"Taken care of some trash. I, as you can see, am unhurt."
For James ** spoiler omitted **
As far as faction philosophy, if you want to join one, The Fated have the most "survival of the fittest" outlook. The Doomguard may be another good option; they believe the Planes themselves are falling apart, that entropy rules everything and that the right kind of destruction should be practiced to help it along. With Reghar's impulsive nature, The Transcendent Order may be a good choice; the Ciphers believe in action without deliberation, mind and body as one. Factions are optional, though; I just thought it was fair warning to say that you've committed what I would term an evil act.
Thorn causes his halo of fire to spring up around him again as he passes the viper tree, but he resists unduly molesting it beyond that; he’s not sure how tough it is for starters, or how deadly its poison … or how it might react to hostility, despite the presence of fire.
Upon seeing Reghar he says, “Uh oh … what now?”
The gears inside O.L.L.I ramp up even higher in their revolution, causing an odd machine-like whine
"Attention fellow adventurer Reghar. Did you just murder the restrained yuan-ti dowstairs? If affirmative it is this unit's duty to inform you that you are in violation of the Sigil Municipal Code, Sections 23-775A, 34-756H, 11-773X and 67-345K. It is an unlawful act to terminate a prisoner who has been restrained. It is unlawful to terminate a prisoner who has been taken into custody by an officer of the Harmonium or a citizen acting in their stead. It is unlawful to terminate a prisoner who has not been given due process by a Fraternity of Order magistrate. It is unlawful ..."
O.L.L.I's monotone seems to speed up. He seems to become as agitated as anyone has seen the little box get.
"I had no choice. It is the way of things. The weak shall feed the strong. A law of nature. Besides, it was planning on eating you, Olli."
"Now, did you find some cash on this Enoch guy?"
O.L.L.I looks at the large half-orc
"The yuan-ti would not be able to ingest this unit's corpus as this unit is comprised of mettallic and other non-organic matter."
O.L.L.I. bleeps.
"This unit did not observe any 'cash' in the room above."
Warden:
"Hey! It was insane. What do I know if it can't eat you?"
O.L.L.I looks at the large half-orc
"The yuan-ti would not be able to ingest this unit's corpus as this unit is comprised of mettallic and other non-organic matter."
O.L.L.I. bleeps.
"This unit did not observe any 'cash' in the room above."
Warden:
** spoiler omitted **
Thorn snarls. “Screw Hardhead legalities; killing that one was just plain stupid.” The bariaur takes another step down the stair, close to Reghar, managing to gain height on the bulky half orc by dint of the height of the stairs. He thrust his horned face close to the barbarian’s tusked one.
“Impulsive I can do. Pragmatic, fine. But stupid … is just stupid. You want jink? Just think what the dark that Enoch is still walking about might be worth to the right people? Enough to pay the money he owes you, and me, and more … but worth a whole lot less if we don’t know his new appearance or his destination. The snakeman was our best bet for learning that, and you killed it. Bah!”
The last, a sound of pure disgust, might be almost funny coming from a bariaur, but Thorn is clearly not in a mood to be laughed at.
Reghar ignores Thorn's barbs, "Well, I intend to find Enoch no matter what."
"Where would someone like Enoch to hide from his creditors, I wonder?" Reghar says out loud.
O.L.L.I makes his way downstairs once Reghar gets out of the stairs.
"This unit is retreiving his manacles. Fellow adventurer Thorn would you accompany this unit downstairs?"
For James
if yes, then:
"Nice birdies, did you like this Enoch dude?"
“Ask the snakemen,” Thorn mutters darkly, before nodding once to O.L.L.I. and making his way downstairs.
... revenge ... betrayal ... blood ... croons Aym, softly.
"Nice birdies, did you like this Enoch dude?"
The worn blade in Thorn's hand sounds agitated.
Owl: "The name..."Eagle: "Enoch is very dangerous. Even for the likes of you."
Sparrow: "trIED To BREAk mE."
Crow: "I'll shed his golden blood and eat it for what he and his master did to me."
Eagle: "Tread carefully if you would follow in his wake."
Owl: "I remember another... but they escape my recollection."
"I'll gladly spill Enoch's blood and deliver his liver for you nice birdies to feast on, if you can point me where I can find him."
Once downstairs, O.L.L.I moves to retreive his manacles. He observes the wounds on the Yuan-ti. He motions for Thorn to come close and he murmurs into the bariaur's ear.
Thorn:
O.L.L.I.:
He thinks for a moment, than looks at the sword. “So Blade, what exactly did Enoch and his master – oh, you don’t mean? Yeah … anyway, do to you? And can I suppose you have any idea of his current whereabouts or appearance.”
Owl: "I haven't any knowledge of his current location or appearance."
Crow: "Surprising, since I had such a great view from the crate you found me under."
