“So it sounds but the truth of the matter I just want so quiet time. And it does so sound quiet. Politics I couldn’t care less for. Of course I would show up for the voting and do my part but a quiet reprieve to the country is what I wish for.”
"I too look forward to meeting the Marchioness as well. Hopefully the claims of sons are less difficult to untangle than those of cousins." Garyd smiles.
"I know how precious time can be, especially after suffering a loss or a debilitating injury. A quiet place is good for recovery of the body and spirit. If you can accomplish something with honest work while recuperating, so much the better."
Aerflae, Garyd, Gent
He is about to say something and looks rather annoyed when...
the door opens up and a man walks in the room...
He looks rather nondescript but with a large impressive build and an unsightly scar running the length of his face
“I understand that you wish to see me gentlemen. Follow me to my office. Count I hope you are having a nice day and I shall send my batman for you shortly.”
without so much as a backwards glance, to see if you follow, know the way or can keep up. he continues on with a small group of people following him. It seems that this is a man short on words and with an expectation of being listened to.
Tevin gets up and gestures to allow the others to go before him.
Aerflae, Garyd, Gentthe door opens up and a man walks in the room...
He looks rather nondescript but with a large impressive build and an unsightly scar running the length of his face
“I understand that you wish to see me gentlemen. Follow me to my office. Count I hope you are having a nice day and I shall send my batman for you shortly.”
Garyd takes to his feet, smiles at the Count, "A pleasure." Then strides after the Captain-General.
Aerflae, Garyd, Gent***snip***
“I understand that you wish to see me gentlemen. Follow me to my office. Count I hope you are having a nice day and I shall send my batman for you shortly.”
without so much as a backwards glance, to see if you follow, know the way or can keep up. he continues on with a small group of people following him. It seems that this is a man short on words and with an expectation of being listened to.
Aerflae follows, paying attention to the others walking with the Captain-General of the Watch. This is sizing up to be more difficult than Aerflae has anticipated.
"We do so appreciate taking this time out of your busy schedule. We shan't take but a few minutes of you time."Garyd, Gent, Tevin:
You all Walk into a very Spartan room that has obviously seen a lot of use. He grabs a large carafe of some liquid and pours himself a drink, looks you all over and proceeds to nod at his help. All but one of them steps outside. The final man stands behind the Captain-General, he has the air and demeanor of a wizard and a scowl of one too.
“So….” Trails of silence for several seconds
“You want access to the facility, to do what exactly?”
Twitch, Korren, Magnus
"I think we should go somewhere more private."
You all Walk into a very Spartan room that has obviously seen a lot of use. He grabs a large carafe of some liquid and pours himself a drink, looks you all over and proceeds to nod at his help. All but one of them steps outside. The final man stands behind the Captain-General, he has the air and demeanor of a wizard and a scowl of one too.
“So….” Trails of silence for several seconds
“You want access to the facility, to do what exactly?”
Nodding at the "wizard" then turning his full attention to the Captain-General
"Good sir, since we have been here in your fair city, we have seen two events. Now, this may be normal for someone who has spent a great deal of time inside the city, but we have been here mere hours. The first was in a bar, and there was some form of presence there, one that increased magical abilities tenfold, as I used a simple immovable wall to separate two combatants, one of which is in the facility now, the other I am unaware of the location of. These two combatants were not good friends, but did not go looking for the type of trouble that they found. Something made them do it. They were obviously not in control of their bodies when this happened, and had no recollection of trying to murder one another."
"I sensed it a second time not too long ago, while we were on our way here actually, when a piece of masonry nearly fell on a stunned worker. It seemed that the whole croud was awestruck, with nobody panicking or fleeing. In my many years of experience, such things turn people into scared children. The presence was there as well, as I prevented the masonry from getting destroyed or harming anyone by making it light as a feather. It worked... quite a bit better than I had expected, making it second strange magical anomaly. The problem was, with both instances, magical powers and such were increased by such a large margin... A margin that takes great study and focus to create, which I had taken no such actions to do so in either case."
"I have a theory, but it will require viewing those who have been affected most strongly for lingering effects, or if they are still undergoing those effects. Perhaps it will even absolve them, for it may be quite a dark thing causing this rather than any irrational behavior from the people. People should be tried for crimes they commit, not those while under the influence of nefarious forces or otherwise, which my theory incorporates. Being weak-willed is not so much a crime as it is disappointing. I feel horrid for those who have been lost, and I would rather stop this if we are able than sit and do nothing. I merely ask that myself and my companions view the general population of the facility, and assist how we can. If this foray into the facility allows us some insight to allow us to assist, you will be the first to know, in person preferably, as I don't care for messengers in times of peril. Does that sum it up well enough for you, good Sir?"
