Kulan: Knightfall's Crisis in Bluffside Game [IC]

Breva nods reluctantly, "I am sorry I set us on this wild goose chase. As you say we have a vital task that must be attended too and there are too many who would see us fail to get distracted. I pray The Purifier forgive my impetuousness. Let us continue with all speed." He keeps his eyes open and his hand never strays far from the hilt of his sword as they continue their escort.

Tellerian Hawke said:

Tim nods in agreement. "Agreed. Let's be on our way. It was a mistake to let the glaring Kobold distract us. Even if I do suspect the presence of a Doppelgänger. I'll fill you guys in on my thoughts a little later. But for now, the prisoners and their safe transport to incarceration are our first priority."

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"Agreed, but taking them to the manor is out," Custodio replies while emphasizing the written message left for the group by Lord Commander Oakfirst. "The Loyalists attacked it at the same time they were attacking the Tribunal." The Vanquisher cleric keeps his voice low to keep anyone on the street from overhearing. "The staff got away, but those bastards tore the place up, stole some of our gear, and took the crystalline flower. The portal key." Custodio motions everyone down the street away from Quill Gate and the tavern. Vinny brings the prisoners along, and while they don't cause trouble, Lowenan seems perplexed by the change in direction. "The message says were should regroup at Terger's home. Carter and Lavia were taken to Stormgrove for their protection. The Gardens have been closed off, so Oakfirst had Sylemis and the other Tenders taken there as well. Gerey and the Dark Lanterns are watching over every one."

The guards at the Quill Gate notice the change in direction, but they don't seem overly concerned about the group's change in plans. They are busy dealing with onlookers and other citizens who want to pass through the gate into the area known as the Trench. One merchant is complaining about how long he process seems to be taking.

Scotley said:

Breva nods reluctantly, "I am sorry I set us on this wild goose chase. As you say we have a vital task that must be attended too and there are too many who would see us fail to get distracted. I pray The Purifier forgive my impetuousness. Let us continue with all speed." He keeps his eyes open and his hand never strays far from the hilt of his sword as they continue their escort.

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"Don't worry about it," Custodio says. "From what I read in the message, we need to be wary of everyone who approaches us."

"That kobold might have been a member of the Dusk," Falen suggests. "Hopefully, they are slinking back to their masters and it will take a while."

The group heads south through the Pentad Ward to Moons' Arch, which connects with the Brass Ward. Akos remembers that Nathanyell mentioned the trader named Marko Behrend who sells his wares near the arch, but if the man is nearby, it would take time to find him and ask him about the 'Sigil city' rumor.

As the morning stretches on to Noon, Old City becomes more of a bustle, although the people go about their day with more wariness. The district remains on edge. Patrols of the Regulars and Elites are sparse. Arguments on the streets get heated, but there isn't any more violence. On the other side of the Brass Ward sits Lord Commander Oakfirst's current family home. It too was attacked and half-a-dozen Elites stand guard, sternly, outside the home. It looks as if the Loyalists tried to burn it down as well.

Next to the guarded manor house is Beacon Arch, which leads into Lilal Ward. The archway is guards only by a single burly Elite. He keeps a sharp eye out for trouble but doesn't seem to be stopping and questioning anyone passing through the archway. He salutes as Custodio nears.

"At ease my good man," Custodio says. "How's the morning?"

"It's been quiet, Mr. Vecchi, sir," the burly guard replies with a deep voice and quite the noticeable accent. his features are that of a half-orc, but he looks to be more orc than human. "No signs of those damn Loyalists this morning. I'm glad to see you're back. I heard the news circulating on the street around dawn."

"The Gate of Scale was a dangerous place, but we managed to get out of that place," Custodio says. "Keep your eyes open and watch for any signs of a kobold dressed all in black."

The guard nods and salutes Custodio.

You continue on the short distance to Stormgrove Manor. The house stands silent but you quickly sense that someone is watching you as you enter the manor's grounds. There is a sharp whistle and a reply that sounds like a bird call. Then, a young woman with one good arm (the right) and scowl on her face steps out from behind an old topiary. She is lightly armored and there is a wicked-looking longsword on her hip. Her left eye has a studded green patch over it and her clothing melds into the greenery of the grounds.

