Saliq is surprised to encounter two new door wardens at the Mages Guild, who greet him friendly enough but also ask him to take a new scroll with him to be filled out and returned at his convenience.  The scroll itself is much like one he previously submitted but with more questions about who he associates with, and more about his personal background.  It is clear he is not singled out, this is just increased security.   Saliq spends time with the Master Red Wizard, who shows great interest in the tale of the group’s adventure in Dream, and of their encounters with both Elexi and his sister, the Morde Witch.  He congratulates Saliq on his advancing level and casually mentions that he will need to set up a time to perform his newest spells for the council at some point to have these new skill verified.  Saliq checks in with his young acquaintances to find them mostly doing well in their studies but also somewhat puzzled that their friend Darius suddenly dropped out of school altogether several weeks ago.   Saliq is able to secure a tutor for Inas’ to help him develop his new found magical talents.

Inas sends a message to Lord Nightgees through the church as he once did, and is not all that surprised when only a few days later, he gets a return message asking him to meet him in Godswalk Park.

Marissa gets her own ship in tip top shape and meets with many of her friends and comrades from the docks.   As for her family,  she is somewhat scolded by her mother for being away so long without a word to them and reminded that she is an Ehridol and remember that when it comes to what she does and who she does it with. This leaves her somewhat puzzled.
Rath spends days out at night healing others, and burning off some deeper emotion.  He does note that there are far fewer street people than he’s ever noted in Stormhaven.  Certainly the huge influx of country folks during the long winter has long since left the city to head back to their farms.  But beyond that, very few people are even outside at night.  He does notice on several occasions, there are other priests moving through the dark streets, and they seem to watch him closely when he passes.  In fact, he feels a bit watched on many occasions.

Some research into the White Wardstone reveals it to be the true treasure of the dragon’s horde.   Placed into the walls of a building, it becomes a protected area.   Those within its limits of power (by square footage), cannot be scryed upon, or affected by any outside influence.   Remaining within its power, those attuned to it heal five times faster than usual, will be cured of diseases and curses within two days, feel generally better, alert and fresh, and age at slower rate during their time there.

Inas dutifully heads to Godswalk Park to meet the Ranger Lord.

While they were not as close as his adventuring comrades Saliq sincerely enjoyed the company of his brother and sister magicians. The Wizard's Guild, with its dark wood paneled rooms, its mixed odour of old books, ink, rose petals and a dozen other less identifiable magical igredients, its portraits of great wizards past, Master Azuth in his ancient robes,  felt like a place both soaked in history and full of promise for the future - at least if some of the students were able to concentrate on their studies. Having an excellent tavern at hand could be a disadvantage in some respects...


The illusionist was taken aback to encounter the new doorwardens, but then it had been a while . The tales of adventure and exploration explained in his report with Master Azuth, would be repeated in more casual fashion at the Cantrip with some of his acquaintances. Indeed Saliq made a determined effort to strengthen his bonds with his brothers and sisters of the wand, signing up for the next Revels and setting up a notice on the board outside the tavern ('Seeking to trade spells and insights with a fellow scholar of phantasms'.) Given the smallness of the Guild's illusionist fellowship he was not certain he would receive a reply but it was worth the effort.

Saliq would also of course be busy for the next few days, studying how his own mastery of the craft was improving - and of course filling out the scroll. Administration might be less fun than magic but it was important.

The one thing that disquieted him was the way young Darius had dropped out of the Guild. Saliq, after some hesitation, decided to have a quite word with his tutors to see if they could explain his seemingly abrupt departure...

ooc: If anyone wants to switch any of this to PM, feel free, I just find its boring for a bunch of PM's to be going on behind the scenes...


Inas finds the older ranger sitting on a large stone next the Balanced Creek, his gear set aside along with his boots as he rests his feet in the cold water.


Saliq makes inquiries on behalf of Darius "Chip" and finds only that he was excelling in all his work before he just stopped showing up.  He wasn't from a well connected family so its possible the school got too expensive or maybe he had bumped up against the limits of his talents and decided it was best to quit rather than be found out.

One time over drinks, Rose has had a few extras and looks very seriously at Rath and asks, "Do you even know which Goddess you are working for?".

Inas approaches, but he remains standing.  And shod.

"Lord Nightgees; thank you for meeting with me.  Although, I suspect you have your own purposes for doing so, separate from the matters I expressed in my letter."

Marissa's a bit taken aback, but her mother has fits of fancy now and again, so she let's it be. She does seek out her first mate, explains the conversation and asks him for advice. Mostly, she just wants to keep the peace between herself and the family.

Rath stopped moving his glass to his lips and looked at Rose evenly. The question caught him off balance. He smirked appreciatively and set the glass down. He fingered his set of three pendants, pulling them from around his neck. He set down the first -- the coin -- on the table between him and Rose. "I learned early. Luck was everything. Good luck came to folks who don't earn it. Bad luck comes to damn near everyone. And who lived, who died, who got rich, who fell in love ... it was all in Avandra's hands. Get in Her favor, and you got it made." He set the coin aside. "Only nobody's got Avandra's favor. Not for long."

Next, he displayed the shell. "Melora." HIs smirk was gone. Dark weariness showed in his eyes. "Well, I guess I owe her my life. Don't know that She owes me anything, though."

Last, the rustic wood-cut sun of Pelor, gilded and painted blue. He took a deep breath. "I did bad things, Rose. Hurt people." This was nothing that Rose didn't already know. "An old priest of the sun god. He was ... he was kind, when I ... wasn't. Dark as I was, he said there was light. Faint light. Really faint.  But light." Rath picked up his glass, set down his glass, looked like he wanted to throw it across the room. "So. Maybe Pelor set me on a path." He clutched the sun pendant.

He tried a tired smirk again but it didn't stick. "How about you, Rose? Do you know Who I'm working for? 'Cause, no, I don't have a clue."

Brooding on the disappearance of 'Chip' Saliq decided to call upon his family. If the young man had simply dropped out that was regrettable but understandable, but he did wish to know.

In reply to Inas Eoinsson (msg # 5):

The Lord Ranger continues to sit with his feet in the creek,

"On the contrary Inas, you asked for me to come, I came.  Come and relax and tell me what is on your mind.".

In reply to Aldo Rathmus (msg # 7):

Rose half smiles, "So, one of the wealthiest men in the city, and you tithe nothing. Perform no devotions.  Attend no service nor praise their name to people."  She laughs but kindly, "Only a female would still find you charming, it's goddess, there...I narrowed your options in half.".

She takes another drink, "And unlike you, I worry about you, not to excess, don't get a bigger head, so yeah, I got a pretty good theory on the other woman..."

Saliq spends the time to track down the home of Chip, it is on the edge of OldHaven, in an area of craftmen's, most of who have shops or offices of various types with aparments for their living quarters on the upper floor or floors.

The door to the shop says it is closed until further notice.  After knocking and a short wait, a middle aged woman cracks open the door and speaks, taking in Saliq's fine clothing.

"I am sorry, Noble Sir, we are closed.  If you need a builder, we can recommend several good ones".

One of the evening when Marissa is done working with her own crew on her ship, she spends some time, as is the custom, at the local dockside establishment.

As the time passes, Gorrtam, the crew leader for another ship, half orc but smart in a mean and crafty way approaches.  Marissa hasn't had direct troubles with Gorrtam, but he has an unsavory reputation.

"Would like a wurd n' private with Mi'lady".

In reply to GM Bard (msg # 10):

Rath got a sinking feeling in his gut and felt a flush rise up his neck and face. He was slow to answer. "You know me, Rose. I'm oblivious. What's your theory?"

Rose gives him a real smile, "I didn't know about the old priest, you are full of surprises Rath, but don't sell yourself short mister, you aren't just a little feint light, you are the bravest, and best man I've ever met...you, you, nevermind you've heard me say this before so...Ok, Mr Oblivious, I already eliminated half the know world, I'll knock off one more...." and she leans over and kisses him, "It's not me".

Feeling a little self conscious Saliq smiled politely and shook his head. 'I'm a member of the Wizard's Guild madam. I was wondering if a former student named Darius still lived here?'

"I really just wanted to report some things that bear watching, and to seek your advice." 

Inas relates the events that took the party to Witchlight Swamp, the Seven Falls Canyon, and then to the Land of Dreams (and back again).  Always walking on the pessimistic side of pragmatism, he concludes: "I do not know whether this portends a resurgence in dragonkind, much less what such a resurgence might mean.  If all dragons were like Astral, the world would probably be better for it.  But they are not.  A formidable force may have been awakened.  It would do well for there to be regular visits to Seven Falls Canyon, if there are any rangers near there who can do so.  At the same time, I don't think it wise for word to get out.  I don't think it would do for there to be a parade of emissaries from every two-bit lord who wants to curry favor with dragons, or worse, to try to slay one to make a name for himself.  Plus, I may be making too much of this."
 

Inas pauses to allow the Ranger Lord to respond.

The woman at the door goes from looking confused to worried, "Darius, he has a room here but....what do you mean former..?".

That's when a deep male voice calls out, "Marie, send the gentleman up to me, and bring us some tea.".


The woman shows Saliq into a nice modest home, clearly much better built and kept than one would expect for East Gate area, but then again, if the man is a master builder, it makes sense.  The wide wooden staircase that leads to a second floor office is polished and beautiful.

A man sits at a desk, and politely asks Saliq to sit across from him.  It is strange as he says nothing else until tea is served and his wife leaves and shuts the door behind.

Once she is gone, he stands and with the help of a crutch walks around to take a chair right next to Saliq.  His left leg is bandaged, and missing below the knee.

"I fear my wife has had enough grief of late, I wish I could spare her more but I'm afraid my son has done something foolish." He indicates the leg, "I took a late call in New Gate a month ago, water coming through the ceiling in a very nice row home, a job that would have paid for a full year for us to replace it, eager to prove myself,  I went on the roof during the storm, just to patch the leak long enough to begin the bigger job, and fell. I'm lucky, truly it should have killed me, but they couldn't save the leg, not on my salary.  Chip was never good at my trade, and had higher ambitions, he took it really hard.  But he kept saying that there were better ways to make money for school.  He said he knew of a place that was bound to have wealth still in it.  I called him a fool, and sent him back to school, told him we'd find a way, but......if he's gone missing, I probably know where he went. He kept talkign about a place called Calvarix Keep.".

Lord Nightgees listens quietly.

"Even good dragons bear watching, just like some good people, they can be strict and infringe on the freedom of others.  Thank you for these updates.  Of more interest to me is that Elexi has passed beyond the dark veil.  He was guardian for the Witchlight Swamp, its wildlife, and the peoples of the Glades, this will leave those lands unprotected.  Inas I think it is right for you to keep a watch on these areas, it sounds as if you have met locals there who could act as your eyes and ears when you are away.  Will you do this?"

Cavalrix's Keep! Saliq shuddered at the name, as memories of the Horned One and his horrid minions danced through his mind.

'I... I'm afraid I know the place you speak of. I was part of the party of adventurers that defeated a great evil there but it is not impossible some new menace has taken its lair then.'

The illusionist clutched his mug of tea and frowned. It was very easy to see 'Chip' leading an adventuring party, and as concerned as he was for the boy Saliq felt a tiny spark of admiration that the young man had something of that spirit. 'Your son, did he have any other friends who might have traveled with him?'

"Of course.  I will travel there as soon as I can to check things and let the residents know that they can call me if they have a need."

Inas pauses for a moment, then changes the subject.

"Has anything of note occurred while I was gone?"

Claude Builder, Darius' father, looks concerned.

"That would make you, Saliq?  Chip spoke very highly of you, it is an honor you have taken such an interest in him.  Chip was always confident, and made friends easily, but none who were really close.  I doubt any of the friends he grew up with would be willing to strike out on one of his whims, if no one at the guild went with him, he probably went alone.  You say he left school some weeks ago?".

The Lord Ranger laughs, "Much happens, all over the world, we each must be vigilant to keep down the threat of evil.  As to here, in Stormhaven, all the reports sent to me have been rather mundane.  After the fall of Syrix's army of the Tooth, the remnants fled, some into the open sea, but some into the Wildelands to join with the Tribe of Five Stones.  I have been there ever since, tracking them down, and eliminating that particular threat as best I can."

ooc: the Tribe he mentions is a well known colony of Stone Giants rumored to be nomadic but more cohesive than most giant tribes.

Unaffected by his reputation, she glanced at the mate and said, "Define private, Gorrtam. I'll not go skulking through the city with you. But if you wish to retire to a private booth, I'm all ears."

'Yes, though I fear I was away at the time,' Saliq explained. The illusionist stood up, expression resolute. 'Well sir, I will rectify that mistake. I shall go personally to the keep and return with your son.'

Gorrtam nods and heads over to a private booth in the back.  Once seated he wastes no time.

"Much as I ne're poke around where I'm not wanted, Cap'ns code makes me warn you.  Last night sum of those scurvy wharf rats were pokin' around askin questions about a dragoon ship.  They had gold coins to spend fer anyone wit' information.  Tha' coins were foreign, naught sure from where but someone is lookin' around, and has money ta' spend.  Course I held mah tongue."

"If, uh, you are interested, ah could make that boat disappear right quick, and give ya' a good price fer it ta boot?"

'Yes, though I fear I was away at the time,' Saliq explained. The illusionist stood up, expression resolute. 'Well sir, I will rectify that mistake. I shall go personally to the keep and return with your son.'

Claude is so surprised he almost tries to stand, "I could never ask..." but his eyes drift to the closed door, and then to his own leg, and he takes a deep breath, "We are both most grateful for your offer, thank you"

Nightgees stands and dries his feet before donning his boots again,

"Ranger Inas,  one word of warning to you.  There are rumors that an Ogre Mage has it in for your friends, and probably you to.  He's gaining a near supernatural mystique around him, that he is far above the powers of his kind and growing, gathering strange alliances.  It's well, all so far fetched, it may just be bogeyman stories.  If I get anything real on him, I'll pass it along to you straight."

Rose does add one more word on the subject,

"As long as you aren't one of those CPP clerics...I do not like them.".

Inas does not ask Lord Nightgees for more information; he knows that if the Ranger Lord had more information he would have shared it unbidden.  "Thank you," he says.  "For meeting with the me and for the warning.  I'll let my friends know.  In the meantime, I will check in on the Witchlight Swamp as soon as I am able."

Once the meeting concludes, Inas heads to find Rath . . . and starts by looking in the Rose and Cricket, figuring there's a high likelihood that he'll find his friend there.  And if not . . . well, there's something else that has piqued Inas's curiosity, and the tavern is as good a place as any to make an inquiry or two.

Rath took the kiss, but he was distracted. "That says more about them men you've met than it does about me," he muttered with a smirk. The smirk went away. "True, you're no goddess, Rosey. You ... you're flesh. Flesh and blood. " He leaned in and kissed her back.  His heart was hammering in his chest, but not because of the kiss. What did Rose know that Rath didn't? Or, worse, what did she know that Rath wouldn't admit to knowing?



He leaned back, brow furrowed. "Uh. What?" he said, astute as ever.

Saliq nods and shakes Claude's hand. He speaks quietly but confidently. 'Don't mention it good sir. I shall return.'

Taking his leave of the family home Saliq returns to the Guild wrapped up in thought. He has a journey ahead of him and has to make preparations.

Marissa examines her drink for a long moment. Knowing Gorrtam's reputation, she had no doubt that he meant what he said.

