|
Felli moved to the window, gently pushing the historian aside as he looked out the window for the returning guards and any reinforcements they might have.
"I'll keep a watch out here for their return while one of you calm's the old man down. Get him to tell us about any back door or secret exit we could possibly use. We'll probably need to take him with us," briefly looked back at the historian before going back to watching for the guards return, "and we will probably need to secure the old man's family for safety. Maybe hide them on our ship while we go about are mission."
|
|
(Blinks ever so charming)
"Sir, please calm down and think rationally.
While they were posted just outside, there may have been a situation that was of immediate urgency, such as a attempt at theft or robbery.
What do you have in your house, that my colleague can use for disguises for you and your family?"
|
|
Fundir begrudgingly leaves his contraband weapons with the Captain, and follows the rest of the group ashore. He nods as the reasons for the deception are made clear, and responds "Well. Good we have you to think then. I would not have conssssidered such tacticssss.. I am mosssst unussssed to human relationsssss and am not a diplomat." With a bow of apology, he returns his eyes to the city as they move through. You can see his features change back and forth between those of several animals.. the speed at which they are changing seem to belie the outwardly calm appearance. He gives a hiss of anger seeing the hellknights and their grisly work, but is intelligent enough to hold himself back from any rash actions.
As he walks into the museum, he gives a great sigh of relief as the noise and bustle from the city are cut off by the thick, cool walls. The smell of books and the peace that the building exudes washes over him like a tonic, and after a moment, his rapidly changing visages slow and begin to settle. He carefully watches the contact through the conversation, although he stays to the rear of the group.
"What isss it about thessssse Knightssssss that worry you so, Human? What danger do they posssse to you and yoursssss?" he asks after the other manage to calm him. He wishes dearly for his mace, but knows that he has other means with which he may cause mayhem, if needed.
Zefiro begins to calm down after some well-placed words from Mia and the group. After taking a moment to regain his composure, he works his way back over to his desk. Finally, he leans back and exhales deeply. “I apologize for the overreaction. The Order of the Rack has been putting a great deal of pressure on myself and my colleagues. Unfortunately, the Chelish Empire likes to keep a tight grasp on their history. Because of this censorship of historical facts, the current government makes anyone who has a strong historical background a priority for surveillance. This brings me to a proposition that I think might be of value to you.”
“Here is what I Propose. I have specific information that will aid you on your endeavor to find the truth about House Davian. I have very specific directions to Emberhold’s actual location, which differs severely from the government’s historical account. I would be willing to part with this information, if you are willing to help me get a friend of mine to safety. I am afraid that your presence has likely compromised my standing with the local signifier. This in turn will inevitably compromise my friend Mireille. She has been around for quite some time, and has been a witness to many of the historical events that the Chelish Empire wants to distort into a controlled account of events. They are looking for any reason to incarcerate Mireille and silence her. I need you to inform her of my concerns and get her to safety. If you do this for me, I will share what I know about the actual events which brought about House Davian’s decline. I will also give you a map to Emberhold."
"How do you even propose we do so?
This city is brimming with government eyes."
“That is a good question. I’m hoping that the lateness of the hour will provided some aid in the process. Ultimately, I defer to your judgement in this matter. After all, as a pathfinder agent, I’m sure you have formidable skills of your own.”
"What isss it about thessssse Knightssssss that worry you so, Human? What danger do they posssse to you and yoursssss?"
”Well, in general, the Hellknights are an extremist group of enforcers of the law. Our local version of their Order (The Order of the Rack) is enhanced by Cheliax’s twisted perspective of the law. In short, as long as they are working within the scope of the local law, they can do just about anything they deem necessary. Any unruly or chaotic behavior by a citizen will likely end in that individual being either killed, imprisoned, or disappeared. To this day, I am still unsure what happens to the poor people who get disappeared. Although the local guards aren't as extreme as the Hellknights, they still come across as a watered down verson.”
