"Come on, Kardas" Ishta talks back. She speaks softly, so not everyone in the place can hear but the closest to the conversation. "Zane is right, Mask's ways are nor our ways. If I know you a bit, your an honourable and straightforward man, whom I'm proud being a friend of. Plus, if there wasn't any difficulty in the task, they wouldn't ask for adventurers to do it, right?"
Ishta doesn't reveal her true motive, which is to thwart the Black Watch influence in the area. She will also reveal later on he knowledge about the priest of Mask not being around, but doesn't want to make it public for those that still don't know.
Lazily, Kardas runs a hand over his familiar's back. "The Divine, no matter how twisted or wicked, demands respect. It is mortal folly to do so. We best tread carefully if we end up getting this mission ... and yes, that means I do not object to taking it."
"Let's see if the Council gives the task to us. If they do, we can always ask for a mage that can translate spells to magic scrolls and pay for her services."
Since Ishta already volunteered them, Azarra waits to see if they will be chosen, determined to do her best to support this group that she lucked into.
"Sometimes, one has no choice in what horse he must saddle, mount and ride to the destination of his journey. Together we are strong and, I am most certain, we can overcome any task ahead of us."
In service to Helm, we shall delete all evil here. I shall follow the path presented with my trusted companions.
Several other voices shout out names of their companies, including several Black Watch members. But von Urslingen focuses on you, The Watchers of Dawn. Meeting your eyes he nods, before turning to the other Councillors,
"I say we let the Watchers of Dawn handle of this. I was impressed by their work at Sohkol Keep."
Seeming bored, Councillor Cadorna yawns, "Are you sure? This seems more like a thing for The Blackwatch to me."
Cadorna noticed Braccio spluttering, "What? Having qualms man? You knew this would involve blood. Dark deeds need hard hearts, perhaps you're not cut out for this?"
Braccio's face reddens and grumbles, "Impudent pup! Those Black Watch are near as bad as the thieves we want rid of. Sure this will be a bloody business, but there's no reason for them to enjoy it quite so much and to chase those poor wretches around like that was disgraceful."
"ENOUGH!" shouts Eberhard, visibly angry. He glares at Councillor Cadorna and then Braccio. Calmly he carries on, "Von Urslingen proposes the Watchers of Dawn, Cadorna the Black Watch. I think we all know how Bishop Braccio will vote but what about you Earhart?"
Earhart glances at Cadorna and then Braccio. He shrugs, gets out a coin and flips it. He regards it for a moment, "Heads. I think we should give the Watchers of Dawn a crack at this..."
Cardona visibly yawns and seems to loose all interest in the proceedings.
"Very well then, MEETING ADJOURNED!" cries Everhard as his staff slams into the floor. The councilors abruptly stand up and file out. With the excitement over, the crowd starts to dissipate soon after.
Before you leave, a runner comes to you with a message. The boy, perhaps of ten summers says, "Councillor von Urslingen wants to meet with you in an hour in his office. He has information that should prove useful to you."
He looks hopefully at you.
Zane watched with interest as the five councilors debate who to send on the mission. It seemed this Cadorna was a fan of the Black Watch, which didn't speak very well of the man's character, in the priest's estimation. Still, they'd need to work with all the leaders of the city, so when the meeting was adjourned, Zane offered a respectful nod to the group of men who led the reclamation project.
Zane grinned at the young man, pulling out a silver coin and pressing it into the runner's hand. "Please tell the Councillor that we will attend him soon." Only after the young boy started back off did the cleric look at his companions. "Wait, we will, right?" He chuckled at himself, looking apologetic.
If the others don't have anything pressing or don't wish to discuss anything before the meeting, Zane hurried to the office of Von Urslingen, curious as to the information that is being offered.
(Knows that the Blackwatch is super evil, again, and kills people for sport)
(got nothing)
(got nothing)
(got nothing)
Zane, the boy said in an hour. Surely we don't need to run. She smiles at him.
Ishta nods to Zane's words. "We sure will." She thinks a conversation with any of the Counselors can prove interesting, even if it's not Cadorna. "Counselor Cadorna seems quite attached to the Black Watch. Another reason we should talk to him... But this will be at any other moment, I guess."
The gold elf stands straight and proud when ever their company is mentioned. He nods in approval of Ishta's observations.
Regardless of the origin, these missions will allow for ending the evil here. We need not find ourselves intangled in politics.
Zane grinned as Azarra’s words brought a halt to his quick steps, a blush coloring his cheeks. ”Sorry...guess I forgot about the time in the excitement of another mission to bring Phlan one step closer to the glory it knew.”
