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The guests are tight-lipped about Aeteperax while they are under the Baroness's watchful eye and Ilvaria quickly realizes that she will need to talk around outside the noble's manor to get more information. They stay in Baroness Origena's manor house and even get a little breakfast before going about their day.
The town is bustling with activity and it is apparent that gossip about Aeteperax has already spread, despite the Baroness's demand to her guests to keep quite. Many of the townspeople appear to be nervous at any mention of this name, while others seem to think of it as just a legend. Ilvaria confirms that what the Baroness said is true, and that Aeteparax was the name of a dragon that was slain by Belhaim's founder almost a thousand years ago. Beyond that though, there is little consistent information about the creature; with some saying that the dragon may not have ever existed, while others claim that the dragon's ghost haunts the Dragonfenn to this day.
At the mention of the Dragonnfenn, an old hunter says that the marshes are definitely haunted by some kind of monster and insists that he has ten foot tall giants who are covered in hair and howl like wolves stalking that place.
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Sir Falcon finds a tailoring shop run by an older woman named Dorcas Soorey. He notices that there are three children who look like their mother, but clearly don't have much in the way of resemblance to her husband. The pointy ears are the biggest giveaway that they may have a different father. She is happy to gossip with Sir Falcon and tells him that there is definitely a dragon living out in the Dragon Fen.
"Swamps mean dragons—mark my words, there’s a dragon still living in Dragonfen, and it’s a big one! My cousin’s kid says she saw one carrying a boar off into the swamp a few months ago, in fact!"
She also tells Sir Falcon the same story Ilvaria had heard earlier about the ten foot tall wolf men out in the swamp. "You know that wherever there are dragons you are going to find all manner of monsters. I'd stay out of there if I was you."
The tailors offer to make the alternations to Sir Falcon's cloak for a mere 10 gp, and will have the cloak finished by tomorrow morning.
Ilvaria spends the rest of the morning talking with the locals about their local legends and rumors. One of the townsfolk brings up the subject of Bassy, the gnome historian. "They say Bassy’s the oldest person in town, but how can that be? She looks like she’s a child! They say her
grandmother was a friend of Lady Belhaim. "
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Ilvaria is very excited about Bassy.
“Should we visit Bassy? I mean she’s either really old and knows something or she’ll just be happy to be visited?!“ she says and starts to ask for directions to visit her.
When she’s found the house she’ll knock.
“Hello, Bassy? You home? Don’t be afraid when you open the door. I might look frightening but I’m one of the adventures that repelled the kobold threat and investigated the crumbled tower. Do you have time?!“ she asks after knocking.
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Having quieted down once Ilvaria started speaking, Andwise exits without much fanfare. Once he leaves the Baronesses presence heads off into the town, looking for a bar that might be a little more helpful (and a little less stuffy).
As they ride, a familiar voice echoes in his head.
I must return home, if only for a while. I will be ready when you call again, but I find myself weary from this light and these people
If you must... he says out loud, to no one in particular.
Then, reluctantly, the halfling dismounts and with a sigh and the snap of his fingers- the shadowy creature disappears. Begrudgingly, Andwise heads off to the taverns under his own power.
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Irlana doesn't uncover any more rumors, but Andwise talks to a few of the acolytes from the Shelynite temple who tell him that there used to be an old monastery but one day all the monks living there just disappeared. They say that those monks wandered out into the Dragonfen and died performing some kind of dark ritual. And the story is that the spirits of those dead monks haunt the swamps to this day, devouring the souls of anyone who gets lost in the marshes.
Ilvaria remembers that Bassy is a green haired gnome that has a house in town. The party had purchased some scrolls from her before going to the Bloodvow lair and they had also seen her at the Baroness's hall last night. As she nears the gnome's house though, she sees another familiar face, Deputy Gergis Bellett. A man as humorless and unfriendly as the deputy has no right to be as handsome as this man; yet he is one of the most attractive human males that the drow has ever seen. His shoulder length blonde hair shimmers like gold in the morning sun and his piercing green eyes are a brillant emerald color.
