Talon stares as everybody rushes off to go investigate the missing persons case, staring at the shard that K'nyaz has so easily discarded. He can't help but feel angry at that - more so at the Lord Heidmarch for distracting everyone with missing people cases and causing them to become unfocused on what should have been the common goal. He picks the shard back up, hating to hold onto it - but it was safer in their hands than laying around here.
"...Lady Heidmarch. Please send me a message when you've figured out which ioun stone we'll need for the next shard. Hopefully by then everyone else will come to their senses about what's more important. Trying to find a few missing people is all well and good, but I'd have left it up to Fletcher with Kelgeah as back up. K'Nyaz could have been a good assistant for you in researching the shard more...well. What's done is done. If they ask for me, you know my address." He bids the lady and her husband farewell, before heading to his apartment and the smithy on the lower level.
He wonders for a bit what he should work on first, before deciding on trying to deal with his own equipment. Perhaps he wouldn't be able to finish his new weapon before the ioun stone they needed would be found, but it would be the most productive use of his time. He got to work, pouring himself into the metal and hammer and tools.
K'nyaz heads with the others to the Arvensoar, letting them know that the officer they spoke with before is named Kasadei. He asks that one of the others do the talking, however, as he thinks that with his monstrous appearance, people react poorly to him.
Sure thing. I wouldn't worry about your appearance K'Nyaz, I hear horns are in this season. Fletcher grins letting the Tiefling know it was just a joke.
Listen, what's up with Talon? He seems really highly strung. Something happen before we came along? he says gesturing to himself and Kelgeah.
"Sounds to me like leading a party of newcomers isn't his element; at least not yet. He's making some good decisions, but I can tell it doesn't come easy to him. You two have some hardships already?"
K'nyaz looks confused by the questions of previous issues, "No problems before. Am think he is focused on larger task and might so intent on singular goal, that is not considerinG every facet. He is, how does sayinG go, not avare of trees making up entirety of proverbial forest?"
He continues, trying to explain what caused his own level of reaction, "Ve are lookinG for shards, for safety of people of society. There are missinG peoples now that may need our help, vile ve do nothing but vait for preparations for our own ease of success. Vy is our ease more important issue than safety of innocent? If ve do not have silver, ve need to fight more tactical and technical proficient. If ve do not learn vich ioun stone ve are need, then how bad can issue be? Talon had pride shard, but ve only see him bossy. If next is wrath, vill it make the holder violent? If that is only concern, then I vill carry, as am least capable of violent effect, and both Hralyk and Talon can restrain me vit simplicity. Any of them, Sloth, Fletcher is easy carry vit small size. Greed, Envy, Gluttony, or Lust, these am not sure beyond self-control, but restraint by others is alvays option. If volunteered, can bind each person expected for pickinG up. There are more than single vay for skinninG of cat."
"I must admit, while I don't enjoy the idea of someone turning on us or hoarding all the rewards, I have to admit I'm quite unwelcoming of the idea of someone eating all our food and stuffing his face until he pops. To be honest, though, I am intensely curious about how it feels to have your desires completely take control. If we absolutely MUST pick up any shards without the proper stones, I volunteer to be the bearer of Lust." Kelgeah's smirk widens as the thought finishes, and her chuckling almost turns to maniacal laughter.
Bearer of Lust...how deliciously poetic. Wonder if the goddess heard that one. Hah!
"I don't know what'll be more songworthy: my behavior under the shard's influence, or the romp you lot will have trying to tie me down! Hahah! Either way, I'd hate to pass up a once in a lifetime experience like that. Besides, it'll make an unforgettable story for the clergy."
You arrive back at the Arvensoar and ask to speak to Watch Officer Kasadei.
Some responses:
Any other questions?
"Any patterns emerge as to the locations of the missing people? Any connection between said victims? And of the amnesiacs, how many regained their memory, and thus their lives, at some point?"
