Toramin will contact Drosil to give him the update. Paying special attention to Chibi's survival, the danger to fake Ianna, the apparently hundreds of operatives Calios has, the sky metal forges and Ianna's idea. Does he seem interested in any of it?
Ianna will go inform our pirate pals of the change of plans.
Bjorkus escorts Ianna. "Let's visit Panrick on the way back."
"Seems good to me."
As Ianna and Bjorkus goes to the rainbow Barrel and tells Quint and Althea of the change of plans, Quint stands and spits on the floor. "Bastards! Now you chicken out?! I knew you were a bunch of spineless cowards!"
"I thought Rilka might be able to twist the situation to our advantage, but this is even better than I expected. I advise being cautious around Sveng, I'm sure he has more goals in mind than just usurping Villichi. This must help him somehow."
"I will let Ianna's stand-in know of the danger. For now I will have him lay low until a plan is figured out."
"The skymetal forge is no myth. It is an artifact tied to both Torag and Droskar, and one of the gnome's most closely guarded secrets. Whatever Villichi wants with it can't be good, especially considering how much adamantium he has been hoarding. He must be building something."
"I wasn't aware of Villichi's obsession with knowledge."
"We're not backin' out, just adjusting course. The wind's changing and we've got to change with it", Ragnar explains. "We're gunna try to scout this forge he's been visiting. With any luck we'll be able to ambush him there."
"You said Olive's a good girl that deserves a second chance. Villichi's ranks are full of good girls that deserve second chances. If we go in hot now a lot of 'em are gunna end up dead. If there's a chance we can catch that bastard off guard and minimize the casualties we're gunna take it. We want Villichi out of Grastle Hollow as much as you do, maybe more, but this attack has to wait another day or two."
"It is a shock to me that you ever became a Pirate Lord, what with you taking willful offense at everything. We aren't abandoning you or the plan. We still want to kill Villichi. We still want you to help us. What we don't want is the seven of us counting the dog to storm a citadel of several hundred. We should lure him out and then get rid of him. Isn't being a pirate about fighting smarter not harder?"
While Ianna speaks to Quint she looks at Althea, who seems like the brains of the bunch.
Dalton really had nothing more to add to the conversation with Sveng; he could only be relied-upon as long as there was pressure, and even then, if he was the paragon of the cult's magical ability, they would need to find another way to contain Villichi - the man's ability wasn't out of Dalton's wheelhouse.
What he did have much to append was for Heff. They either don't have half the intelligence on this area they think or continue to withhold needed information from us, placing us as risk. This "Skyforge" could have myriad properties. It's kept secret for a reason. Now obvious, Villichi was using (or planned to use) the adamantium with the forge. But to what end?
If the Aestherics wouldn't give them the information, the politician would have to.
"We must see Panrick; knowing exactly what properties this workplace possesses is instrumental in dissecting Villichi's plan and perhaps forming a strategy to stop him."
Dalton shared Ianna's surprise, but kept his mouth shut. The ideas of how to draw Villichi into the open and yet succeeding at his goals beyond the basics here required more of his immediate attention, and he didn't care for prattle.
Toramin gives a grim chuckle. "Drosil, I never thought you would be an optimist. Given the condition in which she was taken and the time they have had alone with her, I was giving even odds that her mind has been suborned."
The dwarf's chuckles die as Drosil continues, "An artifact tied to both Torag and Droskar? Do you mean the Anvil of the Void?" He asks in a stunned voice.
I thought that was only a myth. Foes that mean Calistria has a merkin woven from Trudd's beard too?
~The Rainbow Barrel~
Quint sneers. "I couldn't give a damn what yer excuse is. And ye know nothing of pirates ye sheltered little harlot in priest's clothing."
Althea hums and scratches the ears of her dog. "Quint, remember when you waited to assault Aftner's fortress until the tides changed? That's all this is, waiting for the tide to change. And the next time you call her a whore I'll cut yer nuts off." She finishes with a friendly grin.
