"Sure thing Sol, once we've rested we can check on Eligos' place first thing." Ascaria agrees. "I think, day after tomorrow, depending on what we find, we should plan to head back and talk to Allustan. He should know what we've learned about Eligos. And yes, we need to root out this evil that's for sure."
He turns to the little one, "Scout, we want to do what we can to help you, but the decision is yours. It's your life, savvy?"
He looks thoughtfully at her.
"You need to get yourself off the streets so this doesn't happen again. No more sleeping rough. We might be able to set you up in an orphanage, though you're a little old for such a thing. Still, if you need a rest, that might be just the thing for a little while."
"Yet another option is work. There might be some work down at the docks, but that can be tough stuff, and sometimes dangerous. However, maybe you have something in mind? Some skill or other of which we're unaware? We can do much to get you setup if you like."
"What do you like to do?"
Hourpen looks on, hesitant to second guess Ascaria. He speaks up carefully, "Those are the options as you've been told, I'm sure. But aren't there any other possibilities?"
Too tired to sulk about the total lack of entertainment this time of day at the Crooked House, Mortimer tries to conduct himself like a refined human being rather than a barnyard animal when it comes to bread and stew and cheese and fresh fruit and bitters.
... never did catch any fish. Why is there never any fish? Just once I would like a nice dinner involving fish.
He eyes the new bouncer warily while he talks quietly, mostly at Ascaria.
"Why'd we come back here to the Crooked House? Can't we have gone to someplace that features fish? Didn't we already cause a huge scene here already? What if ... more of those things come back? It's not as if it was ever a free ride really. We've paid too much already to stay here again I think."
In a more conversational tone he adds, "I think Solrisa's right. We check on Eligos, take care of Scout. Check out the other tunnel, then probably head back from whence we came." He yawns. "After, as you have said Ascaria -- we've had a chance to properly rest."
Oh, the days where I could just lay down my weary head, close my eyes and dream without having a care beyond the Smithy...
That evening he entertains Scout by teaching her what little he knows about Sleight of Hand tricks. He lets her keep the coins they've been practicing with if Ascaria is sure she is out of all over-gorging herself to death danger.
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Tynan, while normally quiet, is more subdued than usual as he and his companions travel about the city. Selling the various recovered goods, and purchasing needed magics to face the dangers ahead, he says little and gives Solrisa more space than usual.
Joining the others for a meal at the Crooked House, he eats little, but concentrates on the mead at hand. As Solrisa speaks of the dangers ahead, Tynan can barely look her direction, focusing instead on the cup in his hand. When a lull finally settles upon the conversation, he downs the rest of his drink, and speaks up.
"I need to say something..." Tynan pauses uncomfortably, then continues, looking directly at Solrisa for the first time since leaving the shapeshifter's lair. "Solrisa... I am so sorry that I attacked you." His voice cracks a bit, and he continues. "I never meant to hurt you, I just lost all control of myself when my thoughts were swirling around in my head like leaves in a storm."
Tynan looks around at the others at the table, shame on his face. "If you would all feel safer without me around, I'll understand." He looks each of his companions in turn, then continues. "I just don't want to be a liability with all of the dangers that lie ahead. I'll leave the decision up to all of you."
Tynan lifts his cup toward one of the barmaids, gesturing for more mead, and listens.
Hourpen looks on confused at Tynan's suggestion, "What exactly happened? I mean. All I saw was the fire and then Scout."
"I need to say something..." Tynan pauses uncomfortably, then continues, looking directly at Solrisa for the first time since leaving the shapeshifter's lair. "Solrisa... I am so sorry that I attacked you." His voice cracks a bit, and he continues. "I never meant to hurt you, I just lost all control of myself when my thoughts were swirling around in my head like leaves in a storm."
Solrisa looks very confused for a moment, then begins to apologize herself.
"I think I should be apologizing to you, Tynan! I'm so sorry that I wasn't ready to spar with you. I just didn't expect it. If you let me know next time, I'll do better," Solrisa smiles back, still full of trust for Tynan.
"You know, when we were young, Rae used to get angry with me and she used to hit hard and pull hair and bite, but that's okay to do when you're angry she explained to me. I wasn't always allowed to fight back, but got pretty good at waiting for Rae to tire herself out from the angry yelling and punching and kicking by blocking her fists with my head," Solrisa continues, explaining.
