Captain Smith looks at Angus and says, "I cannot make this ship go any faster, but I will trim the sheets to try give us a bit more speed. I cannot promise anything."
Smith says, "Even though we have taken over a warship we don't have a full complement and the magic users who would normally be manning a RN ship of this size who would be able to magically relay information back to FLint. The voyage back to Flint would be quicker at this point than trying to turn around to Seobriga in Ber."
"Guess we had better get to it, then. I have nothing that can communicate that far."
The bodies of the hydra and slime creatures disappear as if they were never there.
After a three day cruise, you in Flint Harbor, a messenger finds you at the docks with a request from Stover Delft: come as quickly as possible to Pardwight Museum of Natural History. Delft is there with curator Hans Weber; a dozen police officers provide security. Delft asks to hear your story, then fills you in on strange things he thinks are tied to your investigation.
There have been cases of the Distant Madness, which is what they are calling what a few of you had gotten in the ziggurat, condition cropping up, mostly in Parity Lake, and every day they’ve found another innocent victim missing a brain. Hans Weber reported receiving a strange letter from Xambria, which warns that the relics of the Ancients might be targeted by whatever is behind all of this. Since recovering the relics, Weber has kept them at a royal safehold, but he’ll display them at the opening gala of the Ancients exhibit. He can’t afford to cancel the gala, so he hopes you can provide security.
The gala opens the evening of the 21st of Autumn, which is in a couple of days.
Delft confides in you that someone has tried to frame Johnathan for murder while you were gone but he had been able to smooth it over by going to the precinct with proof of your trip they are trying to figure out who is trying to set you up, the two possibilities are either the Kell gang or Cipriano's Family.
Professor Weber hands you the letter and he says, "This was given to me a day after you left. Dr. Meredith I am worried for her."
The letter:
Stover Delft introduces you to a new team member and says, "This is constable Morgrym, he is a veteran of the Risuri Army in the fourth war. He just got back from an fugitive/extradition assignment to Chryssilir, the land of crime and all" as he spits a wad of chaw into a nearby spittoon.
"Great, another public event. It would appear they haven't learned from the Skyseer spectacle."
Delft says, "It is your university. This event is just for special guests not the whole city, plus it is indoors."
"Ah, well that sounds a lot better, at least. Smaller area allows for better security. Except, we now know we are dealing with people who can teleport. Great."
"No sun, no throngs of people, no barely tested inventions being demonstrated in unsafe conditions by eager smiths and tinkerers... Sounds much safer. Damn shame." he says this last disapproving, before taking a long draw from his cigarette.
"what's this about constable Holbrook being a suspect for murder? Have any of the details? I'd like to review them."
Morgrym wearing his customary human disguise for public steps up and offers a hand shake to any of the other constables who will have one and says, "Morgrym Black at your service. Pleasure to meet you all."
When they return, Johnathan finally crawls out of his nook and steps unsteadily onto land once more. He doesn't seem surprised at all by news of what had happened in Flint. He only looks down sadly when learning of the murder accusations.
The young constable mostly stays behind Angus when Morgrym is introduced, not offering a hand to shake.
Stover Delft says, "Cut the crap, disguising yourself for your new team is counterproductive."
He says, "An anonymous tip to the local police precinct about a week ago but two days after you sailed stated that their was a break in at his apartment and when the police arrived there was a dead body a female half orc with brown hair. I was contacted about his whereabouts and I brought one of our other Spirit Mediums to the scene and well they dropped the charges. Had they tried it before you left, it may have been more difficult to disprove."
Morgrym says nothing but considers that he has been reporting to headquarters as a janitor since day one...
"Well, it is good that the boy's name was cleared. And a new member. Prepare to be shocked by the things we regularly have to endure."
guard détail when we have a monster on the loose. Of Well at least it is à short assignment and maybe we can catch some leads if there is an attempt.
He nods toward the newcomer in greeting
if those therms doesn't ring any beml would it be possible to make a search while we take care of the assignment ?
Falko
Delft says, "You have about three days before the Gala of the Ancients, which starts at 7pm. I suggest you showing up between 5 or 6. Try to find some leads regarding Dr. Meredith, maybe you can stop her before she tries to steal the artifacts."
Delft says, "Your debriefing, tell me everything once we are alone. Oh and one more thing."
Each of you gets a formal-looking letter from the RHC requesting a meeting with Chief Inspectress Saxby. She could have just said it in person. It's about the investigation and assessment by the Lord Viscount for tomorrow morning at 8am sharp.
