Sentis raised an eyebrow at the Tiger man's...is Doc correct?...is it really Vankerman?... strange character...I wonder what kind ofmagic he accesses?...way too many mysteries here this day... but was overjoyed to know that Holmburg would be alright after some rest.
Out the way we came?
Grusk feels different somehow overcoming the mental tricks of the dastardly tiger man ass....
"Seems tha best."
Outside and away from prying eyes or mind reading tigers; Sentis raises a question.
Where to? We cant take him back to the barracks and his place isnt secure enough. They might grab him again.
"Why th' hell can't we take 'im back t' the barracks?"
"Good question. I mean, if Sentis has reason to believe its not safe, then ok, but why not take him back there?" Blaze asks perplexed.
Sentis thought about it and realized he was probably over reacting.
I guess Im just a bit untrusting of some of our other brothers and having him so readily in view...but if you guys think its alright then its alright.
"I think th' captain needs t' hear this. He probably dosn't know Vankerman either is, or was replaced by, some kinda cat-head bastard prone t' kidnappin' other employers."
"I doubt he's likely to be in much danger now, to be quite honest; that 'thing' has gotten what it wanted from him already, and I doubt anyone else knows or cares enough about this past empire to have much interest in him. As far as "Vankerman" is concerned, I doubt the captain could do much about it."
The company is able to easily retreat the same way that they came in, and hear the creature indistinctly cry out in Vankerman's voice as they make their way through the window.
As you begin the slow task of ferrying Holmburg across town, you get roughly halfway to the barracks when he regains some sense of himself and croaks "Water... tell Rakshasa... danger" and you get a sense that if you sat him down for a few minutes he might be able to shed at least a little light on the situation.
Doc mixes up some powder and water in his tankard and gives it to Holmburg. "Slow down and drink, pal."
Holmburg sips at the water offered, managing to imbibe most of it without much spilling down his front. He seems to be improved by the experience.
Sentis caught the beginnings of a conversation with Vankerman...still hard to believe that we were traveling with that thing and didnt know it...I still have so much to learn...
later when Holmburg bagan to stir and mumble...
Hey lets stop here and let him rest...plus he's trying to tell us something.
Perception
Looking around, Blaze spots a small inn. "Let's break for a bit in there, give the old man some time to recover some. Half hour, tops. Sentis, get me a good diagnosis on him and let me know if we can move him sooner. Grusk, Dark, you're on surveillance duty. Nobody sneaks up on us, got it? Doc you're with me and the half-elf."
Pulling into a nearby inn that is mostly empty, it doesn't take much convincing to get a private room set aside. Once Holmburg is set down and gets a few moments to rest, he starts to talk... though his hands shake and his emotions seem to ride from fear to anger to hopelessness "..Thank you... the beast... drugged, nothing I could... it took it... all" sipping again at Doc's libation he takes a few deep breaths and calms down a little more.
"Do you know the beast that took me? the one that walks in the skin of your former employer?" he appears to be asking to see how much of a story he need tell you to bring you up to speed.
Grusk and Dark take up positions and check out your surrounds for any suspicious activity...
Sentis was alarmed at the beginnig of Holmburg's tale but not because of the Vankerman relevation but because of what kind of people kidnapepd and drugged a kind, old man like Homburg.
Hold still mister Holmburg while I make sure you're alright. We did speak with the tiger man but have no idea the significance of his form. We did know he was a beast at heart though... The half elf well remembered how ready Vankerman was to trade the slaves away.
Holmburg shudders and shakes his head "That may be Vankerman now... but I cannot think the Rakshasa walked in his skin for long... surely I would have known..."
Perception
"Replaced then? Think the real Vankerman might be alive somewhere? Also, tha' def'nitely null an' void's th' Hawk's contract. Th' captain needs t' know."
Darkbiter gets a sense that there might be something watching, and a slight scent of sulfur... but he cannot pinpoint any figures or presence.
___
Holmburg shrugs "I do not know, after I was taken I awoke in the room where you found me. The rakshasa may have a use for Robert... but if I were to wager I would not bet he still breathed."
What exactly is a Rakshasa mister Holmburg? I have never heard of such a creature.
Holmburg draws a deep breath before exhaling "Rakshasa are beasts from beyond but they yearn to walk among the people of this world... defilers and despoilers they corrupt and destroy what they can. They can take the form of men and mimic their voices to ply their trade and are powerful sorcerers. Their skin is stronger than steel and turns many a blade, flesh left unmarked unless the iron is blessed. It... it is hard to remember but I think this one asked after the ruins you were within..."
"Do they smell of sulfur? Because I smell sulfur and sense someone watching us."
...why would this Rakshasa be intersted in the ruins?...we didnt find much beyond...the book!...Did you find out anything in the book we brought back? Do you remember telling him anything of importance?
