Concordance of The Abyss (Pathfinder Chronicle) (Inactive)

Game Master Molech

Seeing the whirlwind of motion Val grips her Falchion and sighs."Seems others are eager to do harm. That just won't do."

with as loud a voice as she can muster she asserts herself."To whoever seeks to harm, I beseech you to instead turn back from winch you came or lay down arms. The prospects of having to face those assembled here, will not go in your favor. So instead of bloodshed, I offer peace. Let it be known that it is not me, nor my companions who did not offer you a chance for something greater, a chance to live! So what will it be? A chance to live another day or the cruel fate of death?" Val said regally. It was her oath.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Oratory: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

In battle you are the Rose, offer the sweet blossom if they should accept then there is hope that they may yet live to love and laugh, should they not, then weld the thorn. Fight for love, even the one who rejected it. In victory never pity them, for they chose their fate, instead pray for them. May they know peace in the afterlife, they did not have in life. At least that was one of many interpretations of The Eternal Roses' knightly edicts.

After that she slowly draws the wicked Falchion. A dark blade with nicks and cuts that made it have character. Its hilt and pommel clearly devilish in origins, but the wrap was clearly colorful. It was a strange contrast to the person who welded it.

"The first rule of civilized behavior is to go inside when you do not wish to be observed. I do not think we must resort to combat in the street when a perfectly reasonable doorway exists. Especially with such charming hosts." She draws her hand through a practiced series of gestures as she steps into the doorway to stand defensively in front of the two Pythons.

Muziel Moreau, hearing a call for peace from his ally -- and with two combat veterans beside him against the (apparently) lone, cloaked figure, Holds his Actions to see what happens next before potentially doing something rash.

The cloaked figure, for his part, quickly surrenders to an obviously overwhelming force perceptive enough to see his spying from the eaves. But it is odd that, in the instant before he surrenders, he looks over his shoulder into the darkness and yellowish smog of The Styes.

Meanwhile, his stealthier accomplice, realizing bad things are about to happen, attempts to stealthily slink away, his proficiency at 'fast stealth' aiding his attempt. And then, at the back of Pythoness House, he attempts to climb down to Garrison Hill, well out of sight from this large group. (Muziel Moreau, Par Joakimson and Mishanter, all on the roof, can attempt to see the second cloaked figure trying to sneak away.)

[ooc]How far away is he?[ooc]

" I assume by the lack of combat that combat isn't going on. Now let's be civilized and meet. I do prefer tea to violence" Inepira days as she seems to shift from a ready stance to a relaxed stance.

" Though if you don't want to talk I assume my companions will give you a good fight. So how about we have some tea instead and talk" Valeria states letting her companions know should they decided not to take time to talk that she forfeits peace.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

The stealthier cloaked figure, crouching near a gable, is eight to twelve feet from Muziel, Par and Mishanter as he begins slinking to the other side of the roof to climb down. And about 25-30 feet away when he begins silently climbing down Pythoness House.

Inside Pythoness House with Mistress Maquent and Madame Radanna Scalth, Artemisia sees the women react with seeming surprise and concern about what is happening just outside their door. Somewhat unsettled by the group's arrival 'in force' a moment ago, now it seems as though something potentially dangerous is happening.

Artemisia notes the concerned glances and calls out to Valeria.

”Tea, civil conversation, and now some reassurance all seem preferable. Come inside Val, I’m sure our companions are much better equipped for a rooftop chase than either of us and surely this suits us better as well. Your rose would have you protect these innocents rather than chase, and my lord favors forgiveness over grudge.”.

She turns and shrugs at the women.
”Sorry for the excitement, sometimes adventuring makes people prone to acts of dering-do and leaping through portals when they meet beautiful women. I think it’s all the time sleeping cold on hard dungeon tile that makes them so excitable.” she muses while looking over the windowless room approvingly.

”I assume by the sensible decor and your calm response that cloaked rooftop observers are a hazard of the professional Pythonesque much like would be apprentices, amateur book obsessed rogues, and the occasional desperate parent are some of the routine but ultimately unconcerning challenges of adventuring wizard?”

