Located on the south edge of town, you have little doubt you have found the right place as you gaze upon what remains of Tychus Groat's Smithy.
A miasma of ash and smoke fills the air around the ruins, and collapsed stone and fragments of burnt wood litter the area. Several plumes of fire burn merrily throughout the smithy. The locals of Kantaria give the site a wide berth, believing it to be inhabited by a devil made manifest from Tychus’s unquiet spirit.
Given the fact that the fires still burn here long past when they should have burned out on their own, you suspect something unnatural or supernatural is at work here.
Yessss child, use the fact that you are at least one quarter sex-demon! Embrace the proud heritage of the midnight isles! And Bards are great, one of the inn-and-outs I run is called "Bard and Breakfast"! Aurelius hears a mental voice, one that not infrequently messes with him
Keep the f##* out of my datelife "mother", and what do you mean by He shoots back angrily
As to your second question, more like 6, and, yes, for wealthy clients. Bards are expensive because they are pretty hard to keep alive in Alyushinyrra. As to your first there is a dramatic pause
Thehehehehehe Aurelius hears a giggle as the voice fades
I need to figure how that that b!@~% is spying on me. At she probably is close. Aurelius thinks
Sercrutio traces some symbols in the air in front of his chest and says, "Armis." The traced symbols that lingered with a red glow in the air meld together and then continue spreading around the noble's body until a faint translucent set of armor can barely be seen. He then passes a hand over his eyes and adds, "vide magica." With that his eyes glow a faint blue.
"Alright," the thinly built young man says boldly, "I am ready to proceed." His face sets to one of determination.
Detect Magic is a good choice. I don't know what else we might need until I see the threat. Maybe bless, maybe magic weapon? I only have one of those, however. Who is best at listening at the smoking door?
Too much background noise...
Giuliano approaches one of the smithy's collapsed walls, and peers inside.
Ambition bless me!
Aurelius casts divine favor.
I can detect magic as well, more eyes see more
Aurelius eyes shine in a blue light
Unconcerned about the lingering fire, Guillaume walks into the smoldering ruins. "Hello?"
The fires seem normal, at least they don't radiate any magical auras... or do they? As you detect magic you notice a flicker of magic occur in two of the nearby flames and then promptly fading away before you can get a real look at it. And then the magical aura engulfs one of the little fires near Charles. It shudders forward and takes a swipe at him!
Charles responds quickly, keeping his clothing from catching on fire, but still gets blistered for his trouble.
Round 1
-------------------
➤Fellzir
➤Sercrutio
➤Charles (-3 hp)
➤Guillaume
➤Aurelius
Fire
Giuliano
Once more into the flames!
Aurelius moves to strike at the flame, flanking with Guillaume, wielding bastard sword and shield.
I dont know what this is, but there is one less of them now. Hopefully
Charles smiles knowingly.
"Of course! I would be delighted. There all sorts of ways that cunning tools can be used... and hidden..."
Charles leaps back.
"It is *acting* like a small fire elemental, but there is something... off... about it..."
"Beecroft has the right of it," Sercrutio says as he traces a symbol in the air between himself and the nearest elemental. He then thrusts a pointed finger at the creature and says, "Gelu." A ray of blue extends toward the elemental.
The little fire is snuffed out, quite quickly indeed.
Aurelius starts speaking
Is it one that is capable of the of ? Such abilities are powerful for maintaing one ability others. It would behove to keep this in mind.
He specifically pronounces certain words more loudly, yet the communication is totally harmless otherwise.
Secret message is: Use Telepathy to communicate with us
Sercrutio shouts in a harsh and unsettling language, though familiar to many in Cheliax. There are sharp clicks and guttural sounds giving his words a sinister undercurrent, probably stemming from just speaking the language.
A voice booms into your minds, angry and suspicious, "Who dares invoke the name of Tychus Groat in his home? Your faces are not known here. The forge will not serve the Betrayer!"
You still see no sign of the devil but are reassured that dialogue has been opened. If you could make assurances of where your loyalty truly lies and perhaps show proof, you could likely count the Ukobach among your allies here.
Charles glances around to make sure no-one else is watching, then flexes to reveal the mark.
I trust that is sufficient proof?
"Our faces are not known because we have come here to clean up the pollution to this place. We were sent here to punish those that killed Tychus."
"How many do you know with a face like mine who serve those fools?" Guillaume asks, before flashing his mark.
A small devil peers out at you from the dark corner, his eyes lit with internal flame. He looks like a caricature of an elderly gnome, his nose and ears too large for his round face. His skin is red-raw and blackened like a burn victim.
