Grip locked tight around the faceless stalker, lighting crackles along Kargas arms as the half-orc slams his forehead into what passes for his opponent's face.
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After two accurate arrows from Colvyn stabbing into the faceless stalker's strangely rubbery torso, it looks like its barely keeping on its feet. Kargas' powerful electrified headbutt smashes into its face and splinters open the various whorls and orifices, leaving the abomination weeping blood. It falls slack in his arms.
Combat Over!
----
While you're settling the two aberrations into the bottom of your boat and deciding what to do next, Flo has a moment to take a look at the papers you retrieved from the Townhouse.
First, you come across a deed to Foxglove Manor. The deed indicates that the Foxglove family only financed two-thirds of the manor's construction 80 years ago; the remainder was financed by a group called the Brothers of the Seven. Interestingly, the Brothers of the Seven seem to have also been the original owners of the land it was built on. The deed's documentation is strangely written, designed so that ultimately after a period of 100 years the ownership of the Foxglove manor and the lands within a mile "around and below" reverts to the Brothers.
Furthermore, you come across a thin ledger. The majority of the entries are mundane, but several near the end are very striking. A dozen over the last three months are labeled only as "Debts" and are associated with a recipient referred to as "Seven". The ledger indicates that 200 gp per week were being deposited at an address in Magnimar each Oathday at midnight. The entries cut off shortly before the day of the Swallowtail festival in Sandpoint.
Finally.
"Goodnight."
Flo breathes a sigh of relief and points at the wounds on Iesha, stemming the blood flow. "Ok then. I think we all deserve some rest. We have a choice now: do we head back with what we have," she holds up the papers and gestures at the bodies, "or do we make our way to Sandpoint for the other pieces of evidence to support our side too? I think we have enough here to at least convince the Magnimarian guard to not immediately jail us send for evidence from Sandpoint if they want it," she explains. But only time will tell on that front.
________
After a night's rest with the boat moored, Flo takes the Dreamweaver in a broad circle before pointing it back towards Magnimar. The winds blow favorably and you're able to return the distance you sailed over the course of a few hours, getting you there in early afternoon. You return to the docks, where a different dock official asks for a new deposit, insisting that having abandoned the berth means that you are not obligated any credit against future costs.
From this initial interaction, its clear that the officials here have not been given your appearances or the name of your boat. At least not yet. The Magnimaran docks bustle with activity, including that of local guards patrolling for trouble. None of them pay you more than cursory attention.
"I say we send someone to the guardstation and explain our case. We mention the Faceless Stalkers, but I think it is reasonable for them, at that point, to accompany us back to the Dreamweaver to see them. We can't keep moving bodies like professional criminals," Flo suggests. Although we were rather good at it on the fly... No, no, we have to remain premiere members of society!
"Who is to say we didn't just go for a night time sail and return? Nobody told me, the Captain of this ship, when we docked here yesterday that temporarily leaving voids our prior fee! We were gone for a few hours! This is ridiculous. We've already paid! If we've made any transgressions, it was only because your colleagues failed to make the rules clear," Flo insists.
________
After a night's rest with the boat moored, Flo takes the Dreamweaver in a broad circle before pointing it back towards Magnimar. The winds blow favorably and you're able to return the distance you sailed over the course of a few hours, getting you there in early afternoon. You return to the docks, where a different dock official asks for a new deposit, insisting that having abandoned the berth means that you are not obligated any credit against future costs.
From this initial interaction, its clear that the officials here have not been given your appearances or the name of your boat. At least not yet. The Magnimaran docks bustle with activity, including that of local guards patrolling for trouble. None of them pay you more than cursory attention.
Kellek doesn't say a word, not one word, but his air of smugness is as apparent as the dawning sun.
"The house will be under watch until these fakers are exposed. Though I suppose there the chance Magnimar is open enough of a place that they might be treated as actual citizens despite the fact they are hideous murdering aberrations. Such would be the case in Kaer Maga as I understand it. Still Flo's plan is worth the risk, though I suggest one or two of us stay hidden in wait (possibly with my hat and Kargas's black blade) just in case."