Eagle: "I don't remember what was done to me, but I remember being... whole, once."
Sparrow: "he'S pROBalLY kkEpPTT thE REAL nNIcE shiNy tHInGS fOr HImsElf."
Thorn:
He met with you this afternoon in the Hall of Records, as terse and to-the-point as usual. You don't know if Ambereye is a clan surname or a nickname he grew out of, because his false eye is much more extravagent than his name implies. Every time you talk to him, you can't help but stare at the socket where the gem-studded porcelain globe sits and stares unmoving at you.
A glass eye... with a pupil of jet and an iris of cut beryl...
Warden:
Warden: ** spoiler omitted **
Warden:
O.l.L.I bleeps softly and murmurs to Thorn.
Thorn:
O.L.L.I.:
“Hhmph. Well, you could be right Box … that we may end up going after Enoch. Something’s going on here, and it smells like Hades … and I suppose if we do catch him up we could do with some dumb muscle. But you got it right, he's gone, one way or the other, if he stuffs us around again. As for Rennet, the berk’s clearly addle pated. Someone’s got to look after him, might as well be us.” Clearly the yuan-ti’s charm spell has not completely loosened its influence on the bariaur.
“Listen Ol’ why did you come here exactly? What did you want with Enoch? You were really just wanting to know what happened to him after Prince Scaly-leg’s fall? ‘Cos there’s something going on … I thought I was just here to collect on un-paid debts, but I have a feeling I’m playing the pawn in a bigger game – and I don’t like it.”
He crosses his arms, stamps his hooves. “C’mon. Let’s go up and get the others afore our large friend burns the place down or such.”
Thorn:
O.L.L.I cleans his manacles and stows them away.
" I agree with your couse of action, fellow adventurer Thorn. Let us rejoin our fellow adventurers upstairs."
Before heading up, O.L.L.I reaches into his pouch and removes the jade statuette of Demogorgon.
"Attention fellow adventurer Thorn. Since you are in the course of performing you lawful duties as tax collector this unit believes that you are lawfully entitled to this statuette."
Hands statuette over to Thorn.
Thorn blinks in surprise, but takes the statue. “Much obliged,” he says… then winces, grits his teeth. “But … I suppose we all played a part here. There should be something in this for all. If I can find what I hope I can find amongst those records,” he nods towards O.L.L.I.’s storage compartment, “that should pay the taxes, leaving the rest for us. Besides, I’m having the growing sense that this isn’t all about taxes.” Somewhat obscurely he holds up the object he took from his pack – what appears to be a bejeweled false eye.
Back up the stairs in the company of Rennet and Reghar he says, “Well, are we done here? Shall we go, and see what is what?”
O.L.L.I follows Thorn upstairs.
"Fellow Adventurer Thorn. Once this unit has analyzed the contents of the journal you will be free to take it if that is what you wish."
When they get upstairs O.L.L.I will attempt to procure the other volumes for study.
Warden: ** spoiler omitted **
Thorn:
You've only worked for him for a short time; the incident at the Hall of Records found you reassigned to more city bound tasks. He pays pretty well for your help, though and seems a pretty trig blood. Greedy as a night hag hunting for souls, though and you haven't any doubt that his bottom line is his only priority.
O.L.L.I picks up the tomes (assuming Rennet isn't interested in holding onto the illegal political satire/pornography):
- "Fungus On the Planes: Common Misconceptions and Potentially Fatal Errors" by Thaddius Smeel
- "The Baba Yaga, The Norns and the Tradition of Sorcery Among Women"
- "Sigil: The City of Whores" (artist unknown)
The viper tree continues to snap at you, grating hungrily in Abyssal. It seems to have forgotten your earlier conversation already.
O.L.L.I will investigate the illegal manuscript quickly. If there is no outstanding anomalies that he can see, he will leave it behind.
"Let's get outta here. I suspect Enoch's other allies can help us find him."
"Agreed fellow adventurer Reghar."
Even downwind of the Ditch it feels good to be out of the Stygian Eel. The Street of Martyrs may be rancid and foul, but at least it doesn't smell like a house full of corpses left to ripen.
Antipeak traffic has picked up. There are various beings walking about, patronizing dreary taverns in the neighborhood. A Chaosman is running after a stray cat, gibbering to himself. A trio of large, vultureish demons watch with bored expressions on their avian faces, then return to their conversation. There's a lot of space left around that group; only an addle-cove would want to crowd them, bored as they are.
O.L.L.I speaks to the group
"Attention fellow adventurers. This unit needs to find a quiet area to investigate the information procured during our investigation. Can anyone reccomend a nearby place liquid imbibement?"
Thorn’ll grab City of Whores on the way out. “Yeah, we need to work out what’s what. We could head to the Tear of the Barghest.”
