"Clearly we need to study these further." Melodie continues, "If this was Taldaris' house then where is he? Since this is Axis - home of law and order perhaps we can request a search party or something similar? There must be local law enforcement that we can ask for help."
As if in reply to Melodie's question, you hear a knock on the front door downstairs. "This is Lieutenant Fanalyx of the Sayashto Police Department. We've detected the occult signature of a powerful ritual in this vicinity, and the neighbors have complained about strange weather phenomena and the sound of breaking glass. Open up, or I will enter your residence on my own terms."
Looking out the windows, you can see a flawless, perfect elven womam. When she moves, parts of her body dissolve into golden, crystalline dust, swirling without wind, condensing into winding, artistic coils of symbols and equations before reforming into flesh a moment later.
Fanned out around the house are two creatures resembling mechanical centaurs. Golden, clockwork wings sprout from their backs, and their arms end in barbed chains.
"Just a moment please!" Melodie calls through the window. She shoots a look at the rest of the group, slides the tome into her bag and then walks slowly downstairs.
"Greetings Lieutenant Fanalyx. My name is Melodie d'Valois. My companions and I enacted a ritual on the material plane in order to contact the spirit of Taldaris, first Emperor of Taldor, in order to resolve a succession crisis. The ritual apparently misfired and we were dropped here and then attacked by golems, wraiths and a strange creature made of worms. Thankfully we defeated them all but no doubt caused the commotion you had reported. You are welcome to examine the scene, it will confirm the truthfulness of my account."
"I see," Fanalyx says, clearly skeptical. "This is the home of Taldaris, but it seems he is not here at this time. Whatever the circumstances of your arrival might have been, you are still trespassing on private property. I'm going to have to take written statements from all of you." The lieutenant looks at Ohalia with narrowed eyes. "Especially you, valkyrie."
Ohalia scoffs. "Of course, because clearly you're intimidated by such a doughty warrior as myself," she says haughtily. "I am not a citizen of your plane, axiomite. You have no authority over me."
"That remains to be seen," Fanalyx counters.
"Calm down Ohalia." Melodie responds with a glare, before turning back to the Lieutenant. "We will be delighted to assist Lieutenant. If we may have a moment to gather our gear we will be at your disposal."
"Well now that thing is dead..." She says. "What next?"
Zhi reappears holding up one finger as if to forestall the question for just a moment, she then vanishes down the stairs and the sound of vomiting can be heard from the downstairs lavatory.
She returns a moment later, looking slightly pale but in better spirits. "You mean after that?" she asks with a slight smile, wiping her mouth.
~~~~
Old habits are hard to kick and Zhi's first response to Fanalyx is instinctive; Silence in the face of law enforcement.
We weren't doing anything wrong.
She takes a relaxing breath to try to brush away old fears. "Anything to help, Lieutenant Fanalyx. We had no intention of causing any kind of disturbance," she says, her hand moving protectively over her belly.
Ohalia bristles at Melodie. "You have no authority over me, either. You don't get to tell me to calm down." Her fingers tighten on the haft of her spear as she glares at the mesmerist.
Fanalyx quirks an eyebrow. "You keep...interesting company," she comments. She accedes to your request to gather your gear.
After taking each of your statements, the axiomite conducts a brief investigation of the house. "Hmm. There's been a lot of combat here. Much of the evidence has been muddled. There's not enough to suggest that you are here or caused damage with malicious intent. I'm willing to let you go with a warning this time--I would advise you formally register your arrival with immigration authorities as soon as possible.
"Something is clearly amiss here. I'll finish my inspection and file my report, but I'm not optimistic about this potential case becoming the precinct's top priority. I'd recommend you rent lodging nearby and spend the day in the Sayashto district of the Eternal City. After that, meet with me at the police station. Perhaps together we can get to the bottom of what's really going on here."
Zhi grins at her wife and then turns back to the official. "Thank you, Lieutenant. Is there anywhere you'd recommend to stay?"
"There are scores of inns to choose from. The Three Keys Inn is a fine establishment, and it has a nice view of Honorgrave Memorial Park. You might find it to your liking."
