It takes a few tries (and likely a couple days), but Jenya is finally able to break the transmutation curse on the halfling.
Dalamus is willing to part with coin, if the information is good.
Diplomacy
Ma'puande will explain the marks. Recasting true seeing a few times if needed. Also throwing a few other spells... Read Magic, Detect Magic, Dispel Magic, and finally Restoration. She'll use some skills to try to glean any info she can.
Dalamus canvases the bars and when he sees people start to back away, he changes his approach and tries money, which only causes them to completely throw caution to the wind and fleeing yelling for the Town Guard, causing Dalamus to have to duck away faster than he originally intended.
----------------
After 3 days of stopping by and casting, Jenya finally grunts in triumph and with the sound of shattering glass, the monkey grows into a naked, disheveled halfling man with slave marks,
"Oooh, oooh, Eeee, eeee ... ah ... about time! Thought she'd never get it! Gods man, thought you all were going to leave me to the wilds!"
----------------
Dalamus frustrated with his failures will go back and find Fellian and Fario, and see if they have any seedy contacts throughout the city that he can use.
Upon remembering the speech and now understanding what that had all meant, Dalamus falls into a chair with a deep and troubled look upon his face...."So I have descendants that are demons? and I need to be sacrificed in order for these portals to be opened?" Now feeling more focused Dalamus stands "We need to destroy every soulcage, we can not leave any in existence!"
Nowzai lays a calming hand on the halfling's shoulder, using the other to telekinesis a blanket to cover his modesty. "Good sir, are you Mr Quickstride?"
To Ma'puande, he asides, "Can you see the Shackleborn mark upon him?"
Epik nods at Dalamus. "I think we all agree that the soulcages must be destroyed, but where to find them? Vhalantru surely knows. Yet another reason to hunt him down."
Ma'paunde will check the monkey with True seeing
Ma'puande verifies that the halfling is truly a halfling with no Mark of Carceri.
He speaks again, rubbing his head, "Ah, yeah, Thallo Quickstride ... you able to free my friends and wife? They were in the other cages, although ..."
The halfling's eyes well up with tears, "I think they succumbed to the nature of their forms a long time ago. They stopped responding to me like creatures I knew and started acting like animals several months ago."
In the downtime Dalamus is going to continue his underground efforts, leveraging some of his contacts starting with:
Fario
Fellian
Annah Taskerhill (Stormblade leader)
Zenith Splintershield
He will be asking what they know of the Last laugh, the leader and the status of the clan. He is also looking for information on strange cage devices any of them may have seen, or people that they can point me to.
"Do not lose hope, Thallo," Nowzai tries to comfort the halfling, if somewhat awkwardly. "Magic was used to transform them into animals. If we can locate them, magic can also be used to restore them."
"If you are not marked of Carceri, then why was Thirifane keeping you and your family hostage like this?"
I think we need a live session, if nothing else but to figure out our course of action. It is hard to negotiate in a forum post method.
The party spends time reconnecting with a wounded city. The tone is less despair and pending doom, but the city is certainly damaged and rudderless. The three remaining churches all have acolytes on the street but trust is low due to the damage done by Shebeleth's deception of the Church of Iomedae and the subsequent actions he took.
Magma's leadership along with now Lieutenant Skylar Lewis have turned the bedraggled and confused Town Guard into a monumental reconstructive effort. The displaced dwarves of the Malachite fortress who once stood on the walls of Redgorge fighting the sieging Guardsmen have turned their defensive siege equipment into a massive construction enterprise, clearing debris and building temporary housing for the displaced refugees.
Scuffles.still break out as tempers amongst the defenders still flare up, given the deaths of many of their leaders all who died in heroic stands to.prevent the city from falling. Shrines to Maavu and the Honest Minstrel have gone up and calls for artisans to build permanent statues are.heard often.
As such, a few refugees whose homes werent destroyed have returned to them and have begun to aid the cleanup. However, there are still 100s of refugees left in Cauldron in the streets.
That said, after allowing the Blue Duke's mercenaries and Vhalantru's tax men to run amok among the citizenry of Cauldron, the Town Guard are booed and spit upon wherever they go. Helds head low, weary from battle the Guardsmen take on a defeated and accepting stance and violence is low but crime is through the roof.
