To All:
"I keep hearing references to a 'Black Hand.' Surely those allude to that infamous criminal organization. I'm a little mystified by the references to a dark falcon and a snake with many heads. What do the rest of you think?"
** spoiler omitted **
Varan sighs softly, “I’m not one for riddles and omens. I leave those to wiser souls. What seems clear to me is that the Khthonoi are involved in all of this, somehow, as is a worshipper of the Eater of Souls, and it appears that we are the ones who must determine how they are connected.” He cracks a bit of a grin. “As to the Black Hand… well, I’m afraid I don’t move in such disreputable circles.”
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"I'm just going to think out loud for a moment, and try to grasp what we know at this point.
Brogdar has offered to show us where the person called Dargallen had a hideout in the Lower Ward. According to Kal'ishal, he was being followed by Dargallen and another person, one who appears to possess mental powers. I have heard of this Dargallen before, although I am not certain where the name has been mentioned to me.
Dargallen was last seen seven days ago, Kal'ishal around six days, and Ma'an three day ago. The three men described as Brothers, went into the caves beneath Dubdind three days ago, and Ma'an disappeared that night. I think Kal'ishal was killed before three men appeared here, so one of them was impersonating Kal'ishal as part of a scheme to gain entrance to the caves beneath Dubdind. The impersonator may even have been this Dargallen.
It appears that there are two places that need investigating. One location is certainly the caves below. Dargallen's hidout would be the other place worth investigating. I propose, since we are already here, that we request permission to enter the caves and hopefully determine the fate of Ma'an and the purpose of the three strangers who entered there recently.
Turning to Brogdar: We would certainly welcome your assistance in locating the hideout of Dargallen, if you are still willing.
Varan nods to Thomi. “If our quarry has descended into the caverns, below, then we’d do well to stay on their trail. They have three days’ lead on us, but they should have no reason to suspect that anyone would be mad enough,” at this, he grins, “to follow them into the depths of the earth.”
Bijannar smiles at Toranindracar. Then he says, "Well, you did promise adventure."
Brogdar turns to Thomi: "As much as I can follow myself, it sounds as if you exactly have the right of it! It's my duty and honor to escort you to Dargallen's, whenever you say, although my heart grows darker at the what may have befallen Ma'an and I pray we are not too late. Your proposal to enter Dubdind yet gives me hope, and I cannot thank you enough for your willingness to help me find my missing friend, even if I fear that we shall only find the worst."
He turns to Tibati, "Lady, we cannot thank you enough for your aid, and if ever there is anything that the Rangers can do to assist you and yours, you have but to ask!"
"Friends, there is something I must tell you. A fortnight or more ago, Ma'an, had been walking the woods of the district and came upon some distraught wanderers. They reported to him that they had seen a dark daethol, moving like a shadow through the trees and in the night. We all thought it nothing more than superstition and jumping at shadows, although it's possibility nagged at me, and so when Ma'an disappeared, I wondered if the two might be connected. Now I fear I am right, but in a way much worse than I could have suspected. Something very foul is at work here. It seems that both Thomi and Varan have the right of it, but I worry what more sinister plots you all may uncover."
** spoiler omitted **
As you had searched around the room earlier, you had found a waterwheel which descended below into the caves, no doubt for raising buckets of water to the tower up above. You also saw a set of broad rough-hewn wooden stairs which seemed to lead down to the lower levels.
Looking to Bijannar, Toranindracar reminds himself to show a wry grin.
But something nags at him, and he still seems lost in thought.
"Thomi, you say Kal'ishal was followed by two people, one of whom was a mentalist -- but I don't believe that last part was established.... We have reason to believe Kal'ishal himself was a mentalist -- or at least aspired to be. Beyond that, we heard that one of the three who arrived (disguised?) at Dubdind seeking Dyfængarel was a mentalist, and seemingly a Saklas worshipper. He is described as "light in aspect but dark as night," which may mean he wore Kal'ishal's white robes of Lux.
