Hoping to delay their visit to another library, Tenebrynn continues to pal around with Al, helping, and also occasionally slowing him down, as best she can.
”Oh, we’re looking for the Knights? And the Sceptered House? Why didn’t you guys tell me? I think...uh...uh...” Tristain’s eyes avoid looking at Tenebrynn as he thinks.
Know (Local) - Knights
Know (Local) - House
”You should have just asked me rather than nearly driving me out, maybe...” Tristain will explain the two spoilers above.
"Sounds like a harmless enough group with maybe one member who's over the line." he says in response to Tristain's powerful knowledge.
"We should tread lightly. I suspect they're well connected here in Cassomir, and we don't want to find ourselves spending then next while looking at freedom through a prison cell - or worse! Let's see if our man is there. Do we have time yet today to pay a visit?"
Kyffin looks at the sundial on the wall and wonders what time it is.
"Well, it's an inn, so we may as well book a room there, gotta stay somewhere tonight don't we? Maybe we can find one of those thirteen knights and make some friendly conversation."
It's nearing the end of the day, after spending much of it buying and selling goods after your departure from the ship. As you moved through the city, you saw various six-person patrols of the Watch, especially in the higher-end districts where you had to do much of your shopping for higher-priced items. They don't seem to pay much attention to you, but you certainly get the impression that they would come down hard on anyone causing any disruption.
The inn itself is in the wealthy Threegates district, and you're certainly able to find directions there as the sun sinks down into the ocean to the west, creating a brilliant display of the many "ship's trees" rising from the Imperial Naval Shipyards.
A twenty-something human female with short blonde hair strolls into the inn and begins to wander about, wondering at the stacks of books, spiral staircases, and weirdly-angled walls. Her facial features are simple and demure, yet she dresses almost entirely in black, from her leather boots to the fine cloak that she holds close against her body. Her worn backpack, however, is tan though weather-beaten.
I'm assuming Starflit already scanned the party with detect evil out in the street or maybe when she first entered. Maybe she'll try again with detect chaos in the unlikely event she isn't busted immediately.
Kyffin Rhees, a half orc, dresses in typical Qadiran garb, layering tunics, robes, scarves, and other wraps of fine linen and silk in blue and white, red and gold. He’s somewhat brightly colored, much like a peacock, though that doesn't quite reach the often dour snarl on his face. He seems often lost in thought, though confidently so - as if this is not new terrain for him.
He wears an old chain shirt but a mithral buckler, perhaps a sign of things to come, and an array of weapons at his sides (two scimitars, morning star, dagger, crossbow) show him to be a military man however. He also wears a Holy Symbol of Sarenrae, simple wooden and worn - clearly a cherished thing.
Kyffin strides into the room and looks around appreciatively. It's been a long slog on the road and river, and he's looking forward to some pampering and a steady floor. "Now remember, we want to be guests here, so we shouldn't cause any trouble if we can avoid it."
He'll stride up to the desk, taking Al's suggestion to heart. He inquires about rooms/a suite for the party.
The old man is out of place in the finery of the inn, but he seems at home with the books. His garb is that of the farms, though the trappings of a warrior are visible at the seams. He approaches the innkeeper with Kyffin as his friendly old smile beams from his weather worn face. "Might you have a room for the four of us travelers? I'm awfully eager to rest my bones by the fire and enjoy a little comfort."
"Now remember, we want to be guests here, so we shouldn't cause any trouble if we can avoid it."
"Yeah, of course. Why would I cause problems?" Tristain bonks his head against the wall while he waits for Kyffin to secure the rooms.
Tristain stands about 5'8" and weights about 160lbs. He has brown hair and brown eyes. If he looks like he's been crying recently it's because he has, as if something mean and confusing had hit him over the head.
Tenebrynn sighs and shakes her head at Tristain's headbonking. Leaving the room-finding to the other two, the small gnome secures a small table and hops up into the seat. Her hair, a wild shock of tulip red and stark white shifts and writhes atop her head, much like her clothes, as if she were constantly standing in a strong breeze. From one pocket, the corner of one of Kyffin's scarves wags in the unseen wind.