Mishanter focuses on the surrendering cloaked figure and fails to notice the the other one slinking away. He asked their captive, ”Mind telling us what you’re doing up here?”

Inside Pythoness House with Artemisia, Sabella Arvanxi promptly gets to the business at hand while here capable allies interrogate a captured spy above. They share with the Elf their anger that a spy is on their roof. But, considering The Styes, the can't feign too much shock or outrage.

The women answer: The murdered victim was a long resident of Bridgefront who lost his family during the Bloodveil Plague of a few years ago. He was hoping to divine the weal or woe of moving to one of the empty shacks adjacent to old 'Salvatore Scream's' house closer to Old Dock. (The terrifying Spectre haunts his old home and, desperate and impoverished as they are, no one risks getting too close to Salvatore Scream's!)

Moments after he left (the Augury had been positive) The Lantern Man came out of nowhere and struck him with an axe in the chest; then he hacked away at the man's corpse. A few of The Lamplighter's kids saw what happened then: The Lantern Man lit a lantern, illuminating his bloody axe, dripping with viscera, and the mutilated chunks of the corpse. The kids saw him looking over the remains for s moment before staggering off.

Perhaps there is a bit more to the tale, though the memories of Mistress Maquent and Madame Radanna Scalth are sometimes short, and it is quite late now. Maybe you would consider more information to be valuable?

On the roof of Pythoness House the captured spy admits he was charged with scouting specifically for anyone asking about The Lantern Man. He 'says' he was tasked with the assignment from one of the Korvosan Guard Officers known to accept bribes for one of the Old Dock gang leaders.

The tiefling scrutinized the the spy’s body language, tone, and eye movement as he related his tale. Trying to ascertain his truthfulness.

" Mistress and Madame, do you have tea? I would live to discuss things and enjoy the company. You two seem beautiful women. Ones I bet know many a ways to entertain someone with enough coin." Val says as she reaches back and grabs from the pouch that hung just behind her backpack, to pull forth a smaller purse.

" I will pay handsomely for the simple service, say 100 gold coins for tea and conversation?" Val said gesturing for them to find a place to Sir and talk. " Besides should they need are help they will call. I say let them poke and prod, here we can talk and entertain. Why I may even sing a lark or two. Though no were near as good as My daughter"

" Sorry, I was doting, if not Tea I have coffee. Up to you ladies though it is your establishment" Val says warm and calm ever bit a woman in command of herself and the situation.

Pärs ventures downstairs, not wishing to pursue the escapist at this juncture.

Speak with the fine and fair doting ladies He says, making a polite nod to Valeria and Artemisia
Or answer to me He looks at his quarry as if he was an important insect.
Your call
intimidate good cop bad cop routine: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17

Rd1, using Uncanny Senses Roll from earlier

K’Tak's wild honed senses are not deceived. He begins to pursue the second, stealthier, spy, across the rooftop and down the wall. As he does so he calls a warning his allies: "There'th another one!"

I just deleted my Gameplay post (accidentally) and I have to get ready to host my homegame in a few hours. I'll redo the post but in a nutshell:

Val & Artemisia in Pythoness House w/ Par having stepped inside (I miswrote Par on the roof; he never was.) .... Maquent & Radanna take the 100 gp and provide wine and tea from their own pantry (they don't really sell food or drink to customers). .... They are concerned about what's going on outside but are choosing not to get inbetween you and whoever's up there. .... They are not surprised you "gangsters" are here, nor surprised of the spies on the roof -- Ever since The Lantern Man killed the poor guy four days ago several powerful people have been here asking -- not just Commander Jute of the Korvosan Guard. 'It doesn't take a Diviner to discern The Lantern Man is more than just a serial killer!' They realize. .... Monks from 'The Truth and Light' commune were asking. .... So was someone from The Darklight Sisterhood. .... And finally, someone from a Magistrate, obviously those details would cost more than 100 gold coins, considering the danger of outing a Magistrate. .... If they can, they admit, they will sell their information to get closer to being able to afford getting out of The Styes and into Korvosa peninsula.

