The three humans answer Xanther's questions, (along with any others that are asked).
"What is your name?"
The middle-aged woman, younger woman, and man answer respectively, "Judy Potts." "Neliana Mallus." "Fane Cline."
"How long ago did you meet Ilqus?"
Judy - "Nine days ago. Catalina called me downstairs and when I entered there he was."
Neliana - "Four days ago. Catalina came to my house and was asking for help at the Chandlery. She looked awful. I went with her because I was trying to convince her to go to Master Miklos for healing, but when I entered the building Master Ilquis told me I should stay for a while."
Fane - "Judy's a friend and she's been real busy, so I came over about six days ago to see if I could help out. She was acting weird. I wasn't sure what was going on so I tried to go downstairs and ask Catalina about it. The golem hit me over the head. When I woke up Master Ilquis was standing over me. He said there wasn't any reason to let me die when I could help him out. I've been protecting him ever since." He looks over at the body and gulps. "Tried to anyways. I told him I'd never held a weapon before."
"How long have you been working for Ilqus?"
The same answers are given. All of them have been working for Ilquis since the first time they saw him.
"What was your life before working Ilqus? What did you work as? Where did you live? Did you live with anybody? What has happened to your house mates?"
Judy - "I work here, helping Catalina out at the store. Got a small room over at the Weeping Willow but haven't used it in weeks. We've been working day and night to keep up with the demand for candles."
Neliana - "I live with my husband Durvik towards the north side of town. I'm a weaver, rugs mostly. I have no idea what Durvik's been up to for the past few days. I've been down here and haven't seen him."
Fane - "There's a bunch of us bachelors in a house to the west, past the temple. We all work the farms together. Haven't seen any of them for the past week so I don't know what's happened to them."
"What do you know of Ilqus plans?"
Judy answers first, "He said he's working with the baron to help rid the town of shadows. He didn't tell me anything other than that." Fane and Neliana both nod in agreement.
"What did Ilqus command you to do?"
Judy - "Mostly he told me to act normal, keep working at the store, and sell candles to anyone who came in. A few minutes ago he spoke in my head and told me the golem and I needed to come down here and protect him."
Neliana - "He told me to stay down here and protect him until the time came for the ritual. Just now he told me to grab that vial, run to the river, and activate it. He hasn't given me any other orders."
Fane - "He ordered me to keep him safe."
"Aside from those who are currently here, has Ilqus ever met with anyone else? Regardless of whether the interaction was friendly or otherwise."
Once again Judy answers, "There were a lot of people here about a week ago. Master Ilquis had Catalina going out and finding people to bring down here and help him. I don't know where they all went. Otherwise sometimes I've heard him arguing with someone. I didn't see anyone else in the room but there was another voice. It said that this was stupid, that Master Ilquis was wasting his wand playing god over a bunch of mortals when they could have just stayed in the forest and grabbed a few lumberers. Master Ilquis insisted this was better because there wasn't any chance of the ritual being interrupted here."
Neliana and Fane just shrug. They haven't seen or heard Ilquis talking to anyone else.
"Where is Catalina?"
"I don't know." Judy looks extremely upset. "She was getting real sick. I asked Master Ilquis if she could go to Master Miklos for healing but he said absolutely not. A few hours ago he sent her out to find another child. She never came back."
With the thralls questioned, the majority of the party leaves Marcus behind to keep an eye on them while they go look for Captain Groy. The streets are empty and the flickering light of the bonfires causes the shadows to shift and sway unnervingly, but the party makes it to the Town Watch without incident.
When they enter the building Captain Groy is indeed there, talking with a woman in civilian clothing and two members of the guard. He's moving stiffly but all signs of Tallowthroat are gone. As soon as Olya sees him she screams "Daddy! Mommy!" and rushes forward.
"Olya!" Both Captain Groy and the civilian woman crouch down and open their arms wide. Olya leaps into them, babbling about monsters and how frightened she was and how she promises she'll never leave the yard again, never ever.
The tear-filled reunion lasts a minute or so before Captain Groy looks up at all of you. "You found her. I can't believe you actually found her! And...is that Delian? Where were they? What happened?"
At the news of Catalina being sent out for another child, Noctifer says, "We need to leave now for the Captain's house and report this immediately. And in case she returns someone should be here to assist Marcus. Not that I doubt you can defend yourself" he holds up a hand to forestall an argument. "But we don't know what Catalina is capable of and I don't want to lose a valuable member of the group because we underestimated her."
Speaking quickly, but trying to slow himself so he's understood, "Yes it's Delian and we have many problems to discuss. Catalina kidnapped Delian and Olya and we've learned she was recently sent out for another child. We need to mobilize whatever guards you can to find her before something bad happens. As part of this ongoing situation some of the guards need to go to Catalina's candle shop. They'll find a secret door where Marcus and are waiting in case Catalina returns to her shop."