"As we got older, then we had weapons and Rae let me try fighting back, which was good because then I learned to be the sword instead of always being the blocker. Sometimes I don't mind only being the blocker, but also like sparring too. It makes me a better fighter. So, sorry, Tynan, I'll do better next time."
Solrisa smiles at Tynan, hoping the man will forgive her.
”You know, when we were young…”
Eri raises his eyebrows, takes a deep breath and settles in. Sure that Sol’s Soliloquy is over he adds, ”Tynan, it was a spell, Confusion. You didn’t have control over yourself in a very real sense. That wasn’t you. It was a bit of the ether that messed up your vapors and made you do weird stuff. Here, join me in another beer and let this go.”
Eri orders another round and drinks heartily.
The Crooked House begins to bustle, as first round of drinks becomes second and third. Lulu spends time visiting with your table, happy to have the group once more for dinner. Tarquin even sends over a couple of dusty bottles, which appear to be top shelf, neglected by the commoners for their expense.
" "Scout, we want to do what we can to help you, but the decision is yours. It's your life, savvy?"
"You need to get yourself off the streets so this doesn't happen again. No more sleeping rough. We might be able to set you up in an orphanage, though you're a little old for such a thing. Still, if you need a rest, that might be just the thing for a little while."
"Yet another option is work. There might be some work down at the docks, but that can be tough stuff, and sometimes dangerous. However, maybe you have something in mind? Some skill or other of which we're unaware? We can do much to get you setup if you like. What do you like to do?"
Scout looks at the gnome over her cup of kingsapple, finishing her mouthful before answering. "I don't know." She thinks a little longer, then tries again. "I seen pretty girls, looking after babies in the park, once. They looked happy. I could do that." She starts her drinking, though she continues to watch the group in turns at the table. She turns her full attention to Tynan, as the man speaks his peace.
That's certainly an avenue worth investigating, likelier outside of Egorian, for your less-than-optimal status in the caste.
A flute player makes his way from table to table, playing for each a partial tune which is continued at the next table. He has a wide-mouth purse, which jingles at the conclusion of each stanza, which makes it all the more obvious when the jingling comes to a stop, several songs later.
The party turns, where a singular imp has made its way through the front doors, to alight upon the bar, where it proceeds to look at you. Only you. The rest of the bar patrons shift subtly, to avoid not only the imp, but slowly you all, as well. The imp scratches itself lewdly, never once shifting its gaze away from your table.
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"Solrisa... I am so sorry that I attacked you."
Yah?!! What was that all about anyway! You're lucky she didn't fight back! She would have taken your head off -- and what's more it would have been warranted!
Mortimer's face starts to redden as he becomes somewhat angry about the past.
"[ ... ] Rae used to get angry with me and she used to hit hard and pull hair and bite, but that's okay to do when you're angry[ ... ]"
"No, no it isn't!" he protests, his face becoming redder. He shakes his head and lets her finish without interrupting her again.
”Tynan, it was a spell, Confusion. You didn’t have control over yourself in a very real sense."
The red drains from Mortimer's face returning it to its usual pale hue.
Confused? I thought I felt something trying ... something. Confused?! That explains quite a bit. Between the two of us, I would have figured that I would have seemed like the bigger threat. Book cover speaking, of course. Glad that I was able to avoid being confused myself..."Yah, you were just confused," he says simply. "Could have happened to any of us. Luckily, you snapped back to your senses before anyone got seriously hurt," he adds, making a point to look Tynan in the eye.
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Ascaria idly draws on a scrap of paper - just a pattern, nothing in particular.
He listens to Tynan speak up, He's a quiet one that one. Rarely talks. He agrees with Eri and nods thusly at the time. Mort confirms it and he doesn't feel the need to add more, but he nods again. All the while doodling.
When Scout speaks up, he says, "Oh, a nanny? You wanna be a nanny? You're maybe a little young for that yet. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'd hire you if I had kids. But most folks want someone a little older for that gig."
"So that brings up the next question, what do we do now, so you can get a great nanny job when you're old enough. I suppose the right thing to do is to get an education. You got any school learning?"
He turns to the group, "We should get her a good school, and have her stay there too. That'll be perfect!" he grins at the thought and wonders what that sort of thing costs. He'll certainly chip in for it if they can get Scout in somewhere.
