You have all been summoned by Genedair the Faithful to the Seventh Church in the Ascendant Court. As you walk down the packed streets the temple comes into view, the site of Iomedae's seventh miracle. You notice a great many young priest moving about outside the temple, along with a impressive 10 foot statue of the goddess at the front of the church. One young priest is unmoving waiting beside the church entrance, a paladin from the near by Tempering Hall standing next to him.
You notice that the young priest are on more alert, as if on the look out for something.
You notice someone trying to pick your pocket and slap their hand away. In the dense crowd the thief escaped but your coin is safe.
You lose 2d8 gold coins.
Damien shakes his head in disbelief at what just happened.
He then heads past the paladin and the young priest into church greeting them as he passes by.
Aldon notices that the clergy men are on extra alert, so he quickens his steps and becomes more alert. He rests one close hand on his bow and the other on his quiver.
He side steps just as someone tries to grab his coin from inside his pocket. He turns, bow in hand, ready to apprehend the thief, but stops himself. No... I have a different job now...
He quickly walks up the temple stairs and asks one of the young priest, "I'm looking for Genedair the Faithful, can you direct me to him?
Bungo strolls into the church whistling and looking carefree, innocent and childlike.
Perception
Dispite the presence of watchful priests, lightfingers seems to be working the crowd. One comes up behind Bungo and tries to slip his hand into Bungo's pocket. Bungo coughs and his elbow just happens to catch the pickpocket in the face. The dipper runs off. Most would think that it was entirly happenstance that saved Mr. Brockhouses purse.
Bluff
Elbennon approaches the Temple slowly and regally. He is wearing a green silk robe that hangs just past his knees. Around his waist is belted a bejeweled sword belt bearing a long, gracefully curved two-handed elven blade. His face is lined in patterns of green ink, that match the color of his large alien pupils. Standing six and a half feet tall, he resembles some kind of alien insect assembled from the horde of a jade dragon.
When he feels the pickpocket's fingers at his purse his hand shoots out and snaps shut around the thief's wrist. "You would be wise to never let me see your face again..." he says, before shoving the thief away and into the crowd. Next time, I fly... he thinks, a frown on his face. Damned younger races have no respect for other people's property. He mutters a few brief arcane words, and the cloak on his back snaps outward into the form of two giant white feathered wings. With a couple pumps, they lift him above the crowd and he flies the rest of the way to the temple. When he sees Damien and Aldon he will swoop down and land on the steps near them. "Good day, Damien, Aldon. Have you located Genedair the Faithful yet?"
"No, I just got here Elbennon. I am about to head inside."
...continues to my previous post.
Bungo speaks up from closer to the floor than any of the others. Have not seen 'im. I take it the rest of you gents were also summoned? Any idea what we are wanted here for
An incredibly brave pick pocket successfully removes a few of Kal's coins.
The hulking half-orc stands behind Damien. As per usual he says little unless bidden to, his mere presence enough to make most of the priests even a little more cautious. He does speak up though when he notices this.
Perhaps the reason we have been summoned has to do with why the priests seem to be on edge?
"Oh, hello Kal. I did not see you there. Yes, their agitation might have something to do with the reason for our summons. Lets see what this young priest and his paladin companion have to say." Elbennon says, waiting for the priest to respond to Aldon.
Aldon nods to his companions that have joined him and waits for the priest to respond to his question
No one is allowed to enter, the paladin blocks their way. The young priest steps forward to get their attention.
"I am here to guide you. I apologize for the added safety measures."
He nods towards the paladin. It seemed this younng man had been given your discriptions.
"Please follow me gentlemen."
As soon as you enter thru the doorway you notice another pair of paladins flanking the doorway, anyone getting pass the first paladin would have been fallen upon by the other two without warning. Something very unnerving considering these were paladins of Iomedae. You move down a maze of well kept halls and rooms until you go up a few floors to the Head Priest's office. With a light tap on the door the young priest opens the way. Once everyone enter's, he takes his place next to a ancient looking human man seated behind a oak desk with a walking stick with in arm's reach. With the first young priest taking his place he is flanked by another young priest. What is left of his hair is gray white and his priestly robes seem heavier then he is.