Captain Groy stares at you open-mouthed. "Catalina kidnapped Olya? Why would she do something like that? It's not that I don't believe you, it's just-"
"Catalina's dead." It's one of the other guards, who you now recognize as having been present during your earlier visit to the Town Watch. "Sorry for not mentioning it earlier, but it didn't seem of immediate importance. Catalina died of Tallowthroat earlier this afternoon. These folks found her body in fact." He nods towards all of you. "We delivered it to the temple for burial while you were, ahem, busy. Handed it over to one of the fetchlings Master Miklos has working for him."
"Not Catalina..." gasps the woman, who from context clues you can gather must be Captain Groy's wife Irina. "You're certain it was her that took Olya?"
Olya herself answers by nodding vigorously. "She told me she had some candles for you as a surprise but couldn't carry them all by herself so she needed a big strong girl like me to help her."
"Matteo, Finn." Both guards snap to attention. "I'm going to the chandlery. Finn, start sweeping the streets. If you see anyone out who normally wouldn't be, find out why. Matteo, escort my wife and daughter back home, then Delian back to his home." Captain Groy looks you all over, eyes lingering on Jassminder. "Also escort anyone who wants it to the temple for healing. Then join Finn until I find you and say otherwise. Understood?"
"Yes Captain!"
"Good." With a last embrace he disentangles himself from his daughter and stands up. "Now show me to this secret door, and along the way tell me more about what the hell's going on."
"Good." With a last embrace he disentangles himself from his daughter and stands up. "Now show me to this secret door, and along the way tell me more about what the hell's going on."
Looking at the guard Noctifer says, "Ah yes the woman whose corpse sprouted undead Shadows! So now we don't know if Tallowthroat caused the creation of the Shadows or if it had something to do with her activities. I understand you want to go to her shop but, with Catalina dead, we need to get Jassminder to Master Miklos for healing - she was struck blind by an evil creature's magic. We can fill you in along the way to Master Miklos's temple and then all go to Catalina's. Is that acceptable?"
”Sprouted undead shadows?” Captain Groy raises an eyebrow at the two guards who both look extremely uncomfortable. ”Was that also ‘not of immediate importance?’”
Matteo coughs. ”Well sir, we were getting to that-“ Captain Groy raises a hand and he immediately falls silent.
”It seems we have even more to talk about than I thought. Change of plans. Finn, escort Delian home before sweeping the streets. Matteo, head for the chandlery and wait there with Marcus, just in case. We’ll pass by home on the way to the temple so you can come with me.” He briefly smiles at his wife and daughter before facing Jassminder, (not that she can see it). ”Healing you should be either instantaneous or take about fifteen-thirty minutes, depending on your method of payment.” He rolls a shoulder seemingly unconsciously. ”If you have questions about the pain ritual feel free to ask me. Radu’s a friend but he has a somewhat skewed idea of what constitutes ‘a minor amount of pain.’”
"Time is of the essence. Although we resolved some issues we raised even more questions. If Master Miklos won't help Jassminder in the interests of saving Karpad, we'll pay in coin."
*Questioning the Trio*
"Otherwise sometimes I've heard him arguing with someone. I didn't see anyone else in the room but there was another voice. It said that this was stupid, that Master Ilquis was wasting his wand playing god over a bunch of mortals when they could have just stayed in the forest and grabbed a few lumberers. Master Ilquis insisted this was better because there wasn't any chance of the ritual being interrupted here."
Xanther considered the possibilities. It seemed most probable that the other party was invisible, which is why Judy could hear a voice without seeing the speaker. But was the voice from another Lurker? Or some other entity which could turn invisible? "How many days ago was the last time you heard this? And what was the time of the day? Could you see Ilqus at the time he was arguing?"
He turned to the others. "It sounds like somebody else other than Ilqus wanted to complete the ritual. Somebody based in the forest, and willing to grab lumberers for that purpose."
"The first time I heard them talking was six days ago, at night. I could see Master Ilquis but not the person he was talking to. They didn't seem to like each other much. Master Ilquis was saying that the other person, Dag-something, was the last thing he wanted to summon. Then three days ago I heard them arguing again, also at night. That's when Dag said they should just stay in the Ombrefell and take lumberers since Master Ilquis had wasted his wand."
It takes about ten minutes to walk over to the temple, which is enough time to fill in Captain Groy on everything that's happened today. For the most part he listens intently, but when you tell him about what Ilquis said he interrupts you. "I hope you're not putting any stock in that nonsense. The baron may be...struggling...but he's not the sort of person who would order human sacrifices! If Iozif were still baron I'd believe it, but not Stepan." He shakes his head. "No, that fey was lying to you. I'd bet my salary on it."
As you enter the temple Captain Groy calls out, "Radu? You around? We could use your help again."
"Already?" Miklos emerges from a back room. His eyes immediately land on Jassminder. "What happened to you?"
"An evil fey, apparently. That the sort of thing you can fix?"