"I see you got the Lord Commander's message," she says. "I am Florrie Whiteshadow."

"You're a Dark Lantern," Custodio says.

"Is that a problem?" She replies coolly.

"No, but I am surprised your group was tasked for such guard duty," the Vanquisher clerics adds. "It's not really your style."

"This is Terger's home," she replies. "Who better to guard it and your threatened friends than his fellow Lanterns."

"Let's talk about it inside," Falen suggests.

"Were you followed?" Florrie asks.

"We don't know for certain," Custodio replies. "The Dusk may be trailing us."

Her face turns from a scowl to a hard grimace. She hoots like an owl, loudly, and half-a-dozen Lanterns pop up in throughout the grounds. She makes another sound like a twittering bird and the Lanterns streak out of the ground to search the area around the manor. She motions for every one to go inside. "The other Lanterns will find them if they're out there."

The manor's double doors open as Florrie leads you all up the short steps. Once everyone is inside, the doors are shut and barricaded. There are at least another half-a-dozen Dark Lanterns, that you can see, guard the interior of the manor house. Florrie leads you into the main hall. You find Carter, Lavia, and Sylemis sitting quietly in the room. The dragori tender is meditating in front of a warm fire while Carter is standing on a box to a large table with maps scattered across it. Lavia is curled up on one of the fainting couches under a blanket. She is sleeping, fitfully.

There are a handful of other Tenders in the room but you see no sign of Huverel, Sylemis' young half-elf caretaker. The dragori's breathing is raspy and he sounds and looks like he is in pain again. Mutt moves to the dragori's side and nuzzles the reptilian druid-monk.

"I am glad you are alright," Sylemis says. "The cccity needsss you more now than ever." He coughs. Mutt whimpers.

"It's good you're here, Loremaster," Florrie says to Akos. "We've tried everything to help him and nothing has worked."

Akos nods and approaches the druid.
"I cannot help permanently if you don't talk to me." He lays hands and lifts the exhsustion from the old dragori.
"Would anything from the secret well help?" He hopes the druid will catch the reference. Not that the group has time for everything, but dragori is hardly helpless.

OOC: referring of course to Jade Thicket

Tuck follows Mutt to Sylemis and with only a nod to the others, sits down besides the dragori. He is concerned for his friend, but is also aware of his stubborn nature, and decides to leave the talking to others.

Now that he is sitting down, Tuck realizes he is a bit tired. So much has happened in what seems like a short time. The city is, in effect, under siege from within, and allies seem to be in short supply. Or possibly replaced by doppelgangers, which gives the short reptilian a very strange feeling.

Not long ago, he was just a guy helping out the poor wherever he could. Now he is treated as a hero and is expected to save everyone else, too. And where before he knew, sort of, to trust the poor and to mistrust the powerful, that whole concept has been completely changed. Now the powerful can sometimes be trusted, to a point, and everyone is a potential spy and a danger.

At least he knows, instinctively, that Mutt is still his loyal companion. And he has been around the other Exemplars all the time, so they cannot-- wait, that's not true. With some suspicion, Tuck looks at his companions. What if they were replaced during their time out of his sight, however brief? And how would they know that Tuck himself is not a doppelganger?

He closes his eyes. His head hurts.

While the others settle in with the dragori, Breva says, "I'll just take a few moments to look over the house and the defenses before we get too comfortable." He makes his way around looking things over and quietly uses his ability to examine everyone within with his ability to detect evil. Can't be too careful.

"Sir Breva, wait...take one of the others with you. With doppelgangers we cannot afford to be lax. Tuck...could you please?"

Loremaster is aware that Mutt would probably sense if someone was changed...but Breva*was* out of their sight, just as was Sir Tymbek. And his fey background makes for distrustful nature toward the dark fey.

"Best if we move in pairs at all times. And maybe Mutt can sense something we cannot."

Neurotic said:

Akos nods and approaches the druid.
"I cannot help permanently if you don't talk to me." He lays hands and lifts the exhaustion from the old dragori.
"Would anything from the secret well help?" He hopes the druid will catch the reference. Not that the group has time for everything, but dragori is hardly helpless.

