Free to drop appearnces, Alice gives Jasmus some scratches over his long body. She follows the conversation with interest.
Aldencross - by Day -
James motions for one of the warriors to get parchment and ink. He returns quickly and Soren starts a rough draft. James reads what she has and grunts in agreement, "Finalize and we can sign it tonight, bad luck to sign such contracts by day".
"Where to begin...." James muses as he considers how to bring across all he and his followers have done as succinctly as possible.
He replies when Vaundour asks his question, "A combination of drow sleep poison and hemlock. Wonderful really".
His eyes scan the ceiling, "Ah, the project began once I fled from Ghastenhall. I knew that I got out before my "heresy" was discovered. I journeyed north seeking to find the very beings I had grown to admire.
My initial foray into the north went... poorly. Of all the terrible luck I was rescued by patrol led by Lord Havelyn himself from a group of Bugbears. I told him I was in search of glory and he brought me to Aldencross.
Settling in here I met Jack who sought to become a politician but he lacked the leadership to inspire others to follow him. Within him I knew that I had the ability to shape a local who would become great through my own machinations.
Based on the experience I had fleeing from the city of my birth it was clear that fear would be the best way to get the people to rally behind Jack as the leader of Aldencross. I had to have him become a local hero but could not afford to take any true risks to do so. Thus, I created a Cult of Asmodeus and framed many who were supporters of Lord Havelyn within the city. With my magic it was easy to do.
What I could not know was that Havelyn would object to Jack burning the conspirators without a trial. That pitted him against my local hero and prevented me from using Jack to get close to him. Havelyn distrusted Jack questioing his motives for burning them before a fair trial or thorough investigation could take place.
For years since I have been considering how best to infiltrate the Tower. Recently, I have discovered that the other Inn here in the city was once a brothel. And that brothel has a secret tunnel that connects to the Tower itself. I have been trying to buy the Lord's Dalliance Inn from Bellam Barhold but the bastard is unwilling to sell it to me even when I told him I would allow him to continue to run it. I was hoping to use it to stage raids into the Tower but for now access is denied me.
No doubt there are other angles here that I have overlooked as the daily routine of this place can grind one down and keeping my own secrets safe is paramount as you can all well understand.
Have you learned any interesting tidbits since arriving here? Perhaps with my own knowledge of the city I, or my men, can give insight into any such rumor that may prove useful".
"We heard quite a bit while mingling about the town, but I don't know how much of it would be of use. I heard a fair bit about the Lord of the Watch Wall--apparently he's quite the unhappy soul--and I'd already learned that Mayor Vance over here... well, I'd heard their version of the story about the Asmodean cult. Someone said something of a church choir, and complained about thieving dwarves. I also learned that the Watch Wall is apparently manned by about a hundred soliders, and that the barrister has been secluded in the tower with some supposedly 'unnatural' artifact." Soren still scribbles absentmindedly at the parchment with the pen, jotting down ideas for the formal revision of the contract to be signed later that night. "Do you know anything about that?"
Dropping his appearance Lothyrin listens intently, waiting until Soren has spoken he steps forward. One thing I have heard a rumor that some old lady named Mama Guissepppe makes a batch of beef stew for the men at the watchtower every monday. If it is true perhaps we might manage to sneak some of that lovely combination you were planning to use on us into it and wipe out many of the soldiers at once. Would certainly be a great step forward in the right direction and it would not be to challenging to blame such an act on some demon worshipping cult.
Aldencross - by Day -
Jack looks disappointed, "Mama Guissepppe's stew! Indeed, that is an excellent idea, I am sorry I did not think of it myself. Do we create yet another Cult with her a the head"?
James addresses the other 'rumors', "The Church Choir I know of but fail to see the relevance of, thieving dwarves are no doubt the workmen who some feel are taking jobs that could be given to some citizens here - thus far we have supported the dwarven presence but that could change. An unnatural artifact is interesting, I had not heard that".
It certainly would not be hard to connect her to poisoning the stew, especially if Sir Balin and an inquisitor of the Mitran faith investigates the incident and finds her at fault for the tragedy Lothyrin chuckles as he nods at Jack and Soren, Mitrans dying a tragedy, hilarious.
"Why give 'em time to try an' figure out what happened? If we're gonna poison 'em, seems like we should hit 'em before they can recover enough to look for someone to blame." Grumble shrugged.
