Trane follows Yvette.
"Nicely done Yvette. The guards 'have' to report themselves and we don't have to be seen dragging them in. Very economical solution, like a short knife hand to the solar plexus."
Crispin follows the clerics to the church will giving Barek a small pat on the back and wispering.
Be brave friend, be brave. Think about the gold...and your uncle. Y-yes, your uncle m-most of all of course.
Jennis follows the group of young humans as they head off to the temple.
Your trip to the Church is short and suite and the rain grows slightly stronger as you near The two-story Church of St. Cuthbert, its white marble walls suffused with veins of vivid blue, stands in stark contrast to the buildings of bare black stone that flank it on the north end of Obsidian Avenue. A pair of white marble statues depicting armored warriors stands on either side of the temple’s heavy oaken door. Each of the statues raises a great mace to the sky. Above the door’s marble architrave are boldly inscribed the following words: “WITHIN LAW LIVES HOPE.” Ruphus looks up at the great building with awe as he always does. "A truly marvelous place isn't it. Well no point in tarrying out here to get ourselves soaked, please all of you come on in." Ruphus leads you all into the main chamber of the great church pushing wide the large wooden doors, The place is floored in well-polished wood, with wooden ceiling and pillars extending all the way to the roof high overhead. The walls are painted in pastoral scenes, and tinted glass mosaic windows of many shades of color allow light into the hall. There are no benches, pews or stools two archways lead into two rooms on either side of you. Before you have a chance to move around let alone even speak a cleric comes pacing down the long hall towards you Ruphus steps forward towards the man, "Good to see you have returned Ruphus my friend and with guests no doubt..." "There is no time to speak Marzuk, I must speak to lady Jenya I have vital information." The young acolyte looks confused but does not question Ruphus as he was aware of his mission. "What of your friends." He says gesturing the lot of you. "I'm sure she wishes to speak with them as well, a place to sit and some warm tea perhaps." Marzuk bows. "Right you are Ruphus." They begin to make down the hall exchanging some words along the way leaving you dripping wet at the door way all alone, before long another Cleric comes pacing down the hall one of few words no doubt as all he tells you is. "Follow me." You do so hoping for some explanation but he only leads you into the small room to your right, at least a dozen comfortable chairs sit in this chamber spread out to form a circle around a table sitting in the middle were eight cups of tea sit in wait for you. A warm fire place sits in the right most corner of the room next to the chairs. "Please sit." The man says as you enter a room, he then passes you all a towel and bows. "Lady Jenya will be here to see you momentarily." As quietly as he came he leaves with no explanation, I guess it's time to make yourself at home and wait.
Suddenly concious of Nilam's dead weight on her shoulders, Yvette pauses before entering the meeting room. "Ummm... I don't think Miss Jenya would appreciate this in her parlor." She turns around and lays the body on the floor outside, taking a minute to rearrange Nilam's cloak so it covers his face. With that attended to, she enters the waiting room and dries herself by the fire.
"Quite a place these Cuthbertites have." Hagin admires the building while waiting. "It surpasses the shrine to Pelor in grandeur maybe, but not in beauty or warmth."
Trane wipes himself off with the towel and looks at his monk outfit with disdain. It is uncomfortable, I could go by the fire, but discomfort is nothing.
Trane grabs a cup of tea and slowly sips and nods at Hagin's words. Seeming to come to a quick decision, Trane turns and looks at Yvette by the fire.
I could use my peripheral vision, but that is somewhat dishonest.
Drying herself by the fire, Yvette notices Train watching her. Why is he staring at me? Then she passes the towel by her knee and she notices the rip in her pants from when she stumbled during the quake.
"I'm sorry, Trane!" Yvette blurts out. "I meant no disrespect to your god coming into his temple like this. By the Cudgel, I must look like a drowned rat. Oh, great. Now we can add blasphemy to my offenses. Tell you what. I'll run home and change... No, that's no good, I still have no cloak. I'll just be soaked again when I get back. I'll just wait outside while you all talk to Miss Jenya." Yvette's eyes are scanning the room like she's trying to find an escape route.