"Not an optimistic. Realistic. Even for positive results. And I trust in Rilka's infiltration ability. I know your group is particularly bad at it so Rilka seems like an expert, but even among our members she is very skilled."
"That is still a distinct possibility. Sveng could be more powerful than he's letting on."
"I'm not an expert on artifacts or dwarven history. Älia should know more."
"And Toramin, I know this artifact holds special meaning to you, but the dwarves cannot learn about it. It's conflicting nature could start the clan wars again."
”Good luck in your endeavors,” Chibi says when it’s time to go. ”I'll attempt to contact Ianna tomorrow in a disguise. If I don’t live through this, it has been an honor working with you. Farewell.”
~The Rainbow Barrel~
"I share your frustration, Quint. I would be quit of this city, if not for my sister's belief there is still profit to be had. And, for my pride. I will not let some mewling cultists or some demon-addled anti-paladin get the better of me. But, now that we know the numbers, even if we carve our way into that pit, we don't have much assurances that we will get him before he flees. I want to fight a fight that favors us.
Ragnar can and will contact you via the wind if something immediate occurs; otherwise, we will let you know more as we learn more. You may not like us much, but sadly the six of us seem like the only people in this city willing and able to do something about this nonsense. Let's see if we can grow that number."
"Good luck to you as well, but remember that you can always come rejoin us once they let you back out into the city."
Done with stubborn former pirate lords, Ragnar leaves for Panrick's office.
~The Rainbow Barrel~
Ianna is unmoved by Quint's outburst. One of his seemingly countless personality flaws is that he ignores Bjorkus when Bjorkus speaks to him, and of the people in this group Bjorkus was the person most likely to understand that hateful man's position.
His insults concerning her gender and calling didn't bother her much either. The old man was clearly threatened by her. She had noticed that many insecure men in the lowlands tried to denigrate women to bolster their own confidence.
She nods to Althea and follows Ragnar out the door.
Althea laughs. "He don't like anybody, don't take it personally. Must have been dropped on his head as a kid, just can't make any friends." Quint grumbles and goes into the back, slamming the door behind him. Althea smiles after him. "He'll be alright. He's far more reasonable when it's just the two of us. I'll get him talked down. Let us know when plans change."
"That is a big ask, Drosil. I have sworn that I would not reveal the secrets of the Aestherics to the Voices of the Stone unless my people, their sovereignty, or the weal of all peoples is at stake. But, this artifact is not an Aestheric secret. It is sacred to our gods. It is the very definition of a dwarven matter.
Frankly, I trust the consensus of the Voices more than I trust the vision of the Council of the Hand. In comparative matters, the Voices and the central families have created a prosperous, educated, and peaceful society while the Aestherics hope to engender them amongst other peoples with . . . variable success. Proven results speak loudly.
Given the standard of absolute consensus, I think it unlikely that my people would fight either the gnomes for control or turn upon each other. Moreover, I am the Voices' emissary to the Council of the Hand, and the Council's emissary to the Voices. It is not appropriate to ask me to subsume the interests of one for the convenience of the other. I would be serving no one well in that case. Isn't this exactly what I should be doing: reporting Aestheric business to you and dwarven business to them?
However, our new accord is one of trust. If you can convince me that their knowing would be a threat to all peoples or to dwarven sovereignty, then I will wait to better understand the situation before I report to them."
Toramin's tone is respectful but disappointed. At first blush, it appears that the Council of the Hand wants to go back on their agreement of how Toramin would share information to both leadership bodies. Especially, since the Voices have been much more successful in their goals than the Aestherics have been in theirs. Yet, he is holding out the possibility that he misunderstood Drosil in whom he had been building a cautious respect.
"That very oath is the reason you will remain silent."
"Years ago Älia visited the Skymetal Forge to learn more of it. She spends months studying it. What she learned is that on any given day, any given hour, any given minute, the power it holds can by good or evil or both or neither. The Skymetal Forge is in a state of flux due to the opposing divine holds on it. It has been known to call both dwarves and duergar to its side before it was locked away in the underground of Grastle Hollow. It has helped and hindered both races, killed and empowered both. Its purpose seems to flick between furthering Torag or furthering Droskar."
