Mortimer watches Eidi undo the stiches around Eligo's mouth, with a look that suggests that he finds it distasteful. He readies an action to squash any worms that might come out.
"Who killed you Eligo's?" starts Eidi.
"Captain"
”What Captain killed you?”
"Why did the captain kill you?"
Okoral is a captain... "HEY! Okoral is a Captain -- I wonder if he meant Okoral. Eidi -- how many times can you do that to a corpse -- this talking to the dead person thing?"
~~~~
"DEMAND."
"Oh, you know... Black Dragon."
Mortimer shudders. He pulls out the red headband the LizardFolk gave them for saving their brood, and dons it.
From now on, I'm wearing this thing all the time!
"YOU HAVE CONCEDED. REMAIN."
Why -- WAIT, what? How would we know someone would kill him -- we couldn't have anticipated --
Mortimer scowls, but manages to keep his mouth shut. Instead he looks about for a scrying device around the Captain and her group.
Weapon Equipped = None
Conditions = Magic Vestment on Buckler (1/10h)
Life Link (11)(100’) = Eri, Edi, Mort, Sol, Tynan
Channel Energy (0/9)(1/7) (DC: 23)(Avoid 6) (6d6+1+2d6 phylactery)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, re-roll to avoid worsening attitude)
Rod of Extend (lesser) (3/3)
Melee Attack: BAB +8/+3, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +8/+3, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 11, Concentration +17)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Message, Read Magic
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Guidance, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (8/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Diagnose Disease, Enhance Water, Liberating Command, Remove Fear
Second (18): (7/8) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Light Prison, Pilfering Hand, Status, Suppress Charms and Compulsions
Third (19): (5/7) Cure Serious Wounds, Daylight, Dispel Magic, Magic Vestments, Neutralize Poison, Prayer
Fourth (20): (7/7) Blessings of Fervor, Cure Critical Wounds, Protection from Energy Communal, Restoration, Terrible Remorse
Fifth (21): (5/5) Air Walk Communal, Breath of Life, Cleanse, Cure Light Wounds Mass
The Captain regards the gnome's more thorough answers. "So you concede that you are possibly to blame for bringing this upon Eligos? He is, of course, a man of means, but I will say that where you go, violence is likely to erupt. I have a mind to detain you." She looks down at Solrisa's boots, then her belt.
"But I won't. Are you still lodging at the Crooked House? How much longer will you stay in Egorian? I have more here to investigate, and questions are sure to arise. I encourage you to remain available, until further notice."
She doesn't prevent you from leaving, but her methodical inquiry drains you of two hours, before you can return to the Crooked House.
”Aye, we’re still at the Crooked House, and we’ll stay in town a few days so you can make your inquiries.”
Ascaria leaves swiftly once given permission to do so, and it’s a long while before he slows his pace. Well, fast for him naturally. He still lags behind the others.
When he gets back to the ‘House, he fills Tynan in on what was said - and relinks him. ”So we’re stuck in town a few days until their investigation is further along. Let’s read through this material the balance of today, pick up our magics, and hunt for Loris tomorrow. Then we’ll see what’s up and go from there…” he trails off not sure what the future holds, but certain he’s going to see the inside of a cell before it’s over.
”Oh, before I forget, everyone stand still a moment.” Ascaria casts a quick spell, touching the party in turn. (Casting Status) ”It’ll help me keep track of you all better.” he shrugs.
He continues on, "As Mort pointed out, there are lots of Captains out there, including the one harassing us. We have to hope that's not the same captain, but it could be. Any thoughts on the matter?" he asks the group.
Guessing the corpse might be expecting the questions to come from him, Eidi rephrases them "Did Captain Okoral kill you Eligos?"
"Why where you killed Eligos?" concludes the elder half-elf.
-----------------------------
Still leaning over his staff Eidi questions back "And what else exactly do you have to investigate Captain? Or shall I ask where?"
"Did Captain Okoral kill you, Eligos? Why were you killed, Eligos."
More intelligible words manage to come forth, though no more informative. "I... don't know."
...
You do not detect a scry sensor floating about the room, before or after the Captain and her men arrive.
"And what else exactly do you have to investigate, Captain? Or shall I ask where?"
The Captain stiffens, as she in turn is questioned.
The Captain really, really would have the circumstances be different, that your group not have the Gauntlet belt, and the privilege that seems to come with it. Her eyes continue to wander towards Solrisa's waist...
"I have the grounds, and any evidence possibly left behind by the killer. I have the gatekeeper, who will share with us the comings and goings of anyone over the last week. I have more than just you to interrogate, as to who would want Eligos killed, let alone in such a gruesome manner. I have Eligos himself to ask." She speaks the last sentence with finality, as if the statement should be shocking enough to dissuade you from further questions.
...
When you weave your Status spell, something novel appears about each person included in your casting- a small colorful orb of light which slowly orbits above each of their heads. The orb for all of them is white, and in its wake, a small trail of stars are emitted, also white.
Your mind begins to fill with the hypotheticals, and you know its truth.
Should someone be 'wounded', the orb would appear reddish, with reddish star trail.
Should someone be 'staggered', the orb would appear reddish, with flickering star trail.
