"That is interesting."
"Does anyone happen to know how this plague got started? Maybe we can look into a way to end it for good, even if it is only by eradicating them all."
Seems to have come along with the coming o' the great fire dragon, Conflagratius, about two years ago.... London always had its rat problem.... But soon as the dragon came, it was wererats....
Kill dragon and all stops. Hisao comments.
"Everything always comes back to that wretched beast." Alphonse sighs.
"We'll see what we can do."
perhaps solving the wererat plague will get us closer to our real mission? we should think on that...
The guards at The Tower reveal to The Lusty Fools their general suspicion that the wererats have a lair somewhere down by the River Thames near London Bridge, possibly on the Southwark side, or maybe on the north side in one of the many old warehouses or dockhouses along the quay.
I am Magnus Sverreson from Norway and was commanded to do some research on behalf of my master's House, Duke Charles the Bold of Lorraine and his Lady, the Duchess Margaret -- friends of great Henry VI.
Sir, here is 5 pieces of gold to deliver my message to your superior, that I may study in the Tower.
Iommi-Tyr Magnusson will give the guard's superior 50 gp and allow the guard to speak my request (so I won't, hopefully, have to make more Bluff checks).
I am Magnus Sverreson from Norway and was commanded to do some research on behalf of my master's House, Duke Charles the Bold of Lorraine and his Lady, the Duchess Margaret -- friends of great Henry VI.
Sir, here is 5 pieces of gold to deliver my message to your superior, that I may study in the Tower.
Iommi-Tyr Magnusson will give the guard's superior 50 gp and allow the guard to speak my request (so I won't, hopefully, have to make more Bluff checks).
[dice= Inspired Bluff]1d20 +6 +1d6
[dice=Inspired Diplomacy]1d20 +10 +1d6
The guardsmen of Middle Gate happily take "Magnus's" gold and escort him and his motley crew of companions across the courtyard to the majestic White Tower, the central fortress that serves as royal home, government office, and prison....
The Lusty Fools are escorted past many other men-at-arms, guards, jailers, clerks, and other inhabitants of The Tower on their way to the library within the White Tower.... Once they arrive, the guardsmen promise to deliver "Magnus's" greeting and any messages he may have for their superiors, and leave The Lusty Fools to do their research in privacy....
About ten minutes after the guards have left The Lusty Fools alone with only a librarian in the library of The White Tower, as Tyr is still inspecting the truly impressive catalogue of tomes, folio, unbound manuscripts and scrolls stored on the many shelves and bookcases here, a draft of chill air, unseasonable in mid June, seems to waft down the aisle he stands in....
A spectral voice chuckles close by, and Tyr wheels, startled, to see a man who has apparently appeared out of thin air to his right side! He is very familiar-looking.... Someone famous for something, Tyr is quite sure....
Heehee! "Magnus Svensson", is it? Not last time I saw you, when you were but a wee sprout running and sparring your little Royal playmates with wooden swords.... You were called something quite similar, a Norse name--named for one of the old gods--yes, Tyr, it was,right? And your father was Magnus, not you, my good sir. You've grown quite a bit since we last met.... Do you recall my name, Tyr, Son of Magnus?
Once William has said his farewell to Champion he spends sometime bonding with Whelm he mounts up and heads back to The Boar's Head to meet up with his friends.
Whelm snorts angrily all through being saddled and mounted but after some calming words and friendly pats from Will he begins to calm down.
William shows up at the inn to find his party as departed. He Walks up to the first pretty barmaid he sees. "Do you know where my companions have gone? Their a ragtag bunch. A Creepy fellow in a cloak, a chinaman, an Irish fellow, and a few others."
Once William has said his farewell to Champion he spends sometime bonding with Whelm he mounts up and heads back to The Boar's Head to meet up with his friends.
Whelm snorts angrily all through being saddled and mounted but after some calming words and friendly pats from Will he begins to calm down.William shows up at the inn to find his party as departed. He Walks up to the first pretty barmaid he sees. "Do you know where my companions have gone? Their a ragtag bunch. A Creepy fellow in a cloak, a chinaman, an Irish fellow, and a few others."
Aye, m'lord, they went to the Tower....
Lord Geoffrey, it is good to see you again after all these years -- as you remember I always felt Thomas was like a big brother to me, as Prince Harry thought of me as his big brother figure.
