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Bathus strolls up to the bar alongside Eran. Ascending the minor scaffolding that accommodates those of smaller stature, he manages (with minor difficulty) to seat himself at the main bar. He pulls out a brocade handkerchief with a flourish and begins polishing his glasses. Setting down some mint of his own, he awaits the barkeep. In a hushed voice he asks his companions What's the plan? Are we going to harass random citizens and hope one of them knows something? Or should we try to gather the attention of whomever we are looking for and hope they take the bait?
Right then, I think I know just the place. I've only ever been to celebrate, but there's a nice place a block from my bookstore. Away we go!
I agree. Shall we?
I am thinking more that we should press on again in the case. We may be able to find some things of use, and he is paying us, after all. We might have more success if we all go together, not the least in case we run into trouble.
As far as the courthouse goes, I'm not proud of it, but I have a knack for getting around unseen. I'd be remiss of being too far from help, though. Anyway, this Order of Tears is worrisome. If we are racing against another group, I'd rather have some information of our own before we went and did any bargaining. House Caedemon is rich indeed, but our patron is a bit of an outcast hoping to boost his own reputation with us- we're the hired help. Goodness! I'm just a bookseller! With this, Bathus plops himself down in his chair and swathes his sweater around him, glowering forlornly away, thinking clunkily.
For the paladins, maybe a bribe? Not all are lawful and just. Or maybe forgery? I doubt their chapter has the highest of standards of written orders.
Sorry for my absenteeism as well, I should be back to posting regularly.
Team 3: Erm, well, yes... Though not specifically from your authority, you see. It's all tied up in the beurocracy.
Away Team 3: Bathus nods to Jerex. Yes, I'll do my best. This seems a bit more under lockdown than I expected. Bathus stands plaintively by the guards. Terribly sorry to bother you, sirs, but my compatriot and I are hired investigators, I wonder if there would be any way that we could be allowed a brief meeting with someone who knows the particulars of what has been happening inside recently, especially about the ghastly incident with the late Judge Goron?
Been a busy holiday season.. Congrats on finals! ER? Hope everything's gone ok, get better soon!
I have a fancy to be examining the courthouse, I'm quite curious how they managed to slay the judge in his own chamber. [/b] Bathus shudders at the thought. He gathers his satchel and heads out the door with Jerex.
Indeed. Mine are finished now, though.
Bathus also slumbers. He does get up early and prepare a pot of coffee and purchases some sweet pastries from a peddler which he leaves on the table. For his comrades, on their first day of investigating serial murders by demonic cultists, best to start on a good note. The game is afoot, Jerex! Bathus says, mustering his courage.
Well, Sir Brabantio was a merchant, a skeezy one, who was found by his ships in the docks. The good Judge Goron was a compassionate soul, killed in the courthouse itself. And Cleric Garal was a simple Pharasman cleric. Bathus stands. Shall we head in a group of two and three, or does someone feel particularly brave? I'd like to head to the chamber of Judge Goron, that seems quite intricate for demonic cultists. Well, we are all like Shire Reeves now, best to make our best impression.
Bloody Demons! Bathus cries, before hurriedly walking away to hide his fear, scratching his chin. [/b] Their fell influence is random enough. And gruesome. Bathus composes himself. Ms. Brie has certainly answered the variables of Sheriff Reeves, but we certainly need more answers.
Bathus provides Jerex with a three volume history on the city of monuments. I'll extend the favor and, ah, escort, you to your cottage, as you were so kind to provide the service for me. By the way, I have noticed that while you are a very curious individual, your manners are impeccable. Where did you learn them? And consider us friends now, Mr. Jerex. 'Bathus' alone will be quite fine. Sharing an attempt on our lives is nothing like sharing books! Bathus laughs happily. Anyone hearing could tell that he is nervous, but excited and even jovial to be out and with people, whom he is even excited to find that he has things in common with.
