Sheila pursed her lips and scowled for a moment before answering. "I am inclined to keep it safe, here in the lodge until you return. There is no need to throw it into danger, assuming there is any at the Crow, and the thought of mis-chance causing it to be lost in the bay...well. Let me think on it a bit more."
She cocked her head slightly and said "Ah! I think I hear footsteps. It seems your new companions are eager to join us. Let us hold off on any more discussion until they arrive."
Talius Baryn ducks the doorway and enters the room - unaware of those already present - while pointing his index finger at said doorway and squints.
"I am aware!"
His eyes wander the room and suddenly grab hold of a tall, black haired woman. With new energy he approaches her flamboyantly with arms flailing.
"Hello, hello! You must be Ms. Heidmarch! Yes, certainly! You have changed your appearance since the last time I saw you no doubt - but who am I to judge a book by it's cover! Hah! And these must be my new companions!"
He takes a long deep bow and continues.
"They say some people can tell you the character of a man from the way he introduces himself, and in light of such knowledge: allow me to do so with proper manner; Hedgemage Talius Austere Baryn at your service. You simply must pardon my manners prior to said disclosure, I was simply admiring that infernal thing you have hanging there, fine day for such activities if you do not mind me saying - fine day indeed, yes yes yes. Now then, with duties of introduction said and done - allow me to enlighten your mind as to why the man that stands before you does intently do so at this point in time (these people seem to keep up just fine, duly noted Talius - duly noted indeed), when previously stated delightful activities would be just as worthy pastime as current and future endeavors alike. Words have reached mine ears well of young adventurers (like myself no doubt) in dire need of assistance. Of course, of course - I must mind my ways and tongue and deed, as your needs and mine entwine and align - come then, yes yes come - let us stride onward as friendly travelers and cohorts or allies or all; towards ends suited and met in due fashion and to be duly done."
He takes another deep bow before he wanders off to explore the room.
Another human male has entered the room behind the babbling Varisian. He is far taller and broader of shoulder. He wears a black silken robe over what looks to be a Breastplate of good make.
From the looks of him you might mistake him for a barbarian of the Shoanti tribes but he bears none of the typical tattoos and his garb seems a bit outlandish. He wears a short cropped beard and his head is shaved bald, the white in his beard makes the man look much older than he probably is and his clear blue eyes can not hide a certain hunger.
He looks to the Hedgemage, disdain clear in his eyes as the man rambles without end and takes his time to study everyone in the room. Then after a time his eyes are fixed on the hostess and then when the Mage's monologue has ended. He steps forward bows deeply to Sheila Heidmarch and speaks in a deep and steady voice while maintaining the bow.
Before you stands the honorable Turan who wlaks the Steppe. Agent of the Pathfinder Society at your service Lady Heidmarch!
Eowithe greets the newcomers warmly "Well met Talius, Turan!" she says with a slight bow "I am Eowithe Mournegrym, Inquisitor of Desna.
We seek an artifact of Thassilon, broken into bits. Alanthian and I have found the first part, hopefully you're willing to help us find the others."
Alanthian looks at the newcomers and smiles as he steps forward offering his hand. "I am Alanthian Darlok. Eowithe speaks true, we have found an item of importance but it has been a hard fight to gain it, losing many companions in the process. Hopefully with your help we may press on and recover the remaining pieces."
While roaming his hands and fingertips across inconsequential items around the room, Talius' interest is suddenly peaked and he jumps to from hearing the words "Artifact of Thassilon" - humbly, though it seems like he is in grave pain in doing so, he awaits Eowithe's sentence to end before he turns around to face her. He pauses as Alanthian ends his sentence as well, before he bursts into response.
"Artifact of Thassilon? Bah! Tomfoolery! There is no such thing. Tales all and naught but."
The Vasirian man dressed in red and black robes brushes past both the broad Shoanti-like tribesman and the elven man's outstretched hand. He approaches Eowithe with swift steps across the floor - halting closer to her face than what is custom and common courtesy.
"That is why I am here, most certainly - yes of course. Why would you indicate otherwise? Or perhaps you did not? Such questions are too far from hand though closer than needed. Hrmm. You have found a part of this artifact? May I see it? Touch it? No. Perhaps not, perhaps that would not be required, though clearly any indication to purposes found and revealed would perforate substances of doubt and mystery - no! Tell me, indulge and sate my interest (perhaps I am unaware or already in possession of said knowledge); where and why does your quest and mine, now ours; take us from and to in the approaching future?"
