Pathfinder 1E Crowns of Ice - A Tale of Blood and Betrayal - Arvid's Song

GARMMÖRK

The healer must have been prepared by the girl for he barely flinched when he saw the shaggy head.

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“To put simply…” – his eyes roll back and forth between beast and girl – “…we’ve been persecuted by a group of dubious intentions, and we are inclined to believe that your lawgiver is a probationary member of their coterie. You can ratify my words by running through his personal belongings. Servants speak of nefarious experiments down below his cellars, now adapted into prisons.” – he studies Garmmörk with a cautious posture. “The nature of such experiments we cannot fathom” – his manners are controlled and distant, giving the impression of a powerful and influential presence.

“I have heard he’s been intent on acquiring onyx stones, as well as dead men’s preserved parts – fingers, ashes, and so on. Some even say his hirelings would pay handsomely to fetch bodies -fresh or otherwise – but we found no proof of such activities.” – he still studies Garmmörk, keeping the beast at a safe distance. Garmmörk’s head still pounds, echoing concerns and restlessness.

“I know not what this suggests… My background allows me knowledge, but the darker varieties of wisdom still elude me.” – he goes towards a cabinet, retrieving a small flask. He then leaves it over a table, always keeping a distance and glancing at Garmmörk. He leaves the small container, offering it to the beast with a gesture and taking several steps back.

“Here. This might aid you. It is a healing concoction. Effects are slower than those a warlock could obtain with magic and runic mysteries, but still… Go on, take it.” – he falls silent, studying the creature’s reactions.

[MENTION=24380]Neurotic[/MENTION] [MENTION=8058]Queenie[/MENTION] [MENTION=2820]Fenris[/MENTION] [MENTION=6855204]tglassy[/MENTION]

"Growl! I've seen the prison - no labs. Girl, bring the potion to the window."

As he takes the vial he moves back fully to the roof.
"I'm leaving. If you find out where the cult is meeting, tell the proprietor of a Broken Barrel to fly the white flag. He doesn't know what it means or for whom he does it, but he gets paid to listen to such requests. I'm visiting the Lawgiver now. Good bye."

Short scramble can be heard on the roof as the beast disappears into the night. Even as he raced through the night he considers that with every interaction he gets more confused.
"Is this man really what he appears to be? Or just a good front. Is this really a healing or some new poison? The Lawgiver is not innocent, but he may be only an initiate. This one will be of Arvid to disentangle."

He checks what is happening at the Lawgivers house, looking for signs of clearing up the evidence, but has not enough time to wait whole night, just in case Arvid is called in. Even now there could be a messenger returning with the news Arvid is nowhere to be found. "Quick and dirty then."

Garmmörk drops into Ulms house and minute later Arvid strolls out heading for the Lawgivers house.






[sblock=Actions]
Just in case its needed...
Will roll: 1D20+6 = [1]+6 = 7
Sense Motive: 1D20+5 = [12]+5 = 17
- great will save

[/sblock]

GARMMÖRK

[Wink-wink! I gotta use smooth ways to talk about effects, considering the style of the game… It would be no fun to just blurt something like that out. Besides… Who knows what’s truly happening, hehehe? P.S.: should have seen the will roll I made for you in secret early on, hehehe.]

The Lawgiver’s household sees no rest this night. Servants and guards stroll around, trying to understand how the escape happened. The guards victimized by Garmmörk’s and Ulm’s actions have nothing to add, leaving a disgruntled Lawgiver to desperation as morning approaches and the prisoners are not found. No one else has been warned though. Apparently, the Lawgiver seems to fear any damage to his position. Because of this , soon enough he’s forced to reveal the reach of his influence – at least to the trained eye. A considerable contingent of men and women move through the streets inquiring about the boys’ whereabouts. The Lawgiver has more people on his side than one could imagine – at least, as far as this crisis extends.

And that’s not all. As soon as the Lawgiver’s men begin their search, someone else makes an opposite bet. The night ends on a high note, tense and promising violence to be had in the days to follow, as another competitor does the same thing and tries to recover the prisoners. Garmmörk can’t say who’s this other person, but it’s presence is visible through two fights that erode down at the docks, near sunrise, dismissed by everyone as drunk fistfights gone wrong.

