When he sees what's happening in the alley, Feli quickly makes a mental note of the mentioning of an orphanage. The breasplate with Helm's symbol makes Feli give a firm warning to the thugs:
"Lower your weapons, RIGHT NOW! What's going on here? Speak up quickly or you'll see what we HEROES are capable of!"
With those words he mutters a small sentence and casts Daze (Will DC 13) on one of the thugs who's beating up the man on the ground.
Kysstaa's nostrils flare, a sure sign of lizardfolk outrage. He takes half a step back and draws his sword.
"Cretin! You shall know the blade of justice!"
Borden, rather content now that he has the base earnings to start saving for his business venture, doesn't respond as quickly as usual when the action starts. However, once he does move, he seems to glide along the wall, pulling a slim javelin from the bag which hangs at his hip. Moving into position to get a clean throw on one of the thugs harassing the priest, Borden lets fly to let these thugs know his view on many-vs-one beatings.
Dreav moves up to the other side of the street and waves his hand.
The injured man lies on the ground, seemingly unable to move, but moaning nonetheless. Khaeden Walks and fires at Thug 3, missing (but not by much) while Xaladra conjures up a frightful presence of bones around her body, frightful in appearance, but seemingly effective. Feli casts a spell at thug 3, who shakes off the strange magical effects and looks fearfully into the party's direction. Borden lets loose a javelin at thug three, which flies and strikes the ground just short of the scuffle. Moonpate sends the club of hard knocks flying into Thug 3, striking for some damage. Dreav's illusion is cast, and the thugs see that there are now three guardsmen getting ready to come into the alley as well. Ky'ssta's strike slices across the unarmored chest of thug 1, opening a horrid wound that is bleeding profusely. Thugs: The thugs, with fear in their eyes, suddenly disappear behind a mass of fog that seemingly falls from the sky, like a smokestick. You hear one of the thugs say "scatter!" and then they are gone.
Ky'sstaa:
The man on the ground moans again, slowly trying to regain his feet.
perception check
perception(search)
"Cowardsss!" the lizardman hisses. "Fight when your number is bigger, run when smaller?"
Perception
Search
"hummmmmm"
Borden, still enraged that so many would assault just one man, shouts, "That's right, you had better run! Keeping his eyes open, and casing the area in case the cowards plan something, he then moves to the injured man, seeing how he can help the man. "Are you okay? Can you hear me? Just relax, those thugs have left."
Amazed by the ferocity of some of his colleagues, Feli is actually glad no one got killed.
"Woah easy fellas, no need to make a name as killers this quickly. We just arrived here! Killing muggers isn't our job and might even get us hanged in some places. Good job though in scaring them off."
Although feeling quite safe with his comrades, Feli checks out the surroundings just in case...
Kysstaa finds an arrow near the priest. It seems to be blunt, and it is near the man. It's fletched with red, yellow, and black, similarly to the three thugs.
Borden moves to the man, who coughs and shudders, then spits out a tooth. He says "I'm okay. Thank you for helping me." He coughs a bit, and shudders, his movements seem to jerk for a moment, then he seems fine. He begins to straighten himself, picking up the breastplate. "Well, this'll have to be mended," he says, looking disappointedly at the straps on the side. "Pardon my manners, my name is Rufus. Novice Watcher Rufus Lasian. I'm one of the priests of Helm here in town. Given my recent... disappointment here with being ever-watchful, would you mind escorting me back to the basilica?" He asks earnestly. "I'm sure the Alert Watcher would be glad to hear of your heroics today, for a total stranger, no less."
Feli: "Woah easy fellas, no need to make a name as killers this quickly. We just arrived here! Killing muggers isn't our job and might even get us hanged in some places. Good job though in scaring them off."
Moonpate: "Don't sweat none lad. Any fools painting their faces like those thugs deserve a good thrashing. Especially if'n they're doin' wrong. Gods, I hate crazy people! Here we are in front of a tavern ready to quench a mighty thirst and those bastards had to ruin our evening. By Dreav's mists an' all, they better not show their ugly mugs again tonight."
Though the paladin is not sure which god Helm is, he decides this man is a victim and therefore deserves divine healing.
