Xanther nods in support. "Yes, yes, whatever they said."
When Marcus draws his weapon the crowd's will breaks and most of them scatter. The few who remain look to Captain Groy for encouragement and find none. Instead he lets go of the woman’s arm and sits down right where he is, head in his hands. In a choked voice he says, ”They’re right. This isn’t what I’m supposed to do. I should be out looking for Olya, not…” He trails off and you can clearly hear the sound of a sob. ”Just go home.”
There’s a little grumbling but the moment of danger has passed. The few people who aren’t terrified of the party also aren’t willing to argue with their captain and so the last of the mob disperses. Only one person, an adult man wearing a butcher’s smock, remains standing between the fetchling and her would-be rescuers. He looks up at her intently. ”You swear you had nothin’ to do with my boy goin’ missing?”
”Nothing! I didn’t do anything to any kids! I just wanted some flour.” The fetchling woman is in tears.
The butcher nods and steps aside. With her path completely clear the woman wastes no time in leaping off the table and making a beeline straight for Marcus. Throwing her arms around him she starts babbling, ”Thank you thank you thank you!”
Miklos walks up to Groy and places a surprisingly gentle hand on his shoulder. ”Come on Lucian. Let’s get back to the temple. A few minutes of pain will clear your mind.”
From the tone this is meant to be a reassurance rather than a threat, and Groy apparently takes it as such. He slowly stands up and looks at the party. ”That shade was lurking around my house. Peeping in the windows.” He frowns. ”Wasn’t she? I don’t…I can’t trust myself right now. Can you ask her? Make her tell the truth?”
”I am-” the woman starts to protest but Miklos shakes his head and she falls silent.
”Lucian, they’re working for Lady Anya to get to the bottom of all this. You can trust them. They’ll ask.” Miklos takes Groy’s arm and starts leading him away, back towards the temple.
Seeing the situation diffuse, Ussaile quickly focuses her attention to the alleyway. "Yes, great. What a fine conclusion to this traumatic episode. You can trust us, and we will certainly follow up, but time is of the essence." Her voice was cold and clearly thinking of something else.
It couldn't have been longer than a minute She had a suspicion that there was more to be learned.
She doesn't put her hood back up, a telltale sign that she's expecting danger and the witch begins walking over to the alley before turning to gace her companions. "Come. There's no time to explain. We sensed something." For most people it would be a quirk, and for those not in the know they would consider it as such but the witch meant that in the literal sense. The Stain and her were as one, and they were both always watching.
"Ussaile, wait! Marcus, keep an eye on the Fetchling." Xanther chases after the witch into the dark alley, and then casts light to brighten up the area.
Seeing the situation diffuse, Ussaile quickly focuses her attention to the alleyway. "Yes, great. What a fine conclusion to this traumatic episode. You can trust us, and we will certainly follow up, but time is of the essence." Her voice was cold and clearly thinking of something else.
It couldn't have been longer than a minute She had a suspicion that there was more to be learned.
She doesn't put her hood back up, a telltale sign that she's expecting danger and the witch begins walking over to the alley before turning to gace her companions. "Come. There's no time to explain. We sensed something." For most people it would be a quirk, and for those not in the know they would consider it as such but the witch meant that in the literal sense. The Stain and her were as one, and they were both always watching.
"And what or who are we looking for?"
”Lucian, they’re working for Lady Anya to get to the bottom of all this. You can trust them. They’ll ask.” Miklos takes Groy’s arm and starts leading him away.
Jassminder gestures for Marcus (the lone Kayaal on their team) to stay with her as she looks around at the crowd, making sure they disperse; before giving her attention to the rescued victim. She does her best to see if the woman is speaking the truth.
She's aware of Ussaile going off after something, and trusts that it's important enough to risk splitting the team. She catches Noctifer's eye as he hurries off after the witch. "Scream if you run into something that dismembers you, ok?"
Perhaps the fading light is why you hear her before you see her. ”Heeeellllpppp….meeeee…” Turning towards the croaked words you see a young woman huddled in a small alcove. She flinches away from Xanther’s light and covers her face.
”Itttt huuuurrrrrtttt-” she starts to say, then arches her back and lets out a strangled scream. Her throat bulges outward, further and further until the skin tears with a rip and her body goes limp. A dark, clawed hand appears, grasping onto nothingness with unnaturally long fingers as it starts to pull itself free. Then another hand appears beside the first. And another. And another.
