"Yes - we've only been here a couple of minutes. We just fought of some necromantically-animated skeletons, we didn't kill any of the patrons here."
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Beren turns around at the mention of his name. He looks across the tavern, over the amassed bodies, and sees a corpulent, unorganized guard speaking in the doorway. With longsword still in hand, he covers half the distance, makes eye contact with the figure of authority, and says in a deep and monotone voice, "I am Beren." Then in a disdainful voice, "You can't possibly think we did this?"
"Oh yes," the corpulent corporal continues, "swathed in blood from head to toe, sword in hand, a signed taunting confession written in blood, with the name 'Beren', and the daubing brush in your own hand when we came through the door. I don't think we will need many inquisitives to put this together," he says over his shoulder, his squad of toadies chuckling in response.
<sigh> Why are humans so stupid, wonders Rokko. "The missive in blood is written to him, if you care to check. Which suggests that it was whoever wrote it who did all this, rather than the addressee, wouldn't you think? Or maybe I simply lack your profound understanding of the criminal mind?"
Rokko shakes his head, and takes out a cigar in preparation of lighting it. It's been a long day - and it's only just begun.
Ruuz stands open mouthed at the stupidity of the local guard, 'They think we did this?'. As the women steps through the door Ruuz immediately sees the dragonmark, 'Oh no she here for me I know it, could Cannith be hiring Denieth mercenaries to track me down.' Ruuz quells the sense of panic rising in his belly and then he remembers that he is disguised like an orc.
Ruuz staggers to the front toward the guard and says in his best orc accent "Thank the Six you came but these people came after the she-orc b#!#@ killed everyone but me. I was just drinking at the bar when she came through the door and attacked us. I was lucky I managed to jump behind the bar in the beginning, Dol Dorn curse me it was head first and when I woke up these people had just came through the door. They fought off some bloody skeleton things and saved me."
Ruuz looks at the guard praying to the Traveler that is acting was good enough. Ruuz feels that the guards are to stupid to even keep up with him story but the women, she seems different, she will be the problem.
At some distant level you realize your clothes are probably ruined from the smudge she left behind, but you are more focused on helping those in dire need. The portly squad leader assigns to of his men to take the orc to Jorasco to see what can be done for her, and takes off at a trot towards the orcish bar, within seconds he is sweating an wheezing, but he obviously revels in the chance to earn some glory and fame for himself, and more to the point a reward.
Sari takes off close behind the squad leader, easily keeping up with him and knowing that she could out run him any given chance.
Muskor dur Rast:
Then another person pushes her way through the other few bodies slowly lining up on the bridge behind the leader. A female, bearing the mark of Denith on both her uniform and her neck.
Sari rushes up through the small crowd of people that seem to have appeared from thin air. As she enters the doorway she is astonished by the stench in the air and is even more taken back by the writing painted in what appears to be blood on the wall. Sari thinks to herself, "Who are these people and just what have they done?"
Ruuz staggers to the front toward the guard and says in his best orc accent "Thank the Six you came but these people came after the she-orc b#**~ killed everyone but me. I was just drinking at the bar when she came through the door and attacked us. I was lucky I managed to jump behind the bar in the beginning, Dol Dorn curse me it was head first and when I woke up these people had just came through the door. They fought off some bloody skeleton things and saved me."
Sari looks towards the Orc then to the rest of the group and says "I am Sari d'Deneith of the House of Deneith, and if you are telling the truth and you didn't do this, then just how did you find yourself here?"
Sense motive check: 20+2=22 (YEA!)
"Oh yes," the corpulent corporal continues, "swathed in blood from head to toe, sword in hand, a signed taunting confession written in blood, with the name 'Beren', and the daubing brush in your own hand when we came through the door. I don't think we will need many inquisitives to put this together," he says over his shoulder, his squad of toadies chuckling in response.
Beren sheathes his longsword while still looking at the officer. His military discipline has taught him to stay cool and reasonable with these types. Deep inside though, he wonders just who this she-orc is to be able to pull off such an excellent frame-job.
Then in matter of fact tone he says, "You're right. I see how this could look from somebody less experienced. But an officer with a keen eye such as yourself …, come look at the wounds. Study them, see the claw marks, and examine our weapons, then I will tell you what really happened.
Sari looks towards the Orc then to the rest of the group and says "I am Sari d'Deneith of the House of Deneith, and if you are telling the truth and you didn't do this, then just how did you find yourself here?"
