Shadow over Riddleport

Game Master Joana

"We cornered his drunken ass in the Goblin last time. This time, we won't show any mercy. We'll kill him for what he did to Larur, and then he'll tell us where Lil is." -- Braddon Hurst


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M 1/2E Magus 4 :2223a1: BAB3 CMB/D:5/17 AC/T/Ff:16/12/14 Init2 Perc1?3(F:9) HP36/36 FRW6,5,3(F:6) UMD11 Scft10 Alch/K:Arc/K:Lcl/Appr7 Ride/Climb/Swim/Dance:6 Dipl/Intim/Acrobatics5 Sense Motive3(F:6)
Braddon Hurst wrote:
"Snake" wrote:
As they take their leave, "So is this Weatherby dead or alive?" he asks Braddon. "And I'm guessing he doesn't know anything since we're wasting our time with The gnome and his dog."
"He's alive and well. Probably hungry. Saul has him downstairs. He tried to send a letter to Lil and was on his way to meet her when we caught him. The current plan is for the General to let the letter go through and then grab Lil at the meeting place, assuming she'd do what loverboy suggests. Saul isn't prepared to get too involved since Shorafa loves Lil and since she had his hand taken off he's a bit wary of her. We're probably letting him run off tomorrow but we'll ask the General what he wants done with the guy when we hand his letter over this afternoon. We think we've got everything out of him, but he's fought us every step of the way. I think it would have been easier if Malkith let me torture him for a bit- not much- just enough to show we were serious."

"Because pursuit, defeat, and imprisonment were perhaps to be interpreted as frivolity?", Gristav interjects. "We're holding the scribe because if we are to pursue her, it's better if he not warn or support her. We're holding him, because if her influence is magical, as has been suggested, some few days might make a difference, might free him to reconsider her, to reconsider us. And we're not torturing him, in hope of that possible reconsideration. Besides, torture is diminishing, and casts shadow on whatever's learned by it."

-----

Grimas Oltedler wrote:
Grimas looks exaggeratedly over the group and down the road behind Gristav. "What? No blonde this time?" he deadpans.

"The blonde was supposed to be a secret", Gristav replies in kind, then smiles faintly.

Grimas Oltedler wrote:
"Where to, gents? If it's anywhere but across the river, you've come to the wrong man."

"Just the far side, Grimas, and soon enough, back again."


The ferryman shoves the flatboat out into the river without further remark and poles the party across the river against the sluggish current pushing them toward Riddleport Harbor. Stepping off on the far side, the men take the road south through the western half of River District. Piccolo notices that most of the buildings on this side of the river are boarded up and abandoned, with the exception of a smithy, a fishpacking house, and a sizeable tannery, the mingling stenches of the last two places of business contributing generously to the pungent miasma which has led to this part of town being known as 'the Reek District.'

A short way past the smithy, a well-kept and tidy waterfront building is a welcome sight. The propped-open door facing the street is obviously the back way; the party walks around to a wooden boardwalk and small jetty over the water. Sizeable bay windows of leaded glass overlook the mouth of the Velashu and the harbor beyond. A swinging placard over the door bears the sign of a dented ale mug, and gilt letters beneath spell out 'Publican House.' Like the kitchen door, this door is propped open to let in any breeze that might find its way upriver.

Within is a large open tavern room which looks even larger due to the fact that it is empty, with table and chairs pushed to the walls and stacked atop each other. In the light from the riverfront windows, a blond halfling woman in an apron is mopping the floor, her sleeves rolled up past her elbows to reveal strong, wiry arms. Despite the lingering smell of from the river, the tavern is aggressively spotless, its well-worn wooden planks smooth from heavy foot-traffic and assiduous application of the mop. Above the shelves and hanging tankards behind the bar is painted in bright red letters, No Cyphermages.

Piccolo:
Knowledge (local) 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 The Order of the Cyphers is a society of skilled wizards and sages who have dedicated themselves to unraveling the ancient arcane secrets of Riddleport's most prominent landmark, the Cyphergate.


Female Halfling

The halfling looks up from her mopping and clucks her tongue reproachfully. "We're open in the evenings, you know. You needn't always show up when I'm trying to get a spot of work done. Arnando!" she calls over her shoulder. "That motley crew is back for tea and seedcakes!" Turning back around, she spies Piccolo for the first time. "Hello," she smiles at the gnome. "They've picked themselves up a new stray, have they?"


hp 7 / 38; AC 16; Init +2; 3 Str damage Male Half-elf Ranger 4

Braddon sidles up to Eulalie with a broad grin.
"And if I came in the evenings how would I get you to myself?"
He waves at the new stray.
"Piccolo, this lovely is Eulalie. Don't cross her or she'll make you regret it forever."
Braddon winks.


