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"Well, that went quickly!" Sheela stows her equipment and pets Queen Rainbowprance. "Anyone wants to pet her?" The Celestial Horse walks up, sniffs Valais and nuzzles her for a bit.
As they leave, Valais worries about what the public will think of her. Sheela huffs and spins back. "What did I tell you? I told you it doesn't matter what's on the outside, it's what's on the inside!" Sheela points at herself. "Besides, you are a Pathfinder! And we do NOT leave Pathfinders behind!"
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Yes, once a pathfinder always a pathfinder, we will not leave you. As for the looks...you'll always recieve raised eyebrows, that's inevitable, but I guarantee you this. The society will welcome you with open arms, VC Jorsal would love to meet you, and hear directly from the source of Thrul's treachery. So please come with us, I'll personally stay by your side and if anyone tries anything, I'll stop them myself! Vrothum looks directly in Valais eyes, keeping a stern face, and extending his scaly hand out for a shake.
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Idril breathes a sigh of relief as the ghost is finally defeated. Sheathing Ankar, he joins the party in fleeing the lab.
Idril regards Vailis without saying a word as his fellow agents addresses the monstrous being. Hand on the hilt of his black blade he walks eyeing the creature, many thoughts racing through his head. Many emotions flash across his silent expression: fear, anger, contempt but finally compassion.
"We cannot undo what has been done to you, but if there is a way, the Society will find it. They owe you at least that much. As my fellow agents have pointed out, you have more than proved yourself to the cause of the Society. I make no secret of my hatred for fiends. If I can set aside my prejudice, I am those of the Society will as well once they hear of your valor in our report. Join us Vailis, we shall do right by you as you have done by us."
Idril nods to the group. "Time to make our report."
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For a moment Valais seems still uncertain then she slowly nods:"You are right. This is just a temporary setback. Nothing a Venture Captain should worry about. On the contrary... I welcome the challenge this situation presents! Overcoming it will occupy a whole volume of the Cronicles... at least! Very well... lead on. I fully confident in our ability to reach Starrise Spire unmolested..."
As it happens Valais newfound confidence seems well place. Citizens who see her react with fear and disgust, but you manage to reach the lodge without serious incident.Once there Venture Captain Jorsal is quick to catch up with the situation and takes it upon himself to oversee Valais' restoration, or at least her acceptance and treatment. Seems like your act of humanity and nobility has impressed him, and he offers you his heartfelt thanks.
In the following days and weeks, Valais proves to be an invaluable source of information and testimony about Thurl's unholy activities and you are able to present your findings to Venture-Captain Jorsal, who looks over the evidence and confirms Thurl to be a traitor to the Society. The dwarf ’s knowledge of the Sky Citadel Jormurdun predates the Society’s by years, which disturbs Jorsal, but he is even more perturbed and disgusted by Thurl’s experiments and regular dealings with fiends.
Not all is well though. A couple of nights after escaping to the surface all of you suffer from upsetting dreams, confused images, impossibly bright colors and grotesque shapes populate them before a cold and distant voice breaks the eeire silence:“Relent,and you shall know peace. Continue, and you shall open yourself to the same darkness you fight against.” it promises, before causing you to awaken in the dead of the night, drenched in sweat.
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"See, Valais? No problem!" She pats the woman on the back, managing to hide the pain of slapping the enigma's steel-tough skin. "We're Pathfinders! The Venture Captain will see to your new life."
"Good job everyone- I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help. I can't do too much when there are no minds to scramble!" Sheela hugs, shakes and blows kisses at the other party members.
Once everyone is ready to say their goodbyes, she slaps down her Community Service card and waits for Venture-Captain Jorsal to stamp it- one down... too many more to go!
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Now, drenched in sweat in the middle of the night is not a big deal for Sheela, she's done that before. Usually someone else is in the bed, though. And usually she's not recovering from a terrible nightmare. "Ugh, who did I piss off this time? Grandmama will help me relax..."
Sheela looks out her window towards the full moon. She stared at the abyss, and it stared back at her. Will she have the heart to stand proud like Valais, or will she crumble like Thurl? Only time can tell...
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Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury is stoic yet shows signs of exhaustion as he strides into the room and places a piece of paper on the table. “Pathfinders, some weeks ago we received this letter from an anonymous source, advising us of the discovery of a Sarkorian site in rural Mendev, near the village of Dawnton. We sent three Pathfinders to perform an initial investigation. Word came to us two days ago that the entire team has been arrested for murder and is scheduled to be hanged in seven days’ time. I would appreciate your traveling to Dawnton, investigating the crimes, and finding any evidence necessary to clear their names.”
