"She hunts serial killers but she is after you... why? Did she get purchased by the powers that be. Most of her cases seem to be against bad people, maybe they lied about you?" Aster muses. "I think there is a chance we can get her on our side, but we need to talk to her to figure that out. I'd rather try it than trying to trap her and turn her against us... if she truly isn't already."
"Well"good" and "bad" are labels to a skilled propagandist."
"More flies with honey than vinegar, right?"
"I... um?" Aster is unsure what Bazzle is suggesting, but nods in agreement with Vandomir's statement, adding a "Yes, honey is much yummier"
"No I just mean that if she is a decent sort I wouldn't put it past Thrune to lie to her to get her to come after us."
He makes a serious face assessing the risk, "But that's a big assumption. She might just be going after disruptions to order for the sake of Thrune's power."
"So we try, at least. It is all anyone can truly do." the older woman smiles.
"Since it is daylight, shall we try the academy's library?"
"After we wreck my disguise."
It is quite easy for the Ravens to gain access to the library of Alabaster Academy. Most students are away for the summer, so only a couple students are found in the library. Most of the students are young men of Chelish ethnicity, who walk with their wands hanging between their legs. However, a very different person sits in a corner of the library, with a dozen books heaped in front of her. A Tian woman with short black hair, a nose ring chained to her right earring, and a near overwhelming scent of lilacs is busy studying a tome and jotting down notes with a magical quill. She wears a violet doublet and tight hose made from black wool. At her side is a short sword and buckler. She is very quick to notice anyone within sight, but simply observes unless approached.
Alabaster Academy is a university specialized in non-magical medicine. Lessons include alchemy, anatomy, arithmetic, botany, geology, midwifery, natural aberrationism, and zoology. A program for novice universalist wizardry is also available.
118 years ago, there was a ruthless serial killer known as the Temple Hill Slasher. Dozens of bodies would be discovered upon Temple Hill over the course of 3 years, where they would show signs of horrendous torture and even undeath. The killer was discovered to be none other than beloved Alander Mangvhune, a surgeon and anatomy professor obsessed with live dissection. He was summarily executed by beheading, and his body was incinerated to prevent any chance of undeath. Soon after was the Chelish Civil War, and between the two events, the university has never fully recovered.
The Alabaster Academy is currently run by Headmistress Iylvana Desdoros, the most prestigious half-elf in Kintargo, and is only outdone by her adoptive mother Mialari Docur, and the late opera idol Shensen.
Alabaster Academy and the Church of Asmodeus have long been at odds with each other. Alabaster Academy was teaching medicine long before the worship of Asmodeus began in Cheliax, but the church deems its practices blasphemous against the grace of the Dark Prince. Those who study medicine at the Academy are excommunicated from the church, and can never be buried on their temple grounds. In return, the Academy has vowed never to teach devil summoning in their wizardry lessons. The feud has endured for decades, but with Barzillai Thrune in power, the Academy's days are numbered.
"I fear that my book learning is none too impressive."
"Mine neither. Thought I keep thinking I will start to make time for it..." Aster will pause to see if there is anyone who has anything to say or enlighten the rest of us before she approaches the bookish woman.
As the group approaches the Academy, Rexandi fills them in on a bit of its interesting history.
"The Academy had its own serial killer, the Temple Hill Slahser, just over a century ago—a physician and anatomist who vivisected his victims. I don't know how much information there is about other killers in its library, but it's still a massively influential institution, even if it's lost a lot of power after the civil war."
"So... we are pretty sure we can find this investigator in the library, but how do we want to approach her? Just have Bazzle go straight-up and say he knows she's following him, or more obliquely have someone try to make friends based on a shared interest?"
"We could try and confront her, asking why she is after him while he hide. The questions alone might not have her ready to attack, but if they did, it would tell us something." Aster talks as she waits to see if anyone else has anything else to add.
Bazzle returns from the alley where he switched back to more his normal look he rung out his hair and shook off his hands. "What's that I figured the plan was for me to be seen if we are getting this girls attention."
He looks up and thinks a moment about Aster's question, "What's that now? Oh."
"Well you know. Thrune . . . let's face it he's against anyone that knows more than he has declared to them. I mean its some what known in intelectual circles that the Alabaster Academy and the Church of Asmodeus have long been at odds with each other. Apparently, Alabaster Academy was teaching medicine long before the worship of Asmodeus began in Cheliax, but the church deems its practices blasphemous against the grace of the Dark Prince. Those who study medicine at the Academy are excommunicated from the church, and can never be buried on their temple grounds. In return, the Academy has vowed never to teach devil summoning in their wizardry lessons. The feud has endured for decades, but with Barzillai Thrune in power, the Academy's days are numbered. . . . perhaps those who value the academy and are dedicated to its cause are natural friends to those who think Thrune's power has over reached its goodly purpose."