Only slightly assured by Moonpate's words, Feli switches his attention to Rufus:
"Hello sir, under different circumstances I'd call it a pleasure in meating you. Let's just be glad these circumstances aren't any worse. What were these ruffians after? Were they simply mugging you or is there something else?"
To the rest of the group:
"I mean, look at that arrow that Kysstaa found: I'd say this was quite an unusual robbery with the robbers using blunt arrows and disappearing in smoke, don't you think?"
Feli picks up the breastplate to hand it back to Rufus.
Khaeden keep an arrow held in case the thugs show themself again.
At Feli's remark he lowers his bow and starts searching the area.
Perception
Search
"I agree, they seemed very coordinated. Too coordinated for my liking."
To Rufus he adds
"Their masks. Are they some kind of symbol?"
Xalandra smiles as she looks over the helmite.
"I am pretty sure we could escort you to your temple on the way to the next tavern!"
"Oh thank you" Rufus says gratefully. He begins speaking to Khaeden about the 'thugs,' "They're members of the Leering Jesters. They ARE very coordinated, and have good aim, whilst they're at their horrible jobs. I still don't get why they're interested in the orphanage. Maybe Jenya will know. She may want to talk to you all as well once she finds out what happened. She's interim Guardian Watcher while Sarcem's out of town on holiday."
He leads you along Ash Avenue, up through a few other side streets and around Lava avenue to the Basilica of Helm.
"Please, come in, Jenya will be most interested in talking to you, I'm certain of that. Heroes don't just fall from the sky here, and you verily did that... well except for the falling from the sky part... but you get the idea."
His investigative mind already getting to work on this new mystery, Borden listens to the priest's words as he tries to decypher the events that had just occurred.
So these Leering Jesters want the Helmites to avoid a certain orphanage, enough that thy are willing to muscle a priest. They are organized and with apparently, secretive leadership; as the blunt arrow with no owner shows. However, they might not have too much influence right now as they waited to jump the priest when he was away from the basilica, not wanting to draw the wrath of the Watchers. It'll be interesting to see how this all pans out.
With that, Borden helps escort Rufus and will make small talk with the young priest to see what he can learn about the crater city they have found themselves in.
"Oh thank you" Rufus says gratefully. He begins Heroes don't just fall from the sky here, and you verily did that... well except for the falling from the sky part... but you get the idea."
"Well, I'd hardly call us heroes for thrashing these Leering Idiots. Though, come to think of it, I certainly am feeling more heroic these days. Parched too. I hope you Helm chaps stock some good brew."
Feli listens to what Rufus has to say but doesn't feel entirely comfortable walking away knowing that they've probably made an enemy well capable of getting back at them. Every few yards he looks around to see if they're being followed.
Looking at the Temple of Helm, Dreav shakes his head. "By the Mists, how do I get myself into these things. By the Mists."
Rufus escorts you into the basilica, which you all find to be well built, easily defensible, and has wonderful stained glass windows, most of which showing the glories of Helm's victories over the hordes of attackers. Outside of the windows, there is little in the way of details. He brings you into a small side room, which appears to be a meeting room. The room is a little on the spartan side, but given this is a god of guardians a lot of details would be a hindrance. There are some simple chairs as well as an oval table, which he invites everyone to sit at.
"I'll have to be taking my leave of you now. I'll go find Jenya, she's likely in the primary sanctuary, and she'll be in for you in a moment."
He leaves, the door is wide open, and there isn't much activity out in the halls. An acolyte passes by the door, peeking in, but keeps on his way. About fifteen minutes, a dark haired woman wearing red and white robes comes into the room. She appears to be moderately athletic, but has a striking appearance, with dark hair and bright green eyes.
"I understand that you all have helped rescue one of the priests of the temple. I offer you my humble thank you for that. Not many stand up to the Jesters these days, only the Alleybashers are that foolish, at times. I have other business that I would like to propose, given the Jesters' interest in the orphanage, and your open heroism in the face of an unknown foe. Would you be willing to hear me out?"
In the halls of Helm the lizardfolk paladin admires the temple approvingly. Though a bit too sparse for his own taste, the paladin admires the feeling of sincerity and dedication of the place.
