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The Vast Empire of Urliek is at the height of its prosperity. Guns, Gold, Mercenaries and more as they seek to keep the Empire strong and the various forces of Chaos away.
However strange things have been occurring throughout the empire. Missing Children, Magical Storms, Alchemical Geysers, Goblin Raiders, Alien entities and more seem to be happening. One house, HOuse Vosk has summoned you to Kroinberg to the infamous Vosk manner. Here the current Mistress of the house Lady Emilia Vosk, a pallid lady who dresses in all black, with a parasol to hide what many say are inhuman eyes.
As you arrive you see you are not alone.
Maxim's yellow eyes survey the room, his face hidden behind his mask, thinking to himself "Your learn more with your ears open and your mouth shut."
Once Lady Vosk makes herself known, Lord Zumstein bows to her in a courtly manner."Your Grace."
Elara, an elegant noblewoman wearing a formal blue dress with silver accents and matching silver jewelry adorned with small saphires, gives a quick glance to each of the others in the room with a respectful smile before focusing on the lady of the house.
Nothing much to see about the other two nobles, at least not yet. Probably in a similar situation to mine? The man with the mask and the ratfolk, though... A bit... Unexpected. Wonder what the Lady Vosk needs, bringing us all together.
With an elegant curtsy, she addresses the Lady Vosk. "I am honoured by your invitation, my Lady. How can I be of service?"
Nibs crouches back behind the others, as far back as he can be without leaving the room, trying to hide within his black half-cloak and hood. He sniffs the air anxiously and seems like he doesn't know what to do with his hands. (He still believes his presence here is some sort of mistake, and is hesistant to draw too much attention until he knows where he stands.) Two other rat-like figures crouch behind him, one with a faintly glowing rune upon his forehead (similar to the one that Nibs has on his own forehead) and the other more closely resembling a dire rat in chain barding. They all look at each other with worried expressions and fidget slightly.
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In the main parlor she sits, her Parasol obscuring her face save the chin. The woman satin chairs were black and the lights where magically lit. Bookshelves littered the walls, books a varying size and age, smattered with trinkets and scrolls.
Other seats were arranged the parlor. Most were made of dark wood and upholstered with beautiful satin black cushions. Each chair had a exquisite Elven crafted darkwood side tables. A well dressed butler, a halfling brought a fine black porcelain tea pot with silver, gold, and platinum trees, as wolves and bats adorn it. Matching ups rested on the tray.
The halfling uttered a word which the tray hovered. He pulled out a cup and poured a heady earthy tea into a cup. A silver knife appeared and the halfling pulled the cover off the butter dish. he cut a small section of butter before dropping it in the tea. After that a small sugar spoon is dropped into the cup and then mixed with a teaspoon.
"Thank you Roubert, see if guests wish any tea, then make sure Matlide brings the cookies and sweet buns. I bet they are famished" a husky yet feminine voice was uttered from the shadows.
While punctuality was considered a virtue by most, the impact of a well-timed late arrival was not something to be underestimated, by any measure.
Sweeping into the receiving parlor with the fluid ease of a dancer, the slight rustle of silks draws the eyes of those within to the tall, athletic woman, adorned in an elegant burgundy gown with black accents, dramatically cut in the style of Propeta D'Oro high court, allowing much in the way of freedom of movement. Dark eyes, perfectly matched with silken hair, with the exception of a prematurely silver streak up front, greet each of those assembled in turn with a warm smile, before coming to a stop at their host.
Dipping in an elegant curtsy she speaks in a rich welcoming voice, with the lively melodic accent of the island kingdom’s southern region.
” It is a great honor to be invited into your presence My Lady. I am here but to serve.” she says before flowing into the empty chair.
"Thank you Roubert, see if guests wish any tea, then make sure Matlide brings the cookies and sweet buns. I bet they are famished" a husky yet feminine voice was uttered from the shadows.
Maxim takes a chair (picking a spot where his back it to a wall and he can see the entrances to the room, as well as Lady Vosk) and directs Roubert regarding his tea, "Black, please".
He shifts his focus to the Lady, "Lady Vosk, I am not much for small talk. Why have you called us here today?"
Nibs sniffs, reluctant from years of training to refuse free food, but still nervous. He involuntarily licks his lips and his whiskers twitch. He seems to be practiced at making himself unobtrusive, even with his ratlike companions hovering close. He watches those assembled, his eyes flicking back and forth, and waits for their host to elaborate.
