Nodding in relief, Zero is glad of his loose clothing in this nice weather. I was right to think this seemingly barbaric man to be quite intelligent, even if he only guessed half my reason for not entering.
Holding his cross legged position on the ground, the half elf quietly murmurs, "He's right." His piece voiced, Zero leans his head against the wall and gazes skyward.
In but a few seconds Jacov comes back out and asks for all of you to step on in please.
As you enter the 'office' you realize first that you are entering a large spacious room indeed. The whole group could have fit in here without any trouble what-so-ever.
Secondly, you notice that his office is certainly ornately decorated! There is a bronze statue of some angelic figure, various works of art, tapestries, a very exquisite wooden cabinet with glass panels in the front displaying many different statuettes and other assorted nick-nacks. Some appear to be made of gold, others of silver. One particular piece catches your eye, it appears to be made of the same material of the chip Abernard Royst showed you. It is designed in the shape of a small pitcher.
Gradually you come to the realization that your feet feel 'different' somehow, though good, and when you look down you realize you are standing on a finely crafted rug that is so thick you feel as if the ground was cushioned.
All in all, you are surrounded by riches!
Your wandering gazes are all suddenly drawn to the front of the room, when a kind, yet stern feminine voice, says, "I am the High Mother Sarise. Young Jacov here tells me you have come to offer your aid in our problem with the 'living dead' shall we say? I hope you are able to help! Otherwise I'm afraid the attacks will only get worse! Shall I tell you about them then?"
Please do High Mother.
Boudacia notices the sumptuous surrounds, her gaze lingering on the more interesting items.
While waiting, Alex will approach Tamlara and lean in closer and in a conspiratorial whisper, "Actually, if her office is anything like I expect, there will be of room! I just didn't think it the best place to bring Mr. Blinky to, and did not want to offend either him or Ozzy!"
Tamlara arches her eyebrow at Alex and says:
"They seem pretty inseparable to me. Are we always going to ask them to wait outside when going into a fancy place? She's not stupid, she will catch on . . and rather quickly, I'm sure."* * * *
When they are ushered into the high Mother's office, Tamlara looks around at the room and it's furnishings and thinks, "I feel like a grimy rag that accidentally fell into a pile of bright silken ribbons. This place is . . . just . . . wow."
She looks to High Mother Sarise and says: Please do tell us about these . . . new? . . . undead. Hopefully we can be of some assistance.
She tries to keep her eyes locked on the High Mother so as not to gape too much at the opulence around her.
Aldhranhald listens to Tangar, nods, and smiles. He then places a finger in his book, closes it for a moment, and looks him in the eyes and says, "I'm afraid you have misunderstood why I didn't want to go in. I've absorbed a pretty good lay of the land as the expression goes. We're being watched and judged as a group already. Don't think we aren't. I'm guessing ever since we left The Helmed Lady we've had eyes and ears watching." He pauses a moment for dramatic effect and looks around suspiciously. "If the little birds around here are reporting back about our group, I want them to see one person as a clear leader. Right now Boudacia has stepped into that role rather nicely. By sitting out here I send the message to everyone that I'm either aloof, disinterested, or just along for the ride. I'm certainly not the guy making decisions. See?" Aldhranhald asks, and reaches one hand up to grab the thin black braid that hangs down in front of his left ear, he pulls it across his face just above his lip so it looks like a mustache, and says, "The art of disguise has many facets, and leaders are targets." He smiles and then goes back to reading his book.
Aldhranhald listens to Tangar, nods, and smiles. He then places a finger in his book, closes it for a moment, and looks him in the eyes and says, "I'm afraid you have misunderstood why I didn't want to go in. I've absorbed a pretty good lay of the land as the expression goes. We're being watched and judged as a group already. Don't think we aren't. I'm guessing ever since we left The Helmed Lady we've had eyes and ears watching." He pauses a moment for dramatic effect and looks around suspiciously. "If the little birds around here are reporting back about our group, I want them to see one person as a clear leader. Right now Boudacia has stepped into that role rather nicely. By sitting out here I send the message to everyone that I'm either aloof, disinterested, or just along for the ride. I'm certainly not the guy making decisions. See?" Aldhranhald asks, and reaches one hand up to grab the thin black braid that hangs down in front of his left ear, he pulls it across his face just above his lip so it looks like a mustache, and says, "The art of disguise has many facets, and leaders are targets." He smiles and then goes back to reading his book.
