Aedalis has spent most of the time he has not been cooped up in the archives wandering the city and vainly enjoying all of the luxury the group's riches has afforded him. With a new haircut, a neatly trimmed beard and some finely tailored grey robes, an onlooker might think the middle aged man was going through something of a life crisis. Tilsini is always close by and the warlock has spent much of his time increasing his repertoire of spells in particular. While he professed a mild curiosity as to Jask's fate, he was optimistic on the subject and dismissed it easily with assurances that Cheliaxan law was nothing if not clear with such strong evidence.
He also went shopping on several occasions between trips to the baths and common rooms; with a rather large list of items he wanted crafted. Chief among them was a headband, similar to Tragershen's...
The place you have been shopping at for your misc. magic is affiliated with a small school of magic. The shop is named Civians Shop of Wonders.
When you show him the cloak his interest is peaked...a lot. He starts asking you questions about the material, the construction, and where you found it!
It actually makes you a little uncomfortable as he is almost salivating over it...he thinks he can enchant it but would like to study it for a day or two before he can quote you on it. What do you say?
Knowledge Geography
Working closely with Anton, sussing the possibilities and narrowing things down as much as by process of elimination as much as anything else, they come up with an answer. Still somewhat vague, but definitely a workable location. They call together the others in private to discuss what they worked out.
"The description places Tazion in the southernmost reaches of the Mwangi Jungle, north of the Bandu Hills, between the Upper Korir
and Ocota Rivers."
It’s been a long week and you retire for the night to think on what you have found so far.
You wake the next morning and are eating breakfast when two things occur.
First, several patrons are talking about an odd murder...a traveler was attacked last night by some type of animal. If it had been a normal attack people probably wouldn't be talking about it much, but it was quite brutal. The person was savaged by a clawed beast almost beyond recognition...but they also had a number of bite wounds around their neck and wrists. Supposedly it was quite grizzly.
Second, a small group of soldiers arrives and asks for you at the bar with Ubi. She points you out and a polished sergeant walks up and tells you he is from the Eleder magistrate you are being summoned to the court tomorrow to testify. They hand you a piece of paper which ends up being the legal summons document.
Anton contemplates the darkwood box. It almost seems a shame to break it up, with the clever mechanism to the compartment that once held Aeshamara's locket; but no one could put a price on it, and he didn't want to lug it around everywhere. Shapes swirl through his brain as he contemplates the whorls of the grain, and considers what to make of it. A momento, for everyone who doesn't have one.
On Smuggler's Shiv, he made a working holy symbol for Jask, and a fancy club for Gelik. That left quite a few people, so they would have to be small scenes, or even just little figurines. But what for each? The artistic halfling picks up his new sculpting tools and begins shaping the exotic wood.
For Pezcock, he carves an image of the crab shack that the tengu had lived in for so long, and for Grolik a landscape of Red Mountain with the Tide Stone in the foreground. Sasha gets a miniature Nim with Wicewakan at his flank, and Nim a darkwood cameo of Sasha. For Corbius, he whittles a tiny sculpture of Larissia as he knew her in life; while for Mihai, he makes a copy of Sinashakti's holy symbol -- "In case you fight someone like me, who likes to break them."
Anton even finds himself with a miniature of Nora that he hadn't planned on, that his hands shaped on their own when his mind wandered. That leaves him with several scraps of darkwood, and only vague ideas of what to make for Aerys, Ishirou, Tragershen, or Aedalis.
Anton shrugs at Mihai's proposed topic of discussion. "I assumed that we'd tell no one. A city doesn't stay hidden because no one ever stumbles on it; it stays hidden because no one ever leaves. We can expect this to be difficult enough without fortune hunters taking potshots at us, so I think that we should only sell those rubbings to the Pathfinders if we're confident that they aren't enough by themselves."
The experienced dungeoneer pulls a heavy belt pouch out of his haversack and counts out a hundred gold pieces. "Say, would you mind blessing a few vials of holy water for me? If you're busy, I could just go to one of the local temples instead; but since my life could depend on it, I'd rather get it from someone I know and trust."
When Tragershen reports that they figured out where Tazion is, Anton nods with satisfaction and pulls a map case out of his haversack. (He seems to be putting things in and taking things out a lot these days. Ah, the simple joys of extradimensional spaces...) He unscrolls a map of the Expanse and points to a particular spot. "I don't know where Nora got her map, but it's so detailed, it should be easy to stay on track. I don't think we even need a native guide."
