Rilumin would, assuming there is no reason to remain below.
Ian will stick with Serelina until they're safely back at the Tower, then go with Sona and Hast.
He addresses Hast as they travel, "I ain't a Mage, but I'd like to be there, say my piece if I can."
Looking to her team Cindy explains I feel I must stay with Sona through this ordeal. I will go with them to the tower. She moves to stand by the vampire.
Cormick will follow the others to the Mage's Tower, for no other reason then to be there in case of trouble.
Issa agrees with Cindy.
I will be there too. I was one who agreed to free her, I will stand by her and you Cindy.
As the parties arrive at the tower it takes only a moment to notice that something is off - the usual tower guard that stands out front of the gates is notably absent.
Is that normal ? asks Issa to the mages.
No, no it most assuredly is not. The response to Issa's question came from a familiar aasimar in trend-setting attire who exited the Tower entrance just as the group approached. Thank you, Hast, for that timely message to return, and I am quite glad to hear that the nasty business at the library was taken care of. Was it the Thieves'? Rebels? Ah, no matter. But I do believe we should get to the bottom of whatever problem is going on here.
The aasimar's eyes light up upon seeing Sona. Welcome to the Tower of the Heaven, my darling! Striding over to her, he threw his finely tailored cloak around the woman, and with a reassuring smile took her arm to lead her into the main gate with the rest of the group. We should get you inside before the elements or too close a proximity to Bellafini causes you to freeze to death!
When Cindy notices the missing guards she instinctually activates her Scar Shield ability increasing her armor class. When Roland shows up she calms slightly and accuses in a friendly manner. You sent the guards away to ease Sona's entrance. If true, that was kind of you. Cindy moves along side Sona and asks Or have we misses some type of trouble here?
Roland initially offered Cindy a smile and a wink, for such a beautiful creature I would send away as many guards as needed! The aasimar's countenance then tighten a bit, but the missing guards are most certainly not of my doing. We may have....a bit of investigating to do when he get inside. Perhaps better we do so en masse, yes? Letting go of his temporarily more serious tone, he added with a reassuring look back to Sona. But you need not worry my good lady! I, Roland La Vallette, will ensure you remain unharmed. What shall I call you, my dear? In my haste I failed to catch your name. And, please, do not be concerned. I'm sure you witnessed the might of our combined forces put to rest many threats back at the library, yes?
As he is talking, Roland motions the group forward, but throws meaningful looks to Cindy and Hast, out of Sona's vision, indicating his concern over what the group may find in the Tower.
Ian draws his sword. "Right, stay behind me," and leads the way.
Sona gives Roland a puzzled look, "My name is Sona Is'Lay. Who are you - not your name, you just told me that, but WHO are you? I did not see you there?"
With Ian pushes open the door to the guard room on the left of the gate. Inside is a horrific scene of carnage. Dismembered tower guards, blood splattered across the walls and pooled on the floor.
Curious about Roland herself Cindy listens to his response to Sona. When the door is opened she exclains By the gods! What has happened here? Cindy then activates her fly hex just in case she needs to be mobile.
Sona, that's a delightful name, very good to meet you. Roland's response came with a slight bow and a kiss of her hand. Sadly the Mageocracy has many concerns to address in this city. In fact, we recently ended a major threat to the very existence of the government. I've been involved in a rather thorough interrogation of one of the perpetrators and, truth be told....
Roland had a wry smile on his face as Ian opened the door, that quickly turned to a look of resigned sadness afterward. Worse than thought, he muttered to no one in particular. Might need some help for this one. As Cindy activated her Hex, Roland too appeared to call on some inward magic. In seconds, a muscular human form with the head of a wolf-hound appeared next to the aasimar, a greatsword slung over its back. The creature glared at Roland, but then looked around at the carnage. It then gave a nod of acknowledgment. Yet again you summon me for noble purposes...I'm beginning to believe you a changed man, Roland. Some surprise tinged the creature's voice. Not hardly, came Roland's quiet retort, but the newcomer ignored him. Addressing the others in group he stated, My name is Kultinak, a hound archon from the Seven Heaven's. Whoever committed this atrocity will pay for it at my hands. I hope you all seek to add me in this matter. Kultinak's introduction appeared to take in those of the Merchant's Guild; seemingly he previously met the Mage's group. The hound archon began searching the room for clues as Roland continued to attempt to comfort Sona.
Ian grips the handle of his greatsword tightly in anger, then moves on towards the tower itself in a determined jog in full plate.
At the sight and smell of so much blood, Sona's eyes bulge, with an effort she turns away, her hands shaking, "I need to be somewhere else."
