Curse of the Crimson Throne

Game Master Euan

Fondo waits to hear from the others.

Dandi goes quiet at the other end of the “bond”, then suddenly pops in to the sanctum with the others, the scent of sulfur wafting after her.

"Fondo, we can’t do this. You say there is little cause, but there was little cause for our enemies to expect our Shoanti ruse, yet they managed to turn it against us. I still smell the reek of their blood in my dreams.” She stops, sighing as she looks around the room.
“You're right, brother, we jump at shadows, but please understand. It is not because we are scared, though being scared is a sane response just now. It is not because we have other things to do, though we have plenty still to accomplish before we face the queen."

"We jump at shadows because we CANNOT afford to be wrong! There is only one of any of us, but we are all…” Her breath catches and she cannot bring herself to say it, …replaceable “If we fall, there is hope that another will take our place. But without Serithiel, no matter the army we bring, our efforts will be doomed. We cannot risk her.”

She smiles with a sadness as deep as the well in Scarwall. "You say ‘well prepared’, but we know NOTHING about where Ishani is held. We know little about his captors or their abilities, nor about any others that may be there with him. The risk is too great, and what we don’t know could very well lead us to our doom. It cannot be hers as well.”

“What would you do, if we were to enter and find your loved ones there? Could you grab our target and go? Could you leave them? I don’t have that wherewithal within me. I know it. And it could be enough to give them their edge, to allow them to take that one soul that we dare not risk. If you would go – if you must go – then please, leave Serithiel here.”

Fondo attempts to keep track of the many fears and bleak scenarios being painted in the air around him. His eyes cross with the effort, and he shakes his head.

"My lovely flutterfly, you asked me not too long ago to heed the wish of bright Serethtiel. You claimed to know what's in her heart." He draws the blade with a swift motion and presents the hilt to Dandi. "Ask her now. 'Serethtiel, would you like to save the priest from the predations of a cult of Zon Kuthon? Or would you rather wait in shadows for that perfect time to strike the Queen, and let Ishani die? Would you be kept from striking darkness down, for fear your Hand shall let you drop?' Ask her. Let her share her heart with you." He motions to put the hilt in Dandi's hands.

He turns to Barael. "You'd use Shadow's Death as goad to jump at shadows. You make no sense. Does the sword jump at shadows? Does Nik? Do they shrink away from doing what must be done, for fear of some unknowable fate that lies around the bend? Of course they don't, and nor shall I. And nor should you. We've bested many shadows, and shall still more dispel, unless we let our fears bring death to what we know is right."

Turning back to Dandi, he continues. "I grieve the death of those Shoanti souls, just as I grieve for those who've died these weeks and months while we prepare in ways we must. There are no safe decisions when you strive to kill a queen. Blood will flow, by tyrant's hands and by our own. But our gambit yielded results. It's left the streets less guarded, and let Cressida probe the castle's armaments. It's told us that the Queen has fears that we can pluck like strings upon a harp. That's gold, if we're prepared to spend it."

He grows quiet for a bit, and begins again, more softly.

"Serethtiel is not ours to store away in fear. She would not deem us worthy if we failed to act when actions can some good achieve." He puts up a hand. "OF course, good judgment must prevail. Deyanira and I have carefully planned, and welcome what insights you have to add. We have the magics needed to reach the chamber and quickly leave, and ample protections in the moments we're there. If you fear traps or subterfuge, then use your magics to duly test your fears. But fearful speculation must not mercy for that priest prevent." He drives the point home. "And it is fear you speak, not caution. Fear of plans and traps of which you have no proof or evidence. Test them. Test your fears. Don't let them mire you in a cage of inaction, when an ally's life's at risk."

Pausing, he concludes. "Having said all of that... While we shall save the priest, how is something we can all decide. I offer this compromise. If you would ignore Serethtiel's true wishes, then send Brov and Nikolay instead. I like it not, and wish it not, but I did not seek your council to dismiss it outright."

