"So? How did it go?"
"You weren't about to dived that four ways were you" Kellek says looking at the loot and rest of the group suspiciously.
"I'll go with you Flo. I don't think there'll be trouble, but we did did one of their important people--even if he was a secret cultist, they might still take it badly."
Half the party, including the dwarf that still has a warrant out for his arrest, stays behind to count the Mistress' cache of coins and identify some of her magical items. At the same time, Kargas and Flo head out into the city in search of Sergeant Korim in hopes of starting to set things straight.
The journey out of the Underbridge is uneventful, despite the appraising glances from some of the more thuggish sorts that hang around its seedy taverns. You take the long climb up to the city's upper districts. Luckily, the guards watching the long ramp pay little attention to the two of you. It seems to warrant for Guiness doesn't extend out to the rest of you.
About half an hour later, a young trainee guard escorts the two of you into Sgt. Korim's guardpost. The place is surprisingly empty of guards moving about, but you do hear the sounds of Korim arguing with someone (or multiple someones) in another room. The young guard asks you to hold tight for a moment and goes in to talk to the Sergeant. About a minute later, an embarrassed-looking trainee comes out and asks you to move to a side-office and take a seat.
From your side-office, you can see a narrow view of the guardpost's entryway. A few minutes later, you see two heavily armored hellknights leaving the guardpost. Korim comes into your side-office a few moments later. A fire still burns in her eyes and she visibly has to unclench her jaw. When she sees the two of you, she runs between relief and irritation. "You're back. Glad to see you didn't jump town. What's going on with your investigation? It's been heating up here, ever since the dwarf disappeared."
"Well, um, I can't say if this is going to make things better or worse, but quite a bit has happened," Flo begins, closing the door behind Sgt. Korim if it isn't already. Desna, I pray for the quick departure of those Hellknights. If they eavesdrop on this conversation... She shivers.
Taking her seat again, she speaks in hushed tones. "We just raided two Skinsaw safehouses. We'll show you exactly where they are for your own investigations. But, uh, one of the lead cultists was someone named Ironbriar. Guiness recognized him as one of the people who visited him or something while he was imprisoned," she explains. "This Ironbriar, he, uh, he didn't exactly make it... We only got to see his face after we took his mask off. Otherwise, the cultist threat to Magnimar and Sandpoint seems to be quashed, but their ilk are also active at Turtleback Ferry. Or at least that's what some of the papers we found indicate."
She pauses to let Korim ask any questions. "Think you and a pair of trusted guards could go for a long walk? What did those Hellknights want? Are we going to have to skip town for a while because of them?"
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Kargas openly studies the Hellknights as they walk out, but stays quiet and let's Floredana do the talking unless he's questioned directly.
"Ironbriar!?" Korim's eyes widen when Flo utters the name. "Justice Ironbriar is one of the city's ruling judges. He's very well respected and very well connected. If he didn't make it, you're saying so is it? If you killed him, there better be some damn good evidence showing that he really was the leader of these cultists. Hell, even if he is the leader of some cult, unless there's clear evidence that the cult is guilty of some wrongdoing..." She looks between Kargas and Flo.
"What have you got? What are these papers you've found?" She frowns "We're going to need something iron-clad if Ironbriar was the ringleader behind the murders."
The follow up questions from Flo earn responses of "We'll investigate those safehouses for certain. The Hellknights were here asking about the missing dwarf. It seems in Ironbriar's absence, they were directed to follow up. Requested to encroach on the Guard's business." She scowls. "Maybe its something that Ironbriar himself organized, in the event that he's not able to act. I'd say unless you're able to provide some proof, those Hellknights are likely to start trying to hunt at least Guiness down, and likely the rest of you afterward."
Flo's blood runs cold as Korim makes her nightmare a reality. Hellknights chasing us? We wouldn't stand a chance! They would hurt everyone who has helped us too! "Well, the corpse is currently wearing the garb of the other cultists, for starters. They all had these... um, we think it is human skin that they're made of, but that's not really an area of expertise I've wanted to be an expert in..." Stick to the facts Flo, get it together!
She takes a deep breath. "Right, the paperwork. We have this one," she hands over the message from the Mistress' sister to the Mistress. "I'll give you a second to read it, but it is pretty clear their goal is to kill people. Once we raided the first safehouse, a mill, this message was intercepted. It was on a raven released by Ironbriar, but he escaped before we could handle him there. We were able to find this heavily encrypted codebook in the mill. A colleague of ours is trying to crack it though, so I don't have that with me at the moment. We followed another raven to the second safehouse, a rundown bell-tower, which is where we found the rest," she explains.
"We can take you to the bell-tower right now to show you Ironbriar and the mask," she offers.
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Heh, I could kill those Hellknight jokers, Kargas thinks to himself.