. . . .

On the roof K'Tak sees a second spy escaping down the back. .... Mishanter questions the captured spy and discovers he's obviously not from one of the gangs of Old Dock. (An Intimidate check -- which can be aided by another PC's Diplomacy -- is needed to get him from 'Hostile' to at least 'Unfriendly,' if not 'indifferent.') .... What you can superficially observe is he is a Stealth specialist and was NOT expecting to be seen. .... Muziel is also on the roof.

. . . .

Sabella Arvanxi is the pivot, not inside Pythoness House but could be quickly; she is not on the roof but could be quickly. She is connecting the two, keeping everyone in communication.

Seeing that K'Thak is in pursuit, the old dwarf conjures some more magics and gives the lizardman and those around him I think Muziel, Sabella? Haste!

For K'tak, time seems to slow down as Muziel's magic blossoms around him. Chasing the second spy, he's across the roof in a flash, and hops down from the wall even as the spy finishes his climb. Arm's length away, K'tak asks "Eathy way or hard way, warmblood?"; his tone suggests he might enjoy the hard way...

Artemisia enjoys the tea and conversation, but when the ladies comment on the dangers of telling more about the Lantern Man her attention focuses.

”Well of course you cannot endanger yourselves further, but perhaps you might allow that you are already maximally in danger? None of those groups you mention are known for loose ends. I suspect you might wish to find a bolt hole in the near future, if not with gangsters such as we, then elsewhere in the city or leaving altogether. I will write you a letter of introduction to one of our associates, in case you need to flee. Further information, or no, it is the least we can do, and a terrible bit of stress this murderer has added to your lives. I am so sorry.”

So saying, she pulls a journal and a sheet of vellum and begins penning the details of their testimony while drafting a letter introducing the two women to Sheila or perhaps an alternative, she looks up at her companion.

”Val to the Rose or the Quill do you think?” she asks.

"I do have varied, if you need a few official seals I have a couple of those as well. I am a clerk and can draft a contract should you need it. T'was a required class in the schools of my youth. Why my mother and father made sure to instruct me on the various ins and outs of legalities. Combine that with a Tutor named Vorixxadrilgar, a horrible fellow who smelt of sulfur, but was ever a dutiful and shrewd teacher."

The Paladin paused and giggled."He though had a weakness for sweets. To think a devil had a sweet tooth is something interesting." She looked up as she pulled from a small niche between her backpack and back a belt pouch and began to rifle through the contents.

She pulled out some paper, sealing wax, some ink a pen, and a variety of decently kept writing utensils. After a moment she then pulls the sack closed and slipped it back into the area between her haversack and her back.

"Do you need a signet to press after words?" Val asked taking up her tea cup and then sips enjoying it throughoughly.

"Yes, apologies, The Rose, always the Rose" She smiled sipping even more tea and then frowns at her gear now splayed out on the table before her.

"My eagerness distracts, My Daughter is right, Probably why I forgot to notice my last lover begin too focused in Rune Magic, and well took a knife to the ribs for it. To think she would do such a thing in bed!"She sighed as her hand moved to form the tea to the imp face on the pommel of her face. a cruel reminder of her past.

Sabella fully enters Pythoness House, joining Val and Artemisia for tea, and wine. She arrives just as the latter is suggesting Maquent & Radanna flee, and the tiefling shakes her head in disagreement. "I do not think their lives are in that much danger. After all, Commander Jute himself has taken up this investigation, and do not think he'll take kindly to others 'tying up loose ends.' Though, really, I'm not sure I would consider the Mistress and/or Madam a loose end. This wasn't some conspiratorial murder, where you need to also eliminate any potential witnesses, nor do I feel those who have already stopped by here will want to kill our lovely hosts. They are rather public personas and their sudden murders would likely cause far more harm than good."

