The two guards look at him non-comittaly. One looks at a clipboard
“Name?”
"Case. Justin Case." Justin manages to get out with a straight face.
"I was just going to say hi to Thomas. I haven't seen him in a while."
The guard looks at the parchment
“I don’t see yer name.”
Justin gets the feeling he wasn’t hired for his flexible thinking
Justin blinks, and smiles politely.
"Yes. Probably because I was a last-minute addition. You know those don't always make it onto the list by opening."
"But, if you'll just ask Thomas, he's right there, I'm sure he'll clear this right up." Justin adds, still smiling.
The guard looks dubious, but he nods
“Right. One moment”
He lumbers off, his topknot hairdo swinging down his back in a thick braid. He returns and Thomas comes with him. Thomas laughs and exclaims
“I think that’s my brother, but he’s dressed a lot nicer than usual”
The guards part and Thomas gives Justin a brotherly hug
“To what do I owe this rare honor ?”
Justin plucks gingerly at his silken shirt. "Do you like it? I just whipped up the tackiest thing I'd ever seen YOU wear." His grin is huge now.
Justin just shakes his head before returning Thomas's back-pounding hug.
"What? It's not your birthday?!? Aw man, I'm gonna have to cancel the dancing girls,.." He grins.
Justin takes another look at his brother, and then down at his own ensemble once more. Even WITH his magical shifting, Thomas wore the ensemble MUCH better than he ever could. He wasn't sure how, but Thomas had that physique, that,... aura,... that,...
The man could wear mud and make it look sexy.
"Honestly, I keep meaning to swing by for a visit, but I've been busy. It's amazing how long a simple jaunt to another Plane really can take sometimes. So, how YOU been doing? All quiet on the 'home' front?"
While chatting with Thomas, Justin waves and nods to those that he recognizes when they look at him.
Thomas’ entourage acknowledge Justin in their own particular way. Miles gives him a friendly nod. Daria smiles and waves. Blort gives a head toss, not quite insulting but snarky. The odd red-haired, white-skinned cutter tilts his head in a gesture that is almost avian in its intensity. Justin suddenly knows what a mouse might feel like when the hawk notices him.
Thomas smiles back at Justin
“Well, the family is the family. Lara was recently named a Factor* of the Sensates, and she’s taking over that faction’s more .... amorous activities at the Civic Festhall. “
He sighs
“I’m glad her and my other siblings are finding better ways to stay .... fed. “
He looks up at Justin. Although tall, he doesn’t quite top the lanky wizard.
“So what has my wizard brother been up to? Last I heard you were causing a ruckus with the Dusties?”
Justin returns the greetings, He returns Miles nod, and cannot help but grin at Daria's wave. Justin simply smiles pleasantly at Blort. (which is probably about the most irritating thing he could do to the bloke, short of actually insulting him.)
The pale fellow with the shock of red hair does give Justin pause. WHY did he have the sudden urge to freeze in place? Or duck and cover?
Justin drags his ever-wandering mind back to the subject at hand.
He sighs
“I’m glad her and my other siblings are finding better ways to stay .... fed. “
Justin grunts an affirmative, nodding in agreement, but wondering just how much trouble Thomas' sister could cause basically in charge of the Civic Festhall?
He looks up at Justin. Although tall, he doesn’t quite top the lanky wizard.“So what has my wizard brother been up to? Last I heard you were causing a ruckus with the Dusties?”
Justin holds up both hands and turns back to Thomas with an overly-exaggerated look of innocence.
"I have absolutely NO idea WHAT on Sigil you are talking about!" he protests with overly-wide eyes.
"And, if I did, I could neither confirm nor deny any rumors, theories or accusations regarding ANY activities, at any time, or place, but especially not anywhere near or related to any activity that may or may not have occurred within the walls of the Morgue, involving any conflict, real or imaginary, between the Dusties and any one else. Ever."
Justin takes a deep breath and relaxes.
"But yeah. THAT was "FUN"." He whispers with a smirk, framing the word 'FUN' with air quotes.
"And I'll tell you all about it some time. In a more private setting." He winks.
"Actually, I've been traveling lately. A lot. I hooked up with a Sigil-based securities company. You wouldn't beLIEVE some of the things I've seen! Seriously. I've done a couple of runs up the World Tree. Been to Ranais. TWICE. I STILL don't recommend it as a vacation spot, no matter what the brochures say. I survived a quick sight-seeing run through the Plane of Fire, and may or may not have, accidentally, torched half a demiplane or two. YOU know. Typical stay-busy stuff." He shrugs with a smirk.
"We're actually headed back out in a couple of days. I've been practicing my craft. Decided to give some items a test-run."
With a smirk, Justin uses his magical sleeves to copy the outfit Thomas is wearing. The wizard looks down at himself, and at his brother. He sighs mightily. Yep. Still no contest. Thomas just wears it better.
"How DO you manage to make EVERYthing look so good?!?" Justin fake whines, dramatically putting the back of one hand to his forehead. He grins at Thomas.
"Actually, I wish I was just here for a visit because I'm bored." The wizard tugs his brothers sleeve and guides him towards where the drinks are at, but away from the nearest partyers.
"I got a summons by the Hardheads tonight. NO not what you think!" Justin lightly whacks Thomas' arm in response to the look his brother gave him.
"I'm not in trouble, much as it may surprise both of us. But I think Murph may be."
At this tidbit, Thomas actually turns to Justin, and gives him his full attention. Justin nodded his appreciation.
"It was Murphy's partner who summoned me. She seems to have gone missing and he can't really investigate through official channels. So he 'asked' if I could look into it. She hasn't reported for duty for at least a couple of Peaks, and that's not like her. She was last known to be investigating, out of armor, a lead in Deadtown. Something about a new vamp nest that was making a rukus?"
