You enjoy the remainder of the evening with your family and getting a drink at a tavern. As you are heading home for the night the sounds of a horn can be heard in the distance. This is not a common occurrence, but is a familiar sound - the city guard uses the horns for messages when they are calling for back up if a fight breaks out in a tavern or other trouble arises. A minute later another horn sounds from another part of the city, to the southeast towards the docks. Followed by a third horn coming from the center of the city, a little west of the tower.
As the hour starts to get late a horn can be heard in the distance. This is not a common occurrence, but is a familiar sound - the city guard uses the horns for messages when they are calling for back up if a fight breaks out in a tavern or other trouble arises. A minute later another horn sounds from another part of the city, to the southeast towards the docks. Followed by a third horn coming from the center of the city, a little west of the tower.
Knowing that Aurelion is at the tower, he heads in direction of the horns in the center of the city, curious about what the trouble is. Although he is fairly certain it is no big deal, his concern for his charge makes him move at a greater speed than he would otherwise.
Following his own private report to Master Liam and the delivery as requested of the magical beast components gathered during the course of the mission, Valdr retires to his quarters.
Within the privacy of his own room, he pulls out stone figurines of dwarves, exquisitely detailed and finely painted, and offers a prayer to his ancestors. As he does so the runes on his great axe pulse and glow, the will of the weapon joining his prayers and then pulling him out of them to whisper its own wants.
Making your way in the direction of one of the horn blasts you soon come across a crowd of people in the streets. A dozen guards are making an effort to disperse them. Through the ring of people you can see a woman lying face down in the road, the hilt of a dagger protruding from her back.
Tavrus will cast cure light wounds on Tomlin, as promised before we left the cave. He will then buy some things from the tower.
Relieved to see that whatever happened here is over, with no apparent risk to his charge, Tunny takes a second glance at the woman. Wondering who she might be, he works his way a little closer to see if he can catch a glimpse of her face.
Tomlin paused for a moment and frowned as he heard the horns sound. 3 in quick succession was a lot, and his mind did wander to what would cause such a series of events. But he also knew his place. Reactions to criminal activity such as this was a direct matter for the city guard. If such an event was due to some nefarious actors in the city, The Friends of the Tower would be called in later to punish them. This was the sort of work he identified with. Nodding to himself grimly, he walked on towards his house, careful to put on his "happy livery worker" face for the neighbors to see as he headed home. The poison would not brew itself.
Once debriefed, Akane excuses herself to rest in her quarters. The events of the past few days have left her drained, and she gladly succumbs to a peaceful sleep shortly after returning to her home.
The crowds begin to disperse as another patrol of guards arrive.
Tunny leaves the scene, no longer interested in the event, beyond a curiosity that there were multiple events at once, which he quickly dismisses as "Not his business" and returns to his quarters for the rest of the evening.
Morning comes early, or rather a servant of the tower awakens everyone early and asks you to meet with Jori on the tower grounds as quickly as possible.
As members of the group begin to trickle in you are escorted into the tower itself. Jori waits inside a small room with several chairs and a table - but he paces back and forth waiting for everyone to arrive - a very uncharacteristic thing for him.
Master Weldon Hast sits in one of the chairs calmly and and middle aged half-elf, another wizard of the tower sits next to him. The half-elf's hair is white and his eyes are beginning to show the first signs of age. His hands are ink stained and his thin body is clothed in dark red robes. A single ring plain looking ring adorns one of his fingers.
As the last individual is shown into the room Jori stops pacing at last. He seems hesitant to speak at first, then dives right in, an edge of anger to his voice, "How many of you heard the guard signal horns last night?" he doesn't really wait for a reply, "By our count so far twenty-seven people were murdered during the night, all in the late evening near about the same time."
"Kelmon Deis. A stable hand near the western gate. A search of his home revealed a life of apparent luxury. Seems stable hands are very well paid these days."
"The Duresu family. Spice merchants who lived in their shop on the merchants road. Father, mother, and son all found dead not an hour ago in their home."
"Drail Banden. Owns, or rather owned, several warehouses in the docks. Most of his space was used by various merchants to store their goods while they arranged transport. We are still going through his warehouses looking for clues."
He continues on with more names. "Five of those dead have spent some time in prison here in Coran for larceny or blackmail. We do not know about the others - we are not even sure who all of them are."
"Among the dead their were also four drow." he scowls with distaste.
