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The horned man rolls his eye, "Looks like things are getting quite serious?" He cast's shocking grasp behind cover of the doorway, steps up and deliveres it to the striker who just killed his student. "You will pay..."
"You're right, Kantulin, we should probably help them..." as the man on the stage weaves a powerful magic missile spell at the same target.
The philopher fluries agasint her assailant, taking him out.
Dolland throws another bomb at his previous target.
The blind warrior rubs here eyes, trying to get the dust out.
Seeing her opportunity to strike, the snake lady hisses, "Ssssss give me what I am after..."
/ Fergus
/ Fergus
The striker who isn't blind, turns his attention on the horned demon is unable to do anything, as she has dropped her weapin
Round 4 ♭ Music!
Borgol -12 lethal
Maddie
Fergus - -27 lethal (unconscious, bleeding, prone) Blind! DC 16 Will vs Glitterdust!
Alustira (aob)[/b] -! Amanusya -12 lethal
+ Philosophers (
blue -31, green -13)
+ Alden (shield, mirror image 3)
+ Dolland (38 lethal, shield)
+ Kantulin (shield)Remy -30 lethal (shield) - Blind! DC 16 Will vs Glitterdust!
Flik -28 lethal (2 bleed next round) - (unconscious, bleeding, prone) - DC 16 Will vs Glitterdust!! Striker (
blue -36, yellow (blind), red -18 disarmed)
! Fleshdregs (yellow,green -19,purple -21)
! Bruisers (blue,red -18)The party may act! Remy and Fergus are out for the moment anyway... -
Maddie chants a new spell, with twice the mana swirling aorund her than normal, and a giant net of sky-blue strings pops up, ensnaring the warriors.
Borgol snarls at the snake-lady, and reaches inside himself to find the raw, verdant power of the Stag God, allowing it to fill him... and double his size.
for
for
Alustria hurries to Flik and attempts to staunch his wounds!
Fergus's life blood continues to spill out of his wounds.
Remy falls back as she struggles to regain her sight, stumbling over Fergus. "Hang on!" she calls to the dwarf as she rips off the sleeve of Lullaby's shirt and fumbles around until she feels his wounds, then uses the cloth to bind them and stop his bleeding.
The monk shakes her head, blinking the golden motes out of her eyes and regaining her sight!
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The enemy strikers are not having the best day, as they get covered by a sticky web from the arcane caster in the group.
"Nice spell, little miss." Alden musues to himself on the stage as he casts another magic missle.
The other higher-ranking order member casts another spell, and moves to dispell it agasint the snake lady.
Dolland looks a little less allarmed, but doesn't throw another bomb as to not hit one of you guys.
The creature looks for a way to escape, and focuses her attention on Maddie. She begins to move once again, faster than before, in an entrancing way. As she get's closer to the girl, the innocense in her movement seems more sinister and perverted, as she sinks her claws under her cloak.
-
-
The arcane missiles land on the creature, but as the horned devil places her hands on her, the electricity finds its way traveling quickly down to ground itself on the hard wood of the lecture hall.
"Ssssssstop, or I will kill the girl!" she gestures as she places her long claws around Maddie's neck.
Round 5 ♭ Music!
Borgol -12 lethal - AOO!
Maddie -11 lethal
Fergus - -27 lethal (unconscious, stable, prone) Blind! DC 16 Will vs Glitterdust!
Alustira (aob)[/b]! Amanusya -24 lethal
+ Philosophers (
blue -31, green -13)
+ Alden (shield, mirror image 3)
+ Dolland (38 lethal, shield)
+ Kantulin (shield)Remy -17 lethal (shield) - AOO!
Flik -28 lethal - (unconscious, stable, prone)! Striker (
blue -36, yellow (blind), red -18 disarmed)
! Fleshdregs (yellow,green -19,purple -21)
! Bruisers (blue,red -18)The party may act! -
Remy throws out an elbow to bash the creature as it moves past.
Her blood boils when she sees it attack Maddie! "Get away from her, you b$+&$!" the monk shouts, racing forward through the side hallway and delivering an uppercut to the thing's jaw in an attempt to stun it!
