"Who's the drow? why not just kill them?"
"The drow is a prisoner we took, and we don't just kill them because we don't murder at the request of terrorists. The drow has provided some valuable intelligence and we actually aren't sure that he is the true enemy here. Also, we don't allow people to kill our guards on general principle. Bad for morale and all that. Wouldn't you agree Ian?"
Leo takes the two scrolls and tucks them away into one of his scroll cases. Noticing that both cases are filling, he rolls them around the other scrolls in the case containing the the ones less action oriented. Listening to the discussion unfold a bit, he interjects.
"I don't mean to slow the conversation down, but I've just recently finished training and haven't received much of a briefing on what we're currently working on. I heard talk of a fight with agents of the thieves guild, but... This terrorist? A captured drow? I think there are some pretty big holes in my understanding of this situation and I'm afraid I won't be able to help very much until my knowledge isn't out-of-date."
He thinks for a moment before continuing. "If it's a killer we want to track down, is there any chance you've obtained any of their blood, even if old? I might be able to learn more of them from it. I imagine the blood on that scrap of parchment is from the guard it was found on, alas. Alas again, I've already prayed for my more powerful magics this morning. If given another day, I can ask Nethys to provide me with Divination to help guide us towards truth."
Ian shrugs, "Killin' the Drow saves the guards, but I'd rather put this paladin in the dirt."
He thinks a moment, his mind dull but full of memories and experience.
"Bein' a Drow it might be tricky, but in the guard we had a problem like this. Big somebody in the underworld we had locked up, and all his little s$!# peons threatening to kill if we didn't release him. So we told some nobody-prisoner that he could have his sentence reduced if he cooperated with a little play-acting. He was the same frame as our underworld prince, so we put a bag over his head and sent just enough word around about a prisoner transfer that we knew it'd leak. When they came to free him, we loosed the trap."
"Not my idea. Our captain was the smart one. But you're clever sorts. Would it work?"
"Well, drow may be a two-face and all, but worth hanging your guards out to dry? I guess some plan is better than none."
"It's a bad idea to give them what they want, otherwise we set a precedent for any self-important criminal to get a drop on a guard with a note, promising more deaths if we don't succumb to whatever demands they might have."
He sighs, a bit disheartened. His face is a bit flushed, embarrassed at speaking up in defense of allowing people to die in front of these experienced combatants. People who might be friends with some of those Leo is recommending to leave to the fate of this killer.
"In the end, more guards would be killed as these people try to take advantage of the Tower's soft resolve."
Serelina nods at Leo, "Precisely, giving in will ultimately waste more lives. Ian's plan has some merit as well, though we likely could manage the task without actually moving the drow. As long as we had a suitable hooded figure and enough people know about a plan to move the prisoner the word will get out. In the mean time, it would be good to bring Spellworthy up to speed on what has been going on..."
"Yes, that seems right Serelina, I'm just not understanding why. The drow is already locked up, why does he need to be executed? And who is demanding it?"
"You seem to have more information already on this than I, anything that should be passed on to Master Hast?"
Roland sat back down as the conversation picked up, somewhat disappointed the previously proposed venue change to a bar had been glossed over. He listened with a smile as the conversation ensued. Fortunately that salty Halfling, Tomlin, yes? Yes. He took some rather thorough notes on what this merry band was supposed to be about. A good read really, if a bit stiff. In any event, this Radgar had a serious grudge against...well, pretty much everybody after folks running the slave trade butchered his wife. I'm guessing that Radgar ascertained that the underworld, and per force drow, were running the slave trade and ordered the killing of his wife in retribution for Radgar's efforts to snuff the slave trade out. Radgar may also believe that the Tower didn't do enough to deal with the drow and slave-trading underworld, and is now demanding they do so in his oh-so-charming manner of killing guards. Follow me so far?
Roland waits for a moment before popping back out of his chair and beginning to put on his gloves and fashionable coat. Yes, Ukalo, there are things you should bring back to Hast. First, we put a fairly serious dent into the side of the Theives' wagon, but they are not eradicated. They made a very, very wise choice to run from the get-go. Otherwise we may have wiped out their strike force. We're inclined to keep pursuing them, but not entirely sure where that ranks on the order-of-importance for the Council. Second, we fought Radgar last night. Nearly took him out too had he not used some quite clever magic to get away. We intend to follow this up, but would love some insight into why Radgar would be under the impression that the Tower doesn't take the drow underworld threat seriously. Sound good? Now, run along then and let us know what the uppity-ups think!
Turning back to the group he adds, Well, I have an appointment to keep with one Firyin. I didn't think much of the appointment last night, but given the drow connection and the fact that the one we have captured appears to be Firyin's ally, I think I might just keep the date. Talking to the Theives' bodies would be a good call for you all, as would following up with the Mithril Rose about the Radgar episode. Maybe they would know more that could help.