"Nah, those masks were definitely made of people's faces. There was also flayed skin decorating his office at the mill, and he answered to a "mistress" who's actually a half-snake monster. Huge mess all around, and an even bigger mess after we killed them." The half-orc makes an impatient noise. "Sarge, if you think we're yanking your chain then slap us in irons and go see for yourself. Otherwise we're wasting daylight and I've had a hard day already."
Korim considers the two notes that Flo hands over, reading each a few times. Her first reaction to the letter from the Mistress' sister is shock, but its quickly followed by dawning understanding and horror. "This... this person, the one who this letter is addressed to-" She looks up to Kargas "-this Mistress. She must have been organizing the murders. Carving a rune in them, the Sihedron... the victims often had symbols carved into them. If you'd killed her, then you may have ended our plague of unexplained murders as well."
"And a threat on the Lord Mayor's life?" She rereads the letter. "As well as apparently something similar happening at this Turtleback Ferry..."
She decides not to mull over the implications much longer and asks you to show her and a group of guards to the sites of the sawmill and the clocktower. As you travel, she mentions "The problem is, neither of these mention Ironbriar, not even by implication. Unless there's damning evidence at either scene, we better hope that coded book has something. For your sakes."
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It takes the better part of the rest of the day for you to bring the guards and Korim to each site and for them to investigate for anything you missed. Ironbriar's "office" at the Sawmill earns no small amount of horror from the guards. Although you missed it on your first inspection, Korim notes a collection of quills and inkpens that she swears she's seen Ironbriar carrying before. The skin "art" and other objects from the office are taken in as evidence.
At the clocktower, some guardspeople painstakingly scale the tower to inspect the Mistress' lair while others examine the bodies. The dead lamia earns expressions of shock from multiple guards, though not Korim. Apparently a human woman with the same face had been seen in Ironbriar's company many times over the last few months. It had been a topic of gossip that the long-time bachelor might've finally found a partner.
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Late in the evening, Korim pulls you together to say "Well, I'm overwhelmed." She doesn't look happy to admit it. "A lamia orchestrating murders in Magnimar. One of our highest justices working for her. It's hard to believe something like this could have slipped by us, but..." She shakes her head "Maybe not so hard to believe. Ironbriar had power and influence. He was a good, honest judge for many long years, long enough to build connections and gain trust. No one questioned what he was doing."
"And yes, I believe your story about him being this cult leader. As disgusting as the thought it." She sighs. "But I'm not confident that even with all this, people will be willing to admit what he was."
"I'm going to bring the death of the Mistress to the attention of my superiors. Her role in this is a lot clearer, and an end to the murders is something everyone will appreciate. Ironbriar's absence and Guiness' disappearance should be able to wait a few days while I work out how to present what we have..." She scowls "But in the mean time, you should lie low. Those hellknights aren't likely to sit quietly. If you finish decoding that book, let me know. Especially if it adds to the case."
Still in the frying pan, but at least we haven't fallen into the fire yet. "Thank your Sgt. Korim, I think lying low is what we all want to do anyways..." Flo admits, turning to the others for their opinions. That's the problem with big cities, the law becomes more important than the people it is supposed to be protecting!
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"If it helps, Sergeant Korim, we believe this to be the 'Mistress Xanesha' the undead Aldern Foxglove was working for, based on this note we found at their manor. That, in part, is how we knew the pretenders at the townhouse were imposters. Of course, them having been revealed as shape shifters and having one in your custody should be helpful as well," states Guiness, "but that tidbit shows we had concrete foreknowledge of their deception before the unfortunate incident at the townhouse." Guiness shows the note from Xanesha to Aldern, pulling in the Brotherhood tie to the Foxglove manor in the deed they found in Ironbriar's papers.
"I am putting a lot of trust in you, Sergeant, for I recognize a kindred soul who would do what is best for her people within the framework of the legal system. That being said, I do not trust the hellknights to worry overmuch about guilt or innocence, just the capture of their fugitive. I will make myself scarce as much as possible, but if it comes to it I will fight them for my freedom," he warns.
"From what I've understood from was going on here make that guy guilty or at least aware of the cult." Colvyn points at the body of the dead judge. "While in prison, Guiness was visited by the man and tries to cast spells on him. After that, you noticed that there was some irregularities in the charges and on the speed of the trial. On top of it, Ironbriar was the one that was to sit on Guiness trial. We also have a note that was written by his hand, and that can be easily proved by comparing it to official document that the man have produced in the past. Finally, while the fact that he was here could have been faked, a simple speak with dead spell from a trusted source could confirm everything." Colvyn looks at the corpse again then back at the sergeant. "I know you don't have a confession, but at one point, the proofs are starting to stack against him."
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Korim listens with interest to Colvyn and Guiness' additions, becoming slightly more optimistic as Colvyn lays out the evidence from his perspective. Nevertheless, she continues to advise you to lay low while she works out how to present the case. She asks for a time and place where she'll be able to contact you, and then heads off for what is likely to be a tumultuous next few days for her.