Arvid is as clueless as his nocturnal companion. He pays the Lawgiver a visit as the night goes by. Servants ran in and out the whole night, but none took a massive amount of objects from the place, meaning that any proof against the Lawgiver would still be in there.
@Neurotic @tglassy @Queenie @Fenris

Arvid went toward the Lawgivers house as soon as he changed. But the head, oh, the pounding. He veered away into the temple and woke up the resident priest.
"I'm sorry to bother you this late, but I seem to be ill. The head is hurting me enough to wake me up. And my mind is all muddy. I remember that I got this brew some time ago, but I cannot remember what it does. So I brought it along - maybe it can cure the headache. Do what you can, I will donate to the temple for the services."


In the morning he went to visit the Lawgiver
"Good morning Lawgiver. Not to bother you, but I was out yesterday night to see the priest. And I noticed some activity in the streets and around your house. Is everything alright? Are we safe from the vagabonds? Can I help?"
Lawgiver knows Arvid. His renown as Jarl sons teacher and all around pleasant and just man is known to all. Most good people of the town will react positively. Few others...not so much. He may be seen as harmless gossiper to most. But to those who have something to hide, having Arvid around is a big risk.

[Hehehe, sorry, I thought YOU wanted to forward the scene! We'll pick it up during night, then. Also, headache became a throbbing sensation as night went by, almost as a hangover.]

[EDIT: *Archon edits original text.* 'What, me? I didn't say anything about morning, did I? Nonono, sir, I did NOT! ' Just kidding. I fixed it.]

Enviado de meu GT-I9505 usando Tapatalk

GARMMÖRK/ARVID

Within the dark, barely lit house on the outskirts of the city, the woods block most of the noise. Silence surrounds Arvid as translucid hands easing the pain.

The priest’s shack lies in the dark, the faint light of a fire pit emanating from its insides. Within the small house, the smell of smoke and herbs is heavy, making Arvid’s heart leap a bit. Everything, from dried leaves to animal skins, hang from roof and walls, making the place even smaller.

"I'm sorry to bother you this late, but I seem to be ill. The head is hurting me enough to wake me up. And my mind is all muddy. I remember that I got this brew some time ago, but I cannot remember what it does. So I brought it along - maybe it can cure the headache. Do what you can, I will donate to the temple for the services."

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The priest evaluates Arvid’s state with care and concern after dismissing his excuses and concerns. He then glances at the vial, opens it, smells it, tastes a bit of its content. His eyes widen as the flickers his tongue.

“Where did you find this?” – the robed priest sits back and washes his mouth with water. “No matter.” – he turns, and begins to mash a few herbs with a small pilum. After some vigorous pounding and hot water, he delivers a thick beverage to Arvid which, after drunk, slowly begins to awaken the man.

“The flask you hold is a healing medicine. It has side effects. Did you take any of it tonight? It would explain the vagueness of your thoughts. Makes the body numb and the mind slow, despite helping close your wounds.”

The priest explains that his state was most likely the result of a certain mixture of plants. “This is sacred knowledge” – he mentions on a stern voice. “You shouldn’t be dabbling with it.”

After excusing himself, Arvid feels his strength returning, little by little. As morning comes, his wits are about him once more, despite sleep deprivation and bodily stress.

***

Once at the Lawgiver’s place, Arvid is well received. Bread, ale and fish are placed on a table at the main hall, and the fires are kindled to heat him up, despite the time of the year.

Soon after, the lawgiver arrives, dressed in a rugged yellow shirt and showing signs of exhaustion.

"Good morning Lawgiver. Not to bother you, but I was out yesterday night to see the priest. And I noticed some activity in the streets and around your house. Is everything alright? Are we safe from the vagabonds? Can I help?"

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The man scratches his balding head, hinting sweat in the way it shines against the fire.

“Don’t worry, Arvid… everything is fine… I… appreciate you coming. As well as the jarl’s concern for my well-being…” – he sits his heavy body on the opposite side of the table, takes a piece of bread and, without eating it, leaves it on the table. “I wonder how is he today.” – he reaches for a goblet, but gives up drinking from it half way. “We are safe of course..” – he says nervously, gets the piece of bread and motions to eat it, stopping again. “You… Do you know of any trouble around? I mean, can I help in anyway?” – he asks, trying to appear calm, but failing to hide his concerns from Arvid.
[MENTION=24380]Neurotic[/MENTION] [MENTION=8058]Queenie[/MENTION] [MENTION=2820]Fenris[/MENTION] [MENTION=6855204]tglassy[/MENTION]

At the priests
"No, no, it was given to me. I wouldn't dabble in such sacred matters..." Arvid makes the sign to ward off evil
"...I didn't take any. Do you anything about some new healer in town? Somewhere around or in Lavenders alley?"
Arvid returns to memories of earlier this night. He wasn't hit by anything and he was in that room for mere seconds. "The girl...could she poison me? Cast on me without me noticing? How?" he thinks as he starts to relax.
Then something the healer said penetrates the fog
"Side effects would make you susceptible to suggestion? Interrogation?"