Borgol looks down at the snake-woman as she dances past, and swings his large blade with a snarl.
for
As Borgol shrinks back to regular size,he quickly looks around for a target, We need more of us in the fight, and I can't heal everyone without healing the enemi... but wait.. An idea in his head, he rushes over to Fergus, his lips already muttering a prayer, Paladin, heal thyself.... While smiting them... after I do this, first...
Maddie cries out in pain as the claws tighten around her. "Get away from me!" she yells, ducking away and running into the next room.
Fergus in his fugue-like state contemplates buying better armor!
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Borgol strikes at the creature as she walks past, and it snaps back in pain. The rest of the team witness an anger in Remy as she uses her monk swiftness to move and assualt the rakshasa to leg go of her precious friend. With a yelp, Maddie manages to escape her clutches.
About to begin her assualt, the creature launches at Remy, angry and grustrated. But then, a flash of light...
...a woman stands behind the creature, one of her hands around her neck seemlessly bending her backwards into her blade. She's fast. Your first reaction to her presence, as you didn't even see her approach. Is it magic? You second reaction, as you watch black blood start to well in the wound from an invisible blade struck through the creature.
The creature slides off the thin blade and falls on the ground with a thud.
The woman before has long black hair which falls slightly below her shoulders. She bears a beautiful green tunic, which presents her chest openly to the breeze which flows through the house. The relics hung around her belt grab your attention, as your eyes wander down to her long legs and knee high boots.
You try to bring your focus back on the blade she used to strike the creature down, but her hands are bare as she swipes a strand of loose hair from her face. "I would have preferred to introduce myself under different circumstances." She looks at Remy and squares herself off, seeing how fierce she is. "What hole did you climb out of?"
Borgol -12 lethal
Maddie -11 lethal
Fergus - -18 lethal (prone)
Alustira (aob)
Remy -17 lethal (shield)
Flik -28 lethal - (unconscious, stable, prone)
Remy doesn't ease out of her battle stance, even as the new arrival slays the monster she was fighting. She takes several deep breaths, clothes torn, blood splattered across her body--some her own, some belonging to others. Her heart pumps with adrenaline as she takes in the woman's appearance, experiencing a confusing mixture of attraction and anger towards her. A stray thought passes through her mind--She's nowhere near as pretty as I am--before she shakes it away.
"We've come a long way and survived many perilous battles to reach you and that sword. That can only be Baraket, which means you must be Corstela. I'm Remy Tomovici. We're here to save Roderic's Cove."
Out of healing magic, Alustria instead prepares for the worst - if this woman turns hostile, she will fling a ball of storm at her.
Groggily, Flik stands up, staring at the woman who so mysteriously appeared.
"Who? What happened?"
Standing and running a small hand across his bloodied forehead, Flik assesses the state of his companions. Seeing that he is probably the most wounded, he shrugs and heals himself a bit.
Maddie returns to the room, spots the sword, and immediately lights up, oblivious to the tension in the room, "OOH! Is that Baraket? I've read so much about that! Is the blade ethereal, or just invisible? Can you attack ghosts with it? Wait, that's the same question. What sorts of things can you do with it? How is it not controlling you? Can it control you? What's the blade made out of? Do the powering runes use a Dobarezki or Calvoyant scheme? Or something totally different? Forga perhaps? That one is said to be based off of Azlanti runes, so it would make sense if Thessilanians and Azlanti had similar scheming. Are the runes themselves invisible, actually?" she asks, a nonstop torrent of questions spilling out as she excitedly examines the blade, a spark of magic coursing from her fingertip to the blade, and she squeals with joy.
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Taken back by how forward Remy is, Corstella motions for her to calm down. "I'd like to say that I'm surprised that you've managed to learn so much in such little time, but these days there isn't much that surprises me."
She retreats slightly as she begins getting attacked by the flurry of questions from Maddie. "...woah, woah there little one, slow down. Your questions, the answers you seek, are you sure you want to go down this road?"
In the lecture hall, the order members begin to round up the bodies of the dead and binding the two brutes stuck in the web. Corstella walks though the crowded room, briefly stopping by each initiate as they bow. She ends at the foot of the stage and addresses the man. Thank you Alden, you did well to protect the students. Don't worry about these hero's, I will take care of things.
She leads you into a small study, filled with towers of wellread books and dusty papers. She looks solemnly at the group before her, "I suspect you all know the mess this town is in. You think you've got all the clues, don't you? Well then, hero's of Roderic Cove, ask the questions you're here to ask. And tell me, how have you come to your conclusions.
