That morning (while Johann is yet carousing with Signor Pusinboots), the Fox completes his spell and sits down, breathless from the rush of information. There is much to discuss with the others.
He sits down to breakfast with Cardinal Lucius and whoever else is present, and begins to relay the information he gained...
Ogon Fox is inundated with a flood of sensory figments that quickly and chaotically Weave a general newscast concerning the Eternal City.
Of particular interest to him are the sensations pertaining to his and his companions’ exploits, including the foiled attempt on his life and/or liberty by the Asian bounty hunters, and the fact that an imperial griffon riding elf messenger arrived with an imperial “invitation” (command) for Japanese composer/organist Toshio Okumura, requesting a commission for marching music for His Imperial Majesty!
Besides this, there are whispers of the Saint Valentine’s Day Holocaust to come, and how a renowned engineer and architect named Brunelleschi has been summoned to Rome to help prepare the city for this coming catastrophe... and dark whispers of sabotage concerning the project of restoring the ancient aqueducts that crisscross the city...
There is mention of a young blue dragon named Azurulea lairing somewhere in the Catacombs under the city, being vetted by the satanic Church of Lucifer, and rumor that this arrogant adolescent dragon has been responsible for several deaths by apparent lightning strike when there were no storms over the city...
Finally, mutterings about a noble couple, known for their debauchery and sinful natures, who were excommunicated for their licentiousness, and who recently committed suicide by drinking hemlock to escape mob justice over missing children they’d been accused of abducting, abusing for their lecherous and debased amusement, and bathing in their blood to preserve youth... Interred in the Catacombs, it is feared that they have risen as vampires and are the ones responsible for several bloodless corpses found recently in the vicinity of Vatican hill...
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There are four of them... they carry only small pointed blades. Yesssss... yessss....! I can deal with sssuch.
Johann's snakely mind starts to interfere with his better judgment. He slithers forward thirty feet and readies an attack to strike as they approach him! He takes a swift action to adopt the minor snake form!
There are four of them... they carry only small pointed blades. Yesssss... yessss....! I can deal with sssuch.
Johann's snakely mind starts to interfere with his better judgment. He slithers forward thirty feet and readies an attack to strike as they approach him! He takes a swift action to adopt the minor snake form!
The four cultists approach with obvious apprehension... Johann’s forked tongue tastes their fear in the dank air... And no sooner do three of them get within ten feet of the deceptively coiled serpent hero when Johann strikes all three down and out in a matter of seconds! The fourth hurls his dagger from ten feet away... ...harmlessly bouncing it off the tunnel wall!
AAAAAIIIIEEE!!!
With a quick slither, the snake lunges at the remaining cultist and wraps around him!
[dice=grapple]d20+14
Johann decides to forgo the extra Kraken damage as he intends to drag this one back to Cardinal Lucius alive!
Cobra Johann coils tightly around the last of the cultist laborers, who gasps a breathless cry for help, which albeit strangled, echoes back up the passage to their leader...
Heark! My accomplices have been struck down by some monster in the darkness! I must flee before I meet a similar fate!
The architect flees!
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Does Johann hear someone leaving?
Whether he does or not, even the now-only-slightly-drunk Johann is beginning to realize the danger of running into the dark against someone who has a sizable lead.
With the mook kept in the loops of his long body, Johann retreats back to the surface... he tries to stick to the shadows to prevent alarm from spreading across the city of huge snake wandering the streets. He tries to make his way back to Cardinal Lucius' estate.
[dice=perception]d20+13 Does Johann hear someone leaving?
Whether he does or not, even the now-only-slightly-drunk Johann is beginning to realize the danger of running into the dark against someone who has a sizable lead.
With the mook kept in the loops of his long body, Johann retreats back to the surface... he tries to stick to the shadows to prevent alarm from spreading across the city of huge snake wandering the streets. He tries to make his way back to Cardinal Lucius' estate.
Johann does his best to avoid notice... not easy when pulling a struggling dumb human!
Inevitably, Cobra Johann and his wriggling captive are noticed by passers by, and the wrangling of the cultist becomes an odd spectacle in the streets of Rome by the time Cobra Johann reaches the Palazzo D’Borja! So strange is the sight, even the city guards are afraid to interfere!
