The tiny imp laughs. "Oh! I didn't know that. So this doesn't hurt then?" She playfully sends more bursts of flame towards Xerath, seemingly creating the flames without effort. "This is easy! Shapechanging, hmm, yes, I can do that!" Livia transforms into a spider, then quickly into a rat, followed by a boar, and finally a raven, before she returns to her own devilish self. "But I like being me!" She laughs again, clearly excited.
"No, but my clothing doesn't share the same resiliency. Alright, if you don't want to learn more shapechanging.. I guess more destructive magic then. For now let's just practice what you know already and then maybe we can do our own patrol of the streets for some on the job training."
The elder Mhartis waves to his youngest son. "Certainly. Recinni, fetch a glass of water for our guest." The boy bristles, clearly not wanting to perform the errand, but he eventually tears himself free from the door he's leaning to and goes downstairs.
Ganefini turns his attention to the matter at hand. "We will of course accept any aid we can receive in this matter, and should such aid prove fruitful there will naturally be a financial reward." Yahirma's words spark recognition. "Ah, yes. Now I remember your faces. It was a most brutal performance. I'm glad I was there to see it."
Despite these words, he quickly moves on, as Recinni returns with the glass of water for Derek, then promptly returns to his former perch. "The powers you speak of, unraveling curses in particular, will likely be a great help. I'm sure you've heard some parts of our story, but I'll provide what information I can."
He looks around at his family. "The problems began several months ago. A guardsman vanished without a trace, and soon after a servant girl vanished as well. It's not entirely uncommon for guards or servants to disappear, but in most cases they would have taken something with them from the house. These two didn't do so. At the time, we assumed they might have had more carnal desires, and eloped together to avoid attention from the guardsman's wife."
Ganefini pauses for a moment, then continues. "But that wasn't the end of it. Over the following weeks, more guardsmen and servants vanished, again without a trace and without having stolen anything. My wife grew certain that the house had become cursed. Seeing no other explanation, and as we became afraid for our own lives, we saw no alternative but to release our few remaining guards and servants, leave our home, and take up residence here."
Appario listens to the story with interest.
"This sounds most dire. Can we get a list of those who disappeared?" Appario asks politely.
"Tell me something? Do you have any rivals or enemies who might be profiting from your new arrangement? Heck, do you have any enemies capable of such malicious action? Surely, it's expensive to pay for the magicks to make people disappear so quickly." Appario flounders for a moment as his mind tries to embrace all the possibilities that he can think of.
"Has any of the family or servants or guards seen anything? Heard anything? It just seems so...weird."
Tarvi and Yakopulio end their panicked screams as Yahirma's protective ward settles upon them, both looking somewhat sheepish at their weakness. Despite shaking her fear, Tarvi stays where she is and sends another pair of force missiles towards the beast.
Yakopulio follows Yahirma down the street, pulling a pair of daggers from her sleeve as she does so. The green-haired Vitti also moves down the street, conjuring a bolt of fire from his finger and sending it into the flank of the creature in the wake of Tarvi's missiles.
Sclavo moves forward to support Rizzardo in close combat, holding both longsword and heavy shield at the ready, although he doesn't quite reach the beast.
Growling towards Rizzardo's blood-dripping sword, the Shadow Mastiff goes on the attack. Its jaws attempt to close around the youth's throat.
Having clearly left himself open to attack in his hurry to come to the aid of the mother and her children, Rizzardo is unable to adequately defend himself. The creature's fangs pierce his skin, and the beast attempts to throw him to the ground with a swift shake of its head.
Rizzardo manages to stay on his feet, and the beast's tail swings towards him.
The angered youth sustains another grave injury, but he continues his assault.
His furious strike carves a path into the beast's side, and the hound falls to the ground almost before the swing is complete. Panting with exhaustion and his sustained injuries, yet smiling broadly, Rizzardo lowers his weapon.
She stops flinging flames, almost shameful, and is slightly more serious in her answer. "Do you think I should learn more forms? Some times I have wished I was bigger.." Her excited laughter quickly returns. "A patrol! That sounds like fun!"
"My oldest son has maintained such a list. He's not home yet, but I'll make sure he provides you with a copy once he returns. To what address should it be delivered?"
"There are many rivals, certainly. Houses constantly claw for position. But I see no profit in forcing us from our home. Even if such profit could be made, I don't believe this to be the work of any of our rivals. If our curse is the work of men, such an action would be a far step from the ordinary workings of nobility."
He shakes his head. "Noone has seen anything out of the ordinary." At these words, the boy loudly scoffs, and looking towards him with a hint of irritation, Ganefini amends his words. "It's barely worth mentioning.. Recinni claims he saw a bat outside his window the morning after two of the disappearances. But I've told him numerous times that a bat couldn't possibly have something to do with this."