Looking up, she studies him. "Subtlety is in order, lad," she said at last. "I think I'd like to have a look-see at these scurvy wharf rats. But I'll not go alone - would you be willing to guard my port-side as I make some inquiries? I think I know exactly where to start."

Her eyes shine a bit, and she offers a Captain's grin to the half-orc.

"Ye with me, mate, at least for the nonce?"

Gortrm almost smiles, not a pretty thing.

"Ya' as bold as they say Missus.  Sure, I'll squeeze a few wharf rats, always a pain in my side...".

Rose just rolls her eyes, and laughs.

"Those clerics, or whatever from the Church of Peace.  Their symbols is a C with a P above and below.  They creep me out.  Some of what they say sounds pretty appealing, but my gut tells me its a scam."

"Guess I've noticed them," Rath said, accepting the diversion from the previous topic. "You got sense, Rose. A priest tells you something appealing, you know you're not getting the full story." His half-smirk told Rose that he was only half-kidding. "They've got that big new church under construction. Wouldn't take much to figure out where the money's coming from." He said that as if he would know. Well, he knew people who would know, at least.

Rath made a point, later, of walking by the new Church of Peace in Oldtown, and the next time he spied any of those priests, he'd approach them to find out just what they were selling.

"When do the critters gather," she asked. "Mornin' or eve...or both?"

Saliq left word at the Wizard's Guild for his companions should he not return within a few days, packed food and water and then hired two horses for the journey to the Keep; one to ride himself and the other to bring back Darius. He might not have been born in the saddle but he could ride and had traversed the terrain before.

It doesn't take much to find a few of the young men and women who swear allegiance to the Wharf Rats, they are scrawny, dirty, and pitiful looking creatures, children of the street scrapping out the best living they can make. The two they find is an older girl with perhaps a younger brother, no more than 10 and 7, she calls herself digdug, and the boy, twink.

As Saliq has no needs to stop at towns, and his horses are of the finest quality, it takes him only three days to make a straight path to the Keep.  Riding up upon it brings back dark memories, the darkest and a cold seems to creep into his bones at the sight of the ruins. All is quiet from the distance.

Rath makes a casual walk by the new church and is amazed at how much construction has taken place in the month they were gone.  From what he can see, this will be both the biggest and nicest church in the city when completed.  There are half a dozen robed figures at the entrance that check everyone coming and going into the construction area.

Later on, on another night, he spots one of the light robed figures with a CPP stitched into the fabric out on his own, if he wishes to approach.

Saliq tethered his steed some distance from the keep itself. Whispering eerie and spidering words the illusionist makes strange gestures with his long and supple fingers. In a moment he fades from view, his journey to the keep marked solely by the sounds of soft and cautious footsteps.

---

OOC: Saliq casts Improved Invisibility.

Saliq moves through the tall grass quiet as a breeze, only the tall grass moving to betray that anyone has passed at all.

As he nears the keep, images of the battle with the terrible demons conjures up in his mind, the black vultures all claws and darkness, and then the Horned One himself.  Almost to the entrance, there a patch in the grass that has been cleared, and at its center, a large stone carved like an axe sits amongst dozens of real axes, laid about it in a pile.

Moving to the an opening in the ruins between the four towers, Saliq takes in the interior.  Still hanging are the chains, now rusted, that once held both hooks, and meats, and blood, and even Ben Scistos for a time.  Taking the empty tower, for a moment, he thinks maybe he has guessed wrong about young Chip.  But then he sees a wisp of smoke coming from a window in the highest intact tower, and looking closer, sees half a dozen very large spiders clinging to the outside of the tower, as if in waiting.

Within a day of his discussion with Lord Nightgees, Inas manages to track Rath down in the Rose and Cricket.  He takes a seat at his table.

"I've gotten word that we've gained yet another enemy.  Some Ogre Mage.  Seems he has a bit of a . . . mystical quality about him.  He's gathered allies, or maybe followers.  I dunno . . . sounds like a cult to me, but I don't know that it matters that much what ya call 'em -- a magic-usin' ogre with friends of any kind is likely nothin' but trouble." 

Inas takes a drink.

"Anyhow, we're advised to keep on the our guard.  Could be nothing, but still . . . until we hear otherwise, that advice is good."


Inas looks around as if to see if anyone is listening.

"I haven't gotten word to everyone else, but I'm wonderin' if you can if you're staying in Stormhaven for a bit.  I have to head to Withclight Swamp.  Been charged with keepin' an eye out for 'em, and bein' available if they need help.  Thought I'd stop by an' let 'em know I'm their 'champion.'  Unless you want to go the swamp too, in which case I'll try to find Saliq and Mariss before goin."

Rest well my friend, Saliq thought, taking a moment of silence at the memorial to Norion. A rueful smile touched the illusionist's lips as he recalled what little he knew of the dwarf afterlife - a hero like Norion would have better things to than simply rest.

He pressed on and finally saw the tower and its watchers.

In some respects Saliq was relieved. No one, save perhaps a Drow Elf would be thrilled to find a half dozen monstorous arachnids but it could have been worse and that trail of smoke was most encouraging.

Very carefully he made his way towards the tower and if possible in and up without alerting the hairy many legged monsters.

Marissa glances at Gorrtam with a frown, then looks down at the children. Turning her attention on the girl, she said, "Digdug, eh? This your brother? Tell me true now - if you play me false, there won't be any reward for you."

She is quiet and intent as she speaks, her eyes darting about carefully for unwanted attention. Briefly, she wished her companions were here - all of them were far more proficient in these environs than she.

Rath was glad enough to see Inas. He found he enjoyed the ranger's company, even when they weren't fighting side by side in a life of brutal violence.

His face darkened at the news. "Ogre mage." Rath joined Inas in taking a long, deep drink, finishing off whatever was in his glass. "Ogre mage. You mean, like that ogre mage that got away, after we slaughtered General Tethis and his Army of Scale and Fang, outside of the astronomer's tower?" He considered waving over the server for another drink, but instead he turned his glass upside down. No more today.

"Yeah, I'd say that'd be nothing but trouble. But, yes, I'm staying in Stormhaven. You take care of the swamp. I'll watch for trouble here. 'Cause it's coming, Inas. I just hope it's coming for us, and not for them." He made a vague gesture, indicating everyone else in the bar and, by extension, everyone else in the city.

Rath did.  He figured it was these fellows who had been watching him, and since Rath wasn't a skulker by nature, he took the direct approach.

He held up his coin of continual light to drive away the shadows and looked over the priest of the new church. "Stormhaven's not as dangerous at night as it used to be. But it's till not wise to be out alone. People get robbed, or worse. You hear about those kids who got taken down into the sewers a few months back? Weird things go on around here."

OOC: I'm terribly embarrassed that I forgot about the escaping ogre mage. :(


"Yeah, you're probably right.  I'd forgotten about him.  Must be gettin' old.  Look, can you tell the others to be on the lookout?  I doubt the ogre's gonna come floatin' into Stormhaven, but if it's like before he'll have minions.  Allies.  Cult followers.  Whatever."

He looks around.  "Lot of prosperity and tranquility here, no?  Seems almost . . . unnatural, doesn't it?"

The ranger finishes his drink.  "I won't be gone long.  There and back, really.  I'll get in touch when I return."

Inas then prepares for his trip.

The young girl looks from Marissa to Gorrtam, "Your pretty....he's not....I never lie or joke, ask what you will".   Her flat tone and defiance are striking in someone so young.

The young priest stops and looks at Rath for a moment.

"I am here to serve, and the Elders are aware of the many trials this city has faced, it is why we have come, to heal this place, bring it peace and a wisdom, to teach it that there is a better way.".

Saliq makes it close enough to the crumbled entryway to the tower to see that it and the stairs beyond are totally webbed in.  He is contemplating other ways to the top when one the spiders moves along the wall and begins clicking it front legs together making a sound that seems to echo in the stone ruins.  It may not be able to see him, but its alerted to something amiss.

But first he asks Rath:

"However, I am not sure that my trip to the swamp needs to be the highest priority.  Given what the ogre could do, ya think I should postpone and that we stay near, in case it or its followers make a move?"

An aside:

When Rath, Inas, or Marissa come to or meet at the Cantrip/Rose and Cricket, they are met by the new doormen as well, and questioned, only lightly, who they are, why they feel they have access to the Guild, but are passed through with the understanding that they must submit a new application in the future due to increased security.  They are handed scrolls to fill out but they are allowed to move about as usual.

"No, go let the swamp folks know you're looking out for them. I'll find Musfara and Ehridol, and let them know about the damn ogre. But come back. Things ... aren't feeling right since we got back from Dream."

He looked at his empty glass, then back to Inas. "And be careful."

Eventually, Rath looked over the scroll.

Rath grunted. He didn't bother to pretend to be impressed, but he played along. "Peace and wisdom. That's a tall order." He eyed the fellow more closely. "What's the better way? If you know who I am -- I'm guessing you do -- then you know I have trouble with the peace and wisdom. So. What's the better way?"

Saliq crouches down - even while invisible he has no desire to make himself more conspicuous.

The spiders were unlikely to be masterminds, but that did not make them mindless. if they had much of a memory they might recall who used to live here before...

As quietly as he could the illusionist began to weave a spell. Soon the sound of thick, booming voices and very heavy footfalls echoed through the ruined grounds - from somewhere outside ogres were approaching!

---

.<Orange>OOC: Saliq casts Audible Glamour

"I asked you a question. Is this your brother?"

That said, she then asks, "What is your purpose here, and who set you to this task?"

Digdug glances at the boy,

"Used to be, not sure what's left of him now.  The creature in the fancy robes been paying out gold, looking for information, so far, we ain't told him nothin'.  This is our turf and we ain't disloyal.  Remi 'apparently got a look at the thing.....it did something to him so he can't tell anyone about it, not even sure anyone home in there anymore.  It speaks all weird but is looking for information about dragons"

The form at the Guild has a lot of questions:  Name, birthplace, age, religion, current occupation,  reason for needing access to the guild, family lineage, spell capability.   A throughout background check kind of form.

The young priest answers Rath, "I do not recognize you, Sir, but it is large city.  The way to peace for all of us lies within us.  Too long have we worshipped at the altars of those who would use us for their purposes rather than look to ourselves to rise up and solve our own problems.  You speak poorly of yourself, but you seem strong and capable,"

At the sound of the approaching Ogres, the spiders react and flee, most right into the main lower entrance to the tower and two of them, who were higher up on the wall, dart into the window where Saliq saw a trail of smoke.

At the same time, a host of big black birds explode from the rafters and go scattering into the skies making a racket.


A voice cries out from the tower,  "No more, I said I'm sorry, leave me alone!!!"

Inas spends a good day heading first to the Glades, to the restaurant he knows and the lady, Heasha who first met them before the adventures with Elexi.  She invites him to meet with several of the community elders, medicine men for the most part, and all know of his adventures in the witchlight and have some respect for what he did there.   They each accept his offer to help if help is needed, and he learns that things, so far, are fairly normal in the Glades and Witchlight, for the time being.  He enjoys some very fine if not spicy food but little information on troubles.

In reply to GM Bard (msg # 62):

Well, time for the direct approach. With no spiders near by Saliq touched his ring and whispered:

'El Kabah, noble son of the desert winds I request your aid! Carry me to the tower window so that I may rescue my friend!'

Marissa crouches and takes a closer look at the boy; specifically she looks into his eyes, and to various points on his body where bare skin is showing.

"When did this happen?" she asked Digdug quietly. "And what did the...creature look like?"

Kabah is instantly there, and with a gushing of wind, Saliq is risen through the air towards the window.

Half way there, the window closes, in fact, it simply becomes stone filling in as if it were never there, only the fact the new stone is smooth and the wall around it laid in a pattern shows that once there was a window.

A deep voice booms out, "Leave now, you are tresspassing on lands and matters that do not concern you elemental!!".

Digdug answers, "Last week, we think Squirt here saw the thing, or overheard something he shouldn't have."

Marissa flinches when she examines the boy who does not even seem to know she is there.  His eyes a distant and blank.  He has three nasty looking wounds, two in his throat and one below his cheekbone, like round angry holes.  Someone has rubbed some salve on them, but they look infected.

Marissa glances at Gorrtam, then looks back at Digdug.

"Lass, I've a guess at the nature of your brother's wounds and am fearful. This is no normal infection, and if we don't address it immediately, he will die. I am going to take the boy to someone I know. The two of us together may be able to help. As we go, I'll need you to think on everything you recall of the events leading up to your brother's illness. Also, I'll need you to recall what you know of this mysterious stranger."

As she speaks, she continues to give the boy a full inspection, including checking for wounds on the back of his neck and head.

Once satisfied that she's looked him over as well as she can, she casts Cure light wounds, then picks him up. Nodding to Gorrtam, she said, "Carry her on your shoulder, and follow me."

Then she wonders where she might find Rath. Wracking her brain, she tried to recall the name of the tavern he frequented.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:56, Sun 30 June 2019.

In reply to GM Bard (msg # 66):

Saliq blinked in surprise but faced the window - or rather the spot where it had been.

'This son of the wind is my loyal servant and friend,' Saliq calls back. 'I seek no trouble, only the safe return of a student of mine -a young human magic-user.'

He paused a moment before adding: 'Whom do I address?'

Digdug's eyes go wide as Marissa lays a hand on Squirt and his wounds heal up.  Not entirely but a lot.  The infection remains.

"A healer...." she whipers, glancing to the boy, her mind does a quick calculation, "...he's all yours". and in a flash, she dashes past Gortam, who spins and gives chase.  Marissa can tell who will win that chase, the girl knows these alleys and is small and quick, and likely far smarter than the other captain.

After parting ways with Inas, Rath followed through, as promised, on getting word to Saliq and Marissa -- or, rather, he tried to. Saliq was not to be found, but the wizard had left word at the guild. Rath frowned, deeply concerned. Not that Musfara couldn't take care of himself. He considered sending a note to Marissa, but instead he made his way to the docks, looking for her dragon ship. She wouldn't be far ... Rath hoped.

---



"Rath. Name is Rath," Rath said. He gave the young priest a dark smirk. "True enough the gods don't serve us." He barked out a laugh. "But I'd need convincing that we can even serve ourselves."

The voice answers,  "Musfara, is that you?"   

Hopping to the edge of rooftop of the tower, a large bird stares down at the djinni and its invisible cargo.

Even as it transforms into a large man in brown robes, "Join me on the roof, and what's the impudent boy to do with you?"

The young priest nods, before heading on, "Come see us Sir Rath, every one of our members felt as lost at you do before seeing the truth of our Lady's words, the world awakens, come and join us".

Saliq blinked in astonishment, then with an arcane word banished the veil of invisibility. As he materialised a rueful smile crossed the illusionists face.

'Eagle my friend it is good to see you,' Saliq turned his head to the djinn. 'Noble son of the wind I request you carry me to the roof. I am glad to say I feel your skill with the scimitar shall be un-needed!'

Once deposited Saliq smooths down his robes and looks for his friend. 'That boy is, I very much suspect a student of mine from the guild. I admit he never struck me as wise but I never thought him evil. What has been doing?'

The large druid pulls back his cowl, a gesture of familiarity.

"Imagine my surprise, and disgust, when I arrived back to my lands and castle, to find an intruder, and worse, one that had seared an innocent spider with his magic, and cut the leg off another.   They had him webbed up and were about to dine but I forestalled them for a time whilst I considered his worth. I believe death too great a punishment, but I was considering let him have an arm, or a leg".

Saliq notices many gaps in the roof, and hears a moan from below in hearing this.