He pauses for a moment, as if gathering his will or holding back strong emotion. “As much as it grieves me to think this possible, you may find evidence that implicates our comrades. If they are guilty of this crime, let them hang. It’s justice of a sort, and we must all remember that we are guests in Mendev and subject to all its laws. Your predecessors’ reputation has tarnished the Pathfinders’ name in Dawnton, so I recommend you not travel and investigate openly as Pathfinders agents”
“Be careful,” he recommends, “and remember that three comrades are relying on you.”
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Grandmama always knew how to cheer Sheela up. A song here, a flower there, a wooden crown around her head. These entertained her as a child and they grant her serenity as an adult. The nightmares persist for a few days but Grandmama's music help her forget. Eventually the grotesque shapes in her dreams turn into endless plains and plants, blessed by the sun. Elysium?
As Sheela gets dressed one day she receives another missive, from Venture-Captain Jorsa. She knows what that means and duty calls. More room on her community service card to fill out.
"Murder? There must be a mistake!" Sheela stands right up. "We have to find out what happened there." It's not clear if Sheela agrees with the Venture Captain or she stopped paying attention when he mentioned murder. "We need to find out who sent this letter."
"Venture-Captain, I could pretend to be a singer, accompanied by my troupe here." Sheela begins thinking up a variety of alibis she could use.
"Oh! What can you tell us about this town of Dawnton? Who governs the town? Who is the victim? How are the Pathfinders detained?"
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Idril sits in the corner of the room, arms crossed. A scowl etched across his otherwise pristine half elven features. "Troubling, but after this Thrul affair we can assume nothing. Perhaps this accursed fiendish stain reaches deeper into our ranks than we realize."
Idril regards Jorsal. "Be assured Captain that we shall get to the bottom of this. May I ask, though. How thorough is our mandate? Is there a limit to our methods or shall we act with prejudice?"
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Azrael returns to the lodge for the call of duty. Heshakes his head on the matter as he listens through, but much like Idril, doesn't find it surprising after the ordeal they just went through.
"I am unfamiliar with what an Sarkorian site would be, perhaps if you could enlighten us on that matter. And what of the original expeditions objectives?"
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"Although I endorse a policy of openness and honesty in this case a disguise seems like a sensible idea, given the circumstances. Our agents names are Rhea Xaan, Tewal Southbridge and Belar De Nilis. Capable pathfinders and good people, or so I judged their character when I decided to give them their mission. As for the town, I can't tell you much I'm afraid. They have a sheriff running the place as I undestand. If you find our agents to be innocent of the crimes they are accused of you'll probably need to sway the population in order to save them and avoid bloodshed. If they are guilty... as I said the law of the land is the law and we should respect it, no matter how cruel it might appear to be" the VC tells Sheela before adressing Idril's questions:"As I said, you need to determine the truth about these accusations but you need to do so without casting the Society in a bad light. Not telling anyone about your identity seems acceptable. Killing or harming innocents is not"
And lastly Venture-Captain Jorsal answers Azrael's inquiry:"Your colleagues were sent to determine the truth about this alleged Sakorian site. We knew nothing about it and considering the developments it's not a priority anymore. If... when you solve this things may change but for the moment I'm not sending you there to check those ruins out"
Venture-Captain Jorsal requests that you depart the next day in the morning or earlier, which, he notes, should give you enough time to pack your things and purchase any equipment. He adds that the road should take about three days to travel by horse, and he offers to loan you mounts for the trip.
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Sheela spends her time talking, making pleasantries, intriguing some of the locals...
When she returns, she's ready to share information with the party. "Well, Dawnton is a small village somewhere between the local trade highway and the Seitan River. It's pretty small, except during Carnival and the Harvest, of course."
"Now I heard from a rather attractive farmer that since Kenabres fell, Dawnton has become distrustful of strangers, especially Tieflings or anyone with demonic roots or appearance..." She trails off, then gives Vrothum a glance. "I'll do most of the talking once we get there. I can... no, never mind."
Sheela was going to suggest a way to disguise Vrothum, but it's much too rude.
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It takes you three days to make preparations and travel to Dawnton, and you arrive in the early evening of the third day. The prisoners are scheduled to be hanged at dawn on the seventh day, giving you the evening plus three full days to solve the case and prove your colleagues’ innocence.
The sun is just setting down on the horizon when you finally reach Dawnton.
You ask around a little and learn there's only one inn in town, called the "Heath and Harvest". The villagers you encounter inform you there's another option avaiable for you if you don't want to sleep in the open, renting a stall in a place called "Tent City" and located on the outskirts of Dawnton.
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"I didn't say that..." Sheela is very careful with her words. "But a hat of disguise works wonders when you don't want to be remembered for your good looks. Or the Duchess wants to hang the charming Aasimar who may have gotten too drunk with her husband one night..." Sheela trails off.