Justin shrugs, an admission of helplessness.
"I was hoping that maybe you'd heard,... something? Anything?" He adds hopefully.
"Oh yeah, does the name 'Scarlet Circle' mean anything to you?"
Thomas shrugs. He makes the simple gesture look like a ballet move. It’s borderline annoying. Justin knows it’s his heritage, but does he have to be so damn handsome?
“I’m sorry little brother, but I’ve not heard of them. But, that’s not all that surprising”
Thomas leans into Justin to talk more privately
“You know that many consider my family ‘vampires’, and we share a lot of the same powers and frailties they do, but we aren’t undead. The White Court is more of a demonic bloodline descended from Malcanthet, our ur-mother. But, undead vampires don’t consider us one of their club.
Now, there are a dozen undead vampiric strains that call kip in the Cage. All sorts of bloodsuckers, energy drainers, even one kind that eats a person inside out and wears their victims shape after. I’d guess the use of ‘Scarlet’ in the names means the berks you looking for are bloodsuckers. Unimaginative lot, fixated on blood and red. They even wear a lot of red. Parvenus “
Thomas sniffs. He looks at Justin and goes serious
“If you’d like, I can ask around. I do have some friends in Deadtown. Even the undead like a good hairstyle on occasion. I know Murphy is a good friend of yours”
Justin shakes his head at Thomas' (un)natural grace. Showoff. But he listens to his explanations of the 'family differences' with interest.
He knew (or at least suspected) most of it, but it was nice to be proven correct every once in a while.
(He has certainly been proven WRONG more than his fair share lately!)
Justin smirks at Thomas' disdain for the 'unimaginative lot'.
"Unfortunately, the unimaginative ones are who usually give me the MOST trouble. Too Dang DUMB to know when to quit!"
He turns serious and gives his half brother a look of pure gratitude.
"That would be great. If you could do that. I mean 'I owe you a favor' great. Or another favor. Whatever. Shuddap."
Justin goes to self-consciously put his hands into his coat pockets, momentarily forgetting that he is not wearing his coat at the moment. (Yay! Magic!) So he looks to be rubbing his hands on his leather pants a couple of times before he realizes it, and crosses his arms on his chest instead.
He glares at Thomas with a raised eyebrow.
"What?"
Thomas smiles
"I knew you would rather dazzle up an outfit than actually buy one."
He claps Justin on the back
"Since you are here, how about you have a few rounds with me and we can catch up?"
Justin spreads his hands.
"What? I'm a busy wizard. Who has time to shop?!?" He ask with mock-indignation.
Justin gives Thomas a half-smirk.
"Well,... I guess,... I mean, Since I AM already here,... OK, OK quit twisting my arm!" He protests, trying not to laugh as he puts his own arm behind his back and makes like he is being put in an armbar.
"Sounds good to me! What do you suggest for the broke wizard who is slumming in high society? Heh, Have I got some stories for YOU,..."
Thomas leads Justin back to his table. Justin says his hellos to the members of the coterie he knows. Thomas introduces him to the bird-like cutter at his table
“Koe, this is my brother Justin. Justin, this is Koe. Koe runs an import/export company out by the Great Foundry, but he lives in my building “
Koe inclines his head
“Like you, he works way too hard”
Thomas orders a round and settles into his place. He sits Justin between him and Daria. They spend the next hour getting caught up and having drinks. No money changes hands, Justin gets the feeling Blort is fielding the tab.
“Like you, he works way too hard”
Justin manages a weary but polite head nod to the avian-esque cutter, and salutes him with the drink that has appeared as if by magic in his hands.
"Pleasure. To what little time off we get!" Justin says and takes a swig.
He is so surprised that he almost chokes. he has gotten so used to the affordable, (IE= 'Cheap Stuff', other than what he is served by the wonderful folks at the Copper Cauldron), that he has almost forgotten how good some of the 'good stuff' can be.
Once he realizes that it is likely Bort picking up the tab, Justin decides to enjoy a rare night out. As much as his weary body will allow.
He listens more than he talks, (A true sign of how mentally exhausted he really is), but chips in a couple of stories of his more recent travels. Leaving out any details about relic-level magic rods and dead/vanished Powers of course.
For some reason, the (carefully edited) version of Justin's recent 100-yard dash through the Plane of Fire as the protective field provided by a smashed elemental water crystal fades away sends Thomas into a fit of laughter.
"OH my Powers!" Thomas laughs. "Your companions! You were traveling with a cleric,... who worships FIRE. ON the Plane of Fire? And you REALLY thought he was just going to let you WALK out there with a giant orb formed of his elemental opposite?!?"
Justin sighs at his brother's latest fit of laughter.
"Well. Walking WOULD have been preferable, yes. Let's just say I've gotten a LOT of practice at running since then." He smirks.
Justin has an enjoyable night on the town with his brother. He gets caught up with Thomas’ doings, and is entertained by Daria’s story of a trip to Limbo she recently took. Blort continually tries to interject himself into the conversation, but as his life seems to consist of wasting his father’s money, he doesn’t hold the groups attention long. The odd cutter Koe is an asura, a celestial being from the chaos side of good. He is fairly taciturn, but from what little he says during the evening, Justin gets the feeling that his company is involved in arms shipments. It’s not an odd thing in Sigil. The Great Foundry forges many more swords than plowshares, and there’s always an army somewhere that needs equipping. He offhandedly mentions Spiral Hal’Oight, who Justin recalls is Hanali’s father. Spiral is one of Sigil’s merchant princes, so it’s not unusual that he and Koe would have business dealings.
