In response to Isaac's question Olan says, "He was a dark haired little one. Was dressed decent enough, but smelled terrible, like he hadn't bathed in a week. And he had an accent I couldn't place, but he didn't sound like any halfling I'd ever met before."
"Thank you for your time. I'll need to consult with my colleagues. If you remember anything more you can contact us at the Watchtower Agency."
Nothing too promising for a lead. Finding a smelly halfling in Sharn is like finding a particular grain of sand on a beach. Issac leaves to find Var and Phia.
Ambassador Towers, Middle Central
3rd bell
After reconvening that afternoon the Watchtower group sits down to compare notes...
"We made a list of the victims from the different newspapers. Some could have been done by our flakey guy. But it will be better, if we'd speak with the author herself. She calls him the Killer from Khyber."
"Yes, the author has an uncanny knowledge of the events."
At the Watchtower grabbing a seat Vale lights his pipe. "As per our discussion at the temple with the other priest... He had little to add. Save that his colleague had been contracted by an unbathed halfling. As leads go not very promising. Perhaps Var had better luck consulting their records? The author does sound like someone to have words with though."
At the Watchtower grabbing a seat Vale lights his pipe. "As per our discussion at the temple with the other priest... He had little to add. Save that his colleague had been contracted by an unbathed halfling. As leads go not very promising. Perhaps Var had better luck consulting their records? The author does sound like someone to have words with though."
"Did the name 'Scrimshaw' come up in the papers? He went to ask Molo for a cure for skin disease. Got turned down." Var briefly looks down at his notes, "Happened on the 15th Vult. Does that tie to anything?"
"Argh! But we forgot to investigate that shop that sold the jojoba oil -- 'Osram's Miraculous Elixirs'. Do we still need to check back there."
"Only if we get no clue about the whereabouts of this 'Scrimshaw'. Because 'skin disease' matches with those flakes I found at the murder scene."
"Did the name 'Scrimshaw' come up in the papers? He went to ask Molo for a cure for skin disease. Got turned down." Var briefly looks down at his notes, "Happened on the 15th Vult. Does that tie to anything?"
"No the 'Scrimshaw' name didn't turn up in the papers I looked at." The 15th of Vult is 7 days before the first attack documented in the papers."
"Thank you for your time. I'll need to consult with my colleagues. If you remember anything more you can contact us at the Watchtower Agency."
Nothing too promising for a lead. Finding a smelly halfling in Sharn is like finding a particular grain of sand on a beach. Issac leaves to find Var and Phia.
Phia looks towards Vale as they leave the room. "Well at least now we know a little more than before and in my experience what may not seem important and the time can prove it's weight in gold later. Let us go and find Var."
"No the 'Scrimshaw' name didn't turn up in the papers I looked at." The 15th of Vult is 7 days before the first attack documented in the papers."
"So it looks like this 'Scrimshaw' is a good suspect; motivated by revenge for the priests failure to help him. But why the timing?
What other leads do we have?"
"Perhaps he tried to get treatment in different temples until frustration got that high, that he took out the priests responsible for the rejection of his queries. Or they tried unsuccessfully, too."
"Perhaps he tried to get treatment in different temples until frustration got that high, that he took out the priests responsible for the rejection of his queries. Or they tried unsuccessfully, too."
"That's still no justification to commit these murders."
"Once you're too far over the edge, even murder is a just retribution for broken fingernails."
"Perhaps he tried to get treatment in different temples until frustration got that high, that he took out the priests responsible for the rejection of his queries. Or they tried unsuccessfully, too."
"Possible but there is something about these crimes that seems something more than a man railing against clergy in frustration. Too much premeditation in the setup and ambush. Some hidden purpose... But what we have now is this Scrimshaw and this writer. Shall we each go follow up these leads? With any luck we can find something more solid to go on. I'm not sure if its any use but I think I may go see an old friend. Perhaps she has heard of information through her people."
Ithuriel
"Well Vale I don't have any ideas at the moment so I say we run with yours and see where it might lead."
"Well, you can then check the Elixir Shop, too."
"Well, you can then check the Elixir Shop, too."
"Come on then Phia, let's you and I check out Osram's store. Perhaps we'll get a description. Heh - maybe he'll be back there for a refund! His skin is still falling off - we might get lucky."
"But the more I think about it, a visit to the Elixir Shop is looking better and better. Perhaps he has some new ingredients I can use?"
Destinations - Finding the writer for the Sharn Inquisitive (Rodothea), Osram's Miraculous Elixirs (the alchemist's shop), and Isaac's friend. Are you all going together to do these things in succession, or splitting and if so, who goes where?
