Edison looks up at the tall flue as it vomits its ocherous deluge into the sky, a look of distaste on his face. He takes a deep breath and looks back to the gate and the bell, before reaching over and giving it a pair of loud, firm rings. He as he waits to be responded to, he turns to the rest of the group.
Hopefully these folks pan out, he grunts. That idiot shark at the courthouse is gonna need damn fine proof to shut him up. Right now, we've got a head of a dead man and some freshly-killed undead. Still hopin' to get the good doctor to speak?
Karras takes in the belching smoke, briefly doffing his hat to run his hand through his matted hair. Many - seemingly including Edison, judging by the look on his face - disliked such factories, leaving them often to be located on the edges of towns. For his part, the Doctor quite liked them. They looked - and smelled - like progress. This one however, Karras noted, taking in the grime-covered windows, seemed to be ill-cared for.
"Yes, Master Wyatt, I'm in full agreement. We seem to be... running on fumes. Pun fully intended. For a chymikalworks, Vorkstag and Grine seems be rather dirty, doesn't it?"
"So, gentlemen - and ladies - what is our approach here, and what do we hope to find out? Who purchases the bleach from this location? I believe we can safely assume Adam is not one of their regular customers. "
Aduard smiles as he catches sight of the kennel. "It may be that my own skills, small as they may be, might be of use. Does anyone happen to have food that would be of interest to a canine?"
A quick move and an illuminated pebble flies through the air to ping off the ground near the kennel. Meanwhile Aduard moves to stand near the gate and calls out a "Hallo?".
His voice shifts an octave, something strange entering it, and a noise somewhere between a growl and a whine issues.
There is no response from the kennel to Aduard's hail, but there is movement from the factory. On the second floor, a sliding door is pushed aside to reveal a loading bay, filled with a few crates and a crane built from wood and iron.
A small figure stands in the bay, overdressed even for the late autumn weather in a heavy greatcoat, half-cape, and massive leather gloves. A pair of industrial googles cover his eyes, which he shields from the midday sun, such as it is. Pale, almost bone white skin, stitched with scars contrasts a cloud of bright orange hair, giving the gnome a harlequin appearance.
"You rang?" he calls down, voice shrill. "I am very busy today, I have no time for unscheduled visitors.
Sorry to bother you when you're so busy, sir, Edison calls from the gate. But we are here on important business. We're set by the city court to gather evidence about the fella known as the Beast of Lepistadt, and we wanted to touch base with you about what you know regarding the events that occurred at the Sanitarium. He leans against the bars of the gate; it could take some time for the gnome to reach them from the upper floor.
Edison watches with increasing curiosity and alarm as Aduard entreats the local fauna.
You...uh...Y'all good there, Master Bookman?
Aduard sighs, and looks back. "Normally I get on quite well with dogs." he shrugs apologetically to Edison, and waits for an answer from the strange gnome above.
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"Dogs, they sense one's inner character," the Doctor says, doffing his hat. "I have no doubt you'd be a great friend to man's best friend, Master Bookman."
"Goodman!" Karras shouts, turning his attention to the gnome. "Are you Vorkstag or Grine? Surely you can make time for agents of the court? A few minutes is all we'll need - and we'd hate to make note of any intransigence on your part when questioned by the magistrates!"
The Doctor lets the implication hang in the air between the group and the gnome, and greeting concluded, perches his hat once again atop his head and pushes the gate open.
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Aduard raises an eyebrow at the Doctor, then pauses. A moment passes and his eyes squint.
When the doctor turns to the gnome Aduard shakes his head slightly, as if clearing hair from his eyes, and turns to follow.
"Ah ah," the gnome cries, holding up his hands as Karras pushed open the gate. "This is a private property. Only employees are allowed on its premises." He fidgets with his goggles. "But if you are agents of the court... Stay where you are and I will fetch my partner, perhaps he can answer some questions for you."
Without waiting for a response, the gnome slides the loading bay door closed with a thud. Now within the courtyard, the kennel is clearly occupied, though without looking inside directly, it is difficult to know by what. Whatever lies inside is clearly intended to be dangerous, as a heavy length of chain runs to the entrance, driven into the earth with a metal spike.
Aduard nods in the direction of the kennel while they wait. "Hmm. Do you think it's dead? Or deaf, I suppose?"
Esta frowns at the large kennel. "Am I th' only one who thinks it's kinda weird that a chemical plant has somethin' locked up an' kept in place with real big chains?" She looks up at Aduard. "Is that normal?"
