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Chapter 5: Duck!

Posted by GMFor group 0
GM
GM, 1805 posts
Wed 6 Jun 2018
at 17:13
  • msg #670

Chapter 5

In reply to Deev (msg # 669):

Stables

The Guildmistress sniffs.

"Ducktown appreciates your assistance, surely," she begins stiffly.  "And I have made all haste to prepare the ingredients noted.  However, as you surely know, some of them I am told are rare.  It is likely my agent will find them in Losthelm, but if he does not, it will have to be Long Plain.  Do you suspect this will be a problem?"


Armory

The Master of Arms nods and moves off to investigate the site, leaving Brennan and Bryce to follow his agents to the Armory.

Once there, they carefully lay the girl down on the table where previously another corpse recently sat.  Out of respect, they place another sheet over her.

Waiting around, a surgeon is eventually found.  He is a crusty man with only one eye who smells of beer and smoke, the latter emphasized when he fills and lights a pipe as he goes to work.

OOC: He will begin an examination, if you want to intervene, add thoughts, or just say anything, go ahead.
Ciryl Fontaine
player, 235 posts
Cure for what ails you
At a reasonable price
Wed 6 Jun 2018
at 17:47
  • msg #671

Chapter 5

"Frankly I'm not sure the Governor will survive the winter.  If your agent can find what is needed in Losthelm then it may be alright.  If he has to go to Long Plain any problem would be from the weather.  Of additional concern is the fact that I must be on my way shortly. Your three days of business is over and even if I could beg you for longer I'm quite low on wares besides. Is there anyone in town you think might be able to follow instructions to concoct the medicine if you can acquire the ingredients?" Ciryl's reply is calm and measured, despite the Guildmistress's uptight nature.
Brennan Otthild
player, 1757 posts
Seer. Prophet. Charlatan.
Can't Stop Reading Ahead
Wed 6 Jun 2018
at 17:59
  • msg #672

Chapter 5

In reply to Ciryl Fontaine (msg # 671):

"I noticed black marks near her nose and eyes and such," Brennan says, helpfully pointing these out. "I think she was burned from the inside, somehow. It's very curious."

He frowns slightly.

"Shouldn't someone inform her parents and maybe let them see the body before you take it apart?"
GM
GM, 1806 posts
Thu 7 Jun 2018
at 00:32
  • msg #673

Chapter 5

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 672):

Stables

The Guildmistress shakes her head.

"If you are as adept at your arts as you say, then you are the best in town.  We have but a handful with any alchemical talent, and they're more suited to parlor tricks than healing.  Surgeons we have, but they cannot help our Governor.

If you can instruct someone in the application of your remedy, we would again be thankful to you."

Armory

"I'm not a bloody taxidermist, nor one of those knife-crazy upstarts from the academy, boy," the surgeon replies puffing indignantly on his pipe.

"I'll not be taking her to pieces to ink a better textbook, a cursory examination should be sufficient."

Though gruff, he doesn't seem to be truly offended, and he accepts Brennan's comments with a nod and an 'oh-ho' sound.

"If I didn't know better," he says as he inspects the sole of her remaining foot, "I'd say the poor girl had swallowed a bonfire!  Not possible, mind.  Potentially a poker or a thin brand?  All very unusual."

He covers her back over with great care and tenderness.

"You have a theory then?"
Brennan Otthild
player, 1758 posts
Seer. Prophet. Charlatan.
Can't Stop Reading Ahead
Thu 7 Jun 2018
at 13:48
  • msg #674

Chapter 5

In reply to GM (msg # 673):

"Demonic corruption," Brennan suggests with a straight face. "Or something meant to make people believe such, perhaps. You have a cult operating here, whisking away those girls. The Watch even encountered a demon yesterday. It stands to reason."

He shakes his head.

"Frankly, I was hoping to find a physical reason to explain what happened but...as you said, the wounds seems nigh impossible."
GM
GM, 1807 posts
Thu 7 Jun 2018
at 19:05
  • msg #675

Chapter 5

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 674):

Armory

The crusty surgeon makes grumpy noises in the back of his throat while puffing slowly on his pipe.

"Could be, could be.  Folks'd tell you this is a nice town, nothing from the Dream of Hell would dare, they'd say.  I'd say no sane man would do a thing like this to a little girl, or anyone else for that matter... too much effort at least."

He thinks a moment longer.

"I'll buy there's something going on here, if not witches and the like, sure someone who THINKS they are..."
Brennan Otthild
player, 1759 posts
Seer. Prophet. Charlatan.
Can't Stop Reading Ahead
Fri 8 Jun 2018
at 13:47
  • msg #676

Chapter 5

In reply to GM (msg # 675):

"Anyone come to mind as a likely suspect?" Brennan asks the surgeon.
GM
GM, 1808 posts
Fri 8 Jun 2018
at 13:55
  • msg #677

Chapter 5

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 676):

Armory

"No," he answer simply.

He puffs on his pipe.