For you all however, you've provided everything you can - both in terms of evidence and it terms of helping the city. Your immediate fate in Magnimar's justice system is in Korim's hands.
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For three days, Kellek works at beating the coded book's complex cipher, and at the end of the final night be manages to crack it and translate the pages. Within, you find its contents half business ledger and half journal, all penned without a doubt by Ironbriar's hand. The book documents what appears to be the last nine months of Ironbriar's work in Magnimar, with a focus primarily on his leadership of the cult, but also references to things that irritated him in his "day job".
The journal details Ironbriar's position as leader of a cell of cultists serving Father Skinsaw, an aspect of the god Norgorber. Even before a single mention of Xanesha, the book covers the many many killings that were undertaken by Ironbriar and members of his cult - each in service to their god. Ironbriar treats these murders as a solemn religious duty, but the pages also reveal a twisted joy he takes in particular challenging or grisly assassinations. It also reveals his interest in shaping the leadership of the town by culling those that might investigate him or his cult.
Soon however, the journal becomes filled with mentions of a "lovely" Xanesha. The shift is abrupt that its as though Ironbriar succumbed to a sudden and deep infatuation. He describes her rather intensely within, and reveals that he visited her at least dozens of times at a clocktower he calls the "Shadow Clock".
The ledger portion of the book indicates that Ironbriar received a hefty payment from the Red Mantis for delivery of "Vorel's Legacy" to their organization.
In total, the book is a rich bounty of direct plans, admissions, and incriminating details.
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The following morning, you're able to pass the book, and your translation of its contents, on to Korim. The Sergeant accepts the new evidence with fire in her eyes, convinced that this will tie the bow on proving Ironbriar's key role. She asks you to sit tight for a couple more days while the evidence is presented and the other Justices deliberate.
While Kellek is hard at work with the book, Colvyn visit the town and spends some of his coins. Of course, he stays clear of any hellknights and avoid to stick out more then usual. One evening, he walks up to Floredana and hands her a couple items. "Here, to help heal the group, and this one is to prevent the stone thing again." With that, he walks away.
With days of time to kill, Flo puts on her dock working clothes, ties back her hair, and offers to debarnacle ships. Can't get much lower than lying underneath the waves! After visiting the dockmaster to make sure she a random freelancer isn't going to cause a stir, she spends a significant portion of each day processing recent events while performing the repetitive task. Whenever she needs to get back on land, she cautiously checks for Hellknights before doing so.
Colvyn finds her in their lodgings after a long day of work and abruptly hands her supplies. "I- ok, nice to see you too!" she says hastily as the mysterious, yet unquestioningly loyal, Ratfolk walks out into the dark. One day I'm going to get him to spill about himself!
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Having managed to get one of his friends to acquire the items he needs, Guiness spends his days contentedly working the metal, molding it to perfectly match his mental picture. Cold iron and mithral inlays in his magical full plate tell the story of Dwarven Creation set against a backdrop of imposing mountains with deep caverns. His reinforced cold iron Dwarven Boulder Helm completes the effect, but now has a mithral inlay of a jagged lightning bolt striking down on the scene below. His belt blends seamlessly into the ensemble as well, featuring a large mithral buckle with a bas relief of crossed throwing hammers worked in cold iron.
The magic mithral shield is wondrously light, and Guiness has worked a stylized version of Torag’s holy symbol, the Upraised Hammer, though with the skillful artistry It appears the cold iron head of the hammer is posed to strike with great force. A skillful work of steel, mithral, and cold iron, the whole ensemble combines to make the perfect backdrop for Dragonfist, Guiness’ magical sky metal warhammer.
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Kargas spends much of his time willing himself to fly...which mostly involves standing in the alley next to their hideout making strange expressions of concentration as his feet remain stubbornly on the ground.
"I can duplicate myself, and get really big, and see things that are otherwise invisible, why shouldn't I be able to fly?!" he complains to the others more than once. "Flo and Kellek can do it!"
Even lying low, it doesn't take long for you each to hear the stories spreading through the city - that the murderer responsible for the deaths of all those merchants was not only brought to justice, but they were a monster as well. The details differ depending on the telling, sometimes suggesting it was a vengeful demon, other times an agathion punishing the wicked, but more than once you hear the Mistress correctly identified as a lamia.
The days continue to pass without word from Korim or any word about Ironbriar spreading through the public. While there are a few scares where Hellknights almost uncover your temporary abode, you're able to relocate before they actually catch you.
About two weeks later on a windy evening a messenger arrives at the spot where you agreed to wait for Korim's news. His dress indicates that he works for someone with significant money to throw around and he carries himself with stuffy discipline. He passes a finely printed letter to you and waits for you to read it.
It has been revealed to me that the brave adventurers responsible for ending a grave threat to Magnimar remain fugitives within our very walls due to an ongoing and unjust case against them. Under my authority as the Lord Mayor of Magnimar, I have decreed to the high court that they are to be immune against this spurious persecution. May this letter serve as proof against any who would, under any authority within our city, unjustly deny them freedom.
