Pharris goes a little pink.
Nicolai secures the rope to the best of his abilities.
Use Rope:
"Take the kobolds and the box first, Laithe. If your spell wears off, I can either climb myself or come through the gates in the morning. Though I would prefer the comforts of an inn if at all possible..."
Pharris concentrates on the rope and making sure the box and knockers are safe.
Pharris concentrates on the rope and making sure the box and knockers are safe.
Laithe also grips the rope in order to help Pharris haul it up over the wall. "Once it reaches the top, we are going to have to catch it as it drops over, so get ready. Alton, once it is there, if you can hold the rope while Pharris and I get in position to catch."
Laithe assists Raspit then Chupo over the twenty foot high wall, taking on the second trip the rope that Nicolai has tied around the Devil Box, passing the unsecured end down to Alton.
The two knockers huddle in their masks under the shadow of the wall with Pharris and Alton, looking about in apparent wonderment (or fear, or disgust). Laithe is atop the wall, whilst Nicolai, Lumbie and the tied off Devil Box are still on the outer side.
The town is not a quiet place at night, at least not during the Festival of the Shackling; the somewhat distant sounds of revelry from half a dozen taverns and street dances mingle with closer, more typical sounds – a baby crying, a dog barking, the click of shoes on hard cobblestones in a nearby street, the lowing of a cow out in the fields.
A shout comes from somewhere nearby, a man’s voice, carrying over the streets.
Laithe:
Nicolai:
A shout comes from somewhere nearby, a man’s voice, carrying over the streets.
The shout brings Laithe's attention back to possible dangers around him and he listens for a moment and then whispers urgently down to Pharris and Alton "There's a group of men coming!" He whispers the same down to Nicolai, and adds "Quick, get Lumbie to grab the rope tight". Once the large knocker is in position he grabs the rope himself and, holding tight, drops off the wall on the city side, hoping to use his weight to help haul Lumbie and the box(tied to the other end) quickly up the wall, and also hoping their weight will slow his own descent to a degree.
Hearing the shout and realizing that the others would not understand the words, Nicolai silently admonishes himself for lack of foresight. He quickly waves Laithe off. "No time! Hide the others!" he calls back, as quietly as he can while ensuring Laithe can hear him.
Whilst he can still see the druid atop the wall, he immediately begins what he should have done several minutes ago, and casts Message. He only targets Laithe, figuring the whispered instructions would just confuse Lumbie.
Once DM acknowledges the spell has resolved, Nicolai immediately sets to work cutting the rope with his dagger, while whispering the following:
As an afterthought, he adds: "The spell functions up to 130 feet."
His message relayed, Nicolai frowns as the impending manual labour dawns on him. With a sigh, he removes his pack and straps it on backwards so that it rests on his chest. He ties it snugly and then hefts the box onto his back, leaning over slightly and holding it up with his arms behind him (like a piggy-back). Not the most comfortable positions, but at least he should be able to maintain his balance as they move quickly into the woods.
He motions for Lumbie to stay quiet and whispers to him that they need to head back into the woods. He follows Lumbie as quickly as he can, whispering to the creature to speed up or slow down if necessary. He continues for about 50' then tries to find a good place to hide.
Once DM acknowledges the spell has resolved, Nicolai immediately sets to work cutting the rope with his dagger, while whispering the following:
** spoiler omitted **
Hearing Nicolai's message Laithe groans inwardly, cursing himself a fool for getting the two smaller knockers inside and leaving the box and Lumbie - the two they needed - on the outside.
However, not wanting to waste any time, he scrambles down the wall as quickly as he can. "It seems we have been spotted and guards are coming to investigate" he explains quickly. "Nicolai has retreated with Lumbie and the box, figuring they would make it difficult to escape. We should flee; a fight here will not help our case."
While he speaks, Laithe quickly coils the rope and stows it over one shoulder, then scans the alley for possible escape routes - particularly one that would keep him close to the walls and in range of Nicolai's message spell.