"I can, yes. Unfortunately I don’t have any spell slots left of the appropriate level. I have a scroll I could use if the situation is dire, or you could come back in the morning.” Miklos’ tone becomes businesslike. ”While I appreciate what you are doing for Karpad, for either option I will nevertheless require compensation up front in the form of either coin or pain. If you wish to pay in coin, it will cost you 300 gold for the scroll or 50 gold if you can wait until I recover my spells. In pain, you have seen the basic ritual yourself. It lasts approximately fifteen minutes although the memory of pain may linger for a few hours.”
"Really Radu?" Captain Groy sounds exasperated. "They just saved Olya's life."
"They found her? That's wonderful!" Miklos' face lights up only to immediately fall again. "For what it's worth I'm sorry, but the Midnight Lord does not encourage charity in his servants." He looks a little embarrassed. "I made you pay Lucian, and unfortunately I must make them pay as well if they wish to use my services."
Ussaile listened to the others talked and took time to assess the situation. It would take her another night to commune and fully grasp it all. It seemed that the spiderweb was a lot bigger than they had initially thought.
"Whatever lies in the forest, I don't know if it is our issue right now." She was certain that was going to change. Turning to the guard captain she gives a glance, "Are you certain about your Baron? Is there any way for us to meet him to confirm ourselves?" She lets the question linger in the air before stepping into the temple.
The witch sees Master Miklos and gives a small acknowledgement. Ultimately this choice was Jassminder's.
"I understand your desire to please the Midnight Lord Master Miklos.
If charity is not in his portfolio than who am I to argue?" While the opinion may be unpopular among her companions, she truly understood that sometimes things were bigger than you.
"I see. So this Dag-something wasn't summoned yet at that time." He turns to the others "Let us hope the Lurker has not managed to bring in any of his friends."
"There were a lot of people here about a week ago. Master Ilquis had Catalina going out and finding people to bring down here and help him. I don't know where they all went."
Xanther thinks for a while. A list of names would be helpful for the Town Guard to match the corpses in the pile back to their families. "Could you identify all the people who came by here? And if there was anyone you did not recognize, could you describe them?"
"Do you have any Lesser Restorations remaining? How much for one... or two?" Xanther asks. "Also, on a related note, have you seen or heard anything about Undead Shadows in Karpad recently?"
HP: 31/31
Str: 11/14
AC: 21 (T: 12, FF: 19)
Saves: F +4 (+4 competence vs disease), R +4, W +5 (+2 vs Enchantment, +3 vs Charms and Compulsions, both stack)
Effects: -
Channel Energy: 3/4
Spells Per Day:
L1 3/7
L2: 0/4
It takes about ten minutes to walk over to the temple, which is enough time to fill in Captain Groy on everything that's happened today. For the most part he listens intently, but when you tell him about what Ilquis said he interrupts you. "I hope you're not putting any stock in that nonsense. The baron may be...struggling...but he's not the sort of person who would order human sacrifices! If Iozif were still baron I'd believe it, but not Stepan." He shakes his head. "No, that fey was lying to you. I'd bet my salary on it."
With an opportunity to inform both his companions and the Captain, Noctifer says, "Ilquios was exaggerating about the level of knowledge the Baron had in what he was doing but not that he didn't know the fey was doing something. Or perhaps the fey used the Wand of Dominate Person on the Baron like he did on other people in Karpad. Whichever is the case we must confront the Baron to determine what he knew, what he approved, and what he hoped to achieve."
"I see. So this Dag-something wasn't summoned yet at that time." He turns to the others "Let us hope the Lurker has not managed to bring in any of his friends."
"From my studies I can tell you that where there is one fey, there is almost certainly more to be found. And the forest is where one would look for them. While I see Ussaile's point about the forest not being our primary search area, we cannot eliminate any option to discover the source of this Tallowthroat contagion."
"Already?" Miklos emerges from a back room. His eyes immediately land on Jassminder. "What happened to you?"
"An evil fey, apparently. That the sort of thing you can fix?"
"I can, yes. Unfortunately I don’t have any spell slots left of the appropriate level. I have a scroll I could use if the situation is dire, or you could come back in the morning.” Miklos’ tone becomes businesslike. ”While I appreciate what you are doing for Karpad, for either option I will nevertheless require compensation up front in the form of either coin or pain. If you wish to pay in coin, it will cost you 300 gold for the scroll or 50 gold if you can wait until I recover my spells. In pain, you have seen the basic ritual yourself. It lasts approximately fifteen minutes although the memory of pain may linger for a few...
"I would think assisting those trying to solve the mystery of Tallowthroat, which may be spawning undead Shadows in Karpad, would be in the Midnight Lord's self-interest. Also we're trying to disrupt some type of fey ceremony to summon 'something' else to unleash upon Karpad. Are you sure there isn't a bit of space between charity and, say, giving to the higher cause of protecting the Midnight Lord's faithful?"
"It is Jassminder's choice how she wishes to pay and how soon she wishes to be cured. If it is to be coin we have it available."
"Everyone knows everyone here. I can tell you who they all were." Judy rattles off seven names, four men and three women.
