Gavin smiles as he sips his ale, as though lost in a dream.
Looking down as the surface of his ale, he speaks slowly. "'twould seem we've been drawn together for a reason. A gentleman cann't let a woman's murder go unaddressed, and a Chosen of the Redeemer will do all he can for the lesser folk. Beyond all that, I dunna know the way back home. P'rhaps in solvin' this riddle, my own will be revealed. I'm in."
Looking back to Dunstan, "My apologies, got lost in the questions this day has brought. As to Whitehall, it is the city I am... well... err... where I Awoke. Though I am guessing that means little to you. It is named for the grand structure that stands at the center of the city, an ornate castle constructed entirely of a striking white stone, ~ resemblin' porcelain but stronger than granite. And the Ivory Guard... well... they enforce the Archon's will, often in a rather brutal fashion."
I believe that you are truly not of this land-maybe you are right. We seem joined together by fate. Indeed mayhaps your return is tied to the resolution of this crime.
All characters are assembled at a corner of the bar discussing whether you will all agree to investigate these deaths.
"I'm in agreement with Marco--we should see what Mort finds about the newest body. A clue to solving these murders..." And it might put a rest to the more unsavory rumors regarding the Temple's own records. The monk finishes his drink and looks to Dunstan. "As for fate bringing us together, I'll only say that we often gravitate to friends and allies we knew in past lives. I would be happy to assist you each."
Wyatt nods at each man in turn, "The hour is late. I suppose if we are to begin investigations into this murder and whether it has a connection to the past we should get some rest. Shall we meet by day in the late afternoon back here? Wyatt turns to Gavin, do you need a place to stay?"
I will return here then - I should get back to my place, the hour is late
With that he adjusts his cloak and heads out into the late night fog.
Once back at his apartment he pulls out his pistol and cleans it throughly as well as sharpens his sword. Dunstan looks to the chest where his grandfathers chainmail is stored but decides against pulling it out.
Things are not so dire as to need that, he thinks.
Gavin looks up and across the bar to Wyatt, "Figured I'd grab a room 'ere, but if ye offerin' a place to rest me 'ead, I'd greatly appreciate it." Looking across the others, "I bid ye all a pleasant eve. May Illandros bring forth to y'all a radiant dawn. P'rhaps then, we will find the answers to this mystery." Gavin finishes his mug, tips his hat, then looks to Wyatt as though to say 'lead the way'.
Khalid bows his head to the others. "Late afternoon is it." He excuses himself and heads back to his small shop in South Shore, where he does a tarot reading to try top makes sense of the evenings events.
Marco slugs down another round with Derrick.
Well, mates, I am off as well. See all of ya tomorrow.
Marco pulls up his hood and heads to his modest flat right here in Blackchapel.
"Agreed. Tomorrow afternoon." With that, Derrick pulls out his Apex clothing, having had enough excitement for the night, and heads back to the Temple, sneaking back to his cell and resting for the coming day.
Perception
Khalid as you draw the Tarot and begin your reading, the cards come up ominously. All readings indicate death awaits in the future. Not necessarily your own but death will rear its head in the near future.
As you near your own humble abode, not terribly far from the place where the incident took place, a woman steps out of an alleyway near your location.
"Good sir, could you spare time in your evening to see to it that I receive a few square meals on the morrow?" she smiles alluringly at you.
As you enter the Monastery and close in on your chambers one of the Masters of the Order is heading down the hall in your direction, Master Frere. He is an Elderly Monk but you know his frail frame disguises a fierce fire that exists behind his eyes.
"Unable to sleep young Derrick?" asks the elderly monk.
"Yes, Master," Derrick says, bowing his head slightly and bringing his hands together. "My mind is aflame with thoughts and memories, as always. Sleep doesn't always come easily." He looks up, hoping the older monk will let the matter drop so he can get some sleep. Don't expect to get into too much trouble, but still, it'd be nice to not get in any at all.
On entering home:
Thanks lass, but I am not really lookin' fer company tonight. I'd warn ya to stay off the streets if ya can. A young Molly was done in not far from 'ere.
He reaches in his belt pouch and produces 2 silvers.
Mayhap this will help? I did not catch yer name?
As Gavin and Wyatt stroll through the darkened alleyways towards Wyatt's flat, you both hear the sound of feet on gravel. Before ether of you can react Wyatt cries out in pain. A glint of light flashes off of a blade which has just struck Wyatt!
Dagger Attack
Advantage
Luck is with Wyatt as the leather armor hidden beneath his clothing deflects the blow.
Damage
Wyatt Constitution Save
The figure then turns and begins to run away!
"When one gets as Old as me, less sleep is needed. Do you wish to discuss what troubles you or shall I juts pretend I did not see yo sneaking back in?" A mischievous grin curls at the corners of his mouth.
You enter your house with no incident and begin your regiment to prepare for the next day.
"Annie... Annie Smitters", she looks at the silver in wide eyed wonder. "May the Divinity bless you kind sir". She is practically in tears as she heads in the other direction, which you hope is towards home.
Derrick smiles back to the older monk, grateful that he's letting this infraction slip by, but as he turns to go to his cell, he pauses. "Actually, there is something, Master Frere." The younger monk turns and clears his throat, clearly nervous for a moment, before continuing. "Do you know anything about the murders that took place several years back? The victims in Blackchapel, with the blood drained? There was another tonight. I came across the body."