Sentis knelt and ruffled Baran's fur as the wolf layed on the floor of the inn. He was worried the Wolves were in over their heads but they seemed to always be in that predicament and also had a way of coming out ahead...or at least alive and thats saying something...
To Darkbiter Holmburg shakes his head.
To Sentis he looks up with an intensity that cuts through the drug addledness "Was the book in my room? or did the beast take it?"
"I don't remember. I think it might have been taken. Sentis, is he safe enough to move yet?"
He looks hale enough to walk but it is entirely up to him...and I remember Thronebound's book being missing from your apartment when we got there mister Holmburg...unless maybe you hid it?
He shakes his head "No... at least I don't think so." though he does manage to stand and seems a bit steadier on his feet.
"Holmburg where you want to be taken?"
"Do you think it would be safe to go back to my room... I'd like to see what was taken?"
I think we can handle that mister Holmburg. Right this way.
Sentis will lead the way back to the old man's apartment.
Blaze glowers at Grusk and Sentis, hand on Sunstrike's hilt. "You two mangy louts forget whose in charge? I'm not sure the old man's rooms are the safest place right now."
"Might be worth checkin' in tha' case." Doc said taking a swig off his flask. "We could send th' louts up t' scout it out b'fore we take the old man up."
"I would actually respectfully disagree. I doubt this rakshasa creature has any more need of Mr. Holmberg and likely took anything that it thought be of value. That thing doesn't seem like something would perpetually torment anyone without good reason, but rather seems willing to discard those he sees as having served their purpose as a child would discard a broken old toy. Besides which, his rooms are likely as safe as any place for him to go; if that creature were truly after him, no place would safe for very long." Dark points out quietly as he continues to keep all senses alert for the scent of sulfur.
Grusk raises an eyebrow...nods at the old man
Heads up to check with dark.....
"Perhaps, but we know this rakshasa is not working alone, and we do not know who or what else might be out there. Seeking Holmburg or us. And what of this sulfur scent? Unless you have suddenly figured out where that is coming from and that is friendly to us, then we must assume its hostile." He fixes each of squad mates in the eye, staring at them hard. "Let us go back to the barracks first, then the Green Team can scout Holmburg's, yes?"
Sentis took the scolding with a smile and made a note of trying to remember this military heiarchy of command thing. He guessed he should have been used to it by now but some changes took longer than others. still he would make the attempt and use some lingo he had overheard yesterday in the Blood Hawks compound.
Aye aye Sarge!
Holmburg is in no position or condition to argue, and is swept along with the group on the way back to the barracks. Dark detects no more scent of sulfur... but he cannot shake the worrying feeling of something watching.
Nearing the barracks you see a curious sight... it looks as though the company is laid out for inspection. The is generally only seen when an employer wishes to personally choose their mercenaries.
"Looks a cluster-f*~$."
Sentis wanted to be just about anywhere else except at he barracks right now. The idea of standing in rank for inspection was a horrible one.
Any one else think this might have something to with our escapade earlier today? We still have a chance to walk away before we're spotted.
"Barracks ho, team green ready for scouting mission, on your order."
Doc shook his head at the inspection. He'd always hated them. Glancing up at Blaze he said, "Ye want t' settle Holmburg in, or report t' th' Captain? Ah'll take whatever ye don' want."
Blaze sighs a tad "Should be me to go see the Captain. Take care of Holmburg. Grusk, Dark, you two go recon his room. Sentis, as healer, you're more or less in charge of Holmburg. If you feel he needs extra care or special treatment, get it."
Dark n' Grusk's Adventure:
The half-orcs take off through the streets, bouyant on avoiding any need to stand sentinel under the hot sun while being turned out and inspected, and are soon coming back up on Holmburg's tavern. As it grows on the horizon with each footstep, thoughts turn to the approach.
Barracks Inspection:
As you draw a little closer you notice the Captain walking beside a flamboyantly dressed Chelish woman as they make their way down the parade ground to poke and prod at the mercenaries standing still like statues under the sun. The woman is tall, haughty and with long black hair coiffured into a dainty hat at present. They don't immediately notice you - so Doc and Sentis are able to skirt the compound and sneak Holmburg into a side building without being accosted. A few of the rank and file see you, but restrain themselves to dirty looks and a fouler mood at knowing that you're missing out on the fun.
Blaze is not quite so lucky as when he moves to approach the Captain - the Chelish lass notices him first. In a silky voice she remarks "It would seem that one of your eyas was outside the nest today..." a smirk crossing her lips. The Captain turns to see you and taking a quick visual sizing up of the situation he has a curious eye before closing the issue "Yes, I will have words with him later... his group is not available at any rate. Please let us continue." the Captain's tone not reproachful, but more mindful of not discussing issues in front of potential money.
Once inside, Doc gets straight to work brewing up a poison remedy for Holmburg, and a decent meal for the squad.
Blaze sits on a nearby barrel, and watches whatever transpires quietly. He remains alert and observant