Thessal et’Faril "the Rook"'s page

"What is good in this world, Dawnsetter?" The guardsmen unhinged the stockade holding him and he stood smoothly, not wanting to give the paladins the satisfaction of knowing the pain welled in his lower back.

"Are you so wise young woodland strider to know good from evil?" His posture was no different than if he were still in his parlor. "I sent those who lived under my auspices, but choose not to live under my law. Order is everything, lest everything is Chaos."

With that, he was led away, his men in tow.

Sebastian looked up from his ruminations, Karthan had paused at the top of the stairs to ask a question. An intriguing one that told the Rook more about the elf. He would know depth of the people in his midst, rather than that which is on the surface. Good. His respect for the young ranger elevated.

"Agrinost took a long time in the naming. I think in part due to Mal'undil's shared human and elf heritage." Sebastian thought on the images he usually saw when Mal entered the room, the shared impressions of his animal companion. "A complex set of images and smells and memories. So many that match Mal's personality and presence. Solitary hunter of the Waking Dream who has found the sun."

The wolf padded forward and licked at Sebastian's hand, a playful nibble at his to forefingers. "You know, the great thing about their names is that change over time. They recognize that our natures can change and adapt." He thought on how different Mal had been the first time he'd met him. The half-elf had been going by the name Feyd back then in ode to a ruthless character in stories.

"Farewell, Dawnsetter. Keep your nose to the wind and your eyes upon the path."

"Very well then, Dawnsetter." Sebastian inclined his head and drew in an ever so slight amount of scent from the elf. "I'll look forward to both the good news regarding Mal'undil's improved condition, and to our joining in a proper hunt."

He walked Karthan as far as the opening of the parlor and waved a hand towards the exit. "Should you wish to contact me, you may send word via the Splendid Lass, a small tavern on the southside of the Merchant's Quarter where you're staying. Just ask for Lester." He smiled graciously, his enlarged canines gleaming in the light of the receiving area. "Or you can always pay me a visit directly. My doors are always open." He inclined his head once more and bid the elf farewell.

Downstairs, people were still bending each other's ears as they speculated on Weiss' fate. Good, let them talk and wonder. So long as they realized order was the rule of Sebastian's territory. There was still a burning embarrassment at Weiss' duplicitous actions, but his anger was mitigated knowing he was dead.

At the least, the elven ranger had potential. The Rook watched him go and wondered if Caleb had sunken too many of his hooks into the newcomer already. Then there was Karthan's sister. Kreig, for all his faults, was at least forthcoming with his information. She apparently had an "uppity bent" to her mouth that caused Kreig to squeeze his fists and hunger for Bruiser and a fresh head to bash.

Perhaps there would be potential there as well. But is she was indeed a druid, which the possession of a tiger would strongly indicate, then she would be less likely to be of service to his...enterprise.

Time would tell. And time was something that the Rook had in spades.

"Keep the book, Dawnsetter. I've not looked upon it in at least a year." Sebastian smiled. "Besides, should it cease a use for you then gift it to Caleb. The old man will enjoy such a tome."

"To your question regarding cults…” He closed the book and pushed it over to Karthan. “…Absalom is long suffering when it comes to the worship of deities. Norgorber cults, worshippers of long dead individuals that haven’t even ascended into godhood.” Sebastian shook his head and clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. “There a dozen fools on every corner of the Ascendant Court, Karthan Dawnsetter.” He held up a warning finger lest the elf think he was making light. “But for every dozen or so, there is one who is firm in their beliefs. Firm to the point of blood, the point of sacrifice. They are the ones to be watchful for, if not fearful.”

A man cleared his throat at the doorway to the room. It was Eric. He nodded to the Rook and returned to his seat.

Sebastian just continued. “Keep a weather eye out for those who fall into the latter category. You’ve encountered one such individual.” He stabbed a finger at one of the drawings of Lamech. “This one was a true believer, by all accounts. It only takes one to raise hell. On a day when you have more time, I’d be glad to tell you about Karzoug and the trouble he still causes today. Zealots are a tricky thing. I prefer to deal with more reasonable people if I can help it.”

