Lady Marion Grulios's page

"The sooner you find an answer the better." She waves to the guests, "they've came armed and it is dangerous out there, especially if you turn the wrong way."

"My letter of introduction should suffice to get you a meeting with Paralictor Chard." She stammers a bit, "Snooping is good but remember this group uncovers deceptions, conspiracies and plots as their primary source of existence. [b]"Chard is local but the shots are called form the Citadel Rivad, so if they are not on the street quelling this unrest there is good reason."

Answering Orsin's question. "A power up and coming enforcer within the Rack," she places her painted nails over her lips, "rumored to be ambitious but real information from the order is limited." She shrugs, "They are secretive. "

Lady Grulios nods, "We have been successful in getting some of the nobles to act with unity....unfortunately, many families still think of themselves only and there's a constant struggle for power. That being said, you all have enough to worry about leave nobility to us."

After sipping from her goblet, 'We really need to get the Order of the Rack (Hellknights) back on the streets. Something odd is happening there. I'll write an letter of introduction for Paralictor Chard...I'm not sure how far it will get you these days, but he was generally a nonsense."

"I was bringing Aurelio up to speed, I haven't quite gotten to power struggle within the council of thieves and the plot that has this city in turmoil....perhaps, one of you would like to sum thing up for Aurelio."

She motions for everyone to help themselves to the table. The "formalities" of proper service have been dropped in what is a more casual meeting.

"Yes...yes" waiving the group forward, "Do come in, come...come, don't be shy." She waits for everyone to get closer to the table. There is the usual spread of food and drinks about.

"I would like everyone to meet my son, Aurelio Grulios."

"Aurelio you've arrived back when the city is at a crossroads. Our fool of Mayor, or should I say, refuge mayor in hiding nearly blew up a city block when his imprisoned devil, Liebdaga, escaped." She shakes her head in disbelief, "Yes, Mayor Arvanxi had an infernal Duke imprisoned to keep using his energies to get this...keep the light on and his toes toasty." She drinks out of her goblet, "I'm not making this up....honestly."

She takes a deep breath, "The explosion was ruse to cause chaos to get the dottari the police and the Order of the Rack hellknights at odds with one another. This of course, furthered the choas, while key nobles were kidnapped, assassinated and old debts paid."

She motions to the outside window, "Some unlike heroes emerged over this last year...good people with good intentions. they have foiled several plots including ending the shadow beast threat that has haunted the nights in the city for decades." She looks to the doorway, as she sees the carriage arrive. "One of their members was recently called back to House Tilneros for a little side mission. They could use a trusted sword, if you are up to it." Your mother gives you a smile. "Sorry you had little time to get acclimated but I'm sure they can fill in some of the details."

Lady Grulios steps up with the other nobles listening intently, curiously looking at the hedge hog poking out from the witches blouse. She waits for the other heroes to speak.

So you have the following noble families represented: Oberigo, Tilernos, and Grulios. from your prior history you know the Tilernos and Gruilios family are allies.

"If there are not other matters to discuss, perhaps we can adjourn for the day."

"Outright training and use of weapons will be frowned upon, the Rack could view that as a possible coup attempt. There ultimate job is to stomp out civil disobedience."

"Well, there certainly is enough trouble within the city to send you all out to the swamp is a bit unsettling. Regardless of the decision, there is performance later this afternoon, so there will need to be a delay. We can try to send word to Lord Drovenge in the meantime, perhaps he will accept a message from Lord Tilernos."

"I believe we are simply matching the evidence to the previous rumor, whether or not, a meeting is in order is a different path of the discussion. You found information that the Mother of Flies is in danger, some would think that their mutual destruction would be benefit to the City, while others would believe she poises no real threat to those within the city and the Drovenges brought this upon themselves."

Lady Grulios picks up a decanter of smoke whiskey and pours herself a glass, the lady decorum fades, then she passes the decanter to others everyone gladly filling a glass.

"Go on Areal...we all need to hear it, we have the evidence before us."

"It seems to me that this letter is a recruitment letter, it also explains the group known as the bastards of Erebus which the Missepi and Young Lucrezia are familiar from their kidnapping. You all extinguished that threat."

