Search Posts
Ventar observes Albrekts venture into the sewage, sees him topple over and disappear and taps his index finger pensively on his goatee. As Albrekt finally emerges from the sewage, Ventar wakes from his apparent hard-thinking and quips, perhaps a bit too light hearted: "Albrekt, I think that should count as one of your yearly baths, the smell will surely improve as a result. Now, will you bring the corpse over to this side please?"
Nei-nei. Sure Venter will sell this as the Pallid Princess merely testing Albrekt's qualities... Solace just happens to be timely bait in the trap :) So yeah he's all heart lol. Of course she is! Not to mention the tests Albrekt is being put to every day in his efforts to restrain himself... :)
Ventar gives a slight bow to Albrekt "That was a brutal blow Albrekt! Did you have an opinion on what manner of beast we were fighting?" Turning to Haruk Ventar muses and strokes his beard in thought "We still have some time before the tide comes in. I suggest we press on and retreat to the cathedral when we return if we haven't found what we're looking for by then. Albrekt has shown that his instincts are good on more than one occasion. "
Albrekt wants nothing... but will carry anything required of him. However he'll take no care nor heed of others possessions.Just wanted to tell you that I'm really digging Albrekt. He's a lot more nuanced than I expected. :) I'll chime in on that sentiment! It is a whole new take on the hell-knight and I like it!
Also, no one has updated their sheets to reflect the items they took away from Milo's body. I suggest you do that, because when combat happens or you get into a situation where you want/need one of those items, if it's not on the sheet, it's not happening. As said in the post, Ventar collected the valuable items from Milos body before we left from Haruk unless anyone protested, and I haven't heard any protests yet. They are listed at the end of the Inventory section on Ventar's sheet for now... The items glass dagger and the potion is listed in Ventars main inventory...
"If you are able to convince them to let us in, then yes, I think that should be our first option. Charming one is a nice second alternative, but there is a chance that one or both of the guards will understand that they have been charmed, no? We don't really want to arouse any suspicion here in the middle of the city..."
As the group is about to leave Haruk's house Ventar pauses "Is it safe to leave the body here Haruk? I think it prudent to at least bring the most valuable items with us for now. There is no need to unduly tempt fate or any dishonorable persons who might have observed us." Unless someone protests Ventar will collect the remaining magical items and jewlery and bring them with us.
Walking through the streets of Caliphas, Ventar seems well at ease and perhaps slightly tipsy as he continues to converse with his fellows about trivialities and tell amusing stories. During the walk he also manages to turn to Solace, almost as an afterthought "Solace, you are well versed in obscure knowledge I take it from your earlier display. Do your abilities also include incantations to identify items? If so that would be of use to us in discovering the properties of the remaining items left to us by our friend. Now, let me tell you of a time where Albrekt was in a particularly pleasant mood... We were dining at an inn on our way to Caliphas and the barkeep saw fit to deny Albrekt more ale for some silly reason..." Ventar goes on to tell the story of that particular event, but limits the level of violence in the story to a common bar brawl.
If no-one objects to Ventars suggestion, he gathers up the glass-like dagger, a vial and the pouch of gold, taking some care to hide the dagger on his person. "Let us bring the gold just in case we should need to buy off someone down the track. By the way Solace, did you ever discover the contents of this vial?" "Ah, yes we should go before Albrekt gets restless. You never can tell what is going to happen when Albrekt gets restless..." Ventar proceeds to gulp down the last of the wine in his glass before exiting Haruks abode with the others
Ventar favours Solace with a charming smile "Ah, Solace, as intelligent as you are beautiful. That is a splendid point. The water works it is then. Kamau, would you be so kind as to lead the way? Or even scout ahead first as per your suggestion?" If there is any wine left Ventar will once again fill his glass
"I am afraid that no maidens will please your ears with their screams tonight Albrekt, we should try to remain inconspicuous for now. Let's see what we can do about the fingers though, if Haruk agrees that his fellow worshiper does not need them anymore... Still I am a bit surprised at your desire for them, do you not only collect trinkets from beings you have slain yourself?"
"Is it settled then? We go to the temple first to have the spell cast, then to investigate the water works?" "As for the spoils, I suggest that Kamau hold the map, he is obviously familiar in the city and can make good use of it. It seems to me that both the rapier and the armor may serve Kamau well. Even the mobility magic in the boots may be best utilized by Kamau? Yes, let's let Solace hold on to the rings for now and see if she can make sense of them, and keep the scrolls and the journal as well. Neither Solace nor myself seemed to be able to figure out what the robes were, but I think they would look splendid on Haruk. Let Solace and Haruk each hold on to one of the healing potions, and Kamau and myself will hold on to one of the other vials each. I wouldn't mind holding on to the dagger until we can figure it out. Let's keep the wayfinder for now as well, it might come in handy further down the road. The rest I suggest we sell, we might need some money to convince the clergy of the temple to cast the spell for us."
