@Silas,
"See that's the thing, that guy wore a false name for sure. So the only description is the tattoo on his face. Perhaps you can come up with a suitable name. If he used a false one it doesn't matter anyway."
Hecktor pauses to think on his words...
Hmm, tricky guy aren't you :)
but resumes.
"This guy isn't part of a mercenary group. They'd sooner backstab a straggler than to let him give up names. They strike and vanish. Dropping their name would certainly stir up something, that'd be risky. But the short version; this group committed a crime and i'm the one investigating. Supposedly, they were to meet in town. There aught to be 2 more of this sort in town, or at least have been."
Not wanting to share more details than is currently needed, he thanks Silas for the effort.
Lucanor returns to the others, a brand new and very NICE sword at his side for those who look for such, "Let me know when you want to know what I know, folks, though I'm going to insist we keep it among ourselves."
"Where would he get such a tat done Hecktor? I've got one myself, I could easily pretend I'm after another..."
He usually has it covered up, but Silas has a most impressive Tattoo covering fully half his body, it's of a phoenix, surrounded by flames and if you look very closely every part of it is formed from some densely packed Varisisn script. While not magical, it's really quite striking and must have taken a long time.
"Although between you and me, I'm scared of what would happen if the Lady who did this found out I was thinking of getting another done by some hedge artist, she would not be pleased!" You get the impression he's genuinely fearful of her wrath
Later when Lucanor appears, Silas notices a pensiveness about him and says "Seems you've acquired a burden. Such things are better discussed on the road, away from prying eyes..."
"Well, maybe we should take a trip, say to oldfen, for shopping or the like."
Michael swirls about in the vast expanse of nothingness that he finds himself in; weightless and without form, unable to feel.
I know that I took one hell of a hit, but if this is death it's not quite what I was expecting.
As he drifts listlessly in the emptiness he spies a bright, white light in the distance. Knowing the tales of the "light at the end of the tunnel" Michael heads towards this new-found beacon.
Well, that's more like it. I suppose it's time to go.
But as he moves, so does the light. For every foot gained, two are lost. Giving chase, he tries to catch it as it darts off. After a while, he gives up and stops. The beacon dances in the distance, taunting him mercilessly.
I don't understand... I thought I was supposed to head your way.
The light continues its taunting, moving to and fro, beckoning Michael to continue the chase.
No. I'm not going to play your games. If I'm doomed to float in this limbo for eternity, then so be it. But I refuse to chase you any further.
The light stops its taunting movements, standing stationary once again. Its intensity grows, followed by a change in hue to a kaleidoscope of color. Soon it takes on shape and form. One that is both strange and yet familiar at the same time. The radiant being begins to pulse.
Now I really don't understand you. What do you want? Why do you torment me?
The pulsing continues and Michael stares, entranced and silent.
I see it now. I'm not quite sure I understand it, but I see it.
Again the light changes. The pulses become more rapid, the brightness dims, and the colors begin to fade.
I can't... I can't understand you anymore... Speak louder, please. I was so close...
The light loses its shape as its brightness and color dim to almost nothing. The pulses slow again, and the fading light darts toward Michael. He reaches out to touch it, hoping that contact will impart the knowledge that he seeks, but the light winks out of existence before it reaches him. Michael feels something begin to pull at him, and like a fish on a hook he is yanked back from the void.
His body feels heavy...
Gared rouses from his sleep slowly, the exertions of the night before taking a heavy toll on his muscles. After his watch, he hadn't even bothered to remove his armour but it doesn't appear to have had any effect - usually when sleeping in his armour it causes him to wake with pains but not today.
As Lucanor comes in the door, Gared looks at him in confusion.
"The town needs to be rebuilt, Lucanor. How can we just drop everything to go on a shopping trip of Olfdan?"
@Silas
"Where they get their tattoos is unknown. Perhaps they have their own specialist tattoo parlor. To the common folk it'd be just another odd tattoo, but they can recognize eachother that way. Who knows, maybe if you fake the tattoo somebody will contact you."
He notices Silas' tad of anxiety as he mentions "The Lady".
"This "Lady", Silas, is she that proud of her works that she makes you feel uneasy?"
Lucanor turns to Michael where he rests, "Sorry I couldn't get to you before now, friend." He lays on hands and prays.