"Lieutenant." Melodie adds. "During the ritual, as we came here, we saw... strange visions." She describes them as best she can. "Do you know what any of those things are or might be? And how do we get to immigration?"
"I'm not certain what any of those might represent without performing some research," Fanalyx says. She shakes her head, which briefly dissolves into glowing symbols before coalescing once more. "With luck I'll have some leads to offer when we meet tomorrow. As for immigration, the closest station is in the center of the district, by Post Central #7. It's across the street from the six-story structure. It's hard to miss."
"We probably don't want to have a run-in with authorities here. This is a place of formal law, and we're upending the status quo. It will quickly become an unending parade of bureaucracy and investigation."
Zileska simply stays out of the way and lets Melodie give it her best shot. The priestess is clearly not happy about being in Axiom and even less about the fact that there's no sign of Taldaris.
Maria takes her time to observe Fanalyx's methods and... is not overly impressed.
"I once wondered what law enforcement would be like here, or even if it was needed," she whispered to Safina, "And I see some of my concerns are well-founded. Such a strong adherence to procedure... I've seen several criminals twist the bureaucratic side of law enforcement into a shield against it and found dozens more in my father's old cases. I suspect I'm only going to see more evidence of such inflexibility the more time we spend here."
Sara gapes at the floaty elf, but during questioning, keeps her mouth shut tight. The closest she'd ever gotten to a good experience with a policeman was accidentally killing one with a femur. Besides, she had that gross Abadaran brooch. Not a person she'd get along with.
At Ohalia's outburst, Sara fans herself discreetly, her blood rushing through her body. What a strong woman. Unkept. Untamed.
"Would you mind sharing a room with me, Ohalia? If we're stuck here together, we ought to stick close." Her words trail off and she circles the valkyrie, placing her hand on the back of her right arm.
Melodie and Zhi share a knowing look.
Safina nods to Maria. "It does seem rather...extreme. But we would probably do well to try to work with the authorities rather than against them. Let's not make things harder than they need to be." She glance significantly towards Ohalia.
Ohalia grins at Sara. "It would be my pleasure," she purrs, slipping her arm around Sara's waist. A few sparks of literal electricity pop from the valkyrie's fingertips, sending pleasant tingles through her body.
Once Lieutenant Fanalyx dismisses you, you find yourselves in the suburbs of a vast city district. This is Sayashto, the 32nd district of the Zdareen, the 131st department. Three broad canals cut through level plains and convene at a broad artificial island known as the Grand Rotunda, which serves as a versatile fairground, marketplace, casual theater, and more. Those traversing these waterways are treated to a dazzling view of the area’s clean streets, bustling markets, high-peaked roofs with sweeping eaves, plaster plazas covered in drying seeds, and countless rows of ivy-green fields brimming with the ripening yashtoma squash that is the district’s namesake. This gourd’s seeds are the basis for a hot beverage enjoyed throughout the district.
Extraplanar visitors may find Sayashto simultaneously familiar and contrary to the stereotypes of Axis, which hold that the Eternal City is a perfectly sculpted urban landscape. By comparison, Sayashto’s design seems disorderly, with entire neighborhoods composed of irregularly shaped buildings connected by asymmetrical alleys. Citizens are quick to point out that many districts have undergone thousands of years of intermittent renovations that redirect streets and reshape the urban landscape, particularly as new construction atop old foundations gradually raises the streets higher and higher. What’s more, many of Zdareen’s districts (and many more beyond) would rather celebrate civilization as an evolving enterprise than as some sterile, static representation of the ideal city. Indeed, Sayashto is a living, functioning, and vibrant municipality that experiments with and constantly improves on metropolitan ideals.
Much of Sayashto’s land is devoted to growing and preparing yashtoma. Enormous, orderly fields dedicated to growing the crop or to drying its seeds cover much of the district. Further, Sayashto’s vast neighborhoods of row houses occupy a large portion of its land. These two-story residences house much of the district’s population, with each building standing only a few feet from its neighbor. Although the houses have many structural similarities, residents personalize their abodes with bright colors and patterns. Wealthier citizens—or those desiring a bit more space than row houses provide—live in tidy but sprawling suburbs.
