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Shaking her head slowly, Agatha look's at Mel and says...
"Sorry, it beyond my abilities to identify it, though i can say it's most like of some sort of magic, but let us hurry and scout a bit dear"
Extending her arm and offering a reassuring or maybe condescending pat onto Mel's Shoulder.
She follows this up with a gesture to continue and says "Come, come children onward."
Taking in the scenario, Amira looks down to see that the majority of the group had entered the hole, and Zindelo waiting to close the grate, Amira decides that the best course of action would be to remain unseen.
With a dramatic leap she jumps off of the roof top towards the opening, uttering a command word that activated the magic in her thigh high boots,immediately catching her descent and causing her to decelerate, floating down the hole and into the sewer with barely a splash.
Zindelo starts to reply to Melifan but sees Amira make a spectacular jump into the sewer, falling so slow as to make it magic or a miracle. After she enters, Zindelo sweeps any sign the the grate was moved and closes it as securely as he can.
"Amira, good jump. Mel, just making sure everyone is together. I'm getting a bit nervous about what we're trying to face, and getting discovered by the guards now- Well, it'd be awkward to say the least."
"Find anything, if not lets move out before the guards come close enough to hear us."
"yeah, scout, alright." Garroth grumbled, starting down the tunnel again, light raised in front of him. "Probably long gone by now, the way we've been sitting around."
As he sees Zindelo begin to move back Melifan nearly soils himself as a pair of feet come plummeting at his upward looking face. He jumps full force backwards to avoid another full speed body stomp slamming his head and back into the sewer wall, only to see Amira to slow to a halt on the floor before him. Amira always had a way of scaring the hells out of Melifan no matter how alert and ready he was for such surprises. He grumbles at her as he watches Zindelo's descent.
A little warning next time Amira?
When Zindelo touches down Melifan directs his, Rhiannon, and Amira's attentions down to the circle.
Can any of you make anything of that?
He then leans close to Zindelo and whispers into his ear still looking down at the circle.
How does it look out there? I am worried that we are running out of time with the guards.
knowledge local
Crouching to study the odd circle, Amira shakes her head. "No idea, what that is...yet."
Without looking up she pitches her voice in a smoky rasp that makes Melifan twitch again, "You wouldn't be so jumpy if you weren't always up to something."
His skin crawls from the bottoms of his feet to the top of his noggin. He involuntarily shudders and takes a half step back making a facial expression of both surprise and revulsion like nails on a chalkboard. He half turns away as if to leave, then makes a snapping/biting motion accompanied by a slight lunge before completing his pivot. Once his back is turned he shifts his attention to Garroth.
Fine, fine. I guess you got a point. We should get a move on. Sooo... Anyone, for starters, know which way the thing went?
I was in a bar once, and saw a couple of old folgies talking about circles. They were drawing lines and calling it Arithmetic. This looks similar, but then again I had no idea what they were talkin' about.
He looks down the tunnel.
Reminds me of home, I will keep me eyes peeled and try to pick up the trail.
Rhiannon calls up Dancing Lights, and has the orbs part slightly and slowly circle around them to provide extra illumination.
"It's definitely a magic circle, unless we're dealing with something that enjoys dispensing smoke bombs, mutilation, and really esoteric graffiti."
Close but no cigar.
Answering Melifan, quietly, "The guards are getting closer but it sounded like there having troubles with a mob,that's good and bad. Good because it'll take them more time to get here, bad because they're going to be P.O'd big time when they do." Zindelo nods toward Amira, then says, "Amira should have seen more."
Zindelo, normal voice, "Amira, great climb and stylish too, by the way, but did you see anything we should know about?"
Something troubles Zindelo about the circle but he just can't place the memory.
"That circle-it seems like something's familiar about it but I just can't put my finger on it."
Forging deeper into the darkness, Garroth called back to the others "Well me, Mel and Hegin are going on ahead. When this..." he shook his hand dismissively in the groups direction "...Knitting circle is done with, feel free to catch up."
Melifan leans back toward Zindelo one last time.
Ya think you can seal that grate? Jam it shut or something?
He then moves toward Garroth and claps him on the back.
Garroth, I am wonderin if we should spread out our strengths. I will take up the rear jus in case any of those guard make it in behind us. I can, I dunno, reason with 'em or somethin. You and the lunkhead take up the front and we will keep the rest of them between us.
He turns to the rest of the group then and lets off a sharp clap to catch everyones attention.
Ladies and gents, I think its time for us to head out. From the looks of it Hegin is already on the trail and... Leaving us being apparently.
Looking over his shoulder he watches as Hegin is indeed making his way down the tunnel reading the ground and moving with purpose. Turning back to the rest of them he begins waving a hand to move them along.
Come on, come on. No time to lose. Guards are comein an we ain't got a head ta prove our innocence. Lets go people, time to go.
"The guards are definitely coming but the crowd is making it a nightmare for them. With the job you did covering our passage they'll be scratching their heads and trying to locate witnesses for the next couple hours."Amira replies joining the group proceeding down the tunnel.
"By the time they even think to look down here we should be long gone."