Jogging behing him are two more of the town militia. "Stop! Stop!" he shouts. "You are to come with me, by order of the Baroness!" he sneers, a glimmer of malice on his perfectly formed face. "And get the rest of your crew together. She wants to talk to all of you. Now!"
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The sweetness of the man's face was almost mesmerizing but his words make Ilvaria retreat.
"Well, if you are into sadistic practices young man then we can talk about that but otherwise I would appreciate a more respectful tone ... especially after what we have done for this town!" she sneers.
But eventually she complies in gathering the team with the Deputy.
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Gergis gathers up the rest of the party and marches them to the Baroness Origena's manor. They are let inside and they see that the Baroness is sitting at her table with a letter spread out in front of her and a pile of ledgers stacked next to them. Her brow is furrowed as she looks through one of the books, and she lets out a tired sigh when she sees the adventurers enter the hall lead by the militia men.
Deputy Geris salutes the Baroness and says, "My Lady, I have brought the vagabonds to you as you requested."
The Baroness curtly thanks the deputy and dismisses him with a wave of her hand. He looks disappointed, perhaps hoping to get some kind of reward or thanks for succeeding at his task. The Baroness barely glances at him and her eyes quickly go back to the open ledger. He waits for an excruciatingly long minute without receiving anymore acknowledgement before giving a submissive bow then turning on his heels and walking quickly out of the manor.
The Baroness closes the ledger and points a ringed finger towards the letter spread out on the dining hall table. "As soon as I learned of Hunclay's untimely death, I had a raven sent to the old wizard's only relative I knew about, a cousin in Yanmass, to deal with his estate. I just received her response this morning. She doesn't seem particularly distraught by his death; nor is she interested in coming to Belhaim to claim his estate. Instead, she has asked that I auction off his property and all of his possessions, then send her the proceeds."
Baroness Origena meets the gazes of the party and then states the reason for summoning them to her manor. "I need somebody to go into the wizard's mansion and make an inventory of his possessions. They would also need to disable or deactivate any traps and deal with any guardians that are remaining. Would your group be interested in the task?"
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Ilvaria laughs a little and waves the deputy goodbye!
“Wow, your town offers more adventure and intrigue than any Drow community… you just push around others and do not also kill your own kind which is better I assume!“ she says and looks at the others.
“We have to make a list now! We need to talk to Bassy and need to visit the forest later. But the tower seems like a good start?!“
She turns to the baroness.
“It will be dangerous so I assume we’ll be able to receive a portion of the belongings?!“
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Ilvaria looks at the others but she is clearly not very happy about the auction.
”Are you sure that we cannot negotiate a revenue share? Or at least a higher base fee? That is a Wizard’s lair that we’re talking about. We are risking our lives!“ she says with a raised eyebrow and her dark complexion reddens a little.
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"Who, exactly, are you calling vagabonds?", the hafling pointedly directs to the deputy.
Standing among the others, he is deferential to Ilvaria's discourse.
"It seems to me that someone so uninterested in the estate of their loved one would pay a sizable commission for the management of said estate. Otherwise, they should be here managing it themselves, correct?"
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The deputy gives the party an ugly look as he scuttles out of the room but does not make a comment.
Baroness Origena points at the ledger she just closed. "I'm afraid that 5,000 gp is all the village can bear to pay. And no, I can't allow you to claim a portion of what you find inside. If Hunclay's relation found out that I allowed such a thing, then they would have grounds to petition to sue for damages. It is her property after all."
"I was hoping that Hunclay's cousin would claim the residence herself or send her own people to do so. Unfortunately, she is leaving it up to me to auction off the property. I could wait for the sheriff to return and lead a posse in; but I do not want to see any more villagers. I know that it is a dangerous task, but I believe that your team is capable of exploring the manor without taking any casualties, which is why I prefer sending you in."
"I am not comfortable offering to let you keep anything without seeing it first, especially because I know that the writings in an old wizard's library may be the most value materials in the house. But arranging an estate sale of this kind will take some time and I would allow you to study whatever books you found in the meantime. And of course, you may also get the opportunity bid on his books when the time for the auction comes."
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"Well, if you are willing to do this task at the terms set then we can draw up a contract."