The vast majority of Sayashto's residents are petitioners, the souls of those who lived lawful and orderly lives. Known as the remade, they appear as humanoid with flawless, unblemished bodies covered in lines of metallic script. Many humans, axiomites, and inevitables can be seen on the streets as well, along with a smattering of other creatures from across the planes.
Registering at the immigration office is a swift and orderly affair. From there, you make your way to the Three Keys to secure lodgings. As promised, the inn offers a nice view of Honorgrave Memorial Park. This park—as marked by a 50-foot-tall bronze-and-marble statue of axiomites and demodands locked in combat, known as Daniava’s Folly—commemorates the wars between the gods and titans, when Axis stood ready to repel the divine giants and end their coup. For all its somber message, the park attracts those looking to picnic, busk, or exercise.
You have the entire day available to explore the district, shop, or do whatever you'd like to. Tomorrow you will meet with Lieutenant Fanalyx at the police station.
As you reflect on your recent experiences, you feel more confident and ready to face the challenges to come!
Not feeling in a great rush and having never been 'elsewhere' before, once the group is healed up, Zhi seems intent on simply spending the rest of the day with her wife. She seeks out a small market and collects the makings of a small picnic and cajoles Melodie into joining her for lunch in the park.
"Wouldn't it be nice to just be able to spend our days like this?" she asks as she lies on her back on a blanket spread on the ground looking up at the clear sky. "No worries. Just you, me," she places her hand on her slightly rounded belly. "And Harmony."
"No succession. No worms that pretend to be people. No political maneuvering. No magical statues attempting to pound us into mush." She reaches over and, pulling Mel's hand to her face, kisses her palm. "Just this."
Melodie seems intent on the book she found in Taldaris' library until Zhi returns with the picnic, at which point she puts the book down with a deep breath and focuses her attention on her wife instead.
"Who'd have thought we'd ever be taking holidays on another plane?" She responds, snuggling up to her smaller wife, one hand sliding onto her belly. "It's lovely, just the three of us. We probably shouldn't stay too long though, imagine what would happen if Harmony was born here! She'd be so... boring!"
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Zileska applies her best wingtip makeup and hikes up her skirt and for her free day says, "I'm going to find out if this burg has an actual red light district, or if they've legislated the sex trade out of existence."
And with her coiled whip she's off, doubtless to cause trouble.
"It's lovely, just the three of us. We probably shouldn't stay too long though, imagine what would happen if Harmony was born here! She'd be so... boring!"
Zhi laughs just a little. "First off, I can't imagine your daughter being boring no matter where she was born. Secondly ..." she leans in close and kisses Mel softly. "I think we have a lot of time." She kisses her again, but this time it lingers.
"My daughter?" Melodie replies with a smile, "What about yours? One of us was a respectable citizen before this all started." She returns the kiss gently and at length, uncaring of where they are. As long as Zhi is there then its Heaven as far as she's concerned.
Zileska does find a red light district, but of course, it is highly legislated and orderly. "Companions" must first undergo a magical examination to ensure they are disease free before obtaining a license to ply their trade in one of a number of designated brothels. Failure to obtain a license can result in a fine or light jail time for repeated offenses.
"Respectability is overrated," Zhi says in a husky voice as the kisses begin to take their toll. She reaches down and places Mel's hand on her tunic right over her left breast. Melodie can feel the the small piece of jewelry that resides there. The rogue's eyes roll back slightly. "We'd better go back to our room before we get arrested," she manages to whisper out.
As promised, Lieutenant Fanalyx is ready to meet with you the following day. As you enter her office in the police station, the axiomite coalesces from a floating cloud of mathematical symbols into her humanoid form and sits at her desk.
"There's no sign of Taldaris," she states with finality as she slides a folder across her desk. "Preliminary divinations turned up several different results that were ultimately inconclusive, including the most consistent result that he doesn't exist at all—at least not any more. That's more common for petitioners than it is for ascended inevitables, but it happens under four main circumstances." She begins ticking fingers. "First, death scatters the outsider's essence back into Axis and destroys the creature's identity. The same is true for dissolution, the second option, which is when an outsider permanently retires. The latter's pretty common here; Sayashto's famous for its ritual funerary professionals. Third, the alleged victim might be in a shielded area that thwarts divinations. Fourth, he could have gone rogue and shielded his identity. Rogue inevitables are very rare, but they happen. If that's the case, expect your friend to be destroyed, not refurbished.