"The town needs to be rebuilt, Lucanor. How can we just drop everything to go on a shopping trip of Olfdan?"
Lucanor glances over and speaks quietly, "Oddly enough, some of the things we shop for might tell us a lot about the problems here and save some lives. Hard to say. Regardless, I think you folks will be interested when we can get out on the road and 'chat'"
Gared is quiet for a moment. It's obvious that he is weighing up options in his mind.
"We should stay for at least a day to help start the repair effort; we can then use that as cover to head to Olfdan for supplies," Gared says finally, "To act before that may look... odd to the people of the Hollow."
"Fine by me, Gared. I think I can sit on it another day," Lucanor says trying to be fair. "I'm worried about these folks too. They're in over their heads."
"It's possible we're all in over our heads, Lucanor, but we're the best defence this town has to offer; we can't afford to trust the Consortium and their cronies," Gared replies.
Silas responds to Hecktor's question with a simple, "Yes". He doesn't seem keen to elaborate.
Later Silas listens to Lucanor and Gared's debate, he seems content to let them say their piece, although at the suggestion that the Consortium might do something foolish, he interjects, "I may be an outsider, but it's obvious to me that the Consortium like the status Quo and see this as their town. I don't think they're going to do anything to rock the boat, at least while their rule is unquestioned. That said I'd agree we shouldn't just vanish the day after the night before."
Although that's what I've always done...
Percival joins Lucanor in administering healing, from man-made rather than divine sources.
"I would check the progress of our plague-curing procurements, then on the townspeople... politics and plans involving me will wait until the wounded are in their beds with clean bandages."
Lucanor listens and nods, he can see where the majority is going,"Alright. We stay here another day then. Poor Michael will need it anyway. Still amazed he's alive."
"It is settled then," Gared nods, "We help out the townsfolk today and depart for Olfdan tomorrow."
"Percival and Lucanor, Michael shall need to be in as fit a state as possible tomorrow; can you ensure that he is fit to travel, at least? Who knows what we'll run into on the road to Olfdan. Silas, Hecktor and I can head out into the town and survey the damage, as well as trying to locate some supplies for the road," Gared says, looking for input from the others.
"Sure, let's see what we can do. I'll also keep an ear open to see what rumours were churned up by last nights excitement..."
Sometime during the next day, while the party does its various tasks a runner comes from Thuldrin Kreed. The runner bears an invitation to dinner for each of you.
Dear "Name"
It is unfortunate that we got off to a bad start. Please come to dinner at my manor this evening, we can discuss our mutual friendship and how to best serve Falcons Hollow. Also, I still owe you for the plague cure, Laurel says its going splendidly.
Sincerely
High Gavel Thuldrin Kreed
"Fine with me."
Looking at Silas with a slightly raised brow...
"I'm not sure excitement would be the correct term. Likely more chaos.
Excitement would more be like a festival or an attractive lady dancing."
Gared studies the note and sighs.
"No doubt trying to twist the situation to his benefit," Gared says, passing the note on. "We'd best go, so as to not arouse suspicions."
Michael groggily opens his eyes and squints up at the ceiling. The light hurts his eyes, every fiber of his being aches, and his mouth feels as though someone's been pouring sand down his throat.
Trying his best to get his voice to work, he's able to rasp.
"Wa...*cough* Water..."
"Seems we're popular" says, Silas in a tone that makes it sound almost like a curse, "Sharvaros Vade wants to see us, and the Gavel has 'invited' us to dinner... Is that Michael I can hear?"
Silas gently helps Michael have a sip of water from his canteen and calls for Percival.
Michael takes a deep drink and lets out a sigh.
"That's the stuff right there. I feel like I've been hit by stampeding cattle. How long have I been out, and how bad did it get?"
"All night and most of the following day. The doctor and Lucanor have been working double time to patch you up. I understand it was a close run thing. Well scratch that, quite frankly it's a miracle you're here!" Silas peers at Michael curiously, shakes his head and continues, "The main fight was all but over when you got hit, and after that we rescued the Sheriff from several shadows that'd killed most of his deputies. Culty Mc Cultist also died, but it seems to me that he was murdered by a spellcaster rather than the undead."
Michael turns his head away from Silas and stares at the wall.
"A miracle... Yea..."
