"And I can see by your tattoos that you have obviously been 'finding your roots.' It's a shame you have lost connection with your adopted family during their time of strife.""I was born here in Cauldron, and raised in the orphanage."
Pause
"And you were just saved by an ORC from the MEN who attacked you."
Finneas shakes his head
"Your hatred of me has clouded your judgement. I hope the others will pry truth and sense from your lips since I know I cannot."
"Not more than a few minutes ago I had asked if anyone had found my holy symbol in the bar. This one," Dyrant again waives his crossbow at Atol, "remained quiet about it. Then, a moment ago, he pulled out my holy symbol."
Silfr makes sure to position himself so cover is provided. "If you will pause for a moment and point that crossbow elsewhere, I will remind you that you offered the holy symbol in trade for drinks, and so forfeited claims of possession to the item."
Aeneas return the sap and dagger to their accustomed places.
"Shut up the both of you. I am tired, I have a headache and I am covered in fruit. I am not very far from continuing the paint-faces work."
To Ruphus. "If you have a story you want to tell then tell it, you are delaying my bath and I am liable to get cranky."
To Dryant. "Unload that crossbow now or I will use it to pin your beloved trinket to you permanently."
"...I noticed a 4th on the roof..."
Thierry looks up to scan the rooftops for any further signs of danger.
Seeing nothing to concern himself, he sheathes his sword and walks to the far end of the alley to ensure that the thugs have indeed left.
"I agree with Aeneas. Everybody relax. Ruphus is a good man... a St. Cuthbert man. He'll tell us what he knows if we all just quiet down a little and let him speak."
Everyone is so angry. I wish everyone would relax. Maybe if we all had pancakes! I wonder if the bar serves breakfast?
To Ruphus. "If you have a story you want to tell then tell it, you are delaying my bath and I am liable to get cranky."
Ruphus turns to Aeneas, ”I am not a bard. I do not tell stories. However, the FACTS are that four children were taken from the Lantern Street Orphanage three nights ago. These are not the first people to disappear in recent months and we of the Church are most concerned.”
”I am not at liberty to discuss the details of our investigation, but if you are truly concerned then you should speak with our interim high priest, Jenya Urikas, at the church. She will at least be interested to speak with Atol Lem regarding his 'decision' and his growth in the divine.”
"I do not speak for everybody here, but I would like to hear what this Jenya Urikas has to say. Perhaps the walk in this rain will cool our tempers and our tongues."
"Yes! Er." Atol shifts uncomfortably, "Let us go speak to Lady Urikas."
"Wait. Something does not make sense." Dyrant clears his throat so he can speak more forcefully.
"You say 4 children were kidnapped a few days ago. And we heard these thugs telling you to stay away from the orphanage. Who runs this orphanage? And you claim they drove you away because you were investigating the missing children?"
Dyrant approached closer to hear the answer.
Ruphus unconvincingly answers any further questions with obscure answers that convey the only thing he is hiding is his lack of importance.
The walk clockwise along Obsidian Avenue, the outermost and highest street in town, to the Church of St. Cuthbert takes little time. The rain begins to subside and you can catch glimpses between buildings of Crater Lake below.
Upon arriving at the temple you are greeted by an acolyte named Jacob who directs everyone except Atol to a sitting room. He lays down a towel on a chair for the fruit-encrusted Aeneas. He then provides the party with dry towels, hot water to wash your face, dark coffee, and simple biscuits.
Meanwhile, Ruphus and Atol Lem meet first with Jenya Urikas in the high priest's office. Jenya greets Atol Lem with a look of both worry and relief. She then notices Ruphus's torn clothing and obvious lack of corresponding wounds. "I'm glad you made it back safely. What in the world happened?" And upon taking the scene in more fully, "Where is your holy symbol, Atol?"
The orphanage. I thought I was done with that place for good.
"Master du Chabannes, did you see which way they went?"
This biscuit is good, but rest would be better. Hopefully I can spend some time on my cot before we go farther. And I'll need my equipment.
Male voice: Told you not to leave the temple without it.
"Lady Urikas. I, uh, gave it away I think. I was summoned to a bar by an OLD MAN through my brother. There I was given a new symbol of my faith, and encouraged by some spiritual force I do not clearly understand to accompany the men in the waiting room."
Atol pauses to collect his thoughts.
