"Of course," Shinon replies in a friendly tone. "My name is Ganslow Locklade. I am not a person of any particular import, but I do believe that the person who meets with me will be very pleased by the news I bring."
Kenji, Janiven leads you through the streets and you do notice that these streets tend to have plenty of torches to line them. Obviously, the shadow beast are less welcomed in the noble section of the city. The Tricalista is a large inn with three taprooms and quarters for sleeping and living upstairs. The tavbern is crowded with merchants, travlers with some means, and various members of nobility and/or their advisors.
Janiven looks around for colors of House Missepe but does not see any offhand. She leads you to a long somewhat crowded bar. She orders two tankards of mead and puts down a gold piece.
"Nice to meet you." John says to Kenwick and Swift, then to Maurice "I had heard that a dwarf had bested some of the Hellkinghts, but I did not realize he had made them so worried as to go to that extreme." responding to Swift "Thank you, the bow would be able to much pheasant yes, though if that is how I use it I doubt it."
The guard would open the outer gate which leads into a middle chamber. There are three guards in the room and the other iron gates are closed. Another person leaves while they ask that you sit and be comfortable as counselor is summoned.
Shinon nods and sits down, waiting patiently for someone to arrive. While he waits, he will look around the room he is in, and also keep his ears peeled for any signs of disturbance.
Perception:
Kenwick laughs at John's comment, "The pheasant would hear you a mile away in all that armor.' There is chuckle at the table.
"So, Swift and I were thinkin' 'bout venturing out to the northern ruins fer a look. Try to capture, or hunt down, Whitechn the Goblin King and his crew. He's been raiding a lot, we think usin' the sewers. Causing some harm to merchants ...there is a big reward of 500gp. Ye be interested in that?"
All eyes on you, "we need a few more folks, Kenwick here doesn't really want to go."
Shinon you don't really notice anything out fo the ordinary, the room is designed to hold people without the appearance of cell. More of murder room if necessary in case the gate is breached. About 15 minutes later female is a long robe appears and introduces herself as Chelsi Longbottom, personal assistant to Lady Marion." she is a lean elf with golden hair the length to her waist. Her high cheek bones are striking. "How can I help you today?"
Andrea after the meal, Fiosa asks 'Do you live nearby? Do you have work this afternoon?" Pretty direct question for the halfling.
Shinon bows. "I am humbled to be in your presence, my Lady. My name is Ganslow Locklade. I recently came across an item of interest, and after having one of my contacts examine it, I believe it may belong to your Lady. Here it is."
Shinon reaches into his pocket and produces the signet ring. "Once I discovered its worth, I came here immediately to attempt to return it." He hands the ring to Chelsi.
Duncan a very irate messanger from Thesing Umbero Ulvaud enters the smithy's shop with a terse message for Gruum. "The short sword purchased from this shop was OBVIOUSLY defective. During the performance of Magnifico, L'amour par terre the renowned Thesing Umbero Ulvaud's blade slipped out of his sturdy grasp. Clearly, the leathered wrapping was of inferior quality. He demands recompense of 100GP to soften his humiliation."
The blade was made exactly to yer Lords specification. It'll cut through Marble easily. He was warned placing soo much filligree and jewels within the grip would make it difficult to hold. Still be a shame to have him keep hold o' a sword he cannae grip. Ye can tell yer lord he can send it back and we'll remove the filligree and stones and give it a PROPER grip as first suggested, free o charge. Me master be quite handy wit jewellery as well. We could make the extra stones into something nice fer the Missus at 1/2 price. There be no refunds though on a sword that cuts just fine. Me apologies to yer boss.
Duncan talks loud enough so Grumm can hear in his office.
I keep an eye out for trouble as we move. When we arrive and sit down, I look at the mead curiously. I take a swing. "Is good." I look to Janiven. "Who we rooking for?" I look around. "Or we on a date? Doubtfu but I can wish." I look around for anything of interest.
Perception:[dice]1d20+8[/b]
Andrea after the meal, Fiosa asks 'Do you live nearby? Do you have work this afternoon?" Pretty direct question for the halfling.