Without waiting for an answer, she move cautiously towards the kennel, hoping to get a better look at what's kept inside.
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The Doctor's hand moves to his pistol as he walks forward, keeping pace with Esta. Of all of Karras' companions that he'd met since Brogol's funeral, Esta had consistently shown exceptional judgement and perspective. If she thought something was amiss, it likely was. Decorum forgotten, the Doctor growls to his other companions. "Bookman, Wyatt, on alert."
Edison shakes his head as the gnome closes the door.
City folk. Always in a hurry. Drop by any homestead 'round my town, you'll find 'em in the field, or at the dinner table. People have to put in effort to come see you out there, so you let them bend your ear. Here... He gives the surrounding buildings and the Chemysts a distasteful glare. No one's got the time. Its like he's bettin' we're pullin' his leg.
He stands and waits at the gate, leaning impatiently against the iron. As Esta and Doctor Karras begin edging towards the kennel, Edison looks uneasily after them.
'ey now, let the beast rest. Probably tough to find decent sleep in a city this big. At Esta's words, the paladin throws an uneasy look at the billowing fumes above the factory. Does seem an odd place to keep an animal, though, now that you mention it...
Edison shifts his weight, presenting his lead hip to the gate, his hand gripping his sheathed sword behind his profile. His eyes dart between the kennel and the doors to the factory, keeping a lookout as his new allies do their best to measure the situation from outside the premises.
Before Esta can make it to the kennel, the factory door swings open. A man in professional attire steps out. He gives the party a thin smile, his blue eyes narrowing to the light.
"Good afternoon, my lords." His voice is light, almost musical. "My partner tells me you've come with some questions regarding the trial of the Beast. He is... not so good with people. Allow me to assuage any concerns you might have."
Aduard smiles back. "Delighted to meet you. I am all too familiar with the accepted dichotomy between scholar and socialite - though I feel I like you transcend such distinctions."
He bows "Aduard Bookman, at your service. May I ask whether you have the honour of being Vorkstag or Grine?"
The doctor doffs his hat again, using it to cover his frown, while his other hand hovers on the holster of his weapon. "And I'm Doctor Aduard Karras. I appreciate the business you're in. Chymical agents are of course necessary in our line of work. Investigations being that work, and if I may be indecorous, we are quite good at what we do."
Esta gives the well-dressed man an uneasy glance and shuffles back behind Karras and Aduard as they address the newcomer, feeling a surge of gratitude for her more eloquent, urbane companions. As the men chat, she kneels under the guise of giving Oolong a scratch, still eyeing the strange, out of place kennel.
"I need you t' go check around th' kennel over there, 'kay?" she says in a low whisper to the fox, doing her best not to move her lips. "See if there's anythin' in it, an' then come right back. An' try not t' be seen, got it?"
With a quiet huff, Oolong stalks off in the direction of the kennel.
Edison tears his gaze away from the kennel as the party is approached. He takes in the appearance and mannerisms of the fellow with a practiced eye. Other than an uneasy shift of his feet, he covers any other signs of displeasure at their welcome.
Afternoon, he grunts, returning the greeting. Name's Edison. Hopefully we'll be able to sort this out without involving your partner, but he may have important information. Guess we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
He nods at Aduard's question, and looks back to their host.
The man bows gracefully. "I am Master Vorkstag. My partner, the gnome, is Master Grine. I am, of course, aware of your exploits, Doctor Karras. I make it a point to stay up to date on the days happenings, and people speak of little else outside the Beast's trial. I will help however I can."
"Hmm," the Doctor says, "Nice to meet you, Master Vorkstag. We - and the tribunal - appreciate your help." Karras was convinced there was something afoot here, Vorkstag remained... cool. It was time to press the issue.
Doffing his hat, Karras walks towards Vorkstag. It was an almost unimaginably rude thing - to force one into a building without being invited - but these were indecorous times. Vorkstag would either acquiesce and they would be invited to chat, or he would block the Doctor, and their intentions to hinder would be clear.
Esta feels the icy jolt of fear from Oolong streak down her spine, and she does her best to suppress the shudder of alarm that courses through her so as not to attract unwanted attention. She bends to give Oolong a grateful, comforting scratch, then steps quietly to Aduard's side as the Doctor engages with Master Vorkstag.
"Mister Bookman," she whispers, lips once again barely moving as she tugs gently at his sleeve. "I still dunno what, but there's definitely somethin' in th' kennel, an' it's not good, whatever it is." She glances up at him, her face full of unease.
