Milon replies to Trevor/Toni, ”I’ll have you know that rakshasas are quite virile and our lust is unsatiable.”
I can use the mask to detect if it is lying when questioned but have no special skills at interrogation. Hmmmm it could be asked leading questions and I could try to determine if it is lying.
Icabhod is unable to read Milon’s thoughts, but at least he can determine if Milon is lying.
Milon replies to Xallis/Procleto, ”Do your worst.”
With a sigh of resignation, Toni walks out to the cart.
"'Toni', why not use your rapier? It's a holy weapon, isn't it?" Henrika asks earnestly.
"I would rather not", Toni murmurs.
"Why?" The mesmerist asks.
The aasimar's sad iridescent eyes met hers. "Because the Gods gave me that weapon, yes! But I will not use it to torture. We caydenites are against any form of imprisonment OR torture. Even for a damned evil outsider! But I will do it! So I'm getting the spear!" The caydenite barked.
Turning around, Toni said mournfully, "I feel like I'm losing more of myself by the minute in this damned place."
First, Xallis turns towards his volunteer medic. "I understand that you are a man of your god first and foremost. Should any of what transpires here threaten your work in this world, you are welcome to walk away at any time. You will not be judged by the likes of us."
Then, he pivots to Milon. The summoner does his best to recall his discussions with his brother Faribus. "I'm not the kind of man to deal in threats, so I won't bother with those. But I am a curious man. Regardless of how this goes, I will learn from you this day. It is your choice whether I learn about these organizations or about your anatomy."
Navia secures the prisoner by the wrist, exposing his hand. Xallis touches the tip of the spear to it. "Thank you for shifting to a human form. I've always wondered how much of your anatomy shifts to mimic our own, and how much of it is skin deep. Now, let's begin. Tell us more about this Immaculate Circle."
Phase 1: "Let's begin"
Xallis will begin by casting heroism on himself to boost any relevant skill checks. He will begin with questions about the Immaculate Circle, attempting to gain intel on their mission, political allegiances, membership, and capabilities. Each time Milon gives a satisfactory answer (provides new information while not tripping Navia's sense motive or ichabod's mask) then they thank him and move on to the next question. Each time he gives an unsatisfactory answer, Xallis makes another shallow carve in his life dissection of the hand. The summoner is not physically strong, instead relying on the spear to make the job easier. The phase continues until they run out of questions or his hand is completely ruined.
Skills most likely to be used are Knowledge (planes) for exploratory surgery.
Phase 2: "This is punishment for your evil deeds. Now, about your friends..."
In this phase, Navia places Milon on a table and Xallis' work continues on redundant extremities. Ear, fingers, a leg... any place where his true form differs the most from his humanoid form. Uncertain in his skills, he doesn't attempt to cause damage to vital areas. Xallis asks questions about Milon's own agents in Waterhill, asking for data on which ones they are. Xallis will also inquire as to the nature of the Seven Forms of Sin.
Deep inside, Xallis is hoping this will be enough. If not, he will reluctantly progress to phase 3.
Phase 3: "You have the power to stop this at any time. Navia? Break him."
Growing desperate, Xallis will cast evolution surge and then enlarge person to make Navia a Huge sized, grotesque abomination in hopes that will threaten Milon into compliance. If not, he demands information while Navia batters his form with her raw strength, going so far as to break limbs and bones.
Skills may include Navia's strength, attack, or CMB, all of which are boosted (+5 Str, +2 Size to CMB, -2 Size to attacks)
If Milon manages to endure...
Phase 4: "Please... don't tell my sister I did this...."
Unable to continue, Xallis' resolve reaches a breaking point. He screams out for answers one last time, and if Milon does not say anything, the summoner relents. He steps out of the room, barely holding in his lunch, as he helplessly asks the party what to do now.
Diplomacy would be his best skill to try, but it may be more appropriate to use an untrained Intimidation roll to represent his faltering skills.
Icabhod drinks his Perceive Cues extract (+5 bonus to Perception and Sense Motive)
I have some knowledge of anatomy that can help
Perhaps we can try some poison, or melt down our silver coins. Some blessed slivers under the eyelids and finger nails could help.
Icabhod unrolls his healer kit, showing the needles and scalpels.
At first Milon resists, enduring the pain. But once he loses a hand, he shifts his head back to that of a lion and lets out a deafening roar. His muscles strain against the rope, but he cannot burst them.
