"She likes to dance, I'm told. She may get handsy. She will proposition you, of course, but likely won't expect you to reciprocate."
"Ten have died, and many remain. Evgenya, Kote, and Luvick are the most prominent left."
She starts for a moment.
"Ah. Kote, I almost forgot. He is...intense. He respects strength, and knowledge. Don't insult his god."
" Funny, He reminds me of myself. I can't say I blame him, depending on his choice of deity. I assume they will have no issue with the prominent symbol of Sarenrae I brandish? "
Darius takes the information w=whole.
" If this Kote respects strength and knowledge, we have nothing to worry about. Both are secure in abundance. "
"What should we do or say to prove we aren't hostile? Or would your spawn be proof enough?"
While Jones is waiting for his mutagen, he Boro Beads his Shield extract, prepares another Alchemical Allocation, and gives Sledge some healing.
"My spawn will give you the benefit of the doubt, but it will be up to you to convince the guards."
Z waits out the rest of the time until the spawn awaken pondering the situation.
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Sledge broods for a while, then pipes up.
"Any of 'em magic-users?"
" I would assume all of them would have some form of magical capability considering their vampire status at least when it comes to domination and summoning. "
During the time Darius also crafts one more such Mutagen as he shifts back to his Orcish state. Ever-so-lightly he mentions that the presence of the vampire's claws and eye could do with some maintenance, if only for practical reasons. Through the Thorns were intriguing as bodywear.
Merrick agrees with Darius' assessment, and after about 45 minutes of awkward conversation about undead fashion and grooming, her Spawn awake.
After they crawl out of their coffins, one is gripped by an unseen force and walks jerkily towards you.
"This is the one that lead the charge. I have temporarily re-exerted my control over him. Punish him as you see fit, or let him be your guide. Or both. Your choice."
Darius let Grimoire crack along the ground before returning to a coiled up, ready position.
" That will not be necessary. Summary Destruction was likely punishment enough. Guide, whatever be your name. Lead us to our destination. There is much work for our group to accomplish and the light is rather in our favor. "
Darius pointing at the spawn and giving a nod afterward.
" I rather this to go a smoothly as possible. "
Jones drinks his mutagen and elixir of vision.
"Shall we?"
The spawn regains control of itself and leads you on. "Randolph is the name." he says tersely, seeming a bit bitter about being so easily incapacitated.
Before too long you encounter a squad of eight spawn, that look at you menacingly.
"New prey?" one asks. The others lick their lips and stare intently at you all.
"Guests." Randolph says, but it doesn't seem to deter them much.
"We respectfully ask for an audience with Lord Sierge. We don't intend to cause any trouble, only to establish a mutually beneficial relationship. There are things happening on the surface that pose an immense threat to all of us, vampire or otherwise."
Sledge lets the more diplomatic ones do the talking, while he just looms.
The spawns' eyes collectively roll back in their heads and they go silent for a moment.
"The masters say you can pass." they say, somewhat disappointed. "And it's Siervage. But please, say Sierge when you meet him."
They stand aside, and you walk for a while further, ending up at a guard post, where four vampires greet you. From their bearing and aura of authority (plus their equipment, fighting with heavy armor and greatswords isn't the style of a spawn), you get the impression these are the real deal, not spawn.
"So, you're here to see lord Siervage? What is your actual business here?"
"As you say, it is to see lord Siervage, and therefore isn't to be discussed with you, else, by the very definition it wouldn't need to be addressed by Lord Siervage."
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" Now Now, We don't need to be impolite Zin. The whole reason that we even have Randolph here is specifically to reduce the amount of light workout needed. As he would mention we are quite capable. "
Darius' mouth grew a toothy smirk.
" It is the current threat to your kind, the murders that have been happening. any more than that is for your Master. "
Z bows her head, "As yes, forgive me. The day is dragging on and I've usually killed a small army by now. It was wrong of me to attempt to goad you all into your deaths."
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Darius simply closed his eyes for a elongated pause to prevent himself from sighing openly, " Let it be known we were sent by Merrick Sais. She is as worried about your kind as you are. That is why we are here. Murder.. is Murder regardless of the victims' ... disposition. "
The vampires roll their eyes at the threats, but accept Darius' explanation.
"Didn't realize we were getting into the habit of hiring outside contractors, but it is not our place to question the Lord. Proceed."