Well, yes, and those arrangements are part of why I must stop by. Otherwise, I believe I can provide a small curriculum which may help you. You haven't been in Golarion long, have you? Bathus speaks cordially, though he seems rather nervous at the talk of the store. When we arrive, he unlocks the door with a large pewter key and holds the door open to enter. Just be a moment He darts off amid the shelves and vanishes for a time, before returning with a huge stack of books. This ought to get you started! Bathus cheerfully speaks. The titles read:
Consider these on loan until you've finished them. I hope you find them enjoyable. Bathus then sets to scribbling a note, which he leaves on the counter I the bookstore in addition to a small purse of money. On to the safe house, then?
Bathus' face blanched at the talk of being followed by assassins, and he somehow becomes even more pale after Brie speaks. Ah, Mr. Absylon, I happen to have a whole section of my bookstore devoted to mystery novels, he chirps, eager not to walk home in the dark alone. And actually, I have more than a number of other books that I am certain would whet your curiosity as well, come to think of it. I have a spare cot and hot food as well, you'd be more than welcome to stay. Bathus adds after taking a meaningful glance at the book Jerex is constantly scribbling in.
"Of course. Many wealthy noble women and some commoners have been ambushed at the dockside and murdered. Interestingly, at each killing, the face of the victim was removed and replaced by a monstrous mask." Bathus shivers at the mention of the particulars. Six! These monstrosities seem far too common, these days.
Positively famished, actually. Bathus eagerly replies, the pain of his leg gone from his face. Truely spoken, Eran. The rewards are potentially great, even if it seems a bit of a longshot, he gives Mr. Samuel an appraising look. "Order of Tears" eh? Bathus scratches his chin and looks into the middle distance.
Sounds familiar...
It is all that Bathus can do to try to remember the way back home. Once inside, he finds a reasonably clean spot to sit and massages his leg, sitting with a mild groan. Indeed, Mr Caedmon. This is rather more, ah, cavalier, than I had thought when I received your letter. What could have the house so worried? And what more makes you think that our merry little band here can solve these problems? He looks at Jerex and cocks an eyebrow, not sure to take the hooded figures at face value or not.
[b] Hope that's the last they have for us today. Auff, sure twisted my ankle badly back there. [b]
Augh! Bathus cries out as he lands badly on his leg.
Bathus abandons his effort of moving the keg of beer. Exhausted at the effort, he scrambles towards the other voices. [b] Whats going on? Oh thank the six. There's a rope. [\b]
Perhaps it is exactly the time to drown our troubles, then. If someone could give me a hand with this outrageously large barrel? Bathus tries to tip one of the kegs of beer over, and otherwise attempts to roll it towards the door without squashing himself.
Right... Bathus squints and rubs his chin. You don't have a tap, or water source, or water barrels, do you? Unless there is actually some other way out?
Blazes are exactly what I would be 'squeaking about' if I were ever to make such a sound! Bathus exclaims to Ethan. Perhaps so, Jerex, best be on our toes. Still, we have to get everyone out before the inferno claims us. Bathus climbs onto the bar, and does his best to address everyone over the din. Everyone! There is a fire out front, we need to evacuate the building. Please don't panic, we have time to exit safely.
I can't be heard at all over this racket. Ethan, wasn't it? Could you manage to get their attention?
Oh dear... Bathus scrambles to where Mr. Samuel and the others are gathered, skirting tables and patrons to get there, and pushes his way to the center of their group. Fire! he hisses, trying to avoid creating widespread panic. The front of the building is on fire, we've got to get everyone out and call the brigade, and fast.
Bathus places his book in his pocket and finishes his drink. Picking up the card that marked his reservation, he nonchalantly walks to the front of the tavern to peer out the window and see what may be happening.
Well then let me have the pleasure of being the first oddity to welcome you to the city of monuments, sir Karson! Bathus checks himself. He doesn't get out much, let alone do much socializing, and he is clearly somewhat embarrassed to discover a gregarious nature. No doubt a side effect of his performing days. He blushes, but discreetly recovers himself with a clearing of his throat. Your family? Quite odd to hear of a sellsword speak of that. By the six, boy, are you planning on staying long?