"There are few moments that are arrayed in black and white before us. This is one of them. Sending a small and vulnerable piece of the party with an essential asset into who-knows-what and who-knows-where is clearly a mistake. We are a soft-hearted group and we are facing a large and ancient evil. We need to grow a tough skin. We can moisturize and cleanse when this is over."

Fondo looks to Nikolay and back to the others, a deadly calm in his eyes.

Barael listens respectfully to Fondo, shrugging off Fondo's disrespect as he crosses his eyes. As Fondo addresses Dandi, Barael heartens to the idea that Seri has started expressing Herself. He hopes for the briefest of moments, as he watches the sword pass from Fondo to Dandi.

The more Fondo talks, the more the look on Barael's face echoes his Shift into Rat. A thought presses into him We made the wrong choice, and Barael pushes it away. But the thought continues to nag at him.

Barael looks to Dandi, then to Charlie, to seek his calm.

"I apologize for the misunderstanding. When I say we should jump at shadows, I mean that we jump 'at' them, not away from them. Take a shadow first as threat, and deal with it. I'm not goading here, you are, by calling us fearful. Fearful. We return from Scarwall, and you have the gall to call us fearful." Barael puts his hands together, because it stills them.

"You have Ishani being tortured in a dark chamber somewhere, and you still need further proof or evidence that it'll be dangerous? Really? We have to go there to find out, eh?" Barael shakes his head, and looks sadly at Fondo.

You know what doesn't make sense, Fondo? It's been quietly poking at me ever since, but when I think over your actions obtaining Seri in the first place, digging in the dirt, while Nik spilled his guts, that doesn't make sense. Feel free to dismiss my confusion outright. Now, I know why Zellara brought us together. We're the bridle to you, djolano.

Briar looks around at the responses and is glad to have so many who see with the same sane eyes.

"Varisian, I think we have a fundamental misunderstanding. You think Serithtial is *yours* when we all think it is *ours*. You seem to think that *you* decide where Seri goes. We seem to think *we* do, as a group," Briar looks around.

"All our words aren't about Ishani, it's about the safety of *our* blade. You would do well to remember that as you think about what our party does. You are but the tool of the blade, not the other way around."

"You may continue your machinations that lead to more pain and suffering for those you claim to protect. You can stir up the Shoanti and invite them into the suffering as well. That is your...and their choice. You can plan to go save one soul from the prison knowing that you might consign the rest to death, as the Queen now has justification to just kill all the rest of her prisoners for the jail has been broken and broken again," Briar pauses, trying to see possible paths for the Queen.

"What you may not do, Varisian, is risk *our* sword in these ventures. When we strike back at the Queen we will do it together. And we will be together in this, all of us protecting the sword so that it might find its final thrust. But you do not have the right to risk it without our leave."

Briar has a deadly calm in his eyes.

"This plan may have unintended consequences, Varisian. The Queen will not react well if you succeed. At least jail and torture was not immediate death...after this, the Maidens might have new order for public executions rather than imprisonment. You have no idea the waves you will start when we are not even ready for the battle yet. Think hard about the repercussions to your people. You know how I feel about it."

Not to mention, he wants to send the Rat into the prison and the Rat's blade won't even be ready for another week. Is this good planning?

Fondo shakes his head at Briar's words. "All actions have unintended consequences... Briar. Our decision to spend weeks crafting magics has unintended consequences, though I trust the gains outweigh the costs. We share a view of what my gambits cost, but what see you of what they yield? Show me you can see them fair, and I shall trust the wisdom that you claim."

"The same is true for this new scheme. Think on the benefits of saving one good priest, who can our efforts aid. How weigh his life and gifts against the fears you have of what the Queen shall do. The Queen, whose evil killed Korvosans even while you doubted my measure of her, months ago. The Queen, who needs no enticement to spread suffering."

He sighs. "Neither of us sees all. We've made mistakes, and chosen true in ways that had great cost. It is our lot."