"I'm sorry, I wasn't clear. They all remember everything except whatever happened while they were missing. "
If you're certain we wouldn't get any more useful information from them we will of course Honor that, sounds like they've been through enough. How long had they been missing and did they turn up in the same places?
"It varied. Days or weeks. Those who were missing the longest had the worst of the amnesia effects. Some of them have had some memories restored by clerics, but none can remember what happened to bring them to that point. Most of them, especially those missing the longest, were living as homeless wretches in the city slums. None of them seemed to have been physically injured, or suffered physical effects that might have caused the amnesia. Most were fine, other than the memory loss and the effects of their vagrant lifestyle when located."
"Hmmm. Apparently whatever caused their amnesia either was purely incidental, or had no need to harm them in order to accomplish it's objective. It's entirely possible that magic was involved, but anything more than that is all speculation. If they all appeared in the slums though, that may be a good place to start. If we manage to spot someone being moved there, we may have a lead to follow."
K'nyaz agrees with that assessment, "I think ve should find man called Fenster. Ve spoke vit him ven look for Natalya, and he mention disappearance and blue dvarfies. Maybe he confused, or maybe he know more than is expected." He offers for a place to start.
You head back to Underbridge, with K'nyaz leading you to Fenster the Blight's ruined warehouse. As before, all you see at first is a battered old sea chest with a broken lid and the misspelled notice: LEEV A GIFT AND WATE OUTSID.
K'nyaz tries to remember what they gave the foul man last time. He was disturbed when Fenster mentioned himself being responsible for missing people before, but they were already on the hunt for a specific missing person then. He doesn't like paying this man, but decides to put a small clutch of gold onto the offering plate, around ten to be more precise.
Kelgeah raises an eyebrow at the 'donation plate.' "Anything I should know about our contact here? Paying for an audience isn't usually my style."
K'nyaz only slightly sneers and adds, "Nothing not readily apparant as soon as seeinG him. Is level of informant can expect to find in place like underbridge. Only, he mention beinG responsible before, but take vit salt."
Fenster the Blight is a wretched creature, more skin and bone than meat, with flesh clammy and gray in places, one eye clouded over with a white film, and clothing caked with filth. His breathing is raspy and gurgling and he smells of bad meat—he’s also plagued by a wet, hacking cough.
He comes out of his wretched hideout, checks the bowl, pockets the coin and sits down. “What yew want Fenster ta’do?”
"Well, aren't you a sight for storybooks? I'm told you might have some insight on the disappearances. the amnesiacs in the slums? We're hoping to find the source. We find our answer with your lead and there'll be more than a few coins in your bowl."
Fenster looks at the group
Talon: You hear noises in the back of your workshop during a break.
Talon mutters as he strikes the silver-infused steel with his hammer, frowning as he takes a look at the first blade. It was...not going as well as he thought it would be. It might take him longer than he thought to complete the weapon. Sighing and wiping his brow from sweat, he paused as he noticed some noises coming from the back room.
That's odd, he thought, turning to look that way, stepping forward. I thought that the blacksmith had gone to the tavern for an early brew. Maybe he's back already?
Peeking in the back, he called out quietly while looking for the source of the noises. "Hello? Is someone there?" He felt a little naked for intruders out of his armor, holding his sheathed two-bladed sword in one hand as he crept inwards.
Two goblins, dressed -and smelling- much like the ones in Natalya's hideout throw themselves on their faces at your feet and announce "You beat old boss. You new boss. What we do?"
Talon just stares at the two of them incredulously, stunned and having to resist immediately going on the attack against them. He stays his blade, trying to make sense of this. "Your old boss - do you mean Natalya, or...the goblin snake?" He had to wonder just how in the world these two found him, covering his mouth and nose to try and keep the stench at bay.
"I really don't...I mean, how did you find me?" Talon asked them, getting his bearings back. "Why exactly would I want to be your boss, anyways? What can you do for me?"