Saliq winced in sympathy. While he wasn't thrilled by spiders they were just very big versions of normal creatures.

He lowered his voice so Chip could not overhear. 'As a personal favour I'd very much rather you didn't dismember the boy. If you must punish him, I could cast a spell on him to make him think he is turning into a giant spider. Teach him a lesson of sorts.'

In reply to GM Bard (msg # 73):

"I'm no sir. But I'll do that," Rath said, his mind whirling. He tried not to allow that to change his cynical, hard expression. "Who's your Lady?  ... And what's your name?" He tried not to over-do his smirk. "You get a commission for recruits?"

"Hold, Gortam! Let her go. You'll never find her in that rats warren, and like as not will find yourself on the wrong side of someone's shiv."

She waits for him to return. "I should've expected her to bolt."

She thanks Gorttam for his help, then takes the boy's hand and says, "Come with me, child. We're going to see a friend of mine."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:34, Mon 01 July 2019.

The druid stares across the distance, before looking back at Saliq,

"For who I once was, do what you want with the boy. I have greater worries now, but I still recall our days as comrades. Go now.."


The druid returns to bird form and flies off.

The priest is two steps away but stops,

"The Lady of Peace through Purity is our savior. Come and join us, all your doubts will wilt before the wisdom of her teachings."

In reply to GM Bard (msg # 80):

Rath stepped back. He tucked away the lighted coin, bringing him back into the shadow, to cloak his expression. In a rasp, Rath replied, "I ... I'm not ready. But I think I will see you soon." And he moved away, keeping a leisurely pace.

He looked up at the stars and when he was sure he was out of sight of the priest, he started hurriedly for the Rusty Nail.

'Thank you my friend,' Saliq whispered, after the retreating bird. The illusionist felt a pang of sadness. Had they all changed so?

Shaking off the melancholy he descended into the tower to rescue Chip, surprised at how worried he felt for the young man. 'Chip, are you alright?'

This is not a pleasure trip, and Inas is unwilling to stray too far from his friends at this time.  He thanks his benefactors and advises the residents of the swamp to send word if they should be in need.  He then returns to Stormhaven.

Saliq finds Chip mired in webbing in the upper tower.  Unharmed but shaken, he is amazed to see Saliq, but greatly relieved.

He tells how he spent a day exploring the ruins and never saw anyone, but in one of the downstairs chambers, he discovered a faded tapestry that was covering up a mural.  The mural was inlaid with several gems and he spent awhile getting them loose, but the noise brought trouble.  Two Orcs, which he put to sleep, but he heard others coming and ran for it.  When he tired to hide in the tower, the spiders came after him and he used his last spell to missle one of them, then pulled his dagger and injured another before that damn bird showed up and started squawking at him.  Next thing he knew, he was wrapped up in those webbings.

Saliq tried to look stern but truthfully he was so relieved to see the youth unharmed. That and honestly a little impressed.

Using his enchanted dagger he began slicing at the webbing.

'Ah my friend, the first rule of adventuring is to have some idea what you are getting into. Those spiders were the pets of a powerful druid of my acquaintance who is based in these lands. He is not a bad sort but you do not want to upset him.' A rueful smile returned to the illusionist's face.

'Still, you survived and we'll make an adventurer of you yet. The second rule of our profession is to never do this alone. Seek out friends who can handle a sword or a lockpick. Come on let's go home.'

As he finished cutting away Saliq offered Chip some of his rations and water before hepling him back to the roof. There he would summon the djinn to take them to the horses and away from spiders, orcs and mercurial druids. 'I sincerely hope you don't have a fear of heights.'

Chip is wide eyed and heart racing but enjoys the flight, he's more awed by the djinni.  On the way home, he shows Saliq the gems he found, and though he's no expect, Saliq can tell they aren't glass, their value is yet to be seen.  He gets tears and thanks from Chip's parents when he returns with a safe (barely) son.

It isn't long before the four adventurers end up at their old haunt, The Rusty Nail.  Although they frequent it less these days, they are still remembered and well liked, especially by Rose, and even her father.

The evening sun is just setting when the four arrive, Marissa alone brings company, carrying a small boy.

"I meant to come here for Rath's help, but I think all of you may be able to help me. This young fellow was 'touched' by...some thing. I'm not sure what, but have my suspicions, which I will not share with you for the time being. I want each of you to come to your own conclusions without bias.

"What I will tell you is that I ran across an old sea hand named Gorttam. I've known him by reputation - a scurvy bastard, hard, with orc blood, but true to his master and a good sailor by all accounts. He mentioned a bit of a rise in activity on the docks, and we proceeded to look around. There I found the boy and his sister, members of a crew called the Wharf Rats. They're street kin, urchins running errands for some unknown 'Somebody.'

"The girl was hale, as far as I could tell, but she ran when I tried to bring her with me. Normal for an urchin, I suppose, and my focus was on the boy, so I did not try to follow.

"Before she fled, the girl indicated that she'd been approached by someone...unsavory. Said that she'd not caved to some sort of pressure to help in whatever endeavor this 'someone' was putting together. But others have helped, and it seems this someone is orchestrating some sort of ring to do their bidding. This is what had Gorttam spooked.

"But, her brother was obviously ill, at the very least catatonic, and he has three wounds upon him that a light cure did not fully remedy. Perhaps all it did was leave him alive for the nonce. Either way, I thought each of you could have a look see and offer your input. I only wish I could see inside the boy's mind to cure what ails him, especially given our recent history."

ooc: I am sure you've read Marissa's tale. Please review and let me know your characters' thoughts & suggestions. I'm intrigued by this plot line. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 01:41, Tue 02 July 2019.

"Oh, yes, one other thing, something about a dragoon ship," Marissa added. "My initial reaction was 'Dragon ship' and I thought of Astral, but in retrospect it seems like dragoon is what Gorttam said. These folks are dropping gold for information."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:45, Tue 02 July 2019.

Rath greeted everyone in subdued tones, without his usual comments and smirks. Clearly, he was much relieved that Musfara had returned to Stormhaven.  He listened to Marissa and looked over the boy ... Twink or Squirt or whatever his name was. The wounds were worrisome, and the infection moreso, but Rath kept the concern out of his eyes. "Have a seat, friend," he offered the boy, pushing a chair with his foot. If the kid didn't sit, Rath picked him up and put him onto the chair.

Rath tugged at one of his pendants, releasing the Coin of Avandra from its chain. He showed it to the boy, spun it clumsily on the table. "We'll start slow. Watch it spin." As the coin turned, Rath stumbled through a prayer of divination, putting his full attention on the kid ... but scanning Musfara, Inas, and Marissa for good measure.

[OOC: detect charm, and pause there for results.]

Saliq had left Chip's family happier and the young man wiser. As he exited he told Chip: 'I trust you will continue your studies - and come to me for advice before you next go on adventure!'

---

At the Rusty Nail Saliq ordered an ale as he listened to Marissa's company. His eyes flick uneasily to the boy and his wounds, then back at the others before whispering the word: 'Mind flayer?'

A memory stirs in his mind, or rather the absence one - his time as a mind flayer's thrall.

Inas shrugs at Saliq's suggestion to indicate it being a possibility.  Inas has a different idea, however.

"Do you know what information's bein' sought?" he asks.

Marissa gives Inas query some consideration. She speaks haltingly, trying to put the facts in order as if she were posting in the ship's log.

"Gorttam approached me, said that the wharf rats were making inquiries about a dragoon ship. They were paying good gold, though foreign. He wasn't sure from where, and I did not get a sample, but those were his words.

"Later, down on the docks, a couple of children approached. She called herself Digdug and her brother (I think) was called Twink. He had other names, too, most notably Remi, which I'm guessing is his given name.

"Dig Dug spoke for the two of them. Said the 'creature' (her word) in the fancy robes been paying for information regarding dragons (again, her word). I'm not sure of the linkage between dragoon and dragon, or if it's just Gorttam's, or even Digdug's mistake.

"She was careful to mention that she didn't say anything to anyone, was almost defensive about it. And she mentioned that the creature in the fancy robes had a strange accent.

"The boy apparently got a look at the creature, which is when he became catatonic. I believe the girl suffers survivor's guilt. She seemed relieved that I was a healer. Now I wish I hadn't allowed her to escape."

The boy squiggles in Rath's grip but then notices the old scars on the warriors face and neck.  He relaxes and lets Rath move him, and leans his own head back to show the three wounds of his own (mostly now healed thanks to Marissa's spell, but still deep red due to infection).


Rath finds no one to be currently charmed.

Rath reached out and lightly touched the inflamed wounds on the boy's neck and face. "You're gonna by okay, Remi," he lied convincingly. "Look at me. I came through okay. Don't worry. I was this ugly before the ... well, you know."

Rath set aside Avandra's coin and brought out Melora's shell. "This is gonna take a few minutes. Hey, will one of you get the kid something to eat?" He began a little ritual, a sort of chant and a sort of prayer, that went on for several minutes. He kept one hand on the boy's shoulder and manipulated the shell with the other. When he was done, he let his hand fall away.

[OOC: cast cure disease.]

Marissa heads to the bar, asks the barkeep for porridge, or some other light fare.

Twink immediately takes a deep breathe, and leans forward to grab a cup of whatever is on the table to drink.  His color improves, the redness fades from his neck, and he actually smiles.

"Octopus face, I called him octopus face..."

Saliq murmurs something in his native language. None of the others actually know Zandaran of course - particularly not the court version that is the illusionist's mother tongue but - but it sounds expressive and oddly poetic.

'Well, at least that answers my suspicions.' Saliq says after a moment. 'Of course this still doesn't explain the matter of dragons. Or dragoons.'

"It was my suspicion, as well, Saliq. Thank you for confirming such for me."

To the boy, she asked, "How do you feel, child?"

Rath grunted and smirked. "Yeah? Well, I would've called him Octopus Butt-Face. But my mama didn't raise me right."

His friends knew well enough. The smirk was a mask, a bluster. A vein was pulsing in Rath's forehead, and, under the table, his fist clenched around Melora's shell tightly enough to risk pulverizing it. "Maybe we should head to the tower?" he asked Saliq. It wasn't that he necessarily felt safe there, but it beat anywhere else in Stormhaven right at the moment.

'Yes, I agree.' Saliq scratched his trim beard thoughtfully. 'We do have the wardstone,' he reminded the others. 'I suggest we make installing it a priority.'

As the party sits within the Rusty Nail, eating a meal, drinking, and discussing matters that have crossed their way over the past few weeks, a few observations at made before they head off to the tower.

The boy, Twink, might be older than the 7 Marissa pegged him at.  He's just small and skinny, malnourished really.   He laughs hard at Rath calling the badman butt head, and eats and drinks heavily, before falling dead asleep in his chair.

The food is far better than they remember it being at the Nail.  It was passable, but this is actually good.  And the clients are less rough, even a family or two eat early and leave just after dark.

The drinks are okay, but after a few them, it is noted they have little affect (for those drinking ale or wine).  It isn't until several hours after dark that several of the old regulars come in.  They ring a bell, at the bar, and you hear similar bells chiming around the oldgate townside.  It is then that the drinks are replaced with something with more a kick to it.

Inas leans in.

"Does it seem to you that the populace has changed?  The rhythm of the city is different, somehow.  I know that peace has brought some calm and prosperity but still: fewer people in the City, fewer people out at night, different temperament.  I dunno; maybe it's nothing."

The ranger scans the bar as if monitoring the customers' behavior.

"I would trust your instincts," Marissa said, looking around. "I'm not a regular here, so don't know the pulse of the place like all of you do."

Standing from the table, she added, "The boy needs rest. A heartfelt thanks, Rath, for your kindness. I would that we either get a room here, or, as you say, head to the tower and rest for a day. We can reconnoiter on the morrow, as I am worried about Remi's sister."

'Perhaps it has changed,' Saliq admitted. 'I think the Wizard's Guild has noticed it too - have you observed they have increased security? I can make inquiries next Fifth Night.'

The group of adventurers leaves the Nail, satisfied with a good meal and glad to have caught up after many days or weeks apart.  Rath has to carry Twink who is still deeply asleep but he is amazingly light for his age.

It is not a long walk to their tower, and once again they are struck by how its been transformed from the days it was owned by a vile vampire.  The courtyard is pleasant and planted with both bushes, and flowers, and even herbs.

It looks new, not ancient and worn as before.

And even on entering the place, a feeling of relief washes over you all.  Master Dreadi is waiting near the entry and even without saying so, you feel that the Wardstone has been installed and now protects this place.  But that is not why he is waiting.

"Master Saliq.." he says with his dwarven accent, "...a gift arrived for you today, I wasn't sure if we should see you out, but it's instructions said to place it on the rooftop....and feed it....I think its raw rabbit, the rest of message is in another language we could not decipher..".

Saliq raised a puzzled by eyebrow but nodded slowly. 'Thank you Master Dreadi. I best see to this, and to this message.'

Tired but intrigued, Saliq and others climb their way to the tower rooftop, where two boxes sit in the center. One is huge, ten feet square, how Dreadi got it up here is a mystery for another day.  The other is only about a foot square, but with small holes all around its sides.

Written on the exterior of the smaller box, in a foreign tongue is a message scrawled in colorful inks.


A quick bit of work has the boxes open, the large is an intricately carved and built wooden cage, large enough to enter, open mostly with thin silver wire mesh, with a solid back wall that houses a small closet, and enclosed solid inner cage.  The small box has two young falcons of remarkable pedigree, each wearing a mask to keep them calm.

"Well, isn't that interesting," Marissa said with some delight. "Though I've never trained them, falcons are supposedly clever, and fierce on the hunt. My family is more familiar with them than I, though. Perhaps I'll call on my mother over the next day or two - this might bridge the divide between us...though I suspect I'll have to eat some crow...pardon the avian pun."

Saliq stroked his beard, expression thoughtful.'Yes, exquisite aren't they? It has been an age since I hunted with birds though it is a common noble practice in my country.'

He pointed to writing on the box and read it aloud for the benefit of the others: 'Congratulations for attaining the high honor of power of your studies, long have we watched from afar your steady progress, a gift from the homeland on this proud day for a native son.  Akim al-Kalaas.' With an eyebrow raised he looked at Marissa and the others.

'The name means nothing to me, though seemingly the reverse is not true! What do you make of that?'

"Is that truly a name, or is it a greeting. The little I've heard of your tongue would suggest that it may be something other than a name. And forgive me if I give offense. Verily I wish I knew more of your tongue...it is at times very pretty."

Saliq smiled at that. 'Should we ever adventure in the Empire I'll be happy to teach you some words or two. And do not worry, no offence is taken. In truth I am flattered. But though it means little to mean I do believe it is a proper name. Whoever it is or whatever they represent they seem very well informed.'

He turned back to the cage and the birds and muttered a string of eerie words, drawing a sigil in the air with his hand.

---

OOC: Saliq casts Detect Magic.

Saliq discovers no magic on the boxes, birds, or cage.

Gently taking hold of one of the birds Saliq offers it to Marissa. 'Here, try her out. I'm not an expert falconer but I know a couple of tricks, and I admit to a certain fascination with meeting your mother.'

"I was going to stay here tonight, and see to the boy," Marissa replied. "If it's alright with you, I'll head to Stormhaven on the morrow with the falcon, and speak to my mother. Once I've made arrangements, I'll contact you - she already met you at the affair following our defeat of the undead dragon...I'll let you know when."