The shadows don’t appear to notice you as they escape from the body of their unwilling “mother,” but you have seconds at most before that changes.
Noctifer:
Xanther:
Jassminder:
As you’re talking to Nizeh you hear a strangled scream coming from the alleyway. Jassminder did say "scream if you run into something that dismembers you” and it sounds like the others are following that advice.
She somehow manages to get even closer to Marcus. ”I’m Nizeh. I live in Kayalhi, of course I do, we all do. Perhaps you could visit me there?”
Jassminder's about to ask why they'd visit her there when they can talk to her now, but she's interrupted by the screaming. "Oh good. Something's finally happening that I can deal with." She nudges Marcus. "You should stay here, there's something she wants to talk to you about in private, I think."
Unslinging her bow from her back, she runs off to find some action.
"Gah! Shadows!" Xanther shouts as he invokes a spell. "The incorporeal undead kind!"
DC15 Reflex save. On failure Blind for 1d4 rounds:
On success, Dazzle for 1d4 rounds:
If creature is evil, take 4d4 damage regardless of save:
HP: 31/31
AC: 21 (T: 12, FF: 19)
Saves: F +4 (+4 competence vs disease), R +4, W +5 (+2 vs Enchantment, +3 vs Charms and Compulsions, both stack)
Effects: -
Channel Energy: 4/4
Spells Per Day:
L1 7/7
L2: 3/4
"Indeed their touch is deadly."
Noctifer backs up while retrieving a flask of Holy Water from one of his bandoliers.
Seeing the incorporeal shadows come from the woman, Ussaile makes a decision. "Step back if you can Xanther, I should be able to cover some of your retreat." She musters some black magic and her hair shimmers with the glow of starlight, "Just don't let me die." That last part comes out as a hiss as her hair stands on end.
Magic Fang, 4 Minutes.
Attacks of Opportunity Remaining: 5 (+7 White-Hair, 1d4 + 7 damage)
Sadly Shadows can't be tripped or grappled so I'll forgo all those rolls.
To the fetchling woman, "I'd love to visit and get to know you better Nizeh." Marcus says as he waits for the others to return.
When they hear the scream, Marcus is about to bolt when Jassminder suggests he stay there. "But this is the first chance I've had to hit something all day." Marcus says. As Jassminder runs off he looks to Nizeh, "I'll walk you home when this is over but just in case things get bad I think we should wait for now. The humans seem to be freaking out over this whole affair and the people are paying the toll. Have you seen anything that would hint at what is the cause? Or where it comes from?"
Jassminder starts running towards the action. Ussaile casts Magic Fang and her hair begins to whip about in a frenzy. Xanther casts Burst of Radiance, causing the shadows to hiss and recoil from the sudden bright light. Marcus hangs back and continues talking with Nizeh. Noctifer backs up and pulls out a bottle of Holy Water.
The shadows start drifting towards Xanther with a surprising amount of speed. As one passes by Ussaile her hair whips out and grabs at a shadowy appendage. Nevertheless it gets close to Xanther and its long fingers rake through his chest, leaving him with a feeling of cold emptiness inside.
Seeing Ussaile as a new threat, the other changes course and moves towards her, reaching out towards her neck. The black stone embedded within pulses out a warning and she's able to dodge the grasping fingers.
While they wait she looks around and, seeing that her and Marcus are alone, starts speaking in a hurried and hushed tone. "I don't know anything myself, but if you really are investigating the disappearances I should introduce you to my cousin Gavril. He'll talk to you, and maybe the tiefling, but not the humans you're with." Her gaze drifts over her shoulder to where the noose still swings from the tree. "None of us trust humans right now."
Just dodging the shadow's touch, Ussaile takes another step back and swings at the one that struck at her. The hair flies forward like a maw from some unknown creature.
"Noctifer tell me you have something to help Xanther?!" She was always impressed with his resourcefulness and hoped her faith wasn't misplaced.
"Oh, they'll be fine. It's whatever they are fighting you should feel sorry for. Alas, I won't get a chance to hit it."
When she confides in him, Marcus who had been staring down the valley turns his attention back to Nizeh, "I understand. Noctifer and I will accompany you if you don't mind. Actually, could I bring everyone along as long as we leave the humans outside?"
"I could lie to you Ussaile but it's not polite."
