Tilver watches her for a moment. "You were the one who got us involved, Nicalon. Without you, we wouldn't know anything about the hand. Why the ruse only to take from yourself? You could have been in here with no one else the wiser. And did you kill Kalerecent?"
She looks up at you. "The paladin, right? I saw the body when I arrived. Not my style. I would have had my agents kill him. Whatever did that was something else. You know we aren't the only ones in here, I trust? I mean, you are fools, but you're not complete idiots."
"As for the hand, well, maybe I was wrong. Maybe you are idiots."
The woman is conniving, capable, intelligent and devious, but she's down here for a reason. And she had a reason to have you steal the hand. If she's in the Banewarrens it's very likely she's after some of the banes, or perhaps one particular one. Her family's history is very ancient. Maybe they know something about the banes that you don't.
"Starting strife between houses will just get people looking at what you are doing. Which brings us back to my question. Why are you here? You have agents and family to do your dirty work. Why risk your own hide? What are you hiding from your own kin?" Silas asks again.
"Power. This place is full of it and I want it. Is that simple enough for you? And once I have it, I won't care what you or any other of the Houses know."
"That seems pretty far out. Silas says and then continues, "What do you know about this place? Everything we have located so far would not provide you anything you could really use. Opening up some random cell and finding a crazy elf capable of altering reality who then takes away your ability to breathe air would not be a great boon in your march for power. Do you have some list of what is down here?" Silas asks her.
She smiles sweetly, a disconcerting look on her horned face. "Not as such, no. Just a few names. which I will not be sharing with you and your...friends."
"Look, Dallimothan, as I see it you can kill me, in which case our houses go to war. You can kidnap me, with quite the same result. Torture, the same. Plus the same for each of their families," she says indicating the rest of you with her head. "No one will go to war for them. Or you can let me go. You have the Key for now. So I've inconvenienced you and you've killed my servants. Let us leave it at that. Now help me up and let me go. I've had enough of this pointless talk."
Humming a happy little tune, Dain calls upon the spirits once more for healing. He is especially pleased to see a strawberry spirit answer his call. He points the spirits towards Navanna.
"Before we...mmm...let you go, you mentioned the others searching the warrens. We are aware of the k-k-Quaan's agents - do you know anything about them?"
Tung stands behind their bound prisoner and stares daggers into the evil woman.
His smolder with anger at the thought of evil escaping justice, but his mind calmly notes the discussion for his report back to the Knights of the Pale.
--------------
He pulls Navanna to her feet using the ropes that bind her hands behind her back.
Navanna looks startled when Dain's tiny spirit lays hands on her, but she nods in curt acknowledgement of the healing. Perhaps that is why she gives an answer back.
"I do not know what goal binds them to their 'Pactlords', but the name and their ring suggests that they are creatures bound by some common oath. They are almost completely non-humanoid and I believe they hate humanoids. They are here seeking one of The Dread One's possessions, of course, most likely a particular bane. It is they who, through some unknown process, discovered that the last Warding Generator was never set in operation. This provided them access to the area of the Broken Seal and a few minor banes. But what they want is somewhere higher up in the Spire and they could not pass the Sealed Door without the Key. Yet somehow they have done so. I do not know how."
"They are dangerous and determined and travel in strong teams. I advise you to stay out of their way."
___________________________________________
Tung, you find that she has magical leather armor, a magic bow, a magic sword, magic dagger, a potion clearly labeled "invisibility" and a vial of some thick reddish liquid.
"You are not a member of these Pactlords? So, what, just an opportunist? And they are dangerous, but not invincible." He narrows his eyes at her. "I find it hard to believe that you know so little about them when you were likely to run into them in there. You don't strike me as someone who goes into a situation without knowing just who you are up against."
