If you are being genuine in your desire to aid us in our efforts, Angus, then I sincerely welcome you. I think comrade-in-arms is a more fitting description than good friend at this point, but my friends are few, and perhaps our relationship could develop over time?
Daxius is lost in though for a long moment. We came here to make Westcrown safer by bringing a gang of bandits to justice. I feel that we did succeed in our goal, but I don't believe that these were bandits, or at least not simply bandits. There was something more disturbing going on here than simple banditry. Did they purchase or steal this alchemical equipment, and did they plan to use it for poisonings, and if so, who did they wish to poison? Why was the witch allied with them, and was the evil rock she carried an ill omen to more powerful dark allies? I'm afraid I have many questions, and few answers. If anyone can shed some light on any of them, even speculation, we should discuss it. Otherwise, I believe it's time to head back to Westcrown. We can return here with horses to bring the wagon back.
Angus can tell that Pontia's hand flinched when he took it, and she gives him a strained half-smile in return, a smile that vanishes almost immediately. "Yes, let's go."
"Yeah, I'll help ya. The people here are pretty much the slaves of devils and nobles."
"Your help would be welcome, sir. There is a great deal to do." On returning to the camp, Pontia calls upon the power of her amulet and intones the words of a spell. At its conclusion the earth in front of her heaves up. A mass of dirt roughly five feet on a side suddenly finds itself spread over the ground near the wizard, leaving behind a pit. "There you are. It's not much, and we'll--well, you'll still have to fill it back in after the bodies are buried, but I've saved us quite a lot of time."
Having a bit of a guilty face when Angus mentions nobles, Nicolai gives a smile. "I look forward to working with you - while you seem to be wanted, would you take a code-name like the rest of us?"
To Daxius, "We were just dealing with Patsies. I think we should inquire with the others in Westcrown. Their patron - or patrons - must be there."
"He'll need one if he's going to work with us." Hyngrot helps deposit the bodies into Pontia's pit. "Let's get this done and get back then. The sooner the better."
Angus helps to haul the dead bandits to the grave, and tries to quickly cover the pit.
"I guess it's good to know we're not the only insane ones."
As the Swords of Light slip back into Westcrown they are met enthusiastically by the group at the cathedral.
"Oh, everyone's okay. Hey, everyone, they're back!"
"Did you find the bandits?"
"Who's this?
"Is that a new sword?"
Arael leads you into the cathedral and after some discussion Gorvio heads out with some coin to hire his uncle's horses.
The party easily get hold of the wagon and brings it back into the city
Once back in the city, Fiosa's cooking fills your bellies and you are able to get some rest.
In the morning Janiven gathers you together, "That's a really interesting symbol. I've never seen it before."
She looks at you expectantly, wondering what you next steps will be?
"We found the bandits, yes. They're dead or fled. It also looks like at least one of them was involved with the death of--do any of you remember the name? The glovemakers' daughter? I think this was her ring, and it should be returned to her family."
Pontia is going to work on identifying all of the magical items found, paying particular attention to the hockey puck the witch was carrying.
When someone asked who he was, Angus' face brightened as he launched into a somewhat flamboyant description using an accent that had barely been noticeable before.
"Who am I? Some say I'm chaos personified. Others swear I'm the worst of Ulfen society distilled into a single person. Those who enjoy my brews swear I'm a gift from Cayden himself. You, though, may call me Angus Alehammer, the Drunken Rogue."
Upon hearing Angus' boasting, Daxius sighs. He explains to their compatriots, He is a criminal of some sort, captured by the bandits. Probably for ransom, though I believe they were soon to kill him for simplicity's sake. We have allowed him to join us, as he seems to sincerely share our cause. I suspect we will come to regret our decision.
Hyngrot scowls at Angus's outburst, but isn't quick enough to stop the chuckle he let's out at Daxius's response. "Aside from that for now, the mark. Do you think Sclavo might know it, or figure out who it belongs to? It'd be good to know who we're dealing with. Or one of the others, possibly Larko or Rizzardo?"