Master Hast calls after Ian, "There is no way they could have gotten into the tower." But despite the words he quickly follows after Ian, then calls back over his shoulder, "Miss Bellafini, we should place that item you have in a secure place in the tower."
Absolutely my dear, Roland said reassuringly to Sona, let's all move on past this ugliness and get in the Tower. I'm sure Hast is correct and it will be safe there. The aasimar then attempted to move Sona and the rest towards the Tower itself.
Kultinak finishes a quick review of the carnage, before nodding brusquely at Roland. Very well, I will move on ahead. Meet me there. The Hound archon then winked out of existence, appearing at the front door of the Tower while surveying for threats.
Ian continues on, jaw set. "I wouldn't be so sure of anything, Hast."
Having been strenuously ignoring Roland while hoping that Sona might just show her true nature with the summoner Serelina seemed fairly bored with the scene once the negotiations had ended. However, once Ian opened the door Serelina's normally icy gaze turns colder as she looks upon the carnage. Hearing Master Hast's suggestion she quickly nods.
"Whatever or whomever did this may be seeking that item. Cindy, you keep your undead cohort under control while we secure the artifact... She is still your charge."
We will.
Says Issa
Master Hast looks back at Roland with a stern look, "You know very well Roland that they are not permitted within the tower." His eyes flick to the merchants group. "Why don't you stay and assist them in looking things out here." Without bothering to see if Roland follows those instructions he steps into the tower behind Ian. And followed by Kultinak and Serelina.
Sona gives Serelina a cold look but says nothing. She keeps well away from the guard room though with its carngage.
Cindy stand supportively near Sona and says Not sure I want in there anyway if whatever did this out here is inside. She casts Detect Magic and looks about. I am pretty low on resources and am feeling that we out to check in soon with our superiors. Decisions, like what happens to that ring, are well above my pay grade and they are happening quickly.
Turning to Sona she asks I know that told you that you needed to report here but now they are too busy to deal with you. Are you ok waiting here while I try to help assess what has happened?
Roland waits until Master Hast's back is turned, then gives a comically rigid salute to the man as he, Ian, Serelina and Rilumin headed towards the Tower proper. With an eye-roll he turned back to the Merchant's group with a smile.
Well, as you can see only the supremely important types are allowed in the penthouse suite. I doubt there is much else to assess out...there, his comment clearly taking in the bloodbath in the guard room, but I'm sure I can rustle up a few enterprising young guardsmen in the near future to check it out.
You are all of course welcome to join me in one of pavilions here for a refreshment, but perhaps you have other business to attend to? Still standing next to Sona he adds, I of course will ensure that our lovely friend here is well taken care of until Hast has sorted out whatever issue is going on in the Tower. Turning to Sona he adds with a smile, Now, my dear, could I mix you a drink?
Rilumin follows the others inside the tower, the door closing behind them.
"I am fine Cindy, thank you."
At Rolands offer she looks at him blankly for a moment, "No, no, I do not need a drink."
A moment later a woman's voice calls out from across he street to the south, "Well, now that's a right mess isn't it. But always trust the government to lie, cheat, and steal to get what they want." It takes a second to find the source of the voice, for the speaker is standing atop a warehouse on the opposite side of the street. Her frame outlined against the sky, a cloak flapping gently in a light breeze. She holds a longbow casually in one hand.
No drink? Well perhaps some other refreshments then, at any rate we can move away from this messiness and...., Roland's attempts at comforting Sona were cut off by the voice of an unknown woman across the street. Cocking his head to one side, the aasimar took a few steps forward after giving a reassuring look to Sona. The astute observer might notice his hand going into one pocket, as if to quickly grab an item if needed.
Looking up at the warehouse, Roland replied, Well, hello there! I would certainly agree it is quite the mess, and one that I am more than a little perplexed by. Say, would you have happened to have seen what happened here? Rather good vantage point you have. Oh, by the way, the name's Roland. Please to meet you! Might I have your name as well. Despite the circumstances he kept his tone friendly and light.
Cindy's face shows anger. These men that were slain, they were husbands and had families. They did not lie, cheat, or steal. They worked protecting the city. Why did they deserve to die? Suspecting that the woman hopes to be pursued Cindy holds her ground for now.
"You speak truly, they were no politicians. They are the unfortunate casualties of the greed and ambition of other men. If you seek justice for them, you will not find it there." She gestures to the Tower of the Heavens behind the group. "Well, except for those who are deserving of it."
While much of her is obscured by her cloak, where you can see skin, it is a very dark tone.
