Miikae recognizes no one here. She did not get to stay in the embassy after successfully bringing diplomats through the dangerous wastes. Once at the embassy her job was done, she collected her payment and went her own way.
This guard didn't seem the type to mince words. But they were there on business and they couldn't be delayed. She was too weary from her recent fight to study the guard well enough. She would let the others talk their way past him and follow their lead.
poor soul, his lord dead and now that beast eye sending him crazy. There must be a way to get rid of it... without hurting him. She had no idea how.
Greyson's member
knowledge loval
Zadock thanks the members of the group who aid in his recovery and wearily gets to his feat.
Before leaving the scene, Zadock asks Miikae if they could place the corpse of the assassin on top of Sands for transportation purposes due to the fact that everybody looks like they are about to collapse.
He stresses the fact that this is a temporary measure only until they get to the embassy.
During their trek to the embassy, Zadock stays back a bit to recollect and observe the situation...especially their newest travelling companion.
Knowledge rolls on the mutation...
Knowledge(Dungeoneering/Planes/Nature/Religion) = what caused the mutation? Can it be cured? Does it have a mind of its own?
Knowledge(Arcana) = is this a side effect of any known spell or spell gone wrong?
Knowledge(History)= Historical examples of mutation
Knowledge Local
Greysov bows slightly to the middle age dwarf that is standing with the Sheriff's and Deputies, knowing he is someone to be noted.
Knowledge Local
Greysov pay's attention to how the half-orc treats Venrich and Muziel noting what they are called and how they are treated so he doesn't make a mistake while in the embassy. Then notes how Venrich is stubbling with the Captian's name. Greysov wonders if he should remind him.
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Muziel feels he's returning home. He may be a bastard son, but he's still a lord in this place. He stands with confidence while speaking to Goulfvrim. "It's good to see you Goulfvrim, though it seems your guards have been less than effective as of late. But right now, we have more pressing concerns." He reaches into his bag and pulls out the sawtooth blade. "This is one of the blades wielded by the assassins." He then gestures to the corpse. "And that is one of the assassins, or what's left of her. She tried to finish the job with Venrich, so keep a good ... um ... eye, on him. That thing has an appetite for living flesh, so you might want to keep him confined while you figure out what's going on."
Muziel looks around at his ragtag company of wounded. "And get us some first aid to these people. We don't need any more dead in this tower." Muziel heads into the tower. "Come on in, make yourselves at home. Those of you with the energy can join me in Lord Vyktor's tower."
Edit:
Of course Master Muziel, though our medicus are taxed due to the recent combat, and this place does not allow for magic, as I am sure you know. Come Sir Venrich, we have a place for you in the tower already prepared He adds a knowing nod to Muziel as he takes Venrich into custody.
Oh Goulfvrim that is your name. This is Venrix my brother, he is very hungry.I TOLD HIM YOU WERE HUNGRY SHHH! Venrich accepts Goulfvrim's assistnace.
You are escourted to your rooms in the tower. They are very nice accomidations, even if they are decorated in a macabre style of Nidal.
The captain notices Gazerich Greystone when walking buy gives him a quick second glance and says" Gazerich?? is that you?" He gives hims a sturdy hand shake they catch up for a second real short answers nothing in depth about whats going on now or him getting arrested. But two questions fancys Cpt. strowls mind? Gazerich have you heard anything of my ship and ex crew? As well as any good greystone revolvers I'm tired of living in the old pirate pistol days i wont sell it but want something that doesnt need as much cleaning and a little nicer. When i get another lady crimson i will reclaim the seas and never look back. As well come to shore and help greystone's trading routes again.
Gazerich looks at Cpt Oliver shaking his head I knew they would catch you someday. Hell at one point I thought they were going to send me after you. Glad to see you free, you didn't escape did you? The stern Dwarf greets his friend of low repute with some caution.
"Why do we need to carry around a dead assassin? Venrich identified her, we have the proof," she pointed to the retrieved assassin blades, "we should give her a burial befitting such a cold killer. The alley trash pile." She spat out the last few words. She sounded angry, though not at Zadok. She pulled out her blanket, covering Sands back and her gear. Walking over to the body she hoisted it up herself, with several pained grunts and heaved it to flop on top of the blanket without another word.