Once they reached sanctuary of the tower and the boy was put down in a proper bed, Rath spelled out what he had seen of the changes in the city. Indeed, there seemed more prosperity in the wake of recent troubles, and though the troubled, sick, and poor were still about, the Stormhaven nights were strangely quiet -- devoid of skulking thieves, desperate revelry, murmurings of crimes planned and discontent.

He told what he knew of the Church of Prosperity through Peace, or Peach through Prosperity, or whatever the Hells it called itself. "Their prophet is a 'Lady,' from what I hear. All about taking the reins from self-serving gods, taking responsibility for our own well-being. From what I've seen of the workings of the gods, I get the thinking. But from what I've seen of the workings of actual people ... well, it's a terrible idea." He shrugged. "But maybe it only misguided. Maybe not sinister."

He ticked off the threats: "Ogre-Mage with a grudge. New Church. Mind-Flayer." He was grey-faced and miserable looking. "I guess vacation is over."

'Don't forget the mysterious present for me,' Saliq added. 'I'll have to ask questions at the next Fifth Night to see if my brothers and sisters know anything about all this. I must attend to guild business in any case as I am moving up in rank.'

He stroked his beard thoughtfully. 'Anyway, the question is which problem do we attend to first?'

"I think the ogre-mage is the lowest priority because it hasn't manifested itself.  And your gift, though mysterious, doesn't seem to be a threat.  I think the mind-flayer is the priority, because it is here and it is taking action.  In fact, if I didn't know better, from the way people are behavin' I'd wonder if there aren't many under its thrall."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:47, Mon 08 July 2019.

"I was thinking the same," Marissa said through a yawn. She was tired. Deeply tired. Children in distress always bothered her, and for whatever reason, Remi's illness - for lack of a better description - cut her to the quick. "In the face of all this calm, my heart is in turmoil. Something seems off."

Finding a seat, and some wine, she sits and ponders...and listens to the wisdom of the others.

Saliq sighed. 'I have to admit I'm not enthusiastic about tangling with the mind-flayers again. Not only are they cunning foes they have great resistance to magic. That said you are probably right. I do think if we are going to track down this tentacled interloper we should take steps to safeguard our own minds.'

"I don't know where it might lead -- maybe nowhere -- but I can check with the mercenaries' guild. See who's been hiring, or not. I ain't seeing the usual bullies and strong-arms on the streets. Maybe they're being kept busy."

Considering the state of the boy, Remi, Rath discusses his situation with Marissa [though the others are welcome to join in]. "We should find out what he knows, and the other Wharf Rats, but we gotta keep these kids out of it, as much as we can. Worst things I had to deal with at his age was a drunk dad and asshole town guards. The thing that shoved its tentacles into the kid ... well, I'll kill it, if I get the chance." He paused and a despair crossed his face. "But that won't help Twink. He's gotta ... live with this."

Marissa nods grimly, but offers a sympathetic smile to Rath.

"Children often rebound from even the most traumatic events. I suspect the young one will be much better after a full night of rest. I am, however, concerned about his sister, if that's indeed what she is. I expect Digdug's running the streets, and a prime target if she's not already bending knee to the Flayer."

It has been awhile since the group spent a full night together in their tower.  Still seems strange to own a large structure inside Stormhaven, but it is very comfortable.  And whether it is just the place, or the power the wardstone, everyone feels tremendously rested after a night there.

In the morning, Twink is found sweeping the floors on the upper level of the tower, he is proud to say he has already swept the rooftop and fed the raptors some meat strips.  Young as he is, he is adamant about re-paying for the bed, food, and healing in way of service.

ooc: Other than a dinner with Ehridol family, what else do you plan to do over the next two days. 

To the group, Inas asks: "Should we look for the girl?"

To the boy, he asks: "Do you remember where you were when you saw octopus face?"

The boy looks at the Ranger, "Uh-huh, I remember.  Word was stirring that a man was shyin' about real gold, nudging for answers to questions no one understood.  I saw him, all in fancy robes, moving like he floated so I followed him.  I earned my name cause I'm quiet, and can stay outta sight, better than most.  Followed him a long way, all the was to the Foundry, just crossed the stink river to a big warehouse.  I couldn't enter after him, but climbed up into the rafters and crawled out above him. It was empty 'cept for four others, all in fancy robes.  I laid still and silent, but it was hard to hear 'em as they talk fuzzy.  I heard the word daragoon or the like several times.  When the others left, he did too.  I waited till I thought it was clear and snuck outside....he was right there, all butt octopus faced, waiting on me. "

"All for that," Rath agreed. "You got something that'll do that?"

The ineffectiveness of Musfara's spells against the flayers was of deep concern of course. "Maybe we can take them out sideways. Not head-on, I mean. Find some monster that they can't ... can't get their tentacles around. Like a vampire. Or ... a ghost."  He waved away the thought. "Okay, those were two spectacularly bad ideas. But you get the gist, right?"
---

Seeing the kid doing chores to try to earn his keep, Rath shook his head thoughtfully. Outside of the boy's hearing, Rath said, "Gotta admit, me at his age in this situation, I would've grabbed a handful of our silverware and high-tailed it outta here." He paused, then added, "Do we even have silverware?"

"Just keep the vault locked," Marissa said with a small smile. "I think I'll head over to the Ehridol estate, talk to my mother. She's vexed with me, but that will pass. We're very much alike - stubborn to a fault. If any of you would like to join me..."

She trails off momentarily, then adds, "Worst case you get a lunch fit for a Queen."

She waits to see if anyone will go with her. In particular, her eyes fall upon Rori.

Inas is still asking questions of the boy.


"The four others; are you saying they were octopus-faces too?  And what did their robes look like?  At least, what color where they?

And so when the octopus-face thing surprised you, is that when your mind went fuzzy?  Do you remember if he said anything; out loud, in your head, anything?  Or what you did after that?"

'I'll join you Marissa,' Saliq replies. 'At the very least we'll have those birds to discuss.'

The four others; are you saying they were octopus-faces too?  And what did their robes look like?  At least, what color where they?

And so when the octopus-face thing surprised you, is that when your mind went fuzzy?  Do you remember if he said anything; out loud, in your head, anything?  Or what you did after that?"

Twink wrinkles his face like he's thinking real hard.

"I could not see their faces, but I don't think they were octopusheads, black silky, with colorful scarfs.  After he attacked me, I was left for dead, the mischief found me and did what they could for me, but I don't remember any of it".

(A mischief is a group of rats, he is likely talking about his fellow wharf rat friends)

After moment, he nods towards Saliq.  "The robes remind of those."

Marissa stays long enough to listen to Ines queries. She's interested, her attention fixed upon the boy and his answers.

"Do you recall if they had a pale, greyish pallor?"

Twink shakes his head, "I didn't see...." he stops a moment, "no, they weren't octopus men, it just came to me, when they left, they walked out...he floated everywhere, so they weren't the same"

Away from the boy, eventually, Rath spoke to Saliq with concern. "You got something particular in mind to keep our brains safe?" he started, faking a light tone that he couldn't maintain. This was dark business. "And listen. You think maybe the flayer has ... influence ... over the guild? Those robes the kid described ... could be wizard garb."

He doesn't go to the Ehridol estate. Instead, Rath separated from the group. He was planning to head over to the Mercenaries' Guild, to see what he could dig up about goings-on in Stormhaven. He'd been there before. The guild-master wasn't a friend, but maybe he wasn't an enemy, either.

Inas looks grimmer when the boy describes the robes.  He shoots a glance at Saliq to make sure that he heard, then turns back to the boy.


"You've done good, lad.  If Marissa has no more questions for you, I suggest you stay here.  Look about the place.  But don't get into too much mischief, or Master Dreadi will put you to work."

Unless Marissa has more questions, Inas joins the others out of earshot of the boy, just in time to hear Rath's question to Saliq.  He adds: "Do you think your trip to the estate should be delayed so that you can check out matters in the wizard's guild?  If not, much as I'd like to join you -- and as foolhardy as it may be -- I may saunter into some of the seedier places around the wharf to see if I can learn anything useful."

Rath can't really get a meeting on short notice with the guildmaster, but others tell him, after proper bribes are paid, that business has been very slow.  Men at arms were in demand just after the Vrock demon attacks on the city but have steadily declined since, to the point the guild itself is struggling to remain open.

Marissa and Saliq have an absolutely lovely lunch at the Ehridol estate.   It is also down near the docks, but the one true castle estate nearby and shows the wealth and power that a family who has long ruled the shipping lanes of major port.  The meal is fantastic, and Marissa's mother is such a generous and funny host, the daughter barely recognizes her mother.  As Saliq is skilled in falcony, the Dame Ehridol is full of stories of her younger days raising the prey birds and going on hunts on their "country estate".

Inas heads off to the docks to do some investigating.

Rath worked through the implications of his findings. Either the powers of Stormhaven felt secure in this period of prosperity or they had a strength from another quarter, having no use for Stormhaven mercenaries. He shrugged. That line of thought didn't lead anywhere new.

Of course, his thoughts kept returning to the Foundry, where Twink had caught glimpse of the flayer. He was inclined to the direct approach, but he didn't necessarily believe that was a great idea this time around. And he certainly wouldn't risk acting alone.

[OOC: I haven't have a lot of focus or inspiration on where to go from here, but I'm open to pretty much anything. I'm giving some thought to actually hiring some mercenaries, not because we need them but to get into the good graces of the guild, which might be important or useful later. Not something Rath would do without checking in with the others about, though. Also, even though it seems unrelated, I could try make closer contact with this new Church of Peace, to see if there's a connection. Otherwise, I think we need to check out the Foundry.]

After lunch, Marissa gets down to business. Saliq is nearby listening as she asks her mother about activity on the docks, in particular she offers to her mother Digdug and Twink's stories, as examples.

"There's something going on down there that has the potential to affect our business, and way of life. More important is the well being of the wharf rats - their's is a difficult lot to begin with, add this exponentially greater peril, and the issue becomes urgent. What are your thoughts on this?"

Matron Ehridol listens intently, and not without sympathy to Twink and Digdugs story.

She steals a glance at the nearby Saliq, and after a moment or two of deep breathing, answers.

"Marissa dear, this is just what I've been telling you.  Trying to impart to you.  These things you describe are troubling, indeed, but they are not ours to solve.  You and your friends overstep your place.  It was tolerated as youthful foolishness, but surely it is time you grow up.  Have you reported this to the town guard?  The guild, surely this intruder is a mage of some sort and they are required by the law to check in with the guild.  These wharf mice, well, they are next years thieves and cutpurses and should be caught and turned over to the authorities.  It is time you...and your friends, enjoy your youthful triumphs.  I know Ery encouraged you, so it was not your fault, but he's growing old and so are these wild cowboy-like ways.  "

ooc: Ery is a nickname for Lord Eradan Thyrandas III, royal families and all know each other...

Inas spends an evening and deeper into the night investigating some of the dives, bars, and alleys down along the docks.

He finds very little of interest, a few wharf rats (kid pickpockets or hustlers) that pose no threat to him, a bunch of sailors who seem sullen and not drunk as he'd expect,  and a lot of empty dark spaces.

When he about to give up for the evening, he is walking by a deserted small warehouse, he is enjoying the sounds of the water lapping against the docks, the feint smell of fish, the odor of salt, and his mind almost wanders.  Really wanders, something tries to bend it, control it, but his inner strength shrugs it away.

A glance to the window of the warehouse, shows a quickly departing shadow.

Quietly, Marissa listens to her mother. Once a dynamic woman in her own right, she had apparently fallen victim to the age old disease of old age. Truthfully, Marissa was stunned, but she'd learned much from her comrades, and coached her face to stillness as her mother showed herself to be just another old matron trying to protect her...wealth? Reputation? She wasn't even sure anymore. But she said little as her mother spoke, and once the old woman was finished, she said, "Perhaps you're right, Mother. Perhaps it is time for me to take on greater responsibility within the house. I'm going to walk with Saliq back to his guild, help him with the falcons, and say good-bye to my other friends. Once done, I'll come back and get to work. Fair enough?"

As she awaits her mother's answer, she catches Saliq's eye and offers a single, nearly indistinguishable wink out of her mother's sight.

Inas makes sure that his glance does not linger; if the shadow at the warehouse's window did not know that Inas was aware of the "attack" then Inas did not want to tip him off.

But the ranger made sure to note which warehouse it was.  And, figuring that he has done all he can do this night, he returns to the tower.

Marissa's mother gives her daughter a hug, "Be careful, and wish all your friends a good night, I have some business to attend to but come up if you wish to talk more tonight, I'll be up for awhile.."

Marissa leads Saliq from the estate.

"Let's go back to the tower, unless you have a better idea," she said to her companion.

On the journey, she is quiet, though she delights in the birds. She considers a few scenarios, but realizes that she is both physically and emotionally drained...and would rather sleep than do just about anything else.

"Do you remember the dream, when we had no weapons?" she asked suddenly. "That is how I feel when I'm around my mother. I think tomorrow I am going to visit my Uncle Ery."

Saliq turns towards the tower in company with Marissa. At her question strokes his beard thoughtfully. 'I admit I know your mother not nearly as well as you do my friend, but do you think it is possible she is under some... well, influence? She is a powerful woman of course and where I someone - or something - looking to take over the city she might be just such a person to approach.'

He smile ruefully at Marissa and jokes: 'Either that or at times I almost thought she was flirting at me.'

Marissa's smile was wide. "You are a good-looking man, Saliq, and my mother's still quite a catch. Perhaps a dalliance would loosen her, ah, attitudes a little."

She frowns then, adds, "Still, she's very rooted in her beliefs. She never found a commoner she could trust, and the Gods forgive, but she's very attached to her station. If the dream taught me anything, it's that reality is as much illusion as the dweomers you cast."

As the members of the party make their way back to the tower after their day of investigations, and luncheons, there is a wagon tied up out front of the main gate.

Inside, Twink is waiting with news.  There is a small disheveled man waiting in the study, he seemed quick upset and in a hurry, but has enjoyed several rounds of tea and two trays of food from the kitchen, and seems to have settled down a bit.

Entering, you do not at first recognize the man, but he very happy to see you and greets you with great praises for all you've done for his master in the past.  Eventually you gather his Miglaf, herald of Lord Kazmerak of the village of Windham.   Kazmerak, never a fan of the power of Stormhaven, has grown even more paranoid about the large city only 20 miles from his own small home.  He has come incognito to plea for the heroes to once again come to their aid!!  It is most urgent!!!!

Saliq's eyes widen a little at Marissa's comment, obviously not sure whether she is joking or not. 'Well... I must admit your mother does have a certain charm, and I am certainly not a commoner.' He pauses before adding: 'And you are quite right about reality. Sometimes I think I might be better off being born a native of Dream than here - though my friends certainly make up for the fact.'

Back at the tower Saliq finds himself bombarded by Miglaf's babble. After a moment of listening to the man speak he holds up a hand. 'Thank you for coming to us,' Saliq begins diplomatically, 'but what exactly does Lord Kazmerak propose? We are all very fond of Windham but I doubt you will find many here willing to war against Stormhaven.'

Rath muttered to himself, "Rats in the tavern's cellar? Gods, please tell me you want us to kill the rats in the tavern's cellar."

His last experience assisting Windham had not left fond memories. He wasn't eager to hear what new demands might be placed on them.

Milgaf shakes his head and nearly cannot speak, but after a deep drink of the wine on his tray, begins,

"Not at all, yes and surely you know Stormhaven has, well, lost its way,  but never mind that, we beseech you to help us.  Last week, the Elsir river turned to blood, Ms. Tarmid's prize tomato's chewed off two of her fingers, the forest, and its all around us, has started to ooze black oche, and two of our soldiers went to investigate and came back full of thorns, poisonous ones, they may not survive.   It is more than we can handle".