At the end of the night, Thomas pours Justin into a palanquin and sends him home to Flourish Alley. Justin recalls little after that except a moment in the Before Peak hours when Skyy snuggles up to him. He awakes with a throbbing head, with Skyy spooned next to him
Wincing as he gently rises, he finds a jug of water already on the washstand, still cool , from the well. A goblet sits nearby with Justin’s jar of powdered willow bark strategically placed next to it
He thinks blearily as he avails himself of the headache cure. He pours some water into the wash bowl and splashes it about his face. He uses his minor magics to shake the grime and stains of his clothing (which he slept in). Leaving the snoring Skyy to her early Peak slumber, he walks over to the Silver Rose, to go to his lab.
No one is in the building yet, but Justin has a key. He lets himself in, and heads down to the basement. Walking past the various crates and random junk stored in the first basement he opens the trap door that leads down to his lair.
A cool damp gust of air greets him as he descends the iron rungs set in the stone. Sigil is a city built up upon itself, an onion skin of levels. His lab had once been a street-level building, the windows still visible as bricked-up shapes in the wall. There is yet another trap door in the farther recesses of this room, leading deeper into the depths of what is often called UnderSigil. Justin had explored a bit to see exactly what he was sitting over. There is one more room below, a musty dank space, then a grate leading to one of the sewer rivers that thread through the subterranean areas of the Cage. A lot of various tunnels branched off from there, but Justin had decided that exploring to the fetid rushing waters of the sewer was as far as he felt comfortable doing solo.
As he enters his lab a purple crystal skull zips over to him
“Well well well. Look what the cat dragged in”
Justin ignores Memnon and sits at his workbench. He takes out the sense crystal from Murph’s desk. Sense crystals are very expensive rare magic, and a jealously guarded craft of the Sensate faction. They are usually activated by holding them and quietly meditating until the recorded sensorium activated. Activating an unknown sense crystal was not usually a good thing. You never knew what someone felt was a good thing to record. But, Murph didn’t strike Justin as the type that would keep a torture recording or something as insalubrious as that.
Justin grips the crystal and shushes Memnon’s inquisitive chatter. Memnon huffs and zips back to the greeny dreadful he had been reading. Justin closes his aching eyes and begins to empty his mind
A feeling of manic happiness grips him, and the darkness behind his eyelids lights up with a scene of bucolic splendor. He feels good, like he was freshly made, and he runs along a green pasture, chasing a very large hound. The hound looks to be Clydesdale size, or perhaps it is he that is small. He is a small non-interactive observer in the tableau, yet he feels everything. His viewpoint is tiny, probably smaller than he can ever imagine being. The grass is mown close, but still brushes his chubby knees as they pump along under a party dress. Dress? Justin realizes in the small part of him that remains detached that this recording is of a female. A child, really. Maybe Murph?
“Etta! Stop chasing Rufus! Time for cake!” A pleasant male voice calls out
Justin’s viewpoint swivels and he sees a well-built handsome man standing nearby. His blonde hair is shaven close, and although he is dressed in a civilian getup, memories float across Justin’s mind of him in red armor headed out a door to work
“DADDDIE!” The child/Justin cries and runs to the man, leaping on him and hugging him
“I told you I’d make it to your birthday, Etta” The man says cheerfully, scoping Justin up into his arms. A feeling of powerful love washes over Justin.
“I see you got my first present “ The man says, pointing at Justin’s chest. Justin sees the sense crystal looped on a rawhide thong there
“Don’t lose that, it’s magic. After today you’ll be able to revisit your birthday party whenever you like!”
The man and Justin move to a party scene. It’s not Sigil, but some halfling homestead built on and within a gentle hill. A crowd of people greet the two and make a big fuss over Justin. The rest of the recording winds on with a fun day of presents, cake, and games. The happiness, joy, and love sensations are pure and powerful, as only a small child’s can be. Justin interprets through the conversations of the partygoers that they are his kin, and this place is their ancestral home on the Prime
Justin comes aware suddenly as he is put to bed, tiredness drifting him off in a contented slumber. He sits up in his workbench chair slightly disoriented, his hangover reasserting itself like a forgotten friend. Memnon snorts at him from over his book
“Have a fun time with your crystal porn? Honestly Justin, I didn’t take you for the voyeur type. When did you take up that nasty habit?”
"Ooooo,..." Justin moans, partially from Memnon's terrible wit, and partially from hangover returning to haunt him.
(The vote is still out on which is worse at the moment.)
"Why dont you use that giant brain of yours to whip up something useful? Like a 'Sure-Fire-Hangover-Cure-All'? THAT way I'd feel better, AND we'd be rich in NO time!" Justin tries to be snarky, but the growing pain behind his eyelids makes it sound more 'grumpy/whiney' than 'snarky/clever'.
"Sorry to disappoint you Mister-Mind-in-the-Gutter. FOR your information, I'm trying to help a friend. A hardhead. I got word last night that she vanished into Deadtown while investigating a new Vamp nest that popped up. Her partner asked me to look into it. This is hers. Since it's personal, I'm hoping that it can be used to fine-tune a seeking spell, help me find her. At least if I can get close enough. OW."
On the last word Justin plops his head into his arm, burrowing into the darkness of his elbow.
"Anything with an alcohol content THAT high should be labeled as a poison." His muffled complaint rises faintly from his small burrow of safety.
Steeling himself with a sigh, he risks rising to the dim light of the room once again.
"It is certainly personal enough. I just need to figure out how to tune the seeking-spell to the person who made this memory, instead of an object they're wearing like it usually does."
Closing his eyes hard he admits, "THAT will probably have to wait until I can read a book with out crying. Or throwing up."
"So, unless you DO have a handy hangover cure, or a recipe for an Alchemical-Seeking-Stone, I'll be figuring this out over a giant mug of hot Klava upstairs. Then we should be able to finish most of those remaining items today. I hope."
