"A realm might be a terrestrial one, or it might be a heavenly contellation, or the realm of the spirit. And a 'hand pointing upwards' sounds like a crest or symbol representing that realm"
"I tell you what, it's the 'dark parody' part that makes my skin crawl."
"Hmmm well maybe it just explains difference, Cheliax as an opposite to Andoran, for example"
@ Winter: After amoment of thinking, you suddenly make sense of the second part of the line Bree recited. You recall to have seen the symbol of an elven god that looks similar, however, sadly you forgot the deity's name.
"Wait, wait! I was sprung from the Elven Druids, and dumped with my human carers. I remember spending time talking to the Elven Rangers...and a few...umm elven friends, about the lore and history of the elvish gods and there was an elven god that had such a sign, though I do not recall whom..."
Kabal tried to follow the conversation but he'd had quite a few drinks by now and he couldn't remember the last time he slept but he he did catch the one part of Kwava's recital.
Bah! I knew it! I told you all she did was make it indivi... invasa... you know, where you cant see it. We got to go get her! Maybe we'll find your brother Bree. Then we'd be real heroes...
His concentration waned and he sat staring into his mug.
Corvax doesn't even make the effort to try and follow the conversation, the topic being maybe an order of magnitude above his head. Instead he sits and savours his drink, enjoying the chance to relax before something inevitably turns up to ruin it.
"An' how we gonna go get 'er? 'ave to get a boat an' tha' costs loads a gold an' then we gotta convince some bloke to sail off after a murderin' crazy magicin' drow an' mebbe all 'er crazy murderin' friends... Seems like 'ard work is all 'm sayin'."
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"Hiring a small vessel would be our best interest. Something that can get us in quickly, but out again if need be. I fully intend to fly after this foxy falcon, Winter. One fox may not be a problem, but the roost she flies to will have more preparation and minds to strike again. We must follow this snake, clutch it in our talons, and cut off the stem of venom before all of Riddleport is infected. If awesome power like the Blot are at their disposal, I would do all I could to take out any leg they have to stand on. We may not have the strength to attack the heart, but any extremity gone will slow this process down."
"Amongst my people, I spent more time in trees gazing at stars and bird flights than learning names of the powers that guide us."
When Winter begins to state what he does recollect, Bree makes her way from sitting cross-legged in front of the fire to a crouching position, as if she is about to spring into action. When he is unable to remember the specifics of the Elven god, she scuttles over to Winter, on her knees in front of him. She scoops up his hands with her own, only sparring a moment to look at her own hands in their new position with horror and confusion before looking back up at Winter's face. In Elven she speaks softly, but with passion, "Please... Winter try to remember all that you can. Are you sure there is nothing else? Have you seen it yourself? Could you draw it? Or at least recognize it if you saw it again? What kind of god was this? Please."
Lara sleepily had her head on Sebastian's shoulder and had only been following along most loosely, but at the repeated questions of Devil's Elbow something comes to her.
She sits up a bit. "Serving drinks to sailors everyday, one get to hearing things."
She takes Sebastian's drink and takes a swallow and then continues. "Devil's Elbow was abandoned about 30 years ago. 'Fore that, the only settlement, Witchlight, had also only existed for several years. No farmland out there, so they hd to bring in all the food. But a load of diseased cattle and then a plague of giant centipedes."
Lara looks around making sure she has everyone's attention and quite enjoying that she had something to contribute. "At that time also rumors came up that the mayor of Witchlight, Yaris, was in love with a Sirene that had already lived on the island before humans set foot on it. A group of fanatic villagers led by an Abadar priest followed Yaris by night and really found out that he met with some kind of magical being. They killed this spirit of nature and Yaris commited suicide by jumping off a cliff. The people abandoned the cursed island and never returned to it."
She then turns to Sebastian, "Yo don't really have to go there do you?" But his silence gives her the answer she didn't want to hear.