"That means there are a few possibilities. Either Taldaris doesn't want to be found, he was sequestered somewhere heavily shielded, he died on his own, or this has become a murder case." The axiomite leans back for a moment before continuing. "That's a lot of uncertainties, which means my superiors assigned this a fairly low priority. Worse, our precinct's understaffed right now thanks to Maelstromer sabotage in Districts Eighty-Five, One-Forty-One, and Six-Sixty-One. If you want to go through the system, expect to wait for results.
"Thing is that I think there's more to this case; the pieces just don't add up. I just don't have the capacity to investigate it full-time. There's not enough evidence to warrant more resources, and we lack the personal effects to run a proper divination regimen." She pulls out a short stack of paperwork and sets it on the desk. "Fortunately, most districts allow recourse like this. Anyone who feels inadequately served by law enforcement can petition for a legal pursuit visa—basically a writ allowing someone in good standing to investigate a grievance independently. It's pretty rare, but I think you're onto something important. All I ask in return is that you behave respectfully in the district and carefully document your findings to provide a more reliable record."
Fanalyx hands you the visa. This document identifies you as concerned entities investigating a grievance for later arbitration by a district representative. It does not provide you any special immunity in performing criminal acts, nor does it serve as a universal warrant allowing you to enter any building. That said, the law-abiding people of Sayashto largely respect this document and should cooperate with you if asked politely and provided a reason.
"Now, as for the vision you had before arriving here in Axis. I think I can provide you with a few leads based on the imagery you described. Beginning with the constellation--I recommend you track down a local astronomer. There's a sholar named Nabil who lives somewhere in Sayashto. He might be able to provide insight into its meaning.
"I didn't find any ring on Taldaris's premises, but my interviews with neighbors found that Taldaris bequeathed the ring to Lord Squire Saip, an influential leader of the district's resident monkeys. A token with such personal significance could help divinations pinpoint Taldaris.
"The undead are very rare in Axis and practically unheard of in Sayashto, so I believe you might instead ask around about non-undead entities who resemble skeletons.
"Unfortunately, the description of the script-covered man matches most petitioners on Axis, and these represent over half the district's population. It might prove difficult to track that individual down.
"Sayashto has one of the few cemeteries in this quadrant. It shouldn't be too hard to find the gravestone you saw.
"As for the letter, my interviews with the neighbors provided few results. You could inquire about Taldaris at the post office. The mail carriers should have record of whehter he received any mail bearing the watchful eye wax seal."
Fanalyx mentally goes over the list one more time, then nods. "I think that's about it. Any questions?"
Zhi processes the multiple pieces of information before shaking her head.
"I don't have any questions now, but I might later," she says finally. "Are you open to keeping communication open as we investigate this? Or are we entirely on our own?"
"If we could return to compare notes with you then that would be very helpful." Melodie agrees.
She waits for the others to say whatever they wish and then, as the group retreats, speaks up again. "I suggest we go to the Post Office first. It strikes me as the most useful lead - if we can get those records we shouldn't need divinations or anything like that?" She looks around for agreement. "What do we think? Maria, this is your area. Post Office a good place to start?"
"It's as good a start as any, it should be the quickest to resolve if nothing else."
"Also, we may have more to go on with the marked figure - there were two sets of writing on their body; one that people have normally here and another set that was added afterwards. I can't imagine many people here have that second set."
Fanalyx nods. "Of course, I encourage you to return as often as you'd like to consult with me. I'll offer whatever insights I can to assist your investigation."
As you prepare to depart, the lieutenant raises one more possibility. "The timing here is too convenient. The only local group that could overturn my superiors and assign this case more resources is the district council, and one of the members just retired suddenly—too suddenly. Former Councilor Eopal's been holed up ever since. I recommend you drop by and have a chat. Convey my positive regards, and encourage him to run for another office." She provides you with his address.