At the rumors of the vicious attack, Anton wonders aloud if it's Sahuagin. "Nasty buggers, devious and ruthless. Never know what they might do next." It's not so much a professional opinion as simple racism, but the shark people living at the bottom of Desperation Bay are unlikely to find any defenders of their reputation in the city.
The clever halfling takes the court summons in stride. He worked the legal system in Molthune to escape slavery, and took away a certain amount of confidence from the experience.
After some thought, Anton takes one of the darkwood scraps and whittles a little lighthouse resembling the one on Smuggler's Shiv, to give to Tragershen. He figures that the elf might appreciate a tangible reminder of his accomplishment, since fixing it was a marvelous feat of engineering that saved them all, but (of course) it was left behind. Only three more gifts to make...
The court summons is a simple, but lengthy process. You arrive in the morning and are asked to wait for several hours. Just before lunch you are summoned before a Eleder magistrate one at a time.
He asks each of you to tell the court how you came by the journal and how you know Jask. After about three of you tell close to the same story he summons all of you in. It appears your was the last testimony. Jask is now there as well as the man accused of putting on the run for nearly 10 years and eventually in prison...Milnius. Havelar is there as well.
The magistrate pronounces Jask innocent of all charges...Milnius bursts out his innocence and finally who his family is, seemingly trying to sway the judge. It seems to have little effect of the older man sitting there. When he speaks he sentences Milnius to death! The magistrate further explains that he has handed out this sentence for the many years of suffering he has caused the city as well as Jask. He also cites his extreme breaking of Colonial Law by ignoring his oath of office and his duty to the people of Eleder.
Milnius ends by screaming that he will have vengeance on all of you before he is dragged out of the court in tears.
General Havelar approaches you as you are finishing up congratulating Jask.
Thank you again for your help and bringing the journal to the city. The people of Eleder are in your debt. If you need anything feel free to contact me. In the meantime I have been authorized to give you this reward by the council of Eleder, spend it wisely.
Jask, I have heard they offered you Milnius' old position, welcome back and congratulations!
Inside the swollen small sack is 100 platinum pieces...
When you arrive at the inn there is a sealed note waiting for you. Ubi herself hands it to you.
Looks like you all have peaked someone's interest, someone who is important.
To the adventuring company that survived the Shiv. We have heard some impressive stories coming out of your adventures there. We would like to hear more.
You are invited to the home of Lady Madrona Daugustana two evenings from tonight. Please dress appropriately, you are no longer in the jungle. Dinner will be served.
Your humble servant, Gravius Kel.
Currently, the Daugustanas are the most powerful of New Haliad’s politicos. The matriarch of the family, Lady Madrona Daugustana, is the oldest living woman in Eleder.
Her influence stretches all the way to Baron Utilinus’s palace, and she controls almost a third of all major businesses in the port. Her family’s funds quietly make their way into the hands of many city officials and high-ranking members of Eleder’s military; few places fall outside the sphere of her personal influence. In addition to her extensive political influence, Lady Madrona bears responsibility for upholding the ideals and customs of her forebears. All activities within
Portside and New Haliad, from marriages to business deals, must meet with her approval.
The place you have been shopping at for your misc. magic is affiliated with a small school of magic. The shop is named Civians Shop of Wonders.
When you show him the cloak his interest is peaked...a lot. He starts asking you questions about the material, the construction, and where you found it!
It actually makes you a little uncomfortable as he is almost salivating over it...he thinks he can enchant it but would like to study it for a day or two before he can quote you on it. What do you say?
Aedalis reluctantly agrees, upon the condition that he would study it alongside Civian.
"Hmm. Never heard of them. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to dress up a bit..." Anton stalks the local minor nobility for a few hours, until he has a fairly good idea of an acceptable outfit that won't stand out -- high-quality in a bland, generic way. Once he knows what he wants, he takes himself to a gentleman's store for some social camouflage.
To Anton earlier:
Taking the symbol and gold "Thankyou for the gift... and I will prepare the water when able."
At word of the murders:
Mihai's countenance darkens significantly at the news, and he approaches the rest of the group with the tidings "The work of the om dat draculai? Have you conscience enough to prove or disprove the source of the wounds? - or are you unwilling to consider it possible?" looking among them with a degree of resolute intent upon his face - as though he plans to investigate further and is giving the rest of them an opportunity to state their intent.
