Trenna peers at the picture, "that looks like it was done by a drunk sailor after one too many Hagfish hefeweizens." She sighs and begins to shift. Over the course of a few seconds, you see cycle through a few animals, the tiger, a falcon, and a wolf most prominent. She even sinks into the ground once. Eventually, a petite woman with shiny opalescent skin and garnet eyes stands before you. She starts to speak but collapses to the ground, unconscious.
"Wait! You say Justice Ironbriar is the one who set you up? The very same man who sent us after you? Why would he do that? Convince us of your innocence and the paladin there may just have to take your side or risk more bloody orifices."
Even as Dorian finished speaking, the cat collapsed.
"Oh bother. Let's bring her back around for more discussion, but try not to let her kill you. You know, it does sound as if the Judge may be more involved here than simply being the Justicar in charge."
Dorian prodded the cat a few times with his wand, healing her slightly with each none-too-gentle tap.
"Pah, let's bring her back. Wait was the reward alive or dead? I don't remember, whatever." She begins binding the the shapeshifter with rope.
"Something here is not adding up right. What the tiger said, while disjointed and somewhat crazy sounding, rings true to me. Add to that the fact that her story is a direct counterpoint to Judge Ironbriar's bounty and rather abrupt summons. It seems that there is more to the story here. If, indeed, the Judge set her up for us to kill her, what better way than to prey upon our egos and pocketbooks? I think we should bring her back to consciousness and have a calm, informed discussion. Get more details about this Padontis Posse she was talking about, and what cult it was that her party was after. For all we know, this is the Brotherhood of Seven, and Judge Ironbriar is one of them. I don't trust anyone at this point...well, not anyone who isn't one of us."
|
Vanny slowly unnotches his arrow as he watches the tiger chick pass out. "Fine, I at least owe it to Dorian for saving me from this crazy chick. Do what you will with her but I can't see anyone who thinks a passerby as a "snack" is liable to be a good person" Vanny replies and scoffs at the last bit.
Vanny then inspects the surrounding area a bit..
"I suppose we're making camp here if we're waiting for the crazy one to wake up? Personally I'd like to just bring her in and just get my gold..." Vanny grumbles to the rest of his Sandpoint band.
"yes yes, talk all you want" as she finishes the last knot binding the shapeshifter's arms to her legs behind her. "I'll leave the gag off I guess"
Nadesico looks at 'trenna' like a dear in headlights.
"whu? I..? who?? whaaa?? Who is Warri?"
Watching the tiger, err human, err whatever it is collapse, and then see the rest of the party pounce at the opportunity to hog tie, Nadesico yet again jumps in.
Following Dorian's lead, "Glad to see someone here is at least trying to think before they act foolishly! Calm your weapons my dear friends. Lets chat with this... thing yes? Yes! Surely we will get to the bottom of this. Surely we will. "
She jumps for joy and lets out a "Hooooorray!" when she sees Vanny put away his arrow and calm down.
As she bounces around, she stops mid dance and turns back to Trenna "Did she say Assimar with a warhammer???? A WARHAMMER??? Great Torag! Do you guys think its mine???"
After roughly 2 hours, Trenna wakes up, groggy. She tries to sit up only to find herself bound, she cries out, frantic, ”Warri! Where are you, Warri? Are you safe?!” She looks around in a panic before her eyes finally find Nadesico, ”thank the Shriikirri-Quah, you’re safe. Quick, come unbind me!” She waits expectantly before she notices the others watching as well and sighs, resigned. She twists on the ground until she can see Reishia, ”I’ll humor the ropes for now, but know they’re nothing more than an insult.” Trenna mutters a few words and a small cloud appears. She tilts her head back and it begins to rain in her mouth. Once she’s had her fill, the cloud fades away. ”that’s better. Warri, where’s Vanny? I need to apologize to him again. I don’t know what came over me earlier.” She expresses her relief that he has been healed and then shifts to face Reishia and Dorian and begins to tell her story, ”I’m from a small village, probably similar to where you hail from. I spent quite a bit of time on the plains below the Storval Rise. That is where I met Warri. She was just a cub but saved me. We’ve been together since. We found ourselves in Padontis adventuring with a good crew. And then it started to go a bit sideways. The goblins that usually kept to harassing merchants on the road began to come into town. They almost burned down Quargie Jinn’s bar! Sadly, Keemo was able to save that gods damned hagfish Haron and I’m sure people are still falling for that stupid bet to this day.” Trenna gags briefly before gathering her thoughts.
