approximately two hours. Fortunately you intend this during the summer season, so sunset is not until after seven-thirty - you must be at the top of Cauldron Hill well before sunset, for you will need to setup camp before dark as well as conduct a special warding around the perimeter of your encampment precisely. I promise you, constables, that it will be a cold and windy night up there, even in the summertime." The Mayor gestures to them at his next words to gain their full attention. "Now this is most important - when you come down from the heights after your business there is concluded, you must return to me here straightaway, with no deviations whatsoever. I shall conduct an examination of each of you to verify the warding magics have held, give you a tonic that will fortify you from any lingering maladies, and perform the final rituals of purification to purge you of any dark energies you may have drawn to you while atop the Hill. Only then may you leave safely for the city below. Do you all understand? Yes? Good, good."

Taking a healthy sip of his tea, the Mayor of The Nettles leans back in his plush chair and smiles at the constables assembled in his parlor. "Now then, how else may I be of service to you in your investigation?"


Female Common Elf / Sacred Fist Warpriest 2 + MOMS Monk 1 / AC +16[*20] Touch +16 Flat Footed +13[*17] / HP: +30/30 / F +5 R +6 W +7 / Init +3/ Per +10 / Sense Motive +8
S+SP:
Spells:3/3Blessings: 3/3 Stunning Fist: 1/1 PoP Ready Skyseer Ready Cloak

"First, somebody attacked attacked by something that left four parallel slashes on them. The wounds were tainted with necromancy. From what the victim, ah, said, they were attacked by somebody with a false face and shadows. Likely related, we've got a black oil-like substance that's got necromantic properties, but beyond that we don't know what it is."

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