Looking closely at the wounds and the victims mouth, you realize the teeth weren't knocked out. The only way wounds like this could be made is if something or someone pulled them out whole.
Though he would have liked to have poked through the ashes of the estate to see if there were any basement areas that survived the flames, Luthor figured that would have to wait until he could figure out how to significantly extend the amount of time he could spend invisible. For now, there were too many people watching, and he wanted to get out of the Greens before his disguise wore off.
As they pass the rice picking citizens Luthor quickly surmises what had happened in the moments before; that the CCG goons had knocked the rice down in the first place. He was in his normal form now so he couldn't do much, but he did make sure a roof tile "fell" at one of the CCG guys faces.
Arriving at the wharf, Luthor peers down into the water below. "How deep do you suppose the water is Pak?"
Shabbezz gazed into the water and shrugged.
"Probably deeper than it looks, if the whole of the Thrashing Badger sunk into it," he replied to Luthor. "I don't suppose that mind magic of yours lets you breathe water, does it? I'm not that keen on swimming down for a closer look, and the last time I got this near the water I almost lost my head, not that I have to remind you."
Having followed the trio by the air, Vinz is content to sit on the nearest perch and preen his feathers until something worthy of his interest occurs.
Frowning, she looks around the dank room. "Think you two can stop the one responsible?"
Looking down at the body, Cerenity stays silent. These are his people. I should let him handle the discussion she considers.
Though passerby's glance in your direction, none stop or pay you much attention.
Pakuzzo points to an area in the water and calls Luthor and Lurio's attention.
"Hey, see that, by the rubble here?" he says. "Looks like jewelry--a pendant? In the shape of a rose! I wonder if we can reach it?"
Once Marillo and Cerenity leave, he will lay out his plan. Come nightfall when most are inside their homes, the two of them will patrol the Devil's Nursery. Marillo will stealth behind her, waiting for the murderer to strike. With luck and patience it is his hope to catch the monster off guard, and to kill him when he thinks he is going to find another easy victim. She will be the bait, as Marillo looks human enough that even he doesn't readily admit to being a Tiefling. In the dark and from a distance he would look far too human. She, though, has four arms. An unmistakable Tiefling, even though she in actuality isn't.
Luthor scans the water for the pendent, finally catching sight of it as Pakuzzo points towards it. "I see something shiny down there, but I'm sincerely impressed you can make out any sort of motif on it. I think I can get it. He extends a hand over the waterside wills the pendant up towards it.
A rose on a bloody road.
Nodding in response to Marillo's plan.
The biggest clue that night is falling comes by the tieflings hurrying about, desperate to get in doors. By the time the sun finishes setting, Marillo and Cerenity appear to be the only two left on the street.
Cerenity looks to Marillo, ensuring he's set up before she begins her patrol. Heading out into the dark alleys, she searches around the decrepit buildings; the intermittent stench of stale urine drifting through the air.
Shimmering water drips from the pendant as it floats up into Luthor's outstretched hand. He glances at it only for a moment before quickly tucking it away. "Best we not be seen in public with that particular artifact." He steps away from the water. "I'm afraid that's the best I can do with underwater things; I'm a fox, not a fish. Come on, we've got one more place to visit this afternoon." He turns and starts to walk back up the street.
Pakuzzo nods.
"Agreed. That's something we don't want to be caught out in the open with."
He whistles for Vinz to follow after them and then heads for the street as well.
Hearing the call, Vinz takes to the skies after the trio.
As you approach the bridge to access the other side of town, you find uniforms gathering on the north side. Upon spotting you, a lean guard pokes the stout man next to him. "Aye. Raven there. Aint we spose'd ter be ridden city of pests?"
With a toothy grin, the stout man hollers to Pakuzzo, "You dere! Need 'elp destroying dat varmint?"
The rest of your travel seems uneventful. Finding more charred rubble as you reach your destination, the building seems to have collapsed into the chambers below; creating a sinkhole. As it's getting towards the later afternoon, the street currently seems all but deserted.
Meandering aimlessly through the 'streets', near where the most recent victim was found, the air seems still and stale. Only the sounds of crumbling buildings and shifting foundations accompany you. Somewhere in the distance, a babies cry pierces the night.
"Are we sure this is a good idea?" Whispers Cerenity to the darkness. Before Marillo could reply, a swarm of...things fly out from a side alley, converging on Cerenity. These gaunt fairies have tattered ears, black eyes, and huge mouths filled with mismatched teeth. The carry oversized pairs of pliers.
While several go straight for the woman's mouth, ripping out two teeth, others try grabbing at her fingers.