Those within the walls:
You are at the end of a short alley, the town walls behind you and a building to either side. Both of the buildings have a closed door at ground level facing onto the alley. Beside the door on the right is a large pile of old broken crates and other junk. The building to the left has a rickety wooden stair leading up to a second level apartment – another closed door. At the other end of the alley, about thirty feet away, a wider cobbled street disappears out of sight to the right and left. Not quite opposite the mouth of the alley you are in a little to the right) another alley winds its way between two buildings across the street.
You can now all hear loud footsteps on the cobbles approaching from the street at the end of the alley, out of sight to the right. There appears also to be a light approaching from that direction – someone holding a torch or lantern perhaps. It is otherwise fairly dark, although not pitch black, with town lights and the stars overhead lighting the dark somewhat.
Meanwhile, there is another shout (in Thuringian) from somewhere to the right.
Nicolai:
Wall group
DM
DM:
I would prefer to move off road to find a better hiding place. If guards appear on top of the wall, I don't want them to be able to see me. I'll create the light source, but quickly hide it as soon as I can.
Laithe, DM:
Nicolai will periodically prompt Laithe for reports, giving him the opportunity to reply.
Those inside the wall:
Nicolai (and Mothman):
Those inside the walls:
Pharris dashes to the corner of the alley, where it meets the street, and peers around the wall.
“Three armed guards,” she whispers, looking back at Alton and Laithe, “down the street, coming this way – what will we do?”
Nicolai:
Nicolai and Laithe:
Those inside the walls:
Outside:
Alton considers for a moment and then nods. "Alright. If you think you can remain hidden yourself, then let's do it."
Inside:
The light out in the street grows somewhat brighter, and the footsteps closer, until they slow and then stop. A voice comes, speaking in Thuringian, seemingly from right outside the alley mouth. There is a warning tone to the voice.
Outside:
Inside:
The light out in the street grows somewhat brighter, and the footsteps closer, until they slow and then stop. A voice comes, speaking in Thuringian, seemingly from right outside the alley mouth. There is a warning tone to the voice.
Laithe whispers quietly to Pharris and Alton (and includes Nicolai in this communications via the spell) "Take the Knockers and flee. I will provide you some cover and then try and get Nicolai over."
He then moves as stealthily as possible towards the mouth of the alley, keeping to the side which the soldiers have come from and quietly prays to Ehlonna. "Lend me the mists of your forests so that I may wear them like a cloak."
A misty vapour then arises from where he crouches, spreading out 20ft in all directs.
Outside:
Laithe:
Outside:
He will periodically look at the watchtower to try and make out more detail. Unfortunately, his perception is much greater in the daylight, when his bond with Wijk'An allows him to see more clearly...
Inside:
Quickly, quietly, he calls upon his connection to the natural world, and a ghostly mist begins to rise up about him and quickly spreads out, covering the width of the alley way and drifting across the street, almost to the buildings on the other side. From the street there is a gasp, a cry, what sounds like a Thuringian oath, and the sounds of feet moving back.
Laithe’s companions can barely see him at the centre of the mist, appearing as little more than a ghostly shadow at the centre of the curling vapours.
Seizing the moment, Pharris herds the kobolds together. “Quickly, across the street to that other alley!” she says in a loud whisper.
Nicolai:
Lumbie tugs at your shirt. “Why are we hiding?” he whispers. “Is Mister Quigley coming back for me? I’m scared.”
Nicolai and Mothman:
Laithe, Nicolai:
DM/Alton
"Should I go back and help them, Alton?" asks the woman eagerly.
Pharris and DM
Alton and Pharris, with the kobolds in tow, dash across the fog filled street.
Nearby buildings loom as ghostly outlines, and a trio of guardsmen can just be made out, standing close to the edge of the mist. By their exclamations (and the fact that you can see them) it seems they see the group crossing the street, but appear unsure as to what to do – after all, they cannot see you in enough detail to know what you are, and are undoubtedly unnerved by the sudden fog.
You make it safely across the street where the fog abruptly ends a foot or so inside the mouth of the adjacent alleyway.
