I...meant I dont know what to do with Aleena. With her body.  I just can't think straight.  How do I honor her appropriately? What should I place her body in?  What...do I do with her belongings?  I can still smell her, everywhere. Can...can you help me?

"I see." I pause a moment to consider, "I believe that cremation is the best course of action but I know some believe otherwise. Did she ever speak to you about her beliefs? Even so we could have a small ceremony for her just yourself and some of her friends. If we act quickly we could clean her body and put her in one of her favourite dresses. I think she would like that. Once that is done, we can help you go through her belongings. You can keep what keepsakes you wish and the other can be donated. If you do not want to see them in Vertigo perhaps they can be traded to another village. I know that seems ghoulish but supplies are scarce and it could help someone else in need. She was a hunter, willingly risked her life for the rest of us; I believe she would approve her possessions being handed out now that she can no longer use them. I final act of charity."

"As for the smell, you can remove her possessions from the quarters, air out the furnishing, and wash everything thoroughly. Just remember that though it hurts now, soon that smell will only be a memory and you may find yourself missing it dreadfully.

Examining the room, while we further discussed what should be done, I noticed a few writing utensils in the drawer of Alicia's nightstand.

"Sand, it seems that Alicia was prone to writing. I can find five sheets of unused paper, a rolled-up sheet with a crude wax closure, a quill and ink, and a red candle partially consumed."

Opening the rolled up sheet, I hope to discover what has been going on with Alicia.

---

OOC:
Investigation:19

12:14, Yesterday: Althaea Sylvaranth rolled 19 using 1d20+2.  Investigation.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:47, Thu 12 Aug 2021.

In reply to Andraste Giltris (msg # 60):

Sebastian paused a long time before responding, his fingers rubbing a scarf between his fingers that Aleena had worn on occasion.We spoke about a great many things, but never really our beliefs when it came to death.  I...we never thought it would come to that; at least not for a very long time.  She was careful and took every precaution she could, but it pained me every time she left these walls.

Suddenly Sebastian looked straight into Giltris's eyes, his demeanor changing.  You know...if Thorn hadn't refused to be part of the ritual, this would never have happened.  This is HER fault.  What does she even do to help around here?  All she does is skulk about, barely saying a word.  Come to think of it, I wonder if I've ever even heard her speak!  The one time she is asked to help save the people of Vertigo, she REFUSES!  Aleena spends...spent most of her time beyond these walls, foraging, hunting, scavenging, and gathering supplies to help our cause and Thorn just does NOTHING.  All she is...is a drain on our resources...nothing more! At this point, Sebastian is fuming.  His eyes, large and filled with anger, look like they are about to pop out of his head.  He now clenches the scarf in his fist, as if squeezing the very life out of it.

In reply to Althaea Sylvaranth (msg # 61):

Breaking the seal, Althaea quickly scans the letter before reading it aloud:

To whomever cared enough to look for me,

I have decided to leave Vertigo and if you’re reading this, I am already long gone.  I have caused more than enough trouble in my short time here and I fear it won’t be long before I put the people of  Vertigo in danger again.   That’s why I’m leaving and never coming back.

I never wanted anyone to get hurt.  With that being said, I have a confession to make and I feel now it’s time I got it off my chest.

"I" invited the Drow to Vertigo.

I didn’t say anything sooner, because after everything that transpired, I felt like I would be punished.  So I lied.  With the Drow disposed of, there was no one to refute my story.

See, I’m a professional trader.  I did so with the dwarves that Sand came to know, and many others in my travels, including the Drow.  I know the Drow are not to be trifled with, but they had information I wanted, and I had something they needed.  I never expected they would BURROW their way into the heart of Vertigo; I mean, it just doesn’t make sense!  What possible ulterior motive could they have had to do so?

I figured they would show up at the front gates, like anyone else would, and just ask for me.  I didn’t say anything about the meeting, because I didn’t know exactly when they were coming.  I mean, they were supposed to come three weeks prior, so I had figured they reneged on our deal.

Listen, I really am sorry that I lied, but know that it was only to ensure my own survival.

I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you for making my time here in Vertigo more than memorable.  Everyone here has helped me in some way feel like the world was slightly less awful, however the reality is, it’s truly a terrible and horrific place.  I am truly grateful for everything the people of Vertigo have done for me, and I hope our paths do cross again, but in a better light.

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about how to retrieve the information I was supposed to get from the Drow and I think I’ve found the answer I was looking for, so with that, I’m off.

Be well and good luck to you all,

Alicia

"May I look at the letter? Perhaps the writing will seem familiar to me." If so, he would examine it for any details he might be able to make out.

"I know nothing of the drow she speaks of. The amulet, I could only guess at since there are many. However, the tower you speak of, and the long-dead wizard, to the north-east of here? Whether she is my mistress or another Alicia all together, she speaks of Master Kraelix and his tower. My home for many years. Sunken and swallowed long ago, it is not easily accessed these days, but we could get in the same way I got out, if nothing else."

