You receive a summons to Magnimar with instructions to meet Kasadei, one of the city guards. As you make your way to Arvensoar, a palpable uneasiness hangs in the air. The citizens seem to hustle from one building to another...a sense of urgency in their steps. Most traveling in groups as they go about their day.
Bits of conversations reach your ears, ”...they all followed that Sarenrae...”
”...I heard they was all mutilated...e’en they’s momma couldn’t rec’nize ‘em!”
”...four in as many days…”
Upon your arrival, the desk sergeant simply grunts your way and points to a small room...you find a large waterskin, a small desk, and seven chairs crammed inside.
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As Dimple walks alongside the others through the streets, she seems unaware of the discomfort seen among the townsfolk. "Now this is much better. No stinky, stanky tombs. Sunshine with living, breathing people walking around being not dead and stuff. Much better than that stoopid ole island. Can we like NEVER go back there again? That place was the worst. Oh look, That place sells preserves. I wonder if they have peach...or blackberry. You know what I have never had? Plum. Doesn't that sound yummy? Maybe we should go see later. How does that sound guys?" She sees the team has continued walking toward the tower. "Hey, wait for me." She hustles after the team.
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The dark skinned human moves confidently through the crowd. She briefly grasps her holy symbol as the mention of Sarenrae drifts to her ears, looking around for the source with no luck.
You can do this, it may be far from home but the society has sent me all sorts of places. Obviously I am meant to be here if they are targeting my fellow faithful. They won't catch me without great losses.
She works her way through the city to the easy to locate landmark tower. Her simple traveler's outfit still marks her as an obvious outsider, but she is happy to notice there are quite a few outsiders in the city and little attention is given to her.
Asking sweetly for a bit of information from the sergeant she smiles when he just continues pointing, "Thank you for your aid Officer."
Sitting down the Sarenrite waits to see who else shows.
A guard sticks his head in the room, looking over those assembled. "Kasadei will be with you in a moment." he growls. "Meantime, I was told ta give dis to the small one."
Unceremoniously, he tosses a piece of folded parchment in the room. Scrawled across it reads DIMPLE.
~~Dimple
I won't be joining you this time. Urgent business with my family has called me away. I do hope you find yourself safe and successful.
Till our paths cross again
Liet-Gar Zirulak
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The gnome silently reads the callously thrown note. Her eyes begin to puff and redden. "Pish and Posh!" She rereads the brief letter. "Well that's just great. Finally get to a real city, with real food and could go on a REAL date...and he's gone." Tears start to run down her cheek, dripping on to the parchment. "And apparently doesn't want me to meet his family either. I'm totally good enough to meet them. Mom's love me. Dad's love me. I'm friggen' adorable." After a few moments, she holds the scroll out at arms length. "Well, at least he spelled everything right. Might have lost money on that. Big, dumb lug." The tiny gnome carefully folds the paper back up and gives it a quick kiss before tucking it into her jerkin, close to her heart.
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Cenae smiles knowingly as Dimple reads the note, "I'm sorry dear, I hope you reunite with him someday soon. Maybe if we complete this task quickly you can go track him down or hire a wizard to send him a message?"
She turns to the half elf and curtsies, "Hello Arboreal, I am Cenae Eohe. I'm pleased to make the acquaintance of a powerful elven mage."
Suddenly, a Varisian woman stands in the doorway. With a quick glance around the room, she nods. ”Good. You made it.”
Closing the door, she makes her way to the desk and sits. ”Names Kasadei. I don’t know what you’ve heard, or think you know, so I’ll just dive in.” she announces, shuffling through a thick file.
”For the past few days, a murderer has been stalking the streets of Magnimar. Now, don’t kid yourself. We aren’t inexperienced in these types of crimes, but we find ourselves a tad out of our depths with this one.”
”So far, we’ve discovered four bodies.” Pausing as she eyes Cenae, she frowns. ”All of them were discovered after dawn and all were followers of Sarenrae.”
