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Renkar nods at Justin "All excellent points. And I feel that we need to back off our current assignment until such time as things have cooled off. I will send a message to Ser Jad'Hammet and let him know what we have done so far. I think for an intial foray we have done quite well." Tiandra looks at the group "You may take these gems as a downpayment. If any of you are interested, I would enjoy some company to the Great Bazaar. Tivuum's Antiquities is quite an interesting shop."
Renkar nods at Ekuur "I understand the desire for satisfaction, but it should be carefully thought out. Let us talk to this Tiandra, then we can make a descision at that point. Karrin why don't you go visit your friend and the rest of us can see this new client? See if there is any information on old churches near the Shattered Temple."
The group stretches and chats while waiting for Tiandra. At Peak, the bell above the door chimes and the warrior enters. Tiandra is dressed in flame-patterned burnoose and baggy silk pants. Her chain shirt peeks out from the warm orange silk from time to time. Her longsword lies sheathed in an intricately-tooled scabbard attached to a silver-chased swordbelt strung with various pouches and vials. A steel spiked helm capped with a small silken turban containing a glittering red jewel completes her outfit. Now that she has regained her beauty, she is a vision of deadly grace. She is brought in and introductions are made. She comes to the point quickly. "I intend to mount an expedition to avenge myself for the insult I received at these reptiles' hands. Your group proved itself both kind and deadly, so I wanted to give you the first opportunity to accompany me. I plan to inquire at Tivuum's Antiquities at the Great Bazaar later this peak to see if I can acquire the portal key to the gate they used. " She pauses and looks around "I am well off after a journey to the Elemental Planes, and I can pay you all in quality gemstones. Here is a small downpayment." She reaches into her burnoose and withdraws a velvet bag. She opens it and reveals the contents. Several high-quality gemstones wink up from the dark fabric.
"Are we sure we want to take time away from the first mission? The longer we wait, the colder the trail gets, yes? And I am itching to pay them back for accosting me as they did." Renkar turns to Ekuur "Well, if what I am hearing about your evening is correct, you will not be able to access the church for at least a day, maybe longer. As for paying them back, that may be unwise. The Athar are a powerful faction, at least in their own areas. They are also prone to seeking revenge, not having any gods to pray to they tend to take it on themselves." Renkar turns to Karrin "You could always visit your Modron friend Karrin, and perhaps try and do a bit of research on the building." Renkar turns to Justin "And you can assist me in talking to this mysterious client you have procured."
Renkar follows the discussion avidly. He puts his training weapon away and motions to Justin: "Justin, if I could trouble you for a cleansing spell? I fear I have practiced overlong and have no time for a bath." He taps a finger against his beard. "Well, seeing as the Athar are aware of your poking about, and perhaps others are following you. I have heard of these Sons of Anarchy, and they are not to be laughed at. Perhaps we should let the place cool off for a bit." He looks at Justin "This new client, perhaps helping her will let the current comission settle down, yes?"
Renkar nods approvingly "You may not be a Guvner, Issac, but there are Guvners with less grasp on the situation of the Cage. Add in the Ser Jad'Hammet is a factor in the Takers, and if he makes too much of a stink the other two contesting factions can cry foul about that as well. " Renkar looks about "The legalities of the situation will eventually be settled in the Guvner courts. By that time, whatever is in that ruined temple will be long gone. I suspect Ser. Jad'Hammet has come to us to try and lann the chant of what exactly he's got ahold of here." Renkar looks back at Issac "If you know this Hulester cutter, I would suggest you start with him first. Having him just outed as an Anarchist plant will most likely make him relatively bitter. A few coins might make him talk." Renkar tosses the two Hammers Issac gave him back on the table. "See where 100 Ladies gets you."
"The Defiers also go by The Athar, if yeh don't tumble to the Cant. The Athar set out to prove the Powers ain't Gods, just powerful mortals playin' at bein' gods. They hold kip in the Lower Ward at the Shattered Temple. Think it used to belong to, uh, Aoskar, right? A dead god o' portals. Usually they spend their days keepin' any one cleric from amassin' too much power in the Cage. The Signers, or the Sign of One believe each berk's the center o' his own multiverse, buildin' the whole thing out o' there boneboxes. Once you say "I'm the center o' the sodding multiverse" and another berk says the same, yeh gotta agree that each sod creates their own multiverse. 'Cause o' that philosophy, they hold the Hall o' Speakers, usually actin' as arbitrators 'tween the other Factions. There's more'n that, but I ain't no philosophy tutor." Renkar nods "Issac has the dark of the chant correct. I will say that I find both factions rather tiring myself. The Athar are fanatics and the Signers are narcisscists. It is interesting that both find something worth fighting over in this old church. " Renkar gets up "I'm off to the Temple of Hermes to send a courier over to Ser Jad'Hammet's offices. Why don't you folks relax and we'll reconvene say in the second hour Afterpeak? ?