The letter is signed with a massive, elaborate seal, marked Lord-Mayor Haldmeer Grobaras
Within the same envelope is a second letter, this one on slightly less official stationary.
Adventurers,
Your great achievements in service of this city do not go unseen and unappreciated. The Lord Mayor would like to thank you in person and bestow upon you a token of his appreciation. You are hereby invited to a feast in your honor at the Lord Mayor's estate, the Defiant Garden, tonight at 8 pm. Please arrive promptly at the appointed time and avoid any slovenly appearance.
The second letter is sealed with a simpler seal of the Lord Mayor's house staff.
The messenger stands, waiting for you to read the letters.
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"...Oh!" Is all Flo manages to say at the unexpected turn of events. "Does, uh, not sure what the best way to ask this is, but, if we get jumped by Hellknights, is this letter enough to keep them from, you know, Hellknighting us?" she asks.
"We have such little time to prepare for our feast! I smell like the docks, but at least our clothes are accounted for. Easy fix if we get going right away! Ok, well thank you... Sir? This is so exciting!" she rambles, eager to prepare for the dinner. She hops slightly as she waits for the others to react.
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Having finished his armor and brightly polished it a few days earlier, Guiness thinks upon what he needs to do now to be acceptable in noble company. Accordingly, he takes two quick baths -- one to get the grime off into the bath water, and a second to actually get clean -- and asks Colvyn to CAREFULLY trim his hair and beard with the razor sharp kukri now that he has a few weeks of growth after the devastation of Vorel's Phage.
Reminded of the notes about the disease, Guiness remarks to Floredana, "It seems that Vorel's Phage lives on in the hands of these 'Red Mantis' types. I was hoping it would be eliminated when you cured me."
With a bath (x2), haircut, gleaming armor, and the Sleeves of Many Garments set to "Dwarven Tradesman Formal Wear", Guiness is ready to go.
"I don't own anything 'formal' and I don't think they'd appreciate whatever I'd come up with. A bath sounds good though, and my new armor is very shiny."
The messenger nods acknowledgement after you're done reading and provides you instructions (should you need them) to get to the Defiant Garden. With a deep bow, he heads back to his other work.
After a couple of rushed hours of preparation, you gather up and head for the Naos district. The Defiant Garden is located in the western side of the district, at the edge of the tall cliff separating the upper, well-to-do section of the city from the lower districts. All along the top of this cliff stand several estates belonging to the city's more daring aristocrats, but by far the most lavish among them is the Defiant Garden - diplomatic resort and home of the Lord-Mayor.
The four story estate is surrounded by high walls and sports gilded ironwork, gilded roofs, gilded doors, gilded window-panes and so on. It certainly straddles the border between opulent and tasteless. At the gates, the guards allow you inside with an escort, but insist that you leave behind any weapons, scrolls, magic tools, and bottled liquids, all in their safekeeping. Upon any prompting, they explain that while the Mayor is well guarded, the recent murders of the richer members of the city has heightened his desire for security.
You're led through the front entrance, past sumptuous salons and comfortable lounges, until you reach an enormous dining hall. The servants open the doors and escort you to your seats. The long mahogany dining table is finely set with silver plates and cutlery, elaborate decorations, and an excess of violet-colored silks. The table is long enough to seat perhaps four-dozen people, but only two sit here other than yourselves.
One is a familiar face. Sergeant Korim sits in a slightly ill-fitting dress uniform, an expression of discomfort on her face. When she sees the group of you, a moment of relief runs visibly through her. The second individual is a bony looking middle aged human man dressed in a simple robe with long braids of gold running around the neck and across the sleeves. He nods at your group as you enter. From the descriptions you've heard, you know this isn't the Lord-Mayor. And in any case, the spot at the head of the table remains unfilled.
After you've taken your seats, Korim whispers "Glad to see you all. Was there any trouble?"
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It takes a while for Guiness to shed himself of his obvious weapons, and just before Dragonfist joins the shortsword, throwing hammers, and boot daggers, he says, "Careful with the big hammer, gentlemen, it can burn you if you're not used to handling it." He will leave his pack (which has his magical anytool and his cask of Dwarven Stout) and pull the one CMW potion he has off his belt and put it with the rest of his items.
Testing the weight of his cask, Guiness scores a mark on the outside to record the level of beer in there, giving a meaningful look at the suddenly thirsty-looking guards. His shield is already slung on his back, and he does not remove his helmet or gauntlets unless asked -- they can all be weapons when needed, but typically are acceptable in polite company.
Flo complies with the security measures, knowing that faith will protect her if any complications arise. She can't help but to chuckle softly as Guiness wisely marks his cask.