"Is that really how you feel? You are angry right now, with good reason, and you want to find someone to blame, someone you can do something about, but please try to remember: Thorn chased off the Drow raiders the night we met, she tracked down your missing hunters and was instrumental in defeating the spirits that had trapped them, and she fought the Gnolls outside the town gates. I agree that she is angry, unpredictable, and her tendency to lurk in the shadows is unnerving but I know that she has no ill intent towards Vertigo or anyone here. That anger you are feeling is powerful, maybe it feels all consuming, but it is a horrible weight that will crush you and all you care about if you let it. If you can let it go I implore you to do so, but if you cannot make sure you focus it on those who are truly responsible for today's tragedy. Thorn did not bring Victoria here nor did she infect your people with demon spores or fey curses. It was Victoria who chose not to explain the consequences of failing to follow her instructions to either Althaea or Aleena, who both played a part in what happened but in the end it is Victoria who is responsible."

Summary
Channel Divinity: Emissary of Peace
Persuasion: 28

After reading the letter, Althaea was in shock. She was expecting to read that Alicia was leaving, but the fact that Alicia invited the Drow to Vertigo was the last thing she was expecting. Imbicile.

"I do not know if Alicia is simply more foolish than I gave her credit for, expecting the drow to do things in a conventional way, or if she is just dimwitted. I did not speak with her enough to know where she may have gone and I have no knowledge of other entrances to the Underdark. Although, it is not to say the information would be impossible to come by. If you would like to find her, we could go speak with the guards and see if anyone saw her leave and what direction she may have set off in. Thorn is a skilled tracker, if we know where to start looking, we may yet find her."

Gar listened as the letter was read and Infused confirmed his own thoughts. Then Althaea spoke of her association with the dark elves. He heard the venom in her tone as she berated the woman.

"Perhaps a little harsh, but the fact she felt she traded access had to be something important. I'm not condoning what happened, but I'm sure she had her reasons."

The tortle sighed, leaning against the staff. "Whatever the course, I see two options....following tbe woman, or searching for the drow entrance and finding out what she was seeking."

In reply to Andraste Giltris (msg # 65):

With a deep sigh,  Perhaps you are right Giltris.  In my anger, I had forgotten what she has done for us and focused on what she had not.  While I won't absolve her refusal to help in the ritual, she has done...enough to help, I guess.  I know that Aleena is some to blame for not listening, but Victoria is not the culprit here.  She made it clear what the instructions were and she didn't force Aleena to not listen.  What's done is done Giltris; we can't change the past or....well nevermind.  I need to focus on Aleena, now.  I'd like to have some time alone.

Sebastian turns to Aleena's body laying on the bed, gets down on his knees, and puts her hand against his forehead, with his eyes closed.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 12:43, Fri 13 Aug 2021.

"The writing does look somewhat similar to that of Master Kraelix, but I had never considered the look of writing to be a high enough importance to take note. A failing, perhaps." Infused studied the writing for another long moment before shaking his head and giving up on trying to identify it.

"I know a way into the underdark, as well. Near the tower, somewhat."

Sand shook his head as Althaea was reading the letter, not understanding why Alicia would invite the murderous drows in Vertigo. He had failed in this fight too, barely holding his own. Good thing Clacker had been there to even up the fight. Infused seem certain that Alicia was in the underdark, but he shrugged, not concerned about Alicia fate.

Thorin blocked the passage to the Underdark that dark sk... drows built to come here, but explosion blocked the tunnel. Unless Alicia found a way to go there, Sand does not think she passed that way, but Sand would prefer to make sure.

Sand is sorry to have brought Infused hopes high. Sand proposes to go get weapons from Sebastian's keep. Friends stopped gnolls, but Sand is worried about state of militia in Vertigo. Friends will not always be there. Sand is able to transport more items now, with new magic.

Nodding in accent to the words Sand spoke, "I agree, Sand. With this being our home for the unforeseeable future, I would feel much more comfortable if the militia had a better stock at their disposal. It has been twice now that we have been meaning to leave to retrieve the cache and plans have been delayed for one thing or another. The trek after Alicia could be a lengthy one, should we choose this path. My mind would be more at ease knowing our home was protected during our absence. Shall we convene with the rest of our compatriots to discuss this matter more fully?"

Leading the way back to the inn where Althaea knew Thorn to be, she sent a message to Andraste. "Giltris, I have news of Alicia and the drow attack the night of our arrival. Please meet me at the Better Times."

Gar listened to the talk of Alicia and the drow, and mused silently as they discussed what had happened. If Thorin had sealed the passages beneath the city, Alicia would have gone elsewhere to go under, but had it need north, both Infused and himself would have seen her in passing. “If she went north towards the tower infused, we would have passed her. No - she either went to some other entrance to the under dark or found a passage here.”

He nodded at Althaea’s wisdom as she led them from the room. “Checking the town for passages seems logical - even if one passage escaped destruction, then the town is at risk. I say we look, and if all a sealed, the milita have just to focus on the walls. If not, seal all but one, and we take that one.”

Sand rose and nodded at Althaea words.

Sand will verify passage drows took to come into Vertigo. Sand will see Althaea and other friends soon. Does Gar want to come?