Stepping next to Ussaile, Noctifer attempts to quench the shadow's essence:
Jassminder looks annoyed (which to be fair is often her default expression) as she sees the two shadows attack. "I've got something that will help. Two somethings actually." She steps forward into close range before drawing back her bow, and fires two baneful arrows in quick succession at the undead.
A slight shimmering aura forms around her, protecting her from harm.
"Arrggghhhh!" Xanther screams in agony, as the Shadow drains his strength. He steps back alongside Ussaile and casts Burst of Radiance again.
Move Action: Draw Alchemical Silver Heavy Mace +1
Standard Action: Cast Burst of Radiance.
DC15 Reflex save. On failure Blind for 1d4 rounds:
On success, Dazzle for 1d4 rounds:
If creature is evil, take 4d4 damage regardless of save:
HP: 31/31
Str: 8/14
AC: 21 (T: 12, FF: 19)
Saves: F +4 (+4 competence vs disease), R +4, W +5 (+2 vs Enchantment, +3 vs Charms and Compulsions, both stack)
Effects: -
Channel Energy: 4/4
Spells Per Day:
L1 7/7
L2: 2/4
Ussaile steps backward and her hair whips out at the shadow that attacked her, slicing through an arm. Xanther screams and also steps back, casting another Burst of Radiance. The light blasts through both shadows and dissolves one of them into nothingness. Marcus continues talking with Nizeh while Noctifer attempts to pour holy water on a shadow with no success. Finally Jassminder rounds the corner and smites the last remaining shadow with righteous fury. (Or in Jassminder's case, righteous annoyance.) It lets out a final scream as it too vanishes.
"Now how is it this is the first we've seen, since we certainly didn't hear, of Tallowthroat birthing undead?"
He then helps to steady Xander.
Xanther takes a while to catch his breath. "I can think of 3 possible reasons." He replies to Noctifer
"The 1st is that not every Tallowthroat case creates undead, and we were very unlucky that this one did."
"The 2nd, is that nobody has actually seen somebody die of Tallowthroat. They only find the corpse left behind, by which time the shadows have long since fled to parts unknown."
"The 3rd, is that whatever witnesses were around to see the Tallowthroat create undead, were subsequently killed by said undead. A fate we might have shared if that battle had gone poorly... It occurs to me that this might also explain why some people have gone mysteriously missing."
As he speaks, Xanther casts a spell of Lesser Restoration to recover his strength.
HP: 31/31
Str: 8/14
AC: 21 (T: 12, FF: 19)
Saves: F +4 (+4 competence vs disease), R +4, W +5 (+2 vs Enchantment, +3 vs Charms and Compulsions, both stack)
Effects: -
Channel Energy: 4/4
Spells Per Day:
L1 7/7
L2: 1/4
When the others come out of the alley to Nizeh he says, "See, told ya." Then to the group at large, "What was it?" Upon finding out they were shadows, "Interesting, something that can truly sneak into your bedroom and kill you. But they can't take you so this is curious. Anyway, Nizeh here believes she knows someone who has information. He's rather leery of humans but she believes he would talk with Noctifer and me. Let's head over to Kayal alley and see this fellow. That should give Miklos time to heal the Captain whom we can talk with on our way back." Marcus says offering his elbow to Nizeh and gesturing for her to lead the way.
Watching the shadows collapse into planar energy, Ussaile turns her attention to the immediate area before letting her hair fall; it wasn't idle by any means.
She turns to Noctifer, "You're right." Her face contorts into some facsimile of a smile, "I can't say I'm not more interested now than before. This is a domain that we have not experienced yet." It was unclear to who she was referring to with 'we', but the Stain agreed.
"There is a 4th situation as well..." She moves toward the body and prods it unceremoniously with the hexed locks, "That there is a second disease, or worse yet some curse, with similar symptoms." The witch turns her attention to Jassminder, "Care to take a look?"
0th - Detect Magic, Message, Light, Arcane Mark
1st - Mage Armour,
2nd - Cat's Grace, See Invisibility, Frost Fall
Xanther groans as his spell has little effect and casts Lesser Restoration again.
"I just thought of something else. When we approached this particular victim, she was hiding in a dark alley, and seemed afraid of my light spell. That is contrary to the typical Tallowthroat symptom of seeking out light. It may be that at the end stage of this condition, victims seek out darkness instead, which increases the chances that they will die with nobody else around."
