Not!Gannaius's side moves with uncanny grace, dodging Maria's strike. Zhi appears and drives her rapier into his side, but the wound seals shut as soon as she withdraws the blade, leaving only a light injury. The creature impersonating the spy has rather impressive supernatural damage reduction! He dodges her followup attacks.
Not!Gannaius takes a step back from and casts a spell, conjuring a floating chain of force with hooks at each end. It lashes out at Zhi, attempting to trip her up, but she manages to leap over it! He then draws the falcata under his cloak, the blade glistening with poison. With a command word, it bursts into flames!
Melodie casts her spell, and luck is on her side. Her magic overcomes Not!Gannaius's spell resistance, and the man freezes up as the spell paralyzed him!
Without standing, Sara places her foot on the paralyzed man's crotch and slowly presses her heel into him.
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Sara mercilessly crushes the man's genitals, leaving them a mangled mess as her heel punctures vital organs in his lower belly. Blood pours from the gruesome wound as he sags to the floor. His body twists and converts into its true form as he dies.
Melodie shudders as Sara drives her heel into the man, averting her eyes from his lower body as she collects all the magic items and lays them out on the table for further study.
As she's doing so the folder catches her eye and she opens it to take a closer look, gesturing for the others to come in and join her.
"Let's see what he was working on."
Among the man's possessions you find a letter:
Esteemed Brothers,
The Immaculate Circle shall be victorious. The high strategos proves quite pliable and receptive to ideas that sate his desperation and ambition in equal measure. The citizens are ready to tear each other apart, and when Pythareus emerges victorious, it will take only the gentlest shove to topple him, and I have secured the ideal prod in my home, under guard of the Sarenites, with the killing blow in the mitts of the grubby King of Filth himself.
A few complications remain—agents loyal to Pythareus against all reason. They must be dealt with.
And there are still a few other hindrances on our path to victory. Pythareus’s damnable diviner has blundered into the sisters’ dealings and may soon locate the Sweet Dreams Tea Shop. Now that their research is completed, we should focus our efforts on relocating them to a more secure location. That diviner is too damned esoteric to give anyone her true loyalties, and her second sight makes her near impossible to blackmail. Perhaps it is better to simply let the sisters do as they will.
My own personal agents in Waterhill have had difficulty in swaying Pythareus’s majordomo, Baron Astor, and now stamp and fume to replace him with one of my own. I feel the scrutiny the high strategos keeps him under makes this hasty course seem childishly impulsive. We shall bide our time.
Pythareus’s little cult and its enumerator, Iovinus, have likewise proved intractable. Whoever would imagine an Abadaran would feel himself above a bribe. So be it. The Seven Forms of Sin are eager enough for my coin instead, and have places to stash his corpse. I await only your approval.
Immortally yours,
Milton Jeroth
The portfolio contains notes about Jeroth's current operations in the War for the Crown, including the identities of several moles within Eutropia’s supporters, but it focuses most heavily on his resources within Zimar and how to find them, including several rakshasa agents in Waterhill Manor, a group of night hags called the Sisters of Indulgent Dreams in the Sweet Dreams Tea Shop, and the Seven Forms of Sin and their undercity monastery.
Sara peels off her shoe and wipes it on the table. "If this was Jeroth, we should tell Kathann right away. Any suggestions as to what to do with the body?"
As she reaches the end of the document a puzzled look crosses her face. "The Seven Forms," she murmurs, reaching down to her thigh and procuring her flask, screwing and unscrewing it idly. With a swig she continues, "They're a league of assassins, dedicated to physical perfection. That explains our dead Lion's Blades."
"The King of Filth..." Melodie muses. "I saw that at the Academy, I know I did!" The thought escapes however and she shrugs. "Something about the sewers - but we could have guessed that from the name."
She looks down at the body , holding one hand up to avoid looking at the mangled mess of its groin.
"So... what are we going to do now? We have the information we need to dismantle this organisation. But by the looks of it we could use it to strike Pythareus too... and presumably no-one knows what's just happened. Can we use this somehow? Fake new orders or something?"