"500 years old you say... Solace are you familiar with the language the journal is written in?" Ventar quickly tries to judge how long it would take to read the whole journal based on the thickness of the journal and the density of the writing. "I suggest we consult someone knowledgeable in the arcane arts at a later time regarding the items we have not yet identified. I'm sure we can find a use for the vials and scrolls if we are all agreed to pursue this mystery further. The items no-one sees an immediate need for we might as well sell as Haruk suggests." Gulping down the rest of the wine in his glass Ventar turns to Kamau "Perhaps it does at that. It may be a long shot, but I have nothing better to do tonight - Unless of course Haruk is interested in emptying his most excellent wine cellar. "
Ventar seems oblivious to any dissatisfaction on Kamaus part... "Right then, perhaps we should discover where the barkeep lives as he closes up for the night and invite ourselves in for a night-cap. He may have some information he is just dying to share with us... We should also investigate the crosses on the map. But first, we should decide on what to do with the Pathfinders wordly possessions, as he doesn't seem to need them anymore. " Ventar pours himself a third glass of wine and seems to have accelerated the pace of his drinking somewhat...
Ventar quickly peruses the scroll again. "Pathfinder Society you say... Well then, presumably this Paracontess is also a member of this society. And she has associates in Egorian in a position to help this Milo character. Judging from his equipment he was rather well off, and if he is indeed a trusted member as you say Haruk, he might have been a quite experienced fellow. Artifacts which supposedly give power over life and death. I am intrigued... What do we know about this Milo Ventiglio anyway?"
Ventar fills his glass when the wine becomes available, takes a good swig and seems to thoroughly enjoy the taste. Turning his attention to Kamau as he shares his insights, he applauds the effort "Well done Kamau, you obviously know our way around this city. Well, as I was saying, we have several avenues open to those of us inclined to investigate further. We could overtake the caravan and question whoever this Milo wanted to catch up with. We could find out where the barkeep lives and pay him an after hours visit to learn what he knows. Or we could investigate these locations on the map which Kamau has identified for us. Personally, I am inclined to take a moonlight stroll to take in the scenery surrounding the water storage system. Such a nice evening for a stroll, don't you think Solace? Ah, and Haruk, what is your take on disposing of this mans wordly remains?"
"Ah, yes, Albrekt, it is not courteous to make a mess without the hosts blessing. Besides, I would imagine the church of Asmodeus has its own rites on how to dispose of the dead and that they do not include dissection." Ventar will assist Solace in identifying the items found on the body, and mutters a small prayer in between each item he studies
"Good work on discerning these items my dear Solace. I must admit that I too have not been able to disclose the secrets of the remaining items. Intelligent, beautiful and graceful. What else could a man desire?" Ventar says, giving Solace a lewd grin and a wink. "Now, about this fascinating map, being new in the city I don't know of any locations of interest close to these X's. Do any of you have an opinion on the matter? I must admit that I do feel my curiosity get the better of me this evening and so I am keen to pursue this further. It seems to me that the current gathering consists of competent people who could all contribute meaningfully to discovering what our dead friend here was involved in. Question is then, who here feels as I do, and wants to continue our investigation?" Ventar looks around the room, meeting everyone's gaze in turn. "The way I see it there are several avenues we could explore if so inclined.... Ah, where did that butler go Haruk, my compliments to the wine, it seems my glass is empty..."
"Agents of the Whispering way seems a natural first choice. Does anyone want to venture a guess as to who this one was working for then? Perhaps he was only meeting up with the designated courier to deliver this scroll to its intended recipient. Ah, good idea Albrekt, let's see if there are any further clues to be found in his possessions." Ventar helps Albrekt to search the body unless he has already completed the task.
"Ah, equally dangerous Albrekt, though in very different ways" Ventar receives the scroll and reads it "Collecting artifacts you say... Most interesting..." Ventar reads the scroll out to the others, then starts pacing the room with his hands clasped behind his back, brow furrowed. "Any takers as to which organization would gain to stop this Milo from continuing his work? I don't seem to recall anything special about the caravan he was chasing..."
Looking at his glass of wine and swirling the content Ventar muses Ah, yes my dear Kamau, but subtelty for whom? I must agree with Solcae, the assassin had no such qualms. As for ourselves, well... As far as the public is concerned, we are still only concerned citizens who have committed an act of mercy in a dangerous situation, heroes of the moment if you will. If pressed by the watch, that is as good a story as any. Haruk may even claim some duty towards his fellow disciple of Asmodeus." "Now, if we start asking too many questions too obviously, we just might attract the wrong kind of attention. Our friend with the arrows here can testify to the hazardous nature of that game. I'm sure the merits of a minimum of subtlety is not lost on a follower of Asmodeus at least. " "As for how we should be concerned? We surely needen't be, and we could all walk out of door without giving this matter a second thought and be better off for it... I am of a mind with Solace, I feel compelled to learn more, but chances are that is the exact knowledge that got our friend here killed, and so may very well be dangerous knowledge" As Ventar trails off, he is holds the scroll up, offering it to Haruk and gives each of the people in the room a quizzical look.
