Aurelio groans at the idea of going to battle a vampire in its lair.
I don't suppose there's a catapult we can borrow to knock holes in his walls?
I have some oils that can bless weapons so one can penetrate the special defenses a vampire has. Weapons that are silver and magical can damage them and they are vulnerable to holy water. Although if one hits them hard enough they will fall. Gerard has some mithril daggers that work as silver and Orsin's blade is of sufficient enchantment to damage a vampire.
The good news is that it is early in the day and so we have sunlight on our side.
Andrea you figure Ilnerik took Thesing under his wing and transformed
him into a vampire. Since Ilnerik was destroyed Thesling probably regained his free will. This makes sense to you since you recall there are still some reports of night creatures roaming. He appears to have a couple thralls around and you see at three coffins in the room. You suspect he may be planing with other undead.
Aurelio grunts at this news. I'd still feel more comfortable knocking huge holes in his lair to let in the sun. But if it bleeds, I can kill it.
Andrea's vision ends and she focuses on everyone else. A likely explination is that Thesing encountered Ilnerik who transformed him into a vampire. No accounting for taste it seems. Since Ilnerik was destroyed, Thesing is now a free-willed vampire. I do recall hearing of reports of night-creatures still in the city so that may have been Thesing. He also has been busy making his own thralls and I saw three coffins in there as well.
So, he is no doubt planning to make his own little empire. It is fortunate that he doesn't have an artifact like the Totemrix that let's him control shadows. Still, he is a vampire and capable of draining away a person's energy as well as changing into mist and vermind. So treat this with all seriousness.
Edit:
We can see if Fizzle's Potion shop has items like Silversheen available or perhaps Talbard can help. Our friends would no doubt like hearing back from us that we are doing well. In fact I would like to do this that first, head back to the Tilneros since that seems to be our unoffical base at the momment, we can also stop at the shrine to check in with the Brotherhood
Everyone recalls what the beggar lady mentioned when you were at that tavern the Gargling Gargoyle.
After a seemingly good discussion with the Hellknight, Gerard is agreeable to whichever direction is chosen.
The rogue offers a hand on Phem's shoulder then at her waist. He seems content.
Very well. Get back in touch with our friends and see if anything is available that can help us against this new vampire threat and then deal with Thesing. After that... it will probably be time to deal with Eccardian and Chammedy.
The journey back to the Tilernos' manor is uneventful. The streets remain unsettled many shops remain closed and those opened tend to have guards. Chard has his hellknights working and the dottari are present.
There are many carriages, horses and guards in an assortment of colors milling about in the Tilernos compound when you arrive.
Andrea looks at the now busy Tilneros' manor and speaks to the group. Since Aurelio and Euphemia came in late, I might as well tell you more about us. Over a year ago we were asked by representatives of a group called The Children of Westcrown to help them make the streets safer. They are servants, horsehandlers, shopkeepers and common citizens who were trying to do what the authorities would not. Gerard and Euphemia have meet my fiance Fiosa but the ones directing them are Areal and Janivan and they work out of an old shrine to Aroden.
Andrea tries to remember other names and faces, but other than the deceased Ermolos, they are just a blur.We can go to the shrine later so you can get introduced and there are other places in the city that are familiar with Orsin and I that can provide shelter at least. Grumm's Sharpest,Talbard the Grey, The Hungry Hound and the Westcrown Exchange can provide services if they haven't been burned down yet. Andrea sighs.
Andrea keeps walkign tot he manor, letting others interject if they wish.
At the gatehouse it is apparent that Aurelio's family has been busy persuading other nobles and well to-doers to join the cause. There seems to be optimism in the air between the oft competing families. Could it be HOPE?
There's a beautiful elf chatting with former member of the Brotherhood, Shinon, near the carriage house. There's a bit of levity in theri body movements.
Chelsi, Shinon, good morning. Seems like we have a crowd of visitors this morning?
Aurelio pulls his helm off as he approaches the door; his cheerful tone contrasts with his armor and weaponry, well-used and not quite recovered from the rigors of the previous day. A good polishing was definitely in order when he had time.
Speaking to Aurelio Gruylios but loud enough for everyone to hear. "Lord Tilneros, and your family, are rallying and strong-arming some families to the cause. The latest reports are the cemeteries are stirring, which we hardly need right now when the Cheliax navy is less than 2 days away." The news of the navy being so close is news to you. "We are struggling to regain law BEFORE they arrive, or we risk marital law." She closes her eyes .
Shinon nods at Andrea and Orsin while Chelsi continues.
"There have been reports of vampires seen in the city - so are you sure that you've destroyed Ilnerik, - and our intelligence suggest that the 'newly elected' leaders of the COT are planning something big." she pauses a bit, "On a promising note, more Hellknights have seen on the street and that has eased some tensions. They are actually working with 'the better' dottari."
Andrea is surprised. Two days? Blast it, how can we settle all of these problems and Orsin's?
