"Hold, Lady Basri!" Xavien holds up a hand. "Those milling about the Bower bore the markings of the worship of Aroden. Might then we inquire about town into other centers of Aroden's vestigial faith? Perhaps that may lead us to the answers we seek."
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Unless another intercedes to object, Xavien proposes doing just that. He will make polite inquiries wherever he can---with Council servants, with barkeeps, with soldiers on duty---about strange tall Taldan men going by the name of 'Xan,' about enemies and allies of the Cult of the Twilight Child, about the significance of bird-beaked leather masks.
"Before we go, perhaps we might look into this 'Xan' character. His purpose is pulling us aside may have been to give the cultists just enough time to clean up and make the appearance of innocence."
Xavien thinks on the mannerisms, idioms, and attire of the cultists milling about.
Xavien wanders about the room, testing out some vocal scales as if trying get his range of the auditorium. As he does so, he keeps an eye---both, actually---on the chatter and glances that flit about the room.
Xavien's expression darkens. "That man is most certainly not an ally. I advise that we proceed cautiously in the Bower---a rash and violent action may turn public opinion against us. And that may be his true purpose." He does, however, heed the man's advice to enter the Bower well-prepared, casting another layer of magic.
Xavien returns the bow. "Well met, 'Xan'," he replies. "Your words have the sound of truth to them. But what trust should one place in a man who hides his face from the world?"
Xavien hesitates for only a moment. "Hell and death," he mutters, "this feels like a trap." He casts a quick spell and makes to follow the masked man...
Xavien is immediately suspicious.
"I suppose we now have reason to suspect that the div is working with or for Merkondus," Xavien remarks, sipping his beer. "Though we seem no closer to finding the damn thing." After a moment he sets down his tankard and leans forward. "Say, did not
"Ahh! Now we are getting somewhere. How did you discover this?"
Xavien stops writing, though he continues to twirl his quill in a most disconcerting fashion. He leans back in his chair. "You think us clueless? How droll. We are already aware that a pairaka div is responsible for the nightmares. Citizens across the city have been visited by them, promising release in exchange for murder. Presumably this div is already relishing the state of disunion and distrust that spreads to every corner." "Distrust you have added to with your antics, by the way. Now tell me something I do not already know while I take these items into evidence." Xavien rises and scoops the contents of the locker into his bag. He also checks the compartment thoroughly for a false bottom or panel.
Xavien takes out a scrap of paper and a quill, speaking aloud as he jots down "Suspect... refuses... to answer... questions... or provide... pertinent... information... about pairaka div... Maximum... sentence... for obstruction... of justice... is recommended."
"So you have been colluding with this pairaka div," Xavien replies, feigning confusion. "And you are refusing to provide officers of the law any information on the activities and whereabouts of your daemon accomplice. I suppose we shall have to add these crimes to the list of charges..."
"Because you have committed several gross violations of the Yanmass Public Health Codes, of course!" Xavien grins. "And committed crimes against haute cuisine to boot." His smile vanishes. "Why did you do it?" After a brief pause, "Perhaps I could convince the judge to levy a lighter sentence..."
With the culprit quite literally in (Kenton's) hand, Xavien steps to the golem and slashes at its icy wings.
