Listening to Kajetan's suggestion of enhancing Lumbie's intellect, Nicolai nods in agreement. "That seems like a good idea, if such magic can be obtained. I am not capable of such a feat, but when the time comes, I think I'll cast a spell to protect Lumbie from possession. I wouldn't trust Lumbie to resist on his own, and the last thing we want is a demon in control of the box."
He remains silent through the next part of the discussion, his eyes cast skyward, until the party is ready to leave. Though he's not enamored with the idea of leaving the devil box alone with kobolds, Nicolai agrees to the plan and sets with the group towards town, silently wishing he was with Pharris instead of the pesky bard.
Turning to Laithe, he explains "We can meet at Pardoner's Square in front of the bronze statue. If you head through the East gate, and follow the road into town, you should find it easily. We'll head through the South gate and meet you there."
He then leads Alton and Keildrithe to the South gate, donning his mask as they approach town.
For DM:
"Alas, Ehlonna grants me magic which will boost one's strength, grace, endurance or wisdom, but not one's cunning. Still, there may be a minor spell which may aid one in their attempt to use the object, whether it be Lumbie or one of us. I will ask it of Ehlonna tonight. You are wise Kajetan, and I am glad to have you beside me in the coming battle."
Kajetan smiles at the compliment and nods, “As I am glad to have you on my side also. Your Lady Ehlonna may gift us with her grace yet again. Increasing Lumbie’s wit, if that be the case, may also strengthen our cause.” The scholar takes a quick glance towards the Devil’s Box and sees Pharris doing something. His brow forms a confused and curious pose for a moment, but he just shakes his head. Women, no book will ever make sense of them,’ he thinks to himself.
Nicolai joins in the conversation.
... I think I'll cast a spell to protect Lumbie from possession. I wouldn't trust Lumbie to resist on his own, and the last thing we want is a demon in control of the box."
Kajetan nods at his new companion with wide eyes, “Oh my. A spell like that would be critical. Brilliant idea. If the devil’s controlled their own prison and our main weapon against them, our mission would be in great jeopardy.”
Looking back at the copse as they walk toward town, Kajetan speaks further, “Regarding Lumbie, there could be a communication barrier. From what Raspit has said, Lumbie has been away from his kind for quite some time. This desegregation with others along with the intermingling languages of visitors to that freak show could have our heavy Kobold confused and misunderstood. The town is of most import right now, but if I have time, maybe I can work with Lumbie to get a better understanding of him. Time will see, I guess.”
As they near Lichford, Kajetan dons his owl mask, positioning it securely but also allowing plenty of room for ventilation and vision. Lichford itself, give Kajetan a comfort that he has not felt in awhile. The feeling of civilization and the possibility of learned folk excites the young scholar. The further they walk, Kajetan is also able to pick out the key differences in architecture and culture. He finds it interesting how the old ways of tradition blend with the new ways of Arton. Entering the square, Kajetan is immediately drawn to the bronze statue and moves to investigate it.
This is likely Laithe’s first time within such a large town. It is somewhat strange and unsettling to feel hard, worked cobblestones beneath his feet, to have tall and closely packed buildings rising up on both sides, and to see so many people in close proximity. In truth the streets are not crowded, but it is certainly more people than Laithe is used to seeing in one place, and the masks that many people wear adds to the sense of strangeness.
Laithe indeed is filled with a mixture of wonder and unease when greeted with the bustle of the city and the imposing buildings crowding in on all sides. After a few minutes he decides that he much prefers the quiet peace of the country-side or the winding forest paths. Perhaps remaining outside with the knockers might not have been such a bad thing he thinks to himself, bemused.
Pharris and Alton would both note that where in the wilderness Laithe would often take lead and moved with confidence and purpose, here in town he is hesitant, following behind them and deferring to their judement.
When the group finally meets once more, he is quiet and a little subdued. "Perhaps we should move closer to the church to get a better view of what has happened? It would make sense for Pharris and Nicolai to do a good chunk of the questioning as they are less likely to be connected to us. At least these masks afford us some cover."
Nicolai:
Kajetan, you don't notice anything particularly unusual about the statue. It looks pretty old, and its probably not that important if its set up in this small, out of the way square.