Ganefini looks at Appario, Derek, and Yahirma in turn. "Do you think you will be able to drive this curse from our home?"
"Well, it would not hurt to have some variety. However, being bigger doesn't help you throw hellfire and black lightning. In fact, it just makes you a bigger target. I just suggested learning more forms for reconnaissance. Your current size is perfect for what you want to do. Let me cast some spells before we head off into the dark."
At the mention of bats, Derek perks up and for just a fraction of a second, a grim smile splay over his lips.
He then takes a sip of water, feeling the refreshing coldness slide down his throat as he muses.
Not bad, I can see why some people enjoy this drink so.
Derek then lowers the glass and gives the lord a reassuring smile.
"I believe we can indeed help you with this, in fact, even now I believe my companions are sharing an insight with me.
I will not speak of it yet as I want to make sure we are not jumping to conclusions, but if we are not, I am confident we will succeed."
Derek glances over at Yahirma and Appario, curious to see if they too have drawn the same conclusion as he has.
Appario looks at Derek intuitively and nods.
"Definitely, Derek."
Werewolves. Definitely. I suspect Xerath.
Glancing at Derek, Yahirma nods.
A vampire...Either Vahnwynne has let herself go, or some of her "siblings" are on the loose.
"I believe we are of the same mind," she confirms. Spotting Appario's focused gaze, she muses, it seems that Appario suspects vampires, too. Good.
Hmmm, the problem is that our most insightful source is otherwise engaged, and I wouldn't like to pull her out now. it would not be fair to her, not to mention hazardous to my health if I were to risk my big brothers lover in any way.
"Yes, three bodies but one mind in this, and when we combine our various strengths, we are sure to be able to solve your problem your lordship.
Having seen the play you know we are not callow youths with no skills or experience."
For a moment Derek wonders if that choice of words might offend, but no, he doubts the son would see himself as a callow youth, so it should not offend anyone.
Nevertheless...
"You are right to accept our offer of help my lord, the Dottari and the Hellknights have a lot on their plate right now, if they could spare the time, they would help of course, but sadly, we are living in turbulent times at the moment.
As such, a helping hand is not something to scoff at surely?"
Current/Completed:
***
Scheduled:
***
Livia whoops loudly. "You meant tonight?! I can't wait, I can't wait!" She flies around Xerath's head as he's casting his preparatory spells, then flies on slightly ahead as the patrol begins.
"Maybe I should be stealthy? Do you think I should be stealthy?" Without waiting for an answer, the tiny devil becomes invisible as soon as the pair reaches the street outside Delvehaven.
For the first couple of hours, neither Xerath nor Livia notice anything out of the ordinary. Instead, a dottari patrol on the main street spots Xerath as he's crossing a side street. The six subordinates stop, while the lieutenant calls out towards him. "Ho there!"
While Rizzardo makes sure the shadowbeast is dead and cleans his sword, Vitti and Sclavo make their way towards the assaulted family. They quickly check for any visible wounds, while speaking gently to both mother and children to alleviate their fright.
The other half of the Gardeners arrive at the scene less than half a minute later. Amaya quickly reaches Yahirma. "What happened? We tried to come as quickly as we could."
"Well yes, but.." Is all he can muster before the enthusiastic Imp disappears. He sighs to himself as the dottari spot him and hail. "Hopefully, I can get out of this without too much conversation.""Yes, what seems to be the problem?" He asks honestly.
Ganefini smiles, while the wife lets out a sigh of relief. "I like the sound of that! Confidence is ever the key to success. I will be happy to entrust you with our faith, and look forward to seeing you again when our home is once more the safe haven it should be."
Iltus frowns deeply when Derek claims his dottari are unable to help. "If the Hellknights did their duty, my dottari wouldn't be so overworked! Do you know what they're saying now? The reason most of them stay in the Citadel? They say a devil breached their defenses and murdered a prisoner, and they must strengthen their security. Hah! Cowards, I say! What kind of excuse is that?"
The lieutenant approaches, while the six subordinates follow at a respectful distance. "You know of the curfew, and the dangers lurking in the night." He states this as fact, not as a question. "Where are you headed? Do you need an escort?"
***
"Ah, yes I was just out for a stroll with a friend. She seems to have disappeared on me though. But its to be expected and its part of her charm. I need no escort. Though I do appreciate the offer. I can handle things by myself. You should not pause your patrol on my account."
"No all out lies yet. Good job. Now is the part where they leave, right?"
"Indeed? It must have been someone of some note if it is true. Do they say who it was?"
Appario is happy that the deal is plan is coming together.