"I am just not sure I see the compulsion to chase down this woman to a deserted island. She has fled, and she should account for the crimes of stealing a ship, but that is a matter for the authorities. Why should we chase her so? I struggle to see the need for such pursuit when all around me I see work to be done, such as was begun for the poor at St Casperians."
"The means to the Blot likely lies there. And it is not just her. She has compatriots and they plan to make the surface world a world of darkness. They have already murdered to hide this fact."
Kabal looks up from his mug; grainy eyed and sullen.
And what if they turn our world into darkness? What then for the poor of St. Casperians? We wil have much bigger problems then and it might be too late to do anything about it.
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"I am not sure Bree, I just remember the talk around the campfire when I was having friendly discussions with the Elven brothers. Perhaps if I can find a Theological library to read up on Elvish gods and traditions I could find more information... but that is definitely the symbol, or perhaps Kwava might know more of his peoples traditions?"
"Regardless of the Drows plot and machinations, she has been driven away and the blot has vanished. I can't but help feel that I could spend ten days sailing after her to stop one crime, or walk the streets of Riddleport for one day and stop ten crimes."
"The blot is gone and she has fled, if she shows back up in Riddleport I'll be at the vanguard to drive her back to the sea"
"I am not sure Bree, I just remember the talk around the campfire when I was having friendly discussions with the Elven brothers. Perhaps if I can find a Theological library to read up on Elvish gods and traditions I could find more information... but that is definitely the symbol, or perhaps Kwava might know more of his peoples traditions?"
At the reminder of Kawava's presence, Bree shoots to her feet. Embarrassed to be seen nearly begging anyone, for anything, in such a fashion. She had all but forgotten that anyone else was present, so focused was she on finding more that might lead her to her brother. Quickly, red faced and all, she pulls her composure back together like one putting on a costume and steps away from Winter. "My apologies... I can be a little single-minded at times."
She turns to Kawava and bows her head to him politely, in Elven "Excuse me, but if you should find you recognize the symbol that Winter and I have been speaking of, I would be most grateful for any information on it you could provide me with."
"Regardless of the Drows plot and machinations, she has been driven away and the blot has vanished. I can't but help feel that I could spend ten days sailing after her to stop one crime, or walk the streets of Riddleport for one day and stop ten crimes."
"The blot is gone and she has fled, if she shows back up in Riddleport I'll be at the vanguard to drive her back to the sea"
"Winter as you have well seen, and as I so ineloquently pointed out in the tunnels, we will follow your lead. However, I think I must point out what appears to me to be a hole in logic. What is there to say that Depora has committed only one crime? What is there to say that she isn't committing further crimes, as you have put it, right at this moment? That being said, if the other two that we have seen lurking about are in fact Drow as well, and if they are in fact with her and are as skilled as she is, I can't say that I find it wise for us to go chasing after her either." Bree's fingers unconsciously rub the spot where Depora's lips met her skin.
Bree gathers the book back up and returns herself to the fireside and her cup of tea.
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"She traffics with demons, who knows what abyssal and hellish nightmares she plans to let fly upon our world? You don't stop the colony by scaring one ant... they usually come back with lethal intentions. She knows Saul, knows the tunnels, who knows what else that grackle spit her way before he met his end? He's hired wererats to take us out, Depora could very well know more about us than we give her credit for. I certainly do not want to sit idle with her machinations at work only to find St. Casperian's burned to the ground. She is drow, a fact I plan not to underestimate."
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"Indeed I see reason and righteousness in everything said. There was a blot in the sky, it is now vanquished. There was a plot and conspiracy involving Saul and this woman, and Saul is now dead along with some of the hired wererats and this woman driven from the city. She has murdered two sailors that we have seen, and stolen a ship, presumably to head to sea and maybe to this deserted island with nothing on it but rocks. I assume she, and maybe any friends, would assume that the authorities are on their trail and either be waiting in ambush, or more likely, flee further."