There was scuffling coming up the stairs, Bodin returning with Weiss. To the Rook’s left, Agrinost stood from his sitting position, eager. A step or two brought Sebastian around the table so the wolf was on his right side, the elf on his left, the canvas covering just in front of his own feet. He waived Bodin into the room, the armsman pushing Weiss ahead of him until he stood upon the canvas.

Sebastian held his council. The worst thing to do in a situation like this was to be the first one to speak. Besides, he wanted to study the human for a moment…the labored breathing, skinny but tobacco smoke had hampered his lung capacity. Carotid artery throbbing with exertion and fear. Eyes wide at first but now squinting in the little light that was available in the parlor. An innkeeper, he wasn’t used to the appearance of wolves, especially one as large as Agrinost. From what Sebastian knew about him, Weiss had been born and raised in the Coins district of Absalom…perhaps had thought his big chance to get out had been to join up with a few others to work at the inn across the street.

Weiss’ eyes stayed on the wolf for quite some time before he spotted Karthan to Sebastian’s right. Then he licked his lips, hand going to his chin to wipe at the stubble there…a lie already forming in his human mind.

“What’d I do, boss?” Weiss had to draw his eyes away from Karthan to look at Sebastian, like he was wary of losing the position of a particularly dangerous adder. He unconsciously began straightening himself, smoothing out his clothes, running fingers through his hair.

Sebastian remained silent. But he extended his will outward. Intimidate Check 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17

The innkeeper licked his lips, there was a quiver in his knees as he looked down to the floor. His eyes opened wide when he saw the canvas and he began to shift from foot to foot. “I didn’t do nothing wrong, I swear.” His voice was barely a whisper. Fear was permeating his essence, Sebastian could smell it no him.

Agrinost growled in anticipation. Weiss froze his movements. “Look boss, if it’s about this guy here, they came into my…err I mean they came into your inn and blasted out one of the customers, a good paying customer…” His hand darted to his belt but halted in mid motion as Agrinost lunged forward, teeth bare and eyes now shifted from gold to a nearly glowing red. “Money…money boss. He paid good…”

A dripping sound, Weiss had lost his bowel control. The wolf sniffed at the air near Weiss and then turned away, growling a warning and returning to the Rook’s side.

A coin purse on a draw string, he pulled it from his belt and held it out to the Rook. “He paid me 500 gold and a garnet to let him stay, no questions. That’s more than even Bella makes in a month!”

Impressive, even under the influence of his will, Weiss was able to lie to Sebastian. The Rook cocked his head to the side, an eyebrow lifted in question.

“Ddid I sssay, 5? I meant a thousand gold and a garnet.” Weiss pulled a second pouch from the small of his back this time.

“I know every guest of my establishments, yet I didn’t know this one.” Sebastian spoke for the first time.

Weiss made the mistake of taking a step forward, pleading hands out offering the two pouches full of coin. “Please, take it all, boss. I didn’t mean nothin’ by it, honest.”

“That makes it worse. I’d have hoped your death would have meant… something.” His hand moved in a blur, going to the hilt of his Aldori dueling sword. It was out of its sheathe, the leading edge across Weiss’ throat in a single motion.

First Attack (Favored Enemy) 1d20 + 14 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 14 + 4 = 32
Damage 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Second Attack (Favored Enemy) 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 4 = 17
Confirm Critical (Anatomist +1) 1d20 + 9 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 4 + 1 = 22
Damage 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Damage 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

The first strike cut through most of the innkeeper’s throat. Sebastian gracefully stepped forward, in the same motion pivoting his grip to guard position and letting his weight and thrust stab the blade through Weiss’ heart. As quickly as the blood had begun to pump from the man’s neck, it stopped as his heart was cut in two.

Weiss’ eyes opened wide, then clouded over. He fell to his knees and onto the canvas, Sebastian withdrawing his blade with one hand and drawing forth a cloth from his belt with another. He wiped his sword clean and sheathed it, letting the blood-stained cloth fall upon the dead man at his feet.