As he turns to leave, he reaches into his pack and pulls out a journal and hands it to Leo. This was the halfling's. As I said, a good read to understand this many-splendored quest we are on.
Looking back to group he tips his hat and says, Good day all, I'll find you again here after my date, and then turns to leave.
"That may have been Radgar, or one of his lieutenants. Either way a foe of some considerable ability. It is possible that Radgar is behind the guard killings as Roland surmises, but we cannot be certain. There are other elements that could be at play as well. I could attempt to scry upon the thieves again if we think it a good idea, otherwise I think we focus on the more immediate threat."
Ian nods to Roland, having never responded to his earlier questions about his past with Leo, and seems to have no intention of doing so.
He listens closely to Serelina, however.
"My money's on Radgar. Simple obvious answer is usually the right one. But I'd bet Anthony's gang will want revenge. They're proud, I think, and we've dealt 'em insult as much as injury. I'd put that as the immediate threat," his gravelly deep voice rumbles in the student building, slow and deliberate.
"This lead on Radgar is everyones' problem. Us, the guards, and especially the paladins. They could take some weight off our shoulders on this Radgar case while we focus on the thieves. Better to hit 'em while they're on the run than let 'em prepare and ambush us, or cut our throats in the middle of the night."
He shrugs and crosses his arms.
"If you fought with this man, I don't suppose any of you haven't yet cleaned your blades? A bit of blood can be just the thing to give a lead." Leo says, considering the Blood Biography spell. "Same goes for the escaping thieves I suppose."
Leo takes the journal from Roland. "Oh! Yes, I'll be sure to read through this. Thank you." Leo takes a peak inside, making sure it is written in common.
"Ukalo! Thank you so much for everything. I appreciate the help over the last couple of days, I really do. I'm not sure how busy I'll be now, but if you ever wanted to come by and talk magic, feel free." Leo smiles fondly at the student that he quickly surpassed, and turns back toward the group.
Taking a quick glance at one of the spell scrolls handed to him, Leo thinks hard. "If we plan to question the corpses, It'd be wise to consider carefully how best to use our questions. These scrolls will give us two from each. I can pray for my own casting of this spell as well, which should give us another question, and save on a scroll for later use."
Leo takes some paper from the nearby table and begins writing out possible questions to ask. "You all know the current situation better than I, so just let me know how best I can help you." He smiles at Serelina, the groups wizard. A calling Leo respects greatly having been raised in service to Nethys. "However, if this is the Anthony gang we are trying to track down, finding him or his boss could be our priority. Safe houses they use. Appointments they need to keep. Anything we can use to get one step in front of them...", he mumbles out as he writes ideas on the parchment.
1. Where are
2. Where does Anthony meet with his bosses?
"Yeah actually, drove my sword into his back. I cleaned my armor thoroughly but not the blade. We've tracked them with blood before. Not sure why I didn't think of it."
He draws his greatsword and offers the massive thing to Leo.
Mid morning The Silver Spirits looks to still do a lively business, it's proximity to the southern gate a boon to its profitability.
Roland is all but ignored by the men and women in the small tavern, except for a single dark skinned human sitting at a table next to the south wall. An empty chair sits across from him. It takes Roland only a moment to recognize him as the drow from the previous night. The disguise is good, but the shape of the eyes and jaw are the same.
Roland strolled away from the group and made his way through the Tower grounds to one of the lesser-used exit gates, his mind thumbing through his upcoming appointment and accompanying disguise. old man with a red cape, he recalled. The cape was an easy spot, and as part of his well-worn array of disguise accoutrements was a stand by. He hadn't used it in Coran yet though. No better time than the present. At the exit he ducked into a shadowy spot out of sight, and using his hat and disguise kit craft his new look. Popping back out of the shadows was an elderly man with a red cape and a cane. Perhaps a retired, semi-successful merchant, the man was otherwise unremarkable.
In his guise, Roland ambled into the Silver Spirits and casually looked around the room. Noting the open seat next to the small, dark-skinned man, Roland slowly made his way over to his table. I say sonny, is this seat taken? A body could use a nice seat if I may.
Leo takes the sword from Ian with some difficulty and shock at being handed the bloodied weapon so casually, especially from a man who was recently prepared to kill him with it.
"Uhh, yes. I'll make sure to do so after I question the thieves then?" He sets the sword gently down on the table, and then writes another question down on his sheet.
"I was told that the Anthony's Gang was attacked outside of some kind of outpost that they were apparently watching? Did you guys learn why they were there at all? It might be worth the first question. Any other questions you would liked asked?"
"That blood's from Radgar's man," Ian gestures at the blade.
