Your liberal attitudes are very well, but have you heard of the town of Heibarr? Until a few hundred years ago, it was one of the most propperous and greatest communities in the River Kingdoms. The worshippers of Gyronna managed to inspire civil war into the town, and soon every inhabitant within the town was dead or had fled. The towns ruins remain haunted, forever doomed to live out the carnage of the war over and over, never being released. Priestesses of Gyronna now make pilgrimages to the place, to pay homage to the death and carnage sown there. I will defer to your wisdom Malthir; you haven't led us wrong before. But a Cult of Gyronna is a dangerous thing to leave untended to. I believe with all my heart that it should be stamped out as soon as possible.
Why not question the suspected woman to see if their seriousness can be ascertained? Its possible they are just a group of disgruntled outcasts who will leave the city or whose cult will flounder before it starts. Fenna, perhaps you could find out more with your skills as a Prophetess?
"An excellent suggestion," the pale-skinned gnome nods to Kesten, "once we are finished here, I shall consult my old prophecies in order to determine if there are any signs relating to this cult."
"If we meet again this evening, I should be ready then to share anything I am able to uncover."
Will the cult of Gyronna in Swordhaven, if left without interference, grow into a serious threat to the city?
Would a cult of Gyronna ever be willing to live peacefully within a community, refraining from spreading their goddesses' influence beyond their own members?
You sense a divine agent of Iomedae responding to your call, some kind of archon, you think...
Yes.
No.
** spoiler omitted **
Are some members of the cult only worshipers through circumstance, who would be willing to leave the cult given the opportunity?
Can the cult be persuaded to willingly move on or disperse without bloodshed?
Most are evil, and committed to the cause. One among them has lost her way. One is an outsider and an unbeliever, using the cult for their own ends.
Perhaps.
Are the goals of the outsider detrimental to Kardas or it's people?
Yes.
Is the one who has lost her way among those women we currently suspect of being members of the cult?
** spoiler omitted **
After having eagerly accepted Ilya's invitation to return with him to the council meeting, Kip sat silently listening to the debate regarding the cult of Gyronna.
Upon Malthir's question, Kip enthusiastically accepts. It would be an incredible honor to assist the Statkari in whatever capacity required of me. The smile upon Kip's face spreads so wide it seems that it might split his head in twain.
I must confess, however, that while I do possess some measure of ability to go unnoticed, when required, it is not something that I always strive for. It really depends upon my goals at the moment! Kip adds with a chuckle. In a more serious tone he adds, I will do as the council wishes... set me upon a task and I will see it done tot he best of my abilities!
Kip bows to the council as is his custom.
After listening to further discussion by the various council members, Kip clears his throat and offers, I would also support the position of Ilya and Jhod. I think that it would be dangerous to allow such a cult unfettered existence within our fair city. From what I have heard, the danger of this cult is not borne of what they themselves do directly, but by what they are capable of inciting others to do. As such, waiting for them to cross a line from "thinking about" to actually acting may be all the wiggle room they require to spread their particular brand of evil. By the time their influence is felt, it may be too late to reverse the harm they have caused. While people should not be persecuted for their thoughts alone, I think they have crossed the line by actively gathering as a group to venerate an evil god. This action can only lead to trouble for the people of Kardas in my opinion.
Let me clarify my position, then. If they attempt to incite people to civil war or other crimes, then they should be brought low. But merely for praying to Gyronna and such, there should be no punishment. In short, actions, not thoughts should be what matters.
As far as we know, they have done nothing. Let's watch them as I suggested and as soon as they do anything we deem unfitting a citizen of Kardas, then we move against them. Hopefully we can see who they gather with and resolve the issue.
I am still troubled with pulling people off the street without knowing if they have even done anything wrong.
I would also advice that we do not move just yet, but do all we can to keep this woman under careful observation. We must make certain that we identify all of the cult members, and deal with them in one stroke. Otherwise, we risk only suppressing the cult for a time, rather than stamp it out completely.
After some investigation and discussion throughout the day, evening is beginning to set in... By this point Fenna has excused herself and has had time to use her abilities.