M 1/2E Magus 4 :2223a1: BAB3 CMB/D:5/17 AC/T/Ff:16/12/14 Init2 Perc1?3(F:9) HP36/36 FRW6,5,3(F:6) UMD11 Scft10 Alch/K:Arc/K:Lcl/Appr7 Ride/Climb/Swim/Dance:6 Dipl/Intim/Acrobatics5 Sense Motive3(F:6)
Eulalie Makeckney wrote:
The halfling looks up from her mopping and clucks her tongue reproachfully. "We're open in the evenings, you know. You needn't always show up when I'm trying to get a spot of work done. Arnando!" she calls over her shoulder. "That motley crew is back for tea and seedcakes!" Turning back around, she spies Piccolo for the first time. "Hello," she smiles at the gnome. "They've picked themselves up a new stray, have they?"

"Tea and sympathy, if luck holds", Gristav responds to her holler, taking hope from being a crewman of 'that' motley.


Female Halfling
Braddon Hurst wrote:

Braddon sidles up to Eulalie with a broad grin.

"And if I came in the evenings how would I get you to myself?"

"If you keep coming in a pack, you won't get me to myself neither," she points out with a wink. "I'll say this, though: You've missed the dwarves today so your timing's getting better. Mind you wipe your feet! I've just mopped and don't want dirt from the road all over my nice, clean floor. Shuffle off to the tea room now, and get yourselves out of my way. Go on with you!" She shoos them toward a doorway next to the bar with the business end of the mop.


Male Human (Chelaxian) Cleric

Through the door is a smaller tap room with five mismatched tables of various sizes, from one as long as the one in the owner's suite at the Gold Goblin to a tiny round one in a corner barely large enough for two. A short bar and three tall stools obstruct the way to a back hallway which, from the shaft of light visible within clearly leads toward the kitchen with its open back door.

Behind the bar is a bear of a man, dressed in street clothes and an apron, albeit with a notched sword swinging at his side. "You lot turn up as often as a Taldan lady's nose," he remarks cheerfully as he wipes down the counter with a cloth. "No more spider bites, I hope?"


M 1/2E Magus 4 :2223a1: BAB3 CMB/D:5/17 AC/T/Ff:16/12/14 Init2 Perc1?3(F:9) HP36/36 FRW6,5,3(F:6) UMD11 Scft10 Alch/K:Arc/K:Lcl/Appr7 Ride/Climb/Swim/Dance:6 Dipl/Intim/Acrobatics5 Sense Motive3(F:6)

"Worse. Madness drawn from worlds beyond, channelled by a black-masked priest, now dead, on Braddon's sword. The madness seems to have passed, with time, or with the priest, I cannot say. That is not the business that drew us here, but I felt... you deserved to know."

Gristav will answer whatever he can for Arnando, eventually relating how Gris had come to meet Beltias, and to imagine him a Sarenrite, and how, still needed, was a Speak with Dead...

Happy to RP that, but willing to have it glossed as well.


Male Gnome Bard (Negotiator) 2

Piccolo smiles warmly, "A pleasure Miss Eulalie. I wandered in the front door of a gaming house and apparently joined a game with high stakes. We are playing now. This fine establishment is on the game board. I hope it is a pleasant place."

Eulalie Makeckney wrote:
The halfling looks up from her mopping and clucks her tongue reproachfully. "We're open in the evenings, you know. You needn't always show up when I'm trying to get a spot of work done. Arnando!" she calls over her shoulder. "That motley crew is back for tea and seedcakes!" Turning back around, she spies Piccolo for the first time. "Hello," she smiles at the gnome. "They've picked themselves up a new stray, have they?"


hp 7 / 38; AC 16; Init +2; 3 Str damage Male Half-elf Ranger 4
Gristav wrote:
"Worse. Madness drawn from worlds beyond, channelled by a black-masked priest, now dead, on Braddon's sword. The madness seems to have passed, with time, or with the priest, I cannot say. That is not the business that drew us here, but I felt... you deserved to know."

Braddon smiles at Eulalie and moves over to join Arnando and Gristav.