As the others approach the table in turn, small gusts of wind from under the table slide their chairs out for them, inviting them to sit. "Any idea as to when knights are next here for their meeting? Better question: worth even risking such involvement?" Her words come out in a rapid fire tumble, each running into and nearly over the last. She takes a stiff breath, visibly slowing both herself and her words down. "I don't think things with Mun will be as civil as any of you are hoping." She shrugs at this, letting the thought and threat of thirteen like-minded friends of Lowls' go unspoken.
"Yeah, I agree Tenebrynn. Our target will almost certainly be trouble, and so it's probably best to isolate him as much as possible from aid when we do chat. We should avoid a meeting of the knights if we can."
Kyffin nods along as he waits to get a room with Al.
A human woman -- wearing bright colored (and unfortunately badly clashing) clothing -- looks you up and down as you request rooms, then pulls down her glasses and repeats the gesture.
"Dears, I'm afraid we don't allow just anyone to stay here, you understand? We have a certain ... level ... of clientele that calls on The Sceptered House," she says, her voice full of skepticism. "I'm afraid if you're looking for a hostel, you might want to find another part of town. I'm sure someone near the docks might be able to let you a room?"
Still, once Kyffin makes it clear that you do in fact have more money than might be immediately apparent, her demeanor changes. She smiles widely, collecting 2 gp for each of you for each night you wish to stay.
"Oh, well, why didn't you say so? I'm Mollie Mabb, the manager of this fine establishment. If I may suggest, I could give you directions to a fine clothier, who could help you with your looks. Perhaps less of a travel- and blood-stained wretch-off-the-street aesthetic, and more men about town?"
Kyffin shrugs at the ladies suggestion, "Sure, why not. Speaking for myself of course. It's been a long trip here, and I could use a fresh look."
He thanks her for the rooms and pays his share. "Have we missed dinner?" his stomach inquires, using his mouth to voice its need.
From her vantage point, the woman in black easily overhears the manager's words to the four adventurers and grimaces.
When Mollie the Multi-Colored gets a look at me, her fashion lecture is going to give me away. Best to make my move first....
Reaching into her belt pouch, the young woman removes 2 gold pieces; then she strides confidently up to Mollie and the adventurers.
"I'll be needing a room as well," she announces matter-of-factly while handing the manager her gold. "I've traveled a long way myself and need safe lodging." Turning to the adventurers, she adds,"And as I've traveled alone, I could use a good meal and some good company. I'll gladly pay for your meal if you'll let me share it with you."
As she pulls a chair out to seat herself, the glitter of mithral armor can be seen briefly inside her black cloak.
Tristain stops his totally normal and appropriate head-to-wall bonking to consider the very good question before him: does Tristain want a new outfit?
He slowly begins to nod in assent as the idea takes hold. He's been wearing mostly the same stuffy scholar's robes since that one town, and it might be nice to have, I dunno, a change of clothing or two. Yes, yes he would like that.
"I think Kyffin is right. We could use some sprucing up. We can afford it, after all," Tristain notes perhaps too loudly. "Yeah, get us some food too. Like something with cheese? I'd like some cheese," he pipes up from behind, then goes back to bonk his head some more.
He thinks about what clothes to buy, and not how much Tenebrynn wants him gone.
*bonk!*
*bonk!*
*bonk!*
"...I could give you directions to a fine clothier, who could help you with your looks. Perhaps less of a travel- and blood-stained wretch-off-the-street aesthetic, and more men about town?"
"Yes, although we've worked very hard and risked a great deal to achieve this particular 'aesthetic', it would be nice to have something clean and comfortable for a change. Shall we let them know that you sent us, a wretch-off-the-street discount perhaps?"
As the newcomer approaches the table she’s snagged, Tenebrynn shoots the chair out with a small gust, inviting her to sit. ”Hi! I’m Tenebrynn. That’s Al, he’s Kyffin, and the one bonking his head still is Tristain.” She sighs and shakes her head again, refusing to give Tristain the attention for which he’s fishing. ”Uh, thanks for the meal. Not often strangers just buy a whole band of folks their supper. You new to town too then?”