Aerflae has a grave look on his face, one that shows he means business, and does not want to mess around with this problem. He glances up to the scowling wizard as he's finishing.
DM:
What race is the scowling wizard? I want to know how to address him.
Aerflae has a grave look on his face, one that shows he means business, and does not want to mess around with this problem. He glances up to the scowling wizard as he's finishing.
Garyd shifts forward and takes up the discussion. His presentation appears that he "allowed" Aerflae to begin and is now the focus of the request.
"Well said my friend, well said." Garyd smiles. "I have witnessed these incidents myself as well. As soon as it was brought to my attention I knew that an investigation must be pursued. I fear something may be preying upon our citizens. Despite my other business with the Marchioness and my family, I felt it was my duty to attend to this. My late father, Lord Vyctiro would have done no less. Also, the cost to you is minimal. Your grant of permission. If we are wrong," Garyd shrugs, "No harm."
"If something is discovered that may lead to the cause of the malady it no less than a reflection of your sound judgment that you allowed us to investigate. We are no charlatans looking to crook coins with some cure of chicanery I can assure you. If my reputation is not adequate, I am placing my family's at risk as well." Garyd smiles.
Diplomacy 10 + d20 = 21 (25 if Good Neighbor of Istivin applies)
Diplomacy 10 + d20 = 21 (25 if Good Neighbor of Istivin applies)
“Your situation is known to us, Lord Vyctiro my condolences on your losses. I would suggest an audience with the Marchioness at your earliest convenience. Of which my companion here will be more then willing to set that up for you. As for the business at hand, We have been at a loss for some time as to the cause of this mischief. My first concern right now is the missing bodies of three of the town council. I am afraid that this may have something to do with all the other Ill Luck that has beset this town since its liberation from the giants.
I will of course give you permission to access the facilities however, it is not as simple as all that. The church of Mayahene is in charge of these locations and you will need one of her priests to grant you entrance as well. Unless you happen to have one stuck up a sleeve that I do not see then that will prove much of a challenge.
Is there anything else that this office can do for you?”
Diplomacy 10 + d20 = 21 (25 if Good Neighbor of Istivin applies)
“Your situation is known to us, Lord Vyctiro my condolences on your losses. I would suggest an audience with the Marchioness at your earliest convenience. Of which my companion here will be more then willing to set that up for you. As for the business at hand, We have been at a loss for some time as to the cause of this mischief. My first concern right now is the missing bodies of three of the town council. I am afraid that this may have something to do with all the other Ill Luck that has beset this town since its liberation from the giants.
I will of course give you permission to access the facilities however, it is not as simple as all that. The church of Mayahene is in charge of these locations and you will need one of her priests to grant you entrance as well. Unless you happen to have one stuck up a sleeve that I do not see then that will prove much of a challenge.
Is there anything else that this office can do for you?”
Aerflae jumps in, trying to make a better impression than he has so far...
"Good Sir, I believe that one of our companions is a member Mayahene's clergy, although he had another matter to attend while we were here. We are to meet in the morning, and where shall we meet to gain the proper documentation for our access, so that all of our number are present and known to you? I am not very fond of surprises in times such as these, myself, and I would expect you are even less fond of surprises. I hope that what we find out helps to curb the ill luck that has befallen this fair city."
"If you wish I can take care of these arrangements for you. The church will of course make their own decisions in the matter. The paperwork however will need my mark."
The wizard then looks off in the distance as if deep in thought
"Have you noticed any activity outside the city? On you way here did anything, albeit something small happen?"
The wizard stares at you with a piercing look that seems directed at your very souls
Aerflae looks at Verbane, mimicking his stare.
"No, I can't say that I recall anything strange on the way into town. Although when someone stares at you with such intent, I consider it mildly strange. Is there anything we should be aware of that we can look for in the facility?"
Aerflae absently wonders why the advisor (Verbane) has a perpetual scowl on his face.
Aerflae, Garyd, Gent, and Tevin
“One must always be aware,of what is and of what should be. I am… currently in a state of flux wondering where upon this path we are.”
“Should we tell them?”
“I think… the rumor mill shall be in full force by the morn. Telling them now will allay the rumors.”