"I think I gave my old Holy Symbol to the barkeep when he passed my new one along to me. I'm pretty sure that's what happened to it. On my way here, I met another in greater need than I and I gave him my new one. He seemed most desperate to have it. I had to rely on St. Cuthbert's own power to heal Ruphus - and it worked like you always said it would!"
What am I forgetting? I'm always forgetting something. Should I continue? Should I wait? I'll wait. Usually Lady Urikas has to shut me up.
Atol's internal monologue continues for many moments as he ponders what to do. Eventually he looks back to Jenya Urikas and wonders what she needs of him.
Oh yes! "Lady Urikas, may I have another Holy Symbol? I gave mine away again."
Dyrant will balk at entering the Church.
"No, this I cannot bear. I will not go back here again. It is...too soon."
Dyrant points to a local tavern.
"I will wait for you there. If I can aid you in finding the children, I would be happy to do so. However, I cannot return to this place. It is...too painful."
Ruphus attests to Atol's recounting to the extent that he is able and Jenya sits in quiet contemplation for several minutes. "Now I understand Sarcem's gray hairs. Oh how I wish our good Providence did not work in such mysterious ways." She opens up a desk drawer and pulls out a well worn holy symbol. The metal is scratched and scarred, and the rubies are obviously flawed and of poor quality. She holds it out to Atol, "I found this just this morning. I thought I had lost it or it had been stolen many years ago. During this day of mysteries, it feels only right that you receive it."
She turns to Ruphus, "Thank you. You have done well in bringing Atol home. Please see to Alexander and his penance. I will meet with Atol's new friends."
Ruphus opens his mouth to object, but thinks better of it and exits. Jenya and Atol head to the sitting room.
Dyrant points to a local tavern.
Dyrant points to the Slippery Eel Tavern, a building on the next street down, Magma Avenue. When he arrives at the tavern he finds it packed with miners, plantation workers, and others eating big bowls of the "Morning Stew Special" before what will surely be a long day's work.
'I am afraid I am in no fit state to call on high clergy."
"I will meet you at the Slippery Eel in two hours, and we can see what we can do."
With a bow Aeneas heads for his lodgings.
"Ah, quarter of an hour for a bath, quarter to gather my gear and get to the Eel means an hour and a half to sleep. That and some strong hot wine should get me through the day."
Dyrant trumps off towards the tavern for more than a few steps before he notices Aeneas walking with him.
"Are you following me? Or would the taste of the holier-than-thou Cuthbertines cause you to retch as well? I think I saw a little tavern nearby to pass the day whilst our 'friends' following that nitwit, Atol."
Dyrant looks at Aeneas with desperate need for validation.
"That simpering fool is a clergy because he demonstrates the divine spark, yet I stand outcast. I can recite all the liturgies of high mass in 4 languages! He's lucky if he can tell the altar from the latrine. Tell me there is fairness in this world, friend. Explain it to me."
Dyrant trumps off towards the tavern for more than a few steps before he notices Aeneas walking with him.
"Are you following me? Or would the taste of the holier-than-thou Cuthbertines cause you to retch as well? I think I saw a little tavern nearby to pass the day whilst our 'friends' following that nitwit, Atol."
Dyrant looks at Aeneas with desperate need for validation.
"That simpering fool is a clergy because he demonstrates the divine spark, yet I stand outcast. I can recite all the liturgies of high mass in 4 languages! He's lucky if he can tell the altar from the latrine. Tell me there is fairness in this world, friend. Explain it to me."
"You ask a man with an orange slice in an embarrassing location if there is fairness in the world? What answer do you expect? Now eat something, sober up, and forget the self-pity. It's counter productive, it's unattractive, and it is starting to get on my nerves. I will meet you in that tavern in two hours. If you are drunk when I arrive I intend to strip you naked and throw you in the lake. Good day."
"You ask a man with an orange slice in an embarrassing location if there is fairness in the world? What answer do you expect? Now eat something, sober up, and forget the self-pity. It's counter productive, it's unattractive, and it is starting to get on my nerves. I will meet you in that tavern in two hours. If you are drunk when I arrive I intend to strip you naked and throw you in the lake. Good day."
Dyrant merely shakes his head at the disagreeable man covered in fruit.
"Tis a pity that you have a wedge of fruit so far stuck up your backside that you cannot find any kindness for your fellow man. Nonetheless, I shall you in at the tavern. Will shall discuss St. Cuthbert's views on mercy and compassion."
Dyrant moves away, but not before thanking the man, "Thank you for your words anyway, you are right. I'll shall aspire to do better."