"It's his fault." He tells Arnando pointing at Gristav.
"He saved a poor old guy from drowning, returned him to the temple of Sarenrae in Rotgut and when we went there to visit this morning it turned out to be a temple of Norgorber and we had to kill the evil bastards."
He pats Gristav on the shoulder.
"There may have been a blonde involved." He winks.


M 1/2E Magus 4 :2223a1: BAB3 CMB/D:5/17 AC/T/Ff:16/12/14 Init2 Perc1?3(F:9) HP36/36 FRW6,5,3(F:6) UMD11 Scft10 Alch/K:Arc/K:Lcl/Appr7 Ride/Climb/Swim/Dance:6 Dipl/Intim/Acrobatics5 Sense Motive3(F:6)
Braddon Hurst wrote:
Gristav wrote:
"Worse. Madness drawn from worlds beyond, channelled by a black-masked priest, now dead, on Braddon's sword. The madness seems to have passed, with time, or with the priest, I cannot say. That is not the business that drew us here, but I felt... you deserved to know."

Braddon smiles at Eulalie and moves over to join Arnando and Gristav.

"It's his fault." He tells Arnando pointing at Gristav.
"He saved a poor old guy from drowning, returned him to the temple of Sarenrae in Rotgut and when we went there to visit this morning it turned out to be a temple of Norgorber and we had to kill the evil bastards."
He pats Gristav on the shoulder.
"There may have been a blonde involved." He winks.

"Nearest blonde to the matter is Eulalie. I suppose she was involved, in that her kindness led to Arnando, and his to the Cloud, where I was when Padraig needed rescue... And it was a temple, to Sarenrae, indwelt by a cultist of Norgorber. And a gang, with plan and process to make and market flayleaf. All ended now, or, at least, set back. But we still need the miracle we thought to seek there, to Speak with Dead, in pursuit of justice, for Braddon's grand-dame, and of mercy, for he her testimony will free."


Female Halfling
Piccolo Taphodarian wrote:
Piccolo smiles warmly, "A pleasure Miss Eulalie. I wandered in the front door of a gaming house and apparently joined a game with high stakes. We are playing now. This fine establishment is on the game board. I hope it is a pleasant place."

"Always pleasant," she assures him. "Anyone not pleasant, Arnando shows them the door. That's the rule at the Publican: You leave your differences on the doorstep. The Publican House is neutral ground, not owned by or beholden to any of the bosses. All are welcome to enjoy an evening without worrying about a knife in their ribs or a hand in their pocket. Well," she shrugs, looking up at the red letters over the bar, "everyone except the Cyphermages. But that's nothing personal."


Male Human (Chelaxian) Cleric

Arnando listens to Gristav and Braddon with a look of disbelief on his face. "Norgorber? In Riddleport? In Rotgut? Well, I suppose if you're going to find those evil bastards anywhere, that's about the likeliest place. Gendarmes aren't about to go patrolling in there. But what's all this about Sarenrae? I haven't heard of a priest of the Dawnflower in town."


M 1/2E Magus 4 :2223a1: BAB3 CMB/D:5/17 AC/T/Ff:16/12/14 Init2 Perc1?3(F:9) HP36/36 FRW6,5,3(F:6) UMD11 Scft10 Alch/K:Arc/K:Lcl/Appr7 Ride/Climb/Swim/Dance:6 Dipl/Intim/Acrobatics5 Sense Motive3(F:6)
Arnando Rolf wrote:
Arnando listens to Gristav and Braddon with a look of disbelief on his face. "Norgorber? In Riddleport? In Rotgut? Well, I suppose if you're going to find those evil bastards anywhere, that's about the likeliest place. Gendarmes aren't about to go patrolling in there. But what's all this about Sarenrae? I haven't heard of a priest of the Dawnflower in town."

"The black-mask posed as a Sarenrite, served gruel to the poor, let them sleep in the pews. I believed him. Jaelle believed him, and I'd trust a woman to beware of wiles, over any wisdom I have not. So, investigating an unrelated murder, and seeking to speak with the deceased, we went there, and I asked. Something, I can only guess what, convinced the villain we were on to him, and he set his thugs upon us. We... prevailed. Four dead, I think, two left to wake, one left in company of one of our own, who has hopes of blunting the anger of the patron of the perfidy, one Marzo, by name. Perhaps only for himself, but I'd like to think better of him, than that. Marzo might be mollified, by the recreational crimes the Norgorberite committed, which crimes might be what caused the villain such alarum, when we arrived, investigating a murder."