Fondo steps up to Nikolay. He proffers Serithtiel's pommel. "Keep her safe for our return. I will not let Ishani be tortured, and maybe die, when I can save him so easily. Deyanira and I are going. I welcome whomever will join us."

He draws his rapier and takes out a flask of oil (bless weapon), applying it once Deyanira has cast her spells.

Fondo shakes his head at Briar's words. "All actions have unintended consequences... Briar. Our decision to spend weeks crafting magics has unintended consequences, though I trust the gains outweigh the costs. We share a view of what my gambits cost, but what see you of what they yield? Show me you can see them fair, and I shall trust the wisdom that you claim."

"Perhaps I am missing something, Varisian. Explain to me what good came of your muck digging? Or of the Shoanti ploy? I seem to be missing those yields," Briar asks sincerely. There hasn't been any IC or OOC criticism of your other ploys.

Fondo steps up to Nikolay. He proffers Serithtiel's pommel. "Keep her safe for our return. I will not let Ishani be tortured, and maybe die, when I can save him so easily. Deyanira and I are going. I welcome whomever will join us."

Briar looks around the room, going from face to face.

The Rat? No. He has no blade. Nor belt.
'Sward? No, he guards the blade. And the other blade. And needs to watch the 'Lady' who guards his third.
Halfblood? No...*titter*...no.
The Waif? Uhmm...

Briar stands makes himself ready to go.

"I might as well attend with. They are not...ready," Briar checks the string on his replacement bow and the magics thereon (Greater Magic Weapon).

He turns to look at Majenko.

Briar will also cast Bulls Strength.

Fondo looks a bit shocked when Briar stands, but quickly smiles. "Tis good. You'll save this fool from folly yet." He nods to Deyanira.

"I spake my peace about the grave Shoanti loss."

Turning back to Dandi, he continues. "I grieve the death of those Shoanti souls, just as I grieve for those who've died these weeks and months while we prepare in ways we must. There are no safe decisions when you strive to kill a queen. Blood will flow, by tyrant's hands and by our own. But our gambit yielded results. It's left the streets less guarded, and let Cressida probe the castle's armaments. It's told us that the Queen has fears that we can pluck like strings upon a harp. That's gold, if we're prepared to spend it."

"They echo hollow now, but are rewards we must accept. Amd as fpr digging... That too we've discussed. Let me remind you though: in truth we lost naught save mayhap your trust in my good sense. Which seems to be an issue still...?" He pops the cap on the oil and pours.

Majenko too looks surprised, though he's quick to add layers onto the spell protections. (...and by the way - I am not tracking your spells even though I'm casting many of them. I hope you are or they are for naught!)

Majenko casts Freedom of Movement on Fondo and Briar. He casts Heroism on Deyanira (she cast it on Briar and Fondo but not herself). He casts Acute Senses (+10 perceptions for 10 minutes) on all three of you.

He offers a Grease spell to any who would take it ("Helps with the grapple you see." says Majenko). The round Deyanira casts the Teleport, he also casts Haste to give you all the edge for a minute.

Deyanira accepts the Grease and looks as pathetic as she feels going into this danger. She casts Vanish, then Teleport grasping Briar and Fondo by the arms.

Feel free to prep more, but I'm taking us through the looking glass...

- - -

Teleport low is good: 1d100 ⇒ 10

...and you arrive!

Round 0 Deyanira teleports the party into the room. Round 1 is a surprise round, so please limit your actions.

This large chamber smells of seasoned, well-oiled wood. It contains an elongated table with four wooden armchairs on one side and a single stool on the other. Several torture implements in good working order, including a rack, an iron maiden, and a cumbersome pulley machine, are neatly arranged near the walls, together with a wide range of crafty restraining devices.

Taking up a large part of the room is the statue (Stat on the map). It is intricately carved though it looks like it was recently moved into this chamber judging from the bloodstains, carpet damage, etc. Ishani (Ish on the map) is hanging from the top of the statue (which towers 10' so he's in the 5'-10' space). He is not moving.

