You find a place to rest for the night and the next day begins.
The local constable has asked that you not leave town because of last nights murder and some of you have decide to try and help solve the crime.
Alvoise leaves the inn where he paid three coppers to share a bed with two strangers. Since he agreed to help solve the murder, he heads towards Whiteshaw where the constables are headquartered. A bead of orange light marks his passing through the morning fog which swallows the smoke of his cigarette.
After a welcome night's rest, Raskir greets the dawn by going up to the rooftop to commune with nature for an hour, up above the hubbub of the streets.
Jayla hadn't slept, she had replayed the events in her head.
A new day, let's see what will become of it, provided investigating results in anything useful.
Henric's head swims as he drags himself awake. An empty potion vial spills from his fingers; the sound of it clattering across the floor rings in his ears as he struggles upright.
drank too much you smoked too much you took that potion again the one that blocks me out but I'm back I'm back too and dear gods, you need to take better care of yourself this is going to kill you I'll kill you I'll drag you down with me I'll
He ignores the voices as he buttons his shirt and laces his trousers; checks the blade remains hidden in his cane; spends an hour or so preparing his potions for the day.
did that wrong you didn't add enough nightshade to the
"I'm not listening to you," he mutters to himself - one of them, anyway.
remember I always used to add just a dash of mint oil to that one made it go down smoother 'cos it tasted so bad like
He squeezes his eyes shut, holding his glassware steady as he tries to block out the memories. Now was no time for distraction. He had the feeling he'd need all his wits today.
--------------------------------------------------------------
After applying his disguise, checking himself in the reflection of a beaker to make sure his pigments are even, he nods, packs his portable laboratory into its case, and shoulders his belongings. Walking with his cane, he makes his way through the streets to the headquarters of the constabulary, his gait refined, his posture perfect. When your last, clearest, life was as a Taldan dandy, you remembered certain habits and traits.
Upon arriving, he waits to be addressed, a tall Varisian man wearing neat clothes in a flattering style and understated colours, glimpses of boiled leather plates showing when his coat shifts. Inside, his mind boils, as always - outside, he is the picture of calm.
You leave the Inn were you spent the night after you finished the your morning preparations and head to Whiteshaw to speak with the constable.
You arrive at Whiteshaw one at a time and once you explain who you are and why you arrived you are sent in the back to see the constable who is in the process of examining the belongings of the victim. Which apparently constituted only of a small satchel and the the robes he was wearing.
"Well I asked around and the old man arrived just last night on a caravan coming out of Numeria, he didn't talk to nobody and I wasn't even able to get a name for him."
The dwarf empties out the satchel revealing small pouches of ingredients, some scrolls, some potions potions, two wands, a thick book, a pouch of coins and a masterwork dagger.
The dwarf peeks inside the book "Looks like spellcaster gibberish...A wizard's spellbook then? Looks like wands and spell components as well so our friend was most likely a mage." he examines the pouch which contains 13 platinum pieces and 30 gold. "Quite a bit of coin too..." He looks up to those who came. "I've spoken to several patrons at the Inn already and the story told is pretty much all the same. The old man was attacked and you tried to help. I'm convinced you had nothing to do with the murder so you can leave if you wish. However if you still want to help I'm still offering a reward for any useful information you bring me."
Xaikon walked beside Raskir as they made their way to the Black Sun Inn, keeping an eye out for potential trouble makers to her.
Once at the inn she made her way to the roof top of the inn. On the roof she wrapped her cape around her wings and body, then meditated to clear and revitalize her mind before lying down on the roof slope with Krsit sitting beside her. She spent the time watching the stars and the early night activities in the street below until the activity died down. Once quiet, she ventured back inside to find a bed to sleep.
She awoke when she heard the others stir nearby. Quickly splashed some water onto her face, then headed downstairs to get something to eat and pay. There she waited until Raskir was ready, before heading off with her new found human friend to Whiteshaw as was requested the previous day.
”How much is the reward?” Alvoise asks the dwarf. ”And are we considered honorary members of the constabulary for this investigation?”
Alvoise looks over the other patrons. Competitors or companions? The strix and the wild-looking man look like they’re a duo already, he thinks.
”I recognize some of you from last night. You might remember my name. Alvoise. So you interested in doing this together or is it going to be everyone for himself? Anyone from Caliphas?”
"I was born in Caliphas," the Varisian man says to Alvoise in a soft voice, his tone clipped and formal. "I've been many, many places in my lifetime, though, and don't consider myself from any one in particular."
