You bind your horses to a wooden post next to the Shark Pool and as your gaze wanders over the shed in which Alon once lived, a cold shiver runs down your spine...
Inside the Shark Pool it's quite crowded, a lot of the dock workers seem to wait here for the rain to cease. As you enter there's alot of hallooh and some cheers, the people haven't forgotten you by now.
You're lucky, Gorian is also among the customers. As soon as he recognizes you, he walks over to you, his step is confident and sure and you're happy to realize that he still seems to stay away from the booze.
Hey hey, whom do we have here?
He gives all of you a hug, a bear would envy him for...
"Gorian, my friend! How nice to see you. How are you doing? We just returned from Belfurth and the North and your dear friend Ricca sends her regards! She was a terrific help and I cannot thank you enough for sending us to her! Tell us the news. How are things going on here?"
Pitr greets Gorian deadpanning, "I'm kinda surprised your not out sailing on a day like today."
As the conversation continues, Pitr is a bit distracted as his eyes rove over the crowd for a glimpse of the beautiful Samara and her devastating daughter.
Gorian smiles and drags you to a nearby table, he exchanges a very short gaze with the dock workers sitting there, then they leave the table very friendly.
Oh yeah Ricca...good girl. I was hoping you would meet her, heh. But was your journey successful? Is everyone alright? Now he especially looks at Pitr.
Here in Karcau, strange things happen again. A horde of ghouls is terrorizing us...but they are extremely ineffective. Mostly they just wander the streets at night and feast on stray dogs and cats...weird, isn't it? And if I'm not mistaken then there's also something wrong in Marble Distric, but I don't know any details.
@ Victoria:
After visiting the sages at the academy, you walk through the pouring rain to the opera.
The streets are devoid of people, everyone tries to be outisde as little as possible and even the monumental opera square is a forlorn place without the colourful stands and dandering people.
Upon your knocking the door is opened by a young blonde acrobat.
Hello madam?
"Good afternoon, I have come to undertake some research in the libraries" Victoria looks at the acrobat closely, "You look a little young, please send up one of the older hands immediately as I would like someone with a little history who might be able to provide a first hand account of some older matters. Anyhow, I believe I am expected, and don't wish to remain waiting, so perhaps you'd be kind enough to show me the way to the library."
Victorias tone is polite and respectful, but it is clear her words are a statement - not a question - and she expects to be shown immediately.
Here in Karcau, strange things happen again. A horde of ghouls is terrorizing us...but they are extremely ineffective. Mostly they just wander the streets at night and feast on stray dogs and cats...weird, isn't it?
"Indeed. my friend! I am not pleased to hear that the undead roam our city at night! Cats and dogs are one thing, but what about the people of Karcau? Do the ghouls run rampant throughout the city?"
@ Victoria:
The lad seems annoyed for a moment, but then he shrugs and says
Kay, come inside and follow me.
He leads you in the vaults below the opera. Torches burn here and bathe the corridor in a strange twilight...flickering shades everywhere and weren't you the most creepy thing down here, maybe you would shiver...maybe...
After you passed some doors and empty rooms, he stops in front of a sturdy wooden door. He knocks and shouts
Mister Pendergast, a visitor for you.
He turns around and without a farewell goes back upstairs.
A moment later the door is opened and a very old, hunched gnome eyeballs you curiously.
Hey, here at last to take my soul with ye?
@ Solaric:
Gorian grins and nods
One would think that, but they try to stay away from people...most of the time. There were two small encounters with the city watch, but they were able to drive the creatures away...if you ask me...I'm not convinced that these creatures are ghouls at all...
Hey, here at last to take my soul with ye?
Victoria looks at him, lips pursed as though considering a significant problem.
"Afraid not, given your vintage and the number of marks upon it you have no doubt aquired over a long and well spent life it would be too heavy for me to lift. No, today you will have to help me with information, you see I'm looking for a star, a fallen one... and I believe you are just the man to help me..."
if you ask me...I'm not convinced that these creatures are ghouls at all...
"Not ghouls? Well what do you think they are? I was told that they have no connection to the abductions in the marble district. So what do you think is causing the disturbances?"
"Cat eating ghouls?! That doesn't sound like a threat, sounds more like a public service!" Pitr snorts. "I know Countess is doing some research on the kidnappings, but I wouldn't mind doing a little footwork in the Marble District as well."