He sighs and turns to the others. "Well, if Kalerecent wasn't her doing...I hate to say this, but I don't know that we can hold her." He turns back to Navanna. "I don't consider the scales balanced, but perhaps taking the Key from you is enough for now. But we'll be watching you. Now, shall we escort you home, Miss Vladaam?"
Tung cuts her bindings and leans in for her to hear.
"The wicked shall be purged from this city. Hope we do not cross blades again."
Depends how much time you take. You can see that the sword is a +2 striking wounding rapier.
"You are not a member of these Pactlords? So, what, just an opportunist? And they are dangerous, but not invincible." He narrows his eyes at her. "I find it hard to believe that you know so little about them when you were likely to run into them in there. You don't strike me as someone who goes into a situation without knowing just who you are up against."
"So you, also a careful person, should already know, shouldn't you? No, Mister Arnholm, while I do my research very well on my opponents from Ptolus, I don't know where the Pactlords come from or what exactly they want. But I should imagine it won't be good for any of us should they succeed."
He sighs and turns to the others. "Well, if Kalerecent wasn't her doing...I hate to say this, but I don't know that we can hold her." He turns back to Navanna. "I don't consider the scales balanced, but perhaps taking the Key from you is enough for now. But we'll be watching you. Now, shall we escort you home, Miss Vladaam?"
"I'll manage on my own, thank you," she says acidly.
Tung cuts her bindings and leans in for her to hear.
"The wicked shall be purged from this city. Hope we do not cross blades again."
She chuckles, smiling up at him. "Ooh, you, I like. More fire than those stuffy paladins. You could be fun. My dear knight. We were here before the city and we will be here until its end. I have one word for you. Ask your superiors about the word 'Vested'. You may find them reluctant to speak of it. Good day, sir knight." She chuckles again at her own low pun.
She accepts her belongings, resheathes her weapons and leaves.
Silas gathers up Kaleracent's remains and says, "We should return him to his church and report in what we have found out. If these Pactlords have found ways past the wards we may need to go down again and see if they got past that giant plug or perhaps went down a different tunnel." Silas starts to head out of the old manor.
"He deserves a rightful burial."
Tung follows along and asks.
"I'd like to stop by Bladechapel to report our findings; if it please the group?"
As they return to the surface, Isabel says, "That was interesting. Trying to turn one house against the other? Is that normal for the nobles? Where I come from if you're upset at another family you just brawl it out in the tavern until you get tired then the loser buys drinks for a while."
She keeps an eye out for danger as Silas is burdened with the remains fo the Paladin. "This is going to be hard for his order isn't it. I wonder if they will do something unwise."
"I think he was working by himself. I doubt the church will directly act if they were not behind his previous work. But perhaps they will take more direct action if they can determine who was actually behind his death." Silas says.
The group emerges on the surface and each heads to his or her own destination, with an agreement to gather again in the morning.
When he arrives at the Bladechapel, Tung is surprised to find an old acquaintance waiting for him in the Outer Ward. It is his mother's old friend, the elf Skarvek.
Silas returns Kalerecent's body to Brother Fabitor at St. Gustav's Chapel. The simple priest is shocked at the death of so mighty a warrior in Lothian's cause. "How did he die, Silas? I see no wounds and yet here is some awful disease or torment of the body? Is he safe, do you think?"
A familiar voice rings loud and clear long before the shoal's face comes in to view, a voice that carries like the sound of crashing waves and promises long nights of drunken debauchery past and future.
" Safe and sound at home again, let the waters roar, Tung.
Safe and sound at home again, let the waters roar, Tung.
Long we've tossed on the rolling main, now we're safe ashore, Tung.
Don't forget yer old shipmate, faldee raldee raldee raldee rye-eye-doe!
Since we sailed from Ptolus docks, four years gone, or nigh, Tung.
Was there ever chummies, now, such as you and I, Tung?
Long we've tossed on the rolling waves, now we're safe ashore, Tung.
Don't forget yer old shipmate, faldee raldee raldee raldee rye-eye-doe!