"Fine, I'll stay with the boat. I'm not much good at talking to people without scaring them anyway. Besides, I want to keep an eye on that one," Kargas says, indicating the faceless stalker that had been Iesha.
Flo's carefully diplomatic outrage seems to strike a chord in the docks official, who after some token sternness agrees to take a look in the rolls for the Dreamweaver and switch which berth you're assigned to to your new one.
For those of you who leave the ship, it doesn't take long to navigate to the nearest guard station in the Dockway district. The structure is small and compact, though there are guards standing around the entrance and likely more inside. A few look up as you approach, but none say anything until a junior guardswoman steps up to ask "Can I help you?"
"Fine, I'll stay with the boat. I'm not much good at talking to people without scaring them anyway. Besides, I want to keep an eye on that one," Kargas says, indicating the faceless stalker that had been Iesha.
"Yes, but you are also not good at sticking to plans either."
"I hope so," Flo says with a grin. "We were wondering if you could tell us where one of your prisoner's is being held. His name is Guiness, he's a Dwarf, has a hammer that's burning hot to the touch? We'd like to see him, if possible." No need to directly connect ourselves to this mess just yet. Need the right people in the room first.
________
"Yes, but you are also not good at sticking to plans either."
"No one cares what you think, wizard." Kargas rolls his eyes and sits, kicking his feet up onto the railing. "Good luck with the guards you almost killed! Hope no one realizes that was you."
The guard gives Flo another more evaluating look. "Friend of yours is it? I haven't heard anything, but I might be able check for you. What was he taken in for?" Once you tell her , she adds "Ah, nothing in the Docks district. If you'd like to make a donation to the Guard, I can send a message by bird to ask for you. Otherwise, you can make the trip yourself to the Arvensoar and ask there. They keep the rolls there."
You find out that Arvensoar is the massive grey-black tower visible from almost any part of the city. The tower serves as the headquarters of the Guard. Its entrance is from the Naos district.
----
Guiness, you long night left you waking quite late indeed. Sore from sleeping in your armor, as you pull yourself upright you notice a tray with a roll, a mug of water, and a small apple.
Not long after you dig in, an elderly woman in simple white robes draped with a gold-embroidered brown scarf, steps into the holding area. The scarred halfling sergeant from yesterday follows her in. The obvious Abadaran priest doesn't introduce herself, but instead says "I'm told you're not forthcoming with information for dear Korim here. Would you like to speak more freely today? If not, I'm authorized to charm the information out of you."
"Ok, thank you! I'll make the trip myself," Flo says, leaving a gold piece for the guard anyways.
Finding an urchin in the street, she hands them some silver with instructions to head to the docks and inform the crew of the Dreamweaver "I am ok, heading to the Naos district for the Dwarf. Arvensoar."
Jogging to cut down on travel time, and with a little help from her friend in the sky, she heads for the Arvensoar.
________
"Yes, but you are also not good at sticking to plans either.""No one cares what you think, wizard."
"Obviously."
Kellek angrily doffs his hat, and heads down to the guardhouse.
===============
Jogging to cut down on travel time, and with a little help from her friend in the sky, she heads for the Arvensoar.
________
"WAIT UP! I'm ready for an emergency exit not a foot-race!"
Colvyn looks at Kargas and smile. "So, just you and me left to keep an eye on her. Let's hope they can think someway out for Guiness."
The priestess says "Proctor Veran. I understand you've already provided a story about the night's events, so I'm not here to ask that. In fact, so long as you're willing to talk and answer, I'm happy to remain here for the next hour without asking a single thing." The old woman nods, businesslike.
Sergeant Korim takes over. "Now, what are the names of your allies? And their appearances. And give us what you believe to be their current locations, to the best of your knowledge. If you have some means of contacting them, please do so." She takes notes of any info Guiness provides.
----
Kellek and Flo make their way through the city, up into the Naos district and down towards the south-east end. The tallest structure in Magnimar and a wonder in a city of architectural feats, the Arvensoar stands approximately 400 feet tall, climbing the entire length of the Seacleft and extending nearly a hundred feet above Naos itself. As you head up to its main gate, you're stopped once more before you get inside.
