Sighing deeply, "I would say so, yes. I know a great deal of Zon-kuthon due to my level of study on him. As far as knowing anything more of his worshipers, they live to inflict torture ... all sorts and various kinds of torture," he says in faraway voice. After a moments pause which feels like an eternity, "There is nothing more that gives them greater joy... especially against a healer of a differing faith."
Looking across to Variel, Rain added, "I will then join Flynn and the others at the docks for I am a decent tracker, more so on water, but fine enough on land."
Horatio waits at the Harbor Master's station.
He does not receive the information he wished to gain, it seems.
He moves to the wharf and the absolute naked fury in his face is noticeable from a great distance.
He moves to the gangplank and sees Rain at the side and waits for her to come down.
When Rain does come down, he sends Rosie and Conchobar back on the ship.
At this time it is Rain, himself and Amen-set - a company of three.
He looks at Rain for a moment.
"Hello, Pilot-Major. Regrettably the Harbor Master could not help. Where do you want to go next?" he says with eerily calm and polite voice as his eyes move past her to grind into the ship.
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The anger leaving him Variel is instead filled with anguish at the loss of a friend and a pounding headache at the frustration of not getting any real answers. He releases Rajah from the wall with an apology. Sorry about that.
Pacing back and forth Variel starts talking out loud trying to sort his thoughts and maybe Rajah's as well. So Shenxua and Shanxia are 2 different things yet seem related by name. If so then we can assume that these assassins may be worshipers of Zon-kuthon as well. If so then not only could we look for the assassins themselves but also for any rumor of a cultist group in the city.
Turning back to the warpriest Variel continues to ask questions but not as aggressively as before. Do you know how the cultists operate as far as finding places to worship or avoid detection? do they use magical means in this ritual of theirs? Would we be able to track them using magical means? How would Adular know of the symbol he drew and is there anyway to track that down?
As he is questioning Rajah Variel turns and detects magic on the area seeing if anything lights up for him. They must have had some way to subdue Adular to prevent him from calling for help or fighting back. Perhaps there is poison in his system still. Regardless we must take him back with us to the Lady and see that he is buried accordingly. Turning to a few of the crew that remains here Variel asks them to find a box to lay Adular's remains in so they may carry him back to the ship. Once that is found Variel will aid in carrying the body himself along with the crew that remain.
As you turn and begin to open your eyes to magical emanations, you are assaulted by multiple powerful auras. Several overlap each other in a mash of colors and strengths. Several are immediate, a powerful orange jagged aura stands out near the wall signifying conjuration magic of the kind used in translocation, a moderate illusion spell that has a vibratory translucent feel to it that you take to be some sort of sound manipulation, a black sickly aura shot through with veins of red suffuses the body signifying a moderate necromantic effect causing extreme pain, and last an aura that shows that Adular was at least partially paralyzed.
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As Variel scans the area for magic he feels the powerful magics swirl in front of him inundating his senses. 4 main auras pierce through him one after the other. Trying as hard as he can Variel concentrates on the individual auras trying to identify them and garner as much information as possible.
spellcraft orange conjuration
spellcraft vibratory illusion
spellcraft black necromantic
spellcraft last aura
Realizing that me may not understand the auras present Variel turns back to Rajah. Do you have the gift of magical sight? If so turn here and look this direction and tell me what you see and what you can glean form it.
The anger leaving him Variel is instead filled with anguish at the loss of a friend and a pounding headache at the frustration of not getting any real answers. He releases Rajah from the wall with an apology. Sorry about that.
Pacing back and forth Variel starts talking out loud trying to sort his thoughts and maybe Rajah's as well. So Shenxua and Shanxia are 2 different things yet seem related by name. If so then we can assume that these assassins may be worshipers of Zon-kuthon as well. If so then not only could we look for the assassins themselves but also for any rumor of a cultist group in the city.
Turning back to the warpriest Variel continues to ask questions but not as aggressively as before. Do you know how the cultists operate as far as finding places to worship or avoid detection? do they use magical means in this ritual of theirs? Would we be able to track them using magical means? How would Adular know of the symbol he drew and is there anyway to track that down?
Nodding, "Yes. They use magical means. The victim is tortured beyond the realm of sanity. He then has his bones extracted before his very eyes before they eventually decapitate him. Sadly, that is the only time peace is truly found."
Realizing that me may not understand the auras present Variel turns back to Rajah. Do you have the gift of magical sight? If so turn here and look this direction and tell me what you see and what you can glean form it.
Shaking his head in discouragement, "I fear I do not."
Not a few moments later it hits him and his eyes open wide in revelation. "A moment! I just believe I may." He then concentrates upon the area and brings forth the magic asked about.
"Hello, Pilot-Major. Regrettably the Harbor Master could not help. Where do you want to go next?" he says with eerily calm and polite voice as his eyes move past her to grind into the ship.
Amen-set has her musket loose in her hands and peers hard at the ship, her turquoise eyes glinting like ice.