"Ah, yes. A good point Sabella. That would be why we are writing them introductions. Not so that they must flee into the night, but rather so that if they do find themselves fleeing they might have a safe landing. While it is all well and good of the Commander to promise to get to the bottom of such matters, it is far more useful to provide shelter and comfort to those who might be at risk. Such as our lovely hosts."

Artemisia inclines her head in the quiet women's direction and smiles serenely, as if this is all a common enough concern as she finishes her tea.

"Ah, the end of the cup. The trouble with divining, I find, is knowing when to ask more questions and when to take action. The difference between one extra moment spent waiting and not is larger than most realize. Of course, I am certain the two of you have more experience in such matters, and will judge your time to leap appropriately."

Finishing her introduction she seals it, and hands it across the table.

"Still, should you need assistance in the future, or perhaps remember additional details, an introduction causes no harm."

Mishanter holds off on questioning the spy waiting to see if the other spy is caught.

Climbing down as quickly and quietly as he can, the second spy is astonished to see K'Tak slithering down Pythones House like a rattlesnake-Tiefling.

Round 3:

Reaching the ground of Garrison Hill near K'Tak he attempts to flee from the Dineh, downhill toward Bridgefront, a look of fear betraying his mostly cloaked face. Without, unfortunately, a magical enchantment to his speed, he can be easily outrun. But the spy is clearly hoping to get to Bridgefront where hiding places abound. .... Apparently he does not have any 'friendly' places nearby on Garrison Hill to run to -- or else he's leading you away from a safehouse.

(Withdraw 120 feet away from K'Tak -- who has Haste and can run 5x movement instead of four.)

Pythoness House

Mistress Maquent and Madame Radanna Scalth listen to the words of Artemisia over wine. "Danger? Loose Ends? My dear you misunderstand us. After the murder four nights ago those we mentioned came here asking questions, not about us, about The Lantern Man. Hardly even about the victim. I don't think anyone has bothered at all about the victim -- or us. They just want The Lantern Man. All we could tell them was what we told you. We are not a loose end. But with each passing day it becomes more and more clear that this serial killer is far more than just some common murder-hobo. Too many people who should not care a calico-cat about it are all the sudden very interested and are chasing every possible lead to find him.

"Tell us, what is so unique about The Lantern Man? Why is he special? What are you chasing after him for? We see you're not from The Styes, your accents don't sound Korvosan either, even Chelaxian. Who are you?" Neither of the women have apparently heard the little Chelaxian in Lady Valeria Thrune's accent. For good or ill, they don't recognize Lady Val as from Cheliax.

Pythoness House

The women continue as Lady Val offers to write a letter for them and Sabella supports the women's claims of not being afraid. They quickly acknowledge they can hear a Chelaxian accent in Lady Sabella Arvanxi's voice, and the more Lady Val speaks, the more the women wonder, perhaps are guessing, about her Chelaxian roots -- especially having mentioned a Devilish tutor and the contracts.

Both Mistress Maquent and Madame Radanna Scalth are thirstily interested in to whom a letter-of-introduction from Lady Val. The look on their faces reveals that such letters, in Korvosa as in Cheliax, can carry much power.

Look, I am Sarkorian, which should be competely obvious Pärs states, in a completely non threatening way, to the 2 prostitutes.

I am playing bad cop to Vals and Artemisias good cops regarding the surrendered guy, and Strong relatively silent regarding the 2 prostitutes

My current profession is that people hire me, and I kill evil extraplanars for them, or send them back to their plane, typically by delivering massive amounts of violence to their face assuming they got one.
Evil outsider usually meaning Demon, but sometimes also Devil, Daemon, Sakhil or Rakshasa. If someone specifically hires me to track down and neutralize something, he or she probably has a lingering suspicion that it will involve extraplanars.
Entirely your decision how helpfull you want to be, but the more forthcoming you are, the quicker the problem goes away.

Diplomacy to assist the friendly ladies: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

"Mwaargh" K'tak growls at the foolishness of warmbloods and charges in pursuit, horn leading the way...