Waiting a moment for the Tortle to react, he took off, going towards the back room of the Better Times, where his first fight with this group started, to examine the reconstituted wall to see if it was breached in any way.

Sand rolled 15 using 1d20+8.  Sand investigation.

Infused waved a dismissive had at Sand's comment, and the few remaining arcs of energy calmed themselves away, "Sand brought hope where there was none. Even if she is not my Mistress, it has changed a perspective somewhat, and the change is a good one. If your warriors need supplies retrieved from a tower, I will help with this."

"As you wish." Turning away from Sebastien's quarters I head back outside; the talk of guilt and blame has brought up some unsettling memories and affected my centre. This has been happening too much since I arrived in Vertigo; I do not understand why. Maybe some exercise will help.

Giltris, I have news of Alicia and the drow attack the night of our arrival. Please meet me at the Better Times. The words come from nowhere, straight into my mind, it is unsettling. She wants to discuss the Drow attack but there does not seem to be any urgency to the message. I take a moment to self-reflect, knowing she is awaiting my reply. I think it better I discuss this when my thoughts are clearer.

I will meet you there in a hour; I need to do something first.

Clearing the entrance tunnel, I head to the gate to the inner wall and out into the fields beyond. Scattered around the fields the town's residence labour to tend the crops, in their unending struggle to grow despite being permanently in the great mountains shadow. If Thorin were not here I doubt they could manage to support a town of this size. Maybe they could use some help.

"Giltris will join us in an hour, she has something she needs to take care of. In the meantime, we should inform Thorin of our findings. He will need to be informed of our plan to traverse to Sebastian's keep. Originally, he was to travel with us, but with recent happenings perhaps we could manage the trip alone.

As Althaea arrived back at the Better Times, she found Corsica straight away to tell her of Alicia and the letter. "What do you make of this, Corsica? I daresay, you knew her better than I."

Gar smiled at the warforged and nodded. "Lead the way sand" The tortle got up - slowly and followed at his usual pace. Arriving in the back room he leaned against his staff and let the warforged do his work. As he moved, the tortle himself looked around - he was no expert on what to look for but maybe a fresh set of eyes would help.

As he looked, he spoke."I am fortunate to meet two of your kind - first Infused, then yourself. Where i am from, your kind are as rare as my kind are." He looked at sand with a smile. "My time with infused has enlightened me a little, but i am hoping with some time with you, the differences in you both will be equally educational."

he again continued looking around. "You said you have some skill in the arcane - i'd be interested in hearing about it some time, if you would indulge a curious tortle."

---

OOC: Gar rolled 11 using 1d20+4.  investigation roll.

In reply to Althaea Sylvaranth (msg # 76):

She left us did she?  I can't say that I'm surprised.  She never seemed like the type to settle, and I don't just mean because she had that tingling of exploration running through her blood.  She never seemed to be fully at ease, even before the whole Drow thing.  Like looking over your shoulder all the time, expecting trouble, without the actual looking part, you know?  Probably because she was used to travelling before she came to Vertigo.  Must be able to take care of yourself, and capable, if you're exploring this god forsaken world.

Anywho, I bet she felt real bad about what happened with them Dark Elves.  Makes sense she didn't feel right any more.  Let's hope she fairs well out there on her own.  She was a good lass.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:17, Tue 17 Aug 2021.

In reply to Gar (msg # 77):

Both Sand and Gar looked at the collapsed tunnel, but found nothing of note.  The tunnel was still collapsed, there didn't look to be a breach of any kind, and there were no new footprints or changes from the last time Sand was here.

"My dealings with her were short but pleasant. Do you happen to know where Thorin would be at this hour? He should be informed."

Gathering up the letter, Althaea prepared to search for Thorin. Before she could leave, Thorin strode into the Better Times.

"Ah, I was just getting ready to come find you. We found this letter in Alicia's room. She has left us and it pains me to say, it was she who invited the Drow to Vertigo." Handing the letter over, she continues, "We were considering trying to follow her, but we would feel better doing so if the militia was better armed. Since we had planned on traversing to Sebastian's keep already, we were going to attempt this again. I realize in Sebastian's current state, he may not be able to join us. However, it could also prove to be a good distraction for him, but I will leave that to his discretion. I will need some information from him if he does not join us."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:58, Wed 18 Aug 2021.

She invited the Drow?  That is quite concerning.  Thorin ponders for a moment while Althaea talks about the keep and Sebastian, before responding.

Sebastian will not be accompanying you, given the circumstances.  I'd prefer him to not be disturbed by anyone other than me or the hunters right now, so please, let me know what you need and I'll speak with him.

"That is acceptable. I did not figure he would much enjoy seeing my face at the moment. The information I require from him is a rough map of his keep indicating where the cache was kept and any other notable items that may benefit us. Also, if there are any defenses we should be aware of and their locations. I know it has been stated in the past, but without him accompanying us this time, written directions to where is keep is located."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:03, Thu 19 Aug 2021.

I will speak with the hunters and Sebastian on these items.  Give me a couple hours or so, as I have a couple other smaller things to attend to.

With that, Thorin quickly walks up and grabs a plate of food and drink that are waiting for him at the bar, and heads right back out the door.