::"I have no love of that three headed witch Dhalavei, I have been paid more than once to stamp put a nest of her mad followers. But they seem an infestation that frustrating keep coming back."::
you hear a mental sigh.
::"Well the good thing is we wan't fill bad about hurting and killing them, they worship self destruction after all. Not that that counts for much. I agree this seem legitimate. Do you think little girl is meant to be one of us as well?"::
Sense Motive -
Calista is hard to read in terms of emotion, DC[6+10Power+1d20] Bluff so But as yet she seem to just be asking odd questions and waiting for you all to ask what you want.
Detect Magic -
Calista glows with inner psionic power, you really don't need Detect Magic her eyes glow her mind gem and her skin glow with it. All of her items also seem to have a low level glow if you use Detect Magic on them. Her belt most of all.
At the moment she has no weapons on her at all.
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Thakur Kharswan is the political leader of Jalmeray. He is advised by a group of scholars and nobles called the Maurya-Rham.
The Thakur is actually more of a figurehead leader of Jalmeray rather than a true ruler. The Maurya-Rham are the true administrators and rulers of the nation. Politically, they need the Thakur and his lineage to keep the idea of Jalmeray as a continuous nation in the minds of the commoners.
When the Thakur spoke out against the worship of Dhalavei and the cult moved to send a death threat against him, the Maurva-Rham saw this as a threat against the nation, and have made moves to support the Thakur publically. They backed his outlawing of the religion in response to the cult's activities, a move that is sure to stir the cult into further aggression.
There have been rumors of mysterious deaths happening in the city lately, and it has the people on edge. The celebration of the Festival of Colors eased the concerns somewhat, but the Thakur's absence as a public figure over the last few days has concerns growing again.
A headless body was found recently, after the Thakur and his council outlawed the worship of a Vudrani goddess in response to the death of his cousin.
The headless body was that of Vitusa, an outspoken unmarried woman of the merchant caste who was found dead in her own incense shop.
Dhalavei is the Vudrani Goddess of internal decay, often depicted as a three-headed woman with ebony skin and blue-black hair with two arms that branch at the elbow into three forearms each.
Dhalavei's cult is known as the Cult of the Ebon Destroyer, and they are dedicated to the corruption of the Vudrani people, seeking the destruction of familial and national bonds. They practice human sacrifice as well. Dhalavei's followers believe she will usher in the destruction of the world when the conditions are right.
The Cult of the Ebon Destroyer is a cell-based cult, with members often not knowing other members beyond a few close associates or subordinates, making it difficult to root out all of the cult members in any location. This allows them to go into hiding when discovered, often lying dormant for years before rising again.
Lord Pandisar seems a bit taken aback at Calista's blunt questioning about the assassination, but answers "He was killed, and the body has been cremated after the priests failed to determine anything about his death... whoever killed him was unseen, attacking from behind or invisibly."
As Calista bends over the child, several crossbows train onto her, but Pandisar waves them away discreetly. The Thakur momentarily stops his brushstrokes, but continues when he sees her playing with the child.
He nods at Raziya's inquiry. "If you accept the task, I will be providing you with a writ of authority, giving you legal powers of inquiry, as well as letters of introduction to several people knowledgeable about the cult: Prince Kanvar, a great student of Vudrani
history; Lord Mahindra, a rumormonger of, erm, strong repute; Pravezak, the thakur’s spiritual counselor; and Varunasi, a high-caste merchant well acquainted with current regional politics. "
He grimaces at Roonie, but regains his composure, saying " If you wish to look about the palace, you should speak with Captain Harita. Perhaps you could make your security suggestions to her, mister Garnackle."
"As to the current political status regarding this cult, unofficially speaking they have declared war on Jalmeray, and it is our intention to dismantle them before they have a chance for further assassinations."
The child Hali's thoughts go along this line:
I've never been in the palace before. It's so beautiful. I can't believe Sir Yander brought me here. It's so exciting. He's so handsome. I hope we get married someday, then we could live in a palace. He's a knight, brave, strong, and true, just like in Nan's stories. He even has a brave steed. I wonder if the Thakur would grant him a title here. I hope not. I'm just a low caste girl. They'd never let me marry him here. I'll have to get him to take me back to his homeland....
Calista pays to heed when the crossbows are pointed at her. Mow standing looking at the others. She hears out what the Lord Pandisar says.