Melifan mumbles under his breath as she passes to join the rest of the group.
If even one of em is as difficult to evade as Amira, I wouldn't hold my breath.
He clears his throat taking his position in the back of the group. The familiar sing of his weapon rings out once more as he readies himself for the worst.
Garroth, Roll out!
Looking at what appears to be magical writing, Elwarien begins to concentrate and speaks in the language of magic, Ast Trsinto rmen
As Elrawien casts and studies the circle it becomes clear it was recently used and is now useless as whatever materials it used for components were destroyed in it's activation.
Melifan with the help of Garroth and Zindelo manage to pull the grate closed before the guards arrive.
This particular sewer while foul and cramped, runs to the northeast and southwest.
Oye, was the hold up? Hegin, you need ta pick a path and get a move on. I dun wanna have da whole damn garrison on my a$$ while ya pick yer nose up there!
Unfortunately Hegin is unable to find any tracks aside from those that were immediately inside the sewer.
Waving flirtaciously at Melifan, Oh Melifan, I can help keep rear guard with you, I'll guard your cute little bubbly rear and you guard mine?
I think I am good with stayin away from your Rear ice queen. That stinger is a bit too dangerous fer my likin.
No tracks on the ground, Going to be hard to find our mark. Anyone catch any glimpse of em, or can hear em?
As Melifan lights a torch from Hegins cigar the sewer becomes somewhat more visible and distinct.
Hegin begins tromping southwest down the sewer chewing on his cigar happily reminded of home.
"It looked like a female form, wearing white, although the color wouldn't matter too much after a few minutes down here." Amira muses.
"That actually makes it less likely that they traveled through the sewers since there's no way in hell her outfit would still be white. Most likely this was a good entry and exit point, since teleporting into the street could cause a bit of a stir."
"Teleport? Magic from one place to another. I've heard grandiose and drunk troubadours talk of such but isn't that the work of great masters?"
Zindelo seems a bit nervous at the thought of dealing with such powers.
"Not sure what we could do about that but it would mean, if I understood you, that we won't find much down here. Still we need to find another way out. Wonder which way to go."
Zindelo tries to think of a good route from here, out of the sewers, that is past the guards and unlikely for them to be observed when they leave.
Somehow overhearing Zindelo, Garroth stopped, placing a hand on Hegins shoulder for him to do the same. Turning to look back at the others he called "If yer sure about that Zindy, then I suggest we head down the other pipe, leads to the ocean. No tellin' when we will find a viable exit if we delve deeper into the s~#+."
Looking Hegin in the eye, he nodded back towards the others, before starting to walk back to them.
"Well it is just a guess, it's one of the things magic circles are supposed to do, either that, binding something or summoning something. I don't even want to think about if the killer was summoned from another plane."Amira mutters shaking her head.
"Only going by what Amira said, Garroth, not sure of anything right now." Zindelo turns as Amira mutters, "What's that Amira, summoning? That doesn't sound good." Turning back to Garroth, "I guess it depends on if the tracks can't be found because it's good at hiding them or because they just appeared at the grate and didn't walk through the sewers. If one, something may be found, if the other, nothing will be." Zindelo is still thinking about how to get out of this mess.
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With the shadowy illumination helping her, Agatha struts around the circle eyes narrowed in deep concentration.
"I have seem similar circles to this in Cheliax, similar but not quite, i dont think its a calling circle i think its a teleportation circle. Our quarry has fled but not far, we might yet fill our dance card this evening Ladies and gentleman" She states,
With a sly grin she looks at Elrawien and adds "Oh I'm sorry dear a dance card, is a card with intended suitors for the night......oh! I hope I shan't have to explain what a suitor is despite you're ....inexperience"
As Zindelo begins to retrace his mental map of the sewers from his aunt's 'errands' he begins heading southswest. Those that follow will catch up with him and Hegin as they tromp down the sewer. After you travel roughly 1500 feet the tunnel turns sharply in a short curve that turns around almost due north. The tunnel expands significantly and the stonework changes as well.
This part of the sewers appears much older and more expansive the downward slope of the tunnel is much more pronounced as well.
On the right and left walls of the tunnel there are several shafts through which the smell of seawater, salt and, fresh air emanate.
Zindelo begins counting the right side shafts before stopping at the seventh one and climbing up an iron wrought series of rungs clearly newer than the stone around them and well maintained.
Those of you that follow can hear Zindelo stop and fiddle with something that sounds like a clockwork device, before he opens a hatch and the night sky reappears.
Nice Work Zindelo, you could give an ol' dwarf a run for his money.
Hegin laughs.
Zindelo waves at Hegin, "Thank you, Hegin. High praise indeed. These sewers are the old ones, Thassillon or even older. I've an interest in the old ruins, fascinating places, never know what you'll find. Handy to know too if you need to get from one place to another unseen, can get to most places in or out of the city from here, though it can be dangerous, so everyone, watch your step. Let me see if anyone is out there."
Zindelo carefully lifts the grate enough to peek out and see if anyone's about.
What's about?