She turns to Horatio -
"We have traveled from the place of the murder to the harbor; then we assuredly spoke at length to gather news from the Harbor Master who failed to provide us with help."
Her eyes roam the houses and alleys and her knuckles whiten as her hands grip the stock of the musket tightly.
She turns her gaze to study Rain, making sure that the Elf is able to hear her words, too.
"The passage of time erodes the marks of those who passed. The longer we delay, the less chance we shall have to find our prey."
"What, then, shall we do?" she asks Horatio and Rain.
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Variel hopes Rajah can fill him in on the missing clues but he tells the warpriest what he suspects. A few of the spells I can identify. One of them is a zone of silence. That would explain how the cultists were able to keep Adular from alerting anyone near by. Another of the auras is similar to that of a blasphemy spell but altered in such a way as to be smaller in area. If that is the case then we are dealing with a very powerful cultist. There can not be that many with such power or gifts from their god to perform such miracles. There is no telling where such a powerful priest may be right now.
Well, what's all this th- Dhaavan speaks, ambling up with a few crewmen. He had been elsewhere and a new crewman came to get him, bringing him to the location late. His casual stride falters, and all emotion leaves his face. What do we know?
after getting the gyst of what has happened he calls up his own second sight. He whispers to himself in:
conjuration
Necromancy
His companion looks at the mutilated body with keen interest.
A black raven sits on Dhaavan's shoulder staring strangely at the priest making a very strange strangled cawing noise
He scrutinizes the auras as well
conjuration
Necromancy
Has Sandara seen this? She'll be devastated... he comments. These Shenxua or Shanxia, or whatever they are... needs to burn. This won't stand. Regardless of how powerful a priest, we will extract our revenge. We've faced powerful casters before, like that b*~$@ who attacked us at Tidewater.
Turning to Variel, Rajah, and the others, he asks, I need questions, Yes or No questions about what happened here. I'm going to . . . make inquiries. Yeah, but the augries can only call up simple answers, so i need simple questions. We should ask the other officers as well?
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The walk back to the ship was fortunately an uneventful one as she helped move Sandara briskly back to the Lady. The Besmaran priestess' sadness was deep and Rain kept the woman between herself and Jiro; occasionally glancing over to her troubled kitsune companion. Rain settled Sandara in her quarters, asking Aretta to sit and watch over her. Rain then moved about the ship, checking sleeping quarters, captain's cabin, the Wheel, bilges, hull and so forth for any signs of intrusion or tampering and could find none. Moving topdeck Rain called the remaining crew to her and proceeded to set up an armed watch to secure the ship in case of coming trouble. Turning to Jiro, she said, "I'm not certain what you wish to do at present, Jiro, but I am going to meet Flynn and Amen at the harbour master's station and help them with their inquiries. If you wish to join us, you're welcome to. If you do not feel up to it, I understand, and will leave the ship in your trusted hands."
Upon Jiro's answer and seeing Flynn on the gangplank waving her down, Rain excused herself and made her way to the other two.
"Hello, Pilot-Major. Regrettably the Harbor Master could not help. Where do you want to go next?" he says with eerily calm and polite voice as his eyes move past her to grind into the ship.
Hearing that no information could be gleamed from the harbour master, Rain began to think on where to go next. She heard Amen ask the same thing, where would they go next ..."The local tavern, mayhap. One of the locals may have seen something out of the ordinary, although I doubt the Shanxia are that obvious or inexperienced in covering their tracks. Perhaps they arrived here under the breadth and concealment of magic. It appears they are fond of powerful dark magic, if Rajah's account is true. We should report the murder to the local authority and also the Master of Gales as this is his domain. If anyone would know if the Shanxia have their hooks in this town, it would be the ruler." Rain tapped her finger against her lips and she contemplated some other things. Turning once more to Flynn and Amen, she asked, "Have you walked the wharf and checked the colours of each ship? Perhaps we can discover the ships and captains for ourselves and then cast detect magic on each ship we come to. I do not understand how the harbour master could not be swayed by Amen's fine manner or on promise of coin for his shipping records. We could ask the Master of Gales for written authority for the harbour master to hand over his records to us. But then who is to say the assassins, if they came by boat, docked their ship in this harbour. They may have anchored some distance downwind from Drenchport and then made their way overland. Hmm."
"If none of these suggestions appeal to you, then Amen and I could take to the air and fly overhead, gaining a new perspective and see what we can discover from up there."
Considering the nature of the auras, and the powerful effects, Dhaavan wonders aloud, Could the murder have been used as part of a power-expanding ritual? Is that what the Red Lotus thing is about? Using the agonizing death used to allow the ppractitioner to cast spells beyond their ken? I'm not familiar with such practices, but maybe you've read or researched something about it?
Or would this have been to generate and store power, or something to do with Blasphemies... Not something in My ken... he asks as a will-based Arcanist unfaamiliar with book-magic, and faith magic.