He looks down at his doodle, and there's a nice patterned background, with an imp standing in the center, staring out. He stares back at the drawing. What the hell?
He looks up in confusion and matches eyes with the imp. Oh!
He looks at the party and wonders if anyone else has noticed. When he gets blank stares, he tries to kick Mort under the table. Of course his legs are way too short for that sort of thing, so he just blurts out, "Hey everyone. That imp is staring at us. You think he's a messenger from someone spying on us or something?"
"No, no it isn't!"
Solrisa gives Mort a confused look as she continues explaining why she's sorry to Tynan. She does hope the man will forgive her. She smiles sweetly.
"Imp is staring at us."
Solrisa looks over, noticing the Imp for the first time. She smiles at it.
"Well, I'll go ask what it wants. If it wants to hurt Tynan, it'll have to go through me first," Solrisa says, grabbing her sword from where it lay within reach and sheathing it over her shoulder.
She approaches the Imp with her usual smile.
"Excuse me, Mr. Imp? Are you here because you're mad at Tynan? We tried to apologize for whatever he did, but they wouldn't hear of it. Now, he's still sorry and tell whomever is angry with us to leave us alone. Please," Solrisa says protectively.
"Hey everyone. That imp is staring at us. You think he's a messenger from someone spying on us or something?"
"A what?!" exclaims Mortimer, looking at Ascaria. "Naw, bwahahahaha!" he continues gufawwing, his eyes starting to tear up from laughter. "Heh, heh. Sorry Ascaria, but for a second there I thought I heard you say 'imp'. They're not real."
Spying on us? As he slowly notices everyone else moving away from the party, Mortimer takes in a swig of beer before causually following Ascaria's gaze to the bar.
"Well, I'll be damned! A living gargoyle!"
He whispers to the party. "Does It know that It's defeating Its own spying attempt by being in plain sight?"
He stands between the party and the bar and calls out to the Imp. "Is there a problem?"
Hourpen joy over Ascaria's though is quickly tempered as he watches Solrisa approach the imp. Slowly approaching Solrisa, Hourpen does his best to assume the bearing of servant.
Let us muddy the waters a bit if this imp is indeed watching us for someone.
"My lady, if you beg my pardon. But your herbs. The cleric said the herbs would help the confusion." Hourpen gestures toward Ascaria.
Knowledge(Local) or Gather Information for more information regarding education in Egorian.
The imp watches the maiden approach, its demeanor unchanging, as it scratches deeply between its buttocks, then brings the finger up to sniff the pungent quality of nether regions.
To all of you, the imp announces itself, without opening its mouth.
Someone in your gang has something that doesn't belong to you. Turn it over now, or face the wrath of Asmodeus, Himself.
It's lying, in the last turn of its phrase, or, at least, it's using hyperbole to make its threat sound greater than it might be.
Someone in your gang has something that doesn't belong to you. Turn it over now, or face the wrath of Asmodeus, Himself.
The voice registers inside Mortimer's head, but only as if part of a dream. 'Gang'? He shakes his head, trying to clear his mind. He looks at the others, and when it becomes apparent that they too heard the Imp, his eyebrows narrow as he focuses.
"We're not a 'gang'. Methinks you have the wrong party."
Solrisa thinks to her shield upstairs and to her pretty blue light.
"You want my special blue light?" Sol asks, aghast, but willing to hand it back over. "Who would you take my light to?"
Eri stares intently at the imp's eyes and hopes thinking is enough.
I don't want to sound rude, but can you tell us who you are and describe what you are looking for?
In front of you sits a Consular Imp. One in a thousands of these vicious fiends has the ability it's demonstrating- telepathy, as well as a stronger ability to assume various beastly forms. They are highly prized by more powerful devils, who send them to serve favored minions or corrupt mortals.
The imp listens to your questions, bored, but patient. He answers each of you, to all of you, telepathically.
"We're not a 'gang'. Methinks you have the wrong party."
Well, you're certainly not a choir, or an orgy. 'Gang' suits you well enough. And I am not wrong.
"You want my special blue light? Who would you take it to?"
Oh no, not the light. Maybe your virginity, since you smell of one, but not the light.
I don't want to sound rude, but can you tell us who you are and describe what you are looking for?