DM:
"In the meantime, try to remember the song we were learning. If they do come, you'll have to sing it when I clap. Remember? Something special will happen when you do, and it will make sure we're ok. For now, we just have to stay quiet."
Laithe:
Nicolai hefts the box onto his back once more, and gets Lumbie's attention. "It's time to go meet the others. Stay close and as quiet as you can. Let's go!"
Pharris does the same as Alton.
Alton and Pharris stand ready in the alley – but it appears that the suddenly appearing mist, and the shadowy figures seen moving about within are too much for the waiting guardsmen. You hear footsteps as one of them suddenly breaks and runs, crying out something that sounds like “Geist!” The others soon follow. They may just be going for reinforcements, but its gained you a few moments at least.
Laithe meanwhile moves quickly from the centre of the cloud (which stays in place), dashing quickly down the street away from the guards, towards the next alley, shifting to wolf form for increased pace, as he races against the expiration of his climbing magic.
He makes it into the alley and leaps at the wall, changing as he goes, to scramble up to the top as a spider, whispering his location to Nicolai.
Nicolai meanwhile, with Lumbie still obediently in tow, races for the wall, the box weighing heavily on his back. He finds the thrown rope and quickly ties off the box – not a great know, but enough to hold for the box to make it over. With the help of the druid, he and the knocker also make it over, just before Laithe’s climbing spell ebbs away.
They head back towards the cloud of mist, and soon meet up with an anxious Alton and Pharris and the other kobolds. The reunited group begin their journey back to the Grumpy Hogfish through the dark twisting streets. They take a convoluted way back – partly to confound pursuit, partly because they at time become lost – but within fifteen minutes arrive back a the small square outside the inn, making sure their masks are in place and the knockers relatively well disguised before they enter.
The Shackling festivities are in full swing at the inn, spilling out into the square, as masked locals – most of them in faded finery and masks that have seen many years – drink, dance and make merry.
Hawthorn greets them as they make the door, the simple strip of black cloth tied about his eyes not quite hiding his widened eyes as he beholds the now grown party – his gaze especially lingering on the addition of the three kobolds. In the cozy firelight of the common room it is evident that their disguises have grown a little ragged and sloppy – they don’t quite pass as gnomes. But it seems that few pay them any attention, and Hawthorn quickly ushers everyone into a quiet backroom.
“Your friends await,” he says, gesturing the group into what appears to be a staff dining room – cheaply furnished, but comfortable enough, lit by a smouldering fireplace and several half melted candles. He looks about to say more, but is called away by one of his serving girls, over a dispute with a customer in the main room.
Kajetan half dozes in an old, over-stuffed armchair in one corner, whilst Keildrithe paces the room impatiently. A platter of bread, cheese and smoked ham sits on the table along with a large jug of ale.
Keildrithe:
You’ve spent the evening speaking with Kajetan about what he discovered during his investigations of the afternoon. In point form:
He visited the Golden Dawn, a coffee house near the cathedral district, and spoke to some teachers and students that work in the area. This is what he learnt:
“They all seem to be fairly dismayed and upset at the burning of the library. It was the biggest store of written knowledge in the town, and may have held a number of rare or unique tomes. There is apparently a monastery somewhere in the province which may hold copies of some or all of the work in this library, so they are hopeful that eventually the body of work can be reconstructed … but either way, it will take a long time.
Public access to the library was closely restricted, but they could apply to the head librarian for access, and he was generally fairly good about granting it.
They have heard that “your friend Padre Stefan” has left town for a time, they’re not sure where he is. Rumour has it that the only person left who survived the fire who was involved in the day to day operation of the library is one of the junior librarians, Deacon Terin. He will no doubt be kept busy over the coming weeks cataloguing what is left of the library, and trying to sort out what has been destroyed. Hopefully Stefan will be summoned back to town shortly to assist him.
They don’t know who set the fire, but theorise that is was separatists, anti-Church fanatics or heathen Karands. Members of the town watch and the church have been crawling all over the building looking for clues, and it’s generally agreed that they will begin rounding up likely suspects soon.”
