Mach is surprised by Nimt's hug, to say the least.
Despite his blood clamoring for him to push her away, he makes no move to do so.
He watches her leave, a puzzled look on his face.
"...thanks?"
As you go to open the door, it swings in as Shiela and Koriah both come into the room. "We heard the ruckus, what has happened?" Shiela asks as she looks around at the partially destroyed library.
"Well, how do I put this..." Mach says, walking up to the Venture-Captain.
"Quintus figured out the riddle on the paradox box: just had to turn 'cruel' into 'lucre'. He did so, and then some bad luck gremlin-things popped out and started wrecking the place. They're dead now."
Krupt looks around to see if there's any physical evidence of the creatures (such as blood) or if that disappeared as well.
He straightens himself a bit, adjusting his clothing and tucking his chain shirt back under his clothes. "Madam, you left us here with a dangerous artifact. If it hadn't been for our quick reactions, your library would have been shredded to ribbons!" The Chelaxian looks more than a little annoyed, thinking that the Pathfinder Society surely set him up to be embarrassed.
Despite her apparent anger she shakes her head and looks at you all, and nods to Krupt "I am quite pleased you were able to not only open the paradox box, but also dispatch the gremlins. It also looks like you stopped most of the damage to the library which is a plus. In any case we have more important matters to discuss."
She bids farewell to Koriah; the half-elf bows to you all as she leaves and wishes you luck in your endeavors as Pathfinders. Once Koriah has left, Sheila turns back to you and asks you to take your seats again.
“First, allow me to apologize for that unpleasantness regarding the gremlins — but it does provide an excellent object lesson. The life of an adventurer is not one for the weak-hearted. That you not only took care of the gremlins but also got the box open in the first place is all the confirmation I need that my gut was right — you’re the perfect group for the job I have in mind."
She takes a seat and continues"You see — I’ve recently had trouble with one of my informants here in Magnimar, Natalya Vancaskerkin. She’s a half-Varisian who recently approached the Pathfinder Society with an offer to serve as a street informant. She runs with the Sczarni — I’m not sure with which group. A week ago, Natalya sent me a cryptic hint that her gang was on the verge of uncovering an item that would be of great interest to the Society. Since the Sczarnis’ methods of uncovering something often involves an armed robbery or breaking into somebody’s personal chambers, we thought it prudent not to press for further details and instead wait to see what it would produce. Suffice it to say, she hinted strongly that it pertained to Thassilon, and promised to meet with me to discuss this find three days ago."
“She never kept that promise — instead, she seems to have simply vanished. Initially, I assumed that the acquisition of this item was simply taking longer than expected, but now I’m hearing rumors that the Sczarni are looking for her as well."
“It seems likely that Natalya has absconded with this item she’s discovered. And this is where you enter, my friends. I want to know what it was that Natalya and the Sczarni found. In fact, I’m more interested in that than in what happened to Natalya herself. For now, I’d like to keep all of this quiet — if you can find out what happened to Natalya without letting a lot of people know she was also working for me as an informant, that would be preferable — that’s a big part of why I’m coming to you, as new members of the Pathfinder Society, with this task. You don’t yet have a reputation in Magnimar, and as such, the lowlifes and criminals you are likely to encounter may be more likely to talk."
“So... go out there and look for Natalya. Find out what happened to her, and to this item she and her gang discovered. If you can secure the item, all the better — bring it back to me and I’ll have a reward of 500 gold pieces for you. And if you can bring Natalya back alive for me to speak to, I’ll double that!”
Krupt grimaces, "The Sczarni are a filth that has spread around the Inner Sea. I am unsurprised to find them here as well. Perhaps I will ask among the Hellknights if they have heard of her."
His eyes light up when he hears of a payment, but tries his best to quickly hide this reaction, as need of payment does not match his aristocratic persona.
The Chelaxian does have a question for the Venture-Captain. "Is that 500 gold for our group, or for each of us?"
Even Mach couldn't miss Petronicus' eyes lighting up at the mention of payment.
"Sure. Sounds like fun."
Mach arches an eyebrow at Petronicus at the mention of asking the Hellknights. "Sure, get them involved, why don't you? Then they'll just axe her and then we'll never learn where her artifact wandered off to."
The Chelaxian shakes his head at Mach's comment, "You obviously know nothing of the Hellknights, Fiendling. I would think that a creature such as yourself would keep himself better informed, if only to avoid their attentions. They will not become involved unless they receive payment. And in any case, sending Hellknights after a lowly Sczarni is beneath them. I simply wish to inquire if they have seen or heard of this Vancaskerkin woman."
Mach rolls his eyes at Petronicus.
Typical Chelish filth. Always convinced that their s**t don't stink.
"Fine. Go ahead, Petey. Ask 'em. Good luck convincing them to tell you anything. Seriously." Mach dismisses Petronicus with a wave of his hand.
Nimt's idea, on the other hand, he pays more attention to. "Sounds like a plan. Can't say I've run with the gangs lately, but I could see what I turn up."