Ian listens closely as Leo asks about the Thieves watching the outpost.
"Sounds like a good start. May as well ask where their headquarters is, too," he says with a shrug.
"It's not. Go ahead and take it." He shifts a plate of food that he isn't really eating slightly to the side to allow a little more room on the table. The drunkenness from the previous evening is gone. "I'm Deegan. I don't believe I've seen you here before."
The two half-orc bodies are found stretched out on tables. One a witch, the other an inquisitor or other 'holy' warrior of some kind. Someone has cast a gentle repose on them.
Leo crosses more questions off of his lists, and rewrites others in an attempt to word them better or put them into some kind of priority as he is brought before the two half-orcs. He pauses, looking at them squeamishly for just a moment before the feeling passes. Almost as if his squeamishness never existed, he approaches them to take a closer look.
Paying careful attention to the holy warrior, he looks for some kind of identifying trait that would inform what their deity was. If he is unsuccessful in discovering anything obvious, he asks if a holy symbol was found on them.
In order of priority, the further down to be unasked until a week from now if the first questions reveal better questions.
1. What was your gang's goal at the western gate last night?
2. Where can Shannath Diguri, The Mistress, be found?
2. Where in the sewers can your hideout be found?
3. What is the thieves guild's relationship to Radgar?
Leo hands the list around. "Any complaints?"
If no one suggests changing the order or contents of the list, Leo takes out the first scroll and casts it over the witch and asks the first question.
Roland slowly lowers himself into the seat, feigning an elderly demeanor in doing so. Ack, these old bones! 'Tis a joy to be young like yourself. Still some dark times in the City now it seems. Everyday new stories o' murder and mayham. Why, just yesterday evening a good friend of mine..a young whippersnapper, you mind...he told me 'bout runnin' into a frustrated young man on the street. He said this young man told him quite the sad tale. Seems this frustrated young man had a fondness for a woman. That would be a happy yarn did it but end there. But no, this frustrated young man said that some ne'er-do-well had gone off and killed the woman. Can you believe it! Right here in Coran. 'Tis a darn shame I tell you. Why, I bet if the authorities knew where to find this ne'er-do-well they might just do somethin' about it.
Ian watches Leo quietly, then adds, "I'd just like to know where Anthony sleeps at night, but I'll defer to brighter minds."
He shrugs. There's a glint of anger in his eyes though, probably directed at Anthony. Probably.
The half-orc corpse comes to life in a jerking mechanical fashion. It waits for the question to be asked it.
"To question the dark skin."
A half truth at best.
His eyes are cold, "That is a tragic tale you have. Sounds like the authorities need to do a sweep through the slums from the south end of tiny town to The Wailing Spirits. I doubt the ne'er-do-well would be likely taken so easy though. Rats are always born in litters of dozens, filling every hole and nook, waiting to squeal when someone drops a spec of food for them to feast upon."
His emphasis is on the location of the seedy tavern and whore house in the slums.
Gritting his teeth as the corpse comes to life, he gives Rilumin a look.
Despite working with Tavrus for years, necromancy still makes Ian's skin crawl.
Leo watches the body move with more interest than revulsion, fascinated by the magics he just indirectly worked and how easily these things now come to him.
Turning back to the others, Leo eyes them thoughtfully. "The memory of this witch is trying to avoid the question. If you think this is important enough, we can ignore our current fourth question to ask it a follow up. Maybe something like 'What questions did you wish you ask the Drow' or maybe 'What were your intentions for the drow.'"
He looks back at the temporarily animated corpse, thinking. [b]"We seem to have confirmation that they were there for the Drow. Interesting..."[b]
Roland nodded absently, to the casual observer it would even seem that the old man had forgotten about the murder he had just mentioned. Oh you are right about those rats. Tough little buggers to deal with, and Coran sure do seem to have a mess o' them. Leaning in to the table, he went on. You know what you need to do to really get 'em though, is find 'em where they live. With rats, that's usually underground. Now mind, most people don't know it but rats can even have a Queen. Find that Rat Queen, finish her off, and why, no more rat problem! Pausing for a second he added, 'nother thing I heard: these rats sometimes get to squeakin' a certain way to communicate with each other. Sometimes they only trust those other rats that squeak just so. I bet those tryin' to clean out those rats would looove to know how they squeak, now wouldn't they!
I'll tell ya 'nother thing I heard. There's this prisoner somewhere I hear, a drow mind you. A slight smile in the corner of the old man's mouth subtly hints at knowing the man across the table is one as well. Now there this killer loose in the city, this 'Ragger', or whatever his name is. Seems that he is out lookin' to see that prisoner dead, and who knows what else. Now ain't that a funny thing! Here's this killer on the loose and he's worried about some poor soul locked up. Sure makes a man wonder why that is, don't it?
