Master Hast leads Serelina down several levels, then into a room with wards and symbols on the door - he pulls out his crescent moon medallion prior to entering, and all the symbols glow briefly. A dozen small chests rest on shelves, each also protected by various wards. Master Hast removes a key from his robes and opens one of them, which contains a spellbook but is empty of other items. "In here then for now, till we have time to study it properly."
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Ian, Rilumin, and Kultinak begin the slow process of exploring the upper floors, peering into each room they are able to get into. On the top floor, with the map of the city on the floor, they find Ukalo dead lying in his own blood. Multiple weapon wounds on his body. His skin and clothing also show several burn marks.
Ian shakes his head, "The thieves guild. This is my fault." He kneels by Ukalo and listens for any sign of breath from the dead mage.
A deep frown covered Kultinak's countenance as he warily kept an eye out for threats, his Greatsword at the ready. How do you know who killed this man?
Serelina places the ring in the warded chest, nodding to Master Hast. "I'm afraid my spells are spent. There is little I will be able to do to aid the others."
Several rooms in the lower levels show some disturbance, chairs and desks disturbed, or tipped over, and papers strewn about the floor. As Master Hast joins in the search he grows increasingly angry, his jaw tightening, fists clenching.
A continued search of the lower levels finds the various prisoners taken over the last several days missing, and three more mages dead. The three had no position, nor even much skill yet in the arts.
A single black crows feather lies upon one of the cots in the cells.
Ian ignores the celestial and searches the room.
Ian searches for clues in the map room, several things have been disturbed as in other rooms, but nothing is missing so far as we is able to determine.
Serelina studies the crows feather, but finds it to be of the ordinary type, with no magical properties.
You recognize the accent as being common to those who speak infernal natively.
With apparently no threats in sight, Kultinak begins moving from room to room in the Tower looking for threats.
That the name has infernal origins.
Roland maintained his cheerful, if at times snarky, demeanor until the Merchant's had departed. He then made his way back to the Tower, his countenance becoming more and more grim as he did. As he neared the door, Kultinak winked into existence beside him. The archon nodded in recognition of Roland's mood. It's as bad as you think, Kultinak confirmed, I saw no one alive aside from your group. Roland simply sighed and nodded, then added, you should go, I doubt there will be much else to fight tonight. The archon said nothing more, but vanished as Roland finished speaking.
Proceeding into the Tower itself, Roland was little surprised by the bodies he found, but did take a moment to inspect the jail area again. He paused at Hezek and Rocosmia's cells, slowly banging his head on the bars twice. Really should have seen this coming....all the Master's away....it was too tempting a target After a moment he let out another audible sigh that no one living heard and shock his head as if to clear away the disappointment. A wistful smile back on his face, he headed up into the Tower quarters to find Hast.
So, what now? Roland's uncharacteristically brief query to Hast nicely summed up the aasimar's mood.
After rejoining the group, Ian stands grim and silent, brow furrowed for a long while. He follows Roland without a word, hoping for some kind of direction or orders from Hast.
Master Hast's face is worn looking, "That feather? Was there not a feather left with the merchant Mr Jumai some time back? Does that tell us anything we don't already know or suspect?"
"I have sent a message to the council. I expect we will hear from them soon. My only suggestion for now is that we all get some rest."
You get the sense he does not actually intend to do so himself.
"The Thieves Guild. They killed me with one of those crescent keys around my neck, took my body, took the key. The feather's their symbol."
Roland nodded with a weary smile at Ian's words. The man speaks true. This, all of this, is the Thieves' Guild's work. I had the high pleasure of speaking with Mistress Diguri just after you all hustled into the Tower. With the Merchant's band, we all had a nice chat. A bit of an indirect talker, that Diguri, but the sense of it was that she knew the Master's were gone and desired retribution. I'm sure freeing her captives, snagging poor Maklo and causing general discord were high on her list.
Perhaps a bit mischievously, given Hast's fatigued state, Roland decided to press the sensitive additional matter. Another odd thing; Diguri seemed to think something the Tower unleashed, something called "Rakinkal" was responsible for some recent unpleasantness in town. Maybe even the recent events at the Temple? Of course, Diguri may simply be throwing red herrings in the water, Roland's tone showed his dismissal of that notion, but thought it worth mentioning.