At the arrival of the letter:
Mihai furrows his brow for but a moment, before remarking "Word indeed has spread quickly... though it is to be a relatively staid evening if we follow Anton's words and say nothing of what we have found or done. One can hope the weather will prove an exotic subject enough to carry the day." a hint of a smirk in the corner of his mouth.
To the General:
Mihai sighs "There is no pleasure to be taken from causing a man's death General... guilty or not. But I thank you for the weregild... my companions will make use of it." subtly stating his desire to have nothing of a reward wrought of bringing a man to the gallows.
Aedalis frowned at the news of the murders.
As much as I wanted to give Grolik a chance, if we ascertain this murder is at his claws, and unjust; he must be destroyed.
Anton looks at Mihai oddly, then gives a half-smile. "Sure, let's investigate the attack, if they let us. I think we can credibly present ourselves as experts in dangerous jungle fauna." Always thinking the worst of him... If Grolik bit you, they'd be talking about your missing hand -- or arm -- not wounds on your wrist.
When the topic turns to the letter, the amateur storyteller objects. "I was only referring to Yarzoth's research, Tazion, and anything else related to Saventh-Yhi. We have plenty of other stories, from the tragic to the humorous, and from the earthy to the sublime. The question in my mind is whether I should stick to the exotic yet inoffensive, or whether I should try to provoke a reaction, to see if they have an agenda beyond sociability."
Nim likewise thanks Anton for the token... but contributes very little to the discussions about the murders, Grolik or Jask's trial other than to congratulate him upon the overturning of his sentence.
At the arrival of the letter, Nim scoffs at the notion of "dressing up". The druid is in a positively dour mood and signals that he is extremely disinclined to attend.
Neck and wrists... sound like something that primarily consumes blood... Nim is fully aware of the implication regarding Grolick.
Sense Motive:
Mihai senses the half-heartedness of Anton's response and stops him "Perhaps it would be best that you do not attend Anton... your overwhelming trust in the beast would cloud your judgement. If the devil did not commit these murders then it has nothing to fear from me... but if it did, I mean to see if destroyed... utterly." pausing to look upon Anton with eyes that are rarely hard unless speaking of the om dat draculai "Would you raise weapon against it, if the need be present?"
Regardless, Mihai would from here seek to make discreet inquiry at the Pathfinder's Lodge as to the habits of the beast (though would not seek to meet with it) before approaching the gendarmes in order to proffer his assistance.
You speak with one of the PF's you find at the lodge. They know little of Grolik other than he is staying at the edge of the city as to not cause concern with any of the inhabitants. By all accounts he seems to be behaving himself though...
Mihai wouldn't speak to Gelik or Armivor, but would ask which edge of town the beast had made it's lair.
Next stop would be Havelar to offer their services out of civic mindedness.
In between rounds of studying and interpreting, Tragershen finds time to replace some of his old equipment. Much of it he simply discards, only going through the trouble of finding buyers for a few more expensive items. His new garments are scholarly robes in place of the practical garments he'd worn when they knew they were going to the Shiv.
Knowledge Local
When everyone has read the letter, Tragershen says:
"Hmm. We have attracted attention indeed. Currently, the Daugustanas are the most powerful of New Haliad’s politicos. The matriarch of the family, Lady Madrona Daugustana, is the oldest living woman in Eleder. I understand that her influence stretches all the way to Baron Utilinus’s palace, and she controls almost a third of all major businesses in the port."
Leaning in closer to the others, he adds "Her family’s funds quietly make their way into the hands of many city officials and high-ranking members of Eleder’s military; few places fall outside the sphere of her personal influence. She also bears responsibility for upholding the ideals and customs of her forebearers. All activities within Portside and New Haliad, from marriages to business deals, must meet with her approval."
When Jask is freed, Tragershen embraces him warmly and asks "Do you have the means to start again now that you are a free man? Do you need any help re-establishing yourself?"
Tragershen is silent during the discussion about the murder and Grolik, but goes with the others when the time comes for inquiries.
The PF tells you that the house Grolik is staying in is on the Southwestern edge of the town. The murder was on the eastern part of town.
When you see Havelar and ask him about the murder he looks a little surprised. I am not sure why you would be interested in this man, did you know him? Of course if you wish to ask around I wouldn't stop you. If you find anything out though you should report it to me or Jask.