”That won’t grow back, you bastard! I haven’t lived for over two centuries just to be maimed by the likes of you! The Immaculate Circle is a secret society of immortals with grand plans for Taldor. My natural rakshasa longevity was sufficient to prove my “immortality” to join this group. Their current goal is to give Maxillar Pythareus the throne. I’ve enjoyed grooming the high strategos over the past few years. He is like a beautiful rose whose thorns I have diligently sharpened.”
Although he told no lies, Tychus senses he is omitting something. However, Milon refuses to say more willingly. It takes destroying his other hand to get him to speak again.
”Rraarrr! Okay. Yes, we want to install Maxillar to the throne, but only because we believe that we could easily topple him and replace him with our own puppet ruler.”
Next, asking about the various agents takes more convincing but the blood loss is taking its toll and he is more malleable. You find out that the agents in his Waterhill manor are all rakshasa like him. The agents at the Sweet Dreams Tea House are night hags in disguise. And the Seven Forms of Sin is a monastic assassins guild located under the city in the Adobe District. They believe that self-mastery comes not from denying worldly pleasures, but from indulging them. Its members consist of a variety of different races but mostly human.
Did you have anything else you wanted to get out of him?
The summoner seems satisfied with the information. His hand trembles only slightly, still stained with the fruits of his grim work. He nods at the captive. "Your cooperation is appreciated. Toni, close the man's wounds."
He then turns towards his party. "Let's clean up. Gather your things, patch yourselves up, grab a refreshment if you need. We'll have my 'shadow' untie our shape shifting cat man after we've left."
Henrika holds up her hand. "Sir Xallis, while I approve of your merciful instincts, I do not believe that our prisoner can be trusted not to pursue us, nor to warn others of our presence here. His survival will greatly hamper our efforts here in the city. As distasteful as it may be, I think that we must kill him. You did not promise to free him if he answered your questions, and in any case he did not offer his information willingly. Furthermore, the two bodies in the other room deserve some consideration. I believe this shapeshifter murdered them to ensure he would not be disturbed while he dealt with us. For this crime at least, I charge him, and I am willing to carry out the sentence myself."
She looks at Toni. "Will you allow me this consideration, my friend, for the safety of our other friends and our mission? He is still a grave threat to us and an unrepentant creature of evil. I do not believe any of our gods would oppose such an action."
The summoner slouches a bit. And then he nods. "He's overheard too much. And you're right... we have to think about the mission. Very well."
With a blinding speed, Toni grimly drew Godspike from it's scabbard. "I'm sorry."
The Galt circus performer plunged the holy rapier into the rakshaka's vile heart.
He will no doubt be utterly vengeful if released and a shapeshifter of potent magical ability is a very dangerous enemy... He stops when Trevor dispatches the being.
You slay Milon Jeroth and dispose of his body. Then you return to your inn to prepare for your next excursion.
Persona Phase
Henrika
The agents Henrika sends to the Sweet Dreams Tea House fail to return.
However the agents sent to the Waterhill Manor return successfully. They report that the manor is a small two-story noble’s manor. It has no particular traps or defenses on any of the exterior doors or windows that they could discern. After careful observation, they report that they did not see any other “nobles” occupying the manor. It appears that only servants are tending to the manor in Milon’s absence. They counted at least five individuals who appeared to be either humans or halflings. However, based on your interrogation, you know they are likely other rakshasa in disguise.
Tychus
Tychus’ agents try to earn trust in Zimar to lend credibility to your false identities but unfortunately aren’t able to make any headway at the moment.
Icabhod, Trevor, and Xallis can take actions in the Persona Phase if they want to.
Then let me know where you’d like to go first: Either the Sweet Dreams Tea House or the Waterhill Manor. Although, you found out that the Seven Forms of Sin are located somewhere under the Adobe District, you don’t know how to get to them just yet. Also, let me know how you want to approach the situation. In disguise? Direct? If you want to go in disguise, you can either use your current disguises or make a second disguise. The various groups have little to no contact with each other, so you can make a believable case with a good enough Bluff regardless of your particular appearance.