The Merchant's did not seem disposed to attacking our town's favorite drow. Not sure why. As for myself, my powers were...a bit drained by the day's events. So sadly what could have been a rather glorious fight ended up as so much banter.
Thinking for a moment, Roland added. One last thing: Diguri also mentioned someone, perhaps in Isstus Hold, called Sul'tak. Never heard of the individual myself and again it could be deception, but she seemed motivated to drop this little hint. This Sul'tak was mentioned as a lead on whomever Rakinkal is.
Serelina looks quite tired as she listens to Roland and Ian. She simply nods and says, "We should meet up in the morning. It may be that we need to recruit some additional help as this seems to be a much grander plot than we originally anticipated. For now, I must rest."
Master Hast pauses at the door, "Diguri was here?" his eyes narrowing. "That wretched drow comes up in far to many places, and seems to be connected to a great many ills going on in this city. The street war, Radgar's book, this band of criminals that broke into the tower. Was her freeing of Roscomia and Hezek merely a side thought, or does she have her hands in this unrest being stirred up as well? Drow certainly thrive in chaos, so it may have just been another opportunity to stir up more of it."
"Let us see what the council wills regarding this Sul'tak fellow."
Let us wait till morning to consult with our friend.
The group is aroused in the early hours, the Masters of the Council, minus Adian Veray, the first seat of the council, in the upper room of the tower. Master Hast is also present, as are several new faces.
Many of the faces present look grim. Master Isul, second seat on the council, speaks, "Master Hast has informed us of ill news here in the city, though details were scant. He insisted the rest of you be brought before us to recount the events to ensure an accurate telling of what has transpired. Before we get to this business though we are glad to report that the situation with the demons and the Frans invasion of Gumlat has largely been dealt with. There is still some cleanup to do, and the matter of reparations to be made. As part of this invasion, it has been discovered that the king of the Frans was bewitched by a succubus - both are now dead, and his son, situationally, will reign in his stead."
"The council then is returning to Coran and hopefully shall be able to provide greater assistance then we have been able to afford previously in dealing with this cities difficulties. Master Veray is off north taking care of some related issues in Akleta, but is expected back here in Coran within a few days."
"But now, tells us of events here if you would please." though it comes out as a command, not a question.
Standing near the back of the room, Roland, not for the first time in his life, regretted his actions the night before. Given the somber mood in the Tower, going out for a rousing round of drinks at the Silver Spirits seemed like such a good idea. How did I get back to the Tower again? He gave up trying to remember, and ran a hand through his blonde hair in hopes it would make the pounding in his head stop.
With a sigh the aasimar took in the scene before him, and tried focusing on what was actually being said. He began slowly loitering up to the front of the assembled group as he did. Nice to see most all the big wigs are back, he thought idly. He nodded to one of the guards as he moved, and gave a wink to Master Akeli as he neared the front. Scanning the rest of the room he also spotted a comely, petite human woman in drab clothing not far from Master Hast. He offered her a wide smile, but was disappointed to get little in way of a response.
Turning his attention back to the the Council, Roland caught only the last sentences. Happy to do so, Isul! The aasimar's tone contrasted with his slightly bedraggled (fine cloths, but perhaps slept in) appearance and red-rimmed eyes. Likewise, his tone was friendly but of one talking to peers in a pub rather than superiors. But you said Veray was in Akleta? As he spoke he dug in one of his pockets and pulled out a worn black journal. We've heard about some...activity in that area...let me see...yes! That Dether fellow we spoke with had interest in that area, even wanted to hire the halfling to join! He spoke of a place called "Thonin Dale" as well. And I believe Akleta is where a group much as ours was sent to deal with a decimated farmsted some time ago, yes?
