Thoughts race through the summoner's head. First, anger at the accusation. Then, the sudden realization that he, an aspiring diplomat and trader, so foolishly skipped the entire process of speaking to law enforcement after engaging in mortal combat in the streets during broad daylight.
But he soon finds himself. No use stammering out excuses. In for a copper, in for keeps. "Ahh, so we are to trust the words of your agent, who so conveniently died in your arms after delivering just enough information to incriminate us." He speaks in a dismissive, annoyed tone. Not unlike when he was dealing with that nosy investigator.
He raises a closed palm, extending his fingers as he counts. "First, the Bravos initiated the fight themselves. Competition in the job, I wager, unless their employer had a reason to send them after us specifically. Second, with no immediate reinforcements or law enforcement coming to protect us, confiscating their equipment was the only way to ensure our safety upon their defeat. Third, they found us when we were conducting an investigation with a man who can very much serve as a witness to prove we did not initiate the fight."
"And forth," he says as his hand makes a dismissive wave towards the Earl, "The Earl's inability to locate a wounded mercenary group does not mean they're as conveniently dead as his servant is. We can simply contact them and ask them to testify."
At least, Xallis hopes, that his agents are still tailing the Bravos. It was another contingent to make sure they wouldn't plotting revenge.
Navia's eyes remain on the Earl, however, looking for some obvious vulnerability in the man's words.
Abrun listens to Henrika and responds, ”It would seem we have conflicting stories. And although it is my duty to remain neutral in such situations, one party I explicitly trust more than the other.” He narrows his eyes at Yander.
"Chief Enumerator. What she says is true. Do you have any truth-telling spells at your disposal? As Abadar as our witness, you shall find no lies."
”As a matter of fact, I do. However, I believe this accusation is serious enough that the council should be assembled.”
Guards are summoned to watch both you and the Earl and the Chief Enumerator fetches the other council members. It takes an uncomfortable hour for everyone to arrive then you and the earl both repeat your claims within a zone of truth.
Henrika, Trevor, and Xallis testify and the council is satisfied that everything you say rings true.
Then Earl Merkondus repeats his story. ”I came across Embla Hightune who was visibly suffering from the injuries of a fight. She told me that Eutropia’s agents attacked her and she died soon after. Clearly my agent was a liar and was trying to harm these good people’s reputation. I rescind my accusation. And if Embla were still alive, I would have her punished for making such a defamatory claim. Unfortunately, she is no longer of this world, so I’d say justice has been served.”
Lady Gewbell then pointedly asks, ”Earl Merkondus, did you kill Embla Hightune?”
”How dare you say such a thing? I did not.” The Earl still speaks within the zone of truth.
”And did you order the Kozan Bravos to attack Princess Eutropia’s agents who stand before us?” she asks.
”Again, no, and I am offended by your line of thinking.”
”Well then, I believe this matter is closed.” says Lord Autun. ”It would seem that the Kozan Bravos acted alone in their attack against Eutropia’s men. If any of these Bravos could be found and questions directly, I would be interested in hearing it. Until then, I find that neither Sir Xallis and company nor Earl Merkondus is at fault. However, Earl, I would urge you to make sure you have all the facts before making a grave accusation of another ambassador in the future and perhaps associate yourself with less unscrupulous agents. And Sir Xallis (and the rest), I apologize for this inconvenience and you have our thanks for cooperating.”
”You may not be at fault this time, but I’ll be keeping my eyes on you.” says Earl Merkondus before storming out of the building.
At least, Xallis hopes, that his agents are still tailing the Bravos. It was another contingent to make sure they wouldn't plotting revenge.
You have to wait until you are done with the council to get in touch with your agents. An agent reports that he last saw the Kozan Bravos still within Yanmass but the agents unfortunately lost them. Similar to when agents were sent to investigate the restaurant Savories, you notice an unusual look in the agent’s eyes and determine that he was charmed. When asked, he shrugs and looks confused, unable to answer about what caused it.
Henrika breathes a sigh of relief. "Well, that was quite a chicken come home to roost. If no one objects, I think we should return to our rooms and rest until this evening, when we can meet Lord Abrun at the temple, to discuss the other information we discovered." She frowns. "Perhaps in the mean-time, it would be wise to begin some inquiries about the Sanguine Brothers Fine Meats, as well as increase our surveillance on the Earl. I doubt he has played all the cards that he has holed up to obstruct us."