At the Town Watch you give those names to the guards and watch faces around the room fall. Captain Groy looks particularly disgusted. "I can't believe I let this all happen under my nose. I just thought people were leaving town. Why wouldn't they when there's a fuc- er, fudging plague going around." He sighs. "Thank you. Most of the people you named were loners, which is another reason we thought they left, but we'll be certain to notify any friends or family they did have."
Captain Groy looks thoughtful at Ussaile's question and Noctifer's speculations. "I know Radu's looked him over a few times since all this started so I doubt he's been dominated. But tricked?" He grimaces. "If the fey told him the same thing it told you, that it had a way of protecting against the shadows and didn't go into details about how...the baron I've known for five years wouldn't be foolish enough to agree. The baron of the past two months? Maybe."
"As for meeting him, I've asked for an audience a couple times over the past three weeks and been turned away. Lady Anya is the only person he still sees regularly. I'd ask her if she could arrange something."
"Undead shadows? No, I haven't heard of any here in Karpad." Miklos eyes Xanther, apparently putting the request for restoration together with the mention of shadows, and his face grows very pale. "First fey, now undead? It's enough to make me think we really are cursed."
He's quiet while Noctifer makes his arguments. It's difficult to tell at first whether or not he is even paying attention. His eyes are closed and his lips are moving silently as if in prayer. However at Noctifer's last sentence a strange smile appears on Miklos' face and disappears just as quickly. "It is not the Midnight Lord's way to care about protecting his faithful. Quite the opposite."
"Radu-"
"To answer your earlier question young man, I have one spell slot remaining that I could use to cast lesser restoration on you. I would charge you either pain or twenty gold for the service. However I can recognize that not everyone is able to pay in gold and this may not be the most opportune time for you to pay in pain. As such I am willing to make you all a deal. I will cast the spells you have requested tonight so long as you promise me that before leaving Karpad you will return and pay the fee. Is that agreeable?"
You hear someone climbing down the ladder and a moment later a young man who you recognize from the Town Watch opens the door. "Hello? Marcus? I was told to find-" His eyes go wide as he sees Ilquis' corpse. "Oh gods, they said but I didn't really believe, what the hells even is that thing?"
Marcus steps out of the shadows, "Well met. Yes, ugly thing isn't it. I assume the others sent you down here to keep me company? Possibly to relieve me?"
Jassminder doesn't normally say very much (unless there's an opportunity to snark at somebody) and the loss of her eyesight has left her using her other senses to try and compensate. She looks directly at Miklos, or at least in his direction. "I'm fine with pain but you need to get on with it. Time's not waiting on us."
Xanther considered his options. The miserly side of him wanted to save the gold and use it for... uh... more important things. The lazy and indolent side of him wanted to avoid pain. The paranoid side of him thought that getting cut open on a table, which was used by a lot of plague-ridden sick people, seemed like a bad idea. And unlike Jassminder, he did not have immunity to disease.
Ultimately, the paranoid side won. "One lesser Restoration for me, please. I'll pay in gold now."
Miklos' shoulders visibly relax as both Xanther and Jassminder indicate their willingness to pay their respective fees now. "Wonderful. I thank you for your understanding. Renza? Somar?" The fetchlings must have been waiting nearby because they appear almost instantly. "Renza, please take Jassminder into the back room and help her get changed. Unless of course you don't want to, but I'm assuming you would rather me not cut through your armor. Somar, start preparing the table. I'll cast Lesser Restoration on Xanther and then help you."
Renza takes Jassminder's hand. "If you'll follow me please."
Somar begins disinfecting the table with practiced motions while Miklos takes twenty gold from Xanther. "Now just a moment..." He closes his eyes and begins whispering a prayer. A second later a wave of energy washes over Xanther and eliminates the last of the fatigue he'd been suffering since the shadows' attack. "There you go. You should be feeling much better now." He walks over and begins helping Somar clean.
By the time Jassminder and Renza return the table is ready for another ritual. Renza directs Jassminder to it while Miklos explains. "Please lay down face first. You saw the ritual earlier, but as a reminder I will be carving lines into your back with a dagger. The lines will be shallow and I will heal any actual damage caused at the end. Would you prefer to be restrained or do you think you can lie still?"
Captain Groy interjects, "It's more painful than you'd expect. Way more. I take the restraints."
"The other question is would you prefer your companions remain or leave? Some people prefer not to be witnessed in such a vulnerable state." Once the situation has been arranged (paradoxically) for Jassminder's comfort Miklos picks up the ritual dagger and begins.
As the ritual continues the darkness around you grows somehow deeper. You sense a presence nearby that wasn't there before. It hasn't noticed you, not yet. You sense it would be very bad if it did.
Suddenly the presence disappears. The inexplicable pain vanishes leaving only the sting of shallow cuts across your back. You can hear Miklos chanting above you and light comes flooding back into your world.
The macabre ritual lasts for approximately fifteen minutes before Miklos sets down the dagger, takes out the scroll, and begins casting. A moment later he's helping Jassminder off the table. Her eyesight has been returned and the minor injuries caused by her "payment" fully healed. "As I said earlier the memory of pain may last for a few hours, but it will pass soon enough. Thank you again for your understanding."