"And we have heard that three men -- apparently the same three who later sought Dyfængarel -- entered Kal'ishal's apartment and he was slain mentally, as the result of a long plot, with the support of many others, in order to protect a great secret. It sounds -- though it's not clear -- as though all three took part in the assault, not merely the Saklasi, which would mean the gods only notified us of one of several mentalists, which means there may be more -- including perhaps the Brother who arrived a week earlier. But I don't believe we've heard anything from the gods about those who spied on Kal'ishal, unless they are the same as those who killed and impersonated him. And Brogdar had reason to believe both of the two who followed Kal'ishal were in league with the Black Hand -- both Dargallen and the other, whose safehouse he located."
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"The timeline of events is fairly certain. The identities of all the players in those events may never be known with precision. I believe the person or persons who spied on Kal'ishal were involved in his murder. We don't know a specific motive, but I suspect Kal'ishal discovered a secret and was silenced as a result.
Because there is a possibility that Ma'an is still alive and in danger, I think our next course of action is to follow that trail into the caves, and to do so without delay.
Brogdar - how far is Dargallen's? It may be that this reveals some clues before we descend beneath Dubdind but it is important that we not tarry too long before delving beneath the hill.
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Toranindracar is barely listening to the others, but rattling off known facts as if everyone were paying attention to him.
"And, as for the timing of events, just to be clear:
"Less than a month ago:
Kal'ishal fails his first mission in Theveste, in southwestern Airgíallne, and seems a failure in several ways, particularly as a moral standard for the Brotherhood -- important to the Order of Lux, the whiterobes. He is given 1 month of leave to regain control of his life, but later is reported to have taken to drink, and to have a romantic affair with a dæthol lass named Anwyn.
"A fortnight ago or more:
A dæthol dark as night is reported in the woods.
"10 or more days ago:
Kal'ishal contacts Brogdar and hires him to track his own two trackers, both of whom Kal'ishal claims belong to the Black Hand. Brogdar accepts.
"8 or 9 days ago:
Brogdar tracks one of the men to a safehouse.
"1 day later:
Brogdar finds that the other man is named Dargallen.
"1 day later (6 or 7 days ago):
Brogdar reports to Kal'ishal, then attempts to learn more, it seems.
"That night or the next:
Three men, led by a sinister worshipper of Saklas the snake-headed, go to Kal'ishal's home and kill him mentally, leaving no marks or signs of struggle. It could be that they search the apartment, but if so, they probably weren't the only ones.
"1 or 2 days later (perhaps?) (4 to 6 days ago):
Brogdar goes to report to Kal'ishal but there is no answer at his apartment. He spends a day searching for him and tries his apartment again, all to no avail. (Presumably, the door is still fully closed at this time, though it wasn't when we found it.) Brogdar gives up, at least for a time.
"SOME time after that:
Someone forces entry into Kal'ishal's home and ransacks it, clearly looking for something, then leaves without locking the door. This may have been the men who trailed Kal'ishal -- reported by Kal'ishal to belong to the Black Hand. Or it could be yet another group interested in what Kal'ishal knew or possessed.
"3 days ago, during the day:
Three men appear at Dubdind, at Giúsáesta, in the appearance of Brotherhood Adepts -- one in white robes claiming to be Kal'ishal, but in fact it's our Saklasi murderer and his cronies. They demand entry to the caves beneath, to 'check the wards', but in fact to gain entry to Dyfængarel, the Place of Tyranny, home to Khthonoi. The druids grant them entry, but have not seen them since. The druids' portents have indicated that the purposes of these three men are opposed to our own -- whatever that might mean.
"That night (3 nights ago):
The rangers all wake to a loud 'commotion' from Dubdind. Ma'an goes to investigate. He asks for entry to the caves beneath, which is granted. Neither druid nor ranger has seen or heard from him since.