He continues to speak into your minds, his mouth an unmoving rictus snarl. "Thrunelings come at last, then. Too late for Tychus, his fires gone cold. But vengeance keeps. You will make the Betrayer pay? Or hunt down the thieving rat that stole Sinderbos? What would you ask of Brextur?"
"How many do you know with a face like mine who serve those fools?" Guillaume asks, before flashing his mark.
"At least one does, I have seen him passing."
Sinderbos? Details, if you seek its retrieval Aurelius interjects telepathically but does not manifest his mark
And what we ask of? Information, to restore order
"We are working on the vengeance, for sure. Is there some specific Betrayer you have in mind?" Giuliano remarks. The danger should be over, but he keeps his blade in hand. Best thread carefully with devils...
"Are there anything left in the forge? Something we could use against Tychus' killers?"
Fellzir briefly shows him the mark and watches for a reaction.
It seems we are allies here. We would be happy to assist with finding Sinderbos. It sounds...intriguing.
"Sinderbos was Tychus' hammer, an unholy relic devoted to Moloch. It is a mighty weapon in any hands, but in the hands of one who serves Moloch, it is also a splendid tool of creation. Some skulking human made off with it in the aftermath of the smith's defeat."
In answer to Giuliano, Brextur clenches his teeth and utters a hateful hiss. "Nevlindor! He condescended to offer Tychus quarter if he would stand aside. He dared ask him to turn from Moloch for their supposed friendship while he led the Inheritor's dogs to take the town. A friend does not ask one to shame himself with a craven act that is anathema to his god. Tychus was no coward and so he faced the priest in single combat. He fell, but he upheld Moloch's will to his last breath." The little devil puffs up with pride as he tells of the fall of his partner.
The Ukobach walks over to the forge fire and plunges his hand into the glowing coals, drawing one out in the palm of his hand. But a second look shows that it is a brilliant red gem, pulsing with orange light. "May Moloch's flames render the Betrayer's bones to ash." Brextur pronounces, using his physical voice for the first time as he offers the gem.
An elemental gem comes in one of four different varieties. Each contains a conjuration spell attuned to a specific elemental plane (Air, Earth, Fire, or Water).
When the gem is crushed, smashed, or broken (a standard action), a Large elemental appears as if summoned by a summon nature’s ally spell. The elemental is under the control of the creature that broke the gem.
Guillaume's ears perk up at the name of Moloch. "A hammer dedicated to the Ashen Bull, you say? Interesting."
Charles frowns.
"Agreed. If they were truly friends, especially if one of them was a priest, you would think that he would have respected piety and loyalty, even if he himself did not support the deity in question."
He then carefully inspects the gem.
"Ah! A Fire Elemental Gem."
A thought then occurs to him.
"Can you describe the human who stole the hammer? It would help us to track them down..."
"Nevlindor..." Giuliano pauses to give it a thought. "We have a name, and someone must know him and lead us to him." he says with confidence.
"Nevlindor..." Giuliano pauses to give it a thought. "We have a name, and someone must know him and lead us to him." he says with confidence.
Brextur gives a basic description of the hammer thief. A blonde, bearded fellow shouldn't be too hard to locate among a town full of Chelaxians.
"Yes, my new friend, we have met him and he will soon get what he deserves. Perhaps as he breathes his last we can invoke the name of the honorable Tychus. And of course we will find the hammer thief as well. The elemental gem will go a long way toward incinerating our enemies."
Fellzir trying to remember this is a social mission and not a burn everything down mission.
"Yes... it will be well. The Betrayer will burn!"
The Sweetest Drop is nestled on the southeast side of Kantaria just across the street from both Narikopolus Manor and Valor Fastness, the grand fortified temple of Iomedae. It looks quite modest and homey, dwarfed by its proximity to such glorious structures. But it positively radiates with cozy warmth and good cheer when compared with the austere quality of the Little Uskwood. The wooden sign over the front entrance features the silhouette of a laughing maid holding a mug aloft and tipping the last drop from it into her upturned mouth. A merry bell jingles to announce your entry as you open the door to enter.
The interior is as charming and welcoming as its proprietor. Yellow wooden tables have been polished to a high shine so they gleam like gold. The bar is made of hardwood with a red undertone, dark and smooth from age and oil. An eclectic array of chairs and stools of differing styles and heights contribute to the lived-in atmosphere.
