The Crucible, Scribblings from the Blight (Inactive)

Game Master Zesdead

Party Health
Eliseera Tulman: 10/44HP
Tella Street: 11/23HP
Varian "The Stirge": 13/55HP

Maps
The Great Windmill


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Female Human Rogue (Unchained) 7; hp 44/44; AC 15, T 13, FF 12 ; Init +2; F+3, R +8, W +4; Perc +11

Sense Motive vs Bluff DC 31: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29 While she had no chance to beat that DC I figured why not roll here?

Elsie raises an eyebrow at Varian's protestations but does not raise an objection. Hmmm, did I misjudge him? He is very hard to read.

She gives Tella a reassuring smile and takes the young woman's hand. "I would love to see your flat!" She nods respectfully to Lord Varian, "Very well. On the morrow then?"

Once they have arrived at the residence Elsie gives the interior a look-over, nodding in approval at the simple, yet elegant furnishings. "I would love some wine if you have any to spare." Taking a seat on one of the divans she gives Tella a curious look. "I hope this investigation has not proven too taxing on you...and I understand why you decided to flee. I was so sure I had The Grinder subdued!" She shudders briefly as the images flood her mind again, and she takes a long draught of wine. "Without you, we would all be resting in the Lyme now."


HP: 14/23 | AC: 19/17/13 | F +2, R +8, W +7 | Per:+10, Init: +5 | 1st: 7/8 2nd: 7/7 3rd: 0/5

My Headcanon for Tella's flat:

First, it's spacious, though not quite lavishly so. There are a few minor magic items, namely taps that create water and a small pantry that keeps wine at the perfect temperature and humidity. There's a large living room, a kitchen with a dining area, and a couple of large bedrooms.

Second, because she has mending, it's in good repair which, form what I understand, is almost unheard of in the Blight. Things are actually nice instead of just looking nice-ish. The divans, as well as most of other furniture, is sinfully comfortable. There's also several bright paintings and a few statuettes brightening things up. There's a definite trend towards pastoral scenes and songbirds.

Third, there is a stand for music and her violin in the living room, all of which look well used.

Of course, this is subject to GM approval. As I said, this is my headcanon.

Tella is more than happy to share a bottle of wine, even letting Eliseera pick from the variety of vintages she has. After a little time to get the both of them clean, ("...I think I've got something long enough for your to change into after you're done bathing...") she settles into other divan with a wine glass in one hand and setting a plate of finger foods on the table between them next to the bottle of wine.

"It's been a long time since I've used so much of my power. It hasn't been so long since I last lost my temper like that," she says. "Sometimes my fiendish side comes out, and, well. It tends to happen when dealing with the worst this damned blight of a city has to offer. I am not proud of it, and I try my best to overcome it, to prove that I am in control, not my ancestry. I want to help others, but I feel that sometimes fate played a cruel joke on me. Today was the first time I was so sorely pressed and injured. Not mention my poor clothes," she gives a snort of amusement at that, "I am sorry for making you worry, though, and I am glad that I was able to save us from Sister Lyme's embrace. I just don't want to be alone tonight, and I'm sorry for being so selfish."


Female Human Rogue (Unchained) 7; hp 44/44; AC 15, T 13, FF 12 ; Init +2; F+3, R +8, W +4; Perc +11

Elsie savors the fine vintage of the wine and leans backs in the divan. "You need not berate yourself Tella. I went through much the same...learning experience earlier in my life. Dealing with the Blight requires you to use ALL the resources you have available to you. Including those parts of yourself you may not enjoy." She is then quiet for a few moments before adding softly, "It is nigh impossible to deal with this place by yourself...why I travel with Darc usually. Have you considered partnering up with anyone?"


HP: 14/23 | AC: 19/17/13 | F +2, R +8, W +7 | Per:+10, Init: +5 | 1st: 7/8 2nd: 7/7 3rd: 0/5

"Not since I was lucky enough to get off the streets," Tella admits. "Most of the time, my work isn't this, ah, exciting. You're right, though. I do need to consider partnering with someone. I have thought about leaving, though. I could certainly afford it."


Female Human Rogue (Unchained) 7; hp 44/44; AC 15, T 13, FF 12 ; Init +2; F+3, R +8, W +4; Perc +11

Elsie is quiet, a thoughtful look on her face. "I would say we do work well together as a team, along with Varian and Darc. If you are interested in working with me I am sure we can find plenty of opportunities here...though you do bring up an intriguing idea in leaving the Blight, I have also toyed with the idea...yet every time I feel the urge, I find it never stays very long..." She responds slowly.