When the group finally meets once more, he is quiet and a little subdued. "Perhaps we should move closer to the church to get a better view of what has happened? It would make sense for Pharris and Nicolai to do a good chunk of the questioning as they are less likely to be connected to us. At least these masks afford us some cover."
"Glad to see that no one had any difficulty getting in. And yes, I agree that Nicolai and Pharris would be our most effective spokespeople, at this point. Nicolai, do you know the way to the cathedral?"
"Glad to see that no one had any difficulty getting in. And yes, I agree that Nicolai and Pharris would be our most effective spokespeople, at this point. Nicolai, do you know the way to the cathedral?"
Laithe nods somewhat absently. His attention is drawn back out into the crowd, keeping an eye out for Vorn, Atrek or anyone dressed in a manner similar to Atrek's band of mercenaries. However, the many sights of the city distract his normally sharp eyes and he becomes frustrated, worried the crowds could conceal such threats until they are right upon them.
"If we are heading towards the cathedral, let's keep an eye out for Vorn or Atrek" he says to the group. "It wouldn't surprise me if they were already in town trying to sniff us out. And I'm sure they'd love to pin the blame of one burning cathedral on our heads too."
He gives a quick description of the 2 men to Pharris and Nicolai.
"If we are heading towards the cathedral, let's keep an eye out for Vorn or Atrek" he says to the group. "It wouldn't surprise me if they were already in town trying to sniff us out. And I'm sure they'd love to pin the blame of one burning cathedral on our heads too."
He gives a quick description of the 2 men to Pharris and Nicolai.
Nicolai stares at Laithe from behind his mask as the druid describes an Artonite inquisitor who might be tracking the party. After a moment, he nods simply and turns his attention to Keildrithe who is asking about directions to the cathedral.
"It is a short walk up Minster Hill to the main square in front of the cathedral. The streets should be fairly busy at this time, and it shouldn't be too hard for us to blend in. I do know a quieter way to the back of the cathedral, but that would take nearly twice as long, and we would not be granted cover by the many passers by."
He glances at Pharris before continuing, "I should also mention that I've had some preliminary scouting done on our behalf. There seems to be a lot of activity around the cathedral, but no obvious signs of danger from winged demons or otherwise. I suggest we approach from the main artery in order to get there as quick as possible."
Nicolai waits for confirmation from Keildrithe and the others, then sets off in along the chosen path.
Pharris pats the hand of Laithe. She leans in close, then laughs out loud for no reason.
Again she puts an arm around the hesistant wolfman, whispering gently, "Remember we are here for the demons. Other than that, this is just a big farmhouse filled with different people. Trust your instincts. I do."
She turns to the rest and calls, "Lets go see the Cathedral!"
The streets of Lichford tend towards twisting and crooked, and the main road up the hill proves no exception, winding back and forward as it climbs the slope – but at least it is wide, and well paved.
Partway up, the street crosses another that leads up from the river below, and from this street and then up the hill is a line of men and women, townsfolk and guardsmen alike, forming a bucket chain, passing pails from one to the other and calling out, enquiring of water, and fire, and progress.
As the group approaches, a red clad church soldier runs down the hill towards them – and then veers away, following the bucket chain. He is calling out in Atuscan (and his cry is soon taken up and passed down the chain in Thuringian) – “No more water! The fire is out!” A cheer goes up, and the chain begins to disperse, most flocking up the hill to survey the damage, and soon the group find themselves amongst a throng heading up towards the cathedral.
The cathedral sits atop the broad, flat hilltop, an impressive edifice of grey stone with spired towers, flying buttresses, stone gargoyles and saints, narrow lead lined windows, and impressively carved and reinforced front doors, a short flight of broad steps up from a large flagged square in front.
The cathedral and most of the surrounding buildings near the top of the hill are predominantly stone – fortunate indeed; had the fire broken out in the lower town it would surely have spread quickly through the timber buildings and thatched roofs.
It appears to be not the main cathedral building itself that was afire, but a large, two story stone building to one side of it, one of several that make up the greater cathedral complex, this one in face connected to the rear part of the cathedral by an enclosed stone walkway. The timber framed, shingled roof of this building has partially collapsed, and wisps of smoke still rise from within, whilst wet soot coats the dozens of townsmen and guards that stand outside and partially within the open doors, buckets in hand.