Memnon snorts again
“I’m not going to tax my giant brain to come up with a way for you meat sacks to recover from your own stupidity. I’m busy with things”
He returns to his greeny dreadful. Justin had picked up an armful of the cheap tomes for Memnon during his forays into Ragpicker’s Square to flesh out his small arcane library. The books were horribly written and often featured lurid covers of females of various races in danger or fighting in very unsuitable armor. The Mimir doted on them.
Justin tucks the crystal away in a cubby for safekeeping and he retraces his steps upstairs to get food.
The Copper Cauldron is bustling as the locals get ready for another Peak in the Cage. It is 5BP but Justin knows that Bess has been up and baking for hours already. Her eldest Ramona sees Justin and sets up a kaveh just how he likes it. She also drops a small glass of reddish juice next to it
“That’s Leaperfruit juice. It’s a sovereign cure for rough mornings”
Ramona winks and bustles off. Justin sips the juice. It tastes terrible, like what some power that only heard about orange juice might create if he was trying to copy the taste. however, his headache does subside a bit and his stomach eases to the point he starts thinking about a nice greasy breakfast to chase his sorrows away.
The common room is filled with Cagers of all types. A lot of the local coppersmiths crowd the tables, eager to fill themselves up before the shoppers come to call. A chimney sweep and several young apprentices bolt bowls of Bess’ forever stew in a corner. A plump merchant tucks into a plate of sausages and eggs with relish, his bodyguard hovering near him with a cup of kaveh in hand. Two Kobold rat catchers argue heatedly in their native language, a patois of Draconic, gesticulating and pointing at a small spear on the table before them.
His stomach and head having reached a temporary, if delicate, truce, Justin decides that fueling the body is more important than sleep or 'hair of the dog' or whatever.
(Besides, the way he feels? He doesn't want ANY part of the dog that bit him last night!)
"Ramona is an Angel. An Honest-to-Powers Angel from above. Or sideways, or whereEVER 'up' is in this place." Justin mumbles as he downs the last of the Leaperfruit juice and holds the still cool earthenware cup against his forehead.
Justin softly asks Ramona for whatever is good for breakfast. Right now he trusts her judgement far more than his own. While he waits he nurses his hot mug of Klava, holding it close like a girlfriend. Or a lifeline.
He starts going over what still needs to be done to finish the last few items. He is pleased to realize that most of the items only need finishing touches and final sealing enchanments. Thanks to Memnon the processes for all of the various items went smoothly and swiftly.
(NOT that he would ever TELL Memnon that in so many words. The crystal skull's ego is already difficult to fit through a normal doorway.)
So to keep his mind off of his hangover, he goes through what little he knows about Murphy's disappearance, and exactly what the sense crystal tells him about her as well.
Justin considers his options. He needs to wait and see what Thomas can find out. But that may not be until after he and the rest of the Silver Rose's returned from the Radiant Sea.
But Thomas and Murphy weren't his ONLY friends in the Sigil area. He could always ask Martin Hardisson if he had heard anything. Old 'Hardcase' would help him if he asked. No doubt or hesitation, but he was an OLD-school Paladin. His specialty was the eradication of evil, not the politics of Vamp nests.
Still, Martin had possibly the calmest mind and attitude of anyone Justin had ever met. He might not know details, but he would approach the situation with a cool head. Justin made a note to swing by and ask Martin if he had heard anything coming out of Deadtown recently, if he had the time.
Ramona brings Justin a farmer’s breakfast of sausage, eggs, grits, and hash browns. A stack of pancakes with several syrup options sit next to the main plate. Justin spends a happy hour eating Karrin-style, happy that the silver Rose had an open tab at the Inn. Feeling full, and fortified with several kavehs, he heads back to his lab.
Justin begins to finish up the details on several of his item creation projects. Memnon begrudgingly abandons his greeny dreadful and assists him. Justin notices his level of snark is rather high, even for Memnon. He gets the feeling that the crystal skull is a bit miffed about being left behind last Antipeak. As they work, Justin asks if he’d like to go on a trip with him later
“Is a Dabu mute? Of course! Are we going to the Civic Festhall?” The skull asks hopefully
When in formed of their destination, Memnon’s excitement cools
“Oh Justin. You leave me behind in this dank cellar to go partying in the Nobles’ District, but you ask me to tag along to have tea with a paladin in the Temple District? It’s like you don’t know me at all.” For a being without lungs, Memnon can produce a pretty convincing sigh
Despite his complaints, Memnon does come with Justin at Peaktime when he decides the rituals are suitably advanced to be ready by tomorrow. The two head out into the Sigil fogs
Copperman’s Way is busy, as usual, but it is hard to see distinct shapes in the heavy fog. The constant rain is a slow drizzle, congealing and dripping off the edge of Justin’s hood. Memnon zips along, his purple form impervious to clement weather. The two make it to Plague Court, at the edge of the Lady’s Ward.
Plague Court acts as the terminus of Copperman’s Way. The space is ringed by various warehouses and shops. Much of the bulk caravans of goods are unloaded here in preparation for distribution among the houses of the wealthy. The large plaza is also known for the Square Bar, a large square building beloved of off-duty (and sometimes on) Harmonium looking for an ale to slake their thirst. Murph had taken him there once, but he hadn’t enjoyed the atmosphere.
Moving through the Nobles District, Justin passes Severi Row, the side street off of Razorvine-on-Hiddleston that Thomas has his shop. The Shaven Saytr was well-known and pricy. Justin has no doubt the prior nights festivities had not affected Thomas one bit, and his brother was busy charming the wives of the wealthy Sigilian merchant princes as Justin walked by. He decided he had caught up enough with his brother and kept striding towards the Court District.
