First Valdr takes the rolled up note and unrolls it, trying to decipher the script and thus the message it carried. Rather then instantly resorting to magic, he went with a more scholarly approach.
This however seemed to be an utter dead end as he could make neither heads nor tails of the writing. Handing it off to any other of his companions that wished to try, he instead focused his magical sight on the two silver bird figurines. Clearly they summoned something.
"I cannot decipher the words, nor can I riddle out the bird figurine's magic, beyond that it is conjuration... likely a summoning of some sort. I do not tend to deal with such things..." He looked pointedly to Akane, then at the rest of his companions.
"We should finish our search of this tower. Possibly spend some time to trap it, I can craft some traps before we depart. Then we should return to the Tower and let them know what we discovered here. Perhaps they can form a discernable pattern in this riddle where I cannot."
Why were Demon's lairing here? Why were they disguising themselves? What was written on that page and why did they have gems and pesh? The thoughts troubled Valdr and he wanted to make certain the ruins were fully searched and any answers execavated before departing.
Tomlin frowned in mild disappointment as Valdr was unable to make sense of the magic item or script. Aye, finishing our search here is best before we move on. We've got the basement of this wretched place to examine and then maybe we're done here for now. Unless others do it first, Tomlin gathers up the items in the chest. We can see if the mages can make sense of any of these items, if they can aid us in the future our efforts here may still yet bear fruit. The room cleared, Tomlin moves with the group to the stairs leading downward.
"Lets check the basement and be done with this wretched place for now. I'll then set up a few traps and 'guards' and then we should head back to Coran. We can send some soldiers to this tower once we reach the city, if The council can spare the men." Valdr too was disappointed in his inability to understand the items, but was not going to dwell on it. The sooner he left this damned ruin the better. Though it was fortunate that none of their number fell fighting the demons.
Aye, that sounds the right of it, Tomlin spoke in agreement with Valdr's plan. After the basement we'll be done with the scouting we had planned. Back in Coran we can plot our next move. Feeling the issue settled, Tomlin approaches the stairs descending into the basement.
Moving slowly down the stairs you find another room of similar shape and size to those above it. The center of the basement room contains an altar of some kind with skulls placed at the five point of a pentagram that encircles the altar.
Arcane runes are carved into the stonework of the altar, though many of these are partially obscured by dried blood which fills the carvings and much of the surface of the altar.
A feeling of malice permeates the room.
This is an altar to Zon-Kuthon, god of pain and torture.
A simple inspection suggests this is an altar to Zon-Kuthon, god of pain and torture, there are several alterations to the symbols though suggesting something else.
While made to appear in many ways to look like an altar to Zon-Kuthon, god of pain and torture, several alterations to the symbols reveal it is actually an altar Ghlaunder, god of parasites and infections.
Unfazed by the blood and malicious aura of the room, Tavrus notes, "An altar to Ghlaunder. That might explain those hollowed-out individuals above. Likely a parasite of some kind invaded their body and grew to take over the host, much like the priests here are likely trying to do to the local following of Zon-Kuthon."
The altar, runes, and pentagram strongly suggest this room can be used in summoning creatures from the outer planes. The abundant amounts of dried blood witness the need for a living sacrifice to accompany the summoning.
Valdr shrugged off the vile energies that permeated the room much the same way he had ignored the foul clouds of strench the came off the dretches. His eyes narrowed when Tavrus spoke with such casual knowledge, but then again, perhaps it made sense to have on studied in these darker aspects to counter them. The wisdom of the council's tolerance of Tavrus's experiments seemed to grow.
"We should destroy this altar. Search the chamber and make certain it is not used again by enemies of the Tower." Valdr said with a look of disgust at the blood staining the chamber. Had the dwarves been victims or willing participants in the summoning of the demons that infested them?
Tomlin's face had wrinkled in disgust at seeing the room. Aye, it seems the Tower's enemies will go to any lengths to oppose us. Tavrus, any idea how to rid ourselves of this filth? In his response though, it became clear that Tomlin was more disgusted by the fact that potential Tower enemies were using it rather than the vile religion it reflected.
Seeing Valdr engaged in an exhaustive search of the room, the halfling aided his meticulous efforts rather than beginning his own . After the search was complete he look around one last time before adding. Valdr can arrange his traps; afterward let us leave this place and return to the Tower for a full report.
Does Tavrus know what can be done to destroy this altar?
