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The inquisitor sidesteps around you and goes in for the kill.
He slides his hand to his sword hilt, and frowns at you.
I trust my men, and the order. We carry the seal of the duma and the blessing of the dark one, so why should I fear for my life? And I'm an old man, and have far outlived many better than I. So, if you have something to say, spit it out, for I've been in the order almost 45 years...and frankly can't decide if you speak of ancient ghosts, or more recent events...
-The man raises one eyebrow
Fine, keep your hands where we can see them...
--A resonable request, but I see you are mounted. Dismount, and tie your horse to a tree at the edge of the woods, and return on foot. I will open the door and meet you face to face. I warn you, crossbows are aimed at you, as we speak....
-A different, less brutal more cultured voice continues
A voice shouts out to Vuk from the tower, coming from behind one of the arrow slits.
A gift, well yes...I think you can do anything to encourage her to come here...in fact, you may have to use force...which I authorize you to do. After all this whole plan was my father's...not mine. He shrugs.
I have heard that there is an outpost of the inquisition...but like most I have had no dealings with them...who has?
The boyar pauses...If she has been living, as a prisoner, in that tower for nearly 20 years, what condition is her mind likely to be in...I doubt she has been there all this time...That said, be careful. Perhaps nobody still is there...
So she still lives? I was not expecting this? Are you sure she is still there? Did you check?
After a few hours of drinking and several polkas later, the party takes a retreat from the tavern, and returns to the manor. The Boyar is waiting for you in the billard room.
In response to Vuk's outburst
--About 25 years ago, the Boyar had just lost his first wife to illness, and so was in a bit of a depression. He was 'irresponsible' in his grief, drinking too much vodka, and seducing the peasent girls. There was one woman in particular though, a certain Agitha, who sticks out in my mind. She was a minor noble, some military family from the western mountains. She was a particular favorite of the Boyar.
-Not daring to speak back to a superior, which the Cavalier most certainly is, as well as a minor member of the aristocracy, Petrushka blushes, and and drops his eyes.
-Back to present-
Iftarin:
The lord of lies is always watching, and he goes where he will, listening to the cries of the weak, and seeking the corrupt souls, to bend and bind them to his will. You recognize this as a quotation from a prayer to Tal'Al -To the rest of you he continues in Yazik You aren't welcome here and I for one feel the boyar should have taken his secret to the grave. Yes there was a child. Yes it was dropped off in a basket, and he asked me to 'take care of it'. I did so, found a local, nearly blind elderly woman, and dropped off the girl. Never went back, arranged for a sum of money to be given to the old woman once a year, and carried out the masters orders. Now, what's all this foolishness about? It's been more than 20 years. Why now?
perception DC 15 to hear unless Vuk: The thing is far worse than anyone can know, and I need your loyalty more than ever. There are secrets here than threaten the very state, the Princess, and the Empire. My father has passed a heavy duty to me, and one that I frankly am neither ready for, nor capable of understanding.
-The elderly man winces at your words...
sense motive check DC 12: Much of his behavior has been an 'act' and he is far, far sharper than he looks.
Oh she's really pretty, what a beautiful little girl, is she yours? She don't look like an elf-child, no, she does not.
What? What wronged woman? Speak up Elf! Petryshka is at least a little, perhaps very, deaf. Perhaps a wee bit senile, and certainly less than helpful.
frunthpylin:
As a painter, you notice several details, first, the locket was painted by a master, a artist of great skill, and likely an elf, like yourself. Secondly, you notice the child has eyes of two colors, one purple and one green. Such an odd detail. Thirdly, based on the clothing and aging of pigments, as well as a few other details, you guess the locket to have been created about 20 to 30 years ago, meaning the child would be a young woman by now. --The Boyar Alexi continues... --You can imagine my shock when the reading of the will revealed a stipulation. That I was to find this ‘daughter’ and her mother. He regretted that he could not do in life, what must be done by another after his death, and that a sum of money was to be set aside for the search. My lawyers, as well as the clergy, have made it clear that I’m bound as a hereditary noble, to follow the last will of my father. Although I think it a fools errand, and the attempt of a dying man to soothe his conscience, who am I to disagree? The boyar turns his back to you, staring out the window for a moment. The skies have grown darker. He frowns, than continues --I have some rooms ready for you, and you can use the library to further your research. The burial will take place tomorrow morning, and you may ask my steward, Petrushka, any questions or requests that you may have. I need to go back to running the estate, and seeing to the duties my father has left me. --He waits for any questions before bowing deeply, and leaving the room. An elderly man,dressed in a clean butlers uniform, hobbles into the library, and stands with hands clasped behind his book. He waits to be of assistance. This is obviously Petrushka, who appears to have been with the family for quite some time.
--“I have called you here on a strange errand but one that is of great importance to my late father. My father it seems was a man of many secrets, and his will is full of bizarre bequests, and strange conditions. There is no question of me violating my dying father’s final wishes, but I confess I am very much in the dark as to the reasons behind his eccentricities.