::"Well well well, cremated the body after the priests failed to determine anything about his death. Don't you find that a little odd. Rahdeem. Look around, with all this wealth Thakur Kharswan could not find the coin to bring back his assassinated cousin with a simple resurrection spell. And some how divination's failed, last of all, no Loved or missed or dear cousin, just plan cousin. I'm starting to think there maybe some political moves going on behind all this. I would be very convenient to some in power here if a clear and present danger stated to hunt the streets worrying the populous. Why new political powers would have to be drafted and passed. Actions taken, rights and freedoms reduced. Now who would benefit from that humm. A cult manifestation like this just do's not spring into being out of know-ware it needs backing and resources and they may be playing for the home team, using the Cult as a means to an end. If I'm right Rahdeem, we'll have to tread very carefully here. Bear that in mind as we go on with this. As for the child she seems harmless at the moment, an very taken with our Knight, she not his child just his ward I think. I suggest we let her ladyship here lead us on this, she seems to want to and if this dos end up being political its always good to have a buffer between oneself and the chopping axe of power."::
She nods at Lord Pandisar as he ends.
"Lord Pandisar thank you that makes things very clear, and the leads will be most helpful. I take it as Thakur Kharswan spy master you have vetted us or we would not be in this room at all, so we can at lease trust each other to be who we say we are."
She bows to the others at this and says to them.
"I am the Lady Calista Lisia ir'Romano, A specialist in discreet investigations. I am please to meet you all today and I look for-would to working with you all in a rewarding way."
She then looks back at Lord Pandisar.
"Lord Pandisar, I take it, you or one of your agents will be our point of contact. I means to contact them that do's not involve us walking in to this palace every time we want to report our findings would help greatly. You did after all say you wished us to be discreet. Could I suggest then you give us of one of your safe houses, I think one such as yourself should you have a number around the city. This house will become our base of operations while we look into this matter for you. and allow discreet contact. Also and this may seem odd but bear with me, any information you may have on the city's thieves guild leader or crime bosses, and if you have it a discreet means to have a meeting with them. I feel it would be advantages for us to do so at some point in our investigation."
She says all this in a flat and even tone, standing there her hands behind her back. In her simple and well made uniform.
To Lord Pandisar:
"Your cause seems just and worthy. If these others will join in the effort to protect your nation, then so will I."
"I would ask that you have some of your people see my retainer here"
Gestures to the girl.
"back safely to her home in the city. I fear this endeavor will be too dangerous to have her accompanying me."
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"Spymaster? You mistake me, Lady Calista. I am but an adviser to the Thakur. Your suggestion precautions speak to your experience and skill in these matters, and I will arrange for your party to have safe respite in one of my apartments within the city, where I will meet with you daily. And while I would enjoy the influence you assume, I do not know the men and women who ply such trade as thievery." Lord Pandisar's demeanor is one of slightly strained politeness.
At Yander's request, he nods, clapping his hands. Two guardsmen come forward. "Please come with us." The girl looks disappointing, but complies with Yander's wishes.
And so the knight speaks...
Rahdeem watches the girl leave the room, and nods, smiling at Lord Pandisar and gesturing to Yander.
I agree with the knight regarding your righteous cause my Lord, and look forward to what I'm sure will be exciting times for all involved.
As he turns back to face the others, a mild wind swirls as Rahdeem's feet lift off the ground and he crosses his legs into what would otherwise be a sitting position, his head remaining at the same height as everyone else, save the gnome.
I am Rahdeem of Breeze, my friends, and I look forward to working with you all.
::How interesting, and slightly comical, this Lord Pandisar ether do's not wish to be know for what he is or he just do's not get the irony that he has just hired us as spy's.::
There is a low mental chuckle,
::"He seems happy to give so lets ask him for more."::
She tips her head to Lord Pandisar with a rye smile as if in apology.
"My mistake Lord Pandisar and thank you for the use of your apartment. As for finding the cites underworld eyes. I think if you have a city Guard commander, we would do well by inquiring with them 1st, his or her name and location would help us your Lordship. The letters of refinance you will supplying should do the rest. Also my hope is they may supply us with a list of who they suspects has fallen at then hands this evil cult. Mapping the locations on a city map may help us as well. Do you have a means of supply us with up to date city maps, they will help greatly of you have."
She smiles politely one again.
then as you take flight.