Trane looks at Yvette and laughs, "No, I wasn't thinking that at all. I was thinking the way you handled those thugs was exactly the way St. Cuthbert would. He was never one to withhold a good beating from those who deserved it. You shouldn't wait outside, look at me, I never dress to impress."
Well, say something more.
"Being in a monastery I didn't get out much. So a woman drying herself by the fire is a pretty big event for me, just so you know."
Trane looks a little uncomfortable.
Jennis thanks Marzuk for the proferred towel and carefully wipes his hands and face before seating himself at the back of the table. As the others discuss this latest turn of events he sips quietly from his tea.
Well this has certainly turned out to be considerably more fun than listening to father speak of Elven responsibilities, again.
If watching me by the fire is such a treat, the monks really need to let their apprentices out more often, Yvette thinks.
Yvette takes a seat next to the monk and says,"Ummm... Thanks, Trane. I didn't really do all that much with the thugs, actually. You, Jennis, and Crispin did the hard work." She then pours herself a cup of tea.
Barek dries off as well and grabs a cup of tea, "I remembered something while we were walking over here. I've never heard of this Kazmojen before..though it does sound like a dwarven name. But, I think I have heard of the Malachite Hold. If I recall correctly, it was the main part of an old gnomish stronghold around here. Not sure exactly where though." He takes a sip of tea, pulling his lips back and cursing under his breath as it is still too hot. Leaning back he comments, "Well, I suppose I should warn you that this could get a little uncomfortable. Jenya might still be a little angry with me."
The door opens creeks open intercepting your conversation, as a woman in her mid-late twenties steps into the room. She has premature streaks of gray in her elaborately-coiffed, rich brown hair, and the symbol of St. Cuthbert hangs from her neck. While not beautiful in the classic sense, she has a presence that is at once both distinguished and welcoming. Her white robes hang loosely on her thin frame, and the golden trim sets off her brown eyes. She bows. "Jenya Urikas, acting high priest of the church of St. Cuthbert. An honor it is to meet you all." she says, her voice warm. "Ruphus has told me much of your rescue, which ended in no bloodshed let alone those thugs gruesome behavior, clearly The Cudgeler guides your hands, I extend the gratitude of St. Cuthbert for your valor, even to you Barek." She says with a less light tone directed at Barek. "You have proven your valor and faith though your action today, and I Sarcem and all of my faith have put great burden on my shoulder to which leads me to an offer for you, but never mind that first I wish to know your names I am unfamiliar with many of you."
Trane bows, "Lady Jenya, I am Trane Loften. I went through training here before transferring to the monastery. Now I cudgel with my hands.
What's with those two? How long has it been and she's still on his case? "Hi, Miss Jenya," Yvette says. "My name is Yvette Gallowfall. I'm here tonight because I'm Barek's friend."
Barek turns bright red at her attention. Well, that was better than I expected...and deserve. "You can think of them as my better side, Jenya." he says with a crooked smile in an attempt to lighten things. "We're actually hoping to see if we can find out what's behind the kidnappings."
As they enter the temple the solemn atmosphere and the peacefull surroundings bring back memories to Crispin. Mother would have liked this place, even with all the showiness... He loses himself in a reverie only to be startled back into reality at the mention of his name.
After a couple of seconds of confusion he starts to pay attention to the conversation around the room and watches intently as Lady Jenya present herself.
With a small bow the wizard says:
Crispin Turanor, my Lady. At your s-service.
Hagin gives a formal bow. "Hagin Oridani, Priest of Pelor and scion of the house of Surabar. It was only good fortune that allowed us to come to the aid of initiate Ruphus."
Jennis steps forward, takes Jenya's proffered hand and bows low, kissing her ring gently, "A pleasure to meet you, I am Jennis Silgark, son of Caledral, son of Darlaren, and the list goes on from there."
Jennis steps back to stand behind the others as the conversation continues.
"So now that we have the introductions out of the way," Yvette says leaning towards Jenya. "Why don't you tell us about this offer of yours?"
