"Sure, let's see if we can't get the rumor mill started... the mayor wanted us cooped up, and if he's not on the level I'd rather not play into his hands." Soren stretches before making sure her disguise is intact, then motions for Grumble to follow. "We'll see what we can learn around town while we're out there. After that, though, I think I'll head back out with a different disguise; a common woman might have better luck in certain places, and it won't due for a Mitran inquisitor to be seen heading to the places I'll be visiting later tonight." Once they're both ready to go, Soren heads out into the streets both to gather information and see how much chaos they can cause with their appearance in the area.
Jack nodded and puled his cloak around his shoulders to follow Lydia out. "Alice, can you presto-digit-tater all this blood?" he asked, looking just a little sheepish at the huge mess he'd made.
Aldencross - by Day
The townsfolk seem positively overjoyed with the appearance of Sir Balin. Grumble is nearly overwhelmed at the amount of positive compliments and appreciation he receives in the disguise. Lydia of course is the more talkative one and the townsfolk seem more than happy to talk to a living legend and his Mitran ally in the flesh...
Rumor 1:
"Have you ever been to the choir hall of Balentyne? If not you must go Sir Balin. Amazing! The priests are such beautiful singers and sometimes the stone saints that adorn the place join in the chorus. Such a miracle!"
Rumor 2:
"Lord Havelyn is a good soul but so grim and gloomy. For so great a lord to be unhappy, he must be guilty about something!"
Rumor 3:
"Mayor Jack Vance is quite the hero! Why just five years ago he discovered an Asmodean Cult here in the city. Those criminals were burned at the stake! Frontier justice it was. Lord Havelyn was non too happy about it but the evidence of their guilt was undeniable and the people have supported him ever since!"
Rumor 4:
"Balentyne’s magister, that creepy Tacitus, has been spending a lot of time working on something in his tower! I don’t know what it is, but it’s said that something unnatural was recovered from the north".
Most of the townsfolk do ask why the famous hunter is so far north...
Aldencross - by Day
Vaundour steps into a tavern named the Lord's Dalliance and makes friends quickly enough as the people realize that he has arrived with the famous Sir Balin!
Rumor 1:
"Mad Martin is a strange one! He tends the rookery in the Watchtower. They say he never leaves except for necessities. He talks to the birds like people and has named every one!"
Rumor 2:
"Ye Merrie Men are coming to town and the handsome William Marcus Marlow is coming with them! Can you believe it? The Bard of Barrington!
Here! They are doing the “Fall of Amberlyn”! Oh, I can’t wait!"
Rumor 3:
"They say the bugbears are massing up north. I wonder what their up to? Well, it doesn’t matter! We’ll be ready for ‘em! You’d think those shaggy walking carpets would have learned by now that the Watch Wall is unbreakable!"
Rumor 4:
"There’s a pack of dwarves in town led by a grumpy short fellow named Barnabus Eisenbauch. They’re here to fix up the watchtower or so I’ve heard. A hard working fellow -- just don’t challenge him to a drinking contest. He’ll drink you under the table every time!"
Rumor 5:
"Bellam Barhold is such a lush. He does enjoy his wine. He’s always complaining about how he can’t get any of the good stuff here in the borderlands".
Aldencross - by Day
The priest and the penitent head into the city and meet with the townsfolk, some are turned off by even the sight of a penitent and do not allow themselves to be drawn into a conversation some of course do. These people are so friendly, so trusting, so foolish!
Rumor 1:
"Captain Zack Eddarly is a handsome one! Such a gallant! And still unmarried at his age. He’ll make some lady of proper breeding quite a catch won’t he? Perhaps my dear if you settle here you can meet him, you are quite the pretty face yourself!"
Rumor 2:
"Soldiers today! A worthless, shiftless lot! Balentyne is in total disarray. Soldiers today are too lazy – not like in my day".
Rumor 3:
"I’ve heard that Father Donnagin was sent here after the church demoted him from bishop. He got into some sort of trouble – serious trouble I’d wager to be banished to the Watch Wall. Perhaps you can speak with him Father and set him back on the proper path?"
Rumor 4:
"Have you seen Kaitlyn Mott? She’s the most beautiful woman in town! How did an ugly lump of a man like Captain Franz Mott bag a looker like her? And how does he keep her, that’s what I want to know!"
Rumor 5:
"Before you leave Aldencross you have to try Mama Guisseppe’s beef stew? Delicious! I hear she goes up to the Watchtower and cooks a big batch of it for the men every Monday! What a nice old lady".
Rumor 6:
"Did you hear about prisoners escaping from Branderscar? Were they ever caught? I would think Sir Balin should be out looking for them, he caught some of then the first time!"
