Jennix follows Zazhary and Miso in their information gathering.
Yin-Po does not know anything about the dark underbelly of the town but as the party reconvenes a muffled sound is heard from Terflynn's bag. Investigating the sound, it seems that the winged helm had begun to speak. Some coughing sounds issue as the helm is removed from the bag. "Thank you, thank you!" the helm speaks. "I am Helgarval and I of course heard that you know what I am-a cassisian angel. I chose not to reveal myself until I was sure of your intentions though; robbing a funeral ship is hardly worthy behavior, you see. But I understand your motives now and saving this poor priest and his crumbling temple was certainly a noble act."
"As it so happens, since my master has died I have stumbled upon some strange doings in Kalsgard and have spent years quietly observing. It seems my personal investigations may actually help you, if I am reading the signs correctly."
"The Rimerunners Guild, you should know, is actually a front for the Frozen Shadows thieves' guild you are looking for. I was actually stowed away on Snorri Stone-Eye's funeral ship investigating his connections with the Rimerunners Guild when I found myself trapped belowdecks. Luckily I was saved by you noble lot."
"Now if I understand things correctly, the Frozen Shadows claim to be the agents of the Five Storms oni from far-off Minkai. Strange indeed, although I am sure you understand their purpose more than I."
"In addition, that blood-feather raven you've been observing happens to be the familiar of a local spellcaster named Goti Runecaster. As it happens, Goti is a close associate and advisor to Thorborg Silverskorr, head of the Rimerunners Guild. It really is quite the tangled web of conspiracy, no?"
"Your knowledge is impressive. Do you also know why they leave a large black feather as a token? And do you know one named Uksahkka, and why they might have kidnapped her?"
"The feather seems to be their signature after performing a deed, as far as I can tell," the helm answers Terflynn. "Uksahkka I only know as a guide and your lost companion. I do not know why they would have wanted her except perhaps in connection with Ulf's disappearance."
"I think we should investigate this Runecaster fellow, but I fear we may not be strong enough to confront him directly if he is capable of summoning such as this." Terflynn vaguely refers to the earth elemental. "Hmmm..."
-Posted with Wayfinder
The Rimerunners' guildhall is located on the waterfront in the Jade Quarter, and is staffed by dozens of well-armed guards, both day and night. In addition to the normal guards posted throughout the guildhall, dozens of armed guards, members of the city watch, and witnesses may be found near the guildhall at any time during the day, making any sort of direct frontal assault unwise at best.
Just as sometimes the loudest voice is a whisper, so too our most direct approach might be one of subterfuge. Let us ask about regarding this Goti Runecaster and this Thorborg Silverskorr.
Miso learns that Thorborg Silverskorr leads the guild but is rarely seen in public and has numerous connections with the wealthy and powerful of Kalsgard, including Linnorn King Sveinn Blood-Eagle himself. Goti Runecaster is a mysterious caster of some sort that people seem to know little about.
Jennix looks to his companions. "So...where to?"
"We need to infiltrate this Rimerunner's guild. I'm just not sure where to start."
"Well, this looks like a legitimate business. Maybe we should talk first and if we are unable to come up with anything try something more risky."
"I can take the appearance of a more... acceptable associate."
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"Aye, let's try to talk first."
It takes the party some time but you are able to arrange a meeting with a clerk over a phony business proposition.
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I confess I am unhappy with the prospect of outright falsehoods, Miso begins slowly as his companions finish. However, with full knowledge that all words are part true and part untrue — limited only by our imperfect understanding — I will assent. What is our plan? Are we enforcers? suppliers? liaisons?
---
"I suppose we'd best either pose as merchants or assassins, given the nature of the organization. What do you fellows propose?"
"I did some shipping back home, but mainly just pickup and dropoff of goods."
"That's good enough for me. Merchants then, shall we? If we weren't in such a hurry, I could brew potions to change our voices as well. But as it stands, I think fate will favor the hasty."
That will do, Miso nods, planning for the ruse. What are we selling?
Jennix nods. "That sounds like it could work. Surely we can appear to be hawking the items Terflynn creates, no?"
"I have a few interesting things we could be dealing, true enough."
Terflynn uses his witch magic to take on the appearance of a gruff Ulfen merchant. He holds off on charming his voice for the moment.
"I wonder if our friend, the angel helm, would be interested in being 'sold'?"
---
After a brief chat with a secretary about the nature of your business and your wish to trade goods-a proposal solidified by the impressive helm in your possession-the secretary makes an appointment for you to speak with one of the guild clerks.
The office is quite lavish and the man is somewhat more thin and clean-shaven than the average Ulfen, his clothes in very good condition and of high-quality make. "So," the man says as he rises to shake each of your hands, "what can I do for you folks today? A business proposition?"
Indeed, Miso says, stepping forward. We have been busily collecting rare and exotic goods and find ourselves in need of a market for certain portions of our collection. It is our understanding that your organization is well-suited for such an endeavor.
"Aye," the man responds as he takes his seat and gestures to several chairs across his desk. "No better place in town. Tell me about the wares you are looking to sell."