Rajah nods, "Yes, it was. The ritual infuses the victim's bones with a level of pain that goes beyond... well anything. Why the bones specifically? I know not. But ultimately they are used as a powerful component for the vilest of rituals."
"Well, Rain, I'd like to accompany you and I feel better now, though still angry and distressed, but I think at least one officer should remain on the ship, don't you? But don't leave without an escort please... take a few of the crew with you until you arrive at your rendezvous with Flynn and Amen. The crewfolk can escort each other back here to the ship, or stay with you to run messages if such need to be sent back to the ship.... Let me know if you need me otherwise."
Once Rain has made it down the gangplank Horatio steps out of the way so that she could move next to him - Amen-set following them a few steps behind, her eyes hard on the harbor and studying the docks, watching the folk intently as Horatio talks to Rain.
Hearing that no information could be gleamed from the harbour master, Rain began to think on where to go next. She heard Amen ask the same thing, where would they go next ..."The local tavern, mayhap. One of the locals may have seen something out of the ordinary, although I doubt the Shanxia are that obvious or inexperienced in covering their tracks. Perhaps they arrived here under the breadth and concealment of magic. It appears they are fond of powerful dark magic, if Rajah's account is true. We should report the murder to the local authority and also the Master of Gales as this is his domain. If anyone would know if the Shanxia have their hooks in this town, it would be the ruler."
Horatio pauses in his advance, his eyes narrowing.
"I do not trust this "Master of Gales" - I think he is either in league with Harrigan, or incompetent at his position," he says with a toneless voice, the tension of the events still hard on him.
"However, I will accompany you to a tavern, or any place that you wish; including even speaking to the Master of Gales..." he says, but it is clear that Horatio is not eager to try that.
"I don't mean to sound presumptous, but I thought that your grandfather would be a better source than a tavern," he says slowly.
"He is wealthy and well-connected; surely he has a collection of folk in this town who are likely to be knowledge about local happenings; reliable people - and those who are loyal to him personally," he says, but the statement is more of a question.
Horatio has been extraordinarily impressed by Rain's grandfather it seems; far more than the Master of Gales in any case.
"Besides," he says in a quiet voice, so only Rain can hear him "Shanxia is connected to Nightstorm, unfortunately. Once you two are married, surely these things will be something that shall be shared with your family; if your grandfather has a strategy or advice on how to defeat these enemies, perhaps if he knows more details..." he lets his words trail off then shrugs.
He has offered a suggestion, but the decision is up to Rain.
As she ponders things she offers her thoughts on follow-up with the Harbor Master -
"Have you walked the wharf and checked the colours of each ship? Perhaps we can discover the ships and captains for ourselves and then cast detect magic on each ship we come to. I do not understand how the harbour master could not be swayed by Amen's fine manner or on promise of coin for his shipping records."
He grunts in frustration; clearly the lack of information had annoyed him greatly.
He pulls out a small, beat-up journal from his satchel and flips it open, his eyes grinding into the pages.
"I have a list of the names of all the ships that have entered the harbor in the past forty-eight hours."
"In addition to the name of each ship I also have a copy of their flags; the names of their captains; which nation they hail from; the list of the cargo that they offloaded or sold, and the list of gear that they had purchased... or what was reported purchased..."
"Once I had a list of the ships and captains I reduced the list of probable threats after examination their reported manifests."
"Ships that took more than four days to reach this port I discounted as coincidental.... I was able to narrow the list considerably," he says with a frown as he glances at the notes again, as if hoping that he might find a detail he missed, but then shakes his head.
"After that, I used all the Skill I have with Knowledge to gather as much information as I could about the type of captain which conned each ship and the likelihood of them working with the type of folk which could have done such a thing... I then used more Knowledge to ascertain the reputation of the crew and the history of their sailing missions..."
"After I did that the list was narrowed again... I then lined the list of possible ships and cross referenced the captains with the sort of reputation to traffic with the sort of scum which came to us..." he added as his eyes flick to a single page that is covered with a few columns of names and lines drawn to connect the various headers together; other lines scribbled over names... the entire set of notes a sloppy jumble of nearly incoherent information.
His hands suddenly squeeze around the journal tightly, causing the leather bound cover to crease as his fingers crush the it under them, his eyes flat.
"It seems that after all of my work, time and effort the only conclusive response I discovered was that all of the evidence I gathered suggested was..." he pauses to pull the journal open and glances at a single page, the corner folded over -
"Ah, here is is - ...observations suggest killers did not arrive on a ship... In other words," he says pausing to glance at the page again - "Oh yes... the killers likely used magic to travel to this town... Detecting Magic might provide more answers..."
He looks at the harbor for a bit as they walk.
"So it seems that if I want to be of any real use with this thing I'll need to use magic," he adds with a grunt.
"For what it's worth - I wish that I had figured that out before I took the time to do the research and the charts and compile the information and all that other crap..." he adds, his voice trailing off.