Inas looks at Milgaf as if he's been presented with a tall tale by a drunkard: with disbelief devoid of shock.


"Of course.  Right.  Surely you don't expect us to believe any of that, much less all of it."

Rath had a dark look about him. He was reclined in a chair, but not relaxed. "First, what the hell do you mean, Stormhaven has lost its way? Second -- " (and here Rath looked meaningfully at Inas and Saliq) "Second, has anyone seen Eagle lately?"

'Yes, I have seen Eagle only days ago at Calvarix Keep,' Saliq mentions. 'Our friend has grown a little more... well druidic but seems well enough. He said he had greater worries but I assumed they were just the general responsibilities of his order.'

He stroked his beard thoughtfully. 'It sounds like these patterns are more designed to discomfort and disorient than to truly harm. And you say the forest is involved? Milgaf, I am no expert in the affairs of faeries and other such beings but have your townsfolk done anything to anger them?'

Milgaf looks agog!

"Two of our best men, near dead, our beloved river, source of our water, fish, and industry turned to blood, our dear forest turned against us.....clearly you do not imagine these minor events!!  And no, first we have no fairies, and if we did, they would be our friends.  There is no need to grandstand, we are desperate, name your price and we will pay it, if it can".

The little man puts his head in his hands and seems as if he might just feint.

Marissa offers the man some liquor.

"Here, this will help," she said, rolling her eyes at her friends as she hands the drink to the man.

Milgaf takes a sip of the drink and then coughs a few times, but adds, "Bless you.."

Marissa's laughter is like chimes.

"And the Neptune's blessing be upon you as well."

Saliq looked solemn, though he obviously fighting back a smile.

'Windham is still in alliance with Salt Flats and Newstead is she not? Have they been affected to, or been able to offer any aid?'

"Well, they at least, seem unaffected, but offer much sympathy but little in any usable help.  They are no more able to deal with such as this than we are!"

Inas sighs.

"We can't be in two places at once," he says matter-of factly.  "It sounds as if something significant is occurring in Windham.  Meanwhile in Stormhaven something more subtle appears afoot."

Suddenly, Inas leans toward Milgaf with great earnestness.  It's as if something that Milgaf said, and Rath's follow-up, suddenly clicked with him.

"Wait -- you didn't explain.  What do you mean when you say that Stormhaven has 'lost its way?'"

Marissa's eyes dart toward Inas. Once again, she was in awe of his insights. Remaining still, she awaited Milgaf's answer.

Milgaf reddens.

"Well, you know, I shouldn't speak so unkind  of our large neighbor, but blast it all, they've run amuck for certain.  Taxes through the roof, restrictive laws, even beyond their own borders, that new church, its all too much".

"Yes, we've observed some of this.  Tell us about the church; based on things we've heard it may be connected to your troubles."

Inas knows he's stretching (if not making up) the facts.  But he deems it the best way to get the man to tell hem everything he knows.  And maybe, just maybe . . . Inas's declaration is right.

Milgaf looks around the room, "Surely you have heard, the new church, it advocates against the gods, against all of them...that Stormhaven hasn't been smote to rubble is a wonder, but it will come no doubt in time, but this has nothing to do with us, we have changed none of our ways....well, excepting regarding those who visit us from here'bouts".

"We've been here long enough to take notice, but not long enough to conduct our inquiries.  These taxes and restrictive laws -- did they coincide with the church's arrival?"

"You should really be asking the Mayor these things, I'm just his assistant and most of what I've said I've just heard him say.   The church came first,  but the Mayor suspects they are related, or so I gather."

Inas ignores the attempt to stop the interrogation.

"Yes, I've been wondering that myself.  Now tell me: did this new church, or some from Stormhaven, try to extend these laws or taxes to your town and people?"

Milgaf holds out his cup till someone pours him some more liquor.

"Yes, and no.....Of course, anyone doing business in the city is heavily taxed now, but we aren't taxed anymore than normal outside the city.  For repairs they say.  Well, fine.  But if someone comes to our town, we have to vet them, treat them by the city's rules, no hard liquor till two hours after sundown and all that nonsense, ridiculous!!"

Inas nods to encourage the man, hoping to overcome his reluctance.  Maybe if he reveals more of what he's thinking -- although, Inas thought it was somewhat obvious where he was going.

"Have you protested these changes in any way?  And the troubling occurrences in your town . . . how have they coincided with events here in Stormhaven?"

"We grumble, but we go along, who has a choice, the city has always gotten its way, but....no, these troubles of ours, I do not see how they are connected."

Inas sits back.  "Hmph," he says.  He asks what may be his last question:


"Have you seen signs of this new church in Windham?"

Milgaf shrugs, "A few, no more than the other churches, but I don't think they have any converts yet, least none as would admit it aloud".

"Well, that's how it starts, soft murmurs in the shadows," Marissa said. "I would think if you're aware of the problem, you could take some subtle steps against these, um, agnostics."

She pauses, and then asks the question, "If not the gods, then who?"

"Well, I am worn from the ride here, would it be permitted for me to take a short rest before I head back?"

Milgaf recalls his manners, "Forgive me kind lady, I have too much on my mind and just a small man in the world.   It is not my place to interfere with big cities or the business of the gods.

To be honest, what you must think of the rest of us.  We dream of such powers and adventures as children, but, almost all of us are just scared when it comes to it.  To risk your lives as you do, I cannot even imagine.   I feel ashamed to have asked.  The most I risk on a bad day is a bruised ego and an ink stain on my finger ".
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:24, Wed 31 July 2019.

Saliq waves away Milgaf's self-criticism. 'Don't blame yourself, we do live in troubled times. I admit your lord's request comes at a busy time, but still we do not dismiss you lightly. Please rest here for a time.'

Rath shifted position and leaned toward Milgraf. He had been listening to the questions and answers carefully, and his mood was dark. "I can't tell you not to be ashamed, Milgraf. Everyone is ashamed. Most with much more cause than you, I promise that. You've done no wrong coming to us."

[OOC: I'm jump back into the game a little more forcefully shortly. It's been a crazy busy week.]

ooc:  Where do take Milgaf to rest, the waiting room is on first floor, the bedrooms are on the upper floors.

BTW, I'm working on a map of your tower home, Ben kinda described to me what he wanted to do before he left the game and he hired the workmen.

ooc: just to not stall things with minor details, I'll improvise.



Saliq, with his regal manners, is quick to help the tired, weary Milgaf up the stairs to one of the bedrooms recently renovated.

Saliq turns to leave as the man takes a seat on the edge of the bed,

"I have a terrible headache, like someone ran sharp nails through my brain.  Um, bellhop, what is the name of this inn, I don't remember even checking in".

Saliq frowned and held a palm to the man's brow before studying his eyes. Ordinary illness or magic?

PM

Saliq drew the others aside. 'I believe our friend might have been under the control of other, tentacled friends. The protective aura of the wardstone must have broken through it.'

"As was obvious from my questions, it was my suspicion that the events in Stormhaven are connected to what is going on in his town.  This seems to confirm it, despite his protests.  Can you tell if he was under that influence while he was questioning; that the wardstone took some time to work?  If so, maybe re-asking some of those questions might give different and more accurate answers?


And if I'm right . . . wouldn't it be more effective to trace it down on this end?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 13:50, Mon 05 Aug 2019.

"I think Inas has the right of it. Better we investigate from a position of strength, or at least a position of familiarity, than traipse out to the hinterlands. I still think a visit to my uncle might prove useful. I am not satisfied with my mother's advice in the least."

'I believe his sudden dizziness and incoherence marked the moment the effects left him and that happened only when he neared the bedrooms close in proximity to the wardstone,' Saliq explained. He stroked his beard thoughtfully. 'This could prove useful... if we invite those we suspect may be under mental control to our tower the wardstone could break that influence over their minds. We must keep its existence a secret.'

Saliq glanced at Marissa. 'Do you think your mother could be under such mind control?'

"The thought did occur, though she is a very strong woman. Still, if the mind players were complicit in these events - and I've no reason to think otherwise - it seems likely to me."
This message was last updated by the player at 02:38, Tue 06 Aug 2019.

Saliq smiled wryly. 'Well... perhaps as you said before a dalliance might intrigue her.'

The illusionist looked thoughtful. 'I have no doubt your mother is strong willed but she is also a very influential person in her own right and were I trying to control the city she would seem an obvious person to try and subvert. Don't worry, if she is under their power we'll save her.'

Rath was slow to work up the words, but finally he spoke. "A gods-damned ruse. To get us out of the city." He scowled thoughtfully. "They're going to make a move. Okay, let's check out Mama Ehridol. Then, we ruse them right back. Leave Stormhaven, or make it seem that we do, right? Draw 'em out."

A short re-questioning of the poor government man reveals much.  First, he had no idea you lived in this tower, nor did he have any instructions to ask you for aid.  It was the general opinion of his Mayor that you were still missing or travelling.  He was sent to ask for military support from Stormhaven itself.  He remembers travelling this way but nothing much after about half way to the city.  He is feeling much better as time goes on, his headache is quickly subsiding, but he is worried.  According to his last known place, it puts him as being under the sway for almost a week.   All that he said about the threats to his home are true but he has no memory of anything he talked with you about.  HE worries that a weeks delay may have been most deadly to those he left behind.  If questioned about politics, he is politely evasive.

Okay, so maybe not a ruse. But something wanted them out of Stormhaven, so Rath let his suggestion stand.

If the others agreed, he would start making preparations to leave the city, with no intention of actually leaving the city. If someone had another idea, he was open to it.

"Perhaps that visit to my Uncle Ery would help further the perception of us leaving," Marissa said. "In turn, there may be more information that he might provide. He is a powerful man - that counts for a lot in this city."

Rath nodded. "Right. You go check with your uncle. I'll stay behind and make some preparations. Did you, uh, want to get your mama into the tower? Just to be sure she's not ... ?" (He made a little whirly gesture with his finger near his temple, to indicate his meaning.)

Rath then made the rounds about the tower, letting the caretaker and the wharf rat who had settled into the place that the company would be leaving shortly. He made arrangements for new traveling boots and gear to be brought to the tower, for the four adventurers, and some high-grade rations for the road.

He made his way through the city, finding the Rusty Nail, where he met with Rose for a time.

Later, he headed to the mercenaries' guild house, where he intended to hire a three-person round the clock watch on the Nail, just in case of trouble.

[OOC: I'll post the conversation with Rose when I have a bit more time to write.]

Marissa frowns, then shakes her head.

"If she is somehow affected by what's going on, sequestering her here would provide our enemies insight. Much as I wish to protect her, I cannot justify that kind of risk."

Rath dipped his head in a slight nod, understanding Marissa's point. He had come to a similar conclusion to an unspoken notion of bringing Rose here. "Guessing your mama isn't one to be sequestered, anyway, if I'm any judge."

Trying to hide his disappointment that they would not be entertaining Lady Ehridol Saliq nodded. 'Very well. I'll keep my eyes and ears open at the Guild then.'

"No, no she is not," Marissa replied with a grin. "And buck up, Saliq. I'll make sure to reintroduce you once this mess is cleaned up. You may have missed her not so subtle glances, but I surely did not!"

Her mirth was evident upon her face.

"While we are planning our fake departure, we should probably consider what we're actually going to do.  Going to the warehouse by the docks would certainly stir things up, although it would also immediately divulge our subterfuge."

"Mm. I got some ideas, maybe, but I gotta let them simmer. Meanwhile, I'm hoping Musfara hatches a devious scheme."

Then, Rath went about his business, with his ideas simmering as he went.

___

He was with Rose at one of their rendevous. He went into it without masking that he had something hard to talk about. Rose would have figured it out anyway. It would have been easier if he had smirked and looked at the ceiling. Instead, he looked her in the eyes.

"Bad times coming to Stormhaven, Rose. Guess you knew that already. We haven't quite figured out what it is, exactly. I don't know if you're in danger. I mean, any more than anyone else in this damned city. You could stay at the tower. Might be safer there. But that'd draw attention. And if you draw attention, you might not be able to leave. Anyway, it's an offer, if you want it, but I don't expect you do."

He considered his next outpouring a long time before he spoke. "Something's trying to get us out of town. Musfara, Inas, Marissa, and me, I mean. We're gonna let it ... it, them, whatever ...  think it worked. So I need to disappear for awhile. And so, this is our last time together for awhile." He touched her face. "Need to say good-bye. For awhile."

He grimaced, looked away, looked back into her eyes. "When I come back, if I don't seem right, it's because I'm not. Don't let on that you know. Understand? You just get away from me. Head to the tower, maybe. The wardstone there, it should ... it might ... might keep me out. If I'm not right. You got good sense, Rose, mostly. Trust that more than you trust me."

So the next day, the olde Heroes of Stormhaven set off in their individual missions.  Saliq to the Wizards Guild,  Marissa to try to meet with the Lord Mayor, Rath to hire protection for Rose and investigate, and Inas, to move into the dark places in the city and observe.


It is a day of strange frustrations.

Saliq arrives at the Guild and is met by two armed soldiers.  Not the same as he met last time who gave him the new application, but in similar garb.  They spend a few moments verifying who he is, and then let him in, but with a restricted pass.  Which allows him access to the common areas, and the lower levels, but not the archives, labs, or libraries.

Marissa goes to Stormhaven Keep at the highest part of Stormhaven, and although its been awhile, it is familiar to her, having come often as a child to many parties and events as the daughter of a family of power in the city.  She is interested in the large new addition being constructed onto the Keep,  several nice wings and large chapel, but expects to be allowed an audience, if not with the Lord Mayor, at least with his trusted Seneschal, who long has been friends with her and her companions.  However, she is asked to make an appointment, and when she inquires, is told the Seneschal has retired due to health reasons.

Rath manages to hire three men at arms to his cause, but they are below his normal standards.  But the best he can find.

Rose, for her part, listens to Rath's words, and just brushes his hair from his forehead,

"My dear Rath, I'd love to visit this tower, but only if you are there.  I am not sure what you mean, but I'll try to do what you say.  If you come back and bring me flowers, I'll know your mind is scrambled....now, go do your hero stuff, I'll be fine here, I have friends who watch out for me..."

And Inas, spends the day in alleys, dark corners of bars, and even close to some of the hotspots of commerce.   He hears a pitiful amount of gossip or rumor for this city, it is usually rampant.  One bit that he does pick up on, though it be subtle, is
that people believe that ever since the day when the demons struck the city, that it was part of a first wave of a plot for a foreign power to overthrow the Lord Mayor....maybe infiltrate and kill the Mayor and seize control of the city.

Marissa bothered to put on appropriate clothes for a meeting with the Lord Mayor, leather pants stitched with a latticed pattern and tucked into knee high dark velvet boots. She wears a button up vest covering her torso that leaves the arms bare to the shoulders, and silver gauntlets upon her wrists. She wears her sword upon her hip.

When she arrives, she seeks out the seneschal for a meeting, but is rebuffed. Her anger stirs, but she tries to maintain her poise.

"An appointment?" she asked. "What tomfoolery is this. I'm the second generation of House Ehridol, heir to my mothers holdings and not some petitioner seeking redress for a lost goat. I've visited directly the Lord Mayor on several occasions without appointment and can hardly countenance gatekeepers telling me to 'schedule an appointment! If the Lord Mayor is busy, I'll wait...or I'll talk with the new seneschal NOW!"