The Last.Laugh's counterfeiting operation ended but their thievery is at an all time high. Outside of the Lords manors, nearly everyone has been mugged or robbed to include merchants and the churches. The economy is grinding to a halt and if it werent for the recent restart of the Hollowsky trade the people may have well starved to death.
The Striders are actively policing the wilds around Hollowsky to ensure the continuous operation of the farms and ranches. While they have ended the immediate threat of the Necrocants, they only drove them.off and there is still a chance the evil company may return to the area.
Jenya catches up with you all after s couple weeks. While hale and happy, she looks exhausted and is obviously burning the candle at both ends supporting the church's charitable efforts, rebuilding the internal hierarchy while negotiating the damage done by Shebeleth, and preparing for the upcoming "Future of Cauldron" meeting as she calls it.
It's this latter effort she brings to your attention catching you at a regular dinner at the Drunken Morkoth.
"I have it set for this weekend at noon at the Cusp of Sunrise. It was the only place I could get the nobles, merchants, clergy and the externals from Redgorge and Hollowsky to attend. The Cusps security and discretion are well known and we have been able to secure the entire facility for the afternoon."
She sighs and sits down, stabbing a leg of mutton that Gryphon has just placed on the table. "I would like you all to attend and give a first hand accounting of the conspiracy and troubles you have uncovered. Many have heard but this will give them an opportunity to hear truth and ask questions. But beware, they each have their own designs. Each of the invitees likely has a favorite candidate in mind for Cauldron for their own motives. Some are selfishness, some are altruistic, but many are probably a bit of both. You all could influence the vote with your presentation and perhaps your engagement with the others. Some of the attendees you have pre_exisiting relationships with. Both good and bad, I believe but either way, everyone is aware.of the influence you have with the people of Cauldron. Quite simply, they love you. From the flood to the fires, to the hulk, to recusing children.from.magical disaster to stopping mobs every story is a positive one. Your support will.make all the difference to whomever the winning candidate is."
She takes a.mouthful of meat that she was waving around and chews through several more with a vicious hunger before she continues. "The earlier you show up, the more time you have to work the room before we start formally once everyone else has arrived. But there is a danger of our past relationship. I am expected to be unbiased in the proceedings and if you are there too early, they may believe we are colluding. It is up to you. This is the Cusp, however, so the only weapons you will have in this conflict will be your words. No actual.weapons are.allowed.on the premises and overt displays of magic will get you thrown out. Any questions or will I see you there?"
Epik will arrive at the event at the earliest opportunity. He will wear the black vestments of the Church of Iomedae with the Inheritor's holy symbol of sword and sun prominently displayed.
"Thank you, Jenya. Your work in getting this organized is much appreciated. I have no personal wish to become mayor, but I will accept the role the city needs if no others are willing or able to take it."
"Do you know who will be attending yet, and who the potential leading candidates will be?"
Prior to this event Dalamus will work the thieving quarters outside the Lord manors. In discreetness yet obvious for the right folks. His intentions are to get the attention of any thieving groups in the area. He needs to know more about the Last Laugh and is willing to go deep undercover, even if it means missing the big event.
For the big event, Dalamus will show up late and in the background, avoiding any attention that he can. He will watch the crowd, he will be watching for unusual behavior.....Especially aggressive, or that from individuals looking to incite riots, etc.
Stealth
Disguise
Perception
"I have invited a representative from each of the remaining noble families, the Vanderborens, the Aslaxins, the Taskerhills and the Knowlerns, a representative from each of the 3 churches. I will represent my church. The major merchants in town: Skie, Tygot, and the Lathenmires. Gurzenon has made it clear he isn't interested in attending. Finally I invited Meerthen and the Foreman to represent their organizations since they have so much sway in the community right now."
"As for contenders, I think Lord Aslaxin seems a genuine candidate.
He is certainly interested, but I believe any of the other nobles could be options as well. Each noble house will get one vote, each church one vote, each merchant one vote and the Striders and Chisel will get a vote each. You all will be special guests, but you won't vote per se. However, I'm certain if you spend enough time there, you can gauge the room and figure out how to ensure the best candidates are considered. Anyone can be nominated of course."
---------------------
Ma'Puande asks a few questions of Jenya.
