Eventually, the wind picks up enough that the Saltspray coasts into the harbor of the City of Monuments just a few hours later than the expected arrival time. It is mid-day and the docks of the city bustle with commerce. Schooners and cogs arriving and departing, ships laden and unladen by tattooed stevedores, a variety of goods for sale (including some romantic couplings with the working girls of the docks), and other various and sundry sights assault your eyes as you set foot on the pier.
The strange and wonderful monuments, like the Old Light in Sandpoint, that reside in this city are visible even from here. The Irespan, a long ramp-like structure of some kind, stretches out into the harbor like a bridge to nowhere. Other, less conspicuous, examples of pre-Varisian civilization stand mutely in Magnimar, reminding you of the strangeness of those who came before.
Much bigger than the village of Sandpoint, Magnimar houses an array of opportunities for adventures, enrichment, and trouble. Where are you headed now?
"Ah! The Irespan. And so much to see..." the elf says, breathing in the dockside air. "Where shall we begin? The elves of Celwyvinian built a mighty stone tree here as a gift to the city. They say the leaves blossom and fall with the seasons. I hear it's quite the sight."
A woman emerges from Selena's room the like of which you have not seen before. This woman is quite tan with short black hair. High cheek bones accent the dark eyes as well. Stepping forward she takes on an air of confidnece and simply looks at Seldon without a trace of a smile. The voice though is still the same and you recognize it to be Selena. I would suggest that we follow the clues that we discovered at the manor and proceed accordingly. Now is nothte time for sightseeing at least.
Seldon raises an eyebrow at Selena. "You've been acting strange since we took ship. Is anything the matter, Selena?"
Barek looks up and sees the strange woman. "Who are you?!" He leaps to his feet, but recognizes Selena's voice coming out of the woman's mouth.
"Selena? Is that you? What did you do? You...You know you look different, right?"
Arriving in Magnimar, Mirela appears in good spirits as she prepares to disembark for the big city. Having spent most of her life in metropolitan areas, the bustling port town is a welcome change from the small town life of Sandpoint.
Ready to depart with her things, Mirela stops as she glances over at Selena in a somewhat puzzled fashion. Her voiced hushed, she leans in and whispers "Why the disguised Selena?"
Selena looks at you all with what seems like a bit of disdain or contempt. There is nothing the matter with me and I would prefer it if you kept such questions to yourselves. This is nothing more than just a different look that I had a fancy of trying. Now if you will excuse me we have other matters to attend to then my change of hair and complexion.
You remember that Selena is from a merchant family in Magnimar and only by allowing the rumor of her death was she able to join you at all. Clearly she does not want to go back to her old life and if someone should recognize her her father would likely try and force her back into the servitude for the family business. She has tried already to stall from coming here by suggesting they search the Foxglove Manor ofr further clues and returning to Thistletop as well.
Seldon smiles a telling smile, but holds his silence. "Very well my friend. Perhaps we shall save our sightseeing for another time. I am eager to stretch my legs. Shall we make for the manor?"
Tunder is just happy to be back on solid ground. "Thank you for getting us here safely, Captain." He says as he hurries off the ship. "I'll never get back on one of those things again."
Barek is taken aback by Selena's new look and her insistence that nothing is wrong. But he knew when to leave well enough alone with a woman. "Uh, ok. Nevermind. You look good."
"Right, let's go see the manor."
Thank you Barek and Seldon I knew you would see reason. As for R our location, what was the name of the place again. I am sure I can bring us there in short time.
You review the note found with the Skinsaw Man at Foxglove Manor and realize your destination here in Magnimar, Foxglove's townhome, is in the Grand Arch District, not far from Starsilver Plaza, a bit southeast of the docks and wharves where you currently have come ashore.
Hiring a cab driver is not too difficult and the cabbie entertains you with some amusing stories and anecdotes as you move along through the bustling streets of the city. The last thing he mentions in passing does get your attention. ...ain't safe to be out in the streets these days on account o' all them murders happenin'. Folks gettin' fileted with their face missin' an' strange markin's carved in their chests and what not. No sir, I have a like mind to take old Nob here and jus' head right for Korovosa where its safe an' sound."
The Grand Arch District is the most expensive and wealthiest area of the City of Monuments and the estates and homes there are quite impressive. It's not long before the garrulous cabbie parks along a row of brick town-homes which rise three stories above the cobblestone street. Oddly, boards have been nailed over the windows on the ground floor, and the place looks a bit disheveled from the outside, as if not properly maintained for several weeks. The door is shut tight as you step up onto the front stoop.