Randolph leads you through a door, down a hall, through another room, and then finally to a last door.
"Spawn are not permitted in the audience chamber without special permission. I will wait out here." he says.
Inside, an ancient vampire sits on a throne. Elaborate tapestries adorn the walls of the large chamber, and many vampires in fine clothing mingle, a murmur running through the crowd that goes eerily silent as you enter. A vampire whispers something in Luvick's ear as he sits in the classic "bored ruler" pose.
"“As in the days of old, those of mortal flesh stand before me. Yet you do not cower like most who look upon my undying face. My servants tell me you came of your own free will, even with the knowledge that many here would feast upon the blood surging in your veins. But is it bravery you possess, or foolishness? I respect your boldness... for now. I have been informed you come to investigate the murders. What concern are they to you?"
Z bows her head slightly this time as a show of respect rather than mocking as before, "The murder of your kin interests us, we intend to find out the cause.We believe that they may be in some way related to The Whispering Way. Merrick tells us your lordship is a known enemy to the cult."
"We have dedicated ourselves to thoroughly diminishing theirs numbers over the past few months, which eventually lead us here to Caliphas. We believe they may be attempting to weaken your influence, though we are uncertain as to their motives."
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Darius gives an annotated and very noble dip as well, showing off his upbringing if only marginally so.
" What my companion says is true, the situation is both strange and much too sudden to be a coincidence. Not only that but the systematic assassinations that has been occurring indicates that it may be someone among who you trust. A similar happening transpired among my preferred prey, werewolves. While our group visited the Shudderwood, the Whispering Way had shoved their way in to make a particular member push for a power grab. "
Darius reflects on the words Luvick first spoke however, " Our disposition is one forged by combat and horror. I have seen the likes of death and rebirth, untold monstrosities and twisted machinations . While you are not something wholly normal.. it is by your reputation and poise that you seem normal by comparison. "
He addresses Darius first. "A very enlightened view, for a monster slayer such as yourself."
He then splits his attention between the two of you.
"The Whispering Way? 'Known enemy' implies I care enough about them to actively work against them. The Way and their upstart tyrant are beneath me. But should you bring me the killer, I'd be willing to share all I know about them. Including the location of their new headquarters." he leaves as a temptation.
"What information do you require from me? No doubt you've asked questions of my underlings, but none of the nobles, or myself?"
"Have there been any murders down here, or are they all in the streets where the guards might find them?"
"They've all been committed away from here, though that doesn't speak to a culprit one way or another. Given our enhanced senses a murder committed here would be easily heard by someone, so luring them out of our home is good practice for mortal vampire slayers and traitors alike."
Darius grimaced, " So a crafty one. Who among you have been active recently during this time? Going out to the surface to.. 'feed' or entertain yourselves? Has there been any you know of that seem missing during meetings? We had expected one called Kote and another Evgenya. And Im sure there are.. lesser nobles among your care. We need locations and numbers. Those who MIGHT be powerful enough to off vampires so frequently. You see I intend to be quite thorough. "
"Everyone is accounted for when they should be here. Most are active to feed on a regular basis, though many of the lesser vampires share a meal. We currently have about 30 of the Kin living here, not counting the 5 that have been killed already. Maybe twice or thrice that of Spawn, they're harder to keep track of. Evgenya or Kote could tell you more, though you seem to already know of them. They are probably in their quarters or the cathedral, respectively"
" Quite. If that is the case and we have your permission, I suppose it best we pull out the longest hair first. I'm counting on your information being detailed Luvick. "
He looks to the lesser vampires
" Would you be so kind as to direct us to Evgenya's presence? I would like to deal with Kote later rather than sooner. "
"The spawn who accompanied you will make an able guide. If that is all your questions, you have my leave to investigate."
Darius' gaze went to Randolph.
" He was recently released so he must be capable. Then go about showing us around Randolph. The questions I have for you will be more prevalent once the time has come to know more about our prey. "
He then awaited the spawn.
Randolph leads you to an ornate door. From within come the sounds of lutes and harpsichords. A pair of bouncers stand outside, but the word seems to have already passed around, as you are let inside without a word.
Many vampires dressed in noble's finery chat, dance, and "dance" in this lusciously appointed ballroom.
Evgenya lounges in the center of the room, fawned over by almost sickeningly beautiful spawn. You note that the musicians are all human...and all clearly under some sort of mental control to most of your keen social senses.