Jenya smiles as such formal introductions are made than takes a seat at the head of the head of the table and her face looks much more serious and after there is a silence she begins. "As you are most likely aware these are dark times for Cauldron, the kidnappings goblin raiders and even...murders, they are all to much for our town to take. Sacrem, was one of the few to step up and do something about it and help the city, but he recently...met his end. Which has left me at the head of the Church and as head of the Church of St. Cuthbert it is my responsibility to protect the young to follow Sarcem's legacy." Out of breath she pauses and takes a few deep breathers to calm down. "I do not believe it to be a coincidence the six of you came together tonight. I believe it was fate that brought you to Ruphus aid this night, fate that brought you to me, to the aid of all Cauldron. As high priest i must protect the Lantern Street Orphanage, and I have failed. Ruphus at the time you found him was on a mission for me to check up on the Orphanage to get a report on the children. Four children were kidnapped, and the Orphanages small valuables taken. I ask myself how a thief could ever break in they have night watch and Gretchyn looks after them like her own and yet still..." Jenya stops almost on the verge of tears and takes a breather, leans forward, palms on the table. "Cauldron is in need good people people like you to stand up against the threat and not just watch their town be brought down on onto it's knees, which brings me to a proposal. I want to hire you to investigate these kidnappings and put a stop to them. Do whatever you can to bring the victims back safely, but above all else, stop the men or women responsible for these crimes. The Last Laugh will not deter me from the path of justice.” Her face hardens to match her strong words. This is not an easily dissuaded woman. ”In return for your success, the church will pay you the sum of 2,500 Eagles, to be split amongst yourselves however you choose. What say you?”"
”The Lantern Street Orphanage has two common bedchambers on the second floor – one for the boys, one for the girls. Two children were taken from each room. Their names are Deakon, Lucinda, Evelyn, and Terrem. I have no idea why or how the children were singled out, nor how the kidnappers got in. The orphanage has barred windows and excellent locks on the doors, and the children are locked into their bedrooms at night to prevent any mischief.”
"I am no leader with no experience but because of Sarcems...death I ahve been put to head of the Church thus, I must continue Sarcems legacy. I am unable, not on my own, so I slipped an item from our Churches vault, Justice’s Light it is called given to our church many a years ago though it's history is lost it is worshiped here as much as our patron god. It's powers are strong not just for combat purpose's but for that of Divination. It has the power to speak with one of the Inheritor’s minions I asked it the question, ‘Where are the children who were abducted from the Lantern Street Orphanage?’ The answer was considerably more cryptic than I anticipated.” She pulls a sheet of paper from a scroll case and hands it to Trane, gesturing for him to read it and pass it along.
The sheet reads: "The locks are key to finding them. Look beyond the curtain, below the cauldron. Beware the doors with teeth. Descend into the malachite 'hold, where precious life is bought with gold. Half a dwarf binds them, but not for long."
After everyone has read the note, Jenya slumps back in her chair. ”I believe the first line is a reference to the orphanage’s locks, but what about them? I am stumped. I hope you are considerably cleverer than I am, for I have had no luck deciphering the riddle."
"I'd beat the creeps that hurt the orphans for free," Yvette smiles at Jenya. "But Pa would yell at me for not taking the money when I don't have a job. I accept your offer." Yvette then looks at the men sitting at the table, "You're all going to help, too, right?"
"Lady Jenya, we had already pretty much decided to pursue this quest on our own before your offer. We do not like what is being done by the Last Laugh in our own town. The money will be useful to purchase equipment for our trades; we would not think to insult the church by refusing it."
Trane smiles and reads the note in a clear voice and crinkles his forehead.
"This riddle is hard. Not to insult dwarves or gnomes, but I think a gnome is half a dwarf in weight, so I think they are held by a gnome."
Crispin half mumbles to himself while scratching his hands together without looking at any place specifically.
Malachite Hold, Malachite Hold... Its the second time we hear about the place in the last couple of hours. Gnomes again...
He stops for a moment and then asks the priest.
Have you ever heard of somebody named Kazmojen, Lady Jenya?
And do you have any information about the other d-disappearances and m-murders?