HP: 14/23 | AC: 19/17/13 | F +2, R +8, W +7 | Per:+10, Init: +5 | 1st: 7/8 2nd: 7/7 3rd: 0/5

"I think I'd like that," Tella says softly. She takes a sip of her wine and then brightens up.

"I'm tired of being melancholy, however. We have wine, we have food, and I can always fix more. Things can't be dreary all the time, even in the Blight. There's surely some funny tale or three that you can tell. I have a few as well, if you'd like to hear them."

I'm fine with moving on whenever. I think we can flextime this if needed.


Female Human Rogue (Unchained) 7; hp 44/44; AC 15, T 13, FF 12 ; Init +2; F+3, R +8, W +4; Perc +11

Flex-time works for me, as it gives me time to work on some funny tales to tell, he he.


Male Half-Elf Occultist (Panoply Savant) 8 / Swashbuckler (Inspired Blade) 1 | HP 86/86 | AC:31 T:18 FF:24 CMD:24 | F+9 R+7 W+11 (+13 vs enchantment) | Init+9 | Perc+14

After finishing his inspection of the fiery orbs, he hands them both to the others, and then brings Darc to the Red Dragon. As he enters the inn, it becomes obvious that Darc is a familiar face around here, which makes it easy to do the transfer. "I don't know what manner of poison afflicts him, but he seems to be in a deep sleep. Still breathing, and his heartbeat seems steady. I imagine rest will be the biggest priority, the ministrations of a cleric would no doubt be beneficial."

Once Darc is settled in, Lord Varian puts together a note, written in a refined hand.

Tella and Eliseera,

The events aboard the Limpet have left me shaken, as they also shook Tella. From what I have seen, Darc is also incapacitated, and may not be able to continue on. In view of these events, I hesitate to continue such a direct role in this investigation, at peril to my own life. Rest assured I will continue to apply the resources of my station in investigating these fiery attacks. I will keep you informed of anything I learn through my investigative channels.

Be safe.

Lord Varian LeFleur

He hands the note to the barkeep with instructions to pass the message on to Eliseera, knowing she is familiar to them. He then takes his leave. He finds a secluded place, and assumes his alter ego. Lord Varian becomes the Stirge once more. Needing only two hours of sleep a day, the Stirge hopes to have a chat with Lenice Quarn's family, to learn some details about her life and death, and perhaps glean something useful. It was quite strange how her body disappeared, even though at this point she was more an afterthought to this story.

Eventually, he gets some rest. In the morning, the Stirge waits outside the Red Dragon, waiting on Tella and Eliseera to enter and exit before making his introduction.

*Edit* - Eventually, he gets some rest. But the Stirge is sure to arrive outside Tella's flat in the morning, in order to meet them once again.

So I may have moved too quickly through time, but the above describes the general outlines of the plan to reappear as the Stirge once more. The side investigation of Lenice Quarn is mostly to maintain the illusion that the Stirge has been doing something useful with his time. It's not necessary in my view to play it out in any detail, especially while Tella and Eliseera are waiting.


HP: 14/23 | AC: 19/17/13 | F +2, R +8, W +7 | Per:+10, Init: +5 | 1st: 7/8 2nd: 7/7 3rd: 0/5

Oh dear, at least it's not in her bedroom, though that'd be hilarious to play out.


Lord Varian’s investigations into Lenice Quarn’s life reveal little that wasn’t already known to the group – although his visit to her parents does at least reassure them that something is actively being done about her disappearance. Indeed, the mere presence of the well-spoken – and clearly rather affluent – Lord goes someway to the parents agreeing to temporarily halt the rather vicious legal proceedings that they were preparing against the Honourable and Most Holy Guild of Crematoria Masters.

After having made his farewells to the Quarns, Lord Varian decides that the time for gentle persuasion, investigation and diplomacy are over… and so, having done enough to protect his dual identity, it is the Stirge that meets Tella and Eliseera the following morning.

So… where are your investigations going to take you next?