"Oh, um, I should probably also tell you that Catalina's dead. She was the woman you found earlier, the one that had shadows sprouting from her? So she's not a danger to any kids anymore. The captain ordered Finn to sweep the streets though just in case there's anyone else out and about that shouldn't be." He shrugs. "Anyway, I can hold down the fort here if you want to join your friends, or we can both wait here until they join us."
Xanther considered his options. The miserly side of him wanted to save the gold and use it for... uh... more important things. The lazy and indolent side of him wanted to avoid pain. The paranoid side of him thought that getting cut open on a table, which was used by a lot of plague-ridden sick people, seemed like a bad idea. And unlike Jassminder, he did not have immunity to disease.
Ultimately, the paranoid side won. "One lesser Restoration for me, please. I'll pay in gold now."
Jassminder accepts the offer of a change of clothes but refuses the restraints, the scar of her old shackles on her wrist seem more prominent as she does so. The pain however is every bit as bad as was promised, and even as she bites down hard on the strap she can't avoid the cries of pain that escape her.
She only hopes that the others have left her to suffer in private.
Eventually, it is over and as she sits up, her breathing ragged, she thinks about the presence she has felt. Was it merely the Midnight Lord making himself known to his cleric? Or was it something closer to home, something lurking in the darkness of this place? At least if it's the latter, there's a chance she can kill it; Zon-Kuthon is a little above her pay grade.
A few minutes later and she is dressed in her own clothing and ready to get going again.
Ussaile wants to hear and see the ritual so badly, but she decides against it. "I'll be outside." She knows full well that her and the Stain will be able to pick it up and practicality demanded her to leave. No need to strain our working relationship to satiate my curiosity. I'm sure Master Miklos would be happy to oblige.
She waits the duration of the ritual outside and stares toward the forest, thinking about what it could all mean.
"Was it as bad as they say?" It wasn't concern in the witch's voice, it was academic curiosity.
"I'll wait outside during the ceremony. Jassminder is more than capable of taking care of herself."
Noctifer accompanies Ussaile to keep an eye on her as well.
"I almost said 'defend herself' but I don't think Miklos would appreciate the connotation..."
"I'll wait outside during the ceremony. Jassminder is more than capable of taking care of herself."
Noctifer accompanies Ussaile to keep an eye on her as well.
"I almost said 'defend herself' but I don't think Miklos would appreciate the connotation..."
Ussaile gives a side eyed glance to Noctifer and puffs a bit on her tabac provided from their client, "So, this situation has become more interesting hasn't it?" She lets the smoke out straight upward, "But idle chit chat isn't really our thing now?" Shrugging, she stamps out some of the ashes, "If we are to survive this we will need to tolerate each other at a minimum." The witch turns to Noctifer, "And I will be unable to do that job when I have you watching me constantly like some animal."
That smile comes out, "I have no desire to break our compact. My Patron has been very explicit about the penalties for that." The words hang in the air, not expecting a reply.
"Was it as bad as they say?" It wasn't concern in the witch's voice, it was academic curiosity.
Jassminder's face is paler than usual and she just nods. "Much more painful than getting stabbed, less painful than a relationship. It'll be a few hours before I'm fully recovered from the after-effects."
"I'll wait outside during the ceremony. Jassminder is more than capable of taking care of herself."
Noctifer accompanies Ussaile to keep an eye on her as well.
"I almost said 'defend herself' but I don't think Miklos would appreciate the connotation..."
Ussaile gives a side eyed glance to Noctifer and puffs a bit on her tabac provided from their client, "So, this situation has become more interesting hasn't it?" She lets the smoke out straight upward, "But idle chit chat isn't really our thing now?" Shrugging, she stamps out some of the ashes, "If we are to survive this we will need to tolerate each other at a minimum." The witch turns to Noctifer, "And I will be unable to do that job when I have you watching me constantly like some animal."
That smile comes out, "I have no desire to break our compact. My Patron has been very explicit about the penalties for that." The words hang in the air, not expecting a reply.
"More interesting indeed. And here I thought the King of Hell was an uncaring patron but at least he maintains a transactional relationship with his vassals. And a disease that may sprout undead? With an evil fey summoning ceremony that may or may not be related? If I had any standing in Cheliax I might get my name published in a journal."
He indulges in a chuckle at the darkness and complexity of the group's situation.Turning serious again, "I tolerate you just fine my dear and I apologize if I seem to watch you like an animal. You see I was 'the animal' back home and I learned to observe others to increase my chances for survival. Perhaps it's my lack of socialization; at least that's what my mother said."
"Was it as bad as they say?" It wasn't concern in the witch's voice, it was academic curiosity.Jassminder's face is paler than usual and she just nods. "Much more painful than getting stabbed, less painful than a relationship. It'll be a few hours before I'm fully recovered from the after-effects."
