Euphemia rises from her rest to hastily move some soaking vegetables into an emptied, still-warm cauldron to steam away from a dead fire. She waits for Gerard to gather his things, stirring, replacing, and placing food into and onto vessels with garnishes of crushed herbs and dry bits of honey crusts.
"I hope they get here quickly. Gerard, am I incorrect in these plans?"
Andrea speaks to her friends, We mustn't dally to much, Euphemia is cooking for us.
Daniel returns to the group from the chapel feeling relived at the success of the atonement spell but no less soiled upon his soul. Contrary to common Perception such an act was NOT paying the church for forgiveness but meant to be a genuine restitution for one's since. Sometimes the payment could be a mission or trial rather than money. For now though it seemed Iomedae was satisfied with him.
"Iomedae is satisfied with you, you've been tasked with a great burden to bring light to the darkness. Likewise, it is proper to seek spiritual after enduring such onus responsibilities." He rests his reassuring hand on holy warrior's shoulder.
No worries, they'll get here when they get here... But if they are being watched, this place will not be safe. More reason to end this.
So Daniel, are you absolutely sure you want to try to convince the twins to abandon this war or else Chammendy is damned? I am planning to ask through a divine commune several questions and can ask this and want others input on what I should ask. I ask you this out of respect of your contributions to our group.
Andrea sets down a slip of paper that has some notes.
1.What is the focus of Ilnerik's abilities besides vampirism?(Martial,Arcane or Divine?)
2-3. Same questions except in regards to Eccardian and Chammady
4.(This will probably fall under short phrase answer or we can try to do research) What are the major abilities of the Nilhoi?(sp)
5.Who are the major lietenants of Eccardian and Chammedy?
6-Further. What is the focus of their abilities?(Martial,Arcane,Divine)
I can ask ten questions. They will be Yes/No answers or a short phrase of no more than 5 words.
Euphemia grimaces at the thought of people getting offed on the way to her apartment, a sentiment that earns her a pointed glance from Frank.
"Do you think there's enough here?" she asks, dropping fower petals into the steaming vegetables.
So Daniel, are you absolutely sure you want to try to convince the twins to abandon this war or else Chammendy is damned? I am planning to ask through a divine commune several questions and can ask this and want others input on what I should ask. I ask you this out of respect of your contributions to our group.
Andrea sets down a slip of paper that has some notes.
1.What is the focus of Ilnerik's abilities besides vampirism?(Martial,Arcane or Divine?)
2-3. Same questions except in regards to Eccardian and Chammady
4.(This will probably fall under short phrase answer or we can try to do research) What are the major abilities of the Nilhoi?(sp)
5.Who are the major lietenants of Eccardian and Chammedy?
6-Further. What is the focus of their abilities?(Martial,Arcane,Divine)I can ask ten questions. They will be Yes/No answers or a short phrase of no more than 5 words.
I swore an oath to bring Heaven’s Judgement upon Henious transgressors of good and law. My oath dictates if the recognized authority can't or won't stop them, then I will. We are not obligated to offer terms or mercy. I will follow you.
Andrea, Orsin and Daniel weave and backtrack to avoid being followed to the witch's apartment, they find the address and enter the building. Believing they were not followed.
Yes
The four of you arrive at Euphemia's apartment without incident.
Once everyone arrives... and greetings are exchanged.
Orsin, can you set up that communication magic? I'm going to check the roof...
DMPC: Orsin
The bard quickly casts the spell establishing the link.
Euphemia, Frank... Best way to the roof?
Gerard wants to secure the building and check for movement/activity that may indicate the group was followed or and action against their location. Anything untoward.
Andrea brings a bottle of wine with her to the party.
Euphemia! Thank you for the invitation. I would like to introduce my fiancee, Fiosa. Andrea gestures to the brown-eyed lady next to her.
Whatever it is you are cooking, it smells wonderful.
"There's a stairway to each level from the halls. I don't know of any secret access roots, but the door to the roof is usually locked. Shouldn't be a problem for you, Gerard."
Euphemia smiles, her appearance healthier than before. She looks at the wine with gratitude.
"I knew I forgot something." she admitted before committing to introductions.
"Ah, Fiosa, Andrea said you'd be coming. It's good to meet you.
"
After a little hesitation as to the proper nicety, Euphemia attempts a handshake.
"We have a slow mutton roast, steamed vegetables, glazed potato kebabs with pulsa gravy, and honeyed toast."
She motions to the area rug, which has place settings across the ground; some are on stools or the odd chair.
"There's also some raw fruit, if you're inclined. I will brew tea once I recieve a popular vote. Still, take a spot and help yourself. There's enough to feed our small army."
