Despite the lack of sleep, Aedorn is up with the rest of the group for breakfast and seems unusually cheerful, grinning wildly as they eat.
Morthos is up just before the sun rises. Having slept fitfully, yet strangely feeling rested, he peers out the window as his alternate self. Grinning victoriously, Morthos knows Asmodeus's blessing is upon him as he feels a great change has come over him. One that he believes leads to even greater power. Patience, Morthos, patience. Soon.
Observing Aedorn's cheerfulness with a raised eyebrow, Terrick decides to question him about it in a moment. Turning his attention to Bostarg, "I related all of this last night, Bostarg. Perhaps with the level of involvement you've put into this, you have forgotten? Regardless, it doesn't matter. I will return to the blacksmiths today and attempt to discern what more that I can. I've learned nothing useful as of yet, but with these townsfolk being such simpletons, I do not know exactly what they could tell me that could truly be of any use." Glancing over at Aedorn, eyeing him warily, "Aedorn, what are you about this morn?"
Aedorn grins wildly. "I found something." He pauses expectantly, still grinning. When nobody says anything he continues in hushed tones. "There's a secret passageway under the town that leads from this cellar all the way to the fort!" He folds his arms and leans back, looking quite pleased with himself.
Terrick looks upon the halfling with a questioning glare. Leaning toward him, "You found a secret passageway under the town? Are you sure of this?"
Aedorn nods enthusiastically. "I followed it down the entire length last night. It comes out in what looked like weapons cache or storage. Forges, the like. Might be a great way to sneak in, take them by surprise."
Terrick seems reluctant to believe such information, finding it almost too good to be true. "Where exactly did you find this passageway?"
Leaning forward again, Aedorn almost whispers "Like I told you, in the cellar of this very building. There's a hidden switch in the wall that opens it up. I'd be happy to show it to you but we can't risk it with folk about." He smiles. "You're just going to have to trust me on this one."
He looks at the halfling through narrowed eyes as he folds his arms across each other. "Very well. I shall give you the benefit of the doubt. You will show us this 'path' as soon as the opportunity presents itself. I want to see this for myself." Morthos then loses himself in thought at the potential of such a find.
Back to the business at hand, "I shall be returning back to the smithy. If any wish to come or have a request for something, let me know and I shall see if it can be acquired. If I am to be a guard, I might as well play the 'errand boy' part as well. But do not get used to it." He tells them all without even a hint of a smile.
The next morning Jonas approaches the temple in Aldencross. The structure takes up an entire block within the town, though it's outward appearance appears more a keep than a church. Surrounded by an iron fence, spiked on the top vines wrap around to fill in and appear more as a wall. As you approach, a single guard appears on the other side of the fence, a young woman dressed in chainmail, a tabard to the inheritor signifying her allegiance. She hails Jonas as she spots him, alert on her duty. "Come to pay respects, sir?" She moves to the chain around the gate, hand already on the keyring even as she awaits his response.
As Terrick makes his way downstairs, he takes a deep breath so as to prepare himself for another sickening episode. "Mornin'." He tells the barkeep. Noticing the wanted posters, Terrick slows up and narrows his eyes, attempting to make them out as he adjusts his direction and moves toward them. "What've we got here, barkeep? Local bandits or some such?"
As Terrick makes his way downstairs, he takes a deep breath so as to prepare himself for another sickening episode. "Mornin'." He tells the barkeep. Noticing the wanted posters, Terrick slows up and narrows his eyes, attempting to make them out as he adjusts his direction and moves toward them. "What've we got here, barkeep? Local bandits or some such?"
Bellam sits behind the bar, a sleepy look in his eye but a jovial smile on his face. "Ah, Master Terrick. A fine morning it is today. Master Jonas already left today. Bandits? No, far worse I'm afraid. Those are the prisoners who escaped Branderscar a few months back. A frightful thing, that is. So how may this innkeeper be of service to you today?"
"Mother Ryanne is currently at her weekly meeting with Lord Havelyn and the captains for their weekly meeting. She should return this afternoon. Brothers Addis and Ross are in attendance though, depending on your needs."
"Oh, nothing for me, thanks. I'm headin' back to the smithy where... Alscott was it? Alstott? Alcott? I'm not real sure what it is to be honest. It's one of those I think. Dangit I hate that. Anyway, I was gonna see if he could forge me a better shield than the one I got." He motions with his head toward the one strapped to his back. "This one just weighs me down. I was hoping they could make me one out of a lighter metal." He shrugs as he glances back at the posters. "Escaped prisoners, huh? Is the reward for dead or alive? 'Cause dead sounds safer. You would have to be crazy to see if they'd come along peacefully. You can't fool around with escaped prisoners. Just too dangerous in my opinion."