Malphene enters Rumside and looks around. The local 'gentlemen' catcall the towering lore warden as she looks for one of the private booths. Pulling back the curtain, Malphene finds 'Toni', his iridescent eyes rimmed red from tears. The Galt circus performer is sitting in the booth with a tall bottle of wine and two drinking glasses. Toni's eyes lighten slightly to see his wife.
”Malphene. Darling. Thank you for coming.”
”I came as soon as Xallis told me where to find you. You have the others worried”, Malphene stated.
”I am sorry. So..very sorry.” Trevor lamented. The cleric sniffled then cleared his throat.
”I need your help with something dear”, Trevor motioned to an unoccupied seat in the booth. It was cramped, especially for one so tall and muscular as the Dame.
Trevor took a breath. ”One of the most documented instances of Cayden's displeasure is called The Bittering. It's when Cayden uses his dominion over spirits and alcohols to sweeten whiskeys and in this instance, bitter sweet wines.”
Toni held up the bottle. ”This is a young cherry wine. A few years old. I will pour us each a glass. And I'd like us to discuss the flavor. If my actions have displeased The Drunken God. I should know right away.”
The caydenite paused. ”I sent you away as I..”, Trevor choked. ”tortured the rashaka. You should not have drawn his ire, so you will act as my Control. Understand.”
The powerful fighter's eyes watered to look upon her husband, who is going through such pain. ”I am ready, my love.”
Toni popped the cork and poured the cherry wine, filing both glasses halfway. Both newlyweds held up their glasses in a toast to each other.
”To Trevor”, Malphene toasted.
”To Malphene. And Cayden.” Trevor toasted.
Both people in the private booth drank.
If the ones at waterhill are indeed rakshasa, we should purchase silversheen for our weapons and Trevor can perhaps bless them as well. This will be so we can be fully effective against them.
We should also move against them as quickly as possible. Milon will no doubt be missed after a day or so.
Seeing that they will no doubt be out on an infiltration mission, Icabhod tasks his agents to try to show Tychus' agents how it is done and
reinforce their cover.
This incident will never be spoken of again and all records are burned.
Persona Phase
Down at the Rumside, Bartelby Lotheed takes a swig from his mug, rolling the taste around in his mouth. Drinking on Xallis' coin makes the drink taste a little bittersweet; Every sip is a grain of sand in the hourglass of his karmic payback, but the prospect of an 'allowance' takes the wind out of it.
A familiar half orc sits next to him. One of the servants of House Livara caravan It's showtime.
"You look like an hungry dog." jokes the muscular half orc, giving him a slap on the back and a hearty laugh. "What's your deal?"
"A man. Procleto Porcinus is his name. We got in a fight, he came to my house, and completely ruined the place. Killed some of my men. So I'm in town because of that boisterous Chelaxian." Bartelby's cover story comes across as almost too convincing. Too close to home, one might say, if housing wasn't still a sore subject for him. "Hmm. You'll recognize him as a mercenary. And he has a murderous Shadow that follows him around and obeys his orders. If you see him, tell him I'm still angry about my house."
"That goes for the rest of you! Procleto Porcinus, don't forget the name!" the magus halfheartedly shouts to the patrons.
Hopefully, that will be enough to get people talking about the mask instead of the man.
Persona Phase
Trevor
Trevor spends some time on inner reflection after torturing the rakshasa. When he casts create water the spell still produces a fine wine. Cayden Cailean has not abandoned him.
Icabhod
Icabhod’s agents try to reinforce Snabjorn Vangsen’s cover but go completely overboard. They make such a nuisance of themselves, that they warn Icabhod that he might want to wear a hood for a few days.
Xallis
Xallis lets Bartelby off his leash and he takes a cadre of agents to a local tavern to spread propaganda. Bartelby’s silver tongue is scarily convincing and he bolster’s Xallis’ disguise.
Tychus
Kuthona 21, 4718 (Fireday) (Zimar, Taldor)
When you are ready, you head to Milon Jeroth’s luxurious manor in the Scrolls District, called Waterhill Manor.
Disguised, you knock on the door and a halfling butler answers. The butler sees Henrika disguised as Milon and welcomes you inside. The butler impatiently asks ”Welcome back Master Jeroth. What news and developments about the last of Zimar’s Lion Blades do you have? Have you decided where to send us next?” It is only then that he seems to notice the rest of you. He looks quizzically. ”I didn’t know we were expecting guests. Shall I prepare tea?”
The entrance room of the manor is a living room.
