Thorn inclines his head at the halfling A wise choice Charlie. He holds out the now blood-smeared knife that had been used by the other five to sign the contract ...let's make this official.
Avingen turns the metal box around on all its sides examining the different surfaces. It appears to be a rather fancy and expensive paperweight - a cube measuring about 8 inches per side. Something can be felt rattling and moving about inside as the box is shaken.
Five of the six sides appear to be purely decorative and made of a rather dull metal. The sixth side appears fancier than the rest, inlaid with slightly raised intricate golden lines and curves that can be pushed down or moved within grooves.
Avingen looks to open the box but there doesn't seem to be an obvious lid. No hinges or latches are apparent. Needless to say, this presents a bit of a challenge in getting the box open. Darvik joins Avingen in examining the box and as the duo turn it this way and that, one of them inadvertently aligns one of the curves with something else...
There's a loud *KLACK-SPROING* from somewhere inside the box as a panel covering a side adjacent to the fancy side falls off revealing a recessed compartment with a complex setup of tiny gears, cogs and tinier levers that start falling to the floor.
Embossed in a language foreign to both of them within the panel are the words "Folytatja a célt lélegzetvisszafojtva sietve biztosítja rohanás jobb mellette. Aki siet, azt mutatja, hogy a dolog arról szól, túl nagy neki. Fix Mi volt törve az időben. Keeper ennek az ajándéknak arat csak jutalom."
"What in Hell's name...." Avingen exclaims as the side of the box opens and it's bits and pieces begin falling out. Cupping his hands together, he manages to catch most of the gears and springs that fell out.
"Hell and damnation, did you do that or did I, Darvik?" he says carefully placing the contraption's innards on the table beside the box.
"Where's that conniving halfling, this is more to his talents I think." Avingen says peering at the writing "Any of you able to read this? "
What the hell is all this? Darvik exclaims as the box springs forth its guts of gears and such. What are we to do with this nonsense? I couldn't tell you if I or you caused this, though I don't really think it matters. At the mention of the halfling Darvik smiles. Of course, just when he could make himself useful he's no where to be found.
"Ah'ight, this place is ok. Halfie can admit when he's wrong," Charlie says upon reuniting. "Hey, what's that box?"
He'll take 20!
Jasper nods to Tiadora. "I'll be sure to let you know what I need. In the meantime, would you be so kind as to fetch my companion?" Turning back, he stands behind Darvik and Avingen, frowning at the box. "Well, this is interesting," he mutters, running a finger along the writing. His lips move soundlessly as he mouths the words, trying to get a feel for the sounds and piece them with what he knows.
So what do you make of it, Charlie? Darvik will ask with true curiosity. Must be a reason he gave it to us. If it seems the halfling will be a while (or more likely shoo me away while he works on it), Darvik will start to explore the lower level of the manor house.
Avingen gives way to the halfing and leaves him to the toy.
He begins a systematic exploration of the manor, opening all unlocked doors to discover what lays behind.
Bah. The halfling language. A horrible, base thing. May as well let the half-pint decipher it. Rolling his eyes at the box, Jasper folds his arms across his narrow chest. Well, I doubt that woman will tell me where Jax went. May as well see what else is here. Seeing Avingen and Darvik wander off, apparently having the same idea, he turns to Morlos. "Well, my fiendish friend. Shall we see what secrets the manor holds?"
Charlie tinkers with the box putting his nimble fingers to good use. While not a regular trap or lock, the box's mechanisms seem quite familiar to the tiefling. He loses himself in the maze of turning gears and levers ratcheting in place while the others lose interest in watching him after a few minutes.
After what seems like a few moments, he looks up, a bit surprised to see that a full hour has gone by. The box sits on a table in front of him with the last few cogs in his lap. The final gear is set delicately in place and the mechanism lets out a soft *whirrr* as it disengages the lock on an adjacent side panel that falls off.
The newly revealed side displays a pictogram of what appears to be a man (stick figure), a circle by his feet, what looks like a candlestick and coins in one hand and a weapon in the other. Underneath the pictogram are 5 runes and a button that can be depressed. The runes appear to be movable, each on its own track that enables them to be moved around in any sequence one desires. Each rune likely depicts a letter in some language alien to Charlie.
Meanwhile, the other four go about exploring the estate leaving Charlie to his devices. The interior is definitely a lot larger than it appears from the outside. The lower level boasts a sitting area, a formal dining room, what must be the slave quarters beside the kitchens by the stairs, a few doors that appear to be locked, several empty rooms and what appears to be a sparring ring complete with mock weapons and training dummies. Adjacent to that room is another similarly equipped but with arcane implements, powders and components - likely for practicing spells.
Morlos and Jasper head out the back entrance by the servants area where Avingen had washed up earlier. Having already familiarized himself with that particular area, Avingen heads upstairs with Darvik in tow.
A stone path goes around the back of the manor from the back door leading down to manicured gardens. The gardens behind the manor house are quite the contrast from the surrounding area that you folks trekked through. They overlook the Varyston River winding towards the town in the distance.