"Plenty of rifraff in the outskirts, mind, but I don't see any of them going to this much trouble."
Brennan Otthild
player, 1760 posts
Seer. Prophet. Charlatan.
Can't Stop Reading Ahead
Fri 8 Jun 2018
at 14:17
  • msg #678

Chapter 5

In reply to GM (msg # 677):

Brennan nods thoughtfully, but has little more to contribute. He'll linger a bit for the Master of Arms to return, hopefully to conclude his business with him and see how the site visit went.
GM
GM, 1809 posts
Mon 11 Jun 2018
at 14:20
  • msg #679

Chapter 5

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 678):

The Armory

It isn't long before the Master of Arms returns, his aid close on his heels.

"I searched the area, and it is as you say," the Master of Arms says simply, his voice implying that these facts may have been in question.

"I found no particular evidence that would be of use."

He eyes the surgeon carefully for a moment, then looks to Brennan.

"Do you have any further theories I should hear?"
Brennan Otthild
player, 1761 posts
Seer. Prophet. Charlatan.
Can't Stop Reading Ahead
Mon 11 Jun 2018
at 14:49
  • msg #680

Chapter 5

In reply to GM (msg # 679):

"This is consistent with cult activity. Textbook, almost. I would suggest that the cult is collecting what it believes to be 'virgin souls' and burning them as an offering. Either to a demon, or to someone who has convinced them he is a demon. But I would refrain from making that part public, as you can imagine the 'solutions' the rabble might concoct for such a situation. People are barbaric when they become frightened."

He looks quite serious.

"We encountered such a being yesterday, incidentally. As your archer will attest. If not a demon, it's a man quite skilled with the use of flame, smoke, and pyrotechnics to simulate being one. And if it's a man, it may have been a blacktongue, based on the gibberish it was spouting."

"Be careful about how you handle this former priest and the urchin boys in his care. Send men with the lamplighters to protect them and keep an eye out. Those would be my suggestions."

Brennan looks thoughtful for a moment.

"If it IS demonic activity, that will have drawn the suspicion of the Inquisition. It has been weeks since the disturbances began. I would not be surprised if they arrived shortly. Be prepared to cooperate with them if that comes to pass."

He bows slightly.

"I hope these observations are useful to you, though I'm sorry I wasn't able to be of more help. With your leave, I intend to resume my journey toward Losthelm. My patron has been patient with my delays thus far, but to linger beyond the point of being helpful would be difficult to justify."
GM
GM, 1810 posts
Mon 11 Jun 2018
at 17:52
  • msg #681

Chapter 5

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 680):

The Armory

"The Inquisition?" the Master of Arms replies, his mouth twisting into a sneer.  "Most unfortunate.  Naturally we acquiesce to any agents of the King."  He glances at the surgeon who nods.

"It's not like anything I've seen," he agrees.

"I concur with your assessment, then," the Master of Arms says, turning back to Brennan.  "Discretion is important.  I spoke with the archer, he isn't sure what he saw but he cannot explain it, nor the situation leading to capturing the clerk."

He pauses, lost in thought for a moment.

"I will go myself to find the priest, and question him."

He addresses everyone in the room, raising his voice to a clear command: "There will be no talk of demons.  Murderers we have, maybe even those working under dark influences, but until I am sure these are not mere men, I will labor to bring them to justice."

He orders the body moved into a back room out of sight until the parents can claim it, and thanks the surgeon for his duties.

"If you are leaving than this concludes our business."  the Master of Arms counts out coins from his purse equal to the previous payment and hands it to Brennan one at a time.

"I hope that we will have no need for further help once we speak with this priest."

This, it is possible, is the closest thing he can say to any kind of thanks.
Brennan Otthild
player, 1762 posts
Seer. Prophet. Charlatan.
Can't Stop Reading Ahead
Mon 11 Jun 2018
at 20:38
  • msg #682

Chapter 5

In reply to GM (msg # 681):

Brennan collects his payment, nods his thanks, and with a final bit of well-wishing heads off to rejoin the others as rapidly as possible.

"Bloody Inquisition," he murmurs to Bryce as they leave. "We've got to get out of here."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:33, Tue 12 June 2018.
GM
GM, 1811 posts
Wed 13 Jun 2018
at 14:52
  • msg #683

Chapter 5

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 682):

Stables

Ciryl, presumably, continues to think while the Guildmistress waits.

Town Square

Brennan and Bryce search for their companions, soon locating Titus.
Titus Blackwell
player, 2260 posts
Been to heaven
Will go to hell
Wed 13 Jun 2018
at 14:55
  • msg #684

Chapter 5

In reply to GM (msg # 683):

I believe my portion of the bargain is set.  I'm taking you away, and distracted from the captain of the guard...

Are you ready?

Brennan Otthild
player, 1763 posts
Seer. Prophet. Charlatan.
Can't Stop Reading Ahead
Wed 13 Jun 2018
at 15:15
  • msg #685

Chapter 5

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 684):

"Our work has concluded. The Inquisition can take it from here. Let's find Cyril and depart...Losthelm awaits."
Ciryl Fontaine
player, 236 posts
Cure for what ails you
At a reasonable price
Wed 13 Jun 2018
at 16:22
  • msg #686

Chapter 5

Ciryl nods at the Guildmistress, finally coming to a conclusion, "I'll do as much as I can, my apologies that I can't tarry long enough to see to the Governor myself." He bobs his head before turning and heading back to his cart, leaving her to her business.  Once there he finds some paper and lead and scribbles a series of instructions. 