"Welcome, would any of you happen to know why I have called you here."
Their have been rumors lately of disappearances in the docks. A number of powers in the city are interested in this recent and blatant incident.
Kal thinks he may know but defers until someone else speaks up who is more used to dealing with government types...if no one speaks up then he will make a simple statement,
Is it because of the disappearances?
Bungo does not hesitate before speaking. If I had to guess, I would say that you have assembled a collection of uniquely skilled people to look into the recent disappearances by the waterfront. Why a gentleman of leisure such as myself was included in such an august group is beyond me.
Aldon shakes his head slightly at Bungo, Gentleman of leisure...
Aldon thinks for a long moment, "I have not heard of any disappearances, but I would like to take a look, even if the priesthood here isn't hiring us for that job."
No one is allowed to enter, the paladin blocks their way. The young priest steps forward to get their attention.
"I am here to guide you. I apologize for the added safety measures."
He nods towards the paladin. It seemed this younng man had been given your discriptions.
"Please follow me gentlemen."
As soon as you enter thru the doorway you notice another pair of paladins flanking the doorway, anyone getting pass the first paladin would have been fallen upon by the other two without warning. Something very unnerving considering these were paladins of Iomedae. You move down a maze of well kept halls and rooms until you go up a few floors to the Head Priest's office. With a light tap on the door the young priest opens the way. Once everyone enter's, he takes his place next to a ancient looking human man seated behind a oak desk with a walking stick with in arm's reach. With the first young priest taking his place he is flanked by another young priest. What is left of his hair is gray white and his priestly robes seem heavier then he is.
"Welcome, would any of you happen to know why I have called you here."
** spoiler omitted **
knowledge nature:
"The disappearances would be my first guess."
Sense Motive on Bungo:
"So he thinks highly of me? That is good to know."
Elbennon simply nods in agreement. His face betrays little emotion. "I assume my companions are correct. I have already been investigating these problems for some time to no avail. Tell me lord Genedair, what do you know of the goings on at the docks?"
Genedair the Faithful is in his 90's, dispite his physical weakness he retains a sharp mind. In his younger days he was known as a hero of Mendev Crusades, not only his survival but his ascension in the crusades is a testament to his power and faith. Dispite his condition and age he is not to be underesrimated or dismissed. Genedair is a force to be reckoned with both in combat and in politics regardless of his age.
Genedair opens a drawer for a moment and takes out a platter of fruits and cheeses. One of the younger priest offers it, while the old man opens another drawer and takes out a mouse that he puts on his lap.
"Well you have all been summoned because none of the churches can get directly involved without risking the Graycloaks eye. In turn making any such movements exposed. This is not true of all churches in the court, admittedly some are more suited to moving undetected then others."
He feeds the mouse on his lap some cheese.
"The short of it is that we need to hire a group to not only find out the source of these sudden disappearances, but also to track down the involvement of any specific church. Proof of their involvement will also be needed. I am well aware of your abilities and talents. Do you accept?"
Aldon thinks for a moment, Graycloaks? I have not heard this name before...
He nods to Genedair after a moment "I will certainly assist in finding the root of this problem! I can't speak for my companions, but I am sure they will be as eager as myself!"
"I would gladly join your group. As I said, I have already been unsuccessfully looking into these rumors for a short time for personal reasons." Elbennon replies to Genedair's proposal. "I trust you've got some sort of compensation in mind, whatever it is will be fine for me. Can you provide us with any more details about what exactly we're investigating? Who? What? When? Where?" Elbennon keeps his gaze respectfully lowered from Genedair's, though at his height it makes him bend his head forward awkwardly.