--How about you keep a civil tongue in your head, you inbred hick, and stop insulting a guard captain of Redwall. I've seen the superiority of your forces, and see you are no mere gang of toughs, but do you honestly think you are the first to 'try' to bring 'salvation' to this place? The weak are ruled by the strong in saecula saculorum all over the world... Julius is not a fool, and knows he can't win a fair fight, or any fight at all. That said, one for one, he'd take most of you down...
linguistics check DC 11 trained only! or character speaks infernal/celestial:
It's infernal AND celestial for "world without end" --Julius in words and manners, is no simple man of violence. No, he is the cultured,educated, and deadly, man of honor, who sees those below him as nothing more than playthings, which as a religion DC 11: devotee of Asmodeus is not only natural but to be expected. After all, even gods make deals with the prince of devils
We just follow the orders from guard commander Stanislas. He's the man to ask. But he'd back at the Lord's Keep.
We're outnumbered, and not really sure what is going on. We surrender.But I'm not at liberty, nor really do I know, the whole story of the warehouse. At times, we are paid extra overtime to guard certain buildings, including the homes of powerful patrons. I can assure you, that slavery is not openly tolerated in the city.
Having yet to even draw a weapon, or give an order Julius is at wit's end. His men are pissing themselves from fear, and he is outnumbered 7 to 1, at least...
Stand down you old hag, we can end this nicely, or somebody can get hurt, your choice. He shouts.
--What's all this? People return to your homes please. The guard is here. Return to you homes. The voice is one of authority, but the people simply stand around, letting the man pass.
knowledge Religion DC 12:
Unholy symbol of Asmodeus He is flanked by two guards, each carrying a polearm, and with a longsword on their belt. --He clears his throat and says Uh, strangers, what is this mess? What has happened...why are all these badly dressed sick women in the street? What is the meaning of this? --The oldest or most timid people return to their home, leaving only a few people looking on. Most importantly, the old woman who spoke earlier, still stands there...
--The guard outside, who didn't take your money, suddenly rushes into the building and down the stairs,
--Look, were just guards. Don't know much about anything. That door is locked. And we haven't got a key. Aren't anymore of us anyway...The remaining 3 dwarves are hostile, but beaten...they know it. They sit down in the corner, unarmed. One of them has a broken nose, and is bleeding rather seriously (-1hp).
--Look, you know there are powerful people who didn't want you in here...and they are going to find out you broke in here and killed their guard...now obviously we can't stop you, but you aren't going to slaughter us are you?
--Actually in this room there are no signs of any women at all, there is a flight of stairs going down in the north-east corner of the building...
Well, first you gottsa take her clothes off...all of them. Don't won't no half orcs with the make up getting in here...do we?
Now wait a bloody minute...how many of you claim to be pimping the lass? Ain't like I'm a going to let all of you through this door...The man and the girl...that's all..
What in the 9 hells does that even mean?The voice is cleary Dwarven, speaking with a faintly rolling 'r' and says /th/ as /d/.
--The tall guard looks around nervously, and bangs on the door...
--The short guard takes your platinum without a word, and walks off. The tall guard says To be honest, I've seen a few men dragging some sacks out of here, bloody sacks. I couldn't rest easy after that...not with all that goes wrong around here...I'll cover for you when they change the guard, and say the other guard was ill, but...He gestures to the door. That is one strong, expensive door...not sure how you're getting that open...to be honest. I figure you've got 2 hours until my relief shows up. If you're late I'll try to stall them.
-There's that noise again...you know...if I had the key I'd open the door. But I don't...and no other way to get in...
--The guards look puzzled, the shorter one says Um, bacon? Thanks, but who are you? Why are you giving us bacon? We're not to leave this post until we receive direct orders from Guard Captain Julius.
sense motive: They are telling the truth, and appreciate the bacon.
I think if they don't show up, the boss will expect ze worst as 'appened to them. Luc pauses and suggests But if you'd like to do me a little favor, and annoy their leader I 'ave a suggestion. Luc says the last word as Su-jest-ION. I know of a a warehouse, where shipments of slave girls are sold. If you'd like to raid the place, you'd be doing me a favor, and reducing the criminal business in this town. My loanshark will be too busy with this problem, to worry about moi.
Well I think I should explain, I owe money to a close friend of Lord Redwall. Those thugs 'ave the protection of the city guard, so I can't really ask for 'elp. I shouldn't 'ave borrowed the money...I guess. Luc leans heavily on the bar. I should never 'ave come to zis city. But c'est la vie? No, we always make the zame miztake.
--Luc pulls a bottle of a green faintly glowing liquid on the counter, and pours himself a glass. He drops in a sugar cube, stirs it, and drinks the whole thing down. He stops shaking, and says Well, I'd say merci, but I don't know if zis is for the best. You see...I owe both money and a few favors to a certain man. He is rather dangerous, and you can see he wants his money...I'm afriad you've endangered yourself...But...Well I will answer your questions...if you wish. In return for going out of your way to help me, I can offer you all a room, and board, for free, on the 'ouse as you say, no? |