Ah, so you're the smart one, keeping your voice low, and asking your question. Yes, I can, and have come for the Case. Turn it over now. No more questions.
"Wait, you haven't answered my question, and that's not fair."
"If we turn the case over to you, how do we know it'll get into the right hands? Just because you've come for the case, doesn't mean you're the owner, or even represent the owner. We're not going to just hand over the case to any imp-come-lately."
Solrisa seems relieved that the imp doesn't want her light. She didn't want to give it up and is relieved that all it wants is the ridiculously valuable satchel.
She awaits the answers to Ascaria's good questions.
Tynan is confused by Solrisa's apology to him, but not being the first time placed into such a state by the lass, he nods his thanks. Eri's explanation, and Mort's almost off-handed agreement helps to assuage some of his guilt, but the silence of the normally chatty gnome is worrisome to Tynan. He gives Hourpen an "I'll explain everything later" look, then turns back to his mead.
With the appearance of the imp, Tynan focuses all attention on it, eyeing it carefully. He listens closely to its words, mulling over their motivation.
Tynan looks at the imp confidently, and adds words to support Eri."I don't believe Asmodeus would trouble himself with something so small as this situation, though I would believe your superior is urging you into quick action, no?"
"If we turn the case over to you, how do we know it'll get into the right hands? Just because you've come for the case, doesn't mean you're the owner, or even represent the owner. We're not going to just hand over the case to any imp-come-lately."
"I don't believe Asmodeus would trouble himself with something so small as this situation, though I would believe your superior is urging you into quick action, no?"
The imp adjusts its body weight from one clawed foot to the other, then back. It looks from Eri to Ascaria, then from Ascaria to Tynan.
Of course I'm not the owner, you eejit. You said the words, and brought the Eye around. Pretty sure... you don't know how deep you'd be if you held onto it much longer... Then again, maybe you have a death wish...
He sniffs in your general direction, his eyes studying each of you, until his eyes stick on the giant more than a couple of times, before deciding to stare down Mortimer.
You'll want to hand over that Case to me right now. Don't let your friends make the mistake of trying to hold onto it.
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"What? A --" Mortimer looks about in true outrage and complete disbelief. "A -- 'case'? Yes, that's right, you called it a 'case'. THIS," he says, pulling out the 'case', "is a satchel!"
Mortimer pulls the satchel from his backpack and hurls it at the Imp.
for
For the suddenness of the giant's outrage, the imp has no time to dodge the 15 lb baggage. Though Mortimer catches him squarely, dealing what should be significant harm, what you glimpse of the creature before it tumbles backwards over the bar isn't all that much of an injured imp. For the clatter taking place behind the bar, the entire gathering of the Crooked House becomes quite agitated. Tarquin instinctively excuses himself to the kitchen, where he barks at Christina to remain put. Lulu and a couple of other patrons remain distant of your table and the bar.
There is a good clatter behind the bar, as the imp clears some space in its struggle with the case. It is currently not visible from its full cover.
Round 1, Init 15 AC:13
If the Imp attacks, Eri will cast glitterdust on him that avoids hitting the party also avoiding the dude at the end of the bar (if possible.)
AC 13 or 18
CMD 17
BAB +4
Defensive casting = +15 (@7th)
Spell Penetration= +9 (@7th)
The spells/day listed will include the casting (if any) that I made this round
b]Orisons[/b] DC:14(Acid Splash, Create Water, Detect Magic, Disrupt Undead, Mage Hand, Spark, Message, Prestidigitation)
First Level: DC:15 (0/7 per day) (Burning Disarm, Feather Fall, Grease. Gravity Bow, Mage Armor, Magic Missile, shocking grasp)
Second Level: DC:16 (3/7 per day) (Acid Arrow, Admonishing Ray, Glitterdust, Gust of Wind)
Third Level: DC:17 (1/4 per day) (Dispel Magic, Fireball, Lightning Bolt)
Weapon equipped = +1 Composite Long Bow
+8 or +6/+6
+9 or +7/+7 within 30' with +1 dam
Round 1, Init 19
Hourpen prepares himself for things to go awry.
"THIS is a satchel!"
Solrisa gives Mort another confused look as the man has a second weird outburst in the dinner, now throwing things.
"Mort! You're being like Rae! Stop!" Solrisa says, bringing up her experience in handling random and violent outbursts.