The Drop is a busy establishment, serving as both tavern and eatery. The yeasty aromas of baking and brewing hang heavy in the air along with other appetizing scents both sweet and savory. People are eating and drinking with gusto while a number of servers, human and halfling, weave their way through the patrons. You notice a few familiar faces from the Marketplace, many of whom give you a nod of recognition in return. Including the merchant you last saw being tended by the alchemist, Demeer. He still looks a bit pale and wan, but lifts his mug to you in a kind of salute.
Jana Holdus greets you brightly, waving your party closer to the bar over the din. ”Ah, you came! Please, make yourselves at home. What can we get for you? My new cook has whipped up a divine Paella.” She puts her hand beside her mouth in a confidential gesture, though she doesn’t lower her voice at all. ”Hopefully Loredana won’t resent me scooping her up. It was either The Drop or private employment. And her cooking deserves to be enjoyed by all!” She exclaims with a laugh.
Entering The Drop, Giuliano finds himself nodding approvingly. This place does have charm, surely. And is does smell much more appetizing than Little Uskwood Inn. Walking in, he gives a nod to the familiar faces as passes them. He taps the tended merchant on the shoulder, and says "I hope you're feeling better now, sir."
He turns to address patrons in general. "Terrible events in the marketplace today. How about a round on me for everyone? Drink and shake off the bad memories!"
Smiling, Giuliano approaches the bar. "Miss Holdus. Lovely to see you again. Quite an establishment you have here," he lays down the coin for the drinks.
"I understand. In times like these, we have to secure the good employees. But perhaps I should judge myself if your cook was worth it. One Paella for me, please."
Aurelis moves in behind Giuliano, winks at Jana and orders
Hmmm, I shall leave my dish to whatever your cook wishes to prepare at this moment, this seems the most fair test of his abilities for me.
He adds as he sits down talking to Giuliano, not super loud but easily overhearable.
So, you think the fiendish fire elementals, in that smithy have been dealt with? Just my intuition, but whatever caused them to be here may just be hiding until we arent there. I think we killed the elementals too quickly and rapidly, so whatever it is got too scared to fight itself. Probably best to not sell this as "done" yet, lest innocents poke around there and get burned.
At least the flames should not threaten neighbouring areas for now.
Maybe I should try to play a damsel in distress to attract evil enemies... Nah, I am only mildly less muscle packed then our Bloodrager. He muses
"I will take the paella. My family has a cook back at the Academy that also makes a delightful paella," Sercrutio says haughtily as he sits down on an empty chair.
He raises an eyebrow at Aurelius's words but says nothing.
"Sounds like paella is the order of the day. I'll take one as well."
Fellzir broods in the corner for a while, pondering this peculiar situation. He wonders if the hound archon will crash through the door at any moment and accuse them of being Chelaxian. Let him try, he thinks. He then spends several minutes trying to Sense Motive on the patrons and employees.
He taps the tended merchant on the shoulder, and says "I hope you're feeling better now, sir."
The fellow nods and replies, a bit unsteadily. "Oh much, sir, thanks. Bit woozy still, Master Demeer says the blood loss can do that. I'm meant to eat hearty, that's why Imma here. Ale's hittin' a might strong though." He says with another sip and a slow blink.
"Fire elementals?!" Jana exclaims, completely taken in by Aurelius' tale. "So it wasn't Groat's ghost or something?" She asks, seeming slightly disappointed. The paella is delivered in short order and tastes just as delicious as billed. The yellow saffron rice is studded with flecks of bright color from the peppers and fresh garden vegetables, giving just the right amount of spice and texture. Freshwater mussels, still in their open shells give it a distinctive look.
"I'll pack some up for Loredana before you head back. Lini said it's one of her favorites too."
Fellzir gets the sense that the people are as relaxed and jovial as they seem, for the most part. Some are watching your group with equal parts interest and suspicion. They all pretty much buy in to Aurelius' story. The fellow who suffered the Centianima's bite seems like he should be faring better. He's looking a bit anemic to the cleric's skilled eye as a healer.
Fellzir pulls out his healer's kit and expends a charge. "Let me have a look at that wound again, my good man."
Lousy bedside manner, but effective evaluation and treatment?
"Now then, let's get some paella here and maybe a large pot for the labor guild?"
Fellzir has no trouble convincing the merchant to let him take a look. If anything, he seems to enjoy the attention and sympathy he seems to garner from the other patrons. Everything seems in order concerning the wound. It was clearly cleaned and sutured by an expert hand and appears to be healing well. The edges do strike Fellzir as being too pallid for such a fresh wound. Normally the tissue would be livid as the blood rushed to the area to speed along the healing process. Lowering the eyelid reveals too pallid flesh there as well, which further supports his suspicion of anemia.