"Not Good, or not 'good'... never mind." Aduard pauses. Esta has shown her expertise numerous times. Still, his current arcane repertoire had little helpful in it - any casting now could likely be interpreted as - at best - provocatively rude.
Instead he turns his eyes to the sky, and the building, looking for birds or vermin that might have witnessed what they face.
Vorkstag takes a step to block Arruk's path and holds out an appeasing hand. "My good Doctor Karras," he explains. "You seem so eager to search our property without first explaining your reason for being here. If I were an impolite man, I'd believe you were trying to steal trade secrets. And furthermore, I cannot simply allow you on to the factory floor without proper safety equipment. The fumes are quite noxious."
Aduard considers for a moment, then shrugs and returns to scanning for wildlife.
Edison gives an undisguised sigh, filled with fatigue, as he rubs his eyes with one rough hand.
Thought we made it clear, Mister Vorkstag. We're here investigating the history of this place to the Karb Isle Sanctuary that burned down some time ago, 'specially as that all ties to Adam, the Beast of Lepistadt.
He pulls his face out of his hand, a grim and determined expression on his face.
Now, we can talk about how you and yours are related to the burning of the Sanctuary, and the death of Doctor Brada out in public, or you can invite us in. I'm fine with either, so long as you cooperate.
"Trade secrets? Hah. I assure you I have no interest in becoming a chymickal-maker, and your concern for our health is not needed. You'll find we all have constitutions as hale as mules, and dispositions just as stubborn. As my colleague Master Wyatt mentions, we need to discuss our findings at the old Sanitorium, and your reticence to be a good host is wearing. If we need safety equipment, then fetch it. And be quick, we have much to discuss and a long trip back to report our findings. Lest you doubt my urgency, let me help you with the door."
The Doctor's face reddens as he talks, and as he finishes, Karras reaches out one gloved hand and pushes the door wide open.
"Somethin's not right," Esta whispers to Aduard. "I dunno what for sure, but he's up t' somethin'. What's he hidin'?"
"He's... stalling, I think." Aduard whispers back. "But why? What is he buying time for?"
Aduard turns again to Esta. "Penny for... Hmmm, yes. Go buy me a minute to cast something." whispers Aduard, pulling out a copper coin. "If you can undermine his will, so much the better."
Spell Study. Burn Bestow Insight and [BLANK] - which I hope is legal - to cast Detect Thoughts.
2 rounds to cast, then concentrate for 3.
Will try to set it so the doghouse and Vorkstag are in the 60' cone.
round 1: presence of minds
round 2: number of minds and intelligence
round 3: surface thoughts (will vs DC 17)
If he's stalling, then he's probably thinking about why he's stalling (I hope)
Esta nods and moves into action, trying to come up with something to say. "'Scuse me!" she calls out to Vorkstag. When she has his attention, she gestures towards the enclosure, moving slowly in its direction. "Sir, I'm so curious, can you tell me what's in th' kennel? Y'know," she says with a chuckle, "I been tryin' t' figure out what it could be since we got here, an' lemme tell you, I'm comin' up empty handed every time." She shakes her head and gives him an innocent smile—after years spent trying to placate the wary, twitchy townsfolk of her youth, she was used to donning the demeanor of a simple, uneducated bumpkin in order to put others at ease.
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Annoyance flashes across Vorkstag's face as Karras moves past him, and he turns towards Esta. "I had hoped to avoid this unpleasantry, but since your colleague seems determined to stick his nose into my business, I suppose I can satisfy your curiosity." The nobleman raises two fingers to his lips and releases a shrill whistle.
Heavy chain clinking, something inside the kennel shifts. "Our factory must have security, you understand," Vorkstag explains. "But guard dogs are so noisy, and require a simply interminable amount of food. Fido is perfect."
Fido crawls out of the kennel. It has the shape of a large hound, but everything about it is wrong—a hideous amalgamation of flesh, stitched together with thick wire and metal staples. Half its head is bone, the other is a mass of scar tissue, one white eye rolling. A pink tongue flops out of its maw, not dissimilar from a dog. Around its thick neck is a collar connected to the chain.
"Fido, attack!" Vorkstag cries, before retreating through the door, into his factory. Fido creeps towards Esta, slowly at first, steadily picking up speed.