Further questioning revealed that Stefan may have visited a monastery in the area
“The scholars you are speaking to are secular, and they are not really sure exactly where the monastery is, none of them ever having been there. They believe it is several day’s journey out of town to the west, amongst the hills. One of the fellows believes that the monks who run the monastery are of a fairly insular order originating in the south, Atus or El’Kainia or somewhere. “
“Oh, young Terin is an alright sort,” says one of the teachers. “Most of the priests don’t really get out of the cathedral complex much, but some of them dine at a place nearby called the High Hill.” He can give you directions to the place if you like. “Nothing in their oaths that forbids a priest from eating out and enjoying some wine from time to time I don’t think, although some of the traditionalists act like there is!”
“I imagine that Deacon Terin will be kept pretty busy, what with current events,” adds another, sagely. “But he’ll probably be wanting a drink to steady his nerves after all of this…”
Pharris goes over to Keildrithe and throws a quick arm round him, "hiya handsome! Laithe and Nicolai have been great. You should have seen them when the watch came along. They even got the box!"
She looks around for something to eat or drink. Seeing Kajetan he gets another hug too.
Then the woman removes her mask and takes some of the ham to chew on. Delicately of course.
Alton gets something to eat and takes a seat. "There were a few minor hiccups, but nothing that wasn't easily avoided. On the whole, things went pretty smoothly. Now comes the hard part."
Pharris finishes her meat then starts nibbling on the cheese. A small crumb is dabbed away from the corner of her lips.
"This is good. You should all try some. Before we hunt down the imp. Can I still be bait? Can someone help me remember when to take the poison antidote we got, I'm such a scatterbrain I forget sometimes," she asks.
Finally Pharris picks at a piece of bread as she walks away the room.
Pharris finishes her meat then starts nibbling on the cheese. A small crumb is dabbed away from the corner of her lips.
"This is good. You should all try some. Before we hunt down the imp. Can I still be bait? Can someone help me remember when to take the poison antidote we got, I'm such a scatterbrain I forget sometimes," she asks.
Finally Pharris picks at a piece of bread as she walks away the room.
Back in the comfort of the inn, Laithe feels the pressures of the day start to catch up to him. He eats his fill quietly and when talk of demon hunting arises, he looks outside, a concerned expression painted on his face.
"I worry that time is running short and fear what damage will be done with another night loose in the town. However, I also feel we are worn and not in the best condition to battle further this eve. I say we retire and get as much sleep as we can, and begin anew in the morning. A new day may bring some new clues."
He looks around the group to see what they are thinking.
Keildrithe smiles as Pharris gives him a hug, and squeezes her hand in return. "I'm glad to hear that you faced few obstacles in bringing the knockers here," murmurs Keildrithe as he reclines in his chair by the fire. "Our friend, Kajetan" -- the bard nods towards the sleeping scholar -- "had a full day and learned some things of potential interest, but I'm not sure that the information is of immediate use in our demon hunting. He did confirm, however, that the Artonites don’t know who set the fire, but theorise that is was separatists, anti-Church fanatics or heathen Karands(at least, that's what they're saying). Members of the town watch and the church have been crawling all over the building looking for clues, and it’s generally agreed that they will begin rounding up likely suspects soon... so... to hunt now, or to hunt on the morrow, that indeed is the question...”
Pharris looks downcast at Laithe. "Sleep - well I suppose I could do that." She stops walking about.
She shrugs off the greatsword and places the bow to one side. Relaxing a little, the girl settles into a chair, no longer ready for action. One long leg crosses over the other.
"What do we know? I mean don't the demons come out at night. Didn't the people die in the dark. Aren't we trying to find and stop some ceremony and cult and are short on time." Her eyes twinkle as she begins to get excited again.
As they make their way back to the Hogfish, Nicolai thinks Laithe for his resourcefulness. "I'm really glad I didn't have to spend the night out there with this box. I wasn't really up for a night of babysitting in the woods..."
