"Do tell?" Pakuzzo answers with a glint in his eye. "I always keep an eye out for promising new talent, as my good friend Luthor here can attest. We should definitely talk more. It just so happens that there's an excellent little cafe not far from here. Please excuse me a moment while I confer with my colleagues, hm..."
"We've been known to lift a few items from people from time to time. Given the right motivation, we could move without being seen as well. A good meal sounds decent though."
Turning to Luthor, she frowns "I expect you may be right on the corpse. Likely not going to help her business any."
As a tear leaks down the womans right cheek, she nods at the grisly news. "I feared something bad had happened. Thank you for checking for me. As I've no current need for the Wasp's Nest you are free to make use of it for the time being. Anything I can do to assist you, just let me know."
"Thank you," Pakuzzo answers. "A place to wash up, a room to rest, and something to eat would do nicely. Also, if you have a private table, preferably candlelit, I'd like to reserve one for this evening."
He smiles in Korva's direction during this last request.
Eyeing the pair mischievously , she grins. "Certainly. There's a washroom upstairs and I can find you a table in the corner, though the open floor plan doesn't give much privacy. Otherwise you could dine in my office I suppose, but that's not overly comfortable."
Rexus steps forward and thanks you for all your help, asking "Any chance you've found a way to open this lock box?"
Meanwhile a strange, eery tune begins to play in the coffeehouse.
"Well, thanks to your kind gift I think that I might be able to be of assistance in that regard."
Luthor's ear turns a little bit more than a human ear should be able to. "Laria... you don't happen to have a grimple problem, do you?
Seeing that Pakuzzo was all too eager to take care of the Tengu (knowing him they'd probably get recruited... poor chaps) and he wasn't needed immediately, Luthor decided he had better take his leave and start planning how to keep himself (and everyone else for that matter) alive as long possible.
If not, then I think I'll take my leave. Might I suggest that we meet up again in the nest in two days, maybe around noon? There should be enough traffic through here that officials won't be able to identify us as a group. We can use the ravens if anything comes up before then.
"Luther, I wish to join you. I need a few supplies to work on my weapon. She has seen a fair share of battles. And i think its time i took some time to service her properly. Some oils. Maybe a few new parts. Get her back into shape" she offers a hand in a friendly gesture
"May I? "
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"I think I might know a gnome in Old Kintargo who could sell you some parts. He's missing a leg and he's pretty well mad, but he's a tinkerer with everything mechanical and alchemical. Come to think of it, that probably explains the leg..."
He takes her hand and they head out.
After introducing her to the gnome (I hope its okay that for RP purposes I'm doing a little bit of world building), a business associate of Luthor's who occasionally has him paint the face of a clock or something.
Returning home he digs through a cabinet in his studio until he found several large canvases. Thrune, he knew, would retaliate harshly against anything he perceived as a threat. So it would have to be a psychological battle. Demoralize Thrune's agents and bolster Kintargo's citizens. For the former, he had a few ideas, but he'd need to improve his skill with invisibility. This would certainly do the latter.
He moves a desk out of the way to make room, then stands two easels together to put the canvas on. He makes a small sketch on some spare parchment, then faces the canvas. He flexes his fingers and a palette floats up next to him. That night when he goes to sleep, each of the canvases bears the outline of a bird. The next day he has to turn from his project to paint two more posters and finish another, but that evening he returns to the birds, adding fierce yellow eyes, filling in wings raised in challenge. They aren't complete yet, but the figures of 6 silver ravens are clearly distinguishable.
Downtime crunch:
Daily artistry work: DC 15 (Pleasing) taking 10 for total of 19, Luthor earns 1d10 sp
Work on the ravens: (Not really sure of the DC or price since it's not meant to be quality art, just a message)
~~~IN THE NEST~~~
Lurio's focused demeanor slowly changes into that a relieved smile. The man was glad that there was no more bloodshed that needed to be spilled and the sisters seemed relieved to have encountered some friendly faces. Pakuzzo's request brings a wry grin to the noble's face, a small laugh leaving him before he nodded.