”The victims were located in alleys along the northwestern waterfront. Each was stabbed multiple times by a dagger and their hearts were missing. So far, we haven’t found the hearts. The only real connection between the victims is their worship.”
”Before you ask, we’ve already tried speak with dead with very little to show for it. Each victim was stabbed from behind during their ’Dawnwalk’. The most recent victim did think they saw a dagger with a strange symbol and described a sudden cessation of sound prior to the attack. We haven’t been able to identify the symbol ourselves.”
”Now, we have a plan in place, but need your help. I have been authorized to pay you for your services if you agree. As a token of good faith, I can offer you 1500 each now and the rest will come upon capture of the one behind this.”
Tossing a bag of coins and a sketch on the desk, she sits back expectantly.
DC Hidden - will advise of information based off check
This region is known as The Shadows due to an ancient bridge that hides this region from the sun.
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After a brief scan of the others, Dimple's eyes slide over to Cenae, taking note of her holy symbol. "That's kind of a bummer for you." The gnome looks at the sketch, pursing her lips. Then a memory pops in her head. "Hey! Isn't that area called 'The Shadows'? Why would anyone do that? It's like you guys wanted a bad part of town for all kinds of bad things to happen. I bet you none of this would be happening if you had named it after something nice like 'The Sunshine' or 'Bacon Land'."
You aren't quite sure what the symbol represents. All you are sure is it's not a common one symbol.
You recall seeing somewhere the bridge was constructed by an ancient race. Possibly the Azlanti? Whomever built it, it's expected they died out centuries ago.
With a smile, she replies "I suspect the name has little to do with why it's not the nicest neighborhood..."
"Glad to see you're all onboard. Here's a map of the area showing where we've found the bodies so far."
"Our plan is simple. We wish to set a trap and ambush the culprit tomorrow morning when they try to kill again. Our skill set doesn't exactly lead us to excel in doing such a thing though....that's where you lot come in. I'll leave you to exploring the city and meet up just before dawn tomorrow?"
"Excellent! I shall see you bright and early then. Don't be late!" Without another word the captain stands and briskly leaves the room.
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Kasvot enters the room, bristles apparently up from some terse conversation with the desk sergeant outside. "...as fast as the ship allowed!" he concludes in a huff, not even noticing Kasadei brushing past.
Noticing Dimple as he turns around, he lifts an eyebrow. "Hmmmpf. You'd think they'd at least put us both on the same ship."
It takes a little back and forth questioning, but Kasvot obviously feels no fault for arriving late, and--having missed Kasadai entirely--makes the others go through the entire mission briefing again so that he can catch up.
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Dimple not so casually meanders toward Kasvot. "Odd that you were a little late to this meeting." She suddenly leans in and takes a big sniff of the half-orc's breath. "Well, it doesn't smell like heart. Well, I don't think it does." She calls out the the room, "Anyone know what 'heart' smells like? Does it smell like chicken?" She takes another whiff and adds unconvincingly, "I don't know. I guess your in the clear. Still, given last time, it's better to be safe than sorry." She reaches into her pocket, pulls out a few mint leaves and shoves them in Kosvot's hands "Here. Trust me." She pats the sorcerer on the knee before walking away.
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Cenae doesn't even look up when Dimple is interrogating Kasvot to reply to her question, "A bit gamey, sortove like liver."
She looks up as the other gnome enters, "So you all know each other? That's good. Let's hope the lateness doesn't keep happening. I don't want to have to rely on being saved from this killer by people who aren't there." She resumes writing out a shopping list.
Scroll of Restoration 700g
Scroll of Lesser Restoration 150g
Scroll of Resist Energy 150g
Scroll of Comprehend Languages (2x) 50g
Scroll of Obscuring Mist 25g
Scroll of Consecrate 200g
Scroll of Remove Paralysis 150g
Scroll of Remove Fear 25g
Scroll of Shield of Faith 25g
Scroll of Magic Weapon 25g
Cenae looks over the group and then sighs, "I'm sorry, that was a bit judgmental of me. I need to... learn to work with others better. Apology accepted? Shall we go try to talk to the Sarenrae Faithful first?"