Back at the tavern, he greets the others warmly. He jumps in with a detail every now and then as the story is recounted. His eyes perk up as Pharris mentions a poison antidote, "An antidote you say? One that will work on the devils? That seems like a very useful acquisition. Though hopefully it won't come to that."
"I spent quite a bit of time in the woods training Lumbie to speak the rhyme on command, when I clap my hands. I think he has a fair handle on it, but I guess we won't know until the time comes whether he'll be able to recite it in the heat of battle. Do we have any ideas on how to actually hunt or track the fiends?"
Pharris looks downcast at Laithe. "Sleep - well I suppose I could do that." She stops walking about.
She shrugs off the greatsword and places the bow to one side. Relaxing a little, the girl settles into a chair, no longer ready for action. One long leg crosses over the other.
"What do we know? I mean don't the demons come out at night. Didn't the people die in the dark. Aren't we trying to find and stop some ceremony and cult and are short on time." Her eyes twinkle as she begins to get excited again.
As Pharris lists off the little information known by the group, Laithe nods gradually in agreement. "You make a good point - at the moment, the night is the most likely time they'll be able to be found. And time is scarce. Perhaps we should head out again. Maybe the day is a better time to rest?"
At Nicolai's talk of Lumbie, Laithe looks at the man with respect. "That was a wise choice - I am glad you thought of it. It could make all the difference..."
The lady shows Nicolai the antidote from the apothecary, "we have three different types of antidote, some which lasts and some of which doesn't. The nice shopkeeper sold us everything he had when we said we were hunting devils. Or was it demons?"
"If I were looking for a good kill I would wait to the Shackling to start to die down and then go for a drunk on his way home. Laithe, we also need to deal with this soon because once the festival ends, you, Keildrithe, Kajetan and Alton will stand out like pines in winter."
"Can you ssee in the dark?" asks Raspit, looking up, a piece of smoked ham hanging from his sharp toothed mouth. "If not, devilss have the advantage on you - they can. And ssince they can go invisssible ... day, night, doessn't matter much to them." He shrugs, then turns around to snatch another piece of ham of Lumbie and shove it into his mouth.
"Can you ssee in the dark?" asks Raspit, looking up, a piece of smoked ham hanging from his sharp toothed mouth. "If not, devilss have the advantage on you - they can. And ssince they can go invisssible ... day, night, doessn't matter much to them." He shrugs, then turns around to snatch another piece of ham of Lumbie and shove it into his mouth.
"You seem to know quite a bit about devils, Raspit, or more than we do, at any rate... what would you recommend we do? And you can see in the dark, can't you? Could you help us?"
"If I were looking for a good kill I would wait to the Shackling to start to die down and then go for a drunk on his way home. Laithe, we also need to deal with this soon because once the festival ends, you, Keildrithe, Kajetan and Alton will stand out like pines in winter."
"Can you ssee in the dark?" asks Raspit, looking up, a piece of smoked ham hanging from his sharp toothed mouth. "If not, devilss have the advantage on you - they can. And ssince they can go invisssible ... day, night, doessn't matter much to them." He shrugs, then turns around to snatch another piece of ham of Lumbie and shove it into his mouth.
Laithe nods again at Pharris' reasoning, but then is surprised at Raspit's insightful comment. He considers this and nods slowly. "The dog and the man we found dead yesterday both look as though they were killed during the day, which would suggest the devils are active during the day. And Raspit is correct in that most of us do not have great night vision. Throw in the fact that it has been a long day and we could probably use the rest, I would recommend resting now and resuming our hunt in the morning. If tomorrow proves fruitless, we can resume the search in the dark of the night."
Raspit gulps, and hurriedly swallows the ham. “Don’t know much about devilsss!” he exclaims hurriedly. “Jusst common knowledge … but,” he turns and speaks to Chupo rapidly in their own language. The other kobold nods and pats the blade at his side. Raspit turns back to Keildrithe.