OOC: referring of course to Jade Thicket

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"What elssse can I tell you about my condition that you don't already know?" Sylemis replies with pained rasps. "If Ramass hasss had this curssse placed upon me, then there isss little you or anyone elssse can do for me, permanently." As the Loremaster's vernal touch power courses through him, the pain the dragori tender is in subsides but not as much as before. "Hmm, it sseems your healing power won't work forever, but the worst of the pain is gone. I thank you."

Sylemis looks at Akos quizzically when the Loremaster mentions the 'secret well'. "I haven't heard of any ssuch well. Where did you hear about it?"

"There is a rumor that there is an ancient well in the Jade Thicket," Vinny replies.

Sylemis ponders for a moment and then shakes his head. "No, I've never heard of it. If it a local legend, no one has told me the sstory. Why does it matter?"


OOC: I'm fairly certain that you haven't asked Sylemis about the well in the past. If you did, I don't remember.

JustinCase said:

Tuck follows Mutt to Sylemis and with only a nod to the others, sits down besides the dragori. He is concerned for his friend, but is also aware of his stubborn nature, and decides to leave the talking to others.

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"Ramas," Custodio asks Sylemis. "That's the ruler of the dragori, right?"

"Ramas Dalabba Assyl is the Dragon Emperor of the Diamond Throne," Sylemis replies. "He isn't just the ruler of the empire. He is considered a living god and is worshipped as ssuch by my people. Personally, I never believed he was anything but a highborn dragori-sah and a decent magician, but it doesn't matter what I think. He sstands as the latest Dragon Emperor in an unbroken line that extends back throughout the empire's history." He sighs and pats Mutt on the head. "Despite his line's claim to be gods, he is not powerful enough to curse me himself. However, Villisihn Essendyl, his Court Sorcerer, is more than powerful enough to have conjured up this curse."

"Of course, Ramas could have had one of the high priests of the Temple of the Eternal Dragon curse me through powerful magicks, rarely used. I can't fathom why they would care that much about me. I was just a disgraced noble's bodyguard. Yes, that noble was of fair rank, but he wasn't the right hand of the emperor. His assassination wasn't empire sshattering."

"Maybe there was more to it than you know," Custodio suggests. "Perhaps the noble knew something damning about the emperor."

"Unlikely. I don't think he ever visited the palace."

"Another sorcerer," Florrie says angrily. "There seems to be a lot of them causing trouble lately."

Sss-sorcery is commonplace in the empire," Sylemis says. "But not all ssuch gifted individuals are like thiss evil Renegade they are hunting."

"But could there be a connection?" Falen asks.

Sylemis gets up and stretches his sore muscles and joints. Mutt wags his tail, happy to see the dragori feeling better. The druid/monk steps towards the fireplace and then turns to heat up his backside. "The heat issss good," he sighs with a long hiss. He seems to be pondering Falen's question.

"I don't know," he finally says. "Anything iss possible at thiss point."

JustinCase said:

Now that he is sitting down, Tuck realizes he is a bit tired. So much has happened in what seems like a short time. The city is, in effect, under siege from within, and allies seem to be in short supply. Or possibly replaced by doppelgangers, which gives the short reptilian a very strange feeling.

Not long ago, he was just a guy helping out the poor wherever he could. Now he is treated as a hero and is expected to save everyone else, too. And where before he knew, sort of, to trust the poor and to mistrust the powerful, that whole concept has been completely changed. Now the powerful can sometimes be trusted, to a point, and everyone is a potential spy and a danger.

At least he knows, instinctively, that Mutt is still his loyal companion. And he has been around the other Exemplars all the time, so they cannot-- wait, that's not true. With some suspicion, Tuck looks at his companions. What if they were replaced during their time out of his sight, however brief? And how would they know that Tuck himself is not a doppelganger?

He closes his eyes. His head hurts.

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"You sseem troubled my friend," Sylemis notes Tuck's expression. "This has been hard on you," he looks at each of you. "On all of you. You have been tasked with a terrible burden, it sseems."

