O the way to the theater Tal idly chats with Trevor. So what do you think of the gap thus far. A little deranged and unorganized at times but effective in my opinion.
Tal sighs a bit before continuing on. The other part of the problem is that I see no end in sight yet and where we exactly fit in to all of this. I mean, we have more questions than answers and each clue just reveals more we don't know. Then we are involved with this secret group led by Areal and Janiven. Yet after the play some of us are well known. He does that help the cause. I don't understand it.
------------------------
At the playhouse Tal smiles in bitter memories as the pain of the performance washes over him. The pain and suffering they endured just for the nobility to be entertained appalled him. It was at times like this that he somewhat agreed with Caldazar and wished the whole place would burn down with the nobles inside. Yet that would do no good as a new group of nobility would just take their place and be just as corrupt. If there was to be a real solution, Tal would have to find someone in the city that held power but was not corrupted by it yet. Then the people would acknowledge that power as legitimate and Tal would be at ease knowing that the right people were in place.
Shaking his head to clear the thoughts Tal focuses on the matter at hand. When Robahl called for a break he moves up to the esteemed director. Afternoon, master Robahl. I see that there are others who are following in my disastrous footsteps. If anyone can make an actor out of someone it is you though. How goes it since the performance?
Diplomacy
After some small chi-chat Tal comes to the point of his visit. Mster Robahl, I am here on some matters of importance that I thought you would be perfectly suited for. I obtained a copy of a poem that is said to hide some hidden meaning in it. I was hoping that you could read it for me and see if you old find the cypher built within it. Of course you were the first person I thought of to try. if he is willing Tal gives him the copy of Cugny's Wedding.
Pollux disturbs me, no doubt nothing new to your group. Caldazar seems to be not very friendly with Areal's group.
As for the troubles, Areal asked me to come to lend you a hand since he thought you needed some back-up. Frankly while the common people of Westcrown are in dire need of help, the upper class who revel in these murderplays are in need of the cleansing flame of Sarenae. I know that redemption and forgiveness is foremost in the teachings but there is also the time when the rot has to be burnt out.
Trevor gives Robahl a respectful nod. Indeed sire, this poem is a classic and if it indeeds holds some hidden lines then we believe you are the man to figure them out.
Still with Trevor...
Yet if that is the case with the nobility, what happens when the rot is removed? Unless taken care of and treated well the rot will return. By moving the nobles we would just create a void for other rot to take its place. I admit that I am woefully ignorant when it comes to the nobility and the power struggle involved, but there has to be someone that we can trust to take over if the rot is removed. Sure.y not Pollux as he is too deranged and Caldazar is consumed with purging the nobility. Does Areal or Janiven seek to claim the power or would they turn it over to someone else. These thoughts have been bothering me of late.
Keeping an eye out as they continue to make sure there are not others following them or listening in on their conversation Tal continues. What about yourself though? What do you see happening as we continue on in our quest to free the night? Or have we gotten too involved with matters talking about nobility that we have lost sight of our main purpose. Who are we to be worrying about the nobility. Shouldn't we be concerned enough as it is with the shadows in the night? Even more basic of a question, are we going about this the right way. Why not just fund to have eternal flames cast on every street corner to light the streets at night.
walking a few more steps, Tal looks up at the sunlit sky, Maybe I am just weary of this and concerned for my wife. I would sleep better if I knew that she was protected and the group could protect her.
You have good points, getting 'good' nobility into Westcrown is a problem considering that we are in Cheliax, even having some who have a 'If city is prosperous then I have lots of nice food, toys and stuff so keep the crime under control'mentality would be a change for the better.