Hagin has no need for money as everything he wants is provided for by his family but, he should soon be leaving his family's home and begin to make his own way. the offered money would go a long way towards allowing him to maintain his accustomed lifestyle. Hagin quietly accepts the mission and is willing to accept the payment as well.
"Perhaps we should finish the orders you gave to Ruphus and look in on the orphans."
"Well, I have nothing better to do, and certainly many choices of poorer. This quest may prove enlightening. I am remiss to accept payment for a deed done for good, but it will cover my expenses and for that I shall accept."
And it will keep good 'ole dad off my back for a while too.
"I am forever grateful for your eagerness to assist. I have one more thing for you. Please, accept these with the gratitude of St. Cuthbert and the hope they will not be needed." Jenya pulls some vials from a pouch and hands one to each of you. The vials are marked with the symbol of the Cudgeler, and a label indicating that they are potions of cure moderate wounds.
"If you have no questions for me, I'm afraid I must take my leave. With my new position and so much to do I have very little time to spare. Feel free to use this room to discuss the task. When you are finished, an acolyte can lead you out. Thank you again for your desire to help. May St. Cuthbert guide you." Jenya leaves. You catch a glimpse of an acolyte waiting outside the room.
"The locks are the key," Yvette mutters. "That's almost as silly as the locksmith who was named 'key' something... Hey! She said the locks at the orphanage were good. Pa always said the best locks were made by a gnome. Keygan Ghelve I think his name was. What ever happened to him?"
@Cripin:"Kazmojen?" Lady Jenya says to herself trying to think of the name. "Afraid I have never heard the name before, though it sounds dwarven. Were er, how did you here it. Aye Id od have a full list of the other disappearances a matter of fact, can't seem to find any links between them though." She pulls out a few folded papers from a pouch at her side. "Perhaps you will have better luck than I." She says as she hands Crispin the papers.
Jorl Seerkin (male gnome, age 72): A law clerk who worked for a local gnome barrister named Aeryk Gylbar, he disappeared from his home 83 nights ago.
Azmi Dresker (female human, age 19): A known prostitute who plied her trade at the Slippery Eel Tavern, she disappeared from her residence 81 nights ago. She and a coworker, Shellen Rycah, rented the house from an old woman named Matira Hathaway, who was asleep in the house that night and didn’t hear anything.
Shellen Rycah (female human, age 20): Another prostitute who frequented the Slippery Eel Tavern and shared a house with coworker Azmi Dresker and their landlord. Shellen disappeared 81 nights ago.
Krylscar Endercott (male human, age 24): Kicked out of the local milita for drunk and disorderly conduct, Krylscar vanished from his parents’ home 74 nights ago. Neither parent hear or saw anything suspicious, but they believe Krylscar may have robbed them and fled the town in disgrace.
Callum Sunnyrush (male Halfling, age 37): He groomed horses and ponies for the Lathenmire noble family. He vanished from his room at a cozy local inn 69 nights ago.
Gryffon Malek (male human, age 32): He worked as a barkeep at the Tipped Tankard tavern. He disappeared 66 days ago, three days before his planned wedding to tavern barmaid Imelie Deranti.
Szordra Callagher (female human, age 35): A self-proclaimed sage, she ran her own small bookstore. She was last seen 60 nights ago by her 18-year-old Leagan, a mason’s apprentice.
Tembor Kalavan (male human, age 25): A local minstrel of some repute, he vanished 52 nights ago from his room in the Laughing Horse Inn.
Irruth Mercadi (female human, age 36): A local chandler who disappeared from the apartment above her shop 47 nights ago.
Deven Myrzal (male human, age 18): A lamplighter who vanished 45 nights ago. Guards found the pole Deven used to unhook hanging lanterns in the street a few blocks from his home (which was not robbed).
Jeneer Everdawn (female Halfling, age 42): A jeweler’s apprentice who did volunteer work at Bluecrater Academy, she disappeared 40 nights ago.
Lorthan Ironfold (male dwarf, age 125): A skilled Cartwright. He and his wife Sondor, vanished from their home 35 nights ago.
Sondor Ironfold (female dwarf, age 127): Wife of Lorthan Ironfold, she and her husband disappeared 35 nights ago.