"Some tea would be nice, thank you." Elara gives the halfling buttler a curt nod as she sits down, her eyes scanning the shadows for the source of the voice.
As the man with the iron mask poses his question, she turns her attention back to him and Lady Vosk, taking note of how she reacts to the man's words.
Rough, straight to the point, and with little love for social niceties. A mercenary, perhaps? Meant to escort us 'frail' nobles to whatever the Lady has planned for us?
Felix dutifully sits down on the overstuffed chair and takes the offered tea. The nobleman gives a simple but respectful nod of his head to the servant.
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Roubert gracefully fulfills the tea orders. he will set the pot on the tray and bow. He doesn't go far as setting beside the doorway he came in. Soon a teenage girl holding a spread of pastries and jams comes in. She walks awkwardly as seems to drag a foot behind her.
This girl has pallid skin, solid white eyes and seemingly sharp teeth and long nails. She sets the trap down with similar porcaline on it. This girl was dressed in a more gothic style maid outfit, with lace. By the time she gets back to Lady Vosk, the noblewoman took her satin black glove to touch Matlides hand. a squeeze is had the the girl nods leaving the room.
"Yes, I doubt you are." She smiles slowly rising to her feet. She stands a good six feet at least in height. Strangely as she does several squeaks come from the distance.
"Ignore that Matlide has gone to feed the bats" Came her reply.
"I have brought you all here for work. I have heard from reliable sources that you are all the unique talents I need. which is one of the two necessary requirements to be in the employ of House Vosk."
"So brave nobles, I offer you a chance to earn money, rare magical items, other ancient treasures and opportunities to move up in whatever manner you choose."
The woman stops in front of a bookshelf and reaches up to grab the skull of an imp. As she does it reveals a small hand lever.
" Before I continue on, do any of you mind bats?" She says her parasol still obscuring her eyes.
"In as so long as we are not fed upon", Lord Felix said as delicately as possible.
"In as so long as we are not fed upon", Lord Felix said as delicately as possible.
Lord Felix's comment has Maxim sitting up more alertly in his chair, but he makes no comment himself...
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A throaty laugh utters from her lips and she looks at Felix.
"My Lord Zumstein, have you met a vampire before? Or have you had to deal with Vampire Bats? I assure you the Bats we are about to see are larger. Though Nibs, I would be cautious they do feed on small mammals and such." She paused. Slowly she looked to Lord Zumstien.
"If you wish, you can always check me for a pulse." She said as she then looks to the others.
She pulls the hand lever and the ancient Oldobileu in the center of the room drops an finger width and slips under near the floor. Rough hewn stone stairs lead down. She places the skull on the shelf and then begins to descend. This prompt her to finally put the parasol down and use it as a cane. she descends then pauses when her head is just above the floor.
"Yes, Roubert, Candle rods for them" With that the halfling clapped and another halfling comes out holding Candle Rods for you to use.
"Now please follow me" And with that she finishes descending into the depths
Tenobia accepts the tea with both butter and sugar, giving the maid a smile before reaching for a pastry.
She arches an eyebrow, turning to face the masked man as he breaks decorum, noting his blunt approach. The talk of vampires widens her eyes ever so slightly before she lets out a throaty chuckle. Finishing her tea, she rises, popping the final piece of the delightful pastry into her mouth. ” Fascinante.” she says quietly as she takes one of the candlerods and follows.
Elara smiles slightly as she sees the Propeta D'Oro woman rather obviously waiting to see if the food and tea are safe.
Cautious. I like the way she thinks. Could be a bit more subtle, though.
She takes her own cup to her mouth, but drinks nothing as she looks to the others for a reaction.
She listens intently as the lady finally hints at what brought them here, even if she remains elusive about the actual task.
So we're all nobles, and she picked us for our 'unique talents'... Hmmm. Wonder just how much she knows about my talents.
She holds her breath as the young lord Zumstein decides to politely imply their host is a vampire, and lets it out with a small chuckle as the lady Vosk seems to take it humourously.
She follows Tenobia and picks up a Candlerod as well, lighting it up. "Wondrous things, are they not? While not as flashy as magic" She gestures to the tray that was hovering just a few moments ago "There's quite a lot you can do with alchemy alone. It's quite an interesting subject."
As they descend after lady Vosk, Elara inquiries further.
"I am curious, my lady. You said our unique talents were but one of the two requirements for us to be in your employ. What would be the second one?"