As the duo turn to head back to the manor after walking for a few minutes, they spot two tall lanky humans walking towards them. Neither is dressed in the slaves' livery that the group has become accustomed to seeing around the manor. As they saunter closer, Jasper notices that they look identical in features (although they're dressed differently).
The one on the right smiles jovially at Jasper and nudges the fellow by his side Told you there'd be more! and grins openly at the summoner.
The one on the left merely nods his head slightly acknowledging Morlos and Jasper Gents.
Oh don't be such a stick in the mud Trak chortles the one on the right. Elise won't lose her mind if you say hello. He extends a hand out in greeting to Jasper and Morlos in turn. Titus Rackburn, at your service... you can call me Trik. He tilts his head at the other identical man And this here is my brother Trak - not as good looking as me though! Say that's an interesting look you got going there friend - looking Morlos up and down - tiefling, right? Amirite? Don't see many around in these parts... wow!
Avingen glances at Darvik ,then runs up to the door the two people entered. He pauses a moment, before knocking, listening....
Perception
Darvik will follow him, hoping to find out who these people are.
Avingen draws himself up to his full height, looking the man directly in his eye, matching his challenge. At Darvik's words, his eye slide to the Elf the back to the half-breed.
"What, indeed." Avingen says, his teeth bared in his fiercest smile "We are lately to this manor, in the service of the Cardinal. We would know your purpose here as well."
Intimidate
The big barbarian opens his mouth - either to respond or try and chew Avingen's nose off, when he's interrupted by a voice from within the room.
At ease Dostan. They seem harmless...
The big burly man shifts his frame slightly letting Avingen peer past him into the room. Lounging comfortably on a chair by a desk sits a woman rivaling Tiadora in beauty. Her fine hair a shining platinum, to the point it almost appears white. Piercing blue eyes take in the duo as she stands and lazily moves up beside the man. ...and even if they weren't... I doubt they're bound to hurt anything more than a few fleas.
Her eyes twinkle merrily indicating her statement was a subtle jab but not one meant too maliciously. She lays a hand on the big man's shoulder and pats him aside. We were invited here by Cardinal Thorn as well... and the White Ravens purpose is their own. Now is there something in particular you wanted, or do you two often make a habit of wandering the hallways and banging on doors trying to make new friends...?
Avingen takes in the woman's beauty with a frank appraisal. Giving the woman a slight bow, he says "A thousand pardons, m'Lady. We only wished to make your acquaintance, since we'd only seen slaves here beside the Cardinal and Tiadora. "
Turning to Dostan, he inclines his head "Well met."
Morlos, during the period of time before exploring begins, tracks down Tiadora, clearing his throat and trying to speak slowly, neither above or below his station. "Since none of us can really leave this place, I am needing to dispose of this particular armor and get a few bits of replacement gear. I made a small list, and I figured that you would know which of the slaves would be best suited for acquiring these particular items."
He hands over the armor and list to whoever is appropriate, knowing that the experience will take some time. And since it will, he goes exploring.
She walks back into the room and casually leans against a wall inspecting the fingernails on a curled up palm disinterestedly And what's your sob story? Why are you two here?
Dostan watches Elise walk back into the room but says little, his massive girth still blocking any entrance into the room. He wordlessly stands in the doorway with his arms crossed sizing up Avingen and Darvik.
Tiadora snaps her fingers and passes along Morlos' list to one of the passing slaves. Get it taken care of. Turning back to Morlos, she adds They'll have it ready before... well... before it's needed... although don't count on getting too much for what you were passing off as your 'possessions'... She mockingly makes two quotes with her fingers as she says possessions, laughs merrily and saunters off.
Jasper blinks in confusion as Jax stalks down the stairs to rejoin him, as if knowing it was welcome back. The eidolon looks... different, somehow, and it takes Jasper a moment to realize how. His eyes finally settle on the outsider's forepaws, which now sport a pair of wickedly curved claws.
"When did that happen?" he asks in amazement, brow furrowing at the creature's chuckled response.
"When you weren't looking."
After a few minutes of wandering with Morlos, invisibly fuming at his eidolon's flippant attitude, the sight of Trik and Trak is a welcome distraction. He shakes Trik's hand, gripping it firmly, already beginning the subtle power play of the handshake.
"Jasper Vraxis," he says by way of introduction, before inclining his head to his companions. "This is Jaxterin, and Morlos. Now, for curiosity's sake, what do you mean by 'more'?" He raises one eyebrow at the pair of identical men.
I see responds Elise, looking disinterested. Well, if you've accomplished your goal of learning more about others in the house... and there's nothing else... we have other matters to attend to. She glances at Dostan.
The big barbarian juts out his chest looking even more imposing if that were possible and makes a shooing motion with his hands.
Why, more adventurers, ofcourse! chuckles Titus. I was just telling my brother here that whatever the cardinal is up to, he likely has layers upon layers upon plans within plans mixed in with other plans... and layers... like an onion... and that there were likely other people that figured in these layers and plans of his... say that's quite the firm grip you got there Jasper. Did Thorn hire you as a ringer for the local arm wrestling carnival?