"We're all a bit tired," Custodio says. He yawns and then notices the prisoners mingling in with the tenders and staff of the manor. He stalks over to Lowenan and says to the man in a low voice. "I will find a hole to put you in later, but for now, we will find a secure room to lock you and these others in for now." He motions to the other side of the room, insistently. "Go sit over there and don't cause a scene. You are very outnumbered here and you don't want to anger the Lanterns."

Lowenan nods warily. He motions for the other disgraced guards to join him in a corner with several lounge chairs and and a small table. They all fallow suit and young Silagord is soon fast asleep with his cat on his lap. Lady Arnona tries to stay awake, but soon she is asleep as well. Lowenan and Rhilaseth don't sleep. Both of them are too on edge and well trained.

Scotley said:

While the others settle in with the dragori, Breva says, "I'll just take a few moments to look over the house and the defenses before we get too comfortable." He makes his way around looking things over and quietly uses his ability to examine everyone within with his ability to detect evil. Can't be too careful.

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Neurotic said:

"Sir Breva, wait...take one of the others with you. With doppelgangers we cannot afford to be lax. Tuck...could you please?"

Loremaster is aware that Mutt would probably sense if someone was changed...but Breva*was* out of their sight, just as was Sir Tymbek. And his fey background makes for distrustful nature toward the dark fey.

"Best if we move in pairs at all times. And maybe Mutt can sense something we cannot."

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"I will go with him," Custodio offers. "I need to find a room for our, guests," the Vanquisher cleric glances towards Vinccenzo and then motions to Lowenan.

Vinny nods. He keeps one eye on the sorcerer and the other ex-guards.

Sylemis sits back down next to Tuck and Mutt. He rubs the big dog's chin and then curls up to rest more comfortably. Mutt snuggles up next to him and Tuck. Sylemis doesn't notice the tension between the Exemplars and their guests. He's too tired.

Florrie does note the tension, however. She glances suspiciously at Lowenan and then moves to speak directly to the Loremaster. "Is there something I should know about your guests? And please try not to be sly with me." She looks at Tim to see if the knight's face betrays him. "If there is more danger to all of us with them being here, I need to know. Right now." Her tone is firm but not aggressive. Her concern for those in the manor is obvious. "There are innocents here."

As Breva and Custodio make there way around the manor, the young paladin doesn't detect any evil emanating from any of the staff, Dark Lanterns, or his fellow Exemplars. He helps Custodio find a suitable room on the second floor where the disgraced guards can be secured.

Once the duo return to the main hall, Breva turns his sense for evil on the ex-guards. He had tried to sense them in the portal room, but the magic of that room might have interfered with his divine ability. His isn't too surprised to discover that Lowenan has a faint evil aura, but he is surprised to discover the man named Rhilaseth also has such an aura. Neither Lady Arnona nor Silagord radiate any sort of evil, although Breva cannot be certain with both of them asleep.

"Careful paladin," Lowenan immediately senses what Breva is doing. "Your ability is not admissible in a case at Bluffside's Tribunal, and you could help my case if you go too far." He glances towards Akos and Florrie. "Or you could get both of us killed here and now."

"We are not doppelgangers," Rhilaseth adds quietly.

So far, Florrie hasn't noticed what Breva is doing.

Tuck nods at Akos' words, then seems to think about it some more. Then, he pats Mutt on the back and gets up. He was considering having the dog move past each person in the room to be sure, but seeing Sylemis so comfortable lying against the canine, he decides to hold off on that course of action for now.

"Let's go," he says to Breva and Custodio, ready to inspect the house. Apparently the kobold missed most of the conversation with Lowenan and Florrie, or he ignores it altogether.

Knightfall said:

"What elssse can I tell you about my condition that you don't already know?" Sylemis replies with pained rasps. "If Ramass hasss had this curssse placed upon me, then there isss little you or anyone elssse can do for me, permanently." As the Loremaster's vernal touch power courses through him, the pain the dragori tender is in subsides but not as much as before. "Hmm, it sseems your healing power won't work forever, but the worst of the pain is gone. I thank you."

