@Estella: The unnamed man grins at you, nodding at your ready acceptance. He opens his mouth to congratulate you when Elisani speaks up. His eyebrows raise in surprise, then his cheeks blush in embarassement.
@Elisani: You detect no subterfuge from him. All his words seem to be exactly what they seem at face value.
He responds to you, "Oh yes, of course. I have been remiss. My name is Davorge, though that is known to very few. Most know me by the name Davos." He stands and gives a small bow with his name. He stays standing as he continues, "As to who I represent... May I introduce my partner, the Lady Ordellia Whilwren." He gestures to the floor between all your seats as a spectral form rises through the wood. An older human woman, stately and wearing a dress decades out of style.
The spirit turns to face the two of you before speaking, "Please do not shout. We do not wish to draw attention to my existence." She pauses to let you collect yourselves. "I am Ordellia Whilwren, one of the founders of Magnimar, and I am connected to the city. I learned of the death of your cousin at the hands of the creature across the river. I am afraid I can tell you little of it. My influence is largely confined to this district of the city and the creature is aware of me and avoids crossing the river. But your cousin and others did battle with the creature's minions on Kyver's Islet, which is in my domain, and from there I was able to keep tenuous tabs on them. Enough to know that many of them have perished. I am sorry for the loss of your family, and pity the city that has lost multiple of those who would stand up for the people without asking for anything in return. Heros. Selfless." She looks sad, weary. "But I'm sure you have more questions. Please ask, and we will answer as much as we can."
Ain looks at her with a smile, his usual smile...Yes please that would be delightful...you don't need to worry about the titles, I'm sure your faith as similar things im sure. It shouldn't be long I'm sure, one must trust their faith
Estella takes the entire scene in stride, calmly sipping away. Once the spirit ends her speech, before addressing her, she leans towards Elisani instead. "Is this a common sight in your line of work?"
She'll leave the questions to the detective for the time being, but once Elisani is done and it hasn't been brought up yet, Estella does have one question.
"Who were those that came before us? What were their names? Did any of them survive?"
"Ahem... Perhaps we better move on." Sherman coughs after a moment of uncomfortable silence. He gives a rueful smile to Adalabero, and waves him goodbye.
"Yes, memorial at temple..." he mumbles, turning to leave.
Tarphrex looks from his friend to Zenaida’s brother and back, holding the beautifully if morbidly decorated card. ”Zenaida was hero, was best friend ever. We will honor Zenaida, then we will avenge her and other friends. Tarphrex hopes mother…” He trails off, then lays the card gently on the stoop and turns to join Sherman.
”Where go? Tarphrex not know Quinn friends, does Sherman?”
@Ain: She just stares at you blankly, blinks, then says, "Right. So, welcome in. You may have a seat or pray at any of the alcoves that are available. If you require anything, pleasee just ask." She leads you to a pew where you may sit and wait. Hesitates for a moment like she's going to say something more, then just returns to her post at the door.
@Tarphrex and Sherman: As you turn to leave, you hear Zenaida's father's voice call out to his son, "Adal! What in the hells is going on? Why is your mother crying?" You beat a hasty retreat so as not to have to explain even further as to what happened.
__________
Quinn never mentioned much in the way of his connections. Died to soon for that.
You've got a lead with the Pathfinder Society. And Zenaida's connection to the Temple of Iomedea was a big part of her life. You should probably tell them as well.
He responds to you, "Oh yes, of course. I have been remiss. My name is Davorge, though that is known to very few. Most know me by the name Davos." He stands and gives a small bow with his name. He stays standing as he continues, "As to who I represent... May I introduce my partner, the Lady Ordellia Whilwren." He gestures to the floor between all your seats as a spectral form rises through the wood. An older human woman, stately and wearing a dress decades out of style.
