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Kikinnin receives Maxim's jaundiced look somewhat densely, figuring the man to be ill at ease with his newfound Fade. He understands, with a bit of gratitude that he himself doesn't have to bear the same burden. "Yeah, I'm up for knowing how we're gonna be luckier than gnomes. JJ sounds like he knows a bit about disease, since he keeps calling what you two got one of them. That's unlike any disease I've seen, to be honest, and I've dissected enough rats to know, I'd think. Yuathyb drank a potion, then his Fade stepped forward. I'm thinking it's like Maxim says. There's gotta be something like a curse here, fresh from a mummy's tomb. Something that says 'you touch my things, and I'll touch you'." Kikinnin remembers grabbing Yuathyb, healing him, with no repercussions for having touched the creature. He relaxes a bit, with the memory.
"Ryan, Marigold. What have you learned?"
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Ryan walks in from the afternoon in the library and the morning bartering with the shop owners wanting nothing more then to have a cold ale, some warm stew before returning to his bed. His head hurt, the scribes were thorough, sometime too thorough for one more accustomed to the courtyard than the library. However the papers and scrolls had gleaned options though few they were.
Yet just before he was to say JJ's hand made itself known with the Fade hitting it as well. For a moment, he watches dumbfounded as the others discuss Maxim and now JJ's newest issue.
Maybe they have some memory of the original Vanishing in their archives....
With sorrow clear upon his face he starts but slowly giving way to determination
"Hold JJ, you have something there but let me be frank, they had little luck. I have spent the afternoon researching what I could of the Vanishing that struck the gnomes like a plague.
With the use of spells of restoration, ones of great power they could prolong the time one had, but it took very powerful spells as well as the blessing of the gods to cure the disease in any.
Likely will take the Sarcem Delasharn supported by other clerics to power the spell, and then there is the simple fact of the focus, we're talking about a very clear diamond on of surpassing quality"
Yet we have not by any means exhausted our options, for if it can be slowed or cured once then it can once more. Davked and your uncle, Maxim, will need to hold Malachite from the Darklands intrusions, I believe you have already addressed this in general but now in specific. You spoke once of trade between above and below, you Uncle should be made aware so that he doesn't get any ideas about hunting for lost treasures as they pass through Jazridune. It could very well spell the end of a promising relationship. Perhaps Jenya's own warning to avoid them were a blessing in disguise, as we can't afford to spread ourselves too thin. " Ryan grimaces as he says these last words, his eyes automatically going to Maxim's gloved hand and similarly transparent ones on JJ conspicuously hidden within his sleeves for the moment.
"Forgive me friends as no offense was intended, too many have been lost to this plague, no more, should we be able to thwart it.
Maxim barks a warm chuckle at Ryan's apology;
"Har! None taken Taskerhill. Been through too much already for that to happen! Seems to me those powerful members of the clergy won't be performing such rites for a couple of down at heel heroes like me an' Surabar..."
He pauses to look toward JJ with a hard smile;
"No offence meant there either... Know you've ties to nobility an' I too the Merchant clan, but we're still small fry despite our latest front page headlines... Prolonging with lesser magicks until we command more clout, more sway, might be our best option for the time being?"
Maxim taps his gloved hand, as he mulls what he's heard;
"Aye... Adrick needs to know... enough to ward him from collecting more bounty or coin... an' reckon Jazridune will need to be a passthrough for the traders for the time being... Once we're done here I'll head to them, give him the good news."
"I'm g-glad you f-found something Ryan," Marigold finally speaks up. "I d-didn't have m-much luck on my end...the restricted archives have a lot of books to go through," she sighs. "And I only g-got in this once b-because I helped rescue P-Professor Drundlesput and J-Jeneer and the others. We'd have to d-do something like that again to get another chance."
She frowns, clearly thinking. "B-but you're right, it was slowed once and we can d-do it again...no idea where we'd f-find a diamond though, especially a p-pure one..."
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"Likely will take the Sarcem Delasharn supported by other clerics to power the spell, and then there is the simple fact of the focus, we're talking about a very clear diamond on of surpassing quality."
"The 'Sarcem Dela'-who? Oh, and now that we're talking urgency, of course it'll involve a diamond. An expensive diamond. Because the priests say so? Why's it got to be a diamond, huh?" Kikinnin shakes his head, sipping his whiskey mug, and concentrating on the burn to quiet his throat for a moment, as he realizes his words start to turn a little too acidic.