Listening to the cab driver somewhat quietly, Mirela shakes her head as he describes the spate of murders in Magnimar. Rubbing her right temple with her hand, Mirela shakes her head and murmurs "And the horrors continue."
Tipping the driver, she smiles half-halfheartedly "I'm sure you and ol' Nob here will be just fine, these murderers will be found I'm certain." Leaving little detail as to how, Mirela approaches Foxglove's townhouse with a high degree of trepidation. As she nears the front door, she suddenly shudders for a moment and hesitates nearing any further.
He can't hurt you now Miri, he is nothing more than a pile of ash at this point.
Glancing towards the windows, Mirela scowls "Is it just me, or is it strange that the windows are boarded up? As far as anyone here in Magnimar is concerned, Aldern is alive and well..." Trying the front door, Mirela sighs "Of course it's not open." Pausing to inspect the door, Miri adds "What do you think? Should I try and pick the lock?"
Taking the cabbie was a fine idea for Selena. Even the limited extra visual protection afforded by the structure was a small blessing at this time. It was also nice not having to walk the distance. she was keeping a close look out for any of her father's associates when she overheard the man saying something about murders. Raising an eyebrow she cautiously asked the man. That is disturbing news. Can you tell us where such murders have been happening. I do not want to be caught in the wrong part of town. but if these murders have been going on for a while then surely the authorities must have leads and be close to arresting the perpetrator. Especially if what you say is true about their chest's being carved up. That sounds disgusting, as she purposely gives a small shake at the mention of it.
diplomacy to garner more information from him specifically the location of the murders.
Once they arrive Selsna takes on the air of one who was familiar with a new owner of the place. Well, I had hoped for better conditions but at least the structure is still standing. I knew there would be some work ahead of us to get this place suitable for Master Lemhock. At least we have the key to the place so we don't have to bust the windows open.. Turning to the cabbie, Thank you for your service and may you someday reach Korvosa.
bluff for the part about them belonging here.
Nodding somewhat embarrassingly, Mirela smiles "Right of course, the keys."
Hearing Miri speak Selena hands her thekeys they found in Aldern's Manor basement. Hopefully this will allay any suspicions of them being here. While your skills may be needed should the keys not work properly I suspect that will not be the case. After all Master Lemhock directed us to arrive here and continue about the business he started. Unless we were mislead witht eh keys then we should be fine. If we are incorrect then we will have to let Master Lemhock know about this right away.
A little dissapointed at their choice of transport, Seldon peers through the curtains and takes in the sights and sounds of the city, but draws them sharply closed at the mention of more murders in the city. Ai eleana, will it never end?
"Let's make our way inside, then. I'm eager to see this business done and find some spicy food for dinner. The Dragon just isn't the same without Ameiko's cooking..." he says, with mock-sadness. Despite the lightness of his tone, you see him shake loose his holy symbol and clutch it tightly in his hand in case of any more haunts.
Barek gets out of the carriage and looks at the townhouse. "Well, I can't imagine the neighbors are very happy about how that looks." He nods to Selena story. "Uh, yes. Let's hope Master Lemhock gave us the right keys."
He walks up the stoop and glances around, motioning Miri to come up if he thinks everything is ok.
Taking the keys from Selena, Mirela steps towards the door. Glancing over at Barek, she waits for an all clear signal while glancing around herself.
Somewhat nervously moving the keys towards the door handle, Mirela's hand shakes a little as the prospect of entering yet another abode of Aldern's dawns on her. Though deceased and no longer a threat to her, Mirela couldn't help but shake the feeling that Foxglove would haunt all her remaining days. With a hushed voiced, Mirela hesitantly adds "Here goes nothing."
One of the keys, which has an unusually long tang and three notched blades with the head of a roaring lion will clearly not fit in this lock, which looks much more mundane than that.
Another key which is on the same ring, recovered from the Skinsaw Man, is tarnished iron set with a round opal. This luxurious key does in fact unlock the door.
The front doors open without a squeak or catch, and the foyer beyond is quite well appointed. A Kelish carpet covers the wooden floors and various pieces of art from around the Inner Sea cover the walls. A pair of oaken double doors are closed directly opposite the entry. To the right, another pair of doors is visible one on the north wall, and another on the west. To the east, a set of steps ascends to the next floor of the townhome.
The interior of the townhome is surprisingly clean and has a lived-in look. The place lacks the musty, closed in scent you might have been expecting.
