During Falen’s search of the Dwarf Merc, the Dusk Assassin and the candle shop, he dons his cloak. The poison lingers and makes him cold. After finishing the post-battle searches, healing, introductions (Rockhorn & Vitus, with whom Falen is mildly tickled), he settles on his course of action.
Falen looks towards the Palace looming in the distance. The commander went that way with the body of Captain Camburn.
TaranTheWanderer said:
Upon meeting Falen, he smiles,
Aust Thale said:
“Vitus, hello again.” Falen removes his hood and speaks to the young healer. His visage is that if the Falen that the young man so eagerly wished to assist…and follow.
“I’d ask that you please not mention me to the Delegacy. I prefer my mundane comings and goings to be without mention. Should anyone inquire, you may share that I am grateful for their hospitality, and I am carrying out my duties. Of course I shall return if summoned. And I shall join you this evening, perhaps at Stormgrove?”
"Good to meet you again, Sir." Vitus stirred uncomfortably,
"Very well, I'd just assumed that the Praefectus wanted to ensure you were comfortable in the city. I did go to see Lady Oppia Nazaria to let her know you'd be coming to see her. She'd sent word to the Praefectus Casca know that you needn't hurry but I'm not sure if you got the word?....."
Handshakes are exchanged between the two. One, now a full member of the Exemplars and the other a new friend and ally to Bluffside's hereoes.
Aust Thale said:
Falen hands both of his sacks of “loot” to the Palace Guard for inventory. “Oh, wait!” He removes the magical gloves of luck. “Add these to the inventory. However, you might refrain from mingling the contents of these with the rest of the items taken from the other combatants. The Dusk’s tools warrant care; they are particular in their poison. We’ll be along in due course to assist in sorting out what’s useful.”
Falen finds himself wanting of catharsis after using the humanbane dagger. Effective as it appears to be, he feels emotionally fatigued. It might be the poison; its primary effects having waned, he felt the nausea of the residual. He collects himself and sets about quietly accompanying the Elites as they collect their deceased and move them to the temple district or to their final resting place. Oakfirst isn’t keen on the help; however he remains silent. Falen nods at Tym and the others as they begin to walk to Stormgrove. Falen will join them when this grim business is sorted. He follows Capt. Camburn’s attendants closely enough to avoid trouble from other Elites or city guards, but far enough away that the Captain’s brethren, including Oakfirst, shouldn’t feel intruder upon.
Upon delivery of Camburn and the other Elites, Falen takes a moment alone where others can’t see him near a planter-tree and retches. His mouth tasting of bile, he reaches into his pack and takes his magical cup and gulps deeply. He says an appreciative prayer to Tyche, and he pulls his hood down over his hat and changes his visage to the Aceron turdnugget…er…young man.
The guards tell Falen that the items will be stored in the palace for the time being. "A full accounting will be done to make sure nothing is missed. Once everything is sorted and stored, a messenger will send word to... where are you staying?"
"He's probably going to be at Stormgrove with the other Exemplars," Petronille says.
The man nods. He's not one of the guards who fought with the PCs. He seems to be in charge of gathering the dead off the street. "Yes, word will be sent from the palace that everything is in order. The magic will be secured."
"We'll make sure of that," Petronille says to Falen. She looks to the other guards who fought in the street battle. "It is important to us."
The other guards nod.
Zenpher thanks Falen for his help.
Falen heads towards the Palace of the Ancients. He comes up behind the citizens trailing the commander and Custodio just as they are about to reach a side entrance leading into the palace from the north. Falen had heard rumours of an entrance being located around here, but he is surprised when a secret door opens up in the wall. The commander takes Captain Camburn's body inside. Burchard and Emelia attend him and the two Elites are carrying the only parts of Unglar that could be recovered.
The crowd is forced to stay outside the palace. As Falen approaches, candles are lit and place in an alcove near the open doorway. It seems the entrance isn't a
true secret, just not left open for people to come and go. Once he is closer, he finds that the door is more obvious up close. Custodio sees him while saying goodbye to Sir Breva. Custodio waves Falen forward to come inside the palace. The guards with the dead are close behind the unseen seer.
The crowd parts and, luckily for Falen, the people are more focused on the dead Loyalists and mercenaries. The crowd begins to murmur. "So many." "The Exemplars truly are heroes." "Old City is lucky to have them as its protectors." "What is that?" "A fiend." Absolutely horrible."
Falen notes that the people step back even more when they see the dead body of The Butcher. Once inside, the large door is sealed shut behind them. There is a strange device on the wall just inside. Falen has never seen anything like it. This is magic or technology that is beyond his studies. Lord Max will be very interested in learning about it and more about the palace.
Falen looks around. The room he is in is huge and opens up into another room that is even more mid boggling. The construction is well beyond the normal, even if was constructed with magic. The rumours about the skills of the Ancients is true, it seems. Could this be what Ph-...
Waldo is after?
Custodio clears his throat and them smiles at Falen.
"It is an impressive building. And, it hasn't given up all its secrets yet."
"Custodio," Commander Oakfirst says firmly.
The Vanquisher cleric and Elite turns towards his commander. The man is shaking his head. Custodio sighs and motions for Falen to follow.