Roland let the question hang in the air, answered or unanswered, for a moment before continuing. Right, so about our adventures in Coran. Well, it has been quite a few days.... The aasimar goes on to give a thorough, if overly dramatized, explanation of events the group had experienced since the council members left for Gumlat. He focuses on the attempt to blow up the government building in Tiny Town, the fight with Radgar and the Shadow Demon, further Radgar investigative steps, the fights with the Thieves and Rebellion groups, the take down of the Thieves' hideout brothel and the recent team-up with the Merchants to handle the investigation of the death of the High Priest of Abadar, Nasul's death, Sona's rescue and the events that led up to that investigation. He ends of his conversation with Diguri and the raid on the Tower and subsequent prisoner releases.
After going on at some length about these adventures he adds, well, I believe that is all. Anything I could clarify? And of course we'd love to hear your collective wisdom as to our next steps!
As Roland relates the details of events many of the Masters faces become drawn, their shoulders slumping slightly at the volume of ill news going on in the city. At the completion of it Master Isul stands, her eyes sharp and piercing. "That is a lot of things to consider. Serelina, this spell that Radgar's wife had been working on, have you had a chance to study it? What do you make of it? Can we use anything from that spell to help us track down Radgar?"
"As for the drow Maklo, and Radgar's request he be executed. While I dislike doing anything the Butcher wants done, it seems there is enough evidence against Maklo to justify an execution. If the choice is the drow or our city guardsmen, I don't think there is a real choice there. We should schedule a trial immediately to be sure law and order is carried out appropriately, though it seems a rather open and shut case by what you have provided Roland. Unless there is any reason you feel Maklo could be used against our other enemies? Master Akeli, if you will take charge of organizing the trial."
Master Akeli gives a curt, "Of course Master Isul."
"The demons in the city are a grave concern. I wonder now how much of Gumlat was merely a distraction and intent of depletion of resources as anything. The havoc that would have been caused with an explosion in our gnome and halfling quarters would have put a strain on the racial tensions that that quarter of town has already had with the rest of the city. Master Liam, if you could go and speak with Yabel as soon as possible to see what else might need to be done there to keep things smoothed over."
Master Liam simply nods his head.
"It may be worth speaking with Dether again, though Tomlin is currently down working with Valdr in Issust Hold, we will probably do some re-assignments though, and leave that task to Serelina, Ian, and let me introduce Soliel here."
"A couple of final points then, we can either arrange for ship travel to the Hold, or send a message to Tomlin and Valdr to look up this tiefling Sul'tak. Thoughts on one option or the other?"
"And this ring you've found in the sealed catacombs. Where is it now?"
"In the vault Master Isul", says Master Hast. "I thought it best to secure it till we have an opportunity to study it carefully later."
Master Isul nods in agreement. "Master Danroth, when you've had some rest, assist Master Hast in taking an initial look at the ring. Determine its purpose and powers."
"And lastly Roscomia and her friends. Even before we left for Gumlat, there seemed to be a growing unrest among the populace, but it seems this might explain, at least in part, the cause of it. If there is a group looking to upset the government it would serve them well to sow rumors among the poor and down trodden, and I now wonder if they have some connection with the demons here in the city and the issues with the halfling quarter. Finding her and Hezek again may be of paramount importance."
"I guess then the question comes down to whether we pursue Radgar, Roscomia, or consider the words of this foul drow Diguri, and her riddled hints to be of most significance."
"Roland, Ian, Serelina, Rilumin... which of these would you consider likely the quickest to deal with?"
Ian grunts in agreement with Master Isul's thoughts on executing Maklo, then speaks up in a gravelly voice that echoes low in the room. "Make use of him? I'd say just get it done with. We got enough on our plate."
When asked which target to pursue, Ian speaks up again. "We ain't taking Hezek prisoner again. Next time we run into him, he dies. It was a pain in the ass to catch him the first time--f+@&in summoners...no offense to any present. Anyway, Radgar hates the drow, right? He could be after Diguri too. Maybe Radgar kills Diguri then we catch Radgar, or Radgar might flush her out or run her right to us. Hopefully killin' this Maklo scumbag will buy us some time to deal with Radgar later. We need to catch Diguri and either kill her or put her ass to the coals for answers."