Marillo
White
Red
Cerenity
Blue
Green
Shaking off his shock, having expected a simple man, Marillo leaps out of hiding and slices one of the beasts in two! The vile creature explodes as it splits, showering Marillo, Cerenity and three of its companions in a foul smelling cloud of sparkles.
The immediate companion next to slayed fairy turns to Marillo and lunges for his chompers. Marillo, having seen them pull the same trick on his companions, manages to jerk his head away just in time.
Two of the other creatures, spying Marillo's skills, try to knock Cerenity unconscious with the blunt side of their pliers; coming up short on both attempts.
Round 1
Order:
Marillo
White
Red
Cerenity
Blue
Green
Her mouth bleading profusely, pain shooting through her, she cringes in pain as she leaps back, her pistol out as a shot rings out
-Posted with Wayfinder
Luthor walks the perimeter of the of the collapsed building, grimacing as he notes the partially buried rubble. He guessed there must have been some sort of underground area, perhaps not unlike the café. A partial collapse was almost more dangerous than a full collapse in this case though, he'd better tread lightly. He wanders off a little into an alley, then reemerges about 1 1/2 feet tall, four legged, and furry. He ventures out into the rubble, eyes peeled for dangerous spots and and potential valuables, and nose alert for bodies.
(plus any bonuses due to tiny size)
-Posted with Wayfinder
-Posted with Wayfinder
Reeling back from the onslaught, Cerenity leaps out of they winged creatures reach and fires a round at the one threatening her companion.
With an echoing BOOM, the tiny thing explodes. Showering Marillo and a few of the creatures in another sea of retched glitter.
The two gagging fairies drop their pliers, which immediately dissolve into dust and fly headlong into Marillo; biting at his face. While one of the creatures only manage to scrape his armor, the other finds flesh.
Two others mumble some incoherent gibberish and vanish into thin air.
Marillo
White (both dead)
Red
Cerenity
Blue
Green
Spend 1 ki point for +1 attack.
Showered by dust and assaulted by carries, Marillo swiped with his blade, doing all he could to fend off their blows and to keep his eyes clear of dust. He also had to focus on keeping their magical paralysis from affecting him. He was still on his feet, but it was a close call.
Swatting at the two biting pests, Marillo can't quite connect. Though the man discovers his fortitude steels him against the nasty creatures filth.
With a shriek of rage and a chorus of gibberish, two more disappear. Their continued agitation sounding loudly as they move away from the pair unseen.
Marillo
White (both dead)
Red
Cerenity
Blue
Green
More blood spills from her mouth as she tries to get a clear shot at one of those assaulting her comrade, but their movement throws her aim off as she does not wish to hit her friend in the crossfire
Cerenity fires off a round, carefully trying not to hit her companion. The startling sound as a projectile wizzes by his ear interrupts one of the fairies chanting. The other jabbers away and disappears in a cloud of smoke. Maniacal cackling with intermittent gags can be heard fleeing your ire.
Marillo
White (both dead)
Red
Cerenity
Blue
Green
3 ki left, rage used for day
"This fella? Naw, no need for that, gents. He's my pet. Raised him from an egg, I did, and he pulls his keep by keeping the riff-raff at bay. Nothing here that you need to be worried about, we'll just be on our way..."
*****************************
Once they arrive, Pakuzzo looks over the rubble with interest. He tests its stability with one taloned foot, then turns to the others.
"Let me have a look-see first, I won't go far. Vinz, STAY."
The tengu moves out further onto the rubble, careful to mind his steps.
Once he's advanced a little ways out, he peers down into the sinkhole as far as he can see.
Lurio keeps an eye on the street for guards while his companions begin searching the sinkhole for clues, unusually somber as he considers the sites you've visited this day.
As you sift through the rubble, it suddenly shifts under Pakuzzo. Thinking quickly, the feathered man hops to another section as it collapse into the lower level below him.
Looking towards the noise his companions creates, Luthor spies a metal box exposed by the collapsing debris.
Swinging at the unseen cackling fairy, Marillo's weapon comes away clean and the noise continues to leave him behind.
Bringing his blade to bear again, he slashes at the remaining fairy, severing it's oversized head. Exploding in another shower of rancid dust, he slashes it again, bisecting the tiny being as it falls to the ground.
Pakuzzo remains light on his feet, but senses no increasing danger.
"I can't see anything worth noting from here!" he shouts back to his companions. "How about you guys?! See anything?!"
