Justin begins a flurry of nonlethal attacks. He attacks until the chimera goes down.
Even trying to avoid killing the creature, Justin lands some devastating blows.
Justin finds Iomedae does not concur with his mercy. Although he is using the flat of his axe, the blows break and sunder bones with the force of the Inheritor behind them.
The beast finally succumbs to your blows. Two men come over, clearly in anguish over the beast dying. "I am saddened about our chimera being killed, but thank you strangers for stopping it before it killed anyone. You are truly heroes this day. We will have much explaining to do today, and probably will have to pay a hefty fine. So we want you to take this as a reward. We would much rather you fine folks have this instead of one of this town's bureaucrats!"
He hands you two potion explaining to you it will protect you from electricity damage.
Justin nods solemnly.
"I tried to give your creature mercy at the end, but Iomedae's judgement against evil creatures can be swift and brutal. Thank you for your gifts. I would think the risks of caging such an unstable creature have been shown to outweigh the rewards."
After a careful inventory of everyone's possesion, nothing else is found to be missing. You decide it is probably a good time to move on and get to Eligos's house before getting caught up in the middle of the bureaucratic mess that they chimera owners will be in.
You make your way around the city and after a little time, you have arrived at Eligos's house. A white stone wall surrounds a manicured yard of trimmed hedges and exotic flora. A cobbled path, flanked by a pair of pools and rearing dragon statues, leads to a white marble manor house with gilded double doors and flickering golden lanterns. While not the most opulent house on the block, it is obvious that thought and money has been put into how it looks.
A pull string that leads to a bell hangs to the side of the gate. After pulling the string a bell rings and soon an older elf comes out of the door and to the gate asking your business with Eligos. You show him the letter of introduction given to you by Allustan and he nods and opens the gate for you.
The elf introduces himself as Pollard and asks you to follow him inside. Once inside you pass through a grand foyer, dominated by a marble staircase lined with suits of ancient armor, and topped by an ancient battle banner used as a curtain. Off to one side, a short hallway leads to a parlor. After serving you a fine wine (or water for those who do not wish wine) along with fresh fruit, Pollard leaves you to await the sage. The parlor is lined with packed bookcases, framed by various oil paintings of faraway places and fantastic locales. All of the furniture is gilt with fine gold tracery and padded with plush red velvet cushions. The floor is polished wood, but covered by a well-worn carpet depicting some forgotten battle between the forces of good and evil.
After a few minutes of waiting, Eligos joins you in the parlor. Eligos is a middle-aged man, with hair dyed red to hide the encroaching gray. His eyes are sharp wells of deep gray accented by specks of red. Although rather stern of visage, he does not seem unfriendly. "My manservant, Pollard, has given me your letter from Allustan." he says in a calm, even voice. "I am Eligos, as you might have guessed. How can I be of assistance?"
"Greetings Eligos. I am Anala and these are my friends and companions," The woman will go around and introduce everyone and let them attend to any greeting they too might wish to make.
She continues once the others are done,"We have been assisting Allustan in many strange occurrences. While I have not been apart of all of them, I have heard what has happened. Allustan has sent us to you for aid to help understand what is happening and if the beings we have encountered are any sign of things to come, put a stop to that evil."
"Let me start by telling you what has happened so far," She then starts with the story that she has been told from the start of the Whispering Cairn in Diamond Point, letting the others fill in the details she may have missed. She continues with the the story of the Necromancer to the completion of the Cairn. She then describes the tale of the mine and the Triad of evil gods that inhabited the place. She is sure to include their final creation that the group battled. The next part of the group's story has more detail since she participated as the party went in search of Allustan's friend, Marzena, and found the small tower under attack and the trials that occurred with the lizardmen.
It is likely several hours later when Alana finishes the tale with their arrival in Magnimar. "There you have our adventures thus far. If you have any specific questions I am sure we can answer them for you." She looks to Eligos as she finishes another cup of wine. "We have many unanswered questions that you might have the answers, or at least the access those answers. Would you help us?"