He nods to Serelina in respect. "But I defer to miss Bellafini."
"That would be nice. I agree. Kid gloves must come off. Detention has failed, big time. Kill them and be done with it, I say. Whichever of them we go after first."
Rilumin sneers. "They hate you Tower folks too much, they have too many allies, too many resources. Kill them until the rest fall in line."
Roland stopped paying attention to the conversation among the masters after the woman next to Master Hast was introduced. Soliel, eh? Hmm...did Hast find himself a pretty bodyguard? Crossed short swords over her back and bandolier straps containing small metal vials marked her a combatant of some sort. Exceedingly slender, her sharp slate grey eyes stood out even at a distance, as did her overall comeliness. But her jet-black hair tied tightly into pony tale, grim demeanor and dark clothing told Roland that she would be a challenge to romance. Nothing I can't warm up! He again offered the woman a broad smile, which again she did not return. Perhaps more difficult than I thought...
The aasimar's attention drifted regretfully back to the conversation at hand, just in time to catch Master Isul's question regarding the path forward. He was about to speak when Ian and Rilumin did so first. Roland ran a hand through his hair again and winced as he heard their words, his hangover-induced headache re-emerging into consciousness. Yes, this is just what I expected. Gentlemen, how are we to lead this city if we stoop to the depravity of those we face? I for one will not be party to slaughtering prisoners wholesale. Trickery to gain confessions and information? Most assuredly, but we mustn't adopt the worst devils of our foes. As he spoke he glanced back at the woman, Soliel, in hopes his eloquence would score points for later. Why is she now scowling??
Shaking his head, he re-addressed the Masters. Sadly the honest truth is we have no "quick thing" to accomplish. Rocosmia was a chance encounter at a bar, I doubt she or what is left of the rebel group that slew Torenest will make the same mistake again. We have no other leads on them, unless someone located Lieutenant Banmor in Gumlat. Bellafini can speak to what Radgar's wife's spell might hold, but our leads to find him are limited as well. Diguri is a master at keeping herself hidden. Cockroaches are survivors for a reason. Currently we have no leads on her whereabouts, and I was somewhat shocked to discover that the Merchant's do not appear to be directly opposed to her and her crew at the moment.
Roland paused for a moment before continuing. All that said, I believe at some level Diguri is genuinely worried about Radgar and whomever this Rakinkal fellow is. I doubt what she spoke of were pure red herrings. So, we need reliable people in multiple locations to assess all of these things: Rakinkal and the death of the High Priest, this Sul'tak half-fiend, tracking down Radgar and looking what is left of Torenest's murderers along with Hezek and Banali. Some of these paths likely stay in Coran, some do not.
Another pause and a deep breath, with a glance over at Ian, Serelina and Rilumin. We need to split up. Give me Rilumin and let us head to Isstus Hold to find the halfling and the dwarf. There we can track down Sul'tak and send word. Bellafini here and Ian can manage leads in the City. Or make it vice versa with Rilumin and I managing leads in Coran, but either way we need to divide our efforts.
Ah, and one more thing. If you are just going to off Maklo, why not put some creativity into it? Use him to draw out Radgar. Really people, we need to add some innovation to all this bloodlust! Though the sarcasm clearly was detectable in his words, the aasimar did seem to put some credence into the plan.
Having listened carefully to all that is said Serelina finally addresses the group, "I would prefer to remain in the city for now, I believe the most dire threats are here. I think we need to devise a means to set Radgar and Diguri against each other. As these two threats pursue each other, Hezek should be our immediate focus. Roland if you don't have the stomach for blood then I think it is best if you set of for a task away from here, because I can't imagine us winning if we think these people still deserve quarter after what they did here at the tower. Ian and I will remain and recruit others without such delicate dispositions."
Looking to the Masters she says, "This ring and the spell Radgar's wife was working on need to be fully analyzed before we can take our next steps. As urgent as many things seem, we have been running around and reacting constantly instead of planning and applying logic to our problems. The enemy has had us under constant threat and action, and the result to our constant reaction is that the Tower was left undefended. I daresay that the Masters being lured away at such a critical time is likely no coincidence either. The ring and the spell should be our immediate focus rather than direct action..."