"For you see, this Beltias Kreun, is that was his name, had a second bed in his chambers, shackles at the head, and a collection of women's trifles, scarves, small garments. One might force oneself to a purely recreational, and un-criminal, interpretation, but not after one has tasted the twist of the dark priest's mind, glaring forth as if a shade were drawn off a dawn's window... if a sun beamed black."

"The man needed killing."


hp 7 / 38; AC 16; Init +2; 3 Str damage Male Half-elf Ranger 4

"I did that," Braddon boasts.


M 1/2E Magus 4 :2223a1: BAB3 CMB/D:5/17 AC/T/Ff:16/12/14 Init2 Perc1?3(F:9) HP36/36 FRW6,5,3(F:6) UMD11 Scft10 Alch/K:Arc/K:Lcl/Appr7 Ride/Climb/Swim/Dance:6 Dipl/Intim/Acrobatics5 Sense Motive3(F:6)

"Yes, you did", Gristav agrees. To Arnando, he adds, "There is a Sarenrite there, but it seem Beltias has twisted his mind. He seems still a decent enough fellow, only confused, speaking of the 'bitter dregs of the wroth of Sarenrae'... likely a concept conveyed to cripple his clericy. We found evidence this other man was in fact a proper Sarenrite, in the form of letters to him, and a sacred text, which was hidden among Beltias' plunders."

"If I had to enumerate our topics, first would be to seek your advice on the ruin in Rags End, and second, though perhaps more pressing, to ask if you've the blessing of the miracle we sought. To speak with Braddon's grand-dame, and ask her, who her killer was. To prove her blamelessness, and thereby free her other grandson, held by the gendarmes, on unrelated charges."


Male Human (Chelaxian) Cleric

Arnando frowns with concern. "I don't like the thought of Father Skinsaw operating so nearby without us having heard a thing about it."


Female Halfling

Eulalie, who had wandered over the doorway to overhear the conversation, shrugs. "He's the god of secrets and shadows. If we had heard of them, his folk would have been doing something wrong. Besides, there's not a lot of traffic in and out of Rotgut to carry tales to the rest of the city."


Male Human (Chelaxian) Cleric

"Who's this Sarennite priest?" he asks. "You said there were letters, papers? Perhaps he has family or friends somewhere who could take him in."


M 1/2E Magus 4 :2223a1: BAB3 CMB/D:5/17 AC/T/Ff:16/12/14 Init2 Perc1?3(F:9) HP36/36 FRW6,5,3(F:6) UMD11 Scft10 Alch/K:Arc/K:Lcl/Appr7 Ride/Climb/Swim/Dance:6 Dipl/Intim/Acrobatics5 Sense Motive3(F:6)
Arnando Rolf wrote:
"Who's this Sarennite priest?" he asks. "You said there were letters, papers? Perhaps he has family or friends somewhere who could take him in."

"There were perhaps a dozen folk there, sheltering. Some of us had hoped they might remain, that Micah might return to his former self and station. Our most street-wise member demurred, insisting the place was most prudently, if not most rightly, left to Marzo. We differed on that point; I would judge the matter open. The priest is named Micah, styles himself Micah the Fallen. An inscription in a Birth of Light and Truth, was to a Micah, from a Solangus Wardroxen. Perhaps that's a start?"


Male Human (Chelaxian) Cleric

"Wardroxen," he chuckles. "Good Chelaxian name. Probably a pillar of whatever community he's part of. We'll ask around. Now what's this about a dead person you want to ask questions of?"


M 1/2E Magus 4 :2223a1: BAB3 CMB/D:5/17 AC/T/Ff:16/12/14 Init2 Perc1?3(F:9) HP36/36 FRW6,5,3(F:6) UMD11 Scft10 Alch/K:Arc/K:Lcl/Appr7 Ride/Climb/Swim/Dance:6 Dipl/Intim/Acrobatics5 Sense Motive3(F:6)

"A body, found on the cliffs, of a woman who had been trusted with the care of a young girl. The woman's duty may have been to some degree forced; her grandson was held hostage to her dutifulness. Well, the girl was taken, and the woman killed, and now, the holder of the grandson, the parent of the girl, would know more of those events, the identity of the woman's killer, for one. You may guess at names, but I shouldn't provide them, until at least I suspect you're the resource I've been asked to search for..."


Male Human (Chelaxian) Cleric

"Sounds sordid all around," Arnando glowers. "So I'd be asking this woman who killed her? And then the grandson goes free?" He glances at Lalie. "When and where? We'll be getting the lunch crowd in soon looking to wet their whistles. I can't close up shop."