Heed the song!:
You may accept Inspired Rage as a FREE ACTION at the BEGINNING of your turn. If so, gain the following: +2 Str +2 Con (+1 hp/lvl, +1 on Fort saves) +2 Will saves -1 AC May use the Reckless Abandon rage power (+2 attack, -2 AC) Cannot use Dex-, Int-, or Cha-based skills (except Acro, Fly, Intimidate, Ride) Cannot use abilities that require patience or concentration You are NOT fatigued when the song ends You CAN choose to cycle in and out of the raging song round by round "The king was in his counting house,
"The maid was in the garden,
Xavien steps back into the dining room, his sword out in a flash, and his voice echoing enough to make the dishes rattle. Heed the song!:
You may accept Inspired Rage as a FREE ACTION at the BEGINNING of your turn. If so, gain the following: +2 Str +2 Con (+1 hp/lvl, +1 on Fort saves) +2 Will saves -1 AC May use the Reckless Abandon rage power (+2 attack, -2 AC) Cannot use Dex-, Int-, or Cha-based skills (except Acro, Fly, Intimidate, Ride) Cannot use abilities that require patience or concentration You are NOT fatigued when the song ends You CAN choose to cycle in and out of the raging song round by round "Sing a song of coppers,
"When the pie was opened,
Seeing Corran in position, Xavien merely straightens and turns to Agentus with a dissatisfied frown. "I am afraid that I will have to order this restaurant closed until further notice. On health grounds, of course. Vegetables, veal, and venison all washed in the same tub, sir? And live rats in the kitchen! Under the cooks' hats, no less. I shall inform your customers and place a notice on the door. If you wish to make an appeal, you must appear before the Yanmass Council on the first of the month, when health matters are dealt with. Until then, I suggest you spend some time acquainting yourself with the Yanmass Public Health Codes..."
"Very good," Xavien replies in a perfunctory, noncommittal sort of way. "I promise not to detain you too long from your customers." He makes an excellent show of inspecting the kitchen, examining the cookware, prep stations, dishware, and of course the food itself, both stocked and in service.
Xavien arches an eyebrow at Corran and turns back to the waiter. "Actually, I am here to complete a random health inspection for the Yanmass Public Health Authority. Please escort me to the kitchen."
Xavien breathes deep upon walking in, taking in the rich smells of cooking. He is deeply familiar with local Taldan dishes, having spent ample time in many establishments throughout Oparra and Zimar among other places, and is eager to see how these compare.
He does arch an eyebrow, however, as this place is supposedly quite popular, yet half of the few places are empty even at this prime hour. He hails the waiter. "Evening, friend. A booth for five, if you please."
"Well then," Xavien stands, "I am famished. I think it is high time we try that 'Savories' place everyone has been raving about."
By the end of the conversation, Xavien has quietly finished more than half the bottle, still smiling and nodding amicably. Throughout, he has been taking a mental note of the weapons, staves, gear, and so forth that each of the party carries.
Xavien's ears perk up at the sudden break.
Xavien goes ahead and pour everyone a drink before reappearing in a chair nearby, feet up and all smiles.
Still invisible, Xavien walks back over to the bar and picks up the bottle offered to Kenton. He sets it down on the table in front of Embla. Meanwhile, he keeps a careful eye on the reactions to Corran's parley.
A look of mirthful surprise flashes across Xavien's face and he barely manages to choke back his laughter. He has never seen Ianthe be so bold before. When things quickly turn serious, his grin widens---tavern brawls are a favorite pastime, after all. With a word he vanishes from sight.
"A fine proposal which I am delighted to support."
"I am beginning to suspect that they are one and the same, dear Bowe," Xavien smiles darkly. "Let us get about it."
Xavien offers a polite bow. "Our thanks for your assistance, Enumerator. Any news you receive, please share. In the meantime: stay alive!" With the others. "I cannot imagine there are many aasimar in the city. Perhaps we can ask around, but first let us pay the Grand Uncle a visit to see if we can learn any more to narrow our search."
Xavien follows the Enumerator's gaze and smiles. "In a moment. Two other points of intelligence, if I may. Know you anything of a local by the name of Caradinna Farkin? We found her body stuffed in a chest at her home, which was occupied by her assassin. Perhaps some of her ravings came close to the truth about the Cult?" "And second, more sinister news: we have seen evidence of div activity in the city. Heard you anything about a 'white ram with black eyes' among the cultists?"
A slight frown flashes across Xavien's face; the question as a response to a question somewhat irks his preference for straightforward discussion. "Little enough. We know the Cult claims to worship a resurrected Prince Carrius, though no proof of such an event has been made public. And we know that the Cult has been gaining adherents in Yanmass. Perhaps you have more light to shed on the matter?"