The spirit turns to face the two of you before speaking, "Please do not shout. We do not wish to draw attention to my existence." She pauses to let you collect yourselves. "I am Ordellia Whilwren, one of the founders of Magnimar, and I am connected to the city. I learned of the death of your cousin at the hands of the creature across the river. I am afraid I can tell you little of it. My influence is largely confined to this district of the city and the creature is aware of me and avoids crossing the river. But your cousin and others did battle with the creature's minions on Kyver's Islet, which is in my domain, and from there I was able to keep tenuous tabs on them. Enough to know that many of them have perished. I am sorry for the loss of your family, and pity the city that has lost multiple of those who would stand up for the people without asking for anything in return. Heros. Selfless." She looks sad, weary. "But I'm sure you have more questions. Please ask, and we will answer as much as we can."
Estella, Davos, and Ordellia are treated to a rare sight; Elisani Dascalu completely flabbergasted. Her eyes widen and her mouth actually drops open for a moment before she collects herself. "Mistress Whilwren, this is an honor! I wish it were under happier circumstances, but still." The ghost of Ordellia Whilwren herself! And, it seems, in complete possession of her wits, unlike many ghosts. Clearly Desna's favor has stayed with the legendary founder even after death.
Focus. There's a job to do. Elisani takes a deep breath, centering herself. So, the deceased is a cousin. While she has several cousins who chose the adventurer's path, there are only four who live in or near Magnimar and are both able and willing to battle a major threat to the city without promise of a reward. She begins to think out loud, her gaze unfocused. "Malindae boarded a ship for Kalsgard last month. Andrei and Radovan left for Kaer Maga two weeks ago." That leaves one. "Zenaida. It was Zenaida, wasn't it." The words are a question, but the tone is not. Elisani closes her eyes for a moment, willing herself not to cry.
When she opens them again, grief has turned to an icy focus. "Tell me everything."
"Pathfinder Society is where we seek help against the creature..." Sherman thinks out loud as he takes hasty steps away from Loth's family. "As for Quinn, I'm afraid I have no idea of his kin. His death may very well go unnoticed by anyone else except us."
"Zenaida was a priestess, wasn't she? Of Falayna? Is there her temple in town?"
"Pathfinder Society is where we seek help against the creature..." Sherman thinks out loud as he takes hasty steps away from Loth's family. "As for Quinn, I'm afraid I have no idea of his kin. His death may very well go unnoticed by anyone else except us."
The thought hadn't occurred to Tarphrex. "Quinn like Tarphrex? But warm smallfolk so friendly, have family..." He looks very pensive.
"Zenaida was a priestess, wasn't she? Of Falayna? Is there her temple in town?"
"Zenaida follow Falalala, god of strong women with rings, but no temple here. She learn fighting from Church of In-heri-tor. Zenaida have friends there, we go there to heal dead-thing fever."
Empyreal Lords rarely have dedicated houses of worship, let alone temples. They rely on smaller (usually household) shrines. Zenaida recieved her martial training at the Iomedea temple as Falyayna's creed aligns with their own. Or at least close enough.
@Elasini and Estella:
Davorge and Ordeilla share a look as they both sit, the spectre obviously doing so just for the ease of the rest.
Davorge speaks, "I'm afraid here we must dissapoint you. Our own information is sparse. It is only through Lady Ordellia's connection to the city that we are truly aware of the need for help at all."
Ordellia continues, "Think of it like someone hitting you in the back. You know you've been hit, but it is impossible to tell what hit you or who did the hitting. Until you look, that is. We hope you will be our eyes."
Davorge picks back up, with a familiarity of long association, "We do know some of those who fought have survived. That they carry on. A man of Desna and a creature of magic."
Ordellia cuts in, her gaze distant, "There is much sorrow there. So much sorrow. For the man especially, new sadness layered onto old until it is so deep he will never live without again. And the creature, under its sadness is anger. Fury at that which took from its friends from him. Like a dragon who lost treasure from its hoarde, this creature so values its friends."