"Squatters, do you think? Although if the murders have followed us to Magnimar..."
Seldon doesn't finish that sentence, but instead nocks an arrow and moves through the double doors.
Selena nods in agreement with Seldon's assessment. It does appear that we are not the first to arrive. She then steps forward with Seldon as well just inside the doorway to get out of the street and casts mage armor on herself.
Selena and Seldon take action, preparing for a fight as they walk into the surprisingly occupied townhouse. Just as the door behind the group closes, the double doors at the far end of the foyer open. A lovely young Varisian woman, dark curls bouncing and smile glinting gaily, address someone behind her. "Well look dear, we have guests. It's been so long since we've had company over! Why didn't you tell me you invited folks, I would've had the cook prepare enough dinner. As it is, we may only have wine and cheeses to serve."
She turns to address you stepping lithely into the foyer and holding the door open, ushering you inside with a free hand. The room beyond is a fine dining room with a long cherry wood table and well-crafted chairs. A long table runner rests in the middle, and fine bone china is set around the places. "Come in, dear ones. Come in. We were just about to sit down for a bite. We can offer you something, I'm sure."
The woman looks vaguely familiar, but you are at a loss to place her. That is until the man she was speaking with appears behind her, placing his hand gently on her shoulder. He is none other than Aldern Foxglove himself, dressed for formal dinner, with a big goofy smile on this face. "Hello friends! I am glad you joined us for dinner. Iesha and I were just saying how nice it would be to have friends over. And here you are!"
Barek looks at the others, confused. "Um, excuse us. Yes, it's uh, wonderful to see you again." He glances around. "We actually weren't sure if you were here or not. We came to check on you and the house."
Barek steps into the room, trying to discern if things were really as they seemed.
Having already fortified herself against attacks Selena is still surprised at the apparent occupants. Not willing to take any chances at the moment she acts first and will ask questions later.
detect magic directed at 'Iesha' and 'Aldern'.
Looking at Iesha Selena starts,Funny, we ran into Aldern at his mansion and before in Sandpoint. Turning and directing her inquiry to Aldern though she adds, I am sure you would have remembered us. Please Aldern what are our names again?
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Entering the house cautiously, Mirela finds herself perplexed by the woman before her. Her familiarity was nagging, until Aldern walked into the room and suddenly all became clear to her.
Eyes widening as she recoiled in horror at the sight of Foxglove, Mirela’s arm went instinctively up in defense as she whispered "No, n-no… you’re supposed to be dead, no you can’t be here."
Her Varisian blood boiling very suddenly, an emotional and raw rage overtook Mirela her as tears began to well and her voice cracked "Monster! Why can’t you leave me alone!" Taking a step forward, Mirela drew her blade and quickly raised the point of her rapier towards Foxglove’s throat. Though still clearly gripped with rage, Mirela’s voice fell to a vengeful whisper "I swear to Desna, I’ll send you to hell all over again if I have too Aldern…"
In the back of the group, Tunder struggles to see over the group of taller people. He 'humphs' in frustration. That is until Mirela reacts to seeing the supposedly dead Aldern. Tunder quickly gets Rumilda in hand and prepares for combat.
A bit shocked at the reaction from his new houseguests, Aldern leans back away from teh point of Mirela's rapier. "No need for violence, friends. Let's put away the weapons and talk civilly, eh? We're all friends here, aren't we?" He takes a big step back, his goofy smile plastered on trying to calm the situation. "Please Master Dwarf, put away your blade. This is not the place for it."
Barek is completely confused, but finds himself in the odd position of trying not to fight. "Ok, Aldrern, you seem to know us. I think you should answer Selena's question. What are our names?"
"We last saw you, Aldern, at your place near Sandpoint and you were a murderer, so please excuse our reaction." He points to the boarded up windows. "Can you explain why the windows are all shuttered? We thought this place abandoned long ago."
Selena waits for the answer to her question anxiously as she grips her staff in both hands. While she expects herself not to be noticed while disguised clearly Aldern should know Miri and recognize and know her name.
Before Aldern can respond, Iesha steps up and suggests "No need to get all out of sorts here, let's accommodate ourselves like the proper ladies and gentlemen we are. Why don't you boys retire to the parlor and enjoy some of that nice Sargavian brandy. The ladies and I can finish up dinner in the kitchen." She gently places her hand on Mirela's sword arm, pushing to lower the blade from Foxglove's exposed throat. She whispers gentle words in Varisian, trying to calm the fiery rogue.