“I cannot afford leniency if I’m to have order. And I will have order.” He spoke to Weiss inert form, then snapped his fingers. Bodin and Eric stepped into the room and began wrapping the body in the canvas. “Take him to the basement. I’ll not have his stench linger here. Then close up the inn.”

Bodin was crouched low, ready to lift one end of the now wrapped body. “And the girls?”

Sebastian shrugged. “Let the pleasure bars have their fun, I attempted to enter the business in a small way and it has become more trouble than it’s worth. Employ them as attendants here and have them clean up the inn. I’ll have new management installed within the week.”

“Not all will go for that, boss.”

A well-oiled boot tip kicked at the wrapped body. ”Take his right hand and post it on the door of the inn. Put the dagger through that ridiculous tattoo of a porcupine. Then explain to them that they are more than capable of lending a hand, one way or another.”

Bodin grinned, as did Eric. Both bowed, smelling of respect and confidence, and hoisted the dead innkeeper to depart.

“Boys,” the Rook held them for a moment more, stooping low to toss them the two bags of coins Weiss had dropped. “Spread this around the ladies. See if they know any more about the man who stayed there. Report back to me what you find.” He nodded for the men to leave with their canvas charge.

“Agrinost and I will be hunting later this evening, Dawnsetter.” He turned back to Karthan, and gestured to the north. “There is a small bit of land to the north of here, holds a wooded area Agrinost and I frequent. Should all things get settled with your comrades, especially Mal’undil, I would be pleased to have you along.”

If you don’t want to go this evening, just let him know and he’ll extend the invitation as an “open ticket”. If you want to depart now, Sebastian will also provide you with an open door should you need any assistance.

"This is the second reference to the stars today. Are you learned in the study of the heavens or just have an interest in the subject?”

Sebastian pulled a volume down from the shelf and turned back. He’d felt a sending from Agrinost, his friend excited at the prospect of what was to come. The Dhampir saw Karthan’s eyes and wondered if the elf had felt it too.

Interesting…

He placed the book on the table holding all of the materials Karthan had brought with him. “I’d say it was a necessity that turned into an interest.” The volume on the table was called Starry Night: Skies of Golarion. “I began research into the patterns of constellations as a method of tracking and positioning. Some of my hunts went on for days at a time, so knowing the stars was a good thing when in the stranger wilds.”

He used a finger to draw over one of the renderings from Agidor’s scroll case. Vivid details, an artist’s hand attempting to capture the moment of ecstasy in Lamech’s eyes as he raised his hands above the dead form of a man. Both were garbed in dark robes, but the pinhole constellations were detailed in the drawing upon them.

“This one, looks to be the Ferryman…” He flipped through some pages in the tome, stopping in a particular section. Then turned it towards Karthan so he could see. “…here, the Ferryman constellation…but it’s not quite right. The shape is slightly off…” He turned a couple of pages forward. “Here, the first was the constellation as viewed from Absalom…this other one is more of a match.”

Karthan saw the caption of the drawing stating that the depiction was as viewed from Varisia.

Sebastian recognized the weapon immediately. "I know this blade well." He reached down and grasped the handle. "I killed its previous owner, a rather outspoken merchant from Cassomir."

Turning the blade over, he replaced it on the table and shook his head. "I'd gifted it to Claire a little over a month ago as part of a deal to retain Agidor and his musicians." He shook his head and responded to the questioning look in the elf's eyes. "Claire was the Varisian dancer in the group. The three of them together were in high demand downstairs. In as much as I deem appropriate, I will indulge the locals." The last held an edge to the tone. His indulgences across the street had gone on long enough.

The Rook scratched at his chin, thinking on the other qualities of the weapon. "Ablinos told me it retained a make up receptive to enchantment. In addition, it has the markings of Taldor if you inspect the pommel."

On the pommel was a simple yet elegant relief of the clawing lion of Taldor. However, there appeared to be an additional design etched into the ring about the end of the hilt. "What is this symbol, here?"