Indeed, trying to change the nobility would mean getting conections, wealth and power that we do not have. The Eternal Flame idea has merit, if we can learn who makes them we can comission them. In fact my miracles allow me to create light that lasts practicaly forever so a rock on a pole can work just as well. Of course, they would no doubt get torn down unless permission was gained to set them up, but we will cross that bridge when we get to it.
once we get done then with this trip, we need to ask Areal and Janiven if there are any nobles in town tht are sympathetic to our cause. If so then we can approach them and work through them. Of course this would mean that the group would not be as covert as now. But as I said, I am already known from the play. How much more well known will we all be if we succeed in our efforts...dealing with dead pathfinders, night beasts, Delvehaven are just a few of things that we would gain notoriety for and not always the good type. Thus, I would like it even more if a noble house was linked to us as I could get more protection for Lily. Perhaps see her reside and work at the nobles place. Surely that would be better than now, right?
Caldazor would no doubt rather yank his teeth out with his fingers first. Trevor chuckles.
Testing the waters to see if we can get a few more lamps up seems to be a good idea. Perhaps near where your wife works. Work on the noble's ego and have some ribbon cutting ceremony for the magic torches.
Eventually the devil head stops screaming and seems even well disposed to the madman. Sharing stories of glories past Pollux finds out that she came to Darghentu's possession by means of a gamble. He used to drag her along everywhere even inside Delvehaven for the short spree that he was there. You get the feeling that she's quite knowledgeable about Delvehaven up to a point if her psychosis can be handled.
Robahl glares at the pair of you before snapping back at his victims on stage . "LUNCH! IF A FULL BELLY CAN'T CONVINCE YOUR LUNGS TO GIVE OFF MORE THAN A MERE WHIMPER YOU CAN GO BACK TO SERVING IT! BE BACK IN AN HOUR!"
Then turning to you he says. "Ah, yes, while it is certainly nice to be paid a visit I hope you understand my time is precious."
"Now you wished for me to take a look at a poem. Boy I am a director surely you have not been bashed so hard in that helmeted head to forget this fact." He sighs as he scratches his bald head adn wringles his mustache. "But very well I'll take a look at this poem. Hand it over."
Taking the poem he looks it over and mouths out the words. "Hmmmm 12 meters when there should be 11. A poem within a poem. Yes, if you take the syllables out it creates a whole nother poem that references some kind of society. Would be clever if both poems weren't so terrible. Gods! Could you have at least brought me a coded poem written by someone with an ounce of art in their soul?"
No doubt they out-smarted themselves in that regard. So what information did these manglers of prose cram in there?
Prior with Trevor...
Why yes, in regards to Caldazar perhaps we should ask when he is not around just to be on the safe side. Would you do the talking for me though. You seem to have a better way with words than I do. After too long talking I get frustrated and want to go hit something instead.
-----------------------------------
Tal does his best to keep from smiling at the verbal abuse by the director. Instead he tries to humble himself and thank Robahl for his precious time. No, sir I have not forgotten that you are a director but yes I have taken one too many hits to the head recently considering the six fold trials and all. However I thought that one learned as yourself would be able to figure this out. It takes someone with skills that I do not possess at all, such as yourself. At least I was right in thinking that you would be able to help me. How can I make it up to you for your precious time. Perhaps let me pay for a meal catered in so you can stay here and work?
Tal will pick up the cost of the meal providing it isn't too extravagant
"Haven't a clue. Also this is not prose. And gods why am I even bothering to argue with you over that. If you want more you'll have to find someoen who actually knows what the poem is referring too. Lots of jargon I suspect and apparently some location I don't recognize. Try asking the actual poet! Or perhaps someone in whatever "Society" it blithers about. So, times up! Pleasant of you to visit Tal, and Tal's idiotic friend but I've much to do and mountains of talentless lost souls to climb before the end of the day!" With that Robahl shoos you away and calls someone over to discuss the beaten script in his hands.
Trevor sighs and walks away with Tal. Society. No doubt the Pathfinder's considering there is one camping at the shrine. He says when they are far enough away. There is something about a location so we can work on that. Perhaps finding the remains of the other pathfinders at the Massacre House can clue us in.
No problems taking the lead talkling.