To Jenya's proposal, Kyssta nods enthusiastically. His tail wags with great interest.
Taking in the structure, Dreav muses to himself, "Security. One of the greatest illusions."
Having heard the priestes' proposal, Dreav nods, "Would you mind shedding some light on these jesters?"
Xalandra smiles and nods to Jenya.
"Aye, Lady Jenya we will hear you out."
Xalandra leans back and listens intently.
Borden, always willing to get to the bottom of any type of mystery, takes a seat when offered one and says, "I'm willing to hear you out. What's this business that you offer?"
Jenya Smiles, and shuffles the party out of the meeting room into a warmer, reception room (if having chairs with a small pad in them counts versus the unpadded versions in the meeting room). There is a warm fire going in the room.
"Ahh, yes, the Jesters. They fancy themselves as a big-time thieves' guild of some sort. Most of the time, they run simple protection rackets, similar to what the Rundeen have tried, even with the interference from some of the Harpers not too long ago. Unchecked, these folks could be a problem, but the city watch has had some successes with stifling their influence throughout the city."
Just then, an adept of some sort passes by the door and stops. "Yes, do bring us some drinks," Jenya says to the adept, "Now, onto the main part of business. The Orphanage. What's happened there, sadly, is a kidnapping. Yes, someone took orphans from there, and this is completely unacceptable. Mistress Tashykk has been beside herself for a couple of days trying to get the city watch involved, but they are 'caught up' with something other than a few missing orphans. What's worse, in my eyes, is that I believe there is another nefarious force behind this. You see, the children aren't the only missing persons in the past few weeks. There are more, adults mostly, but a few other children as well, that have disappeared throughout the past few weeks, too. This cannot be allowed to happen, and as the interim Guardian Watcher I have a duty to find these children, and the others if possible. Will you help me?"
Just then, the adept brings in some drinks. A pitcher of ale, some form of teapot, and a bottle of red wine. There are short, round glasses on the tray as well, which seem like they would be good for any of the drinks that are carried.
"Please, have something to drink," Jenya says, as she pours some hot tea into her cup. "I am happy to answser any questions I have the knowledge of if you are willing to help. I hope Rufus' judgement of you all being good souls is true, we need good souls, heroes even, at a time like this."
Kyssta downs his tea in one slurp. "Ahhh!" The warmth of the fragrant liquid makes his serpentine blood run hotter.
"In my homeland there are bad folk who steal eggs from mothers. We call this sess'mak, 'thief-hatching'. Few things more bad than people-stealing."
Moonpate eagerly grabs the pitcher of ale, but before downing it directly he guiltily remembers his friends around him and instead pours a glass, which he then guzzles in one quick gulp.
"Mi lady, this city and its various groups are a mystery to me. But, after recently witnessing what was done to a child of Chauntea in a haeler not too distant, I can think of nothing more vile than what these Jesters have done or may do. My friend Kysstaa tis right. I may be only a fat junior wizard whose best skill is in the crafting and drinking of ales, but if I can be of service to these missing folks I will do my best."
Borden, not a big fan of letting kidnappers run free, says "I'm with my comrades on this one. While what we saw near the Haeler was a different from of entrapment, it was much worse than what I hope we face here. However, that doesn't mean these Jesters should get away with it. If it is possible, I'd like to take a look at what evidence the city has now." His mind now on the job, he avoids the alcohol this time around and instead chooses the tea. Pouring himself a drink, he sips at it before continuing, "This way we might be able to link what they know with what we might find out in the future. There must be a pattern to these kidnappings, and what we need to do is find that pattern."
To Moonpate, Jenya replies, "I have seen a great many evils taken on the world. The worst always seem to hurt the children the hardest, but they usually seem to be much more resilient with time."
Turning to Ky'sstaa, "Sess'mak is a horrid offense. Unfortunately, many humans are guilty of this so as to prevent the depridations of the Yuan-ti to the south in the Black Jungle. Your tribe bears many scars of their influence, be careful in your dealings with others. Unfortunately, I would have taken issue with you myself, had Balthasar's caravan not trusted you."
