LOL!
You all arrive back at the manor, Elrawien slipping away on the walk back, but Faedrin dismisses it as normal as she often loves to visit the finery shops on the upper portion of the city. She returns only about a half hour behind you. You are given a place to sit and eat as the majordomo serves a simple but nice meal. After you've dined, Sheila enters, right on cue, almost as if she was waiting until after you had supped.
She looks at those assembled, her fists on her hips, a hint of frustration on her face. "Well, I see five of you have returned, and dined. I hope you feel rested and well fed? Where are you on finding young Miss Vancaskerkin? I would imagine you've had some success, as you are all relaxing here in the lodge, yet I see neither her nor a report on what happened. If she is possibly in some kind of danger, I would like to think that haste would be of the essence."
Looking at the collective she continues, "Where did the masked fellow, Oz, get off to? Did something untoward happen to him, or did he decide he'd had enough and take that nice dagger as severance? Speaking of which, you guys just left these on the table." she holds out her hand and opens it to reveal the ring and two gemstones. "If you're turning them down, I'll certainly offer them into the lodge's coffers."
I believe in our haste to investigate the leads that were presented that we forgot about these items. Perhaps now would be the time to discuss what we will do with them>
"Ah, that masked person has a name? 'Oz'? An odd name for an odd fellow, fancy that." Faedrin raises his glass and laughs at his joke before addressing the senior Pathfinder's concerns, "We did indeed find some leads, and were presently about to pursue some others, but this 'Oz' fellow wandered off on his own and we were hoping to rejoin forces as it were. Alas, our masked man of mystery and macabre dress seems to as yet still be abroad. Presently though, we know that the Sczarni, particularly a group known as 'The Tower Girls', are also looking for our missing Natalya, who is not the only person to have disappeared of late. 'Oz', as you say, must still be trailing the Nidalese slavers whom have earned some share of suspicion. In the meanwhile, we shall call upon those at the Arvensoar. Would you care to share a cup of something with us before we depart once more?"
"Oz? Oz? Oz. That is an interesting name. Brother, speaking of good wine, do you remember when we used to be able to get that particular brew of wine that came from Kyonin? Wasn't it made from distilled honey, honey comb and peaches or something along those lines. How I pine to taste it again. I wonder if it is found here in Magnimaar?
Dareon is caught right in the middle of a bite by Mrs. Heidmarch's ire, and chews his food quickly and swallows, pushing his plate away, before responding.
"I apologize for our negligence, Mrs. Heidmarch. We have no way to contact our compatriot and thought we ought to meet up again before pursuing further leads."
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Shrugging at everyone comments between swigs of wine, he continues to eat the meal before him. Not really offering anymore to the conversation - everything needing said has either been said or is on it's appropriate path of conversation. He instead shrugs helplessly.
After taking the last bite and swallowing the remainder of the food, he'll pull a napkin from his lap and wipe his lips. He finally speaks to add some extra information he thought important for their Pathfinder hostess. "Zograthy did seem rather interested in our connection to this place, and our interest with Natalya and Sczarni business. May want to increase your security as they might follow the same trail we did and he sells the information."
He'll take another swig of his wine and lean back in his chair. His cheeks still a bit red at the fact that his feet won't reach the floor while within the seat, but would probably be written off as a glow from the alcohol.
As Faedrin expounds on their adventures thus far, she lifts an eyebrow nodding lightly as he speaks. "Thank you for the update, but as Pathfinders you will be expected to produce a formal mission summary when you have finished. I would actually rather not have a drink, and would suggest you not wait too long before you find either your missing team member or your next lead on the girl. So he went elsewhere and no one coordinated a rendezvous? How do you know he is still alive, maybe he found more information than someone wanted him to have. Maybe he decided the work was not for him. How long exactly were you planning on waiting?"
She seems bothered by the fact you are not all rushing to get on your way. It's when Gaileyon mentions that the Sczarni are curious about their involvement that she scowls, and then pinches the bridge of her nose "How do they know of our involvement? I told you the reason we went with new members for the job was to keep the Pathfinder's involvement under wraps. Yet somehow it is already of interest to the Sczarni."
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While Oz sits in his nice little nook that he'd found for himself, he keeps a watchful eye out at all times for any would-be interesting people. While his "allies" were probably seeking their own leads, he worried more about who was coming and going.
He leans back idle in his spot, giving the dagger that he'd found a once-over. A question he'd been asking himself the whole time involved whether or not anyone had actually picked up those garnets. That Shiela lady seemed tightly wound.