As the creature lays a hand on Mirela, Seldon brings his bow to full draw. "I believe the lady asked you a question. I'd thank you to step away from my companion until you answer it." he says, expression hardening.
Indeed as soon as Miri is touched Selena acts as well hoping to prevent any further contact or at least provide Miri with a modicum of protection.
casts protection from evil on Miri. She looks at 'Iesha and Aldern' coldly, [b]Last chance, tell us who we are or I will burn the truth out of you. You try and touch her again it will be the last memory you have as you make the journey down the River Styx.
Brushing off Iesha's attempt to mollify her with an aggravated shrug, Mirela coolly retorts "Don't touch me." Glancing at Iesha again quickly, Mirela suddenly finds herself doing a double take as she takes in her visage; Mirela couldn't help but notice that save the curly hair and darker complexion, Iesha did bare some resemblance to herself "Iesha... if this indeed is no trickery, you should know what your husband here has been up to," pausing, Mirela returns her attention to Aldern with a look of pure scorn and contempt "for it will turn your stomach."
Seeing the others react to Iesha trying to touch Miri, Barek reaches to grab Aldern and hold him. "Stop it now! Answer our questions!"
Foxglove Townhome - Round 1
26 Selena
17 Aldern
17 Seldon
14 Tunder
13 Barek
12 Iesha
9 Mirela
With the scene in the foyer breaking down into a scuffle, Selena, staff in hand, casts a spell warding Mirela against evil.
In a flash, Aldern reaches back and draws out a hidden weapon, stabbing at the nearby dwarf before anyone can react. The blow is just parried by Tunder avoiding a quick strike.
Seeing Aldern draw a weapon on Tunder, Barek changes his plan to grab the man. He balls up his fists and delivers a deadly series of blows. "You evil, sonnab@$&*! We'll put you down again!"
Selena calls out to the party, Knock them out if you can. We need answers more than blood right now!
Foxglove Townhome - Round 1 - continued
Seeing Aldern draw a weapon, Barek drops into his fighting stance and lands a combination of blows against the foe. Surprisingly the texture of the skin and flesh of Foxglove is not the soft mushiness Barek would have expected. Instead it feels like pliant rubber under the hard punches, which seem to have a more limited effect as a result.
Tunder roars as he retaliates against the re-alive Aldern.
Rumilda (Waraxe): 2H, power attack
Rumilda (Waraxe): 2H, power attack
"Desna can steer them back to us." he snaps, to Selena. "Focus on protecting the others. Tangado haid!"
"Something's not right! He doesn't feel normal!"
"Of course not. He's dead. He was killed twice before and now a third time."
Foxglove Townhome - Round 1 - continued
Tunder knows his axe has struck true as two serious wounds appear on Aldern, who looks thunderstruck.
Seldon see the look also, but before it registers, the elf has filled up the nobleman with a pair of arrows, striking a deathly blow.
Foxglove, for at least the second time, falls to his knees, clutching at the feathered shafts of the blades, he says something guttural in an unintelligible tongue, then falls face first to the floor, dead.
As you watch stunned, the body of Foxglove starts to shimmer and shift, and suddenly, it isn't Foxglove at all, but a large slump-shouldered thing with a bulbous head and no face.
Not pausing in the attack, the Iesha-thing turns to also attack Tunder with a blade she pulled from a hidden location in the folds of her skirt. The blade catches the doughty dwarf in the shoulder for 6 hp dmg.
"Pyrite!" Tunder spits out a dwarven curse. "Faceless stalkers. The sneaky grimps can change their shape to get set you up for the sneak attack."
As the rouse seems to play itself out, Mirela grows more enraged and quickly turns her blades on the other faceless stalker still in the form of Iesha.
Digging her blades into the Stalker with some rage burning behind her eyes, Mirela adds "You choose the wrong form..."
Foxglove Townhome - Round 1 - concluded
With fierce determination fueled by her anger and fear, Mirela attacks the last shape-shifter with reckless fury, digging deep with both blades.
End of Round 1
Foxglove Townhome - Round 2
26 Selena
17 Seldon
14 Tunder
13 Barek
12 Iesha (28hp dmg)
9 Mirela
Still wanting answers selena goes for a less lethal option and tries to distract the stalker so Barek can knock it unconscious.
Aid another to hit Barek
Knock her, I mean, it out Barek we need answers.
Know dungeoneering to know more about it! Specifically what languages it speaks and the type of creature it is if we are to interrogate it...