Upon arriving at the temple you are greeted by an acolyte named Jacob who directs everyone except Atol to a sitting room. He lays down a towel on a chair for the fruit-encrusted Aeneas. He then provides the party with dry towels, hot water to wash your face, dark coffee, and simple biscuits.
With nothing else engaging his curiosity at the momment, Silfr joins the priests in their walk to the Church of St. Cuthbert.
Children vanishing from orphanages rarely bodes well. Since our ears have heard of this occurrence, our souls are obligated to verify nothing inappropriate is happening.
After breakfasting on dark coffee and simple biscuits, Silfr speaks to the room, "My new friends, I suggest we learn more from these priests on the suspicious abductions they mentioned. Presently I shall request access to their stored knowledge.
Silfr will request from Jacob or another acolyte conveyance to the library.
As you look about for an acolyte, Jenya and Atol enter the room. Jenya begins, "Good morning gentles. Thank you for saving Ruphus and bringing home Atol this morning. It is good to know that there are people who recognize that evil will scurry away when light is shed upon it. Perhaps you would be interested in helping others less capable than Ruphus....I see the look in your eyes. He can be capable, but the children who have been stolen are not so lucky."
This must be Jenya.
Female voice: Don't even think on it child, she hasn't the hips.
Mother!
"Between his injured head and injured pride Ruphus was not able to tell us much of these abductions. If children are missing from the orphanage then I will assist in finding them, though I should much like some sleep and a chance to gather my gear first."
Looking around the room:
"I will go alone if I must but would count it a blessing should I have companions such as yourselves on this journey. For now I leave the thinking to wiser and smarter men, as I'm rarely able to plan past the tip of my sword."
- Jaromir Copperbeard, male dwarven gardener
- Neva Fainster, female human nurse
- Temar Flagonstern, male human cook
- Willow Atherfell, female half-elf schoolteacher
- Patch, male half orc, former orphan, now janitor, 19 when you left
"Where are the others? What happened to them?"
For such an important group we certainly do splinter easily. I shall have to learn about everyone so I can watch them and do my duty by them. Other than the leader Aeneas I don't even know their names!
"I will go alone if I must but would count it a blessing should I have companions such as yourselves on this journey. For now I leave the thinking to wiser and smarter men, as I'm rarely able to plan past the tip of my sword."
"Young fellow, consider yourself blessed! We shall commit to finding these orphans and returning them to their rightful place! Whether it honest employment in the cities workrooms or the welcome tutelage freely provided by houses of worship, we will recover them from this sinister half-painted gang."
Dyrant sticks his spoon deep into the "Morning Stew Special" and brings up a lump of it to his lips. After last night, the taste of whole food brings a smile to his face.
I could be a common man, eating common food. I could do this.
Dyrant takes another spoonful between thoughts.
More than likely, I'll be looking for work soon...this kidnapping job is unlikely to turn out to be anything. More than likely, Atol just took the kids out on a field trip and forgot where he put them. They are probably having a wonderful time at the circus.
Dyrant looks at the common folk and wonders what it will be like to be one of them.
"Between his injured head and injured pride Ruphus was not able to tell us much of these abductions. If children are missing from the orphanage then I will assist in finding them, though I should much like some sleep and a chance to gather my gear first."
"Perhaps that is a good idea," responds Jenya. "I wish I could tell you more, but we have not discovered anything yet. In fact, this morning I was so frustrated that I sought a divination. I asked, 'Where are the children who were abducted from the Lantern Street Orphanage?' I know I should not have expected a straight answer."
She pulls out a piece of paper and reads:
Dyrant sticks his spoon deep into the "Morning Stew Special" and brings up a lump of it to his lips. After last night, the taste of whole food brings a smile to his face.
"Where are the others? What happened to them?"
"Dyrant and Aeneas will meet us later at the Slippery Eel."
"Young fellow, consider yourself blessed! We shall commit to finding these orphans and returning them to their rightful place! Whether it honest employment in the cities workrooms or the welcome tutelage freely provided by houses of worship, we will recover them from this sinister half-painted gang."
"I do Silfr, and with you along we will succeed."
That prophecy makes no sense to me. Hopefully Silfr and Thierry can puzzle out it's meaning.
"I don't understand that riddle. Aeneas wanted to meet back at the Slippery Eel in 2 hours. I will take my leave of you now, in order to rest and return to this investigation."