JJ looks at his pile of coins.
"Diamonds... I've heard they are very beautiful... but never seen one before. Why would you need a diamond to remove a disease"
He sighs. "Maybe I'm not cut out for magic. It doesn't seem to make a lot of sense. Either way - I'm going to talk to Uncle Alek. Maybe the gnomes didn't even ask for help from tall priests- tried to keep it to themselves... "
From his face, even JJ knows he is clutching at straws.
Somewhat dispirited he gets up to head down to the church.
"The diamond focuses the divine energies contained within the spell, would a very expensive ruby or garnet suffice, I couldn't say. That has not been one of my studied areas of training. Perhaps, one of Marigold's professor's could explain the difference should you really wish to know Kikinnin."
As JJ gets up and leaves quickly, Ryan calls out "You Uncle Alex isn't tavern door closes there, he had to leave...."
Shaking his head knowing that the young ranger was just coming to terms with the issue, he takes his leave and heads back to St Cuthberts. He would need to study and pray, his tonsure would be in two days, and perhaps he'd be able to settle JJ's mind for the night.
JJ slowly walks the streets. His mind isn't on the town of his ancestors, rather it is on thoughts of fading away and becoming a ghost.
Or maybe they didn't die, just became invisible.. he hopes. But doesn't really think it likely.
Not seeing JJ when he gets to the church, Ryan studies a bit before turning in.
Eventually JJ makes his way into the temple dedicated to St Cuthbert.
There he asks around for Uncle Alex.
Taking a pew, he settles down, and does what he can to pray.
"Hi there. Yeah, it's me. This is JJ, but I guess you knew that. Anyway, Uncle Alex said that sometimes when you don't know what to do, its good to have You to talk to. Not that you are saying much. I'm too young to fade away, and last of my name too. Not that you really care about names."
The stream of consciousness/prayer goes on for a while as JJ wrestles with what is happening to him.
JJ prays to Abadar, he is so focused he does not notice when a woman closes by him and looking at the altar says "Despite what you would think, he listens to us" Jenya turns to the young man adding "Is just he reveals his message in ways we often are unable to interpret"
"What troubles you JJ?" finishes the priestess.
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"Oh.. Hi Jenya" says JJ.
"This is kind of embarrassing..."
He glances aroudn and then, careful not to touch her, draws back his sleeve to show her his hand.
"I think I picked up The Vanishing, while I was helping to save the citizens from the goblins. "
He tries to put a brave face on it, but its obvious he is very scared.
"We rescued one of the creatures who had it, and were going to bring him either here to you, or to the guard, but...he just vanished away in a room, overnight. Totally gone."
His eyes plead with her "I don't want to vanish away... like midnight smoke. And never be seen again."
St Cuthbert's Library
While studying Ryan remembers the half-elves seemed to be holding something back in their explanation, so he digs a bit to see if the library held anything about one Elethor Ashstaff.
Kikinnin hears the squirrels offer up their collective nuts. He looks on the tavern table, and recognizes the sparseness of the gathering. He pats his cheek, unhappy with his own foraging, regarding the Fade and its potential effects.
"Well, I'm not a learned man, but I trust the learning you all seem to have, taking up books, and hoping to understand the condition, and the cause. Marigold talks about gaining access, but can't keep it up, because she's not privileged enough to continue. Any way we can change that?" He looks from face to face.
"Perhaps meeting with the Mayor might help with that. You whisper into the right ear, maybe the proper doors open up." Kikinnin raises an eyebrow to Marigold.
He turns to Ryan. "You mentioned your tonsils. You need help with that, I'm sure we can find you the right healer. St. Cuthbert's is as good as any to ask for help." Kikinnin pats Ryan on the shoulder to reassure the man.
"I'd still like to visit, as a group, the one they call Xoden. We're not done with our Kazmojen work. Perhaps tomorrow? Perhaps shortly before he's due to open to the public?"
When it appears they have concluded their days' investigations, Kikinnin considers his options. He decides to take a room at the Drunken Morkoth, if one is available. He could use to get out of his armor, for a spell.