Tayacet stands up and starts marching towards the group. Her hands linger near her sword and buckler.
Aster raises her hands, well away from her weapons with a calm smile "Miss Tayacet, we do not seek a fight, just a talk. We have heard of your accomplishments, and because of them are confused about your latest interest." the Tian woman bows respectfully "Please allow us the honor of a conversation while we are in these walls."
Vandomir glances about to make sure they weren't about to get attacked from other directions.
Vandomir is aware that they aren't alone in the library. Though few, there are students milling about, studying, and socializing. If a fight were to break out here, it would be in public. Although the students are aware that there are what look to be mercenaries in the library, that doesn't mean they're particularly invested in what the group are doing.
Tayacet's piercing dark eyes trace around the group, but linger over Aster. Though not relaxing, she seems amenable to talking when she begins speaking in the Minkaian dialect.
"You know who I am, but I only recognize one of you. Who am I granting an audience for?"
Bazzle looks around confused. He notes the various eye contacts and sheepishly waves when Tayacet looks his way.
Aster rises from her bow, hand remaining away from her mace. She smile pleasantly.
"I am Aster, surrogate mother of the most amazing child I believe the world has ever produced, but I'd imagine most mothers would say the same. Also a former merchant and a concerned citizen."
She looks to Rexi, and says something with her name it in.
"This is Rexi, who despite this society's desire to rub her into the ground for just being born, is one of the most amazing Clavichord players I've ever heard. Her melodies are rich and soulful, a true delight. She is also lovely and one of my truest friends."
Looking to Vandomir
"Vandomir, whose heart is both valiant and merciful, and I hear has talent beyond talents for stonework. A utilitarian skill that borders pure art. He would never betray his ideals no matter the consequences, and though I've known him for an unfortunately little time, I trust him completely."
A long glance to Bazzle.
"A lastly Bazzle, who I think you know since you have been following him. A talented performer when he was allowed, an inquisitive alchemist before it was outlawed, and as kind and gentle a soul as I know. And I have known true monsters I assure you as well as flowers of compassion and beauty." her face turns sad for a moment thinking of her baker. "But that is why we have come to talk. You track him, and we don't understand why. Yes, we are more than the simple skills I have expressed, I will not insult your intelligence to say otherwise, but he is not your normal prey, so... we simply Do Not Understand."
Tayacet Tiora's eyes never stop analysing as Aster speaks. Her smile is practiced, but she relaxes her stance, and nods to each person as they're introduced. To Vandomir, Tayacet bows stiffly. She returns to the Common tongue, saying "Welcome my lord, and I welcome his company. Please have a seat with me. There is much to talk about."
Tayacet walks back to the table she was working at and moves aside some of the books and parchment so everyone can sit comfortably.
"Firstly, a correction. Alchemy is not outlawed, it is regulated. The Order of the Rack detests alchemy, but they are forced to submit if presented with an acceptable license. I practice alchemy on a daily basis, and although I occasionally have difficulty with the Rack, my license is enough to guarantee the safety of my equipment.
Mr. Gnackle is one of many suspects I have for a case I am working on. Unfortunately for you, your approach gives me reason to put him higher on the list. I have legal authority to arrest Mr. Gnackle, if I had any evidence. If you would like me to clear him now of any wrongdoing, then I will need to interview him."
Aster smiles at the acceptance of the conversation "No matter the outcome, the willingness to talk is much appreciated." she moves slowly to the seats, and settles with the relief of a pained leg. Her gaze moves to her friend Bazzle to decide if an interview is acceptable. She hoped it would be.
Tayacet's books consist of an encyclopedia of Fey creatures, a medical document regarding dental practices, a collection of books about non-true dragons, and a ton of notes about rumours and hearsay. Aster can read upside down well enough to see "Tiefling" written several times.
"Were you born and raised here, Ms. Aster? It is rare for me to come across my kin in Cheliax."
Rexandi shifts from foot to foot uncomfortably, having missed much of the foreign conversation and not sure how to react.
"I was. My family migrated many generations ago for some unknown reason. Though I have traveled far and wide since, including our homeland." Aster continues the causal conversation while she waits to see if Bazzle is willing to be interview by this woman. "Have you been away from it for long?"
"I have never travelled to the Homeland." Tayacet replies. "My work has led me through Cheliax and Nidal, and once to Ustalav, but never to another continent. I have imported books and maps, but one day I hope to travel to distant Tian Xia. Perhaps after retirement." She nods thoughtfully as she speaks. "Who is your family?"
"I am willing to answer questions. Though for a woman known to hunt serial killers. I am hardly fitting prey."