Jennix glances at Miso to see if the man is going to continue the conversation. "What can you tell us about your organization, what is your main area of business."
I will show you an example, Miso says, silently bringing out the helm as Jennix talks.
The man seems impressed by the helm after a moment's inspection. He leans back in the chair. "Oh, we cover a wide range of businesses here in town, have our fingers in just about everything you can imagine-more than just a finger in some strategic parts, as you may imagine. You folks may be interested to know-if I can judge by the helm you have presented me that you are interested in rare fineries-that we have recently been venturing into the acquisition of Tian antiques."
"And to ensure you that we are here to stay, I can also tell you that our business has been and will continue to expand. Why, Silverskorr himself has been putting a fair amount of capitol into an old hall outside of town for the past two years since he bought it from old Snorri Stone-Eye; I believe the plan is that Silverskorr is working on an expansion of operation-a second branch or arm of our organization, if you will. If you enter into business with us now, you may be able to get in on the ground floor before we essentially double in size and I assure you that as long-standing customers before the expansion we will give you every benefit possible." He gives you a wide grin, clearly proud of the work his guild and guild leader have accomplished.
"Tian antiques? Humph. No interest in that kind of thing. Not 'less it's weapons." Terflynn grunts, subtly prodding for a bit more detail.
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Jennix shake shis head enthusiastically. "That sounds swell! How do we get in on such a deal!"
"Tian antiques? Humph. No interest in that kind of thing. Not 'less it's weapons." Terflynn grunts, subtly prodding for a bit more detail.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Miso nods and motions to the helm. As you can see, we are specialists; and our specialty lies principally in battle implements. These would be of interest to us. And perhaps profitable to you.
"Ah! Well then you are in luck. I believe our most recent acquisition-a sword of some certain power-is locked away at Ravenscraeg, the future new branch of which I spoke. If you are interested in acquiring it or trading it, I can make an appointment to bring it here for your inspection. That will require me to go through my superiors though, I'm afraid; anything at Ravenscraeg is above my small management here as a clerk."
The clerk pushes his chair back and makes to stand up. "Well, if there is nothing else I can do for you at the moment, I will work on drawing up a contract and you can come back in to me in two days to sign the paperwork and start this venture underway...."
Miso rises in kind, plucking the helm off the table along the way. An appointment seems prudent. Two days hence, then?
"We could swing by if that'd be easier. Where's this 'Ravens Crag' anyway?"
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"It's an old building off to the east of town," he says, waving vaguely. "But as far as I know it's not operational yet. We can meet back here in my office if that is comfortable with you folks. Come back here in two days and I'll have the paperwork all drawn up."
Terflynn nods. "Good business."
back at camp...
"I suggest we head east and make an impromptu visit to this Ravenscraeg."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Miso nods. I concur. A visit to this Silverskorr seems to be in order.
Jennix flashes a smile at Terflynn. "I like the way you think!"
You learn with a bit of asking about that Ravenscraeg was the hall of the Mad Reaver Snorri Stone-Eye and was called thus because it lies high among the rocky crags south of Kalsgard, accessible only to the eponymous ravens that roost atop its ridgepole, save for a perilous stair that climbs the cliff face to the hall above.
Ravenscraeg lies 2 days' walk east of Kalsgard in the craggy hills near the Grungir Forest. The trail passes through boggy terrain near Kalsgard dotted with small copses and shale hillocks. The gray line of cragggy hilss is visible to the south and beyond them the green forest.
The hills rise sharply ahead into a steep and craggy shale escarpment hundreds of feet high. Tucked into a narrow defile between two of these crags is a stone-and-timber longhall and tower, weathered and gray. The hall stands nearly one hundred feet above the base of the cliff, with only a single wooden stair climbing in a series of switchbacks up the cliff face to its front gate. All is silent save for the raucous caws of the ravens that congregate atop the hall's tower and ridgepole high above.
A rickety wooden stair climbs the cliff face in a series of switchbacks to a fortified hall ninety feet above. The stairs and rails are built of timber planks, silver with age, and climb haphazardly through a series of railed landings on their sinding ascent. In some places the stairs and landings are secured directly to the rock face, and in others they hang free upon wooden upports and buttresses driven into the rock. Lichens and moss cover the stairs and rocks, with pale vines, roots, and blooms of nightshade, willowherb, and bog tea sprouting from occasional crevices in the stone.
At the top, a wide porch surmounts the rickety conglomeration of stairs and landings below, providing a panoramic view of the boggy plains that extend to the hazy horizon. the looming gray stone hall of the fortress blocks further progress. Inset arrow slits with heavy wooden shutters flank a bonze-banded portal that leads within. Above, three more arrow slits look out over the precipice.
As you are moving up towards this top landing, suddenly a tengu dressed in blade and wielding an exotic blade leaps down onto the stairs behind you! Two more tengu move into position above you to block your way! All three tengus' forms seem to be blurred somewhat.
The tengu are quick to pull out blowguns and shoot small darts at the party!
All three tengu then quickly vanish into thin air!