This large living room is built in three tiers, ascending from the area adjoining the front door to a large, semicircular wall of windows looking out over the city to the west. Plush blue sofas line the walls, intermixed with statuary and potted plants. A short flight of stairs rises to the north, steeper stairs leading up to the south, and a hallway lies to east. An ugly, gray ring sits on a red pillow under a bell jar between the two uppermost couches.
Two other human servants are also occupying the living room chatting. They stop talking and pause to examine you when you enter.
Henrika snarls at the butler, "The fools gave me the slip. After everything I did to entrap them! I have had to hire additional agents to cover for our group's many limitations. No tea; bring wine, you dolt! And do not adulterate it with anything else. My temper is utterly frayed." She adjusts the magical falcata on her hip as she sits and breathes a loud and angry sigh.
Henrika rolls her eyes. "Our new allies are in disguise, of course. We must ensure that they are never seen at the same time and place as those cowardly interlopers whom they are impersonating. It is fortunate that I was able to find enough bodies for hire to approximately match their numbers, but I doubt these disguises would fool any of the Blades up close. Still, I have a plan to use them to cover for our activities and deflect suspicion away from us."
Jack attempts to look suave and supernatural, like he is a rakshasa pretending to be disguised as a half-orc. To do this, he tries to glower rakishly with a raised eyebrow as he bows.
Icabhod is keenly aware that he lacks skill at concealing his features but makes a go at it by quaffing an extract of Disguise Self(+10 disguise) and some educated guesses
He will also send some agents out to do shopping for Silversheen and Bless Weapon oils (50 gp each for Bless Weapon so I will buy 5 for us 250 gp. 4 vials of Silversheen for 1000 gp)
The staff looks critically at their guests as if not trusting any of them. But when Henrika as Milon covers for you, they accept her explanation and relax.
”Yes, wine. Of course.” says the butler who goes to fetch it.
The two other servants take a seat on one of the couches. In their master’s presence, they drop their disguises. While they retain a humanoid head, their arms each split into three colorful vipers. And their mouths sport fangs and a serpentine tongue.
”Relax with us, master. We know how much you hate that itchy human skin.” says one of them.
The other says, ”So are you going to let us leave the manor soon? Playing servant is such a bore. I’m dying to hunt down another Lion Blade. Or maybe we can finally assassinate Baron Astor Roderus like we were discussing.”
The butler soon returns and has also dropped his disguise. He small in size and appears like a finely dressed fiendish gnome with a mouth full of fangs. He grins widely, showing off his teeth while he serves the wine. Then he takes out a flute and starts playing it for entertainment.
Lore Checks
•This is a marai rakshasa.
•A marai’s type is outsider (native, rakshasa, shapechanger)
•Marai are deviant spellcasters first and fiendish corruptors second. If allowed to indulge in their desire for perverse mystical study, most marai are content to serve as part of another rakshasa’s cabal. A solitary marai might pose as a neophyte magician to infiltrate another spellcaster’s abode. If the marai is successful, the master soon becomes either the servant or a corpse.
The possibility of new magical discoveries drives a marai. Morality and compassion never constrain the fiend’s experiments. A marai prefers to torment and exploit mortals who have no idea of the rakshasa’s true nature, and it takes great pleasure in using magical might to bring would-be heroes, especially those who invade its lair, to their knees. Such a game offers a marai enjoyment, however, only if subjects are unaware of the danger or at least unable to oppose it.
•A marai is vulnerable to good-aligned piercing weapons.
•A marai’s bite inflicts confusion.
•A marai’s six snake arms can each spit a bolt of energy of different energy types.
•A marai has spell resistance.
•Marai’s speak Common, Infernal, and Undercommon.
•This is a dandasuka rakshasa.
•A dandasuka’s type is outsider (native, rakshasa, shapechanger).
•Dandasukas, also known as “biters” among rakshasas, serve as spies and assassins. They often appear as part of a rakshasa’s retinue or secret network. Born to manipulate and murder, they revel in their work and delight in the sight of blood. Thus, dandasukas go about their work cheerfully, laughing as they manipulate foes and butcher victims.
All dandasukas are restless and energetic. They crave activity and entertainment, preferring the sick and cruel to conventional fare. Dandasuka pranks are rarely amusing for the victim.