As for the vampires, we have destroyed Ilnerik but we have learned that
Thesling Umbero, the 'actor' from The Six-Fold Trials was turned into a vampire, most likely by Ilnerik. We heard a rumor that some garishly dressed man had attacked someone at night and believe it was him. We have divined his location and plan to go deal with him as soon as we can, we were just stopping by to report what we have been doing and perhaps aquire some more holy water and silversheen for fighting the undead.
Andrea rubs her temples as she feels a headache coming on.
Gerard intimates to Phem, This is where it gets complicated... And, I thought we were done with vampires.
Clearing his throat, he continues to listen respectfully.
Andrea gestures to Shinon. You might of met Shinon before Aurelio, but Gerard and Euphemia are relative newcomers. Shinon was a member of our original group when we started workign with the Children of Westcrown and helped us remove a goblin threat and a gang called The Bastards before parting to work with The Grulios, among other reasons. Andrea smirks a little and looks at Chelsi.
This seems a good time to touch base with any friends we have. I believe Gerard has some friends in the Grulios family that will probably be happy to see you again. I would like to spend a little quality time with Fiosa as well.
Andrea will excuse herself and head into the manor.
Out of the corner of your eye Andrea you see the red-headed streak of lightning running towards you, there is a bit of sound arriving shortly before the body crashes into you, as the halfling body long jumps four feet and simultaneously wraps around the blessed cleric.
Andrea woofs a bit as Fiosa impacts with her and wraps her arms around her wife-to-be. My oasis. Andrea says Fiosa's nickname lovingly. Andrea tilts up Fiosa's chin and gives her a breath stealing kiss before pulling back with what might just be a *pop* noise.
Most people here are familiar with Fiosa. Aurelio, this is my betrothed, Fiosa Sweettooth. Andrea brushes some of Fiosa's mussed hair out of her eyes.
Shinon will laugh at the flying halfling. "Well that's a way to be greated" He winks at Chelsi, who blushes slightly. "Supplies are still a bit limited in the city given all the trouble, but with the nobles coming together there is a bit more that is being exchanged between houses. What necessities are you looking for...I can see if things can be tracked down."
Her kisses fly fast and furious over Andrea. She gasps shortly between her passionate embrace. Until she is finally able to calm herself, 'There's sooooooo much to tell since you left yesterday!"
Andrea smooches Fiosa a few more times and squeezes her bottom. I can't wait to hear. I am sure we can have a quick chat over tea. She then turns to Shinon
Since we lack the Morrowfall we will need to be extra careful to protect ourselves. We know Thesing has become a vampire so holy water and silversheen will be very useful. I suggest everyone here see if they can get potions of restoration since the touch of the incorperal will drain strength and health.
Aurelio, your gauntlets are silver and will be very useful, I do have two remaing oils of blessing that will be helpful as well as forty mithril crossbow bolts for Euphemia if she wants to engage in ranged combat with her new crossbow.
Andrea does pause. Although I advise against spending too much right now, we might just need it. She looks over at Orsin.
Euphemia salutes in a rare militant gesture, but it's a motion learned from a copied motion, so the movement is jerky at best.
"Shinon, it is a pleasure."
Shinon steps forward touching the witch's elbow, "The pleasure and honor is mine."
"Lord Tilneros...and Sir Daniel have agreed to donate one of their four story buildings to us to open a school and small boarding house.." She gasps, "That Lord Oberigo voluntarily offered 15,000 gp as an endowment. He told me, 'a debt owed is a debt paid'."
That is wonderful! Andra looks over to euphemia and Gerard. It looks like the children will have a place to live and learn. Much better than Walcourt don't you think, Gerard?
Andrea gives Fiosa a less frisky but still tender hug. Perhaps it can be a place for us and Emily to stay as well.
Frank squeals in delight,sliding off of the witch to circle her on the floor and then pause and sniff.
Sir Daniel must be thanked, dear mistress.
Gerard is aloof, wondering what new threats will endeavor to thwart their plans... The children, children.
Sorry, I'm not in a celebratory mood as yet. Whatever threatens Westcrown is akin to a bully, and sometimes bullies aren't impressed with you standing up for yourself. It's just not enough.
Sometime, you have to pound them over and over, into the ground until they ... can't get up again. There's more work ahead of us, before I can feel the children or for that matter, any of us are safe.
He smiles apologetically, his thoughts his own once more as they drift off into some unseen distance or perhaps future.
You are correct. we need to find the twins and either drag them out or put them to the sword. We might be able to ask Talbard or Tobian to scry for them.
You all are shown to some rooms to freshen up, rest if you want, and then eventually meet up with several nobles. Lords Tilernos, Grulios, and Oberigo are there and for the most part you can recall they make up three of the main noble families in the city. There are an assortment of lesser or beholden noble families gathered including the Missepe's.
"Well met, it's been too long Andrea and Orsin."
Since Andrea is still freshly rested from the morning, she has some prayer time with Fiosa, giving her a bag of 500 gp for her personal use and squirreling away for Emily's future.
Seeing Horace, Andrea nods .Greetings, it has indeed. I hope your family fortunes have been better since we last met.