"This unit concurs with that suggestion fellow adventurer Thorn. Perhaps this unit's acquaintence Marya Ambleton is working."
O.L.L.I. clanks after Thorn
From The Street of Martyrs to The Tear of the Barghest there is either a very long (but relatively safe) walk through each of the other districts or a short (but risky) walk through The Hive. Which way will you go? And may I have a Knowledge: Local check for whomever is taking the lead and choosing the route?
O.L.L.I turns to his bariaur buddy
"Attention fellow adventurer Thorn. Which path should we take to the place of imbibement known as the Tear of the Barghest?"
Thorn glances about, shrugs. “You know the Cage better than I, Box,” he says, but then proceeds to give his opinion regardless. “On a normal cycle I’d cut through The Hive … but,” he lowers his voice, “carrying around all this jink, the scenic way might be better, best. I’m not much in the mood for running into Clawboy and his gang again, or some other band of Xaositects, Sinkers or other assorted psychotics…”
Turning his intimate knowledge of Sigil's nooks and crannies to his advantage, O.L.L.I chooses a trajectory both safe and efficient. Your party meets little resistance and manages to even avoid most of the foot traffic through the wards.
The Tear of the Barghest is fairly quiet and smells of lingering pipe weed and spilled alcohol. The only patrons remaining at this hour are the heavies and minders getting off the late assignments, the serious drinkers and the serious conspirators. Even the pencil necked scribes and accountants seem to have a hard edge, though it could just be recent experiences coloring your perceptions.
You have no problem finding a quiet table.
O.L.L.I looks for his acquaintance Marya Ambleton, who might be working the floor. He will order a Medium Grade Clockwork Oil and then retreive the journal from his compartment.
"Attention fellow adventurers. This unit will scan the journal information for clues to Enoch's whereabouts. "
O.L.L.I begins to read the journal
O.L.L.I looks for his acquaintance Marya Ambleton, who might be working the floor. He will order a Medium Grade Clockwork Oil and then retreive the journal from his compartment.
"Attention fellow adventurers. This unit will scan the journal information for clues to Enoch's whereabouts. "
O.L.L.I begins to read the journal
Marya squeals distressingly. You can't help but think that this may be some sort of self defense impulse that humans have misinterpreted for generations as "adoration". If any other animal made that noise, you are certain that nearby creatures would run for their lives.
"OLLEEEEE!!", the young server squeals. The other patrons wince as she breaks the quiet, rushing over to the table where the four of you have sat down. "How's my favorite modron today? I don't think we've stocked any oil for you; it's kind of a special order, since I can only think of two modrons in all of Sigil and you're the only one that ever comes here and even then not too often. Not that I don't want you to come here often, it's just that Eustace doesn't think it's worth keeping your drinks around when no one else can drink them. I can send someone out if you need it... though, it is a little late..."
She nods to Thorn, then raises an eyebrow at Reghar and Rennt.
"New friends?", she asks.
The Journal
Rennet gives Reghar the stink eye for a bit, though he knows the fault lies within himself for allowing a prisoner to be restrained. “If that happens again, I may have to put that one down.”
Rennet hands the tomes over to Olli for study without reservation, then winks and winds up the illicit smut, handing it over to Thorn “for later.”
Assuming the skull perched on the corpse doesn’t match the description of Enoch, I’ll push the corpse towards the tree then head downstairs with the others.
---
Rennet nods at Marya, wondering what type of response will seem nonthreatening yet prevent her from greeting him with a similar noise ever again.
O.L.L.I greets Marya
"Greetings friend and waitress Marya. It is always a pleasurable encounter when we meet. Allow this unit to introduce some new acquaintences he has recently made."
Gestures to Rennet.
"This is the being known as Rennet."
Gestures to Reghar
"This is the being known as Reghar."
O.L.L.I looks over at the leering face of Thorn.
"I believe you have already made the acquaintance of the being known as Thorn."
O.L.L.I bleeps
"This unit will imbibe a small glass of mineral water if that is available Marya."
O.L.L.I sticks his face back into the journal, fighting the chaotic patterning
Marya nods pleasantly to each of you in turn.
"Glad to meet you, cutters. Please let me know if there's anything I can get you...", she looks a bit sadly to Rennet, apologetically,"I'm afraid we only have food and drinks here, though."
Marya is a bit more subdued, maybe even suspicious, when she turns to Thorn. "Star was looking for you after you left. We didn't know where you were headed, so she said she was going to leave you a note at your kip. Just thought I would pass it along."
She takes any orders you have, then heads for the kitchen to get O.L.L.I his mineral water (probably the least expensive thing on the menu, come to think of it).