Remy scowls as she sits on a stool, leaning back against a bench and holding her hands to her painful wounds. Her legs are spread apart in a most unladylike manner as she lets her companions do the talking for now.
”Where is my cousin? Where is Audrahni?”
Flik speaks quietly to Remy, "Do you know this person? Is she to be trusted?"
"I've only heard her name. Given the fact that she counts a fiend as an ally, though, I doubt she's one of the good guys," Remy mutters.
Borgol laughs once, "Lady, if we had all the answers, we'd have fixed things already. What we've got is enough questions to fill the market square... and the few answers or inferences we have gotten seem to add to the confusion instead of taking away from it. You want to accuse us of jumping to conclusions, go ahead, but at the moment, the only thing I know is that most of my friends were almost killed defending your people... Wait, no, I also know that Roderick's ghost is restless, there's Pride magic all about town, and that kids are going missing... and our friend, Audrahni is among their number, and we're pretty upset about that last bit."
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She listens patiently, and once the room is quiet she begins to speak. "I understand you are angry...confused...and bruised. To be honest, I wouldn't trust me either if I were you. But I fear that at this point we have no other choice." She eyes Flik as if she heard the whisper. "Yes, this quiet town has had some turmoil recently, especially after Roderic's ghost decided to visit us that one fateful day. But trust me, I am not the enemy here."
This room is lushly appointed with dark-stained wood furniture upholstered in plum velvet. A long desk stretches from the north wall, behind which sits a high-backed chair. A table built into the southeast corner of the room holds crystal decanters of wine and spirits along with a collection
of delicate goblets. She walks over and pours herself a glass, and offers it to Alustria. "Before I can answer your questions, we have to go back to the beginning."
"I was raised in Riddleport, under the fateful watch of the Cyphergate monument and the cyphermages there. I knew from an early age that Varisia held many ancient and mysterious sites such as these, and even as a child I was determined to visit as many as I could. Over time, I devoted myself to the study of Varisian history. And like most of us who were born and raised in these lands, once you start learning about our history...even our own family line becomes exposed by secrets." She takes a sip from the wine flask.
"One day, I came across a disturbing myth. A group of my ancestors became enslaved by the worship of Uvaglor. Only by the blessing of a few Ashavan priests, were they able to be saved from the darkness. So, I travelled in search for a congregation of the priesthood of Ashava, which eventually lead me to Magnimar - and to your cousin, Audrahni. She is a friend, and a trusted ally, that is why she came to seek my advice after you'd left to explore Churlwood." She looks at Alustria to see if she can recognise and approve of this story before continuing.
"I came here to continue my research after stumbling across some reports she read revealed the possibility of Thassilonian ruins not far from Roderic’s Cove. I never knew Sir Roderic, but I listened to the folklore and tales of his exploration of such ruins. That is when I made my way to Roderic's Wreck and found the sword.. Such a discovery was unheard of, so I decided to keep it that way. A secret, that would eventually turn this town on its head."
Her green eyes stand out against her tanned complexion, as her subtle smile turns the other direction. "I guess I never really understood the dangers of keeping such a weapon out in the open, until recently. You remember what started all of this?"
"Do you speak of the conflict between the Horned Fangs and the Order of Resplendence? I know that is what triggered Sir Roderick's ghost, but I'm beginning to think that 'what started all this' must go back much, much further."
Alustria is willing to let her keep talking, but she is keeping her eyes open for signs of betrayal or lies.
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The Cyphergate is a cyclopean stone arch, straddling the entrance to Riddleport's harbor to a height of over 350 feet. Because its height is exactly half of the arch's width, it is believed by many that the arch is but one half of a larger ring, the second half of which is buried within the rocks and silt of the harbor bottom. The origins of the Cyphergate are widely thought to be Thassilonian, as the monument is built from unrecognizable stone and is decorated with mysterious runes, similar to other magically preserved carvings throughout the Varisian countryside. These runes are a topic for debate among scholars, both in the City of Cyphers and beyond. Some scholars believe they have no meaning, as they resist even magical detection methods, while others have formed a group called the Order of the Cyphers and call themselves Cyphermages, dedicating their lives to uncovering the truth behind the enigmatic symbols.[
She nods at Flik, and the half-elf can see that her expression is stern, yet truthful. "I think you might be onto something, Mr Gnome."