Mollie nods. "Sure, I can provide some food. Set yourselves down and after dinner, I'll have instructions for you. Though she's likely closed for the day."
Once you're all seated, she eventually has a few servants bring out a cart.
"How about spitchcock?" she asks.
A large bowl of water filled with live eels is set before each of you, along with a miniature harpoon for you to spear your choice of fish. Several servants stand nearby with a cooking cart that contains a fire in it, the heat radiating as they wait for you to make your picks.
"I am," the young woman replies to Tenebrynn with a nod of thanks and the hint of a smile. She likewise nods a greeting to the others seated at the table. Perhaps it's just his imagination, but the woman's eyes seem to hold on Al a bit longer than the others. "Though I've visited Cassomir once before, about three years back."
Once the manager has moved away (and before the servants have brought out the eels and cooking equipment), the stranger gets to the point of her intrusion. "I am called Starflit, and I'm an agent for the church of the Black Butterfly and, to a lesser extent, the church of Desna. We have a mutual acquaintance in one Winter Klaczka. I am aware of much that occurred in the town of Thrushmoor. My Lady--the Black Butterfly--is an eternal enemy of the Dark Tapestry, its lords, and its minions. I...am not particularly well-versed in the subject, as it always seemed to me a distant, unlikely threat...but I was the best my superiors had on hand, so I was sent to aid you in any way I can. If you'll have me, that is."
Her gaze returns to Al. "You were not with the others in the asylum," she states. "Yet I know you are not evil at heart. If the others trust you, so shall I."
When the eels are presented, Starflit spears one with relative ease and presents it to the cooks.
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"And as I've traveled alone, I could use a good meal and some good company. I'll gladly pay for your meal if you'll let me share it with you."
Tristain looks her up and down, uncertain, but then very certain (and possibly hopeful) that a new traveling companion would be less awful than what Kyffin and Al had just put him through. He stops his bonking and makes space for her.
”Not sure you’ll be wanting to hang with us, to be honest. We have some weird things happen to us. Weird things. Crying doors and nightmwares come to life. Might be that you should find other friends. Maybe,” Tristain warns, trying to be honest about how much s!*$ he’s seen. ”It’s been bad, Ms. Starflit. Bad.”
At the mention of Winter’s name, Tenebrynn’s eyes light up and the wind around her rushes a bit faster for a moment. ”You know Winter?! She’s a dear friend! Oh, how is she doing? Tristain is right though, we went through some terrible things with Winter at the asylum and then in Thrushmoor. Much worse since. So, if you’re with a church, does that mean you aren’t a part of the Sleepless Detectives?”
The gnomes words come out in a jumble at first, until she huffs gently and forcibly slows herself. She arches one eyebrow at the eels questioningly, but seeing Starflit spear one she soon follows suit.
Winter Klaczka, he thinks to himself trying to place the name. With all that’s happened, he admits with a frown, he had quite forgotten the name at the moment. He blames his recent memories for taking up the space as they resettle into their own history.
He doesn’t smile at her offer of assistance, thinking of the last ally they had and how they burned him out quickly. But at least he didn’t die…
”Not sure you’ll be wanting to hang with us, to be honest. We have some weird things happen to us. Weird things. Crying doors and nightmwares come to life. Might be that you should find other friends. Maybe,” Tristain warns, trying to be honest about how much s~@@ he’s seen. ”It’s been bad, Ms. Starflit. Bad.”
”He’s not wrong Miss Starflit, I’ve lost a lot of hair under this scarf from the things we’ve had to deal with. It’s a dangerous road your Lady asks you to travel. You should consider carefully traveling with us.”
He thinks a bit further, ”Also, and I apologize for this, but do you have any proof of what you say? Tomorrow I can, if you accept, question you a bit under magics that will discern lies. And perhaps see if you are evil, again with your permission. Understand I mean no disrespect, but our adventures of late have left me somewhat paranoid and fearful of strangers.”
He frowns as he speaks, uncomfortable with his requests. He wonders what he’ll do if she refuses and shrugs. Probably nothing. After all, they could use the help, especially if she is sent by Winter. He almost takes it back, but in the end, lets his request stand.