Grumble does have a point, especially if we can time it right before our Bugbear army strikes, it would make the fight far easier on our forces. Lothyrin nods at Grumble.
Although, don't we want the gate open by the time they arrive? We might as well just poison them and clear out the tower, as far as I'm concerned. I'd venture a guess most of them will die from the poisoning, we'd only clear out a few. Do that a day or two before the army comes charging through and we'll have wiped our hands of it, the soldiers will be dead, and no one can stop us." She sighs, thinking for a moment. "Could we orchestrate something in town and pin it on the owner of the other inn? That could give us an easy way into the Tower after we've poisoned the soldiers. Or, do you know anything about him we could use against him somehow?"
Nate chimes in with a word of caution. "A hundred soldiers, plus commanders, plus leaders. Even with an advantage like that I don't fancy our chances."
"True, but with a poisoned meal ahead of time those who aren't sickened will likely be dead. Of course, we could always find a way into the tower to stack the odds further in our favor. You were there already, correct? Was there anything in particular we could do in case such an event came to pass? We could always sabotage their weapons and armor, but I'm more curious about other specifics." She looks to James, still musing on something. "You clearly have warriors of your own, I assume you would be willing to fight with us to deal with the soldiers in the tower?"
That's the point of Sakarotts horde is to deal with the soldiers. Nate thinks, but in sensitive company stays silent.
"If Sakkarot died, the whole horde would fall apart. If human armies work the same way, we should take out the folks in charge."
'Jack eyed James. "Who runs the show around here? Who are the ones who keep you folks from just doin' what you want?"
I am certain Lord Havelyn will be one of our higher priority targets, in fact he may be someone we want to eliminate earlier rather than later if he possesses that much control over the town. With him eliminated perhaps the mayor will have the most sway in town, especially if Balin and his Mitran troupe are backing him. Lothyrin looks off into a corner as he continues to think.
That brothel inn seems like a place to visit. It is not a brothel any more. Hmpf, I know that Morana.
"Father Donnagin apparently got into some trouble which has him at the Watch Wall so one of us could visit with him to put him on the proper path. And I recall hearing that that Captain Zack Eddarly might be looking for a wife. Both of those men sound like they are important."
Smiling at James, "Though this is a lovely inn one or more of us could relocate to then inn with the tunnel you mentioned."
Aldencross - by Day -
James nods to Lothryin, "Indeed. Lord Havelyn would be the best target of all. Captains Eddarly, Mott, Varning and Barhold would be the next in priority. After them I suppose Father Donnagin.
What about your cover story of looking for a sect of Asmodeus? Is that something you wish to present to Lord Havelyn?"
Jack chimes in, "A good idea my dear, having some of you stay the Lord's Dalliance to locate and secure that secret passage would be useful. How long before this army from the north comes near enough for a siege?"
"We weren't tellin' 'em we were lookin' for a sect of Asmodeus. Why would we put 'em on our own trail?" Jack scowled.
"We originally planned to state we were hunting a resurgence of the Sons of the Apocalypse, that may be a better option. Grumble is right, no reason to set them on our own tail if we can have them chasing someone else's." Soren thinks for a second, tapping her finger on her chin. "Grumble, I don't think you should meet with Lord Havelyn, at least not yet; there's no reason to believe the two didn't meet at some point and time in the past, and it wouldn't do to have us blow our cover over that. According to this ruse we're partners, so it might be best if I speak with him; I can ascertain whether he's ever met Balin before and learn what I can, and we can always speak with him again later if needed. I doubt that he would have ever met with the captains, however, so you could most likely speak with them quite safely. Does anyone else have any particular task they want to take on?"
"Listen, I got an in at the watch wall, but it won't last long without papers. Can anybody make a forgery?"
In the meantime Nate will continue his facade on the wall, playing his good part of the soldier. He is the spitting image of a perfect soldier (it was his old job after all) but he also tries to inquire more about Havelyn.
Jack opened his mouth, clearly about to say something, but shut it again.
Wha's a forgery? Like makin' weapons an' stuff?
No. Raaven replied with a mental eyeroll the whole Knot could hear. It is a form of writing designed to trick the reader into believing it comes from an official source. Think of it as a disguise for written language.
So when I'm bein' Balin, I'm like a forgery.
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...yes.