"Sir, please calm down and think rationally.
While they were posted just outside, there may have been a situation that was of immediate urgency, such as a attempt at theft or robbery.
What do you have in your house, that my colleague can use for disguises for you and your family?"
Mia’s words carry a solid amount of reason, which seems to sooth the historian further. “Perhaps you are correct,” the historian says as he pulls an ancient looking scroll from the bottom drawer of his desk. “As far as disguises are concerned, I don’t know much about attempting such a thing. I have no idea what might be of use in such an endeavor. You are welcome to use anything that isn't of extreme historical value to the library.”
After pausing a moment, the historian slides the ancient looking scroll over to Serge. “This old scroll might be of use. I hope it helps. When this scroll was donated to the library, it was said that it had been originally created by an acolyte who studied alongside Iomadae himself. It has been a pet project of mine to confirm the roomer, but I have been unable to find any verifiable proof to support the statement. Anyway, it will confer the blessing of Iomadae for a short time."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The trip to the Fox Den goes surprisingly unhindered as the evening turns into night. Your path becomes dimly lit as the local residence begin to light small lanterns along the city streets. Most the city guards that the group encounters along the way seem disinterested in the group. In addition to that, no Hellknights seem to be present in the area. You are guessing the riots on the main dock may be keeping them distracted.
As the group approaches the location indicated by Zefiro, the smell of raw fish, stale sweat, and old booze permeates the district known as the West Drenches. Broken pathways are slick with mud where they aren’t simply flooded. Small wooden buildings are built around narrow canals brimming with dark water that flows swiftly out to sea. Sounds of a busy business district quiet intermittently, at which time the groaning boats and boisterous sailors in the nearby port are just loud enough to hear.
The Fox Den is a modest-sized building with boarded windows and a badly faded sign that depicts a fox hiding behind its own bushy tail. There’s a small stained glass window set into the front door with a patch of fogged white glass. The door is currently shut with the light of a hearth flickering through the front door’s glass window.
|
|
Fundir bows to the man and exits the museum, joining with the rest of the party on another walk through town. As they approach the disgusting West Drenches, Findir pointedly changes his appearance to that of a frog, hoping that the smell would become more bearable. He is on the cusp of opening the door, when he notices Felli sneaking through the shadows. He waits patiently for the man to return before he moves any further.
|
Serge thanks Zefiro for the scroll and offers him a handshake, reassuring him that he'd ensure Mireille was led to safety.
"W-what in the world?" Startled when Fundir suddenly looks a lot more like a frog, Serge nearly leaps into the air. The atmosphere of Corentyn has him on edge.
Standing in front of the entrance to the Fox Den, Serge stands aside and lets Felli investigate. He whispers, "If this should go sour, I've only my fists to stop whatever is in there." He sighs, feeling useless and vulnerable without his weapons.
Felli moves into the shadows in a way that makes him very difficult to identify. His silent shadowy-form moves closer to the door while blending in with the flicking shadows caused by the emanating light from the interior of the building. The rest of the group falls silent as the rogue quietly listens beyond the door.
The sound of dishware clanking together blends with the sound of multiple children laughing and then becoming silent as the voice of a woman continues with a breathtaking story. Her melodic voice coincides with the elven description of Mireille, which the historian gave back in the library.
Parts of the story can be made out as her voice slowly increases in volume.
“Rius Galdaeon was a kind Chelish architect and paladin of Shelyn. His allegiances aligned with Chelish loyalists when Thrune began to take control. He viewed Thrune’s reliance on devils as a blight on Chelish achievements and so confronted Baraxial, a powerful barbed devil called to aid the Esoterium Lodge.” As she mentions the barbed devil, multiple childlike voices escalate into astonished ewws and awwws.
Once the children settle back down, the voice continue. “Their battle shook the foundations of Aroden’s Arch, and it’s said great pieces of it crumbled into the sea when Baraxial dragged Rius with him back to Hell.” With the mention of Hell, the children begin to ask questions regarding the subject. A second woman’s voice, one much deeper in tone, hushes the questions before they get out of hand.