"You're close Mel, it's an otyugh - a powerful one living beneath the city. Apparently has something of an informal business - selling secrets and lost treasures. Sounds like it's got something Jeroth wants."
Zhi shifts her appearance to match what she remembers to match Gannaius. "Let's get out of here before someone else walks in," she says, keeping an eye on the door. "Let's take the body and dump it in an alley somewhere. We can talk about our next move back at the bathhouse."
You dispose of the body in a safe location, then return to the bathhouse to plan your next move. You find representatives of your agents waiting for you there, ready to receive new orders.
After discussing things with her agents, on orders from 'The Raven' Zhi sends some of them to scout out the Sweet Dreams Tea Shop.
She also sends some agents to infiltrate Waterhill Manor.
Zhi's agents return from the tea shop to report that the main shop itself seems innocuous. Only a single woman was present tending the shop, which serves charms, teas, herbs, and other remedies to help people sleep better. It adjoins a warehouse and small apartment as well, with a loading dock connecting the shop to the warehouse. The agents searched the loading dock, which is also used as storage space for supplies, including spare kettles and cups and barrels of loose tea and dried herbs. The doors to the warehouse were locked. They didn't press their luck further.
Her other agents head to the Golden District to try to infiltrate Waterhill Manor. It remains to be seen whether or not they were succesful...
Zileska's work ties in to her role: As an "opera singer," she hosts an exclusive party, bringing in some society sycophants, artists, and bohemians to shore up the team's identity by playing the role. As one might suspect, she demurs from any actual singing - "must save my voice for the stage, dear" - and somehow manages to keep this intimate party from descending into debauchery, instead being more of a quiet soiree discussing the arts.
"Wait!" Melodie says suddenly as Sara and Zhi are preparing the body. "Don't lose him for good. I think I can..." She pauses for a moment. "I think I can change, I can be him, look like him. But I'll need a reference, and his clothes if we're going to do this properly." She pauses, examining the face closely and before everyone's eyes her head shifts into an exact replica of the body.
"Did it work?" She says in Jeroth's voice, aristocratic sneer incongruously lacing the words.
"I'll need the body." 'Jeroth' continues. "Either that or a good likeness. I think now I've done this it will be easier to do again. Can anyone draw the body?"
-----------------------------------
"Zhi sweetheart. Can I borrow some money?" Melodie asks, looking slightly nervous. "I've got a plan, something I want to do for us, but I don't have enough funds for it."
"I'll need the body." 'Jeroth' continues. "Either that or a good likeness. I think now I've done this it will be easier to do again. Can anyone draw the body?"
Zhi shrugs. "Unless you want to look like a few stick lines and a circle, best choose someone other than me."
"Zhi sweetheart. Can I borrow some money?" Melodie asks, looking slightly nervous. "I've got a plan, something I want to do for us, but I don't have enough funds for it."
"What I have is yours, Printesa Mea. How much do you need?"
Melodie takes three hundred gold pieces and returns a short time later with a pair of scrolls which she holds out to her wife.
"I thought... if we're going to try this thing with the spymaster... then we should be able to talk. But I didn't realise... the scrollmaster said... you need diamonds to cast the spell. A lot of diamonds."
As Melodie and Zhi are going about their business, Zileska taps Sara gently on the arm and says, "Can you spare a few minutes? I have something to... discuss with you."
Startled, Sara hurriedly folds an often read and deeply creased letter, stuffing it into her bag. She smooths her dress and clears her throat. "Hi," she smiles, nervous. Nothing good ever came of "we need to talk". Nonetheless, she nods and follows on, doing her best to hide her nerves.
Zileska leads Sara to one of the rooms where the group is staying. As she pushes the door closed she purrs, "Don't worry... it's nothing bad."
The half-elf gently takes Sara's hand and kisses her fingers, then teases off the glove and says, "This is... important to you in conflicting ways, isn't it?" Her thumb runs over the large brand on the back of Sara's hand.