The Watchtower of Balentyne
The guards standing atop the battlements look down at you. One speaks, "I am Captain Barhold! What are your names soldiers? Do you have papers to this effect?"
It took Jack a while to figure out why the common folk loved him so much. Everyone he talked to seemed just enraptured.
It hit him while he and Lydia were talking to a shopkeeper. It was because he was dumb. He didn't use big words or annoying things like enunciation or proper senate structure. He didn't realize he was doing it at first, but by mid-day he realized he sounded like them.
They loved it.
It was as though they saw themselves in him. He might be a knight and a witch hunter and a celebrity, but he didn't loft it over them. If someone who sounded like them, was dumb like them, could be a hero, then maybe they could too.
It was all just self delusion. They loved being fooled.
Once he figured it out, he relaxed into his role as the folksy, easygoing hero of the people, and to his surprise, he realized he was having a lot of fun.
Whenever he was asked why he was so far north, he gave a small, conspiratorial smile and chuckled to himself. "One of the nobles in the capital has a son who thinks he's an adventurer. He's afraid his son is going to get himself killed, and he's friends with one of the bishops, so he asked the church for an escort to keep an eye on his son. I heard it was nice up here so I volunteered to look after him. He's a nice enough guy, but he's a bit of a nut. He's obsessed with stories of the Victor and thinks the Sons of the Apocalypse are going to come back. I tried to tell him that I'd be the first to know if that were true, and that they wouldn't be up here if they did, but he's convinced."
"Keep it to yourself though, alright? I don't want him finding out I said he's crazy. Don't need to take the trip all the way back to the capital with an angry crazy noble."
Nate gives a crisp salute, addressing his superior as proper. "Good to be here sir!" After a brief glance, Aurex gives a considerably less crisp salute. "Nicholas Terrence, here to serve sir." Nate gives a grimace and a blush. "Papers were lost on the road sir, campsite was attacked overnight by bugbears. Had to flee, left about everything behind but what we could grab."
The Watchtower of Balentyne
The Captain bellow down, "Raise the portcullis! Lt these men in!"
It takes a minute to raise the gate. Standing within are five guards all have hands on their weapons. As you observe the room it is clear to see that this is a small gatehouse and devoid of furniture. All around on both sides of the wall and the ceiling are murder holes.
You see Captain Barhold come from a northern door which is so well built you did not see it until he opened it. He closes it behind him. "Nicholas we were not aware you were coming but tell us what took place! What was your route in traveling here? Were there more of you?" He then turns to Aurex, "And what is your name soldier?"
Nate grimaces, as if remembering the incident. "We were scouting near Seal Isle when we received word of our transfer here. It was...a stupid decision to come by land, but it was the fastest route. After the ambush we learned of our folly and found some merchants willing to give us a ride south of the wall on their trade boat. Just the two of us, luckily."
Aurex finds himself caught between being confused or being condescending to all the subtleties of human interaction. "Patrick...sir. New to all of this." Without a doubt the truest thing he'd probably say here.
Once the two have managed to retreat from the locals, Soren speaks to Grumble in a hushed tone. "The mayor is a hero, and I sensed nothing? This 'Lord Havelyn' is likely commander of the Wall, so why would he be upset the mayor discovered an Asmodean cult?" Soren glances towards the Wall her eyebrows furrowed, clearly thinking about the situation. "Perhaps we should get an audience with him, see what we can find out? I would guess he's a devout Mitran through and through, so he shouldn't be reluctant to meet with us. I suggest we do it clandestinely, though, and make sure the mayor doesn't know of our meeting." She pauses again, then sighs.
"It seems a long shot, but... I'm beginning to think perhaps Mayor Vance isn't the man he appears to be. It's unlikely, but could he be one of us? It could make sense; after all, he'd be using the same ploy we're using to ingratiate ourselves if that were true. It would also explain the Watch Commander being apprehensive toward him."
The Watchtower of Balentyne
Captain Barhold cocks his head, "Seal Isle eh? I was not aware that the crown sent anyone out there. As we do not have your orders we will need to confiscate any weapons you may have brought with you. Can never be too careful this close to the border you know. After that we can give you the tour of the facility, then put you on duty in Aldencross.
In a few days, or perhaps weeks, time once we can verify your transfer here, I'll see what I can do about getting you assigned here to the Tower proper".
"Of course sir. I assume we can regain our weapons once out of the gatehouse?"
"Think so?" Jack said, surprised at the idea that the mayor might be an Asmodean. Then he shrugged. "Hope you're right. That'd make all this a lot easier."