Finally, as the headache recedes, Arvid thanks the man, pays generous sum and takes his leave.

At Lawgivers
"Well, no, nothing I could point my finger on. But there seems to be general unease in the populace. Just this morning as I started your way, I moved away for two maids carrying a wash basket - no sense in me holding them up on the stairs with this leg..." he thumps the leg in question
"...and one said that her brother swears he saw a ritual of some kind in the middle of the night. I didn't remain to hear where or when, but then the other said her husbands father returned late one night and was walking from the shore when he saw, and I quote, 'that darned night beast stalking again'. He of course could have been drunk, but there are lots of talks about some beast or man or both prowling in the night."

Arvid takes a bite, slice of fish on bread, followed by small gulp of ale observing the sweating man. After last night, last thing he needs is another poison. But he needs to appear calm and normal and so he does.
Time for the last nail in the coffin.
"And that thing with those boys burning the ship! Without a thought for secrecy or about the cargo. I would like a talk with them. I'm interested in why they d...assuming you didn't already sent them to Neifelheim."

OOC: Neifelheim is realm of the dead in norse mythology

THE PRIEST

In response to the man’s questions, the priest elucidates that he has heard rumors about a healer doing the gods’ work in Lavender’s Alley, although he did not believe it at first. The news struck him with concern when he first heard them, but he paid no mind to them as he learned that the man could really fix the sick and diseased. It was not uncommon to find skilled herbalists capable of curing the most regular afflictions.

Concoctions like the one Arvid brought with him, though, were a different matter. Such secrets were only used to induce a deeper bond with the gods, to cure the ailments of the soul. They were not meant to be sold, gifted or used indiscriminately. Such mixtures could bring a man to accept subtle commands, to obey them without taking notice, and even to confess deep truths and deliver dangerous secrets.

THE LAWGIVER

"...and one said that her brother swears he saw a ritual of some kind in the middle of the night.

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Arvid’s words seem to pick the Lawgiver’s interest, since he bends over the table and finally chews on a fruit. “Ritual? Of what kind?” – his manners aren’t any less tense, but at least he seems focused now.

I would like a talk with them. I'm interested in why they d...assuming you didn't already sent them to Neifelheim.

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“No, no, my friend, they are very much alive…” – he hesitates for a moment, marking his words and thoughts. “I wouldn’t take the Jarl’s right to pass judgement, even though the responsibility has often fallen to me, with his condition and Einar’s concerns, as you know too well…” – he pauses for a moment, a rapacious glimmer passing through his eyes.

“Alas, your request would not come to pass… If only it depended on me, my friend, I’d ask of you to see them, in truth. But last night someone broke in and took them away. From under my zealous watch… And I suspect the responsible for the deed poses a threat to all of us.” – Arvid can see the man shaking off restlessness and fear as he continues. “These lads have been involved with a certain healer from the south, a man of resources, commanding great knowledge and charisma among the poor men of Grandael. I fear he might have tried to save the youths after inducing them to do the deed.” – he shakes his head in denial and disapproval. “Please, my friend, understand my predicament. These words can’t leave these halls. Alas, I had to share such things with you, since I’ve come to fear that such a man might be gathering forces to attack land owners, workers, and even the Jarl.” – he falls silent, supposedly pondering his concerns.
[MENTION=24380]Neurotic[/MENTION] [MENTION=6855204]tglassy[/MENTION] [MENTION=8058]Queenie[/MENTION] [MENTION=2820]Fenris[/MENTION]

Archon Basileus said:

THE PRIEST
Such mixtures could bring a man to accept subtle commands, to obey them without taking notice, and even to confess deep truths and deliver dangerous secrets.