After you explain you're here to try to see a prisoner, the guardsman heads in to relay the message. You're left to stand outside among the guards coming in and out of the tower. Eventually, your guardsman returns with a young clerk. The clerk adjusts his spectacles and reads a scroll while saying "Yes, Guiness. A dwarf brought in last night under Sgt. Korim's custody. Breaking and Entering, Kidnapping, Violent Assault. I'm afraid you will not be able to see him under those charges. Is this a friend of yours?"
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"Perhaps you have heard of the Sandpoint Six? Colvyn the Archer, Kargas the Warrior, Floredana the Healer, Kellek the Supercilious, Rig the Bold, and of course there is me, Brother Guiness," he starts, counting off on each finger of one hand and a single finger of the other.
"I expect Rig is still in or near Sandpoint, as he chose to remain there instead of coming with us to Magnimar to investigate the murders. I, of course, allowed myself to be brought here rather than run from the lawful authorities of Magnimar. The fact that you are still asking me about the other four tells me you have not caught them yet--last I saw they were leaving the Foxglove townhouse with the two imposters. My guess is that they either found a place to hide in town, or were able to get to the docks and sail somewhere to hide. I'm sure they needed somewhere quiet to question the imposters, though I do not know for sure where they are," he says, adding, "I have no special way to communicate with them from a distance, although I have heard that there are spells capable of doing that."
Turning to face the priestess instead of Korim, Guiness continues, "And now for the hard question. Sergeant Korim asked for detailed descriptions of my friends. They are off somewhere, right now, trying to get information to prove we are dealing with imposters involved in the Skinsaw murders and not kidnapped nobles. I have to trust that my friends will come back when they have proof to exonerate me, but if I describe their appearances, you may interfere with their efforts. I am unwilling to give that information, and if you magically compel it from me, Proctor Veran, I will become quite...perturbed."
"Glad you could make it!" Flo says with a smile as her companion makes his way with her.
This is why nobody likes bureaucracies. Another reason why Sandpoint is easily the best town in Varisia. She takes a deep breath.
"We're here to discuss his charges, hopefully provide enough evidence for his release, and discuss the recent string of murders in Sandpoint by a group based here, in Magnimar," she responds. Hope that was enough to grease the wheels here, we need to deal with the people who can actually do something, not their lackeys.
________
The clerk shrugs "If you'd like to testify, you can wait until his trial later today." He frowns and mutters "Awfully quick for a trial. They must have a lot of evidence against him." Schooling his expression, he adds "If you feel you have evidence to submit in his favor, you'd be best served heading to the Sergeant in charge. Sgt. Korim can be found at the guard post..." He describes a path through the city toward a guard post in the eastern section of the Naos district.
"The recent murders in Sandpoint are a local affair, as far as I've been informed. But if you'd like to submit your testimony for that as well, I can take it here now, or you can speak with one of the other clerks inside." The clerk looks very much like he'd rather you choose the second option.
----
Sgt. Korim listens to the descriptions and takes notes. Its not until Guiness gets to the last section that her face clouds. Rather than write anything down, she scowls at Guiness "Yes we WILL interfere with their efforts. They're currently accused of assaulting the Guard and kidnapping the Foxglove family. Whatever evidence will exonerate them and yourself can as easily be gained by the Guard." She waves Proctor Veran to proceed.
Veran stares calmly at Guiness before weaving out a spell.
"Glad you could make it!" Flo says with a smile as her companion makes his way with her.
{Unenthusiastic smile}
Kellek and Flo make their way through the city, up into the Naos district and down towards the south-east end. The tallest structure in Magnimar and a wonder in a city of architectural feats, the Arvensoar stands approximately 400 feet tall, climbing the entire length of the Seacleft and extending nearly a hundred feet above Naos itself. As you head up to its main gate, you're stopped once more before you get inside.