"Something new," Sebastian eyed it closely, thinking it looked somewhat familiar. "I've seen something similar but I'd need to research it to be sure." Sending you a pic of the symbol...

Another of the Rook's guards approached, clearing his throat at the entrance to the room. There was another man directly behind him. Between the two, the carried a roll of heavy canvas under their right arms. Sebastian only nodded, not looking up from his inspection of the blade.

The two entered the room. They were cut from the same cloth as Bodin, dressed in light armors, one armed with paired short swords in reverse scabbards at his back, the other armed only with a dagger at his belt. A scent of oil entered the room with them, fanning outward as they unrolled the heavy canvas to cover a section of floor. Their work done, they exited the room and returned to the table just outside.

"I hate to disappoint you, Dawnsetter," Sebastian continued, drawing the elf's attention back to the kukri. "...but my sense of such things relied heavily upon Ablinos. With him dead, I'll trust that you will have more luck with it than Claire or its previous owner."

He turned his attentions to the drawings. "The music, well Agidor had a preference for Varisian songs, specifically music out of Riddleport. He did a stint in that little hellhole two years ago. I'd assume that's when he picked up the songs. But these two," he gestured to the one titled Dead and Lovely and then the one titled Exit. "I know Agidor wrote the first not too long ago, an oft requested tune lately. The second, I've not heard him sing it." He hummed a few bars to be sure, then shook his head.

"Exit" is the song Agidor was singing on your approach to Lamech's house.

"As for this symbol, as I mentioned, I'm not as connected to magic outside my heritage nor in my own talents as you'd think." He looked up from the drawings and music. "I hate to admit that perhaps your talents may lead you down a similar path. I hope that won't disappoint you, Dawnsetter, for I sense a great deal of potential in you that will rely upon skill and instinct than the crutch of magic."

He looked closer at the drawings. Perception Check - 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

"But what I do see are constellations drawn upon the their robes. One set for those who are dead...a different for Lamech's."

The Rook went to a bookshelf to the left of the hearth, reaching down to scratch at Agrinost's chin as he went. "I think I might have a volume on cosmology here somewhere."

"By all means."

He thought for a moment, considering his decision to keep Kreig on at the inn. "Don't mind the dwarf, he serves his purpose well. I think he is jealous of how quickly one of Mal'undil's associates gains access to me. There is no love lost between Mal and the dwarf." Sebastian thought for a heartbeat then continued. "I will have a word with him. One breech of protocol is enough for one day."

Perception on the materials provided - 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18

Sebastion looks at the materials provided, his teeth grinding when he recognizes Agidor's lute. He handled some of the swatches of garment, sniffing at the to pick up specific particulates...yes, the dancer, Claire...and the ugly drummer, their stench was heavy upon the cloth.

"I feel I've been too lenient, Dawnsetter." The words of the elf dug at the Dhampir's sensibilities. He snapped his fingers and the guard who'd escorted Karthan upstairs entered the room.

"Sir?"

"Bodin, bring me Weiss." Sebastian kept his voice calm, but Agrinost picked up on his mood, the wolf baring his teeth.

Bodin inclined his head and moved off.

The Rook turned to Karthan and gestured towards the basin. "See to your condition, Dawnsetter. I will send word that the servant of Iomedae can continue on to her temple. I don't wish to delay treatment for Mal'undil."

Sense Motive on Karthan's intentions in sharing this information - [1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

Sebastian folded his arms across his chest and locked Karthan's gaze in his own. "You will stay with me a while and tell me what you know."

Agrinost was sitting up, studying Karthan and Mal’undil equally as though verifying the pack’s ill members did not require culling. He didn’t settle from his stare even as Sebastian continued.

“Yes indeed, magic most foul; foul and frustrating. It’s only been 3 days since finding these blades. Not enough time to be certain what these deaths could be a part of, to be honest. Nor has it been enough time to ascertain their nature and power. Add to that the death of my sorcerer…” He looked to the now closed box, resisting the urge to verify the latch was secured. “This could have been Lamech’s work, but poison…crossbows…even his bare hands, those were more his weapons of choice.” He tapped his chin, thinking. “I even heard rumor he used a dogslicer on more than one occasion.”