Taking a sip of her tea, she produces a three-page parchment for Borden. "This is the list of kidnap victims so far. Unfortunately, they are generally from the lower classes, but that seems to be the only link. Rufus has conducted many investigations, finding that the doors themselves bear no signs of forced entry, or even lockpicking. Further, the Jesters tend to leave a sign, a ward if you will, showing others of their power to do whatever they please. None of these victims have borne that sign. The sign, generally, is a wooden coin bearing a leering jester's face, hence the 'Leering Jester' moniker for them."
Tiervan Wispswort, male gnome, 91 summers old. Alchemist for Weer's elixers, worked for him and was marginally successful. Disappeared 88 days ago.
Korl Sealkin, male gnome, 72 summers old. Local law clerk for the city guard. He worked under the barrister Aezyk Gylbaz. Disappeared 83 days ago.
Azmi Dreskez, female human, 19 summers old; and Shellen Rycab, female human, 20 summers old. Young women worked at a brothel. Lived with Shellen Rycab, rented a pair of rooms from Martina Hathaway who was asleep during the kidnapping. Disappeared 81 days ago.
Kryscalar Endercott, male human, 24 summers old. Fiesty young man, kicked out of the local militia for drunk & disorderly. Disappeared from his parent's home 74 nights ago.
Callum Sunnyrush, male halfling, 37 summers old. He was a horsegroomer for the noble Rhiavadi household. Disappeared 69 days ago.
Gryffon Malyk, male human, 33 summers old. Bartender at the tipped Tankard. Dissapeared 66 days ago, three days before he was to be married in these halls to a barmaid.
Szordra Callagbez, human female, 35 summers old. She worked as a sage, of sorts, running a small bookstore. She disappeared 60 days ago, and was reported missing by her 18-summers-old son, Legan, who works as a mason's apprentice.
Temor Kalavan, human male, 25 summers old. He was a fairly popular local minstrel, disappeared from his room in the Laughing Horse Inn 52 days ago. He had paid for the room for 3 more days.
Irruth Mercadi, human female, 36 summers old. She was a candlemaker, and disappeared from her shop 47 days ago.
Deven Myrzal, male human, 18 summers old. A lamplighter who disappeared 45 days ago during his shift. The guards found the pole he used to unhook the lanterns in the street a few blocks from his home.
Jeneez Everdawn, female halfling, 42 summers old. A jeweler's apprentice, who volunteered at one of the local schools. Disappeared 40 days ago.
Lorthan Ironfold, male dwarf, 125 summers old; and Sondor Ironfold, Female Dwarf, 127 summers old. A cartwright and his wife. They disappeared from their home 35 nights ago.
Rikaldo Veskar, male human, 34 summers old. His home contained blood drops and blood encrusted knives, but this wasn't surprising as he worked as a tanner and skinner of the various pelts from the jungles. Disappeared 31 days ago.
Lestor Coldwater, male human, 22 summers old; and Jelluth Sirlana, female half-elf, 33 summers old. A struggling scribe and poet, as well as his struggling shoemaker girlfriend, both vanished 26 days ago from their home.
Elethor Ashstaff, male half-elf, 58 summers old. A mage and prankster who performed minor prestidigitations at birthday parties for the nobilities' children. A dead rat was found in Elethor's home, ostensibly thought of as his familiar. Disappeared 22 days ago.
Maple, female halfling, 32 summers old. Unknown last name, rumored to be an alleybasher, alternatively a Jester. She disappeared 18 days ago.
Coryston Pike, female human, 35 summers old. A retired adventurer, walked with a cane and noticeable limp. She disappeared from her home 16 days ago.
Vasper Drundlespout, male gnome, 74 summers old. A reclusive mathemetician, and member of the scholarly elite. His home was ransacked, witih many pages of numbers littering his floor. This was 9 days ago.
The Children:
Deakon Stormshield, male dwarf, 12 summers old. A bright and happy young dwarf, and orphan of dwarven adventurers. Deakon was taken from the boy's ward in the Lantern Street Orphanage 3 nights ago.