"Well, it’s becoming increasingly clear that some powerful and malevolent presence is stirring in the dungeons below the Emerald Spire. Strange new forms of undead monsters have begun to plague both Thornkeep and Fort Inevitable in recent months, and powerful spellcasters throughout the Crusader Road area have reported scrying efforts from an unknown source able to brush aside their normal screens and defenses.
These strange attacks by dangerous undead worry myself and the other officials of Fort Inevitable. These creatures have a mysterious symbol — a skull wearing a majestic crown — emblazoned on their armor, etched on their flesh, or otherwise evident on their bodies. It has also been reported that these undead have tiny, glowing green shards embedded in their bodies and the reports say they all wear matching blue robes and their eyes glow blue.
The Lady Commander Drovust has posted a request on the 'job' board by the fountain asking for help in resolving this issue. She seeks a bold party of adventurers to search out the “crowned skull” and destroy it before this menace grows any stronger.
Jacov has told me some of your group preferred to wait outside. I understand not all are 'comfortable' in a place of worship, though I wish it were not so. I am sure some of your party at least will be seeking for some sort of compensation for this task. Since we do not know the full extent or nature of this “crowned skull” group we really have no way of specifying a proper reward, though as you can see by the decor of my office, that between the church of Abadar and the Lady Commander's backing as well, you will be compensated! Not to mention having the gratitude of the largest religious following in the area and the gratitude of the Commander of the Hellknights! And of course you get to keep any thing you find along the way as well!
Now, I apologize for the length of my speech here, but I feel it was needed to try get everything out. Do you have any questions?"
"Your words are informative and to the point High Mother.
I have two questions and an observation. The latter is if this Crowned Skull is indeed behind the scrying efforts on the Crusader Road, we may well not be equipped to defeat it. We should at least be very cautious.
Would you like one of us to go and request our companions outside to join us?
These new undead, you have described their appearance and where they have been. What is known of their capabilities and what have they actually been doing?"
Boudacia speaks quietly and thoughtfully, showing respect but not reverence.
Looking down at the elf Tangar shakes his head, thinking for a moment.. Is dis elf crazy.. No von is vatching us, who vould care about us..
Vat are you talking about, dere is no von vatching us, ve are unimportant people in zis vorld. No von care vat ve do here.. The barbarian looks about the area, and down the road.
His gaze slowly scans the buildings and the road.. eventually coming back to the elf, then again his eyes go back to looking at the people passing by.. his thoughts still questioning the elfs comment.
When Aldhranhald mentions them being watched, Ozzy and Mr. Blinky look around to see if they can spot anyone doing so.
Aldhranhald laughs a good hearty chuckle at Tangar, Ozzy, and her trusty companion Mr. Blinky, as they scan the immediate vicinity for people watching them. You assume the only way to watch us is by people, with eyes. There are a lot of ways to keep "an eye" on someone, or a group of someones, that have nothing to do with people or their eyes.
The north-man looks back down at the elf.. ..But you still have not said vy somevon vould vatch us. Dere is no reason...
He scratches his head and goes back to crowd watching, one thing he likes to do, it keeps the mind and eyes active for possible threats.
Tamlara listens attentively as the High Mother describes the problem. She allows the High Mother to answer Boudacia's questions, then says:
I also have just a few questions.
Where in Thornkeep and Fort Inevitable have these undead been seen? And how many have been seen at any given time? Also, have they shown up at any particular times, or attacked anyone in particular? Then lastly, has anyone managed to destroy one, and if they did, were there pieces left that we could look at?
"My time is precious to me, so I don't believe in wasting words. I say what I mean and get it over with.
You are wise to advise caution. Rushing in without knowing is a dangerous game and many have been lost to it. But, no your companions are not needed if they have entrusted you for this meeting.
