Vicenzo frowned, "The rope's been cut by teeth, tiny teeth. And that there is where the owner of the tiny teeth might have entered."
He asked, "Maybe a trained animal?"
He then added, "Let's close the door and investigate both upstairs and the gatekeeper's house."
Pava sees nothing that would change her mind about Vicenzo's assessment. "An animal? What kind of trained animal breaks into houses and cuts ropes and pulleys? This is exceedingly weird."
She returns to the gate, pulling it closed. She pulls some rope from Ramael's saddlebags and quickly lashes the gate shut, intending to return later to tie it more permanently and securely.
Pava is able to close the gate without any trouble and soon enough she is back inside the gate tower. Much like when they entered the building in the first place, Pava led the way to the second floor, with Vicenzo just behind her.
When Pava was halfway through the ladder, a chest us pushed through the hatch and soon hits Pava on her chest, robbing her of her breath and balance, which also hits Vicenzo a couple feet behind her. The chest, Pava, and Vicenzo all crash into the ground making a big noise!
Landing with a loud "Oooooooof!, Pava looks up to the top of the stairs, hoping to get a glimpse of who or what caused the chest to fall.
If it looks like she's in immediate harm, she'll attempt to roll out of the way or otherwise protect herself; otherwise, she stands up and holds her sword at the ready, quickly glancing at her friends. "Is everyone okay?"
Ahreni, showing a remarkable amount of pragmatism (or lack of concern depending on your viewpoint) is on the ladder almost as soon as Pava hits the floor. She scrambles up quickly, hoping to make it to the top before whatever dropped the chest has a chance to 'reload'.
Dusting himself off the floor, Vicenzo glares angrily at whoever is upstairs, "Come now. You have done enough for today. Come down and we'll go easy on you. Don't make us come up to get you."
Even if she tries, Pava isn't able to spot any enemy on the upper floor. In a matter of seconds, Ahreni climbs the stairs once more, failing to notice that the top 5-foot section of the ladder had been weakened, making it colapse under her weight. Luckily enough, she was pretty fast in her reaction and managed to jump before falling into the ground, grabbing the edges of the trapdoor.
A couple seconds later you hear Ahreni's cry of pain, and soon enough she is falling into the ground, too fast for any of you to react! Her face is severely burnt, and there is also blood running from her forehead in the spot where she hit the ground... she is still living, but just barely, and it could change in a second...
Suddenly, you feel hot flames hitting your face as you were about to climb up the hatch, and soon after everything went dark...
"Fire..." Is all Ahreni manages to gasp out. Her wings snapped out instinctively as she fell and she lies in a mangled pile of feathers and shattered crates. The fact that she's even breathing is impressive...
Vicenzo reacts quickly seeing the rag tag doll that was Ahreni.
he pulls out a scroll and reads the magic within. Soon a warm current washes over her wounds but the girl is still unconscious.
"Anyone have any potions we can give her?"
-------------
Pava rushes over to Ahreni, following Vicenzo's lead. "I have some potions," she said, digging in her belt pouch and producing one. "It's not much, but it should help."
"Gah!" Ahreni splutters as she recovers consciousness. "Thank you, all of you. There's something damn sneaky up there. It trapped the ladder and then hit me with some sort of fire spell! I think if we move quickly we should be able to take it - maybe if you go first Pava? Watch out for the broken rung."
Seeing Ahreni fall Melani responds by moving to her and reflexively channels evil in the room shouting [/b]By the gods what is going on here.[/b]
Understanding that they may be under attack she uses her next move action to create a duplicate of herself and her next standard to cast Infernal healing on Ahreni.
Pava looks at Ahreni and nods her head, then hurriedly starts scrambling up the ladder, paying attention to the broken rung and focusing on the outer rails as necessary to get to the top. Her armor clamors and clanks as she climbs, tugging at her movements, refusing her a bit of the quickness she desires.
Getting to the top of the ladder, she keeps her head down as she hesitates briefly before thrusting it up to get a good look at the next level, ready to pull back down at first sign of danger.
If there is no imminent threat, Pava continues up.
As Melani's infernal magic takes hold and Ahreni feels the comforting warmth of wounds knitting together she struggles up from the floor and checks her wings over quickly before folding them back in, a movement which prompts a number of winces.