"We'll pick up the slack and protect you for a change. I think we'll have a chance to rest soon. I suspect an appointment with the Baron won't be 'on demand' and we'll have to wait until tomorrow. First we return to the Catalina's to see what Marcus has learned."
Healing complete, you all head back through the streets to the chandlery. It's a little after 8pm now and the only villagers you still see out and about are the ones posted to watch the bonfires.
Reentering the basement you see Marcus talking to Matteo, who straightens when he sees you approach. "Nothing to report Captain!"
"Good." Captain Groy looks around with a frown, noting Ilquis' dead body, the ritual circle, and the three tied-up villagers. He tilts his head towards the latter. "We can keep them locked up; we've only got one cell but it'll do for a while. Any idea how long it'll be before they're in their right minds?"
He walks over to the storeroom, (guided by the smell he doesn't need to ask which one), and opens the door. Matteo gags behind him while Captain Groy looks in calmly. "Olenia, Ruso, Ligur, Ninna, Phillus, Dona, and Antone. Not that I doubted your recollection but it's good to confirm." He crouches down and examines the bodies. "Been a while since I've seen a ritual sacrifice victim. Looks like they didn't suffer too much at least. Clean slice to the throat, no other signs of torture. No marks on their wrists or ankles to indicate they were restrained. Then again if they were dominated they wouldn't have needed to be. Poor bastards." He sits back on his heels. "If there's anything among their possessions that you think would be useful feel free to take it; the town guard will compensate their families appropriately. Gods know it's the least we can do for you."
"We can keep them locked up; we've only got one cell but it'll do for a while. Any idea how long it'll be before they're in their right minds?"
"We cannot be entirely sure at this point. " Xanther replied. "Judy was Dominated 9 days ago, Fane 6 days ago, and Neliana 4 days ago. But we're not sure what is the caster level and hence total duration."
"For a typical wizard item with minimal caster level, Dominate Person should last 9 days, so Judy might regain her mind soon. But it is also possible that just today, the Lurker recast Dominate on her, in which case it may last another 9 days."
Earlier with Matteo...
"Nah, I'd end up chasing my tail and they'd probably make it down here by the time I caught up with them. I hadn't thought about the dead woman being Catalina. I wonder if the shadows had anything to do with the influence of the fey?" Marcus says and then engages in pontificating the possibilities and discussing general town issues.
Once everyone returns...
"There you guys are. Matteo was about to talk my ear off," he says and elbows Matteo in a friendly manner, "Just kidding." Then back to the group at large, "No one returned to cover their tracks or otherwise. It was quiet down here. I heard about Catalina being the dead woman, did you guys find out anything else? We have an appointment with the Baron yet?"
"We cannot be entirely sure at this point. " Xanther replied. "Judy was Dominated 9 days ago, Fane 6 days ago, and Neliana 4 days ago. But we're not sure what is the caster level and hence total duration.""For a typical wizard item with minimal caster level, Dominate Person should last 9 days, so Judy might regain her mind soon. But it is also possible that just today, the Lurker recast Dominate on her, in which case it may last another 9 days."
Noctifer nods in agreement with Xanther, "Since the evil fey Ilquis was using a wand instead of actually casting the spell he only had so many charges. I suspect Judy will be fine tomorrow. Unfortunately the ceremony Ilquis was performing might have had something to do with Catalina's unexpected method of passing and 'birthing' undead shadows. If we knew where this other fey that may have been working with Ilquis is, perhaps we could learn more from it. Do the loggers live in Karpad or is there a camp nearby?"
"There you guys are. Matteo was about to talk my ear off," he says and elbows Matteo in a friendly manner, "Just kidding." Then back to the group at large, "No one returned to cover their tracks or otherwise. It was quiet down here. I heard about Catalina being the dead woman, did you guys find out anything else? We have an appointment with the Baron yet?"
"Just what you did about Catalina and the identity of the victims down here. With Captain Groy here we should discuss speaking with the Baron. I hate to bring such an unpleasant 'item' to the manor but I think we should bring Ilquis's corpse in case the Baron doesn't believe we bested it. Captain, do you think the Baron would take your word about the prisoners? Or would it be better to take them with and see what the fey was up to?"
Captain Groy backs out of the storeroom and closes the door. "The loggers have a camp about a mile inside the Ombrefell. They're still working; we wouldn't be able to maintain the bonfires if they weren't. I don't think any of them have gone missing either. They've been understandably reluctant to come into town since the plague started, but I think they would have made an exception if people started disappearing. Eighteen men live in that camp and they're a pretty tight-knit group."
"As for the prisoners, I'd rather get them into the cell as quickly and quietly as possible. If the baron's far enough gone that he won't trust my word, I doubt he'd trust anything they say either. Plus the more we parade them through town the more likely people will see and ask questions I'd rather not answer." He looks extremely uncomfortable. "I may have been the one to start today's lynch mob, but the whole town is a powderkeg waiting for a match. If someone hears these three were helping a fey kidnap and murder people, they might not wait for the rest of the story." He grimaces. "At least the corpse is small enough to fit into a sack. That should be proof enough if any is needed."