"Absolutely, Pakuzzo. We'll help them the best we can." His attention turns to his friend who brought up a good point; his mother likely thought him murdered or thrown in prison. With a sigh, he nodded again but with a more focused look upon his face. "You speak the truth, friend. Mother would not forgive me if I did not return home at least once. That...and I have a few ideas to keep those we know safe. Come on, let's go."
~~~IN THE CAFE~~~
Wishing the others the best and setting arrangements to meet with them, Luthor's question seems to catch his attention and he strains his ears listening for that odd tune.
Hearing nothing particularly strange, he makes his way out of the cafe and back into Kintargo proper. It wasn't the longest walk to the Greens, the home of the nobility and original houses of Kintargo.
~~~THE GREENS~~~
History and wealth lined the streets as he made his way to the Jhaltero Estate. Servants made their way around the young man, giving an eye to his worn down appearance but not another word said. Before he even had time to open the door, it was flung open and a voice cried out.
"My Lurio!"
A somewhat heavy-set but beautiful woman emerged from within, middle-aged but showing few of the signs of it. Her hair was a platinum blonde and she was dressed in the fine silks of today without being too gaudy. Silvers were the common accessory, usually silver harvested directly from their mine.
"Mother, I am al-" That was as far as he was able to speak before she slapped him across the face, her loving demeanor replaced by anger.
"By the Nine Hells! Do you know how much stress you've caused me? I heard about the riot at the Opera House, the attacks and fights! Some say that there was a scion of House Jhaltero there, riling up the crowd. I have good reports that it was you! Now get inside!"
Rubbing his face but unable to keep the grin from his lips, he passed on inside of the noble's estate as she chided him on his unkempt appearance, his bruised head, and she screamed when it was discovered that his sword had been actually used.
Her rage and fear would eventually quell and Lady Alessa Jhaltero would finally calm herself down to be spoken to rationally. A quiet and private conversation between the two of them would occur, admissions of truth being had from both sides.
"So...you're going to fight back then, Lurio? A noble cause, one that this city sorely needs, but do you understand the cost? All of us could suffer for your actions, for your discrepancy. Do you understand that?" Lady Alessa said, her voice calm but carrying a heavy meaning behind it. Lurio had seen and heard what happened to Rexus's family; erased in a conflagration and nothing left but ash to reclaim. The same could happen to the Jhaltero as well, they could be the next light extinguished and one of the few that didn't happily side with House Thrune.
"It is a risk, mother, but...this city needs people to stand up to them. They need the Silver Ravens, they'll need us." Standing, he turns and moves along the bookshelves of their sitting room, nodding. "I have an idea...a good one. A friend of mine, an accomplice in fact, is good at changing his face. What if we did the same thing...what if I changed my face?"
His mother looked at him with a confused and curious expression, a dawning light slowly appearing upon her features as he lifted the crimson mask he had delivered some time ago. That look of realization turned to a smirk and a nod, her worry changing to approval.
"I see. If I cannot dissuade you from your course then, my son, I will assist you however I can. You are a Jhaltero. You are a proud son of Kintargo. Now...let us see what we can do to assist you in your foolish plan."
Crady quietly makes his way to the markets and spends 1gp, 5sp, and 6cp on 3 buckets, 2 bars of soap, and 2 dandy brushes and begins the long laborious task of emptying The Livery's old fountain/pool and overall general cleaning.
(F) "You what?!"
His father's voice was booming. Usually his mother was there to calm him down, but she was too busy crying.
"Father, if you'll let me explain..."
(F) "Oh, you've explained enough! To think, that the Thrunes believe that you are some kind of criminal."
His mother, controlling herself, nodded at this. (M) "He always was such a disappointment."
"If you would let me-"
His father's face had turned bright red, and his chins shook with rage. (F)"I cannot believe that you would have been stupid enough to go join that mob. To stand up against the Thrunes, are you insane?"
"No! I am not insane. I was just trying to do what is right."