Kelgeah raises both eyebrows this time. "You? You're fooling around with people's memories? Curious...aside from the practical jokes one might pull, whatever could you possibly gain?"
K'nyaz has a hard time thinking this near illiterate, filthy man can mastermind something that has the guard stumped enough to give up once some of the captives returned. "How are you doinG it, vere do you take them? Vy are their memories gone, and vut are the blue dvarfies?"
@group: "Ha. That be secret. Um...oh...well, I told ya abo' them, huh? Well I saw 'em a few times. I jest follaed them...small blue critters, they were, down by the water. 'bout halfin' size, kinda. They had small boat or raft things. Couldn't tell where they went."
He feels his pocket and seems to come to a decision.
"Didn' the girls tell ya? Said they wanted ta made it up wi' Natalya an all an asked where ya was stayn. Tol 'em ya were Pathfinders. They sent one o they pet rats wi a note."
"The rat-girl came by...we followed. You better. You beat Civis, you beat Longshanks boss, you get shiny magic thing, make work. Rat-girl kill rest of us. Want make dead! Help you make her dead!"
Talon rubbed his eyes, trying to figure out what to do here. Somehow he'd acquired two goblins who wanted to join him in order to kill the rat-girl - who he could only assume was one of the wererat Tower Girls Natalya mentioned - and had to either decide to keep around or chase off - though he expected they'd attack him if he decided the latter, and not wearing his armor at the moment, that would make any fight hairy.
"...The rat-girl, you say you followed her here? To this place?" He asked, concerned that the enemy knew where he was. Not much he could do in that regard. At least these goblins spoke Common. "All right...what are your names? Any noteworthy skills?" He asked, sheathing his blade for the moment, but ready to pull it out if necessary. "Don't suppose either of you know anything about weaponsmithing..."
Kelgeah blinks for a moment, trying to digest the information. "Halfling sized blue creatures...in boats, and a pet rat with a note? Lovely. Chances are it's already arrived then. You still haven't answered my question, however. I still want to know why in the world you're giving people amnesia and dumping them in the slums. We're getting paid to resolve the matter permanently, and perhaps you are too if you're a little more forthcoming about the issue. Your current lifestyle suggests you're not getting paid much for your hijinx, nor gaining much in the way of power or strength. Unless..."
Unless this is all a ruse?
Kelgeah moves toward Fenster's "dwelling" in order to get a closer look at what may be going on inside, while intoning a short prayer to reveal magical auras to her eyes.
K'nyaz is fairly certain that the man will not be of much help. "Vere did they land vit the boats?" When the man adds the last part, K'nyaz looks to the others. "He said they vent vit note for Natalya. Ve should return quick, for checkinG on things at manor."
@Fenster's place:
@Kelgeah: there is nothing magic in his quarters or on his person.
@Talon:
The one with only one eye says "I make fire real good!"
The other one says "I make this." He holds out a goblin-style weapon, commonly called a dog-slicer.
Talon scratched his chin and frowned, wondering if it was right to exploit their service - well, he really shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth here. "Then the two of you can assist me here in the forge. We're going to need silver weapons to fight those rats with and take revenge for your clan. You can keep the forge burning strong, you can help me craft the weapon," He told them. "What are your names?"
Once he's gotten their names, he'll get back to crafting, keeping his regular sword at his waist just in case. They were goblins after all. No need to trust them so far as he could throw them.
K'nyaz isn't sure they can get much from the man. He is unaware of any blue dwarves as far as he'd ever heard of. "I worry dis man is dead lead. Concern is high about rat to lodge."
Kelgeah frowns at her lack of findings. "Fair enough. For now, let's go see what this rat had to say to us. And Fenster dear, do think about the situation. There's more in it for you the more helpful you are; perhaps things more meaningful than gold can come your way."
Hralyk nods. "We should return and see what this missive contained."
@Talon: "He's Patch-face and I'm Zod."