Luccas and Bloodsport: You happen to know of a semi-legal gladiator ring at the edge of Westcrown's ruins run by a scion of House Luccas. An interesting place where combatants fight by summoning creatures into the arena to slaughter one another. Since no creature actually dies it circumvents the city's ban on gladiatorial events.
I would agree that the reference to the 'society' is the pathfinders. The real question is if Ailyn is willing to help us at all with it or is Ailyn going to just stand by the side again. I know what Ailyn said about staying undercover and not having an actual Pathfinder presence here, but if the reference is to the Society then we might need Ailyn with us. Once this poem thing is finally figured out then I agree that we go visit the Massacre House. Seems like the most natural place for me to go, either that or see if I can't weasel myself into fighting in this bloodsport pit. Perhaps if I tell them that I am the infamous actor from the six-fold trial they will call it another acting performance to get around the ban on actual people fighting?
No problems taking the lead talking.
Thanks Trevor. You know I think that as long as we stick together we might get some things accomplished around here.
The arena deals mostly with summoning it seems, I have some ability to summon creatures but they will last less than a minute. We would no doubt be fighting experianced summoners so layering you with protective magic seems to be a good move.
But that is if we can talk this Luccas into letting me participate. I have no doubt that I can withstand any summon that a conjurer would throw at me. If nothing else I could go defensive and make them move to get around my shield limiting the number of attacks coming my way. Between my shield and my armor I am well protected. I worry more about the three of you when ever we have to fight as you are all too exposed and unprotected for my tastes.
If Luccas is not willing to have me fight, then we will have to rely on your summons and somehow find a way to ensure that you win. I know nothing about such type of magic duels. Give me something more palatable such as a blade in my hand and I am happier for it. I suppose that a vist to Luccas is in order as well. We better get the others though as their talents might come in handy if it is a battle of magics.
Indeed, a mass of dogs nipping at heels can topple whatever is brought up. We will need to see what rule sthere are.
Trevor stomps off with Tal to the safehouse.
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Returning to the safehouse things seem much quieter. Mainly in part to most of the children making themselves scarce. And partly because Pollux greets you holding up the head and smiling with the rat perched atop it.
Ailyn herself muses for a moment about the poem and says. "Cutlass cove. Not far out of the city and apparently a cache is hidden a hundred yards from the shore. The door can be revealed with a wayfinder and opened by reciting Delvehaven's Oath. And before you ask, no I didn't bring a wayfinder nor have any idea what that oath is."
So we can get out of the city for a while at least. We'll need to get our hands on a wayfinder somehow. Tal and I have discussed going to the Massacre House and trying to get Tal involved in a little arena fighting, unless Pollux can call up creatures from other worlds to fight for us.
...unless Pollux can call up creatures from other worlds to fight for us.
"No. They tend to be too messy. I can do bats and spiders though. Oh and Castor has LOTS of friends and relations."
So let us head out to the Massacre House then. These people sound like nasty pieces of work so we should be ready for combat.
I am always ready for combat. Indeed, if Pollux can lead us there then let us not tarry any longer. Since Ailyn does not have the answer to the pass phrase for Delvehaven we must acquire it from one of the dead pathfinders using the candles. Once that is completed then we can find this hidden cache of the Pathfinders. What about you Pollux, are you ready to visit these people at the massacre house?
Turning to Ailyn, Areal, and Janiven Tal asks, Do any of you know where we could find a wayfinder? There has to be one around here that we can purchase somehow. If one is not for purchase then once we know where one is located we can try to take it by force if necessary. For the greater purpose and all of that reasoning if it helps someone's conscience.
@pollux: Fortunately pollux is only allowed to cast summon monster or summon nature ally spells and spells that directly support the summon critters. Fortunate because given the gladiatoria nature of the game the crowd might rip him to pieces for being unentertaining scum.