His eyes wander the faces of those present, tilting his head slightly in doing so, while squinting as if it aids him to understand an awaited response.
The last person to walk in looks like he's seen better days. He has the hunched shoulders and sallow skin of someone under a great deal of stress. More than anything he looks tired.
He shuffles in and looks around, then does a bit of a double-take and looks at everyone more closely. As he carefully scans the room his already pale face drains of blood. He takes an uneasy breath and steadies himself, watching the argument unfold.
"I guess I'm in the right place after all." he mutters to himself.
Eowithe notices the last to arrive and calls out "Welcome, Alanthanian and I were just bringing these two up to date on our escapade until now. Pleas join us !"
Alanthian turns to Sheila and frowns, speaking to the pathfinder as if Talius was not in the room. "Is this man Talius sane? I know we require a mage to assist us but one that has no control of his faculties is a danger unto itself."
"Everyone has different ways of dealing with the stress in their lives, but I can assure you that Talius went through similar training to your own, and has been a successful pathfinder in his own right."
The newcomer swallows anxiously and nods, coming forward to join the others.
"Name's Judah." he said with a small smile.
Alanthian closes his eyes then shakes his head and lets out a deep breath. "Ok."
The elf holds his hand out to the newest newcomer and nods his head. "Alanthian Darlok. Pleasure to meet you."
A slight smile slips across Turan's lips as the Elf comments on the mages sanity. He then turns to the anemic looking man that has joined them and offers a court bow.
This one goes by the name Turan that walks the Steppe!
Talius, obviously affected by Alanthian's words, leans over to him and whispers; though not soft enough for only him to hear the words;
"The distance between insanity and genius is measured only by success."
After a short pause he quirks and claps his hands together ever so loudly, like someone striking a cymbal long after a song has ended - and turns to face Judah.
Greetings and salutations! I am, of certainty or perhaps obvious knowledge, Talius Austere Baryn - Hedgemage extraordinaire!
He fumbles his hands a bit, trying to perform a greeting he has obviously picked up somewhere, though he has clearly neither practiced nor mastered it.
"Well then, it would seem as introductions and greetings are said and done, in due order and thoroughly addressed. Astonishing work, yes quite astonishing indeed - salutes and bows of deep posture are mayhap of little reward to contemplate gratitude for deeds and accomplishments explored and completed - but even so, let us not tarry for too long nor dwell on these events of past adventures."
The young Varisian man twists and rotates his hand in a courteous gesture towards Eowithe, and resumes.
Pardons and apologies for myself and those partially inclined to duels of mind and tongue, though ever so delightful and refreshing they are - why yes, that reminds me of previous thoughts already thought too many times before. Hrrm.. Where was I? Oh! Yes, please do continue (as my mind is about to overflow of curiosity): you where about to bedazzle our minds with information concerning the task at hand, where you not?"
He looks to Eowithe, then Alanathian, then Sheila - anxiously awaiting an answer.
"Alanthian Darlok. Pleasure to meet you."
"This one goes by the name Turan that walks the Steppe!"
The man called Judah was quietly speaking along with those around him. His mouth making the same words, as though he knew what they were going to say.
"you where about to bedazzle our minds with information concerning the-"
"Sorry." he said as he suddenly realized what he was doing. "Um, that uh... sorry."
Turan raises an eyebrow at Judah as he steals word from his mouth, not finding it the least bit amusing.
Eowithe casts a concerned glance at Judah, then smiles and says "I'll repeat for the late-comer. Sheila here had taken myself, Alanthian and 3 others on to assist in finding one Natalya, an often-times agent for the Pathfinders. It became known to Sheila that Natalya may have found a Thassionian artifact, but she had gone to ground. Our task was to find her. We did, but along the way we lost 2 of our comrades and a third bowed out of further participation. Along with Natalya was the artifact now in Sheila's hand. Our task is to find the next piece...apparently in the Crows"
Judah nodded. "Its there."
"I assume, since the three of you answered my call, that you will volunteer to go with these two? To stand as one with them on their quest for knowledge and understanding? To bring forth the hidden, the buried, the artifact?" Sheila went through the Pledge quickly, as if she had done so a thousand times before.
"That done, do you wish to leave now, or stay to hear what Miss Vancaskerin has to say?"
Talius looks to Judah and Turan both, before meeting Sheila's eyes with his own.
"I can not speak for my companions, as such acts and skills are surely not a part of my repertoire - though I did have an uncle that.."
He quickly shakes his head as to gather his thoughts before he resumes;
"The terms and stakes are acceptable, we have an accord."
