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"Well he was uptight" Ikari comments once the skulk's contact has gone.
"But I suppose if he feels responsible for stopping a rash of werewolf murders, and on top of that also for keeping those murders from damaging the pathfinder society's standing amongst a bunch of stiff aristocrats... that would cause a person a lot of stress."
"Any idea what we're going to ask this courtesan? I have no clue what to expect here."
Onna soaks up a bit of the local flavor, learning a few interesting tidbits.
Firstly, she is happy to see that the Desnan church is well respected in town.
Secondly, there is a lot of grumbling about the current head of tax collecting, Josie Alucard. A lot of people are willing to support her removal from office. Apparently she is bleeding the city dry.
Thirdly, everyone is talking about the midnight mauler. Speculation is wild, though some of them jokingly? hope they get killed before they have to pay taxes again.
Lastly, Markov Rutowski is a well respected member of the nobility, though no one seems to know them personally. That shouldn't come as a huge surprise as this is a large city and you pretty much only have access to common folk in your walkabout.
Everyone recalls learning a bit more about the situation. About fifty years ago, Vonran Vilk was banished from his home in Ardis, Ustalav. The rumored reason for the banishment was he was involved in a supposed grave robbing fiasco and his companions died. At the time of his banishment, he was lovers with Markov Rutowsko, another noble who lives in Ardis. After his banishment, Vilk continued with the pathfinder society, eventually becoming a Venture Captain and the Master of Blades. He retired a few years back.
This mission started with a report from a pathfinder agent in Ardis (Ryado Eredyta) who says he believes Vilk is connected to a string of murders that have been happening each full moon in Ardis. His evidence for this is based upon the fact that all the victims were connected in some way to Vilk's banishment 50 years ago and the fact he ran into Vilk 6 weeks ago in a library. Vilk being banished means he shouldn't have even been in town, which got Eredyta investigating him which led to him finding the connection to the murders. Eredyta does not know where Vilk might be, but believes if anyone does, it will be his old lover, Markov Rutowski.
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Phidöe ponders what they've learned. "Seems like we should probably look up this Markov fella. Or at least, that's what the killer probably wants us to do! Alternatively, we could - " he stops and his eyes gleam with excitement - "we could start digging up some of the graves and see what we find! I'm a good digger! C'mon, what could possibly go wrong!?!"
Onna shifts into... a form that is definitely not her normal form. She moves past the scraggly hedgerow and up the worn marble steps. Phidöe runs past her and yells, "MY ROPE" jumping up to grab the yellow bell pull. A gentle chime is heard and then quiet for about a minute.
Opening the door is a well dressed and armed manservant. He briefly adjusts his coattails and raises one eyebrow, "Greetings, I am Almoch. I am afraid the master is not seeing visitors at this time. Good day."
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Onna slides into the guise of a heavy-set man of seemingly Taldan descent. He sports an auburn mustache and goatee, with a fleck of silver just starting to show. Her clothing morphs into that of a barony official. Her body language changes, almost as if her body is carrying the extra weight. The pace of her stride slows and her footsteps seem more firm. Sweat pours from her brow. Just before approaching, she casts a spell on herself.
With an exasperated sigh, "Almoch, I have had too long of a day coming all the way out here to this ...backwater village. Perhaps you are unclear as to what is happening. Murders are afoot, and your master is probably next. Hell, if you're here, it might get you too." The form takes a moment to shine one of the brass buttons on the tunic. "I am not certain how the local constabulary reacts to blatant stupidity, but I have no tolerance for it. Now then, I will see the master of the house. That is, if you want him to live. I will assume that by attempting to deny me entrance that you are in league with the dark soul running about taking lives. What will it be? Access or accusation?" He leans in a little closer, "And if your master is in some kind of predicament, now is the time to as for help. No one else is coming."
A twitch of something crosses Almoch's face when the murders are mentioned before a professionally impassive face returns, "Sir, I believe an appointment has just been cleared."
He motions you all inside but glances down at the pup at his feet, "But could you please leave your dog outside? I have just cleaned the carpets. I can get him a nice bone from the kitchen to chew on and a bowl of water, of course."
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The large form nods towards Phidoe. He grudgingly admits, "The dog has been a useful asset and might be able to sniff out hidden dangers. If there are any problems, my associate here will be happy to ...clean up." Onna smiles inwardly, Oh she is going to kill me for that one. Hmm...is Phidoe housebroken? I mean he's not THAT traumatized is he?
Almoch tastes like... dryness. Dusty uptight mothball dryness. It is not pleasant.
The manservant jumps back at the affront before listening to the nice plea, "Yes well. I suppose. Just keep him off the furniture and no more face licking."
He leads you into a nicely appointed sitting room and disappears through the double doors you came in, shutting them behind you. In about five minutes, a maid enters with a tea tray of snacks. She smiles, "Tea is on, it will be ready in a few minutes. The master will be down shortly."