"Another voice of reason," Beren states diplomatically while trying to stay cool as he looks at the newcomer. "Here is the truth. I have been tracking a female orc assassin all the way from Breland. I have tracked her here to Stormreach. Following up on leads brought us here, to a favored orc tavern. This orc must have known we were coming. She set an ambush of gory undead and left that note." Beren turns around pointing at the writing on the wall. Turning back around and stating grimly, "She is evil and must be stopped. We are doing you all a favor by trying to kill her."
"Mayhaps you all think me a fool," he says, flicking sweat from his brow, and trying unsuccessfuly to nonchalantly step away from the door to make more room for his squad of cronies, "but if you want me to think that this," he waves his hand indicating the carnage, "was done by one orc assassin, and not by a band of 5 or 6 murderers like we were told, maybe it was you and not this bloke who bumped your head in the fighting..."
"Mayhaps you all think me a fool," he says, flicking sweat from his brow, and trying unsuccessfuly to nonchalantly step away from the door to make more room for his squad of cronies, "but if you want me to think that this," he waves his hand indicating the carnage, "was done by one orc assassin, and not by a band of 5 or 6 murderers like we were told, maybe it was you and not this bloke who bumped your head in the fighting..."
Beren looks back at the officer, "May I ask who told you to find us here?"
Beren looks back at the officer, "May I ask who told you to find us here?"
"I may have forgotten the rule of law, but is it normal for suspects to be questioning the watch?"
"I may have forgotten the rule of law, but is it normal for suspects to be questioning the watch?"
"I am just trying to show you a painting from a different artist. Meaning, we didn't do this and the real criminal is getting farther away as we discuss this. Now," Beren looks around at several bodies until he finds one with wounds that may back up his story, "please examine these wounds. We couldn't have done these."
"Well huruph," he scratches his head for a moment, "so there were six of you and your clawed friend is hiding somewhere hoping to toss of the track. Men, arrest them"
He turns, and sees his cronies standing dumbfounded around the door, one of them is wretching, the others look green. None are willing to enter the bar any further.
"Your not arresting me are you? I was just enjoying a drink and when this massacre happened!!" Ruuz backs away from the guard and Denieth women back towards a corner. Ruuz positions himself so hopefully the guard can't see if he reaches into his coat for a scroll.
While no one is looking at him, Rokko quietly casts an enchantment to make the watchman more amenable.
The Corporal seems shaken for a moment, his conviction wavering, when he spots Rokko, who he had overlooked before...
"Of course, there may be some truth to your story, seeing as how this upstanding gentleman seems to be on your side as well."
"Indeed, good sir. I suggest you examine the evidence. As you can plainly see, none of us had anything to do with it. We all arrived after the terrible crime."
"Well, um, weell um..." he meanders around until he is standing near where Beren was fighting the skeleton. He swats a few times, and then realizes that the whole ceiling is covered in blood and gore, which is slowly dripping onto him.
"Well, this place is technically outside the city, and therefore my juristiction. It is fortunate we have a Deneith Sentinel Martial here to examine the evidence further."
He makes rather quickly for the door, and almost reaches the bottom of the 15' ramp before falling to his knees and emptying his stomach.
Beren strays an astounded glance over at Rokko. When he gets the goblin's attention, he gives a nod of gratitude.
“Ugh! And stay there fatboy,” mutters the pale faced Valessa. She normally would have given him a serve much earlier, but searching through this carnage has really made her feel quite ill. She’s starting to feel a bit better now though…
“What about you, Sentinal Marshal?” she demands, rounding on the woman. “Do you think we look like we did this – this – whatever this is? Or do you want to help us try to figure out how to deal with the person that did?”
She immediately regrets her outburst at the only one of the newcomers who has shown some degree of common sense, but as usual for Valessa, she comes to this realisation after the words have left her mouth.
"Well, um, weell um..." he meanders around until he is standing near where Beren was fighting the skeleton. He swats a few times, and then realizes that the whole ceiling is covered in blood and gore, which is slowly dripping onto him.
"Well, this place is technically outside the city, and therefore my jurisdiction. It is fortunate we have a Deneith Sentinel Martial here to examine the evidence further."
He makes rather quickly for the door, and almost reaches the bottom of the 15' ramp before falling to his knees and emptying his stomach.
Sari looks over at Valessa " I am not sure what has happened here, however I can tell you that I do not choose sides until I know all the facts. Furthermore I'd think that it would be wise of you to hold your tongue and watch what you say to someone whom can either help or hurt you at this time."