Ohalia has been visibly uncomfortable for the entire day, and before you leave the police station, she growls, "I hate this place. It's far too tidy and orderly. Everybody stares at me like they expect me to start a brawl at the drop of a hat. While that does sound like fun, I don't think this investigation is right for me. Perhaps I'll pursue clues elsewhere."
Fanalyx sighs and rubs her temples. "I kind of hate myself for even saying this, but... As I said, we are rather short-staffed here at the station. If you want to sit things out, I could use an assistant to pore over any more information I receive about Taldaris. It would enable your friends to more effectively investigate multiple leads at once."
Ohalia scoffs. "Me? Work with you? That'll be the day!" Still, she looks to you for your opinions.
"Would it be that terrible?" Melodie asks, "You'll get to be active that way and working with the authorities wouldn't be bad." 'Rather than against them' is heavily implied, but left unsaid.
"Could we visit the councillor on the way to the post office Lieutenant? Deal with two things at once?"
Ohalia grunts. "I'm not wearing a bloody uniform."
Fanalyx hides a sly smile as she answers Melodies' question. "Yes, Eopal's home is on the way to the post office."
"I think we have a plan then." Melodie concludes. "Ladies, shall we?"
Zhi tips her head in Fanalyx's direction and then follows her wife out the door.
"Or you could stick by me," says Sara, wrapping herself around Ohalia's arm. "I'll make sure we stay out of trouble in these all-too sterile environs."
Ohalia pulls Sara close to her again. "I like your offer much more than hers. Sorry, Lieutenant. You're on your own."
Fanalyx shrugs. "It is to be expected. I'd say do as you like, but you obviously don't need my permission."
"Obviously," Ohalia says, rolling her eyes.
You depart the police station and make your way along the pastoral streets of Sayashto, soon coming upon the home of former councilor Eopal. He answers your knock on his door, a petitioner with pearlescent skin covered with lines of script. "Yes? How may I help you?"
"Councillor Eopal?" Melodie asks politely. "Good morning. We're here to ask after your health. After you resigned from the District Council a number of people were worried about you and asked us to look in on you. We were also hoping to secure your assistance with a personal matter. We're trying to track down a letter, sealed with an eye. Would you mind helping us?"
She holds up their warrant in support.
"An eye? Oh dear... I think you'd better come inside."
He invites you into his comfortably appointed living room, insisting on pouring tea for each of you. He makes small talk for a few minutes, though obviously something is weighing on him. Eventually, he grows quiet for a few moments before sighing.
"I did not resign from the council because of failing health. I resigned because of this." He produces a letter bearing a broken yellow wax seal stamped with an eye and holds it in his lap. "I began receiving immoral offers of money in exchange for my voting a certain way. I refused, of course, but soon after, the requests beacme demands, which became threats. The day before I resigned, I received this letter, threatening the lives of many of my friends unless I either quietly complied or resigned without comment. I chose the latter option.
"Only one candidate has stepped up to take my seat, a medusa named Tsemani, and I'm worried for Sayashto. Someone saw her receive a letter sealed with the same yellow eye. There are some district policies that require a majority vote and others that require a unanimous council vote, so I can't be sure whether any other councilors are under these coercive operatives' sway or if the group just needs a single dissenting vote ready for nefarious purposes. Tsemani has always seemed like a good person, but I fear the district is at risk if she wins the interim election."
He looks up at you. "Perhaps... One of you could run for the office. The Councilor of Gates is restricted to any inhabitant who has lived on Axis for fewer than 20 years. You likely don't have the allies or resources here that Tsemani does, but I can serve as an adviser and help you fill out the requisite paperwork. If you're willing to rise to the occasion, we can prevent disaster from befalling this district."
"Could we have a closer look at the letter?" Melodie asks, glancing at her wife and Maria as the women most capable in such things. When Eopal makes his suggestion Melodie starts as childhood dreams of becoming a senator and running the Empire flood into her mind.
"That's... very kind of you Councillor, but I don't think we were planning on residing in Axis permanently. Would that not be a bar? If it wasn't I'm sure one of us would consider it..." She finishes, looking between her friends.
"If you win the election, it would only be a temporary appointment," Eopal explains. "You could use your position on the council to secure additional resources for your investigation and help you root out the conspiracy that threatens Sayashto. Once it has been quelled, you can tender your resignation and I will run for the office again. I am fairly certain the people will elect me back to serve the remainder of my former term."