HP: 14/23 | AC: 19/17/13 | F +2, R +8, W +7 | Per:+10, Init: +5 | 1st: 7/8 2nd: 7/7 3rd: 0/5

Tella wears a sturdier outfit than she had yesterday. As she walks out with a canteen of coffee, she is startled by The Stirge standing right outside her door.

"WAAGH!"

Canteen of Coffee (Touch): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

The insulated canteen falls to the floor of the hallway just outside of her flat and spills the coffee with cream and six and a half sugars.

"What are you trying to do? Frighten me to death," she asks the tall, masked man as she clutches her heart.


Female Human Rogue (Unchained) 7; hp 44/44; AC 15, T 13, FF 12 ; Init +2; F+3, R +8, W +4; Perc +11

Elsie handles the appearance of the stirge with a tad more aplomb, though her hand does stray to the hilt of her rapier. "Good morning Stirge. To what do we owe this pleasure? We are rather busy at the moment so if this is a social call then you will need to return at a later time."

Elsie votes heading to the Windmills...I suspect investigating the Family directly may prove rather hazardous...


HP: 14/23 | AC: 19/17/13 | F +2, R +8, W +7 | Per:+10, Init: +5 | 1st: 7/8 2nd: 7/7 3rd: 0/5

I'm fine with the Windmills.


The Windmills are one of the first landmarks that visitors to Castorhage arriving by sea will encounter - should the canker lift for long enough to see them. Indeed, you can see them from most eastern parts of the city - vast places built on manmade islands in the river. Many of them have burnt down, or been blown over, or fallen, but there must be a good score of the old structures left.

You can attempt some Knowledge (Local) Checks to find out more about the Windmills.

Also... you might need to work out how you are getting out to the Windmills.


Female Human Rogue (Unchained) 7; hp 44/44; AC 15, T 13, FF 12 ; Init +2; F+3, R +8, W +4; Perc +11

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12


Male Half-Elf Occultist (Panoply Savant) 8 / Swashbuckler (Inspired Blade) 1 | HP 86/86 | AC:31 T:18 FF:24 CMD:24 | F+9 R+7 W+11 (+13 vs enchantment) | Init+9 | Perc+14

The Stirge straightens up after leaning against the railing of the stairs in a waiting pose. "Me? Scare you, Tella? I just showed up here in person. You, on the other hand, appear inside people's minds. Can't just close you eyes and pretend Tella's not there." The Stirge still appears with his shadowy hat, leaving his facial features indistinct as the spell Penumbral Disguise. Yet you get the feeling he is grinning. "Anyway, it took you long enough to get up this morning. As for why I'm here, it's simple. I'm here to stop you from messing up this investigation further. Or did really think it was smart to send the best lead we had down into the Lyme without first questioning him? Daytime work is not my style, but I'm making a special exception for you folk."

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18


Female Human Rogue (Unchained) 7; hp 44/44; AC 15, T 13, FF 12 ; Init +2; F+3, R +8, W +4; Perc +11

Elsie flinches slightly at the words from the vigilante. How did he know of our travails? Did he visit Darc at the Red Dragon?

Turning a cutting tone into her voice, she gives the vigilante a cold look. "If you believe you can find the answer more quickly than us, then feel free to do so! As for the Grinder, he refused to go quietly and indeed had little care for his own survival. Perhaps you would care to question him further?"


HP: 14/23 | AC: 19/17/13 | F +2, R +8, W +7 | Per:+10, Init: +5 | 1st: 7/8 2nd: 7/7 3rd: 0/5

"He consigned himself to that fate," Tella agrees with Eliseera as she picks up her canteen and sighs. "As for being scarier than you," she snaps her fingers and The Stirge feels something working on the fabrics and leathers of his outfit.

If The Stirge fails a DC 15 Will check:

The dark colors brighten and change to the bright pastel colors and floral brocade favored by the women of the Taldane nobility.

"I guess I am scarier than you now."


Male Half-Elf Occultist (Panoply Savant) 8 / Swashbuckler (Inspired Blade) 1 | HP 86/86 | AC:31 T:18 FF:24 CMD:24 | F+9 R+7 W+11 (+13 vs enchantment) | Init+9 | Perc+14

"If I could speak with the dead, I would question the Organ Grinder further." grumbles the Stirge.

Will vs mind-affecting: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

As he speaks, he looks down, suddenly finding himself dressed like a woman in bright colors! He starts to brush at his clothes, as if hoping to get it off. "Gah! What've you done?" It takes a few moments before he realizes what Tella must have done. "Looks like we agree, Tella. You're the scary one alright. While I look like a smurf now." He spends a few more moments admiring his apparent new outfit.