Should someone be 'disabled', the orb would come to a stop, with no star trail.
Should someone be 'dying', the orb would still, and begin darkening.
Should someone 'die', the orb vanishes.
Should someone be 'nauseated', the orb would appear sickly yellow, with yellow drippings.
Should someone be 'poisoned', the orb would appear pale green in scale of the intensity of the strength of the poison.
Should someone be 'diseased', the orb would appear puce, and pulse in tandem with the heartbeat.
Should someone be 'stunned', the orb stills, and brightens wildly.
Should someone be 'confused', the orb cycles through scintillating colors.
The multitude of other conditions have their distinct manifestations of this orb.
Lastly, as you turn your gaze upon Mortimer, the orb takes on an... unknown appearance. The orb itself is intact, and white, and it orbits the giant with its 'unharmed' star trail, but internal to the orb is a grey core, which at times appears to be a symbol of some kind, before it reverts to a core again. Very strange...
”Let’s read through this material the balance of today, pick up our magics, and hunt for Loris tomorrow.”
Once we are back at the cooked house, Eri gets a beer and calmly sifts through the document again. This time relaxing and taking his time, asking questions of the group when needed.
Ascaria stares at everyone a while after he casts his spell. "Cool." he mutters under his breath. He lingers on Mortimer longer than the others, and even gets off his chair and circles the big man as if trying to see the backside of something that keeps turning to face him.
Eventually he sits back in his chair and concentrates on the matter at hand. He looks through the material himself, but only as an organizer to try and help the others with their knowledge. "I think this goes with that... Don't forget the other thing... Will this help?" he pushes paper around.
vs DC 10 aid another
Solrisa smiles and thanks the Captain for her time and just can't wait to see her again. She offers a hug as well, wishing them good luck in their investigations.
* * *
Solrisa changes out of her heavy armor and into their nighttime lights. She comes down to enjoy a second fooding and maybe a glass of win. She chitchats and smiles and waits to go find and kill Loris.
"I have the grounds, and any evidence possibly left behind by the killer. I have the gatekeeper, who will share with us the comings and goings of anyone over the last week. I have more than just you to interrogate, as to who would want Eligos killed, let alone in such a gruesome manner. I have Eligos himself to ask." She speaks the last sentence with finality, as if the statement should be shocking enough to dissuade you from further questions.
She can do all that too?!
Mortimer straightens out his headbands, and once again tries to look like a Royal Guard."Can we watch?" he pipes up, even before he's aware of his mouth in motion.
~~~
Ascaria stares at everyone a while after he casts his spell. "Cool." he mutters under his breath. He lingers on Mortimer longer than the others, and even gets off his chair and circles the big man as if trying to see the backside of something that keeps turning to face him.
The Blacksmith Brawler watches Ascaria circle around him staring like an owl strapped into a pair of roller skates.
"Interesting, It tastes like steel, Ascaria. 'Status' was it? That's O.K. I don't mind the taste, I just hope it doesn't linger or change the taste of anything else..."
As the gnome rounds about him 130 degrees or so, Mort suddenly takes off his headbands.
"Why is he staring at me like that? Does it hurt? I feel fine..."
He shovels a pile of clam linguine into his face, obviously feeling very self-conscious, putting his headbands on only after Ascaria is seated to help with interpreting Eligos' Reasearch Notes.
"I think this goes with that... Don't forget the other thing... Will this help?"
Mortimer watches curiously as the papers are shuffled and rearranged and shuffled more. After several moment pass he asks, "Hey -- do you think that maybe Eligos and Allustan's common mentor is the only -- uh -- person who might be able to read any of that?"
"Can we watch?"
The Captain does not conceal her disgust with the request with a small curl of her upper lip, letting her men escort you from the estate without answering the giant.
...
The evening passes comfortably enough, as the party occupies the Crooked House's larger private room once more to lay out Eligos's large stack of paperwork. You are able to ascertain that two sizeable sections of the papers are excerpts hand-copied from what should be a larger work, one regarding apocalypse cults, tho other, necromancy and the undead. It makes your work somewhat more refined, as anyone sitting down to process these two sections will need days, if not weeks to fully understand their content.
Eligos has several theorizing editorials. One of them mentions a town of Redhook several times, and the name Manzorian is woven into another rumination repeatedly. From the reading, it is apparent that Eligos and Allustan share an understanding that lies beneath the written words, and that a highly-agitated Eligos pleads with Allustan to repair that which was broken, to open up communications with their master, now more than ever. A small excerpt is discovered, in which Eligos shares a small concern that his investigations may have attracted undue attentions within Egorian.
Late evening, and your research is interrupted. The Captain steps into the private dining room, as well as two dottari, both with imps sitting upon their shoulders.
"We attempted to speak with Eligos, and I'm told that our failure is due to an attempt already being made. You are one of at least two visits to the estate. Have one of you already communicated with the recently-departed?" The imps stare at both Eidi and Eri, unblinking. Raziel, in turn, leaves his place in the corner of the room, alighting upon Solrisa's shoulder, giving back the same unblinking gaze.
