Wallace races down the stairs and takes a position blocking the door as he offers well thought out and logical intimidating rhetoric. Immy jumps up and over Chorlo's sticky projectile, then tucks and rolls under the bar, avoiding Llorva's arrow. Lizbeth climbs down the ladder and moves to block Immy in.
Round 2 & 3 continued bold may post
Immy
Lizbeth
Llorva
Chorlo
***Round 3 Starts here***
Ayo
Wallace
Ayo's blade clips the assassin, who then adjusts and deflects the next strike.
"... guided by the divine, shall deliver you before the law!"
Immy's voice, completely masculine now comes from a smiling mouth. "I was hoping you would come down here and try to stop me. Humans are so arrogant. Is that bravado I hear in your wavering voice? Perhaps you fear it will be you who will be delivered to your lord and patron tonight instead, no? Tell me true, do you really think she would save you? You really do not seem to...worthy."
Almost as a feint, the claw lashes back at the inquisitor, but Ayo is not so easily caught a second time. Wallace however is caught leaning the wrong direction. The claw catches a gap in the armor, allowing 'Immy' to tear a deep wound into the cleric's abdomen. Immy leans a little closer to Wallace and whispers, "I don't think your goddess is coming. You've devoted your life to her, and she is just going to let you die tonight. How sad for you." It licks its hand as dark blood gushes down the Iomedaen cleric's armor. "Arrogant, but delicious. I may have to save you for last after killing your friends."
Round 3 & 4 continued bold may post
Immy
Lizbeth
Llorva
Chorlo
***Round 4 Starts here***
Ayo
Wallace
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Immy's claw catches Wallace just as he is about to beleaguer the criminal with another lecture. He barely manages to let out a gurgling gasp before his vision begins to swim. His mailed knee makes a firm clank against the floor, hot blood pours down his side. Tricky bastard...
Gritting his teeth, he swings his shield upwards to knock the clawed man off balance before thrusting his sword forward into Immy's exposed body. "No manner... of beast... can stand... BEFORE HER MIGHT!" he bellows, his gaze subconsciously turning to Ayo at his side. It's even more clear than before... Has she chosen to fight beside me? The Glorious Inheritor herself?
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Wallace stabs his blade into Immy's ribs. However, there is little more than a snarls passing from it's lips. As the fight rolls on, something starts to become clear...
Round 3 & 4 continued bold may post
Immy
Lizbeth
Llorva
Chorlo
***Round 4 Starts here***
Ayo
Wallace
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With her eyes pupil-less pools of gold, nobody can notice her roll her eyes at the shapechanger's incessant talking. She does not even notice Wallace's eyes on her, or if she does, she dismisses it as just another man mooning over her. Her focus is on the shapechanger and keeping her from the door.
A brief flash of frustration and rage lights Immy's eyes as the aasimar lands another glancing blow.
Round 3 & 4 continued bold may post
Immy
Lizbeth
Llorva
Chorlo
***Round 4 Starts here***
Ayo
Wallace
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With no way to get into the battle Lizbeth rolls her one good eye. She waves her blade before her and presses it, tip first, into the ground, causing a rippling in the air. A phantom eagle swoops forward from the strange portal, solidifying into a radiant glowing eagle as it flies. It swoops over the Pathfinders and attacks the 'woman' from above.
"Stay there," Lizbeth tells the bartender.
The investigator does not recall any weaknesses specific to this race of monstrous humanoids. The elf's blade darts out, but catches nothing but air. A celestial eagle burst into the air above the doppelganger. Though surprised, the assassin fends off most of the attacks. Meanwhile, Llorva moves in to support Wallace.
Immy looks down the bar at Lizbeth, "No cheating now. It really takes the fun out of things, don'tcha think?" He stabs upward and shreds the summoned raptor out of existence. Glowing feathers slowly drift like flakes of snow, evaporating before they reach the ground. Tired of fending off attacks from all sides, Immy tries to cut Ayo's legs out from under her. The aasimar leaps over the strike.
Round 4 & 5 continued bold may post
Immy
Lizbeth
Llorva
Chorlo
***Round 5 Starts here***
Ayo
Wallace
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His strength quickly flowing out of his open side, Wallace yanks his shield back into position before steeling himself against the worsening pain to come. The time... is now... "This technique has been passed down the Lundgren line for GENERATIONS!" he bellows as he charges the doppelganger, shield first. Colliding with the thing, he shoves his sword over the top and into what he hopes is Immy's throat.
Despite his zeal, a groan is expelled form his lips as the force of the impact presses his armor deeper into his wounds.
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After the inquisitor's strike, the doppelganger looks..nervous? Chorlo's sword cane is knocked aside by a frantic parry. However, Immy is not able to get back into a fully guarded position. As the assassin's claw comes up to defend itself, Wallace finally understands the value of all those hours his family spent drilling this strike into his muscle memory. The sudden overhand strike has enough leverage to not just force the claw down, it cuts it off completely. The long sword seems to sing as it slices deep into the grey flesh just below the chin.