"Anyway, I'll buy a hat of disguise and you may borrow it, Vrothum. If you wish."
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During the trip to Dawnton, Sheela asks if the party had bizarre nightmares like she did, and how they coped with it. She also recites some of her favorite songs along the way.
Once they are at town, Sheela lets her charm take over as she begins conversing with the townsfolk. "The Heath and Harvest sounds like a good place to stay. We can remain closer to our objective, there."
Sheela wants to know about recent events in town, as well as who's really in charge here.
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Vrothum is one of the lasts to arrive, he gets caught up on the situation, and says: It doesn't suprise me honestly, giving our last mission, though it do wonder how deep this treachery runs in our ranks. I agree, if those men are innocent we will do what it takes to free them, otherwise they'll be left to their fate.As Vrothum finishes he notices a conversation between Azrael and Sheela, they appear to be looking his way, so he walks over to find ot. I am well aware of my appearance, however, you are my brothers and sisters at arms so don't feel like you can't talk to me about being a liability if we go somewhere I won't be well recieved.Vrothum takes the hat, winks at Sheela, and gives a nod to Azrael. So...how does this work?...
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As you enter Dawnton, Sheela starts asking around for information. It doesn't seem like a wise approach, considering how diffident these rural folks are said to be. Yet, the Aasimar natural charm wins more than a few of them over in no time and she learns that, unsurprisingly, the talk of the town are the murders and... the quickly approaching execution of the pathfinders who did the grisly deed! May Iomedae turn her gaze away from them in the momenty of their passing!. As for the town leader, everyone agrees it is Tobias Luin and no other.
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Vrothum disguises himself as Human 6' 195lbs Black Hair that barely touches his choulders pulled back out of his face. He wears an ordinary adventures out fit gray pants, blue top with black shoes. Has a back pack on his back with a bedroll tucked in, showing a silver dagger on his hip. He approaches a table that looks somewhat friendly.
Pardon me lads, I just got in to town and was trying to find a place to bunk in for bit, but I was asked by the guards if I had seen any suspicious activity or was a member of some sort of society...what's that all about? Something happen recently? I'd say this is a first in all my travels I've been approached in such a way.
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Vrothum's disguise easily fools the villagers he speaks to and he learns what he already knows: the good townspeople seem utterly convinced of the Pathfinder's guilt and wish to see them pay for their alleged crimes.
By asking around you manage to learn a few tidbits of information...
Otto, a farmer who lives just outside Dawnton, found the body of the first victim the morning the accused Pathfinders arrived. He’s still going about his business as though nothing had happened.
Some aren’t sure the prisoners are guilty, but it’s hard to get anybody to speak his mind with that inquisitor throwing accusations and the whole crowd screaming to see some necks get stretched.
After a while you decide to call it a night and go to sleep. Next morning is sure to be challenging after all.
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Never the total trusting , I take a beer mug to the room and drop a hand full of loose copper coins in it and lean it on the door, a sure fire noise maker if a intruder comes in. IN the morning if there were no surprises I make the suggestion we should perhaps try the general store and then the beer garden to make it look like we are travelers resting up, reprovisioning and then get a drink after the morning work requirements.
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Sheela kicks up her feet on a bed when everyone returns. "Oh, and who is this young man?" She looks at Titus and grins. Assuming TItus introduces himself and everyone vets for him, she extends her hand for a shake. "Sheela Kolphan, pleased to meet you." She grins and reveals her pearly white teeth. Then she draws a bath.
Sheela sleeps the night away. The bed isn't as cushy as she'd hope, but it will do.
The next morning, Sheela uses her Mage Hand to brush her hair as she dresses. She nods when Titus gives a plan. "Sounds like a good plan. I do want to get some more information before we talk to the farmer. No reaction to a dead body? Seems suspicious, don't you think?"
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Likewise, Azrael takes no exception to Vrothum's suggestion, and adds to the conversation "It does indeed sound suspicious, but best not to raise our own suspicions at this very time. Let us follow Vrothum's plan first and see where this takes us." Chimes in the human.
Once more, in the streets Azrael keeps a keen eye on the behaviour of the townsfolk, especially on the look for suspicious activity.
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Once inside the general store you immediately notice how the half orc propietor seems quite the boastful type while his wife appears to be more accurate with her assessment of rumors. Either way, if you want to learn something you'll have to somehow ingratiate yourselves with them.
Meanwhile Idril tries to interview the pathfinder prisoners, which leads him to Tobias Luin's house, apaprently being also used as the local guard station and jail. Here a trio of local militiamen warn the elf that he'll need Luin's permission before being allowed to see the prisoners. Fortunately the town's mayor and sheriff is in his office.