Round 1, Init 18
Tynan draws no weapons, but remains standing.
"Don't attack it. Let it do it's duty and be on its way."
Round 1, Init 8
Mortimer wags his finger and scowls at Ascaria, then charges toward the bar, leaps up and stands on it overlooking the Imp.
First he wants to hand it over to the authorities, then he wants to keep it. Can't that gnome make up his mind?!
"Don't attack it. Let it do it's duty and be on its way."
Does anyone believe that's going to happen the way you think it's going to happen?
"You have your package. Now go!”
Wouldn't that be nice?
"Mort! You're being like Rae! Stop!"
Oh, not you too, Sol!
"But Sol," says Mortimer in a more rational and slightly regretful tone, eyeing the Imp warily, "This sorry excuse for an animated water spout shouldn't even exist."
I know we're going to regret letting this go. Mortimer stands on the bar merely scowling at the Imp.
What imp? You see no imp. Maybe if you strain, you can try and listen for it, but your eyes fail to find the little devil.
... Stay out of my head...
Round: 1, Initiative: 7
Weapon Equipped = Wand Cure Moderate
Conditions = None
Life Link (8)(100’) = Eri, Hourpen, Mort, Sol, Tynan, little girl
Channel Energy (0/9)(1/7) (DC: 22)(Avoid 6) (4d6+1)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, reroll to avoid worsening attitude)
Rod of Extend (lesser) (1/3)
Melee Attack: BAB +6/+1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +6/+1, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 8, Concentration +14)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Mending, Message, Read Magic
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Guidance, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Scrivener's Chant, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (0/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Detect Undead, Diagnose Disease, Enhance Water, Liberating Command, Remove Fear
Second (18): (0/8) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Light Prison, Pilfering Hand
Third (19): (1/6) Cure Serious Wounds, Daylight, Neutralize Poison, Prayer
Fourth (20): (4/4) Blessings of Fervor, Cure Critical Wounds, Restoration
Ascaria watches as Mort dives onto the bar. I hope he doesn’t break too many glasses up there, we’re going to get kicked out! he worries.
More worried about the imp and the evil it represents, he stands up and remains close to Scout to protect her. He draws a wand of cure moderate wounds and readies for the worst. He tries to smile at Scout and reassure her.
The party holds its position, save for the giant, who leaps onto the bar, expecting to intimidate the imp in stature and tactically superior position.
The imp's wings give its position away softly, as it leaves its last position behind the bar, for a position closer to the front door.
To those not currently miming a gargoyle on a rooftop, the imp doesn't emerge from behind the bar, though it does emerge through your thoughts.
Consider yourselves fortunate. You probably won't be persecuted for your possessing. You all have a good night...mare.
Solrisa delays, wanting to return to her dinner.
Round 2, Init 19
Hourpen moves toward the door, guessing at where the imp might have gone.
Round 1- the Presence of Magical Auras is detected.
Round 2, Init 18
Tynan doesn't move from his spot at the table, but shifts his attention in the direction of the door.
Round: 1, Initiative: 7
Weapon Equipped = Wand Cure Moderate
Conditions = None
Life Link (8)(100’) = Eri, Hourpen, Mort, Sol, Tynan, little girl
Channel Energy (0/9)(1/7) (DC: 22)(Avoid 6) (4d6+1)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, reroll to avoid worsening attitude)
Rod of Extend (lesser) (1/3)
Melee Attack: BAB +6/+1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +6/+1, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 8, Concentration +14)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Mending, Message, Read Magic
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Guidance, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Scrivener's Chant, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (0/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Detect Undead, Diagnose Disease, Enhance Water, Liberating Command, Remove Fear
Second (18): (0/8) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Light Prison, Pilfering Hand
Third (19): (1/6) Cure Serious Wounds, Daylight, Neutralize Poison, Prayer
Fourth (20): (4/4) Blessings of Fervor, Cure Critical Wounds, Restoration
Ascaria, wand in hand, waits to see what happens next.