@ Victoria:
The gnome shrugs only with his shoulders and bids you in
When it's not today, then they'll come tomorrow...I just hope your sisters have some kinky leather dresses on, heh. he coughs heavily after his joke.
The small room is full of parchments, parchment rolls, books, ledgers etc. you doubt there is a system behind it, yet he might still be some kind of storage genius.
Underneath a chaotic tower of files, he finds some cups and asks
Tea or coffee? then he climbs on a pile of books and after coughing again, says
We have seen enough fallen stars here to plaster whole Karcau with them...anything more specific? Maybe a date? Some kind of infos on the personality? Rather the vengeful or suicidal type?
@ Solaric, Pitr and Zahur:
Gorian furrows his brows and rolls a bottle between his palms
I think they're some kind of strange swamp creatures...manfrogs or something. The question is, what brings them into the city searching for food?!
I think they're some kind of strange swamp creatures...manfrogs or something. The question is, what brings them into the city searching for food?!"
"Something seems out of balance for Manfrogs to be entering the city. They do not sound particularly evil, simply creatures trying to survive. So how do you think they get into the city? The walls would be impassable. Are they swimming into the harbor from the lake? This seems like a lot of effort for a little food."
So how do you think they get into the city? The walls would be impassable. Are they swimming into the harbor from the lake? This seems like a lot of effort for a little food."
Pitr chuckles condescendingly,"Well they are frogs maybe they're jumping over the wall...but it seems more likely to me that they come up the sewers that drain into the swamp. Could be something in the swamp pushing them out and they're hiding in the sewers. Karcau has a hive of old caves and sewer tunnels underneath her. I've taken more than a few dates 'spelunking' down there if you know what I mean," Pitr leers.
Kirk goes with the larger group, to the bars in search of some information. Upon meeting Gorian, Kirk gives him an awkward embrace, usually not one to demonstrate the emotions typically derived from friendships.
"It sounds like a sewers problem, through and through. I really hate that place..."
We have seen enough fallen stars here to plaster whole Karcau with them...anything more specific? Maybe a date? Some kind of infos on the personality? Rather the vengeful or suicidal type?
"Well I will be frank with you, the person I am looking for would be the vengefull type, one who might have a grudge that they would look to exact upon the wealthy by stealing their children."
@Zahur, Solaric, Pitr and Kirk:
Gorian nods at Pitr's explanation and grins at his final statement
Oh yeah, dates in the sewers have just gotten better, the girls might be a little ugly now, but they know how to spread their legs, hah! a moment of awkward silence follows, then he adds
But I think Pitr is right, there's something foul in the swamp...heh. And he is also right that the sewers have several arms that drain into the swamp.
@ Victoria:
Pendergast raises his index finger
Ah children, that's a good thing...I mean no good thing of course, but a good hint. he climbs over another pile of parchments and reaches for a certain ledger
Ah yes, the cash account book of 4611 he pages through the book and you feel he is now at least as excited as you are.
Here it is: Lady Mashja and her puppet theatre from Whitethrone. Engagement ended after one week. A group of local patricians intervened when they thought her plays were not appropriate for children....hmmm strange, there is no information about any further engagements elsewhere....normally we stay in contact with the artists.
hmmm strange, there is no information about any further engagements elsewhere....normally we stay in contact with the artists.
"Perhaps other details then; last address, suppliers, the details of engagements she did have...?"
Oh yeah, dates in the sewers have just gotten better, the girls might be a little ugly now, but they know how to spread their legs, hah!
Kirk coughs into his hands in choked laughter, which he subdues quickly. Then, he responds "So do we go to the sewers or the swamp in search of the solution?"
@ Victoria:
Pendergast seems irritated by the fact that there is so little information
Sorry my dear, nothing...There is only the name of the leader of the patricians, Victor Vintra.
@ Kirk:
Gorian grins
Two great options, eh?
Sorry my dear, nothing...There is only the name of the leader of the patricians, Victor Vintra.
"You have been most helpfull Grandfather, I will seek out Victor Vintra"
Thanking him profusely and eloquently for his help, Victoria spends the next while waiting for her friends before heading off unannounced to some stranger... especially given that someone is hiding secrets, and it may well be him.