The young man nodded in agreement with Ishta’s assessment. ”I agree...I’d love to find out more about Cadorna to sate my curiosity. He’s almost comically critical of the other members, always zigging when they want to zag, that I believe there is probably someone behind his antics, perhaps even another member of the council. Or maybe i’m just paranoid. Maybe it’s best that we’re back working so soon.”
As Ser Armithia gave his opinion, Zane could only nod in agreement. ”You’re right, of course, Ser Armithia, these deeds serve the common good no matter who is in charge.”
As the companions settled in to wait the hour until their meeting, the priest found his eyes drawn to the comely half-elf often. Perhaps they should have begged off this mission and gotten to know one another better.
"Also, it seems that Von Urslingen has some preference for us, if only because it's convenient for him. Please remind me of asking him about where to get some particular goods,"
A little while later and you're all ushered into the warren of meeting rooms and offices in the town council. Lust like everywhere in Phlan the council building has seen better days. The walls are richly decorated with frescoes but they're flaking from the damp and the once fine and obscenely expensive carpets are now threadbare with suspicious stains in places. Still at least the air is clean and there are flowers in vases here and there to brighten things up.
Von Urslingen's office is spartan as one might expect from a man with a military background. The only real ornamentation is a small cameo of a young maid in a silver frame on his plain oak desk. When you enter he puts down his quill and blots the letter he was writing and invites you to sit down. There are five wooden chairs arranged in an arc in front of his desk, well made but not overly comfortable.
"Ah I'm glad you agreed to do this, there's rather more to this mission than meets the eye. It's true The Second Story Gang have been a thorn in our side for some time. They've been pretty brazen of late and among many other things they've stolen two items of particular interest. The first is a small stylized raptor claw in bone, dyed green with a trio of golden links at the top to attach a lanyard. It looks for the world like an ordinary Unholy symbol of bane, except this one is special, it opens the secret sewer entrance into the nearby Temple of Bane." He pauses for a moment, catches your eye and says, "Now where The Second Story Gang are a mostly murderous nuisance, the Baneites are utter menace and will have to be driven out. Obtaining that unholy symbol is quite literally the key for doing so!"
He takes a sip of water from a small glass and adds, "There's one other thing we think is in the Mansion somewhere. It's a small leather bound book, called The Founding of Phlan. I gather it's really boring, but supposedly there's a code inside it which allows access to Mantors Library which has been locked magically. Regaining access to the Library would be greatly appreciated it contains extensive lore and civic records. I'm afraid we don't know where either of these items are, but if I had to guess the book might be in Fengor the Illusionist's room."
Azarra leans over and whispers in Ishta's ear.
You wanted us to remind you to ask the councillor about obtaining some particular goods.
The knight stands against the wall. He listens to the additions to the mission.
Clear out gang. Find unholy symbol.
The paladin frowns.
And find a book. Anything else?
Ishta listens while Von Urslingen explains. When he finishes, she nods to Ser Armithia's words. "Yes, objectives clear. I've got a couple of questions, though."
She clears her voice and goes on. "First, we would like to know if the rumours about Fengor not being in town are true, and if he is the Night Walker. Second, we might need some special gear to accomplish the mission. Is it possible to purchase anything magic here in town?" She turns her head to her friends, in case they want to make any other question. "Yes, magic items. We shouldn't have sold that limning mace, but who was to know?"
Zane grimaced when the worshippers of Bane are brought up by the Councillor. While Mask was a mostly nuisance whose followers liked to skulk, Bane was a greater deity like the Morninglord and his followers were made of sterner, more resilient stuff. Still, the priest just nodded at Von Urslingen’s words, resolved to find the item sought so that the Baneites could be driven out.
As the former military man discussed the book, Zane was seeing a pattern. Keys to unlock more areas of the Old City. Which certainly would invite more exploration and cleansing. The reclamation effort was picking up steam. It seemed that Von Urslingen had imparted his knowledge and was done, so Zane just waited patiently for him to answer Ishta.
Kardas stays silent and listens. Von Urslingen talks about objects of power that are vital in reclaiming Phlan and he makes mental notes of these. Clear enough so far. Easy? No. But then Ishta chimes in and starts draping obscure layers over their mission, painting one enemy in particular as a formidable foe.
Doubts and fears come knocking, but Kardas keeps a stoic face. Ishta deserves as much, for being brave enough to pose questions most would avoid until one couldn't face away from it any longer.
He'd ask her later what or who this 'Night Walker' is.
Azarra also waits for the answers to Ishta's questions, wondering if she will ever have time to try to find her parents or fulfill her mission for the Harpers. She glances at Zane and thinks that sticking with this group is an excellent cover though. She should stick with it.