Sezira waited with Sands while Muziel talked to the guard, eager to sit down somewhere and properly fix herself up. She had started to bleed again. She had been an escort and guide for several diplomats in the past, but Nidal was not her style. She was led to a stable for Sands. Insisting on taking him there herself. She wanted to be alone with him. Even though he couldn't speak back, she knew he understood her. They had spent almost four years together now. She put away all their supplies, fed him some hay before removing the barding. Inspecting the area where the blade had struck. Such a powerful blow, thankfully the armour had been there or Sands might not have lived. No. You would have lived, I wouldn't let anyone do that to you. I'll be more careful next time. We are sure to run into more of them. We need to learn how they fight so that doesn't happen again. When she had fully dressed him down and he was busy munching on his feed, she sat on a stool by him and removed her armour. It wasn't bleeding now that she no longer moved strenuously, her attempt at healing herself hadn't gone so well back in the alley. She rubbed Sands neck, promising to soon return, then made her way to find the infirmary to get it dressed properly while she was here and could use the resources.
Kera was glad to be moving. She was still rather tired after the days events. Thinking on the day reminded her of the guards that they had left behind. She would need to make sure, with the Duchess, that they had gotten out alright.
As it was they were making their way to the embassy of Nidal. Kera didn’t care where they were going as long as it had a bath and a bed she would be happy. Seeing all the officials milling about Kera looked over to Karrick. He seemed uneasy around those of the law if not aggressive. Slowing up a bit she locked step with him in case any of the officials gave him trouble. Being a deputy herself Kera felt she could smooth things over for Karrick if needed.
It seemed it wasn’t needed as Muziel and the mutant were recognized members of this house. Good, Kera would have offered her families hospitality but their home was small and her family not accustom to such a cast of characters.
Seeing Miikae break off from the group to tend to Sands Kera calls after her.
”I hope all is well with your noble steed Miikae. Sands is excellent companion.”
The horse had proven his worth on more then one occasion. To Kera it had been worth splitting the party over in hind sight. Being show to a lovely, if not slight disturbing, room had been the best prize all day. If a bath was available Kera would have indulged in a nice long soak. Though she was a women of battle she did have her girlie moments. Once that was done she would have retired to her room for some supper and sleep.
In the morning she would have search out the others to see what their next plan of attack was. It seemed they had found out the who of who had taken out the Lord but not the why. Also there was no doubt a mastermind behind all of this pulling the assassins strings. These were ideas that had floated around Kera’s mind before she had drifted off to sleep.
Coming upon members of the party she smiled a greeting to them.
”A new day is upon us. I hope all fair better today as we have the matter of the Lord’s assassination to deal with.”
Arriving at the embassy, Karrick is notably suspicious of the Nidalese representatives, despite -- or perhaps because of -- their warm welcome and hospitality. Sticking to the fringes of the group, Karrick watches the interactions between the ambassadors, the sewer dweller, and the others. When rooms are offered, Karrick silently obliges the Nidalese hospitality, but finds little comfort in the warm beds of the shadow nation.
* * *
Come morning, Karrick is awake at dawn and ready to get whatever progress is to be expected started. But then, there are dead assassins, perhaps this is where the trail ends? When Kera arrives in the common room he'd been waiting in, Karrick shifts his posture to offer her a brief, goggled look.
"Now what?" He asks to the air, head canted to the side slightly.
no no escape for me. They released me on a mission i can not unfold to ypu at the moment and it was for a false cause my crew set me up and took my ship with some of my best greystone firearms and other supplies. I mean true they were lookin for me before but it wasn't until they thought I stole the duchess' treasure that they got me.. You know I would never go after something that guarded and dangerous for the people that truely need it, but anyway here I am in this situation with some bonuses and minuses. My gods and steel protect the wind and strength that is in me. he smiles well don't wanna keep you tell you what some of the earnings that I get from this job will go to greystone and a lot of the poor that I wanted to give to but couldn't ,after I get my boat of course. That's truly all I would need and a trusty crew lol.