Andrea blinks and thinks a bit, her thoughts fuzzed some. Did she have to work more this after noon?
If yes, I'm afraid I will need to work some more, my employer was somewhat annoyed at my absence due to..the other obligations during that day. Andrea hinted at the rescue of Areal. I was also then planning to do a little shopping for equipment that my friends and I could of used. Andrea smiles slightly at the crude wooden caltrops they tried to make.
If no. Andrea shakes her head. No..not at all, I worked off by time for asking for leave yesterday, so I have no real responsibilities today. Andrea pauses a bit. I was goignt o do some shopping, since we were lacking certain items that would have been useful on our little foray. Andrea hints at the rescue of Areal, giving a slight smile at the thoughts of the wooden caltrops. Umm..Not very far. It is rather small since I don't have much wagesPlus tithes but it is home.
Andrea figited a bit and wondered just what was happening, her thoughts were a jumble..
Feed your hunger
Andrea blinked at the thought, the prayer that was writ in 'Feeding Your Hunger' and her doubt cleared.
Shinon bows. "I am humbled to be in your presence, my Lady. My name is Ganslow Locklade. I recently came across an item of interest, and after having one of my contacts examine it, I believe it may belong to your Lady. Here it is."
Shinon reaches into his pocket and produces the signet ring. "Once I discovered its worth, I came here immediately to attempt to return it." He hands the ring to Chelsi.
Her narrow eye brows raise at the presentation of the ring, "May I ask where you came about this valuable family ring?
The messenger's eyes are wide, "My master does not desire a sword that cuts or stabs, it is for this SHOWS, you half-wit. Sir Ulvaud is not married and desire nothing for a female." He is red faced by now.
I keep an eye out for trouble as we move. When we arrive and sit down, I look at the mead curiously. I take a swing. "Is good." I look to Janiven. "Who we rooking for?" I look around. "Or we on a date? Doubtfu but I can wish." I look around for anything of interest.
Perception:1d20+8[/b]
Perception:
Perception:1d20+8
Janiven asks the bartender after telling him to keep the change form her gold piece, if anyone from house Missepe is present in the taproom. He points towards a table.
Janiven says, "A date? Per..."stopping short, as she directs your attention towards a man in bluish green robes sitting at a table by himself. " We are looking for him, a scribe from house Missepe.", she takes your hand to help you up.
Fiosa frowns a bit, "I understand that you need to work." Her eyes raise, "Just dreamin'". She leans over and kisses yoru left cheek. Then waves good bye.
I nod and follow. "Prease can you do da tahking? I no good at dat." I follow hoping I don't need to talk.
The messenger's eyes are wide, "My master does not desire a sword that cuts or stabs, it is for this SHOWS, you half-wit. Sir Ulvaud is not married and desire nothing for a female." He is red faced by now.
Fer SHOWS! FER SHOWS! Tell yer boss if he wants costume jelewllery for pomp n ceremony then he can take 'is business elsewhere. Y'walk into a DWARVEN forge, ye be there t'find Blades to cut flesh and Hammers to smash a Giants kneecaps. He can bring the sword back an we'll refund him and sell the blade to one who wants arms for there true purpose. Our customers include the finest and most experienced Officers and knights in Westcrown. If yer boss does not wish to be included in such company, that be 'is choice.
The messenger is taken aback at being yelled at, "you are crazy and the city will know that!" as he flees the smithy shop.
Shinon nods. "I regret to say that I found it in the possession of some goblins in the sewer. There was no trace of the owner, so I hope the ring was merely stolen, not looted."
Fiosa frowns a bit, "I understand that you need to work." Her eyes raise, "Just dreamin'". She leans over and kisses yoru left cheek. Then waves good bye.
Andrea leans down to accept the kiss, the lips feeling hot on her skin. Umm..Yes.. Thank you for sharing your time with me today. I hope we can do this again. Andrea brushes her lips across Fiosa's cheek in return waves farewell.