Eventually Fellzir discovers a small, bandaged wound in the man's inner elbow where it appears a cannula was inserted into the vein. A practice common to bloodletting, which has fallen out of favor with many practitioners. Fellzir knows that there are many instances where bloodletting is still a beneficial treatment, but he struggles to imagine why it would have been applied in this man's case. The treatment is straightforward enough though, and much what the fellow described he was already doing. He should eat and drink well and then rest.
At the mention of providing food to the Labor Guild, a grizzled dwarf raises his head to give you a friendly nod. He wipes his mouth and hands with a napkin before he rises from his seat and approaches to offer you his hand in greeting. "That's a very kind offer from a newcomer. Many folk underestimate the difficulty of the transition from slave laborer to paid laborer. Freedom is a grand thing, but it doesn't fill the belly a bit. My name is Durgal Mircask. I'm managing the new Labor Guild, such as it is. My thanks to you, master...?" He trails off, giving you an opening to introduce yourself.
With Jana
I wouldnt count out Groats ghost yet, the way the elemental collapsed into nothing after I hit it really hard to me implies it was summoned, rather then it having been there like... "normally" or having been "called". And we didnt kill anything that is in our view capable of summoning fire elementals, so no, area is not safe yet, just less unsafe for surroundings, I dont think the "whatever" can make as many fire elementals as it wants to, thats just not the way things work most of the time.
He pauses
Like, I have some degree of "familiarity" with extraplanars, and you probably heard of the difference between calling and summoning yourself? This is also important when it comes to planar outsiders with loot. If they were just summoned, their stuff devolves into goop, if they were called, you can actually pick their things up and sell them, or grab their body and sell that to the next not that reputable alchemist. And it very much was like the former, not the latter.
Aurelius goes into a short lecture of planar creatures and you, while pronouncing "familiarity" in a slightly comedic fashion.
May need to figure out how to draw out the "whatever", which needs to be researched, perhaps something important in the "whatevers" mortal life?
Overall situation is also mostly consistent with a haunt that summons fire elementals, in which case bugger me because that is not my specialty, but I can do positive energy, praise Nephtys for finding me funny, at least by touch if not by channel, so theres that.
Aurelius speaks, seemingly lost in thought
Sercrutio overhears Durgal's beginning and quickly makes his way over. He arrives just in time to interject and introduce himself.
"Leroung," he says as if it is self explanatory. "Master Leroung, and I would be more than happy to treat your crew and yourself to a round or two as well. You see, I am helping Madame Viorica with some logistical matters and I could use some folk for labor. You, manager dwarf, seem very reasonable. You know that lofty ideals do not, themselves, fill stomachs."
Fellzir has no trouble convincing the merchant to let him take a look. If anything, he seems to enjoy the attention and sympathy he seems to garner from the other patrons. Everything seems in order concerning the wound. It was clearly cleaned and sutured by an expert hand and appears to be healing well. The edges do strike Fellzir as being too pallid for such a fresh wound. Normally the tissue would be livid as the blood rushed to the area to speed along the healing process. Lowering the eyelid reveals too pallid flesh there as well, which further supports his suspicion of anemia.
Eventually Fellzir discovers a small, bandaged wound in the man's inner elbow where it appears a cannula was inserted into the vein. A practice common to bloodletting, which has fallen out of favor with many practitioners. Fellzir knows that there are many instances where bloodletting is still a beneficial treatment, but he struggles to imagine why it would have been applied in this man's case. The treatment is straightforward enough though, and much what the fellow described he was already doing. He should eat and drink well and then rest.
Looking at the elbow, Fellzir asks, Was this recent or has someone else treated you before yesterday's surprise attack?
At the mention of providing food to the Labor Guild, a grizzled dwarf raises his head to give you a friendly nod. He wipes his mouth and hands with a napkin before he rises from his seat and approaches to offer you his hand in greeting. "That's a very kind offer from a newcomer. Many folk underestimate the difficulty of the transition from slave laborer to paid laborer. Freedom is a grand thing, but it doesn't fill the belly a bit. My name is Durgal Mircask. I'm managing the new Labor Guild, such as it is. My thanks to you, master...?" He trails off, giving you an opening to introduce yourself.
A pleasure to meet you Master Mircask. I am Fellzir and I study religion as well as work for Loredana. Do you follow Iomedae after this newfound freedom? Is it a new rule that everyone must follow her? I would hope not given the grand traditions of Torag, Angradd, etc.