"I'll say this. Your games have failed so far. Playing more is unlikely to change that. No games needed when you're the only player. Don't the winners write history and decide who was evil?"
"If you have a potential plan to lure out Radgar with the drow Maklo, then please speak it Roland. Otherwise I think our course of action is before us then? Are all agreed upon it?" The council each nod their heads in turn as Master Isul looks around the room.
The Masters begin heading out of the room, likely seeking some little sleep before the morning. Master Hast stops Master Isul, "I would speak with you a brief moment." He speaks in a low voice, but not so low that those still in the room cannot hear him. "With Master Torenest no longer with us, I would like to propose we nominate Miss Bellafini to the council. She has shown great skill, competence, and determination."
Master Isul gives him a curious look. "Well we shall consider that option at your request, but you know we cannot take any action on that until Master Veray returns."
He bows deferentially, "Of course Master Isul."
Roland looked skyward and shook his head in resignation as he received little to no support for his position. Still, the smile on his face showed he held no grudges, nor was he surprised by the opinions.
As the meeting broke up, the aasimar glanced back over at Masters Hast and Isul. The announcement of Serelina's promotion had caused a stir, but in truth Roland was little surprised. She'll fit in quite well, I suspect, he mused. Hast's attractive bodyguard, Soliel, was receiving some sort of instruction from the man. She stood at rigid attention while spoken to, and afterward pounded her fist into her chest in some sort of salute. Where have I seen that before, he wondered. Ah, no matter. The conversation between Hast and this Soliel appeared to be over, with the petite woman walking over towards the exit, near where Serelina, Ian and Rilumin were standing. Better take my opportunity to get a date tonight before she disappears!
Putting on his best charm, Roland strode confidently over to Soliel, cutting her off just paces from where the rest of the group stood. Greetings my dear! I couldn't help but notice the prettiest new face in the room. I'll be departing Coran shortly, and it would be the most enjoyable send off if you would accompany me tonight for dinner and drinks. Seven o'clock, per chance?
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As Roland approached, Soliel stopped and began assessing the man. 12 more seconds...11...10... Her scrutinizing stare morphed momentarily into a sweet smile as she locked eyes with the aasimar. 4...3...2..1.. After a brief time in which the question hung in the air, Soliel's face transformed into an icy grin. And her slate gray eyes were replaced by pure white spheres. Did you know that the average male aasimar will exsaguinate at a rate of three liters a minute from bilateral femoral artery resections?
Roland looked down in shock to see that Soliel had drawn one of her short swords and held it motionlessly against the front of his thighs. Squeezing his eyes shut, he let out a barely audible groan. How did I miss it!
Holding his hands in front of him, he backed away defensively while Soliel eyed him with that same cold stare. Still smiling, but those now-awful eyes. Ah, a tiefling then. And another Friend of the Tower to boot. The Friends were always popping up when the Master's needed dirty work done. Roland supposed for a second that such is the role of fanatical organizations.
My apologies...my dear, the last came out more than a bit forced, I had mistaken you for Hast's bodyguard but I see you serve...other purposes. Should I expect you will be joining my former compatriots?
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Yes, Angel-kin, the last came out as a sneer, for once today you are correct. The smile on Soliel's face vanished, replaced by a snarl of contempt. Likewise, her pure white eyes were replaced by orbs as black as night. Perhaps you should go try to make yourself useful somewhere else, somewhere that your imaginary world of playing nice with the vermin that accost this city would actually bear fruit. She turned to leave the conversation, but then turned back towards Roland. Actually there are two more points I should address with you. The words came out forceful and clipped. First, I understand you are in possession of a book, a journal, that Brother Tomlin provided to you. I shall require that item immediately, and remain improbably hopeful that you actually updated it. Second, pay attention to your surroundings if you are to be any use to the Mageocracy at all. If I had wanted you would have dead before you bled out.