(M)"Oh my dear baby boy. Of course you were. But did you really think that the little protest would mean anything besides blood on the streets? Nobody can stand up against the Thrunes."
(F)"Quite right. Look, my boy. Just come into the office with me. It isn't too late. I can make a bribe here, twist an ear there...you can be a scribe, like me. Join the civil service."
His anger, draining from his face, was replaced with a pleading look. It was enough to break Marillo's heart.
"Father, mother. You know it isn't that easy. I...overheard...that someone in the crowd killed a pair of Thrune enforcers. They think it was me. If I go in now, they'll kill me just to be sure."
At that his mother broke into tears once more, and his father's face began to pale.
"The two of you are just civil servants. You have no real pull. They'll feed me to the dogs!"
A long, awkward silence, ensued. His father walked over to his chair and collapsed in it. He buried his head in his hands, while a portrait of Infernal Majestrix Queen Abrogail II hung over his head.
(F)"And what do you plan to do then?"
For the first time in his life, Marillo saw his father look defeated. It was sobering sight, and it struck home how much trouble he truly was in. He knew that they loved him, and that his lifestyle was an embarrassment to them. Now, he risked not only his life, but theirs as well. He swallowed a lump in his throat that he didn't know was there.
"I'm going to leave the city for awhile. Until this all blows over."
His mother forced a smile. Her makeup, which she always insisted on spending so much on, was well and thoroughly smeared. She walked over to him and embraced him. After a moment, Marillo returned the gesture. Fear for the two of them overwhelmed him, and mixed with a strong feeling of guilt. It took all of his strength not to cry. After what felt like an age she released him, obviously trying to keep control over herself. He watched as his father quietly got up and walked out of the room. Without saying another word, Marillo turned and left. The streets of Kintargo swallowed him up as he spent the next hour wandering aimlessly.
Eventually, to get his mind off of the events prior, he turns to his profession and attempts to earn a day's living by performing the tricks of his trade.
So wrought with emotions was he, that he put his very soul and being into his performance. Anything to get his mind over the events of the past few days. As his daggers tumbled through the air, he thought to himself how they had taken the lives of two men. As his shadow danced with a life of his own, he thought of how he had fought pixies, a strange bird-man, even demons. As his body contorted as his tricks became all the more daring, his tried to push the thought out of his head that his parents might well be torn apart by Thrune hounds because of what he was doing. He didn't even notice the crowd that was forming. Sweat poured down his face as he worked, and it wasn't until he finally let out a cry of primal rage at the end of his routine that he noticed the thunderous applause from all around him. With wide, staring eyes he looked over the sea of people who had circled around him. Numbly, he bowed. Only later when he counted the crowns that were tossed at his feet did he notice how much gold was in there...and how much it amounted to.
-----
When Marillo arrives back at the group, he has his katana hanging from his side, though it is more or less covered by a cloak that he is wearing. On his right arm is a steel bracer (ie: buckler) that he plans to use to deflect enemy attacks. Finally, under his clothing is a mail shirt of dwarven-make, that he bought with the spoils of their adventures and with the unlikely bounty that he had earned in the street. Unlike the protest, he has come now ready for a fight.
[ooc]Sold my studded leather and the crossbow. Used my gold and the 50 from that amazing day job roll to buy a masterwork chain shirt. Down to 18 gold crowns. But worth it, as armor expert means I have 0ACP and now have AC18 to boot.
After letting Vinz out the window to scavenge on his own, Pakuzzo draws a hot bath, heads to the market to resupply (purchasing a new quiver, five silver arrows, and a potion of cure light wounds), and heads back to the cafe. There he and Korva enjoy a quiet dinner where they talk about many things, some actually related to the rebellion. Presumably it's such such an enjoyable diversion that he's spoken for the rest of the evening.
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Laria nods silently as each make their way back through the coffeehouse individually. Rex us is found waiting in the large open room.
"Welcome back my friends!" spouts the man in an excited greeting.
Marillo, taking his time works the lock on the coffer, popping it open. The contents within reveal a stack of documents and a few scrolls.