Wallace withdraws his blade, and a silent Immy falls lifelessly to the ground. However, the cost of this victory was paid for with your own blood. Most of the team has been severely injured.
A check of the body reveals:
You survey the bar and see that the other patrons all ran off as soon as the fight began. A frantic Ramyla calls down, "By the Gods, all that blood. Are you all okay?" A moment passes before a thought strikes her like a thunder bolt. "Do you think Timinic is out of danger? Could there be more killers going after him?" It is clear that Ramyla is worried sick about her friend.
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When the tavern turned still, Ayo flicks the blood off her katana before returning it to her scabard. Drops of bloodspray still on her face, she kneels down on the floor and pulls out a piece of paper, a vial of ink, and an inkbrush, laying them out delicately in front of her.
With fluid, dancing brushstrokes, she begins writing:
”They wore two faces,
One claw covered in four bloods,
But carried no heart.”
She puts away each of the materials in reverse order, except for the paper, then stands up. She tosses the paper at the corpse. ”’Words are for before or after battle. The killer does not speak, only acts. Judgment is action, not word.’ So says the Second Lesson of Intention, written by a great master. Shizuru, the Empress of Heaven judged you, and soon will Pharasma.”
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"You've just... seen a glimpse of Taldan history," Wallace points out as he slowly recovers his composure. "That technique was- ah, thank you Llorva. I'll do the rest myself. Was first used by my great, great, great grandfather during the Shining Crusade to slay a mighty Hezrou before it could lay waste to his battalion. Felt like an acceptable time to revive it in the field," he lectures proudly. It'll take more than a little gray thing to take down a Lundgren and his squadron!
Pulling out a wand, he draws healing energy into himself and the wicked gash in his side steadily closes, returning his breathing to normal. "Haha! Much better! Aren't the blessings of the divine grand? It is a shame we won't be able to apprehend this criminal to have him pay for his actions, but I suppose one's life is still quite the price to pay. Even if it was a life of crime," he admits, shooting Immy a sideways glance.
"Madam, quite frankly, I do suspect Timinic is in great danger himself. Fret not, for we shall save him as well!" Wallace confidently explains to Ramyla, as any hero would to a distressed civilian. Turning to the party, he adds, "While our foe is no longer a threat, the guard would do well to know a doppelganger has been running amuck in their city, at the cost of a Pathfinder Venture-Captain and a Sergeant of their own."
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Chorlo taps himself with his wand, most of his wounds are closed a few still seep blood.
"That was interesting, maybe we have stopped the assassin so our fellow Path Finder should be safe?" Chorlo hopes as he looks at those who are with him. Kneeling down Chorlo will search the body of the Doppleganger.
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While the others finish cleaning up and searching the body, Ayo walks up to Wallace. She nods ever-so-slightly and speaks.
”You fought well for one so inexperienced, Mr. Lundgren. Iomedae is a worthy god to serve, if a young one. Shizuru, Empress of Heaven, sees her as a young sister.”
She folds her arms, staring right into him with the stern gaze inquisitors are known for. Her speech turns blunt and matter-of-fact, as if giving her gloss of an abstract painting she dislikes to a companion in an art gallery.
”However, please do not stare at me during combat. I know I bear some resemblance to your god. I chose my name, Ayo Midai, in honor of her, as I was always told I looked like her. But it is just a likeness, nothing more. If rather you find me attractive, know I do not feel the same. I do not mean to insult you. I simply do not find men attractive. You may also have some unresolved issues to meditate on if you are attracted to a woman who looks like your goddess.”
Before he has a chance to respond, she is interrupted by Chorlo needing help with his wand and walks off without another word, as though there was nothing more to be said.
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Ayo's barrage of comments and revelations leads Wallace through several moments of speechlessness, his face stuck in a shocked frown until she spins on her heel to tend to Chorlo.
"I- Er- What?" he barely manages to stutter out as he takes a pair of half steps towards the Inquisitor, clearly unsure what to do. Briefly, his face shares characteristics with a tomato. Do I set things straight immediately? So many things to redress! But will that make me look weak? Surely they must know that I am the Officer in Charge of our squadron of Pathfinder Agents. Will letting this damnable silence hang damage my authority? As questions of how to resolve matters of authority flow like a river through his mind, he finally settles into what he hopes is a natural pose to stand in while he waits for his fellow agents to gather themselves.
"As soon as we are ready, let us be off," he asserts. "The life of a Pathfinder Agent rests in our hands." I will speak to her privately then, to clear the air.
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After taking a moment to recover and...settle team differences, you depart for Timinic's safe house.