When Jask is freed, Tragershen embraces him warmly and asks "Do you have the means to start again now that you are a free man? Do you need any help re-establishing yourself?"
Actually the government has awarded me a stipend as well. It appears they wish to reward me as well for coming back with this information. They have been quite generous, I was actually surprised by how much.
High level murder investigation:
- Inspect the area the body was found, and if possible interview who found - trying to see if the body was dumped, or fell where it was killed.
- Inspect the body itself - using Heal and Nim et als knowledge of nature to try and discern the source of both the savage clawing and the bites at wrist and neck.
- An attempt to canvas the area of body dump / slaughter to see if anyone saw anything - and to chat to any known witnesses.
- An attempt to canvas the area around the devil's lair - to see what the inhabitants know of it and it's movements. Mihai would not speak to the devil itself though.
The body was found early in the morning by a shipwright and his wife.
You ask and find the sergeant who first was at the scene. There was a lot of blood at the scene and it didn't appear to have been dragged there. There were no obvious foot-prints, but the area was paved. No witnesses to the murder have been found and when you ask around no one is found that knows anything...but many people are afraid.
You track the travelor back to the Inn he was staying at, "The Green Merchant". It appears to be another Inn for visitors to the city. The man seems to be a trader with the locals and colonials, mostly with mundane trade goods.
The body has already been burned. It was so badly ripped to shreds it needed to be disposed of. The Cleric of Pharasma describes what appeared to be an animal attack with the exception of the bite marks. Two puncture marks were on several parts of the body.
When you canvas the area where the RMD is staying you actually find no one who has seen anything odd. You hear a couple of rumors that an exotic beast is being kept in the area but that is it. The PF's must be keeping him under tight wraps.
At this point there doesn't seem to be much else to go on...
Nim Knowledge Nature:
Aedalis Knowledge Arcana / Nature / Planes:
Tragershen Knowledge Everything :P
Anton Knowledge Religion:
Corbius Knowledge Dungeoneering / Planes:
When you talk to the cleric of Pharasma who examined the body, he dismisses any talk of vampires. He says they are too large and most likely caused by some type of animal with large canines.
Without seeing the body you can't really garner anything further other than what you have learned so far...this take you the entire next day.
It is the day of the meeting is everyone going? Are you doing as asked and dressing at least cleanly?
It sure looks like it could be the work of the red mountain devil...
Nim removes his well worn and heavily patched hide armor and instead dresses in a pair of simple hempen pants along with a sleeveless, loose fitting white cotton shirt. His hair is tied up in a single ponytail. Hanging from his belt is his scimitar and dagger. His ever present satchel rests over his shoulder and upon his other hip. He leaves behind his shield, other weapons and backpack.
Anton also notices that Nim has attached his token of Sasha to a length of leather that now hangs around his neck.
Anton raises his eyebrows. "Of course, Mihai. If Grolik did it, then it would be our responsibility to bring him down, since we brought him here. But I need more evidence than that he has teeth and claws, and so does whatever attacked the traveler; lots of things meet that requirement, including Wice and even Nim sometimes." He winks.
Since the Varisian doesn't seem to want his help directly, the halfling just swaps stories with Gelik, then seeks out Grolik to give him the little darkwood landscape of Red Mountain with the Tide Stone in the foreground. Of course, Anton also intends to ask if he's noticed any unusual predators around, since the chupacabra was quite aware of the ones on Smuggler's Shiv.
When it comes time for the dinner, the ranger dons his elegant new attire/social camouflage and leaves most of his gear behind with Nim's, except for a belt pouch of cash and a hidden dagger. He hates for his stuff to be out of his sight, but trusts that not many would be willing to mess with Wicewakan, and fewer would succeed.
You arrive at the house where Grolik is staying. You soon find out that this is the house of Armivor. You also find out that he has been adventuring in these parts for more than 10 years and has successfully led 3 expeditions into the Expanse.
A local servant answers the door and you are led back to a pretty courtyard. Grolik is there. He is wearing a suit of hide armor that appears to have been crafted for himand is sparring with a man wielding no weapons. They slowly appear to be looking for weaknesses in each other defenses when Grolik attempts a quick attack. The man deftly paries the blow and places a muted jab on him. When they notice you they both stop and Grolik rushes over to greet you.