Greedily, Rex us grabs for the documents and begins perusing the parchment, his frown deepening with each page. "I should have known" He mumbles. Glancing up, he adds "It's written in a cypher. I believe I can crack it, but it'll take some time. Any of you speak Celestian, Elven, and Strix? If so, your help may speed up this process."
"I'm afraid not. But let me just be the first to say, it is great to have some good news for a change. Speaking of which, Pakuzzo, how did you enjoy your rest and relaxation?"
"I can speak Elven, m'Lord", speaks the urban druid. With hand extended, Crady asks to see the documents.
Luthor arrived in yet another guise, this time looking distinctly elven with sandy hair, but eventually someone from the group was able to vouch for him.
As Rexus begins perusing the documents, he quickly verified which ones were magical and magically withdrew them from the stack. As the four sheets of parchment hovered in the air in front of him, begins reading:
"Let's see... Removal of scent, adjustment of weight... touch targeting... This here is probably a spell of Pass Without Trace. Uhm... Crady, you would probably be the best at casting this one, though you might be able to teach Pakuzzo too."
As he begins reading the next spell, Rexus speaks:
""
"I've never even heard of a Strix, but I've spoken elven since I was a child and I've had some training in Celestial. I can probably help when I finish analyzing these things here... Oh! Hahaha, this thing here is a misdirection spell! I can't tell you the hilarity my brother used to cause wi" A funny look crosses his face as he pauses mid phrase.
"...Anyways, it'll be useful." he finishes in a little more subdued tone.
"None of thase languages are known to me. Unfortunately. And this whole magic thing? Never had to deal in such detail with it. Most cases a well placed shot would handle a spell caster." she shrugs. And as usual. Two arms hidden under her cloak. The top two arms hanging by her side
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Looking over the documents, Crady notices Cerenity fold her additional arms under her cloak.
"Um, Cerenity", the urban druid stammers, as he organizes in his mind what he wishes to say. "You know, you don't have to hide your arms from us, right. You are free to be yourself, as Kintargo would wish it", says Metronicus with a warm smile.
She chuckles as her arms drop from her cloak
"A habit. One that has saved me a few times in the past."
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Looks like the last two scrolls are for obscuring one's motivations under magical scrutiny, and the other for sending long range messages. We probably won't need the latter since we have the ravens though."
The scrolls lazily float down into a neat stack as Luthor straightens. Now came the important part. He could see that this rebellion had potential: Lurio; with his connections to the nobility, Marillo; presumably with rapport with others whose birth's were tainted by the infernal, Cerenity; with military expertise, Crady; with his knowledge of the streets, and Pak; well, it'd been less than 72 hours and he'd already recruited a team of ready made revolutionaries. And of course, Luthor had his own manipulative abilities. Depending on this group's actions, a lot of people could die, so Luthor would just have to make sure they didn't go that route.
"We have some decisions to make. Kintargo is a big place to protect, and as it stands, if Thrune starts to figure that Kintargo's citizens are more trouble than they're worth he won't be particularly discriminatory in killing people. We need to figure out how to neuter his power structure without drawing significant attention to ourselves."
"Ma'am, I know this is out of protocol, but I thought you should know, The Slasher's Back! Tiefling bodies have been turning up in the Devil's Nursery again and whomever it is is taking some sort of trophies. I haven't heard anything else...and it doesn't seem the Thrunes are making the investigation a priority. Unfortunately, I must get back. See ya!"
Without another word, the man quickly hurries down the alley and out of site.
-Voice 1 "I hear the Dottari guard towers are so full they're keeping those the arrest in warehouses now. My Cousin even said they're putting prisoners to work in places like Sallix Salt Works."
--Voice 2 - With a chuckle, another man replies "Nice. Well, at least they're cutting down production cost by using free labor."
Before you are able to react the two voices disappear into the crowd.
Handing the documents over as you requested Rexus patient waits for you to finish looking them over. Taking them back, he sets down next a crate and begins pouring over the documents. "Արծաթագույն Raven ի ... suojelijoita maa ..." mumbles the man. "Sirs and madam, umm...this may take a while."