O.L.L.I
It's a simple ink drawing of a tree; not a stick figure exactly, but a massive spreading ash tree. There are two sentences in each branch, color-coded: one black and one red. At the end of each bough is a little drawing. A simple ideogram: skull, flower, knife, oroboros serpent, etc. It seems logical that each page marked with an ideogram has its own cypher and that each blends into the other. The red and black sentences hold the cypher in their correspondence. With this knowledge and several hours of work, the journal may be transcribed and translated.
And thus, order is found amid chaos.
O.L.L.I's attention is wholly engrossed with the journal. He absently gives Marya a generous payment for the drinks ordered by the party. . He speaks to the group.
"This unit believes that he has deciphered some of the code embedded in this journal. It will be the work of several hours to fully comprehend what is inscribed within. This unit would theorize with a 89.9544% chance of accuracy that this journal contains a planar 'map' of Ygdrassil and portals that branch off it. This unit will need more time for analysis."
O.L.L.I returns to his journal deciphering.
At Marya’s over-excited greeting, Thorn squints, turns his head and jiggles a long-nailed pinky finger in his ear for a moment, before giving the woman a wink and a half-hearted leer (more for form than of any real sexual desire at this point – while near death experiences such as today’s do oft put him in the mood for a good rut, Marya’s sure to be a screamer, and that wouldn’t be fun with the headache he has right now. Beside’s he’s hungry to know what dark might be found in Enoch’s books, and how much it might be worth … the needs of the flesh can wait).
“Addled,” he mouths to the woman with a wink as O.L.L.I. introduces Rennet and Reghar, though the former at least is starting to grow on him, and he’s starting to forget why exactly he got it into his head that the man should be taken to the crazy-house anyway…
He nods and grunts what is probably a thankyou when Marya passes along the message … these days he’s not entirely sure whether he should look forward to a message from Star or not. Still, could be important one way or another. He makes a mental note to return to his kip tonight … at some point.
He savours his drink, hoping it will wash away the worst of his headache, and waits with uncharacteristic patience (well … apart from the constant glances and occasional drumming of his fingers on the table) for O.L.L.I. to finish with the journal.
“The World Ash?” Thorn frowns, wondering what the significance of that might be. Sure, it’s a well enough known Planar by-way … but then it also has a particular connection to his home plane. “You said before that,” he glances about and lowers his voice, “you found a list of portals and portal keys. Any connection? Was Ysgard mentioned on the list per-chance?”
After the modron answers, he asks the next thing he’s been wanting to know. “Anything in there that might be ... say a deed to property?”
Mr. Swire
The serving wench's outfit is all too concealing for your taste.
The other clients would likely call the hardheads if there were some real action going on.
Boring.
Then, when it seems like your fine streak of luck is all run out, in walk's a sight out of a bad bubber's joke.
"So there's this bar, right, and in walks a bariaur, a basher, a modron and a berk with no mouth..."
They sit down at a table across the room (of course they don't notice you; why would they?). Each one looks kind of wounded, like there was a fight. Even covered in dried blood here and there. Some serious dust-up. The sweetest part? The modron pulls out a big thick book and just starts reading. A book bound in mottled red hide, little scales here and there, with all different colored pages and ink.
Chant is, Shemeska the Marauder wants a book fitting that description and she'll pay serious jink to any knight of the post that brings it back. Some hard case Proxy's personal notes or something. Portals, contacts, shipments, clients. Whatever; it's worth something and it's almost fallen in your lap.
O.L.L.I
O.L.L.I turns to Thorn and the others.
"The journal seems to be involved with much of Enoch's business transactions and methods of planar transport. This unit would calculate that the information would be an offset to his tax burden, fellow adventurer Thorn. This unit really doesn't see a lot of need for most of these portals, they lead to evil places and are difficult for flesh beings to access. Query: Do you wish to give this book to your superiors to pay Enoch's back taxes? This unit will surrender it as soon as he finishes translating."
O.L.L.I attempts to finish the book, looking for underlying ciphers in the ciphers he has decoded.
Mr Swire waves down the barmaid. "Now, be a dear and tell that group that just came in that I'd like to have a little chat with 'em, eh?" He then secretly hands her 5 gold, help insure they actually get the message.
“Aha,” Thorn stops just short of rubbing his hands together. “Yes, that should do nicely. I’ll take it, when you’re done of course … s’long as you don’t take too long about it.”
He pauses for a moment, as if having some internal dialogue, his face contorting and eyes rolling … then looks about the table and speaks, again in a lowered voice. “Well, if that’ll cover Enoch’s back-taxes, there’s the small matter of a little something for ourselves … I suppose,” he says a little grudgingly, “that we all did our part back there and should share in the wealth. I should think that some of what we picked up back there would fetch a pretty penny on the open market … but I think we should take a look at it somewhere a bit more private-like.”
The bariaur looks about, either for an empty booth or secluded table, or else for the waitress to ask about private rooms or such.