This done she pursues Pava up the ladder (assuming that Pava actually makes it into the room), not wanting to leave the knight to face whatever-the-thing-is alone.
Vicenzo nervously waits until Pava gets up there. "Make room. I'm going up too. That thing just dumped me on my ass."
Pava quickly gets to the second floor without endangering herself with the ladder. The roof of the Castle Gate's tower provides a nearly unobstructed view of all of Longacre. Even the Ash House, Louslik Tannery, and Scarlet Crown are visible in the distance. Aside from the view, a simple chair sits beneath a faded periwinkle canopy. She sees no one in here, though.
A couple seconds later she is also hit by a fiery ball, burning a large portion of her left arm... looking around, she notices a tiny creature covered in sleek black fur and with vaguely feline humanoid which holds flickering flames in its clawed hand. Although, before she is able to react, another flame hits her on her chest, bringing her to unconsciousness. Soon after both Ahreni and Vicenzo arrive at the rooftop, also seeing the tiny creature. "Get out of MY tower!" Yells the creature to you.
________________________________
Melani - up
Round 2
Vicenzo - up
Snivvi
Ahreni
Pava
Melani
A couple seconds later she is also hit by a fiery ball, burning a large portion of her left arm... looking around, she notices a tiny creature covered in sleek black fur and with vaguely feline humanoid which holds flickering flames in its clawed hand. Although, before she is able to react, another flame hits her on her chest, bringing her to unconsciousness. Soon after both Ahreni and Vicenzo arrive at the rooftop, also seeing the tiny creature. "Get out of MY tower!" Yells the creature to you.
"Pava, no!"
Fueled by hatred, the witch started convulsing as he glared at the little... thing.
He cursed it, "Fall unto your nightmares and you'll never wake again!"
-------------
As Melani climbs up the ladder and channels the evil energy of the Dark Prince, you feel once more the familiar wave washing over you, healing your wounds and putting Pava out of death's grasp, at least for now. Vicenzo focuses his will on the tiny creature and soon it colapses atop a crate...
Gathering her allies to her the cleric releases the energy of her master to heal wounds.
Ahreni doesn't waste a moment - heading over to the creature as it sleeps she studied is appraisingly for a second and then thrusts her hand forward, a short, wickedly sharp dagger appearing between her fingers as if by magic and cutting deep into the spinal column.
Fort DC: 21 to avoid instant death. :)
"I hate fire!" She hisses, face contorted into a truly unpleasant scowl, before calming down and beginning a more thorough search of the top of the tower.
Glad his skills were put to good use, the witch gagged one more time as he swallowed bile. His throat felt raw and he tasted acid. he bit his tongue a few bites to segregate saliva to wash it down.
"What was that thing? Can we expect more?"
He then started searching the entire area for threats or loot.
--------------
Pava slowly picks herself up off the floor of this open rooftop, pausing a few times as she gets to her feet. "What even hit me?" She looks up and down her body in bewilderment, brushing off ash and feeling the frayed, burnt edges of the shirt peeking out from the edges of her armor.
"I saw this flying beast, two flashes, then nothing." She walks up to the creature, sees Ahreni's bloody blade and gives the woman a smile. "Good work. Now what is that thing?" she wonders, as she begins to study the creature.
"I don't know but it took us both down. It some sort of fire magic I think." Ahreni's wince shows quite clearly how little she likes that idea. "I think we can safely assume that this is the creature which opened the gates. We will need to check back over the next couple of days but I still don't think it was the gatekeepers, which leaves this little... as the only culprit."
I wonder if it might have stashed anything valuable around. Help me take a look. Mel casts Detect Magic and looks around for hidden stashes.
You look around and see no signs of occupation, more enemies, or even anything valuable or useful. From the ground floor, you hear Anarxos voice. "Gentlemen, I have found something incredibly helpful inside the chest that was tossed on us..."
When you come back downstairs, Anarxos is holding a beautifully crafted light crossbow as well as a bag. From inside it, he retrieves six vials of alchemist's fire and a thunderstone. "And this bag here is magical... it can hold an impressive amount of equipment inside... I believe it is called a bag of holding."
Maintaining her detect magic spell Melani surveys the contents of the chest. She will then try to further identify the abilities of the magical bag.
