@Quinn: The ledger go back some years, detailing the trivial day-to-day running of a lumber mill. Who they buy lumber from, to whom they sell the processed wood, ropes, repairs, etc. You'll notice, as you move back in time, that the name of the business changes slightly. 7 Brothers Lumber Mill was Brother, Brother, Brother, Brother, Brother, Brother, & Brother Lumber Mill, was Siete Hermanos Madera, was Brothers 7 Mill, was other thinly veiled same name companies.
The only thing else of note, that you probably point out to one of the others who have been involved longer and can tell you if it is significant, is an investment into a manor house outside Sandpoint for the Foxglove family. The 7 Brothers paid for a good chunk of the construction with the clause that ownership of the house and lands would revert to the 7 Brothers if the Foxglove family should die out.
@Quinn 2: You think about clocks and bridges. You think, there are no clocks on any bridges. But some years back, before the current (corrupt) Lord-Mayor, there was an attempt to revitalize one of the poorer neighborhoods. They built a large clock tower, with the thought that the base would serve as sort of a community center. It didn't work, and the area known as Underbridge has remained one of the most down-trodden areas of the city. Other attempts have been made over the years, before and after, but that section of town swallows you up and devours you.
Zenaida assists with the searching, but ultimately takes up an overwatch position, making sure no one sneaks up on the party while they are searching.
Tarphrex takes up the book about the new magic. While the others are looking things over, he is looking increasingly confused. He reads a page, flips back a page, then stares up into space for a while before reading another page, flipping a page, then stares up into space again. He continues this for quite a while.
"Looks like a number of trophies from victims... I bet if we get in touch with law enforcement, this might help close the book on a bunch of unsolved murders... Though that'd require us to admit that we killed a prominent judge. Maybe not."
When Quinn mentions the Foxglove manor, Loth clarifies a little. "That'd be the Misgivings," Loth says when he hears about the Foxglove manor house. "That's where we caught up with Aldern Foxglove. The real one, anyway. Place was a real mess, the Foxglove patriarch botched a ritual to become a lich."
The kobold closes the book gently, thinks some more, and looks up at his friends. ”Tarphrex know magic, feel magic.” He points at the spellbook, ”Not how Tarphrex know spells, but feel magic in that book. This book,” he holds up the purported treatise of forgotten magic, ”Not magic. Nothing to forget, no magic here. Big words, no meaning.” He drops the book on the floor.
'Vitae, these records are riveting! considers Quinn. Rolling his eyes, the halfling pulls out his notes and jots down the overall summary of the ages with special mention of the manor his companions visited.
His ears perk up at the mention of the spellbook, "Magic you say." pausing, he scribbles a few more lines as he turns before abruptly shoving it in his pack.
"If no one else has a need, I'd love to take a look through that."
"Right, financing the Foxglove manor... But why, what is the link between the company and Foxglove? Is there any mention of the owners of the mill in there?" Sherman directs the question to Quinn, who seems to be in his element with these records.
@Quinn: It is a few decades worth of business records, almost daily operation. So, yeah. It's going to be a cart load of binders.
@Sherman 1: Such a link would likely not be in the public records. More likely that journal(?) you found.
@Sherman 2: Correct, the trapdoor is as-of-yet untouched.
Loth will climb up, open the trap door, and check inside.
@Loth: As you peek your head in, you see a wood and wire enclosure with little perches and built in cups. It is a rookery, and it is empty. Old, dried bird droppings tell you that it has not been months (at the least) since it last held birds.
@Sherman: Tongues would not help you see through a cipher specifically. I hesitate to say to much here. Spoilers and all that.
Linguistics is the check you want for that, and it is not a quick process (usually 10 minutes per page).
Tarphrex tries to see what Sherman is looking at. After a bit, he shakes his head. ”Makes less sense than fake magic book,” and wanders off to see what the others are looking at.
Picking up the spell book, he thumbs through a few pages. "There's some things here I should be able to figure out." he mumbles before pocketing it to work on later.
Glancing towards the nonsensical book, he ponders it a moment.
"Well, this book could be just ravings of a madman. Or information cleverly hidden as one. We should try to see if there is any sense in it..." Sherman thumbs through the book, shaking his head.
"Anyone care to try?" he asks in general, but points the book toward Quinn.
"Just an abandoned rookery up here, nothing to write home about."