Aldencross - by Day -
Jack shrugs at Grumble, "Asmodeus, the Pale Horsemen, the Mother of Monsters. Do you think it makes a difference what source of evil we use to scare these dimwits? They know nothing of any Gods but their slavish devotion to Mitra. As if there were not even any other Gods of good to be looked to for the salvation of their pitiful souls! Lamashtu's practices are more tolerant than that of these Mitran Cultists".
As alice is not very good in stealth either and doesnt want to risk being found out, she wants to study and cast Disguise self on Jasmus so he looks like a centipede instead of a snake and have Jasmus look about for the secret passage.
Grumblejack doesn't really help with the process of gathering information. He accompanied the others occasionally on their outings, but mostly he stayed at the inn. It seemed that Raaven had encouraged the ogre to learn to read.
The little Daemon was a workaholic. In addition to telepathically tutoring Grumblejack in his pursuits into literacy, he also gladly accompanied the rest of the knot into their forays into Aldencross to gather information.
Once the captains had been identified, Raaven gave them the same careful reconnoissance that was given to the High Priest of Lamashtu. He did not give the Mitran priest or the Lord Commander the same treatment.
Aldencross
Gathering Information.
loss of his true love Bronwyn. It may have been years ago but he never rediscovered his joy after she died. He is cold steel in temperment.
Havelyn has arranged for the Bard of Barrington to tour the Tower. The Father is not banished here, that appears to have been a rumor, he is very popular with the soldiers in the Garrison.
A savory, hearty mixture of beef, wine, onions and herbs harvested from her garden – the stew is always a hit. The guards line up and eagerly wolf down a bowl.
Mama Guisseppe’s sons both served in this garrison years ago when she started this tradition. Though both of her boys have long departed for better careers in the southern city of Ghastenhall, she still makes the trek up to Balentyne once a week to make her stew. She does this for no pay. Everyone from the commander on down simply calls her ‘Mama’ – a title that warms her aged heart.
Mama teaches Morana the recipe and during the third week (day 21) allows you to aid her in carrying the stew to the Garrison.
===
The Dwarves - Barnabus Eisenbauch and ten dwarven workmen have been sent to Balentyne to inspect the watchtower and to refurbish its aging gatehouse. This is not a short-term project. Barnabus and his crew are expecting to work here for years.
They have been in town for a week and work six days a week. On the seventh day they spend the day in the taproom tappping into the reserves of alcohol at the Lord's Dalliance Inn.
===
Soren travels to the Garrison to meet with Lord Haverlyn . The Commander meets her in the mess hall at lunch time. He looks up at you as you are brought before him ny one of the soldiers guarding the back door. "So, you have come to meet with me finally. Is the famous Sir Balin too disposed to meet with me himself?"
===
The famed thespian William Marcus Marlowe, the so-called Bard of Barrington, and his troupe Ye Merrie Men arrive at Aldencross. They rehearse at one of the empty houses of one of the Captains for the week. Their show will be performed at the Tower during week three. During that show nearly the entire Tower will be in attendance!
"My apologies, Lord Havelyn. Sir Balin is currently working with the others of our number to devise a plan of action. We know little other than the fact that a cult is supposedly active in the area, and so he felt it best if he remained with the others to strategize." Soren walks up to the man and extends a hand in greeting, her face still stony. "I'm unaware of if you've ever met Sir Balin before, but my name is Lydia Kallin; I'm an inquisitor of Mitra and Sir Balin's partner. I don't know if you might have any inkling as to when or why this cult activity has sprung up again, but any information you might be able to provide me would be valuable."
Lord Havelyn frowns, "No. I've not had the pleasure of meeting Sir Balin the Witch Hunter. One should not make so much of an effort to rise above his peers when we all do our duty or perhaps I am mistaken in this belief? I wonder if you agree Lydia.
I understand that the Mayor has met with Sir Balin, perhaps he can assist you in finding Cults for which there is absolutely no evidence. It would not be the first time the Mayor has done so in recent memory. Rest assured if I find another set of smoking remains without due process of trial, I shan't remain quiet about it this time around.
Do I make myself clear Inquisitor Kallin"?
"Of course," Soren says. "I prefer a more modest approach, yes. I will not speak ill of my partner, but in my mind we all serve with honor." When Havelyn starts speaking about the Mayor and the cults, Soren keeps her cool despite the more intense response than she was expecting. "We were sent to investigate rumors, nothing more; truth be told, I'm not aware of where they came from, but when the Sons of the Apocalypse are supposedly involved... well, I suppose it was decided that it was best to send us and not have need of us than the other way around. We did meet with the Mayor, yes... but smoking remains? I fear I'm a bit out of the loop, Lord Havelyn. I have no intention to take a life unless it's in defense of my own."