Renkar looks about the assembled group "Well, I have had an inquiry from a gentleman named Ferrel Jad'Hammet. Ser Jad'Hammet is a dealer in properties. He owns a lot of buildings in the Lower Ward. He is experienceing some difficulties with an old church his men were tearing down. The problem being, his entire construction crew disappeared. Now the Athar and the Signers are involved somehow, and are trying to take control of the property. Their motives are still rather unclear, but I would imagine any old church in the Lower Ward would naturally attract the Defiers, and the Signers are their rivals." He leans back in his chair "You cutters interested in some more gumshoe work? You seem to be rather good at it, I must say."
"Um," Karrin thinks, part of her wanted to tell Renkar everything, she needed someone to talk too, but part of her knew that it would be inappropriate involving her boss with her personal affairs, "could you just give me his contact information so I could go talk with him? I don't want to get you involved in some personal thing. You know for this Sharon person . . ." Renkar nods "Here is his address, I will write a small note for him as well." He writes down and address on some foolscap and then he writes a longer missive and seals it with a blob of candle wax and his signet ring. "There Karrin. Good luck. The gentleman is named Bel Serra. He is an interesting character. I'm sure your friend will get good advice from him."
I mean I'm only asking for a second opinion, you know to tell this friend." Renkar smiles and gestures for Karrin to sit down "Well, Karrin, I would tell your friend that there are all sorts of reasons why a mother might feel it is best to give a child up for adoption. Maybe there were issues in her life that she had to deal with or maybe she had no choice." He frowns "I would reccommend that you tell your friend that dealing with devils is a very dangerous matter. Not as bad as demons, but potentially life threatening. Remember, devils are not just people in funny costumes. They are planar spirits. Their purpose, when you strip everything down to the basics, is to garner souls for Hell. Many of them have been devils for thousands of years. They know every trick and twist to get what they want. If she insists, I would tell her to make sure everything that is discussed is written down and gone over by a really good lawyer beforehand. Never give a devil a handshake deal or a vague agreement."
"I came on somethin' odd in the Hive this Peak, Renkar: thought you might want to hear the Dark of it. Three Dusties and a company o' walkin', talkin' deaders in full kit were out scanning for shapechangers. From what I heard they were part o' some larger operation throughout the Wards. I know it ain't our business, boss, but it's best to stay lanned to the Chant, eh?" Renkar's brow furrows as Issac speaks "It sounds like you caught sight of a squad of their Catacomb force, the Unliving. I'm surprised they were on the surface, they are usually more discreet." Renkar looks steadily at Issac "I've tangled with them below the streets, Issac, and they are a hende bunch. Liches, vampires, ghosts, ghouls, mohrgs, and whatnot. They look after the Dead's interests in UnderSigil." Renkar frowns deeper "Hopefully it is not tangled up in our recent unpleasantness with the Dustmen and their Mortuary. I shall have to contact Werrena and check on what's afoot at the Spider*." * He claps Issac on the back "Good eye lad! Remember that often times in life it's the small details that are important."
As they walk along Seph begins to explain "Well Mr Renkar Sir there seems to be a mouse living in your building. Erm one that wears clothes and walks about." Well it had sounded sensible in his head actually saying it he wasn't so sure. Renkar frowns "In the Silver Rose? When did you see this mouse? "
"Oh, in the Cauldron! Well, Bess or Ramona would be the folks to tell, young Seph. Just remember that there are many people of all sizes in the Cage. Why, weren't you just a cat for all intents and purposes until quite recently? Perhaps this mouse is an adventurer or guardian spirit on his own adventure. He sounds fairly harmless."
Swire looks puzzled at the former cat before speaking. "I remember hearing about him before. Supposed to stay at the Butcher's Block. Didn't think about it before because if you're the type of berk who calls yourself "The Shadowknave", you won't last the week in the Hives." Renkar smiles grimly "Unless he is powerful enough to carry the nickname off." Renkar looks at the group "At this point, if I was Master Shadowknave I would be ready to go to ground. Whether this is the Butcher's Block or back to his master's lair in Plaguemort you will have to ascertain at some point. For your own peace of mind."