As to the capabilities of these undead, ... some of them are zombies rather than skeletons, and seem to move faster than your average zombie. The skeletons were easier to kill if you had some sort of smashing weapon, such as a hammer, instead of a sword. But that is really all we have gathered besides the usual. Cold damage does not seem to affect them as is usually the case.
Their activities, so far, have always been on the outskirts of town, on lonely farmers, or loggers going into the woods or such. So far they have not come into the towns! Are concern is that the attacks have been more frequent lately. Their does not seem to be any plan or co-ordination to their attacks, which happen at any hour, day or night.
How many you ask? Sometimes it is just one of them, the largest reported number was 5, though I have reason to question the validity of that report as the farmer in question has been known to exxagerate issues before.
Every attack has been successfully defeated so far, but I'm afraid no one thought to keep a part of an undead creature. Though I have heard a rumor that Ilyana Stonde's son, Davon by name, kept one of the pieces depicting the skull and crown hoping to be able to sell it as a curiosity item. That family is having a very hard time of things since the father's execution a while back. They live way out to the east, very near the woods. Perhaps you could see this piece or acquire it from him, if he actually has one. I forgot to mention earlier, I have attempted multiple scryings and divinations to see if I could find anything out, but all I get each time is that image of the skull & crown. I have depicted a picture of it here on this parchment. You may take it with you if you wish." She reaches into a drawer in her desk and pulls out a parchment with the image of the shull and crown.
"Any other questions before I return to my many duties here?"
Boudacia takes the parchment and inspects it, then offers it to Tamlara. She then says:-
"I have no more questions. This Crowned Skull... it seems certain to be malignant and the threat can only get worse. I can't really speak for the rest of the group. But we have accepted two commissions to go to the Emerald Spire. I expect conflict with the Crowned Skull is inevitable when we go there. I will recommend that we do as you wish, and I think it near certain the group will agree.
We will try to verify if these undead do in fact have glowing green shards in their bodies and bring some back for examination. And we will attempt to gain an original of the Crowned Skull symbol and likewise bring it to Fort Inevitable, from Davon Stonde or from the creatures directly.
Thank you for your time and information High Mother."
Boudacia bows and looks to Tamlara to see if she wishes to speak.
Boudacia bows and looks to Tamlara to see if she wishes to speak.
And then looks at Alex to see if he wishes to speak.
After Tangar's question, Aldhranhald closes his book with his finger in it again, and looks like he's going to say something, but then closes his mouth with a heavy sigh. Having a dhampir among us, as well as a skinwalker, is cause enough for certain powers to keep tabs... But a barbarian from the Linnorm lands isn't likely to understand scrutiny of that kind. Finally the elf opens his mouth and says, "Ignorance is bliss, my friend. Forget I said anything." He then goes right back to enjoying the sunshine and reading his book on ancient Azlanti sculpture.
Tangar furrows his brow.. ignorance... he looks down again.. Explain yourself, I am no ignorant of anysing, ve are no threat to this town, vat are you meaning here. The north-man has no idea why people new to the town would be under such scrutiny. The elfs words make no sense and confuse the northerner..
Aldhranhald sighs heavily and puts his bookmark back in his book, and sets it down on the ground. Tangar, doesn't it strike you as a bit odd that such a diverse group of people seemed to fall in with one another so quickly? I mean, two turned into six almost as if we were destined to find and align with one another. In my experience when things like that happen, there are forces at work in the world beyond our ken. It is also my experience that when forces like that begin to play, other forces take notice. This is too diverse a group, that came together way too easily, for me to think it is just some sort of normal social dynamic. Besides, have you seen Mr. Blinky? That thing creeps me out, and I'm fairly certain it doesn't mean any harm to me.
Shrugging his shoulders Tangar responds It is 'ust a beast, probably under her control for most part, but still a vild beast. People come togesar qvite often, especially ven dey haf common interests. Dis spire, I am sure it has gotten many folks togesar, trying to conquer its mysteries.. ve are no de firs, nor shall ve be da last. I sink you vorry too much.