The Grey triumvirate of the Courts, the Prison, and the City Barracks hold sway over Sigil’s bureaucratic heart, the Court District. The Hall of Speakers might be where laws were codified, but this was the muscle behind the mind. Mercykillers, Harmonium, and Guvners, throng the streets, busy with the adjucation and enforcement of Sigil’s laws. Justin hurries through, angling for the Temple District.
Martin was an old-school paladin of a hard-case power. The power was a newer one on the scene, Iomedae. A female power, an ascended mortal no less, a warrior Paladin from some prime world or another. Iomedae had become popular in the last few years among holy warriors of a certain stripe. Her portfolio was very martial, and she was concerned with fighting fiends and undead mainly. Justin knew he could find Martin at Iomedae’s Church during Peak hours. Although he’d love to visit his house in Greytowers, that would become a long process of visiting all of Martin’s large family and an invite to supper he couldn’t refuse.
The Temple of Iomedae was about in the middle of the Temple District, as befitted a regional power just starting to spread across multiple Prime Worlds. Her temple looked (and essentially was) a fortified keep, with little outer ornamentation except a large mosaic of a sword and sunburst sigul that Justin knew was Iomedae’s symbol. Despite the forbidding look, the main door was open, and a small stream of worshippers came out from it. Justin guesses the Peak religious services were just concluding. Memnon grumbled,
“My skull is smoking from being near all this piety. Can we just get this over with?”
Justin enters the temple. The space is lined with beautiful murals of the Ten Acts of Iomedae. She was a busy power, fighting demons and scary-looking villains. She was pictured with a big gold dragon in some scenes, but Justin couldn’t recall its name. Picaboo? Pikachu? Peppa? It eluded him.
Justin spies Martin by the altar. The Paladin is fairly young, but has had a difficult life. His hair is getting grey early, and his face is lined and scarred. He isn’t in armor, but his sword Truehart is scabbarded on his back. Justin once joked that the sword should have been named ‘Truehurt’ , but Martin didn’t appreciate the subtle wit.
Martin looks up from putting away several goblets and plates and smiles
“Justin! What a pleasure to see you! It’s been a long time”
He looks to Memnon
“I see you have brought a friend with you. You must be doing well to have made the acquaintance of a Mimir”
He bows to Memnon
“Welcome friend, to the temple of Iomedae. May she watch over you and yours”
Memnon whispers to Justin
“I like this one”
Justin nods to Memnon. "Yes, he has that effect on people."
"Martin, this is Memnon. Memnon, Martin."
Justin grins and opens his arms for the inevitable hug he knows is coming.
"I'm not too bad. Traveling to new and exciting places, meeting new friends, running for your life, the usual staying busy. How about you? Hows the family?"
Justin manages not to grunt out loud as he returned the happy back pound Martin gives him. The holy warrior may look a little more haggard, but he hadn't gotten any weaker.
Martin grins, squeezing Justin until he creaks
“All are fine. Hope is pregnant again, were expecting in about five cycles time. Marya does well in her studies, and she’s showing signs of arcane talents, although Hope would fain have her join the Sisterhood of Saint Lymirin. “
Justin knows this is a long-standing argument in the religious Hardisson household. Mars is an independent girl, and not inclined to the clerical side of magic.
Martin laughs
“But things will work out for the best, by the steel maiden! The rest do well. The Church
Is good to us, and Averill, Harris, Armor, Alan, Thelma, Fairuza, and little Ammibelle are all enrolled in the Warrior Monk’s school. I have been getting my carpentry business enlarged, and I have a small building off Razorvine-on-Hiddleston now, doing finish work and custom furniture commissions “
Justin slightly goggles from the information, as he realizes just how long it has been since they had a chance to get together and talk. But he recovers quickly, (Although he still feels like a heel, or at least a bad friend, that he hasn't kept up with his friend's life.)
Justin pulls a face at hearing that Mars is showing a talent for the mystic arts. He is well aware of Hope's preference for the Clerical side of magics. That, and as he recalls the young Mars is a strong-willed young woman-to-be. She is probably looking forward to joining the 'boring' Sisterhood of St Lymirin about as much as Justin looks forward to being hit by a broadsword.
The wizard grins happily for his friend's good fortune.
"That's great! Congratulations man! Glad to hear it!" Justin knows that despite Martin being good at his church 'job', the gentle giant far prefers to work with his hands and do carpentry.
"Do you have time for a drink and fill me in on the details? Somewhere where Memnon here can ogle the help while we talk?" Justin grins at Memnon's flat glare.
Then the crystal skull bobs, (the equivalent of a shrug).
"Well, yeah! I mean I've been out of circulation for FAR too long! I have a LOT of catching up to do! No time like the present! And since alcohol is out, I drink with my EYES,..." Memnon turns to stare at a priestess walking by.
Justin rolls his eyes, but he's trying not to smile.
"And I wanted to ask you about something."
At Martin's suddenly alert glance, Justin shakes his head.
"No, I don't need your professional help, at least I hope not. But I was hoping you might have heard about any rumors coming out of Deadtown? You remember Murphy? She seems to have dropped out of sight. And that's not like her."
Martin nods
“Just let me get the ciborium and the chalices put away and we can duck out to Cayden’s Temple”
Martin collects up some silver items and locks them in a strong-looking cupboard. He walks with the two out the temple and into the drizzle, pulling on a Red cloak edged in white fur embroidered with a golden lion. Justin recognizes Hope’s needlework, a masterpiece she likely did while heavily pregnant at some point.
The Temple District is primarily for ... well ... temples. However, many of the temples serve other functions than prayer. Abadar and Zeus have extensive banks within their walls. Hermès runs a message service that seems to employ half the urchins in Sigil. Yondalla’s temple was one of the best places to get a real Halfling meal. And Cayden Cailean’s temple was where you went to drink.