Henrika breathes a sigh of relief. "Well, that was quite a chicken come home to roost. If no one objects, I think we should return to our rooms and rest until this evening, when we can meet Lord Abrun at the temple, to discuss the other information we discovered." She frowns. "Perhaps in the mean-time, it would be wise to begin some inquiries about the Sanguine Brothers Fine Meats, as well as increase our surveillance on the Earl. I doubt he has played all the cards that he has holed up to obstruct us."
"Agreed. I already have men on the job, but extra pairs of eyes can't hurt."
He slowly passes one hand through his hair and breathes out loud. Things were getting a bit messy around here.
Despite his name being cleared, Xallis still seems upset. He seems to physically struggle with the urge to cut off the Earl as he speaks, knowing the short term catharsis will do more harm than good. But when the issue is settled and the Earl leaves, he turns towards the council and addresses them before they dismiss.
"I'm sure that his verbal trickery did not escape your perceptive ears, but I am compelled to bring it up none the less. His little dance of technicalities was woven to bypass the truth spell. Embla 'died soon after' because he wanted to tie up the loose end. He didn't kill her himself because he has men to do that for him. We 'may not be at fault this time' because he can barely conceal his desire to see us locked away or dead."
Navia bristles with their shared frustration. Xallis doesn't motion for her to stop, but he does force himself to calm just a little. "I... I simply ask that you consider the events that transpired today when making future judgements about the Earl's character and intentions."
Persona Phase
He starts in Coincide, posing as a curious investor with questions about tariffs and caravan tolls. Nothing too obvious, just enough to raise an eyebrow and get someone talking. Over the next hour, he makes his way towards the Bountiful District, quietly marking patterns: two merchants with the same shipping license, but wildly different fees. A guard who works too many shifts on paper but is never actually seen. Manifests where certain imports are always just under taxable weight.
As the evening begins to set in, he combs through what he’s gathered: paper scraps, whispered rumors, and idle complaints from dockworkers who don’t realize they’ve said too much. Somewhere in all of it, the puzzle is starting to form. And Tychus, ever the patient scholar of hidden truths, begins to see the shape of a network.
He doesn’t make accusations yet. That would be premature. But someone’s skimming off the top in Yanmass, and if there’s one thing Tychus knows how to do—it’s follow the money.
Xallis finds himself increasingly frustrated with the Earl's attempts to slow his progress and sully his reputation. It's enough to have the summoner pacing back and thinking aloud in his free time, silently brushing off Navia's suggestions to 'just head over and Barracks the guy' to be done with it.
"Why not give him an Onyx Ring?" Julania suggests.
The summoner is stunlocked out of his brooding session. "I'm sorry, a what?"
The paladin shrugs and smiles. "I don't know. I've heard mother talking about buying onyx rings sometimes. And she says it in her plotting voice. You know the one, when some other merchant is trying to cut in on her business and she's reeeaaally gonna make them regret messing with her."
The summoner rolls his eyes. "I'll ask mother about that later. But right now I think I'd sooner attempt to defame the man in turn instead of proposing to him. In fact... I have a project for you. Gather some of the crew."
Xallis will take the opportunity to spread rumors that the Earl is employing dishonorable sellswords to solve his problems with brute force. May as well make him feel some pressure, maybe make him think that his accusation is backfiring on him even harder than it seems.
Henrika sends nine of her agents to investigate the Sanguine Brothers Fine Meats and report back what they find there.
Persona Phase
Tychus
Tychus’ investigations find than someone going by the name the “Gray Kingmaker” has been making numerous investments throughout the city, primarily with Imperialist-leaning individuals but no one Tychus talks to knows the identity of this person.
Xallis
Xallis spreads rumors about the Earl and finds that many people also had suspicions that the Earl’s Bravos were up to no good. Xallis earns some support by confirming these suspicions and some civilians say they’ll help if they can.
Trevor
Many people of Yanmass have heard of your good deeds after the announcement that the bandit problem had been resolved. Trevor’s efforts further spread the word until nearly everyone in the city knows your names.
Henrika
Henrika’s agents are able to find the location of the Sanguine Brothers Fine Meats in the Coinside District.