Many of the people around-about wear the robes and uniforms of clergy – minor priests, seminary students, monks and nuns – but most appear to be bewildered on-lookers. A small knot of older, rather important looking priests stand in grave contrast near the open doors of the building, with red clad soldiers standing nearby at a discrete distance. A short distance away from the bulk of the crowd, several bodies lie covered with white sheets, a group of nuns standing praying near them, whilst a white-haired priest stoops to lift one of the sheets, looking underneath.
Spot 10+
Knowledge, Local 15+ or Religion 13+
The priest looking at the bodies would likely be the overseer of the mortuary.
Knowledge, Local 20+ or Religion 18+
Pharris' almond shaped eyes fix on something unusual.
"Masks off I think, gentlemen," she murmurs loud enough for all the group to hear. Bending forwards to inspect her boots, she sweeps her mask into her cloak and tucks it away.
Then Pharris takes a moment to disarrange her hair a little and become upset.
Spot: 1d20+5 = 14
Knowledge (local): 1d20+7 = 8
Knowledge (religion): 1d20+6 = 20
Nicolai nods in response to Pharris' suggestion and removes his mask, putting it in his backpack. "While they tolerate the Shackling, the Church does not look kindly on festival celebrations. If we intend to curry favor here, removing our masks seems like a good idea."
"It looks like it was the cathedral library that caught fire and, judging by the number of human casualties, my guess is that most of the books have been destroyed."
Pausing to take stock of the situation on the ground, Nicolai remarks, "That man over there is a Proctor and is the highest ranking priest at the moment, though the Prelate is notably absent." Pointing at another priest, he continues, "There's also a low-ranking Deacon which seems a bit unusual. I didn't think there would be a Deacon in Lichford..."
"I'll see what I can find out from the Church perspective. Knowing the Church tendency to impose bias, maybe one of you should get the public version." With that, Nicolai heads off in search of a low-ranking priest somewhat removed from the main group. If they are all densely clustered together, he'll approach the mortuary instead with an offer of assistance.
Kajetan is hopeful by the sense of community, as many have come to aid in dousing the fire. The bucket line takes his mind back to his studies and proposals that he has read on the manufacturing of contraptions that use air to propel water upwards. ‘Possibly some technology that could have been useful for this situation,’ he thinks to himself.
Finally a shout rings out that the fire is extinguished. The scholar quickens his pace as he is moved along with the crowd toward the cathedral. Reaching the top of the hill and realizing that many have removed their festival masks, Kajetan follows suit, understanding that, at least for now, the revelry is postponed.
Kajetan frowns at the sight of the covered bodies. He raises his gaze to the group of clergy standing by the open door. “Something important must have been in that building. Those clergymen standing near it are high ranking members of the church. Many senior padres, and if I am not mistaken by his uniform, a Proctor is also there. He would only be outranked by the Prelate, a person I do not see. Curious though, among that group is also a low ranking Deacon. I wonder what that building could have …,” Kajetan’s voice trails off and his eyes go distant. His mouth opens and closes several times in an attempt to speak. Finally, very weakly he says, “The Library.” After a short pause, “I think that building was the Cathedral library.” Kajetan stands there and stares, lost to his environment.
Again she puts an arm around the hesistant wolfman, whispering gently, "Remember we are here for the demons. Other than that, this is just a big farmhouse filled with different people. Trust your instincts. I do."
Though a touch uncomfortable under her touch, Laithe nods in response to Pharris, greatful for the comfort offered. He takes a deep breath and follows the group as they set out to the cathedral.
Arriving at the cathedral he is somewhat oblivous to the significance of the priest's present, but he does notice the lack of masks. At the warrior woman's suggestion, he takes the mask from his face and stows it in his pack. Though it makes sense to lose the masks, he suddenly feels all the more vulnerable, worried someone might recognise him.
As he notices the line of bodies, his worry for his own safety is forgotten and his healer instinct kicks in. At Nicolai's suggestion to talk to the priests nods in agreeance. Noticing Kajetan's attention also focused that way he says "Let's stay in pairs though - Kajetan, perhaps you should go with Nicolai. Keildrithe, let us see to the wounded and dead - we might be able to help and gather some information at the same time. Alton and Pharris, see what you can find among the crowd, and keep your eyes peeled for anything suspicious. If you can get a bit of a look inside all the better, but be careful."