I pray you, in honor of Thomas my old friend, your son, let my disguise of "Magnus Sverreson" keep; do not betray it. Foul things I fear rot the King's Court and I must needs this disguise of name, for I am not here on behalf of Eric of Pomerania, my cousin.
Tell me, Sir, how can I show my friendship?
Lord Geoffrey, it is good to see you again after all these years -- as you remember I always felt Thomas was like a big brother to me, as Prince Harry thought of me as his big brother figure.
I pray you, in honor of Thomas my old friend, your son, let my disguise of "Magnus Sverreson" keep; do not betray it. Foul things I fear rot the King's Court and I must needs this disguise of name, for I am not here on behalf of Eric of Pomerania, my cousin.
Tell me, Sir, how can I show my friendship?
[dice=Inspired Diplomacy]1d20 +10 +1d6
The ghost of Chaucer chuckles amiably.
Magnus Sversson it shall be, my friend.... And yes, foul things rot the King's Court, indeed, good Magnus.... Tell me what you know already, and I'll fill in what blanks I may.... Being a ghost has certain benefits pertaining to surreptitiousness and being privy to information the living might find hard to come by.... Don't mind Old George the librarian--he's half-deaf, and three sheets to the wind on brandy, most of the time.... And do introduce me to your company, if you would, as they seem as odd a batch of traveling companions as my company in the Canterbury Tales! Heehee! Maybe odder, in fact!
(To my allies:)
May I present master Geoffrey, the former Clerk of the King's Works, diplomat and master of laws -- in life he had a keen observation about the peasant language and it affected his own legal writings quite profoundly. Honestly, it was like he was developing his own language from the Peasant-speak and French.
(To Chaucer:)
Introducing Sir Alphonse Veritas -- whom Thomas probably knew when he stayed with the Duke of Clarence's family -- William Striker, Paddy the Loon of Ireland, an Egyptian Lady, Kiyu Amunatus, an interesting creature called Nacht, and Hisao of Persia.
NOTE: ;)
Will quickly rides to the tower and simply walks in ignoring whomever is standing in hi way unless they actively block him.
Alphonse, after getting over the shock of seeing a ghost (and one that's friendly, at that), replies to Chaucer.
"Pleased to meet you. I enjoyed reading your work when I had the time."
"Maybe an odd question, but did you ever finish the Canterbury Tales? After you died, I mean."
Nacht seemed not to be too interested in the area, he was much more interested in these rat-beings they later informed him of. were they simply larger rat-creatures? Or were these beings like the wolf-beings from before? Were they delicious as well? These were important question that Nacht wished to be answered, it wet his appetite for multiple endeavors.
Nacht's eyes of piercing yellow look upon the creature for but a moment before a blade lances forth into the lifeless-being, his expression does not seem amused though that is unable to be seen. He pulls out when there is no resistance.
" Nekromantie, Undead. "
The wording mainly as if neutral or lackluster.
Pleased to make your acquaintance, my good sir.
Paddy snickers to himself, then smiles...
You wouldn't happen to know any really good dirty limericks would you? I think I have heard all the ones that are any good already...
Paddy then gets serious.
but on other business, if you happen to know anything to help our cause, we would greatly appreciate it.
Alphonse, after getting over the shock of seeing a ghost (and one that's friendly, at that), replies to Chaucer.
"Pleased to meet you. I enjoyed reading your work when I had the time."
"Maybe an odd question, but did you ever finish the Canterbury Tales? After you died, I mean."
The ghost of Chaucer grins at Alphonse....
Indeed, good sir.... Would you care to find out how it ends? I could paraphrase for you.... Or if you prefer, you can read the Tales yourself in their entirety.... I have dictated the ending to George, the Tower's librarian, and the manuscript is stored here in the library....
Pleased to make your acquaintance, my good sir.
Paddy snickers to himself, then smiles...
You wouldn't happen to know any really good dirty limericks would you? I think I have heard all the ones that are any good already...
Paddy then gets serious.
but on other business, if you happen to know anything to help our cause, we would greatly appreciate it.
The ghost of Chaucer chuckles at Paddy's inquiry about dirty limericks, and he actually rattles off a few Paddy hasn't heard yet....
