Megan's Second Darkness 1

[Kozaric of the Bow]

Kozaric looks at the tall thin human and shakes his head. "No, of course not, have you? We came to ask if the Cypher Mages had any ideas on what is cuasing these strange disturbances. By the sound of things I would take it as no."

[Mikhail "Ironleg" Tunnelsmith]

"Let's first go to Sarenrae's temple, Eroril. We can inquire and move on from there."

[Megan Robertson]

The human smiles at you. "These are matters that have been concerning many of our members. I'm an illusionist myself, so it's not really my area. Would you like to come in to our guest hall and I'll find someone to speak with you?"

[Kozaric of the Bow]

Kozaric nods, "Yes, lead on."

[Eroril Bazbek]

"Excellent choice Ironleg. Please, lead the way." Eroril falls into step with Ironleg and heads for St. Caspieran's Mission.

[Megan Robertson]

Eroril and Ironleg: St. Caspieran's Mission is on the west side of town, in a run-down and crime-ridden area. Squatting halfway down a muck-smeared alley, sandwiched between a derelict wainwright's shop and a bakery, stands a dilapidated tenement. A crooked belltower rises from the building's rear, and a half-dozen grease-smeared, cracked, and boarded-over windows gaze out from walls that might have once been white. A small sign hangs over the building's battered oak front doors: "St. Caspieran's Salvation - All Welcome." There is a smell of vegetables and baking bread. Someone is peering out of the upper floor windows as you approach.

Kozaric, Cephadrel and Prylfellow: The ginger-haired man leads you into a reception room within the Cypher Lodge. A small fellow is hunched over a desk scribbling in a ledger, and he looks up as you come in.

"You're not members. 20gp each per day, use of the library and room and board."

"No, Gimster, they are not here to study. They want to ask about the Blot. Is Elias around?"

Gimster mutters something about freeloaders, then allows that 'Elias' is on the north terrace taking breakfast. The ginger-haired man leads you swiftly through to the terrace, where a solid-looking human, balding and in late middle-age, is eating a stack of pancakes. He waves you to seats, still munching.

"Morning. Want some pancakes? I'm Elias Tammerhawk, Speaker of the Order of Cyphermages. What can we do for you this fine morning?"

[Eroril Bazbek]

Eroril and Ironleg enter the Mission. Eroril calls out,"Hello good priests of Sarenrae. Are you available for two fellow seekers of knowledge and improvement?"

[Mikhail "Ironleg" Tunnelsmith]

Ironleg nodded at the person looking out the window, reinforcing the message just given by his fellow dwarf.

[Kozaric of the Bow]

Kozaric is taken aback by the friendliness of the Cyphermage Speaker.
"Yasir, I would like some pancakes? Uh, the reason my friend and I are here is because of the strange occurrences of late, why just a few minutes ago a huge flock of sea gulls crashed into your Cyphergate out there, and we were wondering if you all might have some facts about why this is happening."

[Megan Robertson]

Eroril and Ironleg - almost as soon as you notice him, the fellow looking out of the window vanishes. A wide flight of steps leads up to the front door, and there are a couple of side doors also accessed from the steps. A fellow in rags is sitting on the steps and holds out a hand in a wordless plea for alms. Somewhere inside, a bell tolls.

Kozaric, Cephadrel and Prylfellow: Elias Tammerhawk grins at your surprise.

"Have you been hearing bad things about us? Seekers after knowledge we welcome, especially when they share what they know in return. Now, this Blot... we are finding hard to fathom.

A servant hustles up with three plates of pancakes and some silverware, and Elias waits until you are settled comfortably.

"The current theory is that the Blot marks a point at which something, or someone, is trying to break through from another dimension or plane. So some of the Cyphermages are seeking to make contact but most are trying to find a way of raising a barrier or prevent its passage. And the diviners amongst us seek to discover what it all portends. A couple with planewalking abilities have vanished, going they said to see if they could find out anything 'from the other side' as they put it. One or two have speculated that it's someone here attempting a summoning, but there's nobody we know powerful enough to attempt that. Whatever it is, we think it may be disturbing the natural order of things - hence odd behaviour of birds and the like."

[Eroril Bazbek]

Eroril reaches into his belt pouch and pulls out two silver pieces and places them gently into the palm of the fellow in rags on the steps. "I hope this eases your pain somewhat, brother. We are looking for a priest of Sarenrae, do you know if we have come to the right place and have you seen a priest around?"