”So the goblins. We tracked them down, dispatching them as needed but aware someone was forcing them to change their tactics and it wasn’t really their fault. It was odd, every single one would scream the same thing when we encountered them,”
”We finally figured out what they were yelling when we came across that Aasimar b@*+&. And she did indeed have a big hammer. Almost took Hedge’s head off with it! But Warri was able to sneak up and trip her and Fauntleroy and I were able to finish her. That was harrowing.” She shifts uncomfortably and asks Reishia if the ropes can at least be loosened a bit before she continues. ”Going through her stuff, we found a strange medallion with a 7 pointed star on it, a Shelldon if my memory serves. I was never really good with those religions artifacts. We started asking around and found out Nualia was behind all sorts of stuff. She had some cult that was killing people and wearing their faces, real freaky stuff.” Trenna shudders. ”The trail led to Magnimar where we’ve been the last few months, investigating. Lots of rumors with not much concrete detail. A scarecrow brotherhood or something. The details are a little muddy right now. We eventually caught the eye of Ironbriar who seemed pleased by all the work we’d done. We turned over everything we had and he put us up in an inn for a few days so his men had time to look it over.”
Trenna stares off in the distance for a few moments. When she starts speaking again, her words are curt, absent any emotion. ”The second night, we had retired after dinner. Our rooms were adjacent but Warri and I were at the end so she could go out through the balcony to hunt at night. I was just starting to fall asleep when I heard loud banging in the hall. There were masked men at each of our doors. When we came out to investigate, they cut my friends down. They looked like assassins but I clearly heard the clank of plate mail. And their swords were too bright in the dim hallway. Warri and I tried to make it off the balcony but she was hit by a crossbow bolt.” She turns, teary eyed, to Nadesico, ”I thought I’d lost you.” She looks down at the ground, ”I confess I ran. I couldn’t take on all of them by myself so I ran. And I’ve been out here since. Hiding most of the time, but defending myself on the rare occasion one of the city guards finds me. Their swords and plate mail are shiny in the moonlight too.”
"A seven-pointed star, you say? Did it look like this?" Dorian quickly sketched the seven-pointed sigil he had seen so recently.
"That's a sihedron and it is primarily associated with the Runelords of ancient history. It seems that we are indeed moving along similar pathways. So, the question I have is this Nualia person. You say she had a big warhammer, but that you killed her. Do you still have the hammer, or know where it is now? That item alone could go a long way towards helping my companions and I feel lenient towards you, and would also add a great deal of credence to your story."
Trenna eyes the sketch, "that looks upside down, but yeah, that's the one. Sihedron, sihedron, sihedron. I'll remember it now." He smirks at Nadesico, "you taught me that trick Warri, 'repeat three times, always in your mind'" She squirms on the ground, clearly becoming more uncomfortable. "The hammer was odd. We tried selling it but nobody seemed interested. We even tried to have it melted down to make Keemo some new armor. We were getting sick of carting it around until one night Torel picked it up. He was nearly blind, thought it was the soup ladle! But when it touched his hand, the shaft began to glow and you could clearly read the Thassalonain text that said "desecration". Her eyes become misty again, "you know the rest. It was in Torel's room at the inn. I imagine whomever sent the 'assassins' has it now."
shaking her head "I... I... I don't remember any of this. I don't know what happened, but wait, Desecration?!?! Are you sure that's what it said? I don'tunderstand how that's possible, but that is my earthbreaker! We must find it. It was my fathers, and it is very important to me. You must come with us, You must join us on this quest, and with this hammer we can bring peace across these lands! "
Looking at Trenna with big wide gullible eyes
"Say you will join us, yes? Say you will! Pleeeeaaaassseee?"
At the mention of the sihedron Reishia's eyes glare with rage. "Any of those assassins have that mark on them? That cult must be dealt with."
Trenna smiles at Nadesico, "I'm a bit tied up at the moment Warri." She heard the passion in Reishia's voice and looks over her shoulder at her, "I didn't see any marks on the assassins, but I was honestly trying to escape. It wouldn't surprise me though. And if you'll help me avenge my friends, I'll help you, too."
"Meh whatever, you guys decide and figure something out, I'll get my rope back" she unties the shapeshifter retrieving her items before taking a quick look around the area for any possible guests.
Perception:
Trenna nods to Reishia, "thank you." She stretches on the ground, limbering up again before walking over and getting some water from her pack.