As the gate is opened, Bostarg is given admittance to the temple grounds. The initial pathway leads to the temple proper, the area to either side open, to the right for drills, to the left for individual sparring practice with several rings set aside. While not in use at present, they at least appear to be well maintained.
The entry to the temple itself has the obvious signs of a defensive fortification. The door is solidly built, yet open. Slits to either side would allow archers or spearmen to strike at anyone at the gate with a significant degree of protection. Even the stained glass windows are higher in the structure.
Entering the temple reveals numerous rows of seats, easily enough for 200 people to sit in attendance, another 100 able to stand along the walls and aisles if needed. Tapestries adorn the walls devoted to several scenes from Iomedae's history. The altar stands on the far end of the hall. While Iomedae's image is high, several other deities are represented as well, Sarenrae most notably though Torag, Shelyn and Desna are also represented.
As you enter, two men are currently engaged in cleaning the main hall. The nearest stands and greets you. "Greetings traveler, and welcome to the Temple of the Shielding Blade. I'm Brother Addis. How may we serve you?" The man is adorned in a functional priestly outfit, the signs of a chain shirt underneath is shirt and a dagger at his side.
"Yes, escaped prisoner's wouldn't be a good thing. The reward I believe would be worth well more than what's listed if alive though. I'm sure Sir Balin would love to question them. So how are the merchants? Is Jed doing okay?"
"Jed? Oh yeah he's fine. Well, he seemed fine this morning when I left, anyway." He shrugs. "Why? Did he mention any problems he was having to you?" Terrick's eyes go wide as if he'd just remembered what it might be. Leaning in, "I'll betcha I know what it might be. Now between me and you," Terrick cuts his eyes from side to side making sure no one's near, "Jed likes to... um... you know, make the most of his visit with the ladies, if you know what I mean. But we have to keep him under control with that. You mess up with one of these farmer's daughters, and you've gotten yourself in a world o' hurt. It would totally hurt our ability to do business if he were to get himself into such a situation. That's why you ask, isn't it? It's just gotta be!" He says adamantly, losing himself in thought on the subject a moment. Then shrugging, "But, like I said, he sure didn't seem too bothered about anything this morning. So, anyway, am I right? Is that what he talked to you about and that's why you ask?"
Alazandaru clapped the Halfling firmly on his shoulder, showing his approval for his achievement without words.
There is a bounty on those of us who escaped the prison. In addition... my mentor Sir Balin is apparently hunting us personally. he said, trepidation evident in his voice. I would caution you to not take him lightly.
Alazandaru scratched his chin as he remembered something else.
Ah yes- there were some Dwarves that mentioned the fortress. I was going to try and make their acquaintance today, actually; unless someone has more urgent need of my skills? Jed... Perhaps it would be worth me trying to get into the innkeeper's private quarters, to see why he might have a tunnel leading to the place? Few locks can hold me.
Jonas smiles and nods "Indeed sister, I would be grateful." making entrance and gamefully resisting the way that the house of the holy makes his skin crawl.
To the arrived brother he touches hand to chest then bows "Brother Addis, I am honored... and I am Jonas. My company has recently arrived and I always make it a point to pay my respects wherever there is a house of the Inheritor that I cross... though I notice graven images of other deities also? Is but the word of the Inheritor echo in these halls? - or does sermon to others hold sway as well?"
Brother Addis looks to the other deities images at Jonas's mention, "Merely an agreement we have with other temples choosing to worship in Aldencross. We allow them to hold their ceremonies inside this temple, to save the effort of them building another temple within the city."
Addis smiles, "No, my friend, there is no offense taken here."
Addis glances at the pew he was cleaning before turning back, taking a more professional tone, "The church is always in need of those willing to spread Iomedae's word. Through actions or through words, whatever your calling is. In some ways, we are fortunate with Balentyne so close, but I'm afraid our temple does not receive the same benefits as the church within the fortress itself does. The people of the town lend us their support through their tithes and their attendance, but that is not always enough. Mother Ryanne would be better able to listen, but perhaps if you could speak more of what business your party is in, I can help your proposal."
He seems to relax as you speak about Desna's desired presence, seeming he is not comfortable with the deitie's presence. Particularly in a house of Iomedae.
It's also clear he wishes to say more, but a glance at Brother Ross quiets him.
"Jed? Oh yeah he's fine. Well, he seemed fine this morning when I left, anyway." He shrugs. "Why? Did he mention any problems he was having to you?" Terrick's eyes go wide as if he'd just remembered what it might be. Leaning in, "I'll betcha I know what it might be. Now between me and you," Terrick cuts his eyes from side to side making sure no one's near, "Jed likes to... um... you know, make the most of his visit with the ladies, if you know what I mean. But we have to keep him under control with that. You mess up with one of these farmer's daughters, and you've gotten yourself in a world o' hurt. It would totally hurt our ability to do business if he were to get himself into such a situation. That's why you ask, isn't it? It's just gotta be!" He says adamantly, losing himself in thought on the subject a moment. Then shrugging, "But, like I said, he sure didn't seem too bothered about anything this morning. So, anyway, am I right? Is that what he talked to you about and that's why you ask?"