“We’ll help you!” he finishes, with a sharp toothed grin. Then his grin fades a little. “Chupo needsss to ressst though,” he says, flashing Alton and Pharris dark looks.
Raspit gulps, and hurriedly swallows the ham. “Don’t know much about devilsss!” he exclaims hurriedly. “Jusst common knowledge … but,” he turns and speaks to Chupo rapidly in their own language. The other kobold nods and pats the blade at his side. Raspit turns back to Keildrithe.
“We’ll help you!” he finishes, with a sharp toothed grin. Then his grin fades a little. “Chupo needsss to ressst though,” he says, flashing Alton and Pharris dark looks.
"Wonderful!" says Keildrithe with a wistful smile as Raspit declares his and Chupo's intention to help.
"We may have a few other things to sleep on, my friends. I don't think most of them are directly related to the case at hand, but some may tie in to Gosia's rhyme. Our friend, the slumbering scholar over there, also learned the following while he was out and about today..."
Nicolai has been staying at the Grumpy Hogfish for a couple of weeks now; his room is small but comfortable, with a single bed, a battered desk and chair, and a small lockable chest by the foot of the bed to keep personal effects. Hawthorn has provided some extra mattresses, in case anyone else wants to stay in here, sleeping on the floor.
While the others were away retrieving the box, the innkeeper had shown Keildrithe and Kajetan the other rooms he had scrounged up for them, apologizing again for the crowded conditions, what with the Shackling ceremony. The other rooms are certainly not the inn’s best, but apparently the best that Hawthorn can do. They include:
- another room similar to Nicolai’s, with one bed – the shutter on the window is broken, and the room gets quite cold at night.
- a narrow, musty smelling room with a bunk bed and little floor space. It is located next to the common room, and dull noises from that space can be heard through the wall.
- a small attic room with a low, sloping ceiling that contains two smallish cots and a skylight type window.
The knockers don’t mind where they sleep, but Raspit and Chupo insist on sleeping where-ever the Devil Box is kept.
Alton returns the look the creatures give him. "I'm sure we can find accommodations for you."
Turning to the others he says "I'm not overly picky where I sleep. Anywhere with a bed, four walls, and a roof will be better than where I've been sleeping recently. We should leave someone with the Devil Box at all times. Wouldn't want the bastard sneaking in and making off with it."
Alton returns the look the creatures give him. "I'm sure we can find accommodations for you."
Turning to the others he says "I'm not overly picky where I sleep. Anywhere with a bed, four walls, and a roof will be better than where I've been sleeping recently. We should leave someone with the Devil Box at all times. Wouldn't want the bastard sneaking in and making off with it."
"Better than the wonderful comforts of the wilderness you mean? Surely not..." Laithe asks Alton with mock surprise painted on his face, though the others get the impression that he at least, would indeed prefer those conditions over what they have on offer at the inn.
Turning to the others he continues "I too care not where I sleep though I agree we should watch over the box closely. It should not be kept in the room with the broken shutter, nor the attic room. Let us keep it in Nicolai's room or the room with the bunks. I think it would also be wise to have at least 2 people in whichever room we stow it."
"Perhaps the kobolds should take the attic room. I'm happy to take the room with the broken shutter, and Keildrithe may like to join me there?" He looks to Keildrithe for confirmation, then looks over at Alton and Pharris. "If you two are happy to watch over the box, perhaps you should take the room with the bunks - as long as the sound of the common room will not cause you too much discomfort? Which leaves Nicolai and Kajetan together. Of course, we will have to convince the kobolds to leave the box in our hands, and I'm probably not the best for that job."
Hawthorn has informed you that the common room stops serving drinks at the midnight hour, and the last drunks are usually turfed out by two of the morning. Breakfast is served in the common room starting from sunrise.
A latrine is located in a small courtyard at the back of the inn. There is also a well there, should anyone wish to bathe (though why anyone would do so in this cold weather is beyond the innkeeper).
Everyone heads to their rooms, distributes blankets about, and makes ready for sleep according to their habits. For some of the group, this is the first night spent in a proper bed for several weeks.