The north-man obviously doesn't seem concerned by what Aldhranhald has said, but the elf gets the impression the northerner isn't really worried about those things.. maybe he's used to scrutiny by others, or he has learned others will do as they please, and he just wont care..
When Tangar calls Mr. Blinky "just" a wild beast, Mr. Blinky looks at him and responds, It takes one to know one, I suppose.
Boudacia bows and looks to Tamlara to see if she wishes to speak. And then looks at Alex to see if he wishes to speak.
"Yes, Mother, thank you for this information. We will do what we can, as Boudacia has stated. If you have no further questions, Alex?"
Tamlara bows as they leave the room, thinking: Whew, that wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be!
Alex gives a slight bow to the Mother, "Thank you High Mother Sarise. We shall do everything we can to find the source of these unnatural creatures and put an end to them. I have some skills that may come in quite useful in that aspect. We shall take our leave and let you get back to your work now."
As they are walking on out of the very fancy temple with all its stained glass windows and fancy decor, "So ladies, I suggest we gather the rest of our group and head on over to the Citadel which is just across the road from here. I believe that for purposes of obtaining our 'letter of warrant' they will want at the very least the name and description of each member of the group, and they will probably want everyone to be present and sign their name or mark to the document. As I understand it, we have to pay 50 gold for this letter and it is good for one year. Do we have a plan of how to pay for this letter? I don't know about you, but I only have little more than 9 gold. Any suggeestions?"
Boudacia listens to Alex as they leave the temple, pausing to collect her dagger from the acolyte. She replies to Alex as they rejoin those waiting outside, replying:-
"Yes, I think we should head to the Citadel. I understand a Letter of Warrant costs 50 gold as you say. Fortunately, I have enough gold to cover the cost of the letter. You can pay me back from treasure or rewards we get from our first trip to the Spire. That will allow us to get started."
As the group heads towards the Citadel, Boudacia gives a comprehensive report on what was discussed with High Mother Sarise Dremagne.
Quietly rising from his place on the wall, Zero glanced in the direction of the spire before saying, "I fear I'm not one meant to fight. I wish you luck on your journey." As he goes to leave he hands Alex the required gold for the warrant. "Keep them safe please."
"Best wishes to you zero. Thank you and keep safe."
When the creature responds to him, Tangar barely notices.. he wasn't much on talking to animals, and wasn't about to start.
As they head towards the citadel and Zero moves off to seek other endeavours, the north-man stops for a moment and cocks his head sideways, watching the man move away. Best not have those around who's heart is not in the fight. Vill miss the combat skill, but perhaps anoser vill come along, or I vill haf to shoulder tha burden on my own.
He continues on, bringing up the rear, after the others have moved up the road. Did he wear right, Boudacia volunteer the price of the contract, he knew he would have to give his part, or pay her back in due time, but he was uneasy letting her pay it all herself...
Please, allow me to contribute funds to the purchase of the license. Aldhranhald says as he puts his book back in his pack and shoulders it, then grabs his oak staff and follows where the others lead.
As he goes to leave he hands Alex the required gold for the warrant. "Keep them safe please."
Quietly rising from his place on the wall, Zero glanced in the direction of the spire before saying, "I fear I'm not one meant to fight. I wish you luck on your journey." As he goes to leave he hands Alex the required gold for the warrant. "Keep them safe please."
"I hope you find your place, Zero. Safe travels, and the best of luck!"
* * * *
As Boudacia informs the rest of the group as to the information the High Mother provided, Tamlara is lost in thought.
While I don't mind the extra reward money that comes with a smaller group, I do wonder how we'll cope with obstacles that will surely come our way. Oh, well. I guess there's only one way to find out!
"Onward to the Citadel!"
The Citadel is clearly visible to you all as you leave the Temple. It is an inmense structure, an octagonal tower more than 90 feet tall. Round turrets at the corners of the main structure provide excellent fields of fire both inside and outside the city wall. Judging by the windows you can see, it appears to be about 4 stories tall. It's of grey stone and appears very well made.
