Oh hello?
"Good day, sir. I am Solaric Zekkaran and we are Karcau's Chosen. Is the master at home? We would like to kindly impose upon his generosity for just a short visit, if possible."
Diplomacy
The servant nods deferentially and opens the door fully to let you in.
Please follow me into the grand study.
He leads you into a room whose walls are lined with dark bookshelves and there is a large fireplace at the wall opposite of you.
The taxidermised heads of elks, stags and bears are fixed to the wall above the shelves and four large leather armchairs are placed around a small table in the middle of the room.
I'll tell Mr. Vintra that you have arrived.
And from what I saw at Jarovicha with her book keeping, she may have further use for such a ring [/b]
"Yes I rather suspect that may well become more of a role for me going forward, keeping the particulars of matters, and for dealing with some of the broader political movements... perhaps it might do well in marking property and keeping records, and find better use than marking Pitr's conquests"
Looking around the room, admiring the heads while waiting for Vintra to arrive, Solaric quietly comments to Pitr, "So how fast do you think that Elk was moving when he hit the wall?"
Looking around the room, admiring the heads while waiting for Vintra to arrive, Solaric quietly comments to Pitr, "So how fast do you think that Elk was moving when he hit the wall?"
Pitr grins and then does a mock double take. "Wait. Was that a joke, Solaric? Hey Countess, Solaric just made a joke. I think there's something wrong with him. You want to scan him for magic? I think he's become possessed by a sense of humor!"
Victoria is momentarily shocked by Solarics uncharacteristic departure from decorum, then allows a slight chuckle, nodding in agreement with Pitr.
While your still bantering Solaric, Vintra enters.
He nods to all of you and walks over to the fireplace where he opens a box of cigars.
interested? he asks and puts the box forth.
It's a pleasure to welcome you back in my house, what brings you here? Some problems in juridicial matters? Oh, may I offer you something to drink?
Kirk allows a smile, which disappears the moment Vintra enters the room. Then he looks to Solaric or Victoria to do the formal introductions.
interested? he asks and puts the box forth.
Pitr helps himself to a cigar and nods his head toward the Countess, "I think the lady had some questions."
Oh, may I offer you something to drink?
"May I have a cup of tea, please!"
Vintra orders a tea for Solaric Black with milk, I assume?
then he looks at Victoria Go ahaead, just ask.
"Let me begin then with thanking you for your hospitality, and your willingness to openly offer us assistance so freely without knowing what it is we have to question you on. I will repay the courtesy by being very direct with you, but before I do so, let me assure you that we are not looking to lay blame upon people or expose possibly ugly parts of ones family history, simply to solve a current problem. Should we shake any skeletons in the family closet, we shall not be sharing our tales"
"We come seeking records, Mr Vintra, records that you may have locked away as family history, records that I think will be a little sensitive should they be brought to life. You see a few well placed families have a shared interest in a particular pupeteer several generations ago, a pupeteer that they took issue with and...maybe upset...and now we may be seeing the harvest of that bitter crop."
"I seek access to the library, and perhaps to records you might have elsewhere"
"Children are missing, and more will disappear I can assure you, so getting this matter solved is of great import... I would know all there is to know about this pupeteer, and I would know it most urgently"
"Black with milk, I assume?"
That would be splendid. You are most kind. Thank you!
Vintra orders the tea for Solaric, walks over to Pitr and takes one of the cigars out, then he answers slowly
I know that I owe you alot, but I hope you will understand that the archives of a lawyer are nothing that can easily be opened to the public...if you would be so kind to tell me, which of my ancestors is of interest for you, I could surely compile some information about him.
Kirk says, "I'll take a cigar as well, so long as you're offering." He then quietly observes the Countess pick at the old man's knowledge, glancing about the lavish room every so often, imagining what his own home might be like some day.
"4611. Several families were entangled with Lady Mashja and her puppet theatre hailing from Whitethrone. A rather short relationship indeed, all over in one week. Seems a group of Patricians took issue with the content, though a Pupeteer from Whitethrone surely should have been warning enough."
"Now, let me assure you that a century old scandal is not something we wish to unearth for public parade, but I suggest to you that this pupeteer may well have...come to harm, possibly after not seeing eye to eye with this group of concerned parents, as Lady Mashja did not apparently return to any paid work and the records of her went silent at that time."
Victoria watches his face carefully.
As you name the date and the background of your investigation, Vintra squints and becomes uneasy.