“Very well… A few days past three respected members of the council went missing. They have not been seen since. However…. Three bodies of…… Dark skinned… elves. Have been found. They had certain magical talismans upon them. Ones used in shape shifting. They were found wearing the clothing of the missing council members. This is the reason for our hesitancy of allowing any to enter the facility. They had been trying to do so for some time.”
he looks at Frush, who gives him a, ‘why not look’ and then continues
“The bodies, such as they were, had been murdered by assassins. The calling card of the ancient society was all over the place. As such, I fear we may have several players in this game”
After all of this has transpired you find yourselves on the road again, having passed a very upset looking Count Barclay on the way out the door. The rain has let up and the grey clouds move onto the distance as you walk up the road way towards Garyd’s home. A strong smell of refuse comes downwind from the neighborhood assaulting your nostrils as you walk north. The houses here look in much worse then the rest of the city and more beggars and groups of young children run wild in this area. One large home sits on the hillside and looks to be in fair repair. This is the house that Garyd seems to be heading towards.
Twitch, Korren, Magnus
You find yourselves in Twitches room, quickly shutting the door. The black piece of cloth sits before you on the floor, all of you can feel the tingling sensation coming from the cloth. One that has not stopped since its activation minutes before in the main room of the building. With such an upscale establishment the noise level is very small. Added with the tingling coming from the cloth makes the entire room seem quite eerie. The room has sparse but expensive accouterments. A bed with fine sheets and blanket a small writing table and two chairs as well as one simple painting of the local hillsides. The furnishings are sized for halflings and as such it is not very comfortable for Korren. Magnus fits better but sitting in the chair is like sitting in one for a child.
Korren hunches down on the bed, looking uncomfortable. "Maybe we should wait for them in my room."
"Well it certainly wasnt crowded...wherever it was that handkerchief leads," offers Twitch hopefully. "Maybe we should poke around inside for a little while before the others get back. In the interests of gathering intelligence, of course."
Aerflae, Garyd, Gent, and Tevin
After all of this has transpired you find yourselves on the road again, having passed a very upset looking Count Barclay on the way out the door. The rain has let up and the grey clouds move onto the distance as you walk up the road way towards Garyd’s home. A strong smell of refuse comes downwind from the neighborhood assaulting your nostrils as you walk north. The houses here look in much worse then the rest of the city and more beggars and groups of young children run wild in this area. One large home sits on the hillside and looks to be in fair repair. This is the house that Garyd seems to be heading towards.
"How many players do you think we're dealling with at this point? If there's a group instigating this, we're in quite a bit of trouble. Let's hope Magnus found what he was looking for, as we will need his assistance soon."
Aerflae says as they walk along the road, mindful to not speak too loudly for fear that the general population may hear. As they walk down the road of "less than repaired homes" Aerflae chimes in again."I'm afraid I haven't had the luck of being in too many noble's houses, Garyd. Perhaps I'm a bit under dressed?"
Twitch, Korren, Magnus
Even the noise from children playing outside seems stifled as if some force is watching waiting to see what you do
You do however hear the sound of the maid in the next room cleaning, but with these sturdy walls that is almost to be expected.
Aerflae, Garyd, Gent, and Tevin
You find yourselves in front of a rather large and nice looking home with a conspicuously locked door. This is however not what strikes the lot of you as strange. That would be the smell. It seems to be coming from down the street and is a putrid mix of feces and vomit that is if you noses allow you to tell what that most unique of scents is wafting your way
"Garyd, do you happen to have a key?" Aerflae looks, expectantly.
The grounds to the house are well tended and manicured and the door itself is a large oak double door with a viewing port for someone to look out from. It is in very well maintained shape.
Seeing Garyd staring at the locked door, Aerflae walks up and knocks.
The sound of footsteps reaches your ears as someone comes quickly to the door....
"Oh master Garyd, it... I wasn't sure.... Oh it is so good to see you. Won't you and your um friends come inside."
The four of you find yourselves moved as if in a whirlwind into a lovely if sparse home. It is obvious that it is well taken care of. There are signs of frugality however. Blank spaces on the wall where tapestries once hung. The outline still visible upon the wall, where they once hung.
"It has been such a long time, I..I've tried so hard"
"You have a splendid home, Garyd."
Turning to the butler
"What do you mean it has 'been a long time?' Is there something amiss that we should be concerned for?"
Aerflae gets a surprised look on his face...
"Forgive my manners, sir, I have forgotten to introduce myself. I am Aerflae Windwaker, and myself Gent, Tevin, and Garyd have been traveling together. We have more companions, but it would be best to introduce them once they have the opportunity to visit, eh?"
Aerflae smiles then, quite proud he finished off his introduction.
“I am so sorry.... It is hard to explain. The master he died in a fight in the streets...Defending some people in the north section. You might smell the um stench. I have been keeping flowers and such to keep the smell out. When the wind blows south, it just gets unbearable...I am sorry....Yes I must finish.