Cayden’s Bar, as the temple was known, was a large structure. It was the only sizable location in the district for a drink, other than a sip of sacramental wine here and there. The Dwarven deities liked their ale, but they kept the good stuff for the parishioners. Anyone with coin to spend was welcome in Cayden’s. It also was a brewery, and the Divine Porter they brewed was famed throughout the Cage.
Martin enters and leads them to a table. A golden-skinned fey is manning the ‘altar’ and mixing drinks. There is a diverse crowd of prelates and parishioners from dozens of faiths, all making tithes to the Accidental God.
A woman in a very typical barmaid costume takes their order. Martin takes hippocras, straight. Memnon asks for some incense, and leers at the barmaid’s plunging neckline.
“So tell me about your friend Murph” Martin says
Justin looks at Memnon, and then to Martin.
"Honestly, I can't take him anywhere." Justin deadpans, glad that least in THIS place, any fights that may be caused are far more likely to be in 'good fun' than 'to the death'.
It would still hurt, though.
Justin orders what Martin is having. Figuring it's probably better for him than any ale he could order, no matter how good it happens to be here.
Once the drinks (and incense) arrives he leans in talk to Martin.
"So, I got a summons by the Hardheads, NO, not what you think!" Justin says for the second time in as many days. Then fills Martin in about his talk with Murphy's partner, and Murphy's recent absences from work.
"So, the last time she was seen, she was investigating, out of armor, these reports of a troublesome new vamp nest in Deadtown. The only name anyone seems to have on this new nest is 'Scarlet Circle'. But apparently 'Good Hardheads' don't GO investigating without official authorization, and out of armor. So her partner was hoping I might be able to get answers he couldn't through official channels."
Justin holds up his half-empty glass wryly. "So far, my reputation as a crackerjack mystical investigator is taking a beating. I was hoping that YOU might have heard anything about this new Vamp nest from your side of the street? As I recall, Iomedea isn't that fond of Vamps and such? No matter how well-accepted they may be in Sigil proper?"
"So, Um, HAVE you heard something? Anything?!?" Justin asks hopefully.
Hippocras turns out to be a spiced red wine, with slices of several citrus fruits and cherries floating in it. Justin detects notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Martin frowns at the question
“The church does not approve of vampires. However, in this city they have a legal right to exist. We walk a fine line when it comes to fighting evil here, as you well know. There is a temple to Kiransalee , the Drow goddess of Undeath, just four blocks from where we sit after all. The Lady insists on balance. Our job is to stop evil from actively harming others.”
Martin sighs
“Although I do not know of this ‘Scarlet Circle’, I do know of someone who might. I could make an introduction if you have some time”
"You do? yeah, That'd be great!" Justin says with genuine enthusiasm.
"We have a couple of items finishing brewing, but Mastercrafter here assures me they'll be fine. For a while." Justin grins. "So, yeah. No emergencies. Strange as that sounds to actually hear myself saying. I have time."
Picking a particularly large section of peel from his fruity, spiced wine, (Which was actually pretty good. If a trifle too sweet for his usual taste.) Justin takes a large sip.
"So, who is this person?"
Martin steeples his fingers
"She is a follower of Iomedae. A very virtuous woman, and one that has spent many years hunting undead. She heads a group of adventurers called the Black Tears. She was once a Mercykiller, but her hatred of undead got her explused from the faction. She refused to work with them, and some of the faction are undead, and they tolerate the more lawfully-inclined deaders.Her name is Annabel."
Justin has a flash of something, then it’s gone
Martin sips his hippocras
“We’ll head to Swordhold. The Black Tears have an office there “
The two men indulge in a bit of chit chat about their lives while Memnon spins about tracking various females as they walk by. His new orange hat raises a few eyebrows
Eventally , they finish up and head back outside. The drizzle is still coming down, coating everything with a layer of dampness. The brief lighter hours of peak are fading as 2AP begins, the shadows darkening and the fogs growing ever thicker.
They walk through the Temple District, Martin waving to the occasional passerby. The temples begin to shrink in size and ornamentation, until on the fringes they become no more than shacks made of scrap wood with wild-eyed prophets out front exhorting the passers by to repent their sins. They head through Meatmarket Square, the various animal stalls, pet shops, and butcher shops tinging the air with an unpleasant mixture of dung and blood.
Swordhold looms up ahead, as they they enter the Lower Ward. The crowd becomes much more martial, with roving bands of toughs and groups of Doomguard making up the majority. Justin sees the unique roof peak of the Society of the Luminiferous Aether come into view. They pass the arcane members library, and head into the main part of the district. Down a street off the main drag they come to an old stone building. A sign swings from it, with the picture of a skull crying black tears. Martin knocks, and a young man answers the door. After a few words with Martin they are admitted in.
They are escorted to an exercise room much like the Silver Rose’s. Various training equipment lies about. The walls are packed with a motley assortment of weapons. Justin notes that many look silvered or cold iron. A woman is sparring with a man, both using rattan swords. They halt as Justin, Martin, and Memnon enter.
The man is large, and he looks like he was sewn together from different parts. One arm is red-skinned, and has a six-fingered clawed hand. Patches of different-colors skin are sewn onto his bare torso. He steps back, allowing the woman to stride forward.
The woman is cat-lithe. She moves like Hamar , all sinewy grace. She has dark hair, and a very pale skin color. She is dressed in exercise clothes, but the simple linen tunic cannot hide the dancer’s muscles the woman possesses. As she approaches, Justin notices that there is a black tear tattooed by her left eye.