"Becka, my adoptive daughter is the only family I claim anymore." she looks a little embarrassed as her family is brought up "My blood kin are not people one wants to know, unless you do and then I'd worry about your sanity." her eyes roll a bit and she offers a smile "A special person helped me see I didn't have to live like that, to go down that path. So I left, and refuse to turn back. Ever. And you? Are you from a line of investigators and scholars?"
Aster gets the sense that Tayacet has learned something very important from her short conversation with Aster. She is about to reply, when Bazzle chimes in with his decision. Tayacet says "I do more than hunt serial killers, you know. But people seem to get obsessed about serial killers in a way I've never really understood. Anyways, let's begin the interview. I will not waste your time. Do you hereby swear to speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"
"Are you currently employed? What have you been doing in the last four weeks?"
"Have you been in contact with a faerie dragon over the last four weeks?"
"Where were you precisely on the 7th of Sarenith?"
He chuckles, "Employed. Sounds like a punishment. Well since the opera was closed. The market for a stage engineer has gone down. I have been a street performer." He flicks his wrists and two playing cards appear then he shakes his hands and they are gone.
"Faerie Dragon?" He laughs again. "You have stumbled on to a great mystery. Of course I have been in contact with a faerie dragon. He's part of my act. Well he's a friend so our act. But its a whole show," He pauses like everyone should know, "The Downright Dubious Dandies of the Peacock Dragon Hoard." His pitch casts the sentence as both answer to the question and 'seriously you had to have heard of us' "You should catch our act."
The 7th of Serenith?"
He does his best to recall and gives up with a shrug, "the 7th? The life of a street busker starts to run together. You get up late. You meet up with the guys. After a bit of shooting the crap. Then you go where you can get a crowd of onlookers and hope you get enough to keep off the pigeon pie."
Tayacet listens intently as she jots down notes. "I suppose it would be difficult going from engineer to performer, but it seems like you're managing all right. The Downright Dubious Dandies of the Peacock Dragon Hoard. I might check it out as part of my day off. I assume you play in Red Roof, by Kelimber's Dry Goods?"
The rest of the interview passes without issue. Bazzle believes he's managed to talk his way through the interview quite well.
"The children especially love him. A coin from an ear, a ribbon from the nose, and there is wide-eyed cackling like ripples in a lake."
"Go twice. I've had the pleasure of seeing it, only once so far. I hear each performance is a vastly different experience."
Aster is no help.
Aster does not think Tayacet is convinced, particularly on the note of the Faerie Dragon, but she never showed signs of agreement. Bazzle thinks he's done a good job.
Tayacet shrugs and says "Very well. I have your statements written down. You may see me at one of your next performances, Mr. Gnackle. Which reminds me, your uncle did say he was hoping you would write or visit him. Nothing to do with me, but family is important, isn't it? Anyway, I wish you all well. Keep your noses clean, and may the Gods hold you in high esteem." Tayacet motions towards Aster and her symbol of Abadar.
Aster does not exactly what the motion is for but she bows deeply to the investigator "May you find what you seek, honorable Tayacet, free from the desires of others... including ours." she gives the other woman a kind smile once she raises up. Rasing to her feet, with the usually wince as her weight settles into the lame leg, she pauses and offers "If you would like to have tea sometime, where I can offer you tales of our homeland, I would be honored." there is a slight blush on the cheeks of the normally poised woman.
"I'd like that." Tayacet answers, then bids the group farewell.
As the group leaves the library, you hear Tayacet mutter to herself "This complicates things."
Now late in the morning, the group has most of the day ahead of them. All that is time specific is to return to the wasp nest by nightfall to hear the report from the Skritt Squad.
Aster sees nothing. She just shuffles happily in the morning.
- Look into how to acquire an alchemy license
- Go kill the rock trolls
- Meet Bazzle's uncle
- Deal with Mialari Docur
- Investigate the CCG
- Chill out, help make items
- Go around town looking for rumours
"I feel a burning need to visit my uncle."
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"Where is the burning? I can maybe help," says Rexandi, taking her satchel off her shoulder.
"Let's do it."
Bazzle figures the most likely place to find his uncle at the moment wasn't his home in Redroof, but rather the Three-Legged Devil in Jarvis End. If they make haste, he'll only be on his first drink.
They make their way to Bleakbridge, where a squad of Dottari go over names and reasons for crossing the bridge. A single Hellknight of the Rack stands at attention half way across the bridge. As the group pay up and walk across, the Hellknight's gaze lingers on the group. He turns, and begins following behind. Only a few seconds later, he shouts "You four! HALT!"
"How can we help you officer?" Bazzle says with a deep and abiding respect.
"You!" He points to Vandomir. "I smell your chaos! Explain yourself before I stick you like a pig!"
Bazzle looks around confused.
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Vandomir turns to face the guard, "there may be many things that are illegal in this city, but simply walking about is not yet one of them."