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Eidi gives some time to the names Redhook and Manzorian in an attempt to set the context of the research.
"It seems we will need to have a talk with Allustan" comments the half-elf.
---------------------------
Leaning over his staff Eidi looks calmly at the Captain before answering "Indeed we tried to talk with him but he mostly refused to talk" the half-elf brings his hand into his tunic and retrieves his cookies pot "We only get he was killed by some Captain" he then smiles at her.
Ascaria looks distinctly nervous as the captain joins their table and asks her question.
He nearly sniggers though, partly with relief, at Eidi's response. He looks up to the woman to see if she has anything to add.
Solrisa smiles when she see the Captain, arising to greet her.
"Oh yes. Eligios was a friend and we wanted to know what happened to him. And with the wormies and all, we wanted to know who did it."
Diplomacy
Solrisa then get distracted by the cookies, taking two from the offered jar. She smiles at Eidi.
"Oh! Cookies!"
The location you recognize more as Redhand, not Redhook, but it's strange that Eligos twisted the word. Perhaps a change of name for a distant territory which exists in the hinterlands of Cheliax. You've only heard about it in passing.
As for Manzorian, well, you are a mage yourself, so a name of some repute as Manzorian is not easily overlooked. A powerful archmage of many years, Manzorian has grown tired of the world, so has removed himself from it, though to where, only few know. What you know of him, you have heard directly from Celeste, who has worked in conjunction with him to root out several demonic infestations in the north. From what you can tell, it's been many years ago.
The Captain stiffens a little as the half-elf immediately confirms her suspicion. When Solrisa speaks up, she relaxes a little, while deciding what to do next.
She points to one of the two imp-laden dottari, who in turn shirk their imps. "Whereas I do not believe you sought to intentionally interfere in my investigation, I will insist on closer supervision of you all. From now until you depart Egorian, this pair of imps will accompany you wherever it is you choose to go, while you remain in my city walls. Any hostility rendered against an imp is considered an attack on the Queen, the penalty of which is death." She leaves as quickly as she came. The two imps look at each other, rolling their eyes only after the Captain departs, before settling onto the backs of two of your chairs.
"Manzorian is a mage of certain repute, whereas Redhook... that's strange, was Eligos talking in some code?" explains Eidi. He shares any further knowledge he might have on the topic
-----------------
Eidi let's Solrisa pick a couple of cookies, "It seems we made a couple of friends" then he shakes the cookies pot producing a characteristic sound and offers it to the imps "Cookies?"
The imps spare no time, encouraged by the half-elf to partake in the cookie pot. The first imp swishes by Eidi's head, while the second one snatches the pot from the half-elf's hand. The two imps cackle in delight, as the snatcher waves the pot to his associate.
Raziel's claws tighten on your shoulder, as the pseudodragon tenses for battle.
"WE FAILED BECAUSE OF YOU."
Mortimer brightens at the Captain's announcement, and he lets slip a chuckle. "Sorry we missed *that*! You should have let us watch!"
He tries to pout without smiling and fails miserably.
The imps spare no time, encouraged by the half-elf to partake in the cookie pot. The first imp swishes by Eidi's head, while the second one snatches the pot from the half-elf's hand. The two imps cackle in delight, as the snatcher waves the pot to his associate.
"Hey Eidi, any chance you could spike those things with some Fish Eye -- you know. Just for those guys... They look like they could use a drink," he whispers to the half-elf, facetiously.
"So," he says, addressing everyone. "Cap'n said these albatrosses will be around our necks until we leave The City. Shall we lose them to their own -- and surely better -- affairs? Shall we head out to see Allustan and Marzena?"
"Impies!" Solrisa coos, putting a gentle restraining hand on Raziel's back. "Oh, they are so cute! Let us make them feel welcome!"
Solrisa smiles happily at the imps.
We'll do our best to keep them safe as we pursue the killers of Eligios, don't you worry! So you'll know exactly who did it, they can tell you and we won't have to report to you! Solrisa beams as she likes being deputized.
”We only get he was killed by some Captain" he then smiles at her.”
Eri grabs a cookie from the jar as he tries to suppress a smile as he watches the good captain’s response. He also tries to glean culpability from her reaction.
When the imps steal the cookies Eri has his own eye roll.
""So," he says, addressing everyone. "Cap'n said these albatrosses will be around our necks until we leave The City. Shall we lose them to their own -- and surely better -- affairs? Shall we head out to see Allustan and Marzena?"
"Well, as I see it we're rather stuck now that we have accompaniment." he glares at the two imps. "We're just going to have to lie low a few days under the heel of government."
"We can't leave town to see Allustan, as the Captain wants us here for further questioning. We can't go after, uh, Loris, with these two around. They'll give away our position. Hell, we can't even plan, as they're likely going to tell the Captain everything we say."
"Intrigue of Cats but we're stuck!"
"I'm going to bed. I'll see you all in the morning." Ascaria grabs another flagon of whatever's flowing, and heads up to his room. He sips a while thoughtfully, trying to find a way out of their, temporary at least, predicament. In the end, he drifts off to sleep no closer to a solution.
"Impies! Oh, they are so cute!"