She follows Tenobia and picks up a Candlerod as well, lighting it up. "Wondrous things, are they not? While not as flashy as magic" She gestures to the tray that was hovering just a few moments ago "There's quite a lot you can do with alchemy alone. It's quite an interesting subject."
"Oh, definitely!" Tenibia replies with a grin, all too aware of some of the more spectacular things that could be done with alchemy.
1 rank +3 trained +1 wis
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Emilia chuckled. Well none of you will cost much should you perish in my employ. Which is a possibility. Though we have yet to get to the contracts"
" Now as for magic versus alchemy, well the formulas work off the more archaic rituals of Arcanists past. The Dwarves had some of this from thier unique treatises, but it was the Gnomes who refined and prefected them. Leading us to the modern innovations of firearms and much more. The gold fulminate has made the powder more stable is one such advancement. A Baron Kubric Von Cleese, from Matrose, I believe. Maybe fake it is dubious" she says continuing into the cavern.
Dire bats flutter dimly at the edges, and a clear path is kept clean, though no servants just bats sound. As they walk yoincan see some glints in the pale light of golden eyes of the large bats staring at you.
" Apologies for redorecting you through the Dire Cave, My Grandfather Otto Vosk is in the library. He isnt one for guests. So to protect him and you we are taking the long way around."She says coming to a fork and turning.
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" Sorry I trailed off. But Magic is rare now. Many fine crafters exist, and with only the Saints holding dominion over thier school, it makes even harder for us to have access. Though I did not bring you here to unravel the mysteries of that sort. I do have a strange occurance that needs taking care of. Something that does not coincide with the plethora of intrigue of the capitol and Empire as a whole. At least as my scources have deemed yet." she says slightly frustrated about the topic.
" As you know the Vosks used to be the arbiters of the Arcane here in Urleik for years until the Mana Storm of the Ancient empire of Eyoeyan, across the Dragon Sea, somehow strained the use of magic for all but the beings we know now as Saints. This had been the way some two centuries. At least that is what the longer lived races have said, and the works of the day have said...as well as other scorces" The woman added leading them through a cave of more Dire Bats.
1 rank +3 trained +1 wis
"My Lord Zumstein, have you met a vampire before? Or have you had to deal with Vampire Bats? I assure you the Bats we are about to see are larger. Though Nibs, I would be cautious they do feed on small mammals and such." She paused. Slowly she looked to Lord Zumstien.
"If you wish, you can always check me for a pulse." She said as she then looks to the others.
The noble bard waves a hand in acquiesce. "No need."
♦ ♥ ♣ ♠Lord Zunstein ducks low as to not spook the resting dire bats.
"I see." Elara replies as neutrally as possible as the lady Vosk explains exactly why they were picked.
So, pick some skilled and eager nobles from insignificant families, and get them to work for favours and promises, rather than pay whatever a mercenary would ask for the same job. Shrewd, and effective. Telling us upfront was a bold move though, but it did its job in underscoring just how far below her family ours rank, I suppose. We're disposable pawns, and she wants us to know it.
She listens intently as the lady rambles on about magic and another hint at their task.
"Well, alchemy is an hobby of mine, as I am sure you know. I was merely expressing an appreciation for my craft. But as interesting a subject as it is, I am sure the others are just as curious as I am about these strange occurrences that have you worried so."
Nibs ponders what the noblewoman tells them, unsure of what 'talents' he might have that would be useful to her purposes, whatever they may be. When she asks them to follow, he shrugs with a quick look to his companions, and waves his hand to decline candlerods. He is surprised that several of the others present are familiar with alchemy, and almost speaks up to discuss one of his favorite subjects, but thinks better of it and clamps his jaw shut.
He shivers slightly when she hints that there are bats large enough to threaten a creature of his smaller stature, but he straightens himself proudly and steps forward to show that he is not afraid. The second ratfolk that looks like his twin follows him closely, almost circling him like a mirror image spell, and his rat familiar (who is slightly bigger than he is) crawls behind him as closely as it can. All three puff themselves up slightly and bare their teeth as if to frighten the dire bats into seeking other prey, should they be hungry. Nibs's twin has a particularly impressive set of fangs that flash white in the dim light.
He notes their host's golden eyes, unusual for humans, and wonders what it means. Perhaps she is some sort of shifter, he thinks. The magic of lycanthropes isn't something I've heard much about, but it could explain why the Vosks have deep insight into subjects hidden from the rest of us.