As Anala with the rest of you relate all that has happened so far; the hidden section of Whispering Cairn where the ghost of a local boy led you to Filge; Filge who had swiped a jar with a green worm in it from some local cultists (Which Allustan has bought and had delivered to Eligos via Marzena); the underground temple of the cultists; of the green worm in the undead creature trapped in the basement of the keep, the worm infestation of the lizardfolk; and the frequently mentioned Age of Worms.
During your talk of the Whispering Cairn and the Wind Dukes he perks up and asks additional questions about what was there and what was found and if he could see them.
After an hour of talking, asking some questions, and looking at some of the things you have found, Eligos rubs his chin in thought and says, "Very well. Although not my area of expertise, I do know a bit of what you speak and am greatly disturbed. I will look into this matter, but it will take some time. There are many books to consult, and most are kept in the Stone of Seers. I should be able to gather the information you seek within the week. While you wait, might I recommend that you stay at the Crooked House in Ordiella? It is an excellent inn and the keeper and I are old friends.” His expression softens and he adds, “Mention my name and he’s sure to give you a discount on rooms. I shall contact you there when I have found the knowledge you seek. Until then, I suggest you relax and enjoy the comforts Magnimar has to offer. The Champion's Games aren't for a couple more weeks, but Triodea in the Noas section of Magnimar has a highly regarded play and it is performing all this week, and it isn't far from the temple of Iomedae. If gambling is your pleasure, Honest Azebeard's House of Dice can be a good diversion and has dicing, cards, and dragonchess.”
"Now there is this treaty with the lizardfolk. I'll have Pollard set up a meeting with Lord-Mayor Grobaras. Say in two days from now? If you will excuse me, I do have another meeting here in a few moments, and then I can begin my research in to these matters."
Eligos goes to another room after your conversation is completed. Pollard leads you to the door and escorts you to the gate. Waiting on the outside there is a woman. As you walk out Pollard invites her in, "Good to see you again Lady Celeste. Eligos is waiting for you inside." As she walks up the path she turns and looks at your group giving your group a slight nod of acknowledgment before following Pollard inside.
Justin gives a quick bow to the lady.
"I would like to see this play, but let us check in and get settled. I also need to visit the Iomedean temple."
"Sounds fun! I've never tried dragonchess before, let's give that a try too while we wait."
As dinner time appraoches, you make your way to the Foreign District known as Ordellia, named after one of Magnimar's most beloved historical figures. It is a diverse section of town, packed with shops from dozens of nations and numerous inns that cater to merchants and travelers from far away lands. The buildings reflect this diverse ethnicity, as few look alike and constructions styles vary from building to building. Structures are made from stone, fancifully carved wood, and countless other exotic materials.
One of the larger buildings in the neighborhood, the Crooked House, is just that - a bit off tilt. Its wall are all at odd angles while none of its windows or doors are square. Despite this, the building appears to be in good repair, freshly painted and clean.
Opening the door you find a common taproom inviting, clean and very well maintained. The taproom is decorated with numerous trophies, primarily owlbear heads. There is a good amount of people in the taproom, looks like a number of local having a drink and some dinner.
As you come in, a man comes up to you with a smile and says, "Welcome to the Crooked House! I am Tarquin, owner of this fine establishment. If you are interested in rooms I have a couple left but they are going fast! Only 6sp a night which includes breakfast! Otherwise if you are just hungry dinner, is 1sp."
Justin laughs:"I like your house. Hopefully there are no crooked men her. I wouldn't want to have to do any smiting here."
Justin produces coin from the party fund and plops down 4gold. "We need accommodation for six and may be here a while. We have animals that need looking after too."
Kilthan puts a hand on Justin's coins before the man can scoop them up, "Would there happen to be a weekly rate?"
Tarquin thinks for a moment and says, "It is 1 silver a night to stable an animal. For a weekly rate I'll give you a room for 4gp and stabling for 5 sp. That way it makes it easy on all of us to figure out your rates! Just let me know how many rooms and how many animals need stabling."
Kilthan says, "Unless your grooms are rather.... skilled.... it might just be easier to have my furry companion come to the room with me. I'll pay a deposit against damages, as long as it's refundable."
Aarakess looks up at Kilthan:
So, you don't think that the people in the stable want to have their hands regrown?