Evelyn Radavec, female human, 9 summers old. A quiet, sullen girl whose father had succumbed to filth fever seven years ago, she was taken from the girl's ward in the Lantern Street Orphanage 3 nights ago.
Lucinda Aldreen, female human, 8 summers old. A superstitious young child given to the orphanage at age 4 by her poverty stricken mother, who was found dead weeks later. She was taken from the girl's ward in the Lantern Street Orphanage 3 nights ago.
Terrem Kharatys, male human, 9 summers old. A dour and temperamental lad, his mother died giving birth to him, and his father is unknown. He was taken from the boy's ward in the Lantern Street Orphanage 3 nights ago.
Jenya sighs deeply as Borden looks over the list, and says "Given how dire the situation is, I have used the Star of Justice in the reliquary, a consecrated mace in Helm's service, to divine as much as I can. When asked about the children, it gave me this response:
'The Locks are key to finding them.
Look Beyond the curtain, below the cauldron.
But beware the doors with teeth.
Descend into the malachite 'hold.
Where precious life is bought with gold.
Half a dwarf binds them, but not for long.'
I'm not sure as to the meaning, but this riddle may prove useful for later."
Taking another sip of her tea, "The orphanage is very well run. Mistress Tashykk has made sure that the children don't cause mischief, nor do they try to break out of the windows at night. You see, the windows are barred, and the boys are separated from the girls. Each ward is then locked at night, to prevent pranks and other mischief. The childrens' wards each have their own lavatories, so as to prevent midnight accidents. The children are on a very regimented schedule, taught basic skills, and are expected to be productive members of society once they come of age, and finish their 3-year indentured servitude for their upbrining, which is generally reduced to allow for the fact that there are so many abandoned children these days. Right now,there are 39 other orphans. Rufus has gone there to comfort them every day. Really, the fact that the Jesters took any note of this is surprising to me. I don't know whether they are truly involved, or, perhaps, they are fighting another more sinister force and wish to keep those who are more... 'holy' away from such abominations or not. The riddle doesn't say anything about jesters, so, this time, I'm willing to bet they aren't involved. Where do you want to start?"
Rubbing his chin in thought, Borden examines the list as Jenya recites the divinely inspired clue. When Jenya finished talking, Borden takes another sip of his tea before saying in his usual Alzhedian accent, "Well, this is a rather lengthy list. If we are to focus on the children, as they are the most recent kidnaps, then I suggest we make a visit to the Orphanage. Whether it was through magic, or a lockpicker who doesn't leave a trace, our best way to finding out how they were taken would be to visit the scene of the crime. And if your divination is accurate, then something there will help lead us right to where the children are held."
Turning to the others, as he realized that he was starting to dominate the conversation, the young investigator asks, "What do you all think? Shall we pay a visit to Orphanage and meet those whom we will help?
Dreav nods to Borden, "Let us be out of this place."
"Indeed, though we might want to make our interview with the Orphanage a clandestine affair. If these Leering Idiots are roughing up a priest for interfering there, we can assume another encounter aimed at us might follow if we dunna take a subtle path. Perhaps a couple looking fer a youngin' ta adopt, or a rascal droppin' off 'is brat fer good would be just the ticket...on the morrow. Tis late an' I must fill my gullet with some food an drink before I fade away. We can split ways in the morn', ya sneaky types a visitin' the orphanage an the rest gettin' the lay o' the city. The riddle mentions under the cauldron, which I take to meanin' within' the depths of this here volcano. Mayhaps a visit to some sages, mapmakers, or miner types may prove its worth."
Kysstaa's jaw drops when the long list of kidnap victims is revealed. If not stopped soon, the disappearances would become a social catastrophe.
"Hmm ... Jesters make no sense. If not involved in children-stealing, why attack Rufus? We go back to orphanage and ask questions, OK?"
Nods to what Ky'sstaa saying.
"Aye friend Kysstaa, I suspect though that the Jester's who seem to be involved in this dire plot, didn't like Rufus sticking his nose in what they felt was their business. I definitely want to have a look at the Orphanage."Xalandra looks at Jenya after having a sip of tea "You need not fear anything Lady Jenya we will get to the bottom of this dire series of events."