Vintra smiles
Such an old story my dear? It will really take some time, I mean, I don't even know where the books are, it's a really complicated matter and...
Master Vintra, I have the journals of Victor Vintra right here. Found them yesterday while I tidied up the basement.
You are as surprised as Vintra to see a haggard servant with three little books standing in the door.
The servant is one of the men who were sitting in the sister's inn yesterday.
Vintra looks annoyed and angry for a moment but then he takes a deep breath and says
Ah yes, how lucky we are. You...umm what's your name? Nevermind, I just have to tell Georgo not to employ servants that interrups their master's meetings with guests.
Keeping her eyes clearly on the small details and shifts in his features, Victoria is rewarded for her diligence.
Eyes fixed on Vintra, Victoria pays little attention to much else.
"Well now, seems that servant was rather timely with his masters needs, lets not be so hasty in our dismissal. What a lovely collection of books, you don't mind if I start perusing them? or perhaps you'd be happy to simply flip to the information I am looking for, I believe you are familiar with the content" her tone is flat at the last part, almost accusatory.
"I will be frank with you Vintra, this matter might be a little sensitive, but I tell you now it is urgent, and I am not inclined to be delayed in it one fraction of a moment longer then necessary. Deaths are like lint, they start to accumulate quickly when not attended to"
The overly friendly servant approaches you (Vicky) and as he is about to give you the books, a letter slips out of one of them. As you then look at the servant
The servant is one of the men who were sitting in the sister's inn yesterday.
he nods hardly recognizable and hands you the books.
All colour drains from Vintra's face as he sees the letter
Vintra harrumphes and walks over to Victoria. He piks up the letter and says
Now you surely won't need his personal correspondence with his love, I think.
Perception
Victoria notes the servant, yet her face says nothing.
As Vintra picks up the letter...
Perception
Her face speaks volumes.
"Mr Vintra, I will have that letter, thank you. I get the impression you'd rather we kindly finished our tea and simply left this house and blundered on in the darkness, the number of missing children slowly rising and unchecked in order to prevent the skeletons in your family closet from being shaken..." She rises commandingly from her chair to face off with him, "How many will you let die Vintra? How many will you let suffer at the hands of who knows what just to save a little tarnish on your family name about deeds a century old? Well let me make this VERY clear, I am starting to find this all getting rather droll and cumbersome, if you want us gone then simply give me what I want and we will trouble you no more... I have made the offer to keep your family affairs a secret, but I am finding that it might start getting VERY DIFFICULT to do if we have to go digging through more conspicuous channels" Her voice and her hard stare only highlight her growing frustration, it is clear she is rapidly reaching the end of her tether with this man.
Vintra smirks and hands you the letter
You must understand that this is not easy for me. Even the respectable Vintra family has some dark spots in the family history. I just ask you, please, be very secretive with this letter, will you? The deeds of a great grandfather might otherwise ruin my business.
She takes the letter, almost dismissively.
"I don't expect the matter is very easy for the mothers who weep over empty beds of their children, nor for the fathers with solem faces deep in ale cups drowning thier sorrows at failing to keep their families safe Mr Vintra, spare me the confession of your difficulties and tribulations, as I have more weighty things to consider. All families of worth have a black spot or two, I need no explanation of this because here I stand before you, a questionable part of my familys dark heritage"
She waves her hand over the letter chanting softly before opening it.
"your business is safe Vintra, as I understand discretion, as do my friends here"
Victoria snaps off her words in a formal tone, laden with ice.
Vintra shakes his head apologetically
You're right...excuse my vanity. As you know, the reputation of this family is everything I have left. Yet you're right there are more important matters than an old man's honour. Now would you please leave my house? I'd rather like to stay alone for a while.
"We will do what we can to protect your anonymity, and yes we shall leave to further our investigations, I rather agree that you have a lot of things to reflect on"
She straightens out her clothes and regards her companions expectantly.
Sense Motive
Perception
"Master Vintra, I realize that this may be difficult, but I assure you, our intention is not to slander your good name, but to simply help bring justice to the children of Karcau! If it is something from your family's past, the people will understand. They cannot hold you responsible for all of your family's past deeds. If they were to do the same with me, I could be brought up on endless counts of murder and villainy. Trust me, let the history go and give us your blessing to do what is right, just and that which will help the children today!"
Diplomacy
Perception
"I suggest you cooperate, Vintra. I certainly won't hold you responsible for the actions of your ancestors, but if you continue to block this investigation I will hold you accountable."