Issia Korvosa Minkai Jalmeray Thassilon Oppara Westcrown
"Many places," he reaffirms. "I believe teamwork is advisable, due to the fact that we appear to be an incongruent assemblage. While monetary compensation would be welcomed by all, I would imagine, I would appreciate nothing more than the opportunity to exercise my intellect once again."
”Well met,” Alvoise says, bowing while placing his right hand over his heart in greeting. ”If you’re willing to do this merely for the challenge of it, then you must be pretty smart and wealthy.”
"Well truth be told there isn't much more we can do. The killers are already dead and both they and the victim came from Numeria which is outside my jurisdiction. Finding out who sent the killers would be the next step but that's not my job. If you find anything out let me know and I will inform the Numerian authorities and give you a 50 gold bounty for your trouble."
Jayla looks at the man with her vacant metallic eyes.
"We've seen the assailants' faces dissolve. Would in this city be any craftsman who can make mechanical devices, or figures?"
"You could say that," Henric says to Alvoise, a smile crossing his face but not reaching his dark eyes. To the constable, he adds, "The faces of the assailants liquefied upon their death, in a manner similar to a wax sculpture. Is there anyone in town who would have or make use of such things?" His mind is working, trying to piece together all the information he has, but the additional thoughts and inputs fighting for his attention leave him somewhat at a loss.
Hearing the words "50 gold bounty" get her attention quickly as she had begun day dreaming resulting from feeling rather bored with the tedious investigation interview. She whispers to Raskir, "50 gold will help us travel, what you think?"
After a hot bath and a nights rest Val meets up with the others.
the mention of money get's her draconic greed started
"A 50gp bounty sounds a bit on the cheap side, could you increase it to say 100gp.
As I believe the query is a very cautious and careful individual,
And it would be very hard to find him."
Jayla briefly looks at Valeria.
"This woman certainly has a liking to currency."
She turns to the constable though, "Any indication where we should start our search?"
Raskir agrees with Xaikon and consents to the job. Good to have a purpose.
He looks over the dead wizard's items for a while. "Can anyone read these runes? Maybe they are a clue to his wizard-clan."
Spells/day: 4 level 0
Memorized: Detect Magic, Light,Mending,Create Water
2 level 1 + bonus
Cure Light Wounds,Entangle, Charm Animal(bonus)
Alvoise idly picks up one of the wands, twirling it around his fingers. ”No, I can’t read runes. Would the book have any identification? A wizard’s mark?” He puts the wand back on the table.
Addressing the constable he says, “Well, if you didn’t get the man’s name from his caravan, at least you could tell us which caravan he arrived with. We can ask them where he joined. It’d mean backtracking, but perhaps his next of kin is there and will give us a small reward for returning with his body.”
He smiles at the android. ”A good thought of exploring who has the means to make killers like the ones we saw.”
Jayla pulls off her hood, revealing the eerie features that come with the androids. Metallic blue eyes, likewise lips and pale skin with markings.
"In that case, people could talk more when seeing one's faces would they not?"
"Whoa, haven't seen an android before, only heard of them."
Would it have been better to keep the hood on? Is that awe or fear she is expressing?
"Likewise i must say, as i have not yet met any like myself. I know only bits and pieces."
"Perhaps...If you actually find anything concrete I could manage a hundred gold."
"I do not know of anyone around here that could create anything like those assassins."
"It actually happens to be the same caravan I mentioned last night, the one heading back into Numeria soon. You cant contact a sir Silas Gribbles he's the man in charge."
Alvoise’s eyes widen when Jayla reveals herself. He glances at the others to see if they suspected her nature. He bows low to her, sweeping his hand wide. ”It is like meeting you anew,” he says.
He turns his attention to the constable once more. ”Sir Sillas Gribbles? Thanks for the information. And the extra gold will be appreciated. It will probably be spent here in Caliphas, so your city will ultimately benefit. Well, my friends, unless there’s anything else here, I’ll be going to find this Gribbles.”
She's strange looking so why don't you rub off that pigment after all show them what you really look like no keep it it makes you look distinguished why don't they care that she's a mechanical being I wonder what makes her tick let's cut her open and find out it could be useful you knew what she was of course I did
"I'll accompany you," Henric says to Alvoise, stretching his arms while surreptitiously checking that no blue skin shows at the cuffs of his jacket or neck of his shirt - the pigments were applied down to his collarbones and elbows, but they were unreliable at times depending on
the weather I told you it has to be the weather
various factors. "We can take the victim's effects - I may be able to identify them when my head clears. I have a knack for such things." He makes his way to the door, pausing to wait for the others, before slipping through into the cold morning air.
"I'm willing to let you look at these but you aren't taking them with you!" says the constable.