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Pulling his captive into the Palazzo D'Borja courtyard, Johann turns back to his normal bearish-self, and immediately puts the cultist into a full nelson grab.
"OH CARDINAL! BOGA! QUINLAN! OTHERS! I HAVE SOME NEWS!" Johann bellows across the open area.
As some guards approach, Johann thrusts the prisoner at them and says,"HOLD HIM FOR ME, PLEASE. HIS STENCH IS STARTING TO BECOME UNBEARABLE. I FOUND HIM IN A SEWER, YOU KNOW."
Quinlan's horned head pokes out from the door to his room. "Johann, please keep your voice d-, Oh. I see you brought a friend. And who might you be?"
The man appears to be a Roman laborer, by his common work outfit.
I am Guido, a muckraker serving Filippo Brunelleschi in the project to restore the aqueducts! This...shapeshifter!...snatched me after striking down three of my fellows in the shape of a great cobra!
"Hmmm, and would you care to enlighten us on exactly why you deserved to be attacked by a giant snake?"
Apparently unwilling to see what Johann’s bear form is capable of, Guido spills the beans...
No! No! Please! I will tell you! We... we are supposedly restoring the aqueducts in preparation to defend the city from the coming dragon attack... In reality, we are preparing to facilitate the holocaust by introducing flammable oil to the water when the hour falls! Our master, Filippo Brunelleschi, is a servant of Lucifer! And I... I have made a deal with the Devil as well!
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Lucius arrives just in time to hear the cultist spilling the beans and although his poker face is good his fellow Crusaders can see that the cardinal is dismayed by the news.
"It may be that your soul can still be saved my son, confessing your sins is the first step on the path to repentance." He approaches the man and begins to examine him, looking to see if the taint of evil has left any permanent mark upon him.
With that done, Lucius turns to one of his household guards and sends him running for the Papal Guard.
"We must bring this to the Pope, that Brunelleschi is a minion of the Great Deceiver... truly these are dark times. But with God's help his plan is discovered - well done friend Johann!"
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Before going to the Pope with this latest development Lucius makes time to join Ogon Fox and hear his news.
The variety of news brings largely worry to the Cardinal. "Well you seem to be receiving some good fortune my friend. But the rest of this news is foul indeed. I must away to the Holy Father, but I suggest you and our friends prepare for battle against dragons and vampires, those nobles were a truly debauched pair. Their excommunication well deserved. Consult with Quinlain on the dragon too - we will have to venture underground again soon I fear."
The high elf griffon courier arrives at Palazzo D’Borja following diviners’ claims that the elusive Japanese organist Toshio Okumura was residing there, carrying with her the imperial commission!
In English: Be of good cheer, House D’Borja! For I bring imperial tidings of commission for the brilliant musician Okumura residing herein! From His Imperial Majesty Sigismund!
The lovely elf ranger delivers the vellum scroll sealed with the imperial signet to Cardinal Lucius...
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"Blessings of our Father and His Son upon you, fair courier, and your illustrious master." Lucius replies in perfect German. "Herr Okumura will receive the missive as soon as he returns. Meanwhile, might I offer yourself and your mighty steed refreshments? I would fain to hear news of the Empire and of Lombardy. How fare the lands across which you flew?"
"Blessings of our Father and His Son upon you, fair courier, and your illustrious master." Lucius replies in perfect German. "Herr Okumura will receive the missive as soon as he returns. Meanwhile, might I offer yourself and your mighty steed refreshments? I would fain to hear news of the Empire and of Lombardy. How fare the lands across which you flew?"
Many thanks, Your Grace! The Wars in Lombardy rage on, I fear, Venice ever vying with Milan, both sides enriching mercenary companies more than anything else... His Imperial Majesty is well, and fully recovered from a magical hex placed on him by a coven of Black Forest witches during Yuletide... The coven has been rounded up and burnt, after being tortured into confession, of course... The elf dame mutters this last sentence with a look of distaste on her face...
The courier and her griffon steed graciously accept Cardinal Lucius' hospitality, sending out a silver raven to report successful delivery of the imperial message to Maestro Okumura's current residence, and then taking rest and feasting in the Palazzo D'Borja...
