"Yep, crazy cultists again. This group appears to be a magnet for them," Jaed joins Carrakas' complaint.
The rogue waits for Finnrick and Marzela to share their thoughts and he then replies to Raheem Pandisar.
"I'm open to help you. However," his acquired expertise as mercenary kicks in, "we will have to negotiate a price surcharge for the actual disposal of the murderers, if required. Would you like them dead or alive?"
I'm in; the cult is evil and should be stopped. Dhalavei’s goals are to destroy families and empires.
If we do this though, we need to be super careful. She specializes in intrigue and shadow, and that will make for a scary cult. I'm not sure that is our specialty, or even a strength.
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"Still... someone has to do something, and it might as well be us," says Lily.
"I have no particular preference between dead or alive, so long as the threat to the thakur can be ended. I leave it up to you to decide how best to handle them. I'm sure even without the prior experience you seem to have with the ways of cults, such skillful and strong adventurers as yourselves would have no troubles dealing with the likes of this group. Surely it would be an insult to insinuate that those such as yourselves would need additional compensation for what you surely must do as easily as you breathe? Especially with the promise of a sum that would set most up to spend the rest of their days living in luxury on the horizon." Clearly much more well versed at the art of negotiation than the rogue, Raheem smiles warmly at Jaed as he simultaneously applies flattery and appeals to his ego to avoid raising his offer.
As the group agrees to look in to the matter, Raheem waves over a servant, who quickly brings forth several neatly folded pieces of paper. One piece he unfolds, quickly adding a few lines here and there to it before signing it. He hands it over. "This is an official writ of authority affirming that you are all working for me. And these-" he hands over four sealed letters, "-are letters of introduction to some people who might be useful in your investigation. The first is Prince Kanvar, a great student of Vudrani history. He might be able to tell you more about the cult's methods. The second is Lord Mahindra, an infamous rumormonger. The thrid is Pravezak, the thakur's spiritual counselor, should you desire information on Dhalavei herself. And finally Varunasi, a high-caste merchant well acquainted with current regional politics." He tells you where each of the people in question live before concluding with "If you find anything out, I would ask that you report directly to me and only me; I want to give the Ebon Destroyers as few chances as possible to sabotage the investigation."
Jaed is not completely happy with the response but he accepts it. "I hope this group won't be as much of a headache as the last one. It's not in my plans to visit an island full of monsters again... well, never mind."
He takes a look at the papers handed by their host. "It probably makes sense to start with this Prince Kanvar to learn more about this cult. What do you think, guys?"
"I mustn't let these cultists get under my skin like I did last time. I am just now getting back to my usual self" Finnrick thinks to himself as he adjusts his new, bulkier armor. Millsy seems to have no such qualms with the notion of killing a few more cultists and could care less who the Ebon Destroyers are.
"I think that the prince is as good a place to start as any. Learning what we are up against will be important. I would also like to visit the Pravezak. Learning about who they worship could also prove useful."
Sounds like as good a place to start as any, but do we need to know anything about how to behave in front of royalty? I am not familiar with the customs here.
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Raheem chuckles at Marzela's question. "Royalty here may not quite be what you are used to. Many have large families, resulting in quite a few princes and princesses. By and large there isn't too much protocol around interacting them other than the obvious: be polite and respectful. The hard part is mostly getting an audience to begin with, though that letter of introduction should solve that problem for you. Prince Kanvar especially considers himself more of a scholar than royalty."
With that Raheem bids you all good luck and has a servant show you the way out. Having decided to first learn more about the cult, you all make your ways towards the Grand Chronicler's Circle, near which Prince Kanvar lives. After wandering about a little bit, you manage to find the large mansion Raheem had described to you. The place appears quite old and, truth be told, doesn't seem to have been kept in the best repair. You can see various guards standing watch or patrolling around the building though, providing further evidence that you're in the correct place. After showing your writ of authority to one of them and the sealed letter of introduction, you're ushered inside.
You're led down a few hallways and in to a clean but rather disorganized study. The most striking thing about the room is how practically every surface seems to be covered in book, scrolls, tome, and other writings. It doesn't help that the room itself isn't that large, making things rather cramped for the five of you plus a giant cat. Your guide greets the sole occupant, a chubby, dark-skinned man wearing an inordinately large turban sitting behind a cluttered desk, and hands him the letter of introduction. The man looks up from the scroll he had been perusing to open and read the letter, dismissing your guide.