"I fear that Riddleport is full of crime that is very real and happening every day unchecked and this tempers my enthusiasm for chasing shadows, or worse, very real adversaries who believe we may be in hot pursuit and have laid in ambushes... as much as it pains me to say so, we only barely snatched a victory from her this time when we caught her unguarded, and teh rats had us almost perished in the boneyard. We are ill equipped to deal with such a significant threat head on; we need to think about this carefully before pressing our case, perhaps...prudence dictates we look to defence rather than attack unless obligated by clear necessity. Perhaps should other parties lend their aid and support things might be different, but I am concerned we reach beyond our grasp"
Kwava nods and smiles
Surely I know the goddess. winter has has mentioned the sign of Findeladlara. She is the elven goddess of art and architecture. A goddess who believes in preserving tradition and prefers innovation rather than creating something entirely new. While Findeladlara is a good goddess she often comes off as aloof, particularly to younger, non-elven races, I'm surprised you have never heard of her, but I guess that's typical for Riddleport, heh. She is known to judge their work harshly and never answers the prayers of a non-elf. When shown in art, she appears as a beautiful elven woman in traditional elven dress. She is normally depicted standing beneath an archway of either mithral or branches whilst being illuminated by the setting sun. Her Holy symbol is a hand pointing upward suspending a golden star or flame. The dark parody of her realm can only mean a drow city, I guess.
"That would make sense! And thank you for reminding me of the name, it was a while since I heard that story by the campfire in the mountains. A drow city you say? well just a day ago I'd have argued there are no drow and now here we are suggesting a whiole city of them. Amazing"
Suddenly Ganmed and Korax flutter with their wings frantically just below the ceiling and then Sable and Kwava feel it too. A major natural phenomenon will happen in mere moments.
The two aren't able to do much more than rise from their chairs as you all suddenly hear a low rumbling sound that extremely fast gets louder and then sounds like a cruise missile.
From outside you hear people screaming in fear and horror and as you hasten to the front door, you suddenly see what panicks the people so much. There is a gigantic ball of fire at the sky flying exactly in the direction of Riddleport! A meteor large as the gambling hall with a fiery tail. Around you the first shingles fall from roofs and windows shatter and blast as the thing comes closer. Someone nearby shouts
The fullest, most genuine smile seen on her lips, spreads across Bree's face, she bows to Kwava once more and thanks him for providing that information. She turns to Winter, just about to speak when the uproar grabs everyone's attention. Bree stuffs the book safely into her bag before looking to see what is going on outside.
"I trust the solitude and strength of Torags mountain over Gozreh's ocean any day!"
Like last time there was a calamity, Winter points his nose in the direction of the mountains he calls home.
He grabs his sword and moves outside, trying to determine how much trouble he is in...
Booze and exhaustion almost made Kabal stay in his seat at the shocked shouting. But the urgency and mention of the harbour's safety had him jumping to his feat and rushing outside with the others. The man sobered up real quick at the sight of the blazing meteor headed their way.
What in the Nine Hell's is that! Oh feck! How can we even know which way to run? We're better off in the basement.
Corvax struggles out of his seat and runs after the group out into the street, he stands gaping at the huge burning lump of rock for a few moments and then shakes his head in exasperation.
"Welp, glad I enjoyed a drink or two afore t'shite hit t'windmill all over again. In fact, I'm gonna enjoy another one."
Heading back into the Goblin he snags a bottle of rum from behind the bar and then makes a beeline for the strong room to drink and wait to see what happens.
Since Winter is voting against the harbour - where most people run to - you decide to seek shelter in the basement. Just in time you are able to climb down the ladder into the tunnels as you hear an ear-deafening *SWOOSH* high abover your heads. You're shocked that it was still so loud down here and since there is no direct impact you quckly decide to climb back up. You reach the stairs again just in time to be blinded by a flash of light as the meteor hits an island lying a couple of miles to the south of Riddleport. The earth shakes and a gigantic fiery mushroom cloud forms there over the island. Stunned you watch how all water is soaked from the port basin and those of you who have grown up close to the sea know that this is one of the last warning signs before a tsuname will hit the shore. The people in the harbour know it also and soon they try to flee from it and trample each other in the desperate attempt to be the first in the crowd of the fleeing.