Then, on a more serious note, Chaucer's ghost inquires as to the exact nature of The Lusty Fools' cause. On hearing that they intend to right the wrongs perpetrated by the Witch of Eye and her co-conspirators against the English crown, he seems pleased, and offers to help in whatever way he can....
I can tell you this much: the Witch of Eye, Margary Jourdemayne, was hired to work evil witchcraft against young King Henry VI by the wicked Duchess of Gloucester, Eleanor Cobham. Others involved in this evil treason include Roger Bolingbroke, a wizard held in high regard by the court, and the dastardly Cardinal Beaufort, a true snake in the grass....
Duke Humphrey is oblivious to these evil goings on, all done in secrecy behind his back. If you make him aware of his wife's evil doings, he's likely to be torn between love for his wife and loyalty to the throne, but I'm certain he will come to the right side and do what must needs be done, even if it means having his beloved Eleanor executed as a traitor....
During the Lusty Fools' stay at the Tower of London, at around 4:00 PM, a silver raven arrives with a small message scroll rolled up in its talons....
It also delivers a verbal message in its tiny metallic voice. The combined verbal and written messages come to this:
False Dauphin hunting your party. Foreign strangers hunting "Hamid of Persia". True Dauphin grows restless. Father Renaud wishes you safe travels and success in your righteous quest.
Alphonse, after getting over the shock of seeing a ghost (and one that's friendly, at that), replies to Chaucer.
"Pleased to meet you. I enjoyed reading your work when I had the time."
"Maybe an odd question, but did you ever finish the Canterbury Tales? After you died, I mean."
The ghost of Chaucer grins at Alphonse....
Indeed, good sir.... Would you care to find out how it ends? I could paraphrase for you.... Or if you prefer, you can read the Tales yourself in their entirety.... I have dictated the ending to George, the Tower's librarian, and the manuscript is stored here in the library....
Alphonse' eyes light up (literally).
"I would very much like to read them myself, yes."
Alphonse, after getting over the shock of seeing a ghost (and one that's friendly, at that), replies to Chaucer.
"Pleased to meet you. I enjoyed reading your work when I had the time."
"Maybe an odd question, but did you ever finish the Canterbury Tales? After you died, I mean."
The ghost of Chaucer grins at Alphonse....
Indeed, good sir.... Would you care to find out how it ends? I could paraphrase for you.... Or if you prefer, you can read the Tales yourself in their entirety.... I have dictated the ending to George, the Tower's librarian, and the manuscript is stored here in the library....
Alphonse' eyes light up (literally).
"I would very much like to read them myself, yes."
Very well, then! I'm pleased to have an avid reader of my work in our midst! I'll go awaken old George with a "boo", and have him fetch the manuscript for your reading pleasure!
The ghost of Chaucer vanishes like a dissipating mist, only to reappear at the dozing librarian's side with a ghostly BOOOOOOOO!!!, which startles George awake....
Within minutes, George seeks out Alphonse with a stack of parchment containing the completed Canterbury Tales!
"Thank you, ehm, George, was it? I shall enjoy this later."
"But, business before pleasure, I suppose. Should we be up front? Find some proof of Eleanor Cobham's involvement and then tke it to her husband?"
Dropping anchor in the harbor at Folkestone, the Yellow Reeds ninja waste no time at the port town, going straight to Folkestone Manor to interrogate the Baron about his interactions with The Lusty Fools and "Hamid of Persia"....
They learn that "Hamid" is traveling with a very peculiar figure known only as "Nacht", the German word for night, who the Baron would very much like to question regarding a house fire that killed one of the fishermen living in Folkestone....
Stealing horses from the baron's stables, the ninja of the Yellow Reeds continue their pursuit of their prodigal brother and his companions, The Lusty Fools, on the road that leads to London....
"Thank you, ehm, George, was it? I shall enjoy this later."
"But, business before pleasure, I suppose. Should we be up front? Find some proof of Eleanor Cobham's involvement and then tke it to her husband?"
He will have to be confronted with the unpleasant truth about his wife sooner or later, yes.... But you must first acquire ample and undeniable proof that she is conspiring to weaken and waste away by witchcraft the young King of England.... If you can fix up some pretext by which you can gain access to investigate the Duchess Eleanor's residences, both in Gloucester and here in London, mayhap you can find the evidence you need to make poor Humphrey see the truth....