"W-well...you've g-got a p-point, m-maybe the mayor can help us out d-depending on why he wants to m-meet us," Marigold replies, looking thoughtful. "It c-can't hurt to ask since there's n-not a lot of options...wait, tonsils? Wh-what?" she blinks, looking confused.
"Oh! T-Tonsure! D-do you want us to g-go with you Ryan? It's the l-least we c-can do..."
Jenya looks concerned at JJ's vanishing hand "For Abadar's sake! I am sorry JJ that you got into this trouble" as the boy explains the severity of the problem she adds without much problem "I had no idea such a terrible filth was hidding below Cauldron's streets. The community is even more grateful for your sacrifice"
When JJ updates her about Ryan's findings at the library about cases solved after removing curse on the afflicted the woman meditates for a second "Look. Sarcem Delasharn, the high-priest, is not here and he might not come back in weeks" she looks once more at the hand "I have never tried before, but I might be powerful enough already to call for such blessings."
"I guess you are attending to Ryan's tonsure. Good, you and your other affected friend, come back for the ceremony. After we are finished, Ryan will help me to pray for those miracles and let's hope Abadar listens us and they are good for healing you" she looks then with hope.
Ryan looks the church registries for Alethor Ashstaff. He indeed finds a registration that certifies Alethor's being born in Cauldron in 5658 AR. Further than that, nothing else is found.
Kikinnin gets a room in the Drunken Morkoth and despite some early shouts from the lower floor, he is able to sleep properly for the night.
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JJ's face sinks as he hears the words "grateful for your sacrifice", but tries to keep a quaver out of his voice. However when she admits to perhaps being powerful enough his face comes alive.
"Oh, I'm sure you are. And its all Abdar's will anyway isn't it? I mean like, it's Abdar doing the healing, you just like ...pray for it."
He almost gives her a hug, but then realizes that might not be appropriate, and doesn't want to risk giving her the plague too. Suddenly another thought crosses his mind.
"Oh not... you don't think I could have given this to someone else by touching them...before I realised I had it..."
Triel! I'll need to go find her at the guard tomorrow - maybe when I see if there are any records about the assassinated guards from ten years ago.
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In the Library
While in the Library, Ryan takes some time to study up on the process of creating scrolls, their last foray into the depths taught him it was very easy to expend his daily allotment of spells. He would need to consult with Jenya about whom would be best to complete his training in that arena.
Next morning
Ryan arises early spending his time in prayer and preparation for the day. Time in the courtyard completes his morning absolution, the forms long drilled into his muscles by Aleck flowed easily with heavy mace. The warhammer however was ungainly, earning him a snicker or two from the younger initiates; he would need to spend time with Kikinnin or Aleck to improve his stances. As of now he was committing too far with it as the front was heavier and dropping short on the return strikes. It wouldimprove with time, he'd spend the time.
last trip has proven that needing
Spotting Jenya, "Priestess, I have studied the scroll creation process but these past few days I've learned how important that process really is. Would it be possible to spend extra time learning the finer points of the scroll preparation and creation? Until I have learned as such those finer points I would like to see about purchasing some scrolls, would the church have them? Or do I need to go elsewhere within town."
Jenya will attempt to comfort you but she cannot ensure Abadar will listen to the prayers.
The next day, on your visit to the guard, you are told Skylar Krewis might know about what happened with Terrem's parents. He is in command to guard the Major's Office and can talk with him about the topic.
"Of course I can help you out completing those scroll writing studies. I have lessons with Rufus Laro as well" accepts Jenya with a small nod of her head "By the way, Aleck will not be at the tonsure. Important matters called him to Redgorge"
As you come into the temple during the afternoon you find out a large group of people already in. Among the assistants there are Ryan's parents, Hannah Taskerhill, Rufus Laro and other minor members of the St. Cuthbert church.
When Ryan steps in next to the altar with his fine white silken clothing Jenya receives him with one hand then ask him to kneel. The priestess starts talking to the audience "We are here today to see Ryan studies concluded and assist to his vows in front of Abadar himself"
There are a couple lectures conducted by Jenya talking about the man that despite his comfortable life saw all he could do for his pairs and so worked for them, ultimately funding the St. Cuthbert's temple in Cauldron.
Later, Jenya approaches with a big golden bowl to Ryan and speaks "Ryan. Do you promise to look after and protect this community and follow Abadar's word as it is written in The Order of Numbers?"