I'll update to the massacre house in the morning so take what preparation you can. HAve to set up and make the map and just got hime from a party i did not want to attend for a person I don't know. So naturally I drank. So please forgive me.
I will pray for some protection miracles and blessings. I have a full amount of healing available from the wand we found in the Knot.
If you, Caldazar and Pollux are fully rested and have your full complement of abilities then I say there is no time like the present.
Areal, would you be able to send someone over to my house and keep an eye on Lily for me. Have them tell her that 'some flowers bloom all the time' and she will let whoever it is enter. Ever since that assassin, I don't like having her be left unguarded for too long.
Turning back to the group Tal lifts his new razor sharp blade and clears the scabbard a few inches. You say anything funny about that pass phrase and you will feel the business end of this.
Without giving them another glance Tal goes to prepare his pack and ensure he has everything in it he needs.
Going through the ruins of westcrown to the northern reaches where the Sisters live.
The whole time you keep getting the sense of being watched. Shadows play at the corners of your eyes adn you continue to see shady characters give you a look and then disappear around a corner. Bird whistles, fake dog barks, and other faux animal noises follow you until about a hundred yards from the coven where all noise simply stops.
The building itsef is a simple one story afair with thick reinforced door on all four sides of the building. The walls themselves are thick and stone as well. No windows are in this building save the small slits in the door.
Trevor chants a spell and suddenly Pollux feels rather unwelcome.
Going through the ruins of westcrown to the northern reaches where the Sisters live.
Quote for context...
"No. They tend to be too messy. I can do bats and spiders though. Oh and Castor has LOTS of friends and relations."
New content.
"Also my friend here has told me lots and lots of stuff about the old days....She has even been inside Delvehaven and knows alllll kinds of things. Pity her head is a little full of screaming right now but if we could take her there I am sure she would remember lots."
Tal looks around at the shady characters as they pass through the streets of Westcrown daring them to approach and try something. Perhaps it was the countenance on each face that told them not to interfer. Maybe it was just seeing 4 armed men walking with a purpose unafraid in this part of the town. Regardless they were unmolested showing that the shady individuals had at least some wisdom this day.
When they arrived at the building Tal just stood there looking at what seemed to him nothing short of a well fortified keep. No windows were apparent and only one arrow slot in the reinforced door. Well, unless yu guys have a way to enter through solid walls or know of a roof access, it looks like it is the front door.
Assuming that no one has any alternative and with Trevor casting a protective spell, Tal will adjust his shield and head to the door. His new sword is in its sheath and he is holding his MW thieves tools should he need them. He takes his time going across allowing his comrades to further cast spells or do any preparation needed.
Perception check as he approaches
When Pollux mentions making a mess with Castor's relatives, Tal nods. If that works and is a valid option then we should pursue it. We will have to talk to this Lucas though to find out what the rules are and how we can best prepare and exploit them to our benefit. We also don't know if I can fight them or if we do indeed need your summons.
If you wish to talk to this Lucas before the approach to the Massacre House we can do that. I figured that visiting this house would be quicker and require less planning and knowledge than the gladiator pit. This is especially true if you can prent the head of that thing to them and they let us in to get the ashes. Make them believe that we are brethren and on the same side. Charm them and appeal to their nature. Less problems that way if we can do it peaceful like. Of course do you know how to make the head quiet or behaive?
Unfortunately, I did not think of preparing a prayer thoat would let me mold stone
@Pollux: They're dealing with the murder nuns right now to see if they have a dead pathfinder to talk to.
@Tal: You notice no watching eyes, or malevolent characters as you approach the door.
@Trevor: Trevor's right. This part of the AP ends at 7th.
The head speaks.
Tal moves forward till he gets to the door. Once there he looks for a sign, placard, or anything of note. He also takes a look for any traps that might be there as well.
perception
He looks to Pollux with the erinyes head and the rest for direction. Alright guys, we are here. I will let you do the talking with me next to the door should things go south.