"Fair enough. I think we should help you escort the prisoners to the jail and then have a chat with the Baron."
"I agree. We don't need another lynch mob forming, it's disorderly." Jassminder likes neatness. "And almost any corpse will fit into a sack, if you cut the body up correctly." She looks around at the others. "Once we've done that, do we visit the Baron or the loggers next?"
"I agree. We don't need another lynch mob forming, it's disorderly." Jassminder likes neatness. "And almost any corpse will fit into a sack, if you cut the body up correctly." She looks around at the others. "Once we've done that, do we visit the Baron or the loggers next?"
"Due to the Baron's orders, and the loggers knowing about Tallowthroat, we'll need to speak to the Baron first. Hopefully he knows something about what Ilquis was trying to do."
"I agree. We don't need another lynch mob forming, it's disorderly." Jassminder likes neatness. "And almost any corpse will fit into a sack, if you cut the body up correctly." She looks around at the others. "Once we've done that, do we visit the Baron or the loggers next?"
"Disorderly? I can't speak for you, but I cast spells and I do not want to get involved in some misguided lynch mob." She adjusts her hood and puts her hair back in, "I believe we owe the Baron a visit. We can speculate until your hair is as long as mine, but until we extract the information from him, it will be as worthwhile as all these candles against the shadows." Her eyes spark up with a dark lust.
Soon.
"If you spell casters are good with talking with the baron then I am. Better sooner than later anyway." Marcus chimes in working with Matteo to stuff Ilquis into a sack.
There are plenty of sacks around and it's easy enough to stuff Ilquis' corpse into one. The three prisoners don't protest as they're rounded up and taken to the Town Watch. Captain Groy secures them all in a cell before untying them. "Should do it, especially since that monster isn't around to give them new orders anymore."
Minor details taken care of you set across the river to the manor. Laurentiu opens the door when you knock, looking tired, although he brightens when he sees you. "Ah! We were hoping you would return. We forgot to mention earlier that we would be making up the guest rooms for you to use while you're in Karpad. There are only three so I'm afraid some of you will have to share, but-"
Captain Groy interrupts, "Sorry Laurentiu, but we need to meet with the baron."
"At this time of night?" When Captain Groy nods Laurentiu sighs. "Let me fetch the mistress. I doubt anyone else could persuade him."
Captain Groy gives Anya a brief (and somewhat sanitized) explanation of the night's events and soon she's leading you to a door with light pouring underneath it. She knocks. "Stepan? Those adventurers my mother hired need to speak with you about the disappearances. It's urgent."
There's shuffling on the other side of the door. "Why do they need to talk to me?" The voice sounds suspicious. "Talk to Captain Groy, looking for missing people is his job, isn't it?"
"Captain Groy's here too." Anya's voice hardens. "As baron ensuring the safety of the people of Karpad is your job. Open the door."
There's silence for a long moment. Just when you think Stepan might be planning to ignore his wife, there's the sound of several locks disengaging and the door swings open.
Stepan's study is blindingly bright. Several everburning torches are set around the room, interspersed with normal lanterns and candles. Thick curtains block the windows. A long desk and several wooden cabinets complete the room.
The baron himself is barely recognizable from his portrait. The man in front of you is perhaps thirty pounds thinner and looks like he hasn't slept, (or at least hasn't slept well), in weeks. Hair that had been neatly combed in the painting is wild and grown down nearly to his shoulders. Fever-bright eyes skirt around the room. "So? What's-" They alight on Marcus and he immediately shoves himself between Marcus and Anya with a shout. "No! I won't let you hurt her!" His teeth bare in a feral snarl. "Tell Nicasor's lackeys that I'll kill anyone who touches her. Anyone! You understand?!"
"What?" Bewildered, Anya grabs at her husband's arm. "Stepan, what are you saying? This is Marcus. One of the people my mother hired. Remember? She'd never hire anyone who'd hurt me."
"Your...mother?" Some of the panic and fury bleed out of Stepan's face. He still eyes Marcus suspiciously, (and stays between him and Anya), but no longer looks like he's about to attack. "Right. You did say that. My apologies. What's all this about? It's very late and I'm a very busy man."
”Who would s Nicassor?” Marcus asks after the accusation.
Noctifer takes advantage of walking into the room and shielding his eyes from the intense light to quickly study the multiple locks on the Baron's door...just in case, of course.
Letting his eyes get used to the extreme illumination Noctifer introduces himself to the Baron, "Greetings Baron Stepan, I am Noctifer Umbria. I apologize for the lateness of the hour for our visit but I'm afraid we have some urgent news to discuss. Shall we start with an associate of yours by the name of Ilquis."
Noctifer waits for a reaction and an opening for the Baron to speak.
Stepan ignores Marcus' question while Anya looks confused. It's Captain Groy who coughs and answers, "Nicasor was a fetchling who lived here a thousand years or so ago and started an uprising. His name's been synonymous with fetchling treachery ever since."