This cabin features sturdy wooden walls, with thick glass in its two small windows. A covered porch looks out over the banks of the Dagger River to the west, though steady sleet obscures the view.
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Chorlo just as shocked as Wallace at Ayo's bold statements just smiles at the younger man and what is being said to him. As they move out Chorlo falls in step with Wallace.
"Don't worry I bet she says that to all the men, some wouldn't have taken it in good stride like yourself." Chorlo again smiles.
at the all clear announcement, Chorlo tucks his bow away, pulling out his sword cane and reading a vial just in case it is needed.
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Ayo takes a deep breath as Wallace announces the group’s presence. She loathes that type of gloryhound man, even ones that follow her Mistress’s patron. She walks past him towards Lizbeth, pausing to speak.
”’I will be temperate in my actions and moderate in my behavior. I will strive to emulate Iomedae’s perfection.’—Iomedae’s paladin code, tenet number ten.”
Assuming no further explanation is needed, she continues on and waits for Lizbeth to finish checking for traps, and—should Lizbeth find nothing—proceeds to try the door, seeing no further point in knocking.
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Secretly comforted by Chorlo's words, Wallace gives him a firm nod. He visibly walks a little taller now. Ah ha! I did do the right thing! What does Ayo know, anyways?
"What, don't tell me Iomedae never spoke loudly!" he quips smugly. "Besides, it'd be rude to just walk into someone's house, especially when we know the password!"
At the mention of the pass phrase, the team starts to hear rumbling and dragging from beyond the door. A high pitched voice cries out, "Wait, wait. Don't leave. I am here!" After a few moment, you here several locks being clicked, "I'm coming" clacked "Almost there!" and snapped "One more minute".
The door flies open revealing a disheveled gnome without any pants. His smile deflates slightly when he realizes he does not know any of you. "Oh...well, why would anything go according to plan." He waves you all in. "Please, please come in." He stays in the cottage, but looks past you into the streets. "You weren't followed were you? How is Bosk...and Brandur? They have had me locked away in here too long."
You notice that the safe house’s wooden walls are all over three feet thick. If asked, Timinic offers a knowing look as he taps his forehead, "To impede them divinations. This ain't no nonsense game we're playin' at." Astute observers also notice the windows. They are sealed shut and seem like they would be difficult to break. The windows are on the west side of the house, looking out onto the porch, and they are small enough that even after breaking a window, a normal sized man would be hard pressed to wriggle through.
He asks if you would like any refreshments, but rushes off without actually listening. He returns with a full backpack and boots, but still no pants. He looks at you all expectantly, "So, when do we leave?"
From what you have heard, the Pathfinder Agent was a skilled veteran. To be this addle-minded and disorganized, he must be under a great amount of stress. Suspicious of another doppelganger, Ayo tries to sense the gnome's aura. She can confirm he is not evil, nor is he pure.
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Llovra raises her eyebrow and says quietly, Umm considering it is our duty to ensure Timinic's safety...perhaps it would be better not to take him to the midst of a potentially dangerous struggle with whoever is behind this...Perhaps it's best our dear friend is best just shuttering himself up until we've settled this business ... Llovra looks to her companions questioningly, What I'm saying is; do you think it the wisest coarse to put our charge in danger? Perhaps we should just ask Timinic what he knows about the people who attacked us, and leave him here safely until we return...?
Llovra turns to Timinic, Do you have any information about this renegade group that might help us? I think I speak for us all when I say we loathe to endanger you...as you are very important to the society.. However, any knowledge you may have might prove useful.
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"By the Divine, have you no decency?" Wallace moans as the Gnome runs around exposed. The Society really is an odd lot. Leading Army regulars will be child's play after this.
"Agreed, with us is the safest option. As much as I believe we should head out of town, we cannot leave this villainous scum to run amok in the streets. Even a city like Daggermark. We must also still try to save the others on the list," he explains proudly. Which will give me a chance to set things straight with Ayo as well. Perfect.
As they stride through the slush in the streets, Wallace steps in line with Ayo. "Agent Ayo, a word?"
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"A sound plan, Chorlo," Wallace approves. What would be safer than in the middle when we expect assassins and goons from all sides and at any time?
Not anticipating her abrupt stop, Wallace lurches for a moment before squaring up with Ayo. Ok, here it goes... "Well, for starters, I may not have a vast amount of experience, but I have been trained by the best Taldor has to offer," he starts off proudly, though clearly on the defensive. "And, I was hardly staring at you. The intensity of my injuries was such that, for a moment, I thought you were Iomedae herself and I was very confused," he continues. "Finally, while I am sure my goddess is objectively attractive to all who gaze upon her, I cannot say I am attracted to here. So... yeah. Sorry," he concludes, pleased with himself. That ought to do it! I corrected her mistakes, and apologized for apparently making her uncomfortable, but how was that even my fault? I think there is more blood on the floor than I have left in my body, it is unreasonable for her to expect me to really know what I was even doing.