"Winter is well," Starflit replies with another smile. "And no--I'm not a member of the Sleepless Detectives, though I did speak at length with Cesadia Wrentz as well before following you east."
When Kyffin speaks up, Starflit gives another of her slight smiles. "I carry some items that mark me as an agent of the Black Butterfly, but then again not a lot of folk know who she is; empyreal lords are not as widely known and worshiped as most gods. But turnabout is fair play, and I will gladly subject myself to your tests...for I've used some spells of my own from the shadows to test you all. Most of you bear strange stories--almost two separate stories woven into one tale. And one of you (her eyes fall upon Al) is a total mystery to me. Again, I agree."
Tristain waits for her to acknowledge his point. He’s been hurt enough today already, and doesn’t need to be ignored by a stranger atop of it...especially a stranger he’s trying to help and warn.
Seeing that Tristain expects more from her--and that Kyffin and Tenebrynn had also warned her of the unspeakable horrors they'd experienced--Starflit exhibits the first bit of uncertainty she's shown, but only for a moment. Shrugging her shoulders, she says, "I have found my own Silence Between, my peace, my calm, my purpose. I've only heard tales of the madness shrouded within the Dark Tapestry, but I believe myself to be ready to face it."
Again there's just a hint of uncertainty in her eyes as she adds, "And my superiors thought me ready to face them as well."
When Kyffin speaks up, Starflit gives another of her slight smiles. "I carry some items that mark me as an agent of the Black Butterfly, but then again not a lot of folk know who she is; empyreal lords are not as widely known and worshiped as most gods. But turnabout is fair play, and I will gladly subject myself to your tests...for I've used some spells of my own from the shadows to test you all. Most of you bear strange stories--almost two separate stories woven into one tale. And one of you (her eyes fall upon Al) is a total mystery to me. Again, I agree."
”Well then,” Kyffin smiles for the first time, ”A tentative, but hearty welcome I think!” he looks to his companions to see if there are any dissenting faces. ”We’ve been here only a short time, but after we speak to a man about a dog, as it were, we’ll be headed to the Qadiran city of Katheer.”
”I don’t want to share too much until we’ve chatted over breakfast, we’ve been pursued and persecuted you understand. I feel badly not trusting you, but circumstances have been unkind to us. So onto other topics!”
He grins, ”These eels are actually quite good - I’m surprised.” Kyffin prattles on a bit about mundane things, trying to get to know Starflit without touching on any difficult topics. He’ll share his enjoyment of good food and comfort, something that he’s clung to both while working for an evil lord and now, for a good one.
He speaks occasionally of Sarenrae, his patron, and Qadira, his home - though he’s been a traveller for many, many years and has not been to Qadira in some time. Generally, he just makes small talk for the evening and turns in early. He’s eager to trust this new woman, but too much has happened, and he knows he must be careful.
In the morning he prepares Discern Lies, trusting to Al to detect evil on the woman. Assuming she joins them for breakfast, he’ll cast the spell (Will DC 16) and question Starflit again, ensuring her honest answers from the night before. He follows it up with his own gut instinct, such as it is.
- - -
Starflit goes along willingly with the magical interrogation. When Mun's name comes up, she replies, "I only know him by name and by hints at his unsavory reputation. I hear he's an underling of Haserton Lowls, and that likely makes him extremely dangerous."
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Albert doesn't wait for the permission, he fixes a squinty eye on the newcomer and sniffs for the reek of evil. Even when Tenny kicks him in the shin he keeps his attention fixed on her until satisfied there is nothing wicked, then the old man relaxes. It's only at the talk of Winter that he interjects.
You were not with the others in the asylum
"In fact I was, and Winter was not aware of my presence, but that is a story for another time, and one that is best told in private company. If it eases your heart, Erastil and Desna have long worked together." Albert gently raises the small, simple wooden symbol hanging by a leather cord around his neck.