Xavien *tsks* at the lack of any instructional note, but he supposes that good assassins would destroy such evidence. He takes a moment to bind the living assassin's hands and feet to a pew, for later questioning. "Well, Chief Enumerator," he says, rising, "you did evince a desire to speak with us, before we were so rudely interrupted. What have you to say?"
A gigantic Xavien bows to the Enumerator. "Your eminence is most kind. I am indeed pleased to know that you are not too grievously harmed. Should you have those wounds seen to? Yanmass can ill afford another absent seat on the Council." He takes the Enumerator's invitation to thoroughly divest the assassins of their effects.
BOT Corran moves to stand beside the Enumerator and begins a majestic accompaniment on his lute, adding to Xavien's thundered ballad, which has by now dropped by a full octave as the skald swells to giant size. "By the bright Glory TALDANS lately won
Xavien moves to confront the more imminent threat to the Enumerator, careful to keep his arm free for any advance from t'other. Meanwhile, his voice echoes to the rafters with a quickening ballad. "And when Great Arnisant led the Taldan van
Heed the Song!:
You may accept Inspired Rage as a FREE ACTION at the BEGINNING of your turn. If so, gain the following: +2 Str +2 Con (+1 hp/lvl, +1 on Fort saves) +2 Will saves -1 AC May use the Reckless Abandon rage power (+2 attack, -2 AC) Cannot use Dex-, Int-, or Cha-based skills (except Acro, Fly, Intimidate, Ride) Cannot use abilities that require patience or concentration You are NOT fatigued when the song ends You CAN choose to cycle in and out of the raging song round by round He angles his attack to fall between the assassin and the target, giving the Enumerator a tiny bit of cover.
"Stay behind me!" Xavien shouts, rushing the assassin on the left to pin him down and make him pay for any flanking attempt on the Enumerator. With Koriana's Blade pointed at the assassin's chest, his voice booms through the transept. "TALDANS! To arms! Of apathy beware,
Heed the Song!:
You may accept Inspired Rage as a FREE ACTION at the BEGINNING of your turn. If so, gain the following: +2 Str +2 Con (+1 hp/lvl, +1 on Fort saves) +2 Will saves -1 AC May use the Reckless Abandon rage power (+2 attack, -2 AC) Cannot use Dex-, Int-, or Cha-based skills (except Acro, Fly, Intimidate, Ride) Cannot use abilities that require patience or concentration You are NOT fatigued when the song ends You CAN choose to cycle in and out of the raging song round by round
"Each other," Xavien replies simply.
"But so far my feelings are... complicated," Aurelia says. "Mine are less so," Xavien interjects with a grim smile. "Yanmass is busy squabbling while dire threats mount against it. The city must unite or it will perish." He nods to Aurelia to continue.
Xavien smiles and bows. "A hard bargainer, I see. We are glad to make an exchange." "By the by, you have not been visited by a half-orc woman of late? Dressed in Numerian garb?"
After waiting for Corran to knock a while, Xavien shrugs and steps forward. "I suppose I can do the honors." He raps smartly on the door thrice.
"Indeed," Xavien agrees gravely. "Perhaps the Enumerator will know something about this, too. We should visit him next." Xavien mulls over what he knows of the Sanguine Brothers and their erstwhile slaughterhouse business.
Xavien looks over the gear with a small curiosity, but quickly casts it aside. The blade is enough for him. He spends a longer while looking over the late Farkin's notes.
Xavien is quick enough to punish the half-orc for her mistake.
He then takes advantage of Ianthe's spell to maneuver the long way around the couch, stepping back into melee at an angle that will allow Kenton to open a second front.
Xavien quickly steps into the void left by Corran, swinging his blade in a brutal two-handed upward slash.
Xavien arches an eyebrow.
"And if we wanted to unmask the real power, what should we be looking for?" Xavien studies the half-orc's worn expression.
"What do you think we shall find at Savories? Or the Encircling Bower?" Xavien asks pleasantly, taking a small but inconsequential half-step towards the gate.
After a small start, Xavien picks up the note and looks it over, then heads into a dark alleyway to change his disguise back to his usual fare. "Well friends, looks like we have our ticket. Though I must say, I am famished..." |