Upon returning, Fenna slowly approaches her seat, before steadying herself against it with her eyes closed and head bowed for a long moment. Carefully lowering herself to sit, she looks about the room before speaking.
"It seems that Jhod is correct," she starts slowly, "if the cult is allowed to remain within our borders, it will end badly. I stand by my view that we cannot target them without evidence of their wrongdoing, however... but it appears that we may have an opportunity to find that evidence; while the majority of the cultists are irredeemable, two of their number are not fully committed. One is a non-believer, intent upon turning the cult towards her own ends, I gather she can be trusted little more than the others, but another is merely misguided... if we can reach her, we may be able to convince her to tell us of the cultist's actions, perhaps revealing the proof we need to deal with them."
"Sadly, it seems that the one who might be able to help us, we have not yet linked to membership of the cult... it might still be useful for me to talk to those we suspect, individually over the next few nights under the pretense of determining if they are happy with the way Swordhaven is moving forwards, and if they have any concerns they wish to raise."
"We may learn nothing from the conversations themselves, but I imagine that those who are members of the cult will quickly see the true reason for the meeting, and are likely to report quickly back to the others in order to warn them. Once the others are revealed, it might be possible to determine which of them is yet unsure of her involvement."
After the meeting is concluded, Fenna spends the rest of the night regaining her strength, quietly wandering the walkways of the castle walls where she can see the stars.
Casimir will retire to spend some time with his wife.
Watching Ilya, Fenna and Casimir retire for the evening, Kip slips from his seat and makes for the door. I believe someone is sitting upon my favorite tavern stool and drinking my ale! Kip smiles and waves to those remaining. I shall return in the morning. Good night to you all.
Kip slips out into the street, pulls up the hood on his cloak to ward against the chill evening air, and sets off in the direction of Talamon's Taps...
Perhaps this can be a step towards proving my value to the council? If I can locate and follow this women, perhaps I can learn the identity of the other cult members or where they gather.
Kip tries to recall if he is familiar with this women Bordona that Sootscales has referred to.
Not being a known associate of the Statkari, Kip hopes his actions go relatively unnoticed by the citizens of Swordhaven...
You are familiar with Bordona- she is a Varisian prostitute who you've seen and have been propositioned by once or twice. Her youth has faded and she maintains her life mostly by recurring customers who more and more frequently visit her for intimacy and pillow talk rather than just carnal pleasure; she cultivates a reputation as a 'golden hearted whore' in an attempt to attract clients. She generally spends her evenings in Talamon's Taps and then takes clients back to her home from there, a short walk away. Luck, it seems, is with you this evening. She is in the tavern and it seems no one has propositioned her yet.
Kip takes up his customary spot at the bar and orders his usual drink. He does his best to keep an eye on Bordona, and any other patrons that show any interest in her...
Kalev saddles a horse and leaves town shortly after dinner, riding out to a small house near the forest, where he spends the night.
You notice a Kobold employee of the tavern looks suspiciously like Sootscales, in a somewhat botched disguise and frequently attending Bordona. Few people have ever seen the Royal Assassin, so it doesn't seem anyone else has recognised him. Bordona doesn't take any customers this evening, she simply drinks alone (and heavily), occasionally chatting to others in the tavern who pass her, mostly middle aged men. Eventually, she makes to leave the tavern. Also noticing this, Sootscales seems to hurry off into the kitchens.
Kip makes an excuse about having a "halfling sized bladder" and excuses himself to go relieve himself. Once he is alone he will exit the tavern (invisible if required) and attempt to follow Bordona.
He expects Sootscales will be tailing her and keeps an eye out for any others that might be as well.
Bordona appears to be heading into the poorer, more dangerous section of the city. You stealthily tail her, and you notice that Sootscales is also tailing her; although he appears completely oblivious of your presence.
Kip allows himself a little smile as he sees the persistent kobold in pursuit of their common prey...
Your surprised by the sudden movement of a homeless vagabond bursting out of an alleyway, and trip into a pile of rubbish. The resulting crescendo is enough to attract Sootscale's attention, but you manage to keep it quiet enough for Bordona to not pay you more than a fleeting glance. Sootscales approaches you, hissing-
Where did you come from? What are you doing here?!