"Älia has a theory: When Toraged cursed Droskar to no longer be able to create an original work, Droskar was furious an in his anger did corrupted Torag's personal forge. If he could no longer create, instead he would twist and pervert what Torag created."
"The dwarves learning of this would be disastrous. Some will want it revered, some destroyed, some studied, some buried. The disagreements will sow chaos and death among the dwarves. That's not even considering what would happen if the duergar learned of it. The gnomes see it as nothing but a furnace of power for creation. The dwarves see it as a sacred site that demands action. Your own passion proves that."
"Right now the secret is only known to us and some of the highest ranking government officials within Grastle Hollow. And apparently Sveng and Calios as well, which is a matter serious enough that I will be talking to the Council about having their minds wiped. If the dwarves learned of what it was there would be blood over what is to be done in it."
"Absolute consensus is a lie of dwarven politics. You have talked to the Voices personally about difficult matters. Did you not see some of them grumble and shift eyes as Vorn announced their decision? The dwarven people are one of the oldest and wisest races, but they are not above fault."
"Say nothing to the dwarves. This fulfills your oath to us, but more importantly to them."
Drosil clears his throat; Toramin has learned that long bouts of talking can be heard on him. "I have time now to keep talking, but it may be better to bring this to the entire Council once your business in Grastle Hollow is done. I know of the Forge because I studied Grastle Hollow before launching a mission there, but Älia is the expert on it. For now, say nothing. Your mission at hand is of more importance." There's a brief pause followed by a husky rasping. "And Jasper says that if you die before getting back the problem is resolved either way."
Toramin snorts. He was relieved that it was not the Anvil of the Void. What that artifact could do is an abomination.
"Jaspers says the sweetest things."
The paternalism of Drosil's answer grated, and Toramin had never been shy about letting the Council know about their flaws.
"It does you no credit to try to shame me for my passion for my people. It is the heart of who I am. My duty to the Council devolves from my duty to the Voices which in turn devolves from my duty to family. Trying to divide my loyalty is not a winning strategy. You do not want to see a paladin foresworn.
The Council of the Hand does not have a monopoly on wisdom. My people are not students to learn at your knee. My people do not begrudge the other races the use of this world which was also crafted by Torag's hand. I do not begrudge the gnomes responsible access to the forge. Indeed, I am less worried about its sacred significance than I am about another divine artifact being used by one of these so called immortals. Forewarned is forearmed. It was correct for me to warn the Voices about the Egg of Lolth. On the same logic, it is correct that they know about this artifact as well. These patterns should concern you as well."
Yet there is a part of Toramin that speaks to caution on this matter. He does not want his father to learn of this artifact or turn it to the use of his peerless craft. The Master Maker is less than a trustworthy figure in his son's eyes. Heff is less dangerous in comparison.
"However, perhaps there is a path forward that could satisfy all. You are worried that this might start a holy war. What if I did not report this to the Voices in open session, but only reported it to my Grandmother Yana. As head of my family and a Voice in the Stone, telling her would satisfy my duty to kin and oath. Yet, a high priestess of the Watchful Mother has no duty to any forge, but to the hearth. She could weigh your arguments about the danger against the evidence of her long life. The choice she would make would not be motivated to reclaim Torag's forge, but what is best for the dwarves and all other people. The Watchful Mother cares not for pride or power, but the safety and prosperity of her children. If she judges your argument the best, then she would not share this information with the other Voices if sharing endangered our people.
Unless you believe that only the five of you can decide what is best for all.
As for the consensus of the Voices, are you saying you have seen or heard witness of their reception of Vorn's proclamation of their decisions?" Toramin's pause is pregnant with meaning.
"If you are speaking hypothetically, I think you misunderstand my people, if you imagine that all the Voices are happy with every decision. Consensus is not about happiness. It is about agreeing on a common path forward. Consensus takes time. Often years or decades. Sometimes centuries. Courtesy is not sacrosanct among my people because it is easy, but because it is necessary to live together united in common purpose for centuries."