Light is coming in from slits in the walls designed for light, but extremely small. There's a single door behind you and a double door to your left (stage right). As you look around, your hearts sink a little as you can clearly see the supposedly invisible Deyanira.

You don't hear anything... for about a second, and then Ishani's body shudders and begins to scream - one long agonizing scream that echoes from the walls and seems to rattle the chains on the table.

Fortitude DC 21 or be stunned one round.
Deyanira Fort: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 = 9 (heroism)

-Round 0-
Deyanira - 10 (teleport in)
-Round 1- (surprise round)
Fondo - 20
Good Guys - 17
Briar - 12
Deyanira - 10 (stunned)

Map Round 1

Round 1, Init 20

Sense Motive to notice Deyanira's plight...?: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (9) + 26 = 35

"Dear poor'enedra, let not his pain be yours."

Shake It Off as swift action: Reroll save v. stun with a +3 competence bonus.

Glancing at Ishani through his rose-colored glasses, he assesses whether the man is alive. If he is alive, Fondo says,

"Ishani, friend, tis Fondo and Briar the elf.
We've come your chains to cleave. Cast off your pain!"

Shake It Off as standard action on Ishani.

"His plight is grim indeed. Let's hurry home."

Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 2 = 24

Fort save; sorry...: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 15 + 2 = 30

Deyanira Fort: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 + 2 + 3 = 23 (heroism, shake it off) - yay!

Fondo clearly sees that Ishani is dead, though he writhes and screams - he is not undead. The animus must be coming from some other effect.

"He's dead. The screams are something else. Let's go." Standard action is to activate Inspire Courage +3 instead, unless Briar appears stunned...

Briar continues to prep before the teleportation. He looks at Waif and shakes his head.

Briar casts a few extra spells in addition to the ones from Majenko.

After he casts Detect Magic, he nods to Deyanira that he is ready.

* * *
Round 1, Init 12, Part 1

1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 13 + 2 = 22 Fort Save
1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22 Know (Arcana)

Briar scans the area for magics (and stuff) while he looks around.

1d20 + 22 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 22 + 10 = 41 Perception (See Invis & Detect Magic)

Briar sees nothing invisible, not even Deyanira ('cause she's already visible). There is magic in the room (round 1 of aura detection). You find no secret doors in your visual sweep.

Round 1, Init 12, Part 2

Briar scans the area for magics (and stuff) while he looks around.

Briar delays.

Deyanira, no longer stunned, steps (to V5) and grasps Ishani’s foot above her, as well as Fondo and Briar (with all three arms). She then casts teleport (back to Kaer Maga).

Teleport low is good: 1d100 ⇒ 33

Deyanira returns the little group, including Ishani's dead corpse, to your rooms in Kaer Maga where the party is waiting. Scant moments have passed since your departure. As you arrive, Ishani is quiet, and his body falls to the ground with a mighty squish, leaking precious bodily fluids all over Deyanira's rug.

Fondo kneels and examine's Ishani's body. "We were too late, and there indeed were magics fell about. Mayhap in death he might some wisdom share." He stands and puts a hand on Deyanira's shoulder. "Thanks, Poor'enedra." He nods gratefully at Briar as well. "I trust we've ample caution shown?"

It takes Deyanira some time before the shakes subside and she's her usual calm self again. Luckily you miss the worst of it as she's invisible for the first minute or so. She stays very quite for some time though.

Ishani's body is quickly covered by a light blue rug by Briar as the party continues to 'talk'.

Dandi's eyes glisten and she nods, unable to bring herself to answer Briar, even in thought. She lifts a hand to Majenko, offering him a shoulder and warm comfort as Briar disappears with the others. She has no more considered a life without Briar and Fondo when they are back with Deyanira, the motionless body of Ishani betwixt them.

Briar waits to see what Fondo does, wants to do.