A strange series of expressions crosses Bellam's face before he responds, "You are quite right on that. You have to use less discrete when dealing with those subjects." Bellam looks about the bar before leaning in close to speak with Terrick, "Now if he's looking for some company, tell him to let me know. Or any other member of your company." His insinuation is obvious. "I know which of those in my employ will be receptive to such attention. Even the companions you travel don't change a man's need, am I right?"
It's clear that Bellam is leaping on Terrick's excuse for his question and running with it.
With a look of interest at such knowledge, he cuts his eyes side to side again before speaking, "You are most correct, my good man. And I will for sure let him know. Thanks for the tip." He winks as he double checks one last time to make sure no one is paying attention. "Okay, well I must see a man about a shield. Good day, barkeep." He nods, smiling as he takes his leave and heads to the smithy.
Bellam smiles as Terrick leaves the Inn.
A mithril shield would be available at Reginald's Armours. Is there anything else you were wanting to do there besides the shield?
Continuing upon the line of conversation and dropping the Desnan thread to be teased later Jonas replies "Arms and armor... though most of our fare goes to the government so we try to keep our profits manageable. Yet there is always coin available for works of worth... what does the church require here?"
Addis thinks on it for a moment, "Well I suppose that would depend on the donation you are willing to give. Mother Ryanne has often said how the light does not properly shine upon the altar. We have thought to put a window on the wall facing the east for the morning service. A beautiful window, depicting Iomedae in all her glory, a visual manifestation to rival the Singing Saints of Balentyne!" Addis's voice keeps getting higher and higher as he goes on, until he finishes, embarrassment on his face. "Sorry, the thought gets to me. But such a thing would be quite an investment."
He coughs before continuing, "Any investment you'd be willing to make towards such a project would be greatly appreciated by the church. There are stoneworkers in the town, but a glass make of the required skill doesn't live in this town, so it's only a dream at the moment.
"The gate out front is constantly maintained, and requires greater attention with each year. There's of course no shortage of smiths in town, but making a new one still takes time and money. Especially if we were to have one crafted that did not require that chain around it. A section of the northern wall has some signs of disrepair that could be fixed. Even a new tapestry to hang. We often switch them out so others can be repaired as needed, as well as for special days throughout the year. Any aid you could provide would be appreciated."
Having made his report in the morning, Alazandaru sought out the Dwarves he had heard mention the fortifications.
As Skorm descends to the main room of the Inn, he is greeted by the sight of several of the dwarves, eating breakfast while the others stir. The leader amongst them is present, his meal completed as he checks off numbers on a piece of parchment. Bellam himself is also present, seemingly relaying commands to one of his waitstaff while he dons a cloak.
When Addis speaks of the Singing Saints, Jonas' heart catches a moment and his palms go sweaty... an opportunity to be let into the heart of Balentyne if he played his cards correctly... and perhaps a threat also. Breathing back into composure Jonas responds piously "I have but little coin with me today" pulling out a purse and counting out ten gold pieces as a starter and to prove his intent "but I will say that you have my heart intrigued about the window... such an installation would be inspiring to see." a wistful turn taking his eye as he looks towards the wall where the stained glass might lie.
"It is a start, and one that the church will appreciate. I will be sure to let Mother Ryanne know of you good intentions."
"You mentioned the Singing Saints of Balentyne? What praytell do you speak of? - is the chapel of the tower blessed by spirits?"
"I cannot tell what they are, but I have only had the fortune to witness it twice. Once when I was first raised as a priest of the Inheritor, and again a couple years back when Father Donnagin became ill and I aided Mother Ryanne in tending to him. It was beautiful, the very stone saints standing over the church seeming to join the chorus of the already wonderful singing of the priests in the temple."
Masking his fear and concern with mock awe Jonas is pious in his query "Now that sounds like a scene worthy to be immortalized in glass... Would there be any means that a petitioner such as myself might be blessed with their grace?"
"They don't normally allow visitors to see them perform. Mostly reserved for high ranking people coming through. You could of course head up and ask, but don't be disappointed if they say no."
Tatya wakes up in the morning and sticks her tongue out at "Margoleine's" face in the mirror. After breakfast, she reluctantly retreats to her room with her scorpion. The preparation process seems to be longer and more painful today than it has been, and she emerges pale and sick-looking, forcibly using her iron circlet to cover over the welts on her arm. After taking some time to recover from the ordeal, she plants a placid expression on her borrowed face and goes downstairs to inquire where a healer might find plants and herbs for medicinal purposes in town.