"Now here is the real kicker. We caught one drow, but had a devil of a time doing it. Someone wanted him dead very badly, three men and a gnome were chasing him through the streets and caught up to him just as he ran into a pack of the city guard investigating one of the crime scenes - three dead there, a female drow and two humans we don't know in a brothel in the area. The four were real persistent though, stabbed the drow a couple of times before two of them fled under the cover of a magical mist. We'd thought they'd all fled. But the gnome swooped down out of the sky and continued to assail the drow. The watch said the little guy was wiry and strong as an ox. The captain of the guard at the scene was able to ensnare him in a spell briefly and we thought we had him in custody when one of his buddies reappears and with a feather token and causes an entire oak tree spring up out of the ground amidst his captives. The little bugger flew out of sight and his friend vanished into thin air."
"Cursed arrogant drows not talking though. He is currently under heavy guard near the western gate." He pauses to take in your reactions.
Akane covers her mouth at the news of so many deaths. "T-twenty seven killings? That is horrible! Do you believe these Drow to be responsible?" she asks, tears seeming to build in the corners of her eyes. She looks thoroughly distraught, as well as a bit guilty. If only I had not gone straight to sleep... I may have been able to do something, she thinks to herself, even though she knows that's unlikely.
Tomlin frowned briefly at news but otherwise maintained an impassive demeanor. So that was what all the alarms were about Permission to speak, sir? Waiting for a nod from Jori, he goes on. Sir, have we ruled out the possibility of some vigilanty group? Perhaps the drow were working with those killed, and the gnome and his companions thought in error to take justice into their own hands. You stated many of those killed had criminal records or questionable life circumstances. Is it possible the vigilanties targeted them? The halfling takes in any additional information provided with a consistent impassive expression. He then adds, Does the Tower wish the 4 hunted down?
Jori is grim, "It is a possibility. One of the gnomes friends mentioned the drow having stolen from a Mister Jumai. And that they were meting out punishment for the theft and trying to retrieve the stolen goods. Jumai owns a glass shop on the merchant's road. We have not had a chance to speak with him yet. Theft is punishable by de-handing of course, pushing it to murder is a bit extreme."
"We would like to apprehend the four if possible. Aside from serving out justice to them they will certainly know more answers then we currently have. We can't tell you much about them, though the gnome did wear a bronze headband of some kind and one of his allies, stood just under 6', dark hair, wore it a little long. The guards didn't get any kind of look at the other two, though they said one was a big burly guy, could have been a bouncer at a tavern."
"Given their persistence, we think they may try to kill the drow again if the 'opportunity' were to present it self to them."
Tomlin nodded sharply. Yes sir. Sir, request permission to continue working with the present group regarding this matter. As a team we were successful in our prior mission and I believe could be ideally suited for the present concern. The halfling awaits Jori's answer, then continues. Sir, if I understand correctly our three best leads are this Mr. Jumai, the drow in custody and perhaps Drail Banden's warehouse. Are there any other avenues you would recommend?
Tavrus sits there, taking the information in.
"A little mundane for a task worthy of the tower's attention. There must be something else going on here."
Valdr had not bothered with a disguise this day, though it was entirely likely that those who had not known him for a long while could tell. A rather tall dwarf sat in one of the open chairs, his clever green eyes searching each individual within the room. A thick five braided beard started from just above his ears and sought in vain to cover up the scars and burns that decorated his otherwise ordinary face. It was unclear what caused the wounds, but in some places it looked almost as if the skin was warped rather then torn or burned. Though he wore a Laurel green scholars cap on his head, it was clear that he had little of his blonde hair still atop his skull.
"I do not think these individuals vigilantes. The story you describe and the persistence of their attack, utilizing deception and magics make them seem a force more sinister. Assassin's perhaps. It could be they were enemies of the drow or rivals. Can we not seek an inquisitor to pry the secrets from the loathsome drows unwilling mouth?" Valdr asked of the two elder mages present.
"If not, I would suggest we use the drow as bait. If these individuals do try again, we could arrange for the drow to be moved to a dungeon or the like, or even a safe house... make it seem like he has agreed to work with us. We ourselves can be disguised or hidden through magical means and if these four or their allies strike again, we can seize them."
Valdr thought for a moment more. His hand ran over the cold steel head of a simple craftsman's hammer looped on his belt and he nodded his head, as if in agreement to something someone said.
