The team helps pull the mother and her two babies out of the wreckage. The mother, a spherical-looking woman with powerful arms, looks around disoriented. "Whuhh, what happened?" She caresses her two children to keep them from crying.
Mr. Samuel looks around and back to Karson. "It seems like an assassination attempt. Look at the crowd, they don't seem hostile, yet. I didn't remember them gathering earlier, so they were probably drawn here by the fire."
[b] Hope that's the last they have for us today. Auff, sure twisted my ankle badly back there. [b]
Here my small friend. Let me take a look at that. Ethan kneels down to inspect Bathus's ankle.
Nothing seems broken, just a bit sore. Take some time off it this evening and try to avoid falling out of burning buildings and you'll be right as rain soon enough.
With that he stands and looks to the crowd gathered around them.
Assassination? He gives a soft chuckle Why would anyone waste the effort to knock a bunch of drunks off? Give us a few more and we'd take care of it ourselves eh? While his words seem jovial, he hand never strays too far from the worn hilt of his rapier.
Jerex remains armed and armored, and approaches Mr. Samuel and Karson after the mother and children have been rescued, "I suggest we discuss this to where Mr. Samuel was going to take us. We are exposed and mobility is life if these so called "assassins" are still here."
Brie whistles for Pooka, her sign for him to "come". Hugging the man-sized wolf she waits for Mr. Samuel to lead the way.
"Can we go to another human tavern Mr. Samuel? That one was a lot of fun!"
He turns to Brie, his mood suddenly dampened. "No...no...Jerex is right, we should go. Quickly now."
Masked Figures with Black Hoods start to file in quietly from one of the alleys, and Mr. Samuel seems to have looked in their direction before he blanched.
He leads you into a dark alley, through winding passages. The more perceptive or survival minded among the group may notice that the path is largely circular and loops around many times. Occasionally you are hustled into the back of someone's home, a Caedmon sympathiser no doubt, down into their basements, and out through their windows.
Eventually, you arrive through a trap door into a small shed with a single window, where barely everyone can fit. You can see the fire from the inn burning far in the distance.
"Okay...I think we're safe now. Now that you've saved my life, I should probably be more upfront with you. My name is indeed Mr. Samuel...Mr. Samuel Caedmon." As he says his name, he awkwardly combines the jutting of his chest with a small bow. "And I am forever in your debt."
Jerex forms a triangle with his hands and bows, "Mr. Caedmon please forgive my ignorance but are you the Head of House Caedmon? In addition, do you know who our "assassins" or the masked figures with black hoods were?"
Ay. If you are the head of the House, why are we skulking around like sneaks? And why in blazes are we in this shack? Shouldn't you have a mansion or a palace somewhere? Some place with fancy foods and drinks? Ethan looks around at the small shack he finds himself in. Or at least a toilet.
Outside the bar: Brie whistles for Pooka to come and takes him with her. She directs him to urinate on the side of the building before they go through the window.
Failure. Brie is not the observant one out of the two sisters
"You're Samuel Caedmon? Does that mean we won't be going to any more human bars? Brie leaves him plenty of time to answer.*
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"Nah, rich people probably don't like that kind of thing. I mean, I would if I were rich, but maybe they get to do stuff like that often enough that it's old hat."
It is all that Bathus can do to try to remember the way back home. Once inside, he finds a reasonably clean spot to sit and massages his leg, sitting with a mild groan.
Indeed, Mr Caedmon. This is rather more, ah, cavalier, than I had thought when I received your letter. What could have the house so worried? And what more makes you think that our merry little band here can solve these problems?
He looks at Jerex and cocks an eyebrow, not sure to take the hooded figures at face value or not.
Karson looks off to the distance, noticing the fire and thinks for a second wondering if his family knows what's going on as the smoke rises. Following everyone in, he stays quiet, waiting for what it is that Samuel wants before he gives his thoughts, as this seems to be a larger group than he normally travels with in the first place.
"So, Mr. Caedmon... What was the purpose for sending the invites?" Eran says inquisitively, and with no hint of malice.
Mr. Samuel looks a bit sheepish at your comments. "Well err, you see, I'm not exactly at the head of my household." He stops himself. "I apologize, no more deceptions. My name is Mr. Samuel Caedmon, estranged member of the house Caedmon. I've lost some support from my house for some of my less...discreet actions in these lawless parts, and I'd like to regain that favor. And I need your help."