And one of you (her eyes fall upon Al) is a total mystery to me
When Starflit's eyes again turn to him with curiosity, Albert knows he'll have to show her the shifting before long, before she finds out by accident. His companions got to know him first and still it could have been a disaster when they found out in the heat of battle. Heroes slay monsters, they slay things like Al, and if this black butterfly was going to be traveling with them, then she would need to know the truth.
In the morning, Albert stands with Kyffin as the questioning begins. At the talk of Mun he feels a surge of encouragement. "So he is here in the city? Could we spot him leaving or entering one of Lowl's properties I wonder?"
"And my superiors thought me ready to face them as well."
Tristain nods and looks down at his food. ”I needed to hear that. And you need to know it’s true. We couldn’t save Belzoni. He died horribly. And we’ve almost died time and time again. I can’t save you. You know that, right? Your superiors know that too? I don’t want that job. It isn’t worth it. I’m not sure any of this is worth it. It...seems...crazy. To be honest.”
Tristain bonks for a while, thinking.
”I don’t see Mun, yet? Do you any of you? Maybe he’ll be back after we get new clothes,” he eventually has enough thoughts to share. ”Ms. Starflit, would you like to come with us to buy new clothes?”
Tristain finishes his food, then bonks while he waits for others to finish up and go shopping. All the while he keeps his eyes open for Mun.
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Starflit fidgets a bit, uncertain how to answer Tristain...uncertain there is an answer to his question. When he starts bonking his head , the young woman waits for one of the others to intervene. When none do, she places a hand softly on Tristain's arm.
"Please stop that--it can't be good for you. Let me teach you some simple calming exercises. Close your eyes, sense the darkness. There is calm; there is peace. Next close your eyes and take a deep breath: Now you have calm plus a sense of life to go with it. Now do it again, but focus on the moment after you exhale: there's calm without life, yet you know life goes on when you take your next breath. You have it all in that moment: silence, peace, safety, and ultimate control."
"Does that help at all?"
As the party gets together for breakfast, Kyffin will ask the staff if they've seen the Esoteric Knights of Evolvement of late. In particular one Miacknian Mun. He suggests he's looking forward to meeting the man, and heard he frequents this place.
Whatever information he gets, he thanks the person and rejoins the group as Starflit is trying to calm Tristain. He smiles, and wonders if the fresh blood will indeed calm the man at all.
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”He could have used your advice back in the starting corner, Starflit.” Tenebrynn smiles at the woman and her attempts to help her friend. When she tilts her head in confusion of what Tenebrynn means, the gnome just chuckles. ”Sorry, it’s a really long story.”
"I haven't seen most of the knights in some time," the man replies to Kyffin. "Not sure the last time Miacknian was here -- I think he might have missed the last meeting? -- but Ethem is probably around, poring over ship plans.
"He'd be in the Blue Room if you want to see."
"Thank you kindly." He leaves a generous tip by way of further thanks, and rejoins the others at the table. He quickly fills them in on what he learned.
"Let's go see this Ethem and take his measure. Might be he can tell us where Miacknian might be."
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"Does that help at all?"
"What? No! I don't need help!" Tristain replies, clearly needing help (or not). "I'm fine! I'm fine!" he cries, clearly not fine.
"I'm surprised all of you don't bonk more often! It helps you think! And feel. And stop feeling. And sometimes when you're feeling too much, a good bonk will help. And it stops your ideas from getting too stuck! You don't want ideas that are stuck because what if they are bad ideas! Yeah, that's why I'm fine."
Tristain looks down at the table, clearly needing a good bonk so he can better explain all the very good reasons he needs to bonk which is not at all weird or anything.
"Boy, you bonk your head enough for all of us, we don't need anyone else adding to that tally." Albert is glad to see that Tristain has clearly forgotten about Tenny since the young woman arrived. "That lady is talking some sense that could help, you should practice those calming exercises with her."
"Now lets go find this Ethem fellow in the Blue room, but be wary, we could send him running to Mun if we ain't careful. Maybe just a few of us should approach him while the others watch the room's exits."
"I agree Al, we don't want to overwhelm him. Why don't I stay outside the door, I'm not terribly diplomatic and am more likely to make things worse, especially if I get passionate." he shrugs.