Mortimer's eyes dart to the side as he glances at Solrisa incredulously.
"Let us make them feel welcome!"
He raises an eyebrow at her. Then, folding his arms he returns his skeptical gaze to the Imps, inhales sharply and exhales slowly in doubtful resignation.
There's no accounting for taste, I guess."Intrigue of Cats but we're stuck!"
Mortimer watches the gnome head for bed, then glares once more at the Imps.
If it wasn't for those two, I'd try the Fish Eye.
"Intrigue of Cats but we're stuck!"
Solrisa just smiles and looks at the impies.
"Oh, this will be fun. Just us and the impies!" Solrisa tickles some imp belly.
The imps clean out the cookie jar, and only by the grace of the giant's deft arm reach is it preserved, as they casually drop it to the floor.
The patrons of the Crooked House give not-too-subtle looks over the party, as the imps follow you about, through the common room, then up the stairs to bed. The imps position themselves, one on each floor, by the stairs. They can be heard chittering in Infernal for most of the night, depending on the depth of sleep attained.
Raziel remains within the bounds of the kitchen for the night.
...
The next morning comes on padded feet, as conversations are muted, and breakfasts are finished hastily. The imps do not facilitate open dialogues and relaxed dining, all for their presence.
The party is left largely to their own designs. The Captain has no further need to question any of you, but has saddled you with tagalongs to ensure that you will not cross her path during her investigation into Eligos's death.
As for departing Egorian, you are free to do as you will. The imps will not follow you outside the walls of the city. As for Loris Raknian, you are free to hunt, with two pair of additional eyes at your back.
Eidi stares at the empty jar in the floor and negates with his head "Bad boys". The half-elf picks up the empty jar and saves it back below his tunics "Thanks Mortimer. Time to change the receipt" he winks an eye to the giant.
--------------------------
The next day Eidi attempts to talk with the imps "So you have to follow us? How boring is that? We might do this more amusing so your job gets more appealing. I wonder if we all go in different directions, who will you follow?"
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One of the imps, short and fat for one of its kind, takes the lead in conversation with the half-elf. "For your lip, I'd have to say you, aaaaand... the woman. For your sloppy cookie crumbs, you'd be easy to follow. The woman's a hoot, poking bellies, and the pseudodragon seems to prefer her company, so we'd get two-for-one. The gnome is blind, so likely just follows one of you. The pale, skinny one and the bowman don't give orders, so just follow one of you. The big oaf just wants to leave the city, so we can't argue with him and his." The imp moves to the top of the stairs from the second floor, and creates his own little, yellow waterfall. He seems intent on gauging how many treads he can water.
"So, where we off to?"
Weapon Equipped = None
Conditions = Magic Vestment on Buckler (1/11h), Status (party, 1/11h)
Life Link (11)(100’) = Eri, Edi, Mort, Sol, Tynan
Channel Energy (9/9)(7/7) (DC: 23)(Avoid 6) (6d6+1+2d6 phylactery)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, re-roll to avoid worsening attitude)
Rod of Extend (lesser) (3/3)
Melee Attack: BAB +8/+3, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +8/+3, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 11, Concentration +17)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Message, Read Magic
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Guidance, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (8/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Diagnose Disease, Enhance Water, Liberating Command, Remove Fear
Second (18): (7/8) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Light Prison, Pilfering Hand, Status, Suppress Charms and Compulsions
Third (19): (5/7) Cure Serious Wounds, Daylight, Dispel Magic, Magic Vestments, Neutralize Poison, Prayer
Fourth (20): (7/7) Blessings of Fervor, Cure Critical Wounds, Protection from Energy Communal, Restoration, Terrible Remorse
Fifth (21): (5/5) Air Walk Communal, Breath of Life, Cleanse, Cure Light Wounds Mass
”Let’s pick up our gear, and see if there’s a park or other relaxing public space to spend our afternoon, shall we?” Ascaria suggests, munching on a late breakfast. When he sees what the imp did on the stairs he suggests, ”Eri, would you please clean that up with a little magic? Damn thing isn’t housebroken.” he chuckles, though there’s some annoyance to his features.
When Sol joins them for breakfast, he casts Magic Vestment on him and her. When everyone is together, he refreshes Status just before they head out the door.
Anticipating the Imps' predilections for vandalism, Mortimer quietly sighs as he spares the cookie jar from it's plunge to the floor. He wipes it off and calmly hands it back to Eidi.
"You might want to do that magic cleaning thing on it," he says, rolling his eyes. "We know where it's been."
"Thanks Mortimer. Time to change the receipt," he winks an eye to the giant.
Mortimer nods and stares at the Imps some more before retiring for bed.
~~~
Mortimer wolfs down his breakfast, every fibre of his being aggressively trying to ignore the Imps. It proves futile, however, especially when Eidi attempts to speak with them.
"So you have to follow us? How boring is that? We might do this more amusing so your job gets more appealing. I wonder if we all go in different directions, who will you follow?"
"Aw, leave 'em alone, Thurge," Mort says sarcastically, for he relishes the idea of harassing the Imps. "They're just mindless idiots who lack the will to choose or make their own Path. All they know how to do is follow orders -- they don't know anything else."