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In the morning you are awaken by a "servant" of Nidal.The broken man does not even look up to greet you and simply stats Good morning honorable guests, the Lord Grachius Ureste IV would appreciate it if you accompanied him in the main dinning area for breakfast. The collared servant limps away after delivering the message.
The now what appears to be the Nidalese servant tracking Karrick down to inform him that he's been invited to dinner. Tugging at one ear thoughtfully, Karrick offers a snorted laugh and shakes his head. Scrubbing a calloused hand over his stubbled chin, he looks the servant over then affords him a subtle nod of compliance, one that goes unnoticed with the servant's downcast stare.
Karrick, ever the gauche, proceeds to head directly to the dining hall in his layered vest and leggings of lamellar armored plates. Sheathed across his chest, Karrick's curved knives are prominently displayed. Given that they had already bumped into one another in the foyer, Karrick opts to travel most of the way there with Kera.
Though once the pair reach the door to the dining hall, Karrick steps aside -- at first in appearance of letting Kera in first -- but then only turns his back to the wall beside the doorway, props himself up and folds his arms. One brow raises at Kera, and he nods to the door. "I ain't much for this sort've thing. Fill me in when everyone's done. I'll keep an eye out here."
Grinning, he adds, "Wouldn't want any more diplomats t'get assassinated."
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Ah, distinguished guests please come sit, eat, and talk with me. Is this all of you? I thought there was eight.That DAMN SLa..um servant. Felix damn you go get all of them now! The man's face is flush for only a momment, then he gathers himself again. Sorry about that. Please sit here with me. I hear you are all on a special mission. Don't look surprised your friendly Capt hinted as much last night outside these walls. We all want to see the killer captured of course, but you will need full stomaches for such a task. The devilishly handsome man is already under the effects of alcohol this morning and is grining from ear to ear.
After asking if there was a physician skilled with horses and having someone look after Sands, ordered a servant to bring her some dinner and ate there with Sands.
After seeing the room she decided against it and slept in the far more comfortable to her hay pile near Sands. She slept like a rock. Waking early as she always did she fed her companion and meditated.
Leaving Sands for now she went looking for a servant and asked for a bath. She was too distracted to even think of it last night. It's while bathing that the servant finds her and delivers her invitation for breakfast, never once looking at her. Only the floor. Why would they treat their servants like this? Poor man... She quickly finished her bath, got dressed and met the others in the main dining area. She had left her armour in the stable as well as her weapons before finding a bath. Seeing Karrick watching the door made her wonder if this was a mistake. "Expecting trouble even in here?" questioning him before going inside, not enough time to go back and suit up.
Pervince stitched together the minor damage to his lamellar cuirass and no longer bears bandages. Despite the late rest, he rises earlier than the others. He waits in the hall, giving a polite but brief 'good morning' to each he knows the name of. Once Greysov comes out, he steps forward to him with a small greeting wave, leaving the large gun to rest against the wall.
"Good morning. Hold a moment to speak with me, Greysov. Might I need apologize for my reaction to you earlier? It would be unfortunate if I earned any ire for it and left it to fester. In fact, I am quite pleased that you saw fit to bind that wound, even if only to benefit from my skills. Not to be thankless, but it seems there is no need to thank for using your skills as you see fit. You inspired me, in fact, to think of the ways of healing. Tell me, have I offended?"
- - -
Using the Watts gun as a chair-booster, Pervince leans back uncomfortably. Watching the lord Grachius as he speaks, he nods at mention of a full stomach. He looks at (or for) the food mentioned, standing in the chair briefly to glance around. But he focuses on Grachius once again.
"More than that, we need some insight. Why have the Mantis assassins struck now? I fear the diplomat knew something, and events that we've witnessed perhaps even suggest that it has something to do with the vaults. Lord Grachius Ureste the Fourth, I'm afraid I do not know much about the upper echelon of society. What's your take on all this?"
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Grachius looks over Pervince Yes, it is apparent you do not know much about upper society, but very well what could one expect from a halfling. Hmmm my take, oh yes lets see. My take is that other than that I can not say. We from Nidal are poorly understood and it has gained us a rather nasty reputation.