Searching carefully around the room and altar it is noted that the skulls actually contain iron hooks inside the mouths. The open ends of the hooks face away from the altar and the handles of the hooks are driven into the stone of the floor. Small bits of rope fiber are found on several of these hooks.
The altar was not part of the original construction. The stone is much newer - the altar probably hasn't been here more than a year at most.
"Effacing the runes should be sufficient."
Tomlin shrugs at Tavrus' suggestion as to how the altar could be destroyed. The halfling seemed more concerned with Valdr laying whatever traps he wished and then heading back. He appears willing to assist with efforts to expedite return however.
While Valdr works to set up fake watchmen on a blade trap at the entryway Aurelion, Tunny, and Akane deface the altar, smashing at the runes with some of the nearby rubble and chipping away at the pentagram to alter its perfection.
With an uneventful night the group heads back to Coran first thing in the morning, arriving about an hour before the public meeting to take place at the great library.
Reporting in to the tower Jori greets the group. "Akane, Aurelion, and Tunny, we have other duties we would like you to attend to. For the others of you I'd like you to meet Serelina Bellafini." He gestures to a beautiful woman with pale skin and icy blue eyes. "And Ian Marros." A middle aged man with touches of gray in his hair. He is clean shaven and shows a number of battle scars on his tanned skin.
Tavrus nods in turn to each of the newcomers. "I am Tavrus," he says quietly. Gesturing to the tall man in heavy armor, he continues, "And my silent companion here is Edric."
When Ian sees the ragtag group of varying heights, he looks at Jori--quickly remembering his manners he clears his throat and gives the casual salute of an ex-guardsman.
"Well met. Looking forward to assisting." His voice was as rough as his demeanor.
Tomlin had been quiet on the journey back to the Tower, lost in thought. It was clear a certain measure of annoyance at the group's (and his, personally) uneven effectiveness at the ruined guard tower remained. But he shared little of his particular concerns; he was not one to vent.
The halfling effected a deep bow to Jori and stood at attention until the man spoke. A flash of surprise crossed Tomlin's face as 3 of group's members were reassigned, but it did not last. We are all interchangeable, no one is special, he recalled from his training. He had noticed the man and woman in the room as he entered, but others being present with Master Jori was nothing unusual. The Elder would announce them to Tomlin if Master Jori thought Tomlin needed to know. As it happened, he did need to know. As Jori mentioned Serelina and Ian, the halfling's eyes shot to the two. A cold, appraising and deeply wary gaze met each but the assessment was over quickly. Well met indeed, he responded in a well-spoken, intense voice. Master Jori vouches for you both, this is good enough for me. My name is Tomlin, a Friend of the Tower by training. You arrive into our ranks as we continue on a critical mission. Here the halfling's eyes shot to Jori in case a reassignment was to occur. Seeing none he continued. A nefarious group has murdered and harassed the good citizens of Coran and we are the Hammer of the Mageocracy's will to bring them shift justice. The criminals in this matter appear to involved in some form of gang war, and a vile drow in custody is the bait to lure them out. We return from an abandoned guard tower where we sought to scout and set an ambush. At that tower however, we found demons no less. The threat there has been eliminated and an altar they utilized was desecrated. Turning again to Master Jori, Tomlin again stood at attention and added. Sir, any further directives before we continue with our mission, sir?
The pale blond woman turns to you with smile that does not reach her eyes. Her manner is formal and almost regal in nature and though her words are friendly enough there is a distance to them as well.
"Well met to you all. I had heard about the murders and it is good that such capable friends of the Tower are working hard to rectify the situation. I now offer my own service to the Tower as well and look forward to working with you."
The raven on her shoulder nips at her ear, and the smile that was cold almost seems to have a genuine affection to it as she looks to the bird and gently strokes its feathers.
Jori frowns at the report regarding the abandoned tower. "An altar? To which deity?"
"As for goings on in the city, it seems our new friends", he says the last word as though with a sour taste in his mouth, "from the merchant's guild caused quite a ruckus. Are you familiar with an inn called The Crow?"
The Crow is somewhat of an upper class inn and tavern, catering to those with a little more money to spend. The place is much cleaner than many businesses of its type.
"They assaulted a handful of men there that they believe to be associated with a criminal organization in the city. Best we can tell their information was accurate. And by the descriptions we got one of the miscreants was impersonating Tunny. A large number of the city watch showed up at the scene and questioned witnesses, and some small amount of property damage was inflicted on the inn itself and a nearby building."