He watches in disgust as the short fat Imp urinates all over everything.
”Let’s pick up our gear, and see if there’s a park or other relaxing public space to spend our afternoon, shall we?”
"You'll find me in the usual place performing the Gauntlet Matinee at the usual time."
As the taste of steel hits his senses, Mortimer acts on Eidi's idea. He stands and gently reaches for Solrisa's elbow in an attempt to escort her away from the vile scene. "C'mon Sol, I've got a few things to pick up still. I'll accompany you if you have anything else to acquire."
"Aye" Eidi laughs at he imps as Mortimer taunts them "They are so dumb they do not even know how to follow orders"
The half-elf avoids the imp at the stairs and walks down to the basement, or other place easily lockable and barable from the outside "I need to study for a while do not disturb hollow stumps"
Each personal bedroom of the Crooked House is lockable, as is the larger, private dining room on the main floor, but Tarquin is currently cleaning it, readying it for a small gathering he's hosting in the early afternoon.
The innkeeper bounds over to the first of you to arrive for breakfast, offering up a message scroll, newly arrived this morning from Ekaym. It informs you that the Academy will have ready your commissioned work crafted and ready for retrieval at day's end.
"Aw, leave 'em alone, Thurge. They're just mindless idiots who lack the will to choose or make their own Path. All they know how to do is follow orders -- they don't know anything else."
"Aye. They are so dumb they do not even know how to follow orders."
Tubby looks back and forth between the giant and half-elf, while Hooknose sidles up alongside his fellow imp. "So. You take the woman. Again? And I take the goat. Again." Hooknose doesn't look very happy, but that doesn't seem to be a new expression. He remains outside whatever door Eidi locks.
Raziel finds his way to a barstool, where he watches as the imps become separated. He indicates without needing to state it explicitly that he will remain at the Crooked House, and watch the watcher.
Meanwhile, Ascaria, Mortimer, Solrisa, Tubby and any who take leave of the House are free to venture out into the City. Tubby doesn't make himself prominent in your stroll, flitting from rooftop to rooftop, but always within sight lines.
Items requiring retrieval are gathered up in due time.
How do you spend the day?
Tynan studiously avoids being anywhere near the infernal creatures. After a quick morning meal, he leaves the Crooked House without the others, so as not to be followed by the foul creatures.
"I'll meet up with you all later."
How do you spend the day?
Ascaria plans to take his time walking around town, then he'll visit, and draw, a few of the local parks, assuming there are any public ones. He's agitating to do something more useful, but under the current restrictions, he's happy to at least be out of a prison cell and wants to make the most of his freedom outdoors where he can see no walls (not too hard for him).
In the evening, if we get that far, he'll pick up his gear, and the gear from anyone else in the party doing other things, and head back to the pub for an early supper.
Meanwhile, he nods to Tynan as he leaves, "I can sense an injury and will find you if need be. If we're to split up, I can track folks by their health, even at distance. Who's with me today?"
He wonders if Sol and Mort are going to go off on their own for a while to do/shop for 'fighter-stuff'. Tynan has plans as well. But what of Eidi and Eri? He looks to see if anyone wants to go to the park.
A"C'mon Sol, I've got a few things to pick up still. I'll accompany you if you have anything else to acquire."
Solrisa smiles and rushes to get her stuff. "One moment, Mort! ONE MOMENT!!" Solrisa rushes off to get her stuff. She comes back about 40 minutes later, looking presentable. Her armor (polished in the last night) and her new booties (hand cleaned) look quite nice.
She smiles at Mort and is ready to go wherever they are going.
"Oh Mort! This is good! We have a day to ourselves, we can do anything! Where to do you want to go?!" Solrisa beams.
Eri will blink at the peeing imp until it’s done. After it moves away to the next buffoonery he will prestidigitate away the evidence.
”… he's happy to at least be out of a prison cell and wants to make the most of his freedom outdoors where he can see no walls. Who’s with me?”
”Yes!”
Eri will meander with Canary. While he does, he’ll casually look at the tracks in the parks and look for any patterns or repeated feet.
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For your ability to blend in with the crowds, you make easy time revisiting Eligos's estate. This time, you find a smattering of dottari guarding the gatehouse. The gatekeeper can be seen attending to his duties, when one pair of dottari are relieved for another pair. For the time spent, you manage to witness the Captain and a second leaving the estate for other matters.
Do you do anything more than watch from a distance?
Solrisa and Mortimer take to the streets, only to find that the two most recognizable Champions of the Gauntlet are recognized most readily. Their time in the city is slowly sapped by small crowds that gather and stick to them as they meander. Personal space is invaded more than a couple of times, but there is as much self-policing within the crowd as there is adoration, and older folk do their best to check the enthusiasms of the younger, brasher folk who would try and snag a flaxen lock of the maiden's hair, or the sweat from the forearm of the giant.
Meanwhile, Ascaria and Eri take their leave, seeking the quieter gardens and parks that can only be found in the more well-to-do districts, the nearest being Thorntown, and the familiar streets that pass by Eligos's estate. Otherwise, left to wandering elsewhere, Hellhound Hill and Aspex Garden are more than accommodating, so long as the Champion Belts are displayed. The dottari actually do their job, and keep hangers-on to heel, allowing the Champions their space.