"We may have another avenue of investigation as well. It seems like the merchants were very much affected by these murders. At least one of their own in the Duresu family and Drail Banden likely had close ties to them as well, given the storage facilities he owned. Were any of the others murdered connected with the merchants of the city? We could question the guild. It may be that they know or suspect something." Valdr said in his deep, rumbling voice.
"Yes Tomlin, those are our best leads currently."
Master Hast speaks for the first time, "Tavrus, we suspect there is something deeper going on here. Certainly all, or at least most, of those killed last night were targeted specifically. What we don't know is why or who has targeted them."
He listens to Valdr's thoughts on the matter, "We are not sure how much the drow knows - perhaps at best half the story." He pauses, scratching one side of his face absently. "I was hoping you would see the possibilities here though. A trap set in wait for these assassins." He gestures towards the other mage with him. [b]"This is Dason Per'ald." The other man nods in greeting. "He is a bit of an expert on divination magic. Even if you are unable to capture any of them if you can manage to get a strand of hair, or a bit of blood, skin, fingernail or other part then we should be able to scry on them."
Tomlin nodded in response to Jori, then turned his attention as Master Hast surprisingly spoke. He eyed Dason warily at first, nothing unususal for the suspicious halfling, but slowly nodded and smiled as Master Hast expounded upon Valdr's plan. Aye then, we set a trap to ambush the four, and even if they escape before we can neutralize them if we can get some piece of them they can be tracked. He paused for a minute before adding with a cruel smile, Blood works, you say? Aye, blood I can get.
Tunny is his usual self during the meeting. Which is to say, he seems to only be there physically, and is more interesting in a stain on his sleeve, which he constantly rubs at, then spits on, and rubs some more, frowning all the while.
Akane pouts as she worries about the situation, frowning ever harder as Tomlin suggests an ambush. "I do not like this one bit," she complains, her displeased expression looking very out of place on the usually-smiley tiefling.
"This certainly not without its risks", says Jori. "Perhaps look into the other possible leads and then use this as a last resort?"
"And I'm sorry, I did not answer all your questions. As to other merchants being directly involved, or killed in last nights attacks, none that we know of. And certainly none of the more prominent members of the guild."
The old watch tower ruins south of the city are haunted. Long ago the guards took a witch prisoner and tortured her to death. With her dying words she cursed the entire tower. The spirits of both the witch and her captures still inhabit it.
Be careful around the sewers drains and grates around the city, the sewers are inhabited by giant rats.
Some crazed wizard caused an oak tree to grow overnight in the western slums the other night. The wizard destroyed a home when she did it.
Radgar the Butcher has returned. He murdered two dozen people the other night. Best not to be out at night or he will find you.
Travel to the Ioso islands is no longer safe. Pirates sail the seas and are taking captive all those they run into and selling them into slavery.
"I propose we, or at least some of our company, go to the Merchant's guild and inquire whether they have any information they can provide us with. If they are law-abiding or as I suspect this has damaged their reputation and interests, it may be that they will be willing to help in bringing these murders to a stop and allow for justice to be served." Valdr said as he looked to the two frowning members of those gathered.
He then looked to Tomlin. "We can hold off on the ambush for the moment, but perhaps we can begin circulating rumors that the drow is being moved from his location? In truth, we could just attempt to lure the enemy out. Perhaps begin with rumors that he is being moved to that old watchtower south of the city? We could keep eyes on the roads leading there, to see if any take the bait."
Aurelion listens to the conversation, all the while a scowl growing more pronounced.
These murders were well-planned. Whoever is behind this has influence and had a purpose in mind. He shoots a meaningful look at Tunny, pauses, and then continues, We must discover it if we are to uncover the originators of this plot.
I don't much care for using the victim as bait, even if he is a Drow. I would like to question Mister Jumai first and maybe... a few others, again, another purposeful look at Tunny,before we put the Drow in danger's path. Justice will be done upon their heads, I swear it.
Tomlin's scowl deepened as he heard the others' reactions, but gave Valdr a begrudging nod. Aye, gathering more information is never a bad idea. We can sew rumors of the drow's possible movement to facilitate the ambush if we need it in the future. The halflimg pauses for a moment before looking at his companions again. Never forget that our enemy here will do anything to meet their aims. If we're to stop them we'll need to be just as ruthless. Nevertheless, for now let's see who at the Merchant's Guild has knowledge of this situation. Shall we head out now?