::"arr showing the others what you talents are. I think I will not yet let mine be known yet. Lets see what the others offer beyond the obverse I think 1st."::
Roonfizzle blinks once when Lord Pandisar grimaces at his offer. Shrugging, he wanders over, and hops up on a nearby chair and then offers up his tiny hand to the floating man before him.
"Roonfizzle "Many Arms" Garnackle, Trapmaster. Pleased to meet you. I find that slightly more than half of those that have hired me over the last few decades do so for my security installation services. I also find that I get the best view of the current set up by doing an in person inspection immediately prior to the interview and hammering out the details."
He offers a slight shrug to Lord Pandisar as he retreats back away from the others and keeps an active observation of the surroundings.
She looks over at Roonfizzle off to one side now, and again the polite and interested look says.
"Master Roonfizzle there is no need keep your distance, come sit close and do you now now I think of it, I think I may have had witnessed your wondrousness traps fist hand. It was you who came up with the sunken floor, hot Pitch bath trap. was it not. Your placing of a waiting fire trap after that was astoundingly elegant"
she says with real respect.
"My new friends, I have to honor to be Sir Yander Royce, Knight of Taldor. I am very pleased to make all of your acquaintances." Yander says to the assembled strangers.
"Master Garnackle, I would think that someone in your line of work would have a reputation that might aid us in contacting members of the local criminal underworld if we wanted to follow the lady's suggestion." Yander says to the little gnome.
"A very good point Sir Royce"
she says not taking her eyes of Garnackle.
"This talk of dark cults, reminds me of a day in my youth … oh, more than a few decades back, where a team and I had just saved a small town from an equally dark cult presence, and someone put up a feast for us. I think it may have been a collaboration of the local Inn and a few of the more important Townsfolk. Turns out we hadn't caught ALL of the cultists, and one worked for the Inn as part of the waitstaff, and had poisoned a fair portion of the feast. I've ... gotten more paranoid in my old age. On the other hand, I haven't died again in the last couple decades, so that's a plus. Please forgive me if I neglect to mention something before it becomes important to share. I've found it's safer that way..."
He seems to be totally ignoring the suggestion that his skillset might be useful in contacting the local underworld, or just flat out stated he wasn't going to answer, it seems a bit unclear ... he seemed totally lost in memories when Sir Royce asked his question.
looks away from Garnackle seeming happy with his tail.
looking over at Hawary and waiting to hear what she had to say.
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Raziya looks at the others who had been gathered, a touch of distaste coloring her otherwise smooth features.
"Of course. Anything to see to the safety of one of Geb's dearest trading partners. I can only hope that this risky endeavor will be remembered while our two great countries work together for a more secure future together," she says with a broad and well practiced smile for Lord Pandisar.
If this all works out, it ought to earn me some brownie points back home, she thought to herself with a pleased feeling in her gut. Perhaps a promotion will be in order.
"Speaking to the underbelly of society will indeed be beneficial. It's usually the poor and the dissatisfied who are easily ensnared by the more rebellious. Desperation and what not."
She looks around at the others, who seem to be making themselves comfortable and exchanging introductions.
"Raziya Hawary, adviser to the Blood Lords of Geb and acting emissary... Would it not be wise to start our endeavor sooner rather than later?"
::"A noble man who was not resurrected, priests we are told unable to assistant how he dead, And now the Emissary to the Necromancer Lords of Geb shows up. Could it be we have a rogue undead maker running amuck. A little political assistance being offered to find out the truth. How very interesting this has become all of a sudden. All of us outsiders, humm the words 'plausible deniability' comes to mind."::
She nods her head in acknowledgment of a fellow noble as the Necromantic Emissary finishes.
"A pleasure to meet you Lady Hawary, it's not often one meets a living Geb-b-on."
"and as you say Lady Hawary, sooner rather than later would be best""
She looks at the group now, placing her hinds behind her back.
"Of the many ways we could go about this may I be allowed to suggest to our little group, that we start with the last death's come incidents location and any witnesses, staff, retainer's if any there. Someone may have seen something they did not realize had significance or there may be overlooked clues to who did this and how. I think finding this cults Operatus membri when it comes to killing may help us greatly. One has to ask just how did they get past the deceased protections to stop such assassination attempts. If that fails then we could move on to collating information related to known attacks and see if we get a patten. Their area of activity, range of attacks, times as such. Also if any of us has a contacts in the city how may know of anything well later we can talk about that. So how do that sound as a plan of action my fellow investigates of evil."
She smile at them in a friendly way and waits politely to hear their responses to her outline of action.
