"Yeah, the life of an adventurer. It's insane, huh? Actually Swan's mother... um, nevermind. I'm sure you won't be without companionship long. and it'll be good to have you around, dad."
The rapier is a:
Huntsman Rapier of Humanbane
Boots are:
Sprinting acrobat's Boots
granting the wearer a bonus of +3 (competence) to all acrobatic checks, a +1 Enhancement bonus to dexterity and 5ft additional movement.
Ring is:
Ring of Feather Falling
Eye patch is:
Eye Patch of X-Ray Vision
Functions like the ring of the same name.
@ Pitr:
Your father gives you a slap on the shoulder and says
Heh, yeah, the local girls will love me for being your father, heh.
Victoria puts the items away, thinking on what to do with them.
After a long night she finally gets some rest.
Kirk, as he and Victoria part ways, pulls her aside and says, "Countess." He pauses, searching for words, "Tonight was... a real treat for me. I hope that doesn't sound as bad as I think it might, but I've put a lot of thought into these sorts of dealings. I think someday I might be pretty good at it, at least with enough practice. I think Pitr will be especially grateful."
When they separate, Kirk wanders the dark streets of Karcau for a while, restless from the night's excitement. Eventually, he finds his way back to his usual tavern and rents a room for the night, planning how to meet up with the rest of the party the next day.
"Pitr will know nothing of this, the matter resides between you and I. He will be greatfull that he and those he holds dear continue to live. That Captain will be found come sun up, and then the questions will start. The last time we saw the Captain he was walking in the foyer of the 'Tenor'... that is our story, technically true"
"You and I will walk this road again, I regret that this is the truth, but there is no denying that the politics we engage in are a brutal business here in Karcau. I am at least lightened by the thought your conscience can bear it"
Kirk scoffs at her reference to his conscience, "Hah. My conscience will suffer no pain from this. I'm sure the man got what he deserved: most people do. Have a good night, Victoria."
Johenric will also try to learn Sleep and Bungle, if no objections from your side. That would mean that Stone FIst is handed over to Zahur whereas Secure Shelter and Vision of Hell have been handed over to Victoria.
Johenric studies the other two spells.
Sleep DC 16
Spellcraft
Bungle DC 16
Spellcraft
Prescience
Ivy is excited and moving around Johenrics neck and shoulder.
Oh Ivy, this was a successful day. Thanks to Desnas gift to perceive the future, I did manage to decipher most of the spells. Isn't this good?...time to go sleep. Tomorrow an other riddle is waiting for us.
Solaric will seek out one of his brothers of Iomedae to discuss the stain upon the painting.
"I'm not likin' that thing one bit, Solaric. It has the stink of the pit about it. You suppose it could be a portal of some sort? I've heard of such things, but never have I encountered one in person."
"I am not clear at all of the significance of this stain upon the picture. I know it use to hang on the wall of their child, Lina's room. I was hoping that somebody back at the temple could divine where the stain came from or discover something on the painting that will lead us to their lair. Do you think the painting serves as a portal? If this is the case, we may find similar stains upon other pictures from the rooms of the other abducted children. This is certainly a messy business, my friend. I am glad to have your company!"
Back at the temple, Solaric will cast detect magic upon the painting followed by detect evil. He will then take the painting to one of his priestly brothers of Iomedae to discuss further steps to be taken.
"Aye, elf. I, too, am glad to have a strong ally in the likes of you.", he says clapping Solaric on the shoulder. Harl decides it will be in their best interest tostay near one another while in the presence of this possibly dangerous piece of evidence.
Pitr exciedly catches up with Countess and Kirk the next morning. "So how did it go last night? What's the plan?"
@ Solaric and Harl:
Your detect evil and detect magic spells show no signals of either, yet, you know that this doesn't have to mean anything regarding the time that has passed since Lina has been abducted.
Foron, the temple's treasurer, who is specialised in magic items and the like, promises to help you, but since Tanor has already quite a lot of tasks for him, he postpones a meeting to the afternoon of the following day.
@ All:
A morning with drizzle and lead grey sky greets those who awaken this morning and leave Desna's realm. Somewhere in the eastern part of the city, at a very costly inn, screams can be heard and the news of "brutal murder" spread fast, yet not fast enough for Karcau's Chosen to be disturbed while having their breakfast at the Sharkpool...