The district guard is known as the Graycloaks, a unit drawn exclusively from declared nonbelievers who reject the divine authority of any god. Though most Graycloaks admit gods exist and clearly have power, they do not accept that these beings are anything more than unusually powerful angels or genies or are in any way worthy of worship. As such they treat all religions fairly and equally, part of which is making sure none moves against the other.
Bungo begins munching on cheese, leaving the fruit alone.I am also interested in the matter of remuneration. While I make no claim to any special skills, I do value my own time.
I will help as needed. What is the reward should we uncover what is behind the disappearances?
knowledge local:Taking 10.
Speaking to Genedair
"Do you have information that we might find valuable? I would also like to add that solving the city's problems for them, while endangering myself, without compensation is not likely to happen. In short what are you offering?"
Diplomacy:
The old priest waves his hand in the air before patting the mouse in his lap.
"I offer gold, we do not hold others to our high morals. But the reward will be dependant on the results. If you complete the tasks given and bring those behind them to justice then you will be given 50,000 measures each. If you bring proof of the involvement of another organization or church then your reward will be doubled."
He lets that sit a moment before speaking once more.
"We have no information. We suspect and know their is some truth to the rumors but little is known as fact."
Genedair has chosen his words carefully. He is holding something back and fooling you in some way. Yet their is no hostile intent more of a sense of taking advantage of you.
That is a good starting point. But I think that you know that the skills that are present are worth more than that. So please, make us an offer that reflects the value of those that stand before you.
Genedair smiles at the halfling. Some how the man had been blessed with a full mouth of teeth even at his age.
"You claimed no special skills, by that reasoning your price should be much lower then the others. If you wish to haggle with me, be prepared for it."
Genedair holds many titles, among them is Trademaster. Only the Grand Council can give out the rank of trademaster, which requires no less the 5 years of running a large profitable business or organization.
Yes, but you summoned me along with the others, Trademaster. That means that you value what ever it is that I might bring to the table. That you made the request also means that you are the one in need, and that means that we are have the upper hand in any bargaining.
His smiles remains but his eyes seem colder.
"I summoned you because your useful. As for bargaining, I assure you I am not the one at a disadvantage. As a priest of Iomedae their is little hidden from her light."
He shifts his hands to better hold the mouse, his eyes locked on Bungo.
"Justice, that is what I fight for. At times one must use a lesser injustice to bring down a greater one. If that can not be the case, then the lesser injustice will suffice."
His smile disappears.
Genedair has a tightly held hostility towards Bungo. You get the sense that he knows something about Bungo, something he dislikes deeply which angers him.
Aldon sits at the corner of the desk and looks to Genedair, he removes his wayfinder and looks at it. The symbol of his previous employers apparent.
"As you know, I've been around the block a few times. I know how the world works. I also know our friend Bungo is more then he appears, but he gets the job done and that's his business. If he ever steers me wrong, I'll drag him down myself... but you hired us, Bungo included. So let's just cut with the formalities and cut to the issue at hand..."
Kal nods his head in acceptance of the initial offer.
He gives Bungo a disapproving glance at his counter before putting another neutral look on his face but let's it play out without saying a word.
Elbennon listens quietly to the other's failed negotiations for more gold. Mr. Bungo must be more dastardly than I thought to anger Genedair so. A good thing to note...
He clears his throat briefly before saying, "As I said, I will accept whatever reward you have prepared. Aldon is right, we should stick to the matter at hand. Certainly you must know something more? Or at least you could summarize the rumors as you've heard them, to make sure we're all on the same page." He clasps his hands in front of his waist and brings his gaze up to meet Genedair's waiting for his answer.
Genedair dismisses the issue of gold, having no taste for it.
"The only information we have is that it is restricted to the docks. Odds are this is due to their base of operations being near by then anything else. Also it makes any leads hard to come by as the docks is the perfect area to take victims. Those set to leave or coming into the city must pass thru the docks, if it were not for the few locals we would likely remain unaware of anything happening. This also means we have no idea how long they have been active. If we knew more we would simply inform the guard to take care of it. Part of your job will be information gathering, having your search narrowed down to a single district is a major advantage."