He places his hand on your shoulder and kneels down so you are face to face...he also appears to have bathed.
Anton! It is good to see you! I was beginning to worrry that you werre avoiding me. The pathfinderrs have been verry kind to me. They have taught me how to wearr what you call Arrmorr. In exchange I have been sparrring with varrious memberrs of theirr grrroup, teaching them to defend themselves against prredatorrs. We have been to the jungle werre I have hunted them and played what they call...warr games. It has been fun and interresting.
They have also been teaching me how speak prrop..perr..ly and I have been learrning about the worrld. What have you been doing?
When you ask him about predators he looks at you surprised, You mean in the city? I have seen some caged but nothing frree. I would think that would cause a lot of...panic with the humans herre. No, why do you ask? he gets a expression of thought on his face.
Does this have something to do with me?
You prepare yourselves for the party that night. As you get ready to leave a knock is on your door. A middle aged colonial man stands there with Ubi.
Hello, I am Gravius Kel, with whom do I have the pleasure of meeting?
After the introductions he tells you that a carriage is waiting for you to take you to the Daugustanas manor. When you get there you are blown away. The place is pretty much a palace with huge gardens, possibly hundreds of servants, and quite a few guards.
You are brought to a large sitting room. Arched mahogany doorways, areas gilded with gold, it makes you feel quite out of place. Rotilius Havelar is there and so is Jask! When you ask them about why they are here they tell you to wait for the lady to arrive.
The Lady Daugustana arrives with some pomp and circumstance. Her eldest daughter (who is quite the beauty) and eldest son are also there. You make introductions and small talk. The lady is used to running the show and overlooks your modest outfits, although she did give you all a thorough once-over.
The diner is a small affair...there is a bit of discomfort amongst most of you. The table could sit 30 although only about a dozen of you are there including Gravius Kel.
As dinner nears its end, you have all done your best not to insult anyone, Lady Daugustana speaks up. Her voice is commanding...
Now for the reason we are here, pleasantries aside. We believe you have something we want. We believe you have information...information that could lead to the discovery of a city of incredible wealth and importance. You have information...we have resources.
So we have a proposal for you. We could offer you a sum to take it off your hands...but you are adventurers and I believe you would turn us down. Plus your small group is well suited to such a cause. So we will offer you something that would benefit us both, a joint expedition.
You bring your information and get us to Saventh-Yhi. We supply the men, resources, and know-how to complete such an expedition. We will front you each 500gp in cash for equipment. We will also supply you with a contingent of Eledian legionnaires to help defend you on your way there. If you find Saventh-Yhi and get the expedition there you will be rewarded with 1000gp each plus a Nobles title and a property outside the city. You will also be free to explore the city and garner whatever wealth you wish from your explorations...as will we. Rotilius will be leading the main expedition and Jask will be going along to assist with healing and anything you need as the go-between for the groups. Think on my offer hard, it is a generous one. Do you have any questions?
Mihai bears a new smock beneath his Azlanti chain that is glamored to appear an over-robe as he attends to the Lady Daugustana's reception. Smalltalk is offered and returned with equal measure, but Mihai does not speak of any consequence, preferring the lady to make the first move in that regard. The detail that is known of their discovery is only momentarily surprising after he realises Jask's part in it.
Mihai responds to the aggressive request with a disarming smile "Why milady... surely you would not ruin the leavings of the meal with talk of business? Should we not retire to a sitting room where strong liquor and stronger coffee would sharpen tongues for the sport you proffer?"
Sense Motive:
You know in general Chelaxians don't haggle unless they really want something...this could be one of those cases...you are not sure.
Lady Daugustana, As you wish, we can share deserts in the parlour and discuss the offer.
The Parlour is a huge deck edged by a cloth to keep the bugs out. Various exotic fruits and stuffed sticky buns come out in short order. She seems to be ready to get down to business and waits to see if you have any questions or feedback on the offer and a little more smalltalk.
Once within the parlour, Mihai sees himself furnished with a snifter of fine brandy and takes an extended time appreciating both it's colour and aroma before tasting. With a satisfied smile he turns to Lady Daugustana "Now this is much better no? Like fine brandy, ventures of this significance should be well savored before action taken. I will not doubt that your offer is tempting, after all it would be a mountain of gold and dirt that would be offered us... but I cannot help but wonder - such speed with which we are approached and gestures made... there seems to be concerns of haste and speed to find a place that has been lost for so long."