In a black dress with small polka dots, cut in the latest Magnimari fashion, she takes a seat next to Korim. "Nice to see you too, and under much better circumstances," she says with a smile, moving to hug the Sergeant. "You've clearly done so much for us in handling the case so well! We had the occasional close call, but otherwise nothing to report!"
Then she turns her attention to the Human man at the table. "Pleased to meet you, Mr...?"
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Kargas is reluctant to divest himself of his weapons, but after a little bit of cajoling does so, reasoning that he could still sheathe a steak knife in lighting if it came to that.
As the group is led through the manor to the dining area Kargas is clearly agog at the wealth on display. "Flor...how much would you say this place is worth?" he asks, thinking about the squalor of the neighborhoods around the Irespan. He shuts up as the other guests come into view, though, not wanting to be seen as more of savage than he doubtless already is.
"Glad to see you all. Was there any trouble?"
"I still can't fly, but no it was fine. Just dull." the half orc grouses, hesitating while trying to figure out which chair was supposed to be his.
Colvyn first react to the invitation was to look at Floredana with a do we really have to go there? expression. But when even Kargas seems ready to go, the ratfolk shoulders drop and resign himself to what will be a long boring evening with a bunch of noble. He hurries to find some acceptable clothes for the occasion. He sticks to a mixture of green and brown clothes just loose enough that his mithral shirt can still be worn underneath. He keeps his clothes, but give it a good wash.
When asked for his weapon and other items, Colvyn pulls them out one at the time but keeps his holy symbol. Once inside, he is happy to notice the small gathering there. He keeps mostly to himself, studying the room and the other two people there.
Sergeant Korim looks more than a little out of her element, and only more so when Flo goes in for a hug. She flails about with her arms until Flo lets go, and then busies herself with straightening her uniform to hide her embarrassment. "Yes, uh, good. I wasn't sure about the Hellknights, and it took a long time to get anything official to happen."
The man extends a callused hand to Flo. "Proctor Jyronn Imikar, of the Abadaran Church here in Magnimar. I'm to understand that your group is to thank for ridding us of a terrible blight upon the good taxpaying citizens of our city." His voice is surprisingly deep and warmly reassuring. "It was quite the feat of heroism you undertook, willingly, when Ms Korim offered you the freedom to escape without difficulty." He gazes into Guiness' eyes for a long moment "Especially for you, I expect."
Flo doesn't get any sense of deception from the Proctor, though she does get the sense that he carries himself with great confidence.
Before you have a chance to continue your conversation, the doors at the end of the dining hall swing open. A flock of servants precedes the entrance of a particularly portly and mostly balding man in a frock of fine blue silk and pristine white trousers. He strides - waddles, if being uncharitable - into the room and drops himself into the large, high backed chair at the end of the table. As soon as he's seated, the army of servants flies into action to set the space around him and remove unwanted table settings.
"Ah welcome, welcome. Yes." He leans forwards onto the table, criss-crossing pudgy fingers. "Ah, my saviors. My effervescent saviors, who risked life and limb to kill that treacherous lamia and end the plot on my life." His smile is as unctuous as his tone. "As strangers to Magnimar, you probably don't know just how important your efforts have been! Why, I can imagine no worse fate for the city than if that creature were to have continued her awful, awful work."
He waves a hand encrusted with rings and jewels "While we dig into a bit of supper, I should like to hear directly from you, the highlights. The best. Goriest. Parts of when you fought the beast and her depraved criminals. Including that Ironbriar. I had always said he was rotten, but did anyone believe me?" He's interrupted from going on a longer tirade by the appearance of platters of steaming hot food. The trays the servants bring in are piled high with both lighter fare and stews, roasts, pastries, and all manner of rich soups. There's enough coming in to feed dozens.
"Ah yes, dig in, dig in. And tell me." He picks up a fork and spoon and points them in your general directions.
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Guiness sits and prepares to eat, though he does spare a word for Proctor Imikar, saying, "You do me honor, Proctor. I simply had faith that the rule of law would overcome those who wished to subvert it, like Justice Ironbriar. In no small part was that due to the actions of Sergeant Korim here who heard my story and witnessed my interrogation, deciding to take a chance on me."
Turning to the fancy man at the end of the table, Guiness says more loudly, "Truly, my part was minor, as the heroics that brought down Ironbriar and Xanesha were of Colvyn's and Kargas' making," says the dwarf humbly, indicating each one of them in turn as he speaks their names.
Flo does her best to be polite and well-mannered throughout the meal. Laying a cloth across her lap, she samples a little of everything before doubling down on a rich beef stew and a pair of thick pastries. This is like what we used to eat on the river! Fills you up and keeps you that way for a while. We probably used less butter though...
When the Mayor asks for some storytelling and Guiness passes the baton to Colvyn and Kargas, she gives them her full attention and tries to stifle a small grin. The Mayor is in for something now!
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As he was never really identified Kellek spends most of the downtime running errands for the known fugitives in the party, while trying to find time to do important magical research.