Vintra seems defeated and obviously feels conscious
You're right. I apologize for my first reaction. Of course the only concern should be the children, not the honour of an old fool.
Zahur had taken a cup of tea as well.
You'll have to excuse me and my companions master Vintra. This disappearance of the children brings out the worst of us. We had thought to have sorted this issue in the past, and to know that it is still going on only makes us more aware of the importance of our mission.
While my family's secrets may seem trivial, I can sympathize with you for your current predicament. Do not worry, unless it is absolutely necessary, we will ensure to keep it just that; a secret
Victoria unfolds the letter, curious as to why it would be so alarming.
As you open the letter, Vintra nods to Zahur and leaves the room.
The letter is adressed to Victor Vintra and was written by a "Gerome Halvergan".
Dear Victor,
you know, as a banker I'm not used to write about my feelings, but since the pressure is overwhelming me and you're my only friend, I had to relieve my soul by writing you.
Maybe you rememer my last year's travel to Whitethrone? I accompanied Count Varesha to his meetings with an aspiring noble...but that's not the point.
Some of the meetings were private and the count met his business partner alone, so I decided to roam the streets of the city. As I came into a district called the Howling, I was bullied by a group of strange looking humans. They were extremely tall and slender and had hard and haggard faces. As the first of them pushed me to the ground, suddenly a young woman with ice-white hair and eyes blue as the crispy morning sky, rescued me by pointing out that I was an important ambassador.
Later she told me the attackers were actually winter wolves in human form-imagine that!
Anyway, the woman's name was Mashja and while I stayed in the city we had an affair...I know, I disgraced my wife with that, but Karcau was so far away at that time.
Whatever, as Varesha wanted to return, I just thought my little relationship would break up, but Mashja told me, she had fallen in love with me and that she wanted to accompany me to Karcau to be my wife - naturally I hadn't told her, I had already one!
I was lucky and able to persuade Varesha to leave by night and so we left Whitethrone behind without having to take Mashja with us.
But now, imagine my horror: Last week I went to the opera and I saw this: .
Wilbur, you have to help me, please!
Your friend,
Gerome.
"And to save his pride they put an end to her. How nice. I suspect this might all get rather uglier as we progess. I suppose we now investigate this Halvergan, and I would not be surprised if people are more assertive in their efforts to see us silenced than the Vintra scion"
"Forgive me if I do not follow this,but I am not very good with all of these deceptive politics. Who is this Gerome Halvergan and what is his relation to Wilbur Vintra? How old is this letter? Is there a date on it?"
"Never mind Solaric, I am. Gerome Halvergan seems to be a well positioned man who had a dalliance where he shouldn't have, and then found the object of his former desire following him home. Unfortunately this was not to his tastes and he has solicited the help of Wilbur to solve the dilemna. I would assume they were friends and confidantes. So the story goes officially, that they, presumably with others made various complaints about this woman and had her closed down. Strangely though, she went rather silent around that time."
"Have they possibly killed her? quite likely, either way, it seems her, or her spiritual succesor, is now abducting children...revenge?"
"This was all some time ago... one hundred years to be more specific"
["Have they possibly killed her? quite likely, either way, it seems her, or her spiritual succesor, is now abducting children...revenge?"
"This was all some time ago... one hundred years to be more specific"
"Do you think we're dealing with a ghost?" Pitr asks as he makes sure his lucky scarf and chicken foot are in place."How do you find a ghost?! Maybe we should see exactly whose children are missing and if there is a connection to this patrician cabal. Maybe the Nightscarves can provide more information."
"So do you think that it is the undead spirit of Mashja or Varesha that is abducting the children? I am afraid I still don't understand the connection."
Maybe we should see exactly whose children are missing and if there is a connection to this patrician cabal. Maybe the Nightscarves can provide more information."
"Pitr, I really like your suggestion. This is still such a puzzle to me! What does any of this have to do with the present troubles?"
Kirk listens to the letter, then says "Well. That's one way to get rid of a problem--though not always the best. I can't say it sounds very fair, either way."
"Yes, a connection among the children would probably be a huge hint. I assume there haven't been any witnesses or children recovered at this point? If there are, they would be most helpful as well."
"Agreed. Now to start digging on the families of the missing children... perhaps they are the descendants of Halvergans confederates, no doubt accomplices in his actions. Whether they just rallied to expell Mashja, or lent their hands to darker deeds, they were almost certainly in on it all."