"I can... remove this, if you want. I know it is part of your past, but those memories will always remain. You don't need it any more if you don't want it."
(The spoilered text is for Sara)
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Sara blushes and pulls her hand away, marching over to the bed and sitting down.
"I don't know how I feel about that," she mutters, looking away. "To be free of him would be," she stands, holding herself closely, "amazing, but- Zileska, I. I don't know. This was the start of where I am now."
She stares into her beautiful friend's eyes, crying silently. "Could you do it today? Or would you need to pray for it?"
Sara grabs Zileska's hand and leads them both to the edge of the bed.
Pulling the Calistrian's hand into her lap with both of hers, Sara leans forward and kisses her cheek. "You mean so much to me. Thank you for your repeated friendship and care. I love you, Zileska. You are a true friend."
She pulls her close, one hand on her shoulder and one in the small of her back, and rests her head against Zileska's ample bosom. "Kiss me?" she asks, unusually shy and anxious, wanting comfort and companionship.
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”I could do it first thing in the morning,” she explains. ”The power of the candle, along with my deepening connection to Calistria, make it possible.”
She brushes Sara’s hair with one hand and idly twists up a lock of it as she says, ”You aren’t the same person that you were when we met. Back then you wanted to be rich; now you want to eat the rich. That brand is part of your past but not necessarily and indicator of who you’ve become.”
”It’s up to you. Think about it. If a day comes when it is your desire, then we will make it true.”
She strokes Sara’s hair and says, ”Love you too. Your passion is like thick honey. I could drown in it. Right now, if you like.”
Her eyes widen at the news. Tomorrow, it could be gone. No longer would the symbol of Urgathoa mar her pristine flesh. No longer would her wrist ache after quick or repeated motions. It would be an unmistakable blessing.
But it scared her, for reasons she could not quite explain.
A giggle escapes her mouth when Zileska describes her politics as eat the rich. That wasn't far off, either.
And even though she had asked for it, the kisses catch her off guard.
At her invitation, Sara gathers her skirts about her waist and gently pushes Zileska flat onto the bed. She straddles the woman and lays a trail of kisses across her front, continuing to sidle slowly forward until she finds Zileska's face between her knees.
"Kiss me," she again invites, pulling Zileska's head against her, fingers entwined in her hair as she slowly rocks forth and back.
With their agents having set up lines of communication in and out of Zimar, Maria set about organising a little misdirection - planting seeds that the Princess' agents had actually slipped into the city a fortnight ago, and another rumour that they were still a week or so away, intending to have the authorities (or at least the ones who listened to the rumours) looking at the wrong people entirely.
Melodie, after her chat with Zhi, goes looking for Zil, but hearing the noises coming from the 'Baronesses' room, she decides to wait until a later time...
--------------
"Hi Zil." Melodie says, uncharacteristically nervous. "I know its horrible of me to ask but..." She takes a deep breath. "You-dont-seem-to-spend-much-money-and-Zhi-and-I-need-a-lot-to-cast-a-spell -so-we-can-always-be-together-and-I-was-hoping-you-would-lend-us-some?"
Quite how she gets all the words out in one breath is a mystery...
"You don't have to ask me twice."
The half-elf eagerly wraps her arms around Sara's legs and pulls herself into position. After a few initial kisses, as requested, she brings one hand down to rub Sara's nodule from side to side while her tongue engages in spelunking.
~~~~~~~~~~
Zileska is peeling an orange while lounging in her robe when Melodie comes by for her request.
"You have a special expense? I know how you and Zhi have been working hard to build your relationship and start a family. Of course I would love to help you. Would you prefer coins or gems?"
"We have to have diamonds apparently..." Melodie says with a smile, "If you have any lying around that would be great - if not then I can always buy some."
Zhi narrows her eyes and looks at her wife with a sideways glance.