Monstrous hunger gnaws at the hyperactive dandasuka’s body, making the creature crave humanoid flesh and blood. When such blood is spilled, a dandasuka is often not able to contain its fiendish appetite. It might lick a bloody blade, lap up fallen drops, or even take a bite out of a fallen foe at the expense of a more tactically sound option in a fight. A dandasuka settles for other meat when it must, but it always prefers humanoid flesh.
•A dandasuka is vulnerable to good-aligned piercing weapons.
•A dandasuka’s bite inflicts bleed.
•A dandasuka has spell resistance.
•Dandasuka’s speak Common, Infernal, and Undercommon.
Rakshasa Traits
•Rakshasas are vulnerable to good-aligned piercing weapons.
•Rakshasas are exceptionally resistant to magic.
•Rakshasas can detect thoughts as per the spell at will.
•Rakshasas can change shape into humanoid creatures.
•All but the least of rakshasas can cast spells as sorcerers.
Toni unconsciously touches his rapier.
Henrika thinks about what they read in Milon's notes, and looks around at the party as she explains what she remembers in a haughty voice: "You will all need to quickly bring yourselves up to speed. Baron Astor is majordomo to Maxillar Pythareus." She gives her friends an opportunity to respond and ask questions under the guise of being new to the organization.
To the outsiders, she replies, "As gratifying as it would be to remove the dear baron, and thus leave open the way for us to replace him with one of our own, he may well be too entrenched in his defenses and the High Strategos's scrutiny for us to harm him." She regards the rakshasas with a steely, appraising eye. "Though if you are so eager to do something useful, you may have the opportunity to prove yourselves. Bring me intelligence about Roderus's schedule, staff, magical protections, and how difficult it would be to reach him without being discovered. Consider both his death and his capture in your preparations. If I am convinced that this course is viable, the first of you to present such a plan to me may have the honor of putting it into action." She smiles wickedly.
Useful information to have if we find we must confront Pythareus directly, Henrika thinks. But I hope that the assassination of men whose only crime is faithful service will not be necessary.
She shakes her head and stands up again. "But before I get too comfortable here, I should like to show our new allies around the manor. It would be good for them to comprehend everything that they will be working with, and will also serve as a kind of spot inspection for my loyal friends stationed here. Would one of you like to conduct the tour?" She smiles sweetly, ready to fix whoever takes the initiative with her hypnotic stare.
”You w-want one of us to give a tour? Well, you are the master.” The dandasuka shrugs. He introduces himself to the rest of you. ”I am Oaca, Milon’s right hand. Please follow me.”
Henrika discretely places her hypnotic stare on Oaca.
1. Living Room
This large living room is built in three tiers, ascending from the area adjoining the front door to a large, semicircular wall of windows looking out over the city to the west. Plush blue sofas line the walls, intermixed with statuary and potted plants. A short flight of stairs rises to the north, steeper stairs leading up to the south, and a hallway lies to east. An ugly, gray ring sits on a red pillow under a bell jar between the two uppermost couches.
”This is the living room. You may have notice the ring we have on display here. It is a minor piece of Taldan history: the Band of the Crusader’s Alliance. This impressive ring was designed by the dwarves of Kraggodan and used as part of a wedding to secure an alliance between their Sky Citadel and Taldor’s own forces in the Shining Crusade, with mechanical bits for the notoriously anxious General Shae Varitan to fiddle with while she worked. The ring saved the bride’s life twice on the day of the wedding: once when it caught on and tore a would‑be enchanter’s scroll, and again when the General’s fidgeting accidentally knocked over a poisoned wineglass. Both the ring and General Varitan gained a reputation for fortuitous accidents that day that followed both ever after. Please don’t touch.”
”Next, I’ll show you the dining room.”
2. Dining Room
A large dining room overlooks the living room, separating only by a wrought iron railing. A long table of purple wood is set with porcelain tableware. Each plate is painted in intricate geometric patterns.
”This dining table, made from a rich, purple wood, is imported all the way from the Mwangi Expanse.”
5. Kitchen
Decorative blue and sienna tiles decorate the walls of this large, well‑appointed kitchen.
”This is the kitchen. The hearth here burns day and night without the need for fuel, thanks to a bound elemental spirit created with Keleshite magic centuries ago, during the last Qadiran occupation. We also have an unseen servant capable of handling the cooking and cleaning, but sometimes I like to cook in here just to hone my skills.”