"Lets consider the story we have. A man of means travels to Whitethrone, has an illicit liason with a woman who falls in love with him, and he in turn vacates the city with his wife. The woman turns up in Karcau, whether by fate or by design, and the man rallies his confederates to have her, at least professionally, finished in this city" She holds up the letter, as though to emphasise the point. "Now after this act of silencing her professionally, she stops appearing on the rolls of the Karcau theatre... surely she would have continued some work, even for the lesser classes, yet she didn't. Nor did she inform the Karcau theatre of her leaving, no she simply 'stopped'."
"We have a motive to kill her, we have men of means, and an opportunity to get her alone out of the way of witnesses would have been very easy, perhaps a note to her asking for a discrete moonbathed liason somewhere out of the way of prying eyes so he could express his true feelings? That would get a lovestruck paramour with stars in her eyes straight into a trap"
"She is dead, perhaps she is now collecting the children to perform her puppet play on once again. Fulfilling her promise of 'entertainment' on one hand, and punishing her killers on the other"
"Or maybe I'm just a creature from the pits with a cold flinty heart and see treason and treachery in everything"
"...perhaps she is now collecting the children to perform her puppet play on once again...Or maybe I'm just a creature from the pits with a cold flinty heart and see treason and treachery in everything"
"Well, you certainly have a twisted imagination. That's quite a horrible vision you've put in my head now," Pitr says disgustedly.
"She is dead, perhaps she is now collecting the children to perform her puppet play on once again. Fulfilling her promise of 'entertainment' on one hand, and punishing her killers on the other"
"My Grace, this sounds like a very plausible idea. However, why did she wait over a hundred years to get her revenge, and why is she taking it out on children? I still cannot help but think it is for some horrible evil act that similar to what the Ragman would performed. Something to gain favor with some evil deity. So who can we talk to in the city that would know the details of the names of abducted children? I am curious what connections they all have."
"Yes, yes, Halvergan had the motive and would have done his best to hide it, and his ancestors would be trying to keep that a secret... on the other hand, grief stricken parents who happen to be descendants of his confederates might well be driven to start giving up the secrets of the dead in the hope of seeing their loved ones again."
"The Nightscarves can furnish us with a list of the missing, then we can start asking questions... always so many questions"
She half turns to regard Pitr...
"I was such an innocent and flighty girl given to whimsy, until I met you Pitr, now look what I have become" her mock look of surprise and schock is very obvious.
She half turns to regard Pitr...
"I was such an innocent and flighty girl given to whimsy, until I met you Pitr, now look what I have become" her mock look of surprise and schock is very obvious.
"Corrupted entirely. How do I sleep at night?" Pitr responds with a sly grin.
As you leave the Vintra town manor and step onto the rain drenched streets of Karcau again, you notice a hooded woman on the opposite of the street. As you pass her, she beckons Pitr to talk to her.
As the woman puts her hood back, you recognize Swan, yet her eyes are reddened ftom tears and she appears to be very troubled.
Pitr, thank the gods I found you. Samara is gone! She went into the swamps to search for herbs, but she hasn't returned and as I was looking for you at the academy I saw three dead boggards. I fear the worst, please...could you...could you accompany me into the swamp to search for her?
After the rest of you is sure that she is means no danger to Pitr, you continue your walk back to the Academy buildings. At the Nightscarves' barracks you spot Dumitru standing with several of his men in a small yard. There are the bodies of three frog-like men lying on the ground in front of them.
As you approcach, Dumitru notics you and says
Now, that are hardly ghouls, eh?
Now, that are hardly ghouls, eh?
"They don't much resemble the description, no... did they injure anybody? Or were they just invading the Academy?"
Dumitru gives you a sly grin
Yeah, there was a host of them with siege ladders, rams and all the stuff. Luckily we had enough flies in jars to keep them occupied, heh.
No, these three were shot by a patrol of my men who controlled the main sewer control.
"I was hoping that these 'invaders' would hold off long enough for us to investigate other matters, yet I see they press most urgently."
Kirk approaches the corpses and inspects the creatures. He studies each one, inspired by their time spent outside of the city, and begins to look at how the natural world functions in a new light.
"I wonder what we can learn about these things," he says, prodding one of them with the toe of his boot, "How they might work, what are their weaknesses?"
Survival
Knowledge (nature)
"Dumitru, I am glad to see you again. How are the people of Jaracovia doing? I have a few questions regarding the child abductions. What are some of the family names of the children? Is it possible that we could talk to the parents?"