The servants rush into the room and begin to place the food on the table as fast as possible. Grachius takes a big gulp of wine, then splashes some into one of the servants faces. Clean that up and next time when I ask for Taldarian wine, I do not mean that sewer water you've kept in these blasted mana wastes for half a century, I want you to go to the market and get the best. Damn fools, it is a good thing I put up with you I have no idea what your life would be like on your own.
Muziel is preparing his extracts for the day when a slave comes by, telling him that Lord Grachius Ureste the Fourth was requesting his presence at breakfast. He stops his work immediately. "Oh my, what does he want?" he says aloud, louder than he should.
Muziel starts rummaging around his living quarters, pushing aside flasks and scattering his research notes. "Aha! he says, finding his formal attire. He strips from his protective leathers and dons the wrinkled outfit, emblazoned with the coat of arms: a man standing astride the body of a lion with the lion's head held in his arms. No longer wearing a hood, Muziel is revealed to be completely bald -- the product of some unfortunate experiments gone awry. He leaves behind his weaponry, knowing full well that its presence would be an insult to Lord Ureste.
Muziel hurries to the main dining hall, smoothing out his shirt as he walks. As he approaches the hall, he glances quickly at Karrick, perplexed. He shrugs, then enters the room and bows deeply. "Lord Ureste, it is an honor to have you grace us with your presence. I sincerely apologize on behalf of my colleagues here -- they know only the ways of Alkenstar, and are not easily parted from their weapons." Muziel takes a towel and wipes the wine off a seat beside the Lord before sitting down. He looks toward Lord Ureste, attempting to assess whether his gaze is friendly or hostile.
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Grachius smiles, Ah, yes Master Muziel. Well it is nice to see one among you has some grace, and of course he is one of mine. I do hope you plan on serving me as well as you did Lord Vyktor. He has always spoken so highly of you, and I too know of your talents.In fact, in recognition for your achievment in getting that Dwarf woman out safe I have brought you a gift. .
Felix hurries, almost tripping on the rug as he approaches Muziel with a box. I know of your research and came upon this in town as I was shopping for our late Lord.
Muziel offers a polite smile as he receives the box from Felix. "You are too generous, my Lord." Opening it, he sees a formula and two alchemical potions.
"Ant Haul!" he exclaims. He can't help himself but be delighted. "These will be very handy. My thanks." He holds the potions to the light, examining them at various angles. He buys enough time to compose himself before setting the gifts aside.
"Lord Ureste, it must be such a shock for you to see our defenses so easily compromised. It's as if the killers knew our methods." Muziel clears his throat, then motions to a servant for a drink. He takes a sip. "Were you here when it happened?"
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No, I was out for our late Lord. He wanted me to get something...specific for him. Anyways, I am confident that our defenses will hold now, those who failed us have been punished. We were to accustomed to the saftey these dwarves promised and it made us weak. Besides, I hear these assassins may have been Red Mantis. They are notorious for their abilities. I have already sent an envoy to Nex so they can teleport to Absolam and ask for assistance.
Outside of the dining hall, Karrick keeps his head pitched towards the door. Arms crossed over his chest and armored, he looks the part of someone's vigilant budyguard, save for the fact that the only body he guards is his own. Miikae was right, though, Karrick was expecting trouble. The problem is that there's no differentiation between mad paranoia and caution to Karrick. Having lived where he lived for as long as he did, a knife at the back was a constant way of life. He hasn't -- and likely never will -- adjust.
With one ear on the conversation in the hall, Karrick keeps his eyes on the hall outside. With twice-over being in proximity to coordinated assassination attempts, the "security" of a Nidalese embassy that was already once targeted bears no comfort. Thankfully for Karrick, the dim lighting of the embassy is more his ally than the others in the room beyond.
Some savage part of him hopes there's an attack, the scent of blood has long left his hands. In moments like these Karrick realizes just how much it is missed; how much he's changed.
