The night is now growing late and the gnomes explain that their sorrow, Ministrant, has made it clear that he will punish them if they are found outside their room before morning call. They head out shortly thereafter.
That morning, Absentia arrives as usual, but her speech is amused.
I've heard that a cake was stolen last night. A cake meant for someone rather important. I also heard that one Casper of Twisted Alley had requested service Below last night, but is retracting the request this morning. I need to know what youall did last night.
She listens to you recap the night without interruption beyond clarifying questions. Her expression is, as always, unreadable behind her mask. When you are finished she nods.
Good work. That poison is nasty stuff. Casper won't say too much without incriminating himself, so you don't have to worry about him for now. This other figure, however, is... worrying. Lay low for now. I will contact you with your next assignment.
---------2 months later-----------
The base construction is proceeding apace, and you have heard and seen very little of Absentia ever since the Casper incident. You have been assigned to general construction every day on a rotating assignment and you have met many new people. The brutally exhausting routine of the working Tear is becoming the rhythm of your life. Thankfully, the Tears aren't completely stupid, and a few days per week you are assigned to a position that really fits your strengths.
Just when you think Absentia has forgotten you, your room flares to binding life one late night and who should be standing in the center of the room but Ann in all her off-putting beauty. Light, flowing robes of crimson and gold float around her as she turns to regard each of you in turn while you collectively stumble from exhausted slumber.
Physical work is tiring. And demeaning for one of her intellect. Ariana gripes, incessantly, she eventually finds herself tasked with assisting in directing much of the work, wheedling her way to that position frequently in place of lifting, carrying or moving anything heavier than five pounds. She already had a talent for it and made use of it to further her own ends—namely avoiding sweating or getting her hands dirty doing menial labor. She couples this by preparing spells that let her do work with her newfound psionic powers or spellcasting.
During her free time, Ariana invests her time into studying magic and studying Zayid. She knows there are a few ways to fix his affliction, and if they do not act on it soon she plans to take matters into her own hands. She resorts to studying in the library or in the alchemical laboratory during late hours. She throws herself into creating substances that will help her put down Zayid if necessary.
Unsure of her place with the other Tears, Ariana spends most of her time studying. She can get drawn out of this by a friendly demeanor or by someone who shares her interest.
She'll also try to create some silver weapon blanch during the two month down-time.
-- Fail by 5 or more and have to pay an additional 9 silver, in addition to making no progress the rest of the week on a new dose.
Fail by 5 or more and have to pay an additional 9 silver, in addition to making no progress the rest of the week on a new dose.
Success, created in half the time. Cost 1 gold, 7 silver.
Fail, pay 9 silver.
Success, created in half the time. Cost 1 gold, 7 silver.
Success, created in half the time. Cost 1 gold, 7 silver.
Result: 6 weeks of work (presuming 8 available due to 2 month span)
Cost: 9 gold, 5 silver.
Production: 4 doses of Weapon Blanch (Silver)
Noro took to much of the work detail like a work-out. she definitely was not unaccustomed to labor.
each evening she would return to the dorm area, shower and sit on her bunk. she managed to get her hands on a tattered sketch book. she would sit in her bunk, book open and charcoal in had sketching various pictures.
this time was some of the few times Noro was mostly topless (not nude), and besides the tattooed markings of her crimes her personal tattoo was visible, some sort of tribal design with the head of a wolf.
every so often she would set the book aside and play with Lou, he seemed to be growing fast, and getting big as well.
Freia didn't mind being assigned construction duty - but she didn't relish it either. Mostly, she managed to get jobs that involved more climbing then actually lifting, which fitted her better. And, for that one time where she almost feel - she had her feather fall spell! It was certainly not the most dignified display of magic, screaming like a little girl and flailing her arms, but it was better then going 'splat' on the ground.
What she did like however was the fact that they now and then got a few hours off at the evenings. Between the mundane chores of everyday life, she found surprisingly much time to work on her latest hobby - drawing. And, she observed, so did Noro. While Noro was a bit intimidating (much bigger, with a temper. And some sort of scary tatoo too!), Freia had managed to see eye-to-eye with her before (well, figuratively!). Even hugged her once! she was a bit proud of that one! So, inch by inch, Freia seated herself closer and closer to Noro - testing the waters.
Thus, after three weeks or so, the skittish tiefling finally dared to sit down next to her! (Well, in the same bed at least. There were still some healthy distance!) Lou had given her the excuse she needed and she carried the surprisingly large kitten clutched to her chest. Carefully (still with Lou clutched as a moral boost/shield) she looked over Noro's drawings.