Pausing from his task at the sound of Luthor's statement, he offers, "Not to try and presume your duties, but perhaps a thorough search of the ruins created on the Night of Ashes? There is of course my own estate, I suspect was targeted due to my parents membership of the Sacred Order of Archivists. As to the destruction of the Silver Star music store and the Thrashing Badger tavern, I can only surmise. I tried to investigate but the dottari chased me off rather quickly."
Looking hard at the documents, at times holding them sideways, Metronicus face lights up.
"Oh! I got it!"
She frowns as she watched him disappear again into the crowd. This was troublesome news. She best warn her companions about this
Back at the ranch:
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She informs them what she knows about the two places. Sharing information will keep them alive. She hoped. Then her voice became serious
"We have another problem to deal with. A serial killer, knows as the Slasher, is back. And he seems to be targeting Tieflings. If we can maybe end his, or her, reign of killings, we may gain some support under thise grieved by the killer. In any case. Be careful when you travel, and what you look like"
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"Someone attacking tieflings? Brave. Lots of tieflings can take your head off if you get them angry. Or shoot their head off. I almost feel bad for him if he goes after you."
"However, if anything is going to stop him it won't be the guards...I've heard that the Thrunes have rounded up so many people that they're now keeping prisoners in the warehouses. They're also putting people to work in the Sallix Salt Works. So I'm thinking that we may have the beginnings of our rebellion right under our noses. If we can free the prisoners in the warehouses or salt works, I'm sure that more than a few will join our cause."
Luthor frowns at the news of the Tieflings. "It's a shame this slasher's fury against those touched by the infernal isn't better directed. Not to be insensitive..." he glances furtively over at Marillo.
"So we've got two recruitment opportunities, and in either case we'll be saving lives; from either a gory death or a slow suffocation as slaves. The salt mines seem a little risky to me, but I think we could free the people in the warehouses relatively easily. As for the serial killer... I don't want to say bait, but I don't have any better ideas. Anyone?
As Crady and Rexus work on the documents, Crady manages to decipher a few key words. "Oh! Good call sage! Yes. This part states ' The Silver Ravens were established in 4606 AR in the wake of the chaos that swept over Cheliax after Aroden's death to help protect the city of Kintargo from oppression' and here it says...'The woman who founded the Silver Ravens was a mysterious elf known as "Jackdaw" a figure who, before the advent of the Age of Lost Omens, built herself into a sort of Kintargan folk hero who fought for the rights of the city's downtrodden.'"
Looking up at the news, he turns to Luthor. "Actually, there are no mines in the Saltworks. For safety and efficiency, they just dug a rather large pit and the structure of the business is built around it."
"Everyone seems to think I am one of the so called Tieflings. If bait is to be used. I will put myself into that position. This murderer has gone free far too long" she cracks her knuckles
"I will be very happy to get my hands on him. ALL of them"
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"I'll go with you. As I can see from the way some of you look at me, yes, I probably have *some* tainted blood. You do look more the tiefling than I. I'll shadow you, and come out of hiding once the killer reveals himself."
Making your way from the coffee house to Rexus childhood home, the City Walls are ever present to your north; looming over the other structures. The periodic towers prove House Thrune's guards are numerous as they keep watch. Regular patrolling Dottari hassle a few citizens, but don't seem to be getting out of hand.
As you grow closer to The Greens, a slightly shorter wall looms before you. A younger man at the guardhouse smiles to you as you pass through the open gate; marking something on a parchment.
Noting a more professional regimen inside the segregated neighborhood, none pay much attention to you.
The former home of the Victocora family is an eyesore next to the pristine gardens and noble residences surrounding the rubble. A heap of charred stones and ash are all that remains of this once beautiful abode.