Once free of your chaperone, what do you do with your day? Given the delay to liberate yourself, the others are well and truly gone on their ways...
"One moment, Mort! ONE MOMENT!!" Solrisa rushes off to get her stuff.
Mortimer patiently waits, glowering at the chubby Imp all the while.
It doesn't even look like a real Imp. ... Where ever has she gone off to? What is she doing?! He looks for a nearby sundial.
[Solrisa] comes back about 40 minutes later, looking presentable. Her armor (polished in the last night) and her new booties (hand cleaned) look quite nice.
What the -- something's different. I mean -- she's usually bright and shiny but ... is it just the new shoes?
"Uh, Hi. You look especially radiant this morning, Sol." Something's missing...
He offers his arm to Sol if she'll take it, and heads into the streets trying to shield her from the more aggressive members of the adoring public (mostly so she isn't inconvenienced in having to do so herself). He leads her to the flower shop where he buys her the biggest bouquet of blue flowers available, and a single bloom that matches her shoes.
After that, he takes her to pick up the various other things procured by the party that haven't already been picked up.
"Did you want to go somewhere, Sol?" he asks. "There is still a bit of time before I have to do my daily re-play of the Gauntlet in the Park. I think I'll embellish more this time in the Frog part -- and I still need to think of a role for the fat Imp that doesn't even look much like an Imp."
Ascaria enjoys himself, "We never get any leisure." he mentions to Eri. "Not that I like forced leisure, but it's not too bad all things considered."
He spends the afternoon idly and waits in the shade of a tree. When it's time for 'Mort's Matinee' he suggests to Eri, "Wanna go watch the show, then pick up our magics?"
He walks to his mental image of Mort, seeking him out through thin magical threads long before he sets eyes on him personally. When Mort is done with the show, he waives, and walks up to he and Sol, "How was your afternoon? Ready to pick up our gear?"
- - -
Eidi prepares spells , then casts locate creature to find out if Loris is within the spell range and where.
To escape from the imp, he uses extended invisibility and dimension door.
The half-elf attempts then to have a look at Loris hideout if he found out, or otherwise takes the disguise of a merchant with extended disguise self and starts questioning people about Manzorian, Redhook/Redhand, Allustan, Eligo's assassination, who might be the Captain, the dotari Captain and her mess with the Queen.
Finally he later resorts to his own city contacts.
”We never get any leisure.”
”There was a time that most of my life was leisure, sitting in the woods waiting for traps to strike. I miss that part. Wandering the wilderness and finding a bunch of empty traps was not as good as moments like this.”
”Wanna go watch the show, then pick up our magics?”
”Let’s do it.”
Eri will try at a little more meandering tracking.
"Uh, Hi. You look especially radiant this morning, Sol."
Solrisa smiles, not knowing how to take a compliment with any other gesture. And, of course, she allows Mort to have her arm. There is nothing wrong with friends allowing other friends to hold arms.
She greets every fan, cheere, gawker, hooter, hollerer, and person she meets with equal smiles and blushes and waves. She doesn't *try* to nice...she just is, earnestly unused to the attention but thankful to everyone for sharing their joy and happiness with her. She waves, she giggles, she engages, she waits and smiles more.
"Mort? I like the flowers and people and all, but shouldn't we be going to kill Loris? Why...why are we doing all this?" Solrisa asks as they stroll arm in arm...her mind only on one thing.
The first casting of the morning targets Loris Raknian, noble champion of the Gauntlet of Asmodeus, and beneficent businessman of Egorian. The spell fails to find a direction, for the limited range of the casting.
Perhaps something more attuned to finding creatures at greater distances?
Manzorian has a decent reputation, for what you personally remember, though no one in the streets of Egorian can contribute anything new regarding the reclusive wizard. His public presence hasn't been felt in years, but you are old enough to remember his tenure at Egorian's Academy as a strict practitioner of the Magical Arts, with little tolerance for failure.
Redhook gets confused glances, while Redhand gets a couple of nods, as a small province which has long battled for independence from Cheliax and Nidal, as it exists along the territory line. North of the Menador Mountains, it has even gone so far as to proclaim the coastal town of Alhaster as its capital. As both Cheliax and Nidal have larger regional cities along the coast, there is only infrequent conflicts that involve Redhand and its residents.
Allustan has the reputation as 'the smartest man in Diamond Lake', which breeds a smattering of chuckles, as no one intelligent would ever consider the black life of cretin miners a smart choice of residence. You know his brother, Lanod Neff, is the governor of the town, and is quite protective of him.
Several Captains present themselves as candidates for 'wouldn't put it past him/her', regarding ruthlessness and reputation. Captain Lewin, Captain Marcus, Captain Hicks, Captain Ryane... and yes, Captain Okoral of Gauntlet notoriety, as well as Captain Bismeth, who you discover is the name of the Captain currently on the Eligos case. These various Captains take pleasure in seeing work done themselves, especially the bloody kind.