"Sir Roderic's ghost was not unprovoked appearing in town. And to be honest, the fued between our two group has little to do with it. Let me be clear on one thing - Jana is not my enemy."
She avoids eye contact for this next bit, "The Horned Fangs are quite new in this town, and a rival gang was only good for business. But I never noticed..." She takes another swig from the flask of wine. "We never really interacted, until that day when...when it...when I killed those men. I guess, I didn't even know what happened. I felt a...sudden overwhelming pride fill my soul, a pride that could not stand the idea of any other group daring to encroach on her territory—especially one that wore the rune of wrath so brazenly. I didn't even realise what I was doing...the rapier was moving by itself...the rapier pierced the man’s throat and he was dead almost instantly."
"I fled the scene, and have been lying low ever since."
She shakes her head as if waking from a terrifying dream. "Baraket must have reacted to the presence of powerful rune magic nearby. And I have a sinking suspicion that The Horned Fangs didn't come across such power on accident. Jana is up to something, or something is up to her."
She approaches Alustira and puts her hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry, but your cousin went after them, by herself the day you left town. You know how...head strong she is, should wouldn't let it go. I fear the worst..." After a moment, "And as for the children, well I have no idea how the missing children come into the picture..."
"So what will you do next?"
"If what you say is true," Remy begins, regarding Corstela with narrowed eyes, "then Baraket is extremely dangerous. You should hand it over to us for safekeeping. We have the ability to keep its powers suppressed until we can figure out how to safely contain it.
"The Horned Fangs are a clear and present danger, as evidenced by the monstrous allies they brought with them in this assault. We must find their lair, rescue Audrahni and the missing children, and neutralize their threat. Only then will Roderic's Cove be truly safe."
She looks to her allies. "I think we ought to heal up and rest first, then seek out the Fangs. It's possible they are hiding beneath the town, since we fought some of those monsters that climbed up out of the well."
"Who is this Jana? I don't believe we've met her."
Flik nods appreciatively at the information that they've unearthed so far.
Borgol nods at Remy's suggestions, "Agreed we shouldn't try to explore the underground in our current state... Though that does give us a day to resupply and maybe get an ear to the ground, now that we have some idea of the sorts of things to be listening for."
He pauses, "But are we suggesting that they have a powerful Wrath item, like you have the sword of Pride? Can't say I like the thought that these are all surfacing.. and ending up here, fit that matter."
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"Jana Gildersleeves, is the founding leader of the Horned Fangs. A suspicious woman, but we never had a reason to harm one another. Riddleport made it easy for her to spot those who’d become frustrated by
the system and struggled to make ends meet, and it was these folks she recruited to join her gang. Lately, they've been getting more and more aggressive, as if those runes they are wearing are having some sort of effect."
She explores each of you with her gaze, looking over your wounds. "I agree, I wouldn't go running into their den in your condition. You can rest here for the night, if you help with the repairs. I have a few leads that could start you going. Jana's mother - perished in an unfortunate accident on the docks. Instead of mourning her death, she acquired the old boat house. Acquired is too loose a term, not through coin, of course. As good a place as any to stick your nose into."
She looks towards Remy with hesitation when the monk speaks of the sword, "The weapon is extremely dangerous, and that is why I will hold onto it - at least until this mess is resolved. Who knows how the weapon will react if it get's closer to the wrath rune. Besides, we wouldn't want the weapon getting into the wrong hands?"
Remy raises an eyebrow at Corstela's insistence on keeping the sword. The injured party is in no position to try to take it from her, so she is willing to let the matter slide for now, unless her companions insist.
"Very well." The monk looks down at clothes she borrowed from Lullaby, now scorched and ripped up. "You wouldn't happen to have an extra outfit I could borrow, would you? Mine never seem to last very long..."
Finally able to relax, Alustria prepares for bed, rest...and soon, perhaps, a resolution to things. I never expected this, not at all.
Maddie keeps quiet for most of the conversation as she formulates a response. As they wind down, though, she speaks up, "Well, if you're keeping it for now, could I at least study it?" she asks, putting on her most adorable face that she can (with no practice, though, it's not as endearing as she hoped), "You can even watch me, if you want. But it's a really unique chance." she asks.