Oaca points to a door in the corner. ”That leads down to the basement. Don’t go down there without permission or I’ll bite off one of your hands.” Oaca’s grin widens from ear to ear, showing off his dagger-like fangs. ”It wouldn’t be the first time, right Milon?” Oaca pokes Henrika mirthfully.
Oaca leads you through the southern door of the kitchen, which opens into a hallway with two doors on the south wall and another door to the east. Oaca leads you through the eastern door. He briefly gestures to the doors to the south (Rooms 3 and 4). ”Those rooms are the servants’ quarters. There is nothing to see in there.”
6. Bath
Tiles decorated with colorful patterns line the walls and floor of this exquisite bath, which holds both a tepid cooling pool to the north and a steaming‑hot pool to the south, separated by a large planter of lush, tropical blooms that flourish in the humidity.
”This elaborate bath sates a rakshasa’s need for luxury like few other things can, and Milon spends much of his free time lounging in the pools. Keleshite elemental magic, similar to the effect binding the elemental spirit in the kitchen, helps fill the pools and maintain their respective temperatures—cool in the northern bath and hot in the southern.”
”Keep following me as we head upstairs now.”
7. Guest Rooms
Four comfortable bedrooms serve the house’s rotating residents as they come and go, with ornate beds, carpeting, desks, and wardrobes.
”Up here, the four smaller rooms serve as rooms for our guests when we have them. And last on our tour is the master suite.”
8. Master Suite
A plush bed overflowing with pillows sits beneath a half‑dome of windows looking west across the city. A wardrobe, a desk, bedside tables, and an overstuffed sofa fill out the rest of this massive bedchamber.
Oaca says, ”This here is master Milon Jeroth’s master suite. And here you can meet the rest of the agents currently at the manor, Chandar and Joneius.”
Two scantily clad Qadiran dancing girls lounge on the large bed here. They purr and eye your group lustfully. Then the two women change form. Joneius has the head of a crocodile, while Chandar’s is that of a hyena, but both otherwise look like slender human women. They crawl off the bed and seductively run their hands over Tychus and Trevor. ”Come play with us. We don’t bite.”
Oaca replies with a chuckle. ”Don’t believe them. They indeed do bite. Recently, they accidentally devoured two of Milon’s favorite human informants, who plied high‑profile admirers with liquor to extract valuable secrets from them. Milon thought making them take the women’s place would teach them a lesson in humility, but so far they find the assignment uproariously fun.”
Before they enter...
"Well, I think I'm going to leave Navia out of this one. Out of all of us, her appearance would be the most difficult to explain, and I'm not sure if she can hide in plain sight from their senses. If things go bad, I've still got my summons."
Inside the manor...
Xallis will do what he can to convey information over Henrika's message spell. He emphasizes to keep the mind clear of incriminating thoughts.
"Think of the last time you killed in battle. Well, except our last one. That what you don't wouldn't raise any suspicion."
Two scantily clad Qadiran dancing girls lounge on the large bed here. They purr and eye your group lustfully. Then the two women change form. Joneius has the head of a crocodile, while Chandar’s is that of a hyena, but both otherwise look like slender human women. They crawl off the bed and seductively run their hands over Tychus and Trevor. ”Come play with us. We don’t bite.”
"Sorry, ladies. Master needs me. Perhaps later."
Tychus looks around and does his best to appear unimpressed by the building's current accommodations.
"I've seen better, but I suppose it will suffice for now..."
Two scantily clad Qadiran dancing girls lounge on the large bed here. They purr and eye your group lustfully. Then the two women change form. Joneius has the head of a crocodile, while Chandar’s is that of a hyena, but both otherwise look like slender human women. They crawl off the bed and seductively run their hands over Tychus and Trevor. ”Come play with us. We don’t bite.”
"I'll pass." he says while suppressing the strong urge to reach for a weapon.
After some time has passed, Tychus addresses some of the assembled Rakshasas while lounging in one of the luxurious rooms.
"You truly think you could kill and replace Baron Roderus? Unlikely. And just how would you accomplish that?"
Icabhod just follows the group with his hands folded inside his robes. If any of the Rakashas look at or address him. He just gives
them a particular look and smiles softly.
"You truly think you could kill and replace Baron Roderus? Unlikely. And just how would you accomplish that?"