This large building is made of brick and wood, both faded to the same drab shade of brown from years of neglect. The front of the building bears the words “SANGUINE BROTHERS FINE MEATS” in large, rust-red letters beneath the enormous painted faces of two halfling men with bushy sideburns. The eyes of the halflings are large, round windows, giving them vacant, surprised expressions. Three squat towers rise up from the rear of the building, and the building’s massive doors are chained shut. An aura of long neglect hangs over the slaughterhouse.
With the doors securely shut, they aren’t able to gain access inside but they are able to gain additional information by questioning the locals in the neighborhood which primarily holds warehouses and tenements.
The locals share the history of the building:
Several years ago, two wealthy halfling brothers opened a slaughterhouse catering to Yanmass’s noble houses and elite restaurants. Although their sprawling operation was not much different from other large meat-processing enterprises, the brothers purchased higher-grade livestock and cultivated a peerless reputation for quality and cleanliness. They called their business Sanguine Brothers Fine Meats, and it became well known throughout Avin Prefecture. Smiling, stylized versions of their own faces adorned the front of their slaughterhouse, and their visages and glass-window eyes have become a landmark in the neighborhood.
Although the brothers ran their business well for years, they had no other business partners or close confidantes. When both brothers died in 4699 AR, the slaughterhouse closed. The jolly logo faded as years passed, and the Sanguine Brothers slaughterhouse became another relic of a more prosperous age.
In addition, the locals suspect that the once-abandoned facility is now occupied, as they hear occasional howls or cries from the building, but they are too fearful to investigate. Residents have also seen strange animals in the area, including large rams, dogs, and ravens with unusual black eyes.
Icabhod
Icabhod spends the afternoon, inserting agents into the market. These agents will take advantage of Yanmass’ trade and earn Icabhod some additional income.
Rova 26, 4718 (Wealday) (Yanmass, Taldor)
That night, once the moon has fully risen, you head to the Temple of Abadar to meet with Chief Enumerator Abrun Palliettor.
Located in the low valley between Yanmass’s two hills, the soaring roofs of the city’s temple of Abadar tower over all others in the city.
Abrun greets you at the door and brings you inside. He leads you across the nave to the pulpit at the head of the temple. A high soaring dome covers the area and lets in moonlight to illuminate the room. He says, ”I just dismissed the temple’s acolytes. We have our privacy to discuss matters of this Cult of the Twilight Child. I have my suspicions but I want to hear what you’ve discovered so far.”
You fill in the Chief Enumerator with the details of Julania’s experience at the Encircling Bower. Abrun is about to reply when two cloaked rogues stab the priest through the back with rapiers; their invisibility fades as they attack. Abrun coughs up blood and collapses to the ground. He’s still breathing but is badly injured. Then four more assassins drop their invisibility as well and have you encircled.
Round 1
Initiative
30 – Tychus (65/65 hp)
25 – Icabhod (61/61 hp)
18 – Malphene (50/50 hp)
14 – Xallis (67/67 hp)
14 – Navia (39/39 hp)
13 – Henrika (75/75 hp)
13 – Julania (46/46 hp)
12 – Falchion Jack (58/58 hp)
09 – Hired Blades (Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Orange, Purple)
03 - Trevor
You all react quickly (except Trevor) and can act before the rogues can make another move.
Tychus, Icabhod, Malphene, Xallis, Henrika, Julania, and Jack all go.
Henrika fixes one of the hired blades with her hypnotic stare. She steps forward and feints to their left, hoping to put the rogue off-balance in Jack's and Ichabod's direction.
Before she moves, she casts blistering invective, her voice echoing through the chamber. "Knaves!" she cries. "Whoever it is that you serve, know that our vengeance upon you will be swift and terrible, and that your feeble attempts to stop us are doomed. Feel the fire of retribution, and question your life choices! Burn and squirm!"
The unfamiliar sensation of rage bursts into Tychus' mind. That assassins would strike on Abadar's holy ground was unthinkable. He whips out his crossbow and lets out a mighty bellow.
Jack steps forward past Tychus and swings his falchion at the hired blade that Henrika is threatening.
Before she moves, she casts blistering invective, her voice echoing through the chamber. "Knaves!" she cries. "Whoever it is that you serve, know that our vengeance upon you will be swift and terrible, and that your feeble attempts to stop us are doomed. Feel the fire of retribution, and question your life choices! Burn and squirm!"
[Intimidate]1d20+20=40
Dame Trant had to look at the mesmerist with pride, and a slight note of fear, from Henrika's blistering tirade. The lore warden felt a strong kinship with her fellow Dame in the church!