M 1/2E Magus 4 :2223a1: BAB3 CMB/D:5/17 AC/T/Ff:16/12/14 Init2 Perc1?3(F:9) HP36/36 FRW6,5,3(F:6) UMD11 Scft10 Alch/K:Arc/K:Lcl/Appr7 Ride/Climb/Swim/Dance:6 Dipl/Intim/Acrobatics5 Sense Motive3(F:6)

"I don't need you to close. I need you to commit. I'll be meeting with the client... noonish. Details can be left to later."

Hoping for assent, Gristav pauses.

"And it is, sordid all around. I've been trying to keep my head above water, my hands out of blood, my course toward moral high ground. And you, have been buoy and beacon, both. Thank you."

Turning to include Eulalie, Gris adds, "Thank you both."


Female Halfling

"I can fill mugs," Eulalie points out. "And I can send for someone to help cover, as long as you're not gone during our busy time."


Male Human (Chelaxian) Cleric

"Aye, all right then," the barkeep nods. "But not after dark. The crowd can get a bit raucous in the evenings."


Female Halfling

"Like I can't handle myself," Lalie scoffs, heading back to her mop in the main tavern. "You think the place would fall apart if there weren't a man around for an hour or two."


Male Gnome Bard (Negotiator) 2

Piccolo maintains a forced air of indifference, We are tracking a murderer and kidnapper of children. I like these affairs less and less the more I hear.


M 1/2E Magus 4 :2223a1: BAB3 CMB/D:5/17 AC/T/Ff:16/12/14 Init2 Perc1?3(F:9) HP36/36 FRW6,5,3(F:6) UMD11 Scft10 Alch/K:Arc/K:Lcl/Appr7 Ride/Climb/Swim/Dance:6 Dipl/Intim/Acrobatics5 Sense Motive3(F:6)
Eulalie Makeckney wrote:
"Like I can't handle myself," Lalie scoffs, heading back to her mop in the main tavern. "You think the place would fall apart if there weren't a man around for an hour or two."

"Allow us our illusions!", Gristav pleads playfully after her as she exits.

"Thank you, Arnando. I will return with firmer timing. My rules are... I'm to have returned you here by dark, and avoid the meal-ish hours of the day. And allow a day for proper pious petition, yes?" Gristav closed his eyes in odd gesture of respect, at the triple alliterative, but then opened them to add the question, "Or are you thus prepared, now? Today?"


Male Human (Chelaxian) Cleric

He squints appraisingly at the length of the grid of sunlight falling through the front windows onto the freshly-mopped floor. "I could be ready for the ritual by the afternoon, assuming I can step away for a quarter of an hour sometime during lunch."


Female Halfling

"Oh, aye, you're that indispensable," Eulalie can be heard to snort under her breath from the front room.


M 1/2E Magus 4 :2223a1: BAB3 CMB/D:5/17 AC/T/Ff:16/12/14 Init2 Perc1?3(F:9) HP36/36 FRW6,5,3(F:6) UMD11 Scft10 Alch/K:Arc/K:Lcl/Appr7 Ride/Climb/Swim/Dance:6 Dipl/Intim/Acrobatics5 Sense Motive3(F:6)

"If it's suitable, I will rush to make the agreement, then rush back, to study at your taps", Gristav says to Arnando, then turns toward the doorway, "Or your trays?"

"Whichever would serve. Well, I suppose I would serve, at whichever."

If any solid-ish plan, with or without help from Gris or the party, is agreed to, Gris will see to getting the group out the door, headed North again.


Having verified that the cleric is both willing and able to cast the spell, given sufficient opportunity to prepare, the party departs, retracing their steps north toward the ferry.


hp 7 / 38; AC 16; Init +2; 3 Str damage Male Half-elf Ranger 4

"So, on to the General and tell him we found someone? Or should we head back to the Goblin, round up the letter, the evidence and the scribe and dump them all on him with Arnando."
Braddon thinks for a beat... and then another... and a little longer.
"Maybe we should warn the General first and see how he wants it to go down."


"I think that's a good idea, bub. I'll do that while the rest of you head to the General's office. I just need locations of where it all - and he - is."


M 1/2E Magus 4 :2223a1: BAB3 CMB/D:5/17 AC/T/Ff:16/12/14 Init2 Perc1?3(F:9) HP36/36 FRW6,5,3(F:6) UMD11 Scft10 Alch/K:Arc/K:Lcl/Appr7 Ride/Climb/Swim/Dance:6 Dipl/Intim/Acrobatics5 Sense Motive3(F:6)

"Let's please the General, before we ask how much of the authority of the gendarmes might be claimed in the taking and holding of the scribe. And then, we do our best to suggest to Weatherby he's no standing for revenge, not against us, not against the Goblin. He still should not know where he's being held, and there's no reason to teach him that detail by any incautious release."