The day the group holds their clandestine meeting and receive the invite from the Lord-Mayor Kellek is hold up in his room busy at work. When the party tells him of the invite he is a sleepless, ink-fingered mess. He steps back into his room and less than a minute later appears ready for royal ball, thanks in part to his shiny "new" circlet--in truth his normally wide-brimmed magical hat, and a little prestidigitation.
"Well?" he growls.
Kellek doesn't take any weapons with him aside from the knowledge to bend reality to his whims (if that counts).
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At the party Kellek remains quiet. Most of his interactions with Korim being contemplatives thoughts upon how spell resistant, or otherwise flammable the Sergeant was at the time. The Abadaran bean-counter interests him not at all.
He sighs inwardly at the appearance of the Lord-Mayor. The thought of Kargas telling their tale with his mouthful makes him glad to be on the same side of the table. He picks at the most vegetarian parts of the courses presented to him.
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Colvyn was busy eating when Guiness suddenly threw him under the carriage. He gives a dwarf a look that is meant to say: Why?. He then turns toward the mayor and tries to come up with an eloquent way of telling the story as he chew and swallow the meat in his mouth. "Well... It was a group effort. We climbed the tower, got a bell thrown at us. Made it to the top and I shot arrows at the snake woman. She turned me to stone, but I got better, then Kargas killed her while jumping off the tower. That's pretty much it." He takes a bite of meat to continu eating. Nailed it!
Kargas' eyes narrow ever so slightly as he takes in the Proctor and Lord Mayor--in Belzen, anyone in a position of power who wasn't a skilled warrior probably had considerable magic at their disposal. The half-orc resolves keep his own magical talents a secret if possible.
"Yeah that part hurt a lot," Kargas agrees when Colvyn mentions the tower-jump. "Xanesha was a demon with that spear of hers--a more skilled warrior than me, the spirits as my witnesses. But she fought us alone, and that was frankly stupid of her. So we cut our way through Ironbriar and his cult--actually Ironbriar took one of Colvyn's arrows through the throat--and then Xanesha herself. And it seems the work still isn't done, because the monster has a sister." That last bit comes out as a growl and Kargas grips the fork in his hand so tightly the silver bends a bit.
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Kellek recognizes the Proctor does indeed look like Proctor Imikar, the highest Abadaran authority within Magnimar. He also recognizes the rotund man as Haldmeer Grobaras, the Lord Mayor of Magnimar. All the others in the room (beyond the party and Sgt. Korim), appear to be servants in the Lord Mayor's personal staff. He doesn't recognize any of them individually. To the best of his knowledge, neither the Lord Mayor nor the Proctor are wizards, though there may be some among the servants in the Lord Mayor's employ.
Grobaras listens to Colvyn and Kargas telling the tale while scarfing down rather impressively large chunks of roast chicken and washing them down with ladlefuls of soup. He initially nods enthusiastically as the tale is being told, but gains a grumpy frown mid-way through. "No, no, no! I know about what happened, she told me that much." He sticks a greasy finger toward Korim. "I want to know what it was like. The blood and guts of it. The sensation of being turned to stone. The splatting when the creature fell off her tower. How it all looked. How it all smelled." He breathes deeply in over a pot of soup and sighs. "As the Lord Mayor, the one thing I don't get to experience is the mortal peril and visceral... viscera that you types get to dig into on a daily basis. So that's what I want to get from you."
Not taking no for an answer, he insists that you give him the goriest, most lurid play by play of your fight with the Mistress. And no matter how detailed your descriptions go, he shows no sign of discomfort as he continues to eat.
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After asking you to repeat the story of Kargas' leap off the tower for a third time (over two hours later), he finally sets a drumstick down and begins rubbing his belly. "Good, good. Satisfying." Its not entirely clear if he's talking about his meal or your story, or both. "Truly, heroic efforts for all involved. One less horrible monster threatening me, and the city of course, and now the city's trade can resume its normal vigor. Isn't that right, Jyronn?"
The Proctor nods impassively as he dabs at his face with a napkin.
The Lord Mayor belches before adding "And now for everyone's just reward." He once more stabs a finger toward Korim. "You! What's your name again?" Korim offers her name and rank with practiced precision. He continues "Good. From this point, you're promoted to the rank of Captain, Korim."
Korim's eyes go wide with a mix of surprise and unease. She begins to protest "Uh, I think you can't-" She gets quieter as she continues, leaving the Lord Mayor to just talk over her.
"As for you adventurers, I've had my people put together a small sum of gold as a token of my appreciation. Just a little so you can outfit yourselves in something more presentable, something that better fits the heroic figures you are." He casts an appraising eye across your group "Some of you have more to work on in that respect than others. My people will make sure you receive this gift when you leave here this evening."