Oftentimes have we laid out, toil nor danger fearing,
Tugging out the flapping sail to the weather earring.
Long we've tossed on the rolling waves, now we're safe ashore, Tung.
Don't forget yer old shipmate, faldee raldee raldee raldee rye-eye-doe!
When the middle watch was on, and the time went slow, boy,
Who could choose a rousing stave, who like Tung or Skar, boy?
Long we've tossed on the rolling waves, now we're safe ashore, Jack.
Don't forget yer old shipmate, faldee raldee raldee raldee rye-eye-doe!
There she swings, an empty hulk, not a soul below now.
Number seven starboard mess misses Tung and Skar now.
Long we've tossed on the rolling waves, now we're safe ashore, Jack.
Don't forget yer old shipmate, faldee raldee raldee raldee rye-eye-doe!
But the best of friends must part, fair or foul the weather.
Hand yer flipper for a shake, now a drink together.
Long we've tossed on the rolling waves, now we're safe ashore, Jack.
Don't forget yer old shipmate, faldee raldee raldee raldee rye-eye-doe!
Long we've tossed on the rolling waves, now we're safe ashore, Jack.
Don't forget yer old shipmate, faldee raldee raldee raldee rye-eye-doe!"
A smile alights upon weather hardened features as the bright eyed shoal snaps out of his seat and sprints down the path towards the boy now a man grown. "Tung me lad, I would recognize them bright eyes anywhere! And a knight no less." Quick as he came, Skarvek stalls but two steps from crashing into the man he addressed arms thrown wide and expecting.
"I am not sure what killed him. The cult he was investigating is comprised of many foul creatures. Perhaps one of them had some ability that did this. If I learn more I will come to you with the information." Silas says before adding, "Whatever killed him does not seem to effect those who have been around his remains."
A smile replaces the look of concentration as Tung finds the salty shoal waiting for him outside the Bladechapel.
"By the gods! Skarvek! Good to see you."
He meets the man with a firm embrace, but quickly drops the hug.
Tung speaks quickly as he moves to bypass his mother's old friend and head in the chapel.
"I've no time to talk, I'm on important knights errands and have to make my report."
He turns back before the door to say "Will you be in town long? I can come find you when I'm free if you're at the usual spot? And I'm sure Mother would love to see you. She's likely to have some mutton stew if you're hungry."
"I am not sure what killed him. The cult he was investigating is comprised of many foul creatures. Perhaps one of them had some ability that did this. If I learn more I will come to you with the information." Silas says before adding, "Whatever killed him does not seem to effect those who have been around his remains."
Brother Fabitor nods, half listening as he ponders his dead friend. "I will bring his body and his mighty sword back to the Church. I fear this evil has gone unchallenged for too long."
"Sure as she was happy to see me, and she had time to tell me all about the wee babe I would lift upon my shoulders so he could see the ships sails as they left. How that boy grew to be a demon slaying law bringer, now that I would be interested to hear of. Very interested in deed." The man grinned easily as he watched Tung's retreating form, though he made little move to stride off in any haste this time.
Tilver had tagged along with Silas to see the mighty Paladin returned to the Church. He turns to Brother Fabitor. "We will continue to investigate this cult and their activities. I fear the worst if they were able to dispatch Kalerecent, but we need to find out what they mean to do."
Tung gives pause at being called a "wee babe" and flashes a smile before ducking into the Bladechapel.
He gives his report of the groups findings and hastily exits; stopping short as he finds Skarvek still outside waiting.
"Oh... you're still here. Can't we catch up at my parent's place later? I really must be going now. My companions and I have a lead on some serious evil that we need to monitor and defeat..."