Cpt. Strowls woke up early to get a shower and get his clothes cleaned for morning. He knows the proper etiquette when appearing in front of nobles, having robbed them so many times. He dons in his full regalia red sash (no weapons) pirate hat with gold trim white french cut shirt and a blue coat with red trim and gold buttons. He asked for a servant to introduce him into the dining hall but they thought it would be a bit much. he exclaimed "But I'm a Captain a noble of the sea!" he sighs and walks into the dining room were all the group has been and gives a great bow feeling much like him self now that he is not in the sewer and smell much more pleasant than he was cuffed at the duchess' palace. He bellows out "Cpt. Strowls has enter the dining hall!" He looks around to see if any of his current group have had the same manners to get cleaned up and not bring their weapons. "Back to my ole' self ahhh it feels good to be on top again. what are we going to do today?" He has a big and trouble maker smile to him
intimadate
Exhausted Zadock hits the bed as soon as he is shown the room.
Prepared Spells
1st-level spells
Burning Disarm
Dampen Powder
Mage Armor
At the first ray of sunlight, Zadock awakens mechanically and proceeds to transcribe the events of the previous day inside his journal and proceeds to contemplate on what it all might mean....
Spellcraft and Linguistics for the Ruins for the first encounter
Spellcraft
Linguistics
At the knock of the door, he snaps the journal close and greets the slave at the door (careful not to let him in while he still has things in the room).
Collecting his belongings, he joins the rest of the party (giving a silent nod to Karrick as he passes him in the hall) and leans his musket on the table next to him as he sits.
Zadock takes a plate of food after their host does but doesn't eat anything quite yet and attempts to signal one of the slaves/servants over for a sealed bottle of cheap wine.
Craft(Alchemy)
After Captain Strowls strides in and announces his presence, Muziel stands up. "Ah, Captain. It is good to see that at least one among you understand the proper respect to to our Lord Ureste! But where are the others? It is not good to keep a Lord waiting." Without waiting for a response, Muziel continues speaking. "Let me see about getting them down here." He rises, and after offering a bow to the Lord, exits the room.
Muziel returns to the room. "I've asked our guard to go see where the other are, my Lord. Perhaps once they are assembled we can discuss how we can best aid you in this difficult time."
Muziel's emergence from the room elicits an arch of Karrick's brow, and the conspiratorial undertones on the Nidalese alchemist's words surprise the Karrick further. "Never suspected you had that big'f a backbone," Karrick admits in a hushed tone, smirking slightly in what might be a good-natured jest.
Offering an askance look to the door, Karrick simply nods at Muziel and leans away from the wall, his posture loosening as he does. Karrick doesn't confirm what he's going to do, or explain much at all. It's likely better for Muziel to be unaware of what the goggled man is planning; it's harder to be caught in a lie of omission when you don't know the truth.
Watching the movements of the people in the embassy, Karrick uses blind-spots in the patrol of security and the averted-gaze of servants to attempt to slip out of the embassy un-noticed.
From here, his plan involved heights.
______________
()
Kera watched the broken man and listened to him as he told Karrick and herself that they were wanted for breakfast. She felt sorry for the man, wishing she could in some way help him. However this wasn’t her fight and making her host mad was not the goal of this mission.
Walking with Karrick was…interesting. He didn’t speak at all but was very sure to have his armor and weapons on display. She wondered if he did such thing to be feared or out of a rebellious need to anger authority. It also made her wonder what his story was but she didn’t dare ask…not yet anyway.
His seemingly gallant gesture had Kera throw off for a moment. Then she smiled as it was clear he was positioning himself outside the room with no intention of going in.
”Alright. Wise idea. Though you are throwing me to the lions.”
She smiles back at Karrick then enters the room hoping she isn't the only person here, after all she knows squat about being around royalty. The man speaking to her was clearly a Lord or some other royalty. At the offering of a seat she took one wincing slightly when the man yelled at his “servant”.
”It’s quite alright. Felix came upon me in the hall so I was just the first to get his message…and close.”
Kera mentally grumbled that the Captain seemingly had a big mouth. The Lord seemed tipsy…at such and early hour? Well maybe they had different ways. Hearing Miikae but not seeing her Kera hoped she came in soon. However it wasn’t her Druid friend that came in but the Halfling, Pervince. At this point she was glad to see anyone from her party and smiled brightly. At least he had the mind to question the Lord. Kera was just trying not to trip over her tongue.