"House Caedmon has had some problems with alienating the common folk, and I think that if I help repair that image, then maybe I can regain my place in my house. And naturally, you will be greatly rewarded."
"Those hooded men that we saw are members of the Order of Tears. I've had a few run-ins with them in the past, in my less lawful years. I think they're currently investigating a string of gruesome serial murders...I would like to solve the case before them."
"Is anyone hungry?"
Jerex shakes his head and kind of understands how it feels to be estraged having "quasi-experienced" it in House Derexhi, I do not require sustenance and I would be glad to assist you in gaining your favor back as long as I am treated with respect which means you entertain my curiosity as well. As for the Order of Tears, are they similar to House Derexhi or are they more self-serving?
"Hmm, murder mystery. Delightful. Coupled with the possibility of becoming ingratiated into a noble house upon success and little foreseeable effect upon failure. I will render assistance."
Positively famished, actually. Bathus eagerly replies, the pain of his leg gone from his face. Truely spoken, Eran. The rewards are potentially great, even if it seems a bit of a longshot, he gives Mr. Samuel an appraising look. "Order of Tears" eh? Bathus scratches his chin and looks into the middle distance.
Sounds familiar...
Jerex frowns at Eran, "Why is a murder and/or mystery interesting?" Then looks at Samuel with a smile, "Is that true Mr. Samuel, integration into House Caedmon?"
"You don't find them interesting? It is a relatively popular genre of book. Also, when such things come to light, it is all the local people can talk about for days. That alone proves that it is interesting, as it garners the interest of many. I personally find it interesting as it is a puzzle to be solved."
Eran looks to Samuel. "Who was the victim? Any suspects or other details?"
"Jerex, I find it hard to understand their motives. In truth, few actually do. Fortunately, on this quest, I think we'll get to visit many more bars."
"I'm delighted that you are all so eager to help. Don't worry about the tavern fire, I am sure it will be resolved swiftly."
The order of tears is an organization that serves to help enforce the laws, though it isn't the law. Largely composed of ex-convicts, their identities from their previous life are severed, leaving them loyal and as some might say, fanatical.
Unfortunately, because of their previous law-breaking ties, they are often better versed in the ways of the street than the city guards.
Brie perks up on hearing that they'll visit more bars. Carefully removing her pack, she straps it to Pooka's saddle.
"You be a good boy and hang on to that pack Pooka, just don't be breaking any of it. Mr. Samuel says we be going to a bar again someday and I want to have those for a present when we do.
Putting his hand to his chin, he thinks for a moment. "I have to ask. If we're tracking down a murder suspect, how are we to know that we won't be assumed as your hired help? If those assassins were after you, what guarantees our safety?"
Mr. Samuels replies quite bluntly. "Absolutely nothing. However, I do not think that the general public knows that you are associated with me in any way, and I intend to keep it that way, at least until the murder investigation is resolved favorably."
Jerex looks back to Eran, "Mr. Eran, do you have a "Mystery Book" so I can read it?" ... Jerex looks back to Sam, "Yes, Mr. Samuel, Eran is correct, can we have the details?"
"I don't have one on me. Maybe we can swing by a bookstore later."
"Of course. Many wealthy noble women and some commoners have been ambushed at the dockside and murdered. Interestingly, at each killing, the face of the victim was removed and replaced by a monstrous mask. Naturally, many noble houses are offering monetary rewards for the capture of this killer, including my own, and I'm sure the commoners would be grateful as well."
How many are we talking about? Over how long? Are we sure its a killer or could it be the escalation of a House war or warren gangs seeking to scare off their competitors. Ethan asks, moving to lean against a nearby wall. While the talk of reward has caught his interest, he's seen far too many turf wars back in the River Kingdoms to be excited by the events at hand.
"How much are other houses offering for this killer? If the rewards are high enough, that means we're going to have to start immediately if you this done as soon as possible. The longer we stall, the more people will die and the more dangerous it could become for us as we surely won't be the only group trying to earn a fair sized reward offered. The more information you can give us will certainly help us get started that much sooner."
"Of course. Many wealthy noble women and some commoners have been ambushed at the dockside and murdered. Interestingly, at each killing, the face of the victim was removed and replaced by a monstrous mask."
Bathus shivers at the mention of the particulars. Six! These monstrosities seem far too common, these days.
"That's an interesting theory, but I don't think that even the most depraved of our own house would stoop to such a level in order to gain power, and these were demon worshipers!"
"I believe that the reward is around 7000 gp, but I am not here for the wealth. Let's solve this case, plaster our names all over it, and earn the gratitude of the entire city! And the money will be distributed amongst yourselves."