Hey cutie, the entry is from 4611, that's nearly a hundred years...I doubt you find this chap...I mean alive.
"Ahhh the slip of one number makes a significant difference. I will sek out the Vintra family and see what records their family may hold"
"Well my friends. I have no incentive to return to that wretched sewer if I can help it. Perhaps a trip to the swamp would take us straight to the heart of the matter! Let's return to the Countess and find how she is doing with her research. It would be very helpful to have her join us."
"Gorian, I am so pleased to see you, and I am glad to hear that you are doing well. Thanks for the news. As always, you are a great friend! We will be in Karcau for a while. I am sure that our paths will cross again soon. May her light be with you!"
Pitr takes his leave of Gorian and is interested to hear what Countess has found out. He stops by a shop on the way back to pick up a chicken foot as protection against swamper jinxes as it sounds that's where the group is headed.
Gorian pats Solaic on the shoulder and says
I'll see what the archives of Sarenrae know about the swamps. We should meet again tomorrow morning, just tell me where.
I'll see what the archives of Sarenrae know about the swamps. We should meet again tomorrow morning, just tell me where.
"I am staying at the House of the Vigilant Flame. Let's plan on meeting there in the morning before we leave for the swamp. By the way, are the archives of Sarenrae located in the temple?"
Solaric mounts Dart rides with the others to the library where Victoria is studying. He is happy to wait for Pitr while he does a little shopping along the way.
Jendarne stops by a shop on the way back to pick up a chicken foot as protection against swamper jinxes as it sounds that's where the group is headed.
HeHeHe! "What in the world are you doing buying a chicken foot?!?! I didn't know you were superstitious. Are you hoping this will protect you from evil? Don't you think you would be better off buying a new shield instead, my friend?"
Pitr looks slightly abashed at the ribbing and mutters defensively, "Well, those swampers don't use any god magic as far as I know. You might consider getting a charm of your own. Frowning Pitr hides the chicken foot. "As far as shields, well I need two hands just to handle the blade I've got," and feeling he has restored the honor of his manhood with a sword size joke Pitr pulls ahead.
Yup, the archives are below the temple in the vaults.
After Pitr's urgent stop to pick up a chicken foot, Solaric leads his friends onward across the city to the library in search of the Countess Victoria.
Gorian, it is great to see you my friend! I'm glad that the faiths have kept you safe while we were gone to Jarovicha. Ricca was amazing at helping us with the lay of the land and the Jarovichs'... Pitr would know all about legs being wide open, with his experience I'm sure they would open up like flowers for him.
As they are about to leave Zahur pull Gorian to the side.
[b]Gorian, you have been around Karcau and the rest of the world much longer than I have. Where could I find someone knowledgeable in the rumour mills of Karcau, as well as someone who would know more about Jarovich's nephew while he was in Karcau.[b]
Zahur just shakes his head at the harmless banter between Pitr and Solaric.
@ Zahur:
Gorian lowers his gaze while thinking
You know Snow, Samara's daughter? Her memory is unbeaten and I think she knows quite alot of gossip...at least if the things happened during the last years.
@ All:
You all meet again at the library...still quarreling as I assume...
Greetings, my Grace. How is your research coming along? Do you have any further insights into the items we have found?"
"Ahhhh Solaric, yes."
She unfolds the items from a leather satchel and lies them on the table.
"Lets start with this Dagger" The slender slivery weapon has a handle that looks like a vampire's tooth. A tiny indentation runs from its tip to the handle.
"Then of course there are these boots..." The soft jackboots are made of deer leather and are ornated with intricate stitchings that resemble trees.
"There is also this ring..." A small copper band with an amorphous rose crystal placed on it.
"And lastly, this trinket" A small wooden plate with the stylized image of a claw on it.
"They were also fascinated with the vest; I have only enquiries from Pitr bout some enchantment on his mail, otherwise I shall ask the difference in coin so that you may see to items or ale money to suit your individual tastes..."
"On other matters, the lost children has borne a tenuous lead to the patricians, the Vinders in this case...but I assume talk of the undead walking unchecked has aroused you more?"
"On other matters, the lost children has borne a tenuous lead to the patricians, the Vinders in this case...but I assume talk of the undead walking unchecked has aroused you more?"