"I have gone by many names in my long life, more to the point I am known as Lady Valeria, but mostly Val. I have spent most of my time here in Varisia as Muscle and deliver into ruins. Raised a family and supported the arts and spread love." Val says sipping tea. Valeria looked to Par and smiled.

" As for letters, well" Valeria smiles."I still have those I know of in lands far from here. SOme mayhaps Par has met and been sent away. Though I am not sure."

Seems I still have a bit of that mysterious air. Thankfully, by the Everblooming Heart, those early years in Cheliaxan courts, amongst the ever scheming houses she knew how to keep intrigue alive, combine that with her charm and years of study have made her skills still sharp

"Though I doubt my past is of any great interest, I grew up in an affluent house, learned the blade, learned the basic knowledge with the best tutors and even more boring things. Just know I left to see the world and found well, found my way into motherhood. One of the best adventurers I have ever known." Val told those in attendance as she held her Teacup out for more tea. Wondering if any in attendance would pour her another.

Artemisia refills cups, passing one to Par as well while musing on what to say. Finally she remarks,

"You ladies are indeed correct, this Lantern Man is of course not a trivial murder, and perhaps you do not need any assistance from us if you are so certain of your outcomes. I could not say, but would not wish to find out I was wrong. Rarely has cautious dealings and preparedness steered me astray."

She takes a sip of tea and continues. "Still, as you say, what of the victim? Who were they and why were they here? I would not wish to jump to conclusions as I am sure so many do when discussing your business. Did they leave safely, have you any idea if they have next of kin? I am, I admit, always more interested in helping than harming. Please, go on." She leans in, earnest interest on her face.

From the roof, Muziel Moreau casts Glitterdust at the fleeing spy, hoping to blind if, or at least, make it all the easier for K'Tak to catch him if he makes it into the tangled, labyrinthine shanties and 'shingles' of Bridgefront.

Blinded and sparkling in Dwarven star-motes, the second spy is well and completely captured.

Mishanter, keeping an eye and one of his long arms on the first spy, can readily begin his intimidation for information.

Pythoness House

Mistress Maquent and Madame Radanna Scalth listen to you briefly go over your names without really giving any information about why The Lantern Man is so special. 'Perhaps The Lantern Man is really a Fiend in disguise and this gentleman Par, and this Paladin of Shelyn, are often hired to hunt Fiends. An Elf with Sword-and-Spell and the rest of them together do look like such.'

The women seem clearly over their heads. They only see opportunity for profit. What little information they have, they can sell. "So, would you like to pay top know which Magistrate sent his minions here to ask us about the Lantern Man murder?"

Looking back to Artemisia, they reiterate the information about the victim:

The murdered victim was a long resident of Bridgefront who lost his family during the Bloodveil Plague of a few years ago. He was hoping to divine the weal or woe of moving to one of the empty shacks adjacent to old 'Salvatore Scream's' house closer to Old Dock. (The terrifying Spectre haunts his old home and, desperate and impoverished as they are, no one risks getting too close to Salvatore Scream's!)

Moments after he left (the Augury had been positive) The Lantern Man came out of nowhere and struck him with an axe in the chest; then he hacked away at the man's corpse. A few of The Lamplighter's kids saw what happened then: The Lantern Man lit a lantern, illuminating his bloody axe, dripping with viscera, and the mutilated chunks of the corpse. The kids saw him looking over the remains for s moment before staggering off.

"Seems the man had poor luck. A tragedy to be sure. I am sorry to have it be attached to you. Both of you seem wonderful and capable women. Especially knowing you two respect and honor your contracts and house rules. An admirable thing" Val smiled as she worked through things eternally.

Two divining Prostitutes. Both Sorcerers and fondness for Cheliax and if I wasn't mistaken the symbology is clearly a Lord of the Nine they coveted. Not Asmodeus, but one of the others. Which was interesting.

As the women repeat themselves Artemisia gathers her things, and smiles tightly at the not unsubtle attempt at solicitation.

”Well. I’m afraid I have little interest in bartering, and thus it seems our time is at an end. Be well, and may you have a long life. If you need help, Korada is always there.”