"Uhm ... Lou was nibbling on my spellbook again... I'm not sure why ..." shaking her head as if to clear it of thoughts, she looked down at the sketchbook. "What are you drawing Noro?"
Noro didn't even look up, maybe you should put them away when you are not reading them. Noro sounds a little cold, like she is afraid to actually let someone get close to her.
when Freia glances at the book, Noro is sketching what looks like flowers.
either Noro didn't mind her seeing or she didn't realize but after a moment (when she asks what Noro was drawing. Noro quickly closes the book, nothing. she says, a little embarrassed.
apparently Noro does have a soft side, but is a afraid to show it.
she gets up from the bed and goes somewhere to be alone.
she also does not prevent Freia from following either.
The sudden appearance of the elan draws Ariana to her feet warily. She blinks sleepily, having expected some sort of attack from the light show. "Terrible timing. Is there an emergency? Why have you not contacted us in months?"
Freia softly calls after Noro. With a confused look at Noro's back, Freia (still wielding Lou as moral support/hostage) gets up and follows. Did I hurt her? Nah ...
"Wait! Your drawing was really pretty!"
*Yawn!*
Freia blinked herself awake and peered out from the safety of her blankets. Ann? What is going on here?
"Huh?"
Hearing a noise at the closed kitchen door, Zayid became more alert. Uh oh, better hide... where's Aboki, anyway? he wondered. As if in answer, a massive paw appeared under the door, waving around in circles. "Aboki?" whispered the young man, greatly relieved. "You okay?"
"Mrow," came the reply. Zayid twitched. It was still unnerving to hear cat sounds and know what Aboki was saying. Climbing to his feet, Zayid hurried to make his way back to the dormitory before anyone else woke up... and hopefully before anyone realized he'd been gone.
The next few weeks were filled with manual labor and evening training sessions with Aboki. The great cat had some interesting views on life, and Zayid found himself bonding to the cat more than ever before. At the same time, a nebulous feeling of fear grew in him... he couldn't identify the source, but the object of the fear... was Aboki. As the weeks wore on, the young man found himself alone more and more, either sending Aboki off to find Freia, or leaving the cat in the room and going elsewhere. Aboki seemed to understand, to some degree at least, and never pursued when Zayid wanted to be alone... and Zayid only hoped that the fluffy creature wouldn't realize what was really going on.
Many such times, Zayid would wander aimlessly for a time, then find his feet leading him unbidden in the direction of the kitchen. At first he resisted their pull, but eventually he began following it... and invariably found Filior there, concocting some new dish.
"I want to open an eatin' spot when I get out," Filior would say. Zayid would smile and muster all the cheer he could. "You'll have to learn to cook first," he'd retort. The two would laugh, and sit in silence for a time, each with his own thoughts. Later one would speak up, and they'd talk a bit as Zayid munched on a fresh scone or a chunk of raw-milk cheese.
Then, half a week after one such meeting, he blacked out again. Once again he awoke in the kitchen, the rune on his forehead throbbing painfully. He sighed and made his way back to the dormitory, knowing it would be a long day.
That night, "Ann" made her surprise appearance.
Zayid reaches up to cover his eyes, squinting as he stumbles out of bed and waits for the Sorrow to speak.
Noro simply looks back at Freia, she says nothing wondering what she was getting at.
Once away from the others, what do you want? I'm not much of a people pershon, ok?
She tries to be tough but either Noro has really slipped or she actually may have purposely let her guard down.
looking to be sure they are alone, Look, I don't have many friendsh, and those that get closhe to me, usually want to kill me. Just look at Reck, that half-Orc we captured.
when Absentia enters with all her dazzling pomp-n-circumstance Noro was about to throw something at her to get her to go away, but for some reason she actually had some common sense, for once.
[b]what in the hellsh?
Ann quietly watches as you all stumble, drop, and generally drag yourselves from sleep. When you seem to be relatively aware, she proceeds. Her voice is that of a different person, almost sounding like a song compared to the more monotone Absentia.
A matter has come to my attention that I must assign to you, but it must remain between us. I have been following the leads provided by your previous efforts and have narrowed the field of possible identities for this "Distributor". We have an opportunity to narrow the field significantly more, but the window of opportunity is small.
I have intercepted a communication that the Distributor will make contact with another of his associates tonight during a large materials transfer at the docks. I need you to observe this meeting and then apprehend the Tear contacted after the meeting has taken place. You must not be seen by the Distributor. When you have apprehended the Tear, bring him to me in the Crucible.