Following Ussaile, he also casts Detect Magic and Detect Fiendish Presence.
HP: 31/31
Str: 9/14
AC: 21 (T: 12, FF: 19)
Saves: F +4 (+4 competence vs disease), R +4, W +5 (+2 vs Enchantment, +3 vs Charms and Compulsions, both stack)
Effects: -
Channel Energy: 4/4
Spells Per Day:
L1 7/7
L2: 0/4
Nizeh covers her mouth in shock upon hearing about the shadows. "A lot of humans have been ranting about living shadows, but they're usually talking about, well, us. Or at least I thought they were. I certainly haven't heard of anyone actually being attacked by one!"
She's taking Marcus' arm and preparing to lead the way to Kayalhi when her brow furrows. "We'll pass near the Town Watch along the way. I don't think I should go in, but maybe one of you humans could let them know you found a Tallowthroat victim. They'll fetch her body and bring it to the temple for burial."
Xanther pauses, and then scans Nizeh with Detect Fiendish Presence.
Assuming she does not ping, he shares his findings to the others. "The corpse has a dim and fading fiendish presence. It is possible that Tallowthroat might be fiendish in nature."
He makes a mental note to cast Detect Fiendish Presence BEFORE entering buildings in future, as it seemed risky to cast it directly in the front of a fiend, or a spellcaster which served fiends.
HP: 31/31
Str: 11/14
AC: 21 (T: 12, FF: 19)
Saves: F +4 (+4 competence vs disease), R +4, W +5 (+2 vs Enchantment, +3 vs Charms and Compulsions, both stack)
Effects: -
Channel Energy: 4/4
Spells Per Day:
L1 7/7
L2: 0/4
Nizeh looks confused but doesn't protest as Xanther scans her.
Nizeh covers her mouth in shock upon hearing about the shadows. "A lot of humans have been ranting about living shadows, but they're usually talking about, well, us. Or at least I thought they were. I certainly haven't heard of anyone actually being attacked by one!"
She's taking Marcus' arm and preparing to lead the way to Kayalhi when her brow furrows. "We'll pass near the Town Watch along the way. I don't think I should go in, but maybe one of you humans could let them know you found a Tallowthroat victim. They'll fetch her body and bring it to the temple for burial."
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
"It could be the were attacked by the undead variety of shadows. Nasty entities. Thank you Nizeh we'll certainly let the Town Watch know to collect the poor woman for burial."
Jassminder shrugs. This is well outside her area of expertise, which is why she brings the others along with her. "Let's keep moving. Time is not on our side, I think."
Jassminder shrugs. This is well outside her area of expertise, which is why she brings the others along with her. "Let's keep moving. Time is not on our side, I think."
"No and while we're at the Town Watch we need to let them know exactly what happened with the woman. Miklos needs to know as well. Normally I'd add Captain Groy to the list but he's...unwell."
Nizeh leads you all southwards through the darkening streets and points to a modest building a little ways off from the main road. "That's the Town Watch. There are supposed to be four people on duty at all times. Two to man the barricade up north and two waiting here in case they're needed."
When you enter there are actually four people inside. In addition to two faces you don't know Ponzo and Victor are both there making their reports and getting ready to leave for the day. Ponzo brightens when he sees you. "Hello there! I heard you all agreed to help the baroness figure out what's going on. Best news we've had in weeks, gods know we could use the help."
His mood quickly sours when you explain what happened with the tallowthroat victim. "Undead shadows? I'd say you'd gone crazy paranoid like the rest of the town, but you just got here and don't seem the sort to panic like that." He rubs a hand over his face. "Midnight Lord preserve us. I can tell you I haven't heard any other substantiated reports of living shadows attacking people. Most of the victims have died alone, but I'm pretty sure one died at the temple while waiting for Master Miklos to get more spells. He certainly didn't say anything to us about shadows bursting from the neck. Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse..."
"Anyways, we'll fetch the body. Victor, stay here until the three of us get back." The boy doesn't protest, looking extremely pale. "Thanks for letting us know. If there's anything we can do to help, don't hesitate to stop by."
Once you're finished at the Town Watch, Nizeh continues leading you all southwards. You cross the river as if you were headed to the manor but instead veer right towards a huddled collection of sorry-looking shacks. There are however a few newer, better constructed buildings, including one larger than the rest that Nizeh pauses in front of. "Hold on a minute..." She pokes her head in the door. "Ionela! There are some people I'd like you to meet."