"You are most kind, I would love some wine, thank you Haruk. Running around the streets carrying dying men always bring on a thirst in me" Ventar looks around Haruks abode, really noticing his surroundings for the first time. He tries to learn more about this follower of Asmodeus by observing how he lives... "Haruk, you knew this man? Just before his unfortunate rendezvous with these arrows he seemed to be in a hurry to catch a caravan and an unknown person, judging from his brief conversation with the barkeep. Mayhap the scroll will be more informative? Else we could always go back and ask the barkeep what he knows, though that is markedly less subtle" Sipping the wine, Ventar appreciatively nods if it is good and leaves the glass on a table if it is not.
Ventar wasn't able to see that. The spoiler was for Kamau alone. If you're going to read spoilers that are for other players, at least don't acknowledge that you've done so in the roleplay. :P Ach, good point :) Feel free to give pointers along the way all of you, this is my first pbp, so I'll obviously need them. Thanks for your patience!
Coming in from the streets and its prying eyes, Ventar drops all pretense of caring for the mans welfare. "So, off he goes to see the hells then. Too bad, he could have had the common courtesy to delay his departure a few moments to answer some of our questions, seeing as how we carried him all this way. Nevertheless, he seemed to be indicating this scroll, even as he was drawing his final breaths. It must hold some significance, at least to him. The wax seal matches the symbol on his ring, does anyone recognize it? Haruk, if you claim juristiction over this man, what is your suggested course of action?" Ventar studies the matching symbols, seeing if he can recognize them, while replying to Albrekt pensively "If the only followers of the Gods were the holy men, the congregations would be pitifully small, hence being pious does not necessarily indicate a member of the clergy." Shooting a glance at Haruk, and glancing about in Haruks abode for revealing clues about the infernalist "Of course, he could be for all I know..." Having completed his survey of the symbols Ventar looks up at Kamau and muses: "Yes, he did, didn't he. Seems to me to be a singularly useful anatomical addition for an assassin. And a rather distinguishing feature if we should ever happen upon the assassin again..."
Looking appreciatively at the tight spread of the three arrows in the victims chest, indicating an excellent marksman, and recognizing that the foul poison must be costly, Ventar agrees. "I think Kamau is right, someone has invested a large sum of gold in making sure that this man does not see nightfall. Perhaps it is not a healthy prospect to be associated with him. We should probably make haste. Haruk, how far to your place?" Ventar quickly considers the small gathering and how to address the situation. Followers of Asmodeus is not known for being particularly holier-than-thou, and the mercenary attitude of... well, the mercenary, Kamau is reassuring. Solace though is a rather unknown quantity so far. Hmmm.... "Solace, as Kamau here is pointing out, remaining here is potentially perilous. If you have no better suggestions I advise that we follow Haruk." Turning slightly away from Solace and speaking in hushed tones to Albrekt: "Sometimes my friend, one needs to make an investment for future potential gains. Call it a gamble, or a hunch if you will. This man has piqued my curiosity and if this small respite will enable him to share more of his tale with us, then it is an investment well spent... Regardless, he seems to be losing the battle with the poison quickly and if we are to gain some more information from him we need to move him quickly" Gathering up the scroll Ventar intends to investigate it at the first opportunity, hoping that it will give some clues as to which questions might be pertinent to ask of our dying "friend" before his departure
Sensing an opportunity for adventure and being the curious type, Ventar cannot resist attempting to glean more information from the dying man. He produces a wand from his pocket and reluctantly activates it, trying to heal the dying man. Healing Having done all he possibly can for the man, Ventar waits to see if the magical healing will have an effect. He gives Solice, Albrekt, Habruk and Kamau a look, raising his eyebrows and shrugs.
Discovering that there is still a spark of life in the man, Ventar reconsiders his plan of taking the man to the temple for now. "Albrekt, it seems our companion here is quite tenacious. He is not quite død yet." Addressing the dying man he asks "Absalom? What do you mean?" Not knowing where his course of action will take him, it's certainly more exciting than drinking in the tavern... Ventar notices the scowling Chelish man that was almost run over before the hail of arrows keeping an eye on them, wondering if his interest is based on simple curiosity or something else. Glancing about Ventar also finally notices Kamau and Solace nearby and acknowledges them all with a curt nod. Since he doesn't know them all that well he sticks to his cover story, hoping Albrekt will play along, and tells them: "He is fatally wounded, we should get him to a temple where they might be able to save him."
|