When the Lord yelled about the food Kera looked over to Pervince a bit worried. Then again nobles were use to being waited on hand and foot. It seemed they were more then being use to such treatment as the Lord verbally abused his “servant”. Kera let out a soft sigh when Muziel arrived. Thank the gods…these were his people so maybe Kera could get away with just nods and some yes sirs. There was an exchange and Muziel got a gift that seemed to please him and for this she smiled. When food was served Kera would eat, but at least try and eat with manners and not just tuck in.
Cpt. Strowls was next to arrive, Kera’s smile vanishes. In fact she gives him an incredulous look as she swaggers into the room. The smile returned when Zadock entered. As Muziel left to check on the others Kera tried to relax a little. They had a task at hand and they needed to get to it.
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Grachius seems mildly impressed with Cpt Oliver Strowls and even chuckles a bit What are we going to do you ask? Why drink some more wine I think! I do enjoy sea-folk so up front and honest about what they desire. Do you desire to drink with me Cpt Strowls? And what else do you desire? Grachius looks at Kera with a look full of lust.I see you care for these servants. That is sweet, in fact you seem very sweet. And what might it be that you do for this band of miscreants? I had a chamber maid that looked a bit like you, you are not Cheliaxian by chance are you?
Grachius looks to Muziel as he gets up Yes, always the capable man I like that Muziel. Take charge and get it done. I can not wait to meet this wild woman that has such a bond with her horse.
Before he sits to next to Pervince, Greysov bows slightly "Good Morning Lord Ureste thank you for your Hospitality."
Once seated he turns to Pervince "I was told by my Nona Milena that you can't always count on magic to get you out of rough spots so you need to keep you skills sharp. Greysov takes a drink of water "I took no ire at what you said or how you acted, Binding of the groups wounds is one of my talents and I am glad to use it. I was glad to have helped you."
Miikae listens as the diplomats speak. Clearly not too skilled at their game. She notes Muziels strange exit, surely he knew Karrick was just outside. She wonders what he is upto and makes a note to ask about it later.
This Grachius was getting on her nerves a little. She wonders how much wine he has had...
She turns to Kera and whispers, "I've been thinking about the assassins and better ways if we are forced to fight them. I'll tell everyone once we are done here. Who does this guy think he is?"
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Ha a follower of Nethys that doesn't count on Magic, well I tell you I can not blame you. I am surprised after your time here if you still believe in anything. I am starting to doubt my own eyes. Grachius takes another sip and looks to Miikae Hello wild woman, I have heard of you and how you guide diplomats. I may need your talents some day in that regard, but ok lets all talk about why I called you here. I see the pretty eyed man is not with us, that is fine mutants put me off my appetite to be honest.
Ok so here is the deal, We all know it was those Red Mantis Wh@#$s that did this, and I want some retribution. Since you have killed on of their own, maybe you have some ideas on how to find them? I know the Dwarfesss has promised you money and all that, but if you bring them to me to face judgement in Nidal, I will pay you double what ever some petty Dwarf in this rotten desert can muster. Think it over. I need a nap I think. Grachius barley stands and stumbles twords his bed chambers.
Once Grachius stumbles out, Pervince finishes his share of breakfast quickly. Not bad. Now left to themselves, he assesses the others a brief moment once again.
"We know better than others about the Red Mantis Assassins, it seems. But I have to wonder, what DO we know? Anything to tell us the next step to finding the Red Mantis Assassins. We could find out where those blades were made. A guild house location might be good. If nothing else..."
"...I think the Red Mantis were supposed to oversee assassinations. My guess is they used it as a way to become the only assassins. No good that guess is to us. Certainly we have more to go on than that."
Once listening to the others, Pervince excuses himself to try to find the Greystone dwarf to speak of the Red Mantis.
Cpt. takes a drink of wine as he eats his breakfast, not bad wine, he thinks to him self and with a certainty in his voice but no proof to back it up We could take it to Gazerich Greystone if hes still in town im sure he knows or know who to point us to. and his drunkin promise to pay us double for retribution hmmm cheliax people dont make too many good promises or at least people offering double with out knowing the price i wouldnt trust.
knowledge local
knoledge local greystone
As Muziel sees the drunken lord rise and depart for his room, he starts to panic. Not yet! he thinks to himself. Muziel follows as Grachius exits the room, trying to get his attention.