Vale grabbing his coat. "Very well. The Elixir shop sounds promising. Good hunting to you. I'll drop by to see my contact. I might be able to even swing by the writer's on the way unless anyone else wishes to?"
Feanor says, "I think I'll go talk with some of my contacts in the religious community and find out their take on these recent events. Who knows... might get a usable scroll in the bargain?"
Okay, so...
"Well Var you skin falling off idea seems think there could be something there so lets not waste time and get to it"
Var, Janras, Phia, Durel
Phia naturally takes the lead in the Bazaar. She meanders through the stalls apparently shopping idly with friends, all the while leading the inquiry with the kind of practiced social grace that comes so effortlessly to changelings. It takes time and comes in bits and pieces but through the market a picture of your quarry begins to take shape. When mention of Osram doesn't bring shrugs or blank stares it usually evokes curses or disgust.
"Osram the Alchemist?!" one shopkeeper curses, spitting on the ground, "Bah! Rotting in prison if there were any justice in Sharn!"
From a middle-aged potter, "My wife's grandmother died from his "cures"! You find that one, come on back here and let me know about it. Half-off whatever you can carry for that knowledge!"
Phia adjusts her approach accordingly and with Durel's help finds an alchemist who had been an apprentice of the despised gnome early in his career. "The worst of it is, he knows what he's doing. He could have made his way honest like, but that one is so greedy he's always thinned out his formulas to charge more. Heard he set up shop again in Lower Dura after he was driven out of respectable markets. In Fallen if you can imagine that. Fitting, right?"
Isaac
Terminus (Lower Tavick's Landing)
It's been some time since you last crossed paths with Madame Zerann, but as an old friend it's never been particularly hard for you to find her when you had a reason. Apparently things have been good for the Madame. A barkeep at a place she frequents informs you that she's still working from the same shop where you last met her- a first since the war's end.
Located on a discrete side street branching off of a second story courtyard near Terminus Station, her shop is more subdued and refined than one might expect from a fortuneteller. It had always been that element of class and her own social grace that allowed her to execute a variation of the old tea ceremony scam so successfully that her marks often thought themselves lucky to see her- no matter the cost.
Inside the dimly lit shop is much more richly appointed than you remember and lightly scented of sandalwood. The clattering of the beaded curtain when you enter summons a dark haired young girl from within. "Madame is with another seeker at the moment. May I offer you a cup of tea, while you wait?" But before you have half a chance to reply a familiar smooth voice laughs and calls out from behind the dark silk curtains to the next room, "Leave off Kahla- this one is no mark."
Zerann parts the curtains in the doorway and appraises you silently with a slight smile on her lips. Her curly light-brown hair is dyed dark now and wrapped with a long scarf in a blue, green, and gold pattern that trails behind her. The tight fitting leather you remember fondly from the war has given way to a long green skirt bordered in white and matching bodice with a white open sleeved shawl. Peacock feather earrings and wooden necklace bring the whole thing together, and the effect is no less intriguing than you would expect.
"So Isaac...," she pauses smiling suggestively, "shall I tell you your future, or have you come to tell me mine?"
Faenor -
Ithuriel
Despite himself Issac grins at the sight of Zerann. "You should know by now I have no interest in fate. Only possibilities." Issac holds his gaze for a moment and then turns to scan about the environs of Zerann's establishment, "Looks like you're doing well for yourself here. I shan't ask too many questions about that..."
Issac recounts the tale of the investigation mentioning the priest murders, Boramar, the curious flakes of skin and the suspicious set-up at the Granite Halls. "Would any of your friends have any notion as to who set this up? Any rivals to the Boramar or some mooks that have a grudge against Kol Korran? I know you're not the religious type but there is a missing priest and if he's still alive he may not be for much longer."
Var, Janras, Phia, Durel** spoiler omitted **
"Before we go, we should leave a note about our plans back at the office"
After speaking with the apprentice and learning that they need to go to the Lower Dura, Phia turns towards the rest of the group. "Well now that we know where we need to go we need to figure out if we need to gather anything to take with us to the Lower Dura. I know that it is not the best place to be going but with the four of us I think that we will be fine. Before we leave the Bazaar there is a great place to grab a bit to eat and I am hungry so if you all don't mind could we stop for a bit and talk over our plan a bit more."
DM:
After speaking with the apprentice and learning that they need to go to the Lower Dura, Phia turns towards the rest of the group. "Well now that we know where we need to go we need to figure out if we need to gather anything to take with us to the Lower Dura. I know that it is not the best place to be going but with the four of us I think that we will be fine. Before we leave the Bazaar there is a great place to grab a bit to eat and I am hungry so if you all don't mind could we stop for a bit and talk over our plan a bit more."