"Just a moment dear," comes a croaking voice, and an old fetchling emerges from inside the building. Her eyes narrow as she sees you all. "My my, new faces are rare these days. Nizeh, what's this all about?"
"They saved my life." Nizeh rubs one arm where a purplish bruise is starting to form. "Captain Groy's sick and his daughter's gone missing. He thought I had something to do with it, and a mob formed, and-" She cuts herself off and takes a deep breath. "Anyway, I wanted to let you know that no kayal should go north of the river tonight. These people broke up the mob and Master Miklos took Captain Groy for healing, but it's still not safe."
"A mob? Oh dear, I was afraid it was going to come to that soon. Are you all right?" The suspicion on Ionela's face has been replaced by concern. When Nizeh nods she sighs in relief. "Thank you all for rescuing her. It's a rare thing these days for humans to help a kayal, although since you're traveling with one I suppose you're less prejudiced than most. Have you had dinner yet? This here's my place: half tavern, half town hall. You're all welcome to come in for a bite if you wish."
Nizeh brightens. "Oh yes, that's a great idea! Perhaps you humans could wait here while I take Marcus and Noctifer to meet Gavril? We live just a couple doors down." She points to a small house nearby. "It shouldn't take too long and then we can join you all for dinner."
*Back at the Corpse*
Xanther turned to Nizeh. "We did promise Captain Groy that we would make you tell the truth. Fortunately for you, there is a relatively painless method available for this. But first, I should ask, were you actually near Groy's home?"
*****
As the group walked along, Xanther suddenly seems to remember something and looks to the others. "By the way, did anybody ever mention where we were supposed to sleep tonight?"
Ussaile faces Xanther, "Unfortunately not. This was supposed to be an in and out job." She walks along for a while before reaching Nizeh's destination. Putting her hood up, she listens in to the kayal gossip.
"That would be fine. I appreciate you offering the services of your tavern." She gets a chill thinking about the shadows and being separated, "The two of you need to be sure that you don't get in over your heads. I would hate to have to replace you while in the field." Motioning to Xanther and Jassminder she continues in, "I guess this answers your question."
"I know where I was hoping to sleep but no, no one had mentioned a plan. I assume the Baroness would put the team up." Marcus says as they approach the tavern.
"Shall we get our friends tucked in here with some food and then you and I go with the young lady to meet this Gavril?" Marcus asks of Noctifer.
Nizeh blinks in surprise. ”You actually do have a way of making sure I’m telling the truth? I thought you were just saying that to get Captain Groy to let me go. What do you mean by ‘relatively painless’? I don’t mind being questioned magically, but what I would consider painless and what, say, Master Miklos would consider painless are two very different things.”
“To answer your question, yes I was by the captain’s house. It’s right on the main street; I have to pass it in order to get to the general store.” She looks embarrassed. ”I thought I saw a candle in the yard and was going to pick it up. I can see in the dark but light is better for reading, and candles are expensive these days. Then suddenly the captain was there grabbing me and screaming about how I’d taken his daughter. It was the first I’d heard about any kids going missing. I tried to explain but he kept going on about how I was returning to the scene of the crime or something like that.” She shakes her head. ”That was my first time going into town for a few days and it sounded like Olya disappeared this morning. I don’t know any more than that.”
********
The hubbub of conversation dies down as people notice you, leading to an uncomfortable moment where everyone stares at you in complete silence. Ionela coughs and raises her voice. "The townsfolk got desperate enough to form a lynch mob, just like we feared might happen. Fortunately these people were nearby and saved Nizeh's life. They're my guests, understand?" She barely has time to finish her sentence before everyone starts talking at once. The unusual sight of three humans in Kayalhi is quickly forgotten as people begin discussing what to do next.
Ionela shows you to a table near the back of the tavern. "The selection's limited I'm afraid. For drinks we just have ale and water; the Weeping Willow's where you'd need to go for anything stronger. I'll bring a pitcher of both. As for dinner, we've got a nice rabbit stew with crusty bread for dipping. Does everyone want some?"
"What? Why?" slurs a voice from inside. As you enter you see a fetchling man in perhaps his early forties. The sun has barely set but he's clearly already deep in his cups. "Don't want company Nizeh, you know that."