"M'Lord, I believe we have enough information to begin. I'm certain the knowledgeable gentlemen you have promised us introductions to will be able to start providing the information that Lady Callista wishes to gather." Yander says.
"Perhaps this rumormonger, Lord Mahindra, can aid us in the direction of inquiry that we were discussing earlier, seeing as Mister Garnackle is without contacts." he continues.
Rahdeem replies to the knight slowly and with a definitive air,
"I agree, Sir Yander. It would be best to speak with the rumormonger before any word of what we are doing spreads to him. And perhaps information gleaned from him will facilitate our later investigations."
Turning and bowing to their host, Rahdeem continues,
"Shall we then? And how do we go about securing our writ, sir?"
She walks up to Lord Pandisar and holds her hand out for the letters of Warrant. But talks to the others.
"Yes we can ask him about that recently found headless woman's body found they say in her own incense shop"
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Raziya nods in agreement with both Yander and Rahdeem. "I couldn't agree more. We should see to these individuals and hear out what they have to say. Shall we then?" she said, heading towards the door with a glance over her shoulder to see if anyone was actually going to get a move on it, or just talk about getting a move on it.
Yander follows Raziya.
While the some of the others make their start to way out. Lady ir'Romano waits while Lord Pandisar gives her their writ of authority and letters of introduction.
Once she had them, she then bows to both the Thakur Lord Pandisar, and
followed the others out.
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Lord Pandisar provides the writ of authority, as well as a small sack of coin "To cover any minor expenses you may incur." He also quickly jots down directions to the house you will satay at, and gives Calista the keys.
He thanks you all for accepting, and says he will arrive at the house an hour after sunset tomorrow to work out any further details.
She looks at the noted directions for a moment,
then puts them , the key and coins away. She do's not count the coins there, that can be done later. She then walks over and joins as they head out.
At first Roonfizzle seems to not have joined the group making their slow exodus, and then he's seen out of the corner of an eye pacing the group fairly well, and watching, everything.
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Raziya leads their band of mismatched investigators out of the palace the way she had been lead in.
"Attentive to detail, aren't you?" she says, looking over her shoulder at the gnome whose eyes seemed to be determined to see every inch of... everything. "I imagine you'll be very handy to have along."
"And we, meaning the people of Geb, are referred to as Gebbites. Not... whatever you said. 'Geb-bee-on'," she says the last with a snort of amusement, as if the incorrect pronunciation was simply ridiculous. "Which way will we be going?"
She looks to Calista who was in possession of the directions, then gave a quick glance to Radheem and Yander. She hadn't figured those two out yet; they both seemed to be keeping to themselves and not giving much away for the time being. She could appreciate that.
The obvious insulting manner of Raziya seemed to pass by Calista with out even stopping, seeming to gave not even registered.
Calista thought for to herself for a moment.
How interesting
::"She is good this Noble, I can see why she was picked."::
Then as she walks on leading the group to the safe house. She did not acknowledged Roonfizzle shadowing them, letting him do what he seemed to be so good at.
Then as she walked looking strait ahead she began to talk in an even and flat tone.
"I have noted your attitude towards me Lady Hawary. I understand its origins in your psychological makeup. You feel threatened by me, I think you feel it's your place to be the de facto leader of our little band, or you feel I should not have that roll. Agree with you, When dealing with none Elans I know I am off putting. I feel you where picked to be our public face."
she holds her hand up to stave off complaints of they come as she walks.
"I have no problem with this, in fact a see it as an asset for us. Now we could wast time with arguments but let be propose some simple ground rules for us all to follow. Trust me, they are not foolish and they will help."
She counts off on her fingers as she walks.
"1# No needless killing, some take a joy in hurting and harming others, I found it just brings unwanted attention. So no killing for killings sake. 2# We work as a team, we all have skills, using the best of each, we will do well, not doing so will lead to mistakes and trouble. I am more than happy to stand aside if others can do something better than me and I hope you all will do the same. 3# Trust, we have only just meet and trust may be hard, but trust we must, we need to work fast, so our very lives may depend on trusting each other. 4# We must all agree on a courses of action or we don't do it. A simple rule but it has worked well for me in the past. last of all 5# Even splits on all profits should there be any from this Project. If you want items find or given, you pay from your cut."
She puts her hands down ending her last Jink in the root she had bee taking to the house. The Jinks where to throw any tracking or shadowing them and give Roonfizzle a better chance to spot any if there where. She stopped opposite their new home.