Master Frere's countenance has a look unlike anything you have ever seen from him before, "I know that no matter how hard one wants to believe they can make a difference, sometimes, the inevitable cannot be turned aside".
With that he continues his own walking meditation through the hals of the monastery.
Caught offguard by their would-be assailant, Gavin quickly regains his composure, and calling on the blessings granted by Illandros, "All those who strike from the shadows shall be revealed and bound by the morning sun!" ...tries to bind the attacker where he stands.
Wyatt calls out in a melodic tune for the interloper to cease his flight.
Despite the spell prowess of both Gavin and Wyatt, the figure continues to run away and turns down an alley.
"You meddle with forces beyond your control fools. Cease your inquiry and you may yet live..." the voice yells from around the corner.
Wyatt turns to Gavin and draws his rapier, "The second time that spell failed to function this night. Come, it seems steel will have to work where magic has faltered".
He begins to run after the figure.
Gavin shakes his head as his incantation seems to have no effect on their assailant. "Blast it all! Guess ye'll be needin' a good wollopin'! Let's get 'im!" Hefting his cane into his hand, Gavin takes off around the corner, preparing to swing his walking aid violently should he reach his assailant.
As Wyatt and Gavin round the corner ready to bring the assailant down he is nowhere to be found!
The mist while thick is not thick enough to obscure his presence. It is as if he has vanished into thin air!
Wyatt shivers as he turns to you, "We have stumbled onto something that is much more complex than a simple murderer slaying ladies of the night. This attack only emboldens my desire to discover the nature of this mystery. I do fear being followed to my home though. Do we seek a room instead for the evening or simply criss-cross on the way home to make sure we are not further followed?"
Rounding the corner and finding the assailant gone, Gavin wraps the foot of his staff off the cobblestone. "If nothin' else, a rented room 'ill give ye a touch of anonymity, though let's make sure it can lend us security as well. Lead on."
As they seek out a nearby inn of decent repute, Gavin tugs on Wyatt's sleeve. "Tell, in this realm, do ye trade in coin, and if so, would these do alright?" Gavin pulls forth several silver and gold coins to show Wyatt, awaiting his confirmation.
Marco returns to his rooms and settles in for the night, anxious to see what secrets the body reveals on the morrow. He is sure to lock and bar his door and windows.
Wyatt inspects the coins, "Assuming they are real they will be fine. This is a hub of trading activity and strangers come and go here frequently. I know an Inn in my neighborhood who will provide a guard at the door, I have entertained there before. Let's go get some rest".
Marco rises early, and he heads out to his local guildhouse to reach out to his contact. He is attempting to find out anything else that he can from his network of criminal liaisons.
After questioning his contact, Jake will hang around to see if anything else pops up regarding the murders before heading over to meet Mort and the body of the latest victim.
Hansford Kensignton!, he cried throwing the door to his rented room open. As I live and breathe it's good to see you! What brings you to my door my old comrade?
"Good to see you old chap. I just returned from the mainland, some unpleasant mercenary work in Mordent and I needed to get away from it all. Tell me, why are you here and not out in the field?" he asks as he sits down in a chair and begins packing a pipe.
Derrick enters Master Qwinn's quarters without any expectations, and he holds in his sigh when the elder asks him about the night prior. Can't I just wander in peace? How am I supposed to find myself and the truth of humanity if all I get are questions and trouble?
Drawing in a breath to calm himself, Derrick bows his head. "Forgive me, master, but I needed to further my meditations. While in the streets, I happened upon a murder. One that seems out of the ordinary for our city, gruesome and strange." He looks up with determination in his eyes, unwilling to let his questions go. "What do you know about the records? The murders where the blood was gone, the pattern that continues now. Surely the Apex has some insight into these affairs."
Master Qwinn responds, "Death comes to us all young Derrick. For some, the end is more violent than for others".
The Master pauses, "We have no such records. Recording of murders is left to the Constables. Our affairs dwell on less mundane matters. The place of Mankind in the world and our continued search to the path of Divine transcendence. I shall not prevent you from researching these matters if you wish though I would ask you how you believe such a task will lead to your own personal enlightenment. Do you for example, believe that this will unlock a memory of one of your prior lives?"
"Good to see you old chap. I just returned from the mainland, some unpleasant mercenary work in Mordent and I needed to get away from it all. Tell me, why are you here and not out in the field?" he asks as he sits down in a chair and begins packing a pipe.
Oh what I wouldn't give for some Action!, Dunstan cries, wringing his hands. Been damnably quiet. Spot of bother with my last deployment - so I'm not on the active roster and am unassigned and on half pay until otherwise. There was something that happened last night that was rather gruesome though, a bit of something that I am using to keep boredom at bay. I was wandering the roads at night, deep in thought when I found myself in Blackchappel of all places! I happened upon the body of a dollybird with her murderer, I think it was her murderer at any rate, fleeing the scene. Met some rather interesting chaps, for the lower classes at any rate, and we are agreed to try to find out more about what happened and if possible, apprehend the dastard!
Kensignton grins, "Sounds like a job for the Constables..."
He pauses and then laughs, "They can hardly solve the riddle of their own jacket buttons. I am here for a few days, would you mind if I tagged along? I have little respect for a murderer slaying defenseless women, even if their life choices are questionable".