"The individuals the merchant's assaulted at one point made a claim to work for the tower." Jori holds a blank expression, waiting to see how each of you will react to this last bit of news.
"Ghlaunder, although they tried to hide it under the pretense of Zon-Kuthon worship," Tavrus replies to the question.
"Well, did they work for the tower?" he asks after the news is reported.
A frown creased Tomlin's face at the news. This is why you never extend trust too far. Sir, am I understanding you correctly that one of the Mercenary Guild's mercenaries attempted to impersonate Tunny? If so, that takes their action out of the realm of the merely stupid and into outright violation. Tavrus' question came across at roughly the same time the halfling spoke, and he paused a moment in consideration. Sir, I would assume whomever the merchants' mercenaries attacked was lying. Deception against authorities seems the norm for all these scum. Additionally, the mercenaries had little incentive to attack Tower officials. Another ruse, most likely.
Another pause, and Tomlin added. Sir, should we eliminate them?
Ian listens to the news and responses with arms crossed, his expression unreadable.
Nodding at Jori, Serelina says, "I am well aquainted with the Crow and have more than a passing knowledge of the Merchant's Guild and their tactics. You can trust them to be working hard to protect the profits of the most powerful trading houses in any action they take, and to be lying about any other motives they might have."
Pausing she then adds in a precise tone and intense stare, "As a point of clarification, was the miscreant who impersonated Tunny one of the Merchant's Guild's mercenaries or one of the associates of a criminal organization... and are either the Merchant's Guild mercenaries or these associates of a criminal organization related to the group that Brother Tomlin referred to as a 'nefarious group' a moment ago?"
Imprecision in language is useful when trying to obfuscate, but a horrid flaw when attempting to relay important information to allys. So many people fail to see the value in precision and details...
"If they weren't workin' for the Tower, then it sounds like someone's tryin' to start a war, 'less I missed somethin'."
"Miss Bellafini has the right of it. The merchant's caught one of these criminals disguised as Tunny. The merchant's have their short comings - their attempts at bringing the criminals to justice was sloppy as most of them got away. There was one elf that they killed though."
Jori scratches at his hair and rubs his eyes. "And here are some interesting details I'm sure you'll agree."
"There was a half-orc priest, not sure what god he believed in, but carried a battle axe. Was him who claimed to represent the tower. Odd thing is he asked those in the inn to rise up and help and offered a reward for doing so. Yet several individuals in the inn turned on the half-orc. I don't know if they had something against the mages or just saw the lie for what it was. Hardly matters now though, the priest killed both of them with his axe."
"The next fellow was a gnome, trained in the martial arts."
"The third was a burly guy in a breastplate. He didn't do much except puke his guts out for a while then ran off. Hah", Jori laughs, "the merchant's strong arms dropped a stinking cloud on top of the fellow."
"The fourth was a man with a limp, sound familiar?", Jori raises an eyebrow at his question. "He wore a strange suit of metallic armor that made a hissing and popping noise as he moved."
"And the fifth, he was the one impersonating Tunny."
"Counting the elf that they killed then there was six of them in all."
Tomlin nodded in understanding as Jori explained the situation. Aye, so it seems the merchant's mercenaries tangled with the group that attacked the drow and threatened the shop keeper. The halfling reflected for a moment. Sir, should we seek out the remaining 5 of this criminal group for elimination? Two of them clearly attempted to impersonate Tower officials and deceive the people, and the half-orc killed two citizens. With the mercenaries' assault, they may be unwilling to follow our trap to the abandoned guard tower.
Is the elf's body available?
Nodding as if she expected the answers the blond woman says, "While the acts of these criminals must be dealt with, the interest of the Merchant's Guild is troubling as well... They can hardly be considered a group that acts for the public good. Only for the most profit for their wealthiest members. The relationship between the criminals and the Guild must be discovered if we are to understand any possible threat to the Tower. Perhaps a visit to the Crow would be in order."
on the orc priest with the battle axe to determine possible religions and anything else.
The only major deity that favors a greataxe is Rovagug. You are uncertain which of the lesser deities might favor the weapon.
"I don't know if a visit to The Crow will turn anything new up, but you've certainly far more training than the city guard does and may be able to discover something they overlooked."
"Finding the remaining criminals though should be one of your top priorities. I'd say capture them if you can for questioning, but they've proven extremely dangerous so far - better to leave them dead than free in the city. How to find them though? I couldn't say. Though the merchant's found them somehow."
"As far as I know, the only major deity that favors a greataxe is Rovagug, although there might be lesser deities that favor the weapon."