Reishia's quick survey on the area reveals what she had expected, nothing much. It appears that Trenna's presence in this area has the guard cordoning off the east gate and preventing traffic from leaving the city in this direction.
Fargraves had mentioned to them that he would leave a guard posted at the gate to liaise with them when they were ready to return. If they had their quarry in their possession, he would escort them back to Arvensoar to meet with the Justice.
"So what's the best way to do this, Warri? I assume they're expecting you not to return empty-handed."
"Why do you keep calling me Warri?" Nadesico looks beyond confused more and more as Trenna speaks.
"Hrm... guys I have an idea. If we all think that justice Ironbriar set us up, then I think we should go back, not empty handed! Oh yes, this plan is purrrrfect! You will all love it, surely you will. We can 'pretend' bind trenna's errr, paws or, is it hands now? And then take her back to Ironbriar. Once we are back in side, with our strength, and the support of Trenna, who again, is not really bound, we can take him from surprise and get to the bottom of this!
Yes this plan sounds great. What do you all think?"
"While I admire your enthusiasm, Warri, if Ironbriar is telling these lies about me already, I imagine he won't allow me in the same room as him without all of his guards. And if those assassins are working for or with him, they've already killed all my friends. Friends who handily took down Nualia." She shrugs, "I don't really have a better plan, I just want to be sure we're all aware of the risks. An old hermit I once knew taught me a trick with securing knots. It's called a nesecho - basically there's a string interwoven so one tug and the rope falls away."
"I recall him specifically asking for a head though and not talking to her, but whatever.... If you guys are really going down this path..."
She starts looking around finding a roughly head sized log and begins hacking away a bit before looking at Trenna closing then casting a spell.
"There, close enough." Proudly displaying a crude face resembling Trenna attached to a piece of wood.
"Just need some of your hair and then wrap this in a bloody cloth, plenty of blood around...and we have your head to present. Maybe you can shape into a falcon or something small... Unless we wanna go with the fake hostage thing."
"That has got to be the worst idea I have ever heard, and that's after hanging around with you lot for a long while. Of course, I don't have anything better. Let's make our way back into the city and take it from there. Nothing says we have to go straight back to the Judge. Let us take our time, get to the mill, as per the original plan, and go back to the Judge at a later point."
Trenna nods along with Dorian, "reminds me of when Torel somehow convinced the rest of us to climb down into a gods damned snake pit!" She gathers the rest of her things, muttering to herself, "why'd it have to be snakes?"
"Right then, let's go!"
Dorian led the way back to the gate, with a morose look on his face. As he approached the guards, he shook his head.
"No luck, friends. I think the tiger has moved on. The only signs we saw were old."
The guard shakes his head, disappointed. "Unfortunate, but better out there than in here! I know for sure that it is out there. We'll keep an eye out for it still."
The group quickly moves on and begins to travel south through the city towards Kyver's Islet. Throughout the city, murmured conversations can be heard, still discussing the string of murders in the city. A air of uneasiness rests within the merchants and peddlers, mothers keeping their children close by.
Once you cross the northern bridge onto the islet, the smell of sawdust and the sound of grinding and wood splitting assails your senses. Soon enough, built over the mouth of the Yondabakari River, the Seven's Sawmill sits on massive wooden pilings driven into the riverbed below. A wooden boardwalk wraps around the northern rim of the building, and a flight of stairs leads down to a door on the east side just above the water level. The churning of four large waterwheels under the mill fills the air with sound and mist.
Trenna stays toward the back and is pleasantly surprised when they're able to walk right into town. She's on edge as they move down the streets, well aware that she's on borrowed time. As they find an unobtrusive place to watch the mill, she nudges Nadesico,
Cast Detect Magic
Trenna is too far to be within range of magical detection. She looks about and sees that the mill is active, the large water wheel turning and loud sounds of machinery buzzing away inside. There doesn't appear to be anyone walking around the exterior and all doors are closed.
looking at trenna, with a yet again bewildered look, "My name is Nadesico. Who is Warri?"
Ushering the party onward, Nadesico nods in agreement with Reishia and signals the team to move towards the under mill entrance. She ushers Dorian to check for traps, and assuming all is well, she pulls out her sword and shield and attempts to open the door.
Nadesico pulls out her sword and shield and moves towards the mill, the sound of the machines inside are extremely loud and easily mask the approach of the Oradin. As she descends the steps down towards the undermill, the sounds of the large waterwheel inside can be heard easily from the outside.