Loth climbs back down. "Sounds like that journal is our best bet. Surely there's SOMEONE in town who can work this out. Ideally someone who isn't a cultist."
With a shrug, the halfling takes the offered book. "I'll have Quinn take a look shortly." he announces with a wink. "Perhaps it'll make sense to him."
Turning to Loth, he nods. "It's would make sense for the cultists to keep pigeons to send messages discreetly. Any idea how long its been abandoned?"
@Tarphrex: As Tarphrex looks at the journal, it appears that it is partially written in Draconic. Not all of it, but some.
@Quinn: Handing the book to "Quinn" to take a peak at, you notice some characters in Elven.
There seems to be a third set of words/characters as well that Sherman, Tarphrex, and Quinn do not know. Shwoing it around, neither Loth nor Alain know them either.
"Not for a decent while, by the look of things. I'm not sure if it was ever used by the cultists or if it was just a leftover from the sawmill's previous owners."
He looks at the journal for a bit. "Looks like step one is to figure out what languages this is in."
He looks around a bit more. "Aside from that, I think we're mostly done here. Sweep the rest of the sawmill and call it a day?"
”Tarphrex think cultists are previous owners. Only pretend to sell…”
”What do with bodies? Report to church of Zenaida? Church of you?” He points to Alain.
"The cult could be anywhere and everywhere. So if we happen to find a linguist for the book, we just have to hope he is not with them.." Sherman sighs. "Perhaps we could spend some time with the book, and try if we could figure it out ourselves. I have some magic to help with the languages, that shouldn't be the problem."
Then the other issue - the bodies. Good of Tarphrex to bring it up. "I wonder if we have enough evidence of their misdeeds in the eyes of law? Or could we be charged with their murder, and breaking into the sawmill?"
We should report to my people...if a judge was involved we have to restrict who we trust until this corruption is purged...my people, those of Shelyn reject violence, it's a last resort. The cult wouldn't be able to infiltrate them. Is there anyone else we can mark as trusted?
We should report to my people...if a judge was involved we have to restrict who we trust until this corruption is purged...my people, those of Shelyn reject violence, it's a last resort. The cult wouldn't be able to infiltrate them. Is there anyone else we can mark as trusted?
Organizations within Magnimar:
Temples:Desna, Erastil, Iomadae (this is where Zenaida trained), Pharasma, Sarenrae, Shelyn, and Abadar.
Empyreal Lords:
Many and varied, but the Mystery Cults (as they're called) do not have houses of worship, instead relying on home shrines.
Others:
The Pathfinder Society. Mixed views on the organization as a whole, but the local venture captains are of good reputation. Might be a cover though.
Gangs. Rival gangs don't mix, but are unlikely to be able to help. The Gargoyles, the Tower Girls, Washside Wranglers, the Gallowed, Steelwhiskers (wererats), Doolun's Lads.
House Deverin. This is the noble house that includes the mayor of Sandpoint. But you don't know any of them personally.
And finally,
The Order of the Nail. Hellknights. Say what you will about them, they would be associated with any cult to Norgorber.
________
There are several others, mostly including noble houses and guilds, but if you can't trust a judge, you'd be shooting in the dark for any of those. And Lord-Mayor Gorbanas is notoriously corrupt. Like people in Absalom know he's corrupt.
I... am not a fan and it would be a last resort...however, The Hell knights could help...we inform them we found signs of a cult. Maybe they'll at least help due to corruption in the law... Alain has a hesitant but certain tone. hin having a degree of knowledge on certain orders and religious groups in the city, Sarenites... no...Abadarans... are definitely in trouble... breaking and entering? No no. We had probable cause, i detected and saw crime, we acted to detain the Criminals and they chose violence... i think we start... we need to be careful who we inform..
"Not right to not have bodies cared for. Not want ghoul or ghost or other not-dead to come from bodies. Tarphrex not know who to tell, though."
So what do you all want to do? Stick with the original thought and head to the church of Shelyn? One of the other options? Hold off and think about it? Set fire to the building and let that sort it out?
Loth will prefer to pick an option like the churches Shelyn or Iomedae just because we have a personal 'in' with them.
Seems like the Temple of Shelyn is the way.
...Oh yeah, checking the rest of the structure. You find all the things you'd expect to find inside an actual, functioning lumber mill. By all evidence, this place fully functioned as its cover, and was a cultist meeting spot.