He makes his way over to the bodies and approaches the white haired priest. He attempts to get a look at the body underneath before asking in Atuscan. "Please padre, I have some knowledge of healing. Is there anything I can do to help?"
... Noticing Kajetan's attention also focused that way he says "Let's stay in pairs though - Kajetan, perhaps you should go with Nicolai. ...
Kajetan stares until Laithe’s voice brings him back to the present. “Uh .. Yeah ok,” Kajetan stammers still out of it from thinking of the possible lost knowledge. He shakes his head and follows Nicolai.
He makes his way over to the bodies and approaches the white haired priest. He attempts to get a look at the body underneath before asking in Atuscan. "Please padre, I have some knowledge of healing. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Like the others, Keildrithe removes his mask and stows it in his pack. He cringes and stands back several paces as Laithe advances and offers his help to the padre, unsure what to do as his other companions disappear into the crowd. Has Laithe lost his mind?! Two dirty, road-weary Karands are bound to stick out like sore thumbs in this place... if Vorn is in Lichford, then the Inquisitor could ask for no better giveaway!!! Let's watch and see... and pray that my brother will not need rescuing...
Pausing to take stock of the situation on the ground, Nicolai remarks, "That man over there is a Proctor and is the highest ranking priest at the moment, though the Prelate is notably absent." Pointing at another priest, he continues, "There's also a low-ranking Deacon which seems a bit unusual. I didn't think there would be a Deacon in Lichford..."
"I'll see what I can find out from the Church perspective. Knowing the Church tendency to impose bias, maybe one of you should get the public version." With that, Nicolai heads off in search of a low-ranking priest somewhat removed from the main group. If they are all densely clustered together, he'll approach the mortuary instead with an offer of assistance.
He makes his way over to the bodies and approaches the white haired priest. He attempts to get a look at the body underneath before asking in Atuscan. "Please padre, I have some knowledge of healing. Is there anything I can do to help?"
The town guards and church soldiers in the area are beginning to herd non-clerical folk away from the area, but there are a lot of people and a lot of confusion, and Laithe is able to slip amongst the crowd to approach the white haired priest and the bodies. The druid manages to get a quick look at one of the faces under the sheet before the priest lowers it hurriedly, looking up in some alarm at being approached by a ragged looking out-lander. The face is that of a young, red bearded Thuringian man, his face deathly pale, seemingly wearing the uniform of a church soldier.
The old priest looks about to yell out for a guard, looking at Laithe’s weapons and armour with concern, but calms somewhat when he is addressed not in some foreign demon-tongue, but in fluent if accented Atuscan.
He appraises Laithe carefully for a moment before answering, stroking the silver star at his throat. “These men are past the need for healing,” he says at last, “and the herb-lore of the Karandic tribes has been outlawed by the Church besides. I thank you for your offer of assistance though … now you had best go. I have no doubt that those guards over there will soon begin looking for culprits, and an armed and armoured tribal warrior in the midst of the town is sure to arouse suspicion …”
Despite the gravity of the the situation, Alton smiles a little behind his mask as he walks through the streets. It's good to be back in a city and to walk amidst some of his own people. Arriving at the cathedral, he stays at the back of the group, looking around.
Alton and Pharris, see what you can find among the crowd, and keep your eyes peeled for anything suspicious.
"Will do." Alton says, taking off his mask and going into the crowd.
He appraises Laithe carefully for a moment before answering, stroking the silver star at his throat. “These men are past the need for healing,” he says at last, “and the herb-lore of the Karandic tribes has been outlawed by the Church besides. I thank you for your offer of assistance though … now you had best go. I have no doubt that those guards over there will soon begin looking for culprits, and an armed and armoured tribal warrior in the midst of the town is sure to arouse suspicion …”
For a moment Laithe is taken aback by the reaction, and almost retorts in anger that one would not take help offered. He catches himself though, realising that he had acted naively, and that the priest has offered some wise advice.