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"Yes alchemy is a wonderful topic, and I do have one of the largest private Alchemy labs in the capitol. If you agree to my patronage, You all can have use to it. As well as my magical laboratories, library, Antiquities and Relics in my family's possession" She states with an earnest tone.
" Ah we are here, follow me, Apologies that it is a ladder" She says as she begins to climb the lady. As she goes up the ladder she turns another hand crank and steps up.
Those who follow are greeted with a huge office. It has more book shelves, but map cabinet, a few display cases with items resting behind glass. One of which is a skull with two different colored gems for eyes. The Skull was not human, but clearly elven. It had ancient runes carved in it. Another was a broken sword of Dwarvish Make, all beautiful and ordered lines that lacked the extra charm of other races. it had different runes. More items still rested with in the various display cases.
Emilia went over behind the desk and pulled out a map and began to unfurl it. A divan and two extra chairs rested before the desk, with a small coffee table that housed a negative mirror of the other tea set. This time small sandwiches and fruits rest neatly on trays.
'Please sit down and help yourselves." She said.
Once you all sit and arrange yourselves she will speak again.
" Each of you have been chosen for your talents, as well as the fact should you perish in this first endeavor, Your families won't retaliate. However should you choose to go on this mission you will be compensated. the group as a whole will be granted 1000 gold pieces. On top of this you will have lodgings at the Gentleman Ghost, a Tavern my family patrons and have agreed to set aside the guest housing level for as long as i deem fit. Should you perish your money will either go to next of kin or we can arrange it to go elsewhere in your name."
"Lastly I may have more work for you in the future, some could grant you access to more wealth and status. Seems the Vosk name carries a lot of weight. though its up to how you do on this first mission. Any questions?" She says looking up at you all showing her Golden Bat eyes. In fact she she smiles her teeth are more like that of a bat, as well as her ears being tapered a bit. Cleary she is something more than human, though she doesn't seem to be to bothered by revealing it to you.
"Thank you, Lady Vosk", Sir Felix smiles as he takes one of he offered sandwiches. The bardic investigator sits down in one of the nearby chairs. As he takes a bite, Felix uses the sandwich to mask his mouth as he casts message on Lady Von Silbermond.
Felix eats the small sandwich. "Sounds intriging. What is the mission?"
Tenobia perks up at the mention of access to the Vosk alchemy lab, her mind racing at the possibilities. As she adjusts her gown to climb the ladder, a stylized bell-mouthed pistol can be seen at her hip.
Climbing up into the office, her eyes take in the wide variety of artifacts and objects of artistry decorating the well-appointed lair. Taking a seat, she reaches for the food, popping a piece of fruit into her mouth and savoring the taste as she listens to the details of their contract.
"Your terns sound both fair and, amenable so far My lady." she purrs, looking to see the others' thoughts and reactions. As the group's apparent questioner poses the matter of the mission itself, she sits back, seemingly relaxed yet attentive, awaiting the reply.
Nibs follows up the ladder. When offered food this time, he huffs slightly and looks at his two companions before crossing to the divan and perching on it-- his twin beside him and his familiar curled up before him. He takes several sandwiches into his tiny hands and distributes them among the three, almost devouring one himself. As he licks the crumbs off of his fingers, he looks sideways at Lord Felix when the bard casts a spell. His manner is that of one who is curious what sort of magic Felix could be doing but obviously not knowledgeable enough in spellcraft to recognize the words and gestures.
(It is apparent to Felix and Elara if they care to look that Nibs has overheard the whispering, for he looks immediately at their host and his eyes narrow as if to say Oh, that's what she is. He makes no apparent effort to hide his thoughts, as if he doesn't think anyone would be interested.)
"You require all of our talents, Lady Vosk?" he asks quietly. "Or are some of us more perishable than others?" His nose twitches as he cranes his neck slightly to look around at the medium-sized humanoids. "Uh, forgive my directness, ma'am, but in my experience people usually want my kind not to participate in their affairs." The otherworldly ratfolk sitting next to him snickers at this.
vs DC 15
1 rank +3 trained +3 int
vs DC25
1 rank +3 trained +1 wis
"Plenty of honey, but what about the bees?" think Maxim, even as Lord Felix asks...
Elara raises an eyebrow as she suddenly hears Lord Zumstein whispered message. She gives him a slight nod and an approving smile in response as she sits down as well. As she notes some of the others take notice that something is going on, she refrains from whispering a reply back.