"It's important Gav. Marcus and Noctifer here are looking into the disappearances-"
"What's to look into? People are fleeing this dump of a town before it kills them." Gavril takes another swig of wine.
"I don't think they are. I just found out Olya and Delian have gone missing too, and they're both too young to have run off on their own." Nizeh walks over and kneels in front of Gavril, taking his hands in her own. "I don't think Neliana left you. I think someone took her."
Gavril stares at Nizeh for a moment, then turns bleary eyes towards you. "What's she on about? Who are you folks anyways?"
"A candle you say? I don't suppose you still have the candle?"
"No but I'm sure someone will find space for us if need be. I don't think Marcus's dream will come true; I suspect we wouldn't be welcome to stay at the manor."
"Greetings Gavril, I am Noctifer. The Baroness's mother hired us to check on her and the Baroness in turn has enlisted our aid in trying to...improve the situation in Karpad. We would appreciate any information you have about the situation with Tallowthroat, missing people, anything you can think of that's been odd in the past 2 weeks."
"We may need to look around the area you found that candle Nizeh." Marcus says considering the situation.
With Gavril, Marcus is silent at first waiting to see how he responds to Noctifer.
"No, I don't have the candle. I never even got close enough to confirm it was a candle before the captain grabbed me." As the party begins discussing sleeping arrangements Nizeh chimes in, "I don't think the baron would want you at the manor, but the baroness probably would, and from what I've heard the baron isn't making many decisions right now. If you can't sleep there the Weeping Willow in town has rooms available, or you could stay in Kayalhi. Ionela would be happy to host you after everything you've done." She bites her lip and looks up at Marcus through her eyelashes. "You could also stay with me."
(That last suggestion is very clearly directed only at Marcus.)
"I don't know Gav, but it's possible. I do know that you were the last person to see her before she disappeared." Gavril starts to protest but Nizeh continues, "Marcus is one of us, and Noctifer's a tiefling. They won't judge. Just tell them what happened."
Gavril's eyes dart between the three people in the room before his shoulders slump. "Alright. Only because it's you asking. But I don't know how much it'll help." He stares into the fire. "I've been seeing a woman in town. Neliana. Human-Kayal relationships aren't exactly accepted here in Karpad...especially when the human is married. Nizeh here is the only other person that knew about us."
"Four days ago we were, um, spending time together. She wasn't sick but kept talking like things were hopeless anyway. Saying she was afraid it was the last time we'd see each other, stuff like that. I was trying to comfort her when someone knocked on the door and I had to flee out the window. Few hours later that no-good husband of hers was running around complaining that she wasn't there to make him dinner." He looks back at Nizeh. "You're wrong about one thing. I wasn't the last person to see her. Her friend Catalina was the one knocking on the door, so you should go ask her if she knows anything. Just leave my name out of it."
"I still think she just left. Her husband, me, this whole godsforsaken town." His head lolls towards Marcus. "You can't trust humans. Twenty-five years I'd worked for the Boroi's. I practically grew up with Stepan. Thought of him as a friend. Then he accused me of plotting against him and threw me out on my ear, just like that. Humans are fickle bastards that'll stab their own brothers in the back with a smile. Can't trust any of them."
"See, sleeping arrangements for all of us. I'm sure the Baroness will let you guys sleep there."
"Sounds like we need to speak with this Catalina. In her hopeless speech, did Neliana give any specifics as to why she thought things were hopeless? Even if it sounded odd or silly. Also, where did she work? Home or elsewhere?"
Nizeh blinks in surprise. ”You actually do have a way of making sure I’m telling the truth? I thought you were just saying that to get Captain Groy to let me go. What do you mean by ‘relatively painless’? I don’t mind being questioned magically, but what I would consider painless and what, say, Master Miklos would consider painless are two very different things.”
"Oh, I was saying it so that Captain Groy would let you go." Xanther replies. "But I am also reasonably sure that when we speak to him later, he will ask if I followed up on my promise, and I do not intend to disappoint him."
"Rest assured, it is painless by the standards of a normal person who does NOT worship the Prince of Pain."
Xanther waits for the others to finish their questions, before casting Touch of Truthtelling, to verify the facts.
*Discussing Sleeping Arrangements*
"I suppose we'll have to check back at the manor later." Xanther says, as he stretches his aching weakened muscles. "For now, let us focus on the task at hand."