Stepan's lip curls. "Rightly so. The creatures cannot be trusted." Anya's grip on his arm tightens in a silent remonstration. He winces but doesn't apologize for the insult.
As Noctifer begins explaining the reason for their visit Stepan's face remains blank. "Ilquis? I'm afraid I have no idea who you're talking about."
Jassminder locks her stare with the baron's, her eyes not so much cold as just... empty. In the blazing light of the study, Stepan can see himself reflected in her blank gaze. "This will go much better for everyone if that's the last lie you tell us. Ilquis abducted and murdered children at your orders, so you'll understand if I don't grovel to your title."
Her wrath is somewhat constrained by the knowledge that locking Stepan in the room with Marcus and letting nature take its course would be wrong.
Satisfying, no doubt; but wrong nevertheless.
Feigning a look of puzzlement Noctifer says, "Really? Because he had quite a few things to say about you and his work with you. Unfortunately we couldn't gather all of the details of your plan with Ilquis because, well, we killed him. In fact if you want to see your associate who wanted you to keep things in Karpad so very light out, to assist it in being invisible, we brought what's left of him with us. I'm sure your Aunt could perhaps reach out to the 'other side' to ask Ilquis some questions? Particularly your role in this 'ceremony' he was performing. I don't think you want your wife to hear all the gruesome details of this ceremony, do you?"
"Perhaps we should start from the beginning." Xanther says. "Why do you think the shadows and Fetchlings are trying to attack you? You can rest assured, we will try to help you... so long as it is within our paygrade."
"It is too true I cannot be trusted. If you knew the plans I had laid today you would get even paler. I was just telling your town guards today how easy it is to sneak into someone's bedchamber or to get past bonfires." Marcus says to needle the aggravating baron and then smiles.
Ussaile raises an eyebrow, If they want to convince the baron they need to be a united front. Like you and I.
She waits a few moments and assesses the situation. She wasn't going to strong arm the baron unless she absolutely had to. This was his domain, and despite his condition, commanded power.
"My friends. Let us all take a step back and hear the baron's story in full." The emphasis was neither threat nor soothing olive branch. Ultimately she wanted to complete the assigned task, but someone in his panic could easily make things worse for them.
Stepan looks at Jassminder as if she’s the one who’s gone crazy. ”Abducting and murdering children? What the hells are you talking about?” As Noctifer speaks his eyes dart around the room, finally settling on the sack and its very noticeable red stains. He tugs absentmindedly at his hair, a mixture of confusion and despair on his face. The only time this expression changes is when Marcus makes his joke, at which point he takes a step back and pushes Anya even further behind him.
When he finally speaks it’s not directed to any of you. ”Captain Groy. This man just admitted to plotting against me and claimed your guards are colluding with him. Is this true?”
”Of course not, sir.” Captain Groy’s been glaring at half the party like he’s seriously considering tossing them out the door. ”But he was just joking, I promise. He’s not actually plotting any-“
”Anya? How well do you know him?”
”Can we forget about Marcus and get back to the murdered children?! Your paranoia is not the most important thing right now!” Anya defiantly steps around her husband and deliberately stands next to Marcus.
Stepan’s silent for a long moment, fists clenching and unclenching down by his side. Finally he spits out, ”Very well. I’m hearing accusations, threats, and empty promises, none of which make any sense. What I want is an explanation. Captain Groy?”
Captain Groy stands up straighter and begins rattling off facts with military precision. ”The baroness asked these people to investigate the disappearances. They tracked down a fey who was operating out of the chandlery, doing some dark ritual. He’d sacrificed seven people already and was planning to sacrifice more. Including my daughter. Sir.” His lips tighten. ”Apparently this fey, Ilquis, claimed he was doing so on your orders.”
”And both you and my wife believe him.” Stepan’s voice is emotionless.
Captain Groy says nothing as Anya gasps. ”Of course not! It’s just…you’ve been acting so strange lately…”
Stepan walks away and sinks into the chair behind his desk. Then, in that same emotionless tone, he says, ”I knew Ilquis. I did not know he was a fey. I received a message six weeks ago from someone claiming they could help keep the shadows away, but they needed to meet with me in absolute secrecy. I was desperate. I agreed. I never saw him, only heard his voice. He claimed to be an angel. I knowingly continued meeting with him anyway. Two weeks ago he said the curse was too strong for him to handle alone, that he needed to bring in friends. I gave him reagents for a ritual to open a portal. I told him to do whatever it took to protect the town and my family.”
”You believed an invisible voice claiming to be an angel?” Anya’s voice is incredulous. ”Why didn’t you tell anyone, tell me-”
”The punishment for consorting with a celestial being is death. I didn’t want to get you involved.” He looks up and locks eyes with Jassminder. ”If you’re inquisitors, if this was all part of some elaborate mind game, you’ve won. That should be a more than sufficient confession. Anya had nothing to do with any of it, I swear.” His face hardens. ”If you’re not inquisitors, then get the hell out. I need to think.”