When he's done, he says something in Vudrani. Seeing the blank look on all but Marzela's face and then taking in your appearance, he pauses and then repeats himself in Taldane. "Greetings strangers. I am Prince Kanvar." Though fluent in the language, you all find that you have to concentrate carefully to understand his thick accent. "This letter says you are investigating something for Lord Raheem Pandisar, who requests I provide you with what wisdom I can. Though I am happy to aid in what way I can, I am but a humble student of history. In what way were you hoping that I could assist you?"
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"Thanks for welcoming us, your er... highness?" The rogue is unsure about how to address the Prince. "You could kindly start telling us about the Cult of the Ebon Destroyers. What's its origin, methods, goals... anything we could help us understanding them better."
Kanvar nods. "Ahh, you must be looking in to the recent unpleasantness with the thakur's cousin. Unfortunate affair that was. The Ebon Destroyers have existed since ancient times and are far more prevalent in Vudra than elsewhere on Golarion. I imagine they formed much the same way as any religious group does. Unless the cult wants to leave a message, its victims' bodies are rarely found. There have been many attempts to eradicate the cult, but the cultists inevitably go into hiding, sometimes for years at a time, and no effort has ever been truly successful at eliminating them. At several points in Vudrani history, they have taken over entire kingdoms, ruling through fear and forcing the populace to worship their foul goddess. The cult often recruits from the lower castes, as their goddess's aspect of destruction appeals to those who are dissatisfied with their role in society and wish revenge against those of higher status. However, Jalmeray's caste structure is not as formal as Vudra's, with far fewer low-caste people, meaning that the cult may work differently here."
Millsy waits outside the room and absentmindedly licks her paws.
In the room Finnrick listens intensly to Kanvar's description of the Cult. "As you say bodies are rarely found. Have you any idea why the cultists would want the thakur's cousin to be found? What message might they be trying to send?" Finnrick asks. He recalls that Raheem suspected that it was a probe to see how the thakur responds, but he wants to see if Kanvar might have a different idea. "You also say that they prey on the lowly to bolster their ranks. Are the known to infiltrate high society? How do they take over entire kingdoms, though force or guile?"
"There is something particularly sinister about these cultists." Finnrick ponders as Kanvar answers their questions "The cult of Razmir was bad, yes, but I could understand their motivations. To an extent. But these Ebon Destroyers, they sound purely evil. Ebon Destroyers..."
"Do you know why they call themselves the Ebon Destroyers?" Finnrick asks as the question pops into his head.
Marzela listens attentively, concentrating to understand the words through the thick accent.
Have you any idea why the cultists would want the thakur's cousin to be found? What message might they be trying to send?
"Who can say really? A warning? A threat? A favor to an ally?" Kanvar shakes his head. "I'm afraid I'm a little out of the political game, so I can only give broad speculation. Though it's possible their motives are beyond even what those more involved in the day-to-day ruling of the country can comprehend."
"You also say that they prey on the lowly to bolster their ranks. Are the known to infiltrate high society? How do they take over entire kingdoms, though force or guile?"
"I'm sure they will take allies where ever they can find them. Allies in high society would undoubtedly be a boon to them, as they would have more power and influence. Of course, that very fact will mean that they're likely less to have goals aligned with the Ebon Destroyers. After all, why tear down that which has given them power? As for their methods, they use a combination of guile and force. As followers of a goddess of trickery, how could they not use guile? Especially initially when they don't have the resources to use force."
"Do you know why they call themselves the Ebon Destroyers?"
"I assume it's a reference to their ebon-skinned goddess of destruction."
A battery of questions come out of Jaed's mouth. "Is there something you know about how they are structured? Any known, current or past, leaders? Are there any temples where their perform their business? Do they carry something to identify each other?"
Kanvar blinks as the fast onslaught of questions before asking them to be repeated more slowly. He takes a moment to think once he's parsed them. "The only thing I know about their structure is that their leadership seems to come in groups of three. I do not know of any of their current leaders, only some of the ones who were in charge during times when the cult managed to seize power. As a religious group, I'm sure they have temples. Though again, the only ones that have been publicly known existed during times they were in power. And as you can imagine, those were quickly destroyed when they eventually got ousted. It's possible that they have something to identify each other, but if so, I do not know of it. They are, after all, a very secretive group. Given how often they've been banned, I can't imagine them wanting outsiders to know how to identify them or to use that kind of information to infiltrate their ranks."