One of the marais responds. ”Well…normally, we rely on Milon to come up with the plans. But I suppose it would only be a matter of assuming the identities of some guards in Abadar’s Pillar, learning the Baron’s schedule, and then catching him alone.” He turns to Milon/Henrika. ”Just give us an order and we will follow.”
Once the tour is finished and the rakshasas return to the living room, Henrika pretends to consider the plan that the marais have voiced. "It sounds to me as if you need more information before you can act against Baron Astor and his master. Very well, your orders are to infiltrate Abadar's Pillar and provide me with what you can discover about the building's layout and defenses. We will see just how secure Pythareus is." She chuckles in a way similar to how she remembers Milon chuckling during his interrogation. "In the meantime, I will attend to other business, putting our new allies to work on projects more suitable to their specialized talents. Do not disappoint me, and expect me when you see me!"
You set the rakshasa to their task and leave the manor for now.
Since you didn’t need to spend many resources, you can head straight to the Sweet Dreams Tea House in the same day.
As you are walking towards the teahouse, you pass by a group of agitators stirring up anti-Qadiran sentiment with hateful graffiti in Zimar’s public spaces. These agitators are currently defacing a historic Qadiran building with racist caricatures. Unfortunately, you know that engaging with them would most definitely draw unwanted attention to yourselves, so it would be best to quietly keep walking.
You enter into the tea house. The scents of dozens of tea varieties, herbs, and oils waft out from the countless jars and bottles on the shelves in this large room. A raised section of flooring near a sales counter supports several worn, water-stained tables and chairs. Various kinds of poppets, wooden charms, and silver hoops hang from the ceiling.
A young Taldan woman works behind the counter and appears to be the only staff member in the front of the tea house. She says pleasantly, ”Welcome to the Sweet Dreams Tea Shop! I’m Estella. What can I help you with today?”
Then she notices Henrika disguised as Milon Jeroth. ”Oh, master Jeroth. I wasn’t expecting a visit from you today.” Then her face suddenly turns into a scowl and she says harshly to Henrika, ”Get over here. Now!”
Assuming Henrika approaches, when she does, Estella says, ”You aren’t Milon, are you? You can’t fool my eyes. The real Milon Jeroth detects as lawful evil. But you don’t. Explain!”
Henrika will need to make three checks. First, a Disguise DC 29 and Bluff DC 20 for the normal deception to impersonate Milon Jeroth. Then she needs to make an additional Bluff DC 28 to explain the alignment discrepancy to convince Estella of her identity.
Everyone else needs to make a Disguise DC 22 check to pass off their disguises. However, those with a good alignment, Icabhod and Trevor, take a -5 penalty to the check.
If anyone fails their disguise, if Henrika successfully convinces Estella that she is Milon, she can make one more Bluff to cover for her allies again.
Henrika slowly raises an eyebrow when Estella commands her to come over. She proceeds menacingly toward Estella, her hand on Milon's falcata that she carries at her hip.
Henrika allows a look of surprise to come over her features, followed by a rueful chuckle. "These fools I am traveling with do not know my true nature," she whispers conspiratorially, "and so I have magically disguised my alignment. I forgot that I did this, and you are fortunate you did not blow my cover or I would be very displeased. Nevertheless, I am impressed you are canny enough to recognize this, and more so that upon making your discovery you did not act over-hastily."
"I am just an out-of-work circus performer from Galt."
I am just a humble seller of spices.
Estella narrows her eyes suspiciously at Milon’s agents but Henrika smooths things over.
”Suspicious. This is not how you normally operate. So why did you come here? My sisters are already spying on Maxillar for you. Do you need something from me? Need me to haunt anyone’s dreams? Or maybe you brought these fools to me tea shop to sell me their souls? That circus performer’s soul would fetch a high price.”
Henrika thinks about what she remembers from the letter Milon carried on his person. It seemed to her that the letter described the sisters as completing research into a "diviner" who serves Pythareus, and that they would like to harm her if allowed to do so. She uses these assumptions to try and come up with a plausible reason that Milon would visit the shop.