"Now if you agree to those simple ground rules Lady Hawary. I will be more than happy follow your lead."
She smiles looking at Lady Hawary, her face blue eyes glowing.
"The noble thing to do is to agree and lead on."
She offers Lady Hawary the house key and points flat handed at the safe house door.
As the group filed out and continued through the streets, Rahdeem kept a close eye on Roonie as he kept his distance from the others. Impressed with the covert gnome, Rahdeem thinks to himself,
I can barely keep track of him, he's quite good. We could be quite the pair of shadows, he and I...
As Calista and Raziya flexed their personalities at each other, Rahdeem listened carefully. At Raziya's snort, Rahdeem breathed a silent sigh of relief.
I hope this stays amiable. Calista can be a bit coarse...
Looking to keep things light-hearted, Rahdeem turns to Yander, and gestures to Junebug.
"Master Knight, your companion is a beautiful creature indeed. Have you two traveled together long?"
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"I think you mistake amusement for attitude and impatience for coups for leadership. You flatter yourself if you think I'm particularly threatened. I've got more self confidence than that," Raziya replied with a rather flat look. She had been hoping to get to the appointed house quickly so she could see to getting her belongings brought over as soon as possible. But as this Calista woman was the only one with the directions to point them in the right way, she was going to be forced to suffer the woman's speech until she saw fit to tell her left or right.
"What is this idiot blathering on about?!" grandpapa spat from the back of her mind. Raziya had to work to suppress a grin.
Rather than vocalize their directions, it seemed the woman was going to just walk the correct way while spouting some nonsense about her 'rules'. Raizya tuned out fairly early; she had very little interest in other people's ideas of ethics and morals as they very rarely aligned with her own.
She only tuned back in when Calista handed her the keys.
"I assure you I will act according to what I deem appropriate and in good taste. And I can most certainly declare that like any sane person, I do not trust someone I've just met."
Especially one's who seem to like the sound of their own voice so much.
She unlocked the door and glided into the entry, giving a quick look around before placing the keys in the most sensible location near the entrance.
Calista heard the young noble woman out with respect and courtesy, and when Raziya just about snatch the key in from her hand in impatience. She did not react, but looked on with a thoughtful frown as Raziya walked across the road to there new home opened the door with out a look back as she went in. After Raziya was inside Calista said in a low voice, so the others with her could hear her.
"I see, self-interest first, it is for you then Lady Hawary"
Calista turned to the others then, a disappointed look of experienced wisdom on her middle aged face. Standing there in her simple uniform, no weapons on her. An older woman who gives them a look of polite respect. She just says to them.
"Well, I will be adhering to my rules, I give you my word."
Then with quiet respect, she waited for them to make there way to their new home in their own time. She dos not acknowledge Garnackle, she fully expected him to be more then capable of finding his own way in by other means.
::"Sorry about that, I known, I played her, but we don't have much time, you and the others needed to know who your dealing with, with us two, and so now you know"::
Stands as they moved to follow The young undead realms representative, after she had dismissed off hand, Calista fair, just and good idea for party rules.
Upon arrival at the 'safe house' Roonie watches the Ladies conversation with interest, and then slips inside before the door closes. He then spends up to a few hours going over the house foot by foot inspecting EVERYTHING, frequently cycling through detect magic and detect psychic significance and his own decades learned search patterns.
During his exhaustive inspection he willingly engages in conversation with his new allies. One such is a brief exchange with Lady Calista
"Lady Callista, I believe that you will find that all involved in this venture are very strong willed. I for one, have long since lost the ability to trust someone I've just met. I listened to your rules, and the only one I personally do not follow, is number 4. 100 percent consensus in a group of any size, is frequently impossible. Especially when you get a group with strong willed individuals."
"Thank you for your kind words on the adjustments I made on that trap, though I'm afraid I haven't used THAT particular effect in some decades, so I'm surprised you know of it. I suppose signing my work is a bit dangerous, but, it helps pay the bills."
On the way to the safehouse with Junebug trailing a few steps behind the group, Yander answers the sylph. "Why yes Sir Breeze. Junebug and I have traveled together for quite some time. I raised her from a foal."
"She is trained to fight by my side and protect those under my charge."
"We've had a few close calls. Most recently in Qadira when a dragon attempted to abduct the girl we were sworn to protect."
She smiles as he talks.