“Martin, always a pleasure “
The two shake hands. Martin introduces the two, and explains that Justin was looking for some knowledge
“A pleasure to meet you Justin. I will tell you what I can. What do you wish to know?”
"The pleasure is mine, thank you." Justin says, trying to head off the newest inappropriate comment Memnon is percolating.
"I'm hoping to find information about a newer nest of Vamps in Deadtown? Supposedly causing quite a stir. The only name I have in connection with them is the 'Scarlet Circle'."
Justin glances at Martin, unsure how much to tell this woman.
"A friend of mine was investigating this group, and, well, she seems to have vanished. I'm just trying to make sure that she's OK."
Annabel frowns. She gestures for the group to follow her. The next room is a comfortable living area, with couches and a large kaveh table. The younger man who answered the door arranged a kaveh set on the table. Annabel invites them to sit, and offers them a cup. She towels off as she speaks to Justin
“I know this group. The Scarlet Circle is new to Sigil, but they’ve already made a reputation for ruthlessness. They are a band of vampires from some Prime world, but they manifest great powers. They have set up in Deadtown, and they are starting to make inroads into the Dustmen faction. The Harmonium recently lost some people challenging them.”
Justin gratefully accepts the cup of Klaveh, and pays close attention as Annabel speaks. But when she gets to the last statement, Justin sits up, and looks at Martin.
"Well. THAT'S not good." Justin sighs.
"Sorry. My friend IS a Harmonium. I know, I don't seem the type to hang with those. And your probably mostly right. But Murphy is one of the GOOD ones."
Justin sits back trying to make himself relax. He takes another sip of klaveh.
"Well, her armor is still sitting in that tiny cubby they gave her they call an office. So hopefully they don't realize what Faction she's with."
Justin looks at Annabel. "My apologies. I think out loud. A lot. Please continue."
Annabel shrugs
“There isn’t much more to tell. The Dustmen and Harmonium higher ups came to a truce about the incident. The Harmonium haven’t bothered them since, and the Scarlet Circle has been quiet. I know Murphy, I’ve dealt with her on occasion. She’s a good Hardhead, a little stiff, but that goes with the faction. If she was sniffing around the circle, she thought they were dangerous. She probably disagreed with the Harmonium’s decision to leave them alone.
“If she was doing it without authorization she could really be in trouble. The Hardheads don’t like rule breakers, it’s basically betraying their entire ethos. They are Law with a capital L. Good and evil aren’t their concern, their whole worldview is order triumphing over chaos. Rule breaking is causing chaos. Murphy could be in a lot of trouble if her bosses disown her as a member because she was doing something maverick”
Justin mused over that last bit with unusual silence.
He liked to tease Murph that he was rubbing off on her. But he would hate himself for the rest of his life if she came to any trouble and he'd had a part in it. No matter how 'small'.
'Maybe, No. Yes. Well. IF she gets into trouble because of this, I'll just have to politely ask her boss to say he was asking her to investigate. Officially. Just quietly. Yeah, NO problem. Easy-Peasy.'
Justin takes another dip of klaveh and continues aloud. "Knowing Murph,... If she thought the Circle were still going to be trouble, then she was investigating because she thought THEY weren't going to keep their end of whatever deal they made. Or were already breaking it. I've seen her justify similar actions before once or twice. Just nothing so potentially major."
Justin leans forward.
"Annabel, do you know, or have any idea, exactly WHAT the Circle is up to? Generally or Specifically? You mentioned they have a rep for ruthlessness, but so do a lot of street gangs in the Hive. They're working with, or their members are joining, the Dusties, but what are they trying to DO? Why were the Hardheads confronting them in the first place?"
Annabel laughs sourly
“What else are bloodsuckers always after? Power, dominion, control. But these guys come with some new twists. They have a lot of physical and mental powers. They are getting into various rackets. Word is they have a new drug they’ve been dropping on the Hive. Something called V , that can magically boost the users temporarily. “
Annabel frowns
“These vamps are tough and smart. They look like they want to carve out their own kingdom in the Cage. I’m keeping an eye on developments, but you have to understand, they are one of a dozen groups trying to do the same thing. The undead are at their core very unimaginative and repetitive. Comes from living forever “
Justin snorts.
"Sounds like a heck of a problem. I'D like to try it and find out just how boring 'forever' could be. But I have NO intention of turning myself into a mummified magical corpse to do it." Justin observes dryly.
Martin chuckles at that, already fully aware of his friend's opinion of Lich-dom.
Justin frowns. "I hadn't heard about the street drugs though. THAT sounds like a reason for Murphy would use to be continuing an investigation on her own."
Justin turns to Martin. "Have YOU heard about this 'V'? If they're making money, then they're using shortcuts. And magic always has a price."
"And a NEW type of vamp? With physical and mental powers? THAT'S just great. JUST what we need. There goes the neighborhood." He snarks, but his eyes are unfocused as he processes this information.
'Dangit. If they're doing drug deals, then I do know who might actually have a clue what they're up to. If he's not fully involved himself.'
Justin puts his head into his hand and sighs aloud.
'I wonder how Macaroni, erm, Marconi, will feel about me asking him not only about his business dealings, but if he knows if a certain short Hardhead is OK?!?'
Martin shrugs
“It isn’t something I know of. I tend towards smiting top-tier evil, not street-level banal evil like drug peddlers. The Hive is crawling with Pesh addicts, opium smokers, devil grass chewers, and a half-dozen other substances from all around the Wheel. If this is a magical power boosting drug, I can see it being popular with both the Doomguard and the Xaositects. The Sensates would likely indulge as well. “
Justin actually looks concerned.
"Sheesh, I hadn't even THOUGHT of that side of it. When Annabel mentioned the Hive, I just pictured a bunch of Hivers with nothing to lose given super-powers and set loose. What your suggesting is even worse."