"Have you had dinner yet? This here's my place: half tavern, half town hall. You're all welcome to come in for a bite if you wish."
Xanther remembers that whenever he removes his mask, it tends to attracts more trouble than it is worth. "Nothing for me, thanks."
As they sit around the table, he tries to recall some facts about undead Shadows.
1) When Undead Shadows kill a victim, there will be a corpse left behind (because not all undead leave corpses behind).
2) The victim's shadow will detach and become another Shadow.
3) It is in theory, possible for Shadows to wipe out an entire city. Basically each Shadow creates more Shadows, which creates yet even more Shadows, and they spawn endlessly in a chain reaction, sometimes called the Shadow-pocalypse.
HP: 31/31
Str: 11/14
AC: 21 (T: 12, FF: 19)
Saves: F +4 (+4 competence vs disease), R +4, W +5 (+2 vs Enchantment, +3 vs Charms and Compulsions, both stack)
Effects: -
Channel Energy: 4/4
Spells Per Day:
L1 6/7
L2: 0/4
"No, I don't have the candle. I never even got close enough to confirm it was a candle before the captain grabbed me." As the party begins discussing sleeping arrangements Nizeh chimes in, "I don't think the baron would want you at the manor, but the baroness probably would, and from what I've heard the baron isn't making many decisions right now. If you can't sleep there the Weeping Willow in town has rooms available, or you could stay in Kayalhi. Ionela would be happy to host you after everything you've done." She bites her lip and looks up at Marcus through her eyelashes. "You could also stay with me."
(That last suggestion is very clearly directed only at Marcus.)
** spoiler omitted **...
Writing the information down in his journal, "It would also help to know where Neliana lives and who her 'no-good husband' is. And also where Catalina lives; as Marcus suggested we definitely need to speak with her. Neliana's fear it was the last time seeing you suggests she thought someone else knew of you and her."
He lapses into a sullen silence. When it becomes clear he isn't going to say more Nizeh speaks up. "Neliana's a weaver, she worked from home, and her husband Durvik is a lumberer. Their house is on the north side of town. Catalina both lives and works at the chandlery. That's in the east, where the river bends sharply."
While you wait your attention is drawn to an arguing couple at a nearby table. They’re talking quietly but you’re close enough to pick up bits and pieces of their conversation anyway.
”...Iozif would never have…”
“...better for all of us that they…”
“...curse. Don’t you think the Midnight Lord…”
“...been five years. Surely…”
Xanther:
Jassminder isn't terribly sociable, although she can fake the interaction when she needs to but she finds it tiring. She has been keeping her eyes and ears open, and the murmured whispers in the tavern catch her attention.
When she has a suitable moment, she draws Ionela's attention. "That group there, talking about the Midnight Lord and Iozif. What do they mean by that?"
"I'm thinking go see Catalina. Noctifer?" Marcus checks with the tiefling for agreement.
At the tavern, Xanther considers going into the kitchen, but decides against it when Jassminder suddenly starts asking questions. He quietly waits for the reply.
HP: 31/31
Str: 11/14
AC: 21 (T: 12, FF: 19)
Saves: F +4 (+4 competence vs disease), R +4, W +5 (+2 vs Enchantment, +3 vs Charms and Compulsions, both stack)
Effects: -
Channel Energy: 4/4
Spells Per Day:
L1 6/7
L2: 0/4
"I'm thinking go see Catalina. Noctifer?" Marcus checks with the tiefling for agreement.
Sighing softly he turns to Marcus, "We should go collect the others first and see if they've learned anything of interest. Nizeh, you should come with us at least to see Xanther again if he has any other questions for you. Once that's done we'll need to decide whether to press on this late at night or to wait for the morning. I'm not sure house calls this late in the evening would be well received but time is of the essence."
Ussaile is used to people talking about her, and really doesn't care but she tries to listen in.
Seeing Xanther considering the offer to hideaway in the kitchen she puts her hand on his shoulder and gave him a look, Don't.
"Quite right, we need to get the others. Nizeh, how well do you know Catalina? Could you provide introductions for our group? As for the time, it is a rather urgent situation, particularly if the victims are spawning shadows. However, we won't get much cooperation if we wander about waking people from their beds. Let's see how the other stand on the issue." Marcus asks.