"So...we will rid you of whatever is accursing your abode and you will give us proper remuneration, yes? May we have a key and signed and signetted letter for anyone who might worry about our intentions as we investigate?"
The lieutenant frowns. "If you say so." He looks past Xerath, towards the shadows beyond. "Your friend's disappearance may be charming to you, but it's troubling to me. The shadowbeasts won't be swayed by charm. Get indoors as quickly as you can."
The dottari patrol returns to the main street, leaving Xerath alone with the invisible Livia once more. A nervous laughter comes out of the air above his head.
"What would you have done if he had tried to force you to go with him?"
The dottari commander casually dismisses the notion. "A nobody. Some low-life who was caught trying to ambush a caravan. My point was, this happened several months ago, and they're Hellknights, right? What better to blame than a devil when someone messes up? If it truly was a devil, well, they should know the tactics of devils, and easily shore up their defenses where they might be lacking. Something else must keep them away, and I suspect simple cowardice. They fear the shadowbeasts, and prefer to stay away."
The elder Mhartis keeps his attention on Appario while Derek and Iltus discuss the Hellknights. "Yes. If you can provide proof that the curse is gone, there will be a purse of 2,000 gold in it for you, and I'm prepared to give you my family heirloom as well. It's a mighty spear, first used by my grandfather during his time at war."
He rises and leaves the room, returning soon after with a set of keys and a signet ring. "If you are troubled by authority, show them this ring. That should be sufficient."
Appario takes the ring and places it in his haversack.
"Thank you. We'll get on this as quickly as we can prepare."
I'll need silversheen...for the lycanthropes.
"I will get indoors as soon as I'm done with my stroll."
"I respect the dottari for trying to keep order. They are just ill-equiped to deal with all the threats. I would have gone with him peacefully and then leave when they left me. You need some real experience and I need the workout from a good shadowbeast hunt. I've spent too much time arguing with delusioned fools, I don't want to get rusty."
Appario thanks the hosts for their time and prepares to leave.
"Now what, Yahirma?"
Derek frowns a little, remebering the bandit in question"Yes...I have noticed that the Hellknights are not in the streets as much as before, so you are saying they are laying ALL work at the feet of the dottari?"
Making a sympathetic clicking sound with his tongue, Derek shakes his head sadly.
"No wonder that they look so overworked when I see them.
Being a smart man, you will no doubt have petitioned the mayor for resources to hire more men?
But due to politicking you have either been denied or have had your request stall yes?"
Rising from his seat, Derek firmly shakes the hand of the commander.
"Commander, you have my respects and sympathies for your hard work in a difficult situation."
Rising to join Appario, Yahirma brainstorms aloud, "Given what we are up against, and knowing that their type is strongest at night, we should perform our primary investigation during the day. Maddok's experience with these creatures and his strength may prove invaluable, so I recommend that we pay him a visit. Such creatures of the night also have little resistance to force and fire, so Xerath's destructive powers may be useful - assuming that he can keep them from harming the house itself." She glances at Extortion and adds, "I trust you have access to silvered weapons should fighting break out?"
"They still keep a garrison in the city, but it's woefully undermanned. Yes, the dottari must take the brunt of the work."
The dottari commander gets a thoughtful look as Derek mentions petitioning for resources, and absentmindedly shakes his hand.
Around 30 minutes after leaving the dottari patrol behind, Xerath suddenly notices something out of the corner of his eye; as if the shadows in the nearby alley moved on their own volition.
"That way, Livia." Xerath moves to the nearby alley to check it out, hopefully with the imp in tow.
"What happened? We tried to come as quickly as we could."
After quickly confirming that the family is in good hands, Yahirma responds, "There was a single shadowbeast that caught this family, and we were fortunate enough to be nearby." With a glance at the scene of the fight, she smiles and adds, "Rizzardo's breath has hardly calmed, and you arrived well before one of the terror-stricken might have recovered, so your haste was well spent. Had thing fared poorly, your timely arrive would have saved the day. As it is," she says with a slight grin, "Perhaps your team will have the fortune of finding a hound next. I would call this first contact a success."
Satisfied that everything went according to plan, Yahirma performs a quick check of the scene to ensure that there is nothing else of note about and gently nudges the party to escort the family home before the gathering attracts more trouble.
Appario nods yes to Yahirma's question regarding silver and is ready to leave the Mharti household when others are done.
As the team leaves the Mharti household, Derek walks up next to Yahirma.
"I'd like you to make me something m'lady. It is time I started covering my flaws rather than playing to my strengths.
A military commander once said "If you apply your strengths to your enemy’s weakness you are sure to win." So I must make my weakness my strength to avoid leaving myself open."