Kip is quite ashamed, and more than a little repulsed, about falling into the trash and making a commotion. He quickly springs to his feet, relieved that Bordona hasn't seemed to have noticed the ruckus.
Whispering his response to Sootscales, From the tavern same as you. Nice disguise by the way. Kip smiles to show the good nature of his attempt at levity. And I'm sure that I am doing the very same as you... attempting to help protect the people of Kardas from a grave threat. Shall we work together? It should make it easier for us to follow her if we work in conjunction...
Sootscales starts to argue, but then sees that the Varisian is gaining ground on you and nods reluctantly. Following along, you see that the woman comes to a large barn, with two large doors on either side. She enters through one of the sets of doors, closing the door behind her.
Casimir will retire to spend some time with his wife.
Casimir will retire to spend some time with his wife.
Kip crouches down behind some cover, while keeping an eye on the barn. What do you suppose we should do now? I suspect we should watch the barn to see if any others arrive, or leave, and then perhaps one of us should either get a closer look, or return to fetch the Guardians.
Perhaps one of us should skirt the perimeter and see if there are any other exits from the barn?
The only other exit from the barn are the doors on the other side, which Sootscales elects to watch. Although the barn is absolutely, deathly quiet, several more women arrive in the course of half an hour or so;many fitting the 'profile' of the Cult of Gyronna. You wait for another half hour but there is no movement either inside or outside the barn... Sootscales rendezvous' with you.
Perrhaps the barn doors are some kind of porrtal? We should examine them carefully...
Breaking and entering isn't something I excel at, but I agree that we should take a closer look.
Kip motions for Sootscales to follow him and approaches the door of the barn...
...before attempting to listen at the door.
If it is possible to find a way to peek inside the barn (ie. cracks between planks, knotholes, windows etc.) without giving himself away he will do so.
The barn is of sturdy wooden construction, and built fairly recently. You don't find any spy holes, and you hear nothing inside the barn.
The lack of any noise emanating from the barn makes Kip highly suspicious. Kip checks the door to see if it is locked in any way and or possibly trapped.
Kip then looks at Sootscales and motions for him to examine the barn door as well , presuming as Royal Assassin he must have some skill in this type of thing...
...and as he examines the door, Kip speaks a word of power and makes a deliberate gesture that conjures a spell to his mind that will reveal magical auras to him. He concentrates on the door first and them sweeps the rest of the barn as much as is possible.
You and Sootscales are both fairly sure there are no traps on the door. However, detect magic reveals two auras- one emanating from each barn door.
Kip motions for Sootscales to not open the door. He then concentrates on each aura in turn, trying to identify the type of magic involved.
Kip determines that abjuration magic is involved. The doors are likely alarmed by magic. What do you think? Should we gain entry another way and see what is inside?
Seeing Sootscales reaching for his tools, intent on cutting his way through the wall, Kip again waves him off. Too noisy... I have a plan.
Kip retrieves his rope from his pack and secures one end to something sturdy. He then coils the other end adjacent to a section of the wall. He looks at Sootscales and motions for him to grab onto the rope. Seeing the puzzlement in his eyes, Kip whispers, I am going to create a pit under the wall. We will climb down and wait for the spell to end. When it does, the pit will close, lifting us up. Make sure you are on the correct side of the wall when it lifts us up. I will also cast a spell that will make us very difficult to see just before the pit closes.
Satisfied with his instructions, Kip grabs hold of the rope and casts his spell under a section of the wall, making sure to pick a spot between supports, as to not collapse the wall.
As soon as the pit opens Kip slides down the rope to the bottom with Sootscales following. Once at the bottom, Kip casts Vanish on both Sootscales (1st) and then himself. When the pit closes, both are lifted into the interior of the barn with the length of rope now securely pinned under the wall. Dropping the rope, Kip peers into the barn's interior...
Your plan goes off without a hitch, and you find yourself stood in a pretty normal barn, bales of hay stacked in various locations in the room. Suspicious, Sootscales begins to look around more carefully.
By the time he has finished, the Vanish spell has ended, but Sootscales has navigated a narrow corridor between bales of hay and found a hatch leading down...
Malthir feels the need to soon investigate the women himself.... :)