“I agree that it makes sense to go back and find out what we can do together with the forces who’s confidence we have gained.”
Your travel back to Zahra's residence is much smoother, and you find her amid the disheveled spread of papers and scrolls across her table. She listens intently to your discoveries so far.
"The thought that Tsomo might have sabotaged us is distressing, but I have been preparing myself to face that possibility. I think you should seek him out if you can, to either confront him or gather more evidence against him. In the meantime, I will speak with Honoke and Razethka about mobilizing workers towards the reef. I am grateful you understand the severity of the damage that could be caused." She considers a moment before continuing.
"Yuka is absent minded enough, that is true. I do not think we will get his aid without constant prodding. And if he is in danger from rogue sahaugin, you may wish to speak to Lileone. She is arrogant, but her connections to the city watch and knowledge of this planes flora and fauna are highly valuable. With the right arguments, I believe she can place the workshop under guard against nefarious plots."
“Thank you. Then I would propose to first seek out Lileone and then try to dispatch Tsomo. My connection to the natural order and the spirit world dictates me to take action when the environment is suffering so much.” Shardra says with deep concern in her voice.
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With a hearty chuckle, Thokzazt pats Yuka a bit too hard on the shoulder. "I would advise staying in the area. We wouldn't want you getting run down by the Odd Sahaguin in the streets."
"So far, I have instructed all parties to stay in the city. If you wish to have a Follow Up investigation, I would be more than willing to assist."
Zahra returns to her document review as you exit to see out your other Pathfinder contact. The bustle of the city does not deter the party overmuch, as you find the sea elf not far from the residential quarter.
"I had the feeling you might come looking for me." She greets you with a hint of a smile, before turning serious again. "Have you had any luck?"
"You seem to have uncovered quite a bit of troubling information in a short time. Well done." Lileone compliments you all. "What findings do you feel support this threat to the workman's life?"
Shardra thinks about the occurrences of the last hours.
”Well, Tsomo might have sabotaged the expedition as detailed by Tad. We want to either confront him or gather more evidence against him. Zahra speaks with Honoke and Razethka about mobilizing workers towards the reef. And as you also heard Yuka is in danger from a rogue sahaugin. Your connections to the city watch and knowledge of this planes flora and fauna are highly valuable. Can you please place the workshop under guard against further nefarious plots!!“
Lileone nods at Shardra's deeply impassioned speech. "As you wish. I will speak with a few captains and let them know there is a threat on Luka's life. They have learned to trust my judgement, so I expect little difficulty. What will you do now? Confront Tsomo?"
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"Well, Tsomo is the last lead we have who has not been interro-... spoken with. While I would certainly be inclined to note him as our top suspect it is certainly likely that someone else in his confidence bears the responsibility and he is equally the victim. Either way though, we have the same duty, find and question Tsomo. And keep on the lookout for more Sahaugins..."
"Very well. I wish you the best of luck, Pathfinders." Lileone waves as she departs to rally the guard, leaving you to navigate the thoroughfares of the residential district to Tsomo's address. It is quite the curious structure, seemingly small and squat among the larger homes, at least until you enter the open door. The room is small and bare, a shelter for a narrow set of stone steps that quickly become submerged. As far as you can tell, the entirety of the residence is underwater beyond the stairs.
Shardra casts false life, heightened awareness and barkskin on herself.
”Thank you very much Thaddeus! I believe this spell would help very much! And Thokzazt, I think we should stay together! Would you please come with us?“ Shardra asks politely.
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William nods to Thaddeus. "The best of soldiers uses their knowledge of the enemy terrain when preparing for a siege. You, Comrade Treeskipper, exhibit those traits admirably! With just over an hour and a half of protection from drowning, I believe we should have sufficient time to conduct our investigation. Should that prove to be insufficient, I have brought with me a small quantity of tools to aid."
He distributes his 3 potions of touch of the sea, and 3 air crystals, to those he deems most likely to flounder should the spell be disrupted.
Nodding towards Thokzazt, he adds, "Yes, a rearguard would be beneficial. We are aware of Sahaugin agents roaming about town, and the odds are just as good that more exist and may be on our tail. I would recommend that you secure the entrance as we move in, and as we give the all-clear, advance to the next available position you deem tactically sound for defense."
He takes a quick inventory of the front room and stairwell. "We should also take note of our findings in each room. Even the smallest detail may prove to be evidence when we write our report."
"Nothing to report here."
Those of you that do descend find yourselves in a single-room domicile. While the room is decorated with coral growths and bright schools of fish, the rest of the furnishings are spartan at best. A chest is wedged in a cubby along one wall, while a stone desk occupyied much of the central space. From the east wall extends an enclosed tank holding saltwater wildlife.
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Zeno of course had his own preparations for the inevitable venture beyond Vialesk's accommodating air pocket, but Thaddeus having done better than that for the time being, he sticks merely to precautionary battle-wards against direct injury before venturing forth.
Once down, he takes a good look around, the two clowns at the front obviously having no idea how to do that....
Zeno easily notices that among the wildlife in the saltwater tank is a small herd of bamboo and bonnethead sharks. Each of them have a pattern of notches on their fins. Beside the tank is a second exit, one that seems to lead into the rest of the underwater half of Vialesk.
William finds nothing but wetwear in the chest, that is to say, clothing. While it is obviously soaked, the material does not seem to be overly damaged by the underwater conditions.
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After seeing the William jump into the water, and the polite request of Shardra, Thokzazt swallows his pride.
Thokzazt drops his backpack on the ground (Where it is dry) and jumps in, swiftly sinking to the bottom.
Beginning to cough and choke, Thokzast struggles against the water before breathing it in. "Thank you Little one. Being able to breathe makes this experience more bearable. Getting out might be... Problematic though."
Looking around with William, Thokzazt helps point out details or organize his findings.
Thokzazt notes that the domicile does not even contain a bed, unless the desk serves double duty.
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Patiently and with moments of gritted teeth, Zeno helps subvert Thokzazt's Hellknight training enough to free him from the mental blocks holding him back from figuring out the shark-fin cypher.
"...And there you have it. Interesting. Messenger sharks. Did I miss something? Do we know who this 'Zemdar' character is?"
The exit from Tsomo's domicile leads to the underwater passages of Vialesk. The occasional sea creature breaks up the watery traffic of sea elves and other amphibious citizens.
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Zeno and William put their heads together, checking the length of the room against the outer walls. A curious octopus pauses to get them the walleye before continuing on its way. As far as the Pathfinders can tell, there does not appear to be any unaccounted space.
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"Well, let us continue our finding of facts. Perhaps there is someone nearby who knows more about the comings and goings here... Keep an eye on this residence. Anyone dropping in is likely here to send or receive messages."
William will go deeper into the aquatic passages and see if he can learn a bit more about the goings on here, particularly visitors to Tsomo's place, and sightings of notched fins.