Kilthan shrugs and says, deadpan, "Probably not. I'm told it itches. Plus, I certainly don't want to pay for it."
"It would be interesting to try reattaching a hand. But I'm not sure how well it would work after getting chewed up. So what are some fun things to do around here?"
He agrees to the returnable deposit in the event of damages, though he clearly thinks its odd. After you discuss how many rooms you want he nods, [b]"Yamara over there will take you up to your rooms. One rule we have here at the Crooked House is that while in the common room for dinner or drinking no one wears arms or armor. So get cleaned up and I will see you for dinner when you are ready[/ooc]
Justin likes two rooms for security and economy.
"We can squeeze in Jadbach in the boy's room."
He stables Sally himself.
Kilthan nods, "Probably best -- Jagdbach's not the sort who likes grain and oats in any case."
The girls can share a room.
The cleric will acknowledge Lady Celeste's nod but continue on with her friends towards the inn.
Anala is fine with sharing a room with Aarakess and Dryn while staying at the Crooked House.
The woman also wishes to visit the temple to Sarenrae in Magnima. She will invite Aarakess and the others if they wish to join her.
Anala will also wish to check in with the Pathfinder's while the groups waits for Eligos to look up the information.
"Three it is! Shall we dress for dinner later!"
It appears the lizardman has experienced fancy dining in the past. Justin heads to the church with Ama. A new church would be interesting.
You come down for dinner after cleaning up and have a well made meal which has songs being sung by adequate singers on a small stage. Soon you feel ready for bed, finally a great night of sleep coming after the swamp and travel you had done recently. The stairs are a bit treacherous due to the unusual design, but the rooms are of good quality.
The next day you all take care of the errands you had wanted to do, Justin and Anala head to the their temples (including each other's), Dryn'taka goes shopping for various chemicals for her bombs and extracts, while the others go and see various the monuments that Magnimar has to offer.
The Second day you all ger a chance to check out the marketplaces and hear rumors. Apparently the city of Korvosa is in the middle of having some upheaval. Other than that it seems the city is getting busier due to the upcoming Arena Games, from the merchants fathering inventory (and starting to creep up their prices) to the common folk anxious for the annual entertainment.
After another solid night's sleep at the Crooked Inn, you feel great and ready to bring the peace treaty to Lord-Mayor Grobaras. Heading into the Capital District you meet with Grobaras in the Pediment building which houses city justice court as well as the Lord-Mayor's offices.
At first the Lord-Mayor seems unimpressed with the treaty request from the tribes after the news of the slaughter that had just taken place at Blackwall Keep. However Justin, with help from everyone, gives an impassioned plea after stating the facts. The Lord-Mayor's right hand man whispers something into his ear at which point he says he is on board and that this document will save countless lives making you all heroes.
Returning to the Crooked Inn that night you celebrate your successful negotiations. During dinner, Aarakess excuses herself early to do some studying and crafting. Moments after heading upstairs everyone is surprised to see her come back down the stairs. Instead of coming over to your table, Aarakess instead goes up to Tarquin and sticks a dagger into his chest. The crowd all reacts in horror as she makes a move to run back upstairs and Tarquin falls to the floor in a bloody mess.
Everyone in your group stands paralyzed with confusion as Aarakess turns and heads back up the stairs.
- Aarakess, Dryn'taka, Tobar, Kilthan, Anala, Justin
Round 1
Anala is as shocked as anyone at witnessing what her friend has just done and the first thoughts in her mind are that either it is an imposter or someone/thing has used some sort of magics on her. She looks to her other friends at the table, "Capture and protect Aarakess, I will see to Tarquin's wound!"
With that she stands and moves quickly as she can to Tarquin
Justin will attempt to rush and grapple Aarakess before she escapes.
Anal gets up and moves to Tarquin. Tarquin is bleeding badly, but does not appear to be dead yet.
Justin stands and moves quickly towards the stairs. He tries to catch her, but his moment of hesitation costs him a chance as she has already moved up the stairs. As he begins to climb the rickety steps he sees a shaken merchant that laying awkwardly on the steps. As he sees you he says, "If you are looking for that crazy dwarf, she went upstairs after she bowled me over!"