Walking in with a smile upon his face Solaric exclaims to the others. "Good morning, my friends. I trust you are all doing well and perhaps catching up on some well deserved rest! I confess that I have not been able to stay still for long. Harl and I took it upon ourselves to go to the house of the Gornod family who lost their daughter Lina in the recent abductions. The meeting proved useful in that I discovered that the abductors left a black stain upon a painting in Lina's room. This afternoon we have an appointment with Foron, the treasurer at the House of the Vigilant Flame to discuss the painting. How are all of you doing? "
"If any of you have some free time, I have names and addresses of four other families that could use a visit. The families are obviously grieving terribly, but with a bit of diplomacy, these loose threads may give us some more information. I would like to be able to close up this investigation quickly, and put an end to the abductions. I am also curious if they are somehow tied in with the Norgorber cult we've been pursuing. What do you folks have planned for today?"
Waking the next morning before the dawn, Harl pays his respects to Torag by lighting the forge for the smith. The golden glow warming his body and soul as another dreary morning begins in this strange country. Following his communion, Harl meets Solaric at the Temple's gate and travels with him to the Sharkpool for a mug of ale and a hardy breakfast.
Johenric shows up for breakfast as he steps out side his camera. He holds his right hand to cover his eyes and with his left hand he rubs the sleep out of his eyes. As it seems, the brightness of the sun even in this cantina is blending his eyes.
Desna....good morning. How are you all? I hope you had such exciting days than I had!
Although it looks like that Johenric spend the last 2 days in one room, everybody gets the impression that he talks about the last days as he had won a big challenge. Somehow the yawning does not fit into this picture.
Before I go into my details. I first need to eat something!
On Johenrics shoulder a scorpion is scurrying around quite excited. Johenric takes a seat and wait for replies.
Raising an eyebrow at Johenric's somewhat dishevled appearance, Harls says,"Boy,you might seek the guidance of Irori's lot if yer gonna be sittin' still fer very long. They got some techniques 'at might help ya out."
Victoria appears at the table, immaculate and well presented as usual, standing out in such a place, yet seemingly at home.
"Well good to be back at the City; clean clothes, warm baths, and comfortable beds"
"I may need a few hours to study spells, but am in no rush, so if needed I can be to hand"
"Good morning, your Grace. You look as radiant as ever today! I trust the city life is treating you well. I was justing thinking that your talents would serve us well investigating some of the families with abducted children. Would you be so kind as to go to the house of The Pawelja Family on Prophyria Lane 3 or the Kosanko Family on Merchant Street 4. I have to talk to some friends at the temple this afternoon, but I plan on investigating the Victajin family on Mistle Lane 5 and the Elkoran family on Suncrest Way 7. The children were all abducted in the night from their bedrooms and they do not appear to leave much of a trace. Look for pictures that may have a stain upon them or some other clue. We can meet again first thing in the morning. If you find anything important, you can leave word for me at the House of the Vigilant Flame. So are there any leads that you folks have to share?"
"Perhaps a brave soul or two might wish to come with me?"
Pitr excitedly catches up with Countess and Kirk the next morning. "So how did it go last night? What's the plan?"
"And how are you Master Jendarne? I trust you are staying out of trouble here in the city. Have you had ample rest and relaxation time? So how are Swan and her mother doing? Have they recovered from their ordeal with the dragon and the bullywug?"
"I'll go with ya. Being that your kind ain't the strangest thing runnin' round this country, I can't be havin' ya goin' it alone.", Harlsays as he wipes the foam from his whiskers. "Maybe there'll be some similarities between the disappearances I can link."
Pitr exciedly catches up with Countess and Kirk the next morning. "So how did it go last night? What's the plan?"
"An interesting evening. It seems I can only confirm that on meeting the man it was clear that his heart was set on what he believed to be a righteous revenge, but not the balancing of the ledger one expects of a man of honour. The Captain was not to be gently moved from his position, which is little surprise after such a long time with vengeance on the mind."
"So what of his plans? Well dear Pitr, I believe his plans reflect a degree of cunning and guile, and I suspect there to be a few traps lain about the place, like snares on a game trail... do not look to walk around with open challenges on your mind, for it will only serve to expose you as being in one place, with those you hold dear in another, and I doubt the killing steel would be pointed at you. No I am going to ask you to tread a little more carefully, until the Captain himself is exposed."
"Just seemingly go about your normal business, just keep an eye out for ambush"
****
"Then Harl we can set off once yuo have finished your second breakfast"
Pitr brushes off Solaric once again with a brusque, "I don't have time for your chit-chat, Solaric."
Staring increduously at Countess, "Really?! That's all you have? It was interesting, he's a wacko and just go about your business. I don't think I can focus on anything else other than killing steel. You have anything to add Kirk? What were you two doing last night?"
"I'm not going to wait around for an ambush. I'm going to go find him right now if you don't want to help me. He's just a bitter old man. How tough can he be?"
Pitr angrily stands up to go.
"I'm not going to wait around for an ambush. I'm going to go find him right now if you don't want to help me. He's just a bitter old man. How tough can he be?"