After Ryan asserts his intention to follow the word Jenya will say "So It Is Judged." then places the bowl in front of the man and add "Now, you can place here that you want to give to the community as a symbol of your commitment and dedication"
JJ nods to Jenya before leaving for the evening.
The next day however he is back with the others watching Ryan get promoted.
Thought why would they cut your hair when they promote you?
He exchanges his latest update "I called past the guard on the way down. If we get to see the mayor, we should ask to also see Skylar Krewis at the same time. Apparently he might have known Terrem's parents.. or had something to do with the investigation into their deaths."
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Ryan kneels quietly and listens intently as Jenya and the others speak of Abadar and his commitment to his communities. As she approaches with the golden bowl a tremor of excitement can be seen by those watching closely. He'd worked and studied a great deal of his young life to reach this point, which was still really only a new beginning.
"So It Is Judged. Now, you can place here that you want to give to the community as a symbol of your commitment and dedication"
With a nod, Ryan answers Jenya, nay Abadar's challenge.
"Abadar, Keeper of the First Vault, Lawgiver, and Builder of Cities. I give of myself to your service."
Reaching under his tunic Ryan removes a small pouch and puts it in the bowl. "I give of my personal wealth, so that your church may grow and in so doing grow and support this community."
Nodding towards Jarred Lathenmire, a promising young initiate, who then walks forward. Ryan removes the covering exposing his shield and mace, cleaned, repaired and shined. Taking the shield first, he gently places it on the floor and then put the bowl within it. Mace reverently laid upon both of them he speaks once more. "I offer my shield to protect those who abide within this community and adhere to the laws. I offer my mace to uphold your laws and defend that which you have built."
Thanking Jarred, the initiate returns to where he was before, Ryan returns his attention to Jenya and the bowl. Reaching up to his neck, his companions note that he is removing the key that he has used often in his prayers with them. "And I offer you this golden key, my physical connection to you and your power, as a token of my dedication to your service. You have protected me and those around me, send me and I will go"
Having run the limit of his thoughts for the moment Ryan bows his head before Jenya and the others, waiting to see if his offering would be accepted....
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Letting the gems in the bowl to jingle Jenya answers to Ryan's offering saying "This Can Help Us All"
She then cuts a lock of hair from Ryan and adds it to Ryan "You are now one of Abadar clerics, and so all this people have seen your commitment in front of the Master of the First Vault eyes"
"Now. Those afflicted in the community, let them step up" Jenya looks at JJ and Maxim. As they come to the altar Jenya requests Ryan to sum up his voice in her prayers "Abadar. Listen our prayers on this cheering day. As for this two noble servers of your community have gone to high sacrifice to serve you and safe those weaker."
"I pray you, give me your power and let me remove the filth that is vanishing their bodies" she then completes the prayer with some divine words and touches JJ, then chants a bit more and touches Maxim.
JJ's hands turn to normal, but Maxim's ones not. Jenya seems a bit frustrated but attempts once more to chant "This is my last bit of power for today"
This time Abadar's blessing seems to work on the dwarf and his hands become normal once more.
The look of relief on JJs face would be almost comical in another situation.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you." he says again and again.
He lifts his eyes up to the roof of the church and says it again.
"And thank You too."
As usual, Marigold had remained largely quiet during the ceremony. Large crowds had always made her feel a little uneasy though thankfully it was easy enough with her size to let herself be lost in the shuffle if need be. But it wasn't every day that someone like herself would have the opportunity to witness a tonsure, either.
And Ryan is a good sort; if us being here is important to him then it's the least we can do, she thinks to herself as she watches the proceedings with interest. Still think I prefer the ceremonies for Pelor more though; they're a little less...stuffy.
She glances upward. Er, sorry.
When the end of the ceremony comes and Jenya makes her pleas to Abadar, Marigold's jaw drops as both JJ and Maxim are apparently healed of their Vanishing.
Abadar, what I said earlier? Now I'm *really* sorry. Thank you!
*******************************
Once the ceremony is concluded, she turns to both of her companions excitedly. "Is it g-gone, gone for g-good???" she gasps. "That was a-a-amazing!"
JJ checks inside his shirt...discretely.. to make sure it really is gone.