Lord Havelyn grunts, "Very well then. Conduct your search. I you find anything let me know and I will help with resources where I can. I have my doubts as to these rumors but I shall keep an open mind".
Having found the secret passage and also learning of the dwarves drinking away in the tavern one day a week, Sara pitches the idea that they might somehow use the dwarves in this? The hidden tunnel is of such quality, it can only be dwarven made.
However he still is a bit edgy and it takes all he can do to keep Aurex out of trouble.
He's not quite charming enough to get in with the captains, but he remembers enough to get along well with the others.
Thrilled at being able to contribute in someway and feeling a sense of simple contentment at honest work. The more Morana gets to know Mama Guisseppe a small bit of guilt creeps into her. She is an honest woman who has done nothing to deserve this. It does not feel right... Burying Drago was not right. You singed up for a war Morana I know.
----
"Alice do you think if someone were to masquerade as a Dwarf they would take on a new worker? Or are you meaning to use them in another way?"
By the third week Morana shares with a neutral expression, "I will be joining Mama Guisseppe to deliver the stew to the guards. So I should be able to slip whatever it is we are using in it."
"I dont know Morana... Its currently this vague idea at the back of my head, but its not willing to form. That's why I'm pitching it to you all, see if together we can make something of it."
Alice also goes searching for childrens books she can use to teach Grumble about metaphors and figures of speach.
If she finds books, she will read them to grumble every night, letting him sit on the floor, and she on a bed to counter the height difference. Holding the book in her lap, facing outwards, as if truely reading to a child.
Alice tries to get some more info from the dwarfs.
Alice tries to get some info from the Merry Men.
Alice also goes searching for childrens books she can use to teach Grumble about metaphors and figures of speach.
If she finds books, she will read them to grumble every night, letting him sit on the floor, and she on a bed to counter the height difference. Holding the book in her lap, facing outwards, as if truely reading to a child.
"Whoever made this up is stupid. Cows cannot jump over moons."
You have not known Alice long, but you frequently saw her impatient with the stupidity of the sailors on the boat.
Not now. With the patience of a saint (or maybe someone who has worked with small children before?), she reads the stories to grumble, and aswers his questions as best she can.
"Yes Grumble, cows can not jump over the moon. That is why its a metaphor. We say one thing, but we actually mean another. It may provide clarity or identify hidden similarities between two ideas. For example, if I say to you, nice axe, you better be carefull you dont loose that buddy, ( ) it is clear that I may find it a nice axe, but I dont want you to take care of that. I want you to GIVE it to me."
"Ooooh. I gotcha. It's just nonsense that gets wrapped around threats and lies to make 'em more fun."
"Yeah. I suppose you could put it that way. But sometimes people repeat it so many times that it becomes a term of phrase. Like yhe cow jumping over the moon story getting repeated enough that it becomes a synonym for something impossible."
"A cinnamon? Isn't that a sweet bread thing? I had one of those once. Tasty."
You are in for a long night, Alice Duvotour. Raaven said silently from where he sat coiled in snake form around the bed post
Aldencross
You manage to keep Aurex out of trouble though he is not seen as long term soldier material.
Ye Merrie Men consist of twelve actors and stagehands and Bill Marlowe. They are actually not all men – controversially, Ye Merrie Men actually has two female performers. They will be performing “The Fall of Amberlyn” a rousing tale of how love and greed brought down a great city state. The plot hinges around the young lovers Brandon and Bronwyn and their doomed romance. William Marlowe of course will be playing the handsome Brandon. The role of Bronwyn will be played by lovely ingénue Marie Janoset.
The buzz around the arrival to the troupe has the entire village buzzing. It seems they will put n one play in the Tower and another two days later in Aldencross.
Jack approaches the group the first day of the week, "I have it from a good source that the entire Tower will attend the play. That means a light to perhaps even no security during that two to three hour stretch".
Nate comes back with a grin on his face that is a stark mirror to the disgruntled air around Aurex. "Got some interesting news. Captain Varning and several men rode out from the Tower to patrol the northern frontier. They will be gone for five days, the day the play is set to begin. Seems to be some opportunities there."
"So we're gonna go take 'em out, right?" Grumble said looking up from his book.