“Children, give Mireille a chance to finish, or the story won’t be finished before dinner.” As if by command, the room falls silent while first voice picks back up the story.
“At that moment, the entire city felt each blow land. It was the signal I needed to flee from Corentyn while civil war raged on.” As the story comes to a dramatic conclusion, a single young boy’s voice sounds out.
“Mireille can you tell us another story?”
“No, that’s enough! Dinner is ready. Everyone take a seat at the table.”
Felli observes multiple small silhouettes moving around within the room. Because of the stained glass in the door, he finds it difficult to make-out more detail beyond the size of those inside.
|
|
Serge whispers to the others, "It doesn't sound very dangerous in there to me. Just some curious kids and presumably their caretakers sitting down to dinner. Why not just knock on the door?"
His trusting nature was apparent, and he knew feeling this way wasn't always to his benefit. It didn't matter.
What he heard behind the door reminded him of home and how he'd sit at dinner with his cousin and his cousin's kids, laughing as they broke bread and drank tea. Back when he never knew what alcohol was.
| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
Moments after Fundir knocks on the door, a dark haired woman with green eyes, answers the door. After peering out at the group, she quickly slams the door shut while shouting, “OH MY GOD! There is a giant snake-man at the door! ” Almost immediately after slamming the door, you watch as she peers out a small section of the colored glass in the nearby window. “There is a whole group of them outside, and I think there is two of those snake-things with them!”
Through the door the woman shouts, “What do you want? We are closed! Go away!” The sound of furniture being dragged in front of the door blends with the woman’s voice as she begins speaking with the other occupants of the room. “Oh my God, the one in the front is hideous looking!”
After a few moments, a second silhouette moves within view of the stained glass window. Soon you hear the melodic voice of the one you believe to be Mireille.
"Velia, those aren't snake-men. They are Nagaji, a very cultured and intelligent race. Different than your people, much like myself, but a dignified race none the less. In fact you probably insulted them by calling them snake-men. Now they said Zefiro sent them, so open the door. I'm guessing that something is wrong."
Soon the sound of furniture being moved is followed by the door cracking open. A tall, slender, elven woman, with chestnut hair, steps into the entrance and invites the group into the building.
As the door shuts behind you, a dark haired human woman begins shouting at the children. "Children, all of you, go to your rooms!" Before her words cut off, the children vacate the main room, where a cheery-wood fire warms the cool sea air.
"I am Mireille and this is Velia," The woman with chestnut hair says as she points over to the other woman. "You mentioned that Zefiro sent you. Please explain what's going on."
|
|
Felli walks into the building and smiles at the children before they rush off. He then speaks to Mireille. "Greetings Mireille. We were at the Museum discussing a certain business with Zefiro when he grew concerned that those that were guarding him disappeared and believed they had nefarious goals toward him. But he was more concerned about your safety, so he asked us to secure your safety before our business with him could conclude."
After considering the situation, Mireille takes a moment to explain why she believes the historian’s concern might be warranted. “Signifer Iluvia Thorn has made it clear that my historical experience is a threat. I have been expecting an attempt to remove me from the equation for some time now. Honestly, I am surprised she has waited this long to act. That being said, Chelish law can be somewhat restrictive, even for someone in power. You see, I have lived a long life, with a lot personal experience in Chelish history. Specifically, I have been present to witness certain facts that others would like forgotten. That makes me a viable threat to anyone wishing to modify history. As fare as Zefiro’s safety is concerned, I don’t think anyone would attempt to do anything to him. His cooperation is critical for any change in historical documentation. Without his validation, it would be impossible to alter the timeline. Unfortunately, Zifero’s concern for me makes me the perfect bartering chip to gain his support. On the other side of things, Zefiro has been known to over react.”