"HA! More like hopping dead. It sounds more like we have giant toads instead of ghouls. Something might be driving them out of the swamp. I think stopping the kidnappings should be our focus honestly. Vinders? Wasn't that the old guy with the library we saved?"
"Hmmm... both the boots and the dagger sound useful to me. But I'm sure there are many of us can get some use out of those boots, who couldn't? Does anybody else want the dagger?"
Then, after Victoria mentions trading the vest for coin or other gear, he says "I am going to keep my eyes out for a breastplate, like Pitr's, only made from that mithral material that is much lighter and less restraining for those in my line of work." He shakes his head, "But that will probably take some time."
Pitr grins at Kirk, "Nah, I think the dagger and boots suit you well as long as elf boots don't give you hives or something."
He peers at the amulet suspiciously. "I thought this was what Jarovich was using to control his Nephew. Is it safe? I'm kinda nervous about all this stuff, but as you say I could use an amulet against long fingernails."
"...or perhaps Solaric might need in Pitrs company."
"My Grace, I already possess a pendant of Iomedae that gives me such protection. Perhaps I would have use for the boots or the ring. But I believe they should go to those who can use them best!" What is the story behind the vest? Is this anything that we can use?"
"On other matters, the lost children has borne a tenuous lead to the patricians, the Vinders in this case...but I assume talk of the undead walking unchecked has aroused you more?"
To be honest my Grace. We met up with Gorian and he believes the ghouls to be actually froglike creatures. Furthermore, he says they have not actually killed anyone, they are simply coming out at night and perhaps being a nuisance more than anything. I think finding a lead on the abductions should hold our first priority, but in the end, both matters will need to be taken care of. Can you lead us to the Vinders first, my dear?"
I think stopping the kidnappings should be our focus honestly.
Solaric smiles at Pitr's remark, thinking that perhaps the young fighter has started setting his priorities in order.
"Vinders? Wasn't that the old guy with the library we saved?"
"You are nearly correct, Pitr, but I believe you are thinking of Wilbur Vintra III. A very close name, but I think an entirely different family."
Kirk nods, "Indeed, if the frogmen haven't hurt anyone yet, we should deal with the kidnappings first." Then, about the items, "Well, I am dancing around in combat much more than most--the boots would be of huge benefit for me in that sense."
Victoria lifts up the vest, a little gingerly.
"Well it is a rather unique and interesting item, allowing the fallen another chance of life... it provides a modicum of healing when it senses the wearer has fallen, but as we all saw, when it does so it explodes outwards with a rain of deadly shards, hitting friend and foe alike... I presume it a mechanism designed to slay ones attackers and provide the wearer with some respite... spite being the key part of that. On that last little bit of vengeance I think that the vest is not the sort of attire one wears when travelling with friendly company, and it is best where it belongs, in the Academy in the museum"
Victoria hands the Dagger and boots to Kirk, and the Amulet to Pitr.
"The magics of the amulet would not amplify by having both Solaric, only the most powerfull radiation of magic is of use, and if they are the same then there is no benefit. With that said, I shall ask the Academy about a bulk discount on armour enchantment perhaps, depending on what trade they offer for the vest"
"Oh and who wants this ring? Wont be usefull atthe bottom of a bag"
"Away to the Vinders I suppose"
V"Oh and who wants this ring? Wont be usefull at the bottom of a bag"
"Although I definitely see the prank potential, it might be better if you just traded that in as well."
"I do not believe the designer of the item intended it for stamping the derrieres of your conquests, no, I hardly think a stamp of Pitr's grinning likeness on their rumps is what one would consider class. Mildly amusing though"
The rain has ceased a bit as you reach the Vintra manor in Marble District. You can see still see the scorched wall beneath the windows of the library where the fire has raged.
As you knock on the door, the servant, you already met last time, opens
Oh hello?
If you are fine with it, I will keep the ring that protects against those vile missiles that I seem to be a target of constantly. Otherwise, I am happy with Kirk taking the dagger and boots.
As for the other ring, we could sell it as Pitr suggested or have the Countess keep it for any sort of personal business that the group may deal in. She would be 'keeper of the seal' of sorts...
And from what I saw at Jarovicha with her book keeping, she may have further use for such a ring