After you explain you're here to try to see a prisoner, the guardsman heads in to relay the message. You're left to stand outside among the guards coming in and out of the tower. Eventually, your guardsman returns with a young clerk. The clerk adjusts his spectacles and reads a scroll while saying "Yes, Guiness. A dwarf brought in last night under Sgt. Korim's custody. Breaking and Entering, Kidnapping, Violent Assault. I'm afraid you will not be able to see him under those charges. Is this a friend of yours?"
This is why I need to be in charge of things.
"I wouldn't call him a 'friend'. The dwarf is more of a professional acquaintance really. You see I have been selected to help get him out this unfortunate, and completely avoidable trouble he's gotten himself into--if I can. Out of a sense of morbid curiosity, what penalty do the charges call for? And where is the trial to be held, in case we do decide to attend?"
Flo throws Kargas a curious look. What? That sounds like- The hat!
"It's probably better if we see the Sergeant first, thanks though." And then you have sticks in the mud like this, my word. Doesn't even want to be here, then don't!
Once Kellgas is done with his piece, she will insist they make their way to this Sergeant Korim in the eastern Naos district.
"You seem to have a better idea of how we should be asking questions, how do you feel about doing most of the talking once we get to this Sergeant?" she asks.
________
The Proctor shrugs as Guiness pushes past the spell, earning a shake of the head from the Sergeant. Proctor Veran comments "Like all magic, results are not guaranteed. Would you like me to persist, dear?" At which point Korim considers for a moment before sighing.
"No, I think we have enough to start with. Thank you for your assistance as always Proctor."
The Abadaran heads on out, leaving the Sergeant to say "I'm disappointed. I thought for a moment there that you had chosen to actually work with us." She doesn't offer anything else before leaving as well.
----
At Kellek's question, the clerk says "Penalty would be up to the presiding Justice, as usual. For a case in that jurisdiction..." The clerk looks through their scroll. "Likely the trial will be held from the presiding Justice's hall in the Pediment Building."
The clerk gives the two of you a perfunctory bow and returns to his duties.
It doesn't take long to head to the guardpost where you were informed that Guiness is being held. Its only a couple of blocks away from the Foxglove Townhouse. The simple utilitarian stone building is manned by guardspeople much like the Arvensoar, but on a far more humble scale. The front door is ajar and you overhear Sergeant Korim's name from inside.
"It's such b*!@~%%#." Kargas says abruptly, without prompting, to Colvyn. "That f$~~ing thing, wearing Iesha's face and pretending to be our friend. As if she didn't suffer enough already, to use her face and memory to try and mess with our heads..." The half-orc trails off with an angry shake of his head. "All these weird culty bastards are gonna die, this Xanesha included."
"The Sergeant is in! Let's go before they leave," Flo urges Kellek, moving to enter the guardhouse.
________
Basically, he tries to wheedle his way into her good graces while explaining the facts though he endeavors to leave out the kidnapping bit.
----
You step inside the guardpost's central room. A few guards move past you, talking among each other. At a beaten up table stuffed in one corner sits a scarred halfling that you soon learn is Sgt. Korim. When you introduce yourselves and mention that you have information regarding the case that Guiness is being held for, you get her full attention. She stands and listens to your testimony.
After your first line, she puts two and two together and beckons a few additional guards over to stand near you. Nevertheless, she listens to what you have to offer.
-----
At the suggestion from Flo to use a casting of Abadar's Truthtelling, Korim shrugs. "Go ahead if you wish. We don't hold much stock in such magic after a few prominent incidents a few years ago. Words can twist and turn around the bonds of truthtelling magic."
You hand over the papers from the townhouse, including the deed tying the house to the Brothers of the Seven, and explain what you know of the organization. Korim raises an eyebrow "The Brothers of the Seven, is it? Well, this document looks to be authentic, though I'm no expert. But I hardly see why this serves as evidence that the Foxgloves are some impostors."
Korim looks at the bloodstained note with a squared jaw. "Gruesome. Hm. Now this is interesting. We've been investigating murders around Magnimar over the last few months. Disturbingly, each person we attempt to apprehend or investigate has ended up dead before we can get anything from them." She reads through the note again, then asks you to explain the circumstances of where you found it.