"That's correct, Dame Karthis! These nancy-boys are going to feel the dual wraith of The God-Fisted and Tankard-Fisted! Chop their manhood away!!"
Icabhod stabs at the no doubt burning thug next to Henrika.
"Dammit, more thugs!" The summoner weaves time around himself and his allies, speeding them up with a haste spell! "Take them down! Leave one alive for questioning!"
Navia steps towards the two unoccupied enemies, doing what she can to manage the flank. "Only one? Great!"
Round 1
Tychus fires first, hitting the assassin standing behind the fallen cleric and causing him to stumble a step back with a grunt.
Icabhod stabs forward. His blade is deflected off the rogue’s sleek black leather armor.
Navia pounces upon a nearby attacker who breaks his silence and screams as Navia tears him to shreds. When Navia is done with him, he lies bloody on the floor.
Blistering Invective Damage and Reflex DC 15
The acoustics of the sanctuary’s dome cause Henrika’s words to boom throughout the church. All of the assassins look all around and visibly shake. One of the hired blades even catches on fire, which only adds to the other’s panic.
Jack steps next to Icabhod and slashes the Hired Blade while he is still shaking in fear.
The hired blade sporting Tychus’ bolt, springs forward seeking to return the favor but slips of Abrun’s blood and nearly trips into Tychus instead. The rogue dashes back out of reach of Trevor.
The flaming rogue spots the large basin of holy water and leaps inside to douse the flames. The clear water is despoiled and blackened with dirt and ash.
The next rogue stabs at Trevor hoping to catch him off-guard but he can’t find a gap in his armor. The rogue steps back cautiously. Your group is proving to be more formidable then they anticipated.
The rogue injured by Jack also strikes back and again, the attack is deflected. This rogue also takes a careful step away.
The last rogue is panicked by the evisceration of the assassin next to him but make a frightened stab and Navia anyway. When Navia easily bats the blade aside, the rogue turns tail and starts scrambling over the pews.
Round 1
Initiative
03 – Trevor (63/63 hp)
Round 2
Initiative
30 – Tychus (65/65 hp)
25 – Icabhod (61/61 hp)
18 – Malphene (50/50 hp)
14 – Xallis (67/67 hp)
14 – Navia (39/39 hp)
13 – Henrika (75/75 hp)
12 – Falchion Jack (58/58 hp)
09 – Hired Blade (Red) (24 damage) (Shaken 5 rd)
09 – Hired Blade (Yellow) (6 damage) (Shaken 5 rd)
09 – Hired Blade (Blue) (4 damage) (Shaken 5 rd)
09 – Hired Blade (Green) (21 damage) (Shaken 5 rd)
09 – Hired Blade (Purple) (2 damage) (Shaken 5 rd)
09 – Hired Blade (Orange) (51 damage) (Dying)
03 – Trevor (63/63 hp)
Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲Haste (7 rd)
Icabhod: ▲Haste (8 rd)
Trevor: ▲Haste (8 rd)
Tychus: ▲Haste (8 rd)
Xallis: ▲Haste (7 rd)
Navia: ▲Haste (7 rd)
Jack: ▲Kitsune Style, ▲Haste (7 rd)
Malphene: ▲Haste (8 rd)
Everyone goes.
Henrika takes another step and swings her longsword in an arc, potentially slashing at both enemies before her. She instructs her enchanted sword to defend herself and Jack, and transfers her hypnotic stare to her new opponent.
Jack grins as their enemies begin to falter, and slashes at the nearest foe with his falchion.
Seeking to press the advantage, Xallis turns to cast a spell to disable some of the enemies.
"No escape!" shouts the eidolon as she runs down the isle, risking a dagger in the side as she seeks to close off the opponent's escape.
Round 1
Trevor shouts.
The aasimar touches the pew behind him and casts daylight.
Round 2
Magical longsword drawn, Dame Trant advances on the red Hired Blade and attempt to disarm him.
Round 2
With Dame Trant and Jack entering the fray, Tychus takes a moment to glance at the Chief Enumerator. His wounds were serious, but not life-threatening. As long as they could dispatch the assassins, his superior would live.
Switching targets, Tychus shoots off a quick shot at the lone scoundrel.
Round 2
Icabhod steps up and tries to strike the one Henrika is facing
Round 1
Trevor casts daylight removing the dim light condition.