Morgrym takes a step back after the "welcome" of his fellows and the assignment and then Morgrym looks at the invitation like it grew four extra heads but says right then. Perhaps after this meet up at 8 am we as a group might proceed from there to make some plans for protecting the artifacts. I happen to be a trap specialist as far as disarming but perhaps I can come up with something
Cretien
"What I suggest is that we talk to Professor Weber, convince him to let us borrow the artifacts and we have them duplicated by skilled artisans, so that the real things are not in danger tomorrow. The true enemy will likely realize what has happened, but all too late after it reveals itself."
Delft says, "That seems like a good idea. There are a lot of vendors at the Arms Fare, maybe you can get help there. The sword looks difficult, with the wood and the obsidian shards. I will call the professor over."
He turns to Weber who is on the other side of the room and he trots over, "What can I do for you?"
"Professor Weber, I'll be frank as I've just come off of a terrible journey. A very powerful enemy is after the artifacts. They're almost certain to strike around the time of the planned expedition. We will fill the role of security, but we know first-hand that this enemy can summon deadly creatures, has access to teleportation magic, and can peel open a man's skull like an over-ripe melon.
Pausing to let that sink in, he continues, What I suggest is, we quickly contact some artisans and craft duplicate artifacts. While the enemy will likely figure this out, it is my hope that they will already have revealed themselves and we will be combatting them."
Morgrym will look from the professor and back to Cretien and then after the doom and gloom speech will say, "it all comes down to some powerful and rich benefactor telling some guy, who tells some guy, who tells us that we need to make sure to put some replicas on display and hide the real goods, you understand right Prof?"
The professor looks at Morgrym and says, "I don't really follow you. I am the curator of the museum as well as the Dean of Archaeology at Pardwright University, so in this case, I am the powerful guy and my reputation is on the line here."
"Professor, I understand your reputation is very important. Perhaps we could draft up a letter after the fact stating that the replicas were there as a matter of security and not as a matter of you not having the real article. This should clear your reputation, should anyone closely scrutinize the artifacts. To that end, I assume these items would be in something along the lines of a locked case with abjurations, so no one should be able to closely inspect the items?"
Asher approaches Morgrym, and exchanges handshakes. The slight blue marks on the skin of one cheek, and constant gentle breeze about him reveal Asher to be a sylph. He gives a firm handshake in a military fashion and looks at the disguised newcomer with half-closed eyes, clearly fatigued but still alert, like a tired cat.
"Another veteran? I'm glad to hear that The Brass is realizing how well former Yerasol Campaigners perform in the RHC. It's the best battlefield you're sure to find, if you've been itching since you're release."
He takes a drag of his cigarette before flashing a wolfish grin. "You get to earn your death here, unlike those islands where a single stray shot or misplaced round of artillery will mark your end."
I was impressed by the flawless professionalism of your clean-up at the High Bayou excavation. The previous expedition was
staffed with cavalier fools, but you emerged unscathed from peril, which highlights your intellect and acumen. I think you have
the potential to benefit my associates greatly, and if your work continues to be of this masterful caliber, I shall recommend you be
brought in more fully.
To wit, I trust you will handle this your fourth dig site with the same skill. However, for your new Drakran bodyguards, this will
be their first time opening a seal. I am confident neither is so loutish and disruptive as Master Rackus was at the ziggurat of Jiese.
Nevertheless, it is imperative that we avoid a disaster like what occurred at the bayou ziggurat.
The magic and defenses at these ruins are complex and secretive, so while I thoroughly trust your familiarity with the dangers, we
need take no unnecessary risks.
Firstly, each of the golden seals were crafted by the Ancients specifically to close a portal to another world. Examination of the
relief images on each suggests hostile creatures had been entering our world through these portals, and that the Ancients used the
seals to slow an invasion. The creatures were not of any known modern race. Be certain your allies are forewarned, and keep close
eye on their mental stability. At least once disaster has struck because someone panicked at the revelation that the world was much
larger than their current conception.
Second, the peculiar nature of the seal magic appears to have trapped a small mote of the other world on the far side of the portal.
I suspect that this somehow redirected the existing portals to this pocket dimension, and that perhaps simply closing the portal was
beyond the skill of the Ancients. Though ages have passed, and we can only assume the invasion forces were stopped somehow, each
time we have opened one of these seals, creatures have survived within. Make sure everyone is armed at all times and ready for
battle.