The letters were sent out a year ago. Milady, well she loved her husband something fierce. She didn't know if her sons still lived. We sent the letters for both of you to come home. A notice came from Greyhawk, your brother sir, he, he was a senseless loss in those wars. We had feared the worst. Debts went unpaid. Milady, your mother, she didn't last long without her love. She died three months after your father. I have kept your home and have paid off the debts with whatever I could find....First the silverware, then the tapestries, then furniture.
The house is all but what is left and the farms in the north, there are no servants left but we did try to farm the land for some time. I have done all that I could....but with your return the Marchoiness is sure to give you leave and perhaps even a loan to find new servants in the north. Then you can farm the land and pay her back. It is honest work sir and I will do all I can to pay back the little I spent on myself...
I had to eat sir and. I know they hang thieves....."
As if the mention of the north, the winds change and the stench coems through.... He continues to mention that there was some break in the sewers and since then the entire north of the city is a cesspool of stench that the Marchoiness has not the monies to repair.
Meanwhile at the inn, Korren continues to sit there.
Meanwhile at the inn, Korren continues to sit there.
...snip...
The house is all but what is left and the farms in the north, there are no servants left but we did try to farm the land for some time. I have done all that I could....but with your return the Marchoiness is sure to give you leave and perhaps even a loan to find new servants in the north. Then you can farm the land and pay her back. It is honest work sir and I will do all I can to pay back the little I spent on myself...I had to eat sir and. I know they hang thieves....."
"So, you've lived here without your mistress, in misery it appears. It seems, however, that we are now in possession of something someone else wants, eh Garyd? Perhaps renting the land to the local lord interested in them would be fortuitous for all then? Jasum, do you have the deeds showing the Vyctiro claim to the northern lands somewhere?"
To Garyd:
"I'm sorry for your loss. There are many things to figure out right now, but if you need time for mourning I shall take my leave and meet you on the morn."
"I know where they are hidden. The young master does as well. he he well... thats funny isn't Garyd. For it is in the loose flag stone under the well."
Twitch, Korren, Magnus
Just wanting to know if you are waiting for the others or will attempt to access the cloth yourselves?
Twitch, Korren, Magnus
Just wanting to know if you are waiting for the others or will attempt to access the cloth yourselves?
Twitch, Korren, Magnus
Just wanting to know if you are waiting for the others or will attempt to access the cloth yourselves?
The Silence is a bit annoying to you.
"Twitch, I know what you're thinking, and no, I'm not going to lower you back into the hole. I don't care how boring it is, we don't want to get you stuck in there. *Stands up and stretches* You know, now that I think of it I am sick of being cooped up in here. How about we go try to find the others. How hard could it be, right?"
"Twitch, I know what you're thinking, and no, I'm not going to lower you back into the hole. I don't care how boring it is, we don't want to get you stuck in there. *Stands up and stretches* You know, now that I think of it I am sick of being cooped up in here. How about we go try to find the others. How hard could it be, right?"
"Sure," agrees Twitch. "Even if we can't find them, we can at least get something to eat. I'm starving."
"I know where they are hidden. The young master does as well. he he well... thats funny isn't Garyd. For it is in the loose flag stone under the well."
"Well, thankfully you still have your lands, eh Garyd? I'm pretty sure that this is a difficult time for everyone, but I believe that we should likely retire at this point. We have friends to meet, and I think that you, Garyd, may want to have some time for your loss."
DM:
Sense Motive: 1d20+1=14
however....
he is an old man and may not be all well in the head. You have heard that humans do that at times. and he does seem off to you.
a cursory glance though tells you he maybe malnourished but seems otherwise healthy.
Twitch, Korren
Having left your dwarven companion in the room to watch the cloth you head back to the city. The guards meet you and give you a cursory check on your way back in from the hill, but do not pester you the way they did when you entered the city from the main road in the south. Stopping for a moment the giggles catch you for if the guards are looking for any smuggling they would never find it. The simple route from the main gates to this one in the "richlands" would make smuggling a breeze for anyoen who felt like dressing up for an hour. You find yourselves back on the mina road looking off west towards the temples and the great keep upon the hill. You knwo your companions headed west towards the west gate but from there you are not sure whence they headed.
"Wait, do you remember where they were going? Or do you just want to wander around and see if we can find something interesting?"
DM:
DM:
** spoiler omitted **
Korren
Several food vendors will coem your way. You will notice that more then one will give signs in Can't that they are guild brothers, hwo do you react?
"Mind if I just choose what to get the usual way? I'll take that as a yes." Korren casually walks up to the nearest vendor's stall and places two silver on the counter. "Two pieces of whatever food you sell."