Sari enters the room and looks a bit more trying to hold her stomach contents down. Not sure if anything she sees will be any help but she will try. Sari looks towards the Orc who is now in the corner and notices that he will not look her in the eye but rather seems to be avoiding her. She also does notice that though all of the accused parties do have Orc remains upon them she doesn't feel that they have near enough to have actually done this horrible act. She also wonders about the claw marks that seem to be everywhere on the bodies.
“Yes, we wondered about those too,” comments Valessa idly, seeing the House Deneith woman eyeing the claw marks. She does not mention her initial suspicion – Shifter – fearing that it may throw further suspicion onto Beren, although of course he does not manifest claws when he shifts.
“Yes, we wondered about those too,” comments Valessa idly, seeing the House Deneith woman eyeing the claw marks. She does not mention her initial suspicion – Shifter – fearing that it may throw further suspicion onto Beren, although of course he does not manifest claws when he shifts.
Sari listens for a minute at the unusually quite room and then looks at the group. Sari slowly looks at each of them sizing them up. Sari feels that out of all of them Valessa seems to be sincere and trusts her to an extent. Sari then looks back at Valessa. "I am sorry I didn't seem to catch your name? Is there any other marks on the remains that you have noticed that seem to stick out to you? Did any of you see anyone leaving here when you were arriving?" Sari walks over to one of the bodies in the center of the room. Most of the remains are unrecognizable as that of an Orcs except for the hairy limbs and pig snout like faces. The body is badly shredded leaving little doubt that this could have been done by a small creature. Sari kneels next to the body oblivious to the smell and looks closely as to see if there are any teeth marks that may have been left.
"I don't know if we are going to achieve much hanging around here, and it might be better if we get away from the forces of law and order before my spell runs its course," Rokko mutters to his companions, out of earshot of the watchmen. "Maybe we should visit Beren's benefactor - not only might we need some coin, but we have few other allies in this town. This affair is looking much more complicated, now we have necromancy, sahuagin and the law lining up against us."
Beren, feeling the itch of impatience, starts to pace slightly left to right. His breathing gets heavier which only assists the stench of death to more firmly plant itself into his nasal cavities. Coughing now and shaking his head to try to rid his body of the wretched stink, he loses control and lets out a snarl. Looking at Sari and speaking in a throaty growl, with his teeth bared, "Are you satisfied with our innocence. I need to leave this place of Kyber. Find your evidence, then we should burn this evil."
Ruuz walks up to Sari and looks her in the eye "Don't you think that if we did this to all these orc with out so much as a scratch that we would just butcher you and the guards in the same way and the leave instead of wasting out time trying to defend our innocence. Do we look like a group that could do such an evil act?"
Ruuz looks at Rokko "I have a scroll that would put most of them to sleep if need be but I was hoping this dragonmarked 'Marshal' would confirm that we did not do this and allow us to leave and find who did."
Ruuz walks up to Sari and looks her in the eye "Don't you think that if we did this to all these orc with out so much as a scratch that we would just butcher you and the guards in the same way and the leave instead of wasting out time trying to defend our innocence. Do we look like a group that could do such an evil act?"
Ruuz looks at Rokko "I have a scroll that would put most of them to sleep if need be but I was hoping this dragonmarked 'Marshal' would confirm that we did not do this and allow us to leave and find who did."
Sari is taken back by the frankness of the Orc whom just a few minutes ago wouldn't even look her in the eye. "First I would like to mention that though I was accompanied by the Corpulent Corporal Courhill, I am not working with him but rather I was delivering him a message. Secondly I happen to think that he is a pompous pig with the brain the size of a pebble. I am not a Deneith Sentinel Martial but rather a member of the Blademarks Guild as a mercenary. Furthermore I don't think that all of you did this. You have made you points noted and though I have no authority to say that you won't be reprimanded I would hold true to my belief that you are all innocent. I am intrigued by all of you and am wondering if I might accompany all of you for a bit as to see where all of this mess may lead."
Knowledge Check: 18+1=19
After hearing Sari fire back at his speech Ruuz lets his features change back to his natural form. He smiles at the surprised look on Sari's face "I thought an eye witness to the crime was need but I see that you are not nearly as stupid as those guards. My name is Ruuz and we are following Beren, the shifter over there, as he hunts down his mentors assassin."
After hearing Sari fire back at his speech Ruuz lets his features change back to his natural form. He smiles at the surprised look on Sari's face "I thought an eye witness to the crime was need but I see that you are not nearly as stupid as those guards. My name is Ruuz and we are following Beren, the shifter over there, as he hunts down his mentors assassin."