Humbled by the experience, he seems more willing to talk frankly. "So here's the deal. I'll play nice with you, 'cause I'm fresh out of leads. As much as I hate to say it, I need you guys. In return, I keep you safe, and let the scary girl do her thing. We can put a stop to this together. Deal?" He extends an arm for a handshake.


HP: 14/23 | AC: 19/17/13 | F +2, R +8, W +7 | Per:+10, Init: +5 | 1st: 7/8 2nd: 7/7 3rd: 0/5

"Oh, I think you look charming," Tella says with a smile. After giving him a few moments, she asks, "Would you like to remain like that or would you like me to change things back?"

It was a prestidigitation spell. I'm pretty sure that's not a mind-affecting spell, not that it matters.


Male Half-Elf Occultist (Panoply Savant) 8 / Swashbuckler (Inspired Blade) 1 | HP 86/86 | AC:31 T:18 FF:24 CMD:24 | F+9 R+7 W+11 (+13 vs enchantment) | Init+9 | Perc+14

Oh, that makes sense. Do I even get a will save for that? Doesn't change the result, of course.

"Er, yes, please change it back. I can't have the Stirge's name be associated with such fashions."


HP: 14/23 | AC: 19/17/13 | F +2, R +8, W +7 | Per:+10, Init: +5 | 1st: 7/8 2nd: 7/7 3rd: 0/5

Will negates. It's my favorite cantrip for all of the things it can do.

"Very well then. Try not to resist it, otherwise we might be here all day," Tella replies before snapping her fingers again and changing things back.


Female Human Rogue (Unchained) 7; hp 44/44; AC 15, T 13, FF 12 ; Init +2; F+3, R +8, W +4; Perc +11

Elsie pouts, "Ohhh...Tella, I thought he looked adorable", as she extends her hand in reconciliation to the man she adds in a sweet voice, "We definitely need to visit the Bazaar once this sordid business is completed!"


Male Half-Elf Occultist (Panoply Savant) 8 / Swashbuckler (Inspired Blade) 1 | HP 86/86 | AC:31 T:18 FF:24 CMD:24 | F+9 R+7 W+11 (+13 vs enchantment) | Init+9 | Perc+14

The Stirge rolls his eyes at the thought. "Shall we go then?" he says, impatiently.


HP: 14/23 | AC: 19/17/13 | F +2, R +8, W +7 | Per:+10, Init: +5 | 1st: 7/8 2nd: 7/7 3rd: 0/5

"Of course," Tella says before explaining what the plan was.


Tella hasn't made a roll for Knowledge about the Windmills... feel free to roll a Knowledge (Local).

The Stirge knows a little about the Windmills; that most were built about seventy years ago. The mills were supposed to replace water power for the millers but they were quickly obsolete as the larger millers had no hesitance to use the accursed, fleshgines or foul driven treadmills in their place. The Windmills milled their last over forty years ago...

...and, on the subject of Fleshgines; Fleshgines are constructs of flesh combined with other materials designed for a specific purpose. They might pump water from a city’s reservoirs into rooftop cisterns to supply the inhabitants with running water, or they may lift or pull — anything a humanoid body can do. But fleshgines are built to improve upon a humanoid’s ability through modification and vast strength. While they are not uncommon in Castorhage, they often operate out of sight; their disturbing appearance being something the civilized locals choose not to acknowledge.


HP: 14/23 | AC: 19/17/13 | F +2, R +8, W +7 | Per:+10, Init: +5 | 1st: 7/8 2nd: 7/7 3rd: 0/5

Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25


Tella, through her years in Castorhage, somehow also knows a little of the Windmills out in the bay where the Lyme disgorges into the sea - in particular, she has heard how awkward it was to land at them and how that led to their failure. Now, they’re places best avoided: pirates, smugglers, briny-boys, golem-stitchers, and even sea-devils are rumoured to populate them - indeed, one of the things that made them so awkward is now one of their strengths. For those with nefarious aims, they are handy bases for keeping outta sight if you want to do unseen things.

So, how do you plan on getting out to the Windmills? Happy for you to RP hiring, buying or otherwise obtaining some kind of vessel.