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"All curses are cureable. It is only a matter of finding the release clause. If you can hold on a bit more, I'd be happy to help."

Knightfall said:

Sylemis looks at Akos quizzically when the Loremaster mentions the 'secret well'. "I haven't heard of any ssuch well. Where did you hear about it?"

"There is a rumor that there is an ancient well in the Jade Thicket," Vinny replies.

Sylemis ponders for a moment and then shakes his head. "No, I've never heard of it. If it a local legend, no one has told me the sstory. Why does it matter?"

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"I will tell you about it, just give me a minute to tend to our companions and guests."

Knightfall said:

However, Villisihn Essendyl, his Court Sorcerer, is more than powerful enough to have conjured up this curse."

"Of course, Ramas could have had one of the high priests of the Temple of the Eternal Dragon curse me through powerful magicks, rarely used. I can't fathom why they would care that much about me. I was just a disgraced noble's bodyguard. Yes, that noble was of fair rank, but he wasn't the right hand of the emperor. His assassination wasn't empire sshattering."[/COLOR]

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"This may not be a matter of the Emperor at all. Maybe the sorcerer has a tie with the noble you don't know about. Maybe your bloodline is somehow in the line for the throne. Maybe you know something even if you are not aware of it that could be damning. But you still assume it is because of your ties to The Dragori Empire and not because you're the most powerful druid in here...that is something you DO NOT know."

Knightfall said:

Sss-sorcery is commonplace in the empire," Sylemis says. "But not all ssuch gifted individuals are like thiss evil Renegade they are hunting."

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"I agree, not all sorcerers are evil megalomaniacs..." ... Akos looks at Lowenan ... "They might be lead on the wrong path or bound by their honor into doing wrong things...but not necessarily evil as paladins define it. Or they might be, but still be loyal and honorable. And return to the fold once they are betrayed."

Knightfall said:

Florrie does note the tension, however. She glances suspiciously at Lowenan and then moves to speak directly to the Loremaster. "Is there something I should know about your guests? And please try not to be sly with me." She looks at Tim to see if the knight's face betrays him. "If there is more danger to all of us with them being here, I need to know. Right now." Her tone is firm but not aggressive. Her concern for those in the manor is obvious. "There are innocents here."

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"I know there are innocents and we wouldn't be here if we had other options. These are the people pulled from the Magic Scar at the Gate of Scales. We are unsure of their loyalties and whether they were there by enchantment magic or by their own choice. At this moment, I would treat them as guards and nobles suspected of the crimes against the city, but without proof. By their location alone, they are linked to the Renegade and as such are potential threat if he can scry or send the beasts after them. We also encountered suspicious activity on our way here, potentially Dusk agents as you alread heard. People there in the corner should be kept safe, separate if possible and out of hearing and sight of critical assets and discussions until they can be properly debriefed. They may know much...or nothing...about the plans of the sorcerer. Anything they might say needs to be treated as potential red herring and evaluated in that light. We witnessed the betrayal, these here were thrown to the wolves as the saying goes without a moments thought...so there is a case for them to be just dupes. Or willing pawns at the hand of uncaring master. So...undecided."

Knightfall said:

"Careful paladin," Lowenan immediately senses what Breva is doing. "Your ability is not admissible in a case at Bluffside's Tribunal, and you could help my case if you go too far." He glances towards Akos and Florrie. "Or you could get both of us killed here and now."
"We are not doppelgangers," Rhilaseth adds quietly.

So far, Florrie hasn't noticed what Breva is doing.

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"Quiet, both of you. Doppelganger would say he isn't one. You will be treated fairly as we were treated."

Returning to the old druid, Akos tells the story about The Pool of Whispered Dreams.
"There is rumored to be a magical well hidden somewhere deep in the Jade Thicket at the intersection of the Cardinal Wall and the Green Wall. The tales tell of an old pixie who blessed the waters in the well with its dying breath. The young nobles of Old City are constantly trying to find the well, but it is said that the well will only appear when the need it great and Bluffside is in peril. If the well does exist, it would cure the curse. It would be good for you, but the story indicates great peril for Bluffside."