A little tea would be nice. Andrea sets the wine on the table. You have a wonderful dinner made for us. Oh my, potato kebabs and honey toast. Andrea winks at Fiosa. Perhaps you should trade recipes with her.
Andrea settles onto a cushion and waits for the others to gather around before eating.
You look a lot better Frank, a good rest got rid of the sickness.
"The lack of fear for my immediate survival certainly aids in my beatification. Thank you for your observation, Andrea. I would say you look less fatigued, now, but you've a desperate need to put some meat on your bones. I'm sure your charming companion would agree."
"They're actually nothing special, Andrea, although they are made with love... and, I suppose I rescind my previous statement. They're peppered with marsh herbs meant to relax and rejuvenate... Something we all rather require."
She sighs. "My landlord has been murdered simply for helping the Missepis... I suppose that's the only real bid to misery I have, but it's enough to make me want to eat my own comfort food. He was a friend..."
She smiles. "I'm always keen for recipes from intuitive sources, though. Halflings have a reputation for their cooking, but I didn't wish to stereotype."
I suppose I have been running myself ragged this last few months. Andrea touches her face, which is leaner than it was before when she was working at the Westcrown Exchange. Her body is lankier as well, her lack of muscle makes her almost look underfed if one doesn't know better.[/b]
Fiosa keeps me well fed though, I'm sure I would have toppled over if it wasn't for her dumpling stew.
Andrea nibbles on a kebab.
My condolances on your loss. The havoc of the last year has cost us many friends and loved ones.
Daniel heartily accepts the offered food.
He had no losses measured against the trials they had faced since the beginning, suddenly feeling selfish for his own issues recently. These people, Andrea in particular, had lost alot in this.
You look a bit glum Daniel, perhaps a little wine? Or maybe I can think of something else to put a grin on your face.
Orsin gives Andrea a playful "Oh, you" elbowing at her offer to Daniel, however well-intentioned.
The warmth and sweetness of Euphemia's food had done much to bring color back to his cheeks and rekindle the quickly dwindling spark of his mirth. Still, he can't help but feel a stab of loneliness whenever he sees Euphemia blush under Gerard's gaze or the way Fiosa's eyes sparkle when they meet Andrea's.
At least you have friends, Bessatte. And remember the way those nobles snubbed you at the Mayor's affair when you asked about Gregorio? If the Drovenges were behind his death, then you'll have your vengeance too. And soon.
Orsin lets himself enjoy the remainder of the evening with the others, thoughtfully listening to their hardships, laughing at their jokes, and toasting to their achievements. Even if he could share a life with someone, his own will soon to be forfeit to the archdevil Geryon. The only thing left to him now is the promise of debt to be repaid in blood.
And a few glasses of wine, of course.
No thankyou, Andrea. Your strength has merely made me appreciate the gravity of what you have endured. You and Fiosa are truly blessed to have each other and that relationship becomes all the more important as friends have fallen. I merely state that you have shown me a level of heart rarely seen in the dark places of the world. You have my respect.
The paladin is direct but honest. The woman present before him was one who had tempered herself through suffering. Others would have broken.
The halfling blushes when Daniel speaks of being blessed.
"I wish this terror was finally over, it's been 391 days since Andrea has come into my life, and well...I'd like to finally settle down." her little foot stomps on the floor.
Andrea kisses Fiosa's hand. Soon, hopefully, and then we can bring Emily back home. Andrea winks. Plus get busy making her a brother or sister.
Andrea finishes up the meal and makes herself available for any questions. When the dinner is finished, and conversation turns to their next move, she pulls out a piece of paper.
One of the most valuable things about a battle is information. I am certain that Ilnerik, Eccardian and Chammedy know plenty about us, but we know very little about them, so I am planning to perform a divine Commune with my goddess's servants to attempt to find out more information. However, the answers more often than not come in 'yes, no,' or 'unclear' replies so the phrasing of the questions is important. Andrea points to the questions. Perhaps someone has suggestions on questions and how to phrase them. On the paer, Andrea has written;
.Does Ilnerik posess arcane magic/spellcasting ability?
2(If no) Does Ilnerik possess divine spellcasting ability?
3.Does Ilnerik have vampire spawn at Walcourt at the level of ability of those we faced in Delvehaven?
4.Is the halfling spellcaster by the title of The Dealer dwelling at Walcourt?
5.Is Ilnerik planning an attack on myself and my(as in my adventuring group/Fiosa) group soon?
6.Is Eccardian and Chammandey also planning such an attack?
7.If the knowledge of the Infernal Contract that details the fate of Chammadey's soul is revealed to Eccardian, would he be willing to cease their plans of siezeing control of Westcrown?