Male Half-Elf Occultist (Panoply Savant) 8 / Swashbuckler (Inspired Blade) 1 | HP 86/86 | AC:31 T:18 FF:24 CMD:24 | F+9 R+7 W+11 (+13 vs enchantment) | Init+9 | Perc+14

"The windmills . . ." says the Stirge thoughtfully, as if he had only heard the suggestion for the first time. "Well, if the windmills is what we're after, we're gonna have to find ourselves a boat. Wanna head to the docks to see what's on offer?"


Female Human Rogue (Unchained) 7; hp 44/44; AC 15, T 13, FF 12 ; Init +2; F+3, R +8, W +4; Perc +11

Elsie nods briskly, "We could also see about checking in with the Watch first. They may also be able to provide us a boat."

We could kill two birds with one stone here.


HP: 14/23 | AC: 19/17/13 | F +2, R +8, W +7 | Per:+10, Init: +5 | 1st: 7/8 2nd: 7/7 3rd: 0/5

"And to follow up on Mahaas and that guard," Tella adds.


Male Half-Elf Occultist (Panoply Savant) 8 / Swashbuckler (Inspired Blade) 1 | HP 86/86 | AC:31 T:18 FF:24 CMD:24 | F+9 R+7 W+11 (+13 vs enchantment) | Init+9 | Perc+14

The Stirge shakes his head. "You guys really believe in the Guard, don't you. Alright, go for it, we'll see what happens."

-Posted with Wayfinder


Going to let you deal with Mahaas / Festival Watch and then get you a boat and out to the Windmills.

Their plan agreed, the group make their way to the banks of the Lyme and, joining the slow moving crowd that wanders at a frustratingly slow pace along the shoreline, finally arrive at the Chain Ferry. Suddenly appearing through the morning fog, the huge vessel is already crowded with festival folk coming to the 'mainland' to go about their daily business... and, no sooner has the boat disgorged its cargo then the whirligig music of the boat strikes up a tune that no-one would consider jaunty and the boat starts to fill with those who would head to Festival at such an hour. The Stirge, of course, remains hidden throughout the ten minute journey to the island... rejoining Tella and Eliseera as they make their way to the quayside tower of the Festival Watch.

Sat at the desk, dressed in the signature grey and green uniform of the Festival Watch, an officer watches the group enter, "Good morning to you folk... May I help you?"


HP: 14/23 | AC: 19/17/13 | F +2, R +8, W +7 | Per:+10, Init: +5 | 1st: 7/8 2nd: 7/7 3rd: 0/5

"Yes, I'm looking for Officer Grast. Is he about? He took in a man named Mahaas and we wanted to ask both of them some questions," Tella says to the officer. "I'm an investigator and do a lot of work with the Watch, if that helps ease your fears about breaking protocol."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15


Female Human Rogue (Unchained) 7; hp 44/44; AC 15, T 13, FF 12 ; Init +2; F+3, R +8, W +4; Perc +11

"Yes, you may let him know we have learned some additional information which I am sure Officer Grast would be most interested in learning." Elsie adds in a respectful tone.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34


Male Half-Elf Occultist (Panoply Savant) 8 / Swashbuckler (Inspired Blade) 1 | HP 86/86 | AC:31 T:18 FF:24 CMD:24 | F+9 R+7 W+11 (+13 vs enchantment) | Init+9 | Perc+14

Before they go in, the Stirge mentions something. "Eliseera, Tella, just so you know, the blindness Mahaas experienced -- I can remove it. So if you want to get some info out of him in exchange, you can make him that offer. If he believes you."

Blindness/Deafness is dismissible.

The Stirge just stays outside while Eliseera and Tella make their way in to the Watch. He keeps his eyes and ears open for any intriguing news. Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28


Tella Street wrote:
"Yes, I'm looking for Officer Grast. Is he about? He took in a man named Mahaas and we wanted to ask both of them some questions,"

As a reminder, it was 'Acting Captain Pleasant Fumitory' who took Mahaas into custody - although it is Officer Grast who is in charge of the Festival Watch - and to whom the Organ Grinder made multiple references to.

The officer behind the desk scowls briefly at the mention of Mahaas, but refers only to the friends' request to meet with Grast, "Officer Grast is a busy man... happens that he's in a meeting right now. Say, you folks leave your names and drop around later on this evening? I'll make sure he's got some time to hear what you have to say"

GM Only:
Watch Officer, Bluff: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Sense Motive DC24:
The officer isn't being entirely truthful here - there is some kind of ulterior motive in his request for the group to come back later.