Roland eyes remained wide as the woman spoke, I am really off my game lately!, and on command fumbled in a pocket for the tattered journal he had receive some time ago. Ah, er, yes, here it is. He gave the woman a bewildered stare as she questioned his perceptiveness, but then realization kicked in. And an assassin....I am REALLY off my game. Oh pretty faces and the problems they cause...
Instead of engaging Soliel further, Roland glanced over her at the group. Right, so Rilumin, we should be off post-haste. I believe there is a ship I can get us on to Isstus Hold this afternoon. He then tipped his non-existent hat to Serelina and added, Congrats Bellafini, it appears your hard work payed off. Glancing back at Soliel he added, I think you'll get along with the new edition...just fine. To the ex-guardsman he added a wry smile and said simply, Ian, farewell. With Rilumin in tow, Roland then depart the Tower grounds for his next adventure.
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As Roland departed, Soliel turned to face Serelina. Her eyes quickly reverted to the sharp slate gray they had initially been, her appearance otherwise entirely human. Mistress Serelina, it is an honor to meet you. I have heard of your dedication to the Mageocracy and proud to see such devotion be rewarded. My name is Sister Soliel Levant, a member of the Friends of the Tower. Brother Tomlin spoke of you when I received my assignment here. I understand from Master Hast that I am to join you in your endeavors in the city.
She paused momentarily before continuing. I am well-trained in the arts of stealth, deception and killing for the security of the Mageocracy. I will serve much as Brother Tomlin did, and my swords are yours. Soliel then offered Serelina the same salute as she gave Hast; her right fist to her chest. To the death!
Afterward, she glanced over at Ian. You're the guardsman Brother Tomlin mentioned, I believe. Is this correct? Her look was questioning, appraising.
Rilumin smiled at Soleil's antics. Before departing, he turned to the others.
"Good working with you all, soft though you are. You should take some tips from Ian, and harden up." He nods to Ian, turns, and leaves with Roland.
When Roland is shot down and threatened by Soliel, Ian breaks into rowdy laughter which fades to a grim smile when Roland says his farewells. "Watch yourself out there. You're a hell of a fighter with time to prepare but if someone gets the drop on you it could be bad." Not mocking or disparaging, just simple tactical advice from a simple sort of man.
Ian looks to Soliel, "Yeah that's probably me. How's Little Brother doing?"
After returning Rilumin's nod, "See if you can't toughen that one up, eh? I think we're fine here. Good luck." Coldly respectful.
"Issust Hold, eh? Watch the tavern closest to the main gate. Jeanine's place. They lube you up with a good drink or two and then start watering it down. Overall coin sink."
Those who turn to look see a halfling dressed in white robes addressing them from his seat at the table.
"Master Hast sent for me. Called me off of some reeeaaalll cushy work in Issust, wants me to come along with you since they were sending some of your members away. Care to fill me in on just what you all are planning to do?"
"Ah, glad to see you made it back here Edmond, I wasn't certain when you would arrive, but the timing couldn't have been better. I'll leave these two to fill you in on the details." he gestures to Serelina and Ian.
With everyone departed to rest till dawn, Master Hast pulls you aside for a moment. "You feel up to speaking with our friend now? He may know something about the ring, though he may demand a high price for that knowledge."
You spend several hours wandering the large sewer network that drains the filth of Coran to the cesspits. It is a grim toil, and you come across several skeletons, long since eaten by the rats. Whether they were beggars seeking warmth during cold seasons of the year, or unfortunate victims of random crimes, you couldn't say. Anything of value they may have once had has been carried off by the rats or looters. You do come across a small 'home' of sorts, a makeshift bed with spoiled and torn blankets lain across some old crates. And a sealed container containing several loaves of moldy bread and bottles of dirty water. Whoever 'lives' here is currently absent though.
The following day is spent resting for the team while the Masters busy themselves about their assigned tasks. A message is sent to Serelina later in the day Just confirming what was already suspected. A speak with dead with the unfortunate guardsmen confirms Anthony's crew was involved.
Additional guardsmen are called in, and they are assigned double watches to some grumbling, though a promise of additional bonus pay relieves much of that.
Looking at the newcomers, Serelina begins a well orgainzed recitiation of the the history of the investigation since she joined the group. "Well then, let me inform you of what has been happening..."