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The maid blushes at the muscular Ikari's complement as she serves the tea, "Thank you Sir, sugar?"
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A few minutes later a handsome half-elf throws the doors open and enters. He narrows his eyes at the group, "Well well, I wasn't taking appointments but apparently my doorman is taking in vagrants. Curtesy dictates I act as host and listen to your problems, whatever waste of time they are. But it doesn't dictate I have to act on anything. So spit it out, why are you here disturbing my day?"
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The large man seems to ignore the taunt. He takes a sip of tea before setting the delicate porcelain cup down. ”Such rude behavior may be of benefit when negotiating with someone who needs something from you. It can serve to put them off balance and scrambling to rethink their strategy. However, when one needs nothing and has arrived as a courtesy, it comes off as nothing more than petulant.” 'Mohmoud' casually spoons sugar into the cup, taking his time stirring. The disguised bard continues her observation. ”Perhaps there is some reason for your aggressive tactic? Maybe to scare us away in some attempt to protect us? Or is there some measure of panic because our arrival is an indicator that some planned malfeasance is now in jeopardy?” She gently taps the spoon on the rim before placing it on the saucer.
She brings the tea up to her lips and softly blows across the surface. ”Fifty years is a long time for humans, but nothing more than an inconvenience for an elf. For one of mixed blood, probably somewhere in between. Still, I would imagine your memory is long enough. Slights and insults salting and seething for decades knowing you have more time to seek justice...or revenge.” The form of Mohmoud takes a sip and wrinkles his nose. ”It seems fifty years may not be long enough to remove the bad taste from your mouth.” He then sniffs the air, ”Ah, yes. It still clings does it not? The scent of shame and resentment. It lingers even after all this time.”
Onna adds a splash of cream to her tea. ”Allow me to present a few ideas as to what is happening here. First, you are completely unaware of recent events, including the return of Vonran, which seems highly unlikely. Second, you have heard about the murders and connected the dots. In this case, you are either living with the knowledge you are the next victim or you are part of the conspiracy, even if it means providing succor for your old flame. Perhaps this is why you greeted us with such belligerence, to scare us off in an attempt to save us or deter our investigation. Lastly, you are using Vilk’s return as a cover to commit these murders yourself believing that he will take the fall for your actions. Now, there may be other horses in this race, but these are the ones in contention. Although I will tell you now, ‘Innocent Victim’ is fading at the rail.” She takes a sip and smiles.
”Personally, I don’t care which horse wins. I am in no immediate danger. You however…” She leaves the implication hanging in the air. ”Now, as to why we are here. We want to ensure everyone’s safety and bring an end to these executions. Ideally, we bring Vonran in quietly. No one needs to be disturbed, the slayings simply stop. As it seems you have a vested interest in the outcome, we thought you may wish to express any concerns you may have.” She sets the cup down.
”See, we are fans of love-stories, and we want this one to have a happy ending." She looks out the window as if gauging the remaining daylight. "So Master Rutowski, what will it be? Perpetrator, victim or willing bystander? The clock is ticking.”
He looks at the portly merchant, "Are you done?"
He waits a moment.
"I'm going to give you the massive benefit of the doubt that entire tirade was a mere tactic and NOT throw you out of my house. Besides, my own brusque introduction was also carefully practiced to run off the wretched beggars in this city. Plus, I think in the rambling accusations you made there may be some useful kernels of information."
Rutowski raises his tea cup in a mock toast, "Now, you eventually mentioned Vonran and Vilk. I'm assuming you mean Vonran Vilk, a lover I knew fifty years ago. You also mentioned the current spate of murders on the full moon. What evidence do you have that connects a man I did not even know was still alive with these horrific murders?"
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So, option one, he's unaware. 'Innocent Victim' back in the lead. This is why I don't gamble on the ponies.
Mahmoud nods at the change in the man's voice. "Well, it seems as if we are ready to discuss matters of merit. Excellent." The voice changes to one of concern. "You say you have heard of the recent deaths. To most, there is no connection between the victims. One of the perils of being human is that we tend to be both arrogant and short-sighted. It would seem that those who have passed were all somehow involved in banishing Vonran after word of grave robbing got out. Now, half a century later, these people are the only ones being attacked." Mahmoud wipes his brow before continuing. "We have reason to believe that when Vonran left that he started over. He joined an organization that allowed him to continue his studies unimpeded. However, they believe he may have contracted lycanthropy. Thankfully he cannot create others, but if anyone survives the bite, their bloodline will be tainted moving forward. In any case, the list is short. We are not sure if you are on it or not. If the disease has somehow twisted his mind, he may also blame you for 'abandoning' him. You and your staff may be in real danger."
Onna locks eyes with Markov, "All evidence points to Vonran being back in the area. We have been tasked with the two-fold purpose of ending the murders and locating Vonran so he can be cured. Our hope is that Vonran is not involved, or is actively trying to stop whomever the killer really is."