He bows deeply yet again, resumes his previous posture and searches his robe for something - the look dawning on his face contains a stressed expression.
"I seem to have misplaced my pouch of spell components; seemingly needed for the task at hand - perhaps, if you would pardon both my manners and mind, my dear new companions could enlighten me as to what Miss Vancaskerin had to say when I return - that is if they wish to hear what she has to say of course - while I make my way to the nearest shop?"
Turan nods to Sheila then extends to another deep bow
"I do my lady!"
"I would hear what our erstwhile criminal has to say as well."
"Very well." Sheila took one of the remaining vials and poured it into the the informer's half-open mouth. The divine magics pulled Natalya from unconsciousness.
The Tower Girl woke with a sudden jolt, and immediately began patting her pockets and clothes, obviously looking for the shard. When she couldn't find it, she slumped with a mixture of relief and chagrin on her face. That expression morphed to morose despondence as she glanced around at the room and those assembled.
"I take it you've got the artifact, then? Best be careful. I think it has some kind of evil influence. Made me want to conquer the world, but all I got was a few goblins and monkeyboys who owed me money."
Sheila said, not unkindly, "Well, it seems you found the big score you were after. I wish you had brought it here. We could have prevented...well, it's done now. My main question is where in Magnimar did you find it?"
Natalya started to answer with a rude sound, but instead looked at Shiela's eyes and gulped audibly. "The Crow. It was on a skeleton I found there in a hidden chamber. The other Tower Girls thought it was just broken junk when we moved there, but I knew it was something special. They are all there now, trying for the big haul. Ayala's got all her little rat-girls scurrying all over the damn pillar, looking for more treasures and secret passages. I wish now that I'd grabbed some of the other loot before I scarpered."
Just as he is about to leave, Talius halts at the door when Natalya begins to speak - his interest piqued by her choice of words. He combs his hair back carefully, tightens the muscles in his back and shoots his chest forward before turning around. With his handsome features much more prominent, the smirk painted on his face and his eyes glinting with intelligence suddenly make him appear less like a madman and more like a dashing young Varisian.
"I beg your pardon, my lady - but a hidden chamber in the Crow? So the remaining shards and long lost treasure are ours for the taking should we venture there?
The Hedgemage halts, places his hand on his chin and ponders for a second. He looks to the other members of his party, still keeping his smirk firmly imprinted on his face, before he resumes.
"Again I beg your pardon, I was simply enchanted by your shimmering beauty; could I perhaps ask what you know about the Crow and what one could.. expect.. from it's current residents?"
"I would hear what our erstwhile criminal has to say as well."
Judah seemed surprised, and opened his mouth to speak, but then closed it when he realized she wasn't actually talking to him.
He quietly laughed out his nervousness and listened.
"I'm sure you know that Ayala Jeveski runs the Tower Girls. What you may not know is that she's a wererat, and has turned a lot of the others as well. I don't remember the layout of the place too well. That...thing clouded my memories. I just wanted to leave and set up my own crew."
"There's probably about a dozen Girls with Ayala at any given time, with more out on jobs or securing supplies. The only way to reach The Crow is by boat, or by flight, and if you go openly during the day, you're gonna get seen by the lookouts. There's a couple of sea-level entrances, and a few more than you can climb to. Ayala's on the second floor, in the chambers next to the room where I found the shard. Here, I'll draw you a map of what I remember."
"There's 4 floors in all, but I only vaguely remember the top two. This area here, at B is where we came in first. We broke through a secret door into the main chambers. There are a number of alcoves and entrances high up the walls here that require a bit of climbing skill and gear. Over here at C is the otehr sea-level entrance, and it leads to these stairs A that go up to the second floor. Ayala's chambers are here at D. That's really all I can remember."
The smirk on Talius' face turns grim as Natalya explains what she knows about The Crow.
"I am not sure what my companions think, but at least I can speak for myself when I say that assaulting the tower head-on would be suicide. I suggest the five of us sneak in at section C - during the night and after we purchase a boat of course - then make our way to Ayala ever so quietly. This way, we might be able to sever the master's head without it's pets knowing."
Talius' eyes take a gander at the other members of his party, trying to determine if they agree to his suggestion or not.
"Should we manage to make our way inside the tower unseen, then perhaps my skill with illusions might be more beneficial to us as well. What say you?"
Nighttime entry sounds a good plan. replies the Shoanti warrior.
"Nighttime assault from the water is my vote."