Round 2
Tychus shoots the Hired Blade through the chest and pins him to the chapel wall. His dying body dangles like a ragdoll.
Icabhod steps after the retreating foe and stabs him three times in rapid succession. The Hired Blade goes down like a sack of potatoes.
Malphene cuts the assassin’s hand and sends his rapier flying. The blade clatters against the back wall out of the enemy’s reach.
Xallis’ burst of glitter blinds the disarmed rogue, further debilitating him.
The Hired Blade (Purple) gets a lucky shot in as Navia runs past then scurries out of reach of her claw.
Oof. Is Yellow being on fire for his turn enough light to offset the dim light penalties against them? ;)
Henrika stabs the Hired Blade (Yellow) in the ass while he is head first in the holy water. Then perhaps because of his humorous flailing, he next attacks are only half-hearted.
Jack picks up the slack and steps next to Henrika to finish the job.
Blind and disarmed, Hired Blade (Red) raises his arms in the air. ”Mercy.” he pleads.
The last remaining assassin still tries to make his escape. He tumbles away from Navia and throws a tanglefoot bag behind him as he runs. The bag explodes on Navia, entangling her in the sticky substance.
Round 2
Initiative
03 – Trevor (63/63 hp)
Round 3
Initiative
30 – Tychus (65/65 hp)
25 – Icabhod (61/61 hp)
18 – Malphene (50/50 hp)
14 – Xallis (67/67 hp)
14 – Navia (30/39 hp) (Entangled 7 rd)
13 – Henrika (75/75 hp)
12 – Falchion Jack (58/58 hp)
09 – Hired Blade (Red) (24 damage) (Blinded 7 rd, Shaken 4 rd)
09 – Hired Blade (Purple) (2 damage) (Shaken 4 rd)
09 – Hired Blade (Orange) (51 damage) (Stable)
09 – Hired Blade (Blue) (50 damage) (Shaken 4 rd, Dying)
09 – Hired Blade (Green) (44 damage) (Shaken 4 rd, Stable)
09 – Hired Blade (Yellow) (48 damage) (Shaken 4 rd, Dying)
03 – Trevor (63/63 hp)
Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲Haste (6 rd)
Icabhod: ▲Haste (7 rd)
Trevor: ▲Daylight (80 min), ▲Haste (7 rd)
Tychus: ▲Haste (7 rd)
Xallis: ▲Haste (6 rd)
Navia: ▲Haste (6 rd)
Jack: ▲Kitsune Style, ▲Haste (6 rd)
Malphene: ▲Haste (7 rd)
Hired Blade (Red): ▼Glitterdust (DC 18, 7 rd)
Everyone goes. These guys had their asses handed to them.
Round 3
Not about to let the last one off the hook, Tychus shifts over to Xallis and, using the pew for stability, lines up a careful shot on the assassin.
Xallis turns towards the escaping assassin and speaks sternly as he weaves a spell. "We offer you two options: Surrender or death. Retreat is not one of those."
Navia closes on the fleeing foe, reaching low to attempt to pin him down.
Round 2
Not wanting to leave it to Desna, Trevor approaches the downed Chief Enumerator.
Kneeling down, the caydenite casts cure critical wounds on Abrun Palliettor.
Round 3
Malphene holds her magical longsword up to the blinded red Hired Blades neck.
"Stand still. If you move too much I might accidentally slice an artery!"
Icabhod sheathes his blade when he sees his comrades have everything in hand
Henrika secures the closest prisoner (Green), tying their wrists together. She and Jack look at each other and then at everyone else, not sure what they should do about the foes who are bleeding out. "I hate to use up a healing potion on our enemies," Henrika mutters. "And I am certain that one of our companions can stabilize them once the last straggler is caught."
Jack begins collecting the fallen enemies' possessions, cackling with delight. "It's like they just throw their stuff at our feet. Much easier than swiping it from 'em!"
Round 2
Trevor heals the Chief Enumerator and he lets out a loud gasp as his wounds seal.
Round 3
Tychus hits the fleeing enemy in the back. He staggers forward but doesn’t fall.
"Stand still. If you move too much I might accidentally slice an artery!"
That rogue isn’t going anywhere.
The rogue maintains his footing but then Navia tackles his legs and holds him tight.
Realizing he is outmatched, he surrenders and hopes for lenency.
Combat over!