Sari stares in astonishment as the Orc turns into a Changeling. Sari knows of Changelings but has never spent a great deal of time with them and they still amaze her. Sari looks at Ruuz, "Well I guess that explains a few things. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am glad to see that you do indeed have a brain and see that I am not as dumb as you first thought. After all you of all people should know better than to judge people by their looks alone. Will I have the pleasure of meeting the rest of your group? If it will be alright I would like to accompany all of you on your journey. Who knows I may even prove to be helpful. You will need to fill me in on a few of the details though."
“Valessa,” the explorer replies in response to the Deneith woman’s question. “And no, I’m afraid we didn’t find much else. Its … carnage in here.” She points to the writing on the wall. “Only that the person who did this knew that we were coming for her, and left this as a message for Beren.”
She then turns to Beren and Rokko, whilst Ruuz says something to the woman. “I think Rokko is right,” she says to Beren, giving a grudging nod to the goblin. “If your quarry can do all this,” she waves her hand vaguely around the room, “I’m afraid she might be too tough for us. Don’t get all macho on me Beren, I agree, she’s pure evil and she needs to be put down. I just don’t think we’re up to the job right now. We need more experience at figuring out how to fight zombies and skeletons and stuff for starters.”
“So what do you guys think about this Deneith woman? She seems tough, and she’s certainly smarter than that lot who pass themselves off as a city watch in this place. And she called the corporal ‘corpulent’ – good word, scores points in my book.”
“If your quarry can do all this,” she waves her hand vaguely around the room, “I’m afraid she might be too tough for us. ...”
Beren opens his mouth and releases a growl, "If she wants to come, fine. Another sword is always needed. Let us leave this foul place, clean ourselves, rest, then meet with Tessik." Beren walks out.
Anger stretches his very skin. 'She got away again,' he thinks to himself. He scans the trees one last time determined to find anybody watching before he walks back to the house.
'One day I will have your head. And those bodies in there will be whole compared to what I will do to you,' he shouts inside himself.
Once out of the slaughterhouse, Valessa turns to Sari. “So Sari d’Deneith, a mercenary eh? Well, we can’t pay you … but if you can use those things,” she gestures to the various weapons strapped around the woman’s body, “then Beren could probably use your help. After what we saw in there, I’m sure we could use all the help we can get. But I don’t think the plan will be to go after our friendly neighbourhood butcher just yet … we’ve got some other, unrelated business to follow up on.” She flashes a brief, wan smile and adds, “With our luck lately, a strong sword arm would probably not go astray.”
Once out of the slaughterhouse, Valessa turns to Sari. “So Sari d’Deneith, a mercenary eh? Well, we can’t pay you … but if you can use those things,” she gestures to the various weapons strapped around the woman’s body, “then Beren could probably use your help. After what we saw in there, I’m sure we could use all the help we can get. But I don’t think the plan will be to go after our friendly neighbourhood butcher just yet … we’ve got some other, unrelated business to follow up on.” She flashes a brief, wan smile and adds, “With our luck lately, a strong sword arm would probably not go astray.”
"I am grateful for you friendliness and I will try my best. So where to now?"
Valessa looks up at the darkening sky. “It’s getting late, and we all look like we’ve crawled through an abattoir. Beren’s right, lets get back to the house and clean up. I’ll be bathing first,” she adds, eyeing Ruuz sternly.
She explains to Sari. “We’ve got a place to stay in town – for another day at any rate. I’m sure the boys won’t mind some more feminine company if you want to join us for dinner, and we can discuss our next move. But yes,” she turns to Beren, “lets see what your friend Tessik has to say.”
Despite herself, Valessa is finding herself somewhat drawn to Sari – after having pretty much only male company for the past week – not to mention the several week’s ocean journey prior to that. And although she tries not to let it bother her, it’s sometimes a bit weird being the only woman – not to mention the only human – in the group.
"Nice to meet you, Sari," says Rokko after a long drag on a cigar - damn, but these Xendrik cigars he recently purchased, supposedly rolled on the thighs of drow maidens, were smooth. "Rokko, wizard extraordinaire and intellectual powerhouse."
"I've cast all my spells for the day, so if we are going on somewhere else, hopefully we can keep the violence down?"
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Alright, I will allow anyone to contradict this if they so choose with another action, but it seems a concencus is a return to the house.
For Merreck Greenbottle:
It took a while to find out what had happened to the group from the Tethered Wench, but you finally did manage to track them to this house. Unfortunately, they weren't there when you arrived. So you set up across the street, to watch and wait, and perchance earn a few coins from your music.