"Yeap..." he says, looking and sounding quite chipper.
"Maybe the gnomes offended St Cuthbert. Or maybe their priests were not as strong as Jenya. Or maybe they never tried. It is good to know she can fix it if we run into the issues again though."
That day after the ceremony you follow Kikinnin through Cauldron's sloped avenues to Xonen's workshop.
The doors and windows are closed and after a bit of knocking at the doors there is no response.
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Maxim keeps a stoic reverence as Ryan undergoes his tonsure, and acceptance to his next level of faith.
When the Cudgelites call for him to recieve the curative powers of their god, he stands grim faced - clearly not anticipating the divine magic to succeed where the gnomiz failed...
When his own panacea fails at the initial attempt, the gun-mage emits a resigned sigh, then forces a smile at JJ;
"Guess the Cudgel only looks after his..."
The words die on his lips as the second bout of restorative magicks return his hand to normal;
"..flock... me... It worked...!"
The dwur nods his thanks to the priestess, then rejoins his companions.
At JJ's words he strokes his beard in thought;
"Gnomiz gods are strong enough Surabar. Maybes they did offend the Cudgel... Maybes they asked too late... Maybes the Fade takes to the gnomiz and latches harder than on other folks..."
"M-Maxim m-might have a point," Marigold agrees. "Gn-Gnomes are known for their m-magical talents...so m-maybe it sticks to them harder like he s-said. And m-maybe it sticks harder to p-people who use m-magic themselves...like p-priests or m-mages, no matter what race of p-people they are."
When they arrive to find the workshop apparently closed, Marigold shakes her head. "Oh n-no...m-maybe he kn-knew p-people would b-be looking for him and s-skipped town?" she frets.
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The gun-mage looks frustrated at the lack of activity from within the building.
With a wry smile he taps the door;
"Maybe he did Missy... but didn't we all just hear a cry for help from within? Cause enough to gain entry no?"
JJ smiles and looks over his shoulder.
Taking out the tools he picked up in the gnomish stronghold he adds
"We really should check it out."
Ryan ignores Maxim for the moment having just hours earlier vowed to uphold the laws of the city. Choosing instead to go next door, firmly knocking upon the door.
"Good Day, we were seeking an audience with Master Xonen, needing to consult with him about some work we have coming up. Strangely enough his shop is closed and appears deserted this morning. Have you seen him?"
"W-we did?" Marigold blinks stupidly for a moment before seeing JJ pull out his lockpicking tools. "Oh! Um, s-sure we did..." she laughs weakly as she shoots Ryan and Kikinnin a nervous look.
Neighbours will explain sooner or later to Ryan that Xoden has been missing for a couple or three days now.
With the help of JJ's skills the group is able to enter the workshop. Most valuables are at place, but you notice the dwarf has taken with him some of his clothing and gear.
Directed by Kikinnin you open the room he did not wanted him to go in. What you find inside is an almost empty room. The only contents are a couple of steel bars, two meter long and one inch thick. They seem imperfect in their extremes.
Over a table you find a list with a description of materials. They are a large amount of steel bars, thirteen metallic circular plates, thirteen locks, and thirteen open conic shapes. Next to the name a tick appears and over all the ticks it reads in dwarf "Delivered".
"How odd" says JJ
"Maybe someone is building a menagerie? "
"More like cages for those we just liberated I'm thinking " Ryan grates in disgust.
"The neighbors say he's been gone a couple three days. Kikinnin, Maxim can you you tell who this order was for?" Unable to read the language but recognizing runes from their time below in Malachite
The bars are indicative of something larger as Ryan deduces.
Nothing in the list tells you a hint of whom it might address. It probably was just a personal list.
JJ shakes his head.
"The goblins... they just put manacles on the slaves. Now I don't pretend to understand the mindset of slavers, but it seems someone wanted something pretty exotic here. Why would you spend so much money on cages for slaves?"
He taps his fingers.
"I still think these are something else. The shapes are odd. I think they are for displaying something."
He adds "Maybe a professional slaver who wanted a way to display his wares for auction? Still sounds a bit exotic. How much extra would you need to get for your goods to pay for something like this?"
Eyes light up. "Maybe that is a clue. Maxim...how much do you think this lot would cost? For the metal and the workmanship?"