Upon completion she says, "I have recently learned that Anthony's crew was indeed involved in the assault on the Tower. I'm not sure running them down is our best course of action at this point, however tempting that might be. There are larger players involved in this game, and Anthony and his minions likely play the role of pawns in the grand scheme. For now, I have some research to do, but if any of you can come up with a plan on how to move forward - why don't we plan to reconvene at lunch?"
Serelina then steps aside to consult with Master Hast.
"Judging by the archer's comment before departure, I take it you all are not of a mind to simply burn the thieves? And by that I mean find everywhere they hide and burn it to the ground so that there is nowhere to go." The short man grins in a slightly menacing manner.
"That is an option. My concern is that would be like cutting the head off a hydra. It seems satisfying, but accomplishes little in the long run. If we cannot think of a better plan, it would at least be a place to start, however."
Ian grunts in response to Edmond. "Miss Bellafini's right. They're hard to catch because they dig themselves in with regular folk like ticks. We'd have to burn the whole city down," He eyes Edmond.
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At Ian's query, the closest thing to a genuine smile anyone in the group has seen so far came across Soliel's face. Brother Tomlin's performance in service to the Mageocracy has been exemplary. In fact, it was his diligent work in Gumlat and Isstus Hold that provided the information required for me to assassinate the controlled King of the Frans and that vile succubus b!+ch that held his leash. With the exception of a snarl when she mentioned the demon, Soliel conveyed the information in a purely matter-of-fact tone.
Soliel nodded in response to Edmond's idea, and did not attempt to hide her approval at his suggestion. But she equally listened to Serelina's counsel. Ma'am, if I may, I believe a mistake was made in keeping this rabble alive after apprehending them. Wring every scrap of knowledge out of them of course, but afterward throw them into the charnel fire like the trash they are. Soliel's tone remained even throughout, as if she was discussing tomorrow's weather. Still, we should take the time to fully consider our actions, as Mistress Bellafini advised. Holding up Tomlin's old black journal she added, Until lunch then, I will endeavor to read through the information therein for further discussion. Addressing Serelina directly she added, Ma'am, I will take my leave if permitted? Once the wizardess concurs Soliel walked briskly to her assigned quarters in the Tower.
"Well, my line of reasoning is, if you burn enough of their hidey-holes, eventually the common folk will shy from them like the plague they are."
Prior to opening the gate to the devil, Master Hast adjusts some other knobs in the planar studies room. "With a flick of this switch here, the circle on the floor become a circle of binding." he explains. "I don't expect to need to use it here, but best to take safeguards here."
With the adjustments made he opens the gate and the obese devil floats into the chamber through the gate. "Master Hast and Miss Bellafini. Good to see you again." the devil says noncommittally. "What is your pleasure today?"
Master Hast pulls out the ring from Nasun, it is wrapped in a clean cotton cloth. "What can you tell us of this ring?"
The devil gives a half smile, "Well let me examine it shall we?" He flicks his fingers and there is a shimmer in the air as a floating disc forms near the devil. Master Hast places the ring carefully on the force disc.
The creature proceeds to examine it with increasingly more complex spells to divine its nature, starting with a simple identify spell. "This is quite some powerful object you have brought me. I will require some significant exchange of secrets for this, or" he looks at Serelina, "a task performed in my behalf."
"Which of these would you like to offer as payment?"
There is definitely recent use. As you poke about a bit several rats scurry about the sealed container as if expecting to be fed.
Ian pries open the sealed crate and tosses a loaf to the rats, then settles in for a potentially long stakeout. He gets out his compound bow and stands off in a darker nook, waiting and watching for whoever lives her to return.
The wait isn't long before a thin and bedraggled middle aged woman stumbles into the makeshift living space. She is covered in filth and her eyes quickly spot you. She lets out a hiss, raising one hand from which half inch fingernails covered in grime extend. She quickly scurries back out of the small chamber.
"Stop there, or I'll fire."
If she still flees he'll aim for her leg. Either way:
"Fed your rats. Came down here lookin' for answers."