Thirty seconds later, the tsunami hits the harbour and throws several larger vessels on the quays and nearly all of the small boats up to 50m into the city proper. The wave itself is luckily mostly absorbed by Riddleport's natural port basin and you don't think that many people were killed by it. Still, the city is in a pretty chaotic state since many people are wounded or have lost orientation. The horizon is still lit by the orange/red burning coming from the island where the meteor impacted.
While you still gawp at the whole scene you see two men carrying pick-axes and shovels running to the harbour shouting something of Star metal! Yeah! We will be the first! It's not far to Devil's Elbow, everyone who accompanies us gets his share of precious star metal!
Starmetal? Sounds lucrative but I'm more intersted in sleep right now.
Kabal will help in securing the Goblin before he seeks the rest of his bunk.
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"So it seems our current options are to join this duo, though we fly ill prepared, discover what exactly just happened, possibly run into Depora and this starmetal... or stock up, travel there to find the miners slaughtered and who knows what devilry lying in ambush? By the powers, just a day to roost would be splendid. I'm going to get crow's feet on my crow's feet at this point!"
Winter looks heavenward. "Just as I was looking for answers it seems I have been sent a sign once more... I ask, Erastil delivers"
Winter heads to the kitchen and fills his pack with alcohol and food for the injured and the hungry... "I am off to render what aid I can to the injured, I will be back in the morning for a rest. After I have rested we can seek movement to the Island."
"Wait, Winter. I'll come with you. If there is one thing I know about this place is that we locals trust no one who isn't a local, and those we trust only because we all know we can't be trusted. You'll need me, I reckon, trust me, I'm a local."
"Sounds ideal, grab some blankets then, people will likely be cold and wet and could use some extra warmth"
Bree grabs what supplies she can and follows after Winter. "I can't believe I'm doing this..."
Bree and Winter hurry to the harbour and help the locals the best they can. The flood has caused some damage, but it has also thrown several shiploads of fish onto the streets...so at least everyone has something to eat tonight.
All around you gold-fever has broken out after the rogues and scallywags of Riddleport have realized that the meteor consisted of something that was literally as precious as gold. All small boats are manned and the first ones have already set sails southwards to Devil's Elbow.
Amongst those who help the poor wounded people, mostly clerics of Cayden, you also spot Clegg Zincher and some of his men. Every inch the friendly kingpin, Clegg has brought several wagons with blankets, warm soup and even some construction material to fix the most severe damages.
As he notices you, the massive man comes over to you, a broad grin on his face
Winter, good to see you - ah, and the enchanting Bree, what a pleasure to meet you two. I've just received your offer...I'd gladly pay 12.000 gp. 6k this month 6k the next month and will grant you free lodging when you are in Riddleport and a monthly benefit of 100 gp.
"Ahhh Clegg! you never cease to amaze me. Your offer is always a welcome refrain upon my ears, however I still think that the offer is perhaps...underappreciative of the fine establishment the Goblin has become. With such a sum I could no doubt see to the administration of much of Erastils will, however I am sure my more coin savvy fellows would be seeing something more generous. I understand though you make this offer in good haste as you wish to ensure that I am well comforted knowing there is a ready buyer, but I ask of you to examine its worth more closely perhaps and find it in your heart to open up to a more robust amount"
Diplomacy
"May I say though, on a personal note between us pair, I am delighted to see you here doing such work, I am sure on some level you will reap the rewards of your good deeds here in the city, but regardless, I am sure that deep down you feel good doing the right thing; perhaps that comfort will be as a boon to you when you arrive at the gates of Pharasma for judgment as we all will. Community is family, and Erastil keeps a a watchfull eye on those who help family, and I hope Erastil sees it in His heart to keep a watchfull eye on you...and maybe gives you a nudge in the direction of the light should you lose your way"
Clegg grabs a nearby kid, tossles through his hair and "finds" a gold piece in it which the boy is allowed to keep.