One of the conscious enemies speaks up. ”Hold your swords! It’s just a job, man. It’s not worth dying over. I’ll trade you information in exchange for my life. Put me in custody. I just don’t want to be executed by an overeager adventurer. Listen, we received a contract from a figure in one of our usual haunts, the tavern, The Grand Uncle. You know how it is, no names. All he wanted was for us to kill the head priest of this temple and we’d get paid. We weren’t expecting visitors. It’s all gone to shit now though.”
The gear from the six Hired Blades includes:
(6) potions of cure moderate wounds
(5) tanglefoot bags
(6) +1 studded leather armors
(6) +1 rapiers
(6) masterwork crossbows
(120) bolts
(6) cloaks of resistance +1
(6) thieves’ tools
2,934 gold
Abrun Palliettor pulls himself up off the ground and pats Trevor on the shoulder reverently. ”You all saved me life. I am in your debt. We still have much to talk about. But once these assassins are removed.”
"You didn't expect trouble, but you still made your move while your target was surrounded by an armed escort." The summoner sighs. "Thank Abadar you're incompetent."
He turns towards his allies. "I trust you'll secure the surrendering foes. Feel free to stop the bleeding on the others if you desire. Keep an eye on Palliettor for a moment, Navia and I are going to alert the guards of what just happened so they can be taken away."
Navia laughs while Xallis briefly pauses to tend to her wounds. "Because you don't wanna go through any more of that council business right? Hey Pupa, you think any other nasty nobles will try to pin this one on you too?"
The eidolon continues in a mocking tone. "Ohh, nooo, we were brutally beaten by these people we were trying to kill. Hoooow daaaaare they!"
Trevor sighs, and walks around the downed Hired Blades, kneeling down to tap their bodies with stabilize.
"I would encourage everyone to take one of the cure potions these lads generously donated to our cause."
Guards are easily to locate and quick to respond in the Churchside district.
Hey Pupa, you think any other nasty nobles will try to pin this one on you too?"
As the assassins are being carted off, on twists to respond back, ”Oh twas’nt no noble this time. Bloak thought he was being secretive, but I’ve got an eye for details, you see. The employer was cloaked and hooded, trying to pass himself off as human, but I could tell he was an aasimar. They got a certain twinkle in their eye if you know to look for it. He was also concealing a strange round cap with an attached veil. He was definitely a priest of sorts. But who our employers are is their own business. Just thought you might wanna know.” He laughs as if he told a joke before the guard roughly shoves him out the door.
Once all the guards and assassins have left the building, Abrun says, ”An aasimar wearing a round cap with a veil. That matches the description you gave of the high priest overseeing the service at the Encircling Bower. The Cult of the Twilight Child is behind this attack, mark my words. We’re on to something, and they tried to take me out of the picture. They probably would have succeeded if not for your fortunate arrival.”
”The time for subtly has ended. I am in no position to ask, but I implore you to find out what the Cult of the Twilight Child’s true objective is. People don’t just self-resurrect. And why would Prince Carrius show up here of all places? It just doesn’t add up. There is no doubt these priests are charlatans and Yanmass has no shortage of snake oil salesmen. But I sense this goes beyond that. Something sinister is going on and they don’t want us finding out.”
You can ask Abrun further questions if you wish. As the conversation winds down, he goes to a side alcove and retrieves an ornate crossbow. ” My religion prevents me from giving or receiving charitable aid without payment. Please accept this as payment for saving my life.”
The weapon he is holding is a heavy crossbow with a heavy wooden stock decorated with ornate golden filigree. It is a +1 lesser designating heavy crossbow.
”This weapon is named Scofflaw Hunter and it has been kept in my temple’s care for many years. You may use it for as long as you are in Yanmass.”
"Many thanks, Chief Enumerator. It's the least we can do."
He offers to take the crossbow, turning it about several times and admiring it's exquisite craftsmanship. Looking down at his own crossbow, he turns to Xallis and offers to him Scofflaw Hunter.
"Sir Xallis, I know you sometimes resort to the crossbow. Perhaps you could make good use of this? If not, Trevor, you may also find it handy."
He turns back to Abrun.
"Will you be safe while we go about our investigations? They may make another attempt on your life."
"Many thanks, Chief Enumerator. It's the least we can do."
He offers to take the crossbow, turning it about several times and admiring it's exquisite craftsmanship. Looking down at his own crossbow, he turns to Xallis and offers to him Scofflaw Hunter.