"Yes, I concur. It presents the best chance of success, I believe." Eowithe says. She then turn to Judah. "What was that you said? Just after I mentioned that the other part of the artifact was supposedly in the Crows? "It's There", I believe it was....explain."
"Oh. Uh, I've, sort of, seen it. That's why I'm here. I've been getting these... visions? I can't really explain it. It's like being told a story about myself, but it's all out of order. I know what's coming, but I never know when. In my head I met all of you six months ago. I remember parts of this conversation. I remember saying what I'm saying now. Hell, this could just be that vision again, and I might wake up back in Riddleport waiting to get on the boat again."
Judah stops when he realizes he'd been rambling, talking more to himself than anyone else. He sighs in self-defeat and shrugs.
"I don't know how to get to it, but I'll know it when I see it."
"This is most intriguing - Judah was it, yes - to have been blessed, or perhaps cursed, in such a way. Mayhap you have been touched by our lord the Lantern King, as his trickster ways are quite unpredictable."
Talius spends a few moments in hushed monologue with himself.
"Well, it is settled then! We sneak into The Crow at night, but first we must make preparations!"
He shakes his purse and quite a few coins clatter within.
"Seemingly I will have to spend most of my hard-earned profits on equipment for the task at hand, but I will gladly chip in for a boat - I fear my posture and reputation will take too heavy a blow should we swim (nor do I fancy water in particular either). I would gladly aid whomever to carry it, but I fear my presence is most certainly required at the tavern - seeing as how I have not had a proper drink for quite some time."
Talius turns towards Sheila, Natalya - then the other adventurers - one hand on his chest while taking a short bow.
"My ladies, companions - please do accompany me should your glands need sating as well. Perhaps we may take our leave for The Crow tomorrow, come nightfall?"
The young Vasirian shrinks back to his previous posture and heads for the door - leaving the question hanging in the air.
Turan remains standing at the side of the room. Studying all in attendance carefully, most prominently the audacious Varision Mage and the man Judah who shares his odd fate. Sometimes he wished to work with normal people, then again the colorful folk was one of the things that had drawn him to the Pathfinder Society in the first place.
Alanthian looks around and takes a seat, watching the others as they discuss things. The elf takes his curve blade from it's sheath and places it across his lap.
I would love to accompany you, Talius , but after today's events I need a night to recover. Let us meet back here tomorrow afternoon. Sheila, could we inconvience you with the small but important matter of procuring two water-worthy rowboats for our excursion to the Crow?"
Talius gives Eowithe a nod before he leaves the room, making his way to the nearest shop where he purchases several items. He nods to the proprietor and leaves, making swift steps towards the nearest tavern.
"A glass of your finest wine, good sir!"
The young Varisian finds a suitable table in the corner of the room, not too far away from the bar should he want a glass or two more. He sits for a while, both feet firmly planted on the table while enjoying every sip just as much as the last. His spell book rests on his lap, while he ponders and prepares as he goes.
Talius spends most of the evening at the tavern, having a word or two with the tavernkeep (mostly concerning pixie dust) before withdrawing to his chambers once he is good and jolly.
Sheila said, "Of course, you should rest up. I doubt the Crow will be an insignificant challenge. There are empty rooms in the Lodge, and I'll see what I can do about rowboats or a skiff for you."
...
The next day dawned with clouds scudding through the air. The sun played hide and seek for a time, then apparently got bored and drifted behind the clouds to stay. You all gathered once more in the library to finalize your incursion plans and to head off.
Your patron, and local commander in the Pathfinder order, said "I have found a water-worthy skiff that should easily hold the five of you and your gear. In the sheltered waters of the harbor, it should serve."
After the rather odd meeting with his new employer and colleagues has concluded Turan returns to his room which he has rented in a rather ramshackle house. It is simple but has a mattress and a window and really that is all the stoic warrior needs.
In the morning after his daily exercises and a light breakfast he returns to the Pathfinder Lodge to meet up and discuss a battle plan.
Positive that he has overslept, Talius stumbles out of his bed and prepares rapidly for the coming adventure. He makes sure everything is in order, from his spell book to his trusty quarterstaff - before he makes his way to the Lodge.
Upon his arrival, he sees that only Turan has showed up before him. He allows himself a calming sigh before he tightens his back and approaches the Shoanti, though this time his arms are not flailing.
"Ah, Tur-Turan! Yes! That is your name, most certainly! It seems that we are the first to arrive, splendid - splendid in deed!"
He places his hand, as he usually does, on his chest and takes a short bow to Turan and Sheila - before he grabs a chair and makes himself comfortable.