Xaikon's widen when Jayla pulled back her hood to reveal being an android too, for her this was incredible to experience such a discovery after yesterday's strange assassins. Without thinking, "You are like those assassins of yesterday.". She just kept staring at Jayla, studying her as much as possible, completely fascinated, becoming oblivious to the conversation taking place between the constable and the rest of the group present.
Jayla's blank eyes stare at Xaikon for a moment.
"You are jumping to invalid conclusions. The attackers yesterday were men, as to where the observant would see i am a woman. I don't know my origins, but i am certain these 3 are unlike myself."
.....
When the android pulls back her hood, Raskir's hand goes to his spear reflexively. But he seems to sense she is not a threat and relaxes, apologizing for his reaction.
Raskir nods at the discussion of the caravan, and he agrees that is a good place to start. He gathers his things and prepares to go.
Alvoise offers his hand to the constable. ”It’s been a pleasure,” he says. ”Be back soon for that reward.” He nods to the others and steps into the morning, following Henric.
Seeing some heading out of the building, Xaikon quickly catches up to Raskir, to walk beside him as they follow Henric and Alvoise.
Having sat at the table with Valeria and the rest of he group already deciding who accompanies whom, she turns to her.
"The rest is already forming pairs, i shall then go with you."
Val replies
"Sure thing, As it's safer than going alone."
Alvoise walks down the street towards the section of Caliphas where caravan overseers and workers congregate. His mint and tobacco smoke disappears into the fog but leaves a distinctive scent. "If this Gribbles can't help us, I don't know where to go next for information," he says.
"Then let us hope Gribbles can point us in the right direction," Henric replies, weaving through the people in the fog, his cane tapping on the ground as he walks. "Alvoise, was it? If we're to be working together on this... incident, why don't you tell me a little more about yourself?"
read him why can't i read him what's going on
”Alvoise of Karcau. You want to know a bit about me?” the man says. He takes off his wool cap, and scratches his blond hair. ”Here are four things, one of which is a lie: I’m a worshipper of Desna. I can’t think of any gnome who would call me friend. I’ve never been to Absalom. These pants,” he sweeps back his cloak to reveal green and white striped pants, “were a birthday gift.”
Jayla overhears the talk.
Unaccustomed to the subtleties of lying, she carefully observes Alvoise instead, leading eventually to his weapon.
"Yet your claim does not match your weapon of choice. I have limited knowledge of gods, but i've overheard painters wearing that symbol talk about a woman named Shaylinn."
Raskir overhears and slaps Alvoise on the back, perhaps a bit too enthusiastically. "A worthy riddle! I think Jayla beat me to the answer though."
He offers one of his own. "One of these is a falsehood. I was adopted as an infant when my mother found me. I have fought a bear unarmed. I love rabbits. I can do a Varisian scarf dance."
Alvoise turns his head slightly to look at Jayla, his eyes flashing with annoyance for a moment. ”Well that was fast, sweetheart. I bet not much gets past those unique eyes of yours. You’re right. I’m a devout follower of Shelyn, goddess of painters, poets, musicians, and lovers. SHEHL-ihn, not Shaylinn,” he slowly pronounces the word for her benefit.
He nods at Raskir. ”Normally it’d be her turn, but since you volunteered,” he studies the man as they walk along.
”I guess I'm better at lying than spotting them. I can't read you. Anyone know?”
Henric has barely opened his mouth to answer before Jayla swoops in and does so. His eyes flick to her, from the holy symbol of Shelyn he'd already spied on Alvoise's blade.
He listens as Raskir speaks, watching him closely, studying his face and movements.
"You cannot do a Varisian scarf dance. Your limbs are not long and sinuous enough; you would never be able to perfect your movements." He doesn't wait for confirmation; he knows he's correct.
a scarf dance hey i can do one of those wait where's my kapenia where did
"My turn," he says, tapping his chin with one long finger. "Very well. I am a graduate of Lepidstadt University. Black is not my natural hair colour. I have never been to Oppara. I am a great deal older than I appear."
"I..shall remember that pronunciation."
Jayla is unaccustomed to games, though she's overheard some, she never had any experience first handed.
...as such, with Henric's riddle she was oblivious, with no distinct
Though her perception was pretty accurate, there wasn't a way by observation to determine his claim.
"If i may."
I was once concerned for my life. I have a natural enemy. If you hide in the dark i can still see you. Over long distance I can travel faster by foot than of us.
The concerned part is a half-truth, androids are emotionless, though self preservation is the closest thing to what she said.
[ooc]everyone[/dice]
"I'm to honest to even bother lying.
Though I know likely when I'm lied to."
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