At the mention of evil and companions Skarvek near twirled round Tung before cutting him off and clapping his back. "An adventure you say, nefarious evil abroad that needs trouncing soundly you say? Why of course I can come help you route out these evil villain and help myself to some of their treasures as a reward. Think nothing of it, not like your dear old uncle has fallen on hard times, lost his ship and scuppered his most recent attempt to join a needy crew or anything. Put such thoughts from your mind my boy, such skepticism will give you crows feet. Just a little shore leave that I might stretch as long as you need my help my boy. Besides, your dear mum was just saying how she worries for you. Near twisted my ear till I offered to keep an eye on you, just a friendly eye you see. Wouldn't want mums to worry bout their baby boys now would ya?"
He smiled and gestured with wide hand out towards the way Tung was headed. "You trust old uncle Skar now, won't be no trouble at all. An extra pair of hands makes for much lighter work, for only a slightly lighter purse mind you."
Tung tenses and stops in his tracks, staring straight ahead as he thinks.
I didn't say... ugh... it's pointless...
Tung turns to the elf and takes a serious tone.
"Two things.
One. We are not doing this for money. At least, I'm not, so I can't guarantee you a heavy purse. I am doing this to rid evil from this city as my sworn duty as a knight. If there is loot along the way, I plan to use it in this quest.
Two. Please don't refer to me as 'wee babe' or anything childish. I understand all us short lived folk are children to you and your kin, but I'm a man now and a Knight of the Pale, not some wide eyed child. Please try to keep that in mind."
He takes a breath and calms as he considers the thought of Skarvek aiding him.
"I won't deny the help though, with what we're facing, we'll need all the help we can get. If you're still any good with that bow, you'll need it to do more than shoot apples I throw into the air."
Tung looks around to be sure they're not overheard and puts a conspiratorial arm around Skarvek's shoulder as he leads him to meetup.
"I can tell you more on the way, but we're going into the Banewarrens..."
Skarvek did his best not to look hurt, though it crept acrossed his face and put the lie to his smile. Or his smile put the lie to the pain that never quite found his eyes... with the old sailor it was hard to tell. His tone now thoroughly defeated and deflated. "Filled your sack with salt and brine I see. Well, had to happen eventually. I won't be embarrassing you in front of your new friends lad, I'll swear on the lord of song to that, may my voice never carry a tune for the rest of my days should I do so." He seemed to shrink ad he spoke, as if the very hot air was the only thing keeping him up.
Hello?
After the somber return of Kalerecent's body to the Church, Tilver heads home for a hot bath and food. "Silas, let's meet back up with the others at Delver's Square tomorrow. We need to talk about what happened down there now that we know Navanna isn't really tied to the Pactlords. The Banewarrens should be secure for the moment to anyone else as long as we have the hand, but who knows what they were looking for inside."
He glances at the limp form of Geristonomos. "I'll take Geri back with me. I hope Evie doesn't mind a visitor for the evening. I'll need time to figure out how to even begin repairs on him." With that, the half-elf takes his leave of the group for the night. He carries Geristonomos awkwardly, but still stops in to buy some bowls of curried noodles for him and Evie's dinner. It was a cheap meal, but filling.
When he returns to the flat, he finds Evie already there cutting up some roasted chicken she had bought. Chagrined that she had already gotten dinner, he suggests they merge the meals for a tasty if somewhat confusing flavor profile. Geristonomos proves to be a difficult guest as he keeps asking about details of the city and surface world that has changed so much, but Evie humors him by showing him sketches of various parts of the city and telling him about the different cultures that have risen in different parts of Ptolus. At one point, Tilver stops her and asks, "Evie, have you ever seen records regarding the Vladaam family? Especially anything dealing with Navanna Vladaam?" She gives him a sidelong look, but knows that there were things they both opted not to normally share about their two professions.
Tung brings Skarvek along in the morning to meet the crew.
"Tilver, Dain, Isabel, Silas. I present Skarvek. He's dead accurate with his bow and willing to help us against the evil we face. I hope you'll allow him to join us." He says.
"We did not finish checking on all of the currently open area. I think we need to get back down to ensure they are in fact empty." Silas says to Tilver.