Round 2, Init 8
AC 23 , 27 on AoO, 20 Touch; 60/60 HP
BAB = +8/+3 (level 8)
ToHit = 1d20+12+1
RHit = 1d20+13-2 (-3 more to hit on Power Attack, +1 Weapon Focus, +6 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
LHit = 1d20+13-2 (-3 more to hit on Power Attack, +1 Weapon Focus, +6 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
THit = 1d20+8-2 (-3 more to hit on Power Attack, +1 Weapon Focus, +6 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
FHit = 1d20+3-2 (-3 more to hit on Power Attack, +1 Weapon Focus, +6 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
Throw = 1d20+11
Fort+7 (+4 vs inhaled and contact poisons, +2 vs. disease)
Reflex+8
Will+4
Initiative +4
CMD=27 (10+ BAB + Str bonus + Dex bonus, 29 Maneuver Training Grapple +2, 28 Manuever training Disarm, +1 class feature "AC Bonus" at level 4)
Flexibility Slots: 1/7
Shirt Slots: 7/10
Knockout: 0/1
+1 Grapple (Armbands), +2 Grapple MT, +2 Improved Grapple (+5 total)
Mortimer looks down at the empty space where the imp presumably landed after getting clocked by the satchel and frowns.
"Leave us be, then," he growls, jumping down off of the bar into the empty space. He turns to the party and shrugs, silently walking around the bar to return to his seat at the table.
[ ... ]
For the party's wariness, they are rewarded with the front door opening, as if by some unseen force, allowing the cooler night air to enter unbidden.
No other thoughts come to your minds, and it takes a small amount of time for the common room to settle down for the apprehensions that come with confrontational imps.
The bald man at the door seems to be relieved the imp is no longer about, giving a nod to Tarquin, as the barkeep picks up broken glass, and says nothing further about the incident.
Mortimer looks slightly abashed as he walks by Solrisa.
He glances over at Tarquin as he starts to clean up the broken glass.
Oh, some things were broken. I guess I should recompense ...
He takes a detour to the bar and pushes a few gold over to Tarquin to cover the damage.
He then returns to his seat at the table and resumes his meal in silence.
... why even have a bouncer? ...
When Mort returns, Ascaria pushes his pint to him nodding.
"At least we're rid of that damn thing." he mumbles as he puts his wand away and continues to eat.
"Maybe we should stay somewhere else tonight?" he asks the group when things quiet down again. "Just to stay out of sight." ha adds as he digs back into dinner.
Not-seeing the imp leave, Solrisa returns to her dinner. She smiles again and makes small talk as she continues to eat and enjoy the evening.
"I don't think we should leave here, I just ordered dessert!" Solrisa answers Ascaria and then "Mort, look! Dessert!" when the sweets do arrive.
As usual, Solrisa tends to her armor and weapons before going to sleep.
* * *
In the morning, Solrisa will spend some time thinking upon the dreams sent from the Dragon before eating a hearty breakfast.
In the morning (after we make it that far), Solrisa will go see if Eligos is okay, feeling somewhat bad that she didn't investigate last night, but she needed food.
"Mort, look! Dessert!"
Mortimer looks, and does indeed finally see cake! He absconds with a decorative piece of kiwi from the top of one of the slices and consumes the fruit.
"I think too, it's fine to stay here, he looks around the room, "if none of the staff of this fine establishment -- or anyone else objects." He pauses, washing down the kiwi fragment with some beer. " Besides, I think I saw Lulu carrying up some particularly extra fluffy pillows."
***
Before retiring for the evening, Mortimer makes sure that Scout is safely tucked comfortably somewhere for the night before trundling back to his own room and face planting on super soft extra fluffy down pillows and bedclothes. He tries not to mess any of it up with his mithral chain.
Weapon Equipped = None
Conditions = Bless (1/160m)
Life Link (8)(100’) = Eri, Hourpen, Mort, Sol, Tynan, little girl
Channel Energy (9/9)(7/7) (DC: 22)(Avoid 6) (4d6+1)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, reroll to avoid worsening attitude)
Rod of Extend (lesser) (2/3)
Melee Attack: BAB +6/+1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +6/+1, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 8, Concentration +14)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Mending, Message, Read Magic
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Guidance, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Scrivener's Chant, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (6/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Detect Undead, Diagnose Disease, Enhance Water, Liberating Command, Remove Fear
Second (18): (7/8) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Light Prison, Pilfering Hand
Third (19): (6/6) Cure Serious Wounds, Daylight, Neutralize Poison, Prayer
Fourth (20): (4/4) Blessings of Fervor, Cure Critical Wounds, Restoration
Ascaria heads up early and sleeps like the dead, though he rises early. He heads downstairs and pokes around the bar for a few empty bottles or a large pitcher. He eventually casts Enhance Water to produce some light wine. Leaving most of it in the kitchen for the house to use as they will (the alcohol is of middling quality, but perfectly drinkable) he takes a little out into the bar area. He sits back where he was the night before, and considers Cayden Cailean in all his wonder.