Luthor bristles as the piece of ground collapses beneath Pakuzzo. Noting a few divets in the ground and the pattern of the collapsed debris, he figures they don't have very long until the whole thing gives way. There's a glint almost the color of his own fur a little below Pakuzzo. Luthor hesitates, paw raised, then pads over a few yards closer. Yep, definitely metal... a music box maybe? Or possibly a safe. He tries to lift it with his mind, but but is unsuccessful. He throws some pebbles at Pakuzzo's feet to get his attention, then throws a few more at the box.
Shoving the rough cloth into Cerenity's mouth, Marillo ensures he packs it tightly over the gaping holes. After a few moments, the bleeding seems to stop as the wounds clot up under the pressure.
With that, they will return to the party's hideout to inform everyone of what happened. Marillo will bring with him whatever fairy remains he can scrape up, in the hope that they can be identified and help can be sought in finding their lair.
Satisfied with your ministrations, the two of you begin making your way back to the hideout. Recalling the curfew, you do your best to keep to the shadows. A few night patrols pass by, but fail to notice you.
As you approach the bridge, you note additional guards have been stationed there. All have lit torches.
Pointing to the box Luthor is tossing pebbles at, Lurio hurriedly suggests "Pakuzzo, right there's a box. I think someone is coming. Grab it and lets go."
Dusk falling now, he adds "It's got to be getting close to curfew and we have to get back across the river, I'm thinking Pakuzzo would rather not have to swim."
As the hours pass by, you continue to haul bucket loads of water out of the fetid pool. The creatures you encountered on your first visit are either gone or just hiding. Either way, they haven't bothered you and the corpse's have all disappeared.
Recalling the beauty of Kintargo's past helps the time go more quickly. With a smile on your face, you are able to look forward to the beauty you are going to return this once great city to.
Suddenly, you hear a *Clunk* as your dunk your bucket back into the stagnant water. Pulling it up, the bucket seems heavier than it should be.
At first, the item seems to be nothing but a 12-inch iron bar lined with small plates and spikes. Upon closer inspection, you realize you've seen one of these before. Some of the better, well-to-do artitians and crafters have these. It's an Any-Tool!.
Marillo tells Cerenity to wait as he scouts the area out, looking for a path around the bridge, or failing that, a way to sneak up upon the guards...
It takes some work, but Luthor manages to utilize his sharp canines to open the box and passes the potions and scrolls up to Lurio and Pakuzzo. Slinking back around the box, he notices some more pebbles and dust falling around the box. "Time to go!"
***
As it's getting on towards night, Luthor opts to remain in his fox form, as he had run out of disguise spells and was not keen on having the CCG come knocking at his door. As they approach the bridge and spy the guards on the bridge, Luthor cuts in front of Pakuzzo and Lurio, turning to face them and bristling. He then continues on ahead, breaking into a run as he vanishes.
Casting his Vanish spell would give him about 12 seconds of complete invisibility. He wished he could do longer, but it would work for tonight. Still invisible, he halts about a stone's cast from the guards and the bridge. As he turns visible again his eyes begin to glow violet, and sparks and shadows of similar colors begin to swirl around him. As he bares his teeth, the inside of his mouth is revealed to glow the same color as his eyes. In all, it makes for a rather terrifying sight.
A guttural growl comes from the fox's open maw, and the lights flash brighter than before as the most dangerous/stupid looking guard is seized upon by an impulse to kill the guard standing next to him.
Pakuzzo crosses his arms watches the fox rush ahead of them.
"Now, what's gotten into his skull?" he says to Lurio.
One of the men spies Luthor's sudden appearance. Surprised for but a moment, he smiles. "Hey guys! Look. It's a cute little fox. I think I may keep it." Moving towards you slowly, he holds out a hand. "Come here boy. Come now, no need to be scared." he coos. Looking back to the assorted guards, he adds "Check out it's eyes. Somethings off with it you think?"
As he approaches the fox, it lets out an infernal growl. A pop of light flashes in the mans face and his eyes glaze over. Turning suddently, he charges at the nearest uniformed guard, swing his mace high over his head.
Stumbling back from the blow, the man hollers "Aye, dumbshit! Whatcha doin?!"
The four men wearing the telltale marks of the chelish citizens rush forward to stop the dottari's attack. "Hey! Were' friend's here! It's the citizens we shoiuld be hassling!!"
4 Chelish Group Thugs
Luthor
4 Dottari
Luthor grins, the flickering shadows causing his bared teeth to appear longer and his distorting his vulpine jaw, giving him an expression of gleeful madness. Slowly, purposefully, he starts walking towards the guards as the shades pulse, a terrible impulse seizing upon the the guard who had been struck to attack the nearest Chelish citizen he had backed towards.