Vicenzo looked at Pava and apologized, "Sorry but I won't be able to heal you until tomorrow. I used the scroll I had bought to bring Ahreni back to life."
He then added, "We need to buy a healing wand, the sooner the better."
He then pocketed two of the alchemist fires, "Who will keep this thunderstone?"
---------
Pava pulls out her remaining potion of cure light wounds and swallows it down. "I hate to waste something so precious, but that little thing ruined me, and it's only the start of the day."
"Should we try to find the old gatekeepers? It seems clear to me that whatever that thing was, it chased them away. They never should have abandoned their post, though; they should have fought the thing off just as we did."
"I'm not sure its worth going in heavy handed Pava." Ahreni cautions, as she climbs down the ladder. "They're retired, and for all that they keep up the pretense of military action I don't know how competent they actually are. If we go in and accuse them of negligence then at best we shame then - at worst we antagonise them and maybe even give them the idea of opening the gates when it would be unhelpful. I say we secure the gates and leave it - if something happens again then we know its them, if not then we have simply dealt with the problem without creating more for ourselves. If we want I could go in as Anya and ask them about their role, she's the friendly sort that would do that kind of thing."
After examining the various goods Anarxos found Ahreni seems intrigued by the bag of holding, a degree of innocent wonder on her face as she puts her hand inside and can't find the bottom. "I suggest we call it a day. Pava is not in good shape and I've consumed too many of our resources already today. Let's regroup and continue in the morning. Besides, I need to oversee the reopening of Caggan's tonight. Please don't raid it guys! I'll make sure its law-abiding, within reason at least." She says with a cheery grin.
If we are calling it a day I can use my masters power one more time to heal us.
After closing the gate and finishing the pesky fey, you are able to resume your way to the Jail. It is still pretty early, even if you had a troublesome begin in this new day. When you finally arrive at the jail, there are two men awaiting for you besides Cimri... one is Mr. Ingoe and the other is a complete strange.
Mr. Ingoe smiles and waves to you, revealing to have something in his hand. As you come closer, you notice it is a piece of paper. "Good morning, gentlemen and ladies. I have received a letter for you, Mr. Voralius." The man smiles as it handles the letter to Anarxos and, after a short bow, he leaves you alone, walking towards the center of Longacre.
Cimri leaves the other man behind and comes closer to you. "Guys, I've found this man by the gates today... he wants to talk with you about a 'job opportunity'. He said he have some references, but he refused to show me before you have arrived..."
Cael got up way before the sunrise this morning. He still had a long way to go before he would be at his new destination. He was surprised when, the day before he meet an old acquaintance on the road. They shared a meal and catch up with old time. It's at that point that Cael asked about the strange package that his old friend was carrying. Definitely not what one would expect from an old warrior.
Finally the question that Cael knew would come was asked, why was he so far inland? "Well, the job opportunity kinda dry up out there, and now I'm just drifting around until something shows up I guess." Cael could tell the whole story, but his friend probably understood and didn't push the matter. He did however give Cael some hope. Head to Longacre, he said, they offered me a job there, maybe they would offer you one too since I didn't take it. They exchanged some pleasantries and he gave Cael a "letter of recommendation" before parting way.
It was still morning when he got to the gates of the town. The guards asked about his business and for his writ of passage. "My business is about a job opportunity and I don't have a writ of passage. Maybe one of you could fetch someone in authority so we could see about solving that problem." The guards did what guards do so well, they looked at each other unsure of what to do when presented with a problem. With a sigh, Cael pointed to one of the guards. "You, go get the person in charge." And then he pointed at the other one. "You, pass me that decree so that I might see what other laws I must observe while visiting here."
Cael started reading the decree while the remaining guard looked at him. Pretty much what one would expect with what is happening in the country at the moment. Good to see that someone is thinking here. Just has he was handing the decree back to the guard, the first one came back with a young woman. That is not the people he described to me, must be an intermediate. Staying vague with the woman, Cael mention that he was looking for a job that he had a good reference but will only show it to the people that actually did the hiring.
We was then led to a small building in town. Looks like a jail, I hope they don’t plan to use it on me. But his worries were cut short when he finally saw them. The people that his friend told him about. Though, they looked like they had a rough morning. Well, maybe that will increase my chance to be hired. He let the other man that was waiting go first and once he was introduced he stepped forward.