"There is no need to speak within our heads. This room's secure from scrying eyes and ears." Fondo rises from Ishani's side, a sorrowful look on his face. "Agreed we must make haste to hide him from those magics which the mage's ward cannot block out. But pray, let's spend a little time to see what magics may have done this thing to him, and pay respects to he who helped us with the plague. Brother Rose, you mentioned magics that may have caused his soul to scream. Say more."

Fondo doesn't sit idly by. He gauges the depths of his haversack and finds them wanting. He thinks upon what limited magics he knows. "If need be I'll buy a bag from Saul." I thought I had already, but it seems we did not confirm it.

"Brother Rose, you mentioned magics that may have caused his soul to scream. Say more."

Briar does not speak.

Briar looks at Fondo, trying to decide if he's speaking as part of a rouse or simple overconfidence.

"Forgive me. You said, 'We don't know what they have done to Ishani's mind...nor what hidden magics lie within.' I took the scream we heard to be the signal that they'd done a thing to his mind."

Presumably Briar knows the properties of Mage's Private Sanctum at this point. Conversations can't be overheard by scrying or even simple hearing outside the room. Though non-scrying divinations can work, as noted by Eviluan.

Presumably Briar knows the properties of Mage's Private Sanctum at this point. Conversations can't be overheard by scrying or even simple hearing outside the room. Though non-scrying divinations can work, as noted by Eviluan.

Briar is not one to assume that he knows all magics. There are definitely things outside his experience...he might understand them as he sees them cast or their effect, but there is too much magic to say that the body could not be used to hear/see us now.

Briar shakes his head at Fondo and continues to speak telepathetically.

Fondo continues to speak out loud. "Again, you speak of maybes with but little evidence. Of course I trust there are magics that could sunder even Deyanira's quite sound wards. That's why I urge you to examine our friend's body, to divine what magics may yet lurk."

"But I know this of our green Queen — for I know much of people's minds and souls: Omnipotent she's not. Her reach is hampered, or she'd surely have your comings and goings to this very spot tracked, ere days ago. If she could come in force to strike us here, she would have done by now. No, Ileosa hunkers down. Consolidates her power in that city by the sea. So let's take care, but not let idle speculation freeze us into paralytic fear." He speaks calmly. "I do not say these things in boastful hubris. Of course we must proceed with care. But what we've learned tells us these three things of Ileosa: She's wicked cruel, has power, and has her limits."

"I know this too: that was no trap. If she had known we sought Ishani, our entry and escape would not have been an easy thing."

He goes to Nikolay and asks with a look for Serethtiel. "Now let's learn what lies within his form, and quick."

Briar looks at Barael, Dandi, and Charlie, worried.

He does not listen.

knowledge arcana DC 22: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 1 = 18

Charlie rushes to the body just to be sure.

heal check: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 18 = 29

He then wipes his hands and casts sending to Saul.

Dandi looks at Fondo as he *once again* ignores everyone else like they know nothing, even in areas where he has no clue.

"If you'll excuse me. I have work to do." She is tempted to go the way she came, but walks out, the door shuddering a little behind her.

Briar takes 20 to examine the body while taking time with Detect Magic and any auras.

Perception=52
Spellcraft=38

Charlie’s heal check tells you many things.
Ishani died slowly it seems and probably of suffocation due to his crucifixion. There are other injuries caused by torture, both before and during the crucifixion, but they are not deadly. Charlie does say they were done by an expert. Lots of pain, little damage - so they can do it over and over and over again. The injuries seem to be spaced out over a week or so, though it’s hard to say for certain.

Charlie also tells you that Saul has a type II bag (5,000gp) ready for the party for pickup, or he can bring it to breakfast tomorrow - if he’s still invited.

Briar closely examines the body for clues and magics.
Briar confirms some of the things Charlie noted. He finds nothing otherwise unusual an or about the body. Magically there is nothing strange either and no lingering auras. I’m not sure a Magic Jar would radiate magic - but it would show as a living body to Fondo’s glasses, to Ishani is not likely Magic Jarred.