"I'm not familiar with this 'Cusp'. You say overt spell casting is frowned upon, but can we cast some prep spells? Could we, for example cast true seeing once the event starts?" If casting during the event is prohibited, Ma'Puande will arrive at the event promptly, wearing her standard armor and gear, minus the weapons. Before she steps into the venue, she casts True Seeing. Then proceeds to look at all of the attendees making note of their appearance.
"You can walk in under magical influence, sure. But being caught casting during the event is likely to gain the ire of the other attendees and may have the bouncers at the Cusp escort you involuntarily to the door. It's a breach of trust and etiquette."
"If none of the contenders are competent, what are my chances?"
Nowzai considers the names Jenya has listed, referencing his knowledge of the prominent families of Cauldron for further insight.
Normally prudently punctual, Nowzai will keep true to character to avoid raising suspicion and arrive 10-15 minutes early.
Epik frowns at Nowzai. "We have more pressing matters than the governance of Cauldron. I suggest you let one of these nobles do the job. We will have our hands full with the Cagewrights."
Nowzai frowns back at Epik. "I respectfully disagree. If we let the city administration fall again into the hands of incompetants, or worse, lackeys of the Cagewrights, then all our strain and sacrifice will be for naught. Do you truly wish Cauldron to be ruled by the corrupt? If no worthy candidates step forward to run, then I must."
Sam will cast overland flight before he arrives. He will arrive several hours early but will stay outside of the Cusp watching the comings and goings without being obvious about it. Let me know if your want rolls or if I can just take 10 on stealth and perception
Stealth - 35
Perception - 27
30 minutes before Noon he will present himself at the front door. He will be dressed in black and white with some silver adornments, classy and elegant and well made, without being flashy or pompous.
Taskerhill: Lord Ankhin Taskerhill is the inheritor of the fabulously wealthy Taskerhill mines and estates. Ankhin is the richest man in Cauldron, and now that he is a widower (his wife having recently passed away) he is also one of the most sought after men within its walls.
Lathenmire: Beswink and Lioral Lathenmire are the current heads of the House Lathenmire, which has not yet officially been given the patent of nobility, but is expected to overcome that obstacle before the end of another decade. Beswink started life as the third son of a poor weaponsmith. When he caught the eye of Lioral, the only daughter of a successful merchant, he had the chance he needed to turn the tide of his fate. With the help of his new bride, Beswink began to buy out the other weapon and armor smithies in Cauldron. Coupled with the trade routes established by Lioral’s father the two quickly became one
of the most financially influential couples in Cauldron.
Garthûn: <dead>
Tercival: <dead>
Navalant: <missing> The current Lord Mayor is the sole inheritor of a powerful family that claims to have been given the patent of nobility by Surabar Spellmason himself. The family controls large orchards north of Kingfisher Hollow, and it is rumored that they have a standing pact with the fey in the area, which allows them to maintain their control on the
rare wood trade out of the region. Even though Severen is the last member of his line, he is not on speaking terms with his parents, who disapprove of the fact that he married into the Hollow family. However, it was this marriage (fruitless, currently) that brought Severen’s name to the attention of the Noble’s council, and ultimately led to his appointment 13 years ago.
Aslaxin: The Aslaxin family is currently the most powerful house in the
town of Kingfisher Hollow, now that the Taskerhills have moved most of their interests into the city. The Aslaxin rice crops are one of
the greatest sources of food in the region, and their dominance of the
food import trade seals the family’s continued power in the region.
However, the true gem of the Aslaxin empire is the art trade.
Skellerang: <dead>
Knowlern: Lady Ophelia Knowlern inherited control of this house when
her father and brother died in a mine explosion, and she has been loath to marry, giving up her power. She makes her home in Hollowsky, where she can better look after her interests in the areas mines (both
south of Hollowsky and in the immediate vicinity of the Haunted Village). At the behest of Jenya Urikas, she often sits in as a voice of reason and compassion at Cauldron’s council meetings.
Rhiavadi: <dead>
Vhalantru: <beholder infiltrator>
Lord Orbius Vhalantru was given the patent of nobility shortly after moving to Cauldron 15 years ago. Immediately upon arriving to the city he gave a huge sum of money toward the restoration of several town structures, including the Town Hall. The grounds of Vhalantru’s manor are among the most beautiful in Cauldron.