After concluding her explanation, you notice that one of the children has been standing by the doorway of his bedroom. He has obviously been listening intently and seems transfixed on Fundir and Tata.
“Velia, can we come out and see the snake-man? “ The young boy’s voice is soft and obviously nervous. Soon a second voice comes from one of the adjacent bedrooms. “Tommy, ask if they eat rats!”
Before the second voice can finish the question, a set of heavily armored footsteps echoes through the room, followed by a heavy knock at the front door
Serge begins to look for a place to usher the children, but finds that the children's bedrooms are the only place of solitude.
While Felli moves up to the window, Mireille points out a small spot in the stained glass where the porch and some of the street can be viewed from. Although the spot is clearly visible from inside the house, Felli can see how it would easily be missed by anyone on the outside.
Sword in hand, Felli glances out the peephole and makes out a well-armed middle aged man. The man seems preoccupied with someone in the distance, as he begins waving his hand as if instructing that someone to move around the building.
Once the man finishes with his hand signal, he wraps on the door a second time. “By order of Signifier Iluvia Thorn, under authority of her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail II, I order you to open this door and stand aside for a lawful search of the building!” The man shouts as he pounds on the door a third time.
The elven woman shrugs and whispers to the group. “If needed, we have a secret exit in the back bedroom. If I am able to make it to my house, I should be ok from there. I will pack and leave Corentyn immediately.” Mireille seems frighten over the fact that the historian was justified in his concern.
The heavy pounding at the front door comes a fourth time. “I will not ask again, open this door or I will kick it in!”
|
|
Fundir reacts quickly, not wishing to have the mission derailed by such formalities as capture and imprisonment. He turns to Mireille, quietly hissing "Sssshow me the door.. we mussst make hasssste.." His features flow between those of an owl and a falcon, feathers and beak sprouting from his reptilian skin.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Serge shouts back out, "One moment, sir! I have just taken a bath! You would not wish to see me in this state, would you? Oh, now where did I put that towel..."
He then whispers to everyone else, "Make for the secret exit with Mireille. I'll keep this fellow distracted."
Taking the lead, Fundir quietly opens the secret door and then peeks out. The night has grown late and the streets are currently void of activity. After considering Felli’s warning, Fundir notices another well-armed guard (2) standing near the corner of the building.
Back inside the main room, the guard at the front door hesitates in order to avoid barging in and seeing Serge naked. “Fine, cloth yourself, but make it quick.”
Items that have taken damage in excess of half their total hit points gain the broken condition, meaning they are less effective at their designated task. The broken condition has the following effects, depending upon the item.
• If the item is a weapon, any attacks made with the item suffer a –2 penalty on attack and damage rolls. Such weapons only score a critical hit on a natural 20 and only deal ×2 damage on a confirmed critical hit.
Velia pulls out a cloth wrapped bundle from a hidden alcove near the fireplace. From the bundle, she pulls out a (broken masterwork longsword emblazoned with the symbol of the Chelish navy, a sap, a heavy mace, and a jar containing something she calls defoliant polish). “I have collected these items from past patrons over the years. If you are forced to fight, maybe they can be of use.” She distributes the items on a nearby table, while taking extra care to avoid coming to close to any of the Nagaji.
|
|
Fundir quietly retreats from the secret door. "We have a guard at the back assss well." He tells the others. Seeing the weapons, he quickly picks up the heavy mace and tests its weight and balance before turning to Velia with a bow. "You have my thankssss for your generosssssity. If we fight, how will thisss affect you and the children?"
|
He then whispers to everyone else, "Make for the secret exit with Mireille. I'll keep this fellow distracted."
"I'll go when you go" - Ederen nods calmly at the Paladin, drawing his own mace.
Velia pulls out a cloth wrapped bundle from a hidden alcove near the fireplace. From the bundle, she pulls out a (broken masterwork longsword emblazoned with the symbol of the Chelish navy, a sap, a heavy mace, and a jar containing something she calls defoliant polish). “I have collected these items from past patrons over the years. If you are forced to fight, maybe they can be of use.” She distributes the items on a nearby table, while taking extra care to avoid coming to close to any of the Nagaji.