Davorge, "As to the creature who haunts our city, we know it can use magic to manipulate mortal minds. That it targets those in some authority to control and has them and those who follow them to do its biddding. And that it is aware of us and chooses to avoid us."
"I wish we could tell you more, but that is not our place in this tale. We are simply the nudge down the path we hope you will walk."
"Pathfinder Society is where we seek help against the creature..." Sherman thinks out loud as he takes hasty steps away from Loth's family. "As for Quinn, I'm afraid I have no idea of his kin. His death may very well go unnoticed by anyone else except us."
The thought hadn't occurred to Tarphrex. "Quinn like Tarphrex? But warm smallfolk so friendly, have family..." He looks very pensive.
"Zenaida was a priestess, wasn't she? Of Falayna? Is there her temple in town?""Zenaida follow Falalala, god of strong women with rings, but no temple here. She learn fighting from Church of In-heri-tor. Zenaida have friends there, we go there to heal dead-thing fever."
Well, that's disappointing. Apparently Ordellia's awareness of the city is more limited than Elisani thought. "I see. Well, if you want eyes on the city, you've come to the right person." She toys with her wineglass, thinking. "There are many Desnans in Magnimar, and much tragedy. I will contact Cynosure Tower regardless, perhaps the clerics there will have some insight. A 'creature of magic', though..." An interesting turn of phrase. "Most likely a spellcaster of a race not often seen in Magnimar. I'll ask my coworkers and contacts if they know of anyone who fits that description." 'Like a dragon who lost treasure from its hoard'... one of the reptilian races, perhaps? A lizardfolk, a kobold, maybe even a vishkanya or nagaji. Or maybe the mystery spellcaster isn't reptilian at all, but rather a sorcerer of the draconic bloodline.
"As for the enemy, thank you for the warning. I will take precautions against mind-affecting spells."
Estella tilts her head a bit, impressed by Elisani's ability to immediately know where to start looking, and tries to think along. "Did Zenaida have family here? Maybe they would know who she traveled with..." She pauses a bit. "At the very least, a visit to offer our condolences and support might be warranted."
Ain sits in the corner, calmly, quietly. Staring up at the sky lost in thought.
@Sherman & Tarphrex:
You leave that part of town. Your feet alternate between eager to get away from the sorrow you've left behind and the despondency of your own sadness.
Before you know it, you're standing before the towering edifice of the Temple of Iomedea. As you approach, a woman at the front doors greets you, "Good morning, I am Sister Dunmorrow. How may we help you today?" She is straight-backed, armed and armored, a strong longer young woman. And bored. Like she'd rather be off of doing something else, but still trying to take her responsibilities seriously.
@Elisani & Estella: The two before you sit back, apparently content that you're willing to take up the cause. Davorge chimes in with one more thing, "Though we do have a relatively limited sphere of influence, we would still offer what assistance we can when you need it. We've been working together since Lady Whilwren died and have seen such troubles in the city before. I remember when we pointed the Eyes of the Hawk towards the source of the shriezyx. That was a very bad day for the city."
@Ain: You are given some side eyes, but you sense only mild curiosity.
After some time, you begin to feel anticipation build. Almost there.
"Good morning, Sister." Sherman says, tries to smile, and fails.
He sighs before continuing. "I wonder if certain Zenaida Radulescu was known here amongst Iomedea's devoted?"
The priest looks at the vague direction of Dunmorrow's face. Nose, eyebrows, cheeks. But he can't lock an eye contact.
Tarphex says, ”Tarphrex and Sherman here to see holy-person Tira. We see her a little bit ago with friend Zenaida.”
@Sherman & Tarphrex:
The priestess at the door ushers you in, and leads you down the isle between the pews, agreeing to take you to see Chaplain Tira.
@Ain:
The door opens again, and footsteps that sound like thunder can be heard. No one else seems to react to the noise, but you look over and see the same devotee leading a pair of obvious adventurers into the room. It is their steps that resound like the echoes of fate. You can practically see a swallow-tailed butterfly superimposed over the man. And a quick glimpse of a different sort of wings over the kobold. Before you know it, you're standing in the middle of the walkway, directly in front of them. Dunmorrow makes to move around you....