Borgol bites his tongue before asking, How do we know it hasn't already done that?. He sighs, "I see your point, but as we said, we have the means to handle it safely - so that it can't overwhelm whomever's holding it... which could include you, maybe, even at this distance, considering that the people with the wrath rune are probably going to be invoking its powers."
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She gives Maddie a warm look, "I admire your enthusiasm, small one. But this isn't a toy." She smiles, and you can hear the sarcasm in her voice.
"And what means, are those? This weapon cannot be controlled, only a fool would think otherwise. If the wrath rune really is causing the sword to play out, then the best way of handling this situation would be to take out The Horned Fangs and put and end to whatever they are scheming. I am not going anywhere, you can assume that the sword will be here - with me, if you are successful." She pushes past Borgol begrudgingly. "I will have the initiates prepare your rooms. Feel free to talk to Alden for some supplies for tomorrow."
Before leading, she notions to Remy, "My clothes might be slightly, loose...on you. But if you don't mind that, then I will have Kantulin drop off my spare sparing robes in your room after you have washed."
--------------------------
Alden is still tending to the injured students when you find him later in the evening. You believe he serves as headmaster and is responsible for the philosophers and initiates. It is late, and he is reminding his students of the curfew. "After conflict, we must rest to let our wounds heal. Stay proud to be alive, the fallen would have wanted this." When he see's you approach, he realises why you are here. "I see Corstalla has been rather welcoming to a group of strangers. If that is her will, then I shall help you. We do not have many resources to spare, but this is my personal collection of scroll. May they aid you in your quest."
You acquire the following items: 3x scrolls of cure moderate wounds, 1x scroll of summon monster III, 1x scroll of summon monster 2, 1x cloak of resistance +1, eyes of the eagle, 1x amulet of natural armour, 1x scroll of gust of wind, 1x scroll of bears endurance, 1x scroll of remove disease.
--------------------------
Your sleeping rooms are upstairs in the western section of the mansion. The rooms are simply furnished, but decorated with warm coloured rugs and furs to keep individuals warm through the cold nights.
Eventually, there is a knock on the door to the room in which Remy is staying. "Eh, the Misstress would like to present you with a change of clothes." Opening the door, you see the red skinned fiend wearing well fitted arcane attire. He looks calm and collected, but his devilish expression is hard to miss. "Thank you, for your help this day. Our Order is very grateful. They won't admit this, but we once were proudly open to new members. Recently, it has gotten difficult to know who one can trust." He bows, and begins to walk off, unless he is stopped with a question.
-------------------------
The next day arrives quickly. You all wake early, anxious for the day ahead. As you make your way downstairs, Corstella is already waiting for you. "I am not sure why, but I have a bad feeling about today." She shows you to the door.
Remy accepts the clothes from the fiend with a dubious expression. Before he leaves though, she holds up a hand to forestall him. "The rest of the Order, I can understand. You, not so much. Who are you? Why have you allied yourself with Corstela? And what's your stake in all of this?"
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He turns back to speak with the inquisitive monk. "I am my her Pridebound Assistant. Has a ring to it, doesn it? In her time in Magnimar, my lady dabbled in all things, diabolical while studying learning about Uvaglor from the Ashavan priests. That is when our paths crossed. I was keeping an eye on the clergy, making sure they weren't...that's in the past now." He gets all uncomfortable trying to change the subject. He weaves some arcane signs as he cast's adjustable disguise - turning himself into a tanned man, of good build and posture. His horns are completely gone, instead, is crowned with trimmed hair and a short beard."During the early months of our friendship, she never realised who...what I was. But Corstella always interested me - she was more educated than the rest of the humans I've met. We would discuss history and the magical arts for hours into the night..."
She shakes his head. "You think it is strange that a creature like me can call a human friend. But Corstela is different, she has taught me to accept what I am." He turns back to his original form. "She has even taught her pupils, to accept. There is much about this human world, hints about legend and lore that we cannot escape from. Reality, is not always the way it seems. That is why, we must accept what is unusual before we can truly accept it's wonders.'
Remy gets a small headache as the creature recalls his story. Is he telling the whole truth?
"Have a good night, miss." And he takes a bow, and leaves.