He calms down a bit and shakes his head, then glances up at Rain.
"Well - now you know what I have done, and the results..." he says with a frustrated sigh.
"Meantime, I've made my suggestions and you know what I think... Still, if you wish to go to a tavern, I'll come with you. And if you would prefer to go to the 'Master of Gales' I shall go there, too," he adds.
Amen-set continues to follow, her attention focused on any possible threats which may be around them.
Horatio glances at the Harbor, then looks at Rain.
"I may be wrong, but it sounds like the best tavern to check out should at least be the one your grandfather was at," he says.
"Do you wish to go there?" he asks "After all - we may be able to catch your grandfather if he has not yet left..." he adds.
When you inquire within however, you find out that during the time in which you were searching for Adular, Rain's grandfather left for home.
When you inquire within however, you find out that during the time in which you were searching for Adular, Rain's grandfather left for home.
Well, I'm sure there will be a contingent coming shortly. Jack, gain some altitude and get to the ship, and make sure we have a crew coming to transport the body so we can perform proper rights and crap. He'd want that. Dhaavan says, cold and livid at what was done to his priest.
Let us reconvene at the ship. I need to prep for Augries, and will have to come up with questions to use.
"Don't leave without an escort please... take a few of the crew with you until you arrive at your rendezvous with Flynn and Amen. The crewfolk can escort each other back here to the ship, or stay with you to run messages if such need to be sent back to the ship.... Let me know if you need me otherwise."
"Thank you for your concern, but Flynn is there on the gangplank, so no need for an escort as I am safe enough. I will stick close to Flynn and Amen as we move about Drenchport. I'll leave Neko here with you, if that is alright. She can help, if you need her to. Maybe send a few sailors, those not on watch, to the alley to help Variel and the others bring back Adular's body. I will talk to you a little later, Jiro," and with that she waved and made her way down the gangplank.
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Horatio pauses in his advance, his eyes narrowing.
"I do not trust this "Master of Gales" - I think he is either in league with Harrigan, or incompetent at his position..."
"I do not hold your opinion of the Maater of the Gales and I advise you not to speak such words in Drenchport for he is ruler, here, and admired by sailors and pirates alike. We have enough to contend with and do not need further adversaries."
"I don't mean to sound presumptuous, but I thought that your grandfather would be a better source than a tavern," he says slowly.
Horatio has been extraordinarily impressed by Rain's grandfather it seems; far more than the Master of Gales in any case.
Rain looked at Flynn quizzically before responding. "Aye, my grandfather has means of knowing certain things but he is gone now, headed back to Drowning Point. His personal business with me was finished by the time we left the inn and well before Adular's body was discovered. That is why I had not mentioned going to speak with him first."
She listened as Flynn gave an account of cataloguing all the ships in the harbour in the short amount of time they had been in port. She simply nodded at his summation. Magic was probably how the Shanxia moved about.
"Still, if you wish to go to a tavern, I'll come with you. And if you would prefer to go to the 'Master of Gales' I shall go there, too," he adds.
"I may be wrong, but it sounds like the best tavern to check out should at least be the one your grandfather was at," he says. "Do you wish to go there?" he asks.
"Aye, the Drowned Dwarf Inn. Let us start there. My grandfather may be gone, but perhaps one of his associates may be drinking there and can help us. Let us go see."
Rain, waited for the other two to agree and then started heading toward the Drowned Dwarf Inn. Rain kept her eyes peeled in case of attack or some threat.
"Ah good... stay safe please, Rain."
Seijiro sends a small contingent to the alley to help transport Adular's remains back to the ship, then sets crew watches and keeps watch himself along with them.
"Thank you for your concern, but Flynn is there on the gangplank, so no need for an escort as I am safe enough. I will stick close to Flynn and Amen as we move about Drenchport. I'll leave Neko here with you, if that is alright. She can help, if you need her to. Maybe send a few sailors, those not on watch, to the alley to help Variel and the others bring back Adular's body. I will talk to you a little later, Jiro," and with that she waved and made her way down the gangplank.
Horatio’s frustration seems to melt away for a minute as his eyes roam over the ship to fix on Jiro.
His hand falls to the butt of his pistol.
Until Rain leaves he does not take his eyes off the kitsune, nor move his hand from his weapon. He backs away slowly from the ship with Rain, until they are out of range before turning to walk normally with her.
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"I do not hold your opinion of the Master of the Gales and I advise you not to speak such words in Drenchport for he is ruler, here, and admired by sailors and pirates alike. We have enough to contend with and do not need further adversaries."
He glances sidelong at Rain.
”A man can still choose to betray us without losing the respect or admiration of pirates, especially those he commands – but I’m not planning on sharing my opinions with other folk on this island – I’m just sharing it with you as we three walk as I couldn’t remember if I was clear on my opinions with you before, that’s all.”