Zayid yawns deeply. "Mm... how are we supposed to get out of the compound after dark?"
Leave that to me. Go to the Kitchens. Use the delivery door.
Try to conserve your strength today. You'll need it for tonight.
"Uhm. Will we have to sneak the apprehended Tear back without our Overseers seeing ?"
Well, I'm not much of a people person either. Obviously. *sigh* ... But! I have to try! Right? Taking a deep breath and hugging Lou for good fortune, Freia continues
"I promise I wont want to kill you Noro. I wouldn't want to kill *anyone* ..."
Noro thinks for a moment, she then turns and goes somplace nearby at sits, Freia was about think Noro was going to ignore her, until she looks at Freia, Sit down. she says, motioning to a spot beside her.
Looking at the others, sheeing ash how you brought that Cashper fellow in before, that should be eashy. Noro suits up for a fight, letsh roll then.
"Yes?"
"But that was during the night! There was no-one on guard ..." Freia protests weakly as she retracts her clothes underneath her blanket to get dressed.
Huh... Zayid looks a bit haggard today... Freia notes with a quick glance around the room.
This assignment will take place in the coming night as well. Absentia reiterates with a slight "I already said that" expression.
"Uhumuhm ... I meant how do we get back inside the Tear base?"
Freia looks like she wants to shrink away underneath her blankets - and she seems do be doing a darn good attempt!
The same door you leave by in the kitchens. Unless you intend to lock it on your way out, then you're on your own.
"What materials? Is this on a ship? Is there a possibility of that? Which shipping area is it near? Are there any others involved or just one Tear?"
Ariana's questions come as a barrage. She doesn't do well with conversation--treating it in many ways as simply an obstacle to bludgeon or force her way through with sheer intellect and thinking skills.
"Hmn..any suggestions on how we approach this situation? Is the moon full tonight?"
Ann takes the barrage in stride and answers just as quickly as Ariana can unload them.
Building materials, on a ship, yes. Docking berth 23C North. I have only heard of one, though that doesn't rule out the possibility of more. The moon is half tonight, so light may be required at times for those of you without adaptable vision. I suggest stealth, though I don't doubt that there are other options if you set your minds to it.
"I could ... turn you invisible Halsanna? If we can't find a good vantage point! Or I could create some cover with an illusion, like in the vault."
Today the shift seems particularly brutal. Some massive column stones are being placed in what will become the stables and each of you is called in to the site along with most of the big Tears from several other work groups. The task is long and hot with the sun pouring her radiant fury down on you for most of the day.
That night, you sneak out through the kitchen. This is the first time, so far as you are aware, that Tears have been sent from the facility without their masks. The air tonight seems to want to make up for the heat of the day and a cool, salty breeze can be felt off the port as you draw near. The moon's half-lit face shines down weakly upon you.
The dock in question is about half way down the pier on the left side. The cargo ship is already docked and offloading, having just come in on the evening tide. Docking workers mull around with loads on their shoulders and sailors cheer as they walk up the dock and into the nearest pub, a establishment of ill repute called the Tossed Goblin which sits just a few buildings down. The pier is lit with a row of sputtering torches. Barely visible upon the mast of the ship is the snapping flag of the Seaborse Express.
Directly perpendicular to the dock and across the street sits a warehouse. It is two story and large. It would make a great vantage point and sniper's nest if you can find a way up top.
How do you proceed?
The elf is not pleased at the amount of work and insists on taking a shower when returning to the room. She is generally irritable, more so than normal, and snaps at her bunk-mates several times during the night.
Ariana points to the warehouse and then looks pointedly at Halsanna. She also casts Message on Halsanna, Freia and Zayid.
"Halsanna, can you see if you can get a good position up there? I will contact you every three minutes and you can relay anything you see to us down here. My magic won't reach that far."
The day was long and hard, but luckily for Freia, she is somewhat heat resistant. After a quick head-dip in a bowl of water and a short powernap she is ready to head out again! The anticipation of doing something 'real' again may also have helped her dull the fatigue.
This is strange ... Freia thought as she wandered down the harbour. It had been a long time since she was outside without a mask. Even longer since she had been to the harbour. And newer in this company! She afforded herself a quick smile, but she hid it swiftly again after remembering Ari's mood! But still! The weather is nice and the moon is out. It is a beautiful night! Her smile returned - and this time it stayed.
When they approached the pier where the ship was docked, she frowned as soon as she saw the flag of the ship. Seaborse again? They seem to be... everywhere ...! Looking around, she surveyed the rest of the scene. Halsanna wanted a vantage point right? Nervously she fingered the handkerchief she had tied around her neck. When they moved in - she would use it to cover her face. Just in case!