@ Group: You head back to the Manor to find Lady Heidmarch studying a note. "This was stuck to the gate to the Manor grounds. Something set off our wards and I found this."
The note reads simply: The item is ours. Return it and the thief or face the consequences!
Kelgeah grins broadly after reading the note. "It would seem we have been called out, my friends. Someone thinks they're too big for their blouse. Odds are good on this being from our "tower girls," and I wager they'll be keeping an eye on us until either we turn over the stone, or one of our groups is bloodied. Guess which plan I like best?"
K'nyaz doesn't like the new development, "This imply they are know vere ve are. Ve are all best to not leave alone, and the same must be said of Natalya, or may have thugs attack us if ve are in small numbers. I am think she must stay until ve deal vit these Tower Girls. How is Talon's vork cominG alonG. I think time is of essence even more, othervise ve are stuck movinG as group and they vin by makinG us victims of fear."
"I believe my husband and I can guard the Lodge. It is, after all, our home. If Talon is having problems with making enough silvered weapons for all of you, I believe the Lodge can help. Either by loaning silvered weapons from our collection or providing silversheen. Or, perhaps, both."
She pauses and looks at her notes.
"I believe I misspoke earlier. The next shard is Greed, not Wrath. I allowed myself to assume that the next shard would be that of the Runelord who ruled this area, Alaznist, Runelord (actually a lady, though the title never changed) of Wrath. You'll be looking for a black shard of adamantine, similarly shaped to the one you already have. It's curse should be rather obvious" here she smiles "and is suppressed with the use of a pale blue rhomboid ioun stone. I'm tracking one now. Again, we will reward you for any and all information on Thassilon and the Runelords that you can recover."
"I think it's time we check in on our young fearless leader's progress and update him on our situation. I'd rather we're all on the same page this time, before we start tracking down our quarry. He could probably use a drink after all the pounding and sweating he's likely to have done by now..."
As she turns, Kelgeah seems to stop short, and after a moment frozen in silence, she continues on laughing uncontrollably, headed off to find Talon.
K'nyaz follows, but is unsure what Kelgeah is laughing about. He doesn't know what she finds funny about smithing.
Talon is still hard at work when the rest of the group comes to see him. He glances up at them before nodding to the goblins. "Take a break, guys."
Knowing they'd probably have questions about them, he informs them as best as he can. "They're what's left of the goblin clan that Natalya was ruling over. The rest of them were apparently wiped out by the Tower Girls. They've decided I'm their boss now, so I'm putting them to work. Makes things a little easier, and if I can get to redeem themselves by becoming good hardworking citizens, that's a bonus."
He wiped his sweaty brow with a rag, letting the group inform them about what they've been up to recently.
Kelgeah raises an eyebrow at the goblins before giving them an evil grin. "Survivors of a clan wiped out by an upstart lycanthrope? If that doesn't sound like the beginning of a tale of sweet revenge, I don't know what does. Good to see goblins doing something productive, though. Lucky for you, it seems we share a rival."
Kelgeah relates the updates from the rat's note. "they want it, they know we have it, and they have the guts to threaten us for it. If we don't settle scores with them, to one end or another, I have the feeling we'll be dealing with them for a long time. Personally, I'm not one to bring persistent inconveniences on long trips, especially when they have a nose for our prize."
She then eyes the forge and the metals strewn about. "Speaking of prizes, how goes your work? Any difficulties we can resolve, beyond that of your new assistants, that is?"
"Unless you're a student of metallurgy, pretty sure that I have everything I need to see this through," He commented, glancing at the rest of the group. "Though it seems like we'll be ready to set off before it's finished by your reckoning." That was fine, to be perfectly honest - he assumed that the others would be able to procure silver weaponry from other sources. The pride of a craftsman made him stubborn about paying for things he could make on his own.