That's a good start, Hyngrot, but it seems to me that there are several loose ends in need of tying. The mark on the alchemical gear is first. We must determine whether the gear was bought or stolen, and from whom. I suggest Nicholai for this task, due to his familiarity with such gear. Second, and please correct me if I've misinterpreted anything; Vincenzo and the witch Selvenhia led the bandits we fought. They were working with a bald man maned Scarro, a man we did not meet. We need to learn their reputation, and perhaps where we might find Scarro and his "gaudies". We must identify the true leader, the ED who signed the letters we found. I suggest Angus and Hyngrot for this job, as well as selling the items we recovered from the bandit camp. Third is the dark rock used by the witch. Pontia should determine whether it poses any danger to us and research the bat-thing on it, whether it's related to our other efforts. Finally, I will determine the rightful owner of the ring, and see that it is returned.
Daxius can't help organizing and ordering people around, though it's obvious he's just trying to be helpful, and doesn't realize that what he's doing may be interpreted as bossy.
He speaks with Arael and Sclavo hoping that Arael might be willing to hold a mass to pray for all the unfortunates who've died at the hands of these bandit.
Arael aproves of Daxius' suggestion and begins arrangements for the service.
Larko does think he has seen that mark before, perhaps he can ask around on the docks? Or take someone along for a peek around?
"Nicolai should bring some help, just in case. If those were poison supplies, good chance investigating it might be dangerous." Hyngrot looks at Angus for a moment, then shakes his head. "Might be best, in fact, to send Angus with him instead. And you still need a name. Pontia, you got one of those fancy names for this guy? I worry Scarro's men might recognize him from whatever they chose to lock him up for. I'll just be another half-orc to them. Might want to bring Larko too in case he does remember it."
Pontia looks the scruffy Ulfen up and down. "With Astra gone, we could call you 'Thief,' if you'd like." She indicates Daxius with a quick shake of her head. "I'm sure he'd rather call you 'Beggar,' but it's up to you."
Upon hearing Angus' boasting, Daxius sighs. He explains to their compatriots, He is a criminal of some sort, captured by the bandits. Probably for ransom, though I believe they were soon to kill him for simplicity's sake. We have allowed him to join us, as he seems to sincerely share our cause. I suspect we will come to regret our decision.
"Oh yes, how dreadful of me to stop one of the city guards from robbing a poor woman with children to feed. Perhaps I should turn myself in now and let them hang me for failing to let them flog me for even thinking that to oppose them."
Angus' eyes are cold and deadly as they bore into Daxius'.
"I may be a braggart, a drunk, and not much more than a thug to some people, but I'm well aware of my flaws. If you don't wish me to be here, then I shall leave. If you're worried about me telling the Hellknights about your group, I give my word that I'll fall on my sword before falling into their hands. I'll even cut my tongue out so that I take my secrets to the grave. It seems that this band defers to you, Soldier, so let us hear whether you will allow me to stay and give you my aid, or you will cast me out. I won't force myself on others. If you wish me to be gone I will certainly leave and you'll never see me in Westcrown again."
Angus holds his gaze on Daxius, waiting for the Iomedean to reply.
Looking over at Hyngrot and Daxius, "Yes, I can accompany Larko about those poisons and the alchemy set that we found. Hopefully, we can find the leads we need."
Pontia does not look particularly pleased at the interaction between Daxius and Angus. She starts with the inquisitor: "Stop it. How do you expect to change things if you chase away anyone who wants to help?"
Then she turns her attention to the Ulfen rogue. "And for someone who says he wants to help, you're not doing a very good job of it. Getting him wound up, however pleasurable you might find it--" One corner of her mouth twitches in what might have been a quickly-suppressed smile. "--really does not help.
"Listen to me. The real enemy is the way things are, and how the people of Westcrown think about that. We need to change minds. And no matter how right you are, you don't change minds by shouting at people. Or mocking them."