After Fiosa leaves, Andrea does a rare thing and pulls back her hood, letting her blond, bobbed hair out. Taking a cloth, she wipes her face clear of any sweat, perhaps lingering on her eyes for a bit longer before pulling her hood back up. Standing, Andrea leaves the tavern and heads back to finish her duties for the day.
'Goblins in Westcrown...the s..s..sew...sewer, do... do... do you maintenance the sewers? What was Jospuph's ring doing in the sewer with goblins? Did you by chance find Jospuph?" the elf speaks in a tone of amazement and bewilderment?
Janiven leads Kenji toward the man in the robes, "Excuse us Sir, but can we buy you your dinner and have a few moments of your time? This is my companion Kenji and I am Janiven, and we understand that your employed with at the House Missepe...our condolences. May we"" gestureing toward the empty chairs.
He nods, approvingly.
Andrea the rest of your afternoon is a blur to you. You manage to finish but your mind was elsewhere. Fortunately, your employer was not there in the afternoon as you ahd to duplicate your work a few times, since your drifted to other thoughts.
Shinon shakes his head, his expression changing to one of worry. "I am sorry, my Lady, I found no one by that name. I happened to discover a manhole cover into the sewer yesterday, and by 'discover', I mean I tripped and fell into it, and after landing inside the sewer, I began to search for a way out. On the way out, I was attacked by a group of goblins. I slew them, and found this ring. There were no humans that I could see."
Bluff:
Shinon thinks about the group of thugs he ran into, and how they might have been torturing a poor man in that cave. "It looks like we might need to go pay those guys a visit, a little sooner than I was expecting. Oh well. Duncan will be pleased to hear that."
I sit down as directed by Janiven, rather than speak I merely sit there ready to pay attention and let Janiven work out the details.
"What's your names names again? Forgot them, sorry. I'm Clarence.why you buying my dinner?' The man with the horseshoe bald head and round face asks. He chomps on his pheasant chewing with his mouth open. His bulbous nose flairs with each bite.
Janiven repeats the names. "We understand Edward has passed away and the family is offering a reward for a shadow beast?"
he nods his head to her. "Yes Jane, that is true. Damn beast need to all die. the family has set that as goal.' looking over to Kenji, "Kummins can you pass the malt vinegar, please?
I look back at him strong and silent. So even the nobles around here dislike the shadow beasts. I wonder if Janiven is going to tell them we are bounty hunters or something. I'll just wait and listen.
Chelsi Longbottom looks at Shinon, "How dreadful stumbling into the sewers, the governemtn really neeeds to take better care. Well Jospuph's been missing for over 40 days now.Looking at the ring then back up. "Lady Marion will pay good money for news of her relative, we think foul play is at hand. Seems like the thrid or fourth child of some houses have gone missing or turned up dead recently."
Janiven replies, "Clarence...we um...would like to look into this matter. What does the House require?
He responds, "Thanks Kenny," to kenji for passing the malt vinegar. Then to Janiven, "They want a dead beast brought to the front gate house for 100GP, possibly bonus's for future one brought. It would carry favor with the family too, Janice." he looks over the two of you, then continues, "Keswick you don't even carry a weapon how will you fight shadow beasts?". He seems geniunely interested in your answer.
Shinon raises his hands quickly. "Oh no no no! I hope you don't think that I'm here to collect any kind of reward, my Lady! No, I returned this ring because it seemed like the right thing to do. Anyway, you say that this man, Jospuph Grulios, has been missing for over a month now? Could you please give me a physical description of him? I would be willing to go back into the sewers and look for him. Anything to put Lady Marion's mind at ease."
Once her duties for the day are done, Andrea closes her workspace and heads out to the market, she knows that she has little time and wonders if she can at least visit Tracy on the third day since if anyone knew about the slumming habits of the Dottari and other nobles, it would be Tracy and her fellow sreetwalkers.
Andrea shakes her head, her tongue felt fuzzy but her head was a little clearer now that time as passed and she hurried to complete her purchases.
Handaxe
Caltrops
Crowbar
Rope 50'
10' Pole
4 Sunrods
Thief Tools(Bit iffy on these)
Andrea hurries to the temple and slips behind back, depositing the equipment wiht a note that these were for the group. She then returned to her apartment and locks the door as the sun dips below the horizen.