Martin and Annabel nod. Martin speaks
“Power is a drug. You know this yourself with magic. How many practitioners lose their soul striving for more power? You chuckle at lichdom, but it holds a hypnotic sway on old wizards facing their end. How many make that savage bargain, imprisoning their own soul in a phylactery to achieve immortality? They cut themselves off from life for the sake of power. If that is not addiction I do not know what is”
Annabel nods along with Martin
“I know some magic craft. Little compared to yours, but enough to give me edges in combat. I know that rush of power. Imagine a drug that have you the power of haste, or barkskin?”
It is Justin's turn to nod.
"I confess sometimes being tempted to misbehave. And I DO enjoy the results of a good spell cast just right. But I took the 'right' road. No shortcuts. I had to study long and hard and I'm still practicing and learning. Every day. I make fun of sorcerers for having it 'easy'. But even they have to practice to get better."
"YOUR talking about people with no understanding of the powers they're handed. No training, no comprehension of the rules, no sense of responsibility, no Accountability whatsoever. THAT scares me. A lot. Heck that tempts ME. Not much. But a little."
"I wonder what the Circle can possibly get out of this? It hardly behooves them to make an army of magic-charged wild-cards, unless they're beholden to the Circle somehow.I'm guessing this drug is addictive as well as powerful?"
Annabel nods
“From what I’ve heard it is extremely addictive “
Martin chimes in
“One shameful practice in this city is that people are free to sell themselves to these monsters. I assume once they get addicted, it is much easier for the vampires to recruit a ‘flock’ of willing blood donors from their ranks. If some of them are super-powered guards, all the better”
Justin shakes his head.
He can't believe what he's hearing. And he has a VERY vivid imagination.
"Sounds like every drug-peddlers dream. If it was given a life of its own, magically super-charged, and custom-made to give normal humanoids nightmares!"
'Great. So Murph really DID have a lead she was following. And a darn good reason for doing so. Orders or not. If this 'Circle' discovered her nosing around,...'
Justin snaps his head up from his musing and slaps his hands on his legs.
"Thank you very much for your time Annabel. If you don't mind, if you hear of any other details about this Circle, or 'V', would you mind letting me know? You can get a message to me through Martin, or the Silver Rose office."
"And of course, if you ever have a question, or need anything you think I can help you with, please ask." Justin adds with a smile.
Annabel rises and shakes Justin’s hand. It is a firm shake, and Justin can feel the calluses of a lifetime of swordplay
“It is a pleasure Justin. I will keep my ears open for any news. I see Martin at services often, I will let him know if anything comes up. It is important that people of good character work together in this city. There is so much evil about. “
She walks Martin and Justin to the door. The odd patchwork man and the younger man are by the entrance. Annabel introduces them as Gerault and Mishko. Gerault grins, offering Justin his demonic arm to shake
“You can call me Patchy. Everyone does”
Justin raises an eyebrow, then smiles and accepts the outstretched hand.
"Pleasure to meet you Patchy. My name's Justin. No nickname." He chuckles.
Justin looks thoughtful for a second,...
"Well, My friends call me Justin. But there are a few who don't like me who usually just call me a 'P.I.T.A.'. I don't know why." The wizard says innocently.
Martin snorts.
"THAT, is true. Although usually not until after they've had to deal with him for at least half an hourglass." The paladin offers, also straight-faced.
Justin mentally blesses whatever Powers conspired to grant him a friend who also made such a perfect straight-man.
Patchy laughs and wishes them well. The two hurry back out into the rain and head down towards the Temple District. Martin looks over at his friend, the hood of his cloak outlining his pleasant face in a halo of ermine fur
“So, Justin, how fares your new girlfriend? Are you going to bring her to dinner sometime?”
Justin snorts a laugh.
"HOW did you even know about, oh,... Nevermind." Justin shakes his head with a rueful smile.
Martin always seemed to know when he was needed. It was one of his 'gifts' from his Power, presumably. It took very little of Justin's imagination to guess that it extended into other areas of the warrior's life as well.
"Skyy is fine, thank you. And we,... are doing surprisingly well, actually. Might have something to do with the fact that I'm almost never there lately. Hard to get into a disagreement with someone whose not there." He grins.
"Actually. Skyy is a surprisingly refreshing change of pace. She is a Xaos, so she's anything but boring. She has the face of an angel, dresses like a Xaos Hiver, curses like a veteran of the Blood Wars, and 'dances' for a living."
Justin half-smiles from under his hood.
"I think she has the heart of a lion, and the soul of an artist."
Justin turns his half-smile into a smirk at Martin.
"Yeah, ok, I like this girl. A lot. And I think you might find her interesting to meet. She has NO qualms about sharing and discussing philosophical viewpoints. Loudly, when the mood takes her. but I SERIOUSLY doubt that Molly would approve of me bringing her over for dinner. And rumors to the contrary aside, I do NOT go out of my way to antagonize your wife!"
Justin shrugs, sluicing dingy rainwater from his shoulders as he does so.
"It's, just a gift. A natural talent. I swear!"
Martin smiles
“Hope is a good woman. She can be stubborn, and she often judges books by their cover. She doesn’t see the good in you that I do, Justin. Your methods are not mine, but the path we walk matters not if we arrive at the same destination. The Steel Maiden works with any who will stand beside her in battle.”
The two arrive at Iomedae’s temple. Martin shakes Justin’s hand
“Best of luck with your quest, my friend. I hope you find Murphy. I’d invite you to stay and participate in the afternoon services, but I don’t want to make you uncomfortable coming up with an excuse why you can’t. You know the Maiden’s Keep is always ready to shelter you.”
Martin grins and turns to ascend the temple stairs