"The same could be said about me, "shes just a small woman, how tough could she be?", but what that person would be forgetting is that you lot are sitting there too. We need to find out who his lot of "you lot" is before we go running off swords drawn; even Solaric, Inheritor bless him, has finally learnt to stay his hand long enough to look before charging"
"So forget the sword, at least for the morning, and instead keep an eye on the docks and see what ships may be either arriving or arrived through the night with his Taldan mercenaries fixed on gutting you, your father, or your lady love there. As you say, one old man is one thing, but a boat load of angry young ones freshly paid on arrival with cold steel and a load of bad intentions with a taste for final payments will be a facking handfull"
"If you must, set the Sczarni to the task of being your eyes and ears and trailing his movements and plot your course from there"
Once again, Solaric completely misunderstands Jendarne's frustration. "Pitr, from your tone of voice, you sound angry and fearful. What are you all upset about this time? Did you have a fight with Swan? I'm also not sure why you think the cultist are going to ambush us. We are deep in the heart of the city and we have already struck them deep into the heart of their evil. They will have a difficult time laying a trap for us here in the city. The other piece of this that confuses me is your drive to get going again. I know even I would like to press on very soon, but we need to give Johenric time to make sense of the Chronicles of the Heptagon. Besides, I thought you would appreciate this time off. In fact, until we leave, I thought you would enjoy the freedom to drink and make merry all you want. However, if you are eager for action, come join me at the House of the Vigilant Flame today. I am meeting with the treasurer of the temple to discuss a mysterious black stain upon a painting that was found in a little girl's room. It should prove to be very interesting and insightful! Do you like artwork?"
"Sounds like a fine plan,Countess. We shall see if we canna find any more marks like the one Solaric an' I found yesterday. What do you make of 'em?", Harl between bites of food and gulps of his dark ale.
"Perhaps if I note the details of the paintings and the stains I will be able to divine some sort of use or unravel the mystery, sooner the better I suppose."
She looks to Pitr, "And perhaps my dear friend you will tread with due care and assess what threat may be coming to you by ship, there lies the true threat... one man is nothing, a group of professionals is another."
Victoria gather herself up to depart with Harl.
"So as we prepare to depart, do I have any others that wish to join me today? Your Grace, as always, I appreciate your service to this noble cause. May our efforts bring us closer to the heart and to victory over the evil of this land. Fare well, my friends. I will see you on the morrow."
When the Countess and the others finish their breakfast and depart, Solaric will also leave. His first stop this morning is the Victajin family on Mistle Lane 5.
Pitr frowns at Solaric, "Artwork? Look, my father brought a bit of trouble with him and that's what's on my mind at the moment."
To Countess he allows, "I don't think Severino will be doing much until his reinforcements come. I suppose I can check back this evening and see if he's been joined. Until then, I'll help out with Karcau's current tragedy. Lead on, Solaric."
Everybody can see on Johenric's face an expression of perplexity. Somehow it seems that he is overwhelmed by all the names and the activities the people did.
Mmhh...I think....a how to express myself in the grammatically right way?...To be honest with you guys I have no clue what you are talking about and I think it is not so important. My proposal is we concentrate on the important think(g)s and I appeal on your wisdom now, because what I will going to say is by far the most important discovery made since Master Barossos Interpretation of the arcane webs and how an arcane eye is formed - according to the theory of cognition - out of those webs! Do grasp.... this....
Suddenly Johenric realized that his thoughts are not followed by the others.
Ok...now it comes to the important points on our agenda. Take your staff aside for a moment. Until now I was able to identify the first riddle so far out of the Chronicles of the Heptagon. In the beginning it was very difficult and my mind was confronted with 12 minor and 3 major sets of problems. But the good thing about this was, that by figuring out these set of problems, I was able to do the next step. Do you know why? I will tell you. Only if the complexity of the problems are know, it is possible to formulate the questions. I am sure you know this is in fact the most difficult part of research! It is not the answer! The by far most hard aspect is the formulation of the question, because this directs your mind. If the question is wrongly formulated, your mind will be misdirected....
Johenric makes a break and waits for the others. Everybody gets the impression he wants your mind to catch up.
In fact this is nothing new to you. If you are going somewhere and you do not the terrain, what do you do? You ask questions! That's it! Either you ask somebody else, for example local persons or your buddy, or you ask yourself how to identify the way, or you ask a map - of course this is meant in a metaphorical sense. To get where you want to go, you need two things: a) you need to know your goal and b) you need to find out how to reach it! Imagine a path is leading to your goal but because of an earthquake the path is blocked by stones. You see what I mean!? I had to find a way around 12 minor and 3 major barriers.