As you approach you see 4 Hellknights standing guard and if you look closely you might catch glimpses of guards in turrets as well.
As you start to walk up the walkway leading to the tower you see one of the guards place a whistle in his lips. Two of them take up a fighting stance, ready to charge into a fight, the one with the whistle takes a look around in all directions & then keeps scanning the surrounding area, while the fourth takes a step forward with his halberd held side to side, clearly blocking the path, but in a position to take a wide swing, possibly wiping anyone from the path. In a deep, gruff voice, but loud and clearly audible. "State your business!"
Boudacia is careful not to move too quickly or do anything threatening, replying to the Hellkight:-
"We have come to see Lady Commander Audara Drovust. The Lady Commander has placed a notice on the board in town seeking persons to put an end to a group called The Crowned Skull. We wish to apply for that commission. We also wish to apply to the Lady Commander for a Letter of Warrant."
Tangar notes the guards overactive take on the approacdh of a few people and keeps a chuckle under his breath.. If I vas to come here vit a raiding party, you poor men vould never see it coming. the north-man crosses his arms and keeps them away from his weapons, so as to not give them the wrong impression..
Aldhranhald takes time, while they are waiting for the guard to grant them entrance, to thoroughly examine the Citadel's construction methods and materials.
Aldhranhald takes time, while they are waiting for the guard to grant them entrance, to thoroughly examine the Citadel's construction methods and materials.
[dice=Knowlede Engineering]1d20+8
[dice=Take 10 Knowledge Dungeoneering]10+8
It's of
Which gives me a brilliant idea. Obtain a gigantic cannon and storm the Spire. Make like Mehmed the Conquerer.
Tamlara makes sure her hands are far from her weapons as they approach the Hellknights. I really don't want any misunderstandings here, she thinks to herself. However, as she watches the guards, she can't help but wonder, Where would be the best spot? Just there, under the armpit maybe? Hmmmmm.
As Ozzy approaches the guards, she looks into their helmets perhaps just a moment too long, trying to see through the holes in their masks to find some distinguishing feature, by which one can be told apart from another.
Mr. Blinky stays close and keeps an endearing look on his face to keep his presence from being considered a threat.
The Hellknight who adressed you then makes a signal to one of the other 2 that had taken up battle stances, and he turns and you see the door open a few inches. You observe him talk biefly with someone inside who you can't see, and then he turns back around and gives the go ahead signal to the leader.
The leader then speaks again,"Be warned, inside the Citadel drawing a weapon without having been asked too, is considered a hostile act and you will be executed on the spot! Questions may be asked of you after the fact. Proceed with caution! You have been warned. And make sure that ... creature does not do anything inappropiate!" He then steps to the side and motions for you all to proceed in.
As you step through the huge, thick, double doors you see a man standing there obviously waiting for your group to come on in and he keeps motioning for you to do so until everyone is in. He is wearing some fancy nobleman's clothes, mid twenties or so, with a full head of black hair, and by all appearances in good health. Once all of you are in the door he speaks up, "I am Erron Nythist. Well met. I oversee all of the Commander's appointments and scheduling and while usually you would need to request an appointment at least 2 weeks in advance, since she is the one looking to hire you, she will see you immediately. Follow me please." You do see him take a strange, puzzled sort of look at the Eidolon, but then he shrugs his shoulders and moves on. The hall here has some decor, but nothing fancy. It all seems rather dull. It becomes quickly obvious that the Citadel is all about function and order, not luxury and comfort.
Erron leads you down the hallway, not far at all, and when he comes to a set of double doors, guarded by 2 Hellknights, the doors swing wide open, seemingly of their own accord with no signal that you noticed. He walks on in without hesitating and it is obvious that he expects you to follow. As you enter through the doorway, you then see a servant standing behind each door, thus explaining how the doors opened, though not how they knew to do so.
This is obviously a large audience hall. Sitting in a large, sturdy chair almost like a throne, but without any of the opulence, sits a very stern looking Lady Commander Audara Drovust in her full armor, except for her helmet which sits on a table next to her. The hall itself has little to no decor.