While there is no official church to the Dawnflower in Magnimar, there are quite a few of her flock traveling through the region. Cenae easily picks out a few to discuss the situation with.
"It's like...the city watch don't even care about it. I mean, it is only the followers of Sarenrae dieing..." gripes one.
"We should all leave the city. Perhaps The Light of Dawn doesn't shine here after all." mumbles a second follower.
Approaching a third, older of the clergy, you find similar laments. However, he does offer something new. "It's just so disheartening our flock is treated so poorly after all these years in this city."
While the two younger acolytes scurry onward, the older man leans against a nearby wall, looking towards the sky. Nostalgia of olden days flashes across his weathered features.
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Cenae attempts to reassure the first one, "It's okay, they do care. We are working with them to track the killer. I'm putting my own life on the line here to help."
She puts her hand on the shoulder of the next, "Our Lady's Light will shine where WE bring it. Fear not."
And lastly she gives her nod of understanding, "OK BOOMER We can't control what others think or do, we can only manage our actions. When we triumph through this trial we shall show this city the true power of our convictions. Stand firm."
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Nodding to Dimple she smiles, "Good work talking, you have a gift. Shall we see what wondrous things the locals have to say next?"
Interviewing locals around the sites of the previous murders, you receive multiple reports of "Strange scratching sounds on the rooftops" and "unnatural silences". A couple even advise they heard the sound of "powerful wings" around the dawn hours.
One particularly talkative subj swears he saw a "Demon flying about" and "crawling over the roofs".
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Cenae volunteers, "I shall serve as bait, this is my battle. I'm not a great actor but hopefully I won't need to do much." She looks at each in turn, "I am trusting you all to have my back, but am not worried. The grace of the Dawnflower has followed me through my life and will touch upon this mission today. Just be prepared to chase the fiend through the air if they indeed can fly."
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Cenae takes the net offered by Dimple and shoves it into her pack, "If we capture this person, maybe we can discover if they are working with anyone and track those fiends down as well. The justice my Goddess seeks will not be satisfied until we complete our holy mission."
She will set herself up with a good view of the rising sun to the East and also in sight of the alleyway across the street in case anyone wishes to hide on the ground there.
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Dimple watches as Niza tries to help the Sarenite. "Nonono! You're doing it all wrong." She takes out a brush and make up from her performance kit and begins dabbing colors on to Cenae's cheeks. "The Sun is not a blob of yellow. Dawn has pink to it...and and orange too." Her tongue slips out just a bit as she focuses on the task at hand. "There are also rays eminating out, representing warmth, love and power. I'm not sure what order those are supposed to be, not bein' a god and all." With an additional flourish the gnome takes a step back to examine her handiwork. "Not too shabby."
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==Initiatives==
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Once all of you are confidently situated, the guards move several blocks away. "Call us when you are ready and we'll rush in to help." they advise.
Settling into your roles, the time seems to drag onward...the dim light slowly giving way as the sun just starts to consider waking up. Peaking over the horizon to see the waking world...the shadows growing longer from the lazy dawn...
The birds yawn and chirp hello to the waking day...suddenly, a silence falls over Cenae. She can no longer hear...anything. Not even her own breathing...
While all endeavor to keep a watchful eye for the foe, the waiting has caused all but Arboreal to become complacent...drifting. A strange noise catches his ear up, on the rooftops...was that gargoyle there earlier? Did it just move?
Cenae bows towards the Dawn in the eerie silence, begin her prayers...strangely noiseless...opening her eyes, she sees a dagger wizz by over her head! THE MURDERER IS HERE!!!!
Niza/Albis
Cenae
Kasvot
Arboreal
Dimple
Half-Elf
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Niza, upon hearing Arboreal mention the winged creature on the roof, decides to become a winged creature herself. She speaks softly. Albis hovers over her shoulder while Niza's body begins transforming into a powerful bird. A very large and hooked beak forms on her face and her legs become stronger and muscular with powerful talons at the end. The skin on her head turns white and is covered with thick white feathers while her body is covered with black feathers. She looks around with golden yellow eyes while flapping her broad wings.