As to what caused the screaming and convulsing it’s hard to say. Charlie can’t pinpoint a specific time of death (”He’s dead now. He wasn’t dead a day or two ago.”), but it seems likely that Ishani was dead when you saw him via scry - though his body did convulse and shudder. Charlie can’t explain it physically, and Briar can’t explain it magically.

Dandilion is able to easily pick up the bag (group purchase I presume?) and return with it. It's a little hard getting Ishani into the bag as the opening is narrow, but you're eventually able to wedge him in.

Deyanira, less accustomed to dealing with dead bodies than the party, leaves the room a moment as the party roughly handles Ishani's corpse. When she returns, she obsessively cleans the rug he oozed over (prestidigitation... lots and lots of prestidigitation).

Majenko cleans his hands and offers to grease Ishani to get him in the bag, but it's not needed.

Barael watches Dandi leave the room, and senses that it's best to leave her to her own consul. His sense is confirmed as the door shudders closed.

Watching the others get to work, he catches Dandi out of the corner of his eye, as she announces her need for a walk.

Barael tucks his shirt down, and departs for lunch.

As Barael continues on towards the luncheon with Corbinian, he listens intently to Briar and his take on the strike to retrieve Ishani.

Briar stands up and away from the body, having finished his examinations.

She should be working, but a room seems too small a place for the problems in front of her just now. Rounding a corner, she takes flight, back up to the roof from the other night.

"It's quieter here, Wraith. I mean, at least externally. Now, you were saying something about the gem. The gem being the key. but, I can't put him back... No, I can't put the body in a gem either. I don't think."

Per a couple conversations another point was raised.

The Sending spell, might establish time of death. As Charlie will confirm, as far as he knows, Sending only works if the person is alive. He clearly made a connection, and got back a response and so Ishani was alive prior to the Scry in Charlie's opinion.

Deyanira's Scry seemed to confirm that, as Ishani was shuddering with pain during the 10 minute observation while Deyanira studied the room for teleportation purposes.

Barael's lunch with Corbinian goes smoothly and quickly. He may eat a lot, but he doesn't mess around playing with his food. As the meal comes to an end, he slides a deep green satin box in Barael's direction.

"This is, I think, why you joined me for lunch today? I know you prefer dealing with Saul. He's a good man, and he's giving me a run for my money, but there's room enough for both of us in Kaer Maga."

"He suggested Dandilion would like the green color."

He opens it and you see, truly, a necklace of stars. This marvelous mithral necklace forms a broad, draping lacework of threadlike chains set with a multitude of tiny jewels. Though there are seven largish pearls, the other stones are each unique and carved to their own colors and shapes. You've rarely seen anything so beautiful.

Barael moves closer to see Glorio's Boon. His hands reach out, but something keeps him from touching the wonder.

"Oh, aye, master Corbinian. I've no words. I was going to say that lunch was certainly another reason I joined you today, but now all I can think of is the look on her face when I give this to her." Barael does reach forward now, but only to close the box in an almost sacred gesture.

Barael places the box in his Haversack, stands, and heads towards the door. He stops himself, returns to the table to reach over the table and shake Corbinian's hand. "I'd forget my head if it wasn't attached. Thank you for bringing this bear in such a short time. We, my friends and I, are leaving Kaer Maga shortly, but something tells me that this isn't the last time we'll do business, Master Merchant."

...

Barael bounces lightly into the suite a couple of hours later. He seems to be in the highest of spirits, which seems to get higher when he sets eyes on Dandi. Wordlessly, he takes her hand, and escorts her into her room.

"Alright now. I need you to close your eyes for just a moment. No peeking. You too, Wraith." Barael produces a green, satin box, and sets it on the table, on top of the scattered paperwork. He steps back.

"You can open your eyes now."

...