"So you just want to know about the artifact? You have no care for the information she has gotten as a Sczarni?"
Quintus seems surprised that she just seems to care about the artifact and nothing else.
"Anyway both Krupt and Nimt bring up good points. We should investigate to see what the local authorities know, and we should see what the local gangs know as well. Is there any place we could go to get started Captain?"
Petronicus ignores the tiefling and continues questioning the Venture-captain. "Madam, can you tell us a little more about the Vancaskerkin woman? What is her history and story? I ask, because understanding how she thinks might help us track her down."
Sheila smirks at Krupt "500 for you all to split. As for the Hellknights that is up to you, as long as you use discretion as I noted. As for Natalya, I know very little, our agreement was only recent and we haven't had an opportunity to work together aside from this one incident where she never reported back. Though I can give you some of my thoughts on possible leads."
"First you might want to check with the Sczarni. They have been a part of Magnimar from the start — they’re not the most dangerous or powerful of the city’s criminal organizations, but they are the most visible. The Sczarni generally don’t involve themselves in particularly violent crimes, and in many cases in Magnimar, they actually help to protect and police less fortunate neighborhoods, and as such are often well regarded by the lower-class."
"There are six major Sczarni gangs in the city: the Creepers, Doolun’s Lads, the Gallowed, the Tower Girls, the Washside Wringers, and the Wreckwash Blades, with the Gallowed being the most powerful Sczarni family in the city. When Natalya initially approached me with the offer of serving the Pathfinders as an informant, she engaged the aid of a man known as the Amazing Zograthy, a Varisian who keeps a permanent tent and fortune-telling business in Washers’ Row in Dockway — specifically, at the end of a narrow alley that serves as a permanent street fair. He may be worth checking with to see if he has additional information."
"I have little more information for you, unfortunately — though there are rumors of Nidalese slavers prowling the streets of late, and if these are true, being abducted by a slaver in the middle of the night would certainly explain Natalya’s absence. She might even have been picked up by the city guard for some reason, in which case a visit to the Arvensoar, the garrison for the city’s watch, might yield some clues. Beyond this, I can offer nothing but wishes for luck."
Mach nods at Captain Heidmarch.
"Well, looks like I'll be talking to this Amazing Zograthy." He says. "Petey'll check in with the Hellknights, and Um'bala? Quint? Nimt? What'll you be doing?"
"Well if some of us are going into the seedier side of town then that group should be largest, so I will go with Mach and Nimt."
Mach looks over at the two who volunteered to join him. There's a part of him that can't help but smirk at the fact that more people decided to go with him over the Chelaxian.
"Nimt, we can ask Zograthy those questions once we find him. Right now, I think it'd be a good idea to get a move on while we still have daylight."
Sheila nods to Nimt "Correct other than the one time we meet in person to finalize details I usually recieved word through Zograthy."
Krupt nods to Um'bala. "Good. We will travel to those who meet our justice, while the others make their way among the city's refuse. A more perfect analogy could not be devised. Since we are already on the Summit, what say you to first visiting the Hellknights at the Bastion of the Nail, after which we can track down the city guard at the Arvensoar?"
Mach arches an eyebrow.
"You've got some balls, calling the Hellknights the city's refuse. You're right: it is perfect." He quips with a grin before leaving.
Quintus shakes his head at Mach's disrespect of the law. Then he remembers how corrupt the law is here and realizes that Mach is probably right.
"I will be right back. I need to visit the privy for a few moments."
Quintus will visit the bathroom and after making sure he is alone he will release his familiar to follow after Krupt and Um'bala.
"Keep an eye out for Um'bala and Krupt. I want to know if anybody follows them to the authorities."
Quintus will then let the familiar fly out, and he will rejoin with Mach and Nimt missing the tattoo of the thrush from his face.
Walking through the streets of Magnimar on the way to Zograthy's tent sounded like as good a time as any for Mach to strike up a conversation with his two companions.
Looking at Nimt, Mach sees that her gait is... rather off. It wasn't the armor she was wearing, but something else. Something told him not to stare (after all, his deathly pallor was arguably worse), but something also told him to just leave it be.
Of course, he had to know.
"Nimt, I don't mean to pry, but is your leg alright? Is it in, like, a cast or something?" He asks.
He mentally slaps himself for opening his mouth. Smooth, dips**t. Real smooth.
The well-clad man stiffens a bit upon hearing the word "Hellknight", but points the two of them toward a severe-looking structure located in the middle of the mercantile Naos district.
As they are approach the front door, Krupt turns to Um'bala and in an imperious manner states: "These are my countrymen. Permit me to do the talking."
Mach flinches a bit at Nimt's question.
"Well... I'm rather surprised Petey hasn't told you. I'm a tiefling: someone whose ancestors shagged a demon. Or devil, or whatever. Most tieflings have horns, or a tail, or hooves, or a combination of the three, or even a whole host of other bizarre, unsettling additions." Mach replies, rather bluntly.