Zagathoth stumbles into the courtyard a few moments after the rest of his companions, apparently wearing nothing but a bed sheet as a robe. The young orc has either gained a tremendous amount of weight overnight or is 'hiding' another person under the sheet . Fairly subtle movements, and the occasional stifled moan, suggest it is the latter.
"What is the matter, bearman," he calls out, "do you need me to kill something?"
”Oh... okay...” Zagathoth answers the bearman with just a hint of disappointment, ”I will need...” The orc’s right eye twitches as he trails off and then he emits a low grumbling sound somewhere between a sigh and a groan that lasts long enough to be awkward.
”...thirty or forty minutes... to, mmmm, prepare... less than hour for sure, probably...” he concludes as he heads back towards his room.
Quinlan waves his hand dramatically through the air. "The great Zagathoth, Crusader of the Catacombs, Defender of humanity, renowned warrior and Very sneaky lover"
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Lucius simply ignores the situation, as he does quite often now that his palazzo is so much busier than it had been previously. The next hour is passed in conversation with Tringelda, as Lucius refreshes his german and inquires after various friends and colleagues in the German church.
When the time comes for Johann's meeting he bids the courier farewell, having assured her of his hospitality, and walks briskly to the dining room, where he takes his customary place at the head of the table and waits for Zagathoth to arrive and Johann to begin
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"CARDINAL, THANKS AGAIN FOR SUCH A HOME FOR US. YOU ARE TRULY A GRACIOUS HOST. JUST LIKE MA, BACK IN THE DAY, INVITING EVERY STRANGE CREATURE INTO THE HOUSE, BE IT WITCH OR GINGERBREAD BOY."
As Zag shows up wearing armor and not a sheet, Johann takes attendance.
"UMMM... MISSING... BOGA AND THE FOX. RIGHT? THAT DURN-BLASTED FOX. PROBABLY OUT THERE GETTING HIMSELF ASSASSINATED AGAIN."
Appearing in the doorway, the slim but commanding elf Dame clears her throat...
In English: A Thousand Pardons, Your Grace and gentle sirs, but as a servant of His Imperial Majesty in the matter of news and messages among others, I can’t help but appeal to your chivalry and ask if I might attend this meeting of your formidable company, that I might report back to His Imperial Majesty?
Thank you, ever so much, Your Grace!
The elf griffon rider perches herself upon a high-backed wooden chair.
Answering the summons, the Fox enters the dining room.
"Greetings to you, my lady," he says to the elf. "I am the Ogon Fox, a member of this group which has lately become known to the public as the Crusaders of the Catacombs. I would be honored to learn your name," he finishes with a deep bow to kiss her hand.
Answering the summons, the Fox enters the dining room.
"Greetings to you, my lady," he says to the elf. "I am the Ogon Fox, a member of this group which has lately become known to the public as the Crusaders of the Catacombs. I would be honored to learn your name," he finishes with a deep bow to kiss her hand.
You do me great honor, Sir! I am the Dame of Griffons, Tringelda, at your service! chirps the pretty elf, blushing a violet hue.
I am from the Blessed Isle of Avalon, ruled by Her Fey Majesty Morganna, but my particular profession allows me to serve many masters as a messenger and courier. Each of them likes to think of me as their Dame of Griffons, or official messenger, but in truth, I am a free lance... The elf smiles at Ogon Fox and leans closer to him.
Have you met the Maestro Toshio Okumura, the organist and composer from Nippon, said to be residing here in the House of His Grace?
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"OKUMURA? OF COURSE! I MEAN HE IS SITTING... AH... NEVERMIND!...AH... I WAS GOING TO SAY HE IS SITTING IN THE... BATHROOM. THAT'S RIGHT, HE ATE SOME BAD FOOD LAST NIGHT AND IS SHITTING HIS BRAINS OUT ON THE CAN. I'M SURE THE FOX CAN TAKE A MESSAGE. HE'S GOOD BUDDIES WITH OKUMURA."
*Johan winks slyly and unsubtly at Fox*.
Then he sits back with a smile, well satisfied with his cover up.
