|
As they walk past the part of the wall that was ajar in the first main area they entered, Pai mutters to the others: "We've gotta check that out before we leave. Whatever's in there could be very useful."
Pai folds her arms across her chest, shifting her weight to draw the acolyte's attention to her dark expression. "Considering the circumstances here, our specific instructions were to make sure that the Lashmistress herself receives what we bring to her. How can you assure us that that will actually happen? And that no one will mess with what isn't for them!?"
She is sorely tempted to call the intimidating lightening show again, since it worked so well on the tieflings earlier, but the knowledge that her group is significantly outnumbered keeps her in check. As long as none of the other cultists' attention is pulled over here, her group can deal with the lowly acolyte easily enough.
And maybe they'll think Jenk arranged for the little surprise on the dagger. That would be niiiice!
The man wipes his face as sweat is building due to the heat from the many cultists chanting and suffering.
He looks at Pai with squinted eyes.
"If that is the way you want to see it, so be it. But I suppose this would make us equal partners which we are not!" he says with contempt and continues "Leave whatever you brought and be on your way. She will -NOT- speak with you."
Hearing the friendly tone, the acolyte seems lost for words for a few short moments.
"As far as I am concerned, after you defaulting your debt to us, our 'working relationship', as you call it, is indeed over if you do not leave all requested items here. And please do not start to threaten me or hint at wiping the entire temple - because ... good luck with that. Even without the Lashmistress here, that wouldn't be so simple."
He takes a step back towards the pit while keeping you in sight. "With that said, I suggest you either leave everything here or come back later. This is not a waiting room, however."
The acolyte once again grips the handle of his blade.
"I don't know who told you we need whatever you are bringing for our ritual, but I can assure you this is not the case. We perform the rite daily and I don't want you to interrupt it. Either leave everything here and leave or leave but I don't want any partial deliveries!"
"So are you leaving your items here and vanish or not?" the acolyte asks.
|
Gru'Gar's eyes narrow and take a deep breath
He has all the items handed over to the acolyte
"Alright, here is all the items your Lashmistress asked for, and tell your Lashmistress that the Consortium is always here to assist the cult of Lissala. And may these items be a symbol of our friendship and intent. And if we can have the past stay in the past, so we can move forward for a better future. And Vidrin Jenk sends his best regards."
Gru'Gar smiles, turns and leaves through the curtains.
Once everyone pass through the curtains, he signals the group to be quite as he spreads his Bag of Caltrops on the ground just out side of the curtain.
Gru'Gar whispers to the group
" Lets get out of here while we can. The ant hill is going to be kicked soon and I don't want to be anywhere near here when it does"
The secret door in the large room is partially jammed and so is quite obvious; it can be pulled open with minimal effort.
This door leads to a short, narrow hallway with metal stairs. Unfortunately, the top of the stairs is blocked by mortar and cobblestone, but it doesn't seem overly resilient.
The acolyte takes the items. Then looks at you intently and you leave as you promised.
* * *
The secret door in the large room is partially jammed and so is quite obvious; it can be pulled open with minimal effort.
This door leads to a short, narrow hallway with metal stairs. Unfortunately, the top of the stairs is blocked by mortar and cobblestone, but it doesn't seem overly resilient.
You decide to leave the complex and have no trouble to return to the street.
The trip back to Magnimar is a relaxing one. After being reminded to leave the ship's cat alone, you are taken to your bunks to get some rest.
You have a few days on the ship to recall the events of the past few days, and sort the shaken pile memories into a neat collection.
The uneventful trip, besides the occasional ship headed in the opposite direction, proves to be quite calming, especially under the Varisian sun. But all good things come to an end, and so does this.
Once you arrive into the busy, cosmopolitan Magnimar, you head straight for the Heidmarch manor to meet your Venture Captain.#
Within a few short minutes, you find yourselves in one of the manor's gathering rooms, with Sheila Heidmarch sitting across the table, sipping on tea and smiling.
"So... I've heard you had quite the destructive time. That was probably a bit more effective than I imagined!", she sets down her cup. Still smiling, she looks all of you over as if expecting a response.
"Well, the dagger obviously was fake and poisoned. I heard that the head of the cult was quite displeased with Mr. Jenk and the current working relationship is ... not working anymore! You were successful!"
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Reidog bristles in affront.
"Fake, ye say? Them sneaky, underhanded, lyin' Calistrians!! Payin' their debt with a fake relic. Cursing it tis one thing, but defaultin' 'n' deceivin'?!?
Never trust those durn fairy lovin' types, I say. We shoulda given that harlot a good spankin' is what we shoulda done!"
|
|
"Bah! I dunno what yer all 'r' goin' on bout. She's a viper, 'n' she'd bite yer, no doubt."
Turning back to Lady Heidmarch, he gives the cursory outline of all of the party's actions.
"Mostly, we just done what we was told, 'n' then went in fer a bit 'o sabotage at tha end. It were a real pleasure getting under them Aspis' hides."
Heidmarch sighs.
"To be honest, I am happy that less Lyssalans are dead than expected. Our informant told me that all got out, even if badly poisoned by the gas and hallucinating. Three people are still missing. Or were by the time they sent their message, anyway."
She stands up, and claps her hands once.
"In any case - it worked as intended. I don't think the Lyssalans will be working with the consortium any time soon. Not in Riddleport, at least. So - Good job!"