Fortunately for him, however, even if his compatriots did make it back from Zograthy, they probably learned about this place. He would hate to have to sneak in and do a rescue mission on his own, but he'd certainly keep tabs on where the woman would end up if he had to listen in.
He looked down at his dagger for a moment. I've all these, and yet they're all virgin blades... A fickle thought, for sure, but he didn't doubt that he was more than capable of having them meet their respective marks.
With that, he reconsidered his approach, and saw to being harder to spot while he watched.
"Ah, that is perhaps a bit of an over exaggeration, in the same vein as calling a single tree a forest. It was Zograthy who expressed an interest in the Pathfinder's involvement, not the Sczarni as such. Offering the fortune teller that teeniest of morsels will bait the hook and ensure he remains a useful contact in the future, so long as we're able to add a little to his coin purse too. You needn't fret overmuch. As for your other questions regarding this "Oz" fellow," Faedrin pauses for a moment, taking a sip of his beverage. "Well, I mean have you ever tried talking to him? He seems quite fond of lurking, slinking, and only speaking in puzzling sentence fragments. Even if he's found, I doubt anyone will be able to piece together what it is he'd be found doing." He takes another sip, then nods in acquiesence to Sheila, "But yes, yes, we were about to depart anon. Had your arrival been delayed by even a few minutes you likely wouldn't have even bumped into us."
Dareon is thoroughly uncomfortable at being chastised by his superior, and stands up from his seat, preparing to bring his food to the kitchen to wash the plate before departing and belting on his sword. "Ah, yes I agree. I would wager that strange man was planning on spying until he found something, and who knows when that will be. We will depart shortly to continue on to new leads."
Elwarien rolls her eyes at the elder Pathfinder's statements and then winks at her brother. As I was saying, Fade. I wonder if adding peaches and maybe apples would add to the flavor of the wine I so enjoyed. Daeron, do you know the best combination of fruits to make a good wine? .
Even though he is in a rush, arms crossed and foot tapping, Dareon can't resist the opportunity to show off his education and knowledge. "I must say that I do, but I'm afraid I am quite boring in my wine tastes. Grapes will always be the best fruit to make a quality wine, although apple wine comes a close second in my books. Chelaxian wine has the most character and sophistication, but if you wish to make your own, Sandpoint fruit can be excellent. Does that help?"
With a look of fascination in her eyes, And what is your opinion of elven wine? I find that any wine not of elven make is about as tempting as dwarven ale or dish water.
Lady Heidmarch takes a breath and replies, "I apologize for any frustration and the manner in which I spoke. I am eager to learn what happened to the girl and her discovery." She looks to Elrawien as the young elf continues off-topic "Though I hasten to remind you all, that includes you Miss Lantherion, that it is important as members of the Pathfinders that you stay focused on the task at hand and the accomplishment of the missions you are given."
LADY Heidmarch, may I remind you that it was not we who lost your contact but we are the ones that you have asked to help locate someone that was working for you and YOU lost contact with. A little more gratitude should be shown.
Now Dareon, about elven wine?
Lady Heidmarch can just be noticed clenching her jaw, before taking a few deep breaths, and then responding. Her low sultry voice giving the whole of it a certain gravity to her words. "I'm not sure you fully understand the dynamic here. I am the Venture-Captain of the Varisian chapter of the Pathfinder Society, of which you are all new members. If my request was worded in the form of a favor it was merely for the sake of civility. As Pathfinders you are given missions, some of which you may not prefer to undertake, but are for the betterment of the Society as a whole. I did not lose anyone, as it is not my responsibility to babysit anyone, though that seems like it has changed as of late. You are the one that should be showing gratitude, as you have access to all the lodge offers, which just so happens to also be my home."
You can tell that all the while she speaks, she is controlling her ire "You are no longer a spoiled child frittering away your father's money while you play at being an adult. You are now responsible for your actions, and if you do not conform to the expectations of the Society, your services may no longer be required. As such, you would also no longer be earning all that the Society rewards it members for their dutiful service. I hate to have to be so forward about it, but I would suggest that you no longer test my patience, child. We are not in your home, you are not being the defiant child acting against your parent's wishes, for the simplicity of showing that you can. You are a member of a long and honored organization, and I would recommend you start acting like that's what you are." She lets out a calming breath, straightens her hair slightly and leaves the room, brooking no argument.