"Hm. Subterfuge is not one of my strong points, nor is the law."
"Iommi, can you think of a valid pretext we might be able to use to investigate the Duchess?"
The pretext need not necessarily concern the duchess directly.... In fact, if some reason to poke about in their residences can be conceived that does not implicate the duchess in treason, your reception and access would be all the more congenial from Humphrey and Eleanor.... If you can, cook up some scheme that has them veritably inviting you into their homes to look around.... And if you can come up with nothing, you do have a master of stealth and infiltration in your company who possesses a rather potent magic ring that renders him completely undetectable, do you not?
The ghost of Chaucer winks at Hisao....
Being a ghost, I know quite a bit about haunting.... You could, with your various abilities and magical powers, fake a haunting at Gloucester's residences, and after perplexing and spooking the Duke and Duchess out of their wits for a few nights, present yourselves as ghost hunters come to lay to rest the "ghosts" haunting the Gloucester's estates....
I think the first step should still be eliminating the wererat menace -- and use that as a means to gain audience with Duke Humphrey.
....Then we can feel him out a bit and find some reason, perhaps legitimately, to seek out some truth. We could, for example, mention that we have heard that a witch has come to London to Hex young Henry. Indeed -- that may work very well as we can gauge Humphrey's reaction, the look on his face, when he hears that. It could be most telling: If he reacts in shock and outrage and asks us on the spot to seek out the truth we will be in GREAT luck. If he seems unconvinced and unconcerned, he may yet allow us to inconspicuously look around a bit. If, on the other hand, he seems angry or vehemently denies it and demands from where we heard the vicious rumor, we may be in deep trouble.
In any case, I think the more honest we are, even without being completely open, the better.
So wererats.... Perhaps George could give introduction for us as a potential exterminator?...
I think the first step should still be eliminating the wererat menace -- and use that as a means to gain audience with Duke Humphrey.
....Then we can feel him out a bit and find some reason, perhaps legitimately, to seek out some truth. We could, for example, mention that we have heard that a witch has come to London to Hex young Henry. Indeed -- that may work very well as we can gauge Humphrey's reaction, the look on his face, when he hears that. It could be most telling: If he reacts in shock and outrage and asks us on the spot to seek out the truth we will be in GREAT luck. If he seems unconvinced and unconcerned, he may yet allow us to inconspicuously look around a bit. If, on the other hand, he seems angry or vehemently denies it and demands from where we heard the vicious rumor, we may be in deep trouble.In any case, I think the more honest we are, even without being completely open, the better.
So wererats.... Perhaps George could give introduction for us as a potential exterminator?...
You have grown wise rather quickly, young Magnus's son.... I am proud of the man you've become....
Killing wererats? I'm fine with that. If we have to be sneaky and such later, I am sure my friend from the middle east and I can help with that. We should get a move on though....I think that the quicker we move, the better our chances are.
Ratcatchers you shall be then! A time-honored tradition of a profession if ever there was one! Hahahahaha!.... You'll need some silvered weapons for these rats, my boys and gal.... Heheheheheee!
We have some silver from last time. Any way to prevent infection from bite?
There are still many things for me to study in the library. Perhaps you, my allies, can learn of where we may go to find the lycanthropes and then send word for me when you find it. I'll then leave here immediately and join you.
.
.
.
Hisao taps Iommi on the shoulder. Perhaps you should look up scrolls upon topic of glorious Nippon. Is not China
Reads a bit about Nippon while in the Tower....
(To himself, quietly in the library)
Fascinating. Who knew that there were more places in the Orient where Chinamen came from.
.... Oh, wait. So Hisao is not a Chinaman?! Hmmm. He sounds like a Chinaman and looks like a Chinaman and acts like a Chinaman. But of course, I must admit I've never actually seen or heard an actual Chinaman.
I guess Hisao is not a Chinaman afterall.
While Iommi-Tyr studies and researches diverse topics in the Tower, the other Lusty Fools make their way down to the riverside to hunt some wererats....
The sun sinks below the rooftops to the west, and the fog that always cloaks the city grows dim, lit by oil lamps ignited by the Guild of Lamplighters....
The waning moon adds some luminescence to the dark streets and alleyways....