Giuliano manages to hide his disgust towards the labor guild. Unions... making the lower classes think they're worth something, ugh..
He leaves Fellzir and Sercrutio to handle these upstart peasants. But the Fellzir's notion of the wounded man seems peculiar. As far Giuliano knows, only the alchemist Demeer has tended the man. Perhaps the jovial merchant is more than he seems.
Looking at the elbow, Fellzir asks, Was this recent or has someone else treated you before yesterday's surprise attack?
The wounded man looks blearily at Fellzir, taking a few moments to understand his meaning. "Oh that? No, it's just Master Demeer's handiwork. Told me that since Centipedies is poisonous, the boney thing might be too, what with spiders comin' outta it an' all. He bled me to check iff'n I needed an anti-dote." He replies, nodding amiably.
Durgal shakes his head, chuckling. "No, the Reclamation hasn't tried to declare any sort of national religion. Why some of their higher-ups even follow other gods. Kalcyra is an Inquisitor of Torag. Outta town on business just now, but I'm sure you'll hear about it when she's back. Rather stern demeanor on that one, even for as young as she is."
Turning to Sercrutio, "Always happy to help you find the right workers for the job, Master Leroung. Come by the Labor Guild during daylight hours and we'll set you up with the right people." He says with a confident nod before politely excusing himself to return to his table.
"Oh that? No, it's just Master Demeer's handiwork. Told me that since Centipedies is poisonous, the boney thing might be too, what with spiders comin' outta it an' all. He bled me to check iff'n I needed an anti-dote." He replies, nodding amiably.
If so, he's probably bottling the poisoned blood for himself, Fellzir thinks to himself. Aloud, he says only, "Of course. One must take all precautions. You get some rest tonight."
Durgal shakes his head, chuckling. "No, the Reclamation hasn't tried to declare any sort of national religion. Why some of their higher-ups even follow other gods. Kalcyra is an Inquisitor of Torag. Outta town on business just now, but I'm sure you'll hear about it when she's back. Rather stern demeanor on that one, even for as young as she is."
"Kalcyra? That's not a name I've heard before. I look forward to meeting her. I'm guessing plate mail and battleaxe?"
"Of course," Sercrutio responds with a minor nod.
After the man walks away, Sercrutio strolls up to the bar and places 2 gold pieces on bar. He says, "This is for their drinks," and then turns and leaves the establishment.
The wounded merchant nods, already looking drowsy from his full belly. "Don't worry, Master Fellzir, we'll make sure Manuel makes it home alright." Jana promises.
"Kalcyra? That's not a name I've heard before. I look forward to meeting her. I'm guessing plate mail and battleaxe?"
Durgal chuckles, "Maybe not so typical as that. I believe she carries a morningstar. Still nothing to end up on the receiving end of, mind you. Thank you again for the generosity."
Jana gives a performance when the crowd reaches it's peak, her song just bawdy enough to raise everyone's spirits but not enough to lower The Sweetest Drop's reputation. Her dance turning more suggestive when she comes in proximity to Aurelius.
Overall, the evening is spent pleasantly, with rumors laid, connections made, and goodwill garnered from the exchange. You return to the Little Uskwood, deliver Loredana's meal of paella, which she was quite pleased to receive. And turn in for the night.
The peaceful quiet of the night is broken by a scratching sound, at first distant and sporadic, almost tentative. But soon seems to grow more persistent and energetic, sounding like a large rat trapped under the floorboards somewhere, scrabbling desperately for release.
Aurelius and Giuliano think the sound seems to be coming from the direction of the kitchen.
At first Giuliano just rolls over and tries to fall asleep again, but since the noise is quite persistent, he decides to investigate. Not being sure what causes the sound, he quickly puts on his armor and grabs his weapons before heading out.
"I think the sounds is coming from the kitchen," he whispers to the others in the hallway and moves to investigate more closely.
Aurelius, currently in his night gown, grabs his sword and shield.
Wake the others Sir Guiliano
He moves closer to the sound.
Everyone is roused and able to grab gear before proceeding to investigate the sound. Nothing is amiss in the kitchen but the sound is definitely louder here, growing more agitated as if it knows it has your attention now. It seems to be coming from a basement, though you don't recall noting that the Inn had one.
Tracking the sound, you look into the kitchen storage cupboard and find that the shelving opens outward, revealing a secret door that accesses a staircase heading down into the cellar.
Did anyone check on Loredana? Fellzir will knock on her door if not.
Guillaume listens closely, trying to discern anything he can about...whatever it is.