"I think I will need more than 2 hours however, and will be along as soon as I feel rested and ready for this investigation. If I am not at the Eel in 4 hours, look for me at the Temple of Lordly Might."
"Jenya, I pledge to you now that I will find these missing orphans and return them safely if it is within my power."
Finneas takes his leave of the group and heads back to his cell at the temple of Kord.
"I will gather my things at the garden and meet you at the pub."
Atol gathers his things at the garden and walks to the pub. Occasionally he stops to say hello to people in the street or admire his new Holy Symbol, untarnished in his eyes.
Wait. I bet that slip of paper would be useful!
Atol walks back to the church and looks for Jenya and asks for a copy of the divination for the group, "High Priestess, may I have a copy of the Divination to study? I fear I will not remember it all. Particularly the bit about the Dwarf being short or something."
"I don't understand that riddle.
Before you leave Jenya offers, "Nor do I, but I suspect the first part about the locks has to do with those at the orphanage. Thank you for your assistance. We have publically vowed to locate the missing children and bring the kidneappers to justice."
Jenya also provides Atol a copy of the divination.
Dyrant licks up the remnants of his stew with his finger, swirling the finger in his mouth until the flavor is gone.
That was satisfying. Whatever shall I do now?
Dyrant looks at the dwindling assembled common people and wonders if they would pay good coin for a rousing sermon.
Surely they would give gold to hear me rail upon the evils of wanton fornication? What man does not love hearing that reminder?
"I don't understand that riddle."
"With concentration and consideration, I am sure it will become clear in time. Oracle wisdom operates on a different perspective than our own, and what is opaque to us is translucent to them."
"I will also rest for 4 hours and then meet at the Slippery Eel. Until then, adjournment."
Silfr will proceed home to rest.
Not long after Dyrant's arrival at the Slippery Eel he finds himself alone in the tavern as the common people all leave for a hard day's labor.
.
.
.
Lunchtime arrives and a few merchants are other townsfolk wander in.
.
.
.
Atol looks around the pub for a familiar face and finds one...
"My friend!" Atol walks over to Dyrant's table.
"May I sit? How are you? Feeling better now with your holy symbol firmly attached to your neck as god intended?"
"Hrm. Where are the others? I feared I would be the last as I was sidetracked on my way here. Boy am I tired. Are you tired too? I have some Ginseng root if you'd like some. The taste can be a bit strong, but sometimes chewing on it for a bit gives me a boost. Would you like a bit?"
Atol holds out some Ginseng root to Dyrant.
Finneas enters the Slippery Eel wearing studded leather armor and carrying a greatsword larger than Atol. Two handaxes are in his belt and a backpack of supplies is slung over one shoulder.
"Hello my new friends. I see we are not all here yet."
"Dyrant, how did the day find you. You and Atol have not been here the whole time I hope?"
Motions towards the serving girl/boy
"Fine black coffee, steamed rice, and enough chicken satay for 3. What did you two want?"
"no. I've Just arrived. Welcome!"
Rested and refreshed, Silfr arrives at the Slippery Eel tavern.
What a grand change of events this is, to return to the old days of adventure and journey into the unknown in a gallant rescue mission. Yes, I think it would be fun to be an adventurer again!
Spotting the group from St. Cuthbert's...
"Finneas, hello! And I believe this is Atol, it is good to see you again! Though we barely exchanged pleasantries this morning there will be plenty of time for toasts and congratulations once we unravall this mystery. Fresh friendship, forged fiercely: that will be our future!"
Silfr pauses, silently noting Dryant is present and has not robbed anymore priests of their holy symbols. Though who can say if he payed for the content of that empty bowl or if it too was extorted by the tip of his crossbow.
"Fine black coffee, steamed rice, and enough chicken satay for 3. What did you two want?"
"Chicken Satay, I love that dish. But this amount is too modest for our purposes!"
Silfr will split out portions to Finneas, Atol and himself, while calling over to whoever brought the food. "Two more portions each of satay for each of the three of us," he says, gesturing to himself, Finneas and Atol, "totalling six, and more rice, and more coffee! You have our thanks and soon our generosity!"
Dyrant grimaces as the simpleton enters the tavern and frowns further as he comes over. Dyrant's shoulders sink as bit as the oaf sits. Dyrant stares at his bowl, trying to be nice.
Dyrant smiles and warmly greets Finneas as he sits down.
Dyrant smiles and warmly greets Silfr (the old one, I remember, a religious man).
Atol. The simpleton's name is Atol.