Her temper ramped up with each word so that, at the last, she was nearly shrieking with indignity.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:16, Mon 19 Aug 2019.

The two guards stare at Marissa a moment, when the older of the two, turns and motions with his hand.  A young woman in robes comes out from a alcove, and he leans over and speaks with her before turning back to Marissa.

"OK, we will wait here with you, until word comes if there is someone who is free to meet with you."

Marissa's face is a tempest's fury, but she refrains from additional comment until 'somebody' comes to see her. She wonders briefly if she's put herself in peril's way - could the Lord Mayor be enthralled by the Illithids? Noting their psychic power, she immediately shuts down that line of thought and schools her mind to stillness...except for a niggling of trepidation that won't go away.

Marissa stands there for what seems an eternity, before a man in fine silver armor, wearing the Lord Mayor's crest, walks up, parting the guards.

"Daughter Ehridol, please follow me, the Seneschal Renardy will see you now, and forgive us the wait, today was busier than usual for us all here, I am certain the Seneschal will explain".
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:23, Tue 20 Aug 2019.

Marissa nods her head with bare courtesy. "Thank you, Sir," she murmured with a sniff. "Perhaps you wouldn't know, but I am a commissioned captain of my own ship, The Night's Wraith. Daughter Ehridol is unseemly, makes me seem a waif, which I most assuredly am not."

As they walk along toward their destination, she keeps an eye out for servants and other such men and women who are crafts-folk and artisans in effort to gauge their temperment. Are they frightened, concerned, angry? It is all very confusing to her.

PM

Inas, strangely, is not surprised at the dearth of gossip.  To the contrary: it seems quite consistent with all that he has suspected.  And yet, the ranger still is not certain of the goal, or purpose, of the oddity that has befallen Stormhaven.  Vague ideas, but he has nothing more.

He decides to try another approach.  An odd approach but one that won't cost anything but time.

He returns to the alleys and streets near the docks.  Near he mysterious warehouse he was near before, but careful to stay a block or more away, Inas goes hunting.

For a cat.

Marissa is marched through a maze of semi familiar halls and chambers.  Some large and with paintings, some with amazing tapestries, some that look just like certain areas of her own family estate, areas where people live for real, where a Keep or Castle is just a home.  There are almost no servants, or others that she sees during the walk.

At last, she enters a small room, simple but "comfortable, with a man behind a desk.  He is middle aged, mostly bald but with small tuffs of hair just above his ears,  wiry and short for a human man, and pale as if he hasn't seen the sun if awhile.  He does however wear the most fabulous silver colored robe, and has tiny little spectacles that make his pale eyes look fish like.

"Ah, welcome Captain Marissa Ehridol, the sea dragon by nickname I believe.  I am so glad to meet you in person.  What can I do you for you and your family this evening?"

Inas makes his way to the docks, in the darker deep of the evening, using his ranger skills to just slip from shadow to shadow, move with the sounds of the sea slapping against the docks, and hide within the rustle of the wind.  A skilled hunter, tonight he seeks one of the ultimate predators, and when he finds one, it is grey and smooth coated, with the lightest of green eyes, healthy and moves like quick silver.  It hops up on his lap, and purrs, as if to say, what do you want to know, and what do you have for me in return?

GM Bard:

Marissa is marched through a maze of semi familiar halls and chambers.  Some large and with paintings, some with amazing tapestries, some that look just like certain areas of her own family estate, areas where people live for real, where a Keep or Castle is just a home.  There are almost no servants, or others that she sees during the walk.

At last, she enters a small room, simple but "comfortable, with a man behind a desk.  He is middle aged, mostly bald but with small tuffs of hair just above his ears,  wiry and short for a human man, and pale as if he hasn't seen the sun if awhile.  He does however wear the most fabulous silver colored robe, and has tiny little spectacles that make his pale eyes look fish like.

"Ah, welcome Captain Marissa Ehridol, the sea dragon by nickname I believe.  I am so glad to meet you in person.  What can I do you for you and your family this evening?"

"Two things, sir, to start with: first, it is customary to share names, so I would know with whom I am speaking. Once you answer that, then I would like to know what happened to your predessor."

Inas smiles at the cat as he strokes its fur and casts a bit of nature magic.  "Alright little one; would you like some food or milk while we talk about what's going on around here?  Have some strange people moved in?"

'Naturally I will expect my Guild fees to be reduced accordingly,' Saliq sniffed at the guards. 'I joined this body in good faith and if it is restricting my benefits without good explanation I shall require restitution.'

The man looks up with surprise in his eyes for just a moment, "I...apologize, deeply Lady, I am Seneschal Renardy, second to the Lord Mayor, please have a seat.  May I get you a refreshment, cool water, juice, sweet wine.  I fear I am all at angles today, on top of everything else I was doing, the Lord Mayor himself rises like a ghost from the deep to demand a full tour of the new construction, and an accounting on a great many political matters.  It has thrown all our schedules out of sorts!!".

The two guards at the entrance shrug, "We just guard the doors, sorry but you'd have to take that up with higher ups.  Course, you must be pretty good at what you do to even be allowed in the door, given...well, you know.  I'm sure its none of business."

The cat sits nicely beside Inas, taking its good time to eat and drink the milk and morsels the ranger provides.  Purring the whole time its satisfaction.  Just when Inas is feeling he's being played, the cat begins to meow up a storm, and thought the words are not direct, he can interpret their meanings.

Docks always changing, things come and go, but now time, yes, the thing that changes forms, scaring away many of my friends.

Marissa sighs deeply. "To be honest, milord, 'tis I who owe you the apology. I thank you for seeing me. Your predecessor kept me in his counsel; I was hoping to talk to him about events in the city. Now it seems sickness...or was it age has sent him into retirement. I wish he would've told me. But, then, who am I to expect such things but a servant of Stormhaven. And now I feel like I've imposed. Please offer my same apology to your men if any were offended.

One question I am curious about, though: Was he sick long?"

Marissa tries to use her wisdom to determine if Renardy is prevaricating or holding anything back.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:59, Wed 21 Aug 2019.

Renardy smiles,

And then thinks a bit, "I am not sure about the former Seneschal, he was well liked, and I wish I had been able to learn under his tutelage before I was appointed, but I don't much about his departure.  As for the Lord Mayor, he fell deeply ill nearly a month ago and has spent most of the time in recovery down below the keep, it was quite a shock to us today when he arrived to inspect the place.  He still looked quite thin and ill, but....well, he is the Lord Mayor".

Marissa stares at Renardy for a long moment. "Ill you say? I'd not heard...well, then I would not have, eh?"

She is obviously taken aback. To Renardy, she appears to be concerned for the Lord Mayor's health, but her mind raced at the implications. A creeping suspicion...but no, for now she would not speculate. But she needed to get back to the others quickly. Still, she would not rush.

"Milord, if you'd indulge me, what were the forms of the Lord Mayor's sickness? I am something of a healer by the auspices of Neptune, you see, and if this is a communicable disease, I would see it brought to heel."

Renardy answers,  "It is strange, at first, it seemed like he had simply eaten something disagreeable, all the symptoms that come with that but usually pass quickly.   But after several days, we were worried it might be more serious and clerics were quick to try to counter any poison or illness through their prayers.   And though he lived on,  he remained weak and without appetite.  His spirits have been down as well, as you can well imagine a mighty Lord such as himself being used to vigor and health.  It was a surprise, and a good one, to see him up and about today, although it did disrupt much of our other plans.".


He stops for a moment, as if thinking, an idea occurs to him,  "Would you wish to visit him later, if he were up to it?  It might do him some good to have an old friend stop by, if so, I will ask him if he's up to it and send word to you.  Perhaps you could have dinner with him, encourage him to eat to get his strength back".

"Ah yes, the shape changer.  Can you recognize it when it takes normal forms?"

"I would be delighted to," Marissa replied with a wide smile. "What time shall I arrive?"

Renardy bows, "Excellent, I will send word with all the details once I've confirm the Lord Mayor is up for a visitor.  Thank you, if there isn't anything more, I fear a good many duties await me this day yet".

The cat licks its paws,  "I've seen it change, it does not consider us animals a threat, but no, I don't think I can".

"No, nothing more. I'll be on my way," she replied.

Once free, she hurries back to the tower in hope of finding one of her companions...and a more formal set of clothes.

In reply to GM Bard (msg # 211):

'Thank you,' Saliq replied stiffly. Entering the guild and making little effort to conceal his irritation he marched straight for Master Azuth's chambers to get some answers.

  The old wizard is in his chambers on the upper tower of the Guild, wearing splendid red and black robes, and looking much the same as he has in the past.  He is reading when Saliq comes to his open door.  He does not look up from his book, but waves Saliq in and pushes a comfortable armchair back with on foot in invitation to sit, raising a finger to indicate he just wants to finish one thing.  After several minutes reading, and another two after shutting the book, simply stroking his beard, he asks,

"Saliq, have you ever wondered why the merest fledgling acolyte of nearly every faith can heal a man's minor wounds, and only wizards of supreme skill can heal, and that through great and terrible methods?"

Saliq, having taken a seat raised one eyebrow. 'I am not sure I'd have put in quite that way, but yes I suppose I have. Then again the arcane obeys rules of its own. There are a magics a mere apprentice of the general tradition can achieve that I could not hope to master no matter how long I studied. In contrast we students of illusion can manage things that even the greatest wizards would have difficulty managing.'

He leaned back thoughtfully, then held out his hands in front of him, palms upward. 'Consider Corellon and Sehanine. They are known by different names in my country but they are worshiped there. Corellon,' he raised his right palm slightly, 'Is the patron of arcane magic. Sehanine, he raised the left palm, 'is the patron of illusions and shadows. I have read that some scholars believe that Corellon and Sehanine bought taught magic to mortals independently which is why our traditions differ. I have even read that some feel that mages and illusions draw magic from different places, though I am not entirely convinced.'

Saliq left his hands drop to his lap. 'Still... I have never met the gods directly so I am not privy to their mysteries. I sense you have theories Master Azuth?'

"What does it look like in its 'normal' form?"

The cat almost frowns, "Octopus, man, most times.  If someone were to promise to come by from time to time and bring a fish, I could tell you what it was searching for".

The old wizard listens intently, "Theories upon theories..." he sighs but seems to snap out of his distraction.  "I am certain you didn't come all this way to discuss my latest obsession. What is on your mind young man?"

"I could do that if you like . . . or if you prefer, I can give you a home that includes regular provisions of fish."

'Actually, I find this topic fascinating,' Saliq replied and smiled ruefully, and shuffled in his chair, his own ornate robes shifting as he took a more comfortable position. 'But yes you are right. I understand security is advisable, but we are still a Wizard's Guild and if I am to be restricted from most of what makes us who we are I think I deserve more of an explanation. Are all of us below the Council restricted... or just myself?'

Marissa gives grave thought to the outfit she has planned. First off, a colorful top, red like sanguine, with pleats that provide a measure of delicacy while not restricting her movement and frills at the wrist.

While not tight, the top does offer a bit of pretense in that direction; men, and some women, will look twice at her, she is sure. A black skirt, similar to what a dancer might wear, hugs her hips carefully and descends to her knee. There a set of grey leather boots finish the ensemble.

Looking in the mirror, she find that she likes the affect; she looks the part of a sea captain indeed.

Moving on to more important items, she discounts the spear outright. She's going to a parlay, not a melee. At last she decides to bring the scimitar, wearing it sheathed at her left hip for easy access. She expects no dragons to be in attendance, yet the weapon is a worthy one all the same. She studies the helm, finds no justification for wearing it, instead opting for her dagger as a matter of last recourse. Hiding it on her upper thigh, secured by a reinforced garter, she takes another look in the mirror and murmurs, "I am ready."

Her decisions made, she makes her way back onto the streets of Stormhaven with a heading toward the Lord Mayor's palace.

The cat purrs again, "Maybe, when I'm old, for these days, just fish.  It's words buzz in your head. SO confused, human ears, but I heard it, it was seeking the Dragon Moms Mom".

The old master actually rolled his eyes, then takes a deep breathe.

"Though I lead the Guild, it is sworn to the Lord Mayor, and his will and whims......." The air in the room shimmers with golden specks. .....  Though I counsel, and try to keep us out of political struggles, I am old enough to have weathered many.   Lately, the CPP has the Mayors ear, and may even be converting him to their way of thinking...certainly their inexhaustible wealth doesn't hurt...and, I am not sure all they preach is wrong.  But..."

He is quiet for a time,

"...More than once, I've heard them speak ill of you and your friends influence, and backgrounds....never by name mind you, but still".

He is quiet again for a time, and then takes a bracelet off his wrist and hands it to Saliq. It is simple and has five white beads on a silver chain.

"It has always been an oddity, that within the Guild, there are more protections against casting spells than anywhere else in the city, even the Lord Mayor's home, other than our practice areas, it is nearly impossible to execute any kind of magic within these walls.   Although, if one could do so, I'm sure you can change the word restricted to say authorized in a convincing manner....be careful, each bead lasts but an hour...".

The air ceases to sparkle, "...and whims, and we must abide the new rules. I am sorry Saliq, I must get back to my studies now"

Saliq tried to hide his frustrations. It felt like instead of answers he'd only discovered new questions. Still, what could he do.

'Thank you Master Azuth,' he said, then departed swiftly. He left the guild and found himself walking in the direction of the Church of Peace. Time to see for himself just what these clerics were about.

Inas is startled.  Did he really hear what the feline said . . . or did he misunderstand?

"Can you say that again?" he asks, trying to hide the shock in his voice.

The cat says it again, more than once, and though the magic interprets it slightly different, dragon ladies mother,  dragon captains mom, it all adds up to the same thing,  the creature was looking for Lady Allisa Ehridol, ruler of the Mariner's Guild, Marissa aka the Sea Dragon's mother.

Marissa returns to the tower and prepares herself for a formal yet family dinner.  It is only late afternoon so she has plenty of time to prepare, and it is still possible the Lord Mayor will not be up for company.   That however, turns out to be a false worry.  A courier arrives at the keep with a note from Renardy, inviting Miss Ehridol and "guest" to dine with the Lord Mayor.   It requests she come to the "family" entrance at the Mayor's Inn Restaurant at sundown.


ooc: Marissa knows that there is a restaurant on the street several circles out and below Stormhaven Keep that has long claimed that its chef's and menu's are the same of that of the Lord Mayor's.  It is supposed to be a  place you can occasionally rub elbows with the elite.  Mostly, its just an expensive place to eat, but you can dropped off in front, inside a tented private area so no one knows you are there.  Mostly a gimmick to create interest, but in fact, there is a second entrance that allows family a direct route to the lower levels of the Keep for private meetings and parties.

After a frustrating morning at the Guild,  Saliq works his way out to the main street, in deep thought, and heading towards the newly constructed, and still being constructed Church of Peace.  He has just gotten his bearings and headed in that direction when Rath approaches him, having come from his own guild.

"Friend cat, you have earned your supply of fish and perhaps more!  But now, I must go.  Thank you very much."

Putting the cat to the ground, Inas begins to run.  But as he does, he reaches to a pouch and retrieves a figurine.  He tosses it skyward and utters a command word, causing it to transform into an owl.  He mentally commands the bird as it soars skyward, and as he races to the party's tower.

Inas moves quickly as a Ranger is good at doing.  He draws the looks a few passerby but makes it to the tower in short order.  Before he enters, a shadow in the sky catches his eye.  It would not normally have done so, but having sent out his owl, he has a look to the sky from time to time. Standing before the entrance, he notes a bird, a falcon maybe, circling the tower.