Vanderboren: The Vanderborens, Lord Premiach and Lady Aeberrin, are the newest of Cauldrons nobility, having received the patent of nobility only nine years ago. The house is Cauldron’s answer to real-estate tycoons, and they own several important buildings and businesses in the city, including Sure Foot Livery and the Lantern Street Orphanage.
The Cusp of Sunrise is a well-known dinner club and inn for nobles. Access is by invitation from a member only, and the membership list is reputed to be quite exclusive. The Cusp is owned by a Caludron noble, Ophella Knowlern, who lives in Hollowsky
The party has been here three times before, once Dalamus participates in the Drink down the Flood challenge during the Flood Festival where he competed against Adrick Garthun.
Twice, the party was invited to an exclusive dinner with the woman, Celeste, whom you now know was an eladrin in disguise when she asked you to hunt for Zenith Splintershield, lost scion and heir of the dwarf clan of the same name at the behest of his father ... supposedly.
The third time was to turn over Zenith to Celeste who wasnt there, but Vhalantru took him on her behalf and paid you your reward.
Dalamus listens to the conversation between Nowzai and Epik with no real interest or care of what they decide.
Dalamus will dress nice but in dark clothes for the event, and arrive with the rest of the party. He will be armed with blades that he can conceal, the Sawtooth is 2lbs but I can seem to find a length on it, I would guess from pictures that it is about 3'. If that is concealable will bring that.
Disguise?
Once the day arrives and the party has picked up the current fashion ... which unlike normal Cauldron events is the same as it was months ago, given the lack of a high society scene while the siege was creating strife and refugees ... you set off on your own timelines to join this momentous event in the strategic future of Cauldron.
Sam sets up outside the Cusp discretely and watches as the various attendees arrive. He sees Jenya and Lady Knowlern arrive together, Jenya is dressed in her full formal regalia and the half-elven lady and the priestess talk with their heads close together, often smiling and even once breaking into laughter. They approach the steps, holding up their dresses and have a polite interaction with Renjin, the bald and implacable doorman of the Cusp of Sunrise. He bows deeply to the both of them and beams just slightly as Lady Knowlern whispers something to him.
A bit later the Vanderborens show up together, a touch hesitantly as they approach Renjin. They have some sort of discussion where Premiach coughs and then gives a short laugh before reaching into his sleeve to pull out an ornate dagger. As he proffers it to Renjin, Aeberrin places her hand on his arm and proceeds to launch into a litany of loud and apparently angry words and curt gestures. Sam can't hear the details, but the volume allows for at least some noise to drift up, the heat in her voice obvious. Renjin stands non plussed however, and eventually his granite facade wins out and in a huff she releases her husband's arm, and Renjin accepts the dagger. She sweeps past him imperiously, dragging her husband along behind her.
Finally, Meerthen arrives, wearing his wide brimmed tall wizard-style hat and gray outfit. He still has on his dwarf beard, but he is obviously not acting as a dwarf today. He glances up at Sam and nods slightly before buzzing into the Cusp with only a momentary stop at Renjin.
Next Epik approaches the door, and is greeted with a blase, "My dear lord Epik, tramp any undesirables this fine day, yet?" from Renjin.
Epik nods respectfully at Renjin, "No, but the day is young. And, before you ask, I carry no weapons other than my faith in Iomedae. May I enter?"
Renjin steps to the side and bows slightly, sweeping his hand in front of him, "Of course sir, right this way ..."
And in a softer voice, he adds, "Get them to do the right thing, Ser."
Epik winks and Renjin and walks into the Cusp. He nods to Jenya and Lady Knowlern and then moves to sit down across from the Vanderborens. "Greetings friends, may Iomedae's blessings be on you this momentous day. I pray that the Inheritor imbues us with the wisdom to do what is necessary to help our benighted city. I do hope that Cauldron's recent troubles have left you and your family relatively unscathed. Please know that the Church of Iomedae stands ready to provide you assistance in this dark hour."
Sam will also arrive and head in on time, he doesn't really interact with many people yet, this isn't really his area of expertise, he is just expecting trouble and wants to be here to support his friends when things go sideways
For now, he listens unless approached
Let me double check. Should be 4 others.