"I can't be sure, but there's something we're missing here. Perhaps your new ally will report back with something useful that'll help us figure that out." Soren keeps walking, heading down into an alleyway to keep out of sight. "I think I might do some snooping around in another disguise, see if I find out anything else." With a bit of concentration, Soren's disguise swaps from her Lydia guise to that of a less obtrusive one; a simple human woman with curly red hair and less prominent features. "Feel free to keep poking around and see what Balin can find out, I'll meet you all back at the inn."
Jack grunted an acknowledgement and wandered down the street getting a feel for his new hunting ground.
The Watchtower of Balentyne
"Of course Soldier". After you hand over your weapons the Captain introduces you to Karl another young soldier. "You are in good hands with Karl", says the Captain heading back through the secret door.
The rest of the guards head back into the Keep proper. Karl turns to you both and nods. "A quick tour of the first floor of the Tower is appropriate at this time. Thereafter I will walk back with you to Aldencross. You can stay at the Lord's Dalliance Inn, the Crown will pay for it until we clan this mix up and your papers are received.
As the short tour ends Karl asks, [b]"Have you any questions before we head back to the Village?"
Aldencross - by Day
Rumor 1:
"Those dwarves are a thieving lot! I heard one of them was caught picking a man’s pocket".
Rumor 2:
"The Mayor and Lord Havelyn do not like each other. Especially since Lord Havelyn was supposed to have dominion over over Alencross. Once the Mayor exposed the Asmodean cult and burned that at the stake without even deferring to Lord Havelyn the people elected him Mayor on the spot! Havelyn wanted to bring up Vance on charges for murder but the Mayor was too popular for that to happen. Hence the rivalry".
Rumor 3:
"Lord Thomas Havelyn is the most honorable and capable commander that Balentyne has ever had. If he can’t keep the Watch Wall working, then no
one can!"
Rumor 4:
"Here’s to the soldiers of Balentyne! One hundred of the finest fighting men it’s ever been my privilege to serve with".
The day is closing by the time Soren is done finding out all she has discovered. The sun is setting and the cold is settling in.
The group has uncovered most of the rumors...
Alice spends the morning cleaning up Jacks mess. While magic helps, its not a 'fix all'. She takes her time as she doesnt want to be caught. All this blood would be hard to explain...
In the afternoon she heads out for some magic supplies, keeping to herself as much as she can.
With the supplies, she spends the rest of the afternoon crafting a scroll.
Forcing the smile to stay on her face all day as she and Laurence visit with the locals. Waiting until there is a little more privacy before asking Laurence a question. Sounding rather uncertain, "Father Donnagin seems like a good place to start. Though we should talk that over with the others I think, right?"
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After generally spending the day seeing the sights and being seen by the general populace, Kristos wandered back to the inn the group was renting. Entering the room, he asked, "So did anybody learn anything interesting? By the way, it seems rumors of a 'bugbear' gathering has reached the residents of this fair city. I truly hope nothing comes of that."
Nate sits on his bed, polishing the edge of his greataxe. "I got the layout of the watchtower." He says nonchalantly.
Aldencross - by Night -
As night falls, the Knot reties itself in the largest room, that of Sir Balin of course.
Raaven, Hell's Mouth, enters as the Minions of Hell share the information they learned this day. Gruble senses the creatures return more than sees it as after all, it is a Master at moving unseen.
The creature makes it presence known to all and speaks, "Grumblejack. You and your companions are truly a credit to our Master and the Cardinal. Their trust placed in your abilities was not misplaced. More than meets the eye takes place with this Mayor and the less than friendly Proprietor of the Black Ice Inn.
They well and truly believe you to be Sir Balin. So much so that tomorrow for breakfast your meal will consist of porridge and poison. It seems, that James is a High Cleric of the Cult of Lamashtu and the Mayor along with his guards and their families, his congregation. Of course now that you have walked about town, who knows how those plans may change..."
Jack's brows rose. "Huh. Knew somethin' wasn't right with the mayor. Didn't expect that though."
"So what d' we do?"
Alice stifles a giggle. This was too bizar.
"Well, this could work in our favor, or against. The Mother of Monsters could be a worthy ally in our quest, altough if they are here, they might have very different goals then ours. Lamashtu's followers seek out deformity in themselves and in others, and perform scarring and mutilation on themselves and others. Corrupting a town this far away would be perfect for them. But our plans could severely ruin their plans. On the other hand, if we can get them to our side, allying themselves with the Bugbears could just be the thing they are seeking."
Hmmm, the little monster is useful. We should get one! Frowning and looking down at her lapIt does not work like that. I have enough oaths. Not bothering to look up, "That certainly matters more than anything Laurence and I learned yesterday. It is work trying but we should have a plan for if that attempt goes sour and we need to remove them."