Her outburst done, she stalks away from the pair, back to the area she uses as a workshop and occasional classroom.
"I'm a follower of the Lucky Drunk and a brewer who hasn't had a drink in a week."
One glare from Pontia is enough to get the point across.
*Sigh* "But you're right. I am going about this the wrong way. Actions speak, and mine say I'm a crass buffoon."
Turning to Daxius, he holds out a hand.
"If you can forgive me, I'd be happy to help your merry band. What say you? Can we make amends?"
Daxius shakes the offered hand without hesitation. You have done nothing, to my knowledge, for which you would need my forgiveness. If my earlier statement offended you, that was not my intention. I gave my honest assessment based on what I know, and what I infer. Labeling you a criminal was accurate, as you are wanted by the Hellknights. On further reflection I realize the distinction to be entirely superfluous, as we are all criminals here.
His smile is as sincere as it is stiff, as he watches Pontia storm from the room. And of course she is correct. I do this group no favors when I judge our potential allies over-harshly. As punctuation, he gives his shoulders a slight shrug. If you share our attitudes and goals, then you are welcome to join in our crusade. If you do not believe in our cause, then you would be doing a disservice to everyone involved by staying here.
"A chance to stick it to the Hellknights? I'd be have to be dead to pass this up. My sword, and my skills, are yours."
Angus smiles at the Inquistor before releasing his grip.
"Although, what's this about calling me a thief?"
Pontia smiles to herself at the conversation behind her, but her attention is already shifting to the peculiar disk she carries. I'll have to identify it as best I can; not that I think it will be useful to me--terrible thing, I can feel that as well as Daxius--but care must be taken in its unmaking.
As soon as possible, the wizard is going to cast identify on the disk, as well as on anything else magical the party may have found. "Tarvi? I have an item to analyze. Would you like to watch?"
Pontia smiles to herself at the conversation behind her, but her attention is already shifting to the peculiar disk she carries. I'll have to identify it as best I can; not that I think it will be useful to me--terrible thing, I can feel that as well as Daxius--but care must be taken in its unmaking.
As soon as possible, the wizard is going to cast identify on the disk, as well as on anything else magical the party may have found. "Tarvi? I have an item to analyze. Would you like to watch?"
[dice=Spellcraft check for identify]1d20 + 10 + 10
You would also need a desire to turn into that kind of thing.
The item's necromantic aura must be connected to the recharge method...
Walking away from the group, Nicolai will try to find Larko, if he's around the sanctuary. Before he does so, he'll sketch out a drawing of the symbol from the crate (assuming there is paper/quill about).
Daxius pretends to not hear Angus' parting question. Well, we all have work to do.
He extricates himself from the conversation, looking for Sclavo. He intends to bring the young man with him on his task, believing that his wisdom will be valuable.
From earlier post:
Kn: nobility 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 trying this check again for the unusual floral design on the ring. He'll use whatever written resources he can find, and ask Tarvi if she knows anything.
diplomacy 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 at high class shops to learn which family owns the ring that Daxius "found" in the woods
Pontia emerges from her workshop and tries to corner Daxius before he leaves. "Your instincts were correct regarding the disk. It is designed to contain a terrible power...don't worry, I wouldn't think of using it. I have to figure out how to unmake it safely."
Also, Arael does not recognise the name Scarro or the initials ED.
Daxius heads to the Rego Pena and tracks down the Borlo's establishment. He takes Sclavo with him if the young man is interested. He looks around a bit, sizing up whoever is there to deal with customers.
"Well, let's head out, Angus. Nicolai and Larko should be fine. Figure best to ask around about this ED, and this Scarro. See what we can dig up."
"Right, so do you want the shovel or the pick?"
After a few moments of silence, the smile on Angus' face disappears as he sighs.
"Sorry, thought it was a good joke."
After a short while, Angus walks up to the first pretty girl he sees, with Hyngrot in tow.