He gives a curt nod and retreats into the crowd silently berating himself. As he goes he recalls an image of the dead church soldier, trying to see if there were any clues as to his manner of death. He makes his way back to Keildrithe's side and noting the Bard's incredulous look he shrugs somewhat sheepishly. "All these buildings must be clouding my judgement" he mutters. "What now? should we head back a bit but stay somewhere where we can keep an eye on the others and make sure there is no trouble?"
Laithe, the colour of the man’s skin did not seem too unusual, although it looked like someone who had perhaps been dead for several hours. The fact that there were no visible burns – or even much in the way of soot or smoke discolouration suggests that perhaps he did not die in the fire … also, you think you saw some dried blood staining the sheet.
If Pharris and Alton are “keeping an eye out” (and maybe Keildrithe is too), they are welcome to roll spot and listen checks to see what they come up with.
Kajetan's somber mood turns to anger as he moves through the crowd. Heeding his companions' warnings, the scholar stays alert and scans the area. More or less staying with Nicolai, Kajetan also keeps an ear out for people talking about the fire.
If he finds someone suitable to talk to, he will inquire about if the building was definitely the Cathedral Library and what happened.
Pharris slips through the crowd towards the Cathedral entrance. As she goes she listens to the crowd and watches for anything unusual.
Once she reaches the crowd edge, she bursts into fake tears and grabs a senior soldier.
"What of Tadarosh? My Tadarosh? Where is he? I heard there was a fire and he said he would be inside today. Help me Sir."
She openly begins to wail and scream.
"What happened here? What happened? How did this thing start? Who burnt my man?"
DM
Nicolai makes his way over to an acolyte who has just finished thanking some civilians for their help. "Greetings Brother," he starts in Atuscan. "It is nice to see the locals pitching in to help the Church. Perhaps it is a sign of things."
He pauses momentarily to gauge the acolyte's demeanor. He then continues in a manner that seems both friendly and slightly authoritative, as though he expects things to be explained, but more to ease his concern than anything else.
"Might I ask what happened here? I saw the smoke clearly from the other side of town and assumed the worst. It seems I was not too far off. What started the fire? Not an act of carelessness around those important tomes! That is the library, is it not?"
Then, after glancing about, he continues, "I do not see the Prelate. Please tell me he doesn't lie amongst the victims! I have not met the man, but the Church could ill afford to lose his voice in these difficult times..."
Nicolai's voice trails off and he looks intently at the priest, waiting for a response.
Kajetan wanders amongst the crowd, looking for someone whom he might talk to … but the people around him seem intent on witnessing events, or talking amongst themselves, mainly in Thuringian. However, he does manage to overhear an Atuscan voice or two, and is able to ascertain that the building was indeed a library. As he considers moving to a different part of the crowd, a group of town guards begins moving through, dispersing the watchers.
---
Pharris, meanwhile spies a blue and white liveried soldier standing near the rear of the crowd, keeping a close eye on things … his gaze seems particularly drawn to Laithe as he talks to the priest. The man has a number of shiny badges and ribbons pinned to his tabard, and wears a tall feather in his helmet.
Pharris throws herself at the man, wailing and screaming – suitably distracting him from his appraisal of the druid. Although her act is overly melodramatic, it is not completely out of place – several folk in the crowd are crying, and a group of black-clad nuns stand wailing in one corner of the crowd … although none of those worthies are leggy red-heads wearing greatswords strapped to their backs.
The guard sergeant does not appear to know how to react, torn between being annoyed at this woman crying over his tunic, concerned that he let an armed and armoured person get so close to him … and quite distracted by the womanly aspect of that closeness. It is perhaps the barely concealed smirks and grins of his men that make up his mind. He pushes Pharris away (although not roughly) and holds her at armslength. “Calm yourself woman,” he says gruffly in Atuscan. “I don’t know your … husband? But there were few people inside – I understand the library was closed. Best … go home and wait for news.” He seems about to ask a question about the sword, but is distracted by being harraunged by an old Thuringian lady (who seems to have followed Pharris’ lead). He eventually extracts himself from the entire situation by ordering his men to disperse the crowd, many of whom are beginning to drift away anyway as the excitement seems to be over.
Kajetan, seeing the guards coming, attempts to stay out of their line of sight so as not to be 'moved along'.