There Andrea silently waits, waits until the appointed hour when she began her prayers and slid the box containing her tools out from her dresser. Setting them before her, Andrea strips to the waist and sets her prayer book and scourge before her.
Andrea then begins her prayers, the sibilant words of Infernal passing through her lips as she utters her devotions. her hand then grasps the scourge..
*CRACK*
Andrea hisses as the scourge hits her back, causing a red welt, but she continues her prayers and brings it down again, and again. She keeps praying and striking herself even when her skin splits and a ribbon of blood flies from the tip of the scourge and across the wall. This continues until Andrea's prayers are done and her back shines red.
Andrea slumps forwards onto her hands, panting and and sweating as she winces as her sweat stings her cuts. Andrea knows she cannot heal at just this time and kneels there silently as she centers her thoughts.
After a quiet period, Andrea touches her shoulder and mutters, sending a flow of magic that heals the worst of her wounds but still leaves angry scars down her back. Gathering her tools, she slips them back into the dresser and begins cleaning up as much of the blood as she can before slipping a light shift over herself and sliding into bed..
Slightly annoyed by the names he keeps calling me I crack my knuckles. "Dese my weapons. No need swords an such. My body does da job just fine. Names Kenji by da way." I lean back. "Now, where good prace to punch out a few of dese beasts?"
Andrea, there were no problems with obtaining the gear your needed.
Your goddess answers your prayers and provides the spells requested.
Chewing with his mouth open he takes a big drink of his wine, dribbling on his chin,"I'm sorry Conan, you find the beasts on the unlit streets at night. These killing and disappearances of nobles must stop. The family has the means to finance this." pausing to burp, "Joan be a dear and pass the napkin over there."
He belches loudly, "Getting up and wiping his mouth. Janice and Kujo it was my pleasure to meet you. Good luck, I'm Clarence Missepe, third son and family scribe." Shaking his head when he sees Kenji's fists.
Chelsi Longbottom would tell Shinon that "Jospuph is a bright. inquisitive man and is lady Marion's younger brother. His about 6'0 tall and about 200 pounds. He had a swagger about him, he has scar down his left neck - an old axe wound from the Battle of Evenflow. His burly brown hair tends ot be unkept, and tends to sweat a lot." She puckers her face a bit whispering The aroma of galic lingers about his body." She presses a small token in your hand, present this token and you will be admitted to see me in the future without question.
Nightfall approaches, she turns and leaves.
Janiven would put two gold coin down on the table for the noble's meal and drink, thank the bartender and move towards the door. "Kenji lets go back to the safehouse and digest what we learned today. Everyone should be reporting by tomorrow, so there could be a lot of leads to follow.
"Alright. I'll investigate this further, Lady...Chelsi." Shinon hesitates, then uses her first name. It just suits her better. "Expect to hear from me again soon. And tell Lady Marion not to worry. I'll get to the bottom of this."
He bows and allows a guard to show him out. "Oh crap, it's that late already?! I need to get back to the city before night falls! If they catch me lurking around in the Parego Regicona I'll be screwed!"
Shinon kicks his legs into high gear and runs straight for the canal, forcing himself over all his limits in order to try and make it to a lit street before the shadows come out.
Andrea wakes in the morning and pushes herself out of bed, giving a wince as her still tender back twitches. Dressing, she has a quick breakfast of cheese and bread before heaing out to work. Throughout the morning, she wondered just what she would ask Tracy if she could find her. Iltus Mhartis being in debt to House Chard may very well be useful leverage. Blackmail? If he is deep in debt, he might be open to offers to pay off his debt and give us favors. Hmm..Too soon to ask for anything big, but a generous offer would be remembered. Andrea chided herself for not bringing up the IOU in her note to the other at the temple and would bring it up tonight. Hmmm arrange a meeting at one of his favorite brothels? Might be better since his offices would be too risky, maybe his home.