It's a letter of introduction to Henk dated over a year ago, it is from Vassindio Drovenge's granddaughter, Chammady, requesting that he gather as many "Friends" as possible and take to the sewer complex as previously discussed. Cause turmoil and disruption, keep eyes off us." She goes on to say, "There's a group of Bastards operating and nabbing some nobles do not confront them, nor are you to work with them directly.'

"It does tie the Chammady to the attacks."

She looks at another note and rearranges it in order:

"I'm glad the demonstration was a success, my half-brother, Ecarrdian, is a direct descendent archdevil Mammon and no further demonstrations should be in order. Take the coin and find a method inside the manor we want contact with Liebdaga the Twin."

"This appears to be recent and mention of her half-brother Ecarrdian, is a clear threat of power. Apparently someone was hurt or worse based on the "demonstration" She taps the letter, "Lord Tilernos they actively tried to make contact and could be the reason why the prison failed for the pit fiend."

She shakes her head furiously, "The Council of Thieves should exist no-more but it is clear that these two disgrunted family members have big plans to usurp power from their own family and they don't care how they do it."

You've done an adequate job in weakening the Grulios, Tilernos and Missepi Houses. We want their shipping and docking interest. Press that attack once you've handled the loyalist to our grandfather and that meddling swamp hag the Mother of Flies. She is the only one that knows the secret of Ecarrdian’s bloodline. If we are to seize control of government after the council, she must be eliminated!"

"I suspect that this came in around the same time as the letter seeking contact with the pit fiend." Her eyes widen, "They fear the Mother of Flies obviously, Ecarrdian is a tiefling and they are not looked on favorable within this city even though the "official" religion is Asmodeus. To be a direct decent of an powerful archduke of hell like Mammon would cause concern." She pauses, "House Thrune and Asmodeus may not appreciate that lineage."

"Now that that's been settled to show us those notes you've discovered."

"We have all faced losses here...for what appears to be struggle to control out legal businesses. The Missepi's have lost two sons to this usurpers struggling to gain control over the Council of Thieves." She points to her family, "I lost my brother." She sees Daniel walk in and she gestures towards him, "your family was lucky it was only a kidnapping which was eventually thwarted but if it wasn't for the efforts of some, that would have not occurred."

As you the group is led into the study there is a heated debate going on...

"We understand your plight Kajen Kajen Tilernos but you must stop acting like a prude, the City is spinning into chaos and those so-called "legal" representatives are at the forefront of the kidnappings and crime. We must stand together or they will pick each of our houses off one by one."

Daniel it is clear that the speaker is addressing your half-brother.

Her thin eye brows rise, "The mayor and my family are not on speaking terms these days. It would not surprise me that things are a bit unusual at the manor, that place has always been a bit oddly enchanted." She looks at Andrea, "The mayor has a quirk, or two, and he is in a position to appoint his favorites to government positions....with the office comes the power for favoritism."

"You sure have been busy, the dreaded Council of Thieves does exist. The extort and make many pay for protection. My husband has grumbled about the council in the past, I will ask him a few more about this potential development."

"If Alphonse has come under the protection of the Council...he may be harder to deal with, seeing invisible creature is basic defense for anyone with means. To make that ability permanent is a simple cost effective means of security."

Andrea sorry if I was confusing about the assassin's building but it does exist.

A sharp deep inhale occurs, "The Sisters of Eiseth do, in fact, exist." She is visibility nervous. "They once did Thrune's work...when Cheliax was in turmoil, but since the shadowbeast they have become even more secretive. More than that I do no know, nor is that a subject I would risk inquiring about if you get my meaning."

"Diplomacy will not work."

"Well, if my informants are correct you all are doing all that you can. Getting to the bottom on the cause for the shadowbeast will help." She pauses, "That will give the people 'Hope' and that is will let light shine in the city."

After some additional pleasantries Lady Grulios would disclose, "So far, it looks like House Mezinas has allied itself with House Julistarc, along with House Julistarc's beholden families: Cemaine and Seidraith." She looks a the others, "I would not doubt is one or tow other major Wiscrani noble families are pulling the strings."

She pauses, The Mayor a nincompoop but he is the patriarch of major family, that is possibility. Then there are the three houses above us, Drovenge, Oberigo and Salisfer, one of those could be player in this drama."