The petitioner hands Melodie the letter upon request.
Who promptly offers it to Maria, or Zhi, whichever shows more interest.
Examining the envelope, Zhi notices subtle runes indicating the presence of a magical trap. Fortunately, it is a simple matter for her to disable it. The contents of the letter are pretty much as Eopal indicated, threatening harm to numerous individuals if he fails to comply or resign.
After Zhi finishes reading it, Sara snatches the letter and begins pouring over it, looking for any details that might have escaped the petitioner.
Unfortunately, Sara isn't able to determine much more about the letter. It is written in a tidy, feminine script.
"Thank you very much for your help Councillor." Melodie says after the letter has been thoroughly examined. "May we keep the letter? We will discuss your proposal amongst ourselves and return to discuss the matter further with you."
After they leave Melodie sets out at a quick pace. "If he got a letter too its all the more important that we get to the Post Office quickly!" She says. As they walk she looks from one person to the next. "What do you all think? Should we contest the election? It seems like a great opportunity! Sara? Feel like making a difference in the most lawful society in the cosmos?"
He looks up at you. "Perhaps... One of you could run for the office. The Councilor of Gates is restricted to any inhabitant who has lived on Axis for fewer than 20 years. You likely don't have the allies or resources here that Tsemani does, but I can serve as an adviser and help you fill out the requisite paperwork. If you're willing to rise to the occasion, we can prevent disaster from befalling this district."
Zhi doesn't even have to look at her wife, to see the twinkle of excitement that she knows is there at the possibility of a political position. She smiles before turning to Melodie. Her anticipation is rewarded when Mel's voice speaks in her head.
"What do you all think? Should we contest the election? It seems like a great opportunity! Sara? Feel like making a difference in the most lawful society in the cosmos?"
"If I know you," Zhi says with smile. "It won't be a contest at all."
Sara mistakes Melodie's request for her input for an endorsement and nomination to run. The anarchist scoffs initially, but warms up to the idea immediately. She mulls it over, tilting her head this way and that, and breaks into a grin.
"Me? Well, er, sure! There's lots I could do here, certainly. And it's good practice, anyhow." She tastefully doesn't add that the type of practice she wants is learning how to exploit a system from the inside.
"Um... I think Mal was talking about running for the office herself," Zhi says, shifting uncomfortably. "That doesn't mean you can't do it. It would just split up our resources."
The rogue steps closer to her wife, looking between the two women.
"I think either one of us could do it." Melodie says, trying to be diplomatic when her comment goes down completely the wrong way. "If you want to run then you and Ohalia might have to be a little more... circumspect though. It might not be the best message for the voters in a place like this."
Sara blushes but steels her resolve. "I'm not afraid of scandal, Melodie. And I'm not hiding my partners from the world, even if you think the relationship, or whatever-it-is," she blushes again, harder, and glances at Ohalia's lips, "would hurt my chances. I would neither force her to go nor to stay, but allow it to be a discussion. If she wants to not be seen with me, I won't complain. If she wants to continue as is, uninvolved with politics and not hiding us, I would be delighted. If she wants to be involved, it would only help my chances. Show the voters that I'm not afraid of what's different, and that maybe they could use a little chaos or disruption, even here in their perfect society. Everything in moderation, as they say, especially moderation."
As the group leaves the ex-councilman's residence, Sara finds Zhi walking next to her instead of Melodie.
She looks over at Mel again before continuing.
"Could you not enter the election as a favor for me?" The rogue cringes just a little. "I honestly don't know who would win between the two of you, but I'd rather we didn't have to find out. Because one of two things would happen. Either you would win and then she would be constantly second guessing herself wondering if she held back because you were her opponent. Or she'll win and then feel guilty about you losing. I don't want her to have to feel bad about either case. She was made for this, Sara."
Her eyes drop down to the ground as she continues.
"I have a feeling this thing will get ugly between the candidates and I don't want that kind of thing to come between any of us." She looks back up to Sara and reaches out to touch the woman's arm. "Please? As a favor to a ... a friend?"