The Baroness sends for the town's barrister and two of the scribes to draw up a contract and make copies. The document is long and thorough, but does not appear to contain any unfair surprises. The document states that the party will explore the mansion and disable any threats within to the best of their abilities. This may include deliberately setting off traps that the party does not have the ability to deactivate. The party is also expected to document whatever valuable items they find in the house. The party will be paid 5,000 gp total for their services and are not entitled to claim any of the property for themselves; although they may bid for items when the auction occurs. Any items they keep for themselves would be considered theft; but they will not be held liable for any destruction to property so long as they take reasonable precautions to avoid damage.
Finally, there is no set time period in which this task needs to be done; but there will be no payment until the job is completed in full.
The barrister explains the document in exhausting detail, eagerly going over every line of the long document and answering every question with a lengthy explanation of Taldan legal theory. "If that is everything; you will need to sign here, here and...here as well."
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If that is how it must be, then I defer to your understanding of the law. Just seems silly to me that someone who doesn't even live here can burden the community with such a debt and responsibility without appropriate recompense. But, you must act in a manner that you see fit...
Andwise looks at the others to determine their level of commitment, and then signs his name.
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Falcon signs the document without even reading it. Truthfully he would have done this for free at this point. This whole situation was causing the noble protector dragon in him to stir. Just what in the world was going on? And how could he protect this town from it before it was too late.
He fingers the embroidery on his new cloak, the noble silver dragon rampart.
We have our duty then team
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"Maybe 5,000 gp isn't very much money where you come from, but that's almost a year of tax revenue for the town of Belhaim. I am hoping to recover enough to pay your fee and all the other costs we'll have for setting up the auction."
She lets out a weary sigh. "That damn wizard has been nothing but a nuisance and he's a nuisance even in death. But after this estate sale I will finally be done with him and maybe we'll finally have a little peace in our town. It's worth the trouble, and besides, a big sale like this might bring a little attention to our little town."
"You don't have to start today and feel free to take as long as you need. Of course the sooner you get to the job, the sooner you will get paid.
The Baroness also has a servant bring out a scroll case, along with an inkwell and several quills. "Please document what you find in there, particularly anything that appears valuable."
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"Maybe 5,000 gp isn't very much money where you come from, but that's almost a year of tax revenue for the town of Belhaim. I am hoping to recover enough to pay your fee and all the other costs we'll have for setting up the auction."
She lets out a weary sigh. "That damn wizard has been nothing but a nuisance and he's a nuisance even in death. But after this estate sale I will finally be done with him and maybe we'll finally have a little peace in our town. It's worth the trouble, and besides, a big sale like this might bring a little attention to our little town."
"You don't have to start today and feel free to take as long as you need. Of course the sooner you get to the job, the sooner you will get paid.
The Baroness also has a servant bring out a scroll case, along with an inkwell and several quills. "Please document what you find in there, particularly anything that appears valuable."
[ooc]Just to clarify, Hunclay had a two story mansion on the hill. The tower was the structure that the kobold's knocked over, because it was blocking his view.[/b]
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"On to the wizard's house then. How many doors are there? We probably should examine the outside first. Look for tracks to see if anyone has tried to break in. Check for any magic that might indicate wards that he might have set. We're not in a hurry so we should be extra careful. Don't want to damage the house by setting off any magical traps!"
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The Baroness thanks the party for taking on the job and once again for dealing with the kobold. "Good luck and Abadar's blessing to you as well if he chooses to grant it!"
Andwise wants to stop and get some supplies first, but everyone else seems eager to start exploring Hunclay's manor. As they step outside they see that the sky is dark despite it being noon. It looks like a midday storm is coming. As he looks up at the sky, Sir Falcon remembers that his new cloak is still in the shop getting alternations.
The Baroness's mansion is located near the center of the town. The hill with Hunclay's manor is a short walk away, as is the marketplace and most of the shops in town.
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Sir Falcon decides to rest for another night before investigating the manor; while Andwise goes off to look for a cloak of protection and some better thieving tools. He finds an emerald-green colored cloak at Soorey's Garments that the tailor insists will protect the halfling from danger. They offer to sell the cloak for an even 1,000 gp. Andwise then finds a set of masterwork thief tools at Delbin’s Devices. Phaedra Delbin is the strange, timid woman who purchased the remnants of the destroyed clockwork creature found in the collapsed tower and when Andwise shows some interest in the tools she stiffens up; insisting that they aren't for sale. He realizes that he'll have to offer a little extra for them; unless he is able to talk her down.