"Why such a hurry milady? - do you fear others may find the prize before you are able to claim it?... and if so... then who?"
You will soon find out that the game is on young man.
Compared to her 80 something years all of you seem young, I will admit you will probably get other offers, the word is out in Eleder of your possible discovery...the question is will it be ones you can trust. The Sargavan government is willing to back you, with an honest offer. It is up to you to decide how to proceed. No matter what happens, we will be there, but we prefer to be the first of course.
Anton! It is good to see you! I was beginning to worrry that you werre avoiding me. The pathfinderrs have been verry kind to me. They have taught me how to wearr what you call Arrmorr. In exchange I have been sparrring with varrious memberrs of theirr grrroup, teaching them to defend themselves against prredatorrs. We have been to the jungle werre I have hunted them and played what they call...warr games. It has been fun and interresting.
They have also been teaching me how speak prrop..perr..ly and I have been learrning about the worrld. What have you been doing?When you ask him about predators he looks at you surprised, You mean in the city? I have seen some caged but nothing frree. I would think that would cause a lot of...panic with the humans herre. No, why do you ask? he gets a expression of thought on his face.
Does this have something to do with me?
Aedalis broached the subject tactfully, trusting that Mihai would study the beast's reaction carefully.
Grolik, some kind of predator tore a man apart on the streets of Eleder. Something the locals have not seen before; in particular, the man bore twin puncture marks, as though his blood was drained. Perhaps you could spend some time patrolling the streets in that area for this thing, as a favour to us and to the Pathfinders? It would certainly help to ingratiate you and prove that you are no mere beast, wouldn't you say?
___________________________________________________________________________
Aedalis wore his best robes, but still presented himself as a scholar rather than wearing anything too ostentatious. Although he happily made small talk to anyone not in the group, he was not particularly interested in the decision making process. He did however, counsel his closest allies on the way to the parlour.
The Sargavan Government has a lot to gain as a patron of such an expedition. With the Pathfinders being so friendly, i'd say we need them less than they need us. We could probably strike a very good deal with them and I would expect them to be fair in their dealings.
Nim hangs back, letting others more qualified and tactful, handle the negotiations and interrogations.
"Indeed... though how many parties will seek the city? It would be wise to know before we make any decision."
Mihai takes a sip of his brandy, letting the liquid wash over his palate and warm his mouth before musing "And if we were to choose another party, or strike out alone... where would that leave us to you? Would you view us as friendly competition? - or through blood tinged glasses?"
Anton answers Grolik, "I've been busy with research and resupply. I made you a little token, to remind you of where you came from." He hands over the little carved wooden landscape, and shakes his head at Aedalis's suggestion. "I think it would be safer for him to stay here, where if there's another attack, there will be those who can say where he was. If people see an unfamiliar being out and about right now, they're likely to jump to conclusions."
As the carriage pulls up to the manor, the well-dressed halfling feels quite certain that even the well-to-do young men whose style he stole would feel outclassed here. He listens to the debate, about to jump in when it takes a sudden tack.
"Indeed... though how many parties will seek the city? It would be wise to know before we make any decision."
Mihai takes a sip of his brandy, letting the liquid wash over his palate and warm his mouth before musing "And if we were to choose another party, or strike out alone... where would that leave us to you? Would you view us as friendly competition? - or through blood tinged glasses?"
We should be friends...you should accept our offer and not think about the alternative. I can't promise anything once you are out in the jungle, no threats...but competition is rarely "friendly", especially when it comes to this prize. A discovery of this find could change the future of this kingdom and the lives of any who are involved in it.
With a smile Mihai puts his arms wide "Rare friends indeed... though it is a blessing and failing of mine that I find friends in many places. It would make heavy my heart if the choice of one friend made me a pariah to another. But words have been said, and meaning heard... I would not beg us to decide anything tonight... but at least sleep upon it. Is that agreeable? - we will send word if and when we have decided one way or another."
Diplomacy:
"I wonder Milady, you have fed and watered us... and yet I have given nothing in return. So that neither of us depart endebted unto the other might I offer you a reading? - or if the lay of cards holds no sway, perhaps a song?" retrieving the azlanti flute from within his clothes and twirling it between his fingers as he raises an eyebrow to question.