"Could Fengor be The Night Walker? Hmm, now there's an interesting question..." Von Urslingen mulls this over for a moment before replying, "Probably no. Fengor is getting on a bit, must be in his seventies by now. He could have magical means to overcome the arthritis but I think it's considerably more likely if he's in league with The Night Walker rather than being him. As for him being out of town, I heard he was chasing a fools errand, something about a pool or fountain of youth. Supposedly he was heading for Myth Drannor if you can believe it. That place will be his tomb if he even gets that far."
"Is it possible to purchase anything magic here in town?"
Von Urslingen nods, "Yes there are a number of mages selling minor items, the Council have some things for sale as does Bishop Braccio privately I understand. There are also a few merchants who sell things to a select audience. Did you have anything particular in mind?"
Zane sucked in his breath. "Myth Drannor? Must be some kind of lead for an old wizard to be sucked into that place." The priest shook his head, politely waiting for everyone else's business to be attended to before he started for the door.
Kardas blinks. Myth Drannor? What was it with the wielders of the arcane and seeking out vestiges of the failures of old? The irony of that thought escaped him. "All men know temptation. Age only changes what we're tempted by."
"Well, knowing that the Second Story Gang has contacts with Mask's church, something that helps us discern through illusions would be helpful. If not, someone who sells scrolls can be of great use, I guess."
".. alternatively, we could always see if we can bring along an animal that relies on scent, like a mole, but I'm unsure about the practical nature of such an endeavour .."
Zane chuckled a bit at the sight of them holding a 'search mole', but kept his comments to himself. He didn't have any better ideas for ferreting out illusions. "We'll just have to rely on the Morninglord to keep our vision clear and our bodies safe. I have certain prayers from Lathander that can accomplish the second, and we just need to exercise caution about the first. Hopefully, anyway."
"In any case, a pair of scrolls and a detailed description of the amulet and the book should do."
"I would advice on a couple of scrolls or a wand of Detect Secret Doors. Especially with us heading towards a thieves' den, such an investment would surely pay for itself. "
Zane couldn’t find any fault in the logic offered by Kardas and Ishta, so he just nodded an affirmative. They knew much more about the arcane than he did, and the priest had grown to trust his companions. He had resolved to come and free Phlan from the yoke that had lain across it for fifty years, but he had not expected to find such excellent companions. Surely this endeavor was blessed.
Azarra shakes herself, having drifted into daydreaming about Zane and missing most of what was said. She nods quickly at Kardas' talk of an investment, not sure what she just agreed to or what it would cost her, but assumed that it would all work out.
Von Urslingen listens carefully before replying, "I see. That does sound like a sensible precaution, well I'd imagine Mendor the Elder could sell you those scrolls. He doesn't make wands as far as I'm aware, however. You may have to try and deal with Elena Cunningham. Strictly invite only but she operates a tiny branch of Aurora's Emporium. I gather Bishop Braccio knows her and might be able to put in a good word. As for descriptions of the book and the banite symbol I've got that right here.". He Hands you a sheet of paper with detailed descriptions of both.
"Let's be off, friends. Fortune favors the bold. Well, death also favors the bold, but what is that except just another adventure? One I'd honestly like to forestall a bit longer, if the Morninglord will forgive me." He glanced at Azarra with a grin, getting to know her better being near the top of the 'to-do' list. And with that, he was ready to make their purchases and venture out to deal with the infamous Second Story Gang.
Azarra grins at Zane.
Death is an adventure that I would prefer to avoid as well. Let's work on staying alive, shall we?
Resplendent in his new enchanted chainmail, Ser Armithia appears ready to stand with this Company again.
Councillor von Urslingen bids you good luck as you depart and you make your preparations. Once everything is bought and you're ready, you set off over the bridge onto the newly conquered toehold on the eastern bank. The canal you pass over is deep but sluggish and choked with debris, you notice several bodies which nobody has managed to fish out yet.
The small plaza on the eastern side is seriously dilapidated with many flagstones shattered or missing. A small area immediately on the left as you step off the left contains a great bronze wall heavily gratified which mostly hide the profane symbols of which herald the Temple of Bane behind it. Supposedly there's a door cunningly disguised within but your eyes fail to spot it. You walk past this onto the plaza where the tenements surrounding it are crumbling from time and battle, many will probably have to be pulled down. From within their dark and cramped interiors, suspicious eyes follow your progress east.
You head past these towards the Kovel mansion. As the fates would have it, the mansion and the surrounding yard are in excellent condition. The litter and dilapidation so common elsewhere in Phlan is not present here. You have a sense of being watched but there's not a soul to be seen...
The door is in front of you and it appears to be ajar!