"My husband's good friend Kajen Tilernos, patriarch of House Tilernos, has pledged support to us. The deception within this city troubles him greatly, as it doesn't sit well with Iomedae." Using her hands as a scale, "Which way will the city break." Showing her hands in a tittering fashion.

"I've heard that the Rack has been brought in to locate the girl." She does an air quote motion, "Supposedly to find and suppress a potential insurgency bent on freeing lawfully bound slaves." She stares each member, "We've four fast caravels leaving in two days time, we'll through off any trail." She grins, "Beside, we've got two groups of six war galleons a day off shore to run escort." Her eyes brows raise.

Andrea, Duncan, Faleyn and Fluer make it to the Grulios Estate, and you are led into the manor. Lady Grulios and her adviser Chelsi Longbottom greet you.

"Welcome to manor, this must be Leaanne we've heard about." She greets Leanne. "Your timely escape has brought about much scrutiny but you are safe here." She smiles, Tea and cakes?' she offers.

She nods to dwarf's request. Shinon gets bows to the Lady Grulios and heads out the door with Duncan.

FYI: it is currently Starday and the planned mission on the docks is on Moonday.

Lady Grulios, "Unless you have any other questions or comments, I will let you start your planning. Shinon will lead a squad to prevent escape as suggested by Andrea."

"I suspect that some banditry and possible house guards to move. There are many who do not wish to see House Missepe join with House Grulios in business. House Missepi's is beholden to another Noble family, the Mezinas. They may not be keen on this new alliance. Sure you rescued one of the Missepi heirs but that family has been targeted, along with my own, I do not doubt that there are families struggling to keep power. Families willing to do anything." She stops and sips her tea. "There are 12 main noble families in the city, each family has 2-4 families that are beholden to them. Shuffling the deck changes the balance of power."

She motions to Chelsi who opens a small chest that is sitting int he corner of the room. "There are 350 platinum pieces in the that chest, you can take those with you for your services. Figured they would be easier to carry than gold and easier to exchange then gems."

Here is part two of the map.

Lower Docks

Lady Grulios suggests laying the trap on Eastern docks (Right half of the map). She smiles with at the dwarf's arrival.

Lady Grulios stands over the map and shows you the docks.

DOCKS MAP

As I've mentioned in other posts, I often download maps from Dunjinni. Most are from Bogie and few others. I did that with this map.

"Perhaps a showing of a late arriving ship, near the end of the day can occur. We can plan something shortly before dusk. We have light on the docks for the unloading of cargo and to keep the shadowbeasts at bay." She smooths out the edges. "I can arrange the docking of ship."

A loud chuckle erupts, "Poor Sascar...a pleasant soul...and drunk. You could be correct that she won't remember but being drunk is way of life with her. She probably won't remember the tidbit if sober but she'll remember when drunk. That is when she will blab."

She picks up her tea and walks towards the conference table waiving everyone around. "Moonday is the day after tomorrow. These are docks, I would like to employ you to set the trap. I doubt that ole Eirtein will send his folks if this family is involved but he will sell the information." She waves at the map.

"I'm happy to send Shinon and a squad, or two, of house guards to help out. Perhaps we can corner a band of bandits looking for a valuable score."

Suddenly Lady Grulios turns a concerned eye towards the group, "Where's your other friend, the blunt dwarf...Duncan, was it? I do hope he is alright, I enjoyed his breath of honesty." Her face showing concern.

"To whom did you tell the rumors to?"

The Lady double takes when Sunny sits. There a slight chuckle from Shinon.

John is lead into the room shortly thereafter, he is wearing banded armor looked a bit under-dressed.

Lady Grulios says "Can we get you anything to drink, have a seat make yourself comfortable.' She glances over at Faelyn, "I see you've helped yourself already. Good."

"How did the party go?" She looks at the girls. "Did you plant the false rumors and with whom." Cutting to the chase.

"Welcome, welcome ...come on in. I see you have few more companions today, please a short introduction." She smiles warmly at Andrea and Orsin from the previous meeting. Lucrezia did you meet the Lady before, if so she would also smile at you in recognition.