"I agree with the dwarf. Question the merchants. I suspect they will be quite accommodating if it means their business can get back to usual. I have no particular issue using the drow as bait, although that sort of thing isn't really my area of expertise."
Tavrus looks around, paying attention to those speaking.
During a pause in the conversation Tunny mutters quietly, as if to himself, "Possible some of the murders are random. Intentionally, to add confusion, or distraction, or even unrelated. People taking advantage of the alarms and confusion to settle their own debts. Drow might know who the important targets were."
Valdr leaned over a whispered a few brief words to Aurelion, in attempt to ease his discomfort. He then turned to the rest.
"If we can squeeze any information out of the drow we should. Exilers of truth or similar magic could be useful, but the drow are known to have strong wills. He might resist anyway." He took a deep breath and scratched at his beard.
"We could split up if we wish to make the most of time, some sow rumors and gather up others, whilst others speak to the merchant guild, and still some others track down this glass merchant Jumai. He could be a trap, or just as likely potentially an enemy of these would-be assassins."
Master Hast speaks to Aurelion, "Your concern regarding using anyone as live bait is admirably. My fear..., our fear, though is that if we do not get more information soon that this may just be the first night of murder - that more will follow in the days to come."[/b]
"We can provide you with a truth elixir Valdr if you wish to question the drow, but as you've noted, that may not be reliable."
"That would be useful Master Hast. It may not work, but it is worth while trying. Thinking on this however, even if it has the desired effect, the drow might attempt to tell the truth in his own polluted tongue or some other language we are not familar with. A comprehend languages woven over the questioner first is a good secondary insurance against such attempts." Valdr personally did not wish to be the one to question the drow, fearing his own biases might get in the way, but he said nothing of that.
We have a bit of work ahead of us today, Tomlin said while addressing the group. Splitting up to gather information and conduct low-risk tasks may be the best answer. We can wait to spread rumors about the drow's movement to the lightly guarded south watchtower tonight. The more immediate tasks seem to be questioning the drow, talking to Mr. Jumai, checking Drail Banden's warehouse, and speaking directly to the Merchants Guild.
The halfing gives a scrutinizing look to his companions, as if sizing each of them up. Tunny, you and Aurelion check the warehouse. Valdr, you and I will talk to the Merchant's Guild and see what they know and then talk to Mr. Jumai. That leaves the drow to you Akane, and Tavrus. We should get moving soon, anyone have concerns regarding their assignment?
The halfling's militant training on evident display, his directives seem forthright but certainly left open the possibility of other opinions.
Valdr seemed to be content with that dispatching of missions. His ability to disguise himself would serve well when talking to both the merchant's guild and Mister Jumai.
Akane nods. "I will see what he knows... I have an idea how to get him to tell me," she states, though she still appears uncertain and worried about this whole event.
Tunny makes no comment on the orders, not even appearing to have heard them as he begins picking at his back teeth, a look of annoyance on his face at whatever must be stuck in them. Clearly he is waiting for a word from Aurelion.
Not particularly amused by being paired with the preachy woman, Tavrus's annoyance was tempered by the fact that his "assignment" wouldn't involve traipsing all about the town.
He looked to Akane, intent on her spilling more beans.
Jori arranges for an elixir of truth to be delivered to the western gate. While walking through the streets of the city people can be seen in clusters, whispers and snatches of last nights events floating through the air.
The western gate is packed with people . A large fountain greets visitors and travelers and numerous guards stand near the large entryway to the city, stopping wagons and charging duties to those bringing goods into the city. A large open area surrounds the fountain and a few beggars and minstrels ply their trade as do fruit vendors and probably a few pick pockets.
A iron portcullis raised 25' overhead sits over the entryway. The thick city wall stands as a barrier to the cities interior and the outside and several guards patrol the wall with bored expressions - it has been many years since any kind of real threat loomed outside those walls.
To either side of the gate sits a gate house. A doorway opening towards the side of the gate remains open with guards passing in or out the door from time to time.
Akane and Tavrus head to the southern gate house where a guard captain greets them. "Akane and Tavrus I take it? I got word not more than five minutes ago you would be here. This just arrived for you." he hands over a small vial of liquid. His face is impassive though he seems uneasy. "The prisoner is locked up below." he gestures to a staircase leading down. Two guards stand at the top of the stairs. Light from a torch flickers from the darkness below.