"Today, earlier this afternoon:
Our group, having met at the Scarlet Strumpet in the Guild District, travels to Kal'ishal's apartment in the Lesser Ward. The door is unlocked and unlatched, and swings open easily. The apartment is ransacked and Kal'ishal dead. We go to the Rangers' Way, find Brogdar and hear about Ma'an's disappearance. We all head to the Druid's Circle, whereupon we hear this message from the gods.
"We can't know for certain whether Dargallen or the other of Kal'ishal's trackers were present or involved in Kal'ishal's slaying, but I agree with Thomi that it is likely they were involved in some way. They may even have been among the three men who killed him, and who went into the caves beneath Dubdind.
"I also agree with Thomi in our course of action. Into the caves. If luck is with us, we may find some trace of the passage of those who went before us -- and if we are so lucky as to find Ma'an, he may by now have further knowledge that could help us."
Toranindracar - you mentally survey the scene of Kal'ishal's apartment and you remember that not only was it ransacked, but that his staff was missing as were his various robes, something fairly unusual as those cannot be sold on the open market. It is likely, given the description that Tabiti gave of the different robes (one set of Order robes, two sets of student robes), that the three attackers took Kal'ishal's robes as their disguise. Kal'ishal's death may be premeditated in more than one way. Why paint the Brotherhood as the cause? Or was it simply convenient for the Saklasi?
Aegwyn nods her agreement before walking up to Tibati.
You mentioned that you had portent of our coming before we arrived? Would you be willing to share what auguries surround our group?
Toranindracar rolls his eyes slightly.
To Thomi:
"If Toranindracar is too lengthy, you may call me Zairitem."
Tibati nods her head in response to Aegwyn and reaches inside an ornate inlaid box which is set upon the altar. She removes a handful on incense and dashes it on the two opposite brass braziers burning at either end of the altar. As the smoke billows into the air she picks up a set of mixed bones spread atop the altar.
"I can only give you an augury of a very short time from now. This I will say: If you go down into the Dubdind, in search of Dyfængarel," she tosses the bones, "I see....both woe and weal."
"In your search for Ma'an, I see....woe." She looks sadly to Brogdar.
"In your search for the three....I see weal and woe."
"If you have more, ask quickly!"
"The portents we saw before your arrival showed a time of great upheavel to come. Dark clouds are brewing to the south. I saw you, childe, surrounded by your ancestors, who will aid you in a time of need. I saw him," she points to Bijannar, "he is a key. Each of you may become a foundation of strength to Saemyyr in a time of chaos."
** spoiler omitted **
Aegwyn nods her thanks to Tibati.
We will go to Dubdind this night.
As for me, I have no need of a staff, unless it's needed for pomp/ceremony. If it makes me look more important at Brotherhood events, I might want a nonmagical one.
"Ah, well ... I would say that, before we expect to run into trouble, we may want to take some time to rest. I have prepared certain spells for today, not expecting to deal with Khthonoi, but the more we learn, the more it sounds like these caves may be a dangerous place. If we must go straight below this night, then so be it, but I may not be of much use if it comes to a fight. Otherwise, perhaps kind Tibati and her friends would offer a place for us to rest here, and then we could proceed in the morning?"
Bijannar steps back and replies to Tibati, "Wait? What? Me? A key? I've not even selected an order yet..."
"Tibati! What if we delay until next morning ... is there weal in that?"
Tibati pauses reflectively, picks her bones up from the altar and casts them again. Her face frowns pensively, "I'm not sure. It's difficult to read. The signs are either the same, or it means nothing and is too far away for me to determine."
Tabiti looks to each of you and says: "You are all welcome to stay here for the evening and we are happy to provide you with rooms and places to sleep, either in the tower above or below in the caves where some of the apprentices sleep. For myself, I am tired and would 'sup, for which you are also welcome to join me. If you would go down into Dubdind, either for rest or to determine the happenings of the other night, I will have one of the others escort you. Let me know as you wish."