"Evil magic is involved I bet. Just changing into a dwarf doesn't make you bad."
Justin chases after the dwarf. You can tell he does not say the last statement with 100% conviction.
Kilthan stands and raises his hands and shouts in the style of a dwarf at an alehouse, "Something foul has happened here... Our companion is no murderer, and she is rarely without her familiar. There is no need for violence - Anala can heal Tarkin while Justin and I can catch the imposter...."
Ach, I hope Tobar or Dryn can calm them all down....
He then races after Justin, shouting, "Halt, imposter!"
Kithan tries to calm the room as he rushes along side Justin reach the stairs right behind him.
Justin detects evil on the merchant.
"I suspect shapechanging."
Kilthan says, "Stay here, Justin, I'll go after Aara.", and heads downt the hall.
Justin decides that he is overly suspicious, and continues the chase after the dwarf.
Justin continues up the stairs and heads to the women's room
Justin is above human propriety in times like these.
He opens the door quickly and enters.
Kilthan stops racing as he hears his dear uncle's voice in his head, Stop reacting to what y'see,boy, and use your head... it's not just a decoration.
He pauses and then backtracks to the stairs, and looks at the scoff-marks on the floor, Let's see where she really went...
Round 2
As Justin moves upstairs, the merchant dusts himself off and heads into the common room along with Kilthan. Tobar can tell the crowd is confused and angry that the owner, that some consider him a friend, could have been murdered.
Round 3
Anala checks on Tarquin and confirms he is dead then applies some healing to him . Justin makes it up the rest of the way up the stairs and to the door of the room the women are staying at, preparing himself for what he will see inside. Kilthan notices tracks and scuff marks on the stairs that most likely no one else in the tavern would even notice. Meanwhile the merchant in the common room begins to talk to everyone about what happened, "I saw the dwarf woman attack and try to kill Tarquin! Then that lizard guy went upstairs to protect her and the half-elf with that dangerous beast is guarding the stairs to stop anyone from getting to her. Who knows what that woman is doing to Tarquin now, probably making sure that she finishes the job!"
The crowd seems to start to get unruly and upset. Someone says the Magnimar guard has been called and it will only be a few minutes before they come to arrest the murderers. A couple of the patron grab bottles and knives as the merchant continues to talk to them.Things are quickly getting ugly.
Kilthan's ears perk up at the accusation and, considering his tracking discovery, returns to the bottom of the stairs, adopting a non-threatening position but calling out in dwarven, "Dryn, the merchant did it -- tracks don't lie -- might be a spellcaster or a shapeshifter or something.. don't let him leave!".
Anala makes the rest of the way to the bartender and quickly channels the healing energies of her Goddess and then assesses the man's injuries after some healing...
Round 3ish
The woman stands, "Please... remain calm. We will get to the bottom of this... incident, my word to Sarenrae."
Justin cares little about propriety. Efficient and to the point.
"Your evil twin just attempted to murder Tarquin. Come and clear this up now!"
He turns and heads downstairs.
--> Before the last post.
Aarakess looks up at the tall Palizard standing in the doorway.
What's up?
------
Upon hearing the problem:
My evil twin? An elf or a dwarf? What twin? Someone was murdered?
Aarakess is very confused. Gathering her nightgown around her, she pulls on her traveling cloak, after which Cieslx quickly hops on her shoulder.
Anala's healing works on Tarquin and he rises slowly, legs shaking. The crowd seems to hear your words and begin to set things down, but the merchant seems more determined then ever to woo the crowd
The merchant point to Tarquin and says, "Look you all saw the wound he took. They did some dark magic that brought him back to life and put him under their spell. Those adventurers go out and kill monsters and take their treasure, and when they come back to the city they can't stop. They wanted what was Tarquin's and he wouldn't give it them so they stabbed him with a dagger and used their magic to enslave him to their will. You are all next if you don't stop them now!"
Kilthan, hearing Tobar, says, in Common, "Actually, I believe the merchant, there, is the attacker. The 'dwarf' tracks ended where that one was supposedly bowled over in the stairs...."