The Doctor considers chasing Vorkstag, but disregards that thought with a contemptuous sneer. The safety of his companions comes first and foremost, and Vorkstag's time would come soon enough. Before the zombie dog has even moved, Karras has stepped forward, and dropping a tincture of nitrogen into a flask of combustible chemicals, hurls the bomb at the zombie.
The flask turns end over end through the air, and another tincture is already in the Doctor's hand - this one, Karras intends to imbibe at the first possible opportunity.
"By the Good Gods!" Aduard swears "A golem? Here? The implications..."
He pulls himself together "Near as immune to spells, and resistant to all but adamant. We must retreat!"
The flask bursts on the golem's flank, covering the beast in flames. Its flesh singed and melting, the golem turns to instead attack Karras, seemingly unimpeded by its wounds. Its jaws close around Karras's arm, teeth punching through armor and ripping away a chunk of flesh.
Stepping backwards, the Doctor shakes off the pain and quaffs his mutagen, a special concoction Karras had been working on, inspired - if he were asked and in an honest mood - by none other than Adam's moniker, the so-called Beast. Hunched over as the transformation grips him, hair sprouts from the Doctor's face, arms, and back, while Karras' fingers elongate, ending in wickedly tapered claws. The Doctor's mouth lengthens as well, almost canine in appearance, and bears wicked fangs. The transformation is quick, just a matter of seconds, and before the golem can press its attack, Karras has sent another bomb flipping through the air.
Ah, hell! Edison curses as the beast charges forward and lashes out at Karras. Get back, Doc! Ms. Esta, Bookman, get back!
His hand snaps to the scabbard at his hip, and he heaves his long and heavy blade to bare, stepping forward and bringing it down -two-handed- across the neck of their flaming foe.
Ain't got any adamantine on me, Bookman! You're Esta got somethin' that'd work? You, Doc? Doc? He turns his eyes towards Doctor Karras for the first good look he's gotten since the fight started. His eyes pop wide, and he staggers back a moment before righting himself again.
Deadeye's Arrow, Karras! Warn a fella next time!
With a yelp as the golem bites into Karras' arm, Esta makes her retreat. "No, I don't have any adamantine!" she says loudly to Edison.
Closing her eyes, she takes a few deep, steadying breaths. When she opens them again they immediately fixate on the golem, fierce and unwavering. Quietly reciting an incantation, her hands trace an intricate pattern, lines of white forming sigils in the space before her as her fingers dance through the air.
Aduard does not need to be prompted twice and falls back a step.
Karras's next bomb blasts more gobbets of flesh free from the golemhound, but the damage seems to slow it not at all. The beast ignores a jagged wound from Edison's blade to try and bite the paladin, but he steps back to avoid the blow.
Edison squints his eyes against the immolated creature, gritting his teeth against the light and heat. He shifts his grip on his sword to bring his buckler to bare. This abomination could not be dealt with recklessly.
Vorkstag! Grine! You get yourselves out here now! You're impeding an investigation!
As he shouts to the factory, he chops down with his blade once more.
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Stepping across from Esta, Karras's claws flash through the afternoon autumn light, raking across the golem's bloodless flesh. Possesed of a fury not unlike that of his opponent, Karras finishes his attack with growling bite to the beast's neck, Fido's flesh coming apart in the Doctor's mouth.
Aduard focussed on the strongest mind he could sense, cursing that it was not possible to tell distance in the congitoscape. He studied the swirling lights and thrums from the mind, doing his best to interpret the thoughts...
Seeing her hex fail against the golem, Esta turns her focus to her companions. Shifting her gaze to Edison, she traces another set of glowing, complex patterns into the air as she recites a different spell.
Wyatt and Karras have inflicted grievous wounds upon the golem, its form held together only just by the thick wire stitching. Despite this, it shows little sign of slowing, powerful jaws closing around Wyatt's leg.
Edison gives a determined grunt as he feels the thing's fangs sink into his leg, but he bends at the knee, trying to pin the beasts head against the ground as his brings the point of his blade down, towards what little meat remains. Thankfully, the beast's determination seems to leave it -quite by chance- open
We...got 'im...By the GODS when I get my hands on Vorkstag!
The Doctor presses his assault, stepping directly across from Edison and lashing out with his claws and teeth, seemingly as feral as his foe. Wire snaps, flesh falls away, and yet Karras continues...
Aduard mops at his brow. "How do we fare?" he asks the others, his voice strained. "Have you got this?"
Still focused on Edison, Esta chants under her breath. When she finishes, she then traces a new set of patterns in the air, also in the paladin's direction.