Rikaldo Vesker (male human, age 34): His ransacked home contained blood droplets and blood-encrusted knives – not surprising, since Rikaldo worked as a skinner. He disappeared 31 nights ago.
Lestor Coldwater (male human, age 22): A trained scribe and struggling poet. He and his girlfriend, Jelluth, vanished from her home 26 nights ago.
Jelluth Sirlana (female half-elf, age 33): A struggling shoemaker who inherited her father’s failing business, she vanished (along with her boyfriend, Lestor) 26 nights ago.
Elethor Ashstaff (male half-elf, age 38): A wizard and trickster who occasionally performed minor feats of prestidigitation at birthday parties for upper-class children. He is actually quite skilled in the art and tends to show off his skill to other practicing at the Bluecrater. A dead rat – possibly Elethor’s familiar – was found in his home. He vanished 22 nights ago.
Maple (female Halfling, age 32): Last name unknown. Maple was rumored to be associated with the Alleybashers. She disappeared 18 nights ago.
Corystan Pike (female human, age35): A retired adventurer who was living on stolen loot, she walked with a cane. She disappeared from her modest abode 16 nights ago.
Deakon Stormshield (male dwarf, age 34): One of few of the Devotees of Pelor known in Cauldron, his parents were killed in his youth and he has lived alone since, Vanished from his home 15 nights ago.
Thompson Laigin (male human, age 54): A minor noble in the Lagin family, he is often looked on as a town drunk but in truth is a very intelligent man and probably the brains of the family, when found sober he works in his old rag down magic shop which serves more advice then supplies. He disappeared 12 days ago.
Jasper Drundlesput (male gnome, age 74): A reclusive and eccentric mathematician who worked at Bluecrater Academy, he is believed to have vanished nine days ago. Pieces of parchment covered with numbers and symbols littered the floor of his ransacked house.
Rogar Gorunn (male dwarf, age 14): A bright dwarf, Rogar was taken from the Lantern Street Orphanage three nights ago. The orphanage took him in when he was six years old, after his parents failed to return from an adventure.
Evelyn Radavec (female human, age 9): A quiet, sullen girl, she was taken from the Lantern Street Orphanage three nights ago. Her father and mother succumbed to the filth fever plague that struck Cauldron seven years ago.
Lucinda Aldreen (female human, age 8): A gregarious but superstitious child given to the Lantern Street Orphanage at age four by her poverty-stricken mother, Lucinda was abducted from the orphanage three nights ago.
Terrem Kharatys (male human, age 9): This orphan, taken from the Lantern Street Orphanage three nights ago, is a dour and temperamental lad. His parents died shortly after his birth (circumstances unknown).
Crispin quickly glances at the papers Lady Jenya gave him. By Olidammara! There are so many! with effort he pulls his focus back at the task at hand.
Also...we brought with us the body of one of Ruphus's a-attackers. We would like to k-know if the temple of St. C-Cuthbert could a-ask his spirit some q-questions. I know its much to a-ask...but he may k-k-know information about the children.
Crispin hesitates before going forward, visible unconfortable.
And I am s-sorry to bring up this m-matter up but it maybe r-related. H-how did Father Sarcem d-died?
So many pieces to this puzzle. And, so many missing in addition to Uncle Valor. He shifts in his seat to listen to Jenya's answers to everyone's questions.
@Crispin: "Marzuk has already taken care of the body but if you so wish, I can use my powers for the such on the morrow see me then and I will have the information you seek. Sarcem he was...murdered, we never found those responsible or any ties to why someone would want him dead..."
@Yvette: "Keygan still spends most of his time in his workshop, he gives steady supplies to all of Cauldron and some even beyond that, his craft is of excellent quality best I've ever seen and only the most skilled of thieves would have a chance and picking them."
T-thank you my l-lady.
Crispin says as Lady Jenya leaves the room. He then pass the list so everybody can read it. After all have seen it he resumes.
I d-don't see any connection between the n-names.
Looking down at his hands.
I must be missing something...
What do we do now?
"Off to locksmith with Key in his name I say. If he is not there we can 'look around'"
Trane pauses to say the words look around, he is above using hand quotes or hand punctuation of any kind.
