Constable Crier steps in, "You may be a local Politician in Blackchapel Whiston but I am a liaison to the Mayor, no one sees this thing until the Mayor's men arrive".
Derrick pauses, looking between the men, and then relents--somewhat. "Wyatt, time is of the essence. There have been some major developments in the investigation since we last saw one another. I can take us through some back streets and less-used alleys, places that are safe and private, as we go to the Temple. Please just tell us while we walk."
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Bannock smolders under the obvious dismissal. His scaled gauntlet grips tightly the hilt of his heavy mace, though he keeps his peace.
But woe betide this man if his brisk behavior is a sign of Heresy! Simply because they have captured one filthy Xeno does not mean that more of his scourge are not about!
Wyatt motions to Zook to follow along, breathing a sigh of relief, "Thank you my friend. The last thing I remember was walking with the Constables to the Station when I was struck by a blow on the back of the head and then another and another until I lost consciousness. I awoke to find bending over me a strange vaguely humanoid shape. Then the figure began to take a variety of forms shifting from one to another sometimes quickly and sometimes slowly and in even a more horrifying manner than the last.
Some mere caricatures of humans, with strangely twisted limbs. Others bestial, with leering, fang filled faces. Still others were amorphous with multiple limbs and hideous bloated head. As I tried to move he snapped at me, ”Be still you fool, can you not see that I am restoring you to life and full vitality!”
I lay disoriented and at the creatures mercy so I did as I was bidden and observed the place where I found myself. By the smell and the architecture I knew that I was in the city sewer system. By the light of the lantern on the ledge near where the beastial thing performed his chirurgeon work on me, I observed a rusty ladder leading to a circular hatch. I plotted how to reach it when the figure stood up and spoke to me again.
”Welcome back form the land of the dead my friend. Tell me, do you still feel the cold kiss of death upon your soul”. I shivered at that for I knew in my heart he spoke the truth. ”I have given you the touch of life, and now you owe me something in return. I ask of you a small task – a trifle. But should you fail me you shall hear death’s icy laughter a second time.
Some time ago, a magical knife was stolen from me by one of my servants. I want you to recover it and return it to me.
The knife is a thing of great danger. In the hands of a person of weak moral character, it can cause the owner to commit heinous crimes. Alas, I fear this dire consequence has already occurred. I want the knife returned to a place of safekeeping, where it can do no further harm.
You will recognize the knife by the runes etched into the blade, and the face of a vampire with ruby eyes carved into the guard. The knife has not one but two points, not unlike the teeth of the legendary vampire. Recover the knife and return it to me before the deadline I give you has elapsed, and I shall free you from any further obligation. What’s more, I shall reveal to you a way to leave this city forever. Fail me and your life and the lives of your friends shall be forfeit.
This is a task for you and for you alone. The Divinity of Mankind must not become involved in my affairs. For what they do not know keeps them safe. Theirs is a faith steeped in deep denial to show them the light of what has befallen Paridon will shatter the order and plunge the city into chaos.
Should you doubt my word, I suggest you reach beneath your clothes and touch the space above your heart”.
At that Wyatt stops and opens his shirt revealing a tiny metallic beetle fastened to his chest.
”My servant has slain three innocents. At precisely the strike of midnight for the next three nights he must slay three more for the dark powers of the knife to wholly consume him. And consume him it shall, unless you stop him! You have until midnight three nights from this day to retrieve and return the knife to me here in this very spot. Fail to do so and on that stroke of midnight, the beetle shall claim this second chance I have bestowed upon you”.
I asked him who this servant was but he could not answer me, ”The traitor is a shapeshifter and could literally be anyone. Put the clues you have together and you shall find those of his servants who have infiltrated the Constabulary. Perhaps from them you can find the traitor. And find him you must, now go, your time runs short”.
So you see my dilemma and why we must not go to the Divinity? Indeed it is clear to me now that the Inspector is the traitor, how else could these creatures have so easily infiltrated the Constables of Blackchapel. If we can find the Inspector then we can ourselves find who is behind this recent string of murders!"
Wyatt then points to Zook, "This Gnome is the third stranger to appear out of the Mists from another time and place. I believe the evil of this dagger and the activity of these Mists are somehow connected. Perhaps we can solve these murders and the oddity of these appearances at the same time".
Zoot has been following the nice man. He has the point been mute thus far. He is taking in all the information, the dress of the people, the strange accents, the constant feel of danger hangs around him.
Holding his hand up to get some attention. Let me wrap my head aroudn this. The "mists" are evil, I can somewhat agree because I was suppose to meet my family in Neverwinter. Now I am here wherever this is? You mention looking for a dagger.