Maxim nods at the deductions;
"Showcasing makes a kind of sense... I wonder what other capacities they might have use in..."
:
At JJ's behest he casts a seasoned eye over the metal and components;
:
The work seems something very custom and special. He is unable to assess how much that work would cost, and cannot imagine any magical device or spell to require it.
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"We are here today to see Ryan studies concluded and assist to his vows in front of Abadar himself."
Kikinnin actually cranes his neck for a moment, hoping to catch a glimpse of Abadar, should He have chosen to personally oversee the proceedings. Seeing nothing different, or holy, or shiny, the black-beard settles back down, a little disappointed. He takes solace in Tercival's words, as he starts to understand that Abadar's presence may be felt, but laying eyes on a very busy god is highly unlikely.
As Ryan becomes something more in the eyes of the church, Kikinnin claps heartily when Jenya declares it to all, bringing his fingers to his mouth at the corners, and whistling mightily.
When Jenya pulls JJ and Maxim forward, Kikinnin doesn't understand at first her motives. They ain't church-going as Ryan is... oh, ah... yeah, she's trying something...
When JJ heals, and Maxim doesn't, Kikinnin frowns. His mind moves towards JJ's familial relations, and worries that Maxim will be ignored by Abadar, for his lack of godly connections. His worry is dispersed like so much pipe puff when Jenya makes a second go of it, and successfully colors the blond-beard in to full. Kikinnin hoots his happiness, hoping it sounds as if it applies to both boy and brother.
The gnomes didn't have gods looking after them? Or just a strong enough follower to do what Jenya can do? Where's the justice there? Don't remember much of Jzaridune's relations with their Above and Below, but they must have heard of what gods can do through their followers, mustn't they have? He hears JJ and Maxim banter their luck and the gnomes' lack of it, and holds his tongue while others' tongues are speaking similar words.
He frets a bit, but tries to tone down his thoughts while everyone congratulates the two for returning from the Fade.
"Maybe he did Missy... but didn't we all just hear a cry for help from within? Cause enough to gain entry no?"
Kikinnin frowns. "I didn't hear it. D'you hear it, Ryan?" He sticks a finger deep in his right ear, and wiggles it fiercely, hoping it's not too late to hear the cry, should it come again. When he sees Marigold look to him nervously, Kikinnin only takes heed when JJ confirms it, and goes to work on the door. Well, two of 'em heard it, I guess that's enough. Right?
Entering the shop, Kikinnin's first inkling is to seek out rat droppings, hoping his work stuck the last time he was here. Finding none, he smirks, before continuing into the room that he failed to scour. Encountering the metal workings, he simmers a bit, gaining what little confirmation of the dwarf's black work and complicity in slavery he can find. "That right bastard. And now Ryan says he's gone. So we have ourselves a genuine dead end, here. That's unfortunate."
"JJ, can you make sure the front door is locked, like you found it? I'm coming to think you two were only making up a sound inside, so you'd have a reason to break-in. That's also unfortunate."
JJ shrugs at Kikinnin.
"I'll lock up fine, and we're not taking anything. Maybe the cry was from down the road." offers JJ with a somewhat unapologetic look to his face.
After the investigation of the house is complete, JJ is as good as his work, making sure the smithy is well secured.
"Given we are all in our finery, maybe we should go up to the mayors office, rather than go looking for trouble?" he suggests, his voice perhaps a tad contrite as he considers the divine blessing he so recently received.
Some days later the group gathers up again to receive audience at the Major's Office. You are familiar with the exteriors of the large walled compound, the oldest structure of the city.
The traditional seat of power for the town, the estate's ownership has been held by the Navalant family for the past 200 years.
A different thing is the building interior. Although not luxurious, the place displays professionally executed pieces of art on the details of the building execution, along with more traditional works of art like statues and pictures.
After going through the security check point where you leave your weapons, you are sit in the waiting chamber. Some minutes later a civil servant comes to you and requests your presence in the Major's Office.
When the doors open you find red haired human of blue eyes sit behind a table. You all recognize him very fast, he is Severen Navalant, the lord Major. Next to him is his closest counsellor, the nobleman lord Vhalantru.
Severen stands up at your arrival and walks towards you with a happy outburst "Look what we have here! A new group of adventurers which just helped so much Cauldron's orphans!"