"As far as I've heard, over a dozen have been murdered, but the rumors are so vague, it's difficult to say. Where do you think we should start?"
"Where do you think we should start?"
Brie is visibly thinking, carefully weighing different options. Bashfully, she looks up from underneath her long bangs. Having now decided to share, her entire idea comes out in one mad rush...
"I's not so sure 'bout this. It sounds more like somethin' Gabby'd know about. Seems ta me though, that there ain't nuthin' ever done what is really seekrit. Someone always knows what you done but you didn't know they was there because they was too small. Too unimportant for ye ta notice.
Big people offer big rewards but little people knows they can't catch it, it be too big fer 'em. So, if'n ya want to get the little peoples to help, ya gotta give 'em a smaller reward for what they got rather than a big one for what they don't.
If'n ya give us information on who got themselves kilt, where, and when, then we offer some peoples somethin' like 5 pieces of gold for information. Make the offer to the beggin' folk, or the whores. They always be knowin' everything.
Then we dress one of you big folk up like a victim and parade ya out there at night. When ya get jumped, we turn tables an capture em!"
Having shared way more than she'd planned, Brie withdraws back behind Pooka, seeking refuge from everyone's glances, afraid of their disapproval.
During Brie's speech Ethan's eyebrows, and his respect for his small companion, raise until they are almost lost.
Dropping to one knee, he removes his hat and gives a half bow to Brie, and her wolf.
Well said lady.
He stands and plops his head back on, before looking over the group.
What the lass says is sound. One thing that never changes in the city is that the rich always overlook the poor. We should scout the brothels and taverns. If we are loose with our purses, then soon someone will loosen their lips.
"Wonderful idea." Mr. Samuel takes out gold coins out of his pocket and hands each of you twenty. "I believe that should be sufficient. Before we head out into the dockside, is there any equipment that you'd like to have?"
"Perhaps if you could have a dossier drawn up on each victim so far, it would help me find connections that could lead us in the direction of the killer or killers." Eran says hopefully.
Jerex nods at Brie's idea, "It sounds like a good foundation plan regardless how far we get and then adapt to the dynamics." Then being true to form, "By the way, what is a "whore" and why would they know? Jerex nods to Mr. Samuel, "Thank you for the gold pieces! I agree, a complete picture of this "murder mystery" would be nice and are we going to live in here while we provide you with assistance? As for gear, what do you have to offer?"
Ethan chuckles at Jerex question, while tying the new purse to his inner pocket.
Whores, my friend, are women of loose reputation and looser . . . morals. It is the worst kept secret in the known world that men like to talk. They especially like talk to pretty girls. He leans back against the wall, taking out his pipe and loading it. With a snap of his fingers he produces a flame to light it.
You look to have had a well off childhood. Say you were trying to keep the fact that you nipped off with a pie from your father. You would tell you friends, they would help you eat it, and while telling your friends you would look out for your sister, she'd squeal, and any of your father's guards or courtiers. But would you avoid the cleaning girl? Or the assistant chef? What about the butcher's boy who is dropping off meat in the cellar? Nay. These people are often over looked and as such can be a source of great information, if the coin is right.
"Wonderful idea." Mr. Samuel takes out gold coins out of his pocket and hands each of you twenty. "I believe that should be sufficient. Before we head out into the dockside, is there any equipment that you'd like to have?"
"Depends on what be takin our bait t'night. I be needin' to head on home, let Gabby know I gots a job an pick up at least me sword. I maybe get me armor and load it on Pooka too. People too afraid to talk when he around any how.
We needs to know where people be dyin' too. How many and who, too. There don't be enuff money in the world ta be wastin' none. I lives in the Shadows an if people be gettin kilt there, then I might knows some people. I come back here in an hour with me kit an we decide where to go from there?"
If this is acceptable, Brie will head home for her sword and armor, which she doesn't normally wear around the city. She will load both onto Pooka and head back to the Caedmon House. She should have little trouble finding it after Pooka marked it.
I don't know if Knowledge: Local checks can be made untrained. If so, she'll try to pick up what she can on the way back.
"I must agree with the little one as well. That does seem the best route to take with this. Also on the fact that my gear is back at my family's camp. I suppose that we could meet up somewhere after we find some more information on this then?" he says as folds his arms across his chest.