The other twin merely rolls his eyes at his brother's chatty manner and looks back towards the manor. Trik, seemingly oblivious to his brother's discomfort, slips out of the handshake and turns his attention to Jax. ooooh... we *definitely* don't see your kind around every day! Whooz a nice... uhh... doggi... kitty... umm... thingie? To Jasper's surprise, Trik gets down to Jax's level and the two bat hands/paws in a comical handshaking gesture.
Morlos smirks. "The reason you don't see many of us is because the vast majority are likely either dead, dying, or moved."
"Then we won't keep you longer." Avingen says with a deeper bow to Elise.
Turning to Dostan "I haven't had the chance to spar for a time, you look capable enough....I'd suggest a session, but just realized I don't know if this manor has an exercise yard."
"Layers upon layers and plans within plans. How very Asmodean," Jasper muses, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. He releases his grip on Trik's hand, watching with one raised eyebrow as the other man crouches and shakes paws with Jax.
"I'm not entirely sure what he is, myself," he begins, but Jax interrupts before he can say another word.
"I don't quite know what he is, true," the eidolon interrputs, grinning at Trik. "I found him wandering the streets one day, all lost and alone, and I thought I may as well take him in and give him a place in the world. You know how lost and directionless mortals can be. Poor thing." Its teeth bare in a grin as it shakes hands with Trik. "As for the other, I know fiend blood when I see it. And he's proving far better company than the gangly one."
He bemusedly watches Jasper and Jax verbally spar and cackles heartily as he stands back up turning to Jasper I like this one - pointing to Jax - 'give him a place in the world'...!! A world that's not even his! He slaps his thigh chuckling merrily before bursting into hearty laughter oh that's just precious!
The other fellow merely scowls at Titus That'll do Trik... Turning to Morlos and Jasper he adds Don't mind my brother. He seems to think the entire world exists solely for his amusement. We're merely...... travelers... just like you I'm sure. The cardinal invited us to this place and we only just arrived a few days ago. He nods again politely before turning to his brother I'm going to go see if Elise needs anything as he saunters back towards a side entrance to the manor.
"Sure is a pretty great puzzle box."
Any ideas about it yet, Charlie, or does it have you stumped?
Avingen grins back at the large man "I look forward to it." with a nod to Elise he backs out of the room and makes his way back downstairs.
Tracking down Tiadora, he greets her in a cool, civil manner Tiadora, I have a few equipment requests : heavy steel shield and fighter's kit."
Avingen makes his way back downstairs and finds Tiadora berating a slave for some perceived slight. As the soldier makes his request, she turns to face him, her hands on her hips and turns back to the slave You heard the man. Make it happen... GO! The terrified fellow takes advantage of the opportunity and flees back towards the kitchens.
Tiadora turns back to Avingen, a smirk playing on her lips Not much of a request... you're going to need more than that for what the Master has in store... But I'll see you have the items in a day or so. Was there anything else you needed? Food? Drinks? A warm bath? Perhaps some brains to go along with all that brawn?
Jasper's jaw tightens further, as if a screw is being wound in it. "Yes, he's a real barrel of laughs," he says coldly, shooting a glare at the unfazed eidolon. "I assume he's the sensible one, then?" he asks Trik, nodding at Trak's retreating back.
Avingen smirks at Tiadora's transparent attempts to provoke him "Brawn? Not compared to you, my dear. You seem to have more brawn in your little finger than I in my entire body....pity there isn't enough room in there for some of those brains you talk about."
He then turns and leaves, his shopping list delivered. 'What the Master has in store...what might that mean?" he thought as he made his way to scout out the sparring room.
Avingen finds the sparring room down a short hallway off the formal dining room. The room itself is more like a great hall divided up into two separate areas or rooms. The first one is obviously meant to practice one's melee skills. There's an octogonal ring set in the center of the room with various wooden versions of weapons hung on the wall racks. Practice straw dummies are set up along one wall for students to hone their skills on.
Further back in the second room is what appears to be an area to practice one's magical and alchemical talents. Tables line two side of the room with various powders and odd-smelling concoctions brewing happily. A few bookshelves contain musty tomes holding who-knows-what ancient secrets.
The sparring room is currently empty.
Darvik spots the tomes and becomes curious. He'll go over and take a look at what they might have to offer.
Avingen notes the magical doo-dads but ignores them, going to the racks of practice weapons and taking down one or two to confirm their sturdiness.
Satisfied, he then enters the octogon to get a feel for the arena, moving himself through a series of exercises that moves him from one side of the ring to the other, until he's covered the majority of the surface.
Glad to have been moving about, he stops before he gets over exerted. Walking over to where Darvik has his nose in a book "Anything interesting?"
Charlie looks to speak to someone about some ...supplies.
Morlos looks over to Jasper and just shakes his head. "I feel like one half of the pair was dropped on their head as a babe....down a flight of stairs."