"Wait, I was just uh..." Dandi follows, curiosity lightening her step. Wraith nuzzles under her hair and she puts her hands up like a child playing peek-a-boo, though her mouth twists with confusion.

"Cover my eyes. How will I se... Oh! I see! I mean, I don't see, of course because.." she bounces with excitement, but waits until she is told she can open her eyes.

"Barrie its..." The laughter in her voice dies off as she sees what crouches amongst the papers on her desk. She steps back involuntarily, one hand clutching his arm to take him with her, for fear he might touch it.

"green."

She stares at it for a moment. Then blinks quickly, but nooo, it's still there, staring her down from the middle of the research.

"Ba-arrie?"her voice cracks in the middle, embarrassing her. She moves slowly, never taking her eye off it as she reaches for her wrist sheathe, set off to the side, for comfort. "Don't move. I'll shoot it. Niko's wand will take care of it." I hope....

Barael's face turns from 'kid in a candy store' to 'sorry, I thought you were my wife'. He spins around quickly, placing his hand on Dandi's wrist, seeking to prevent further misunderstanding.

He looks back at the table, to see if he sees what she sees. It takes him a moment green to sink in.

"Oh, nooo! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I didn't... think about the satin... and the color..." Barael lets go of Dandi, so that both his hands can gain the box, and open it, as quickly as is humanly possible.

"Look!! Look at its contents, not at the cover!!" Barael looks quickly from side-to-side, trying to locate both the light source and the angle of the box that will best reflect what it contains.

"I got it for you."

She shakes then, as he grabs her wrist, something dangerous floating at the edge of her gaze. If it were anyone else, they'd be newt by now. Or a blithering idiot or..."oh my...." The light catches in the stones, swimming through the depths of the pearls.

"I... that is...where?" She reaches for it, but hesitates. Its presence is palpable; its almost as if she can feel it from a foot away, like a living presence, calling her closer. "It's lovely, Barrie...truly."

When the body is finished being examined by Charlie, Briar helps stuff the body away.

Briar speaks, now feeling safe(r).

"Thanks for your quiet, friends. There was no telling what else, magical or mundane, was on the body nor why it screamed at us. There are many questions, few answers," Briar says.

"Halfblood, Nikolay, Fondo, would you like to join me in taking care of the body? We can drink to his good life while he lead it."

Briar intends to take the body to the local house of Abadar and see if they want to prepare the body according to Abadar. I think it's a vaulting. Go figure.

When Briar finishes with that, he will return to crafting for the day...having had plenty of excitement.

Barael realizes that he's failed to breathe in several seconds. That was close... The thought echoes through his mind, as if something ancient whispered a warning to him.

He leaps to a smile once he sees her hesitate.

Sleight of Hand #1: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (3) + 19 = 22
Sleight of Hand #2: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (17) + 19 = 36

Within a single jump forward, the necklace appears in Barael's hands, the box nowhere to be seen, then around Dandi's neck, as Barael performs the reverse action of lifting jewelry off a mark.

He stands back, admiring his work.

"Beautiful. Simply beautiful."

He's fast, so fast she doesn't even realize what he's doing until the cool weight of the necklace hangs about her throat. "Oh Myyy!" She touches it now, thrilling to the luxurious beauty hanging about her neck, even though she knows it's wrong. Nothing this beautiful should be on her neck.

"Thank you." Her voice is soft, full of emotion. "Thank you!" Dandi throws her arms around him suddenly, mere words insufficient to express herself.

Barael embraces her back, and spins her gently, a reminder of their evening of flight, when rooftops were far below.

He allows her to stand away from him in the next moment, while he produces yet another thing- a blue scarf, unassuming in all other ways. He leans in for a second time, kissing her on the cheek.

When he stands back again, the scarf is draped across her neck, hiding the presence of the ornate and expensive necklace. "Not that don't trust you, I simply don't trust the crustier elements of Kaer Maga to stay away from thoughts on theft. I'm sure you'll only need the scarf when we take to the streets."