"Hmm. I think I can get up to the roof of that warehouse and drop a rope for you Halsanna. If it would be suitable vantage point ?"
Noro shows her some of the sketches she was working on, some ore pretty good but allot are rather sloppy.
Theshe aren't ash good ash my brothersh work. One day I want to get done with all of thish and open a little tattoo parlor here in the city. finally be done with thish kind of life.
she pulls out a folded up parchment. Thish wash the lasht thing my brother gave me before I had to leave. she hands it to Freia. It wash a picture he drew of me, back when..I...well it wash a long time ago. Noro is fighting back getting emotional, but obviously it was a painful time back then.
"It is ... your brother has talent! Lots! Your drawings are good too - so it must run in the family. Heh... You looked so ... little?..."
A long time ago. I wonder when she left ...? Freia fell quiet and looked at the real Noro for a while trough the corner of her eye. How old is she? Can't be that old... She doesn't look that old. She looks about my age? And humans mature much quicker. So that would be *less* in years... But how many? Still with great care, Freia handed the parchment back. What do I say? Thinking back to what she knew about soothing words, she stole what she thought her (adoptive) father would say
"... I'm sure Lou would be proud of you Noro. I'm sure all this will work out somehow..."
Zayid's tanned skin protects him somewhat during the day, so when evening comes he seems none the worse for the day's hard work. As they leave the complex, Aboki pads along beside his master, glancing up every so often as if to check in.
"Some of us should stay on the ground," he suggests quietly. "Remember... we must not be seen."
The elf grumbles and shoots a glare at Freia. "And what could you do from that far away that would be helpful? Halsanna is good with that bow of hers--let her handle her own path up. If she runs into help, she can message us."
Ari sulkily glances at the ship and leans against a nearby wall or crate, folding her arms. "Once she has a good idea of what is going on, we can have someone move in sneakily to try and eavesdrop. After that, the rest of us can ambush the individual. Remember--we do not want the Distributor to know we are here."
Freia shrinked away a little bit and swallowed. "Um. I only meant to climb up to give Halsanna an easy route up. I'll come back down afterwardS!"
Ariana shrugs. "If you insist. Don't take too long though."
over the next several days, Noro seems to warm up to freia. you actually think you saw her smile. noro does a few sketches and shows Freia how to draw. at least the best she can.
all of this is done privately or late at night when nobody else is around.
Noro moved slower this evening than she normally does, she appears to be stiff, and achy. but she tries to not let it show.
as the group checks out the docks, remindsh me of a former life.
Freia easily scales the warehouse with her magical assistance and secured a rope for Halsanna. The whole process takes two minutes at most.
Of all of you, Noro needs to be the most careful to not be spotted. Her past is all around her here.
The scrolls magic elongates Freias limbs, especially her fingers, and with monkeylike agility she quickly scales the wall. Soon she disappears up upon the roof. Half a minute later her head pops over the edge and she drops down a rope to Halsanna and glides down. With a prideful grin she hands the half-elf the rope.
"There! Just pull the rope up after you and noone but the seagulls will bother you!"
Freia returns quickly from her minor expedition. She appears to be annoyingly energetic and ready for action.
"So, what now?"
Noro scans the area, she realizes that these people, some are former acquaintances. Damn she mutters as she notices on of the workers heading to the tavern.
That shon of a hag ish shtill around? she mutters to herself as she tries to remain unseen.
With Halsanna as Overwatch, the party mulls about in small groups. Several hours pass before you spot anything. Aboki notices first. He his hiding in the shadowy ally ways between buildings to avoid being instantly noticed. He bumps Zayid who is standing nearby and Zayid spots the Old Man wandering down the road! He passes the spot along and moves into a shadowing position.
The rest of the party soon spots the man as well, but Noro and Ariana both recognize that he isn't sneaking, he's shadowing. Freia then spots who he's following. A thick bear of a woman with a shifting gait. Honestly, just about everyone here was just as big and all manner of limps, shuffles, and skips were present, but she was being followed... Why?
To add to her mystery, the woman turns and makes her way down your pier dodging the huge sacks of grain currently being unloaded...
[message]"Uhm ... Are you seeing this? It seems awfully suspicious ... You think either one is the distributor or the tear?"[/message]
He follows the woman..I suspect she is the target. He may be a foe or working on a similar objective. Watch. Perhaps interrupt him if he looks to be moving to intercept. The Distributor only appears via magic.
Ariana will start following the woman as well, keeping an eye on the other Tear.