"Not shame. Acknowledgement."
"The Egg is evil, with only one purpose. The Forge is different."
There is a long pause. "Perhaps Yana. The entire Council will decide. Until then, silence."
"Unless you believe that only the five of you can decide what is best for all."
"Snide comments are beneath you. Especially the same one."
"As for the consensus of the Voices, are you saying you have seen or heard witness of their reception of Vorn's proclamation of their decisions?"
"Heard."
"You are blindly idealistic if you think all their choices have complete consensus."
Drosil coughs a few times. "Come back to the inn when you can. I'll have your earring adjusted so you can talk to Rilka."
Drosil apparently understood neither paladins nor dwarves. Without idealism there would be no paladins. Dwarves are a stubborn people, but each knew the internal and external pressures for a dwarf to conform to the expressed wisdom of consensus. He didn't doubt that at least one Voices disliked or hated nearly every major decision the Voices had made, though probably not the same Voice each time.
That's why every major decision of the Voices took months or years to reach. Consensus took time and effort, and left no one best pleased. Toramin would not be an Aestheric without the consensus of the Voices. But nobody ever claimed to be happy about everything duty requires. Being an Aestheric might bring Toramin no joy, but he would do it to the best of his ability.
Indeed, every day he prayed that the Council of the Hand would learn wisdom and restraint. Though he now conceded that they may -- may -- be sincere, they were clearly misguided and, from what he had seen, a failure of concept. He respected that they tried, but wished they were more humble and clear eyed about their results.
How could they be so proud when one of their founding members was the star of his own Zon-Kuthon passion play? Mortals constantly mirrored the epics of the gods. First as tragedy and then as farce. Heff's brother was not the only failure of the Aestherics. No. From what Toramin could discern the organization specialized in tainted victories and qualified defeats.
What Drosil took as snide, Toramin had offered as honest caution.
But the dwarf said none of these things. Drosil's ears would be closed to them.
"I will return."
Hopefully, Grandmother will not contact me until this mission is over. That gives me less than a week.
Once they leave the Rainbow Barrel, Toramin goes through the pre-established channels for Panrick to meet them at his ice fishing cabin.
On the way there he and the rest of the party change guises, discreetly, several times to avoid any unwelcome eyes on their way to the cabin.
The arguments among the ex-pirates caused Dalton less annoyance than he expected and more sadness; I suppose they just never received a real chance to make something of themselves safely. I was lucky. Were all us peasantfolk so fortunate to receive an education and the chance to use it...
But then it was time to leave. Dalton's discussion with Sveng was making him question the investment of the stone shape wand, but he shrugged-off the prohibitive cost on the way. Whatever stipend we are getting for this stunt will cover the difference, I'm sure. Besides, the device would be useful later.
"I can't wait for a good few nights of real sleep. No assassins, no disguises - just good food and time to relax." He made smalltalk with his companions, for he felt some light conversation would destress the group. And remind me this nonsense isn't the daily life of people.
It takes the better part of a full day for the party to set up a meeting with Panrick. But finally, after doubling back and changing disguises, they are back at the official's little vacation getaway. No doubt the current events will taint his memories of the place.
Panrick flashes his brilliant smile as the party walks up. "Well I certainly can't attest to the details but it appears you're making progress! Even Mr. Tosscobble had a few nice things to say about you this time. But I digress; what brings you here?"
But I digress; what brings you here?"
"The Skyforge. Tell us about it; the fate of your city depends on its interaction with this mission."
Dalton's bluntness was not to be pre-initiated by diplomacy. I will not let this politician beat around the bush.
Panrick gives a confused turn of his head but keeps his smile. "The children's tale? Well I'm not much of a storyteller - never had any kids - but I could give it a shot. May I ask why this myth interests you so?"