"Might I ask what happened here? I saw the smoke clearly from the other side of town and assumed the worst. It seems I was not too far off. What started the fire? Not an act of carelessness around those important tomes! That is the library, is it not?"
Then, after glancing about, he continues, "I do not see the Prelate. Please tell me he doesn't lie amongst the victims! I have not met the man, but the Church could ill afford to lose his voice in these difficult times..."
Nicolai's voice trails off and he looks intently at the priest, waiting for a response.
The acolyte looks at Nicolai with confusion written on his face for a moment. He is a tall Thuringian lad, barely out of his teens, his chin freshly shaven in the tradition of Artonite priests (a tradition that not all adhere to, especially in these frontier regions).
After a moment he obviously comes to the conclusion that Nicolai is someone he should know or at least respect, and he makes the sign of the star to the Atuscan man. “Arton be with you,” he answers. “It is indeed the library sir, and a great loss it is.” He looks quite upset. “No, the Prelate was not inside, thanks be to Arton. I believe he is attending a Congress in Highwall this week.”
“The library was closed this morning – the Chief Librarian had nailed a parchment to the door to that effect – and several of us were waiting outside here. No one had told us it would be closed you see sir.
“As we waited, one of the other acolytes thought that he saw a flickering light from within, and we began to faintly smell smoke. Hammering at the door produced no reply, and when the other door from the Cathedral was checked, that was locked also.
“Someone went to look for Deacon Terin – that is him over there speaking to the Proctor – who is a junior assistant librarian and has access to a set of keys.
“When he opened the door, a great cloud of black smoke and heat billowed out, and we realised there was a fire and raised the alarm … Deacon … Deacon Terin said that he thought he saw Padre Marcus – that is the Librarian sir – within … he thought he was perhaps asleep sir … Sir, the Padre has been very busy lately, what with Padre Stefan away for so long … we surmise that he and some of the others were working late into the night, and knocked over a candle or some such … It is most distressing sir … the librarians dead, so many books destroyed…”
Kajetan, seeing the guards coming, attempts to stay out of their line of sight so as not to be 'moved along'.
** spoiler omitted **
Unfortunately, a sharp eyed guard spots Kejetan attempting to slip away. He growls something unfriendly sounding at him in Thuringian and ushers him along away from the priests. He doesn't look very friendly ... it is probably fortunate for Kajetan that there are so many important looking people nearby, or the guard may hae used more than just harsh words.
Nicolai:
He gives a curt nod and retreats into the crowd silently berating himself. As he goes he recalls an image of the dead church soldier, trying to see if there were any clues as to his manner of death. He makes his way back to Keildrithe's side and noting the Bard's incredulous look he shrugs somewhat sheepishly. "All these buildings must be clouding my judgement" he mutters. "What now? should we head back a bit but stay somewhere where we can keep an eye on the others and make sure there is no trouble?"
Keildrithe shakes his head in disbelief. "Glad things didn't end badly... pray to Ehlonna that we never set foot in one of the cities at the heart of the Empire! You'd go completely mad!" The bard takes a moment to scan the crowd, hoping to glean clues by eavesdropping on the conversations of passersby, before responding to the druid's questions. He also keeps an eye out for their companions, and anyone that may be spying them...
Suddenly seeing the bodies, as the guards begin to follow the leader's orders, Pharris shrieks, "Tadarosh!" She points to a sandaled foot peeping out from under one of the cadavers' covers.
"Our menfolk lie before us! let us see them!" Pharris turns to the elderly Thuringian woman and the others crying, including the nuns. "Surely I can look at my man one last time. Please! May the Church help me. I cannot wait for news! I need action and now!"
The girls face is a riot of blotches and tears and she grips the nearest guard desperately pointing at the almost hidden foot. She hisses at the guard, "please let me just look. Please! My man may just be twenty feet away, I beg you."
Nicolai nods grimly as the acolyte finishes his report. Playing up on the young priest's idea that he is someone important, Nicolai avoids having to introduce himself, and replies, to the best of his ability, in the manner of an Artonite priest, "Do not fret over the books. All that is truly important lies within our hearts. Thank you for the report. As you were, my friend."