Aegwyn glances up, listens and giggles as she watches her hair dance around her eyes.
We should get some rest. It might be a long visit to Dubdind. I would gladly 'sup with you before taking rest.
Bijannar, suddenly fatigued, yawns.
Varan bows his head to Tibati. “Your hospitality is gracious, and your offer of a meal and a place to sleep most welcome.” The then looks to his companions. “I can speak only for myself, but this has been a long day, indeed, and I could certainly do with some rest.”
Once Aegwyn is on her own, she scatters her runes to help her understand the day's events
• Will trusting [xxx] bring weal or woe? - for each of her four new companions
Toranindracar finds a spot, circles around a few times to find the best angle, then curls up and slumps down to immediate sleep, planning to wake up at the appointed time and prepare his spells for the more dangerous work expected tomorrow.
Varan finds a quiet corner, strips out of his armor and changes into sturdy, comfortable-looking clothes. He then rests his bastard sword and shield with his half-plate, retrieves a well-worn leather-bound tome from his pack, and sits down cross-legged, perusing the text with a contemplative expression. He reads for about an hour, pausing occasionally to close his eyes meditatively. After he puts the book away, he closes his eyes, once more, and draws his holy symbol gently to his lips and then to his forehead. Finally, retrieving his blade, which he keeps by his side, a hand on the hilt, he sacks out in his bedroll.
You are each awoken in the early morning to the smell of food. One of the apprentices stands above you with a bowl of millet spiced with cumin and honey. You had all been taken down the night before into the first level of the Black Hill's interior and some of the caves which are used for storage and the resting places of the apprentices.
As you all sleepy come too in the early dawn, gathered together in one of the upper caves, an apprentice moves about, placing a few logs on the fire and lighting candles and then speaks quietly to you: "There are teas and kahwa as well as some fruits should you chose. When you've done your ablutions and are prepared, I'd be happy to take you wherever in Dubdind you'd wish to go. The caves are extensive and it can be easy to lose your way if you are not familiar with it. Let me know where you wish to go and I shall take you there."
"Unfortunately, we don't know. Were told to leave them alone that they might check their wards, although I have never known where such "wards" may be. I do know that they went down to the lowest level, where the waters flow, and I can take you there if you wish?"
Is that the same place as the large disturbance four nights ago?
"As I said, we don't know. The Brothers came and did their work in the lower level, sometime in the early evening before sunset. Then hours later there was an enormous cacophony, like an enormous roar and a deep sound as if someone had struck upon an enormous drum and the hill itself shook. Black smoke billowed up through the caves from the lower levels, but we could find no sign of the source of the sound. The only things on the lower levels are some of the pens for the larger animals, some of the older tombs, the Sacred Pool, and of course, the old stream which runs underneath from within Dubdind and then makes it's course under the city through some tunnels."
The apprentice takes you down in to the lower levels of the caves, down several flights of stairs and through passageways and large cavern openings which you have difficulty remembering. Finally he brings you to a very cool lower level, a portion of the old hill which clearly has a sensation of ages past, as yet undisturbed by sentient hands, except perhaps the druids who come down to perform their sacred rites and the three imposters, wearing the robes of the dead mage Kal'ishal. You arrive down to the lower level and there is a palpable air of stillness, as if of an undisturbed crypt. The apprentice speaks in hushed whispers and states: "Over there, to our left are the caves of the long departed ancient wise-ones of the tower and hill. Ahead, beyond a steep slope, is the ancient sacred pool of Dubdind, which I would beg you not to profane, and finally to our right, leads a passage to the unremarkable rooms which demonstrate the ancient course of the stream which flows through here, of which no one has cared or past notice of for centuries. I am happy to take you where you please, but I beg you, do not disturb or defile the Pool. What would you see first?"
Bijannar shifts, adjusting his armor.