"It is neither? Then you don't mind if we send teams to look for it? Since these teams won't share the weight for privacy we do, I'm sure they'll become famous when making their discovery public." Dalton paused. "I'll be sure to have them mention you personally as the catalyst for the revelation in their debut to archaeologists and the like. You'll be famous too!"
The mage sighed. "No games. The only story we want is the truth."
"A bath would be lovely. So too would be dancing. But mostly, I would like a return to routine. I have not been able to worship at temple as often as I would like. I worry too much that I would be followed."
"What my associate, Lopa, means to say councilor is that we know why Villichi came to your fair city and to where the ore he is stealing likely ends up. Apparently, there is a sky-metal forge beneath one of the government buildings known to some senior government officials and now too to Villichi. Perhaps you are not senior enough in the government to know of this forge, though given your political acumen I believe that unlikely. If you are not senior enough, I do not doubt that you are skilled enough to find out."
Panrick puts up his hands. "Fine, fine! Yes I know about it, but I didn't think it was relevant to your job here. I find it hard to believe Villichi has been visiting it, security there is airtight."
Panrick puts up his hands. "Fine, fine! Yes I know about it, but I didn't think it was relevant to your job here. I find it hard to believe Villichi has been visiting it, security there is airtight."
"Apparently, it isn't. Because of that miscalculation, there is a good chance this secret could go public. Unless, of course, he is contained. To best give us an edge against him though, we must know the properties of the Skyforge; I'm certain whatever they are, they are instrumental to his interest in it."
A liar, and an inconclusive one. His own underlings cannot be trusted, it seems.
"But...I can't even imagine Villichi getting there. At least not without us hearing about it. I could believe that he smashed his way through security, but slipping in and out dozens of times? It's just not realistic. When I say airtight I mean it literally. Nobody has been down there in months." He shakes his head vigorously. "Absolutely not! I've been fighting while backed into a corner for these past few weeks just to make sure you keep the government's support as is, there is no chance they could approve you knowing of that! Plus I only know the bare bones of the info as is..."
"You are aware there was a theft of one of your prized pieces of art recently, yes?" The incompetence and inaction of this place was breathtaking. "I would advise you to start believing people are able to get by what passes for "security" and stop jumping to conclusions. PLEASE ... listen:"
He took a breath. "Airtight you say? That is excellent information. Unfortunately," Dalton began to reveal without - in all honesty - a hint of disdain, "Villichi has difficult meeting his death. He doesn't die by having his skull crushed or his heart skewered. Exsanguination or poisons do not slay him. It is entirely possible this hiding spot - be it underground or under this very lake"
"- is quite accessible to him. I will let you in on some news: This group did not know about the Skyforge before we arrived. We obviously do now. You have one of two conclusions to make from that. Either we found-out from someone else who knew, or it was you who confirmed our hypothesis."
Dalton let that last bit sink in a minute.
"Now, assuming you believe the former, it was either some third party - likely Villichi - who revealed the knowledge or it was one of your own. Either way, your security isn't as good as you think. Either way, you need to expose and seal this leak." Dalton's temper waned somewhat; he didn't have the stamina for continued bouts of upset at his age. "Either way, our job is to help you. You are standing in the way of that right now. If you're in doubt of our purpose, I wouldn't mind speaking with your government, but you're right: They're likely to react just like you and shut any reason down and out of that converstion. You, however, have seen the process we've been through at work. I would impress upon you time is very valuable here, and the status of your city may, as I alluded to before, very well hang in the balance."
"Let's have cooler heads prevail. Please tell us about this Skyforge."
"The security of the museum and the Skyforge are entirely different..." He protests.
"It's not a matter of surviving getting there, it's actually physically getting there. Literally air couldn't get in." He narrows his eyes. "And for that matter, how did you learn of it?"
"Surely you know of magics that care not for mere physical boundaries; an airtight shell is something a young wizard could bypass."
"Let's say you told us, since you feel like being tighter than a clam with information."
An unsettling idea crept into Dalton's head. He glanced about slowly.
"Panrick, before we reveal anything else, we must be completely sure there are no eavesdroppers in this room. Would you mind if I swept it for magic?"