@Elisani & Estella: The two before you sit back, apparently content that you're willing to take up the cause. Davorge chimes in with one more thing, "Though we do have a relatively limited sphere of influence, we would still offer what assistance we can when you need it. We've been working together since Lady Whilwren died and have seen such troubles in the city before. I remember when we pointed the Eyes of the Hawk towards the source of the shriezyx. That was a very bad day for the city."
Elisani's eyebrows rise at that last statement. "Indeed it was. I am glad you were able to guide the Eyes of the Hawk to seal the breach before the situation got worse." By Zohls, what she wouldn't give to be able to spend a few days interviewing Ordellia about the history of Magnimar! Perhaps she'll be willing to do so after the mystery threat is dealt with. "Will we see you again, after this creature is slain and its minions unmasked?"
A Seemingly young pale young with silver hair like starlight and eyes equally as grey stands from his seated corner position. He approaches, dressed in a black and red stripped silken shirt, underneath a simple chain shirt. An enchanted Black cloak locked to his shoulders by an equally enchanted Runestone. A rare holy symbol is built into a glittering grey shield, the symbol shaped like a star, the symbol of Pulura.
He wears a somewhat eerie smile across his face as though... he's planning something. The Shining one and a Priest of Lady Desna. I am Ain, he who watches. Lady Pulura sent me to offer council
Tarphrex looks around for The Shining One. He squints at Ain, "Who does he watch? Who is Lady Pulura?"
"Pulura is mistress of stars. Ally of Desna." Sherman whispers to his companion. "As far as deities go, quite trustworthy."
As for the watching part - better let the man answer.
And can they trust this man? Although it would be both brave and foolish for a servant of evil to set foot in the house of the Inheritor and her paladins. So very unlikely this one would be in league with the cultists.
"I am Sherman. A priest of... well, a reverend really." he introduces himself, failing to put any flair into it. He quickly looks at Tarphrex, and then shrugs.
"And what council will a servant of Lady Pulura offer us?"
Elisani's eyebrows rise at that last statement. "Indeed it was. I am glad you were able to guide the Eyes of the Hawk to seal the breach before the situation got worse." By Zohls, what she wouldn't give to be able to spend a few days interviewing Ordellia about the history of Magnimar! Perhaps she'll be willing to do so after the mystery threat is dealt with. "Will we see you again, after this creature is slain and its minions unmasked?"
Davorge stops his musing on the past and opens his mouth to answer, but Lady Whilwren beats him to it, "I rarely appear before others. But if you succeed in this, I believe it is the least I could do. Simply return here to the Rose and Rake and ask for ... Davos, isn't it?" She looks to Davorge to confirm his cover identity, who nods.
@Ain, Sherman, & Tarphrex:
When Tarphrex and Sherman seem willing to engage the stranger in conversation, Sister Dunmorrow steps slightly to the side so as not to pry. About 2 steps away and waiting with a similiar bored look on her face.
”Sherman know watcher-god? Tarphrex see Zenaida-friend.” The kobold has his fleeting courage back up, he’s not going to waste the opportunity. He nods to the stranger, but steps around him to move down the aisle.
Ain chuckles and simply smiles, He watches all, to see their growth. As for what Lady Pulura offers he says this with an happy tone, I have absolutely no clue, she gave me a vision and my instincts lead me to find you both. My Lady rarely offers direct spoken word as council, visions of a seer are usually vague, but you two fit the bill
As he moves down the aisle with the bored holy woman, he turns to Sherman, ”Tarphrex know now!” and smiles his disturbingly toothy smile. He nods as though Sherman should know what he was talking about.
@Tarphrex: Sister Dunmorrow takes the bait, interested despite herself. "What do you know?" She meets everyone's eyes somewhat sheepishly. "I apologize for intruding, but I literally couldn't help but overhear. And Zenaida is a good friend."