Third, the hostile creatures appear to have belonged to different factions, as the seals of Jiese, Nem, and Apet depict distinct sorts
of creatures. The Ancients clearly dealt with threats from worlds beyond those known to us today, since the beings that emerged from
the ziggurat of Apet do not match any of the current lore of that world. Indeed, the strange beasts were not even the same sort as
portrayed on the seals. Do not presume that simply because you are opening a portal to the plane of water that any creatures beyond
must share the same elemental affiliation. Use multiple warding circles in your initial explorations; we can afford the expense.
Fourth, either time or magic has had the effect of concentrating the inherent planar energy within the mote beyond the seals. When
the Mavisha seal is finally opened, expect intense energy to pour out. This will probably just be elemental water energy, but as
always, precautions rule the day. Make sure first to know the nature of the energy, and set up appropriate wards. If possible, do not
be nearby when the seal opens.
Finally, while we have endeavored to maintain a certain discretion in our activities, we have attracted the unfortunate attentions
of an RHC squad, and I fear we might be being watched by agents of the Unseen Court. Be prepared for attack from without as well
as within when you’re at the dig. Afterward, maintain the greatest discretion in transporting the golden seal. If necessary, abandon
it so you can make sure to reach me with your research. While a ton of gold is valuable in its own right, we’re fairly certain any gold
suffices for these seals, so your examinations of the abjurations are more valuable than the physical artifact.
Please try to enjoy your journey. Seobriga in Autumn is lovely, and I trust the more rustic charms of the land around the ziggurat of
Mavisha will provide a pleasant respite from the stress of avoiding ancient curses and otherworldly carnivores. I await your return
with an admitted enthusiasm, and I insist you recount your journey with the utmost detail while enjoying the finest wines from my
family’s vineyards.
Do be safe, Finona.
Your benefactor and cohort,
Caius Bergeron
P.S., If complications arise, do try to wrap up before Winter. It would be a treasure if you could accompany me by train from Beaumont
on the 11th. I have a meeting to attend on the 20th in Vendricce, after which I plan to stay in Crisillyir for a few months. I would
love the company of a vivacious young woman, since my host is somewhat too aged and philosophical for my tastes.
The professor says, "Let's do it this way. Take the staff and the sword and make copies of them but leave the amulet that is the least dangerous of the three. I have some VIPs coming and I cannot be totally cheating them. But only if you can make two believable copies."
"That seems reasonable." Cretien says, knowing he doesn't have the ability to press for more. "Falko, the ACI likes you more than he likes me. Could you get him to have someone draw up a letter? Then we have to start immediately on getting the artifacts duplicated. We will need a contingent of guards to escort us."
Delft scratches his head and chuckles, "My job is to motivate you to get you to be the best constables there is. Two of three is good I think, there is enough bait that the guzzler will have to get them. And then the third one it would have sleuth out or guzzle a brain to get at, to use your terminology."
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"exactly, ACI. Any artisans you could recommend for making phony, but convincing ancient-looking artifacts?"
Delft says, "I know a good deal of artisans but the real problem is the materials. You should check out the Fare Ground and see if you might be able to get the right materials."
Morgrym says I suppose I can help you check the market and empathically commands Ara(earth in ignan) to earth glide beneath him and with him through the market
"Alrighty. Hmm, what materials will we need? And do we have an expense account for this? If so, what is the limit? Some gold likely needed for sure.... electroplating..."
Johnathan excitedly volunteers for library duty. "Can I come?" He asks Falko.
"I'd like to interrogate Rackus, since he apparently IS involved in this. There might be information he can share that could be helpful, even if it is the potential motivation of our missing, possessed Doctor. ACI, can you get me permission to visit him either where he is currently being held, or a warrant for arrest to bring him back in if he had already been released?"
Delft says, "You should bring it to the fare, I am not an expert in these things, I am an Inspector."
Delft says to Asher, "Rackus, was released by Falko before you left for Ber. You can question him if you like if you find him. He hasn't committed a crime, has he?"
Delft hands over letters from Saxby, inviting you all to a meeting with her and the Viscount in her office tomorrow morning.
Weber runs down to the vault and returns with the two artifacts and says,"Make sure you don't lose them, they are historical treasures."
"I suppose he hadn't, so far as we know. I shall question him privately then, where-ever I may find him. I'll have his address, and while I search for him I'll keep my eyes open for Dr. Meredith."
Cretien will make sketches of the artifacts to the best of his ability, so he doesn't actually have to pull out the items for every single vendor until they've found a likely prospect.
[ooc]the following rolls are the best Cretien can do in terms of finding a good vendor to do what he wants.
Cretien