Looking apologetic, "I am sorry to be the one bearing such tidings. It must be difficult to have something so long-buried to be brought to your very doorstep."
The jaded half-elf smiles for just a moment, "I can see the love there. It's the same look I... I'm sorry I don't really want to go into that many details. But you have melted my old cold heart with your rational plea. It is good you want to save him. Though if he truly is this beast, I don't know if it will be possible."
He takes a sip of tea and a bite of a biscuit, chewing slowly before continuing, "I shall try to help you however I can. What do you want to know?"
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They're good at this, Onna and Sensei. They work well together. In more ways than one.
Ikari is a capable negotiator when he needs to be, and has learned well from allies with much deeper mercantile interests within the Exchange, but in matters of the heart he is far less well versed.
He remains content to play the role of the tough guy, but smiles and nods at the offer of sugar nonetheless.
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"Well, as I stated, we surmise he is in the area, but we have no idea where specifically to seek him out. The region is large, and someone with local knowledge could avoid detection for a long while, certainly past the next full moon. Can you point us toward someplace he would know or feel safe? Also, where was the graveyard he was accused of defiling? He may be drawn back to where all of this started."
Onna thinks a bit longer, "Also, our list of victims is too reactive. Can you tell us who else was involved? I know a great deal of time has passed, but the records are incomplete and we want to protect everyone."
He replies, "Unfortunately I can't say where. Fifty years has wiped out more than just memories. Any of the places we or his family frequented have long since been replaced. And the site of the failed expedition that led to his banishment is several days to the north. I doubt he would be hiding there. But I might be able to tell you who. There are a few poor souls left in Ardis I’m sure Vonran bears a grudge toward, though the worst offenders moved on decades ago to Caliphas. Of all his remaining accusers, Judge Cevianna Pradowca is the worst. She bore a grudge against Vonran for refusing to wed her and so turned her courtroom into a weapon against him. She’s the one who handed down his banishment. I wager he’ll hunt her next."
Onna notices from her glances out the window that the shadows are growing very long.
When the puppy hops up and licks him in the face he gives Phidoe a big hug, "OH! Who's a good boy. You are! Such a friendly pup." He turns to the group, "What's their name? I sorta wish we could have one here but Almoch is very against it and I value my friendship with him more than a canine compaion."
"I certainly hope so," he replies. He adds on more to answer Ikari's question, "Judge Pradowca's courthouse lies in the city center near (insert directions). She has a residence there and rarely leaves."
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"Then it is time to take our leave." Mahmoud pauses a moment, "If there is anything left of the old Vonran, is there anything you would like me to pass along?"
Hmm. I hadn't really thought about it, but we don't need a fancy affair. A judge could perform the rite just as simply. No, I know how much she is looking forward to it. Besides, she needs to be the center of attention, at least for a day. Let the world see her with my eyes, if only briefly. The bard smiles to herself. All right, time to focus on the task at hand. "Well, that could have gone worse. I hope the judge will listen to reason."
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"To be honest, most of it was a fishing expedition. I had hoped by laying the options out there that his response to any particular one would be an indicator of what he was experiencing." The large man leans over to plant a delicate kiss on 'Jennifer's' cheek. "And thank you for the support. I think it made a real difference."
"Just that I was wrong to put my life and career ahead of him when he was banished. It was a mistake made by a younger me. I won't claim any high ground, but I recognize now I made the wrong decision."
The group of pathfinders head out shortly as the sun begins setting. In the distance the hear the howl of a wolfpack. Not a good sign.
Rushing across town they arrive at the courtroom, but are they already too late?
The black granite edifice of the courthouse looms high above its enclosing wall, though a gate ahead stands ajar. A scream breaks the evening’s silence, and upon the wide, stone steps two figures fall prone. A third, hulking form unleashes a furious howl before bounding to the roof and through an open skylight. The courthouse door stands ajar, and a low growling echoes from somewhere within.
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"I can't believe we arrived too late to confront the mystery wolf directly," says Hiiragi, as flatly-toned as anyone's ever heard her. "If only we had arrived sooner, and not inconveniently on the very night of the full moon, woe is us."
She grabs her longbow off her back and fires a silver arrow after it!
In true cinematic fashion, it probably just sticks to the edge of the skylight.
She doesn't pursue that option, though-- instead, she rushes forward and channels Daikitsu's grace.
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The two injured humans in basic guard uniforms stir and look up at the group, "OH GOD NO! NOT MORE WEREWOLVES! AND OH MY GOD CHAD, THESE ONES HAVE WEAPONS! WHAT WILL WE DO?!? WHAT CHAD, WILL WE DO!?!"
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Hiiragi raises a hand.
"It is all right," she says, gently but firmly. "We are fox folk here to address the werewolf problem, although I will admit that the physical similarities may be... unnecessarily confusing."
Now that the two are awake and looking at her, though, she doesn't waste time sealing the deal:
"By Daikitsu's bounty, may your wounds be healed."