Female Human Rogue (Unchained) 7; hp 44/44; AC 15, T 13, FF 12 ; Init +2; F+3, R +8, W +4; Perc +11

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

Elsie raises her eyebrow on the request, glancing at Tella briefly before turning her attention back to the officer.

Sooo close :( I will wait for Tella to respond here before continuing.


HP: 14/23 | AC: 19/17/13 | F +2, R +8, W +7 | Per:+10, Init: +5 | 1st: 7/8 2nd: 7/7 3rd: 0/5

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21 :|

Tella frowns at that bit of news then leans in a little closer.

"Perhaps I was not clear. I am Investigator Tella Street. I've worked many times with the watch before. I am currently investigating some incidents that have involved the uncontrolled use of fire of some unnatural origin and murders using said fire. I will be speaking to officer Grast. Now. I don't care if you have to drag him out of a meeting with the Emperor of Taldor himself!"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 Well, this is about blow up in our faces.


Female Human Rogue (Unchained) 7; hp 44/44; AC 15, T 13, FF 12 ; Init +2; F+3, R +8, W +4; Perc +11

Elsie, noting the tone of the young woman changing, smoothly intercedes, "That's OK. We understand if the good Officer is busy and we can certainly return later. Would it be possible to interrogate Mahaas?"


The halfling officer, his nose twitching slightly and his brow wrinkling as Tella attempts to intimidate him, simply reaches for a bell on his desk and calmly rings it twice, "I thought I had made myself clear, Officer Grast is busy... he will be free later... and, as I said, I will let him know that you requested a meeting". As he talks there are noises coming from the rooms beyond the front desk... soon enough, there are a further three officers of the watch - all of whom are halflings and all with pinched features...

Perception DC12:
There seem to be familial similarities between all of the officers on duty here - it is likely that, in some way, they are all related.

These newly arrived officers busy themselves with straightening their uniforms and reviewing maps of Festival - they don't actively engage with the officer at the desk nor Elissera and Tella... but it is pretty obvious that they have been summoned to ensure the situation doesn't escalate.

Turning towards Eliseera, the officer at the desk adopts a mock politeness, "I'm afraid that I can't let you interview Mahaas without an Officer of the Watch escorting you... and we are all very busy. Maybe you can take up your request with Officer Grast this evening?"


Female Human Rogue (Unchained) 7; hp 44/44; AC 15, T 13, FF 12 ; Init +2; F+3, R +8, W +4; Perc +11

Elsie auto-succeeds on the Perception check.

Interesting...all related...something is swimming under the currents here, and I do NOT like it...Perhaps the Stirge may know of a wedge to drive in between them.

Elsie fixes a polite smile on her face and turns to withdraw from the room...Again giving Tella a chance to respond here.


Male Half-Elf Occultist (Panoply Savant) 8 / Swashbuckler (Inspired Blade) 1 | HP 86/86 | AC:31 T:18 FF:24 CMD:24 | F+9 R+7 W+11 (+13 vs enchantment) | Init+9 | Perc+14

The Stirge, keeping an eye out through a window, just shakes his head as he sees more officers heading into the room. "Should'a just left the blind bastard to rot in his home, at least he'd be easier to talk to."


HP: 14/23 | AC: 19/17/13 | F +2, R +8, W +7 | Per:+10, Init: +5 | 1st: 7/8 2nd: 7/7 3rd: 0/5

"I see, well then, Officer... What was you name," Tella asks in a voice as cold as ice. Before giving an exasperated sigh and dismissively waving her hand.

"Never mind, you aren't that important anyway and I have better things to do with my time than deal with the over-inflated ego of a half-pint half-wit," she says before turning to follow Eliseera out. As she does, she snaps her fingers.

If he fails a DC 15 Will save:

Every stitch on him and every hair on his head turns various shades of pastel pink. In bright sparkly letters, the words "Half-Pint Half-Wit" now emblazon both the front and back of his tabard over the muted coat of arms of the guard. A red rubber nose and a poorly made dunce hat also appear on his nose and head respectively.

Ah, Prestidigitation. Is there any more useful cantrip for making someone look like a fool?