After Tung introduces Skarvek Silas says, "It is good to meet you. I am not sure how much Tung has told you. Help would definitely be appreciated, hopefully it does not cost you too much." Silas says as he remembers the horrific death or disappearance of his cousin.
"Won't cost but time. Might even turn out profitable in other ways at that. Tung had said something about ultimate evil and the banes. A harsh and unforgiving life you have chosen to make for yerselves." Skar taps his chin as he speaks, still smiling as he speaks of such serious mstters.
Dain nods a greeting to Skarvek, "A better life than...mmm...many."
He waves a hand towards the raccoon sniffing the elf's legs. "...and this is Magill."
Skarvek pulls a small scrap of tack from one of his many pockets and offers it to the little animal. "Well hello to you Magill. Old Salty boy is going to love chasing you once we shove off. Don't worry much, he is more drool and tongue than teeth. Hasn't quite gotten his land legs yet though, poor pup."
Tilver join the group, later than normal. He is sipping on a new concoction of frothy milk and tea. "Hey there, I'm Tilver. Skarvek, was it? A good bowman is always handy to have. Tung told you what's been going on? I have to warn you that were mixing it up with strange cultists and all. It's not your normal banditry. I mean, this is some weird shit."
The half-elf glances at the others. "I left Geristonomos at my place. Hopefully more time alone doesn't cause him to go further insane. When I left, he was playing with a ball of string with his one good arm. I'll probably need to borrow the forge at the armory for a while to craft some replacement parts for him. I don't even know if they would allow me to use their tools."
"What a wonderful use of ancient technology." Says Tung with a wry smile.
Tung pulls and adjusts his leather armor marked with the swirling symbol pierced by a blade, and says.
"We've been gone from the warrens long enough. Is everyone ready?"
It seems to be finished speaking and Tilver is at the door when Geristonomos speaks again. "<Shh...tk...psss> SouthWest, NorthEast, SouthEast, and NorthWest. That's the way. In that...that...that order."
After that the mechanical man would answer no questions, but merely hummed and ticked to itself until Tilver had to leave.
Once everyone has agreed that they are, indeed, ready, the team heads east, back up through Dalengard and returns to Oldtown where they show Skarvek the abandoned manor house. They have to run off a few kids playing stickball in the weedy lawn and then head to the wine cellar. From there, they descend through the Umber Hulk's passage into the "Broken Seal Area", an incredibly old construction from the dawn of time, thousands of years older than the city, past the giant and nonfunctioning Warding Generator, cause of all the trouble. They open the formerly-sealed Sealed Door and let themselves back into the Outer Vaults.
"We should check that passage where the werewolves were lying in wait. They may have been there for some purpose." Silas suggests.
"Werewolves, now that is a story someone forgot to mention. Whatever plan you have, I will scout ahead and keep us from ambushes."
"That may be unwise. Frankly, the traps in this place have been worse then the creatures we have ran into. And many of the traps imprison their victims without sign of what happened or where they might have gone." Silas warns. "In these warrens it is best if we stick together."
As they walk to the manor Isabel introduces herself to Skarvek. "Glad to have the help. I'm your sorcerer and bar maid. My family lives in the city so I have a vested interest in keeping it safe."
"I'll take a look down the passage as well. Give me a moment." Isabel smiles and slips into the shadows.
Tung draws his dagger as he move forward with the main party.
Flashing a smile at the young woman. "Always happy to help the wee... I mean Tung. Course having a lovely lady along does not hurt my joy at joining your foray into the twisted nightmare we find ourselves in. " winking playfully he adjusted the clasp of his cloak and moved along with true grace only an elf could manage. His cloak began to shift as they walked, matching the surrounding walls and terrain.
Silas shakes his head as the two of them stealth forward trying to stay hidden and mutters "Pressure plates don't have to see you." before following along with the rest of the group.