The Arvensoar looms in the southern part of the city, high above the districts of Lowcleft and Naos. The tower itself is about 400 feet tall, with the lower portion built into the side of the Seacleft that splits the city in half. You approach the building from the east, where the building meets the upper portion of the city. The interior of the building itself is expansive, and the architecture reflects a time long ago. The room is mostly empty, given the dinner hour, and just a little before the night watch comes in for their evening duties. You enter to face the front desk, with a desk sergeant scrawling notes in a log. Not looking up, he just asks over the desk, "What can I help you with?"
Dareon doesn't even respond to Elrawien this time, standing stiff-backed and uncomfortable, even though Mrs. Heidmarch's ire is not directed at him. He is grateful to leave, and does so silently and quickly.
When they reach the Arvensoar, Dareon can't help but stand in amazement. He's seen it before, of course, but something about great works of architecture inspire something in him. He pauses for a moment, both in and out of the building, to admire it.
When they go in, Dareon walks up to the desk sergeant with a bit of a scowl. He hates doing things like this, but if it'll get the job done, he supposes that it can't hurt.
Placing his right hand on the desk, signet ring clearly visible, Dareon says to the guard, "We're looking for the Commander, or perhaps an archivist. We need information on a criminal, if you've got it."
He looks up slightly, seemingly perturbed by the presumptuous hand on his desk. He looks at the ring briefly before sitting upright and respectively says, "Sir, my apologies but the commander is busy at the moment, and no one gets into the archives without express permission of the Commander. Her schedule is a little packed right now, but if you move over to the benches in the waiting area, I'll see if I can get her to see you in the next hour or two. Again my apologies."
My good sir, I think that you don't understand. I have some pretty pressing business so please, allow us in to the archives? in a very flirty and happy voice.
charming plus alabaster traits
The guard takes a deep breath, and sighs before responding. "I'm sorry to hear about your urgency Ma'am, but no one gets in without the commander's consent, or with the commander. As I said earlier, she is busy right now, and no one is to disturb her. Now, if you please go wait over on the benches in the waiting area, some one will be with you in a bit." he points once again to the place he indicated as the waiting area.
Walking back to the benches Elrawien with a scowl, as if thinking she gets a smile on her face and her eyes light up. Speaking in Sylvan to her brother Brother, this guard was not very friendly. Perhaps I should try and change his disposistion with my talents?
Tanjvats was also impressed with the architecture, but also by Dareon's and Elrawien's confidence in approaching the guard.
As the guard responded, he noticed the elf's frustration at waiting. He felt an urge to comfort this minor inconvenience with a counsel of patience, but decided against it.
I'm not sure she'd care about my opinion on the matter, he thought. Better to let her be.
Faedrin looks over at the guard, regarding the man for a few long moments before turning back to his sister. After another pause to consider her question, he shakes his head.
With a pout in Sylvan why not? We need the information?
Dareon crosses his arms, but although Elrawien walks away in frustration at the slightest rebuff, Dareon isn't so easy to turn away. They're on important business, and there's no way they get moved up to more exciting missions that involve actual exploring unless they complete this one correctly. "Sir, I don't think you understand. We're on very important business, this woman and I, and also our other colleagues. The completion of this mission means ensuring the safety of a young woman. Surely you care about that?"
As Dareon steps in to help plead their case with Elrawien, the desk sergeant rolls his eyes, and puts his hands up to stop them. "Fine, fine. I'll go get her. Damn, you rich kids are a persistent lot. I realize I'm not going to get any work done while you keep pestering me." He calls over to a nearby guardsman, sending him off to get the commander.
A few minutes later a woman dressed in the uniform of the watch approaches. She has a sturdy build, and moves with the assuredness of a practiced warrior, comfortable with the weapon on her hip. The rank of officer adorns her uniform. She walks up to the desk sergeant, who then points her in your direction. She walks up to you folds her hands behind her back, and speaks "Good day to you. I am Kasadei, the watch officer on duty today. My sergeant tells me you all were adamant about seeing me. What is it you require?"
Faedrin responds wordlessly to his sister yet again, this time simply nodding to Dareon with a smile as the guard sends someone to fetch the sergeant. He shrugs playfully then offers Dareon an approving nod as the second guard departs.
Brother, perhaps you might be able to plead our cause to Officer Kasadei?
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Gaileyon looks between the typical individuals who have acted as speakers for the group. Awaiting for some time for someone to step up and inquire to the woman, he rolls his eyes and with a huff steps forward to speak for the group.
"Commander - my name is Gaileyon Madstout and these are my compatriots. We're representatives of the Pathfinders Guild. We've been assigned a task and have come to you for hopes of some assistance."