"Sure thing but first uh I think I should have a quick word with you Renkar sir since uh there's been a few developments in the last day or so." At this point she puts the robe back onto seph who transforms into his new humanoid form. "This is my brother Seph. Although I guess you would say he is more like my little brother now." Renkar blinks and then smiles "It is a pleasure to meet you in your normal form Seph!"
The group fills Renkar in with what details they gleaned during their hectic night's journey . Renkar grows grave, then excited by what they have found. "This is quite the coup! A secretive organization planting spies in the factions? If we can get this Brandal to spill names and places we should be able to make quite a few friends." He finishes his scone and tea and gets up from the table. "Good work folks, I am going to track down someone who can assist us with contacting Brandal. Get some rest, and let's say we meet at the Silver Rose two hours Afterpeak?" After ascertaining that this is acceptable, Renkar heads out into the grey Before Peak drizzle.
Ramona returns with platters of breakfast-style food, including vegetables for those not inclined to eat meat. A platter of fried Elven steak squash with a pile of hash browns makes the rounds. As the group eats, Renkar comes into the tavern's common room. "Ah, good Peak to you all," He says cheerily. He sits down and then murmurs in a low voice "I assume there is a good reason for the corpse in our exercise room? Also, I hear whispers of a massive Xaositect riot in the Hive. Anything you were involved in?" He leans back a bit and snags a scone "I have that prisoner you left with me, Meldric, still under wraps. "
"Well, Swire, Ekuur: give us some chant, eh, old sons? We know Mr. Swire's a top shelf knight of the post, but where do your talents lie, Ekuur? You've the look of a basher to my addled wits, but I may be wrong. Where're you coves from? Trouble on yer heels or just need some trusty sellswords to watch yer back while yeh earn some jink?" Renkar nods "Yes, please stae your talents, and anything else we should know about you." He glances at Swire "Especially any entanglements you might be involved in that would affect the company."
Renkar frowns at the newcomer. "Well, it is conveient, but sometimes the Fates roll in that certain manner." He gives the grinning Swire a stare "We need a good scouter, not a cony catcher. We're headed into rough times, so if you're the sort of berk who runs at first blood you best turn about and keep walking. Can we trust you to follow orders and stand fast?"
Renkar nods "I will sit with Ser Meldric for now. You cutters get your plan together and come talk with me once you've finalized them so I have the straight chant. It's gettting late, and we don't want anyone else to beat us to the Mausoleum by delaying. "
"My major concern is that he's lying and leading us into a trap. Although considering the quality of the riff-raff that he brought to try and catch the ladies, I'm inclined to believe him. Mister Renkar, Is there a way that you can verify his employer quickly? Magic messenger or some-such? Or do we take this guy at his word, and have him owe us a favor by NOT reporting to his employer that he was trying to do some side business? Although I seriously doubt that any respectable employer would miss this lunkhead too much." Renkar nods "I think he's lying like a rug. I don't trust him, and his story stinks. I think he is covering for someone, most likely his boss. We need a brainscanner, or we rough him up a bit. There's no way to get to Ribcage much closer than a day's travel, and through gates at that. If he's just slumming in the Cage, why is he picking up mercenary work? If I was his boss I'd have his hide for wearing our sigul on an independent job. His story doesn't read right to me."
Renkar nods "I think you did very well Karrin. Hopefully this berk will have some more information. Have you searched him yet? I see he has an odd signet brooch." Renkar points to a silver brooch in the folds of the thug's cloak. On closer inspection it is a triangle with an open eye imposed on the inside of it.
As Karrin hauls the bleeding unconcious man through the Copper Cauldron's common room, the buzz of conversation at the other tables cease. Karrin begins to haul the man upstairs, and Renkar approaches from the back privies where he'd gone just a moment ago. "Ah! My dear friend, mugged in the street! Karrin, why don't you tuck him in upstairs? Here I'll help you." He helps Karrin grip the thug and bring him up to the rooms the party rents. As they get away from the curious eyes of the crowd, Renkar whispers to Karrin "What's this berk's story? Is he the killer?"
"She'll be grey-faced and tottering down the street with a number tattooed on her forehead within the week."Bethany looks at Renkar with a peplexed look on her face. "Why would she paint her face grey and tattoo a number there? Is that some form of punishment?" Renkar smiles grimly "No, my dear Lady Bethany, something else quite sinister. The Dustmen have a proclivity to animate corpses for labor, and although by Sigilian law they are limited only to bodies that sold the rights to them, troublemakers often end up zombified as well. I doubt anyone would complain since this Toranna is nominally a Dustman Factotum. They would consider it an internal matter." Renkar takes a quick sip from his mug "The forehead numbers are just a way for the Dustmen to identify individual zombies and skeletons, and also to show that the undead are licensed animated bodies, not the work of rogue necromancers."