"Aye, my grandfather has means of knowing certain things but he is gone now, headed back to Drowning Point. His personal business with me was finished by the time we left the inn and well before Adular's body was discovered. That is why I had not mentioned going to speak with him first."[/b]
Horatio obviously seems surprised at this, but keeps his opinions on the matter to himself.
"She listened as Flynn gave an account of cataloguing all the ships in the harbour in the short amount of time they had been in port… She simply nodded at his summation.
He shrugged.
”This was easy enough to get, of course. All ship’s that arrive in harbor have to put the time and date of their entry; the name of the ship and captain, and what goods they plan on selling or buying… Of course the names of the ship’s, the flags and their captains are generally common knowledge, but they’re also recorded. Goods and gear are also recorded, but all of it is done for the safety of a town – especially one this size.”
”We simply asked to see the “Harbor Master’s Log” for the last four days and paid him for the privilege. Then I did what I could to remember what I knew about the captains… Of course, the Harbor Master may have falsified records – he might have made things up or ignored them… But given the power of the leader of this town, I doubted it would happen.”
He looks at Rain as they walk.
”After all, it’s important for a town leader to know the types of goods and gear that are purchased or sold is so that the town leaders will know how many bulk goods they have in the warehouses in case of emergencies.”
”Does this town have enough grain for all its people – enough that they won’t riot if they’re not fed? Maybe – unless a captain just bought all the grain in the town yesterday and sailed out… I assumed that, if such a thing happened, the leader of the town would probably be unhappy if the Harbor Master lied about how much foodstuffs were in town – or other goods – for example…”
His eyes turn away as they walk to watch the streets around them.
”But none of it matters, though. Magic it has to be, so magic it will be,” he adds with a shrug.
"Aye, the Drowned Dwarf Inn. Let us start there. My grandfather may be gone, but perhaps one of his associates may be drinking there and can help us. Let us go see."
Horatio tacks his steps to follow Rain’s direction to the Inn.
”You should know… I honestly have little hope that we might be able to glean anything about this killing in this town at this point.”
”Instead, it occurred to me that since Nightstorm was the first to suffer these attacks that it was possible that the assailants have a personal grudge against him, though maybe I’m wrong on that count... But I think he does have a ring from one of their mates, still… In any case, it occurred to me that maybe one reason the padre might have been butchered was to hurt Nightstorm – to make him suffer, knowing that his friends suffered because of their connection with us.”
”It occurred to me also that if an assassin would do that to a friend, he may likely do worse to a family member,” he said glancing at Rain.
He walks for a moment and his steps falter a bit as something suddenly clicks in his head.
”We have a huge reputation and when you two get hitched I’m sure it will be big news… At least you’ll have a celebration filled with all your friends and allies…”
He looks at her for a moment.
”If someone wanted to hurt Nightstorm and his allies… What better place, eh?”
Shaking his head he continues with her.
”I got no idea what you got planned for that day, but I promise that I’ll do whatever I can to help with security… One things for sure, it might seem like a nice day for a white wedding – as they say – but none of us want to see it turn into a Red wedding…” he adds grimly.
When Horatio enters the tavern, he waits for Rain to direct them to a likely person for information.
Meanwhile, he'll do what he can to help keep the mood positive with an attempt at Diplomacy...
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With the aid of some of the men Variel makes the long ,slow walk back the ship with Adular's body. Variel does not rush to get to the ship as part of him wants to see people gawking and questioning what is happening. Along the way though he does continue to conversation with Dhaavan and Rajah regarding what they discovered. Clearly we are dealing with people of significant power. While I ignored that the assassins would have connections and wealth at their disposal I did not figure on them having such high magical talents as well. This changes everything as to any precautions we might try and take. I mean for them to have such spells as teleport and lesser blasphemy means that they could spy on us magically and then magically teleport to our location to attack us.
Dhaavan, are they any means yOu know of that could liable block any scrying or teleportation?
Rajah, you are certain that the symbol Adular drew meant Shenxua, yet would it be worthwhile to find a linguist to see if there are any other meanings of the symbol?
Rajah, you are certain that the symbol Adular drew meant Shenxua, yet would it be worthwhile to find a linguist to see if there are any other meanings of the symbol?
"While I can positively identify the symbol, I have never known its meaning. And it couldn't hurt to get one in here who might be able to decipher it; I see no harm in trying. What have we to lose?" he asks rhetorically, shrugging.
Rain you do know of a man named Joshua Horsby but everyone calls him Old Salt. He's one of the oldest and well connected information brokers in Drenchport. How much he will know about this however you don't know. It's not the typical Shackles knowledge and Old Salt isn't as well versed in the magical arts.
Rain you do know of a man named Joshua Horsby but everyone calls him Old Salt. He's one of the oldest and well connected information brokers in Drenchport. How much he will know about this however you don't know. It's not the typical Shackles knowledge and Old Salt isn't as well versed in the magical arts.
Horatio looks around the room for a bit, his eyes taking in the clientele, but he is not as versed as Rain about the people in this tavern.