Officer of the Watch, Will Save: 1d20 ⇒ 17, Saved

Despite her most playful, and suitably vindictive, efforts, Tella's spell fails to take hold... and so, having failed to meet with either Grast or with Mahaas, the group find themselves on the streets of Festival with precious few leads beyond those which point to the Great Windmills...

Onwards to the Great Windmills then? Hiring a boat or coercing someone into ferrying you there?


Male Half-Elf Occultist (Panoply Savant) 8 / Swashbuckler (Inspired Blade) 1 | HP 86/86 | AC:31 T:18 FF:24 CMD:24 | F+9 R+7 W+11 (+13 vs enchantment) | Init+9 | Perc+14

The shadowy figure rejoins the pair that exit from the watch. He has a smirk on his face, as if to say he was right all along. "Nice to see you again," says the Stirge. "Looks like you had another classic experience with the Watch. Just more proof that we need to take matters into our own hands. Windmills next? There are private ferries that take people to and from Festival. With enough coin, I bet one of them will take us to the windmills."


Female Human Rogue (Unchained) 7; hp 44/44; AC 15, T 13, FF 12 ; Init +2; F+3, R +8, W +4; Perc +11

"Yes a typical response." Elsie's response is curt, with a not of anger underneath. "Still we did learn this: The Grinder had deep pockets and was able to buy himself adequate protection."

When the Stirge mentions buying passage to the Windmills, she hesitates briefly before shrugging. "I see little that could go wrong, unless we end up stranded there by our transportation."

Elsie is OK with buying passage.


There are many enterprising folk offering passage, at preferential rates, across the Lyme from Festival... few however are willing to risk their vessel on the longer journey downstream and out into the bay. Mostly the group are given a firm and unequivocal 'No' when they ask although, on occasion, the reluctant boatsmen will go as far as to give reason for their refusal - the tide, sough-eels, heavy river traffic, the imperial navy... but what is surely underlying it all, is the fact that the trip out to the Windmills is treacherous and no good ever came out of those who had cause to travel there.

Eventually, having turned their attention to quays along the rougher parts of Festival, a scabrous man dressed and be-hatted in oil-skin finally agrees to the journey. The cost is scandalous, some ten gold crowns, yet the group have little option other than to pay it and try and make themselves comfortable in the small skiff... pushing out into the midday traffic of the Lyme, the group's pilot makes no attempt to engage in conversation nor to ask what business they have at the Windmills. Leaving the music and sounds of Festival behind, the boat is soon enveloped by a cloying fog that, despite the time of day, has yet to be burned off by the weak sun...

For two hours, maybe more, the boat is carried by a torpid current... moving past looming shapes in the Canker with only the occasional dulled church bell from the shore suggesting the Blight actually exists... until, salt air cutting through the fog, visibility increases and the eastern reaches of Castorhage can be seen - to the north, the last reaches of the Hollow and Broken Hills... and to the south, the endless slums of ToilTown.

As the bay broadens and the river is choked by the sea, skeletons scatter across its surface. Iron and scrimshaw and wood weather in the grip and spray of the salt sea, her brine air lashing these manmade places. They are windmills, and at least half a dozen of these are vast structures, ageing and in the most part being taken back by the sea ruins.

Talking, for the first time since he pushed away from shore, the boatsman asks which windmill, "In Particular..." the group are headed towards.


Female Human Rogue (Unchained) 7; hp 44/44; AC 15, T 13, FF 12 ; Init +2; F+3, R +8, W +4; Perc +11

Elsie recalls where the ledger recovered from the Organ Grinder's study showed where the deliveries of coal and timber were being made. "The great one at the Mouth of the Lyme...and could you be discreet about your approach?" She replies softly, her eyes scanning the area intently.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30


Grunting in acknowledgment, the boatsman pulls on his oars and brings the boat around towards the windmills... A vast dark shape looms from the water; like some primal dragon or kraken, it is monstrous and brooding. Its great sails hang ossified on her seaward side, barely moving in the wind. Whilst its flanks soar into the sky to nearly 130 feet, its feet grip the stone upon which it is built almost in desperation. This structure has a tiny footprint and virtually suffocates the rock upon which it perches.

A low jetty seems to be the only landing point on this strange outpost, yet even this looks a tricky proposition as the tide is rough and the rocks about it are jagged.

Perception DC20:
The water around the island seems far more populated than expected with the dark shapes that swim below.

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