Michael's voice kind of trails off as his brow furrows slightly. He continues to silently stare at the wall until the silence grows somewhat awkward, before continuing with an intensity not present before.
"I've got to get up and out of here. There are things I need to do. Tell me, did anyone check to see if my horse made it through the night? Has anyone heard anything of my parents?"
"Seems we're popular" says, Silas in a tone that makes it sound almost like a curse, "Sharvaros Vade wants to see us, and the Gavel has 'invited' us to dinner... Is that Michael I can hear?"
Lucanor moves as he also hears Michael, "Frankly, meeting with Kreed makes me want to wash off, but Gared is right about arousing suspicions. I get the feeling he's going to try to use us to make himself look good. Silas, if you can keep him from doing that somehow, I'd appreciate it."
Bending down over Michael, "You, are a lucky man, even if you may not believe it right now. Afraid I didn't tend to your parents, sorry about that, I should have thought of it."
Lucanor touches Micheal's shoulder, "This is all I got for today, and the day is young, so nobody else get injured, alright?"
"I'm thinking on that Lucanor... He did summon us after all, so it's likely he'll claim responsibility. We have to tread lightly here, I intend to refuse the prize money but am trying to find a way of doing so that will make him look churlish if he takes offence. Perhaps donating it to a good cause such as the orphanage."
"Right now thought, I think we'd better find out what Sharvaros Vade wants. I have a funny feeling it's going to be that wand. It may not be, ah! healthy for him to have such an item... I'd appreciate it if you came along Lucanor, and anyone else who is free."
"Well, as a good son of the church I'd normally say hand some over to the temple, but orphans have needs. Might I suggest you might give some to the families of the deputies that fell in battle?" Lucanor adds.
"Right now thought, I think we'd better find out what Sharvaros Vade wants. I have a funny feeling it's going to be that wand. It may not be, ah! healthy for him to have such an item... I'd appreciate it if you came along Lucanor, and anyone else who is free."
"I get the feeling I might be the last sort of person he might want to see, but sure, I'll come along.. I'm actually more worried about his boy. Lad looked really shaken."
"I was thinking they where one and the same, if the sad tale I heard this morning was true, although that works too"
Silas merely nods at your assessment of who Sharvaros and his son are likely to want to see.
Hecktor had been listening to the conversations of the others. Alot of stuff happened since he came to this town. At Michael's question if anybody had seen his folks or heard his horse;
"Michael, in all the commotion we didn't hear your horse. My experience with horses is they make a ruckuss if they are actally in peril while alone. So don't be too down just yet."
......
"Silas, asking him to spend the money on charity is a card well played. Who knows......if public opinion goes down the gutter for him, people might consider hiring people to "dethrone" him, sort to speak."
Adrienne is indeed just fine. She protected the other horses stabled at the Sitting Duck scoring 2 zombie kills with her hooves.
Let me know when you are prepared to move. Are you going to visit Vade or just go to Kreed's manor?
With Lucanor's healing Michael finally gets some color back in his skin. He stands up slowly and starts to gather his belongings and get dressed again.
"After last night our plan to keep a low profile for a while has been shot. So if Kreed wants to see us, I say we should go. If only for the chance to spit in the man's face. I figure that there are two ways this can go. It can be a 'business dinner' where he tries to woo us over to his side, or it could be a public spectacle where he tries to take the credit for us being here and doing what we've done."
"If he tries to make this a public spectacle, I say we try to turn it on him. Steal his thunder. If and when he announces his 'rewarding' us, we take the money and instead of saying thank you we immediately give it away to the church, the orphanage, and any widows. Rebuild the town with it. Something that helps the people while keeping his blood money away from us. At the same time, we make our own announcement of further donations, such as equipping the sheriff and his deputies. Build our own reputation further."
"However, if it's just a quiet 'business dinner' instead of him trying to play us up publicly, we should just go along with it. Act like we're on his side. We accept any and all money graciously, with the biggest, most excrement-eating grins we can muster, and we make a note of whatever bribes or other payoffs he offers us and what they're being offered for. Basically, we keep our mouths shut and nod a lot while he hands us some of his dirty laundry. When we leave, we make sure we aren't followed and then donate the money and spread the word of whatever ill deeds he's wanting us to perform."