{"Does this mean I'm giving you permission to read my mind all the time?"} She smiles. {"Not that you couldn't do that already."}
"So what's next? Should we pay a visit to the tea shop or Seven Sins monastery?" Zhi says. "And do we try to pass Melodie off as Jeroth?"
{"It's not mind-reading silly. It's talking without moving our lips. So I can sing a silly song in your head all day, but I can't make you think about me lying naked on our bed just waiting for you to come and ravage me..."} Somehow even Melodie's mental voice has a unique tone, which has just become distinctly husky.
With that she gives Zileska a kiss on the cheek in thanks and heads off towards their bedroom.
{"I'm waiting..."}
----------
"I think its worth it." Melodie says, glancing up from the folder which she has been studying carefully over breakfast. "If we can convince his followers that I am Jeroth then by the looks of it we can use them to take down some of Pythareus's major supporters. Then wrap up the network itself. We could do twice as much good in one go. I guess the only problem is that it means we can't sell his gear and use the money yet."
She then sits up straight as a thought strikes her. "What about my aura? I won't look the same as Jeroth there... Zil, is there anything you can do about that? Some magic I can reasonably be using to cover it?"
After the cleric's confirmation (or denial) Melodie speaks up again. "I'd prefer to do the house first. That's going to be the biggest test of Jeroth. If we can convince them I think we can convince the others - it'd give us another base to use as well when needed."
They're with me (Master of Ops): Melodie dispatches some of her agents in an attempt to infiltrate the Seven Sins monastery. Bartelby sends instructions and as much support as he can, both of them well aware of the dangers this mission poses.
Arrange Secret Meeting (Sub):
Melodie's other agents are tasked with locating dissidents within Pythareus' organisation and setting up meetings between them and a heavily disguised Melodie.
"I can make your moral barometer undetectable," says Zileska to Melodie, "but that's all I can do."
"As long as it doesn't show up that's fine." Melodie responds. "The citadel that Pythaeus is in that has detection and so forth. I can spin a story one way or the other."
"No," says the younger woman, taking Zileska's hand and replacing it on her sizable rear. "Stay outside. Make me cum."
For her part, she leans back, one hand still keeping her friend pressed tight against her as the other trails along the outside of the priestess' garments, pulling them aside as she reaches her legs and pushing two fingers in. Her palm, pressed flat against Zileska's outside, moves in tight circles, echoing the movements of Sara's hips and fingers.
"And the rest of us will doooo, what exactly? Are we to be your prisoners, each in our full gear wearing false shackles? Will we be your allies? Invisible? Some variety of the above? Regardless, I don't think we should be very hasty with approaching Pythareus. My vote goes to the cult. If we can bend assassins to our service, we can learn what makes them tick, might even get them to change their loyalties full time."
"I'll bring you along as some new helpers I've picked up - or bodyguards perhaps..." Melodie says, musingly. "We could split into two perhaps, one group invisible and close by scouting from the outside, the other group goes in and scouts from the inside. From this" She holds up the dossier, "It looks like each of his three groups has a target amongst those near Pythareus we could set them on. The head of the Vault and Chain templars, some sort of diviner he hires and his castellan. They sound like powerful foes. If we use Jeroths agents to take them out while we search for this King of Filth and his proof against Pythareus, then we can move against them afterwards - free Zimar of Jeroth's network and weaken Pythareus. It's a lot of work but I'd say everyone wins!"
{"I'm waiting..."}
Zhi looks at Zileska with an expression indicating that she's being heavily put upon. "Work, work, work," she says in a tired voice. She gives the priestess a wink before following off after her wife.
"Yeah, I think the more people you have with you, Mel, the less believable you'll be as Jeroth," Zhi says. She thinks for a moment. "Let's stay away from the citadel for now. But perhaps splitting up would be the best option here. You could attempt to infiltrate Waterhill - I should have some agents there already - while the rest of us locate the King of Filth. He sounds like someone that might be persuaded by a more ... cruder ... methods."