Zoot looks at the beetle on Wyatt chest. As far he can tell it is magical but has not clue exactly what it does.
How am I to know what you say is real? He asks Wyatt.
Derrick listens to Wyatt's tale with concern and confusion, but his eyes widen at the metallic scarab on his friend's chest. "You speak the truth, Wyatt... but I'm unconvinced we shouldn't tell the Divinity. True, the existence of monsters and foul shape-takers is dangerous knowledge, and strikes almost heretical against our beliefs... but surely the elders can understand?" He looks to Bannock. "I don't believe the order will collapse simply from realizing such creatures exist. Ours is not a faith of denial--it is one of understanding, of hope, of light against the darkness."
The monk sighs and pauses in the alley, then points. "Wyatt, I understand if you fear for your life, and or our city, but Bannock and I are obligated to tell the Divinity of what's passed. If you believe the Inspector is the traitor, take that street back to the Constabulary. We captured the impostor earlier tonight, and it's under guard at the station. Bannock and I will rejoin you when we can. We needn't tell the Divinity of amorphous beasts who pull people back from death, but they have to know that we caught this creature."
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Bannock nods at Derrick. "You speak truth, brother. I would sooner set this city ablaze than follow the advice of a filthy alien. Of course those agents of chaos would want the Divinity to be kept ignorant of things going on! How do we not know that this vile shape-changer simply does not want the dagger for it's own evil purposes?
Wyatt, I am sorry, but you seem to be compromised into an agent of the enemy. To find salvation you must try harder to stay to the Path of Righteousness. You have already died. Do not dishonor your death by playing the patsy for the enemy.
So, too, you have been lead astray. We have already, within the hour, laid the Inspector low and searched all that he had. We found no such diabolical weapon. Sad is this news, that there seems to be a great horde of amorphous nightmare creatures besetting the city!"
Wyatt responds to you each in turn.
"I know we have known each only for time that counts less than an hour Zook but what I say is indeed real as real as you are standing here. I do not believe these Mists are "evil" but perhaps they somehow react to evil? I cannot explain it but I have never before seen so many strangers appear literally out of thin air before, so if that explanation does not make sense, I am not sure what would".
Wyatt shakes his head, "I do not believe the Divinity will collapse but I do believe that..."
Bannock interrupts him. Wyatt pauses and responds to both men, "Derrick you forget and likely Bannock is it? Did not know of my past affiliation with the Divinity. My parents were devout members of the faith. Fanatics would perhaps be a more apt description.
While I fear how this, thing, would retaliate against me, I fear more how the Divinity would react to this news. If we cannot trust our very natures then all trust will be lost.
Many innocents will be out to the question or slain to root out this evil among us! The Divinity by its nature may create the very calamity that we seek to prevent... I do not think they have been besetting the city but have instead been here for some time, this is not the first time this string of murders has unfolded if you remember Derrick.
Better that we together stop this evil. Certainly I know that this thing seeks to use me for its own twisted ends, I do not doubt that but...
Well, I see you are convinced of your path and nothing will turn you from it.
I will accompany you or head back to the station as you wish. I will not abandon you, in fact my very life depends on me not doing so".
Dunstan steps in front of the Noblemen seeming to catch Crier's hint, "The prisoner is to be interrogated by the Mayor and by the Divinity representatives. No one else". He fingers his pistol for emphasis.
Whiston frowns and turns to Nayth, "In any event Acting Inspector. I demand that you put a stop to the chiming towers to confuse the killer as to the time".
Nayth seems pressured, "Very well, I shall go with you and we shall put a stop to the clock tower chimes, in the meantime, those still here can await city and divine representatives".
Marco smiles broadly at Whiston as he departs.
The four companions arrive at the Temple as the sun has started to set. The sky is overcast as always but the sun shines through some of the cloud cover overhead, a last gasp of the day before night begins.
Clerics and Monks of the Temple nod to Bannock and Derrick and some even smile at Wyatt recognizing form his parents' time here in prior years. Zook is stared at as an oddity as a non-human, even a gnome, is not looked upon favorably by many in the religion.
Day turns to early evening as you all, Constable Crier, and the four Constables serving in Blackchapel await the return of Derrick and Bannock.
Khalid . Marco
Khalid hears a sound at the front door, an odd scratching sound.
Zook takes to the time to stair around in the Chapel. He begins to make a toy frog. He had spent the money while in Waterdeep to get material. He figures can use his time while he waits to craft. I hope to make friends so I can leave
Khalid jumps, startled at the scratching noise seemingly coming from outside.
"Do you hear that friends? Something in the night stirs. Constable, are there any men posted outside?"