Softly stroking his moustache, feeling the stubble that has formed around it, Derek muses for a moment before continuing.
"I need wisdom to help guide me and curb my excesses, and strength of arm to stand besides Appario and big brother in melee.
Eventually I might earn both by my own hand, but for now, I need something to grant me it while I strive to achieve it.
"
Frowning slightly, Derek heaves a sigh.
"I can't keep being a hindrance forever."
"I need wisdom to help guide me and curb my excesses"? Is he asking Yahirma to marry him? I thought he was interested in those others.
Appario walks along in silence, trying to puzzle out where this is going.
Amaya nods. "It's good that you were close enough to help this family. Let us hope that all of us will have more opportunities to provide similar aid for the people of Westcrown.. and let us pray that we are never too late."
Once the worst of the shock is over, and the small family's fears are abated, the group arranges to escort them home.
The remainder of the patrol occurs without incident, but when Yahirma makes her way back home she notices something. Happening to take a path close to the Ciucci manor, she now sees a northern window standing open, as per her suggestion.
Livia's voice whispers excitedly behind him. "I'm right behind you!"
Moving into the alley, just as he's about to pass beneath them Xerath can just barely make out two wisps of vaguely humanoid moving shadows floating about 10 feet up along the walls of the buildings flanking the alley.
***
Current Initiative order:
17 - Livia (she didn't notice the Shadows, and can't act in the surprise round)
7 - Shadows
2 - Xerath
***
The shadows react fastest, and the closest one stretches its shadowy tendrils towards Xerath, attempting to sap his strength from him.
The tendrils feel cold to the touch as they brush Xerath's skin, and the negative energy saps Strength from him.
The other shadow drifts closer, down to ground level just ahead of Xerath.
***
Xerath steps back and fires off some bolts of force at the one directly in front of him.
Xerath's force missiles dissolve the strands of shadow in front of him as they strike, leaving nothing behind.
Livia cheers excitedly, then attempts to hit the remaining shadow with the one spell she has been able to learn, becoming visible in the process.
The flames lick the wall on all sides of the shadow, as well as behind it, but they appear to have had no effect on the shadow itself.
Ignoring the little imp, the shadow follows Xerath.
This time, Xerath's movement and force armor keep the tendrils from touching him.
***
Xerath steps back and fires off another set of empowered magic missiles.
The second set of missiles is just as efficient as the first, completely dissolving the shadowy being in front of Xerath. Livia lets out a sigh of relief. "That was impressive! I should learn that magic.. Mine didn't seem to hurt them at all!"
"Yes, I should have thought to teach you the most useful spell in dealing with shadows. Traditional magic is less effective against them. We'll train on that tommorow. But for now, let's continue our stroll."
Appario walks on in silence, waiting for what Yahirma is going to reply.
"I'd like you to make me something m'lady...I need wisdom to help guide me and curb my excesses, and strength of arm to stand besides Appario and big brother in melee. Eventually I might earn both by my own hand, but for now, I need something to grant me it while I strive to achieve it.
"
Yahirma nods and keeps her face smooth as Derek makes his request. "All but the most ascetic of warriors come to call upon other sources for power in combat, and none of us have forsaken material goods. What you describe goes beyond what a single token might accomplish, but both wisdom and strength may be woven to rest upon the belt and brow. I can begin such a project very soon, for I understand that troubling times ahead may call for their use sooner than later."
"What do the two of you think - shall we push to investigate the house today with, Maddok and Xerath if possible, or shall we gather our consolidate our forces and tools and make the first look tomorrow morning?"
Derek nods, satisfied that his request has been well received.
"Indeed...some tools of magic become as well known as those that wield them. And great hero or not, it is time started avail myself of what help I can."
"I'd advocate caution, Derek makes a face and holds up a finger to forestall any incredulous comments about HIM calling for caution, and go as a team. Creatures of the night are powerful, and this one may be more so than any we have faced previously."
Pulling of his new and less ostentatious hat, Derek runs a hand over his forehead.
"I for one think a night of sleep will be needed before I can fully function properly again. Books may contain wisdom, but today was more like finding a single pearl of it in a vast ocean of platitudes and trivialities."
I wonder...are there any devils or demons that can take the form of a bat that I have heard about?
The rest of the night passes without further incident.
***
Derek knows of only one type of demon or devil that is known to assume the form of a bat on occasion: The lowly Quasit demon, similar in demonic stature as the imp is in the devilish hierarchy.
"Alright, let's go back. We'll train again in the morning, probably late morning." Xerath says with a slight groan. He will walk with Livia back to the Gardener home base before returning back to his secret hideout to rest for another day.
Appario returns the safehouse to recruit for the Mharti mission.
***
***