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"Worrying indeed. Thank you good priest, I'll leave you to your rest now. Rest assured, if I find out more, you'll be one of the first to know. But start quietly informing your brethren throughout the town and environs. We may have an infestation in our midst."

Archon Basileus said:

THE LAWGIVER
Arvid’s words seem to pick the Lawgiver’s interest, since he bends over the table and finally chews on a fruit. “Ritual? Of what kind?” – his manners aren’t any less tense, but at least he seems focused now.

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"I'm sorry, Lawgiver, that is all I know. I didn't stick around to listen to two maids gossiping. Ritual of some kind may be sign of a nefarious cult. Or druids chanting under full moon. But given general tension and this last event with the boys...I'd say we're having a cult of some kind."
Arvid stays calm at this show of innocence. The man might be corrupt, but not corrupted to some evil cult, just looking for himself first. Still, he was given a position and misusing the authority is dishonorable at the least, insult to Forseti at worst.
[/QUOTE]

Archon Basileus said:

“No, no, my friend, they are very much alive…” – he hesitates for a moment, marking his words and thoughts. “I wouldn’t take the Jarl’s right to pass judgement, even though the responsibility has often fallen to me, with his condition and Einar’s concerns, as you know too well…” – he pauses for a moment, a rapacious glimmer passing through his eyes.

“Alas, your request would not come to pass… If only it depended on me, my friend, I’d ask of you to see them, in truth. But last night someone broke in and took them away. From under my zealous watch… And I suspect the responsible for the deed poses a threat to all of us.” – Arvid can see the man shaking off restlessness and fear as he continues. “These lads have been involved with a certain healer from the south, a man of resources, commanding great knowledge and charisma among the poor men of Grandael. I fear he might have tried to save the youths after inducing them to do the deed.” – he shakes his head in denial and disapproval. “Please, my friend, understand my predicament. These words can’t leave these halls. Alas, I had to share such things with you, since I’ve come to fear that such a man might be gathering forces to attack land owners, workers, and even the Jarl.” – he falls silent, supposedly pondering his concerns.

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"That is unfortunate, vinr, I'm starting to think them innocent. That is, they did attack and burn that ship, but it wasn't their will that controlled them. The priests talk about a healer from the south helping the poor. But some potions he offers weaken the will along with healing the sickness. He commands respect around Lavenders alley so it may be wise not to storm the place. But I would like your contacts in that part of the town to keep their ears to the wind. Are there any dead or wounded among your guards? Who and how many attacked them? Note that there might be some that will turn this against you, be extra vigilant in your duties and make Tyr and Forseti proud."


Later, as the sun sets, an old būr returns to his stead with two sons riding in the cart. Some minutes later, in that not-yet-darkness, time of shadows as the suns last rays shine between the branches four men carry the garbage outside. When challenged by the guards, one of them tells of butcher that refused their swine after discovering it had some disease.
"He bid us take it out of the town and burn as a sacrifice to Eir to have our stock healthy in the future." says Arvid disguised as one of the men

Thus, all eight men are safely outside the town by the nightfall and on the way to hopefully better life. Arvid and Ulm return in their own forms as the moon raises up.


FOLLOWING SEVERAL DAYS OR WEEKS
That night and many others following, Garmmörk lurks around Lavender Alley, learning the ways of the healer and his companions, looking for secret places and entrances. During the day, he calls upon local hunters, asking for places with bad reputations as haunted, about people disappearing or animals mutilated. He asks about river caves, sea caves or any secluded spots. If questioned, he just waves it away
"The priests asked me to give meaning to some omens they were given. You know the surrounding area and I'm asking for something to match the vision."

When he has time, between his normal duties, he takes a horse and one or two guards and visits the places indicated by the hunters. Most of them are, of course, old ruins and just scary looking. In one, he found street urchin cleverly using cave acoustics to frighten the visitors. But what he was looking for was traces of blood, extra green grass in place where the blood was spilled. Marks, runes or bones in the surrounding area. A place where Garmmörk might lurk for some time to catch the cult in the act.

He will focus on the nights of dark and full moon, traditionally powerful times for sacrifices and ceremonies. The town is not big enough for cult to take all its victims from its streets, but it is big enough that he cannot be everywhere at once. Thus, he finds a nice place ABOVE the town where he can monitor comings and goings in the surrounding area.

Translation:
- vinr - close friend, person one cares about that is not family
- būr - peasant, farmer
- Eir - goddess/valkyre of healing