She then exits the house to the street, speaking quickly to her companions.

”Our victim came from elsewhere and I suspect that is our next diversion. Who are these new acquaintances, and are we keeping them?. She seems remarkably calm about the ad hoc prisoners. As if she is too weary to argue with pathfinders about ways and means.

"Thould have chothen the eathy way fool..."
K'tak drags his prey back to Mishanter and Muziel (up onto the roof). While Mishanter interrogates the spies, K'tak searches them for clues and valuables. (Presumably Muziel will help out with detect magic to find any magic items; he's got a good eye for it, having already spotted a "enchanted short sword and chain shirt under a drab and dark cloak, fine quality but made to appear shabby." Not sure if enchanted applies to just the sword or to the chain shirt as well.)

Once that is done, Ktak will take a peak over the side of the roof to see if the "rat" that was watching us is still there... Without letting it see him...

Muziel is delighted as the lizardman brings back the second spy. "Great catch, K'Tak!" Muziel casts Detect Magic and helps with the search to make sure their prisoners aren't hiding anything.
Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26

After that, the short, awkward looking wizard tries to threaten them.
"Alright, so what's the deal lads? You Aspis scum? Better talk or Trogs here's gonna give ya a stinkin'!"
Intimidate: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (8) - 2 = 6

The cute skunk sniffs curiously at the spies and doesn't seem like it's about to strike at all.

"I think it might be a good idea to try and talk to The Lamplighter, as it seems like he'll likely have the most useful information directly related to the murder." Sabella replies after the Val and Artemisia finish up their letters.

"Regardless of who we talk to next, I would like a few minutes to thoroughly examine the crime scene. Perhaps my magicks can pick up on something the others missed."

" Well thank you for the hospitality and especially the tea, it was wonderful." Val finished her letter and sealed it with her personal seal. It was Signed to be opened by Master Abner Thistlerock Major Domo of the Autumn Palace of High Lady Thrule

"You ladies take care to only use that if absolutely necessary. It's to an old, old friend" She smiles as she then holds each of the ladies' hands before she kissed each before she turned and left.

Outside with the others, she nods."That seems a great idea, we should allow you to work over the crime scene. Maybe your magics can find out something the others haven't"

Looking at the crime scene it is obvious that a horribly brutal murder took place here, 50 or so feet from Pythoness House. No tracks remain visible, until tracking powder is used, and then a faint trail can be followed into the depths of Bridgefront.

No further sight of any large, inquisitive rats are readily seen -- though at this time of night, with the smog and sickly-yellowish, misty-miasma hanging in the air -- it is very possible a rat from Rodenthome is watching from the darkest shadows and crevices of Garrison Hill.

Your two captured spies are both subdued, but their hostility still overrides their fear -- though the looks on their Red-Faced, pocked visages, they know they are in for an evening of Intimidation. They are bracing themselves emotionally to resist your threats.

Perhaps Mister Refrum can tell you where to find The Lamplighter, who it is said can see through the flames of the street lamps. And Mister Refrum can tell you of the other locations of the murders. He can also answer questions about this-or-that location in The Styes, should the need arise.

Pär would move to isolate them from each other, and wait until eiher Val or Artimisia makes the first move.
He is very much the "bad cop".
So, whats your preference, me or the Lady? I would add we arent neccessarily enemies, so you really should choose the Lady.
Intimidiate: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23

Perception injured spy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
Perception other spy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

Artemisia looks over the two spies, then sees about stanching the wounds on the gored spy, shaking her head as she does so.

"Have you any next of kin, or anyone else we should notify of your injuries? That was quite the fall you took, it would be good if someone could stay with you overnight. Brave of you to stay quiet."

She looks up at K'Tak.

"You did a nice clean job of disabling them, no major organ damage that I can see. Oh they'll have scars perhaps, and be in bed for a while, but I'm sure that's a minor inconvenience. Val, Sabella you might want to start with the other, this one isn't going anywhere." She waves them away, and then looks down at the individual she's currently helping, for a value of help.
profession(field surgeon): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

"I should warn you I am a terrible mystic." she mentions conversationally.