He settles back in his chair, giving you all a moment to bask in his magnanimity. As he does, the servants rush in to clear the table of its remaining food in a matter of moments. As soon as they're done, he continues "Now there is one other thing I'd like to ask of you. The message you found from the creature's sister. It mentions Turtleback Ferry, one of Magnimar's most distant holdings. So distant that I sometimes forget that I own a large stake in it. As well it mentions Fort Rannick, a remote outpost I - to my surprise - apparently personally fund to provide defense to the area and early warning to the rest of us should trouble be brewing out to the northeast." He looks mildly troubled by the fact that his money is being spent on something like that.
Surprisingly, the previously silent Proctor begins to speak. "The most recent reliable news from Turtleback Ferry came to me only a few days ago. It appears that there has been no word from the Fort in these last three weeks, when ordinarily its stationed soldiers would come down to visit the town each weekend. Unusual and foreboding news, now put into perspective given the letter you recovered."
The Lord Mayor continues with "Considering your good work here in Magnimar, I'd like you to go and investigate this for me. Normally, I would send members of the Guard, but my advisors tell me they're still rooting out people who were loyal to Ironbriar within."
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Not being inclined to pointless oratory himself, Guiness has no desire to perform for the lord-mayor, though he does participate as necessary in the descriptions. As an exception, though, he tells of how Vorel's Phage felt in detail and how amazing it was to be cured of it by Floredana; then he warns of its delivery into the hands of the Mantis followers.
Guiness is grateful for the audience with the mayor, the food, and the promised reward. As far as traveling to this 'distant holding', he says, "It seems only right that we try and save those who might be suffering under the depredations of Xanesha's sister, especially if that might protect the people of Magnimar and Sandpoint." Turning to the Proctor, he asks, "What can you tell us of this 'Turtleback Ferry' town and the nearby Fort Rannick?"
When the Lord Mayor makes his demand for gory tales, Kargas makes an annoyed sound in the back of his throat but complies, though his descriptions quickly become more blow-by-blow descriptions of swordplay than poetic phrases about spilling guts. He's more than happy to subside into silence when the Mayor is finally satisfied.
Heaving a sigh at the Proctor's & Mayor's long-winded request to investigate Turtleback Ferry, the half-orc readily agrees. "Yes, we'll do it. This sister of Xanesha's will die, and then Sandpoint will be safe. And Magnimar," he adds after a moment.
At the call for more details, Flo pitches in by describing what's been on her mind quite a bit: the excessive use of skin. She doesn't speculate or go into excessive detail, but from the way she talks it must be therapeutic for her to get it off of her chest. I hope the Mayor is just morbidly curious and not more depraved. We've already been the victim of one 'well-meaning' noble authority figure who had a secret dark side.
As Guiness describes the role her faith played in some of this, she sits proudly and listens intently to what he says. I'm glad I can have such an impact on everyone, even if I'm not the one directly taking it to our foes!
"Lord Mayor, when our investigation begins to bear fruit, who is the best person to contact about it? And, uh... Do you want us to use our best judgement in deciding whether to handle things ourselves versus returning to Magnimar for your take on it all?" she asks. I have a feeling he wants us to go there and comeback to tell him it is all done and dusted, but I can't say I'd be surprised if he wanted a more direct say in what we do with within his holdings. The more high-up friends we have in Magnimar, the easier things will be for us.
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Kellek recognizes the Proctor does indeed look like Proctor Imikar, the highest Abadaran authority within Magnimar. He also recognizes the rotund man as Haldmeer Grobaras, the Lord Mayor of Magnimar. All the others in the room (beyond the party and Sgt. Korim), appear to be servants in the Lord Mayor's personal staff. He doesn't recognize any of them individually. To the best of his knowledge, neither the Lord Mayor nor the Proctor are wizards, though there may be some among the servants in the Lord Mayor's employ.
Grobaras listens to Colvyn and Kargas telling the tale while scarfing down rather impressively large chunks of roast chicken and washing them down with ladlefuls of soup. He initially nods enthusiastically as the tale is being told, but gains a grumpy frown mid-way through. "No, no, no! I know about what happened, she told me that much." He sticks a greasy finger toward Korim. "I want to know what it was like. The blood and guts of it. The sensation of being turned to stone. The splatting when the creature fell off her tower. How it all looked. How it all smelled." He breathes deeply in over a pot of soup and sighs.
Why, precisely did we get cleaned up again?
Kellek briefly considers casting stinking cloud but then reconsiders.
"May I?" he says holding his hands up in manner to make it clear he proposes casting magic, looking directly at whomever looks to be in charge of the Lord-Mayor's security.
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At Kellek's request, the Mayor idly waves a hand in permission. He doesn't even seem slightly worried about what Kellek's spellcasting might produce. Those of you paying attention note six separate servants begin paying a lot more attention to Kellek and what he's about to do.
The additions provided by Guiness and Flo earn the Mayor's attention and surprisingly focused follow up questions. Descriptions of the disease and the cult's creepy skin masks are responded to with equal parts disgust and excitement. Kargas' blow-by-blow storytelling, despite its fairly basic presentation, gets the Mayor clapping and exclaiming with glee.