Opening the door reveals a place of mist and noise. Four immense waterwheels churn steadily in the northern part of this large room, while to the south, whirring belts of leather, gears, pulleys, and thick ropes spin and churn, using the eternal motion of t he river below to power pistons that rumble along the southern wall.
A man inside is attending to the wheel and working at the mill. When the catfolk opens the door with weapons out, the man looks quizzical. One asks "Uhm, I'm sorry. This is no place for visitors and we don't allow weapons inside of the mill?" It comes out as more of a question then a command.
Trenna stays toward the back, curious to see the party in action. She raises an eyebrow when Nadesico asks, again, who Warri is, but just smiles and nods her head, silly Warri.
"Not to worry my good man! There is absolutely nothing to worry about at all. You haven't perchance seen any giant rats around here have you? You see, we were asked to come to the mill and deal with some giant rats. I know , it seems silly for such experienced adventurers as us, but you have to build a reputation somehow, and these kinds of quests is where you start. You wouldn't happen to have a quest for us, would you? Or maybe your boss? Who is your boss? Can you take us to him?"
The man looks at Dorian strangely, "Rats? Here? Why I never seen none."
He looks over his shoulder and calls out " Any of you's seen any rats around the mill?"
Several No's are heard in the distance and the man at the door shakes his head. "Ain't seen no rats here mister, I think you have the wrong place? Uh. A quest? My boss? Look, you need to talk to the guys upstairs. I can take you up if you want."
Reishia sighs a bit while muttering a bit.
"What do you call that?" as she points to a blurry mass of fur dart through the room and disappear behind some machinery.
Trenna pipes up from the back, "if you could take us up, we'd appreciate it. Gods forbid one of those rats finds a hollow in one of the logs you're milling. You'll lose half a day getting blood and fur off the blade."
The man looks at the furry object darting through the room and then back to to the group. He steps aside and says "Well then! You better come in and check it out!!"
"Indeed! Cat! To work, catch that rat. You lot best stand outside.
Maybe call it a day, it's close enough anyway right, hit the bar." She motions a bit before chanting a bit and taking a step in.
"IM ON IT!" Nadesico shouts as she rushes in chasing around the nothingness and giggling wildly. She runs in crazy circles throughout the mill, causing quite a ruckus to the folk already down there.
"Excuse me, pardon me sir. You are in the way" she says a few times as she pushes some of them to the side making her way through.
As Nadesico pushes her way through, she inadvertently shoves Syrenna as well. A yelp and commotion happens as you see Syrenna pinwheeling into the wall. "You damn cat! watch where you're going!"
Trenna chuckles and nudges Dorian, "Warri always did like to chase small animals." She notices his disdain and steps back behind the group.
The men move out of the way to allow a few of you through the door. Once Vanny, Nadesico and Reishia come in they each reach into their coats and pull out a mask which they slip over their faces. Drawing their war knives they say coldly "The only rats here are you! The Skinsaw Man will take you!"
"Should've went for that beer!" As she charges her hand and strikes twice at the man.
Atk1: (base, -2 spell combat, +3 metal on opponent)
Atk2: (-3 if discharged)
dmg1:
dmg2:
shocking grasp:
"EEEK!!! BETRAYED!!!" Nadesico shouts. "Yet Torag's wisdom shows we too are prepared! Sandpoint Six to arms!"
Nadesico slashes at the skinsaw man to her south, completely oblivious to the fact that she is now flanked.
Vanny isn't sure how to proceed given the response from the mask wearing men, freezing and looking around for what his companions are doing.
Nadesico buries her longsword in the belly of the closest cultist, drawing blood that spills out over her blade. With both men still on their feet, she has nowhere to move to and is forced to stay between them.
Reisha hits once, then twice and still the man stands. That is until a blast of electricity explodes from her blade through his body, frying him to a crisp and dropping him to the ground.
The cultist behind Nadesico lashes out at her neck with his war razor, finding a vulnerable spot and sneaking it in under her guard.
The one to her south that is wounded drops back 5' and casts a spell, commanding her "FALL!"
The one between Vanny and Reisha also takes a five foot step and casts a spell.
Dorian moved into the room, going behind the gears of the great mill to support Nadesico. Once more the cat had gotten in over her head.
A low growl emits from Trenna's chest as she drops to the ground. Moments later a wolf runs into the room, slipping past Reishia and biting the man in the leg, bringing him to the ground.