”Good morning, I am Cael Melum. A good friend of mine told me you were possibly hiring. I would like to offer my services.” At first glance, Cael looks like a man barely out of his teens. His feature is smooth and he has barely any facial hair. But his eyes and the way he moves give you the impression of someone with a lot more life experiences. Also, his hair and clothes seem to always be moving in a wind that you don’t feel. ”Could we move inside please, I would be able to explain more in private.”
Vicenzo eyed the new comer with suspicion, If I may ask, who in the Nine Hells is offering people jobs on our behalf?"
The witch dry heaved and without waiting for an answer continued, "So, what type of job were you looking for and what are your credentials?"
------
Ahreni nods in response to Cael's greeting, a large smile on her face. "A pleasure Mr Melum, please come inside. Forgive our appearances, it has been a somewhat trying morning!"
Inside the jail, the friendly demeanor drops away, replaced by a very serious expression - which makes her look a lot older.
"Without wishing to be rude Mr Melum I must second my companion here. Your appearance is unexpected to say the least, and as far as I was aware we don't have anyone hiring for us. Explain yourself if you please." She sits down opposite Cael and stares levelly at him, waiting for an answer.
Pava looks askance at Vicenzo's sharp reply but remains silent until all are inside. When Ahreni adds on to the harsh interrogation, Pava feels she must interrupt.
"Hey, it was only a few days ago that I showed up on the steps of the jail in a similar fashion. I'm sure this is quite simply the Archbaron sending us more help, which we need. He's very wise, he must be foreseeing some trouble that this 'Cael' can help us with."
She turns to Cael. "I imagine that you've just come from the Archbaron; if you would describe your encounter with the Archbaron's... friend... then I think we can all move past this quickly and welcome you to the team."
Cael walks inside with the group. Once there he takes off his backpack and deposit it on the desk.
"Thank you for moving this conversation Inside, you'll understand why I didn't want to do this on the public place." He starts opening his backpack. "A few days ago, you offered a job to an old colleague of mine. A good strong fighter, about this tall, ears stinking out, purplish skin, named Zaggar?" He pause for a second, looking at each one of you to see if you recall the mercenary. "You offered him a job, but then back out because of the town folk not appreciating his racial heritage. Well, it just so happened that I meet him on the road to Isger. Being old friend, we exchanged a few words and talked about our current employment situation." Having finally untied his pack. He his is now slowly emptying it on the desk.
"You, was working in the import/export of livestock business, it paid very well, but like all work it came with risk. In this case, a bunch of busybodies that decided to terminate my last employer. Now, there I was, without income walking around Cheliax, when I heard about another group of meddlers messing with the natural order of things. Well, I decided I couldn't tolerate that and tried to warn people about it. Well, my good friend Zaggar told me about this place and the work you guys were doing and the job offers you made him. So I said to myself, why not go see if that position was still open.
When he reaches the bottom of the pack, he pulls out a blanket wrapped around something. When he deposits it on the desk, he makes a face. "Eurk, I will need a new blanket, maybe even a new pack." Then he look back at you. "Where was I... Ah yes! Job opportunity." He starts unwrapping the blanket. "I might not be the strongest melee fighter as Zaggar, but I do have a few skill sets he doesn't have. Mainly I am more of a ranged combatant. I prefer to kill my enemies before they get a chance to swing a sword at me."
Dropping the blanket on the floor, he is left with a heavily blood stained bag. There is a smell of decay coming from it. "Though before he left, you did hire Zaggar to cut a loose end that was bugging you." He opens the bag, and grab something in it. "I am also here to report that the job was done as you asked." He pulls out the head of a young woman. It is not too fresh, but still identifiable. "I believe you were looking for the young woman this head used to be attached to. And don't worry about the child. Last I saw, Zaggar was taking good care of it. Though it was a pretty funny sight."
He puts the head back in the bag and close it. "Now, are you still looking for help, or did I walk all the way here for nothing?"
Ahreni tries not to look at the head, although she agreed that the woman needed to be dispatched having the rotting proof of the deed on her table is not something she's entirely happy about.