8.(As above, but in regards to Chammedy
”Commiserating feels nice, I suppose, but I’m still upset that it has come to this. Their deaths weren’t in vain, I know, but it certainly feels like it. The polar opposite of despair needed to distinguish euphoria is certainly unpleasant.”
Euphemia plays the part of the doting hostess well, though she is acting as a researcher in her own field and watching her guest’s responses to the different dishes intently. It’s a benign experimentation, however, and once the tea is brewed it proves to be the most powerful pick-me-up, smelling vaguely floral and containing a surprising kick.
The googley-eyed looks at Gerard are a bit obvious.
”I’m sure she’ll come around once we’ve secured Westcrown. One gets the distinct impression she desires to protect her burgeoning family. I suppose I wish to protect mine, too, but mi filioso isn’t exactly… um… delicate. I invited him, too… I wonder what (or I suppose I should say who) he’s doing tonight. Hope he’s enjoying it.”
When the time seems appropriate, the witch approaches Orsin after a little hesitation. Her voice is quiet.
”Have you had any luck on your personal quest…? I won’t pry too much, but your probing about all things infernal has caught my attention. I hope you managed to avoid a deal with the mother, but… If you need help, I’m willing to offer it as long as it involves a few devils being slighted or destroyed.”
”Westcrown’s remnats have been abuzz with gossip. I’ve heard of wererats being enforcers, wandering the streets for the council. Have you heard anything disturbing or perhaps useful?”
Is this contract destruction likely to be a side-quest later? Also, I know it’s a bit late, but did Tiny have immediate family?
Talk of a civil war, which sounds rather accurate considering the chaos on the streets. Plus why haven't the Dottari, church of Asmodeus and the Hellknights clamped down on things more?
Are you speaking of the contract orsin has with Geryon? If so, that is completely DM created and is not in the AP itself. That being said, I have several cool ways to actually link it into the AP. Tiny was a person associated with a PC, who briefly played but couldn't keep up with the pace at that time. None of you really know Tiny other than he supplied traps and helped the Missepi's defend their estate. I spun a side track for story and player development where the Missepi's were the target of book 1-2. Andrea and Orsin would understand that this is payback for his role in setting up the Missepi's defense.
+1 for reading the thread from the beginning! Impressive.
Gerard is apparently/probably/obviously not used to as much attention a he's receiving from Euphemia. He blushes at times, chuckles while shaking his head and finds some low risk hosting function to occupy him.
He seems to have familiarized himself with the space, physically. His hands reaching for this or that before a guest asks for it. The ease with which he does this is remarkable. He complements the hostess without encroaching.
Turning to Andrea, smiling at Fiosa. So this divine resource is a... confidential informant? Like Jarvis?
@Gerald.
You could say that. The difficulty is getting information that is limited to yes/no answers. If we get too vague, the reply will be unclear so we need closed-ended questions. Something like 'Is it possible to get to Ilnerik without having to hack our way through hordes of vampires and shadowbeasts?' if the reply is 'Yes' the next question would most reasonably be 'How?' but be beyond what the spell can do.
So questions should be something about things we really don't know, rather than things we can work out on our own. Tha is the trouble.
Fiosa blushes with Gerard's stare.
1.Is the halfling spellcaster by the title of The Dealer dwelling at Walcourt?
2.Does Ilnerik have more vampire spawn at Walcourt?
3.Is there an entrance into Walcourt from the sewers?
4.Does Eccardian have arcane spellcasting ability?
5.Does Eccardian have divine spellcasting ability?
6.Does Chammadey have arcane spellcasting ability?
10 Total Questions - one per CL
1. No
2 Yes
3.Yes
4 No
5 No
6. No
Andrea nods at Gerard's question
7. Will our enemies at Walcourt have the power of Invisibility?
7. Some (the deity can very a bit to avoid confusion)
Thank you for your aid, divine servant of Calistria. Andrea says a soft prayer and ends the divine link.
So. It seems that we know some information about Walcourt and the inhabitants. I suggest that we do a daytime recon of the grounds so we can notice any guards and also where it is located in the city if we choose to go through the sewers if we ao chose.
A daylight assult seems prudent in any event due to Ilnerik's control of Shadowbeasts and the presence of vampires. They will most likely be in their coffins. Although they no doubt have other undead that who can move around during the day while inside.
We should see if we can aquire any scrolls that can counter invisibility, or call upon creatures who can sniff them out. Perhaps Daniel's divine hound can help when the time comes.
Gerard ponders the responses Andrea received.
I'm not sure if, while I was gone, Phem shared the bit about the Oberigo family having been hit... the patron has gone missing.
Any word of other notables?
I have not heard of any other notables. We could ask Maurice in the Dottari what has been happening and if he knows of any notable missing people.