"I trust you, Snake. But I question the footing of your reason, and I value you too highly to risk you alone. The scribe seemed a priest, he's likely fit again, and his gilded armor suggests interest, if not skill, in matters martial. I'd rather we not risk you, nor teach him your face."


Returning to the dock on the western bank of the Velashu, the men find that Grimas has returned with his boat to opposite side of the river. They wait for him to pole the ferry across to pick them up.


Male Gnome Bard (Negotiator) 2

Piccolo, unable to contain his concern, says, "Would someone explain a few trivial matters of interest. Did you kidnap and imprison this scribe you speak of? Do you have a dead body stored somewhere? I am quite lost as to what we are doing and what any of this has to do with Saul's business. I am concerned that I will be committing crimes I am unaware that I am committing. Am I involving myself in criminal activity by association? An explanation is in order. I do not intend to blindly follow a newly met group whose business I do not understand."


hp 7 / 38; AC 16; Init +2; 3 Str damage Male Half-elf Ranger 4

"It's pretty simple really. I got hired by Saul on Sunday for the opening of his casino. During the opening a bunch of thugs tried to rob the guests. Dayn, Malkith and I stopped them, while Tendal and Phillip... supported us. Turned out the harpy- our singer Thuvalia, was actually in on the whole deal, so she's making up for it now, kinda.
On Moonday, Dayn and Malkith went back to the thugs base. They were members of the Scar Knee Gang, or something. Dayn and Malkith found stuff there that said Scarlet Lil had hired them. (She's the whore that Saul's son killed Zincher's brother over). Meanwhile, I found this drugged girl in a casino room and it turned out she was the daughter of General Mescher who runs the Riddleport Gendarmes for the Overlord and can have us all dragged out of our beds and killed in the middle of the night if he wants. So I smuggled her back home without her knowing she'd been at the casino only to find the place had been robbed and her necklace and her maid were missing. So I escorted her back to the General's fort and ran off before he could hang me.
On Toilday, Gris turned up to help Larur with some stuff and Malkith and I tracked down a witness who had seen the General's daughter being handed over to a mob of party-goers by the maid but I knew it wasn't the maid because the daughter told me the maid knew where the necklace was hidden and the robber had trashed the place looking for it so it couldn't have been the maid and Dayn found the perfumed kerchief that Lil had given Volo (the leader of the thugs) and it smelled like the perfume in the daughter's house so we knew Lil had been there and magicked and killed the maid which we told the General when he caught us there looking for the body.
Dayn and I found Lil's hideout that night and staked it out until the scribe downstairs from her hideout turned up for work on Wealday and Gristav questioned him because he had a secret passage through to Lil's hideout and some number books with curious payments but he told Gris nothing and then Gris took off and I followed the scribe and he was going to send a warning to Lil but Dayn and I got it and the scribe took off that night so we followed him outta town and ambushed him and Gris met Snake on the road.
Oathday we woke up and... chatted... with the scribe and he eventually told us about an investment Lil was in on and needed the cash for and that Lil was at sea and he'd meet her at Roderic's cove his letter said and Zincher turned up to threaten Saul and released giant spiders into the casino and we killed them then asked about the maid in Lubbertown and found out that she was at the General's Fort and went there and he said he'd found the body and showed her remains to us so Gristav said we should talk to her.
So this morning Gristav took us to a church to find a priest to talk to the maid and it turned out to be less of a church and more of an evil drug pushing cult that tried to kill us so he's talked Arnando into talking with the body for us and the General because he doesn't trust Shorafa who's in charge of the church of Callistria who Lil used to be part of. So, we've done nothing wrong. Clear?"


M 1/2E Magus 4 :2223a1: BAB3 CMB/D:5/17 AC/T/Ff:16/12/14 Init2 Perc1?3(F:9) HP36/36 FRW6,5,3(F:6) UMD11 Scft10 Alch/K:Arc/K:Lcl/Appr7 Ride/Climb/Swim/Dance:6 Dipl/Intim/Acrobatics5 Sense Motive3(F:6)
Piccolo Taphodarian wrote:
Piccolo, unable to contain his concern, says, "Would someone explain a few trivial matters of interest. Did you kidnap and imprison this scribe you speak of? Do you have a dead body stored somewhere? I am quite lost as to what we are doing and what any of this has to do with Saul's business. I am concerned that I will be committing crimes I am unaware that I am committing. Am I involving myself in criminal activity by association? An explanation is in order. I do not intend to blindly follow a newly met group whose business I do not understand."