"That would probably work." Melodie agrees aloud. "If Waterhill goes well I might try the tea-shop as well. The Disciples are the place I'm most likely to need back-up."
"What do we actually know about Rakshasa's?" She asks as the group begins to break up. "I should probably know what I'm meant to be able to do..."
There are many types of rakshasas, but Milon Jeroth was of the most common variety. Aside from being accomplished sorcerers, they can detect thoughts at will and change their shape to disguise themselves as any humanoid creature.
Melodie nods when Maria relays the information. "Thanks Maria. I'll definitely need the mask then. Are you sure you don't want to come with me? We could easily explain you as one of my agents from out of town. You could even be my child if you want!" She finishes with a wide grin.
{"We'll have a daughter of our own one day!"} Given the nature of telepathic conversation even Mel finds it hard to lie, and Zhi can sense that her wife is genuinely excited by that prospect.
Maria just grimaced. "Very funny, but I'm pretty sure cross-planar hybrids don't work that way. Agent will work."
"Excellent. You've come from Oppara with new information on the state of the capital. Things are getting too settled there and I need to poke Pythareus into action!" Melodie says, "That should be enough explanation."
Safina takes Maria's hand as she prepares to head out with Melodie. "I fear my skills at deception are lacking, darling. I'll make sure the others don't get in over their heads. You stay safe, my love." She kisses the tiefling before parting ways.
***
Maria and Melodie make their way to the Golden District of Zimar. The Golden District is primarily the residential area for Zimar's nobility and, as a consequence, it's the wealthiest of the six districts. The district is famous for its gilded street lights, geometrically sculpted gardens, opulent palaces, spacious plazas, and statues. Gold, jewelry, silk, and spices are bought and sold in luxury markets throughout the Golden District by those who have—or can fake—appropriate credentials.
Waterhill Manor is a luxurious two-story hillside estate. A single door in front of the building leads inside, while a balcony along the rear could also provide access to the second floor.
***
Safina, Sara, Zhi and Zileska head to the Scrolls District, just outside the Golden District. Known for its white marble houses with magnificent columned halls, the Scrolls District is located in central Zimar near Abadar's Pillar. It is the smallest of the city's districts, but nonetheless well known as the center of Zimar's education and lore. Administration buildings, archives, libraries, and schools crowd in the district, although the majority of the buildings are upscale residences for government officials, nobles, and the upper-middle class. The Scrolls District also includes several well-known shops specializing in antiques.
Following directions that Maria had recalled, the four women descend into the sewers and find their way towards an ancient cistern where the King of Filth holds court. The cistern is easy enough to reach, thanks to a path cleared by decades of blackmailers, rogues, and spies traversing to the otyugh's realm. Stairs descend into shallow, stagnated water in this massive underground reservoir, some eighty feet across, whose arched brick ceiling is supported by rows of wide but badly eroded columns. The air is thick with the smell of sewage and the sounds of running, dripping, and splashing water.
An otyugh of truly immense proportions wallows in the sewage. It stands nearly thirty-feet-tall, its tentacles waving about as if conducting some unheard concerto. Its eyestalk swivels to regard the four of you, and the thing announces in a deep, groaning voice, "Come closer!"
Zhi bows deeply to the huge creature and approaches, not showing the apprehension she feels.
"Greetings, oh Lord of Filth," she calls out.
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Sara steps forth carefully, smiling broad and treating the King of Filth as tho he were indeed a king of anything. "Greetings, Exalted One. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Basilia Aconian, Baroness and friend to Miles Jeroth. I know that you are powerful, o Lord of Filth, and that your anger must be equally powerful. I seek an audience with Your Greatness to reclaim what Jeroth has entrusted to you. With your wisdom, I'm sure that we can work out an arrangement which will be mutually beneficial and enable us to avoid any unpleasant confrontation. As a token of my goodwill, I present to you a gift: these two magic birds." Despite some protest, she is able to coerce two ravens to flutter around the room, just outside of his reach. "Both are hardworking and will serve you well."