He looks at her from the corner of her eye.
"Do you have someone specific that you'd like to seek out?" he asks her thoughtfully as he looks around.
A sudden thought occurs to him as he waits for a tip from Rain and he peers around more closely...
Amen-set will wait patiently behind Rain and Horatio - she is ready to aid the two in any was she can, if they need her help.
As Horatio waits, he motions to Amen-set and speaks to her quietly.
She nods in response, then moves off into the tavern...
”You should know… I honestly have little hope that we might be able to glean anything about this killing in this town at this point.”
Rain levied a look upon Flynn. "It was you who wanted to conduct this search. So, let us attempt this and if it comes to naught then at least we tried."
...it occurred to me that maybe one reason the padre might have been butchered was to hurt Nightstorm – to make him suffer, knowing that his friends suffered because of their connection with us.”
”It occurred to me also that if an assassin would do that to a friend, he may likely do worse to a family member,” he said glancing at Rain.
"I am aware of this, Flynn. My betrothal to Variel has never been a secret, so these assassins could strike at any time. I believe Adular stumbled across something he shouldn't have and paid the ultimate price." Her words were low-spoken and sombre.
”We have a huge reputation and when you two get hitched I’m sure it will be big news… At least you’ll have a celebration filled with all your friends and allies…”
He looks at her for a moment.
”If someone wanted to hurt Nightstorm and his allies… What better place, eh?”
"If they dare show their face at Drowning Rock, then it is not only us they will have to fight. My grandfather and cousins will be notified of the possible threat well in advance of the wedding day and will ensure security is at its highest. I will tell my grandfather that you are willing to aid him and his men against any attack. Thank you, Flynn."
"Do you have someone specific that you'd like to seek out?" he asks her thoughtfully as he looks around.
She faced Flynn and then looked to Amen. "Aye, Joshua Horsby, commonly known as Old Salt in these parts. He is a well connected information broker. I am uncertain how much he'll be able to tell us as he isn't well versed in the magical arts. But being of an older age, he may have seen or heard some things, so he is worth the try."
Rain's eyes moved about the inn, hoping to spy Old Salt at the bar or at one of the tables.
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Old Salt is there at the bar. He has heard of the murder by now but has not heard of Shanxia or Shenxua. The only piece of information he has is that an elf was briefly seen in that vicinity but was cloaked in black and not seen clearly.
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Horatio, during the brief time you have you aren't able to find any specific dwarves looking for work as stonemasons. There are a couple of humans but they are engaged in projects in town.
Old Salt is there at the bar. He has heard of the murder by now but has not heard of Shanxia or Shenxua. The only piece of information he has is that an elf was briefly seen in that vicinity but was cloaked in black and not seen clearly.
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Bidding Old Salt thanks for the information, Rain turned to Flynn (and Amen, if she's there), "If your other business is done here we should return to the ship and see what the others have discovered and share the news about this mysterious Elf. I wonder if the creature is connected to Variel's family, when they were alive, that is."
Rain levied a look upon Flynn. "It was you who wanted to conduct this search. So, let us attempt this and if it comes to naught then at least we tried."
He turns his gaze from the surroundings and watches her sidelong as they walk.
”Sounds good… no worries,” he says to her after a moment.
He then mentions his concerns about assassins possibly going after Rain’s extended family.
"I am aware of this, Flynn. My betrothal to Variel has never been a secret, so these assassins could strike at any time. I believe Adular stumbled across something he shouldn't have and paid the ultimate price." Her words were low-spoken and sombre.
He rubs his chin as he considers this.
”You might be right…” he says with a nod, though he seems to consider what Rain had said very carefully.
He mentions his thoughts about a possible threat on the wedding.
"If they dare show their face at Drowning Rock, then it is not only us they will have to fight. My grandfather and cousins will be notified of the possible threat well in advance of the wedding day and will ensure security is at its highest. I will tell my grandfather that you are willing to aid him and his men against any attack. Thank you, Flynn."
He nods again –
”I'm happy to help,” he says with a sincere voice.
Horatio glances around, curious to know what Rain has to say. He then sends Amen-set on an errand as Rain responded.
She faced Flynn and then looked to Amen. "Aye, Joshua Horsby, commonly known as Old Salt in these parts. He is a well connected information broker. I am uncertain how much he'll be able tell us as he isn't well versed in the magical arts. But being of an older age, he may have seen or heard some things, so he is worth the try."
Horatio watches Amen-set move from table to table and sees that she seems to be very good at encouraging men to speak with her.
He frowns at Amen-set’s familiarity and his eyes narrow.
Then he shakes his head at what he sees and then looks back at Rain.
”Well, by all accounts we won’t find out anything about Shanxia unless we use magic.”
Then he shrugs.
”But what the hell? Let’s give him a go – see what he knows about things."
For now he waits for Rain to make the opening questions, clearly trusting her expertise in this matter.