Luthor gives a shrug and absentmindedly picks one of the scrolls up again. "Well, sounds like we have plenty of work to do." He pulls a rolled up piece of parchment from a small case, then borrows a quill from Rexus. Marillo and Cerenity can get started among the tieflings... maybe you can visit relatives of the victims? Crady and Rexus seem to have their work cut out for them between the cipher and Crady's project over at the stinkery. Pakuzzo is up to who knows what with the sisters, but knowing him he's probably already recruited another half-dozen people... gods help them... and I've got some projects of my own." He pauses, frowning. "We're going to need money. Whether for bribes or just feeding people who are in hiding... Lurio? I don't expect you to commit your family fortune, but maybe you have some connections?"
There's some discussion in which it is decided that for now they will focus on acquiring resources and intelligence, and to that end they figure that an investigation of the burn sites would be well worth the time given the rewards of the Livery. Luthor writes Pakuzzo a brief message instructing him to meet up with the crew at the Victocora residence and ties it to the leg of his inanimate silver raven to be released a little ways from the café. Their discussion concluded, they close the meeting.
Upon receiving the message, Pakuzzo scrawls out a short reply onto a piece of parchment and attaches it to the figurine's leg:
Opening the window, he lets the raven fly off into the distance and starts making preparations to head out.
************
He ceases once he is interrupted by another member of the party.
She listens as he describes the plan. She thinks a bit
"This plan can work. We just shouldnt make it obvious. We may chase the killer away. More than that. We end them as quickly as possible. Maybe leave one of those raven pins on the body to show we are aware?"
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Sifting through the debris as you await the arrival of your companions, nothing sticks out. A few shattered pictures, half a charred...rabbit?, something that may have been a desk or a chair at some time. Seems Rexus was correct. Not much to glean from here.
After a moment, he adds "This is The Greens after-all." Grinning, he turns to continue his patrol.
As you enter the Devil's Nursery a group of tiefling kids spot you and your above poverty appearance. They rush to your side, holding out their hands.
"Food, good sir?"
"Medicine?"
"Can I touch your sword?"
"Ma'am?! Ma'am, have you need of a child??"
One particularly thin child spits on Cerenity's boots and starts 'polishing' them with a muddy rag.
You are able to peel away from the children without too much hassle and begin asking around among the locals. Mostly you find yourselves obtaining vague answers and tall tales. The only true consistency is there have been 3 murders so far and it all started after the Night of Ashes.
Finally, you stumble upon a rather timid young tiefling female named Zea. "Pardon, but I hear you are looking for information on the murders? I...I..." stopping, she takes a deep breath before continuing. "I found one of the....well....I found the last one."
Standing up from where he had couched down to examine the rubble, the tengu slapped the dirt from his hands and sighed.
"I was hoping if I was able to see this place with my own eyes I could deduce something useful, maybe even something incriminating but...nothing. It's just ashes and rubble, nothing we can tie them with. Thrune's people were either too good or too lucky, gods damn them all."
Luthor, presently in the form of a well-to-do student steps over the property boundary and closes his eyes. He breathes deeply, feeling the air grow still around him, tuning out the noise until he could hear only the sound of his own heartbeat. Most people don't know, but places and buildings have memories, particularly places where people spend a lot of time like their homes. He reaches out with his mind, searching for the pool of psychic energy where the memories are stored. Like a cool touch to his brain, reminiscent of a brain freeze but less painful, he finds it and plunges his psyche in to it. Flashes of memories fleet before him; there was Rexus, but before he could see what he was doing he was gone again. He saw a woman... perhaps Rexus' mother, but really it could have been any female resident who had ever lived there.
His face contorts in concentration as he forces the stream of images towards the recent past; toward the night of ashes.
For the children, Marillo takes out a handful of coppers, and explains to them how he earns his money. He shows his knife tricks, and says that skills will bring gold far sooner than begging. He gives copper to those children who can come up with ideas as to what talents they might have, and extra to those who can show it. He'll stop when Cerenity pulls him away, lest he end up 'wasting' the day in lessons.
To the man, Marillo says "Please, we are here to help. Gods know the guards won't do anything. Tell us what you know."