"Sir Xallis, I know you sometimes resort to the crossbow. Perhaps you could make good use of this? If not, Trevor, you may also find it handy."
Xallis considers the weapon. "My training is minimal, and when the front lines clash I'll likely miss more than anything. But..." he considers his words in front of the priest who so graciously offered the weapon. "If Trevor is unwilling to use it to support us, then I can at least carry it proudly along with our mission to save the city from this cult."
"Perhaps we should create a distraction? Bait out one of the cult's higher followers and question them?"
"Scofflaw Hunter is a Abadaran weapon", Trevor commented. "I would a Abadaran wield it. Better harmonious energies, that way."
"Will you be safe while we go about our investigations? They may make another attempt on your life."
"Yes, I will take better precautions. I had dismissed the other acolytes for our privacy but I won't make that mistake again. Perhaps I'll also hire a few extra bodyguards for the time being as well."
"Also, if this truly is Prince Carrius, there are a number of implications here. First, I doubt he is working with these cultists of his own free will. He may be a prisoner or being controlled in some way. Second, and more importantly, if Prince Carrius has returned to Taldor, that means that there is a male Stavian heir and that throws the entire succession into disarray. Prince Carrius would be first in line for the throne, ahead of both Princess Eutropia and the adopted Maxillar Pytharius. But proving the prince's authenticity and getting Eutropia and Maxillar to accept it will be the challenge. However, should that be possible, these cultists, whoever they are, if they are controlling the prince, may be aiming to underhandedly control the nation."
"It does seem all too convenient that Prince Carrius would return during a succession crisis... Personally, I'm not buying it."
"Perhaps we should create a distraction? Bait out one of the cult's higher followers and question them?""Many thanks, Chief Enumerator. It's the least we can do."
He offers to take the crossbow, turning it about several times and admiring it's exquisite craftsmanship. Looking down at his own crossbow, he turns to Xallis and offers to him Scofflaw Hunter.
"Sir Xallis, I know you sometimes resort to the crossbow. Perhaps you could make good use of this? If not, Trevor, you may also find it handy."
"We can also try investigating The Grand Uncle."
"Even better. The more evidence we can gather the better. I'm becoming more and more a fan of doing things with prepartion and information, and I know the cult is going to do everythingg in their power to make this difficult."
Unless you have any other questions, you leave the temple. When you leave, from a rooftop across the street, you spot the mysterious man in the red plague doctor's mask watching you. Again, he vanishes before you can approach.
With the moon already past its peak, you call it a night and plan to pay the Grand Uncle a visit the next day.
Rova 27, 4718 (Oathday) (Yanmass, Taldor)
The Grand Uncle is a seedy tavern in the Backhill district. The building is decorated in a Qadirian style with vibrant colors and intricate gold filigree. As soon as you open the door, a thick cloud of smoke puffs outward in your direction. Icabhod can sense the haze is laced with some drug but you should be alright as long as you don’t spend a long time inhaling it.
Inside, there are a few crude wooden tables crowded with many hooded figures. In the back, is an alcove filled with plush colorful pillows where a few mind-addled individuals recline and smoke from hookahs. The proprietor is a short, dark-skinned gnome with colorful whiskers and a turban that doubles his size. He hops down from behind the bar when you enter and greets you. ”Welcome to the Grand Uncle. I haven’t seen your faces before. I only have one rule here. Don’t cause any trouble. If you can abide by that, I’m happy to take your coin. What’s your poison, sirs?”
Rumors
At one table, you overhear a pair of laborers talking. “That Caradinna Farkin gets herself worked up, for sure. She’s always yammering about the ‘true powers in town’ and how sheets of lead protect you from mind-controlling magic. She’s locked herself in her house, I hear.”
--
At another table you hear a noble complaining. “We got snubbed at that new restaurant, Savories, last night. It caters to the best of the best, and I’ve heard it’s exquisite. They were too crowded even give me a table. Me! There’s something unnatural about a restaurant becoming so exclusive so quickly.”
--
And lastly a table of mercenaries talk. “I wonder where the bandits might be hiding. I’d put my money on the ruins of Orvestikar Manor. It’s isolated, and hardly anyone goes out there.”
A second mercenary responds. ”Haven’t you heard, the bandits were found in Tallgrasses.”
The first answers. ”Oh yeah. Too much smoking in here makes it hard to remember these things.”