He takes the papers and hobbles once again to the Governor's manor, though he simply hands over the writing to one of the guards, "Give these to Pika.  She should beg any of the Inquisition's number familiar with alchemy to follow these instructions once the ingredients arrive.  If they can't or won't, she should do it herself, or find the cleverest person in town who can read them."
GM
GM, 1812 posts
Thu 14 Jun 2018
at 12:07
  • msg #687

Chapter 5

In reply to Ciryl Fontaine (msg # 686):

Governor's House

Ciryl scribbles his instructions and, having dropped them off with a vaguely confused guard, limps away again.

OOC: You should all be caught up in time now.
Titus Blackwell
player, 2261 posts
Been to heaven
Will go to hell
Thu 14 Jun 2018
at 12:15
  • msg #688

Chapter 5

In reply to GM (msg # 687):

As they are on the road and approaching the area where Brennan's winds will be effective and Titus can see the whole town.

So... on a scale of 1 to 10 how spectacular do we want this demonic assault to be?
Brennan Otthild
player, 1764 posts
Seer. Prophet. Charlatan.
Can't Stop Reading Ahead
Thu 14 Jun 2018
at 13:39
  • msg #689

Chapter 5

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 688):

"It needs to be memorable. As long as nobody sees us as the cause of the show, we should be able to go wild."
Titus Blackwell
player, 2262 posts
Been to heaven
Will go to hell
Thu 14 Jun 2018
at 14:16
  • msg #690

Chapter 5

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 689):

All they will see is us standing here.  Can you get me some wind?  Start slow and build up to a howling gale slowly.  Like I said I can only do a silent visual illusion... for now.

Titus will wait until Brennan is able to call the wind.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:17, Thu 14 June 2018.
Brennan Otthild
player, 1767 posts
Seer. Prophet. Charlatan.
Can't Stop Reading Ahead
Thu 14 Jun 2018
at 16:53
  • msg #691

Chapter 5

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 690):

Brennan nods, closing his eyes for a moment to center himself.

When he opens them again, a gentle breeze flits past his hooded traveling cloak. The rustling intensifies as it travels, winding its way toward the town.

He awaits the appearance of the illusion so he can better direct the wind's efforts.
Titus Blackwell
player, 2263 posts
Been to heaven
Will go to hell
Thu 14 Jun 2018
at 17:39
  • msg #692

Chapter 5

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 691):

Titus looks around to ensure they are alone.  He strikes a pose facing the town as if he were having a conversation with the other men, one where he is facing the town.

In the bright sunlight Titus' eyes narrow as he focuses on everything in the town.

quote:
As the breeze begins to pick up the shadows in the town become sharper.  They reach our in spiraling tendrils towards the center of the town square.  Snaking under and around those walking in the square.  Slowly spinning.  Shortly after this people's shadows detach from their feet and get sucked into the spinning vortex.  Soon there are no shadows to be seen in the town and a roiling cloud of shadow.


Titus makes a hand gesture to Brennan 

quote:
As he does this the edges of the shadow burst into flame with no heat, and remains on the ground.  Soon the flame and the shadows twist together into a form that is almost.... but not quite... entirely unlike Jack (clearly not him though).  The wind whips and howls and the creature acts as if it is coming as much from him as from the wind.

The form looks around feral for a moment, as if deciding what to do.  The figure lurches as it runs from one corner of the square to the next.  Menacing, but avoiding villagers.


Once someone with more gumption appears to confront the threat, more hand gestures. 

quote:
A sudden gust of wind blows through the town and the figure unfurls vestigial wings (think flying squirrel) and leaps into the air against the stiff wind and flies incongruously to the rooftops.  Leaping from one to another until it leaps into a now restored shadow and vanishes.


Titus appears to conclude his conversation with the other men acting as if he had seen nothing.

That should do it...
This message was last edited by the player at 17:40, Thu 14 June 2018.
Brennan Otthild
player, 1768 posts
Seer. Prophet. Charlatan.
Can't Stop Reading Ahead
Thu 14 Jun 2018
at 17:43
  • msg #693

Chapter 5

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 692):

Brennan provides the necessary tactile sensations with the wind as best he is able.


Once the show is over, he gives a satisfied nod, claps Titus on the shoulder, and begins to lead the group away toward Losthelm.

"It has been quite the adventure," he says. "But take heart. At long last, we are on the road to its end. And to a new beginning, as well."

Brennan smiles slightly, and takes a measured sip from the reddish cup at his side.

"I have foreseen it."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:58, Thu 14 June 2018.
GM
GM, 1816 posts
Thu 14 Jun 2018
at 18:04
  • msg #694

Chapter 5

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 693):

Exactly what the people of DuckTown make of this show you aren't sure, but you hear cries, screams and yelling which indicates it had the desired effect.

Those around you begin running toward town, hoping to help or to save loved ones.

You put DuckTown to your back and continue your journey north.

"Well," Bryce comments.  "THAT was impressive!"
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