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Once the conversation turns to business, the Proctor provides an answer to Guiness' question. "Turtleback Ferry lies some four hundred miles distant from us, to the east northeast. A small village, I understand it is mostly concerned with fishing. The few travelers that go that way may take the Yondabakari river eastward and the Skull river northward from Ilsurian." He considers for a moment and adds "By the records, little of note has happened there since Magnimar's founding. They have paid what little taxes they owe on time and by the impressions of my acolytes it is a fine, quiet, law-abiding place."
"As for Fort Rannick, it lies somewhat to the north, in the shadow of Hook Mountain. A large and well protected fortification, that has stood for the last fifty years. The soldiers posted there are members of a unit called the Black Arrows. There should be around four or five dozen of them, well trained in wilderness exploration, scouting and the like. Every so often, the Storval Plataeu disgorges some threat or another - roving wyverns, Shoanti raiders, ogres, trolls or even giants. The Black Arrows turn such threats back, or eliminate them."
"In recent years, however, I am to understand that in order to maintain their numbers, the Black Arrows have inducted petty criminals and ne'er-do-wells into their ranks. So perhaps this is simply an inevitable turn to dereliction of duty." He looks rather stern as he suggests that last possibility.
Flo's question receives a rather idle hand wave from the Lord Mayor. "You're certainly proven yourself capable. Please deal with any problems you encounter. Best judgement? Yes, that sounds fine. Ah, but if this sister is there, make her pay for crossing me!"
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At Kellek's request, the Mayor idly waves a hand in permission. He doesn't even seem slightly worried about what Kellek's spellcasting might produce. Those of you paying attention note six separate servants begin paying a lot more attention to Kellek and what he's about to do.
"Thank you, Lord Mayor," Flo responds once her question has been answered. After seeing his reaction to all the descriptions and stories, she's a little uncomfortable and eager to leave. This better not turn into Lord Aldern's successor.
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As far as Kellek can recall, the Proctor's explanations of Turtleback Ferry, Fort Rannick and so on sound correct. He also knows that Hook Mountain is the southernmost of Varisia's Iron Peaks, a hostile mountain range that doesn't have any settlements within that Magnimar would recognize.
Flo's impression of the Lord Mayor is of a man deeply bored by his safe and extravagantly prosperous position, and therefore turning to more exotic or extreme sources of entertainment. It may be that his interest in the macabre is no more sinister than that of the village man running an underground cock-fighting ring, or it may be the sign of a turn towards the sadistic. This single exposure to him makes it hard to tell.
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Guiness knows the type--people in a position of privilege often grew bored in their indolence and craved entertainment--without the risk of actually putting themselves in danger. Still, a good meal, having his name cleared, a reward, and a chance to help others in this new location--Turtleback Ferry--all sounded good to him except the whole traveling on water thing.
Looking to Floredana a bit uncertainly, he says, "If we are going to have to travel on the water again, I'm glad I have the Lady of the River to guide my path."
He nods his thanks to the Proctor for the description of their destination and the likely threats in the area, then is content to eat and wait for the others to be ready to leave.
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Shortly after you agree to the task and your questions dry up, the Lord Mayor lets out an open mouthed yawn. "Ah, ah. Nothing like a good meal and interesting stories to get you ready for bed. And it is past time for me to get my beauty rest." He stands from his chair, wobbling a little unsteadily. "Once you're done with that monstrous sister, you should come back and tell me everything about it..." He yawns again and then waves his hand in dismissal. "For now, good night adventurers."
As the Lord Mayor staggers out of the room, you, the Proctor, and Korim are escorted out of the manor. Korim receives a minor gift to commemorate her visit, small gaudy statue of an elephant that she holds awkwardly without any idea of what to do with the thing. Your group on the other hand is taken aside after you regain your weapons and other items at the front gates.
A head servant arrives with medium sized coin bags for each of you. "These are for easing your journey to Fort Rannick and Turtleback Ferry, and as a minor advance in anticipation of good work on behalf of the Lord Mayor." Once the coin bags are distributed, a second servant arrives with a huge sack that clinks and sways with a heavy weight of the metal inside.
The head servant clears his throat and says "And this is from the Lord Mayor in thanks for saving his life and ending the murderous rampage of the Mistress and her servants in Magnimar." The beleaguered lower servant passes the heavy sack to Guiness with a grunt of relief.
Soon after you've been given your rewards, you're back on the street in front of the Defiant Garden - with full bellies, full pockets, and a likely dangerous goal ahead.
"...Are they all like that?" Kargas asks Sergeant--no, Captain Korim. "That man doesn't look like he'd do much more than wail and soil himself if he was ever near a battle. We've got sagas that take less time than explaining and re-explaining that fight!"
"Still," he says in an easygoing tone as he eyes the sack in Guiness' hands with interest. "Not the worst way to make a living, I guess."