Trevor braces himself and walks up to the door. Not sure if hammering on the door is safe, he instead addresses it.
Sisters of Eiseth! We wish to speak with the head of your order and make a request.
The metal slot in the door opens briefly and a pair of dark feminine eyes appear in them with a soft feminine voice. "Leave or suffer the consequences."
The slot slams shut just as quickly.
Time for the devil head Pollux.
Tal resumes inspecting the door and the surroundings. For the threat to be valid they would have to be able to threaten them from the safety of inside the building. As such he looks for other arrow slits, murder holes, traps or other ways they could be attacked.
Perception
If the only opening Tal still sees is the slot in the door Tal shakes his head in disbelief. Those fools, all I need to do is cover the slot with my shield and they can't do anything to us. They are blind to us as we are to them. Yet it gives us time to unlock the door. It may give them time to prepare as well for us but at lest we will be inside and not have to fight our way through the door.
Although not one to shy away from confrontation, at this time Tal figured it would be better to leave and come back when they were prepared for what they now knew. The trip Wasnt wasted as they had gotten some reconnaissance done. Caldazar, Trevor and Pollux would know which spells to have available or preparations necessary. They could fill Caldazar in on the details thus far. N e meantime they might as well find this Luccas fellow and see what this summoning contest was all about.
Leaving the head at home with strict, and promptly ignored orders to guard my stuff.
"Are we going to see dreams shatter against the Tin wall now?"
Tucking the new wand of (?) into his sleeve the merry band sets off to see the violence inherent in the system
That is fine by me Pollux. Although we will have to see what happens once we get there. I am hoping that we can convince this Luccas to let me participate.
Tal will continue on then with Pollux and Trevor to Luccas to find out what we have to do.
First thing in the morning you go to the northern edge of town just outside the ruins. The Devildrome is a fairly large domed building.
Armed men patrol here and one gives your well armed group a rather studying look before he approaches you and puts a hand up to halt Tal in his tracks. "Hold up right there."
He reaches behind him never taking his eyes off Tal and pulls something from his pocket.
He pulls his arm around and you see an object in each hand. In one is a pencil nub. In the other is a worn copy of a pamphlet spread to advertise the Six Trials of Larazod.
"Would you mind signing this? My kid's really into it you see."
Tal stops immediately as the armed patrol moves up to the group. It isn't that he is too worried about what will happen as he knows it is usually easier to comply initially than to resist. Still, different scenarios were running in his head on how to escape the situation without too much of a scene or blood being spilt. Normally he would be itching for a fight, but not out in the open like this.
It was with a sigh of relief that the man pulled out the pencil nub and the pamphlet yet it was unnerving at the same time. Too many people knew him and he stuck out in the crowd too easily. I would be happy to sign it for your kid. What's his name?
Looking at the armed men before him, Tal makes no move to draw his sword instead he asked the man before him. Do you have a dagger I could borrow for a moment. With your permission I will cut a tip off the whip I carried with me in practice. Tell your son to use it as a book mark when he is reading as he will need to know how to read well if he wants to be on stage.
Once doen witht he autograph, Tal will ask the guy. So, what do you know of this place and of Mister Luccas?
Trevor just watches, wondering if a city that adores bloodplays is better off being cleansed by Sarenae's flame.
Hoping to curry more favor with the armored group, Tal points to Pollux and Caldazar. Perhaps autographs from some of the other actors as well? The mighty Larazod who faced the deadly lashings from myself. Or the cross dressing Krona perhaps . Tal shudders at the mention of it. I must admit, in the entire performance, the worst part was being kissed by that ugly face. I still have nightmares from it. Good thing there are lovely ladies that flock to see the survivors of the unsurvivable play that can take my mind off of the ordeal.
The man's expression and tone change little. Appearances are everyting in hsi job afterall but the little unmistakable ways he does thigns indicates excitement.
"Uh, yeah. You want to talk to Rance? Can't imagine why fancy actor types like you want to talk to him but sure, follow me. Due for a break anyway."