DM: ** spoiler omitted **
"Sure, always happy to find a new place to eat - lead on."
When everyone is seated and has food on the way, Var starts to set out the task ahead as he sees it.
"So we need to talk to Osram about people who bought Jojoba Oil recently. Also about the name 'Scrimshaw'. Finding him should be easy enough now; good work Phia and Durrel. Potential problems I see are," Var starts listing out on his fingers, "that he might not want to talk; he might think we're trying to arrest or murder him; he might be dead after the murderer realises that the products are worthless. Oh, and we might get mugged or attacked on the way." Var grins and touches the pommel of his sword; he's clearly not too bothered about this last issue.
Anything else?"
Feanor-
Upper Northedge (Shae Lias)
Crossing the bridge from the financial district Korran Thiven to Crystal Bridge, always does something to set your mind at ease. The din of the city falls away to a low roar and those shops that line the bridge maintain a sense of decorum befitting their wealthy clients. At this altitude the oppressive heat of the city becomes a warm day with a cool breeze and the towers of Sharn stretch around and below you with the floating island of Skyway drifting above. The grandeur of the towers can only be fully appreciated from such a view, where the pinnacle of Sharn's wealthiest crown the towers stretching down far below into darkness and poverty. Sky coaches dart through the open space of the ravines, circling plateaus, docking at balconies. Even from this far away you can see the obelisk-like spire of the your temple and embassy, the Gates of Passage standing tall above the other structures of Shae Lias and Oakbridge.
With the massive towers supporting Shae Lias leveled off and filled with earth, the district is able to support an abundance of plant life unknown in greater Sharn. Trees and densewood sculptures of the revered line the bridges rather than shops in the Areni district and white blossoms swirl through streets. Elves from all walks of life nod or makes silent signs of obeisance to the ancestors as Feanor passes through the streets on his way to the temple. It is good to be as close to home as a member of the Deathguard can find outside of Shae Mordai.
The temple itself is breathtaking. A living densewood tower crafted by the finest shapers living in Aerenal, guided by the finest who had gone before- it's every surface designed in remembrance of the revered. The building itself is a lesson in the history and struggle of its people for those able to understand it. Immense twin sculptures posed in offerings to the Undying flank the path and collect Sharn's frequent rainwater in enormous bowls to irrigate the temple's surrounding orchards.
Inside the acolytes calmly prepare rituals of honor for those who have gone before, though one sets aside his duties to lead to you a private audience with Mayne. The temple's mordi-ellin,* a tall silver birch planted in grave dirt from Shae Mordai and preserved in death, has been ringed with a border of blood runes and sigils rather than wine tonight, a sign of a notable ancestor at the center of the ceremony.
Your guide shows you into Mayne Jhaelian's study at the pinnacle of the temple and on leaving offers, "May the Undying live through you" as he lightly taps the golden death mask around his neck with two fingers. Massive arched windows on two sides light the room with early evening sun. A familiar rasping voice calls you from the balcony outside.
"Blessed Feanor, join me..."
Dressed in the black and gold robes of his position, Mayne leans against a balcony overlooking Sharn with a steaming cup of tal in one terribly withered hand. The balcony ringing the temple thrives with rare Areni herbs for religious and personal use- like Mayne's incomparable brew for instance. Sharn's high priest of passage turns to welcome Feanor and regards him- coolly appraising. "Welcome Feanor of the Deathguard. Will you share tal with me?" he wheezes, gesturing a beautifully glazed ceramic pot on a small table by the window.
Var, Janras, Durel, & Phia>
Finding a place to eat near the Bazaar is simply a matter of preference and the smells are enough of an enticement to draw you in as soon as you start to look. You all settle in on a place where the house specialty of sour flat-bread filled with honey and sesame glazed grilled meats and a side of spicy boiled greens to discuss and plan.
Knowledge (untrained) (1d20+4=8)
"So, where are we going to find that guy."
"So, where are we going to find that guy."
"Somewhere in Fallen, I guess. The district has a nasty reputation, but I don't know anything much about it. How bad can it be?"
'Yes, I am sure that we will find him in Fallen. Fallen is not the place to be alone but as I said before we should be fine in a group. I think the first place that we should visit is the temple of the Silver Flame I heard that they were attacked by a sniper as the congregation left evening worship. Since we have a few minutes as we relax let me tell you a bit of history. "Fallen was originally known as Godsgate. Hundreds died when the Glass Tower simply fell out of the sky, shearing apart as it fell and raining down on the district. Fallen has a reputation for madness. People from Lower Dura believe many of the original survivors were possessed by spirits of the restless dead after the tragedy. Whether that's true or not, one thing that is known is that the Watch and others abandon the insane or mentally handicapped in the district. Either way, feral gangs wander the district by night making their homes in destroyed manors and huge fragments of the Glass Tower that remain intact. I hope that helped give you a better idea where we are going." Phia says as she takes a long drink.