"I hope you have found our new homes weak points and added a little defence for us, and you're right there Garnackle, strong will's indeed. As for all agreeing, well that's where persuasion and discussion comes in. The for trust, well"
She go's into one of her belt pouches and brings a small bag with a number of odd and strange thing in it, before picking out a small ring. She puts the bag away and starts to play with the ring while she sits and talks to him.
"it would have been some 40 plus years ago. I was tasked to find out who has hired a would-be assassin of an inner sea Lord. A lord who's name we shall not mention here. It was during my investigation that I found this"
She holds up the ring for him to see clearly.
"in the finely made trap that had killed the assassin before they could complete their contract. I had to admire the work and carftship of the others deadly things around the estate. Of course I had to ask after who had supplied them, for for my own safety's sake if nothing more. I kept the ring hoping to meet the traps maker one-day."
She stands and walks to him, holding out the ring, its his long lost Ring of Arcane Signets.
::"I do believe this is yours Garnackle"::
and drops his long lost Ring of Arcane Signets it into his hand.
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"Well, now that we are here and the Lord Pandisar won't be arrive until tomorrow night, was there anything specific you all felt should be done before then? Besides settling in, of course. It may be worth our time to meet with some of the recommended contacts before then so we may gain a little more perspective into the situation. It may prompt more questions that Lord Pandisar can then answer for us," she says to the group when the opportunity arises.
"Calista, if you could be so kind as to distribute our writs of authority. It's likely best that we keep those on our individual persons at all time. Are you comfortable being in charge of the letters of introduction?"
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Yander watches some of the by-play between Raziya and Calista with some interest.
"Nobodies challenged anyone to a duel or sworn revenge yet, so maybe this is just how these foreigners say hello to one another ..." he thinks to himself.
He makes a rapid clicking noise with his mouth to get Junebug's attention and motions her around the side of the house so they can both check out the stables. "C'mon girl." he says to the massive horse.
He passes by Roonfizzle on the way and sees the deep look of concentration on the gnome's face as he studies the house. He glances back to the house and thinks "He must be seeing things that I'm not, it looks like a house to me..."
"Mind Master Garnackle Junebug" he cautions the warhorse "Wouldn't want to step on him..."
The horse gives him a withering gaze in response.
As Yander exits the main rooms in search of the stables, Rahdeem floats back to where Raziya and Calista are discussing the paperwork, keeping an eye on the two women on the chance that their discussion escalates into something more.
Looks like Raziya intends to see this job through, while Calista... is being, well, Calista... taking in the situation, Rahdeem tries to diffuse the scene.
"Excellent idea Raziya, about the writs. Don't you think so, Calista? And I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to discuss groundrules for working together. We all seem a reasonable lot, how much could we possible disagree on? And Lord Pandisar will be coming by still tonight, let's wait until we have heard the final details before agreeing to anything further, internally. How does that sound?"
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The "house" being lent to you is a well-appointed three story affair. The bottom floor is dedicated to the entertainment of guests: there is a receiving den, sitting room, library, vast dining hall, and a museum-like trophy and oddity room. The second story holds long-abandoned offices and a lavish master bedroom and bath. On the third story are several guestrooms and access to an attic crawlspace for extra storage. The servants quarters, larder, and kitchen are in the basement.
There are signs of recent service, but not a servant to be found. On the receiving den table is a note.
Dearest Guests of the Esteemed Lord Pandisar, Proconsul to the Thakur of Jalmeray,
It is my deepest wish that your stay at our humble abode is a pleasant and joyous one. The Proconsul has requested on your behalf that the services normally provided by house staff be suspended for the duration of your stay. If, for any reason, you find yourself in need of any services whatsoever, it is my humble request that you contact me at 15 Lunshur Lane so that I may perform whatever duties you require, or provide access to one capable of fulfilling such desires.
Sincerely,
Felq Wadim, Chamberlord of House Traquin
You didn't see anyone follow the group, and Calista seems to have made enough twists your path was not obvious.
Once inside the house, you find a few servant passages hidden behind the walls of the sitting room, trophy room, dining room, library, offices, and guest rooms. There is a dumbwaiter between the master bedroom and the kitchen below. Hidden behind the kitchen's fireplace is a ladder that leads down into a cobweb-infested secret chamber that may have once housed a shrine of some kind, but which was wiped clean before spiders and age began to fill the cracks. This chamber is maybe seven feet by seven feet, and barely six feet high, some ten feet below the basement.