"So this is a deeply culturally-offensive pastiche of Kali worship?"
"I suppose that is one way of viewing them. Though Dhalavei and Kali are, of course, separate entities. Was that all the questions you have for me, or were there more?"
Jaed has no more questions so he thanks the prince for the help and leaves with the others.
"I think the next on the list is Lord Mahindra. Maybe we can get some more information gossiping a little."
"I thank you very much for your hospitality and for taking the time to speak with us. I hope that we are able to get to the bottom of this and help to restore order to the region. If there is every anything that we can do for you personally please let us know. Oh and might you know a place where a man can pick up some fine trinkets, maybe a mirror and some fine ink. I'm in need of freshening up and Ive a letter to write home"
Quick Sense Motive as we are ending the conversation.
"I think that speaking with Lord Mahindra next is an excellent idea,"
Carrakas shrugs, more than willing to allow Jaed to take the lead. "You know how much I like to gossip" the tiefling says dryly.
Lily simply nods her head in agreement with the team.
Prince Kanvar gives Finnrick directions to a few stationary stores in the commerce district and then bids you all farewell, calling for a guard to escort you all back out. As it so happens, Lord Mahindra happens to leave near that area as well. It's a relatively short walk to get to the area, and you find Mahindra's house with relative ease. After some back and forth between Marzela and one of the house guards in Vudrani, you're informed that he's not currently home and redirected to his place of business. Forced to backtrack a little bit, you arrive at the building in question just as a group of people are leaving it. The group seems to consist of a kind of awkward looking young man and woman as well as two pairs of happily chatting older couples. They're waved off by an elderly man with a graying beard. Upon seeing you, he greets you all, once again in Vudrani.
Marzela introduces you and hands over the letter of introduction, explaining that this is Lord Mahindra. The man in question reads the letter, before waving you all in to the building. He leads you to a large, mostly open room with a low table and comfortable cushions on either side. Servants are just in the process of removing cups and plates from the table, the remains of a large lunch. Mahindra indicates that you should sit, and he himself does likewise.
"You come baring a letter from my good friend Raheem. You are here for me to find you all good spouses, yes? If you tell me your preferences, I'm sure I can find you all dedicated husbands or wives. Though for some of you, that may take a little longer than others." He pulls out parchment and a quill, evidently ready to start taking notes.
"Mmm, not ready for a long time commitment and we have a job to do," Jaed jokes as Marzela finishes the translation. "Could you please ask our Lord here what does he know about the cult?"
Lily looks a bit uncomfortable and says, "Uh, yeah, Marzela, let's get it back on track?" She glances to Finnrick and says, "We're not exactly the 'tied down' lifestyle types, are we?"
After getting clarification from Marzela about what "cult", Mahindra blinks in surprise. "The Ebon Destroyers? They are a group who worships the goddess Dhalavei. They've managed to seize power in a few places a couple of times throughout history. But why would you ask me about them? I know a little of their history, but I am no historian myself. And though they are an insidious group, I am sure none of the people I would match you with are members; they are all fine, upstanding citizens who wish a strong union with another."
"Is it possible that he did not hear about the Thakur's cousin? Or is he playing fool? I cannot believe the rumormonger doesn't know about that."
Finnian speaks in an elegant tounge and if the man responds in kind he will continue, if not he will switch to common.
"Oh, a husband or a wife sounds delightful! Unfortunately I have yet to find someone who understands my eccentricities an whom I could love" A pang of remembrance for Etam pierces his heart but is quickly swept away as he continues. "Might we come in and discuss matters of the heart as well as other goings on around town. I hear that you know all sorts of curious things" Finnrick gives a slight skip and bow.
If they are allowed entry Finnrick will cast Enhance Diplomacy on himself as the man turns around and follows him in.
"I care little for these Ebon Destroyers, but I heard that the cousin of Thakur Kharswan was a bit of a, how do I put it, a bit of a promiscuous sort. You know who he was seeing don't you?" Finnrick asks with a sly smile.
Mahindra does not respond at all to the Elvish, instead looking to Marzela to translate.