Attentive, knowledgeable and quick thinking, even if his idea seems to have brought a bit more attention than I imagine he wanted. The ratfolk at least seems to have picked up on it. Not that it changes much for our current discussion, I think.
She turns her attention back to their host, as she finally talks payment in more concrete terms.
So, two hundred gold pieces each, for a potential lethal job. With promises of future work, wealth and status, of course. Access to the Vosk alchemical lab and libraries are pretty enticing, though. But with the way the Lady Vosk has been avoiding saying exactly what she requires, I'm starting to wonder just how dangerous this will turn out to be.
She surpresses a chuckle as Tenobia calls the terms "fair", and waits for Nibs to voice his very valid concerns before adding her own thoughts as well.
"The terms are indeed... intriguing. I am sure everyone here will be crucial to the success of this mission, or you would not have invited them along. But perhaps filing us in on the details of what will be expected from us will help both set our minds at ease, and let us evaluate the terms fairly in light of the task you require."
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" Yes, its a sour business that" Emilia says as she looks up and stares at Nibs.
" My Uncle Vernard Vosk, spoke highly of the ratfolk. He was a wonderful man, who brought me many of the bats I have today. Still he was more a spelunker and archeaologist than I," she paused as her face looked over at an object on a nearby bookshelf. The pause lingered and she cleared her throat.
" I shall give you a badge of livery with the Vosk family crest on it. Infact each of you will recieve one. They allow for me to communicate with you, as well as locators and indentifiers. If needed they can be masked magically"
" With these most reputable establishments, a few solicitous establishments and the wiser of the noble houses will not harm you. Though they may impede you or try to maneuver you away from the truth. I doubt though this endeavor will have much need for that "
" So a little more information before you agree. Its a 1000 gold for each of you, access to my labs and libraries, potential earnings of titles and gifts, possibly more. This mission should keep you here in the capitol. Though should you need to leave, send word as I can prepare possible needs. Such as losging, bail, ecetra. If you are okay with these terms please say 'I'" the noble womans says as she comes around the desk to grab some tea and a sandwich.
" I guess you are true in that the terms seem light. Though if we can figure out the cause then the lost wealth will be but a mere drop in the bucket" she says a bit abscent mindedly.
Nibs chokes slightly when Emilia clarifies that it is one thousand gold each, rather than divided among the five of them. (He's obviously not got much of a poker face.) He clears his throat in a poor attempt to cover his initial reaction and looks around at the others to see if they are similarly surprised and impressed.
"That is quite a sum", the investigative bard remarked. "What shall our first task be again?"
Elara raises her eyebrows as the Lady Vosk clarifies on the sum and additional perks.
That is indeed quite a sum. And being able to easily present ourselves as agents of the Vosk family is not something minor either.
She leans forward slightly in her chair, waiting eagerly for Emilia to answer Lord Zumstein's question.
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Once all the affirmations come in Emilia smiles a predatory smile."good" she utters and then heads back around the desk. Once she is back there she opens a drawer and begins to pull out a folder.
" In the city children have gone missing, Most have been in the slums, the orphanage the Nuns have reported missing children not only of the children who refuse to stay but children in side the orphanage." She slaps down a rendering of the Saint Mara the Kind's Orphanage.
"To make matters worse many homeless have been disappearing. The taskmaster Sir Volg of Koenig, has found less able bodies to work the many city projects. Which is profitable to him, but has also put a bullseye on him and his lack of service. the strain has made him more amenable." She goes into showing the middle aged knight of the Capitol.
"Lastly many gnomes have come to the city looking for something lost. They are not very forthcoming and well they don't seem to be easy to crack about this topic in particular" She says as she places the rough sketch of Halftown the home to gnomes and halflings.
" The gnomes seem to currently be a dead end. Though keep an eye out. the influx of gnomes may correspond to the disappearances. Otherwise see what you can find out in the slums about these disappearances. the Church and Guilds are worried and its beginning to bleed into the lesser houses here that their hiers maybe in danger"She says finally handing out keys to the tavern.
Tenobia frowns as she hears the nature of their investigation. The disappearance of children was doubtless the result of something vile, and needed to be stopped. With the added detail of the adult homeless missing, people who many of the upper-tier citizens and law enforcement would be unlikely to miss, the likelihood of something well planned and orchestrated rather than some random occurrence.
Elara nods gravely at their task, narrowing her eyes as she considering the implications.