"Fallen was originally known as Godsgate. Hundreds died when the Glass Tower simply fell out of the sky, shearing apart as it fell and raining down on the district. Fallen has a reputation for madness. People from Lower Dura believe many of the original survivors were possessed by spirits of the restless dead after the tragedy.
"How long ago did the Glass Tower fall? We know that the victims had a clerical background, maybe we should look for other commonalities."
... 'Hundreds died when the Glass Tower simply fell out of the sky, shearing apart as it fell and raining down on the district. Fallen has a reputation for madness. People from Lower Dura believe many of the original survivors were possessed by spirits of the restless dead after the tragedy.' ...
Var listens to Phia intently, a frown growing on his face as she speaks.
"Hmm... 'Spirits of the restless dead'", he echoes. "That sounds like something in Feanor's line. I am confident that the four of us can handle any trouble - but we might learn more if all of us go."
"I pray that I live up to the legacy of the Undying as Your Eminence has done."
After being invited to take some Tal, Feanor answers, "Of course I shall, Your Eminence."
Feanor waits for Mayne to sit down before sitting himself.
Feanor-
High priest Jhaelian takes the pot and fills a small cup for his guest before he sits down. Then he offers his own cup for Feanor to fill, offering "May their eternal wisdom guide us always."
Mayne sips in silence broken only by his labored breathing, looking out over Sharn for some time before continuing in his harsh rasp. "Though I'm glad to share tal with an active hand of The Court any day, I gather you are here for more than tonight's ceremony. Your new work brings you? You find evidence of Vol's hand in Sharn?" The priest makes eye contact for the first time and his gray eyes are steely, his withered jaw clenched.
Var listens to Phia intently, a frown growing on his face as she speaks."Hmm... 'Spirits of the restless dead'", he echoes. "That sounds like something in Feanor's line. I am confident that the four of us can handle any trouble - but we might learn more if all of us go."
Well lets get going and try to catch up to Feanor before it gets to late. I think it will be wise for us to have the whole group go, after all you never know where all of our special abilities will come in handy.
Feanor-
High priest Jhaelian takes the pot and fills a small cup for his guest before he sits down. Then he offers his own cup for Feanor to fill, offering "May their eternal wisdom guide us always."
"Thank you, your excellency." Feanor accepts the cup.
Mayne sips in silence broken only by his labored breathing, looking out over Sharn for some time before continuing in his harsh rasp. "Though I'm glad to share tal with an active hand of The Court any day, I gather you are here for more than tonight's ceremony. Your new work brings you? You find evidence of Vol's hand in Sharn?" The priest makes eye contact for the first time and his gray eyes are steely, his withered jaw clenched.
"Yes, present work brings me to you. Though I am not sure yet of the hand of Vol in it. However, I could use the assistance of the Church to discover just that."
"The investigation requires the use of a prayer to speak with the departed. May I borrow a scroll, excellency?"
Mayne considers, softly tapping one long nail against his cup as he does so. Several minutes pass in relative silence broken only by his breathing and the sounds of a terrified gull pursued by one of the tiny spiretop dragons.
Among humans Feanor had learned to adapt to life at their frenetic pace, but it was a trial living among beings who never took the time to properly consider their words or actions. Their lives lacked a certain kind of serenity that members of the death guard invariably missed when their calling took them far from home. Time spent at the embassy had a way of bringing this into focus and made him wonder what effect living among the short lived would have on him in a hundred years, two hundred years? Had it changed him already?
In time Mayne spoke again, "It is in my power to grant your request, however, it would be terrible hubris for me to do so as if it were solely my decision. Though I am your superior in the body of our faith, we equally struggle to serve in fulfilling the dreams of those who have gone before- those who have attained a level of perfection we can only hope to honor through our works. In time and the fullness of life it may be that we join them in their collective wisdom, but until then I find it best to defer to their will."
Mayne pauses again, sips his tal, and watches the coming sunset before he continues, "Tonight we gather to honor one of the Undying. You will lead our opening ceremony." The high priest smiles slightly, "If it is pleasing to Counselor Khaellyn the church will grant your request. The ceremony will begin when sunset is complete. You may use my study to prepare."
"Your Excellency, I would be most honored in leading the rites."