[Cephadrel Drocaloron]

Cephadrel, to intent on the conversation to eat pancakes asks,
"So then do you think that the rocks that fell came from the same place that the, uh, thing that is trying to get through came from? If so that sounds.. bad."

[Kozaric of the Bow]

" So are you implying that the disturbances may get worse? If so what can we expect? Are the disturbances related in a manner other than because the blot caused them?

[Megan Robertson]

Eroril and Ironleg: The beggar makes the coins vanish in the way only beggars can.

"Bless 'ee... Father Padrik is inside iffen yer hungry or in need of counsel... but Beltias won't let Balston offer rooms to anyone but his own, so yer outta luck if you wanna bed!"

The bell continues to toll within.

Kozaric, Cephadrel and Prylfellow: Elias regards you thoughtfully.

"Too much is supposition, alas. But logic suggests that if you have one odd thing going on, another equally odd thing that occurs must be connected...

He takes another mouthful of pancake.

"Since the initial appearance of the Blot, several other strange and inexplicable things have happened. You mention the rocks from the sky, and saw the gulls. In the past months we have had a grand beaching of squid, a period when any use of magic - arcane or divine - caused the caster to glow bright purple for several minutes, the tidal surge and other weird things. Each time, although it is difficult to be sure, the Blot seems to writhe even more vigorously. The occurrances have become more frequent too, at first weeks would pass between them, now it seems you can barely finish your breakfast before something else takes place!"

[Eroril Bazbek]

"Thank you for your information. It is counsel we seek, not rooms. We shall look for this Father Padrick."

Eroril continues up the steps and knocks on the door calling out,

"Father Padrick, are you available to help two seekers of knowledge?"

[Mikhail "Ironleg" Tunnelsmith]

Ironleg follows closely behind Eroril. He had learned long ago that he did not always make the best first impressions. And Eroril was doing very well so far.

Ironleg also silently dumps a silver piece into the beggar's alms cup as he walked by. "Use this to better your life, friend."

[Megan Robertson]

Eroril and Ironleg: The beggar says, "Father's usually in the chapel - straight ahead, yer canna miss it." He makes Ironleg's coin vanish too...

Flagstone steps climb to an open foyer hung with a pair of weather-beaten double doors. Two smaller doors flank the main entrance, both covered with graffiti. The southern door has a sign that reads "Flophouse: upstairs and take a left." The word "left" is crossed out, and scrawled next to it is the word "hike." The other door has a homemade sign that reads, "All rooms taken."

The double doors swing open to Eroril's touch, opening into a lobby area. The stench of mud and sweat mingles with the odor of vinegar and cabbage soup to pervade this entire lobby. Scratched tables and benches provide seating for resting vagrants, conversation, or eating simple meals. In the corner stagnates an old font with a dented tin cup tied to it by a frayed length of twine. Beyond this ahead of you is the chapel area, you can see benches filled with ragged-looking worshippers and a figure in white robes kneeling at the altar.

[Eroril Bazbek]

Eroril nods to Ironleg indicating that they should each take a seat on one of the benches and wait for Father Padrick to become available. Eroril leads the way to a bench and takes a seat. He then offers a prayer to Torag that he made intercede with Sarenrae that she may offer her assistance through her servant Father Padrick.

[Mikhail "Ironleg" Tunnelsmith]

Ironleg follows Eroril's lead, as the healer clearly knew his way around the service better than he did. He grabbed an open spot, trying to look around the place without drawing any undue attention. He assumed the fellow in the white was the gentleman they were there to see, and made himself comfortable until his attention could be drawn.

[Megan Robertson]

The modest chapel has a high-arched ceiling, a plain wooden pulpit, and less than a dozen worn-out pews. Several tapestries hang along the back walls, collages that depict a modest, hardworking life in a slum similar to the one just outside the mission’s doors. At the rear of the chapel, high on the wall, hangs a large wooden holy symbol of Sarenrae studded with yellow and orange flecks of glass.

After a few minutes, Father Padrick rises rather stiffly, assisted by a handsome young man, and turns to face the congregation. The young man holds a book open for him, but he recites from memory without glancing at it.

"Open your arms to the spark of morning, and in each dawn find renewed strength to carry the Light.
Open your arms to the fire of the noon, and in its brilliance cast all shadows from your soul.
Open your arms to the embers of the dusk, and let their warmth steel you through the cold of evening.
Open your arms in the ashes of night, and let the light of others fill your heart - yet even in darkness know who you would embrace, lest vipers come to nest amid your arms.

"This is the word of the Dawnflower, heed it well and let Her Light guide your path as you go in peace."