Johenric takes a deep drink of his water.
Ok, I can feel the tense in the air and I got your attention. But before I present you the first riddle, you have to understand the 12 minor and 3 major barriers first, as this is - you can call it - history of the first riddle we have to solve and according to the science of cognition it is imperative to know the roots because this is merged the riddle. I start with the minors first. The first minor issue is....
Pitr rolls his eyes impatiently and then slams his hand on the table, "GET TO THE POINT! We don't have all day here, Johenric."
"Until then, I'll help out with Karcau's current tragedy. Lead on, Solaric."
Solaric, who is taken aback that the young Taldan would choose to accompany him, gracious accepts his offer.
"Pitr, I am honored that you would willingly accompany me on my investigation this morning. I promise to make this trip worth your while. Besides, it would give us a chance to visit. I have always wanted to hear more about your family. They sound like very interesting people. Well, after Johenric has said what he needs to, we can depart."
"GET TO THE POINT! We don't have all day here, Johenric."
"Johenric, what in the world are you talking about? We have a lot to do, and in all practicality we just need to know where to try and find the next shard of the Amethyst Heptagon. I don't know if you realize the gravity of the situation, but many people's live are at risk here! I have to completely agree with Jendarne in this case. What point are you trying to make?"
Obviously very disappointed about the valuation of his work, Johenrics face expresses a certain missunderstanding and disagreement, but finally he says:
You do not understand....but may it as it is. The first riddle is
"Where sun and moon collide, water forms fluids to solid stones and mist enshrouds the slopes of a crowned stone."
Johenric continues
We have the following aspects to be worked on. First, we have to identify the other riddles within the heptagon of this book, and I guess, everybody agrees that the persons being capable of doing so are limited - as proven this morning. Second, we have to solve the riddle. Third, I recognized in the morning you have further points to pursue, which I can not judge and as it is not my business, I actually care about my tasks as you care about your tasks.
Johenric stands up from the chair.
I meet you tomorrow in the morning at the same time. Hopefully I can present the facts, meaning further riddles, to you, so the lives can be saved. Everybody does what he can do best. Good to know that certain principles are stable, even between different races.
Ivy moves to Johenrics shoulder and Johenric takes bread, a kan of water and some eggs. After he has entered the camera, he closes the door. Ten Seconds later you can see a light shining under the clearance between door frame and door leaf...
Victoria merely smiles, "We are moving up in the world, we have our very own sage and scholar!"
"You do not understand....but may it as it is. The first riddle is
"Where sun and moon collide, water forms fluids to solid stones and mist enshrouds the slopes of a crowned stone."
"Johenric, you are right. I do not understand. However, I want you to know, that I do appreciate your skill in researching the Chronicles. Perhaps we can all help you solve the riddle.
Where do the sun and moon collide? Isn't that called an eclipse? Does this give us a time? Water forms fluids to solid stones. Is that not the freezing of water? You know, the forming of ice! Now where are crowned stones? This sounds like a jagged ridge of sorts? Do you think this is the Kronstein Ridge? This would certainly be in agreement with our dreams!"
"Or is there a point on the horizon that they both pass through?"
After a couple of minutes Johenric opens the door of his camera and he moves his head to you.
A very short question: What is the exact priority? Are we going to solve the first riddle, or do you want me to identify the remaining ones in the Heptagon?
Wait I have to finish one thought...assuming the expression water forms fluids to solid stones is related to ice...in order to create mist you need water drops falling down to the land...An other possible explanation for water forms fluids to solid stones could be a cave where stalagmites, or stalactites...
And by saying this Johenric stays still in the door holding the door frame.
Knowledge Local
Knowledge History
"Leave the riddles to the book worms, Victoria, we've got some houses ta search.", with that Harl hefts his axe and shield onto his back and heads for the door. "Bet we find somethin' 'fore you do, pointy ears.,he says with a chuckle over his shoulder to Solaric.
"Johenric, I presumed that the answer to the riddle was going to give us the location of the next shard of the heptagon. Are you suggesting that there is other information to be found in this riddle? To answer your question, I would say finding the pieces of the amethyst heptagon hold our highest priority!"
"That sounds like a challenge my big bearded friend! Well that should add an extra level of excitement to the day! I accept. May the best one win. Good luck to you. You are going to need it for I have the legendary Master Jendarme on my side!"
"Leave the riddles to the book worms, Victoria, we've got some houses ta search."
"I have had enough books doing the bookkeeping for such a busy party, that and researching magical items in the academy and the collections of dragons. Let us do more exciting deeds and doorknock for information over at the Pawelja Family on Prophyria Lane 3, and maybe the Kosanko Family on Merchant Street 4."