It is night time now, early in the evening (around 8 o'clock). With Alain, you'll be easily let into the temple itself. Do you all want a rest at your respective homes or head straight to deal with the mess of dead cultists?
It will take about half an hour to head across town to reach the temple.
So it is off to the Temple. Loth creaks open the front door to the mill, watching for a few minutes until the street is completly empty, and the group quickly exits the mill, shutting the door and moving with a purpose towards the main part of the city. Crossing the bridge off of Kyver's Islet, the crowds begin to pick up, but are never so strong as to cause an issue. And before long, the group stands before the grounds of the Temple of Shelyn, the stars arrayed overhead and the moon lighting the gardens that surround the main building.
The doors are unlocked and the grounds are unguarded, beauty and love is for everyone after all. Entering in, a single acolyte looks up from a book of sonnets, a ready greeting starting to pass from their lips before they really notice the group, "Welcome to the House of... Master Alain! You seem to have seen conflict? Is there trouble?" He takes a half step closer to the bell rope if you say yes.
____
You tell this initiate not to ring the bell, and stride deeper into the hall. He looks pensive as you leave him behind, but dutifully stays at his post.
The Temple of Shelyn is beautiful, as befits the Songbird, full of vibrant colors, stained glass windows, and intricate carvings in both the stone walls and the wooden furniture. Where a Temple of Iomedae is grand but severe, this hall is soft colors and rounded corners, amazing but comfortable, sturdy but squat.
Candles flicker as you pass by their soft illumination, headed towards the private workspaces near the back of the complex. Luckily, you find the two people you are looking for near each other.
Greyson Mathews, head of Statuary Gardens (the Temple of Shelyn in Magnimar) and poet. A tall, human man, gone pudgy in his advancing years but intelligent and gracious.
Stalig, head of the guard at the temple grounds and sometime Pathfinder. A solid oread woman well suited by her full plate and overly loud voice.
Stalig was just turning away from a finished conversation when the duo spots the eccletic group approaching, and they puase their exit as you make eye contact.
Greetings are exchanged quickly and neither church official speaks, waiting to hear what you have to say.
We have an Emergency, gather the top brass. An investigation found something that puts the city at risk The older paladin strides over quickly to Greyson and Stallig. Alain wears a serious expression. Part of his armor and blade having dried blood and new scratches, A judge has been compromised, a cult of norgorber is in the city and there's no telling how many.
The two church officials look at each other with COMPLETELY different expressions. Mathews is concerned, worry etched across his features. Stalig looks excited, eager even.
Mathews speaks first, "This is very serious." Then locks eyes with Stalig, speaking to her and for the group, "And if a judge is involved, there is no telling who is not. We should not rush out to tell anyone else."
Stalig looks crestfallen (and a little sullen) while Mathews turns his attention back to Alain and the rest, "While we are more than willing to help, Brother Lawrence, what is it that you wish of the faithful? This is well outside of our usual doings. What steps would you have us take?"
Stalig grumbles while pouting, "the pathfinder society would know what to do"
Mathews obviously hears her and chooses to ignore her.
we can handle the heavy lifting and investigations but... there's no telling how far this goes or how much danger the cities in. Oh, does the phrase Clock Bridge mean anything to you?... the Pathfinders? Can they be trusted in this situation? To be honest i was considering the Hell knights
The kobold has gratefully taken up his standard position of just behind his armored traveling companion, but peeks out to ask the temple-people, "Maybe know you Pathfinder to trust? Tarphrex hear of Pathfinder, but knows none."
@Alain:
Mathews looks concerned and thoughtful. "I will put the word out amongst the faithful to be watchful of anything suspicious. Luckily, we have several entertainers amongst our numbers. But I will not tell the details and I will instruct them to report only. I will not have them putting themselves at undue risk."
The two look at each other again and...
... Mathews corroborates the idea of the clock tower in Underbridge as a likely lead.