Lady Grulios says, "The Mansion is light by an unknown power source. Be careful using magic openly that can get you removed without warning." She grins. "Don't get exploring too early socialize first...let them get drunk as over night guest you should have time. If the mayor like the company it could turn into a two evening affair."

She looks at Duncan and Andrea, 'I do hope you are successful, its a massive house with many rooms, the entry is grande but the dining hall is breathtaking."

She politely puts her fingers to her mouth to hold back the chuckle from Duncan's crowd comment. "No, it probably is not your type of crowd." She pauses for a few seconds, "Our house and the Missepe's are currently on the do not invite list but don't let that get you down. The mayor like his parties and he likes his theater. That is a good topic to discuss with him."

"His food and drink are of the finest quality but some caution on the quantities should be taken. Never refuse...that is impolite but don't get too thirsty." She puts her hand over her goblet to demonstrate.

She thinks about the party a second, "People like gossip they trade information for gossip. Perhaps we can play this nicely. Why don't I give you two pieces of gossip to trade only say this to one person each and note you who spoke too. When it gets around I will know who talked. Perhaps we can find out who is behind some of the killings"

"Tell one of the nobles that you were contacted by the Grulios family to guard dock 31 next Moonday, that some shipment is coming in."

"Tell another noble that the Gruilos have located the killer of their family member and an agent is coming in on A ship from the east to handle it next Oathday on Dock 33. You can claim your former party member Shinon told you this and he is leading the hunt."

She stands up and clinks goblets with you, "That could get the crowd moving and a possible attack on my family. it may smoke some out of their holes. We may be needing you swords if this pans out."

Shinon is happy to see you Andrea and (John or Orsin if they want to be there) he reintroduces you to Chelsi Longbottom. They will escort you to see Lady Grulios who warmly greets you.

When the topic of the play is brought up she shuns it, "That's not theater that is a sick demented concept, no better than the gladiators. Although I can appreciate that you and your companions were actors and you did survive thankfully. Why were you ever in such a play? Are times that tough?"

Edit: Or Duncan.

Oops should be Bastards, not Bastard.

"They are thieflings, claiming their related to 3rd plane of Hell, Erebus...some even claim to be descendants of Archdevil Mammon...fools. The good people of this city want good paying jobs, law and peace...not fear.

She pauses, then the elf speaks. "That is the dilemma there are multiple gangs running around. If the Red Knives are the reason they can be found in the sewers...but you know that already. If it's the bastards then they hang out in the old ruined section.'

Lady Grulios looks at you. "I know you are a proud independent man. I can appreciate that ..." The elf pulls out 6 potions in a leather bandoleer. "Those are healing potions moderate strength, my gift to you for you help."

She looks at Chelsi then back at you You can never have too many friends who seek the same thing in this city. I've instructed my household that you be provided a small room in the guest house you can stay there ...off the streets. No questions on your coming and goings." She stands up and takes her leave.

"The Red Knives?" She looks over at the elf advisor, who does a single nod, then back to Shinon "We've heard of the group but we were under the impression it was the Bastard of Erebus." She does not hide her dislike of the bastards. "I'm sorry but we are not devil worshippers in this house."

Chesi comes back with a platter of dried meats, cheeses and fruit. Then begins to serve you various items.

"Find who killed the Missepe boy and my brother, or news of him dead or alive. I bleive this is related and it's fear tactic. Political most likely there are families that seek to gain if tow of the larger shipping families have choas."

She pauses and looks to the elf again, "there is realignment of power taking shape...the Missepe and the Grulios are entering a joint shipping venture that others fear."

"A spot of brandy, wine, or water"as she pours sparkling water into your cup and hers. Chelsi steps away form the table near. "Dear you look as thin as rail...how about a small snack then." She looks at chelsi, "Would you be so kind? The politeness and informality is very unusual.

She takes a seat across from you. "Thank you for bringing my brother's ring back."A tear in her eye. "Still no luck in finding him?"

"Greetings Shinon...I'm so thankful to finally meet you." Lady Grulios steps forward. You see this is a private sitting room and she has what appears to be an advisor with her, an male elf dressing in flowing robes.

"Come come in..." waving you forth. "Please have seat, may get you something to drink...food perhaps? Chelsi approaches with you.