She watches as you all enter, and once everyone is assembled, she addresses the group. "I am Lady Commander Audara Drovust. You are the most recent group of adventurers planning to venture into the Emerald Spire." She then looks directly at Mr. Blinky, " are the simple creature that caused some of my guards to get so excited? Well, that won't happen again. They are in the process of learning their lesson. I was somewhat amused though about the commotion you caused at The Juliver Arms. That story shall be repeated around town for a few days at the least!"
She then turns to address the entire party again. "Now, you have been hired to seek the missing wizards, by Lady Iliara Starcloak; map out the levels and find whatever that piece of noqual came out of, by Lord Abernard Royst; and you have agreed to see what your able to do about the undead for High Mother Sarise Dremagne and myself. Well, at least your an ambitious lot! As you can tell I am well informed of what goes on in my town." The last sentence is stated as a fact and as if it should be obvious.
"The group that the High Mother wants you to investigate, is the same group that my message on the board referred to. So, as she told you, we can't set a price without knowing the full extent of things, but be assured that you will be well compensated. Now, since you are doing a job for me, it would be silly for me to ask for you to pay for your letter of warrant would it not? So here is the document. I just need the name and signature or mark of each member of your group on here and then the copy shall be yours." She finishes rather dismissively, making it obvious that she expects no questions to be asked, expecting you to simply put your name, and signature or mark on the document and leave.
Boudacia raises her eyebrows when the Lady Commander demonstrates her thorough knowledge of the groups movements. When she has finished speaking Boudacia goes forth, keeping her hands away from her dagger and not making any sudden movements, and writes her full name, Boudacia Chiroptrix, on the document and signs.
Ozzy steps up and takes the pen. She writes "Ozara" in large, uneven letters. No surname is included, it seems likely that she has never been asked to sign a document before. Even so, she shows no hesitation.
After her name is written, she helps Mr. Blinky spread ink on his paw to leave a pawprint on the letter, then stands aside to allow others to sign while she wipes away the excess. As this is happening, there is likely enough attention on the pair (and a light source situated close enough) for those watching to notice that neither of them casts a shadow.
As Ozzy 'helps' Mr. Blinky put his 'mark' on the document, she notices that it does not appear at all onto the other copy as hers and Boudacia's did.
Suddenly in a loud, harsh voice, "What sorcery is this? Child! What are you and your creature there? Some sort of devils? Why do you have no shadows?" As all of you see the commander suddenly stand and draw her sword.
Mr Blinky growls at the bared steel. Mr. Blinky, no! the girl says, remembering the guard's warning. She holds out her hand and touches Mr. Blinky's back as if to hold him back, then something unexpected happens. Mr. Blinky appears to melt into a pool of dark ink that pools at the girl's feet, then the darkness extends away from the light to form the girl's missing shadow. The glow of the girl's eyes intensifies for a moment before she closes her eyes and hangs her head, sorrowfully.
As Mr. Blinky melts away and Ozzy's shadow reforms, you all see a look of comprehension dawn on the commander's face, and you almost think you saw a smile start to form, but then you think that must have been only your imagination. As the commander now re-sheathes her blade, "Well, I was wondering why his print did not appear on the copy document as well. But that explains it. He is a creature summoned from the shadow world of course. I have heard of such, but had never seen one before. Hmmm." She turns, sits back down and then looks back towards Ozzy, "The childish one has acted wisely in this case. Though perhaps in the future it might be best to either not bring such with you, or at the very least explain yourself when you enter a room where there is great power and danger, so as not to cause any such surprises."
Gods, you'd think some Hellknights, or at least their Lady Commander, would know when a couple of devils walked into their citadel. Or, in this case, didn't walk into their citadel. Don't they have spells or wards to prevent those kinds of things from happening, anyways?
When everything seems to be calming down, Tamlara will walk forward to sign her name to the document. She takes the time to read it, and glances at the other copy when she's done signing. This is a binding legal contract, and she is no stranger to how the law works around here.
To make sure that the two documents say the same thing, thank you. Though, with that roll, they probably seem to.