The only piece of information he has is that an elf was briefly seen in that vicinity but was cloaked in black and not seen clearly.
Horatio says little, content to listen – but when there is mention of a mysterious figure in black his eyes narrow and he studies the man thoughtfully.
Unfortunately it seems that no one saw the cloaked figure very clearly – not even enough to determine what direction the figure went.
Horatio finds this piece of news unusual – all he can think of is the mysterious “Man in Black” he had seen on Harrigan’s ship.
He hadn’t considered the race of the cloaked figure he had seen on Harrigan's ship, but it prompts him to consider it now…
As he waits, Amen-set returns to him and blatantly studies the stranger, but she is careful not to interrupt the questions that Rain and Horatio are asking.
"If your other business is done here we should return to the ship and see what the others have discovered and share the news about this mysterious Elf. I wonder if the creature is connected to Variel's family, when they were alive, that is."
Horatio gets ready to follow Rain out, when he suddenly pauses and pulls out a smoke, tapping it on the silver case as he glances at Horsby.
”Yeah, uh… just, uh - just one more thing,” he says as he raises the smoke, fumbling with it and seemingly unable to get it lit as he thinks.
”You said the figure was cloaked in black and not seen clearly… And you suggested he was moving fast… That folk didn’t even see what direction he headed before he left…” he adds slowly, as if trying to arrange the details in his own head, punctuating the various points by gesturing absently with the unlit cheroot.
”So, uh, what I’m just wondering is – how did people know he was an Elf, instead of a Man, or Half-Elf?” he says with a cocked head as he studies Horsby thoughtfully, realizing if people knew the race of the mysterious figure then they'd likely know more.
Rajah, you are certain that the symbol Adular drew meant Shenxua, yet would it be worthwhile to find a linguist to see if there are any other meanings of the symbol?
"Oh and one more thing, Captain, you will not need the markings on Adular's hand. When we find one who has the ability to possibly decipher it, you will know why," he tells him, grinning somewhat wearily.
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Variel gives Rajah a curious look but doesn't press the issue as perhaps Rajah has some means to magically recall the symbol. He had seen Dhaavan do similar things with illusions before anyways. Very well Rajah. After we arrive at the Lady we will see if anyone knows about the meaning of such markings. By then hopefully Horatio, Rain and Jiro will be done and have found something useful out.
After they get the news Horatio moves with Rain and the two exit.
He continues to watch the crowd somewhat suspiciously but he speaks to her as they walk.
”As we were coming here I figured that if the place was The Drowned Dwarf we might find a few lads around that could do masonry work… maybe… So I sent Amen-set to scout things out while we talked with Horsby.”
He glances at Rain as they walk.
”Amen-set is good at getting good deals, and she was able to find two who will be good at fixing things up, and also good at guiding the lads on island doing work – once we get our business done there first, of course.”
”Meantime, the new recruits will be at the ship soon, with their kits, and they should be ready to sail within the hour – no worries,” he adds.
He stops paying attention the crowd and looks at Rain for a moment, his tone becoming serious –
”I don’t know if I’ve said this proper before – but I’d like to thank you for all the help you’ve been doing on the ship.”
”I know, I know – you’re the Pilot-Major, you do your job, and that’s fair… But I’ve seen you do some really amazing work that I feel goes way above and beyond what most of the rest of us have been doing.”
”Anyhow, I just want to say I really appreciate all your hard work. I know it’s not easy, but you do a damn good job on it, and I’m proud to serve with you,” he adds with a sincere voice and a courteous, but equally sincere, salute to her skill and hard work.
You all meet back at the ship and head out to sea, despondent at the lack of info you were able to find. Your friend deserved better but at least you can show him a proper burial at sea. His body is washed and cleaned before being wrapped in a linen shroud. Sandara, her tears having been replaced by a fierce intensity, says a few words committing Adular's body to Besmara's sea. The weighted body is then lowered into the water where it quickly sinks to the depths, taking a piece of you all with him.
A somber feeling sinks over the crew as you make your way west around Tempest Cay and into open water. Overcast and dreary, the weather seems to befit your mood but thankfully the trip is relatively uneventful. A squall crops up on the second day, forcing you to take shelter in the cove of a small rocky island, devoid of life. The next day however, 4 days out from Drenchport, a call comes down from the crow's nest, "LAND HO!"
Ten minutes later, you are able to begin making out the island. You would guess the island is about ten miles on a side. You are approaching from slightly to the southeast and can see a sizable bay surrounded by thick forests. White, sandy beaches encircle this deep, sheltered bay, stretching nearly two miles in every direction. To the north, a massive waterfall plummets from a high escarpment rising just above the treeline. The white stone walls of a seaside fort gleam on the western shore. A single tower reaches skyward from the fort, crowned with a torchlike fixture of dazzling crystal. Behind the fort about a mile distant, rocky hills and ridges rise from this elevated plateau which is separate from the main plateau in the center.