For a brief moment, you feel the hackles raise on the back of your neck. The feeling of 'being made'. For the crowd, you feel reasonably certain that there are several ways out of the current spot you're in, but it never goes that far, as the Captain and her Second pause to allow a wagon to pass along its way, before continuing.
You manage to hear that all Reginald was good for was a name- 'Allustan', regarding Eligos's current work, as well as the Captain's frustration that they are unable at present to find the wizard by magical means in order to continue the line of questioning. As a citizen of Cheliax, that is not merely rude, it is insubordination.
The evening gracefully sways dark, and the various separate factions of the Outcasts return to the Crooked House. Commissions retrieved, shopping considered successful, inquiries made. Raziel sits on the small landing at the foot of the stairs on the first floor, looking up vigilantly. "It's still up there." This leads Tubby to a dawning realization, as it sets eyes upon Eidi the Impless.
In a string of expletives that stuns most of the dining patrons into declining the rest of their meals, Tubby whisks up the stairs in flight, returning moments later with Hooknose, who looks balefully on the half-elf. "Ooooohhhh, the Captain's gonna hear about this, she is, she is. I don't envy you, Mutt. I'd rather rub my b~%!#!~s on broken glass than stand in your shoes." The look of utter humiliation quickly subsumes into something of expectant glee, mixed with utter humiliation.
"Mort? I like the flowers and people and all, but shouldn't we be going to kill Loris? Why...why are we doing all this?"
"Apparently we have to kill some time first before we can go after Loris. We also have to let that Captain do her investigation while we stay away. I guess -- she needs to question him maybe before we kill him. I don't get it either, since she can speak with the dead anyway. If you ask me, that Captain is the one who is in our way."
"I'm going to point out our tail for the Matinee. Maybe the crowd will be too much for him, and he'll wink out of existence. ... I don't suppose you have fairy fire or glitterdust, do you? If not, let's see if we can find something like that that can be thrown."
When he gets to the park, he looks for a tree with a hollow big enough for him to fit into just in case. He waits until he sees Ascaria and Eri, then gathers the crowd around him and the tree.
, he announces to the crowd, gesturing at the hollowed tree. ...we could do better
Tubby's a lucky imp. With the giant's budget set well below the cost of some Dust of Appearance, the demonito is able to turn invisible immediately after the beckoning of Mortimer. Mortimer manages to spot it easily enough, before it turns invisible and is lost to perception. For the trees, it's easy enough to find foliage suitable for concealment.
This leaves Mortimer to his performance, an ancient redwood serving as the giant's stage prop for Madtooth the Hungry. The crowd lauds his enthusiasm, for the diversion it presents, for the merriment of those unable to attend the Gauntlet in person.
...
Tarquin manages decently to keep the Crooked House in good spirits, offering extra rounds on the House, what with an imp infestation at present and all. Scout makes the run of tables, showing nascent grace in avoiding sudden pushes back from table and maintaining her orders on the serving tray. Raziel takes a lazy perch on the small stage barrel, where Lulu and her accompaniment begin a more subdued first act and dance.
The imps maintain their proximity, their beady, little eyes watching with newfound ire.
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If Eri sees that the park imp is clear of collateral damage he will trace it with glitterdust
For what it's worth, he will try to do it on the sly.
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Eidi, who has profited his errands to replenish his cleaned jar with baked cookes, quickly hides it when the party comes back to the House with Tubby.
The half-elf smiles amused as the imps discuss about him. While the imps are entertained with each other he comments to the party "I attempted to locate Loris through magic, but he seems out of my range. Perhaps he is out of my area and we need more powerful magics or maybe he protected himself"
"Anyway this is perhaps time to pay a visit to Diamond Lake and check with Allustan what he might know." the elder makes a pause "I did question plenty of people today about Manzorian and Redhook but I could not find any promising information in the city"
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Ascaria laughs at Mort's renditions, and attempts to include the imp - for folly. He grows uneasy when Eri tries to illuminate it, but shrugs as no real harm was done - assuming he found it to glitter it. Certainly no worse than peeing down a stairwell he shrugs.
When he returns to the Crooked House, he decides the party needs to make a healthy donation to the place when they leave. He ponders how to approach it.
He listens carefully to Eidi's report. "With observers, let's keep our planning light for now. I think, as we can't find Loris anyway, our next step is clear enough. Home."
"I feel we need to clear our departure with the Captain though. Let's find her tomorrow, say our goodbyes, and get out of this place."
He's ready to turn in - early again as the imp's are severely cramping his style... making him suffocate in the open air.
Solrisa seems disappointed that they need to wait for the Captain to finish their investigation before they can find and kill Loris.
She sighs and tries to enjoy the walk, the show, and the people.
* * *
Solrisa doesn't want to leave just yet.
"I think we should plan one more visit down to his apartments at least to ask if he's been seen recently. I mean, if he's left town, he's gone, but if he's still around, we should find out," Solrisa confirms what is right. "I mean, if I could change my appearance, I would march right now there and ask." Solrisa's eyes land upon Tynan.
"I mean, if I could change my appearance, I would march right now there and ask."
"I'm sure that could indeed happen." Tynan gives Sol a nod of agreement, the glances cautiously at the ever-present imps.