Whipping his head toward her, having realized he did say it aloud, he bashfully answers, ”Tarphrex is not powerful dragon yet. Lost friends because not strong enough. Tarphrex mad, will make evil monster pay, mad make Tarphrex see new magic. New Tarphrex magic, help friends go fast. Know this magic? Help friends, Tarphrex think.”
He pauses, ”Tarphrex and friend Sherman bring sad news holy lady. Not like bad news, but friends and family must know, must tell.” He looks at her for a long moment, then asks, ”Tarphrex thinks, you know Zenaida, yes? You friend?”
@Tarphrex: Sister Dunmorrow gets a worried look on her face. "Yes, I know Zenaida. We trained at the temple here together, as cadets." She waits to hear what you have to say.
_________________
@Elisani: A bit more conversation and your meeting is wrapped up. Under the advice of the duo, you return to the Unblinking Eye Detective Agency's office to see your boss, Sofiya, reading a missive. Without looking up, she hands you a message, "Letter for you."
_________________
@Estella: What do you do after the conversation is ended?
Tarphrex looks at Sister Dunmorrow for a long moment before sighing deeply. ”Zenaida best friend of Tarphrex. Save Tarphrex from robbers when meet. Tarphrex with Zenaida since ever. Fight many, save many. Zenaida hero.” He pauses before pushing on, ”Zenaida, Alain, Loth, Quinn go with Sherman and Tarphrex to find bad man. Find many bad men on island, big fight, important judge man, he say boss at tower. Go to tower, fight monster - big snake woman - strong monster, big magic, many died. Zenaida made stone.” He hangs his head, ”Tarphrex magic not work, not save friends, not save Zenaida. Must tell others, then find way to kill monster, for friends who died. Tarphrex sorry to say this, wish not true.”
He looks up cautiously, afraid of her reaction to the news.
@Elisani: A bit more conversation and your meeting is wrapped up. Under the advice of the duo, you return to the Unblinking Eye Detective Agency's office to see your boss, Sofiya, reading a missive. Without looking up, she hands you a message, "Letter for you."
"Thank you, Aella." Elisani takes the message and opens it, wondering if this has anything to do with Davos and Ordellia's mysterious enemy.
After the conversation is ended, Estella's main priority is to find the party so she can link up with them, in her own way. Ask around a bit, see if anyone's seen people matching the description of a sad man and magical creature.
@Tarphrex: Her initial reaction is surprise, then quickly her face turns to anger. She stomps away, back in the direction the three of you were going, but not caring if you're following. She shouts, "TIRA!!"
@Elisani:
You unfold the message, and it is a confirmation of what you feared. Your cousin Zenaida is dead. There will be a commemoration at the Church of Shelyn in the early morning tomorrow, and a vigil heal over-night at the Church of Iomedea tonight (likely already begun).
____________
@Elisani & Estella: You two are futher along in the day at this point than Sherman and Tarphrex (and Ain). So things may seem a bit off until that connects.
_____________
@Estella: You ask around....
for
...and find out nearing sunset where you can find the the survivors. Which you will know once Tarphrex and Sherman reach that point in their time line.
Tarphrex scurries after Sister Dunmorrow, trying to keep up. He looks back apologetically at Sherman, but he's sure that the holy man will catch up when he's able.
"Visions from gods can be hard to interpret. Unreliable, and even dangerous." Sherman notes, giving a wary look at Ain. He know this for sure... Do what you will with the visions, just don't trust them.
"But.. As it happens - we are in need of help. Great evil is loose in the city, and we lost the first fight against it. Perhaps your Lady Pulura sent you to aid in this task?"
In midst of the talk Tarphrex scurries deeper into the temple.
"I need to keep an eye on my friend there. Walk with me, if you will, Ain?"