He enters just a mere half hour after Marissa has been delivered the invitation to dinner.

Inas mentally notes the falcon, and realizes that he's cast his one spell allowing him to talk to animals, and he sent the figurine off to find the others, so he can't use that to talk to the bird.  But falcons are rarely used for ill, so maybe . . .

First things first.  After ascertaining that Marissa is in the tower, he runs through the tower like a madman to find her.  "Your mother is in grave danger!" he spits out.  "She is being targeted by the mind flayers.  I'll be back but I have to run to the top of the tower."

Inas lets that jumble of words sink in for Marissa while he runs to the tower's roof, hoping the falcon is still there . . .

"Shit!" Marissa cursed after Ines darted up to the top of the keep. "It seems I'll have to change into armor after all."

As she begins to strip down to her small clothes, she shouts up to the top of the keep in her best 'Captain's' tone, "INES, WHERE ARE YOU? AN EXPLANATION IS IN ORDER, SIR!"

As Inas takes the steps two to three at a time, he shouts back: "Top of the tower!  'M not leaving!"

"Oh, uh, what did you have in mind then?" she called back up. "I've a dinner planned with the Lord Mayor...kind of important I go given I basically crashed the place earlier today in effort to get a meet and greet set up...though if my mother's in some sort of danger, I'd like to know more about what it might be."

The ranger makes to the roof in no time, and is surprised to find that Twink, hearing the commotion runs up with him.  Nearly keeping stride with the large man, falling only slightly behind.

On the rooftop, Inas scans the sky and in moments, sees the falcon, it turns, gives a cry, and begins to circle down.  The two falcons in the roost cry out in response, in mere moments, the falcon lands on a perch on the outside of the elaborate roost.

Twink is there by then, and ducks into the roost, and emerges with some meat strips which he holds out and the falcon snaps up.

There is a metal silver tube on the falcons leg which is easily removed.  However, a quick look at the tube shows it to have a foreign tongue written on it, and perhaps a magical rune. It will not be easy to open.

Twink, opens a side door to the roost and the new falcon flutters in as if expecting to be asked.  Twink then goes about feeding all three birds, and talking to them, he calls the two that were gifted Powder and Pepper, as one has a snowwhite crest and the other is specked.  The new bird seems to settle in calmly.

"Musfara," Rath nodded a greeting, falling into step with the wizard. "Anything new?"

He laid out his own small accomplishments ... the hiring of a few guards for Rose, the first arrangements for an apparent departure from Stormhaven. "Still can't answer Eoinsson's question. Just what the hell are we going to do?"

"Good job, Twink.  Any idea where Saliq and Rath are?"

Regardless of the answer, he tells Twink to let him know if they return without his knowledge and seeks out Marissa.  Upon finding her he explains what he knows -- to the extent that he can.

"I don't have a lot of information or detail, which I know is frustrating.  All I know is that the mind flayer is looking for your mother.  Whether he has gotten to her, or what he intends, I do not know.  But the possibility of finding more detail where I was seemed very low, and significantly outweighed by the need to warn you, so I did not try to find out more information and came straight here.  Meanwhile, I have an owl looking for Saliq and Rath.

I don't think it's a simple case of revenge.  My suspicion is that the the mind flayer, or flayers, are trying for a peaceful coup, where they take over Stormhaven by controlling key figures in the city.  Controlling your mother could be a step in that plan, yes?"

"Of course it makes sense. Fine sleuthing, you've done."

She pauses a moment and asks, "What was the fellow's name from downriver we recently hosted, the one with the memory lapse that gave us some cause for concern, as well as a small confirmation of Twink and his sister's tale?"

Without waiting for an answer, she charged onward.

"Tie that to my earlier visit to the Lord Mayor's manor, where I met with the new seneschal, goes by the name of Renardy. First he tells me that the old seneschal has retired due to health reasons, then he tells me that the Lord Mayor himself has come down with some sort of grave illness, only to recover this very day and calling for a complete inspection of the grounds, including some construction that had been going on.

"Renardy said he would discuss my visit with the Lord Mayor, and if he was up for hosting me at dinner, an invitation would arrive informing me of the Lord Mayor's welcome. I just received it shortly before your arrival."

Her rush of words halted abruptly. With a sheepish grin, she added, "Smoke and fire. Seems like we've got a problem on our hands, Ines, my friend. Care to join me for dinner?"

In reply to Aldo Rathmus (msg # 245):

'Very little helpful,' Saliq admitted. 'Save that the new church has been badmouthing us, if not by name. i suppose we can consider trying to infiltrate them somehow.'

As Rath and Saliq plot ideas about the CPP and what to do about it, a lovely owl just flies down and lands in their pathway.  It hops around, up and down, hooting till it has their full attention and then points a wing back in the direction of their home tower.  Then begins hopping up and down again as if say urgent!

"Yeah, infiltrate the church," Rath said flatly, looking at the owl. "But later, right?" He followed the owl's pointing wing, realizing where it led. "Maybe let's check on the tower first." He took off with a steady stride.

Inas actually smiles -- proving that he can, if nothing else.  "I think it wise for none of us to be out alone, and dinner with the Mayor would be a good opportunity to investigate.  Not sure if Saliq wouldn't be a better choice in that environment, and if you garnered that invitation -- and if I'm right -- we probably should clue him and Rath in anyhow.  Anyone not going to dinner will need to have the attendees' backs; going to that dinner will provide a good opportunity for the flayers to move on us."


Inas closes his eyes for a moment, then opens them.  "Saliq and Rath are headed here.  In the meantime: what of your mother?  I suspect that her life may be safe, but her mind may not -- assuming that they did not find her before today.  My information was of . . . uncertain age."

"A good question," she replied with a worried frown. "I knew I should have pushed harder when we spoke yesterday. She is so intractable, though, and I figured she was just being herself."

"Too many moving parts. Easier by far to captain a ship. I think I'll go on a long voyage when this episode is over."

"That said, there's still the now to consider...and I think you are right - better to have Aldo and you in the wings while Saliq and I break bread. Do you have a way for me to contact you if we're stuck in a precarious position?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:04, Fri 30 Aug 2019.

The owl follows Rath and Saliq back to the tower, and in short order, the four heroes are gathered together again.  With about an hour to plot or plan before Marissa is due to be at Stormhaven Keep.  And as if there wasn't enough to think about, Saliq takes a look at the small cylinder retrieved from the falcon.  The rune is a simple one, and with a word of power, the cylinder unlocks.

Inside is a small scroll written in a foreign language, though one Saliq grew up with.  As the master illusionist reads, the color drains from his face.

Saliq, my sources have learned that not one, but four of the Everlasting have been sent to Stormhaven.  I do not know their mission, the Empire shows no interest in Stormhaven, so the Old Man must be trading in favors.  I hope I need warn you as to dangers the Everlasting pose if they are looking for you or some ally of yours.  Be prepared, Akim al-Kalaas

Saliq looks up from the scroll his olive complexion pale. 'My friends the Everlasting are a legendary order of assassins and spies from the Empire, led by a mysterious prophet known as the Old Man. Some think them nothing more than myth or at least gravely exaggerated and I would have numbered myself among those until this moment. Yet if they are real we may be in grave danger.'

"Flayers. Humanist heretics. Ogre-magi. Immortal assassins."

If there was more to Rath's point, he didn't say it out loud.

Saliq smiled ruefully at his friend's comment. 'Even with the assassins the Flayers are still the worst threat and the one we should move against immediately. The others might kill people. The Flayers enslave them and do it so well they don't know they are enslaved.'

"Marissa's right. If you two go in to dinner, with me and Eoinsson as your back-up, you need a way to let us know when trouble breaks out. And probably the other way around, too. I'm not very familiar with the mayor's residence. Is there somewhere we can loiter on the grounds nearby? Place is probably guarded, and us hanging around would probably raise some eyebrows."

OOC: I still have that amulet that allows me to cast commune once per adventure. I'm still pretty sure we don't have enough info to know what to ask just yet. For planning purposes, I've reviewed available cleric spells. I can cast speak with animals, if it becomes important to carry messages that way, but it doesn't give me any special control over the varmints.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:43, Sat 31 Aug 2019.

"I can skulk about but have no ready means of communicating if trouble arises.  What if all four of us went to dinner; is that too crazy?"

As the party debates their next steps, Marissa takes a second look at Renardy's note, written in fine lines, so feint almost hard to read, but a second look reveals, it is for Marissa and Guest(s).

"Well, there you have it," Marissa said. "It says me and an unnamed number of guests on the invitation. As for ideas, well, there are several dweomers that could be of some use, though none are terribly powerful against something like the mind flayers.

"The most helpful spells include the ability to discern weal or woe, see through mundane disguises, and of course the curatives.

"A lot of support, not a lot of protections against mind control, unfortunately. I wish I had more, to be honest, but when in doubt, there's always my spear."

Inas shakes his head -- not in disagreement, but to signify he has nothing to suggest.

"I think we're left to do what we usually do: stay on our toes and be prepared to improvise."

"Saliq, you're ever the clever one, what say you?"

Before Saliq can weigh in, Inas revises and extends his remarks:

"Under the circumstances, I think that we all go to the dinner.  Safer that way, and provides a better opportunity to wander about; nobody'll be trespassing.  But beyond that,"

Inas shrugs.

With little less than an hour, the men of the party are put to it just to make themselves presentable for a dinner at Stormhaven Keep in short order.  Marissa has no problem rounding up a driver and coach to take them, as it is not polite to arrive winded and sweating to a personal dinner with the Lord Mayor.

The party arrives at the restaurant as instructed and are dropped off inside its covered entryway.  The doorman doesn't even need to be told of their true destination and opens the well disguised second entrance.   A long, plain hallway leads far ahead.  It is a surprisingly simple hall, except for the thick carpets that are soft and quiet to walk upon.

ooc: more to come later...

As the corridor comes to an end, it widens to a small antechamber, we several nice simple waiting chairs, an olde iron door, and two guards.  They are comfortably dressed, and though they carry short swords, they wear no armor.

On your arrival, one of them taps on the door, and it opens soundlessly, and they wave you past.

Once inside, you are clearly now in the rooms beneath the Keep.  Comfortable, and home like, not the trappings you've seen in the great rooms above.  This is a place for fine living, but at an easy pace.  You are greeted by a lady in a gown, who leads you through several rooms, a music parlor, a library, and into a small dining room that is already set out for five.  Already the table is laden with breads, cheeses, fruit, cold but grilled vegetables, cold sliced meats, delicate desserts, and several pitchers of wine, water, and tea.  Once you are seated, the Lord Mayor enters, wearing a long linen robe with his family crest on it, his long hair is loose falls about his shoulders.  He looks very thin and frail, this man who every time you've met him looked the part of a warrior.  But he moves to his seat at the head of the table, and sits.

"What a marvelous gift, Marissa it has been far too long.  And for all of you my guests.  Please forgive the meager meal, as it is a long way here to the proper kitchen and I insist on mostly cold plates, but rest assured, their will be hot soup and hot gravies to pour over those items for those who like a warmer stomach.  We shall and talk, you will indulge me with tales of your latest triumphs, tell me how your lands and tower are getting about,  but first are your friends and family well?".

"They are, as far as I can tell," Marissa said. The smile she offers the Lord Mayor is radiant as she adds, "Though my mother is still a handful."

Her laughter is like chimes, but as it wanes she said in a more serious tone, "Milord, I am happy to see you about. Renardy made me aware of his predecessor's retirement, along with your illness. I am happy to see you up and about. Do you have any idea of what brought this on?"

The Lord Mayor laughs, " A handful, oh my, you are her daughter so are free to say so, I always just thought she was an intractable pain in the rear.  But no, I guess the odds caught me, I've been healthy as a horse for all my years, guess it was just my age and my turn. Seriously though, jokes aside, since the fall of the house of the serpents, your mom has been distant to us, to me.  I know she was not allied with those snakes, but, ah not polite dinner talk.  Tell me about the goings on in your adventures. "

"Aldo, or perhaps Saliq can better tell the tale, milord," she replied with a nod to her companions. "When he wants, Ines is good for a yarn or two as well. But before I pass the silver disque, I'd like to know if you've had any forgetfulness during this spell?"

The Lord Mayor picks at his plate, nibbling lightly, and takes a sip of wine,

"Ingelbern, I am ashamed to say, I've been so ill, I've not even inquired after him.  I miss him, though Renardy is well suited for his place, we have not yet become the friends I considered Ingelbern.  Loss of memory, a strange question, but nothing but that the last month has been a blurr."

'A blur? How so sir if you don't mind me asking?' Saliq inquired, taking part in the meal.

Rath's eyes widened a bit when Marissa suggested that he relate the tale of their recent adventures, and it was with some relief that the conversation quickly turned to the matters at hand ... the Lord Mayor's illness and his seneschals.

Up to now, Rath had been attentive to the security around the mayor's residence ... or rather the apparent lack of it. Two guards at the door, nothing else to be seen. Of course, there were magical wards invisible to his eyes, Rath supposed, but then he smirked to himself. Perhaps the Lord Mayor figured his guests themselves would provide protection, or perhaps the Mayor felt completely safe.

He kept and eye open for any dangers, but he ate, because he always ate when he had the chance.

Inas was quiet.  Observing.  Listening.  That kind of stuff.

The Lord Mayor looks at Marissa and then Saliq, "You are being more than polite in asking after my health, your questions imply something.  I assure you, I've had the best of both doctor and cleric, and nothing nefarious is about.  However, if you have some theory, given the many deeds you've done for me and our great city, I would listen to it."


ooc: As Rath and Inas are quietly observing, it occurs to them both, not only was security seeming light, they were not searched, nor required to leave off their weapons.

"We are just being careful, Milord," Marissa said. "I ran across an urchin gone catatonic, and have heard rumors of other things in the city. Add that to the new church that espouses no deity, and the city seems to be rampant with rumors and unease."

ooc: she has no reason to doubt him at this point, but, of course, politics, magic, religion and mind flayers seem to indicate a brewing problem (like, ya think, right?). I'll try to continue to draw him out and engage him in the hopes that he says something that strikes a cord.

"What was the nature of Inglebern's illness, m'lord?  Was it similar to yours?"

"Ah, quite the opposite is true,  Stormhaven prospers, less violence, more wealth, more unity than I've seen in ages.  Street crimes have become almost extinct.  The Church has some interesting ideas.  You know I've long been a member of the inner workings of the Circle of the Sun, but I must admit some of what they preach is rather inspiring. Now, now, they haven't brainwashed me, just saying I've heard there message and like most churches, it has good and bad points, it is for each of us to decide his or her own calling."

"As for Ingelbern, his illness was quite different than my own.  He was a little highly sensitive to begin with, which was a blessing in times, but after betrayal's of the House of Serpents, and the battle with Syrix, he never regained himself.  He began seeing enemies everywhere, was constantly paranoid.  He became so stressed, he became unable to perform his minimal duties.  I hope time away from the center of Stormhaven, time with friends and family, will restore his mind to good health.".

The servants continue to fill any empty glass, and restore any dish with great attentiveness.

The party is still contemplating the Mayor's answers when there is a commotion from the next room over, from a direction they did NOT come from in their entry, and four figures rush into the room.


For a moment, as happens when thoughts fly like lightning in surprise, the world seems to hesitate.  The four figures are exactly dressed, and look identical to the four guests seated at the table.  Mirror images of Rath, Inas, Saliq, and Inas, only their is blood on their drawn weapons, and some on their clothing.  The servants stare in wonderment.