”Amen-set is good at getting good deals, and she was able to find two who will be good at fixing things up, and also good at guiding the lads on island doing work – once we get our business done there first, of course.”
”Meantime, the new recruits will be at the ship soon, with their kits, and they should be ready to sail within the hour – no worries,” he adds.
"Good. The recruits will be of great help as we begin the rebuild of the fort and any other project on the island." She turned her head to look at Amen, and smiled, "Thank you for finding us some help as we begin work on this next enterprise," and then turned back to Flynn.
”Anyhow, I just want to say I really appreciate all your hard work. I know it’s not easy, but you do a damn good job on it, and I’m proud to serve with you,” he adds with a sincere voice and a courteous, but equally sincere, salute to her skill and hard work.
Not expecting such praise, Rain was surprised at first but inclined her head in turn. "Thank you for the praise - I do what I can - as much as any other crew member. We all have our particular talents. If we work together, we can accomplish more than we expected. We are a fine assembly and I will not allow the Shanxia to pick us off one by one." There's a slight edge to her voice upon pronouncement of Shanxia but there is good cause for it. "Now, the quicker we return to the ship, the faster we can finish preparations, send Adular off and set sail for the Island of Empty Eyes."
GM: Why didn't you answer the question regarding the information regarding the Masked/Cloaked Man?
I'll have more up soon, though...
"Good. The recruits will be of great help as we begin the rebuild of the fort and any other project on the island." She turned her head to look at Amen, and smiled,"Thank you for finding us some help as we begin work on this next enterprise," and then turned back to Flynn.
Horatio nods at her.
"Well, I may not be the best at magic or sorcery - hell, I didn't even think about those an option half the time when I'm stuck on something... But I do what I can to make up for it in other ways."
"When it comes to Crafting in general... well, let's just say it's something I've invested a lot of personal time in and I know a few things. That said - I've got good feelings on these folk."
Not expecting such praise, Rain was surprised at first but inclined her head in turn. "Thank you for the praise - I do what I can - as much as any other crew member. We all have our particular talents. If we work together, we can accomplish more than we expected."
He studies her sidelong as they walk.
"Yeah - no... You do a hell of a lot more than most crew members. Honestly, I've gotten to know you quite a bit during our time together and I'm seriously impressed how skilled you are at your position," he adds with a sincere voice.
"We are a fine assembly and I will not allow the Shanxia to pick us off one by one." There's a slight edge to her voice upon pronouncement of Shanxia but there is good cause for it. "Now, the quicker we return to the ship, the faster we can finish preparations, send Adular off and set sail for the Island of Empty Eyes."
He nods in response.
"Aye - well, here's to finishing those sods off and seeing them dead."
"As for the padre, I agree - we should send him off proper and soon... And may he find rest in the next life..." he adds the with a somber voice.
Ten minutes later, you are able to begin making out the island. You would guess the island is about ten miles on a side. You are approaching from slightly to the southeast and can see a sizable bay surrounded by thick forests. White, sandy beaches encircle this deep, sheltered bay, stretching nearly two miles in every direction. To the north, a massive waterfall plummets from a high escarpment rising just above the treeline. The white stone walls of a seaside fort gleam on the western shore. A single tower reaches skyward from the fort, crowned with a torchlike fixture of dazzling crystal. Behind the fort about a mile distant, rocky hills and ridges rise from this elevated plateau which is separate from the main plateau in the center.
Horatio bounds up the steps to the foredeck and watches the island as the ship plows through the waves. He cocks his head as he studies the fort, shocked that is far more... elaborate... than he had assumed it would be.
Peering at the coast, he cranes his neck and studies the curve of the beach to the north and west and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
He turns to call out to the others at the helm -
"It seems we're only seeing a small part of the island. Before we drop anchor, which way will we be headed first?" he asks the rest of the officers, wondering if they'll take the ship north or west, first.
Obviously it would better to get an idea of what the island has in store for them before they land and with so much territory to the north that was not observed, it only makes sense to circle the island completely before deciding on the best place to dispatch an away team...
”You said the figure was cloaked in black and not seen clearly… And you suggested he was moving fast… That folk didn’t even see what direction he headed before he left…” he adds slowly, as if trying to arrange the details in his own head, punctuating the various points by gesturing absently with the unlit cheroot.
”So, uh, what I’m just wondering is – how did people know he was an Elf, instead of a Man, or Half-Elf?” he says with a cocked head as he studies Horsby thoughtfully, realizing if people knew the race of the mysterious figure then they'd likely know more.
Old Salt looked at the man beside the Taneththir girl and responded in a plain manner, "I never said they were movin' fast nor if they were male or female - only that a cloaked figure was seen in the alley before the time of the murder, but afterwards no one could say where this person went. The cloaked figure had the height, carriage and grace of an Elf and even though the Elf could not be seen clearly - a very pointed Elven-like ear was glimpsed briefly before the hood was drawn lower to obscure their face. You may accept the information or not, it doesn't make much difference to me."