Elisani folds the letter and puts it in her desk without looking, her eyes stinging. She had hoped to be wrong this time. It rarely works out that way, the curse of the experienced detective, but she had hoped. Zenaida was always so kind, even when other cousins teased or shunned Elisani for not looking Varisian enough. Always willing to jump into a fight to protect someone who needed it.
And yet, the two of them had fallen out of touch in recent years. Zenaida was always roaming around the countryside defending the outlying villages from bandits and goblins and such. And when she was in Magnimar, there was always a murder or kidnapping or evil cult that Elisani needed to deal with. I thought we would have more time. That there would be another day to meet up with her.
Gods, she was so young.
The detective takes a deep breath, smoothing out her features into her usual mask of cool professionalism as she stands up and walks into Aella's office. "I have bad news, Aella. My cousin Zenaida has been killed along with several others. She was a capable and experienced warpriest of Falayna, so whoever killed her and her friends was no ordinary footpad. I would like to request assignment to this case."
@Ain, Sherman, & Tarprhex:
Sister Dunmorrow storms down the center of the church, calling for the head of the local clergy. Near the back, an older woman, hard but kind looking, confronts her. "Sister Dunmorrow, we had best be beset by foes for you to disrupt the sanctuary in such a way. Well? Speak girl!"
Sister Dunmorrow, chastised at first, quickly rallies, "Zenaida Dascalu is dead, killed by a threat to our city. These two," she gestures towards Sherman and Tarphrex, "bring word of her death. I demand... I request reassignment immediately."
Chaplain Tira's face and body language shifts, moving from annoyance to stoic acceptance. She looks from Dunmorrow to the three of you. "You will come with me to my office. I wish to know what happened."
She looks back at Sister Dunmorrow, "You, I will speak to after. You are angry, and rightfully so. If you can control that anger, you may be reassigned. If you cannot control it, you are in no place to seek out this danger. Retribution and revenge are not our providence. We seek justice."
Chaplain Tira takes you back to her office, a spartan room that is surprisingly disorganized. You share the details with her, afterwhich she tells you that the Church of Iomedea will hold vigil for Zenaida and the others overnight, and will send others to attend the service at the Church of Shelyn. She warns against allowing Sister Dunmorrow to join their cause, citing her anger and the feat that said anger would cause her to act rashly, putting the rest of you in danger. But she does promise you what aid she can in the form of spellcasting. And hands over 4 potions of protection fromm evil and a scroll of detect lies.
As you leave, you can see Sister Dunmorrow standing outside the office, still visibly furious.
Where do you go to next? On to the Pathfinder Society, perhaps?
@Elisani: Aella looks up at you, her head still bowed over the letter she is reading. She holds up a finger after you finish speaking. A familiar tactic from your boss. It usually means she's compiling information before she speaks out loud. You'll likely only need for her to finish reading her own letter before she answers.
Tarphrex likely bobs his head as Sherman describes the events with much better command of the Common tongue. Having told all the people he knew to tell, he’s quite out of gas as his combination of anger and fear fail to keep his adrenaline up. He looks at Sherman and Ain, accepting the latter if Sherman does, ”What now?”
Elisani nods to her boss, wondering what's in the letter as she waits. Does it have something to do with Zenaida's death, or is it unrelated?
i planned on following anyway, My lady believes you two are in something. i will know what to do when it happens...What great evil is it?Her faithful specialize in combatting demonic entities Ain follows with a graceful step, we will need more assistance than just us.
”Big lady-snake. Face-half lady, tail-half snake. Magic dragon stones not work. Dragon stones always work, but not hurt her. Big magic, turn Zenaida to stone. Not see most of fight, Tarphrex on stairs, see lady-snake, shoot many dragon stones.”
Some threats from the outer planes have a kind of resistance to magic, i have some minor training overcoming such things but generally you'd need spells that affect those creatures indirectly... Magic that turns things to stone generally have limits... They're difficult to recover from but very possible to restore those who have been assuming those affected are still undamaged... The last one sounds likr Mirror image... A very useful defensive spell