So it is. You've struck the question of the hour, traveller. Best have a seat, maybe get a drink. The food is excellent here. I am Bathus Libretto, and this is my new friend Jarex Absylon. Bathus politely waves a server over, and orders another of his exotic cocktails, which turns out to be hot chocolate. He graciously overpays. What's your name? What service do you hope to provide in Magnimar?
Bathus chuckles. Why do you have glowing eyes? Apparently there are entire tribes that are blue, though I haven't ever seen any others. Somehow, goblins like me are magically touched, much like you are, I believe.
Aha, hmm... Interesting indeed. I was contacted and told to meet here as well, though I am not entirely certain by whom. Bathus' eyes sweep the room, his face clearly in thought. A smile tugs his cheek, spreading spidery wrinkles across his face. We are definitely the collection of misfits. If it is House Caedmon that has summoned us all here, what could they be up to? He raises his hand to his face and rubs his small chin, then takes a drink of his hot beverage. His eyes dart across the table, bright and inquisitive.
Bathus notices the new company in his booth and turns to greet him. Ah! Well met, tall Jerex Abyson. My name is Bathus Libretto. Rather a lively day at the Silver Dragon. What business brings you here?
Looking up from his book, Bathis blinks magnified eyes at the hulk of half-naked half-orc at his table. He removes his spectacles and manages to crack a smile in the face of pejoratives. His voice is deeper than one might expect. Ha, no, my cousins' raiding chants are nothing but offensive and vulgar. But, some music is best performed that way, no? Bathus' grin warms, genuinely, and leans conspiratorially over the table. I believe this may be the very bar for those with things to prove. Have a seat, if you would stoop to my company, and lets trade stories. Don't mind this old book, It's only in the tongue of dragons.
Among the bustle of the bar it is hardly unusual when another patron enters through the back entrance. He is greeted by name, and led to a table in the corner where a card reads Mr. Libretto. He stands by for a moment until a polished crate is brought and set in the booth, which the small creature climbs upon and sits with quiet dignity. As he ignites the lamp at the table light splashes on his form, revealing many creases and leathery skin of premature advanced age. His size and ears (and large head) obviously mark him as goblinoid, but his skin is a pale, beaten blue. He pulls out a pair of brass spectacles and polishes them with a weary sigh. Surveying the tavern, a favorite spot of his, he sees the beginnings of the dice game and smiles, he hadn't rigged dice since he was a whelp. The server brings him a dark, red, frothy, steaming beverage in a small cup. He graciously overpays. Reaching into his large purple sweater he produces a minute book, which he opens and grazes upon while he sips his cup and watches the room go by. Maybe he is expecting someone..
Bathus Stats:
Bathus Libretto
Str 6
hp: 7
bab: 0 CMB: -4
Fort: +1
pp: 2 Initiative: +9 Offense: QuarterStaff Light Crossbow- +3 1d6 19-20x2 Traits:
Skills: Appraise: ic+4= +8
Feats:
Equipment: Light Crossbow
Forbidden Schools:
Spells: 1 Break
Psychic Spells: 1 Inertial Armor
Completing profile now.
Bathus Libretto - Blue Wizard (psionic archetype) Bathus immigrated to Magnimar when he was very young, having learned to disguise himself as a halfling. He lived as a street performer for a small time, most people being willing to overlook his oddities if his tricks were good enough, and Bathus was always very good at tricks. He managed to obtain a job at a rather grimy, charity based second hand bookstore, also procuring books from the homes of recently deceased citizens, as well as buildings that were outright condemned. The owner is an elderly man, highly reclusive, who has no other family. Sometimes, Bathus stumbles upon books with strange writing, and these all find their way to his secret stash, very well hidden. Through years of toil his reputation has spread as a highly competent individual! he is sometimes even whispered as something of a conjuror, and he is hired for odd, mostly unpleasant jobs that the wealthy would disdain. He is jovial, well-read, and good natured, if decidedly a bit odd.
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