“What about the Barbers?”

Sebastian shook his head. “It would have been more obvious if it was them. Plus, I’ve not known them to use weapons of such…cursed nature.”

“You think they’re cursed?”

“Don’t you?” He ran a hand along the top of the case, a strange mixture of curiosity and concern gnawing at him. “They certainly are exhibiting the behavior.” He removed his hand from the case, rubbing his fingertips together and half expecting to feel an oily substance…but they were dry.

A look to Karthan, then Mal and he continued. “My next step was to have some other associates investigate these weapons, find out their true nature. Perhaps even the Arcanamirium…such an option would have been more tenable with Abnilos alive. As it is, I’d have to remain there long enough to present and open the case.”

Mal thought for a moment, looking to Karthan to view his condition. “Our goals are drifting in the same direction, old friend. We’ve been charged by the Temple of Iomedae to find Emilura, Zel and two women…maybe these two women you described if their identities prove to match. These daggers appear to be the next step for us too.”

Sebastian’s brows met in a v-shape. “Iomedae, eh? I take it you still are in association with Duneheim?”

“She’s Chaplain-Protector now.”

“I know. The title suits her.” Sebastian considered his options. All things being equal, it would be preferable to avoid entanglements with the temple. If he worked with Mal’undil and Karthan, he may be able to disassociate himself from the official investigation.

Official or not, though, he had to discover what force was behind these deaths and put it to an end if he was to maintain control over his territory. There was an order to things, and these daggers bespoke of a chaos the Dhampir would not tolerate. Always a precarious thing, his position and business, always a leech or poison awaiting his every misstep…

“While I can’t say assisting those misguided zealots of Iomedae is in my best interest, I also can’t deny the benefit in aiding you in your quest.” Sebastian stood and clasped his hands behind his back, his coat coming open to reveal the hilts of his paired sword and dagger. He was looking with measured concern upon Karthan. “Have more tea, my young strider. It will soothe any lingering effects.”

He turned from the gathering and headed to a trunk next to the hearth. “I’m finding that there are no surprises in this life, gentlemen, just events for which you choose to be woefully unprepared.” The Rook opened the trunk and withdrew a trio of scrolls. Without hesitation, he walked them over and handed them to Mal’undil. “Scrolls of Protection from Chaos. I have a feeling you’ll need them if you are going to continue this investigation.”

He returned to his seat and glanced towards the box. “I can provide you with instruction how to open the box if you choose to take these weapons with you. But you must swear to see them safely out of my territory. I can’t have them falling into the hands of my servants or enemies alike.”

“And your advice?” Mal inquired.

“I’d say this house on the north side of Copperwood would be a good place to start. Perhaps you will meet with more success at picking up your next clue…or quarry than my team.”

“Lamech.”

Sebastian nodded; hoping Mal’undil would be able to remain focused on the task and not let vengeance cloud his judgment. He sat back and waited to see if there were any other questions before seeing them out.

New Willpower Check (Unbreakable Heart cast) 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Sebastian cursed and lashed out at the box containing the daggers. He slammed it shut and passed a hand over the lock to ensure the ward was in place. Then he looked into the elf’s eyes. “So, the daggers are still strong.”

He stepped back and allowed the elf to regain his composure. “My apologies. I wanted to close the box sooner, but wanted to make sure you’d asked all your questions first.”

Mal was up and at Karthan’s side too. “Where is your sorcerer? Can’t he ward these things more thoroughly?”

Sebastian sighed. “Unfortunately, Abnilos succumbed to his own madness yesterday.” He returned to his seat and gestured to the box. “His attempts to make these things safe for study cost him his life.”

Mal was looking to Karthan again. “Are you okay?”

Okay, you're back, but feel a bit unsteady on your feet. Like being seasick. It wears off in a few seconds. But the vision you witnessed still remains. I'll give you an opportunity to lay out your impressions and response before wrapping the scene.