Once you're done, she says "Your friend, Guiness, spoke a similar story. That you're delivering the same gives some credence to it. Especially with this note." She thumbs the paper. "Truth be told, after Guiness mentioned his story, I did some digging. Seems this isn't the first time this Xanesha name has come up in testimony. It was spoken by some of those people that were apprehended by the Guard... the same that were killed afterward."
She waves a hand "We've been careful not to let anyone near him as a result."
Korim frowns "We interviewed neighbors. It did seem that the Foxgloves had been away for some time, but they returned some weeks ago. All I have to prove that they're dead are your words, and circumstantial evidence like this note - which does not even mention the wife."
At the mention of the invisible stalkers being apprehended, Korim straightens "Now that's something. Where is this boat of yours? I'll send some guards to retrieve these faceless stalkers. We've faced such foul fiends before a few times. The guard has. My understanding is that they spin a formidable web with their words, but are still vulnerable to mental magic."
While Korim is excited to finally have you two in her grip as well as a lead on the faceless stalkers, its your comment on Guiness charges that gives her the greatest pause. "What in the world? I didn't submit any charges against Guiness. It would be far too early. And breaking and entering? We have a witness saying you were invited inside."
Scowling severely, she begins pacing.
Flo mostly keeps her mouth shut while Kelgas does most of the talking, although she does offer up a few points here and there. Maybe the law here isn't so bad after all, at least at this level. Or at least when this Sergeant is in charge.
"On the matter of the deaths of the Foxgloves, send word to Sandpoint, they'll be able to support our words." Since ours don't matter, but a stranger in a small town's does. Do we have to get titles for these people to reeeallly care about what we have to say?
"I see you're having a think, but just so you have full information on the matter of his charges, the clerk said that his trial was later today and that it would be presided over by the 'presiding Justice in the Pediment Building.' Honestly, I don't know what that means," she admits, "but it sounded ominous to me."
At the suggestion from Flo to use a casting of Abadar's Truthtelling, Korim shrugs. "Go ahead if you wish. We don't hold much stock in such magic after a few prominent incidents a few years ago. Words can twist and turn around the bonds of truthtelling magic."
Kellek scowls inwardly knowing that the spell might well take away half of his possible arguments.
While Korim is excited to finally have you two in her grip as well as a lead on the faceless stalkers, its your comment on Guiness charges that gives her the greatest pause. "What in the world? I didn't submit any charges against Guiness. It would be far too early. And breaking and entering? We have a witness saying you were invited inside."
"Sergeant given the fact that you already suspect a traitor (or more-likely a faceless stalker) in your midst, this might be an ideal time to flush them out into the open...." Kellek let's the idea hang in the air for a moment.
When Flo mentions sending word to Sandpoint, Korim nods "Your friend mentioned that as well. I think there's enough doubt here that there's reason to do so to corroborate your story." Rather than waste time, Sgt Korim immediately asks one of the guards to go run the request back to the Arvensoar.
The comment about a trial for Guiness catches her off guard. "A trial? How can there be any trial when we've barely started our investigation?" She pauses "Seems as though someone has been messing with the paperwork." She calls out to the guard about to go to the Arvensoar and asks him to confirm what Flo said. "As for your other question, the presiding justice for Naos district is Justice Ironbriar and the Pediment building is the city's main courthouse. If Guiness had an irontight case compiled against him, he'd face a trial there. Why its been scheduled for today, I don't know."
Korim frowns at Kellek's comment "It does seem like we have some... interference. But flush them into the open? What do you suggest?"
Korim frowns at Kellek's comment "It does seem like we have some... interference. But flush them into the open? What do you suggest?"
"Why use Guiness as bait of course. By now everyone should know that you're holding him under strict quarantine. There must be a way to surreptitiously lighten that isolation, and draw the assassin out." Kargas-Kellek looks back-and-forth between the Sergeant Korim, and Flo. "What? I said he was an acquaintance. Besides (depending upon the plan) I'm sure he would go for it."