"Well I could certainly have the area swept..." He muses. "Look, I'll bring it up with the council, but I wouldn't be optimistic."
As Dalton asks about sweeping he opens his arms. "Feel free. I had hoped between the open area and loud falls nearby that eavesdropping would be impossible."
Dalton scans the area, but beyond a few magic items on Panrick's person (innocent items like a cloak of resistance and a healing potion) there is no magic in the area.
Dalton shook his head. "We learned about the device through investigation into Villichi. Unless he - and others - are able to detect its presence and know of its purpose, then there is a leak of those in the know."
He leaned against a wall, tired. "This council knows. You know. Who else? Just the security?"
"Just government officials and the security protecting it. And apparently you and Villichi as well. This will not make the council happy..."
"It's a good thing that's not part of our job description then. There is evidently quite likely a leak in your security or your council. Do you think airing our discovery to them is still a good idea?"
"We have been tracking the resurgent cult of Norgorber operating in your city. We discovered the underground tunnels. From there it was simple. Really councilor, you called us to your city because of our competence we discover its closely guarded secret and the reason why the ore is being stolen. And now you doubt us? Captain Tosscobble is also obstinate. I'm having difficulty understanding why it is that the people who requested our presence and who are supposed to guard the city are both incapable of doing so and actively preventing those who are.
This city is the epicenter of some terrible plot of which we are only scratching the surface. There is something stalking the night besides for Villichi. No doubt you have heard of the body parts. Through this all we have brought ore into your city, given your law officers invaluable information and at least four valuable criminals.
Yet we are being stonewalled. Please help me understand why."
"If you want your information, what is the alternative? I hardly know anything about it except its existence."
At Ianna he glares. "I don't know what kind of ragtag missions you're used to, but I'm appalled you came with the reputation you have. You pretend at professionalism and hold yourselves so high, as if everybody else is incapable of any action and the only action they do take gets in your way." He stands. "I don't think you have fully grasped the concept that you are criminals acting above the law with nobody to hold you responsible for your actions. If it were not for me speaking on your behalf, the council intended to have both you and Villichi eliminated at once. So when I tell you it's hard to get them to give you highly secretive information, it's because not only do they not trust you, it's because they'd rather have you arrested or dead along with Villichi. So please, do not insult me by telling me the people trying to help you are incompetent or worse."
Iana (Ziza) looks singularly unimpressed by Panrick's petulance. She replies calmly.
"Ah, but we are not criminals. That was specifically written into our contracts; as a matter of law our actions are legal during this mission. If you truly respect the rule of law, then that threat is something you cannot hold over us. That your council would seek to ignore our contracts does nothing to inspire our confidence.
If you are unhappy with the service we are providing you please say so, but do not grow angry at us simply because you are dismayed by the extent to which Villichi has undermined your city. Personally, I wouldn't have told us about the forge either before now, but as our intelligence shows your security has been terribly compromised. Someone you trust is telling someone who is trying to destroy your city, all of its secrets. Worse, yet, they are turning your great secret to a purpose which I doubt will please you.
But, Panrick, please we are not your enemies. You have hundreds of those operating in a secret base quite near this cabin."
"And you continue to speak on platitudes! My god woman, have you no humility? No respect for others at all?" He points a finger at her. "Take some of your own advice. We are not your enemies, so stop treating us like children."
"Then start acting like adults. Examine the facts. An outside villain has coopted your once 'friendly' criminal element, though perhaps less friendly than you imagined since the Cult of Norgorber is not new to the city. This newly resurgent underworld eluded your security for months. Stopped your production of ore. Left your populace deathly afraid. Abused your greatest treasure. Before we were hired you were unaware to the extent to which you had been compromised, and you had no leads. The revitalized criminal element avoided all detection.
How is this possible? One theory is that of incompetence, but let us put that aside for now. Is it not more likely that there are highly placed traitors on your council and in your security forces? Divine artifacts cannot be scried or located directly by magic. Someone had to talk. Someone is likely still talking."