Tomlin nodded thoughtfully at Jori's answers. In many ways it felt as if they were back to square one in their search. Addressing the man, he added Sir, is there any additional information or directives you believe our reconstituted squad needs to determine our approach? Permission to proceed?
The halfling turned to his new companions and nodded to Serelina. Aye, lass you speak the truth about our "friends" in the merchant's guild. Our interests may be somewhat aligned at this time, and perhaps they did nothing warranting arrest or elimination yet, but this does not mean they put the needs of the Tower first. Something to always consider. Tomlin's eyes swept past the assembled members. I do believe some more in-depth introductions are in order. We need to understand each other's skill sets to be most effective in our objectives. As a trained member of the Friends of the Tower, I am fully capable of stealth, infiltration, deception and assassination missions as required for the betterment of the Mageocratic government. Valdr here, Tomlin's gesture takes in the dwarf, is a more than capable warrior who infuses magic into his tactics. Tavrus taps clerical magic and has used it to great effect. His healing is...bracing but efficient. Also, I ask that each of us reserve judgment on his methods. We must all remember that we are beholden to most effective means of serving the mageocracy and must not stoop to moralism or become squeamish in the execution.
We had a plan to ambush the criminals in the old guard tower we investigated, but at this point that mission may be defunct. Already down a member, and with the merchants assaulting them at any opportunity I am doubtful the criminals would still pursue rumors that the drow was being moved to another location. Rather, I suspect they attempt to lay low and regroup.
If we do abandoned our current mission, what will be our new course of action? I'll admit that I am at a bit of a loss here. Shall we speak again with the merchants? Investigate The Crow? Attempt to gather more general rumors as to the criminals' whereabouts? Other possibilities?
Ian watches Jori a moment, trying to grasp the power-structure in his new situation, but ends up just listening to Tomlin, still as a statue.
"Let's catch these guys then, alive if possible. I'll see what the city guard found out and step-ladder off that. Anyone with sharp eyes might wanna' check out the Crow for anything the guard missed, like the lady said."
"Someone with a silver tongue might wanna' talk to the Merchant Guild about how those criminals weren't workin' for us, see if they have any leads on 'em."
Pausing a moment to size the group up, "May not wanna' split up, could be trouble. But it would save time."
"I agree that splitting up may not be the best idea, especially since we have not yet learned the synergies of this group," the pale woman says. "I would suggest that we begin at the Crow to gather what information may be found, that way the information can be used when we speak to the Guild."
Turning to the halfling she adds, "As to my skills, I wield arcane powers. Generally not the sort cause large flashes and explosions. I also have some minor healing powers, available at a distance if the target wears my mark on them. I am also a more than competent negotiator and diplomat."
"Ah, good. I do so hate dealing with people."
Jori speaks up again, "There is one more thing you may want to start looking in to. The guard reports indicate there has been an increase inf the flow of pesh the last couple of weeks. It may be nothing... but there are few real coincidences when it comes to crime."
"And the flow of anything in commerce, illicit or otherwise, is the sort of thing that the Merchant's guild takes seriously... It would be a shame if such an illustrious organziation was tainted by such misdealings." The woman's eyes sparkle a bit with as a genuine smile crosses her lips.
"Shall we venture forth to the Crow, then?"
Aye, The Crow sounds a good first stop. We have split up in the past to handle various missions, but with armed conflict in the city occurring it is likely best to stay together. The halfling paused for a moment before adding. I need a brief minute to change cloths before we leave. Likewise, do not be surprised if my demeanor changes a bit in our dealings. We are all dedicated to The Tower, and I show you my true feelings now. With others it is best hide them at times. While we are at this tavern I plan to ask about the pesh business a bit. After we are done at The Crow, a visit to the Merchant's would be in order. We can clear up any misunderstandings about our involvement then and see what they know.
Tomlin then departs for a moment and returns looking the part of a livery worker on the Tower grounds. He carries a pack with him but otherwise appears rather ordinary.
Tavrus adjusts his skullcap and his appearance and clothing magically change to that of a common mercenary.
"I suppose we shouldn't all go together. Trickling in would be best."
Ian stays quiet, expression unreadable, but he seems uneasy since the mention of pesh.
The group parts with Jori and heads to The Crow.
A ritzy establishment, kept much cleaner than many inns and taverns throughout the city. The building is two stories in height. Inside several private dining halls and meeting rooms come off of the common room.