"It's time for us to start playing politics. Kreed keeps his control by flexing his muscles. I have no doubt that at some point we're going to have to flex ours, but real victory will only come by winning the hearts and minds of the people here. And that's something that I think Kreed can't pull off."
"I think Silas is already ahead of you, Michael, ahead of me too to be fair," He tips his hat to the bard. "Mind you, I'm not sure how well I can stomach even appearing to take a bribe if he tries that."
"I pretty much agree with all of that Michael. I'll have to wrap it up in honeyed words but I fully intend to get Kreed to give the town's less fortunate a gift. First things first though, let's go see what that mage wants, as if I can't guess..."
So the party heads to Sharvaros Vade's tower. Vade's tower is located in the High District of Falcons Hollow, along with Vamros Harg's tribunal and Thuldrin Kreed's manor. It is easily the most imposing building in Falcons Hollow made of dark stone and at least six stories tall.
Rumors abound that it is at least as tall in the other direction, and Sharvaros Vade performs the most vile acts of magic in the dead of night. Magic on the corpses of the nearby graveyard.
The party reaches the door of the tower and Savram Vade is there to greet you. He bows deeply and ushers you into a waiting area. A halfling servant offers your refreshments. After a few minutes of waiting a different servant shows you into a large library. Sharvaros Vade sits behind a desk reading a scroll.
Welcome to my home. Thank you for coming. I wish to offer you a gift before we discuss the reason for your visit. Vade says as he motions for the gift to be presented
These served me well in my youth...[ Vade states as Savram brings a pair of boots into the room and holds them out to the party.
Once someone accepts the boots, Sharvaros Vade continues
I'm sure you have heard many things about me, I do not doubt the peasants of Falcons Hollow speak volumes about what they do not understand. Vade eyes the party before continuing
It has come to my attention that the mastermind behind this attack carried with her two items of particular importance. I wish to study them. One is a sickle made of black metal, the other is a wand, most peculiarly carved. Please get them for me.
Vade waits for a response.
Michael listens to the man's words and watches his body language carefully, studying it for hidden meaning or any hints of dishonesty, deception, or ill intent.
"Well, I'm not sure what these guys recovered last night, due to my being otherwise indisposed by the time that cultist went down, so I don't know if they have it or if someone else managed to pick it up. But I did see that wand in action, and it's most definitely a dangerous item. If you don't mind my asking, exactly what are you wanting to study it for?"
An interesting question indeed Master Stamford. I sense that you do not fully trust me yes? Very well, at least admit this. Do you know what the Wand and Sickle represent? Do you understand the magnitude of what they mean? I believe you six are as lost as babes.
Vade eyes the party
I will share first. The Wand is carved with screaming skulls. I wish to determine its origins for certain, although I have a strong hunch. The skymetal sickle is carved with runes that undoubtably none of you can read. I believe I can.
Now please, produce the items so that I might see them.
"The question of how the paraphernalia of Ugothra came to terrorise this sleepy town, is of vital import. I have taken the liberty of producing a rubbing of the runes on both sides of the sickle, and here's one of the wand. As you can see the runes are perfectly legible, can you please tell us what they say?"
@Niles please see the knowledge rolls I mistakenly made in the other thread.
Sharvaros Vade smiles grimly at Hawkwinter's rubbings.
I do not doubt that your rubbings are of quality, but what of magic auras can they tell me? I provided my information freely and gave gifts. I will tell you what the runes say, but you are testing the limits of my patience Master Bard.
The runes are in Ancient Alzant, they read as a prayer to the Azlanti goddess Acavna. A dirge to mourn the dead and protect the living from their rising.
If you are worried that such treasures are valuable, they are. I will purchase or trade for them if you so desire.
As Silas produces the rubbings he's taken Michael's eyes widen slightly.
"Huh. I guess they did pick them up..."
Nope, never heard of Acavna before.
Gared listens but says little; items of an arcane nature are not his forte and he is happy to look around the tower to try and figure Vade out.
The inquisitor nods respectfully to both the boy and his father.
Lucanor does indeed search for evil , not just on the items, but at Vade himself.
"Acavna was, if I recall overhearing from wiser heads than I, Azlanti goddess of battle, honorable death, and the moon. Nobody worships her anymore that I know of." He states after a moment, "Master Vade, I'd like to know what your goals are with your studies. I try to keep an open mind, so I'm happy to hear you out."