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"Why use Guiness as bait of course. By now everyone should know that you're holding him under strict quarantine. There must be a way to surreptitiously lighten that isolation, and draw the assassin out." Kargas-Kellek looks back-and-forth between the Sergeant Korim, and Flo. "What? I said he was an acquaintance. Besides (depending upon the plan) I'm sure he would go for it."
"Of course, I can envision some scenarios where we leave him completely in the dark." muses Kellek.
Sgt. Korim interjects with "If he's to be put on trial today, there'll be no using him for anything. Though if we can delay that in order to investigate this whole thing properly... it might not be a bad strategy." She shakes her head. "But I couldn't allow a dangerous plan like that to happen without the dwarf's full approval."
She punches a fist into her palm and seems to come to some conclusion. "It'll take some time to work out what's happening with this trial and the current charges. In the mean time, how about you bring these two faceless stalker captives you have. You can fill in your friend in the cell as well."
Assuming no further questions are asked, Sgt Korim goes to try to track down some information. You're allowed to go talk to Guiness, but are asked to stay away from him and are kept under the watchful eye of a handful of guards that clearly don't trust you (yet).
"Kargas, why don't you go down to the boat to fetch the faceless stalkers?" Flo suggests, looking at his eyes and then the space where a hat might be on his head. If I go, we'll be thrown in the brig or have our evidence thrown out when I show up with another Kargas!
"Sergeant, would you provide a guard or an official document for us to transport them? Walking the streets with a pair of bodies over-the-shoulder or in a cart is going to cause some problems," she points out. And in the meantime, I'll fill in Guiness!
"Who knew a jail cell was in your future, eh?" Flo says when she sees the Dwarf. "We've been able to prompt an investigation and buy us time, but, as I'm sure you've guessed, there are forces working against us. Specifically you right now. You're set for a trial today with charges of breaking and entering, kidnapping, and violent assault. The Sergeant and the rest of us find that quite suspicious, considering the Sergeant hasn't even really performed and investigation yet. Right now, we're waiting for the Faceless Stalkers to be brought here," she explains, before sitting on the floor across from Guiness' cell and taking a deep breath. "But enough about that. How've you been? Anything going on here?"
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Having rested most of the day, Guiness has shaken the fatigue that dogged him after sleeping in his armor, but he still is not looking too great. At Floredana's entrance, though, he jumps to his feet in surprise, looking to see if she has a guard behind her ready to force her into a jail cell. When he sees she is free and allowed to speak without hindrance, he smiles for the first time in a while.
"Floredana, it is truly good to see someone I can trust," says Guiness. "I know you don't approve of me turning myself in, but I needed to give the proper authorities a chance to do the right thing. I realized that, from the outside looking in on the situation, it seems like we just attacked and kidnapped two nobles, so I wanted to make sure you had time to find evidence for the truth. I am unfamiliar with the details of the human justice system, but I have been convinced so far that Sergeant Korim is a fair-minded individual, so I shared as much of our experience I could without giving them your location or description."
At Floredana's words, Guiness startles, saying, "A trial, today? When no charges have been filed yet by the sergeant? It must be that Justice Ironbriar. He tried to manipulate me last night with magic...twice...before he even introduced himself. If he has pushed for trial this quickly, he must not be interested in letting the investigation uncover the truth, just getting to a guilty verdict. I was worried about this. Let me guess--he is the judge too?"
"Faceless stalkers, eh? Sounds like some kind of creature that would make a good imposter. If they are alive and could be compelled to testify, it would greatly help my cause," says Guiness.
"I am glad to see you have been free to gather the evidence that the sergeant has not been given time yet to investigate. They brought in a priestess this morning and tried to charm me again--I would have submitted to truth-telling magic, but not charm. What is it with these humans and casting compulsion magic without asking permission?" Guiness shakes his head, continuing, "I suppose we shall see if the Magnimar justice system is fair; Sergeant Korim gives me hope, but I fear that Ironbriar may not be interested in justice. We need to get past this and continue our investigation into the Skinsaw murders--Sergeant Korim tells me they appear to have been happening here according to Xanesha's kill list."