You climb out in a small side yard squashed up against Jaijarko Castle an infamous ramshackle cluster of tenements and slums owned by Rassimeri Jaijarko. The cool night air is almost shockingly cold and fresh after the oppresive heat felt in the Dockway district and the cramped stench of the sewers.
The streets are quiet and calm and the few people wandering about seem to be jolly drunken shipwrights and a few women of ill repute. It seems the city guard have been called away for some riot in Dockway or something.
Zindelo climbs out, trying not to draw attention, not hard to do with most of the few people around more than a little tipsy. He quietly passes on to the person behind him, "This is the Jaijarko slum area. Just drunk shipworkers and a couple of ladies of the evening about. Not the type to talk. We can get out here, no city guard is about." Zindelo will help anyone up that needs or wants it.
Clambering out of the manhole, Garroth made a few futile attempts to scrape the accumulated muck off his boots and pants, before simply grunting and shrugging "Eeeh, I was needing a bath anyway." looking around at everyone, he clapped his hands together and rubbed them for warmth "So, whats the deal then gentlmen and ladies? We done here, or did the sewers fail to kill your hunger for 25 big ones?" Garroth looked ready to proceed.
A scrawny street urchin steps into the sideyard and peers curiously at Zindelo for a moment before plugging his nose and running over to hand him a package. Immediately after doing so the boy gags and runs.
I'm more hungry now than when we went in. When can we eat?
Melifan leans heavily on the wall as he waits for everyone to get out. He hates the sewers, and remembers on more than one occasion of being lost for hours down here until Garroth dragging Hegin or Zindelo down to find him wandering aimlessly through the labyrinth of tunnels. He hears the half-orc's exclamation of a shower and chuckles. He calls up from the depths to Garroth:
Shower? I didn't know you showered. I always thought you and the dwarf waited for the rains for such an event as a shower.
I'm more hungry now than when we went in. When can we eat?
Oh eww. Hegin, you are disgusting. Only YOU could be hungry after what we trudged through!
Zindelo takes the package from the urchin, reads the letter. "It appears that Auntie is worried about the company I'm keeping of late, she'd like to meet you all, but in better, um, scent. Rhiannon, this wand should allow you to make everyone clean. In about say half an hour, please meet up at the guest house." Zindelo tells them where to go. "I need to run an errand, I'll met you all there, I'm sure that a meal at least will be provided. Please be on your best behavior, she's a nice old lady and she is a Lady, Lady Jana." Zindelo gets his makeover then leaves the others to their devices.
He makes sure he is not followed, then he goes to the apt. and makes the pick up, bringing it with him.
Zindelo makes his way to where the meet should take place. "Welcome all, glad you could make it." Zindelo will escort them in.
If the DC is beat by Sense Motive, Zin is telling the truth, not nearly all of it. There is more going on.
To lose anyone trying to follow him.
To know if anyone is following.
I'm looking forward to a nice meat pie, some plump sausages, An entire Turkey, Maybe even...
Hegin continues on about different food types while walking to wherever everyone else is going.
With a smile at the comment made by the older elf, That is a funny comment, Agatha my dear. My dance card is indeed quite fool as people would rather dance with true nobility rather than with a harridan.
As she enters into the home of Lady Jana, she whispers to Agatha, in elven, Now my dear, I know that probably nothing in this house is as old as you are so please do not break anything. Garroth, will you be kind enough to accompany me?
Garroths mood had gotten quite a bit better with the application of the wands magic. Not only was he cleaned of the filth, he was cleaner than he had been before entering the sewers in the first place "Rhia, I gotta keep ya handy with that there wand. Clean without all the scrubbin' and soap!"
Enter the establishment, Garroth almost didnt hear Elra, too caught up in his discussion of the finer point of how to consume meat pies "Im tellin' ya Hegin, ya gotta eat if from the side. I guess if you didnt have any hands, your method would be better...but stickin' yer head into it will just..." He stopped mid sentence, recognizing his name amid the elven gibberish.
"Elra do I look like an elf to you? Make with the common or the orc, heck even that fancy dragon speak, but not elven."
An elf you may not be Garroth Seren, but a fine specimen of masculinity to ensure that other would be suitors do not harass me. Do't worry about Agatha and her heridan self.
Truly thankful to Rhiannon for the welcome quick clean, Melifan rummages through his pack for a few scraps of clothing he could put together to look nice for Auntie Jana. He pulls off his armor and performs a quick change not wanting to lag too far behind the others as they began to move toward the designated meeting place.
By the time they make it there, Melifan feels sick to his stomach at the constant talk of food and how to eat it. Hegin and Garroth had been at it since they left the sewer. No matter how hungry Melifan had been, his apatite had long disappeared as he could not help but associate every bit of food the two spoke of and described with something he had seen floating or squashed into his clothing before leaving that damned sewer.
Too distracted by the feeling of nausea, he ran right into Garroth as he stopped to reply to Elrawien. The sudden jolt actually made him involuntarily wretch, but he quickly mastered himself when he looked at the ground to see an expensive carpet beneath his feet. Choaking back the bile with a look of revulsion, he cleared his throat and straightened up trying to look "presentable".