She smiles indulgently at Estella and takes a step back to include the others in her speech. "I came to introduce you to our new allies, to ensure that you will recognize them and leave them be if you or your sisters should encounter them on their various operations in the city. I also would like them to hear more about what your sisters have discovered about that damnable diviner. I am considering allowing you to carry out your plans for her, but I wanted to give our friends a chance to suggest another course if they have one. They can more easily go to some places where you and your sisters cannot-- though of course, you are more uniquely suited to other approaches of attack, as you say." She chuckles, and then grows serious again. "It may be that time is running out, for that meddlesome agent of Pythareus is investigating you most seriously and I think it likely that she will soon locate you here. We must act before that occurs."
She smiles indulgently at Estella and takes a step back to include the others in her speech. "I came to introduce you to our new allies, to ensure that you will recognize them and leave them be if you or your sisters should encounter them on their various operations in the city.
Tychus gives the Sisters a sarcastic salute and his best mischievous smile.
Estella replies, ”Ah yes, the damnable diviner Dame Avenna is the only real threat to us. She’s the only one capable of unveiling our secrets. It would be best to remove her from the game.”
Kuthona 25, 4718 (Toilday) (Zimar, Taldor)
Many of us are really good at Diplomacy, so maybe we could try just gathering information in the town.
You decide to split up and spend the next week inquiring about the Lord of Filth and the Seven Forms of Sin Monastery. For both of these, you know you’ll get the best results from the criminal elements within the city so you spend time in some of the seediest bars and back alleys the city has to offer. However, your efforts bear fruit.
Regarding the Lord of Filth, a table of rogues hear Henrika asking about him and motion Henrika over.
One of the rogues tells her, "The Lord of Filth is one of Zimar’s strangest information brokers. He is an otyugh whose true name is Gulreesh. He’s an atypically intelligent member of his race who spends his days shifting through the odds and ends people above throw away to learn of the city’s secrets. The self‑proclaimed “Lord of Filth” trades his secrets for information, treasure, and services, and over the last century has grown into a fairly benign crime lord.”
”Gulreesh’s lair, the Court of Filth, is in a cistern that was built centuries ago under the Scrolls District to store water for bathing, consumption, and firefighting, receiving water from a branch of the Jalrune Aqueduct. An earthquake in 2920 AR nearly cut off the supply of water from the aqueduct, though smaller amounts of water still seep into the cistern. Centuries of neglect have turned the water filthy. The ancient cistern is easy enough to reach thanks to a path cleared by decades of blackmailers, rogues, and spies traversing to the otyugh’s realm.”
The rogue points out the entrance on a map for you.
A second rogue warns her, ”Just beware, the Lord of Filth doesn’t give up information for free.”
------
Regarding the Seven Forms of Sin Monastery, while Xallis is walking down a shadowy street, a Qadiran woman grabs his shoulder and pulls him aside. Xallis immediately recognizes the woman as one of the female rakshasas in Milon’s bedroom, the crocodile-headed rakshasa named Joneius. She tells him, ”Procleto, wasn’t it? I hear you are looking for the Seven Forms of Sin. The Seven Forms of Sin maintain a secret monastery in the undercity below the Adobe District, accessible through the city’s sewer tunnels. However, since you are working for Milon Jeroth now, the easiest way to reach the monastery is through the entrance to the undercity that Milon maintains underneath the Waterhill Manor. If Milon gives you permission to use the tunnel, it is a half-mile straight walk. However, if you are just looking to indulge in sin, all you need to do is ask, and I'd be glad to oblige.” Joneius gives Xallis a seductive, toothy grin.
------
Icabhod and Tychus draw attention for their questioning. A group of five local toughs approach Icabhod and Tychus in the street. They block the street so that the pair can’t pass and slowly approach in an attempt to intimidate them. The apparent leader says to Icabhod, ”In case you weren’t aware, we don’t like foreigners here in Zimar. We’ve noticed you’ve been poking your nose around where it doesn’t belong and we think it’s best you go back to where you came from. Maxillar Pythareus will make Taldor great again. And that means returning the purity of our once‑great nation. You can leave on your own or would you rather we call the Vault and Chain on you?”
The he says to Tychus, ”And you, a Taldan knight, should be associating with his kind. Taldor will need knights like you when the High Strategos restores Taldor’s glory but not if you’re a foreigner-loving liberal. If you’ve gone woke, it’s best you be leaving town too.”
Icabhod and Tychus suspect that they could easily dispatch these thugs but resolving the situation with violence will incur more Suspicion Points.
Icabhod cringes from the thugs and stammers some apologies.