"Good good! I have heard you went into some old forgotten caverns below the city. How was your experience?" he smiles as he listens your story "I am happy to have such promising figures around the city. Have you already requested an adventuring license?"
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"I don't need a license to return to my home. Malachite lies below, and through some winding, we managed to track Cauldron's problem through Jzaridune. It was there we discovered one end of a slavery ring. We're likely going to continue investigating the other end, if that's alright by you." Kikinnin's body posture has closed in, with folded arms, and a slightly-raised right eyebrow.
JJ made sure to scrub his face and double check his clothes before visiting the major. He had on the very best clothing he had been able to afford, and made sure the Surabar crest was in evidence.
"It was our pleasure to be able to help our fellow citizens" says the young man.
"And most especially my little brothers and sisters among the orphans."
He looks around the others when the issue of a licence comes up..
"What is an adventuring license?" he asks, hoping they are not in trouble already.
"If it is okay with you, I'd love to have a word with Skylar Krewis."
at Xonen's workshop
"With him gone, we should advise the guard captain. The materials list makes him a suspect at a minimum in all of this. He will likely have no men to spare for this judging from the last visit we had with him." Ryan will visit the guard Captain after they leave the workshop.
At the Major's office
Ryan let's the others step forward for congratulations first, before stepping up him self. "Thank you sir we were more than happy to assist the church, and Cauldron I might add, in their investigation into the children's disappearances."
As the talk turns to mention of a adventuring license bah, politics always wanting to get their cut. "Lord Major, we were assisting both the church and the guardsmen, who are under-equipped and under-funded by their own captains admission, in an investigation of disappearances of Cauldron citizens. Surely you jest about needing a license? It would be a shame for those who are willing to take the risk to fail to come to the cities aid because they are taxed for being a good citizen.
Like JJ, Marigold had scrounged up her best attire for the visit to the Mayor's office but she still felt a bit out of place among such pillars of the city. The mention of an 'adventuring license' puzzles her, but both Ryan and Kikinnin largely echo her own thoughts on the matter.
"N-not that we're trying to b-buck the law b-but the idea s-seems a little strange, that's all. H-how d-do you enforce groups b-buying one or n-not?" she asks, genuinely curious.
Maxim shoots the Mayor a hard look as he inquires about the status of their adventuring licence.
:
Politicians. An' folks have the nerve to accuse merchants o' being coin clawing crooks...
The gun-less mage fails to hold his tongue;
"Mayor. With all due respect. As my companions have stated we need no document to liberate those lost or enslaved. And those old, forgotten caverns were the ancestral delves of both gnomiz and dwur."
The dwur strokes his beard as he continues;
"We ain't planning on becoming treasure-hunters, least-ways until we've attended to all our outstanding business, so I reckon the need of such a charter is negligible..."
Terseon Skelerang takes the list from your hands with a very serious mood "Well, this is no proof at all that he is involved in slavery trade, but it is definitely something suspicious." he provides the list to an assistant for proper filing then talks to you "We will have some questions with this Xoden Nightshield if we ever catch him around the city. Thanks for your help Ryan. I will take this into account if I ever need some investigators"
"Sure, I guess" he turns towards Vhalantru "Whom is Skylar Krewis?"
As the license discussion warms up the Major tries to speak softer "Mean no offense. We just want to know whom is doing adventuring work around Cauldron. Isn't it?" he turns to Vhalantru who takes the conversation.
"Other adventurer groups are not that civilized as you are, and well, if some citizen comes telling armed people is wandering around their house, or one of multiple Cauldron's lava tubes, we want to be able to assure her that this is a registered persona and has nothing to worry" Vhalantru smiles then adding "And actually a 10 gold pieces fee per member is nothing compared with the multiple benefits of adventuring."
Severen Navalant seems to lose interest in the conversation as he starts to yawn. He places then his eyes on the crest on JJ's attire "Isn't it that one the heraldics of the Surabar family? Are you an enthusiast of my ancestors?"
JJ smiles at Severen. "I am indeed. Though through a couple of younger sons I too am a Surabar. I hope one day his name will be as prominent again in Cauldron as it once was."
JJ tries to remember Severen's connection to the family
"My father was Rolard Surabar, and his father Criton Surabar. My great grand father was Navaranda Surabar!"