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Cenae tries to shout, but no words come out. With an emphatic sigh she turns tail and runs back into the middle of the street towards her nearest ally and hopefully out of whatever effect is silencing her. With a nod to Arboreal she attempts to yell again, "GUARDS! COME COLLECT THIS DEAD ASSASSIN!"
With a nasty grin, she focuses on the metal around or held by the attacker, taking the warmth of the sun and infusing it into the material.
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Kasvot waits momentarily as Cenae rushes past him towards Arboreal, listening carefully.
When he's sure that he's not himself trapped in silence, he motions towards the half-elf with mirth in his gaze, attempting to whip the half-elf in uncontrollable laughter.
This spell afflicts the subject with uncontrollable laughter. It collapses into gales of manic laughter, falling prone. The subject can take no actions while laughing, but is not considered helpless. After the spell ends, it can act normally. On the creature's next turn, it may attempt a new saving throw to end the effect. This is a full round action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity. If this save is successful, the effect ends. If not, the creature continues laughing for the entire duration.
A creature with an Intelligence score of 2 or lower is not affected. A creature whose type is different from the caster's receives a +4 bonus on its saving throw, because humor doesn't “translate” well.
You realize this is in fact a gargoyle...though something is off about it. It must be from some other plane
You know it has DR 10/magic and is immune to poison. The rest though...you can't quite place.
You recognize this is a half-elf humanoid. They are immune to sleep affects and get bonuses to saves vs enchantments.
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Nizeagle fluffs her feathers and stretches her wings as they appear...ready to take to the sky in search of prey. Cenae quickly rushes away from the attacker, feeling the Dawnflower deflect a close blow.
Finding her voice again, the cleric turns back and tries to melt the offending dagger...but it resists the spell. Kasvot attempts to tickle the opponents funny bone but she manages to keep her wits about her as Arboreal recognizes the creature on the rooftop.
Dimple wades out into the open, hoping to catch herself a flying rock!
The half-elf woman looks around alley...as if seeing the rest of you for the first time. Looking longingly towards Cenae, she turns and rushes back up the alley. Stopping next to the gnome, she lashes out with her dagger! With a deep slash across Dimple's back, she calls out "Come get me! We're out of here!"
The gargoyle takes flight and swoops down towards the woman. Dimple bravely chucks the net up into the air, leading the stone beast and...SUCCESS!
In anger, the half-elf stabs the gnome a second time as her companion gets tangled up in the netting.
Niza/Albis
Cenae
Kasvot
Arboreal
Dimple
Half-Elf
Gargoyle
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Cenae steps to the side and yells, "COWARD, THE DAWNFLOWER WILL HUNT YOU DOWN!!!" Happy to hear her own voice the angry human begins casting a small little spell, let this work, let this work!
With a clap of thunder, a wave of sound washes over the assassin. Dimple and the gargoyle hear the echoes, but not in an overwhelming fashion.
The priest yells, "Stop the GARGOYLE. It's their escape route!!!" As an afterthought, she pulls out her net as well.
Arboreal completes his spell and a small air elemental attacks the cleric
Completing her transformation, Nizeagle takes flight and tries to bite the flying piece of granite. Unable to navigate between the webs, she gets a mouth full of netting.
A sudden cacophony of thunder rings out...seeming to cause the woman to hesitate as Cenae alerts everyone of the half-elf's intentions.
Kasvot and Arboreal send shimmering bolts of force at the beast...though it seems to shrug off the worst of their efforts.
Another statue suddenly materializes and gives the woman an attitude adjustment across her forehead.
The woman seems fixated on the wounds she opened in Dimples back...but remains still and unmoving as the gargoyle struggles against its bindings. Dimple holding tightly to the rope, urges her companions on.
Niza/Albis
Cenae
Kasvot
Arboreal
Dimple
Half-Elf
Gargoyle
The air elemental slams at the half elf