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The sky darkens and there is a loud crack of thunder as lightning strikes nearby. Suddenly a massive creature descends out of the sky. It's body is made of lightning itself and the party notices that their hair is standing on end and their metal items are buzzing magnetically. The elemental creature rumbles deeply, and then Suizal steps forward and speaks in that strange language she sometimes speaks in.
The sylph and the elemental talk back and forth for a few minutes and then she turns to the group. "They...want me to come with them. It's an incredible opportunity; I'll be going to the Plane of Air. I'm sorry, but I need to go with them. I will try to return back as soon as I can."
After saying her goodbyes, Suizal approaches the elemental and it lifts her up in one of it's massive appendages. Then it rockets upwards into the sky, taking her with it. Soon after it leaves, the noonday storm ends and the sky is blue and bright again.
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Knowing that it would be a little while before Sir Falcon, Andwise visits the stores and the merchants- though he is candid that he has coin to spend and many different places in which he could spend it...
"It is a tough time for businesses now, isn't it. The damage the kobolds did (and the threat they pose) certainly dries up the luxury markets. When was the last time someone came in here with a full sack of gold on their hip? My guess is that it's been weeks, if not months. The good news is, I am happy to help you out!"
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Ilvaria spends the rest of the day chatting with more of the locals. It's a gossipy town and she starts getting an understanding of the local politics. The Abadaran worshipers are trying to develop the economy of Belhaim and in particular are interested in creating new workshops that can make exportable trade goods, such as Potter's Row. On the other hand, the Sheylinites want to preserve the beauty of the town and are opposed to enterprises that may mar the appearance of the town or attract outsiders that don't fit in. Finally there are the Green Faith followers, the dominant religion of those who make their living from the land itself. They tend to shun politics, but still end up finding themselves drawn into disputes between the Abadar and Sheylyn worshippers.
Ilvaria also finds out that that Belhaim's druid and his wife have been missing for two months. People are worried that something happened to them; but they are also worried about what kind of threat could have been too much for them to handle.
Another person warns her not to enter the wizard's manor. "That wizard Hunclay always spooked me. I heard he worships devils and collects evil books!"
Andwise manages to talk both vendors into offering what he wants at a 10% discount. (So 990 gp total!)
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Andwise continues to make small talk with the shop keepers as he packs his new cloak and tools.
Sliding another 5gp across the counter he offers a smile (from well below counter height). "I am sure that some of my friends will end up wanting to spend coin here as well. Thanks for your hospitality"
As he walks out, a large shadowy cat-like figure trounces out of the alley and sidles up alongside the halfling. Little has changed from the last time Tanssi materialized, but Andwise's eyes are drawn to the almost comically elongated claws on its front "paws".
I see you noticed my new surprise... a voice nudges inside of Andwise's head. "And I hope you were intending that cloak for me...
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The party is able to rest at the Wise Piper, with some of the locals offering to pick up their tab. In the morning they wake up and make their way up the hill to Hunclay's manor.
Hunclay's manor is a two story house made of heavy gray stone. It appears to be the newest building in the town and is also the grandest. The only entrance is a pair of large, oak doors in the front of the manor. The grisly remains of a kobold still lie next to the door, its flesh badly charred and its limbs contorted into an unnatural position by the heat of some great fire. Apparently no one in town has been brave enough to move the corpse out of the way.
On the wizard's body they had found a key ring with two heavy keys on it; one made of iron and the other made of brass. It seems likely that one of those keys will open the front door to the wizard's home.
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Sir Falcon moves the body down the steps. It's surprisingly light, as the combination of the fire and then staying out in the sun for several days has nearly skeletonized the body. He knocks on the door. Nothing happens.
Andwise and Ilvaria search the door for signs that there is a trap, either mechanical or magical. Hopefully whatever killed the kobold was expended, because they can't find any signs of a trap.