He gives a smile at the end.
Elbennon sighs heavily "So be it." This is no better than where I was before. At least now I have companions to aid me, and I'm not draining my own coffers to finance the investigation.
"Well then, shall we get started noble companions?" Elbennon suggests, raising one eyebrow.
The old priest waves his hand in the air before patting the mouse in his lap.
"I offer gold, we do not hold others to our high morals. But the reward will be dependant on the results. If you complete the tasks given and bring those behind them to justice then you will be given 50,000 measures each. If you bring proof of the involvement of another organization or church then your reward will be doubled."
He lets that sit a moment before speaking once more.
"We have no information. We suspect and know their is some truth to the rumors but little is known as fact."
** spoiler omitted **
sense motive for information question:
knowledge local:
sense motive for debate between Bungo and the priest=autopass
Damien believes that the priest is being honest when he said no further information. He is also enjoying the battle of wits between the old man and Bungo.
He then turns to Elbennon Morosi and says, "Let us begin."
He then turns back to the priest. "One last question, did any of the victims have anything in common such as race, sex, social status, and so on?"
diplomacy:
Aldon nods to Elbennon in agreement. "Agreed, let's get started. We've wasted enough time bartering about gold..."
Since the quanity of our remuneration is of no interest to any besides myself, I will take that matter as closed. I agree we might as well start now.
"Shall we split up into smaller groups and ask around the docks, see what we can find out?" Elbennon asks the others. "We could rendezvous later at an inn there."
People get scared when I come around. I will stand back and let you do the asking...
I think that I might be the best of us the do some careful asking around. I am only scary when I want to be.
Aldon thinks for a long moment "I think we should stick together, check out some of the known areas where disapperances occured. But if we want to split up, I can agree to that as well"
"From my understanding, we do not know where exactly the disappearances occurred. Thus, my suggestion." Elbennon replies. "If I am mistaken, then by all means we should investigate the crime scenes first as a group."
Although you have heard it from the big half-orc before, he states it plainly again.
If we split up I can't protect you. I also think we should stay together in case any of you run into trouble.
The old priest shakes his head at Damien's question.
"That is why it is such a hard crime to deal with. Their is simply nothing to link. No connection of any kind as far as we know. It seems people just disappear at random, no bodies have even been found. That is also strange as the docks normally claim a few every month. A drunk that had to much and never woke up, a brawl that went a little to far, these expected deaths have stopped occuring as well.
edit-
The Harpy's Virtue is a good inn, a great one by the dock's standerds. It has good drink, good food, good service, and better security to keep it respectable. The owner is a big human, a long time resident of the docks.
Aldon taps a finger against his cheek, "I do recall a similar situation occuring in Kaer Maga I few years ago. Although that was an isolated incident. I say we move down to the docks and see what we can find. Might be a needle in a haystack, but we may get lucky..."
"Why don't Kal and I go as one group. Aldon and Damien can form another, and something tells me Bungo won't object to working alone? We can meet up at the Harpy's Virtue when we've finished." Elbennon suggests.
"From my understanding, we do not know where exactly the disappearances occurred. Thus, my suggestion." Elbennon replies. "If I am mistaken, then by all means we should investigate the crime scenes first as a group."
"I agree. If one of us gets lucky and finds something then we may meet an unlucky end. We should stay together."
Aldon nods, "That's at least a compromise, come on Damien, lets see if we can get to the bottom of this before our compatriots!"
"I am quiet good at getting information also Bungo". says Damien with a smile.
Speaking to Elbennon, "Splitting the group up 2 ways is one thing, but 3 ways when there are only 5 of us is not a good idea, especially when we don't know what we are dealing with."
Alright, two ways then. Kal can come with me. Where do the rest of you want to meet us and when?