Out front a large fountain gurgles in a open courtyard and a large stables houses several horses for the patrons.
Around back a large warehouse creates a wide alleyway with the establishment.
Inside a large mosiac is carved into the wooden floor. A portion of it is stained and a woman is busy with a bucket of water scrubbing at it. Judging by the dampness of her apron and clothing she appears to have been at it for quite some time.
The large window on the northeast has been broken, with just a few remnants of glass still sticking out of the frame.
Despite the evening hour only a handful of patrons occupy the common room.
Serelina will take a table near enough to the bar to observe while not so close that she could be subject to any crowds that gathered. Ordering a nice wine, she will try to charm her server into speaking about the broken window and events that brought it about.
Tomlin worked is way into the bar after Seralina and made is way over to a table near other patrons and the maid. Commenting on the hard work she is doing, the halfling inquires about the broken window as an entree into the recent events here. Once completed he then attempts to chat up local patrons about recent news.
The woman washing the floor gives a grunt as Tomlin comments on her labors. "Bah, today of all days Dani decides not to show up to work. She'd be the one down here scrubbing her knuckles raw instead of me. Talk to Elise if you want to hear the story though, she'll be glad to talk your ear off with gossip." She gives a scornful look at the woman serving Serelina.
"Aye, a good choice milady. You'll not find a better wine here in the city." Upon Serelina's making an offhand remark about the window the server continues, "It was awful. Big fight broke out here a few hours ago. Seems the city watch is to busy or to drunk to keep the peace nowadays."
Elise shakes her head, "Was a little after noon when some dwarf comes in here and starts complaining about things, giving everyone a glare, then there is yelling and screaming outside. Well as you can imagine everyone inside jumped up to see what was happening out there, and that's when the fight moved inside."
"I think old Gair nearly had a fit." She gives a glance to the barkeep. "He didn't know who to shoot, and didn't dare shoot anyone for fear of killing an honest customer or angering someone."
"Was about that time this burly half-orc claimed allegiance to the tower and offered a reward for anyone who would help them. That didn't go over so well, would have done the half-orc right to have been cut down for falling in with that crowd. Didn't come out that way though, he cut down two men, that mess there Joslyn is cleaning up still."
"Well then the dwarf, she runs out the front doors through this green cloud of vapor that was spilling through them, and her hafling friend jumps through the window there."
"What happened after that I couldn't say, I wasn't about to run out there to find out."
As Elise is telling her story you see the bar tender giving her dark glares from time to time.
Before going to The Crow, Ian stops by the city guard nearby and asks what they know so far in their investigation. If they are hesitant about telling him, he'll put on more pressure, using the weight of the Tower to intimidate.
After that, he'll do a patrol of the area around The Crow, checking the stables first.
The nearest guard post is a flurry of activity, with men and woman in uniform moving in and out, running to and fro with paperwork to nearby offices. With your asking and showing proof that you serve the tower the provide the same information Jori gave earlier with the additional bit of info.
"We just got done, not twenty minutes ago, searching the rooms at the inn of those we believe the merchant's attacked. The rooms were pretty bare, though we found a couple of small crates in one. They'd been broken open, oh, here." The sergeant moves over to a shelf and pulls one of the broken crates off the bottom shelf. In several places on the inside of the crate are smudges of a reddish brown powder. You don't even need to sniff it to guess what it is. Pesh.
Near the south side of the stables you find several shattered crossbow bolts. The stables themselves are undisturbed though.
Farther to the east is a building with fresh burn marks on south wall.
Just a few feet south of the fountain there is some form of sticky goo on the ground. Spider webbing?
Likewise, I'm assuming that Pesh is more like crack than cocaine; not likely to be prevalent in upscale places. If I'm wrong on this let me know.[/ooc]
Asking casually of pesh doesn't elicit any response from Elise or Joslyn, well nothing more than a sniff and air of haughtiness. "You be wanting that stuff you best go somewhere else."
Smiling at the barmaid and sliding a silver across the table, Serelina inquires further, "What was the dwarf complaining about? Did the half-orc, halfling, and dwarf seem to be companions? Who was it they were fighting?"
Tomlin nodded sympathetically to the maid's complaints, then made a bit of unrelated small talk to disguise his true interests. Serelina appeared to have the better source. The halfling also quickly dismissed the pesh talk, with a genuinely expressed sentiment that those interested in such drugs have no place in polite society. The conversation with the maid done, Tomlin casually sipped his drink as he examined the bar environs for any other visual cues.