Talius turns for a second to Sheila. "I couldn't help overhearing that you have found a vessel for us to travel in, I am most delighted to accept said offer. Wonderous!"
He claps his hands and turns once more towards the Shoanti.
"Well then, I take it you are prepared for the coming adventure? I'll have you know, I've bonked a Goblin or two with this old thing a few times." He points to his quarterstaff. "But I fear we are up against more dastardly deviants than mere Goblins, so perhaps I can count on you should the need for a stronger arm than mine.. occur?"
He shakes his head, somewhat baffled at his own words, before he continues.
"Bah, where are my manners! We seem to have some time before the others arrive - perhaps you could tell me your story? If I should perish at The Crow, I would rather do so in the company of friends."
Judah was there, waiting. He had been for some time. He was far enough away sitting on a supply box that he hadn't been noticed yet, which suited him fine.
He looked even worse than he had yesterday. He hadn't shaved and he looked exhausted. It was clear that if he'd slept that it hadn't been restful.
Eowithe made her goodbyes then retired to her chambers. There she stripped off her armour and clothes soiled by Natalya's sewery hideout.
After cleaning herself as best as she could at the basin in her room, she clothed herself in clean clothes and took her dirty equipment out to the lodge's laundry area in the kitchen. After a few hours, she was satisfied that most if not all of the stink had been removed.
Hanging the equipment above the fire in her room, Eowithe knelt by the window and spent at least an hour clearing her mind and settling her thoughts before finally easing herself into bed; the day's injuries though healed were still somewhat sore.
She rose with the dawn and spent a few quiet moments praying to Desna. Then dressing herself in the now dry equipment, went to the common room for some breakfast.
Entering just as Talius finished his soliloquy, she adds "Morning to you all. Talius' suggestion is excellent, let us break bread and share our stories. Familiarity breeds companionship.".
Alanthian had made his way to the lodge's guest room and stripped off his disgusting armor and clothes, throwing them besides the door with a note that stated simply "Burn." The sewer and his blood had made the items unserviceable in his mind. After a long bath the elf made arrangements for his new items to be brought to his room before the morning meeting then climbed into bed. His body shutting down as his mind worried over the past events until darkness finally took him.
A new and polished Alanthian walks into the breakfast hall a half smile on his face as he sees the others already in attendance. "Greetings. I hope you all rested well, tonight should be a long one as you humans say."
The Crow is located about a half mile out into the harbor from the Dockway. The ruined piling is easily accessible by water, and the small skiff that Sheila Hiedmarch loaned you is easy enough to use. It took a good 30 minutes of rowing, turning this way and that, and getting caught in the currents of the harbor to reach the Crow.
The Crow is a massive stone monument rising from the waters of Magnimar's harbor. It once was a support for the Irespan, but with that monument's collapse, the Crow is nothing more than a freestanding column - a magnificently carved freestanding column. As with the other Irespan columns, the Crow is intricately carved and embossed with ancient statuary and bas-relief featuring a specific animal motif - in this case, hundreds of crow-like gargoyles and carvings and decorations. Like all of the surviving pilings, the crow is about 200 feet wide at its midsection, widening at the upper sections where it once supported the Irespan. It towers about 220 feet above the level of the waters, and extends some 50 feet to the floor of the harbor below.
Now that you have reached it, there is only the decision of where to tie up and enter. One place is obvious, as it has a number of boats moored to it already. Apparently the Tower Girls are still about - or someone is, at least.
The boats are tied up at the entrance marked B on Natalya's sketch.
Clinging to his seat in the waterweary vessel, Talius peers off into the distance - attempting to locate the entrance marked as "C" on Natalya's sketch.
He cringes as the water rocks the boat, even gently - and allows himself a hushed sigh, before he whispers to his companions.
"If we can find that blasted "C" entrance - we should make haste towards it, though ever so quietly. I do not wish to reveal our presence here just yet.
Judah nods and moves carefully forward with the others.
From the sketch, it appears that the "C" entrance is on the northern side of the Crow. Swinging around to that side, you see a break in the basalt sides of the monolith, leading to a small landing area. Alanthian guided you in by the light of the stars, and the skiff thudded against the basalt floor.
Stealth:
Alanthian moves forward holding his sword at the ready.
Perception:
Once on solid ground again, Eowithe unslings her crossbow and crouches near the edge of the water. Holding the skiff against the shore, she steadies it as the others disembark.
Waiting for Alanthian to advance a bit she follows. Once beyond a point where light would be seen from outside, she waits for Alanthian to return.