"Thank you" - the half orc offers a smile and a bow to the beautiful woman, then turns to Fundir.
Fundir quietly retreats from the secret door. "We have a guard at the back assss well." He tells the others.
"Maybe use the sap on him, knock him out and get the hell out of here?"
|
|
Scanning beyond the secret door to the building to the south he formulates a possible plan, "If they can move silently, they should be able to head directly south and move along the eastern side of the building without being noticed by the guard on the corner. And if they are noticed, the guard would have to pass the secret door, providing a good chance to attack him unnoticed."
|
|
"Yes, thank you." Serge whispers to Veila and quickly grabs the longsword. "Now I've got something to defend us with, albeit broken."
And it's from the Chelish navy, is it? Hmm...
Serge takes a cup of water off the table where the kids were having dinner and dumps it near the front door, letting the water seep through the bottom of the door. He shouts back through at the armored guard, "Oh dear! Sir, it seems my bath is overflowing. And I still have not found a towel. I think you can imagine how this might look. For a Chelish naval officer like myself, I should be more used to water and its ways. Please sir, just one more moment."
The guard at the front door seems adequately distracted for the moment. “Sire, I will need you to hurry. We have been assigned to shake this house down, and we intend to finish this assignment within a reasonable amount of time. I apologize for the inconvenience.”
The guard standing next to the corner of the building turns and begins shouting towards the guard on the porch. “What’s taking so long? Hurry up and let’s get this done. I don’t want to be standing here all day.”
.
After about a minute, the guard at the front door becomes agitated with how long it is taking for the search to begin. He begins pounding at the door with renewed vigor. “Look here! My patients is about to expire. Open this door at once!”
|
|
"I understand, sir! We've got all our duties, haven't we? Ah, it takes me back to being in the Chelish navy. It was a grand time, if not dangerous, but certainly something expected during a civil war. I was but a wee lad, and I wore a black and red sailor's uniform. It buttoned up at the front and had satin embroidery down the sleeves. Really quite lovely, sir, and just the style at the time. Have you seen such a uniform? You should try to find a tailor to make you one, sir. Oh, sorry, I know you need to come in here, I don't know where I've placed that towel. And my feet are soaking wet! Just awful. Have you ever had soaking wet feet? I hear one catches disease this way, and we can't have that, can we, sir? So you see, we set sail on Oathday to a few reports of bandits in the area ..."
As Serge continues to perform a remarkable job of acting, a third voice shouts over to the guard from a distant rooftop. The voice is rough, cackling and demanding.
"You are taking to long. You idiot, hurry up or the Signifer will skin us all alive.'
"I'm going to give this man a minute to put some cloths on. I don't want him to get sick and spread disease throughout the city."
As the escorting group successfully puts some distance between themselves and the posted guard, they find navigating the darkened streets much more accommodating.
He whispers to Mirelli, "Is there a safe place for you to hold up?"
”Yes, my house is just up a head. It should be safe. Very few people know that I live there.” Mirelli points out a house not to fare away. “There, that’s the one.”
|
|
Ederen nods in silence at Serge, then whispers - "I'll stick with you, just in case. Let us pretend I am your bodyguard. I'm no master with words. Deal?" - then tries to find a bottle and a glass, filling the latter and putting both on a table somewhere as if he had served it for Serge after his bath.
He then moves to lean against a wall, keeping watch, arms crossed.
|
|
Serge smiles at Ederen and whispers back, "Thank you. I'm growing concerned he's going to break in here any minute."
With a feeling that his story is becoming too unbelievable, Serge changes his strategy. "Sir, what about you? You sound like a man with reasonable strength and skill, and that armor I can hear jingling sounds like a Chelish half-plate. I bet all the guards wish they were as strong as you, don't they, sir?"