Feli enjoys his glass of wine and almost forgets to pay attention to the conversation. "Ah yes I agree, these Jesters are puzzling indeed and I bet that's the way they like it."
Finishing the wine with a satisfied smile, Feli continues:
"Moonpate, while your wisdom doesn't show itself in your words, it does show their meanings. I'm not sure how much haste we have but food, drinks and rest seem like a good suggestion to me."
To Jenya:
"Lady Jenya, Guardian Watcher, may I thank you for these drinks? We'll try to find out what's going on here. While disappearing adults normally wouldn't make me the slightest interested, running away isn't solely a thing for the children, the disappearance of the young is worrying indeed."
Jenya thanks you for your generosity. She offers a small token of thanks for each of you, calling a minor priest in, and providing each of you with a small vial. "This is a token of thanks, and is the last of our store until we finish the next batch. Please take this as payment, as well as insurance against whatever ills has befallen the poor children."
She stands from her seat, for a moment losing composure, then regaining it, "Children are quite dear to Helm's church, and the orphanage has been under our stewardship since it was built. Children are the most defenseless of all of us, please do what you can. I must begin preparations for the morning ceremonies. Please, let us know what you find... even if it's the worst."
Feli bows gracefully before accepting Jenya's gift.
"Lady, you need not worry too much eventhough it graces you. We understand you have much to do so we'll do our best to make sure this whole mystery is solved in a good manner."
With these words Feli takes a few steps back to let the others accept their gift.
Xalandra gives a curtsy and smile at Lady Jenya as she accepts her potion "Thank ye, Lady Jenya. We will do our best to find the culprits"
The walk back to Minuta's board is uneventful, thankfully. The streets are calming now, most of the city streets' lanterns are starting to go dark for the evening, especially along Ash avenue.
Everyone finds Minuta's Board, and along the waters of the lake, no less. The lakewater smells of sulfur, but not stingingly so . There is a young hafling girl, probably not 13 summers old, asleep at the front desk who bolts upright when you walk in. "--*snort* I'm not asleep Miss Minuta!" She starts, and looks a little surprised when the group, together is standing before her. "Oh, sorry. It's been a long night, and lots of drunk folk from the caravans. You's don't look all that drunk, thankfully. What's the reservation?"
After Borden gives her the reservation, she flips through the almost comically large book for her....
"Ahh, here you all are. Wow, yous all get the biggest place we got. Well, it's the fifth apartment on the left on the third floor, yous all gots lots of space. Better 'n all that outside sleepin' you've been doin' lately, I'm ah sure of that." With that, she points to the hallway, with a stairway easily visible. "Fresh fruit gets delivered early, so get up early afore I eat it all" She smiles, hoping that the party gets the joke, as she is rather skinny for a halfling.
The apartment is quite large, with 2 bunks per room, as well as a private lavatory (the rest of the apartments look like they share a lavatory in a nook between apartments). There is a small area for food to be prepared, and a large table and a long cushioned couch, in dire need of new covers, but looking comfortable enough.
You all rest fitfully, having done good deeds for the evening, however Moonpate is looking a little shaken this morning.
Moonpate:
You stand in someplace dark and cold. You cannot see, as the darkness has totally consumed you, but you know that it is dark, because you feel one with the darkness. As the light begins to filter through your senses, you see you are in an immense cavern of stone. The light comes from cages that hold writhing insect-like beasts whose pods give off a soft, red glow.
Before you stands a small boy, less than a decade old. His black unkempt hair falls in front of his face which causes him to shake it from his face. You can see his eyes glisten with fresh tears, and they run down his freckled face. You recognize the boy as Terrem, one of the kidnapped orphans, but you cannot understand why you know him. You’ve never seen the child before in your life, but you can sense he is Terrem, one of the missing children, as if you feel his very life force.
You look down at your hand and you see that you are once again the gray humanoid with writhing tentacles on your back. Terrem seems to notice this now as well and begins to scream. His scream if pain in your ears, and causes you such immense discomfort that all you can think about is to make the screaming stop.
You look back to the child, he is still screaming.