Looking at Aurelio,Euphemia and Gerard she indicates Horace. We became acquainted with the Missepes about a year ago when we raided the gang titled The Bastards of Erebus. There son had been kidnapped and unfortunately was killed by said gang before we were able to rescue him.
"I have no intention of celebrating prematurely, Gerard, but we would do well to revel in small victories such as this one."[b]
She watches as Frank sniffs and waddles about the ground, trying to discern Daniel's direction.
[b]"It would be prudent to let you know that my abilities have grown to a point that I can return lost limbs or, as it were, eyes. Should we find Patches again, I will have a chance to make her whole. It will not hurt our chances in battle, either."
"How awful." Euphemia concedes. "My condolences."
"Given the current circumstances my family is doing well, but we still grieve our losses." There is tear in his eye as he remembers his son. "My family is determined to rid this City of the bastards behind this corruption and foul play."
He pauses a bit. "As you know supplies are a bit scarce with the chaos brewing, but the families here are willing to pull to our resources for you benefits."
Andrea finishes equipping herself, the small block of incense she looks at before tucking away. This will hopefully be my ace in the hole. Foolish to 'save for later?' or prudence? Time will tell.
Unfortunately time is not on our side, in two days we will have to deal with Thesing and find Chammedy and Eccardian before the fleet arrives, I would have liked to try to find a few allies. Andrea tilts her head as if remembering something.
Euphemia, you said you can regenerate lost limbs now, there is an...eyrnies named Khazrae who had the great misfortune to lose her body. Perhaps we could regrow her body and this gain her aid.
Euphemia shudders involuntarily.
"Would this be wise? Devils are treacherous creatures..."
Gerard minds his manners in the presence of his would-have-been in-law.
No creature more treacherous than man, I'm afraid. His quip to the witch.
Well her story is that she lost some battle against a devil lord and was reduced to a severed head that was given to one of the old mayors by the name of Vheed I believe. After mouthing off one to many times she was thrown into a special box called The Chelish Crux. Think of it as a kind of Handy Hanversack, and thrown into a vault called the Infernal Knot? My godness, it has been so hectic I forgot the actual name. Anyway, she sat there for god's know how long and went insane. We liberated her when we were on a mission to locate The Morrowfall. We managed to ease her madness but she is still a severed head and is....I think she is still laying about The Children's hideout.
So, restoring her body can be an excellent way of getting her into a contract to perhaps provide ariel supprt. Plus a devil's ability to teleport would make her an excellent scout.
"Oh yes, you filthy nasty wrench - do keep the wizard's promise to me, and give me back my body." She winks, "I sooo promise to use my tongue in all the right places to make you tingle." She twitches her nose, "Hey ferret come over here and scratch my nose for me." She eyeballs Frank.
Edit: Andrea was going to make the obvious 'Get head' joke but got a pillow to the face from Fiosa.
Let us head out and deal with Thesing now. After that, we need to discuss what we will do about the twins.
"I... suppose I could also deal with your Khazrae problem, provided there are some guarantees she will not turn on us."
"Shnookie...I'm a devil of my word, plus I can be playful once you get bored with that one. The undead have remarkable stamina." She rolls her eyes towards Gerard.
"WHERE IN AVERNUS'S TIGHT BOWELS DID YOU EMERGE FROM?!" Euphemia screams, her hair starting to animate of its own free will before she stops it.
"Ha.... haa...."
Frank shares in the screaming, bringing all conjecture about what a hedgehog's screams sound like to an end.
What happened to her being in the hideout, Mistress?! WHAT OCCURRED TO MAKE THIS TRAVESTY MANIFEST?! You know you CANNOT END A SENTENCE WITH A PREPOSITION!
She wets her ruby lips with her cold tongue, it flickers a bit. "That do-gooder elf, Arael, has been carrying around in my sack for a while. hey...priestess of the whore can I have a tumble with you and the half-pint?"
Andrea is past the point of batting an eye anymore at strange happenings.
Well, I guess she still has access to her abilities such as teleportation. Andrea looks at the head that has settled on the table.
I most certainly would not ask for you to risk your new mobile existence in direct combat. Aerial scouting would be perfect so we can be alerted of any ambushers. Plus, once you have your entire body back, we can work on restoring you to 'life' as it were and no longer undead.
The various innuendos seem to just bounce off Andrea, or perhaps she is filing them away for later use, such as the slight against Calistra.
"If you behave in such a way that would make a do-gooder uncomfortable, devil, know that my justice shall be swift." Euphemia remarks, her voice cracked with revulsion. She picks the head up with a twitching hand, mostly by the hair. This is not to cause pain so much as due to her desire to avoid touching the immortal's skin unless it is absolutely necessary.
"Frank, I need you to touch her neck for this to work... Oh, I don't like how the rest of this is going to work in this case..."
She starts to murmur something about awakening and uses her free hand to ceremoniously shape with her index finger to sketch out where the rest of Khazrae's body should be. She finally blows an orange mist into the air that settles on Frank, who paws at the stump in Euphemia's stead.