"Ahh yes, unpleasant business what happened to him. From what I hear he was a nice enough fellow. I know of a few of the people he had dalliances with, but saying that he was "seeing" any of them may be a bit generous. He did not exactly seem to be looking for romance and was not above visiting people of the night. If that is your preference as well, it is not exactly one of the services I offer, but I could point you to a few places."
"If he didn't do anything to upset the cult then he was probably killed to send a message to the Thakur. Does he have any enemies? The Thakur, I mean. Any of them would be cunning enough to kill his favorite cousin and pretend it was the Ebon Destroyers?"
Pardon my unfamiliarity with your tongue, but when you say "people of the night" ... do you mean undead? or maybe prostitutes?
Marzela doesn't want to say these things together, so she will wait until this and other questions are answered (she translates everything her companions ask), but then she explains:
Also, just to clarify Mahindra, we have been asked by Raheem to solve a problem, so our current business is information. I am sorry that the business of romance will have to wait.
"If he didn't do anything to upset the cult then he was probably killed to send a message to the Thakur. Does he have any enemies? The Thakur, I mean. Any of them would be cunning enough to kill his favorite cousin and pretend it was the Ebon Destroyers?
"The Thakur has a few enemies. Not as many as you might expect though, and none who would likely benefit from framing the Ebon Destroyers. Enemies of the cult would likely benefit more from a war than enemies of His Excellency." Mahindra pauses to think, stroking his beard. "It may not be related, but a headless body was recently found in the Commerce District. I had not thought of it before, but if I recall, the thakur's cousin's body was in quite a state when found, and this headless body was also a particularly gruesome affair, unlike even the most violent of Niswan's crimes. It may be a coincidence or it may be that the same person or persons were behind both."
Pardon my unfamiliarity with your tongue, but when you say "people of the night" ... do you mean undead? or maybe prostitutes?
"Ahh, I refer to the latter. I was simply trying to be delicate. If there were undead prowling the streets, I would certainly hope to have heard of it and alerted the guards immediately."
Also, just to clarify Mahindra, we have been asked by Raheem to solve a problem, so our current business is information. I am sorry that the business of romance will have to wait.
"That is too bad. But if it is information you are after, I've also heard rumors of informants in the palace guard, though who they sell information to is something even I can't glean from local chatter. Though if you wish, I can try to find out more. Raheem is, after all, a good friend, and if he needs this information I am sure it is for a good cause."
We would be grateful for any information that you could provide us. You mentioned the headless body that was found. Do you know if there were any other similarly gruesome murders lately, or who we could talk to about perhaps seeing the bodies, or any evidence gathered from them?
"I would very much appreciate if you would point me to one of the houses that he may have frequented. It's not exactly my taste but we may be able to learn something there." Finnrick says honestly.
"As for these palace guards, it would be much appreciated if you would see what you could dig up. Do you have any idea what guard or guard my not have scruples with selling information. I don't want to step on your toes, but would love to at least be able to keep an eye out."
We would be grateful for any information that you could provide us. You mentioned the headless body that was found. Do you know if there were any other similarly gruesome murders lately, or who we could talk to about perhaps seeing the bodies, or any evidence gathered from them?
"Murders, yes. Ones as gruesome as a beheading? Not so much. The other recent deaths have more been in line with a robbery gone wrong or a street fight that got out of hand. If you wanted to know more about it, your best bet would be to approach the city guard. They have at least one station in each of the districts. I can give you directions to the nearest one if you wish."
"I would very much appreciate if you would point me to one of the houses that he may have frequented. It's not exactly my taste but we may be able to learn something there."
Mahindra gives Marzela directions to a place in a different part of the commerce district whose name translates to the Nightingale's Retreat.
"As for these palace guards, it would be much appreciated if you would see what you could dig up. Do you have any idea what guard or guard my not have scruples with selling information. I don't want to step on your toes, but would love to at least be able to keep an eye out."
Mahindra chuckles. "If I knew who was selling the information, I'm sure I would have some id ea who they were selling it to as well. But knowing who the loose-lipped are is most of the battle, I'm afraid. They will hardly go about sharing that kind of a detail with others. After all, at best they could lose their job. At worst, depending on what information they are sharing and with whom, they could be tried for treason. If you wish to look in to it yourselves, you are welcome to. I would just suggest that you do so in a delicate fashion. I'm sure most would find grave insult at the mere suggestion of such impropriety."
Jaed feels they got as much information as possible from Mahindra. He says his farewell hoping that even he does not understand the words he will understand the context.