Andrea heads out of her office when she is let go for the day. Lunch was far too little a time to go aquaintince hunting but she had a few hours as she headed for the streets where the prostitutes gathered during the time they had before they were forced indoors. If we can get these shadow beasts dealt with, then Tracy and everyone else can properly enjoy their lives again.
Shinon there is no issue gettign back into the other side of the city and under some lights.
When Shinon rises, he does his normal check to make sure all of his clothing and equipment is accounted for. After that, he heads into the poor part of the city, scouting for injustice. He thinks about what he has learned so far, as he keeps a close eye on the civilians going through the streets, ready to intervene at the slightest disturbance.
When the light starts to fade, Shinon finds himself alone with his thoughts. He sits ontop of a roof in the Merchant District and stares up at the twilit sky. "What's going to happen to this town?" he asks aloud, before glancing down at the brisk-paced individuals in the city moving to and fro in their business.
"Well, I guess it's time for me to go," he comments, to himself. Again. Laughing cynically, Shinon speaks aloud once more. "Come on, Shinon. You can't just spend all your time talking to yourself, you'll go crazy!"
Shinon starts to move, but then catches a glimpse of something in a basin of water below. His reflection. Looking down at it, Shinon sighs unhappily. "All my time talking to myself, huh? It's not like I've got anyone else to talk to."
Grimacing, Shinon tears himself away from the basin's torturing gaze and forces himself to move towards the temple. When he arrives, he takes his seat at the table and scratches his head. "I've got a pretty interesting report to give, once everyone else arrives," he informs Arael.
Kenwick laughs at John's comment, "The pheasant would hear you a mile away in all that armor.' There is chuckle at the table.
"So, Swift and I were thinkin' 'bout venturing out to the northern ruins fer a look. Try to capture, or hunt down, Whitechn the Goblin King and his crew. He's been raiding a lot, we think usin' the sewers. Causing some harm to merchants ...there is a big reward of 500gp. Ye be interested in that?"
All eyes on you, "we need a few more folks, Kenwick here doesn't really want to go."
"You are right on that." John responds to Kenwick, then to the request John says. ""The strangest thing is that is not the first time today someone has asked me to go on an adventure with them, though it seems to the better offer. When do you plan to go to the ruins?"
I return with Janiven to the safehouse. Once inside I ponder. "Interesting. So now we must hunt dese beasts of da night. Bery interesting. Not much to.....digest. i tought dese were tings we aready knew. What makes dis different I wonder." I now have an expression on my face a kin to the one a scientist would get when considering possible hypothesis for experiments. "I wonder."
Maurice chuckles a bit "You look like a walkin' tank, course folks want ye to adventure with em'. We have a few days off coming up beginning on Fireday, figure it'll take us two days to smoke 'em out of the rabbit hole.
They get up and put down two silvers for the bar tab, "If ye be interested send word to the station. Figure we can meet here on Fireday say at noon and head out. A group of five or six total would be nice, if ye know any others." Offering his hand.
The safehouse slowly starts to fill up with the various members. The usual conversation is occurring with the youngr members, What to call themselves, so the public could rally to.
Tarvi looks to Kenji, "What would call the group? is there anything in your native language that would be appropriate?"
Larko says to Andrea, "Any ideas of name?"
"Doesn't Duncan want the Red hand of Vengence or somethng like that?" Vitti throws in.
Hand o Vengeance. Onna account o we be fighting for all those repressed, wronged and powerless under the tyrannical heel o Asmodaous
Duncan walks in armed and armored as usual, apprentice in tow carrying a sack and a box.
Had the boy workin hard on these. Redecorated Helms and masks, bearing the likeness o Ragathiel, Five Wined Empryeal lord o Vengeance. Only extremely Learned religious folks be knowing that. He aint a diety, but a powerful angel who meeks justice on perportraitors o evil.
Ermolos starts to lay the helms out on the table proudly. Pride in his small role in the craftmanship of the gear. His eyes meeting each of the younger members. "Good to be apart of sumthin' good and worthy."
Amaya touches one of the helm nodding approvingly, while Rizzardo tries one on nodding his head muttering, "Hand O Vengence...yeah."