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"Your apology is accepted. I did not mean to offend you. I considered the matter settled after I spoke. I am sorry if I did offend you. I dislike verbal confrontation. I prefer to lay everything out at once, covering all possibilities, then move on."
"You are not the first to mistake me for Her. My Mistress did when we met. She still does on occasion." When Ayo speaks of her "Mistress," her stiff, stern face softens and becomes almost wistful. Her constant hypervigilance abates for a moment, the first time since anyone on this mission saw her. She sighs, her eyes staring off into the distance as though something--or someone--outstandingly beautiful stood on the horizon. Ayo thinks of how her Mistress shone brighter than rising sun and warmer than the setting sun.
She shakes herself out of her reverie.
"Oh...was there something else, or can we return to our charge?"
Timinic grabs the trousers tossed to him and sits on the ground struggling to get them on over the boots. "Look, I wanna get outta here, but I'm not going anywhere until we can settle a few things, like answering my questions. Now, I don't see Bosk with you, so I am hopin' he's okay. If Bosk IS in trouble, we have to notify Brandur...er sorry, Sergeant Clovish. Lastly, I have a friend who may be in danger. Her name is Ramyla, and you can find her at the Drywall Distillery." He grunts and yanks the entire time until he finally gets his pants on and stands up. "Now then, you may also have questions for me. I have more experience than the lot of you I should think. When all that is done and everyone is accounted for, then, and only then we can leave this den of murderers." He tries to make a statement by firmly sitting down in his chair, but with the pack he bounces off and onto the ground.
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Wallace stares at Ayo with concern as the hard woman seems to temporarily lose her mind. "I - um, no, that will be all Agent Ayo, thank you for your time," he reponds before double timing it back to the group. What a peculiar woman... A gaze that pierces the soul, but a single word of her mistress and she can't see past the nose on her face. What am I to make of that?
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Llovra shakes her heaf uncomfortably at Liz's uncouth but, accurate statement. She steps forward and states, Unfortunately, two of our allies and comrades have been poisoned as my friend here stated...but, we were sent by our superior Bosk to insure your safe passage. Bosk was our commander, so we have every bit as much motivation to find these killers as you do. So please anything you could tell us about where to find these criminals and hopefully catch them by surprise would be helpful.
Llovora thoughtfully adds, As for Ramyla, it's true again as Lizbeth stated...she was well when we left her and concerned for your well being.
While he is very upset to hear about the death of his close friends, the Pathfinders regains his composure and continues the debrief. Timinic answers your questions as best he can, describing his friendship with Ramyla, his efforts to map Daggermark’s sewer complex starting from the Dripping Wall Distillery, and the strange individuals he encountered beneath the city. He says Venture-Captain Bosk tracked his reports on mysterious sewer-dwellers very closely. "And then one day I come back to Dryblade House to find Bosk and Brandur Clovesh arguing about 'some broken oath.' They spirited me here to this safe house with orders to stay out of sight until help arrived." Timinic provides the team with sketches of the Daggermark sewer layout from his journal. "And it sounds like you guys are headed back into the lions den. Here, take these with you, just in case. I will stay here and wait for you to come back." In the gnome's pack are a few things of interest.
"However, in this town, information is as good as a sword and as deadly as poison. You should look into Pemak’s Tinctures. You can't miss Pemak. She's a half-orc with a toothy smile, and takes a keen interest in any unfamiliar faces that enter her shop. She always seems to know what’s happening around Daggermark, which makes me a little uneasy."
You cross town through the sludge. A wooden sign depicting a flask of blue liquid hangs over the door of this cramped building. A faint aroma of burning vinegar wafts from the windows, which remain open despite the sleet. A bell rings as you open the door. A half-orc look up from behind the counter. If Timinic is correct, this must be the woman you are looking for. Pemak begins the conversation with pleasantries, treating you as she would any new customers.
”Welcome to Pemak’s Tinctures. How can I help you today?”
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As the acrid smell of burning vinegar assails his nostrils Wallace turns to his companions. "We've smelled that before," he warns. "Hello, it is I, Wallace Lundgren!" he says, much more at ease with this victim now that a Pathfinder's life doesn't hang in the balance. "We have reason to believe your life is in danger from a dishonorable band of miscreants and misfits," he explains. "It would be in your best interest to not consume anything from this point forward until we know you are safe again." Or at least as safe as one can be in an assassin riddled city like Daggermark.
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Chorlo nods his agreement to Wallace. "We are well thank you, how are you today? We were sent here by a common friend and like my Friend Wallace here says please becareful about consuming anything right now. We are on the trail of some poisoners and the smell in this shop, burnt Vinegar is the poison in question right now." Chorlo says looking around.