Rilumin stays back away from the corpse, taking no delight in knowing they can usually absorb more arrows than their living counterparts.
Assuming no one says otherwise, Leo mentally erases the fourth question planned.
I suppose that their relationship with Radgar might just be a matter of shared interest in the drow, Zov.
Leaving questions 2 and 3 for the inquisitor, Leo turns back to the currently animated witch.
"What, specifically, were your questions and your intentions for the drow at the western gate?"
Leo waits, hoping that this specific choice of phrasing wouldn't be too much for the magic to properly work.
Firyin shakes his head, "You split the rat pack and each develops its own squeals and squeaks, so they know which belongs to which. It is difficult for a rat to learn the language of another pack, though a lone one from neither pack might worm its way into a existing brood with time and patience. Get their attention by taking little of the packs food, but not so much as to arouse them to feasting on blood. Then earn their trust over time by providing more to the pack then they keep for themselves."
"Now as for rats caught in a trap, well they get left to themselves. If they got themselves caught, they can get themselves loose. But an exterminator like you mention, he won't care one way or another. He's just focused on exterminating rats wherever he finds them. Lead him into a den of them and there will be all kinds of fun to watch."
"Maklo owes us a blood debt." The corpse goes still, not answering beyond that short simple phrase.
Leo's face drops in confusion and irritation. "Maklo... Maklo? Destroyer's Side, who is Maklo? he swears and looks a bit embarrassed back at Ian and Rilumin, as if the confusing answer was directly Leo's fault. "The real name of this Zov guy?"
Oh yes, yes, that certainly would be quite delightful. The old man's response seemed distracted, all part of Roland's act to appear semi-senile. Well, you sonny seem to have a good head on your shoulders! It certainly has been a pleasant conversation. Why, we should mebbe do it again sometime. Jus' not sure how I should reach you. The old man rose, slow and wobbly, to his feet and threw his red cape over his back. Now I must be going, my wife will have my head if I don't get back home soon.
Still disguised as an old man, Roland ambled his way back to the Tower, going over the data he gleaned in his mind. All roads lead to the Wailing Spirits, it seems He kept a casual lookout for anyone following him, and just after making it to the Tower grounds ducked into a private space to quickly revert from his disguise to his normal appearance. He then rejoined the group.
Roland went over the information from his visit with Firyin, particularly as it relates to the Wailing Spirits. It would certainly seem that our lovely low-lifes like to use this establishment as a cover. Quite likely one or more of them is savvy to the rogues. I think I might just pay that place a visit. In disguise of course. Would anyone like to join me?
Leo casts the second scroll on the second corpse and asks questions 2 & 3. Afterwards, he'll prayer for 15 minutes to ready Blood Biography and cast that using the blood on Ian's sword, using a piece of blanket parchment as the destination for the information.
Upon Roland's return and explanation. "Sounds good!" Leo would nearly jump at the opportunity with a boyish enthusiasm. "I have a hat of disguise and an almost physical need to finally get out of the Tower and get some work done!"
"Killin' things or just information scouting? You can disguise me as a pretty lady if it gets me within sword's reach of one of those bastards," probably not joking.
"In either case, you should have Rilumin nearby, on a roof maybe."
He looks at the grim bowman, shrugging slightly.
"Overwatch is fine with me."
"I will be with Rilumin to cover things if needed. That will place me in a position to enter the fray immediately if you notify me of the need via the simple magic I shall equip you with."
"Well what the hell am I going to do? They could spot me a mile away."
"I can easily render you invisible, Ian. Worry not, your blade will be within reach."
Roland raised one eyebrow and looked askance at the rugged ex-guardsman. Even I'm not good enough at disguises to turn you into a pretty lady. Perhaps we go with Ms. Cheerful's suggestion and make you Invisible when the time is right.
Looking over at Leo, he gives his fellow Aaasimar and amused, appraising look. That's the spirit! Now, do you have any especial skill in altering your appearance or are you just relying on that hat? Try sticking to a man your age if not, but human, elf or half-elf as a race. Too few of our kind around, it seems. A good act is important too, think you can pull that off? Oh, and this is a "house of ill-repute", yes? I do hope Nethys won't disapprove. Picking up his stylish cloak, Roland thought out loud. Perhaps I should talk Ukalo into reimbursing me for our...expenses while there.
Leo casts his next spell, animating the second corpse to ask it questions.
"The Mistress carries on her business where it pleases her, all the city is subject to her whim."
And then the second question.
"Beneath the temple of Pharasma."
The second is a blatant lie.
With the second corpse going still again Leo moves onto his next spell to try and get something on the armored man.
No writing appears on the paper.