"The next on our list is Pravezak, the thakur's spiritual counselor. Although it may be a good idea to stop at the city guard station and the brothel now that we have this conversation fresh in our minds. What do you guys think?"
Carrakas pauses for a minute, then says "Seems like we should follow up on these leads before moving on down the list. Cleaner that way."
"Well, at least they are leaving the bodies un-animated," says Lily. "Small favors, right?"
Sounds good to me.
She leads them to the nearest guard station to ask about the murders, and find out if there is a way to see the bodies.
It's approaching late afternoon to early evening when Marzela leads the group to the nearest guard station and asks about recent murders. She's met with some resistance until she shows the writ of authority from Raheem, and which point you're all directed to a tired-looking middle-aged man who seems to be the captain of this station. When asked, he scratches his chin and shrugs, responding in Vudrani.
"We have no bodies. They've all been ritually cremated. As for recent deaths, what d'ya wanna know about them? We got an older lady fallen down some stairs. Guy who got too drunk at the festival, picked a fight with the wrong person, and got his skull cracked in. Merchant lady who got herself beheaded. Guy seemed ta step off the edge've a high building. Coupla thieves got caught breakin' inta a mage's house. A stabbing that occurred middla night. Ya want me ta keep goin'? I think I got a few more from further back that haven't quite been closed yet." As he talks, he shuffles through various sheets of notes on his rather untidy desk.
"How can someone get herself beheaded? Marzela, could you ask him if he is sure she did not have some help, let's say, from the cultist we are looking for? It would also be interesting to know if they keep some information about the cult."
How does someone get themselves beheaded? That sounds like quite a story. Marzela smiles at the guard captain and sits down, indicating that she is settling in for a good story.
And why would someone just walk off a building like that? You have an interesting job, it seems.
We'd definitely like to hear about other open cases, and maybe about this cult you have around here.
The captain gives a long tired sigh. "They get themselves beheaded by gettin' in a fight with someone who ends up chopping their head off. As ta the fella who walked offa a building, mixed reports. Some say suicide. Others say he was casting a flying spell that went awry. As for a cult, you're gonna have to be more specific. And while you may think it's interesting, we still got a dozen or so drunk and disorderlies and whatnot to deal with after this whole week of partying and drinking. I don't have time for idle chit-chat. Just tell me what it is you wanna know, so I can tell you and get back to work."
Jaed looks at the at the captain with suspicion. "That's a hell of a fight. The ones I know usually end up with all the heads in their places. A bit beaten up, but still attached to the bodies." Is he covering up for the cultists?
"We should tell him we are looking into the thakur's cousin murder. Chances are that he already knows about it. And if he is a mole, the cultist may even come for us, which will save us a lot of time."
Marzela gives up on charming the guard and just translates Jaed's words exactly.
"Ahh yes, I heard about that. It was a few weeks ago. The city guard didn't have much ta do with it though, least not the murder part." The captain shuffles through some different papers before pulling one out and looking over it. "Some people in the palace reported the guy had gone missing and asked that we send out a few people to ask around. About the most we had managed ta determine was that he was last seen by his guard in his bedroom a few nights earlier. Everyone had just assumed he went out looking for some adult fun, but either he never made it there or we weren't able to find his chosen companion. Round about the time we went an' learned that, some palace folks went and used some divination and found his body. We got called off the case then. Never saw the body, but I gather it was...rather gruesome-like. That's 'bout all we know. Was there anything else?"
Perhaps we could be of service to you? Our goals may align in this area, and we could investigate things that you don't have time to look into?
Lily nods eagerly at Marzela's suggestion. "Y-yes, that's right, we're just visitors anyway so it won't arouse suspicion if we just happen to wander into parts of town that other people might not normally go."
The captain leans back, stroking his chin thoughtfully as he gives you all a measuring gaze. "Now, I can't exactly just hand over a case, you understand; at the end of the day, it's me 'n' mine that'll be held responsible for results. That being said, we are rather backed up and don't have the personnel to attend to all our cases right now. I would certainly welcome any additional information or leads you could provide while we make our way through the various squabbles the festival has brought up. Though if you're looking into the thakur's cousin, I'm not really sure how helpin' with our case load will do ya much good. Was there something in particular that went and caught yer eye?"
Maybe we could start out with the merchant lady who got herself beheaded? That one sounds like there is a story behind it.