"Me? I was lucky enough to look like I just crawled out of a grave with an urge to put people in it. Oh, and the ability to see a person's soul." He blinks. He focuses on Nimt, looking right at her.
To him, she is glowing brightly, more so than Quintus. "You have a bright, strong soul, by the way." He says mostly to himself.
Mach shrugs. "Could be both, Nimt. You never know."
He looks over at Quintus, taking note of his soul.
Strange... it looked like a kindred soul. Tainted.
It causes Mach to stare.
Quintus notices Mach's stare.
"Yes I do have some blood in me from the outsiders. Luckily my parents were very understanding. I understood that if I so much as began to show a hint of my chaotic heritage they would have me branded as a witch and I would be hunted down like a dog. Wonderful people really."
"Greetings, Hellknight. I am Petronicus Krupt of House Krupt of Corentyn. I have business with the sergeant of the watch. Is he available?"
"Wow. Lucky you. You had parents, and all they wanted was for you to make them believe you could be normal." Mach says to Quintus.
"Me, I had to put up with an orphanage that didn't outright throw me in the harbor growing up. Wasn't any way I could pretend to be normal." He says, nonchalantly.
"Hey, Magnimar's got Chelish roots... they may call themselves Varisian, but it still has a few issues to work out."
He starts swaggering about. "'Welcome to Magnimar! Go ahead, give us your poor, your hungry, your downtrodden--oh, you have Bugger off!'" He says in an exaggerated manner.
If he was doing an impression of Petronicus, it appears to be alarmingly spot-on.
"Magnimar has never been a city to offer anyone help. It doesn't matter if you are human, elf, dwarf, orc, a mix, or something else, they just don't care. This is a city built upon corruption and it shall remain corrupt forever. If you need any evidence of this then just look at the Concil, and Mayor of this town."
As you make your way through the varying districts the quality of the streets, buildings and it's people degrade the further south you go.
"...well. The streets have certainly changed around since I was here last."
"This city is rather large, and I did spend most of my time in gambling dens."
He steps inside and closes the door behind a few moments later he walks out and on past you not giving you a second thought an older man comes out and nods he his head to you both "I am Paralictor Darean Halst and I hear you have some information on a thief. I am curious though, why are you bringing this to us rather than the local law?"
Entering Beacon's Point Nimt and Quintus lead you on to Rag's End probably the poorest neighborhood of Magnimar. Between their knowledge of the city and asking a few locals you find your way to Washers' Row.
At the southern end of Washers’ Row, a tattered banner hanging over the entrance to the small side street advertises “Professor Callivario’s Stupendous Exhibition of the Outrageous and Sublime.” Beyond this overly exuberant advertisement is a squalid setup consisting of little more than a series of rundown sideshow booths and carts with assorted games and amusements of the meaner sort. To one side, urchins pitch pennies at lily pads floating in a small, scum-covered fountain while a bored carnie looks on. Nearby, the sound of cats hissing and fighting arises from behind a cart where a small crowd of ne’er-do-wells has gathered to cheer and place bets. Everywhere lurk faces pinched with suspicion or hunger — expressions worn by carnival workers and visitors alike. This is not the sort of place to be careless with a coin pouch.
At the end of the alley sits a small, well-patched tent crudely painted with mystical symbols and decorated with chicken bones and other oddments. Within the stuffy, cluttered tent is a table covered in blue velvet stitched with moons, stars, and arcane symbols. A dusty crystal ball and a dog-eared harrow deck sit upon it. Behind this table sits an aged, bald, Varisian man with threadbare purple robes and piercing eyes.
"Come in, come in. I know you are here for information. Let the Amazing Zograthy read your fortunes!" He waves his hand over the crystal ball with an air of mysticism.
"As for why the Order of the Nail might be interested in her whereabouts, I have it on good information that she in possession of a Thassilonian artifact of some note, and I thought that perhaps you would be interested in securing such an item for the Order or one of your clients. After all, that business with the Runecarved Key was quite disappointing, and this might be a chance at redemption for Cheliax's Finest."
Quintus offers a respectful nod to Zograthy.
"Thank-you for seeing us, and for being willing to read our fortunes Amazing Zograthy. It is so nice to see someone who still practices the art of fortune telling. I for one would be glad to know my fortune."
Quintus stands or sits as appropriate and tries to use his winning personality to help them out with this man.
Mach remains in the back, keeping quiet and just looking around.
|
Um'bala starts when Petronicus mentions retrieving an artifact from ancient Thassilon, and begins to turn to look at him. Then he realizes that he might have some other game in mind, and pretends to be stretching his neck. He then returns to staying as silent as possible, unaware of the fact that all of his fidgeting is making him look uncomfortable.
Looking at Um'bala then back to Krupt "Your friend looks uneasy." He turns back to Um'bala squinting "Is something wrong?"
Upon entering the tent and Quintus' words to Zograthy he continues "The Amazing Zograthy sees all and knows all. A double fist of silver for a turn of the cards or a vision in the crystal; a treble fist of gold for the secrets of the multiverse." He quickly reaches under the table putting an offering plate out in front of you.