Jerex looks at Ethan, "What do you mean by "loose" reputation and morals? And why do men like to talk to pretty girls?" ... Jerex looks perplexed, not from the lack of intelligence but he simply does not have the experiences that Ethan is questioning him about, "Sorry Ethan, I am not sure what you are talking about? I am not familiar with the experiences you are questioning me, please explain? After all, I am quite interested!"
Mr. Samuel nods to Eran. "I will make sure to have that drawn up. For the moment, it seems that everyone would like some more comfortable accommodations. Here's what we'll do." Mr. Samuel takes out two pieces of paper and scrawls down a small map of the docklands, with a large X marked. "If you need to run off and pick up or buy anything, then meet the rest of us at the X mark. It's nothing more than a run-down house, but we should find it more comfortable there."
Mr. Samuel takes you out of the tiny shack and onto the street towards the water. The fire does not seem to be burning out of control, though there's some commotion there. You take a left and after a few minute of walking, Mr. Samuel ushers you towards a nondescript house that has seen its better days come and gone, but it looks like it's been recently tidied up.
*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK* *KNOCK KNOCK* *KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*
A plump kind-looking elderly woman with round rosy cheeks answers the door. She looks initially perplexed at the arrival of so many guests, but she quickly regains her jolly composure.
"IT'S SO GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN, MR. SAMUEL! AND YOU BROUGHT COMPANY!" She rushes up and pinches Mr. Samuel's cheeks. If you don't stop her in some way, she'll go and pinch yours too. "Please, come in! I'm so glad that you're here. I have stew cooking on the fire! Remember, no weapons at the table, the rack for them is over there. Make yourself at home!" She leads the way into her cozy house, which seems much more expansive from the inside. You can see the aforementioned rack of dangerous-looking weapons next to the fireplace, where a cauldron of stew is cooking. There are a few rocking chairs next to the fire and of course, an oblong dinner table that looks like it could fit six. Nearly everything that can be reasonably carpeted has some sort of carpet or cozy mat or pillows.
Jerex nods, "I agree we should pick up our stuff and move it the house but shouldn't we do it as a group just in case the murd ... "assassins" know what we look like? I can handle myself in combat but we all have our limits and not all of us are martial artists."
Mr. Samuel looks from the little girl with the massive wolf to the tough-looking man and then back to the little girl. "I have a feeling that they can handle themselves."
Jerex begins to walk away, he activates his armor and weapon, and as he walks out the door, "I'll meet you all at the house."
Mr. Samuel looks from the little girl with the massive wolf to the tough-looking man and then back to the little girl. "I have a feeling that they can handle themselves."
"I be knowin lotsa people in this city and long as I stay away from the child-lovers, most people know I ain't got nuthin'. Most of the child-lovers want boys anyway, so I be okay."
Bathus' face blanched at the talk of being followed by assassins, and he somehow becomes even more pale after Brie speaks. Ah, Mr. Absylon, I happen to have a whole section of my bookstore devoted to mystery novels, he chirps, eager not to walk home in the dark alone. And actually, I have more than a number of other books that I am certain would whet your curiosity as well, come to think of it. I have a spare cot and hot food as well, you'd be more than welcome to stay. Bathus adds after taking a meaningful glance at the book Jerex is constantly scribbling in.
Eran follows Mr. Samuel to the safehouse, and places his starknives on the rack before sitting at the table.
Follows Mr. Samuel to the 'safe house', but only stays long enough to drop off his pack before heading back out into the city to start asking around at some local taverns.
Bwhaha. I bet you are interested indeed! Well laddie. Those ladies are called 'ladies of the night' because they are willing to trade a bit of coin for pleasures of the flesh. Not all of us are made of the stern stuff you are. Some of us, my younger self included, like to feel important. To feel that way we talk, mostly about ourselves but could toss in a bit o' gossip now n' then.
So naturally, after being with a woman, a man feels relaxed and if she should ask a skillfully worded question, would get a loosely guarded answer in return. Mayhaps when this deal is finished I will take you over and introduce you to a lady or two eh?
Brie goes home and armors Pooka with his leather. Strapping his saddle on his back, she then loads her armor along with the cocktails. She then gets her sword, fully a foot taller than she is and six inches wide it's entire length, and slips it under the straps of Pooka's saddle.
She then heads for the safehouse with Pooka in tow.
Outside the shed Jerex looks pleased with Bathus' gesture of hospitality, "Thank you Bathus! Are you sure you want to stay in your store and not at the house? In addition, how do you plan to keep your business running when we are conducting missions for Mr. Samuel?