Barek breathes a sigh as Jenya leaves the room. Well, that could have gone much worse. As talk turns to what to do next he pipes in, "Sounds to me like we should check the orphanage and checking the locksmith is a great idea. I'm fine with Trane's suggestion to start there."
"OK, let's check the locksmith first," Yvette says as she leaves the room.
Jenyas acolyte generously leads you out, it is still raining and the night is cold although less so then it was earlier. With haste you make for Lava Avenue and to the gnome's humble shop. It only takes you a few minutes to reach Lava Avenue, the uproar from the center of the town seem to have faded away by this time. A short walk brings you beside the lock shop, a small turret dominates the facade of this two-story black stone building. Iron bars are embedded in the thick window frames. Beyond the turret's ground floor windows sits a lovely display of locks, from large to small, simple to complex. To the left of the turret, above a heavy oak door, swings a simple sign that reads "GHELVE'S LOCKS"
This would be a lot easier if I were still in the guard, Yvette thinks as she examines the locksmith's shop. Oh, well. I can still knock like I used to. She starts pounding loudly on the door with her fist. "Mr. Ghelve, we'd like to have a word with you, please."
You knock on the door for a good few minutes with no response and just when you are about to stop, you hear one of the shuttered windows on the upper floor facing the street open's wide and the little gnome sticks out his head out and look down at you saying. "Shop's closed friend. Come back after sunrise." He then begins to close the window back up but appears to be having some difficulty.
Barek looks up at the gnome, trying to puzzle out why he is having difficulty with the window.
W-w-wait, good Sir, its about the Malachite hold! And the town's d-disappearances.
Hagin goes along with his friends. He is quiet most of the short journey lost in his thoughts until the gnome pokes his head out the window. "If it is after hours, we should return in the morning."
To the group only, "Locksmiths and thieves guilds would have an interest to work together. I suspect that is why it came up in the riddle."
To the gnome, "We have a few questions."
PER/sense motive
He looks down at you and raises an eyebrow. "Questions? now?, It's late and I'm not ready to talk business yours or mine, come back tomorrow, after sunrise." He goes back to trying to close his stubborn window which is going to let in a lot of rain if left like this all night.
Looking up at the gnome and the window it appears he is having trouble because the DM wants to give the PC's some time to respond without having to pound on the door again :)
"Sorry to bother you, Mr. Ghelk," Yvette says. "I was hoping you might tell us about the locks at the orphanage. I suppose our questions could wait till morning, but I don't know about the orphans. I have no idea what the Last Laugh would want with a bunch of little ones."
"Please help us, the children of Cauldron are at stake. A divine prophecy has lead us here."
"We promise not to stay too long. We're worried it might be too late if we take too long. Please let us speak for just a few minutes tonight."
Hagin joins his friends in entreating the locksmith. "Time is of the essence good gnome. That is why we are here at this late hour and you may be the only one that can help us."
Diplomacy
"hmmm." The gnome thinks. "Well fine, give me a moment to get down there." He closes the window back up and you here him bar it back up a precaution most use nowadays. Within a few moments you here the door unlock and open up the small gnome looks up at you. He is dressed in his pajamas indicating you likely woke him from his sleep the old gnome looks to be in healthy condition, Keygans hair is a dark grey as is his finely trimmed goatee. He smiles up at a you and says. "No point standing in the rain now come on in." He gestures you all to come in and you follow behind him to the stores entrance. This storefront smells of wood and pipe smoke. Two padded chairs flank a hearth containing a small yet lively fire. The fireplace's carved mantle bears a tinderbox, a small vase of dried smoking leaves, and a finely wrought collection of pipes. A burgundy strip of carpet leads from the entrance to the wall across from it, where dozens - perhaps hundreds - of keys hang from tiny hooks. The keys come in all shapes and sizes. A handsomely engraved mahogany counter stretches along one wall. Behind it hangs a red curtain that neatly hides the rest of the store. "I am not used to having many visitors especially not at this time of day, now that your inside do you care to explain what it is that is so urgent to wake me from restful sleep.