Tatya wakes up in the morning and sticks her tongue out at "Margoleine's" face in the mirror. After breakfast, she reluctantly retreats to her room with her scorpion. The preparation process seems to be longer and more painful today than it has been, and she emerges pale and sick-looking, forcibly using her iron circlet to cover over the welts on her arm. After taking some time to recover from the ordeal, she plants a placid expression on her borrowed face and goes downstairs to inquire where a healer might find plants and herbs for medicinal purposes in town.
Margoleine descends to the inn's common room to find it's only occupant this morning to be one of Bellam's serving girls, no sign of the owner himself. A quick inquiry to the young girl reveals the location of a local alchemist, a man named Valens. His home and shop are located on the edge of town, mostly ran by himself though occasionally his daughter Pomona operates it for him.
Margoleine approaches Valen's shop at the end of a street, on the edge of town. The building is old, but appears to be in good repair, the sign above announcing it as The Floral Remedy. A variety of plants grow outside the shop, well maintained and a lovely sight. A small fence grows outside the plants.
Opening the doorway, a bell rings and the inside of the shop has numerous shelves filled with a variety of small jars containing a variety of alchemical substances, as well as alchemical equipment itself. A moment after the bell rings, a man comes from the back room, removing thick gloves that he carefully sets aside as he approaches the counter. "How can I help you, miss?"
Following a curious whim, Alazandaru decided he would acquire the scroll the Dwarf was working on. He briefly changed to put his pickpocket's outfit on underneath his regular clothing and waited for the Dwarf to stow his parchment, before making a pass by him, his hand snaking out expertly, almost faster than the eye could see.
Skorm waits downstairs while the dwarves assemble themselves to head out after eating. They seem not to notice as he nabs the folded parchment from their leader. At least none make a scene of it. Finding a quiet place to examine his find, he unfolds the parchment to reveal what appears to be handwritten notes.
19 Pharast 4712Crenellations marked on top of eastern gatehouse need to be replaced. Marked 4 and 17 on my map.
Test out stones in the eastern gatehouse with the damnable cauldrons. Mark ones that need reinforced. Have Gran do for spilling his ale on my map.
Replace marked timbers in eastern gatehouse and reinforce while mortar sets.
- two stone blocks 2' x 4' x 2'
- three hundred pounds of sand
- 100 pounds limestone
- 10 gallons oil
- raw timber
- several other building materials
Examine winches and consider what needs to be fixed there today. Examine bridges across the Tyburn .
After taking care of his business at Reginald's Armors, "Terrick" makes his way back to the room. Finding only Aedorn within, he makes his way to the nearest chair and sits. "Be wary of the bartender, 'Jed'. I was speaking to him earlier this morn. He is watching. He could pose a problem that I cannot afford." He places his forefinger's and thumbs together, raising them to his lips as his other fingers intertwine, losing himself in thought on the matter.
"Of course, sir. Please, feel free to come back at any time. Go with the Inheritor's grace."
Skorm waits downstairs while the dwarves assemble themselves to head out after eating. They seem not to notice as he nabs the folded parchment from their leader. At least none make a scene of it. Finding a quiet place to examine his find, he unfolds the parchment to reveal what appears to be handwritten notes.
** spoiler omitted **
19 Pharast 4712Crenellations marked on top of eastern gatehouse need to be replaced. Marked 4 and 17 on my map.
Test out stones in the eastern gatehouse with the damnable cauldrons. Mark ones that need reinforced. Have Gran do for spilling his ale on my map.
Replace marked timbers in eastern gatehouse and reinforce while mortar sets.
- two stone blocks 2' x 4' x 2'
- three hundred pounds of sand
- 100 pounds limestone
- 10 gallons oil
- raw timber
- several other building materials
Examine winches and consider what needs to be fixed there today. Examine bridges across the Tyburn .
Skorm contemplated what he had learnt for a time, before deciding to scribe the notes down for himself and track down the Dwarves once more; seeking to subtly replace what he had taken, as well as surreptitiously follow them and observing them.
Skorm manages to follow the dwarves out of the inn and takes advantage of a moment to get around them to replace the map as he passes them by. Following the group, they travel to the edge of town and head up towards Balentyne, traveling single file. As they go they make casual conversation in dwarven with each other.
Following the dwarves, the follow the road out of Aldencross and take it as it leads up to Balentyne. They seem friendly with each other as they go, though their leader generally keeps to himself, except to occasionally call out in dwarven to his men. As they approach the fortress, you find the doors are not only already opened even before it comes into view (a difference from last night), but the dwarves simply stride right in, barely a wood exchanged with the guards.