Rubbing his head, the man's eyes suddenly go blank. Turning away from the man that'd attacked him, he draws his light mace. His friends, trying to hold the Dottari guard at bay, fail to see him raise the weapon over his head.
Bring it down, hard on his companion, a loud *KaThunk* rings out in the still air. Dropping his hold on the uniformed officer, he turns "What...OW! Why?!"
Shoving the chelish thugs off of himself, the Dottari drops his weapon. Grabbing one of his detainers by the neck, he hollers "Grrba Rhak"
The remaining Dottari, seeing things unfold, rush forward to try and stop the skirmish. "Stop it George. They may be weak and pitiful, but they have their uses!"
The man grabbed round the neck manages to slip away from the crazed guard. Squaring up, the men draw weapons.
Pakuzzo doesn't actually possess teeth, but if he did he'd be grinning like a madman at the spectacle unfolding before him. As it is, he whistles low for Vinz to hide with him as he ducks into the shadows to watch the fun.
Vinz flutters to the ground next to Pakuzzo in the shadows and remains waiting patiently.
The guards were on edge; now was the time to really make them fear for their lives. The sparks and shadows seem to gather in to Luthor. Then, just at it looks like they might disappear, there's a rush of air as the shades explode outward into an enormous spectral fox behind him, accompanied by a long, blood curdling screech as both the physical and spectral foxes gape open their mouths! Continuing to screech, Luthor slowly, purposefully begins walking towards the guards.
At the sound of Luthor's cry, several of the unaffected guards turn to look at the fox.
"What IS that thing?"
"Its definitely unnatural!"
The two charmed men wrench free and toss out a good blow on their would be companions. The victims collapse under the attacks.
"For Thrune's Sake!" exclaims the lieutenant. Marking over, he cracks the unruly Dottari; knocking him out cold. Turning back to the fox, he hollers "Beat it fey! You should help us!"
With a quick order, the three remaining Chelish guards are sent away.
"Happy now harpy?!" Shaking his head, he eyes the downed men. Looking back to the fox, he pulls out a dagger. "Fine!" He sighs as he guts the Chelish man. "Will that appease you?"
Luthor considered his options. It was just the lieutenant now, there was no point in charming him to attack someone. Making an obvious retreat would undermine the overall effectiveness of the night, as he would undoubtedly relate how he had scared of the phantom that had overthrown several of his men.
He crouches down, then runs straight at the lieutenant, 20ft, 15ft, 10ft, and then making as if to leap at the lieutenant, he vanishes as the specter breaks apart around the the dottari.
Luthor had timed his jump to make it look like he would gain more altitude than he did. Instead, he quickly skirts around the lieutenant and dashes to the other side of the bridge and finds a place in the shadows to hide.
Standing up, sniffing the air, the fox rears up on its hind legs and grows, but still maintains a somewhat vulpine form. Closing his eyes, he concentrates on the lieutenant, and begins mouthing four words, repeatedly. The lieutenant begins to here a voice that seems to come from nowhere and is barely audible, but he can clearly make out the repeated words.
"The Ravens are returning."
Shocked at the fox's charge at first, a broad smile grows over his face. Raising his massive mace, he prepares for a fight. "Have at me!"
Swinging his weapon down with all his might, the creature vanishes into a mist. "What? Where'd it go?" he asks, as a few more guards arrive onscene. {b]"It was..."[/b]
He breaks off as the wind brings a whisper to his ears. Frowning, he looks around. "Blasted! Thrune will want to hear of this. Greg! Go report the fey are trying to resurrect the Ravens! Rest of you, lets find this one!"
Three men, including the lieutenant begin searching the southeastern section of the bridge. "It's gotta be 'round here somewhere." he mutters.
Mumbings of foxes and raven's reach the tiefling's ears as he stays out of sight. Their search pattern seems to favor the east side of the bridge, leaving the west side unlit.
The halfling proprietor hussles you in as you return. "Off the street! Off the street! It's passed curfew!" she scorns in a hushed whisper. Offering you a mean of warm bread and stew.
Marillo nods to everyone has he enters. He looks around for Lurio, but seeing him absent just hopes for the best. He hoped that his old friend was stil back at his estate, working his noble ties and not...well, something best not thought of.
"Cerenity needs healing. We found the bastards behind the murders, and they almost got her too. Luthor, Crady. Come, you need to see this..."
Excited and confused, Marillo wastes no time filling in the others once Cerenity has had her wounds tended to.