Some time after you arrive, you see the massive bulk of a hill giant trudging up the wide street. The tottering figure distracts you from noticing the much smaller figure of a fair skinned human, or possibly a half-elf. He goes up to the door of the very house you are watching, knocks, and after a moment leaves a sealed letter on the stoop.
Then the man and the hill giant wonder off.
A few moments later:
The trip back from the orc bar is made twice as nasty as the trip there by the biting flys and other jungle creatures attacted to the slicks of blood that cover you.
You arrive back at the house ready to sink into the water, and hopefully wash away the days filth. The first of you walking up to the door discovers a sealed envelope leaning against the door.
Opening the envelope:
There are two pieces of paper, one a simple letter to the group in general, and another a more formal business agreement.
The letter:
Friends,
I am saddened to hear that your companion Raustikin's mentor has left unexpectedly, and more so to hear that Raustikin has decided to follow him on this new path.
No matter, it is unfortunate that even though by your endeavors the situation at the Tethered Wench did not result in a total loss for me, I cannot afford to allow you to live here indefinetly for free.
The accompanying document is a formal lease agreement, certified and enchanted by House Sivis. There are spaces for each of you to sign, as well as several extras for the new companions I am certain are on their way.
Q
The lease agreement goes into great detail explaining the nature of the agreement, as well as the legally binding nature. Fundamentally the agreement states that rent paid on the first day of the week is 250gp, or if paid on the last day of the week is 300gp. Failure to pay for two weeks will result in eviction.
In addition to the seal of a Sivis Notary, there is a ornate symbol of a sword hilt, encircled by a stylized Q made of chain.
"250 a week!" explodes Rokko. "Where are we - Skyway?!"
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It is two stories, with four large bedrooms upstairs, each with two beds, and a private bathroom.
Downstairs there is a large open foyer, a small kitchen and storage area
There are also 10 secondary rooms, mostly 5 x 10, including a small partial basement.
Running water is provided from a cistern on the roof which is filled by the rain, and magicly cleansed.
It ain't no shack.
"250!" exclaims Rokko, "We are so screwing this guy! It feels great, having a great big house like this for such a measly sum."
After 'accedently' wandering into Valessa's bathroom to take a shower and this time being escorted out by the point of a very long (and beautiful) drow made knife by their newest companion Sari. Women they get all worked up over the simplest things. Ruuz finally 'found' his room and washed all the blood and gore from his hair and cloths.
Ruuz walks down stairs in fresh cloths "I think that I have had enough fun for today so I am just going to go in to town and see if I can find an alchemy set to buy anyone want to go along?"
Beren as cleaned up as possible, looks over at Ruuz. "I will go, I need new clothes anyway. These still smell like orc. Gaaahhhh." He shakes his head. "When we return and we all feel rested, then we should make our way to meet with Tessik. Maybe he has an offer for us. We will need more money to make rent. Besides I have a bone to pick with him about a certain Sea Devil attack."
I smile to myself when I see them enter and go up to the door and knock and then stand there, waiting for an answer. I think "Fortune must be favoring them for them to be able to afford such a house as this. This could be exactly the opportunity I've been looking for."
As Beren is getting prepared for a city trek with Ruuz, he hears a knock at the door. On instinct, and paranoia since most of his Stormreach experience has been quite eventful, he draws his longsword and approaches the door. Looking at his companions that are in view and confirming that they are on their guard, he opens the door enough to look through, but he has his foot planted to help jam the door from going any farther. "Yes?"
On the doorstep stands a cheerful looking halfling in a bright yellow surcoat who at the moment seems rather startled to be greeted at swordpoint. "Ah, hello. I hope I'm not interrupting anything. My name is Merreck Greenbottle, bard and iterent cleric of Olladra. Will you invite me in or should I come by again later. I've interest in accompanying you on your adventures." I say with a smile, but I keep a wary eye upon Beren's sword.
Beren eyes the halfling in disbelief. 'What the heck is going on?,' he thinks to himself. Believing this is a trick, he quickly peers behind the halfling looking for the she-orc, more city militia, or something else. Heck he wouldn't be surprised to see more Sea Devils at this point.
Then he looks back at the halfling and, with a growl, says, "You have three seconds to tell me who sent you and how you found us."
Now looking slightly alarmed I say "No one sent me! I came to Stormreach looking for opportunities and when I heard about your group after the incident on the Tethered Wench I figured that this was exactly what I was looking for. I've spent the last week asking some discreet questions of teh right people to try and track you down so that I could offer my services to your group. You can never have too many healers right? And I also have some skills in stealth and persuasion. Please, hear my proposition. Might I come in?"