"Val, over there, even Par here, are both divinely inspired. They can wiggle their fingers at you, cross their eyes, maybe pat you gently on the forehead and poof. Wounds gone." She plunges her hands into the mess to push some of the viscera back inside and then secures the bandage more tightly before resuming.

"I'm afraid most of my studies were anatomical and more towards the pruning than the preserving side. Still, even a makeshift field doctor is a doctor and I've treated my share over the years. No complaints so far. You'll be stuck in a bed for weeks of course. No easy way to deny you've had a gut wound, and this place..." she gestures around with a quick prestidigitation to clean the gore.

"Well it's not much of a hospital. If you'd like to answer Par's questions, I'll leave you in his care, but I don't know if you'd rather not have a week in bed to think things over. Let me know, and try to stay strong. Your employer, whoever they are, values your loyalty to some unclear cause and your interminable suffering. I, and Korada, value your life and repentance. I'll not let you die."

She wipes the spy's face gently clean, pulls the bandage tight once more before finally casting a bit more prestidigitation and watching the rest of the grime slough off her, onto the ground nearby. She then crouches and watches the disabled spy.

When she gets to the crime scene, Sabella looks it over, trying to spot any signs of blood. If she's unable to see any obvious blood stains, she'll turn to K'Tak and ask him to look over the area for her. Should any blood be found, she'll cast a spell to learn a more information about the victim.

Blood Biography can be cast on even a drop of dried blood

As K'Tak begins using his survival skills and the alchemical reagents to track The Lantern Man, Sabella Arvanxi casts her divination in the ephemeral, red stains. About a minute later, with a preternatural pall of necromantic divination, trickles of sanguine blood form in condensation droplets on K'Tak's back, answering the Chelaxian's spell:

'I was Titorus, a scavenger and 'down-on-my-luck' metalsmith, out of work for over a year after the depression from losing my family to the Bloodveil plague impeded my work ethic. Four nights ago as I left Pythoness House after paying for an augury, The Lantern Man charged at me from the shadows, cleaving my stomach in twain and mutilating my pulpy corpse. Behind his crazy yellow hair were eyes wild with true insanity and feverish hunger. I thought I saw a fetish or statuette dangling from a length of netting from his neck, though I could not describe it. His eyes, his Eyes! He was mad, and not the rage of a barbaric gladiator, but a foaming-mouthed-wolverine, lost in unquenchable horror and confusion. After he killed me he calmed for a moment before staggering away in a daze or trance.'

A few steps away from Sabella Arvanxi, K'Tak turns back to his allies smiling with the success of finding The Lantern Man's tracks. He does not see the enchanted blood fading from his back revealing the last biographical moments of Titorus' life. And then the blood is gone.

" I can do exactly as she says. A pity you did not take my offer. If you had then you wouldn't be in such a horrible state" She says with a smile.

Looking at Artemisa she speaks softly."I have apell that forces the truth."

K'Tak turns back to the party from his focused contemplation of the cobblestones. There is a light in his eyes as he says, with curious formality: "I have the trail. Will you join me on the hunt?"

Artemisia nods to Val, and looks towards K’Tak, then speaks to the spy.

”Time to decide then. A bed and a gut wound, some truthful time with the Lady, or some time with Par? I’d choose the lady.”

She stands up, walking towards K’Tak and Sabella, trusting Val and Par with the men and Muziel to handle additional surprises.

”We are united in purpose, we would not abandon you to the hunt K’Tak. We must attend to these prisoners, and then the trail. I assume from your smile, Sabella, that you found what you needed?” she asks, quietly.

Deciding his usefulness here is at an end, Muziel ends up by K'Tak's side. "Yer tellin' me ye got th Lantern Man's trail? I'll sure join ya for some huntin'!"

Let us hunt then, unless one of these chucklef%#~s makes a really bad decision. Pär smirks.