Renkar nods "If she's part of a wider group, as your encounter in the Night Market suggests, she will possibly have to meet with someone to discuss plans. I would imagine that your investigations has stirred up the proverbial hellwasp's nest. I'd expect her to get spooked if she is actually a spy within the Dustmen faction. If she is caught out, she'll be grey-faced and tottering down the street with a number tattooed on her forehead within the week."
Renkar nods "It is strange that you were attacked by a group in the Peaklight hours, especially at the Gatehouse Night Market. Most knights of the post don't go in for group bashing, and casters hanging about for support isn't exactly a common thing. My feeling is is that we've stumbled upon something that someone wants kept dark. " Renkar begins slicing up some beef slices and popping them into his mouth. "My instinct is to keep going on the investigation until we find out the real dark of things. It might be beyond our original charter, but if there is some sort of independent entity spying on the factions, that piece of dark could be worth plenty to the right buyer."
rundown .. Renkar ponders. "Well, it seems the job has become a little more complicated than a simple hide and seek. If someone's trying to pen you in the dead book that brings the threat up a bit." Renkar ponders more "I think you did the right thing, and we'll hope that the others have found some more information. If we are messing up someone's plans they might feel the need to silence us before the slaad's out of the sack. Let's wait for the others and get a fresh start once we gather all the clues together." Renkar signals Ramona "A pot of coffee, one of tea, Some sliced beef and mustard, and an apple pie for my frined Mercutio if you please Ramona."
The group has a large breakfast with sausage, fried potatoes, fresh bread and a host of other wonderful treats. Renkar had left word that Gedrak Ironfist would be showing at the fourth hour Before Peak so there is little rush. A crowd of early peak workmen and merchants crowd the common room, clamoring for Bess' tucker. After breakfast, the group exits the warm inn for the quick walk to the Silver Rose. The day is rainy, like many are in the Cage, and the brown water soaks into everyone's clothes as they sprint down Copper Court. The office is open and they find Renkar and Hanali chatting in the exercise room. Renkar smiles at them and gestures for them to be at ease. "Ser Ironfist will be here shortly. I do advise you all to be circumspect when dealing with him. He is a tempermental dwarf, and we are working for him."
Merle looks rather embarrassedly at the ground "Well I just thought if you knew you wouldn't hire me. After all who wants a mage that messes up so badly that they turned there brother into a cat?" Renkar laughs "I'd say you have an excellent talent and potential to do something like that at an early age! Now you have a goal to work towards to resotre him."
Renkar absorbs all this information "Well it seems as if you have had a fruitful first day in the Hive. I would say you have earned some rest. I am going to arrange for Mr. Ironfist to come for a meeting next Peak, if any of you wish to speak with him. For now, get some rest, we can hit the Hive again tomorrow after we talk with our patron." Renkar orders another ale
... After Action Report ... Renkar nods "It is usual to have a little back and forth for infomation. Excellent report Naridre." Renkar steeples his fingers. "Well, if we are advancing to a murder rather than a missing person, I should probably notify Mr. Ironfist tomorrow. I'm sure he'll want confirmation one way or another. If you want, you can meet with him in the Before Peak when I talk to him."
The group decides to return to the Silver Rose. Returning quickly through the Lady's Ward, they manage to get back to Copper Court with minimal delay. Renakr and Hanali are at the offices, and they usher everyone into the main exercise room. "So our Gatehouse team returns! What did you all find out amongst the Bleak Cabal?"
... chant ... Renkar nods "It sounds like this Toranna was a bit more excitable than your garden-variety Dustman. If she was hiding something she might have thrown Eliath's name out to try and throw you off the track." Renkar taps a finger to his nose absently "I've heard of that sigul before. Cyric, a power from that Prime world Toril uses it. The few devotees of him I've met haven't been particularly pleasant, but few death god cultists are." Renkar frowns when Issac mentions the unmarked deaders. "That is indeed strange. I have personally seen many folks die, in many ways, and few didn't have some mark on them from their cause of death." Renkar leans back and takes a sip from his ale "We might have stumbled on something bigger than Eliath here. It might involve the whole Dustmen faction itself."
Renkar ponders "Well, we have the word of one faction member that he was penned in the dead book. It is odd that they had that much information on him, especailly if he was a newly-barmied sod wandering in the Hive. What did you think of this Dustman Toranna? Did she sound trustworthy? "
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