"Hiya. Howya doin'?"
As they head to the docks, Nicolai turns to Larko, "So, where's the best place to start?"
Larko gives a shrug, "The warehouses probably, those guys need to know whose gear everything is."
As you draw nearer he gives you a smile, "I'd better do the talking; it's a community, the docks... well, sorta."
Hyngrot realises that Scarro isn't a name he has ever heard before. It sounds more like a nickname; perhaps they are looking for a man with scars? Or who scars others?
After that, Hyngrot and Angus have a fruitless time, trying to talk to unsavoury types who aren't interested or don't know anything.
"Scarro, you say? No idea, guv. What's 'ee look like?"
"Never 'eard of mate. Wanna buy some cheap lead?"
"I'm afraid I've never heard of this fellow. Or perhaps it's a damsel? What business are they in?"
When they reach the docks, Larko begins asking around
Soon, Daxius and Sclavo reach a shop-front with a larger workshop building behind. The building has a small sign, gold on black, which announces in flowing script: 'Borlo's Elegant Leather'.
Inside you can see a smartly-dressed middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair and moustache showing gloves to an older female customer who seems well-to-do, meanwhile a younger woman is carefully wrapping things in coloured tissue.
Daxius walks into the shop, Sclavo in tow. He waits patiently until the patron leaves, stalling by browsing if necessary until the older woman is gone.
He then walks forward and places the ring on the counter. Master Borlo, I presume? I believe that this item belongs to your family.
Your success only comes once you notice Tarvi spying on your work. You can decide how you want to handle it but she lends you some books from her small library of magic treatise and they prove useful. Her little library is enough to give a +2 bonus to knowledge (arcana) checks when you have the time to consult them.
As Daxius and Sclavo browse, the young woman asks if you need help, then withdraws to allow you to browse. The older woman leaves with a fine pair of kid gloves.
The shop-owner smiles with practised warmth but as he sees the ring his smile fades, he picks it up hesitantly and peers closely at the design and a flicker of pain flashes across his face. His eyes moisten and he takes a deep breath but he can't hide the shake in his hand.
"I thank you, gentlemen, my daughter is... my daughter was..."
He mumbles a dry-throated, "Excuse me." and steps through a black, velvet curtain into the rear of the establishment.
After a few moments of heavy silence the young woman appears, "Gentlemen, Sylvain Borlo offer his apologies. If you would perhaps care to take tea or a glass of sherry at Cafe Argent, just on the corner, he would like to join you in a few minutes."
She opens the door and indicates the cafe down the street. Then the young woman speaks more softly, "It has been hard for them, they lost their eldest, their son, to a fire. And now Lossia... they have only Glorio left. It is hard for a man to bury his children."
He replies to the young woman. There is no need for apology. Master Borlo should take as much time as he likes. We will await him as he suggests. Please convey to him our sincere condolences.
Daxius and Sclavo walk to the cafe, Daxius buys the young man a cup of tea, and they wait patiently. It would not be appropriate to indulge in strong drink at this time. If Master Borlo chooses to comfort himself with wine, then we will join him in moderation, for the sake of comeraderie, but no more than two drinks. Excess leads to a dulling of the wits and general deshevelment of appearance. The Inheritor does not condone such behavior. He sits in silence for a moment, then adds, Soon, if you are serious in your stated desire to commit your soul to Iomedae, we will begin to train in the sacred art of the sword.
"Well that went about as well as keeping yer virtue in a Calistrian temple. Think we might have better luck trying a seedy tavern?"
Nicolai tries to grin amicabaly as Larko asks about, holding up the paper with the logo/sigil written on it.
Diplomacy
Hyngrot grunts before speaking, "Not finding much here. Easier to just bash heads in. Might as well try it."
"Alright, now we just got to find one."
Hyngrot allows himself to be lead to the tavern Angus found, though he spends more time watching the clientele than helping Angus ask about Scarro.