He turns and walks stiffly down the steps from the altar and through the chapel, coming in your direction.

[Eroril Bazbek]

As Father Padrick approaches, Eroril stops his meditation and slowly rises. He steps out from bench and slowly moves to meet Father Padrick. "A truly beautiful prayer, Father. May Sarenrae's warmth shine upon us all. Do you have a few moments to spare for two seekers of knowledge who humbly approach you for your help? My name is Eroril Bazbek, Cleric of Torag at your service and this is Mikhail Tunnelsmith, a Monk of Irori. We wonder if you have any insight into the cause of these strange happenings of late?"

[Kozaric of the Bow]

Kozaric munches on his pancakes, listening intently to the speaker, but when the speaker finishes Kozaric raises an eyebrow,”So, the Blot is effecting nature, if you are of the belief magic is of the natural order of things, and is increasing in frequency and intensity. Why the Blot exists is still up for debate, but can not be in our best interest. Well thank you sir, if you need an operational arm of the Cyphermages in retaliation for the blot, myself and my friends are now partners with the owner of the Gold Goblin.”

[Megan Robertson]

Eroril and Ironleg: Father Padrick coughs violently into his hand. Once he's got his breath back, he regards the pair of you with rather bloodshot eyes.

"Time for seekers of knowledge? Of course, although few they be here, most seek food and shelter. Strange happenings? What do you mean?"

Kozaric, Cephadrel and Prylfellow: Elias chuckles.

"Cyphermages requiring an operational arm? Well, even the most scholarly might sometimes have such a need... I'll bear you in mind. Can you be reached at the Gold Goblin?

[Eroril Bazbek]

"By strange happenings, I am referring to this morning's sudden rock fall out of the sky, followed later by huge flocks of sea gulls pummeling themselves against the Cyphergate, or the tidal wave that struck Riddleport yesterday. Also, I have noticed the blot writhing in the sky during the rock shower. Have you heard anything that may link these events together or clues to what is the cause?"

[Kozaric of the Bow]

"Yasir, we all have rooms there. The Goblin reopens tomorrow night actually, under new security. You are welcomed to attend."

[Megan Robertson]

Eroril and Ironleg: Father Padrick stares at you.

"So those weren't drunken rumours from streetfolk? They see the strangest things, you know. May the Light of the Dawnflower protect us all!"

The handsome acolyte hovers into view.

"Father Padrick is not well and needs his rest... Don't you, Father?"

Kozaric, Cephadrel and Prylfellow: Elias finishes his plate and wipes his lips with a napkin.

"Most kind, I think I might just attend... Is there anything else I can do for you?"

[Kozaric of the Bow]

"No sir, you have been very helpful with information and generous with the pancakes. If something about the blot changes we would be greatly appreciative in knowing about it. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night at The Goblin, good day sir.”

[Eroril Bazbek]

Eroril is slightly taken aback at how much Father Padrick is out of touch. He wonders if it is due to illness as the acolyte suggests or some other cause. He addresses the acolyte.

"We are sorry, we didn't realize that Father Padrick is ill. Is it something I can help with, I am cleric of Torag. I am sure Torag would approve of me helping one of Sarenrae's priests."

Eroril is a little suspicious of the acolyte. He tries to discern if the acolyte is truly concerned with Father Padrick or is instead trying to prevent us from talking to him. Sense Motive 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

[Mikhail "Ironleg" Tunnelsmith]

Ironleg briefly gives Eroril a quizzical look, wondering if his dwarf friend also thought the story sounded fishy. He took a quick look around the chapel, making sure nothing seemed out of sorts.

Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Sense Motive 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

[Megan Robertson]

Eroril and Ironleg: You both get the impression that the acolyte is genuinely concerned about Father Padrick, but that there is something other than mere illness...

... and Ironleg

Spoiler:

Your keen nose detects a whiff of booze - stale wine

[Eroril Bazbek]

Eroril addresses the acolyte and lowers his voice. "Brother, you look troubled. Has this malady struck Father Padrick recently? Do you know its cause?" Eroril continues even in a quieter voice that only the acolyte can hear.

for the acolyte:

"If you are not at liberty to say in this place, pull on your right ear."

[Mikhail "Ironleg" Tunnelsmith]

Not being able to help himself, Ironleg smirks just a bit, with the picture of the what was happening at the temple becoming a little bit clearer. They know nothing, except how to finish a bottle of wine, he thought, waiting on Eroril to finish questioning the acolyte.