Muziel pauses for dramatic effect, hoping Grachius will stop and listen.
Muziel gestures toward a private room nearby, hoping Grachius will join him.
The folded piece of paper is tucked between his armor and clothing securely, but it is the sound of someone approaching that has Karrick nervous. Hearing those creeping sound of footsteps, he scowls and considers his options. So much for Plan A. Creeping over to the door, he slowly turns the lock and bars immediate entrance to the room. Then, twisting back towards the sealed compartment, Karrick hurries over as quietly as he can.
Time for Plan B.
With sudden and violent force, Karrick swiftly kicks the secret compartment as hard as he can in an attempt to break it open in a single stroke.
________
At Grachius look Kera goes a bit wide eyed. She doesn’t get looks like that ever and never from a Lord. His words make her gulp then laugh nervously. Great…he was hitting on her…perfect…she wasn’t even all that pretty, at least in her own mind.
”Your to kind my Lord. I am a front line fighter for the group, also I am a deputy here in town. No I am afraid I have no Cheliaxian blood.”
Even if she did she wouldn’t say so. He might find her MORE appealing then. Yes she was far more comfortable bashing heads then making polite conversation with a Lord. When he spoke about Miikae in such a way Kera inwardly grimaced then looked over at her friend. Taking her eyes away from Miikae she smiles a greeting to Greysov who had joined them.
Leaning over to listen to Miikae, Kera nods excited to hear her plan about the assassins. As for who the Lord thought he was…well.
”A Cheliaxian lord and our current host so we better be nice.
Kera whispered back then…ugh…giggled. She had seen her sisters do such flirtatious things. It would make the Lord think they were whispering about him…she hoped. Whispering girlie flattering things about the tipsy lord.
Bluff Check
Kera inwardly groaned when he spoke of Miikae “guiding” him. He was just full of himself and double entendres this morning. She frowns when he speaks ill of Karrick. Kera would take Karrick over Grachius any day of the week. At least Karrick didn’t speak much…and also didn’t make passes at every female in the room. Once Pervince Questions the group Kera nodds.
”My family supply a great deal of steel to the guilds in town. We could start there. See if my family might know who makes such blades.”
Kera couldn’t help but smile wide at the thought of maybe giving the group a leg up with knowledge and not just brut force. She nods to the Captain in agreement about the payment.
”Plus our services have already been promised to the Duchess. I am not one to go back on promises or my word.”
It didn’t help that the Lord was a grade A creeper. Turning down his drunken offer seemed like a wise choice. As Muziel rushes out of the room Kera rises and walks back over to the door where Karrick should be to let him know what happened and that the Lord was gone…more or less. Not seeing him Kera raises an eyebrow. Had there been trouble? Moving down the hall she keeps a sharp eye out for both trouble and Karrick.
For a bent copper piece Zadock would have put a bullet between their host's eyes.
Luckily he had bigger problems to shoot/solve...
For example, Zadock leans over to Pervince and whispers "Wait, Did Kera just giggle?"
Seeing that the food is most likely not poisoned he proceeds to eat as he has not had a meal like this ever since he has gotten to this magic-forsaken land.
After Zadock is finished, he turns half his attention to the group and their current discussion.
When Kera and Pervince mention the sword, Zadock suddenly realizes that he has allowed his old academic habits to get in front of his actual goal. A trait that he reminds himself will kill him one day if he keeps it up...
Cursing a bit under his breath as he unwraps the item underneath the table, he carefully examines the assassin's sword for a smith's mark or any other distinguishing features.
Appraise
Linguistic/Perception to see what Muziel and Grachius are talking about in the corner there, as he feels it is a bad sign when people start speaking in an alien tongue while he is in the room...
Linguistics
Perception
When Grachius finally leaves, Miikae lets out a sigh of relief. Perhaps he isn't that bad of a person when he isn't drunk... yea right. She highly doubted that. If he ever tried anything with her he would see how wild she could get. And not in the way he would like. She grimaced at the thought of him attempting something...