Squinting for a moment into the darkness, a look of chagrin briefly came over Roland's face, followed quickly by a wistful smile. If she is here, then..... In a moment it dawned on the aasimar the gravity of the situation. He knew, without seeing, what the others would find in the Tower. All that work.... Ah, I suppose you do not actually need to introduce yourself then, Mistress. He let the word roll out with a significant quantity of disdain. Turning to the Merchant's group he added in a bright, sarcastic tone. Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to Diguri! The regal queen of the Justicars...err, make that the thuggish chief of the Thieves' Guild has decided to grace us with her presence and wisdom!
Turning back to the woman he went on. So who did you assign this butchery to, Anthony and his minions? Well, it would appear you have won this round. Quite a blow for "justice" you struck here, Mistress!. While the leaders of the city are away battling demons who would destroy this city and all the underhanded means you've developed to bilk money from common folk, you managed to kill a skeleton crew of guards and low-level mages. Truly you should be proud! But we're among friends here, yes, so let's be honest. You came to rescue cronies and perhaps steal a few items. Really nothing more than a smash and grab job. Good show!
Letting the dripping sarcasm set in for a moment, Roland went on in a more serious tone. Well, enjoy your victory for a time. It shall be short-lived. The great irony is that your actions have likely led to strategic changing of the guard, and none the better for your sewer-dwelling kind. You see, these guards, those mages, they represented the good will of the Mageocracy to make Coran a benevolent place. Their replacements won't be so idealistic. You will be rooted out and killed, possibly after a public humiliation for your crimes. I might not be there to see it, but we will all revel in that victory to come.
The woman gives a slight bow, and with a note of amusement in her voice, "Such grand titles you bestow upon me, always trying to please the ladies aren't you."
"I wonder though, if your new friends would be so eager to work with you if they knew the truth. There are more than tower guardsmen whose heads have been separated from their bodies. Who could be behind such terrible deeds do you suppose?"
Even I have higher standards than the kind of parasitic scum you represent, Diguri. You are correct on one point though, others have been brutally murdered in Coran. Take for instance the poor lady torn apart last eve in her home, or the gentleman whose mutilated body we discovered in the waves off the cliffs. These deaths happened at the hands of Radgar and a kindred shadow demon we were lucky to fight off. All along the way guards such as these your miserable kind slaughtered have taken the brunt of the pain to protect this city from such Evils. Moreover, these men were working to guard the prisoners taken when the government rightly checked your criminal activities. Far better than the treatment you meted out to Ilvaria’s hapless lot. Any prisoners left from that, I wonder? No? Continuing his sarcastic tone, he went on with a sweeping gesture towards the merchant’s guild team. But please do regale my guests with your fabulous revelations! I’m sure you have quite the convincing list of atrocities committed by those trying to govern this city.
Cormick slowly take a couple of steps away from Roland La Vallette and leans against a nearby wall, a look of mild excitement as he listens to the two verbal combatants update him on some of the activity that has occurred in Coran while they were gone.
Cindy takes in the mage's version of the story of Radgar, unsure if there is any connection between the suspected murderer and the drow woman.
Continuing in her amused tone of voice, "If you think you'd have preferred Ilvaria alive then dead, still moving about this city, it simply shows you know nothing of who she was. See, I prefer people alive then dead", her tone shifts to that of one who is bored, and she appears to be examining the fingernails of one hand, "turns out they are more useful that way. Ilvaria simply insisted on death. It wasn't even I who killed her, or ordered it done. She simply chose poorly in whom she thought she could best. So if your brand of justice includes not allowing someone to protect themselves when attacked...?" she leaves the question hanging for a moment, then turns away from Roland and looks more to Cormick.
"Let me ask you, when a goodly man is murdered, do you blame the knife, or the hand that wields it? Would you melt down the knife, or cut off the hand?"
She pauses again for a moment, "Do you know what now walks this city? He knows", and she waves a hand dismissively at Roland, "but does he trust you enough to share?"
Roland folded his arms and chuckled as Diguri spoke. You must think my friends blind, Mistress, the evidence of your preference for death over life is right in front of us. Or have you already forgotten the guards you ordered slaughtered?
When the woman made her last comment, Roland gave her a quizzical look. Well, now you truly have me at a loss. These good folks have more than proven their trustworthiness fighting side by side with the Tower. But I'm not sure what it is I should be sharing with them. Perhaps you can enlighten us all with what horrors you presume the wretched mages have unleashed on Coran.
Cormick thinks for a moments.
"The answer I would have to give is the same for both of your questions. I would need to investigate the situation before I could offer an appropriate response. The killer could be of solid mind and aware of their actions, the killer could be under the influence of some outside force, be it another creature or even the killing blade itself."
Pleased with that response he concludes with, "So once again, I would not hastily make a decision prior to finding the details of the situation first."