"As for their threats, one way or another, we'll deal with the gang when we hit the Crow. If they try and come after us before then, we'll deal with what they throw at us - I'd suggest at least staying in the more patrolled areas of the city though. No need to give them any more advantage over us than necessary. So, in the meantime, do what you think is necessary to prepare for a long excursion - rations, lanterns, rope, silver weapons."
He looks over to K'Nyaz. "I'd appreciate it if you spent some time researching what you can about the Crow as well. Information is our ally here - the more we have, the better our chances. If there's nothing else to discuss, I've got my work still cut out for me here." He gestures to his tools, hoping to get back to pounding out his craft.
As I noted in the discussion thread, let me know what you want to pick up and spend the money.
Also, you will have to approach The Crow by boat. Will you go by daylight or at night?
The Crow, located just under half a mile from the Dockway, is one of several prominent pilings protruding from the waters of Outcast Cove. The ruined piling itself is most easily reached by boat. Rowing out to the piling is a relatively simple task even for someone who has no training in Profession (sailor), although without training it takes 30 minutes to make the journey from the shore to the Crow because of the trickiness of the tidal currents (with a successful DC 12 Profession [sailor] check, this time is halved). The Crow is a massive stone monument that rises from the waters of Magnimar’s harbor. It was once a support for the Irespan, but with that monument’s collapse, the Crow is nothing more than an immense freestanding piling. As with every one of the Irespan’s columns, the Crow is intricately carved and embossed with ancient statuary and bas-reliefs featuring the motif of a specific animal or monster—in this case, hundreds of crowlike gargoyles and carvings and decorations. Like all of the surviving pilings, the Crow is 200 feet wide along its midsection (widening to over 250 feet at the upper section where the piling once supported the Irespan above). The Crow extends 220 feet above sea level, and extends another 50 feet underwater to the harbor floor. While the idea of chambers being found within an Irespan piling is nothing new, the number of chambers within most pilings is relatively small. In fact, the idea of a complex as extensive as the one inside of the Crow is somewhat unprecedented. Until Natalya found a cleverly hidden secret door, popular opinion was that, like a few other pilings, the Crow lacked any existing entrance—that if there had been at one time, it had crumbled away long ago. Within all walls, floors, and ceilings are of carefully fitted masonry—and in remarkably good shape because wherever the structure hasn’t collapsed, ancient preservative magics still function. Most areas are not lit. Ceilings are 10 feet high in corridors and 15 feet high in chambers. Apparently most of the doors were wooden and have long since rotted away—though there are a few carefully crafted, seemingly normal stone doors, and only a few of them are locked.
After a bit more -persuasion- you can get a slightly more coherent story from poor Fenster. He's not involved in the abductions, though he wishes he was. He has seen both the Tower girls using boats to row out into the bay and the 'blue dwarfies' using tunnels, not boats, though, oddly, he does seem to connect the two. The day before you go out to the Crow, you find his place trashed, his pathetic possessions scattered, and him missing. Whoever took him didn't even take his money or cheap treasures.
K'nyaz is still ruffled by the insistence that they wait, he makes sure to inform Talon of what the Lord and Lady Heidmarch had offered. "The Patfinder Lodge have offer to supply us vit silver veapon or veapon blanch. This make us able to not have to vait the time it takes to build from scratch. I vill research rest of today, and all tomorrow, then I say ve go tomorrow night, or night after. This vill give us cover of darkness." He leaves to use the Pathfinder Lodge's library to do his research.
"I think K'nyaz's idea is sound enough. I'll see about doing a little research of my own, maybe get us a little intel. You boys behave yourselves until tomorrow, and be ready for trouble. Oh, and Talon, dear, don't forget to give your little helpers a treat for all their hard work, hm?"
Talon will ask everyone to prepare to go an hour before sunrise, meeting up at the dock where their boat awaits them. Outfitted in his armor and armed for the assault, he'll wait by the boat for everyone's arrival. Checking his equipment over and ensuring that it's all in proper shape.