"OKUMURA? OF COURSE! I MEAN HE IS SITTING... AH... NEVERMIND!...AH... I WAS GOING TO SAY HE IS SITTING IN THE... BATHROOM. THAT'S RIGHT, HE ATE SOME BAD FOOD LAST NIGHT AND IS S&#!TING HIS BRAINS OUT ON THE CAN. I'M SURE THE FOX CAN TAKE A MESSAGE. HE'S GOOD BUDDIES WITH OKUMURA."
*Johan winks slyly and unsubtly at Fox*.
Then he sits back with a smile, well satisfied with his cover up.
Clinging to a stalk of Celestial bamboo on the side of Mount Meru, the Monkey King Hanuman, Sun Wukong, chuckles at the antics of Bear and Fox, which he perceives in a Celestial pool below the bamboo, serving as the demigod’s scrying pool.
In Celestial: Hohohoho!! Hahahaha! That Mister Bear splits my sides with his antics! Poor Mister Fox! Hahahahaha!!
Scratching his furry head, the great Monkey King considers for a moment...
I shall grant the Bear and the Fox a boon!
The Monkey King snaps the fingers of one hand, and, clinging by his feet to the bamboo stalk, beats his chest, creating divine magic!
Clinging to a stalk of Celestial bamboo on the side of Mount Meru, the Monkey King Hanuman, Sun Wukong, chuckles at the antics of Bear and Fox, which he perceives in a Celestial pool below the bamboo, serving as the demigod’s scrying pool.
In Celestial: Hohohoho!! Hahahaha! That Mister Bear splits my sides with his antics! Poor Mister Fox! Hahahahaha!!
Scratching his furry head, the great Monkey King considers for a moment...
I shall grant the Bear and the Fox a boon!
The Monkey King snaps the fingers of one hand, and, clinging by his feet to the bamboo stalk, beats his chest, creating divine magic!
Boga steps from his room at the beautiful palazzo. He stands there a little bleary-eyed and stretches. "Feels like I've just awoken from a long winter's nap," he says aloud to no one in particular. He shakes his body as if casting off a layer of dust. "At least I have those scrolls done."
He enters the dining room and grabs a piece of bread. "I understand we have been summoned for a meeting. Time to descend into the catacombs?"
Boga gives a small smile and a slight shake of his head at Johann's comments. "No filter, as always...""I'm all for destroying evil! Any enemy of God must repent or face our Lord's wrath!" He looks around the room for the expected approval from the others. "Now, as a practical matter, what do we want to do with the items found in the catacombs? Distribute? Sell?"
"I GOT THIS AMULET. IT IS QUITE WONDERFUL. I THINK I'LL HOLD ONTO IT. AS FOR WHAT WE DON'T WANT, MAYBE THOSE WHO DIDN'T GET A WONDERFUL ITEM SHOULD GET THE GOLD."
Her amethyst eyes sparkle as she looks at Johann’s magic amulet.
Interesting! You recovered that amulet from the Catacombs? Where did you find it? What were the circumstances? Your adventures must be fascinating!
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" WELL, SINCE YOU ASKED, ALLOW ME TO LOUDLY AND AT LENGTH TELL YOU THE TALE OF THE STONE DEVIL. YOU KNOW, YOU ARE PRETTY CUTE. I WILL HIGHLIGHT MY PART OF THE ADVENTURE IN PARTICULAR TO PROPERLY IMPRESS YOU."
Johann goes on to tell the off the battle at the rainbow room, drastically exaggerating his own part in it.
Always was a sucker for a blonde. Ah, Rapunzel, let down your hair!
The Fox leans in close to speak quietly to Dame Tringelda, "He does like to brag, doesn't he? As far as I could tell, he was just sitting there the whole time giving the stone devil an extra long hug. 'Twas I who did the hard work of destroying the thing, bit by bit, with my lightning." To punctuate it at the end, the Fox creates a little bit of lightning which arcs between his fingertips, then gives the lovely Tringelda a wink.
Boga smiles broadly and is barely able contain his laughs at Johann's version of the story. "Dame Tringelda, let not the great Johann bore you with the stories of our humble efforts to serve our Lord and Savior. He simply embraces any opportunity to bring one who, ahhh, opposes our Lord to a greater understanding of the reality God has gifted us. Please, do tell us of yourself and how you learned of the peerless Okumura. However it came to be, you would be most fortunate to hear him perform in person. Truly magical..."