This was not her place. These people were... strange. And all the mutations they showed. It was. Uncomfortable. She wanted to shoo them away. They made her feel uncomfortable and odd. But they needed the support. She sighed and ripped a piece of her cloak
"I have very little coin on me. But let me replace your cloth, child"
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The child thanks Cerenity profusely for the new rag before scurrying away.
Frowning, the woman's voice sounding far away, she replies, "I...I don't know much. Just...every few days there seems to be a new body..." Turning pale, she looks Marillo in the eyes and spouts "They are DESECRATED!" Stifling a gag, she turns and heads deeper into the slum. "If we hurry, you can see the most recent scene before it's trampled."
She leads you through narrow alleys and around the crumble structures of the neighborhood to the south in silence. Stopping suddenly in a particularly dark alley for being daytime near the south wall. "I found...it?...here."
You continue to focus on the recent history. A raging fire comes into view, but remains unfocused. A figure stands before the blaze. Concentrating harder, just to get a glimpse...to focus the image...the blurring face turns to you...just before you lose the connection entirely the face of a smiling Rexus comes into focus.
And the images are gone.
"Thank you for doing this, I know it must be hard. What can you tell us about this desecration you spoke of?"
Marillo, while she is talking, will also look at the crime scene to see what he can notice about it. The darkness was little matter for him, as he could see the alley in all of its colors regardless.
Luthor stumbles back in shock at the vision he saw. Steadying himself, his eyes narrow as he looks over at the apparently somber Rexus. It'd been awhile since he'd attempted to invade the mind of another living creature, but it was certainly worth doing now. In his mind's eye, he saw the area around Rexus, and saw the pulsating light that was his mind. He reaches out and touches it.
"Hey, you okay there?"
"It's...I...their faces...they are..." finding herself unable to describe the mutilation, the young woman burst into tears. After a few moments, she manages to regain control of herself. Wiping away a stream of mucus, she looks up to the two of you and offers "Last nights body hasn't been cremated yet. They'll do that tonight. If you wish, I can take you to the abandoned store where they are holding it."
She proceeds to lead you through the winding passageways a couple blocks to a long abandoned structure. The crumbling walls defy all expectations by holding up the sagging roof. Stepping through the doorway, you can see tiefling layed out on a slab. The face has been desecrated beyond reasonable recognition with swollen bruises, the teeth ripped from its mouth and its skull partially caved in. A single male tiefling stands guard over the corpse.
Turning to look you over, he stifles a tear. "I'm...I'm sorry. I don't think I'm cut out for this part of it. If you need me, I'll be at the 'Nest' working on decrypting those documents. I'm better with research."
With a nod to each of you, the man pauses, as if waiting for permission to leave the scene.
"Hmm-wha?" An apparently extremely distracted Luthor responds to Pakuzzo. Rexus callls over. Rexus, I-- he gives a shake of his head not entirely unlike a fox might do if shaking water from himself. That sounds like a good idea Rexus. We'll let you know if we find anything.
Looking at the injuries, Marillo felt a wave of guilt wash over his body. Rather than feel sympathy or horror, he felt drawn in by the signs of pain and torture. He knew it was wrong, and it made the truth of the situation all the more soul wrenching. He resolved, once more, to do the right thing. If for no other reason that to prove to himself that he was, indeed, a good person.
After thanking their guide, Marillo carefully examined the body, looking for any clues as to who did this...or whether any of the damage seemed to have been done not to kill but to make a point.
With a sigh, Lurio mumbles, "This could be my home." Looking over to Luthor and Pakuzzo, he suggests "Seems Rexus was correct about his home being a dead end. Should we try the Thrashing Badger?"
Leaving the Greens the man at the guard post marks a few things on his parchment and nods to you. As you travel in a southerly direction, you pass similar Citizen group patrols and a few less armored ones with the insignia of Asmodeus upon their chest.
One such patrol stands watch, grinning maliciously, as a group of citizens frantically pickup rice from the street.
Upon arrival to the previous location of the Thrashing Badger near the docks, it's quite obvious there is nothing left. Being nearly gone entirely, the ruins burned through the boardwalk and plunged into the river below.