I should warn you now, if this poisoning attempt were to be successful none of my magics are strong enough to remove poisons. I can detect them with ease but once consumed my powers will no longer be of help. Lothyrin trys to hide the shock currently displayed on his face. What are the odds, another cult. I have an idea, perhaps we could kill them, place their bodies near where they worship and expose them as followers of Lamshtu. It would certainly raise our credibility and could be a good way to start rumors of a cult.
Nodding along, "That is an option and if done right would make our plans a little easier."
"I think exposing them is the wrong way to go, personally. From what I've heard, the townsfolk view the mayor as a hero; if we can persuade them to work with us, that gives us even more clout with both the populace and by extension those on the Wall." Soren begins to pace the floor of the room, her right hand flipping her dagger between her fingers as she walks. "No, we should approach them tonight. The proprietor of this inn is part of his cult, correct? I say we let him know who we truly are and that we believe it's in both of our best interests to come to some sort of agreement." She lets her disguise fall away, revealing the black leather cuirass emblazoned in white with Asmodeus's holy symbol.
"I think this ought to get our message across, wouldn't you say?" She lets the disguise form back over herself, but nods with self-approval. "We show them who we really are, and work together to bring them ruin. I would think Lamashtu couldn't be opposed to removing Talingarde from the grips of Mitra."
"My people revere Lamashtu. I have sisters who were born... I do not know the words in your language... together as one. She was taken by the Mother-Wives as a breeder. One body, but two wombs. She can be pregnant twice at once. A very high honor." Jack said with a wistful smile.
"I did not know that humans worshiped the Mother. They could be useful allies if they are not weak."
"We would have to test their resolve, as chaos and law by nature do not go together. But they have to be either powerfull, or cunning. Or both. The information you all brought back indicates they have been here for quite some time. And so far they have remained undetected."
Ogre's are a strange creature. No wonder no one likes them. I be he is thinking about sle Shut the hell up or I will bash my own brains outs! Pinching the bridge of her nose while try to focus on what people are saying. "So we are going to speak with them and the back up plan is to kill them? And we are going to start with the idiot who runs this inn?"
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"Yeah, sure, I'm positive they'll be thrill that they were found out," Vaundour said, turning off his disguise for the moment. "But, it does seem like a good idea at the moment, and if we actually can get them on our side, it will undoubtedly be a great help in our endeavors. But do you think the innkeeper would be the best place to start?"
"The best? No, perhaps not. However, he is the most accessible to us at the moment. More importantly, he's the one who's going to be tasked with trying to poison 'Sir Balin', and if we don't deign to eat our breakfast they'll know we're onto them without the benefit of them realizing we aren't truly Mitran witch-hunters." Soren sighs, looking toward the door and then back to the group. "I suppose we could leave the Mayor a message in his home for him to find in the morning, but that seems less certain."
"Don't like notes. Leaves a trail. Why not just talk?"
"We could, and if we want to talk I'd say the innkeeper is our best bet. I'm confident I could get to the mayor to leave a message, but the whole lot of us? Someone he knows would spot us, and he'd be ready for a fight before we could get a word in edgewise." Soren sits down on the bed gently, crossing one leg over the other as her other bounces up and down from the motion of her foot. "The more I think about it, the more I think our best bet is to make the innkeeper hear us out and report to the mayor that we're interested in an alliance."
Alice nods slowly, seeing wisdom in Soren's words.
"I could join you. While I'm not as sweet with words as you, I can sure add a little bit of intimidation into the mix if needed."
"I'll go. I'm hungry." Jack said, standing up from the bed and making the frame creak. "Wonder what they thought was gonna poison me."
The little demon, still in the form of a black and red serpent, had been quiet as the group planned but at the mention of poisons it spoke up with its strange mental speech.
In this form, I can produce a reasonably potent venom, should you wish to return the favor. It would also carry my kind's unique virulence as an added bonus.
"Yer gonna have ta use real words if yer gonna be workin' for me. I ain't gonna put up with that wizard-talk nonsense." Jack scowled.
The daemon unfolded like a slowly bursting cyst, rising to float at Jack's head level. It spoke aloud in a whispering snarl as it took its true shape.
"I am the chosen envoy of your God, Grumblejack. I am sent as your watcher, your guide, not your servant. I do not work for you. We all work for Him."
The creature scowled. "Your lack of comprehension is not a virtue. If you cannot grasp the simple tennants of this incredibly bland and limited language, I cannot fathom how you can be expected to succeed in our Lord's goals."
Jack's pupil's contracted and for a moment it looked like he was about to swing at the little daemon. Slowly, he nodded. "Yer right. I almost got us caught first thing 'cause I don't know numbers. It's gonna keep happening. Until I figure this stuff out, I'm the weak part of the Knot. What do I do?"
The daemon lunged suddenly, sinking it's teeth into Jack's arm.