The dwarf offers his hand for a handshake. After her presumed response of greeting he'll continue with the inquiry. "We understand there's been some reports of slavers kidnapping individuals and selling them to docked Nidalese ships. We fear an individual of importance to the guild may have been one of these individuals. Could you aide us with any information you may have on these instances?!" He pauses briefly before adding, "We would gladly be deputized to help you rid your fair city of this blemish in payment"
She takes a breath, before answering most officially, "Do not worry about the disappearances citizens. We of the guard have everything under control. If you are still concerned I suggest you always travel with a friend, and avoid the portions of the city more commonly associated with back alley deals. Sometimes what is assumed to be a disappearance is merely someone putting themselves into dangerous situations and not making it back out."
Dareon crosses his arms (becoming a common stance for him), annoyed that his companions don't know how to keep a secret. "Listen, we're looking for a woman known to run with the Sczarni. Since she's a criminal, we figured you'd have records on her. Natalya Vancasterkin? Surely you can tell us the hangouts of one lowlife."
She thinks for a bit, before responding "Yeah, Natalya. If I remember correctly she’s a petty burglar known to run with the Tower Girls. If she has vanished it's news to us—she hasn’t been picked up by any of our patrols, in any event. I'm not surprised that her disappearance hasn’t been reported—the Sczarni tend to try to solve their own problems. If anyone knows more, it’s probably the Tower Girls."
One of Dareon's eyebrows raises. "And I can find a Tower Girl...where?"
She raises an eyebrow back at him, before explaining "Well, that could be a problem. Tracking down any of the Sczarni gangs is tricky normally, but as far as I know, the Tower Girls themselves have recently changed their headquarters. No informants have yet been able to update us as to their new headquarters, but I do know that a few months back, the Tower Girls had a falling out with another Sczarni gang, the Wreckwash Blades. For several weeks after that, rumor was that the Tower Girls were slumming it in an abandoned warehouse in Underbridge that they shared with a disreputable local by the name of Fenster the Blight. He may know where the Tower Girls, or perhaps Natalya, are located now."
Dareon's eyebrow settles back down into its normal place, and he uncrosses his arms. For once, he looks pleased. "Thank you, you've been very helpful. If I could just have directions to this...Fenster, or the warehouse, that would be excellent, and we'll get out of your....very, very busy schedule." He says this last bit looking around the mostly-empty Arvensoar lobby with a wry look on his face.
Is there any information that you can provide us with on this Fenster the Blight?
Faedrin settles back as his sister and Dareon pump the commander for information.
This errand will have us running over have the city by the time it's done. This is starting to get rather absurd.
Tanjvats leaned over to Faedrin as the others spoke with the watch officer.
"It seems this Kasadei woman didn't like talking about the disappearances", he whispered. "I doubt the guard has 'everything under control'."
Faedrin nods at Tanjvats' comment, "So it would seem. I'd wager your intuition to be right on the mark."
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The dwarf cocks his eyebrow high at Elrawien and Dareon's pressing for more information. He looks at them sidelong as he speaks again to the commander. He keeps quiet, having only started the conversation out of brash annoyance of everyone's odd delay.
He'll slowly take a step back as they question the woman, not wanting to interfere with the work of those more suited.
She actually seems more than willing to tell what she knows about Fenster and his whereabouts. Maybe it's one less thing the guard will have to worry about. "Well, Fenster is an odd sort. He's a disgusting man, often making crazy claims. For some reason though, most of the people he deals with in Underbridge leave him alone. Maybe they think he's not a big problem, or maybe he's a decent guy to have on your side when you need him. It could just be they think no one will bother with his vagrant ramblings. I don't know. Just be careful, that man will fight like a cornered sewer rat, and smells ten times worse. The warehouse he stays at can be found at....." as she proceeds to give directions to find the building. Given the way many of you seem to not be familiar with the slums of Underbridge, she provides clues in the form of key landmarks or distances based off the pilings of the Irespan itself.
The area around the building has been both quiet and still. No sign of any activity in, out, or around the rundown tavern can be seen. At one point, movement catches his eye, but it turns out to be a stray cat pouncing on a rat, before playing with it a little until the cat decides to carry it away somewhere to eat it. It's a decent bit after suppertime, and dusk is beginning to settle in, the sunset throwing colors all across the waters of the harbor.
Thank you for this information, Officer.
Gentlemen, and Master Dwarf, should we be off to?
"Thank you, Officer, for all of your information."
This seedy underworld thing is starting to rub a little raw on Dareon, especially since this chore seems to be one of those that involves traipsing around the entire city just to talk to people...
"Well, I suppose we should get along to the Underbridge, eh? One more criminal to talk to. Hopefully this is the last one."