----------------------------
Roderic's Cove is as busy as it is on any day. The weather is grim, as grey clouds hang menacingly in the sky, blocking out any attempts the sum makes to warm this chilly morning. As you approach the docks, a thin layer of mist still blankets the water, granting the illusion of boats floating on clouds. Two medium barges are being loaded up with supplies, and you see familiar finisher-men unloading their smaller boats from their first early labour run.
The old boat house stands tall and proud, though you see it has started to show its age. Two large hangar doors hang open, and you see medium sized skiff having some repairs done. A woman, whom Flik recognises to be Elbrena Skodgers, is currently trying to patch up a hole at the bottom of the boat.
Remy stares after the fiend as he leaves the room. She trusts him as far as she can throw him, but it doesn't seem like he's her enemy--for the moment, at least.
She dresses in Corstela's borrowed robes, which leave much of her arms and legs bare. She binds her chest with tight wraps of cloth to avoid any accidental exposure since the front is open and loose.
The monk goes through her training katas, but the power of her ki feels different now. She remembers the feats that her sensei was able to accomplish by channeling the power of the dragons the order emulates, and she draws upon the wellspring of her inner strength as she punches the air. Flames ignite and wreathe her fists with energy, and Remy laughs triumphantly at her latest breakthrough. She'll show those Horned Fangs exactly who they're dealing with...
***
Remy points out the many gang markings around the boathouse. "We're closing in on them. Let's make sure we are prepared." She asks Maddie for mage armor as she mentally readies herself for battle.
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Elberna puts her tools down for a moment, happy with the small bit of work she's done on the vessel. She moves outside, and does a slight stretch like she's pulled a muscle. To a trained eye, she's obviously not tired from any amount of labour...probably putting on a show.
She see's your group lurking around, smiles and waves you over. "Hey! Hey, Flik! Long time no see! How's it going mate, come on over, don't be a stranger! Who're your friends?"
Alustria nods at Remy’s comment, then points. ”And two of them just headed off.”
Before...
Alustria dreams.
The sky is filled with stars, but they hide behind the glory of the Sun. Sarenrae’s face, the Angel of Holy Fire, shines down on all. Alustria feels the warm, loving light raining down on all the things of Golarion - plants, animals, people. It seems she travels with the light itself, exploring each system, each heartbeat. She does not hear the words of her goddess, but she knows that she is loved, and that the Dawnflower will always be with her.
When she awakens, she is a bear. A small one, but a bear nonetheless. It takes some practice, but soon she is able to turn back to her customary shape. It’s tiring, the shift, but she knows she can do it when she needs to.
Earlier....
Flik thanks Alden for the supplies, "Do you know any more about the Horned Fangs? Besides their connection to Wrath, and the information about their leader, we know little of them."
At the docks...
"Oh, hello Elbrena! How goes the work? It looks like you won't be out on the water today. These are my friends! We're looking into some strange doings around town."
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Alden is happy to stay and chat with the gnome, "Their gang is nothing but a collection of grunts and strong-men. They prefere the company of hard labor, over the mental resolve of study. Jana does her best to keep them organised, but recently they've been methodical and malicious. That isn't her work."
"I grew up with Jana, she's not one to turn to such degrees of violence. And that rune, whatever they unearthed down there...mustn't be good. There are Thassalonian ruins everywhere in Varisia...it wouldn't surprise me if Roderic's Cove was built on top of one..."
----------------------------
The woman manages a smile, "You know me, Flik, slow as ever. Besides, who'd want to go out on the water if this weather continues? There's a storm a'brewin." She points to a collection of grey clouds off in the distance. "I See. It's a tragedy what's been happening recently. I even heard some people spooked by Sir Roderic's ghost - is that true? I mean, you'd know, you know everything about this town! Always like you, investigating. Well, holler if you need anything, you know where i'll be." She winks towards the gnome and goes back to business. She manages one last phrase before she is out of sight, subtly brushing her hand against one of the Horned Fangs signs on her boathouse. "Swing by around midday if you want a tour."
Flik mutters to himself as the woman walks away,
"A tour? What an odd thing to say."
With a shrug, he peers around for signs of those thugs.
Alustria's eyes widen as Flik seems to miss the BLATANTLY OBVIOUS hint. She puts a hand on the gnome's shoulder, leans in, and whispers:
"She wants us to come back, I think. About the Fangs, and their hideout. Didn't you see the way she glanced back at you?"