He waits for breakfast, idly drawing and just mellowing out before the busy of the day. At some point during breakfast, he inquires of Mort, ”How are you feeling today, up to snuff?” He pokes and prods a little, and when he’s dissatisfied, he casts Lesser Restoration upon him.
After a good feast, he suggests to Scout, ”You should wait here. We need to check on a man in his home, and it could get rough. We’ll be back though, likely by lunchtime! And we’ll see what we can do for you then.” he grins, and resists the urge to tussle the little girls hair. He’ll get up, and follow Sol to Eligos’ house.
As they close in on the mansion, he'll cast Bless on the party, "Just in case." he smiles. He uses his rod to extend the duration.
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When the door closes Eri waits for a few breaths and then relaxes. Seeing Mort put some extra coin on the bar he stares, thinking. He then follows the Imp’s likely path from the door to the bar casting prestidigitation to clean up after the filthy beast.
He looks around the bar at the other patrons with a look of concern and calls Tarquin over. ”I’d like to buy a round for the bar, please. Please include yourself and Christina. Sorry about all this hassle. ”
Dinner ensues.
The next day he will come down with Ascaria and quietly drink Kava until Tarquin shows up and looks ready to chat. To Ascaria, ”What do you think about asking Tarquin to hire Scout as an apprentice. We could leave him a bunch of coin to smooth the way. She may not be hugely useful yet, but I’m sure she will be a hard worker after being enslaved in a dark hole with spiders. Learning how to cook will also be a great advantage to her being a nanny. Can you ask him? Your words are painted nicer than mine.”
The magical detection gives you just enough to understand there are roughly 4 magical auras, the strongest one is conjuration. Then it is gone. You might have heard its wings snap directly above, as it takes to the rooftops...
With Eri's turn at diplomacy, the Crooked House is quite presentable for its cleanliness and warmer spirits from Tarquin's social pours.
The evening passes uneventfully. Unless the maiden objects, Scout is more than willing to stay for the night in the Crooked House.
The girl wakes you only twice during the early morning. The first time, it's a small mewl, as nightmare chases her to consciousness. She relates vaguely of ever-changing faces, always ugly and hideous, always studying her predatorily. The second time she wakes you, it's her climbing into bed with you.
...
Come morning, Scout looks doubtful about a separation. Christina intercepts her, inviting her into the kitchen to help with cinnamon pulls and hot chocolate. It seems enough to settle the girl's nerves.
...
Reginald meets you at the front door of the estate. He seems to perform his job in stride, bringing you into the mansion's sitting room, and bids you wait.
Roughly ten minutes pass, as Eligos returns, looking about each of you, questioningly. "Well, I suppose this will do as well. I was going to send Reginald out with a message to the Crooked House. I expect to have finished my information gathering on the morrow, and will spend tonight reviewing the rest of the communicae. Dispatch from the central office of Thrune Library is anything but efficient."
He pauses, as if expecting words from the party.
Solrisa smiles when she sees Eligos, but still looks at him with her Dragon's Eyes, to be sure.
"Are you really you? And not one of them shaperchanger jerks? We've had a fun time with them...let me tell you..." Solrisa says, happy to see the man if he isn't completely evil.
Solrisa will explain the last 24-48 hours of trouble, starting with Tynan's attack, then going to their failed apology, fights with the dopplegangers, her pretty special blue light, then the weird things found in Telakin's lair and even some about Scout.
"...and so here we are. We thought you were dead."
Ascaria braces for impact when the outer doors are open, and relaxes, a little, when he sees Reginald. Could be a doppleganger. he thinks, but he can't see the angle.
Ever ready, he tenses up when Eligos walks in the room. Spells are prepared, but don't quite leave his lips as the man seems, in all ways, normal.
"Yeah, but..." is all he manages at first.
He listens quietly as Sol explains the happenings, and does not interject but rather watches Eligos careully.