There's clearly something going on. The scale seems to be too great for these to be random occurrences.
She nods as she reaches for a key. "Grave matters, that definitely should be looked into as soon as possible. I am honoured you chose us for this task, my lady, but I am curious - or worried - that you felt the need to come to us. Should not the city guard be looking into this as well? The targets seem to have been purposely chosen to avoid making too much notice, but it has clearly come to a point where it cannot be ignored."
Felix sat in his comfy chair, looking into the distance; the tips of his index fingers pressed against his lips deep in thought.
Slavers. Sex rings. Forced labor. Necromantic or arcane experimentation. Could be any or all of these.
Feeling somewhat mystified, Nibs accepts the key. He looks over the sketches of the orphanage, Sir Volg, and Halftown.
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"I agree, If you wish I have some information based off vetted sources. Its' completely up to you, though it should help narrow down your search. If you do well, I may give you privy to my methods, but not yet." She says as she sighs looking at another object on the desk.
"I say this first none of the missing we know of have not turned up in the slave market, or so far any of the known houses of flesh, or even in the dungeons be them legal or illegal. Even the churches blacksites have no sign of these people." Lady Vosk says as she looks back up.
"Any lead you could provide us would be most welcome." Elara nods as she considers the information just shared. "Especially as it seems the more obvious reasons behind these nefarious acts have been ruled out already, which might make tracking down those responsible much harder."
She ponders on their options for a bit, and then chines in again. "Those badges you mentioned... You said they could be used to locate us. Could you use them to track one of us and share their location with everyone else? If so, getting one of us captured might be an option to find out where they are being taken. It is a risky option, to be sure, but it is always best to have all options on the table as we consider the best course of action. It might be our only choice if we fail to find out anything else."
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"They can be yes. Oddly enough, its only humans and mostly the poor. Does that mean some of those among you are...talented in ways I was not aware? Interesting" She says with a devilish smile.
She crosses her arm about her chest and then other touches her chin as she looks over the map.
"The best would be to go to St. Mara's Church in the Slums. The orphanage is there. The area has several homeless as its down wind and stream of the foundry and Alchemical areas. Careful of potential Miasma from the chemicals in use. Still that seemed to be where these predators stalk. it also seemed to happen in the dead of night and the largest amounts abducted coincide with the new moon"
...
She ponders on their options for a bit, and then chines in again. "Those badges you mentioned... You said they could be used to locate us. Could you use them to track one of us and share their location with everyone else? If so, getting one of us captured might be an option to find out where they are being taken. It is a risky option, to be sure, but it is always best to have all options on the table as we consider the best course of action. It might be our only choice if we fail to find out anything else."
Maxim replies: "A plan of last resort, I think, as we have no way of ensuring our enemies actually take the bait. As Lady Vosk mentions, we would have to take steps to fit in with their apparent selection criteria."
He turns back to Lady Vosk and continues "I mislike the coincidence ... how fervently have you pressed the gnomes about what they are looking for?"
Maxim replies: "A plan of last resort, I think, as we have no way of ensuring our enemies actually take the bait. As Lady Vosk mentions, we would have to take steps to fit in with their apparent selection criteria."
He turns back to Lady Vosk and continues "I mislike the coincidence ... how fervently have you pressed the gnomes about what they are looking for?"
Elara nods at Maxim's words. "Oh, definitely a plan of last resort, I just wanted to know if it was even possible. Even if it ends up being out only option, we would be able to try and capture one of them instead, with the same setup, which seems like a better approach. But I think even that only makes sense if we fail to turn up any information that we can act upon first."
She turns back to the Lady Vosk at his question about the gnomes. "I agree about the gnomes. The timing and their reluctance to talk is troubling. I am curious about the means by which you have already tried to get information from them, as well. There are numerous methods to get someone to talk, after all, some of which could prove more effective."
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"the methods of House Vosk vary, usually through a throughough investigation plying the varied avenues at the Houses disposal. Be it Divination, footwork, greasing palms, bribery and more. As for some of us we have more unique methods, that as of right now you do not need to know about" She says the last words she flashed more prominent fangs and her hand was now exposed and long black fingernails that faintly gleamed like metal in the light could be seen.
"As for the gnomes, they are searching for some lost gnome stronghold that was hear in Koenig. Before the Sacred Imperial Seat was moved, and abandoned when the laws of magic were rewritten" She sighed as strangely her fangs and claws vanished.
'Which seems to coincide with other reliable sources"