Better with animals than people, Anton blurts out his concern, coincidentally at just the right moment to excuse their hesitance. "Before story or song, I'd like to know your estimate of how many legionnaires wouldn't make it to Saventh-Yhi. I gave more than one eulogy on Smuggler's Shiv, and even if they're supposed to be protecting us, that's the kind of responsibility that goes both ways."
Corbius takes the offered carving from Anton gingerly holding it as he examines. Thank you Anton! The detail is exquisite it is a truly amazing gift Corbius eyes the carving before carefully wrapping it and stashing it in his belt pouch.
Uponthe finding of the body and Miahi's comments. I agree with you Mihai that we should deal with Grolik if he truly did this but... He was never stupid and I think it unlikely, if he did this,that he would have left the body where we could find it?
Corbius Does not visit Grolik before or after the body is found.
Corbius spends anytime he is not helping the others resting in the inn and enjoying being back in a big city and the amenities it provides. He does spend some time shopping replacing his wardrobe and getting his mithral armor polished. He also purchases some more formal clothes for the party but certainly nothing ostentatious. Simple leathers of blacks and deep browns but of high quality.
At the party Corbius is content to let the more diplomatic members of the party take the lead.
Lady Daugustana smiles at the interaction, some of you get the sense that she is enjoying the interaction, with Mihai at least.
Of course, your offer of a gift back is fair, let's hear your tune.
She asks you a few questions about your stay on the Shiv. She let's you know that a Sargavan ship is already preparing to set sail to the Shiv. The government has decided to attempt to resettle and claim the island for Sargava. The ruins there also interest her and she let's you know that there are several scholars on the ship.
You believe she is giving you some subtle information, that the Sargavan government will be attempting to discover the same information as you eventually, even if you don't ally with them. You bad quite a headstart on them though and you figure that you probably have about 2-3 months before they could potentially work most of the same details as you did.
The evening ends pleasantly enough. Lady Daugustana seems to understand that the group is weighing it's options and you part ways not obvious enemies.
She leaves you with one piece of advice as she readies to retire, By now most of the city know some snippets about your findings and the notes that you carry.
Yes the librarians chatter, like old hens in a castle. Hide them, store them, destroy them if you have everything you need to find the city...and be careful. We will not strike out at you to try and take them...but that does not mean other groups will show the same restraint. Decide quickly adventurers, once under the cities fold, no one will dare to attempt anything direct to you. Good night all.
Aedalis broached the subject tactfully, trusting that Mihai would study the beast's reaction carefully.
Grolik, some kind of predator tore a man apart on the streets of Eleder. Something the locals have not seen before; in particular, the man bore twin puncture marks, as though his blood was drained. Perhaps you could spend some time patrolling the streets in that area for this thing, as a favour to us and to the Pathfinders? It would certainly help to ingratiate you and prove that you are no mere beast, wouldn't you say?
Something attacks these people? I can be very quiet if I want to be maybe I should trry to find this thing that attacks them.
Anton, yourrr concern is valid...if I am seen they will prrobably assume it was me. I will speak with the pathfinderrs, if I am away frrom this place I can not be blamed forr things.
The next morning there is a shifty looking fellow waiting for you. He seems to know Nim although you have never seen him before. I am delivering a message to the one called Nim. Sasha is safe and at home with her people. Her child is healthy.
We wish to meet with your group to discuss a joint venture you will be interested in. Please go to this address tonight at the 10th bell, you may see Sasha at that time as well. Bring the rest of your...adventuring company.
He hands you a piece of paper with an address on it. 24 Joltru Street. There is also a symbol on it, you recognize it as the symbol of the Red Mantis, it is the same as the tattoo's on Sasha's back.
You quickly determine this is in the outer wall district near Northcoast. Not the best neighborhood.
To Corbius "Aye, though regardless the beast responsible it would still seem prudent to offer what aid we may."
----
Mihai plays a tune from his Varisian childhood, a lilting melody evocative of a twilight evening. He whiles away the rest of the evening in idle conversation before departing.
---
When Nim receives his missive, Mihai stands beside awaiting the druid's words.
Nim looks the message deliverer over. I suppose this has to do with our... recent discoveries?
Nim takes the note and nods that he understands.
As the messenger turns to leave Nim asks one other question. The child... is it a male or female?
After the man leaves Nim remarks, Well... it seems the bidding war you seek is about to begin in earnest.