@Tarphrex and Alain: Stalig looks offended, like you slapped her level of offended. "THE HELL KNIGHTS! YOU'D GO TO THE HELL KNIGHTS BEFORE THE PATHFINDER SOCIETY!" After Mathews sushes her gently, she continues at a simmer, "I know Lady Heidmarch personally and will never stand for anyone questioning her honor. Pathfinders of the past five hundred years may have done some less-than-reputable things, but the lady would never stand for such a thing." As she speaks, Stalig pulls out a wayfinder, the symbol of the Pathfinder Society. She looks at Tarphrex, "You know one now. And may I be a shining example of what it means to be a Pathfinder.
thats... the difference between us. The hell Knights like myself follow a strict code of conduct, assassination... goes against honor to them such a thing is a capital offense. Pathfinders in my experience are flighty or tend to not get involved in the subjects of their tales... its a difference in experiences... that said the only ones im saying no too are the Abadarans... their clearly in the most danger. My job is to protect the city and it's people, to see beauty in all things, including strict regimented order.
Tarphrex' curiosity gets the better of his nervousness. He moves toward Stalig and stands on his tip-toes to see the wayfinder. Without thinking, his tiny wings flex even though they are not strong enough to lift him from the ground.
"If my opinion is any worth, I'd rather stay clear of Hellknights." Sherman notes carefully. While otherwise not a one to guard his tongue, he is carefully with all holier-than-thou religious types. Shelyn seems to fine in general, but paladins are paladins.
"While it is unlikely that the cultists would be able to infiltrate their ranks, their so-called code of honor would happily torture every little piece of information out of [b]us, too. Therefore, if we need to seek additional allies, the Pathfinders seems to be more attractive choice."[/b]
"Or perhaps we shouldn't get any more people or organizations involved..."
Loth considers the exchange. "I'm definitely leaning more towards Pathfinders than Hellknights. Worst case scenario," he turns to Sherman, "they might find out about your background and decide you're a risk as well." He pauses for a bit. "You deserve better than that."
Stalig looks pleased as the group seems to share more of her view of the Pathfinder Society. She opens the wayfinder for Tarphrex to see the compass component inside.
Stalig and Mathews share a quick glance at the reference from Loth about Sherman's past, but neither pry.
Mathews speaks, "Our network is small, but I'll send out messages immediately. Stalig, do bring this to the Society without their direct permission." Mathews turns to leave, headed back towards the non-public areas of the church.
Stalig gives a little grimace at his back before turning to you all and saying, "I can take you to Heidmarch Manor now if you want the help of the Pathfinder Society. Failing that, I'd suggest the churches of Erastil or Iomadea."
"Thank you for the kind words, Loth." Sherman gives an approving nod to the halfling. "And yes, I do have my own reasons for staying clear of Hellknights. But then again, so should any sane person."
He turns towards the others. "So, shall we try our luck with Pathfinders?"
Zenaida grimaces at Alain's mention of Hellknights. "I will not work with Hellknights unless there is absolutely no other option. Chaplain Tira at the Temple of Iomedae would probably help us if I asked. She was... very enthusiastic about the prospect of a good fight for a good cause earlier." About the prospect of a new crusade, to be exact. Hopefully it won't come to that. "I have no objection to involving the Pathfinders, though. Not if Stalig vouches for the local venture-captain."
No offense... but I'd rather avoid The temple of Iomedae... there is... bad blood between myself and them. However we do not have to inform Either group. The pathfinders i will agree too. Alain grips his shield arm wrist subtly. His tone on mentioning Iomedae suggesting he has minimal respect, the basic courtesy for those who do worship but no more than that.
Let us move things along, shall we.
You sleep. You return to your prefered domicile, and are given the option of sleeping at the Church of Shelyn if you'd like.
The next morning, you all meet up at aforementioned church and head over to Heidmarch Manor, the home of Lord and Lady Heidmarch and the local Pathfinder Society Lodge. It is a nice estate surrounded by nice estates and has additional guest houses for those staying there. Despite some recent fire damage to the green house (something they tell you is being handled internally), Lady Heidmarch is the epitome of graciousness and manners. With Stalig's recommendation, she promises whatever aid the Society has to give to help root out the mal-intentioned in the city. Some of you notice it during the conversation, others afterwards, Lady Heidmarch subtely tries to recruit you into her organization. She offers lunch, a filling repast that leaves you all satisfied but not stuffed, and you continue on your way.
After leaving, the group runs some quick errands (shopping time for anyone who needs it), and you converge once again. This time, outside the Bazaar of Sails, the city's largest market.
______
Now is the time to decide what to do next.
On to underbridge to find the clock tower?
Decipher the journal? (which will take days, probably)
Check other leads I have forgotten about?
Something else entirely? The Lord Mayor keeps a wonderful menagerie if you'd like to view exotic animals.