"I'll listen in as best I can, and if I hear trouble, I'll come running and if not, I'll keep others from bothering you, if I can, so you have him alone."
When the others go in, he'll loiter just outside the door, telling all comers, "Private meeting please. Won't be long. Here, have a drink at the bar on me, and by the time you sip it down, they should be done." He'll then ply the would-be intruder with a gold to help themselves to a fine beverage.
Starflit looks with genuine concern at Tristain after his...outburst? Not really an outburst. Explanation? No--an explanation shouldn't require another explanation. This situation required a bit more thought on her part.
"I'm sorry if I've upset you," she tells Tristain. "If you need someone to talk to, I'd be happy to listen."
As Al and Kyffin form a plan, the agent of the Black Butterfly nods and offers her services as either diplomat or guard, as needed.
Tenebrynn sighs as the boys leap from breakfast and into investigating. Though she hadn’t admitted it, the little gnome with half-bleached hair had been looking forward to clothes shopping. ”Straight to it then. Probably best. Less time surrounded by books this way.”
As the group readies to find Ethem, Tenebrynn asks, ”Can any of you see any magical wards in place? I’ll stay with Al. Easy for me to hide, but would be bad if magic were to draw attention. Want to avoid eyes and ears, not attract them.” All throughout breakfast and now as she speaks, a small, soft, blue arc of lightning occasionally blinks into view along one of her shoulders or arms, looking almost like an arched inchworm. She shrugs, ”Will be ready for trouble, either way.” She nods at Al encouragingly.
"I'm sorry if I've upset you," she tells Tristain.
”Oh, I’m not upset by *you*,” Tristain’s eyes flicker to Tenebrynn then Kyffin. ”I’m fine. I’m totally fine.” He says, though not fine at all.
"If you need someone to talk to, I'd be happy to listen."
”Someone to talk to? Oh no no no...that would just mean that I had a friend. So that’s completely out,” he replies after having thought through the problem clearly. ”No, we should jus focus on the work, like Kyffin is doing. That’s the best way to handle things. Just shoved anything that’s wrong into a tight ball in your tummy, then let your natural bilious juices eat at it. That’s how you fix things, you see?”
Tristain will follow along, taking time to bonk a few good bonks as the situation allows.
Those who enter the room find a nearly all-white gnome poring over a large drawing of a ship on a canvas almost as long as he is tall.
He looks up as you enter, and says in a quiet voice, "Oh, I'm sorry, I'll be a few more hours but I think there should be enough space for you to work around me."
Tenebrynn starts in surprise, not expecting the name Ethem to belong to another gnome. ”Oh. Hello.”
He glances up, but then quickly looks back down at the plans.
"Hello."
Tenebrynn glances up at Al, her eyes wide and uncertain. ”I’m- uh- well, my name’s Tenebrynn. You wouldn’t happen to be Ethem, would you? And- sorry, are you... is that a drawing of a boat? I didn’t know they made drawings that big. The book it goes in must be gigantic? Oh, no, never mind. Sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt. I’m Tenebrynn and this is, uh, this is Al. Hello.” She tugs surreptitiously on Al’s pant leg as her nervousness blooms.
Before entering, Starflit lingers outside the room with Kyffin. She looks out over as many patrons of the strange inn as she can before breathing deeply and slowly scanning the crowd.
Tristain waits nearby, listening and watching and letting the adults handle things.
"Hello there Ethem, as my friend mentioned, she's Tenebrynn and I'm Al, we're pleased to meet you. It looks like you're getting a bit pale staring at these plans, in exchange for a small bit of information we would be happy to take you about town for an exciting evening. What do you say? Let's take a break and go enjoy the city!"
Kyffin remains outside the door, keeping watch and hoping the discussions inside are fruitful.
Sadly, he's too busy trying to hear through the door to notice anything in the hallway, and the door's too thick to hear anything but muffled voices. He sighs and waits.
"It's a ship," Ethem replies, glancing up. "I'm sorry, I really must be going. Please excuse me!"
He rolls up the image, and looks anxiously at the door you currently seem to be blocking after entering.