[Megan Robertson]

The acolyte tugs on his ear, "It's been the past few months... maybe you had better take your rest now, Father. I shall speak to these inquirers as you have taught me, and perhaps you can share your wisdom after you have rested."

[Eroril Bazbek]

Eroril bows to Father Padrick. "Father, your loyal acolyte is wise. Go, take your rest. I am sure you have taught him well. He can help us. Thank you."

Eroril waits patiently for Father Padrick to depart and then turns to the acolyte. "Is there a better place for us to talk?"

[Megan Robertson]

Father Padrick wanders off to a side door and departs. The acolyte turns back to you.

"Thank you for your consideration. My name is Jhonas. How may I be of service under the Light of the Dawnflower?"

[Eroril Bazbek]

"Thank you for your offer Jhonas. I am Eroril Bazbek and this is my associate, Mikhail Tunnelsmith, but you can call him Ironleg. We are trying to understand what is the cause of these strange happenings lately, the tremor, the tidal wave, the falling rocks from the sky, the gulls swarming and smashing into the Cyphergate. We think there is a connection. We thought that you may have some ideas. Further, you said that Father Padrick has been afflicted for the past few months. Do you know what the source of his affliction is?"

[Megan Robertson]

Jhonas looks thoughtful.

"Personally I've been too busy here to speculate much, but the prevalent opinion seems to be that everything's connected to that wierd thing in the sky, the one people call the Blot. Some evil arcanist tampering no doubt. Disturbing the natural order."

He looks uncomfortable.

"Father Padrick has, um... well... he's been drinking heavily the past few months. I have been pleading with him to moderate his intake, but to no avail. I'm at my wits' end..."

Meanwhile, elsewhere in town...

... Kozaric, Cephadrel and Prylfellow what do you want to do now?

[Eroril Bazbek]

Continuing the conversation with Jhonas,

"Did Father Padrick begin drinking heavily around the time the blot arrived? Do you think it is related? Have you noticed anything else unusual?"

[Mikhail "Ironleg" Tunnelsmith]

"Have you heard any speculation from any of the other temples that could explain what caused the Blot? Or have any idea where we could begin to find out more information?"

[Kozaric of the Bow]

I was waiting to see if anyone else had questions for the Mages. If not we will head back to the Goblin.

[Megan Robertson]

OK, Kozaric, Cephadrel and Prylfellow can return to the Goblin... or go somewhere else if preferred.

Eroril and Ironleg: Jhonas says, "Not really, most condem it as wizard stuff. Some have been preaching about the evil-ness of mages in general, others think it might be the work of whatever devils or demons exist in their patheons... Nobody seems to think it's good, though."

[Mikhail "Ironleg" Tunnelsmith]

"Thank you for taking the time to speak with us, sir," the dwarf nods at the acolyte and waits to see if Eroril has any other questions.

[Eroril Bazbek]

"Thank you for your time Jhonas. We are staying at the newly opening Gold Goblin. If you come across anything that will help us with our investigation, you can find us there. I wish you the best with helping Father Padrick."

Eroril turns toward Ironleg. "Let us be off." He then turns and begins to leave the mission.

[Megan Robertson]

Jhonas raises his eyebrows slightly at your address.

"May the Dawnflower's light shine upon you both. If I hear anything beyond the delusional ramblings of our less fortunate children, I'll drop by to tell you."

Where to next, everyone?

[Mikhail "Ironleg" Tunnelsmith]

"Honestly, it doesn't seem like we are going to get any divine answers. If any civilized temple had any knowledge, I assume they would have clued in all the others. I am at a loss, Eroril. You want to head back to the Goblin and see if the others have had more luck?"

[Eroril Bazbek]

"I agree. Everyone seems to be as much in the dark as we. Let's head back to the goblin."

[Megan Robertson]

Everyone back to the Goblin, then?

[Eroril Bazbek]

Eroril and Ironleg arrive back at the Goblin ready to discuss with the others what has been discovered.

[Megan Robertson]

As you all make your way back through town towards the Gold Goblin, every weather vane in Riddleport suddenly turns with a screeching of metal heard all across the port to point directly towards the Blot, even resisting the actual currents of the wind.

[Eroril Bazbek]

Hearing a sudden screeching coming from the tops of houses, Eroril looks up and watches as every weather vane in view struggles to turn toward the blot.

"Ironleg, may Tordek protect us, do you see that? Every weather vane is now pointing at the blot. An powerful evil is headed our way and it has no desire to keep its presence a secret any longer. We must hurry back to the Gold Goblin. Hopefully, the investigation by the others was more fruitful than ours."