"Well worried! Well worried, indeed. In your order:"

"The man was captured in flight, at that time suspected of magically-forced collusion with a murderess. (Well, that's premature, we'll know when we question Braddon's deceased grandmother, but you'll agree, our suspicion, is fair.) He's been held to prevent his continued flight to, and warning of, her. Also, such magical coercions often will pass, and such liberation seems a service to the man, as well as offering another more productive round of questions. So, kidnap and imprison? Not really, and yes."

"We've 'stored' all the dead bodies largely where we felled them. Braddon enjoys such coup-counting, he might tally for you, but we've concealed no bodies, only the single, living, untortured, man."

"We are on our way to meet with the General des Gendarmes, in service to his and our investigation into attacks on the Goblin and his household, which share the common thread of their instigator... instigatress? And the additional emotional tie that, murdered from her post as governess to the drugged, kidnapped, nearly dishonored Ananda Mescher, was one Mistress Vishki... Braddon's grandmother, du patre one would expect."

"We'll be informing General Mescher", Gristav paused to let the connection be seen, "That he will not need to ask a former mentor and presumed friend of the suspected murderess, to question the remains of Mistress Vishki, as we have located another willing and Enabled to do so."

"That took the whole morning, though we started at dawn, thinking we were to ask a Sarenrite, who turned out to be a Norgorberite... Much blood was shed, windows leaped through, villains slain, innocent victims of dark madness saved... A good morning's work.", Gristav says, the last with sincere dark irony.

"AS for committing crimes, very little is illegal in Riddleport. If you've a moral compass, trust it. As for criminal activity by association, almost surely you are so involving yourself, if only by walking the streets of Riddleport. But crimes are judged after the fact, either on end results or on initial intents. If we are bold enough to have success, and step out on our right foot... Well, it's my hope, I'm doing the right thing, even if I never can prove it. But I honestly doubt that anyone will ask for such proof, either logical, or physical. Possibly eventual."

"All of which is longhand for If we win, we've won, which might very well be the motto, for Riddleport."

"Now, on the matter of 'newly-met'... I am Gristav, which is not any name I was given, for I know of no such name that's not a lie. So 'Gristav', while false, is at least more true, in that it is not intended to conceal. Not fabricated, so much as... inspired. On who I am... ask others. Larur knows me longest. Samaritha knows me best, she's read my magister, more journal than text, if read with that mind, though I suppose she had not, such intent. Or if you'd take my autotestimonial..."

"I am a traveler by habit and a courier by trade, of long and of late, until finding Larur beset by troubles. Like you, I've joined the Goblin. Like you, I've been troubled by the lawlessness. But, in Riddleport, lawlessness is a part of the climate. If you wouldn't be rained on... best you leave. Or, like Master Deverin, you might remain wholly indoors."


Male Gnome Bard (Negotiator) 2

"Let me throw a dart at the board, tell me how close I've come to the bullseye. Are we being paid to find and dispose of Lil? She seems to be the only in this sordid tale interfering with Saul's business affairs. Are we to believe someone paid Lil to make trouble for Saul's business or is she acting alone? Once we do secure the murderess, our intent is to question her? Do I understand our goals? That, more than anything else, is what I want explained: our goals and how they tie into Saul's business."


M 1/2E Magus 4 :2223a1: BAB3 CMB/D:5/17 AC/T/Ff:16/12/14 Init2 Perc1?3(F:9) HP36/36 FRW6,5,3(F:6) UMD11 Scft10 Alch/K:Arc/K:Lcl/Appr7 Ride/Climb/Swim/Dance:6 Dipl/Intim/Acrobatics5 Sense Motive3(F:6)

"If I find a murderess, I feel no duty toward restraint. But I do not feel that I have been contracted to end, or apprehend her. We may wish to question her, but have a care: she's known to wield magics to warp wills. We don't believe Lil subordinate in any plot against Saul, although we know with certainty Saul has other enemies. Cleg Zincher, for one."

"Our goals... the Goblin, a successful venture. Toward that end, looking into threats against it. Which brought some of us as individuals to the attention of the General, who we are hoping to mollify by our continued cooperation, although to the General, I would use the word 'alliance'. He's not indisposed to support us. Braddon, in particular."