All around him are floating eyes. These disembodied eyes float all around Terrem, never taking their gaze from him. There are perhaps a dozen of the orbs; however it is difficult to discern them because they constantly wink in and out of existence. Now each floating orb is writhed in green flames. The eyes do not seem bothered by the flames, and they begin to spew out a noxious black smoke. The smoke begins to fill the cavern, slowly covering the boy, Terrem. As his face is covered by the veil of smoke, he screams louder.
And as he is taken away from your vision, you see his tears have turned to blood. The flow all around his face, and just as he finally disappears from your vision, a symbol is seen on his face.
But you don’t have the time to make out what the symbol is as the smoke and darkness consumes the boy.
All:
All:
Borden suggests an early breakfast, as who knows what the day will bring. The fruit and other servings at breakfast are nice, but not extravagant by any means.
The Orphanage, as you inquire from the matronly halfling at the front desk, likely that this is Minuta, is an easy trip to Ash Avenue Northeast, and then through a couple of alleys and side streets, to Lantern Street. It's a humble structure, although there is a tree outside, a pickett fence in need of the repair it's receiving from a half-orc who is mending a couple of the broken beams, and a large, almost mansion-like appearance (if only it didn't look so run down). The front door is locked, and there is a bell outside that Kysstaa rings to get in.
The door opens to a halfling that looks impossibly old. She introduces herself as the Headmistress Gretchen Kashykk. She brings you to a small room once you have introduced yourself, looking at your motley crew with a dubious eye, and closes the door behind her.
"What can I do to help? The children here are frightened they'll be carried off in the night."
All:
At breakfast Moonpate is uncharacteristically quiet, and more disturbing is the fact that he is nursing his pint rather than asking for another.
Before heading to the orphanage he asks if anyone had any strange dreams last night, or bad indigestion that might have caused some bad dreams. He confesses that he had a very bizarre, horrible dream and wonders aloud if that Helmite ale he had last night may have disagreed with him.
For DM/Borden/Dreav:
To all: Seasons greetings to all, and especially God's blessings to our wonderful DM and his family. May all go smooth with your son.
At first Feli is amused by Moonpate's miserable state at the breakfast table:
"Nightmares? Sir Moonpate, I think what you suffer from is the result of trying to keep up with the drinking skills of the young while being young no more!"
During the walk to the Orphanage Feli notices it's not just a bad hangover that's tormenting Moonpate so he leaves him alone to speak with the others, not wanting to annoy the wizard anymore.
At the Orphanage Feli takes a good look around at the almost scenic building with its many shortcomings.
"Wow... although this place has probably seen better times it does have a real 'orphanic' feeling to it..."
In the small room Feli speaks with Gretchen:
"Well Headmistress, I think it should be us who can help. We've been told by Guardian Watcher Jenya that children are disappearing. While this isn't a rare thing, especially for an orphanage, we do find the numbers quite shocking. Considering it's children we think we should act with haste, so please tell us everything that might be of importance."
AFter hearing Moonpate's tale, Dreav ponders the morning mists.
DM:
At the orphanage, Dreav keeps to the back and listens carefully.
After enjoying the light meal, Borden goes with the others towards the orphanage, trying to map out the city in his mind so that he might become more familiar with the city. However, when Moonpate pulls him aside and tells him of the dream, Borden takes a moment to think about what he experienced.
"Hmm, well I'm no mystic and your study of magic makes you much more capable of analyzing your dream than I. But form what I can tell, you were taking the form of the perpetrator of these kidnappings. If we are to believe these dreams, then whoever, or whatever is committing these crimes is no fan of loud sound. As for the other things that happened, I don't know what they mean, but we should take a note of these symbols for later. Then again, it could just be your beer induced imagination running from you. Just to be safe, keep an eye on these dreams and please let us know if they continue."
As they approach the orphanage and meet with the ancient headmistress, he will head to the front of the group with Feli and add "We will do what we can to find the missing children. Would you mind if we take a look around." If the headmistress consents, the half-elf will enter the orphanage and check how secure the doors and windows are whil continuing to speak, "It may have been mentioned before, I can't recall, was there any damage to a window or door that might indicate someone trying to get in through force?"