Darius tries to hold back the pure look of disgust that leaks out at the display. Not to mention the clearly controlled musicians. Taking in all the happenings, Darius audibly clears his throat and points out with an exaggerated half-bow towards Evgenya.
" You must be the one known as Evgenya. We have come to request of you some information if that is not too much to ask? "
I kinda expected her to be pretty. Huh.
Evgenya makes a moue.
"It's quite rude to interrupt a party and ask favors of the host without even introducing yourself, you know. But I suppose I can forgive you, if you'll indulge my desires for a moment." she looks lustfully at Zin.
"Will you dance with me, my dear?"
Darius narrows his eyes, " I am known for rudeness, it is a large portion of my business. You would understand while we are not fully forthcoming with introductions when there are murders happening. "
"You are not fully forthcoming with proper respect either, boy."
Not liking the way things are going, Jones steps forward.
"Madame Evgenya." He bows gracefully. "We are but four humble adventurers, honored beyond words to be in your presence. It seems the rumors we heard of your beauty and grace were a gross understatement. Please excuse my friend's curt demeanor. He is weary from travel and unaccustomed to situations such as this," he shoots Darius a sidelong glare, "and I am certain that he had no intention to insult or disrespect you."
Darius doesnt make eye-contact with Jones, he simply keeps his eyes on the vampire and twitches ever-so-slightly but doesnt say even a word, though his mind was coming up with a plethora of colorful concatenations of words to describe this woman. His hands stayed along the small of his back.
Hey, lady, if you can read minds, blink twice.
Z approaches the vampiress an extends a flaming hand to her.
Evgenya seems mollifed by Jones' words.
She takes Zin's hand and tugs on it a bit, as if to make her twirl into her.
"That's better. Now, a quick dance, and more if you're up for it, and I'm at your disposal." she purrs.
Darius breathes out a heavy sigh as his left eye twitches.
" Dont burn her... too much "
His arms switched to being folded in front of his chest instead of behind his back. He assumed Zin had some form of dancing capability but upon further recollection, that might not have been the case and the situation didnt make him comfortable either.
Z hadn't really ever danced before, but she attempted to do her best by following Evengya's lead and improvising where she had to.
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"Don't worry, I like it...hot." Evgenya says, and winks at Darius.
The other vampires step aside as Evgenya and Zin whirl across the ballroom floor, Evgenya pulling her ever closer in a seductive dance that ends with Evgenya crouched below Zin's belly button (or fiery equivalent) and looking up at her with a smile that shows just a bit of tongue. After staying there for an uncomfortaby long few seconds, she stands up and happily takes Zin's hands between her own.
"Wonderful! I knew this would be fun. You really should join me some time, the real party starts after the party, after all."
"Now, another round? Or, no, down to business I suppose." she sighs.
" Yes... business "
Darius says rather curtly
" Unless you have some reason to wish the slaughters to continue. Now Please, tell us what you know. As we will not be here for the after-party. "
"You're here to investigate the murders? Why ever didn't you say so? I'd be glad to help. The murderer killed some of my closest friends."
"Sadly, I know little. Except that all the vampires killed controlled large numbers of spawn, and many died after feeding in Restoration Park."
"A curious fact, however...the spawn do not seem to have become free-willed. They act almost as if they've been taken by another vampire, somehow."
"I can tell you, I'm almost certain whoever it is will come after me next. I'm one of the few highly influential vampires left, besides Kote and Siervage himself."
"I had thought to stake myself out as bait to lure the murderer from hiding, but I had no guardians I thought I could trust to be strong enough. Until now, perhaps?" she says, eying Darius' muscles.
Jones rubs his chin.
"So the murderer is capable of controlling spawn, and seeks to quickly amass a great number of them. It could be the work of a rogue vampire, as we've suspected, or perhaps a necromancer or negative-energy cleric. The latter could even have ties to the Whispering Way, but it would be remiss of me to make such an assumption without more evidence."
"In any case, it's likely that your bait will lure out the spawn rather than the true adversary. If so, we should be able to dispatch them without much effort. Then we can simply follow the trails of mist to their master's lair."
"I trust that you have some means to disguise yourself while on the surface? At least something that will fool the townsfolk. It would be rather...inconvenient if we were seen escorting a vampire."