Descending the stairs reveals a 30' hallway running north. Three cells, each a 10' square room line the eastern side of the hall. There are no windows to let in light. A single torch burns feebly, attached in the center the wall opposite the cells. A lone guard sits in a chair at the far end of the hallway. The first cell is empty. In the second sits a male drow, head down and shoulders hunched, shoulder length black hair hides his face. He is dressed in dark, but otherwise plain clothing. In the third cell sits a bedraggled man, clothes ripped and torn, graying hair a wild mess.
Each cell also contains a crude cot with a single blanket. The faint smell of urine and unwashed bodies fills the air. The guard stands and pulls a keyring off his belt.
The area of the docks is a swarm of people. Wide streets twist among the maze of buildings, wagons loaded with goods being sent every which way. The masts of ships can be seen to the east rising above everything.
The first of Drail's warehouses serves the northern pier. It is a twenty foot tall structure with large windows to let in the light on both the north and south sides. On the east end is a large set of double doors which are currently open. Four men are just inside loading crates into a wagon via a ropes and pulleys system built into the roof of the warehouse.
Tavrus follows Akane's lead, Edric in tow.
Mister Jumai's shop lies on the Merchant's Road, already busy with morning buyers and shoppers.
Inside are several shelves covered with glass figurines of various sizes.
A red dragon in flight, gold and red highlights embedded into the glass. A warrior dressed in full plate, blade held skyward. Many of the pieces contain semi-precious gemstones for the eyes of the figures. Others have tinting to the glass to create the effects of lighting and shadows in careful detail. A pair of figures in a lewd dance. A little boy sitting beneath a great apple tree. A wizard entertaining a group of small children with floating lights.
Along the back of the eastern wall is a closed door.
A young man, late teens, stands behind a counter by the front entrance. He smiles as the pair enter, "What can we help you with today?".
A woman with the first signs of gray in her hair busies herself about the shop, dusting shelves and glass art works alike. She is slightly plump, and wears an assortment of jewelry, rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. The features of the older woman can be seen in the youth.
En route to the glass shop, Tomlin stated to Valdr warily. This Mr. Jumai may very well be allied with those who attacked the drow. We will need to question him carefully, and make it seem as if we were sympathetic with the four.
Walking into the shop, Tomlin looked every bit the low-grade government administrator. He put on a smiling and somewhat absent-minded persona to match. His magical satchel hung at his side, and he held a bit a relief in knowing that his equipment and weapons were close at hand if needed. [b]Oh look! What wonderful figurines! These are so well done. The halfling held up a few to the light in admiration. What? Oh sorry, yes, I forget myself. Is Mr. Jumai available? We had a few items to discuss with him.
Valdr nodded in understanding and his guise shifted dramatically. Rather than appearing a horribly scarred and fearsome seeming dwarf, his features shifted and blurred to become more human and comforting. When next Tomlin looked at him an illusion masked his face once again. He appeared slightly taller, maybe just under five and a half feet in height, with a thin wrinkled face and an almost skeletal frame. He stooped slightly, giving him a hunched over posture. His long was long and aquine and seemed to hold up two thin glasses. A tangle of white hair fit his head beneath a judges black cap. Black robes washed down his form and in his hand he held loosely a gavel.
"Very well, call me Ozzu Nev while I use this face."
He entered behind Tomlin, content to follow the halfling's lead in this. He suspected that Tomlin dealt with espionage and infiltration far more often than he did and had no qualms letting his associate take charge.
Valdr looked about the glass shop and thought the objects very fine. Of course glass was a poor substitute for gems, gold or silver in his mind. Still he found himself gazing long at the figurine of the wizard entertaining children. He kept himself respectful enough to look, but not touch.
"Oh, I'm sorry. My husband was not feeling well today. Is it something I could help you with?", her eyes glance over Tomlin and Valdr's outfits.
Well, I'm very sorry to hear that ma'am, Tomlin says while still absently looking over the figurines. Turning back to the woman with a relax, friendly expression he continues. You see it's just that we'd need to talk with him directly, not for too long mind you. We're trying to get in touch with some local heroes, and we understand that your husband was a victim of theft that these heroes helped rectify. As I said, we'll just need a few minutes of his time.
Tavrus steps forward after using his hat of disguise to look like an interrogator working for the guard.
"Care to go ahead and tell me how you fit into the disturbance the other night, or are we going to have to play 20 questions?"