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Bannock had shook his head at Wyatt. "I believe your claims, but your conclusions follow no line. This is exactly the kind of thing the Divinity must know about! Even moreso since the constabulary is already compromised. I have sympathy for your plight, but we must leave matters of such import to our betters."
Once at the temple Bannock leads the group to seek out Father Kellen and tell him all of what has transpired, with an emphasis to rush Inquisitors or Guardians to the Constabulary to put the shape changer to the Question.
Marco rushes to the door with both weapons drawn.
Who goes there?
As Bannock leads the way to Father Kellen, Derrick finishes conversing with his old friend. "Wyatt, thank you for understanding. I don't forget your parents commitment to the faith, and I know that you are a sometime member yourself; I don't doubt your own faith or humanity. But Bannock is right--the Divinity must know. We provide guiding light for the people, understanding in a world of dark and mystery."
He sighs. "I know the murders have happened before, and I fear the worst--you may well be right, and these creatures have lived among us in silence and deceit for generations. But we can trust our own natures as Men. We alone have the vast potential and ability in this world, apart from all manner of beasts which could be stronger or faster or possess strange abilities--we alone stand above the tide of bizarre oddities and foul monsters." He glances to Zook. "No offense intended to you, of course, short one. I met another such as yourself not long ago, also a stranger to these lands from the mists. He proved himself a steadfast ally and a good man. I have no doubt that you can do the same."
Marco receives no answer in his challenge.
One of the junior Constables shakes his head no at Khalid's question.
The scratches stop and you hear a high pitched howl, that sounds as if it is not far from the door.
You seek out and discover Father Kellen who hears your tale though Wyatt does not share his own harrowing experience.
"This is indeed troubling news. While I would agree with this Constable Crier under normal circumstances I cannot do so now. We must collect this creature you have captured for further testing and put it to the Question. Bannock, I will allow you to do the honors".
Kellen rings a bell and a member of the clergy answers, "Assemble the Templars and the few Paladins we have on hand. Send them with the second set of manacles we possess to test the Mayor and all of his advisors. If these creatures have infiltrated those who protect us we must ensure that they have not infiltrated those who lead us".
He turns back to all of you, "I shall request a detachment from Master Qwinn's school to assist you with transport of the thing. Derrick, Master Qwinn would see you before you go so perhaps you can bring that request to him yourself?
In the meantime, Zook is it? Would you care to share your tale with us? Perhaps I can provide insight into what has befallen you..."
Derrick bows deeply to Father Kellen. The speed and reach of his reaction are somewhat surprising, but prudent. "I will see Master Qwinn immediately." With a nod to Bannock and Zook, he heads off to give his report and request assistance in moving the creature.
Zook begins his tale. Taking the time to use his "talents". Well kind Sir. I was on my way to visit my family in the town of Neverwinter. As you can see I am tinker of sorts. He holds up a the wooden frog he has been working on. Anyway I found myself in company of the big folk like yourselves. They asked me to travel with them through a portal. Next thing I know I am here. The people I am traveling with are gone. By any chance can you help me get home?
Zook looks to crowd to see who is sympathetic.
The wizard cocks an eyebrow suspiciously. "That sounds oddly like a jackal. Perhaps Dr Arturus sent a friend? Well, let's not cower behind the door waiting, let's ready ourselves and constable, would you be so kind as to open it?" Khalid nods to one of the junior constables.
Zook tells his tale as the members of the Order begin to assemble in Father Kellen's audience chamber.
"Indeed Zook I have heard of tales such as yours from time to time. I have never heard of this Neverwinter you speak of.
Paridon it seems has become isolated by a mysterious force for some time now, many generations have passed since this mysterious shroud has been drawn over our gloomy city. Indeed, this knowledge somehow has been forced from the very minds of the people of this city. Often I too forget what has happened but these recent events have given me a sharpness of mind I have not had in some time". Father Kellen becomes quiet for a moment as if contemplating something.
"Perhaps with the discovery of these beasts in our midst we may be able to find some way out of this darkness and you shall find a way home.
There is but one Wizard who lives in the city and he is a shut in. Whether he can help you I do not know but it may be worth a try. Bannock and Derrick will undertake a special mission though if you are allied with Wyatt Kyros you are welcome in our midst. The Kyros family were devoted members of the faith, perhaps these events will bring young Wyatt fully back in the fold".
Master Qwinn receives you in his private bedchamber.
"Brother Derrick, you have done well. You have seen where many had eyes which were blind. I commend you in your bravery and wisdom.
I shall indeed send three brothers with you to retrieve this beast, I am interested in seeing it in the flesh. Tell me, do you believe there are many more of the creatures in the city?"