Addressing Silfr and Finneas, "So, how did it go with the Cuthbertines? What happened?"
"Master du Chabannes, did you see which way they went?"
Thierry turns as the others approach. 'I saw nothing.'
He joins the others in escorting the priest back to his temple where he quietly listens to the words of the high priestess.
'This is a worthy cause and I would be honored to help find these missing unfortunates.'
-----------------------
After resting, he joins the others at the Slippery Eel. 'Well met, all. This business with the children is perplexing. I feel strongly led to discover what happened to them and bring their captors to justice.'
Addressing Silfr and Finneas, "So, how did it go with the Cuthbertines? What happened?"
"It is The Case of the Oddly Obtained Orphans!" Silfr says with a flourish.
"St Cutherbt's oracularity suggests we inspect the locks at the orphanarium. Also... something about a door," he finishes lamely.
Finneas smiles at the redistribution of food
"The locks? I'm afraid I don't know anything about them, Aeneas will probably be able to help."
Looking around for Aeneas
"When he arrives I suppose we will be ready to go. From what I remember the orphanage is run by Mother Tashykk. There are several others, a gardener, nurse, cook, teacher, and janitor."
"So, what will we call ourselves? The Stormblades can't be the only group in town with a fancy name."
Dyrant listen to what Silfr has to say before asking any questions.
"Of course, I'd like to help as well. I'll have to come back to deliver my sermon here. I have questions that maybe the three of you can answer. Or not."
Dyrant begins to count the questions on his fingers as he asks them.
"One: Who pays for the orphanage? How do they get their monies?"
"Two: Who were those thugs? Did you ask Jenya? Where do they hang out?"
"Three: Is the simpleton here to help or hinder us?"
"Four: Does she know why children might be being stolen? Any evil cults in the area?"
"Five: Who else has gone missing recently? Are their other orphanages in the city?" Dyrant wriggles his thumb at the last question.
Dyrant looks at Finneas: "I assume you can take us to the orphanage?"
A thin man with well tanned skin and a long mustache approaches the table. "Greetings adventurers! I'm Aroon and welcome to the Slippery Eel. I'm sorry for not coming by earlier, but the mornings are so busy. I mistook your first party member for some vagabond missionary, which of course made no sense since the Church of St. Cuthbert is so well represented here already. Then I thought him merely a charlatan, but he approached not a one of my customers to sell them worthless trinkets. Imagine my relief when I discovered he was an adventurer. Adventurers are always welcome in my fine establishment!"
Dyrant looks at Finneas: "I assume you can take us to the orphanage?"
"I can, and when we are ready will do so. For your questions I can answer only the third, in that Atol is here to help us. I did not recognize the painted men and I was too tired to think of it when meeting with Jenya."
"Your fifth question I find interesting, for I had not considered it. Perhaps the guard would know? But how do we convince them to tell us?"
"Greetings adventurers! I'm Aroon and welcome to the Slippery Eel. Adventurers are always welcome in my fine establishment!"
"Greetings Aroon. May I say what a fine dish of satay you make."
"Is that coffee I smell? Aeneas saunters into the Eel. He is clean and his hair is in a short braid tied with a black ribbon.
"So what did our friend have to tell us once we broke up his party with the half-faced?
"Greetings adventurers!"
"Greetings Aroon! I second my friend's assessment of your fine victuals. We also seek information with our nourishment", and here Silfr invites him to come closer.
In a low voice, "Have you heard of a group in town that paints their faces vertically in half, one side dark and the other light? We have seen them behave strangely and would put questions to their leader."
"Greetings Aroon. May I say what a fine dish of satay you make."
"Greetings Aroon! I second my friend's assessment of your fine victuals. We also seek information with our nourishment", and here Silfr invites him to come closer.
In a low voice, "Have you heard of a group in town that paints their faces vertically in half, one side dark and the other light? We have seen them behave strangely and would put questions to their leader."
"Thank you. Thank you for your kind words. It is a secret recipe of my family that we brought here many generations ago. It can be hard at times to get the peanuts and other spices imported, but it is well worth the trouble."
At the mention of the painted faces, he looks about quickly and lowers his voice. "That'd be the Last Laugh Thieves' Guild and it's best not to be asking about them. Stick to the caves and ruins for your adventuring. I've frequently found humanoids to be the most dangerous thing around. We maintain a strict 'live and let live' policy here at the Slippery Eel. No questions asked and none answered."