Tynan gives a yawn and a stretch. "I'm going to get some sleep. Goodnight all. I may sleep in a bit in the morning, so don't worry if I miss breakfast. We have to enjoy these accommodations while we can!"
-------------
Before sleeping, Tynan will open the window to his room in preparation for an early morning departure. Shortly before dawn, Tynan dons his clothing, makes sure his door is locked, and quietly squeezes out the window and climbs down to the ground below.
Assuming the appearance of a gravedigger, Tynan makes his way back to the graveyard and once again finds the mausoleum with the secret entrance to the catafalque tunnels. Once safely inside, he changes his appearance to that of a gold cloak, and heads toward the area where the group earlier witnessed the serving women. When he encounters any servant, he eyes them carefully, then does the following.
"You there. Is Master Loris about? I have an important message that must be delivered to him." Tynan pats a pouch at his waist.
The archer tries to lend his assistance to Mort's play plan, but fails to place his spell accurately enough to unveil the imp. The magical effect is not lost on the crowd, who ooh's and aah's at Eri's own performance. Eyes soon draw away from the giant, in anticipation of further spectacle. Eventually, when no further magic appears to be forthcoming, Mortimer has the full attentions of his Egorianans, who fully enjoy the reenactment.
...
Leaving the Crooked House through the window proves effortless enough, dropping from your second story bedroom into the dark alley below. You're not sure you heard anything coming from the hallway outside your door or not.
Retracing your way back into the cemetary north of Thrune Square is accomplished, reentry back into Loris's chambers is swift, and your disguise unncessary. There is no one there to greet you. All is quiet, all lights extinguished, and the living quarters already grows a little cold from the absence of living beings coming and going. One interesting find- a crib, several rooms beyond the common room where once sat serving maids.
It is somewhat eerie, being alone like this, when so much activity so recently took place here. Investigating the Catafalque understructure proves equally desolate, outside of the private wing of Loris.
...
The next morning comes, and the sun filters into your bedrooms. Tarquin and Christina are there to greet you on the first floor, your meals ready when you are. The place is yours, as there are no other patrons needing tending.
Tarquin and Christina are putting on happy faces for you all, which comes naturally to them, but it's hard to conceal the concern behind their eyes, as they contend with the demands of proprietor-ship, and the lack of foot traffic, likely due to the imp infestation.
Weapon Equipped = None
Conditions = Magic Vestment on Buckler (1/11h), Status (Eidi, Mort, Tynan; 1/11h)
Life Link (11)(100’) = Eri, Edi, Mort, Sol, Tynan
Channel Energy (9/9)(7/7) (DC: 23)(Avoid 7, 35’r) (6d6+1+2d6 phylactery)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, re-roll to avoid worsening attitude)
Rod of Extend (lesser) (3/3)
Vest of Surgery (1/1) (Heal DC 20 to heal 1d4 ability damage)
Melee Attack: BAB +8/+3, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +8/+3, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 11, Concentration +17)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Message, Read Magic
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Guidance, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (8/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Diagnose Disease, Enhance Water, Liberating Command, Remove Fear
Second (18): (7/8) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Light Prison, Pilfering Hand, Status, Suppress Charms and Compulsions
Third (19): (5/7) Cure Serious Wounds, Daylight, Dispel Magic, Magic Vestments, Neutralize Poison, Prayer
Fourth (20): (7/7) Blessings of Fervor, Cure Critical Wounds, Protection from Energy Communal, Restoration, Terrible Remorse
Fifth (21): (5/5) Air Walk Communal, Breath of Life, Cleanse, Cure Light Wounds Mass
In the morning, Ascaria refreshes his Status (Eidi, Mort, Tynan) and Magic Vestment spells on himself and Sol. While he’s casting, he looks over at Mort…
”Mort, have you considered wearing a shield? You could get a nice Mithral number like what I have, though bigger like Sol’s of course. I could ensorcel it as I do ours, really punch it up! I have the cash for it if you need a loan too. I seem to be flush at the moment.”
He eats a quick breakfast and, eager to get on the road, pushes the group to go find the Captain. ”Let’s find Captain what’s-her-name, and get clearance to get out of this ‘burg. I’m eager to return to Diamond Lake and get out of this oppressive place.”
When they’re well clear of the inn, he adds, ”We’ve caused some hardship to the Crooked House I fear - especially with these damned Imps the last couple days. What say we pool our cash, 100gp each, and really give ‘em a prize! They don’t see that much I’m guessing, and it’ll go a long way to clear our debt with them. They were very kind to us.”
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Slipping down the stairs to join the others at breakfast, he notices the strain behind the smiles of their hosts. Tynan gives the proprietors a sad, knowing smile. "With luck, we'll be on our way soon, and things will get back to normal for you."
Tynan eats a bit, eyes the imps cautiously, then speaks up.
"Oh! I forgot to mention something. While I was out yesterday, I stopped in to visit our expectant friend, but it turns out she and her entire staff left town some time ago, after she had her baby. She didn't even think to leave a forwarding address. She must have needed a change of scenery immediately. I'm sure we'll track her down somehow though, don't you worry."