The most junior constable opens the door his sword held out before him. It is hard to see anything in the mist shrouded streets. The constable moves to close the door again clearly unnerved but before he is able a Half-Man Half-Jackal charges through the doorway standing upright on its back legs and lands upon him its teeth in his throat!
From outside you hear the howls and the red glowing eyes of more of these beasts...
Derrick bows to the Master and nods his head. "Thank you for your words. It may be too soon to tell with certainty, but I fear for the likelihood that more of these creatures have infiltrated our society... and perhaps have lurked here for some time. We've found more than one so far, and those only in the Constables' ranks. Who knows how many more abominations lurk in the night?"
Zoot tries to read the situation with the people he is with.
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Zook, as you perceive the room, you are convinced that Bannock considers himself the Divinity's will made manifest. You're unsure whether his highest priority is actually keeping the city safe, or if he just wants to hunt down and kill Xenos. He's definitely giving you some wary glances, but, as a gnome in a human-dominated temple, it'd be odd if he wasn't.
You look over at Wyatt and understand what he was trying to say earlier, this can of worms that was opened is not just going to punish the guilty, it's going to punish the other. The look of dismay on Wyatt's face at the moment leads you to believe he has reached the same conclusion.
Three Brothers step into the room behind you, all are known to you.
"We shall uncover their operations once the one you have captured is put to the question by Father Kellen. Go Derrick, bring back this creature and we shall purge the unclean".
Marco steps up and unleashes a series of attacks on the were creature.
Block the door so they only get at us one at a time!
Dunstan fires a shot at it with his pistol
for
He then draws his magical greatsword and closes with the creature.
Marco's rushes the creature, his sword slashing the creature in a pattern of cuts so fast it is difficult for the eye to see. Unfortunately, his cuts, as deep as they are seem to partially heal almost instantly. Dunstan's bullet connects with the creatures head throwing it backwards. Slowly it turns back to him, the wound healing and the bullet falling to the floor. It begins to cackle madly!
Crier rushes past the fight slamming the door shut and placing his back against it, "There are more out there!"
The moment he shouts that, the door begins to shake in its frame as the creatures slam into it!
Luckily, the door holds.
The monster already in the room gazes into Marco's eyes.
Zook seems to be at a loss for words hearing what Father Kellen has told him.
Soon enough Derrick returns with three monks in tow. Father Kellen smiles, "Go now all of you, fulfill your duties to the Divinity we revere to achieve the Divinity within".
[dice=Insight]1d20+2
[dice=Wis]1d20+2
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Bannock nods. "We should hurry. For all we know even now the forces of chaos may be assaulting our comrades.
Oh, Derrick, I wanted to make sure you had this. It's worthy of some ceremony, but I regret that we have no time for such." Bannock hands Derrick a ring of finest make, with strange runes etched on the inside.
"We will uphold our duty and make you proud," Derrick intones solemnly, then turns to Bannock and nods as well. "Let's go." He accepts the ring with only a mild questioning look, but slides it on and makes his way hastily out into the street, where he'll guide the others along the shortest path to the Constabulary.
Dunstan draws his magic greatsword and charges in to land a mighty blow.
for
Action surge!
for
Devil take you fiend!, he yells out, steel flying.
Khalid puts his thumbs together and spreads his hands wide. Uttering a few magical syllables a stream of fire pours from his hands out towards the jackal men.
Using sculpt spell to avoid burning my allies.
Dex save DC 14 for half.
Dunstan draws his magic greatsword and charges in to land a mighty blow.
1d20 + 7 + 1 for 2d6 + 5 + 1
Action surge!
1d20 + 7 + 1 for 2d6 + 5 + 1
Devil take you fiend!, he yells out, steel flying.
Constable Station in Blackchapel - Early Evening - Marco, Khalid, & Dunstan
Khalid's fire licks the creature burning and arc around Dunstan and Marco leaving them unharmed. The creature screams out in pain and the collapses. A smoldering ruin.
The Constable shakes Marco, "Wake up, wake up man. We need you!"
Blackchapel - Early Evening - Bannock & Derrick & Zook
The three of you, the monks and Wyatt grimly make your way through Blackchapel. Around you people rush indoors as the sun is beginning to go down. Unfortunately, not enough are going inside as some of the more resilient or desperate ladies of the night begin setting up shop on the streets, you do notice that they stay in packs of two and three. Perhaps these deaths are at least making them more cautious.
As you close in on the Station a loud erupts nearby. The sound was very much like the sound that Dunstan's pistols make only much much larger. A cloud of black smoke comes from a few blocks away.
Constable Station in Blackchapel - Early Evening - Marco, Khalid, & Dunstan
As Crier struggles to keep the door closed a loud erupts from the back of the Station and the building shakes@!