She gives a light laugh at Cormick's comment, "Fair enough. Fair enough. But you walked with the hand that held the blade this very night. Questions are in need of asking. If you wish to question the blade as well, you'll need to have a conversation with your friend here."
She turns back to Roland, "Ah, well now that would spoil the game would it not? Though I must say you will have a devil of a time tracking down your foe, slipping past you unseen like a wraith in the mists. Remember this then", her voice takes on a slight alien accent, "Rakinkal"
Roland throws his hands in the air in only half-feigned exasperation. Is everything a riddle to you? Speak plainly, woman! Or perhaps you plan to kill us with puns? Yes? Using a mocking facsimile of her voice, Roland repeated 'Devil of a time tracking down your foe.....Rakinkal' He then returned to his normal tone. Clearly a name of Infernal origins but someone I decidedly have not had the displeasure of meeting. Or even of knowing who 'the devil' he or she is!
Pacing for a second, he stopped and smiled. But this individual must be a thorn in your side somehow, Mistress, or else why would you make its identity known to us. Perhaps the fiend is worming its way into your criminal specialties? Perhaps it is siding with Firyin against you? So many possibilities!
Taking mental notes Cindy is quite aware that there are two sides to this argument. Finally she adds Lady Diguri if you know us then you know we support the merchants in this city and therefore must oppose you and all thieves that act against our charges. I do not think you so tame as to willingly agree to not harass with your skills all of our charter whose dues are paid up. So while there will always be healthy disagreement between those who govern and those who wish to pay less taxes and have freer trade you must do better than you have to drive a wedge between the merchants and the mages.
"No wonder you have such trouble with the ladies" she smirks.
"But bravo, bravo indeed, your on to me." she adds mockingly. "Yet I think you'll still serve my purpose regardless in this matter. You've already got one murderer running loose around here, and now another has joined the party. Probably figured if you can't be bothered to catch the first one, he could get away with whatever he pleases. But if you don't appreciate the tip, I'll keep that under consideration should I think to offer my services in the future."
Addressing Cindy she adds, "An unfortunate occurrence that had to take place while Ilvaria laid her plans and failed. The merchants have their uses though, and even deep pockets when needed. Course none of that is public record, nor ever will be, but I'm certain that information comes as no real surprise to anyone here. Sometimes we work together, sometimes we are at odds."
See, that wasn't so hard, was it? A straightforward answer to a straightforward question. Now, any other information about this Rakinkal you wish to share. Likely hidey-holes? Favorite color? Anything?
"He probably likes the taste of fish." she muses. "But you may find more answers to your questions in the Hold. There is an informant there, a tiefling by the name of Sul'tak, that could probably get you on the right path. Of course, what would the illustrious city of Coran do without your vigilant protection here?"
"And should I stay and loot the city while your away? Or perhaps I should run to the Hold to make my fortunes there while you poke about things here? Such hard choices before me."
"Well it has been a pleasure to meet you in person. Some of my colleagues spoke rather ... highly of you." With that she turns to leave, moving south across the top of the warehouse, to quickly disappear out of sight.
Cindy watches the drow depart. Turning to Roland she says Well, we are not allowed inside even though we are allies. So I have some reporting in to do. My charge and I will depart now. You can contact the merchants if you need me. You can tell she is not pleased about being left on the doorstep. Sona, you are with me.
Roland winced and shook his head with eyes closed after Diguri left. That close...and nothing I could do about it, he said to no one in particular. He then turned to Cindy and her companions, nodding sympathetically. Hast can be....stern, at times. Were it up to me I'd bring you all in the Tower as welcomed companions in thanks for your assistance today. But please don't begrudge the man too much, we've...been dealt a grievous blow I fear. Based on Diguri's statements I'm rather confident her thugs breached the Tower itself, likely killing everyone left inside. Likewise, our efforts to take prisoners rather than kill those we vanquished will likely have bitten us in the behinds. I fully expect the rather large number of key captives we had are at this time free...or captives of Diguri. Worse for them, if so.
The aasimar then turned to Sona. I'm not sure what arrangements you made with my companions prior to their rapid departure, but you are welcome to stay here if you would so prefer. If not, I completely understand, given the...ah...circumstances. But I would very much enjoy the opportunity to take you for a late dinner or drinks tomorrow night. Say nine-o-clock?
Turning back to Cindy and Cormick he added, I appreciate you recognizing Diguri's attempt to drive a wedge between us. I can confidently speak for the Tower in saying we want nothing but open cooperation between us. I do not know this Rakinkal she spoke of. It may be a complete red herring. But if there are any questions you would ask of me, or any information we can share, please, just ask.
Roland waits to speak with the merchant's group for as long as they desire. Afterward, he bids them a good night and heads toward the Tower.