Well Winter, it's always better to have more friends that enemies, a lesson Saul never understood. Regarding the Goblin, there has been much trash talking about monsters hidden beneath it and a curse and...ah, you know, the kind of stuff people say. My very last offer, and a sign of goodwill are 15k in two installments, first 10k then 5k next month, you won't find anyone else paying more for it.
"Saul was a man lost to us when he kept making poor decisions and taking bad advice. I am sorry to hear he killed your relative, he killed his friend Larur and almost us too. I held great hopes towards letting him find some salvation and maybe a way forward in this life, but it wasn't to be, much to my dismay."
"I never judged you as an evil man, but you are a man who has to do evil things, perhaps one day you will look to take up the mantle of light and find that there is worth in doing good deeds from the heart. A man of your strength, influence, and strong will could be a great agent for decency. In the meantime though, I am always here should you wish to talk. I will convey your generous offer back to my friends, who are already diving up the spoils of the foul beasts we have cleared from below the Goblin, but for now let us help each other help the needy."
Shifting her load of blankets around so she may better observe the interactions between the two men, Bree raises a cynical eyebrow at Clegg when he refers to her as "the enchanting Bree". Nevertheless she does her best to remain polite, "Hello, Clegg, it's good to see you as well."
@ Bree: If Clegg's behaviour is just a masquerade, it's a good one. You also know that Clegg has acted like a benevolent godfather before.
Clegg grins and nods
Good Winter, hey Bree, what do you think about that meteor that hit Devil's Elbow - any connection to the now vanished Blot?
After a moment Bree slowly nods her head, "Yes, I'm willing to bet there is, though exactly what I couldn't say. Clegg... you said you liked Brandon, enough to hire an oracle to tell you of his fate. Do you like him enough to put yourself in a bit of danger to get him back?"
As you mention Brandon's name, the jovial grin vanished from Clegg's face
You know where he is?
Bree glances at Winter, before licking her lips and continuing, "I think that we may have deciphered the words that you passed on to me, and along with recent events associated with Saul and his belongings... I can't say that he is there for sure, but I can say that I believe that the answer lies on Devil's Elbow."
"Hah! So t'drow an' this starmetal're in the same place. Fate is a twisty bugger ain't he? I'm gonna get some kip before we go harin' off ta the island. Someone wake me up if yer find a boat or summin'."
With an extremely stressful day behind him, Corvax takes his bottle of rum as a sleeping aid and heads for his room.
Clegg rubs the back of his right hand, a badly-treated scar is visible there
Devil's Elbow was already a forlorn and dangerous place before it was hit by a meteor...dammit...what exactly is the connection between the islet and the oracle's prophecy?
Shifting her burden once more, Bree somehow manages to free a hand which begins the idle twirling of the tip of her braid. She's quiet for a long moment, weighing the situation. Finally she says one word, "Drow."
Clegg's expression doesn't mirror his feelings and for a long moment he doesn't reply anything. Then his jovial smile returns and he says So it's true that you fought a dark elf on top of the arch, eh? And you think Brandon could be in the hands of those and they hold him captive on Devil's Elbow? Sounds like a fairytale to me. You got any proofs for that?
Bree's face grows cold and angry, "And what proof would you ask for of such a thing, Mr. Zincher? I assure you I have no sense of humor to speak of and I don't deal in grand stories. This is my brother we're speaking about, the one person left in this world that I would die for time and time again." She glances at Winter again. "I've probably already tested the trust that this lot has put in me simply by telling you any of this without talking to them about it first."
I appreciate your temperament in this matter, bree. So, what would you want me to do?
"We're heading there, tomorrow morning I think. We can use as many people as we can get. We're not certain what to expect, but just facing the one... she did a number on us I tell you. Granted she was able to split us up, but still. Good fighters, quick on their feet and with their wits about them... and we have need of a vessel to get us there and back."