Nicolai turns to leave the priest, but hesitates, then turns back. "One last thing. You mentioned Stefan was away. I'm afraid I've arrived in town only recently and there was something I wished to discuss with him. Do you know where I could find him? He last told me that he would be stationed in Lichford as the senior assistant librarian. I suppose we should be thankful duty called him away from that role. But I would really like to speak to him. Will he be back soon?"
Smiling at Pharris' distraction, Alton approaches one of the halflings in the crowd "Hello friend; I hope you don't mind me asking, but what happened here? I'm from out of towm, visiting my uncle Brom Lightfoot. My fellow travelers and I saw the smoke and came to see what was happening. Does anyone know how the fire started?"
Kajetan, forced back from the cathedral, looks around for his companions. Bitter at loss of knowledge that burned, the scholar stares from afar at the faint wisps of smoke still present in the air. 'We'll get our answers at a later time then,' Kajetan thinks to himself.
Keildrithe watches and listens as he and Laithe stand back at the edge of the square, amongst the few onlookers there, away from the main group that is currently being moved along by the guard.
His efforts at eavesdropping are mostly stymied by the fact that those around him generally converse in Thuringian, and while he keeps an eye out for danger, has gaze keeps being drawn to the dominating form of the cathedral, beautiful and oppressive at once.
That it is a work of art cannot be denied; his own people would never build a structure so vast and decorative (and expensive, and ultimately pointless except as an expression of power). From the elaborate carvings around the main doors stare the hollow eyes of saints, martyrs and angels, whilst below them carved dragons, griffons and other fantastical beasts snarl, whimper and snap. The cathedrals roofs, spires and buttresses are guarded by a small army of gargoyles, many of them disturbingly reminiscent of the demon from the Valley of Snails, though as far as Keildrithe can determine (and he studies them carefully) these are all stone.
The gargoyles are not the only winged denizens of the upper reaches. A murder of crows roosts and flaps about one of the upper spires, perhaps permanent residents or perhaps drawn by the promise of death below. Unseen by them (but noticed by the bard), a black cat balances along one of the flying buttresses, perhaps seeking to make a meal of one of the flock. The feline disappears from Keildrithe’s view behind the wall of an outjutting chapel, and the bard notices a pale face looking out from a narrow window for a moment before pulling back out of view. Far above, a raptor wheels above the town in the clear sky.
---
Alton is similarly stymied by the language barrier, but he manages to spot a Halfling in the crowd and strikes up a conversation. “Oh, so you’re Brom’s nephew are you? Well met. Yes, a bad business here … not good at all … How’d it start? Can’t say, but folk are saying a candle was knocked over or some-such.”
Further conversation is stopped by the guards sweeping through and breaking up the crowd. The halfling gives a wave goodbye and heads off back about his day’s business.
---
Nicolai has been all but ignored by the guards breaking up the crowd (likely due to his Atuscan heritage, the fact that he is well dressed, that he is in conversation with the acolyte or a combination of all three), and continues talking to the young priest.
“I am not sure where Padre Stefan is sir,” the lad replies. “He is often away. I believe he may be on sabbatical … or perhaps he is with the Prelate. Deacon Terin would know.” Nicolai glances over in that worthies direction, but he is just entering the burnt out library along with the group of senior priests – surveying the damage no doubt.
A bell rings out from somewhere within the cathedral complex. “Sir, I must go,” says the acolyte, “Arton be with you,” and he hurries away, along with several other of the young priests.
---
Pharris does indeed stir up the crowd a little, although most are content to move along, but a few wails and cries break out. The guard sergeant storms over, a thunderous look on his face, with a few of his men in tow. “I told you to go home!” he exclaims. “Well, if you can’t control yourself, I shall need to take you in. Men –“
But at that he is cut off by the old, white haired priest who was inspecting the bodies. “A moment Sergeant, if you please,” he says, walking forward and holding up his hand. “This young lady is clearly distressed and hysterical – it is a weakness of her sex, but this is a trying time. We should not waste the time of your men and the town magistrate when there is an easier solution.” He turns to Pharris, looks up at her and says kindly, “My dear, I doubt that your young man is amongst the dead. But if you have reason to think he is … well, for obvious reasons I cannot uncover the bodies here, but if you are willing to accompany me to the mortuary, the bodies will be brought there shortly. It is just around the corner. I shall have to formally identify the bodies at any rate.” He gestures for the tall woman to accompany him.