It is Saliq who breaks the moment, speaking in his deep calm tone, "El Kabah, clear us the back route out, I know not what trickery this is, but quickly, kill the Lord Mayor and let be gone for here"

Even as the four newcomers turn their eyes to the Lord Mayor weapons drawn, a great rush of wind, and a djinn sweeps from the room in the direction of the steel door the party entered from not long ago.

ooc: please roll a save along with any action you decide to take vs spell
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:36, Thu 12 Sept 2019.

Rath had been listening to the mayor, trying to mask his reactions, but he must have let slip through some disapproving glare at the mention of the New Church. When the imposters burst in, Rath's scowl came through full strength.

He pushed aside the servant that had been offering him more cheese. "Get out of here," he said gruffly. He jumped to his feet abruptly sending his chair over backwards behind him. He grabbed his weapon and moved to interpose himself between the imposters and the Lord Mayor, and he threw down an unpracticed prayer ... a little something to throw the odds into their favor, if it worked.

OOC: casting hold person on Rath-2, Inas-2, and Marissa-2. Save vs. spells or be held immobile for 9 rounds.

08:51, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 10 using 1d20.  Save vs. spells (10).

Intending to just slow things down and buy some time, Inas picks up something (his chair if it is not too heavy; a tray or the like otherwise) and throws it in the path of those advancing at the mayor.  After his throw, he draws his sword. and moves toward the mayor.

"Don' know what's goin' on, but maybe we should just talk a moment, eh?"

Marissa stands abruptly, pushing her chair back violently with the back of her legs and sliding her helm upon her head. Grabbing her spear, she calls out an unfamiliar word and suddenly a flame bursts at the tip of the spear.

She is ready.
-------------------------------------
Save vs. Magic: 5 'sigh'
This message was last edited by the player at 02:15, Fri 13 Sept 2019.

'Lord Mayor, I'm going to make you invisible, please say and do nothing until we've killed these imposters,' Saliq rattled off breathlessly before casting the first words of a spell.

---

OOC: 16:45, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 9 using 1d20.  Save vs Spells (10).

(Assuming he is able to) Saliq casts Invisibility, 10 ft on Lord Thyrandas.

Most of the servers turn and run from the room in all directions in fear for their lives. Some duck for cover, hiding behind furniture.   As the party reacts to the intruders, it is easy to discern that the protections for the Stormkeep are still working.   Both Rath and Marissa's spells fizzle even as they cast them, dampened out by wards and protections against offensive spells.  Saliq however does turn the Mayor invisible.  He was just moving to crawl under the table as he winks out of sight.

There is a loud metallic crashing sound from the direction the party entered, as if the metal door was being ripped from the walls and tossed aside by a powerful djinni.

The four imposters move with amazing graceful steps to place themselves directly before their counterparts, weapons, all short swords, held before them.  Ready to attack.

From above, there are sounds of alarms and the thudding of soldier rushing down stairs to come to the aid of the Mayor.

ooc: as they have charged forward, the party gains initiative, and gains a +2 to attack

"Don't kill them," Rath growled. "They might be as fooled by this illusion as we are!"

The Dream had left Rath weary of sights and sounds that didn't reflect reality. He was weary of questioning everything he saw and felt and thought. "By Your Light, show me!" he muttered a prayer. But his hand was on his trident, ready for a fight.

OOC: Cast dispel magic, 30' cube encompassing the four imposters and our own group, if I can do so without catching the invisible Lord Mayor in the area of effect.

'No don't!' cried out Saliq as Rath cast his spell. 'We need to unmask them in front of witnesses!'

If not too late, Rath cuts off his spell before completion.

Inas interposes himself between the other group and where he thinks the mayor might be.

Rath cuts off his spell mid prayer.

Marissa casts a spell upon herself.

The party makes several moves to put themselves between the Mayor and the attackers, casting a few spells of defensive nature, and half casting one before changing tactics.

The enemy, for their part, close rapidly and attack with precision.  Each using a wicked short sword, or long dagger, each person is slashed twice.

Though it is clearly a ruse of some kind, it still is disconcerting to be attacked by oneself!




Attackers:   x/x     x/x    x/x     x/x

End of Round 1

PC       AC    HP   AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes

Inas     1   88/79   3   14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6  5  4
Rath     2   67/55   3   14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6  5  4
Saliq    7   30/18   3   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Marissa  2   71/57   3   14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6  5  4

Saliq (the real one) hisses with pain. Gesturing at his other self he intones a strange and haunting series of syllables.

---

OOC: Saliq casts Phantasmal Killer.

Buffered by her spell, Marissa's hurt was but a minor thing which she disregarded. As the anger of the Ehridol clan rises in her breast, she considers quickly her options and goes with her old standby, the spear! Calling forth the magical flame offered by her helm, she attacks her...self?

I am assuming the chance that the flame affect from the helm might not work, but I'll try it anyway.

13:30, Today: Secret Roll: Marissa Ehridol rolled 3 using 2d6 with rolls of 2,1.  flametongue.

13:28, Today: Secret Roll: Marissa Ehridol rolled 6 using 1d6+3 with rolls of 3.  damage.

13:27, Today: Secret Roll: Marissa Ehridol rolled 17 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 14.  to hit.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:38, Fri 20 Sept 2019.

OOC: Marissa, Saliq - I think those offensive spells will be tamped down by the mayor's security system, just like Rath's own hold person was a few posts back.

Rath pushed forward and lashed out. "Eoinsson, Ehridol -- take down one at a time. Musfara-- get behind me!"

Might as well take the toughest one first, Rath figured. He thrust Devilsbane at his own doppelganger.


HIT AC-7 for 10 damage (+2 if the imposter is lawful evil)

05:42, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 10 using 1d6+5.  damage.

05:41, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 21 using 1d20+3.  attack Rath with trident.

Inas starts to attack "Rath," but even though he knows it isn't really Rath his prior history in this area makes him a little uncomfortable.  The memory enters his mind just briefly enough to cause Inas's hold on his sword to slip.

He manages to catch it before it clatters to the floor, but the whole effort looked . . . ungraceful.

08:24, Today: Inas Eoinsson rolled 6,8 using d20+5,d8+6.  Round 1.

It takes a moment for the heroes to process, Saliq's spell works.  It is of the highest level and few if any wardstones can block spells above the third order. His enemy screams and falls to the ground, twitching and clawing at himself. Frothing at the mouth for a few moments before lying still.

Rath and Marissa strike out true, but the fools they fight seem to almost move into their weapons path, strikes that should have hurt, land in hearts and throats, killing blows, both enemies drop in bloody death.

Mostly puzzling is that Inas' almost drop of a weapon results in the same, his enemy slips, falling into him, his own dagger driving into his chest in a killing blow.

In death, the illusion fades, four men lie before the party, each in the Lord Mayor's livery.  The sound of reinforcements are coming just around the bend.

"Stay or go?" Marissa asks. "It's as if someone compelled them to act that way, so think quickly!"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:04, Sat 21 Sept 2019.

"Let's go." Rath's voice was rough and angry. There were dead men sprawled at this feet. He didn't want the pile to grow. "The mayor's safe. They don't want him dead. They want us."

"Well, that maybe true. Then again, the Lord Mayor's illness and behavior are a concern. That said, I think I'd like to check on my mother now, make sure she's alright. There were some hints that I should have heeded that indicate she's in peril. I hope you'll all come with me...but if not, I'll head that way myself."

'Stay,' urged Saliq. 'The Mayor saw us fight for his life whatever pathetic trick the enemy used. Better to talk to with him now and try and clear the air.'

"No.  Make our apologies to the mayor.  This was a trap, and I can't believe that whoever set it failed to account for the mayor's vouching for us.  And given that I don't see him . . . I think we go while we can."

Inas says this as he grabs a napkin and cleans the incriminating blood off of his weapon.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:51, Mon 23 Sept 2019.

As the party mulls over what to do, the sounds of armored feet grow louder from above.
There is a groan from under the table, and the weak voice of the Mayor.

"Help me, I am poisoned".

Marissa doesn't hesitate - she dives beneath the table and scrabbles around for the Lord Mayor. Once she finds him, she pulls the stopper from a small vial and commands, "Drink this, quickly!"

Potion of Neutralize Poison.

"You must determine who your friends are, Milord," she said as the man pulls himself from the floor. "The old saw says keep your friends close, your enemies closer, but I would suggest perhaps just keeping only your friends close for the nonce. Do you happen to know with certainty who those friends might be? Besides us, of course."

Marissa finds the invisible Mayor and helps him out from under the table, he takes the potion and drinks it.  He places something gently in her hand. Which become visible as he releases it.  Its a small dart with a bit of blood on it, obviously the method of his poisoning.

"Yes, you are friends of the Lord Mayor, I do not doubt this, but this was a well organized and executed set up.  There will be many witnesses against you, and having been ill myself, I'm not sure how quickly, or even if, I can explain away what has been seen today.  Who wants you blamed with my attempted death, I need time to think.  If you stay, I'm afraid you will be arrested until things can be sorted out, that may not be pleasant.  If you flee though, you may be on the run until the plot can be revealed, and it lend to the case against you".

"You could declare us your bodyguards.  Looks like you'll need it, with plots comin' from within."

"I fear such a ploy would likely put the Lord Mayor in greater danger, and we likely would still be imprisoned," Marissa said. "I also believe that some of the pieces are coming together so that a clearer view starts to come into place. Seems the reach of the Illithids and their masters is greater than any of us thought. I would leave this place, head to my ship and make a short circle, then look to find a safe haven and potential allies.

Inas's state of consternation seems to diminish at Marissa's suggestion.  Clearly, the thought of leaving by ship had not occurred to him.  But then:

"We will appear guilty; but hopefully, that can be corrected later.  But we must warn Dreadi, in case efforts are made against our tower."

Marissa nods in agreement.

"The mayor," Rath said begrudgingly, "will have to identify us as assassins. Otherwise, he's dead." Rath was not happy. "You hear that, Mayor?"

He took a deep breath. "Let's go. To the tower? To your mother's? Or to your boat?"

Marissa looks sad.

"She used to call me Mari when I was a little girl. My mother, that is. Milord Mayor, you will seek her out, please once we are gone, and if it is in your power, you will protect her." It is not a request.

Firming herself, she turned to her companions and said, "To the tower first to secure needed items, then to the docks, and the Night's Wraith. I have a skeleton crew always on standby and she sits on the outer ring of docks for a fast exit when needed. Her draft is shallow so that we can weigh anchor even at low tide and she is fast as a...well, a wraith!"

Saliq frowned. 'I have more to say but I cannot say it here. No slight intended to you Lord Thyrandas but if the enemy can read minds they pluck the memory from your head. Once we are safe.'

As the party prepared to depart, Marissa leaned toward Saliq and quietly asked, "Can you weave your phantasm so that common soldiers and other such nuisances don't recognize us? I don't want to have to answer for broken bones or worse.

The decision made, the group heads out the clandestine way they entered, through the back entrance and out through the restaurant.  The back metal door to the Mayor's keep has been torn asunder, bent and ripped from the wall, the two guards outside are both unconscious, yet seem to be alive, though battered and bloody.

Given the length of the hallway though, any noise of combat or sense of danger did not make it beyond that hall, there is no one waiting to stop them as they exit, and the streets are normal and quiet as yet.  The coach that brought the group to dinner is nearby awaiting their return and nothing seems amiss as they ride back to the tower in peace.

Whatever is to happen, it seems to be a step behind the group, at least for the moment.

Rath looked miserable on the carriage ride. Evidently, thoughts were running through his head, showing up as emotions on his face -- anger, misery, worry, confusion, and an occasional smirk. Also evidently, none of those thoughts ran to any conclusion, as the expressions were short-lived and ever-changing. He fingered his amulet, the one that would bring answers to questions, but he had too many, and none could be answered with a yes or no. Damn the gods for imposing such ridiculous limits on their answers.

He waited for Saliq to say what he had to say. Rath hoped the wizard had somethings solid in mind, because he himself was at a loss.

The party returns to the tower in near silence, thoughts rushing through their heads.  What to do, secure the tower, warn Marissa's mother, flee into the night, and go where???  Something is afoot and it makes no sense.  There are two many factors at play and no time to sort them out.  Arriving at the tower, you find Twink sitting outside on the small courtyard beyond the entry gate.  When questioned about going back in, he shakes his head,

"No way, there is a ghost in there!  A woman, old and kindly,  keeps wanting to talk to me, but a ghost none the less....you can see through her.  Nope, no going in till she is gone".

Moving inside, you find her sitting in the recieving room, sipping steaming hot tea from a half visible china cup, the Lady Drusilla, in the flesh, so to speak.

"If she's kindly, what are you afraid of?" she asks Twink. "By the way, have you had word from your sister?"

Inas summons Dreadi and, while he waits, on a hunch he addresses Lady Drusilla.

"Lady Drusilla, how nice to see you; it has been a while.  Is this a social call, or have you news to convey?"

Saliq who had seemed lost in deep thought blinked, then smiled, his expression turning notably more cheerful. 'Wonderful to see you Lady Drusilla. You are looking well.'

Twink just shakes his, "friendly or no, she's a goodsdamn ghost....!".


Lady Drusilla, looks up from her tea, "Dear me, oh, thank you Saliq, always such good manners.  And it is true, I'm doing much better.  That wardstone has freed me to move about the tower again, and infused me with more substance.   Who knows, in a hundred years, I might even live again."

"Straight to the point Inas, true enough there seems little time for proper etiquette.  Being deceased does have some upside, its seems, as we said in my day, you have...well, stepped in it.  Not through your own fault, but none-the-less.  I see lines of intrigue and danger wound all about you, woven like a net, being drawn tighter.  Political strings, revenge strings, religious strings, very messy."

"Too much for me to understand or untangle.  Sometimes thought if you figure one strand out, cut it, the rest become easier.  I'd start with political, Inglebern, that nuisance.  Always seemed to know everything going on before it happened, I'd seek him out."

With that she returns to sipping her tea.

Mari laughs at Twink, rustles his hair before heading in. She listen's closely to Drusilla, then looks at the others once she's done.

"Well?" she asked. "Seems like the easier choice of the bunch. If we can figure out the political angle, maybe we can find linkage to the other choices."

As the party sits listening to Drusilla, the front door flies open, and slams shut, Twink comes running inside.

As he hauls past you, and heads up the stairs, "Ghost is better than octopus head..." he calls out as he disappears up the steps.

A moment later, there is knock at the door.

Marissa calls forth the power of the Sea God, and begins to pray.

Casting Prayer +1 to hit and saves & -1 on enemy attacks/saves.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:31, Fri 18 Oct 2019.

Rath had been nursing a growing headache and he looked miserable. Too much conspiracy, too few people to trust. And now the ghost Drusilla was free from her painting, in some independent form, giving guidance. But if she were ... .

Rath cut off his own circling, suspicious thoughts. "Fine," he growled, disgruntled at nothing in particular. "The political angle, then, Marissa. I'm all in. Where's Ingelbern? He's the old seneschal, right? Retired due to illness. You know where he is?"

Then, the knock. While Marissa prayed, Rathmus was on his feet and something orcish and blasphemous comes out of his mouth. Devilsbane practically leapt into his hands. A part of him wanted to follow Twink right up the stairs. A small part. It was tough to put aside the memory of tentacles burrowing through his flesh and in his brain. But, hells, Rath had worse memories.

He moved to the door and put his hand on the handle. Rath looked to the others for the cue before he opened it.