Male Human (Chelaxian)

"Hardly worth your coin, that," Grimas remarks as he moors the flatboat at the western dock. "Not that I'll lose a wink of sleep over charging you for both crossings, but you spent little enough time on the windward shore." When the men have boarded the ferry, he pushes off once again to return them to the other side.


Male Gnome Bard (Negotiator) 2

Once Piccolo boards the ferry, he continues to discuss the situation, "Scarlett Lil and Zincher are the threats to Saul's business that are known. Thuvalia assisted the robbers, yet was retained in her former position. Saul knows she participated in the robbery attempt? He still chose to retain her?"


M 1/2E Magus 4 :2223a1: BAB3 CMB/D:5/17 AC/T/Ff:16/12/14 Init2 Perc1?3(F:9) HP36/36 FRW6,5,3(F:6) UMD11 Scft10 Alch/K:Arc/K:Lcl/Appr7 Ride/Climb/Swim/Dance:6 Dipl/Intim/Acrobatics5 Sense Motive3(F:6)
Piccolo Taphodarian wrote:
Once Piccolo boards the ferry, he continues to discuss the situation, "Scarlett Lil and Zincher are the threats to Saul's business that are known. Thuvalia assisted the robbers, yet was retained in her former position. Saul knows she participated in the robbery attempt? He still chose to retain her?"

"Does that fill in all the blanks for you, Grimas?", Gristav asks, grinning, turning toward the boatman. But he then laughs lightly, and answers Piccolo, "The bad blood among those three is old news. Regarding Thuvalia, she's a girl who followed her lover into ruin. His ruin. Revelations of Lil's involvement made her something of a woman scorned, as well. Kept at first for questions, she's remained as a part of the planned entertainments. Unless she's suddenly revealed as Lil herself, Saul's made a wise enough choice. The devil you know, and all that."

"And by the way, it's almost reassuring, you haven't the habit of subterfuge. But it's not a bad one, in Riddleport. It might do, to cultivate it."

On the far side, Gristav dutifully pays for the second ferrying, grinning faintly as the coins change hands.


Male Gnome Bard (Negotiator) 2

Piccolo directs a wan smile at Gristav, "I do not worry about Grimas." He nods at the ferryman politely. "Ferrymen know much, tell little, pretend to know even less. They watch the comings and goings of men beyond count knowing which side of the river they last visited at least. Yet it is always in their best interests to remain neutral and deaf because their profession is public, thus they feel the full brunt of retaliation should they choose to tell too much of what they hear. Talking near a ferryman is the same as talking in an empty room, or nearly so. I am polite. I do not want to provide too much information to Grimas as it might be dangerous to the man. For if someone believes the ferryman knows something valuable, they are as likely to extract the value with a knife or spell rather than coin. I do not think I revealed information useful to our enemies. As you said, most of it is known by the parties that might benefit from it."

"At least I know a few of the players in this game and some of their strategy. Perhaps it can be used to our advantage."


Male Human (Chelaxian)

"You're not wrong," Grimas chuckles. "I'll see a man cross with his wife during the day and with his mistress after dark, but I never tell him he's just missed his wife going across with another man."


Male Gnome Bard (Negotiator) 2

Piccolo responds, "I like a man who possesses the wisdom not to speak of matters that might aversely affect his livelihood. It is a virtue I practice myself as often as possible."


Piccolo Taphodarian wrote:
Piccolo, unable to contain his concern, says, "Would someone explain a few trivial matters of interest. Did you kidnap and imprison this scribe you speak of? Do you have a dead body stored somewhere? I am quite lost as to what we are doing and what any of this has to do with Saul's business. I am concerned that I will be committing crimes I am unaware that I am committing. Am I involving myself in criminal activity by association? An explanation is in order. I do not intend to blindly follow a newly met group whose business I do not understand."

"You know, bub, I don't blame you. And those are good questions. This ought to be interesting 'cause I've been wondering about that myself." He looks to the others, awaiting their response.

As all is explained, "Hm. So Lil was working with the Sczarni and Saul kept Thuvalia around to keep an eye on her because of her involvement. Well that's all news to me." He then looks to Braddon, "Instead of stopping him on the road, why didn't you just keep following him to wherever he was going?" he asks, curious. "He might have led you straight to her. At least closer to her than you are now."


The four step off the ferry back onto the east bank of the Velashu.

Going back to the Goblin first for Weatherby's letter that the General requested, or heading straight up to Devil's Fork?

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