You find a hidden diary, a stash of coin, and a potion tucked in an unusual place.
You also discover that the master bath has a pair of wands, one for creating water, and the other for prestidigitation (for cleaning or heating the water, you figure.)
When you arrive at the house, it is late morning. It takes Roonie a few hours to do a thorough search.
She spent a short time walking around the house, quickly memorizing the layout of the place, the Windows, doors. Roonie and other passed her doing there own thing, stopping to talk for a while to Garnackle for a while. Then she picks a small guestrooms for her own. Takes a moment to sit on her bed and taking out her note-pad and silver pen, makes her notes for the day so far, then hearing the others gather for a house meeting she puts them away and heads to the meeting.
As Raziya kicks off there planning meeting she hears her out and when asked to hand over the writs of authority. She nods and she places them on the table in front of the group. Along with the small bag of coins given to them and as yet unopened. She keeps one writ of authority for herself.
"Yes I can look after the letters of introduction, also here is the coin Lord Pandisar gave us. I have not looked to see how much yet, but it should over expenses for a while."
At Rahdeem comment she says.
"Yes it is Rahdeem, but I also agree her that we need head out before he comes tonight. I was not joking about asking after a headless woman. I found out about a cult fresh kill last night and I really think we should send someone to have a look around while there may be a chance we can learn something."
She takes out her note pad flicks over some pages then read from it.
"An merchant woman called Vitusa was recently found dead and headless in her incense shop, with all the hallmarks of a cult killing"
She looks up,
"I have the shops address here, but my thinking is this, I can understand political and powerful figures being targets by why kill a seller of incense? So if I head there with say Rahdeem or Roonfizzle another team or teams can head to one of the other leads we have. Its just coming up to mid day, we have 5 to 6 hours, I can be back by then to meet his lordship, if needs be. I really don't want to wast half a day, so what do you think, do's that work for you?"
She waits to see what the Raziya and the others have to say.
After a couple hours Roonie reappears from ... wherever he had vanished to, wiping a few odd spider webs from his shoulders and hair before vanishing once more into the Master Bath. This follows by the sounds of a fair amount of water. He returns once again, completely clean, and smiling.
He briefly hunts down each of his new companions and asks them in turn to gather together for a moment. Once he has acquired everyone's attention, or at least everyone still in the house...
"Well. As I suspected, it was worth the thorough inspection. For your information, there are several secret passages in the house, most likely constructed for the use of Servants, as well as what appears to have once been a secret Temple. After which is useful to point out that the Master Bath appears to have wands of water creation and prestidigitation for warm water, and clean clothes. I also found this potion, purse and diary. I'm willing to point out each of the dozen odd secret doors that I located as well, or you can exercise your eyes and see if you can find them, knowing that they exist. Apologies for taking so long, I'm afraid I got lost in the excitement of a well built home! Now that my inspections are complete, I'm ready for whatever."
"I suspect the potion is a...."
"As for inspecting a murder scene, I'm always up to looking for what others have missed."
Nods as Roonfizzle talks impressed he found so much, then then looks at Raziya to see what she says about them splitting and looking into two or more leads.
::"Raziya is right on this one, we need to get some info as soon as we can. I am worried this cult are planning something big, they want stick to kill the odd citizen, they want to spread fear and terror to keep that going they need to do bigger and bigger evils. Also while we are linked like this we can communicate over any distance, i'll renew it before we set off so we can keep each group in communication with each other."::
"I agree that we should investigate the death of the merchant to see if it is related. It might give us more insight into the inscrutable motives of this cult." Yander replies to Calista.
"Junebug and I would be most pleased to escort you to the victim's place of business."
She nods a the suggestion from Sir Royce
"Good, then that makes three of us to the resent death site, any more and we may spook the locals, so Raziya that leaves you free to go see one of the contacts before night full and there should be time to get back for our meeting here with Lord Pandisar."
She looks at Rahdeem.
"Rahdeem would you be willing to go with Raziya as her back up or would you wish to say here for Lord Pandisar?"
She takes out the letters of introduction and offers them to Raziya so she can pick the one she wants. She will put the rest away.
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"Splitting up may not be the best course of action until we have a better grasp of what we are dealing with. For all we know, the moment we poke our nose in there will be a squad ready to drop in and behead us all like the merchant you mentioned," she says thoughtfully, looking from face to face.
"As much as I would like to get as much done as quickly as possible, I believe moving together is going to be our best bet."