Kiss of Darkness: Part 1--A Hint of Shadow

[Rystil Arden]

"It's probably either something new, as you suggest, or else just one or two scattered former members with a vendetta. The time when the cult had numbers on its side is over now after their forces were crushed and the leader was destroyed."

 

[Nonlethal Force]

"If it is an old cult, I need not remind people about the dangers of playing with a wounded animal. Best to either leave it alone - or as may be more appropriate here - kill it outright before it can hurt anyone. And if it is a new cult, best to fight against it now before they have a chance to become territorial again."

 

[Rystil Arden]

"I agree--however, the prevailing attitude when presented with your letter is going to be that it is some kind of joke. I'm not sure why, but it is strange how people are willing to disregard evidence to the contrary if there is something they truly want to believe, and after casting those expensive divinations that said the cult was shattered and the leader was no more, everyone is sure that it is gone."

"Can I count on all of you to find some incontrovertible proof of new activity? If you think it is the old cult again, a good next step may be to talk with a veteran who fought them in the war twenty years ago, but preferably one who is levelheaded and not strongly associated with the guard or army...I think I have an idea."

*As they walk, they pass through the Old City and out into the Lower District, and Elenia smiles.*

"I love this place. The people here are all so much more genuine. If they like you, they'll smile and clap you on the back, and if they don't, they'll tell you off to your face instead of hiding it behind a false fawning smile."

 

[unleashed]

Baeleth Dawnmist, Male High Elf Swashbuckler/Wizard

“Yes, well I guess they only heard what they wanted to hear, if what you say it true, Elenia. As while shattered is broken, it is certainly not destroyed... just no longer suitable for its previous purpose. And death, while final for most, is certainly not impossible to return from in any number of ways. Add to that, that divinations aren’t completely foolproof... as they can be tricked by other magics... and there could be any number of ways the original cult survived,” Baeleth muses as they walk through the city.

“Oh, there’s one other thing, I almost forgot... the conjurer said this just before he disappeared. Hedradiah's eyes! Lexi is going to be incensed. The names mean nothing to me of course, but do they mean something to you?”

 

[Rystil Arden]

"I don't recognise those, no," Elenia admits, "Maybe a Wizard would."

"I've been reading up in these books, and I believe that 'Hedradiah's Eyes' is an obscure curse based on the unusual demon lord Demogorgon and his baleful gaze."

 

[Rystil Arden]

"Oh, I see. Well that doesn't sound particularly friendly, but then, we know he's a demon worshipper already, so it makes sense. Anyway, let's cross over here to the docks. I know a good tavern where we can keep talking. And as I said, I think I might have an idea, well, sort of."

 

[Nonlethal Force]

"Any place to sit is good enough for me."

 

[Rystil Arden]

*Elenia nods in agreement and steers the group over to the docks and the 'Frolicksome Mermaid' tavern, though not before applying some make-up, coloured lenses, and black hair dye so she can enter unhooded. In this disguise, she looks older and rougher, no longer the beautiful and delicate princess with distinctive hair and eyes. Upon entering the tavern, she saunters up to the bar and addresses the barkeep:*

"Pint of your strongest, Bert."

"Miss Aileen! Aye that. And yer friends?"

"They'll let you know. We're taking a table for now."

*Elenia grabs her ale and takes a seat, motioning for the others to do the same.*

"So, ready for the plan, guys? Or want to order first?"

 

[unleashed]

Baeleth Dawnmist, Male High Elf Swashbuckler/Wizard

*Baeleth orders an ale for himself, right after Elenia gets her own, and once he receives it follows the others to the table.*

“Nice anagram... Aileen,” he chuckles, taking a seat, “Okay, let’s hear it.”

 

[Rystil Arden]

"Anagram, well I don't know what you mean by that, sir," 'Aileen' replies coyly, "So here's the thought--the cult had an evil temple stronghold or something in a forest north of here--that's what they stormed, twenty years ago, when they fought and destroyed the cult. Maybe there might be more clues in that abandoned place? It's probably a longshot, but without more evidence, your theories won't be taken seriously. Plus, you might figure out more about what's going on."