Premiach stands as you approach, "Ah, yes, Ser Epik isn't it ... ha ha, yes, ... uh, call me Vandy, if you will. And we did get through unscathed, but our old fr ..., I mean, some of the common folk ... well, many of the common folk didn't fare well and that really is unfortunate," the man nervously blunders through his intro before his wife interrupts him.
"Vandy, please. This is one of those adventurers who tangled with our poor Todd. If they weren't so set on wealth and excitement, perhaps our boy would still be alive." She stares fiercly right at Epik, her hand laid on Premiach's arm as she gently but firmly pulls him back into his seat.
Epik nods his head solemnly, "Yes, I have prayed for your son and the other Storm Blades. I hope you know that we had nothing to do with his death. I fear that Vhalantru and his associates are likely responsible. I'm now certain they are responsible for all of the calamities that have struck our city. Which is why it is so important that we elect leadership that is good and just. Perhaps then Cauldron can begin to heal."
The woman glares at Epik, "All you adventurers are the same. And the desire to one up you and your antics directly contributed to his death. You may not have set the trap that killed him, but your actions certainly shoved him in the way. Perhaps, if you had spent more time collaborating and less time competing, this might not have happened!" her voice is tight and controlled, but a hit of underlying emotion is certainly there.
Premiach coughs during the awkward pause and then opens his mouth again, disentangling himself from Aeberrin. "Vhalantru, yes. I understand you all will have more to say about this during the agenda. Any idea what's going on at his estate?"
Epik shakes his head at Premiach, "Nothing good, I can assure you. Vhalantru and his allies will not rest until they've enslaved Cauldron."
Epik will pause and look around the room to see who may be watching. "Listen Premiach, I promise you we'll work to bring your son's killer to justice. In the mean time, I would ask that you carefully consider who you vote for today. We need some one of the highest intelligence to solve the intractable problems that face this city. We need someone who has the lineage of a noble family. We need someone whom has proven they will fight to save Cauldron. I ask that you consider voting for Nowzai al'Nazari!"
Epik delivers an impassioned speech, believeable and from the heart. Premiach listens politely and nods through it, but he appears somewhat disinterested in the content of the message.
Aeberrin however leans forward hanging on to every word and even reaches out to touch Epik on the knee briefly in solidarity. "Perhaps I misjudged you, Sir Epik. I will need to find this Nowzai al'Nazari and see what he is made of."
Ma'Puande enters the Cusps, she will walk around the perimeter.
While the True Seeing spell is in effect, and will, from time to time confer with other party members about what she sees. Hopefully no floating eyeballs are trying to deceive us.
If the spell ends before the event is over, she will speak to whomever she can and try to talk up Nowzai.
Aslaxin
"My Dear friends, I am only a poor refuge from a simple village far from here, but please forgive my boldness. The evil that has befallen your city has been the cause of a personal type of hell. The evil beast that went by the name of Vhalantru, has used magic to turn me to stone. I've been a statue in his estate for decades. I would still be wallowing there if not for the kindness of Nowzai al'Nazari. I have never met a more noble and selfless gentleman in all my years"
Knowlern
"my lady, thank you for your service! You have been a rock of stability for this city, your city. Speaking of someone who is a rock of stability, my dear friend Nowzai is the most caring and wise man I've ever met."
Vanderboren
"My dear friends, thank you for coming. If I may, I have only recently learned of your sons death. Please accept my deepest condolences. I myself have been a victim of the evil that killed your son. The beast that calls itself Vhalantru, in reality it looks like a giant floating eyeball. I know it sounds improbable. But it is a powerful spell caster, and turned my physical form into a stone statue. It moved me from my homeland into a display case in his mansion. I was returned to flesh and blood by the quick thinking and mental fortitude of Nowzai al'Nazari. He is a good man, and he can help bring justice to this wounded place. Please keep an open mind towards him. Thank you for listening to my story"
Taskerhill
"My dear lord Taskerhill! Thank you for attending this event. My condolences for your loss. If you will allow me to ask your opinion? Who do you think should be the new lord mayor of the Cauldron? I have not, in all my years, ever met a more noble soul than sir Nowzai al'Nazari. Please keep an open mind about him. Also, if you would like to have dinner one night, please let me know."
(if I missed any other nobles)