"Mr Melum, my apologies for my tone. I hadn't made the connection to Zaggar - when Pava arrived she came with a signed letter from the Archbaron and it was clear that her joining us had been sanctioned by the greater powers. We can certainly use the extra help and you are much less likely to be instantly hated than Zaggar was so I think we can come to a useful understanding. We will have to get clearence from the Archbaron but I don't imagine there will be a problem. So, if you are willing..." Ahreni sits back and steeples her fingers. "Picture if you will, a small town which is currently experiencing unrest at the government, formented in large part by a respected institution which forms part of the state and governance. The institution is locally popular and moving against it openly is impossible - as a designated officer of the government how would you proceed?"
The sight of the rotting head did not bother Vicenzo one bit, the smell even less.
He nodded, "Well, at least you bring good news. That b%%+! tried to kill Pava and I!"
He added, "The kid will survive and get tough like I did." He left out the part or die like many others.
Extending a hand to Cael, "I think you have the right attitude. I'm sure getting agreement from the Archbaron will only be a formality."
He showed his armband, "And you get to wear these to show which side of the law you are on. The right side."
Cael listens to Ahreni and raise an eyebrow at the question.
"I'm not used to dealing with a problem like this with a population this size. On a ship, discipline and order are easy to maintain since chaos will prevent everyone from seeing the coast again. When we have a trouble maker, it is easy to make him fall in the ranks or to make the problem disappear."
He walks a bit in the room, looking for a spot to drop the bag for now. Seeing no good place, he lays down the blanket in a corner and put the bag on it.
"You say you can't move openly against it because the population respect that institution. Then you need to sway the population. You need to find a way to reduce the good deeds they are doing, find some dirt that the population will be displeased about and be seen as the best solution for the long and short term survival of this place. If people can't see their life flourishing without your guidance, then you won the influence war.
He points to an empty chair as if asking if anyone object to him using it. If no one does, he installs it in front of the desk Ahreni is sitting at and then smile.
"Also, accidents happened so often in the country, it would be a shame if the most influential members of that institution would come to some harm while traveling to see some relative in the outskirt of town...
Pava considers the head. I did that. Not with my hand, but with my coin, I did that. She smiles.
"Zaggar did good. If you see him again, give him our thanks."
"His good work here testifies on your behalf as well. I think we will welcome your help here in Longacre." Turning and addressing the whole group, Pava continues. "I think Cael is on to something, and this," she says, gesturing at the head, "gives me an idea. Whether we do it ourselves, or hire out the work, perhaps a strategic assassination could be beneficial to our cause. Can we think of a target that would particularly harm the Glorious Reclamation if they were eliminated? Probably someone from that" Pava spits on the ground as she finishes, "stupid Iomedean church."
Melani studies the newcomer carefully nodding at her companion's words and allowing herself a half smile when the head is revealed. I'd like a demonstration of those abilities you mentioned if you do not mind. And in sizing you up Mr. Melum I note that you wear no open symbols of devotion to any deity. If we invite you into our little group here it will come with an invitation to join the church of Asmodeus. There will be certain, benefits, to being a member in good standing. Can I assume you have no issue with that?
When Vicenzo extends his hand to him, Cael as a bit of a surprised look on his face for a second. He quickly recovers, however, and stand to shake the offered hand. Well, that was a quick turn around. He looks at the armband. "Nice!"
With Pava openly approving his suggestion, Cael can't help but relax a bit. He was happy that we're not only listened too, but they were praised. Maybe my luck is finally changing. I'll be able to plan long term instead of immediate survival.
He then turns to the one that was quiet the entire time so far. "Demonstration? Ok... What do you want in mind? I mean, I can use my spear in corned in melee, or my crossbow for longer range. But those were oblivious since I carry them in the open. I do have more to offer, and I could show it off if you have target somewhere like a practice dummy or a victim. Both could do.
"As for the religious side, well, I come from a trade filled with superstition. So we kinda cover all our bases when we leave for a sea voyage. Heck, I've seen this weird blessing ritual in the Sodden Land. You start by getting a seagull, a turtle and this plant that grow in the swamp..." Cael stops for a second and seem to realise that this wasn't the answer she was looking for. "Ah, well, yes, we often asked for the service of officials from the Temple of the Prince of Law. Important trade treaties need to be recorded after all. So I see no problem at attending services there."
Excellent. Melani says with a mischievous smile. That head should do nicely to show some of your power.