Leading you through the Devildrome you eventually come to a large office. After a brief knock and an exchange of words the guard leads you in. The initial expression on the man's face is annoyance but as soon as he recognizes you he brightens considerably and comes out from behind his desk to meet you.
He looks, for all intents and purposes like a man trying very hard to look like a pirate. His fashion is questionable given the ostentatious but perfectly symmetrical suits favored by Cheliaxian nobility. But Rance Luccas's off set wide brimmed hat, loose sleeves and pants, and long slightly unkempt hair might be considered scandalous in better company.
"Welcome! Welcome! What an unexpected surprise! Please have a seat!" Rance indicates a couple of chairs before his desk before grabbing a couple of others from the corner of the room to allow the rest of you to sit.
Trevor settles in and plans on lettings Tal and Cal take the lead since he is an unknown here.
The man's expression and tone change little. Appearances are everyting in hsi job afterall but the little unmistakable ways he does thigns indicates excitement.
"Uh, yeah. You want to talk to Rance? Can't imagine why fancy actor types like you want to talk to him but sure, follow me. Due for a break anyway."
Tal smiles at the absurdity of the situation. Here he was railing at the system for its corruptness with the nobility, yet he was enjoying the same perks that fame and popularity gave. Hoping to advance his position with the guard even further Tal takes on a conspiratorial tone. Wll if you must know, and this stays between you and me, the reason we are here is to possibly have a performance here. Drovalid, a survivor f the six-fold trial now performing at the Devildrome. We are trying to work out the details with Mister Luccas. Should we succeed in our venture, I am hoping that we will get free tickets. Then I would be able to give those tickets to my most loyal and devout fan. If news of this got out, I would be swarmed by all my fans and would not have a chance to award them to who I felt was most deserving and who helped me in my career. Tal purposely does not mention the man but leads him on to believe that he would be high in the running for such tickets.
Leading you through the Devildrome you eventually come to a large office. After a brief knock and an exchange of words the guard leads you in. The initial expression on the man's face is annoyance but as soon as he recognizes you he brightens considerably and comes out from behind his desk to meet you.
He looks, for all intents and purposes like a man trying very hard to look like a pirate. His fashion is questionable given the ostentatious but perfectly symmetrical suits favored by Cheliaxian nobility. But Rance Luccas's off set wide brimmed hat, loose sleeves and pants, and long slightly unkempt hair might be considered scandalous in better company.
"Welcome! Welcome! What an unexpected surprise! Please have a seat!" Rance indicates a couple of chairs before his desk before grabbing a couple of others from the corner of the room to allow the rest of you to sit.
Tal takes one of the chairs making sure not to rip them with his armor as he settles his weight down. Not wanting to beat around the bush with the proprietor, tal gets right to the point. I know you are surprised by our visit. We are here for 2 reasons that involve you. The first is we believe you hold the object, a piece of art, that we would wish to investigate for an extended period of time at our choosing. I know this request seems odd so I here is my second reason for approaching you.
Tal stands up to his full height, I wish to have an encore performance as Drovalid participating in your establishment. We would need to know the rules of the establishment to be certain of our involvement and I know that bloodsport is something that is not allowed in Westcrown but the six-fold trial was a farce of a play. It was as much bloodsport as acting, yet it was allowed. By billing this as an encore for Drovalid I hope to avoid any problems with the laws of Westcrown. Of course you and I would know that this is not a performance but a real competition. Imagine the publicity and the business this would generate for you. I would imagine that the resulting publicity would mean increased business for a longtime to come.[b]
[b]And then, should things start to slow down, Drovalid could return again to face another challenger as there will always be those who wish to face the might of Drovalid and test their abilities. Of course we will have to work out the specific arrangements and compensation for all parties involved and that is what these men are for. Not only to fine tune the arrangements but to also ensure my safety during the 'performance'. What do you think of the idea?