The guard sergeant is clearly fuming, but there is little he can do. He stands looking at Pharris darkly for a moment and then stalks off, muttering something about “women” and “foreign brides”.
Pharris follows the old man meekly. She looks around for someone to accompany her, a member of the party.
The first one she spots (except Alton), Pharris points out to the elderly man respectfully, "That is Tadarosh's cousin and he may be more fit to help us, I am suffering with the vapours and if Tadarosh lies dead then his support may be for the best....please."
Pharris follows the old man meekly. She looks around for someone to accompany her, a member of the party.
The first one she spots (except Alton), Pharris points out to the elderly man respectfully, "That is Tadarosh's cousin and he may be more fit to help us, I am suffering with the vapours and if Tadarosh lies dead then his support may be for the best....please."
The gargoyles are not the only winged denizens of the upper reaches. A murder of crows roosts and flaps about one of the upper spires, perhaps permanent residents or perhaps drawn by the promise of death below. Unseen by them (but noticed by the bard), a black cat balances along one of the flying buttresses, perhaps seeking to make a meal of one of the flock. The feline disappears from Keildrithe’s view behind the wall of an outjutting chapel, and the bard notices a pale face looking out from a narrow window for a moment before pulling back out of view. Far above, a raptor wheels above the town in the clear sky.
"For all the hate I feel towards the Artonites, I must confess that they have a real talent for erecting buildings that are at once beautiful and terrible," mutters Keildrithe to Laithe before something suddenly catches his eye. "Hmmm... I wonder... Laithe, did you see a face quickly pull back from a window, up there? Perhaps it's insignificant... but perhaps they're a witness who wish to remain unseen? And if I'm not mistaken, that golden hawk is still circling above..."
Pharris follows the old man meekly. She looks around for someone to accompany her, a member of the party.
The first one she spots (except Alton), Pharris points out to the elderly man respectfully, "That is Tadarosh's cousin and he may be more fit to help us, I am suffering with the vapours and if Tadarosh lies dead then his support may be for the best....please."
Sense Motive 18+
“Yes, alright him too,” he says, gesturing that Nicolai may accompany them too. He begins making his slow way around towards the rear of the cathedral complex, whilst a line of town guards and church soldiers sets themselves up to bar access to the cathedral and the library.
Pharris after she gestures to Nicolai. As they move away, one of her hand drops to her side and she flicks the fingers out gracefully, three times.
DM
Knowledge check DC 20+
"For all the hate I feel towards the Artonites, I must confess that they have a real talent for erecting buildings that are at once beautiful and terrible," mutters Keildrithe to Laithe before something suddenly catches his eye. "Hmmm... I wonder... Laithe, did you see a face quickly pull back from a window, up there? Perhaps it's insignificant... but perhaps they're a witness who wish to remain unseen? And if I'm not mistaken, that golden hawk is still circling above..."
Laithe nods at Keildrithe's observation. "Definitely terrible, though not sure about the beautiful part. Personally I prefer a building that compliments nature, as opposed to one which stands in stark contrast to it."
Laithe's eyes are focused on Pharris and Nicolai and he misses the face up in the window. "Sorry, I didn't notice it? Did they pull back because you made eye contact or some other reason?"
His line of question is distracted as he turns back to Pharris to see her make a strange sign. He turns to Keildrithe (and I'm assuming Alton and Kajetan have now joined us as well?) and says "I think Pharris is trying to tell us something, but I'm not sure what." He repeats for them the sign she made. "Any idea what she wants?"
The old priest walks slowly with Pharris and Nicolai at his side, past the front of the burnt out library building, and soon disappearing around the corner, out of sight of those in the square as they make their way deeper into the comp-lex of buildings besides and behind the cathedral.
The line of soldiers left in the square warily watch those few bystanders left at the edges of the square, focusing particular attention on the pair of armed Karands studying the building and whispering to each other.
A pair of black painted, covered carts pulled by grey horses enters the square from a street to the rear, and the drivers get out, and with the help of a couple of soldiers begin laying the covered bodies in the square into the carts.