"I will be otherwise busy if he ever decides he needs to see us again. I do not intend to take his money either," she said to the others when they were alone. he might decide we bloody owe him or something after that. His gold is likely tainted too.
She leaned close to Kera and whispered, "since we're the only women in this party. When it comes to men, I'll have your back if you have mine." She smiled and stood up, reaching for some food hungrily.
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Scaling down the wall of the embassy, Karrick swings over to the window of his afforded bedroom, pushing the windows open with one booted foot before dropping down to the window ledge and swinging his way inside. Landing in a crouch, he looks back over his shoulder, then quietly moves to the windows to shut them.
A sly smile spreads across Karrick's face as he unwraps the chain and grips it by the two adamantine hoops in its length. The unwieldly weapon is given a few experimental swings before Karrick decides it's a bit too awkward to use at the moment. Wrapping it a few times around his waist, he carefully tucks the barbed lengths around one another, then uses his loose cloth waist-wrap to conceal its unique design from the others.
With the documents tucked inside his vest, Karrick slips back out of his room and into the hall. Briskly, the goggled killer stalks back down to the foyer, then into the hall outside of the dining area.
Leaning in to the dining hall, Karrick takes a quick scan of the room but finds no sign of Muziel. Brows briefly furrowed, he ducks back out to wait beside the door where he was before, to wait.
Patiently.
___________
Ho ho ho adamantine :D
Zadock proceeds to go through the rest of the things recovered from their fallen assailant, mumbling to himself as he does so.
"...the sword is of good quality, the dagger seems nice, let's see about those tonics..."
Craft(Alchemy)
After concluding his work, he takes a quick look around to make sure he wasn't abandoned by the rest of the party while he was working.
Zadock spots Karrick by the door and takes a quick last bite before picking up his musket and heading in that direction.
Making a quick stop by Miikae, he leans the sabre against the table "Just in case you need to make a point to our host." and proceeds to the hall, chuckling at his own joke.
Quickly checking to make sure the hallway is at least mostly empty, Zadock fishes the cold iron dagger from his sash and hands it to Karrick as discretely as he can. "I figure you can make better use of this than me." He makes sure nobody is eavesdropping before continuing "Muziel just requested a private audience with our grand host, any ideas why?"
Muziel simply stares at the hideous form of Venrich. He wonders if Grachius involved with this rapid mutation, and is simply bragging about it now.
"Why, just yesterday, that growth was just a tiny limb. Someone should just cut that thing off, and see what happens to Venrich." Muziel turns partway toward Grachius, but he can't help but keep an eye on the mutant. "Lord Ureste, I certainly understand your desire to leave Alkenstar at this point." Muziel thinks of a reason to keep the lord in town nevertheless. "But you should at least stay until the assassins are delivered to you. You would surely gain favor if you brought them to face justice."
Muziel attempts to continue their earlier "negotiation."
"My lord, you know that I am eager to stay in Alkenstar to study the curiosities of this land." He gestures toward Venrich. "Such interest in the outside world is normally frowned upon in Nidal, unlike in Cheliax. And truth be told, my father does not provide much support for my journeys. But if you were to provide me with financial support, and left me as representative here in this land, I would have everything I need. In return, I could certainly ensure that these misfits do not trouble you for your promised reward."
As Muziel continues to speak, he even starts convincing himself that this deal it might be a good idea. He really would like to become head diplomat for Nidal, and have an excuse to stay put. But he knew better than to trust Grachius. Knowing that he would inevitably be betrayed, he would do the betrayal first.
"What do you think, my Lord? Do we have an agreement?"
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Do I sense a bit of deception in your voice Muziel? A guard comes down with Felix the servant and throws him in the cell with Venrich. The eye covered hunch backed limb seems to engulf Felix and is dissolving his flesh with octopus-like tentacles. I hope not for your sake, our friend always has rooms for seconds. When you bring me the Assassins, we will discuss any promotions then. Double cross me and I will make you envy this man. You are dismissed, I will remain here to watch him feed. It is fascinating.