"I can't say more," he whispers.
"Stay close and don't... touch... anything."
Oakfirst leads the way to a central room that looks like it has been converted into a large shrine. Falen notices that there are statues for the Twelve Gods of Bluffside arrayed in a circle around the room's perimeter. A dais sit in the centre of the room. The commander places Captain Camburn on the dais. The few remains of Unglar are placed in a wooden box near the statue of the Purifier.
The dead Loyalists and mercenaries are taken elsewhere to have any remaining items stripped from them. The captured 'loot' goes with them into a special storage room.
The commander turns to look at his Elites and at Falen.
"The captain will be returning to us. His life is to important to lose right now. I don't know if Unglar's soul can come back. There is so little of him left and doubt The Five will pay for a true resurrection for him." The commander looks at Falen.
"I thank you for what you and the other Exemplars have done this day. The city owes you a debt of gratitude. Now, I ask you to give your friends a message. I need you all to come here just after supper. No later than a hour, at most. There are things we must discuss."
He looks at Custodio.
"I'll need you here too."
"Then, I should go right away. I must rest and pray for my spells," the cleric says.
"I hope that the Purifier will hear my prayers at such an odd time of day." He nods to Falen.
"I'll see you later."
Custodio leaves Falen alone with the lord commander. Oakfirst stares at Falen for what feels like an eternity.
"I haven't been able to find out anything else about Casca's plans or the death of Avitus. If I do, I will let you know. Now, if you don't mind, I'll a moment with my old friend. I must pray for his forgiveness in what I must do next. He will not be happy that I must bring him back, but he is too popular with the people to lose right now."
The commander kneels in front of the dais and begins to pray. He says nothing more to Falen. His personal Elites escort the unseen seer from the palace's chapel.
"You should probably get some rest," Burchard suggests. He yawns. "We're all going to need it."
Elsewhere:
As they walked through the devastation of the district, Vitus' conversation was muted and subdued. He watched the interactions of the Exemplars and guards with a keen interest and took in every interaction.
The Lantern Ward is a wreck. It will likely take months to rebuild everything The Beast destroyed... even with magical aid. Vitus helps the wounded as much as he can, especially among the people. If anyone notices his sash, they don't say anything. They are just glad for the help.
TaranTheWanderer said:
With the destruction behind them, their brief conversation seemed to spark Vitus' need to talk once again. He shared much of his childhood, including that his parents were a priestess of Tyche - who'd inducted him into the priesthood at a very young age and a seemingly neglectful adventuring father who'd float in and out of his life had mysteriously left him at the age of eleven. They'd left him, "wondrous gifts"** which allowed him to start his 'Travelling lifestyle'. He'd defeated goblins at the age of 13, saving a noble's life, which landed him as a Page in Bluffside. Besides being a Page, the "almost sixteen year old" was an acolyte at the Temple of Tyche where he would be fully inducted as a Priest when he turns 17. Once he turned the conversation to Tyche, it was obvious that his love and devotion for Tyche was near fanatical - especially concerning the Goddess' doctric involving travel and adventuring.
Despite his constant flow of conversation, the young man had a fun sense of humour and was incredibly insightful. He was always keen to hear people's views and opinions and never let his chatter be overbearing or control the flow of the conversation, asking deep and pointed questions and showing interest in everything his new comrades had to say.
Vitus gets caught up in Sobla's revelation to the Exemplars. It all seems so fantastical. The Exemplars are soon on the move again through Old City's streets. Akos and Tuck are asking Sobla many questions about her and Mutt's experience. The big dog walks next to Tuck but gets distracted by the people in the streets.
The cleric of Tyche walks alongside Sir Tymbeck and the Sectarian. Vitus and Vincenzo swap stories. Rockhorn rides alongside on Spritewing.
Once Akos has asked everything he can about the fey goddess, the well, and the Shadowstar Sea, Sobla comes over to listen to Vitus' stories about his past. She listen intently. Like him, she is very young for one of her people, but she is taller than Tuck already.
The group walks through Moons' Arch and Beacon Arch to arrive in the Lilal Ward, which is named for the rarely used Lilal Gate. Most heading east out of Old City leave through the East Gate. Stormgrove Manor, the home of Terger Alela (in absentia), soon comes into sight, and all of you are glad to see it. Tim leads the ways, as Terger left Stormgrove to him to attend to and protect. Not that Tim has to worry about protecting the place. Several Dark Lanterns appear out of the manor's garden hedges to greet the Exemplars. The manor's estate is being better tended to but still needs work.
Normally, Gerey would be present to greet them but, it seems, he's the guest of a fey goddess. The dragori druid too. In the warden's absence, young Puck is taking up the mantle it seems, as are the manor's maids. Huverel, Sylemis' young druidic protégé, greets them at the door.
"I'm glad your back, and with Miss Sobla," the half-elf says to Tim. "She told us that Gerey and Sylemis are safe, but didn't have time to tell us more."
Sobla begins to tell her tale once more and the staff of Stormgrove listen in rapt silence.
Falen Returns to Stormgrove:
Aust Thale said:
He walks back to Stormgrove, trying to make himself as inconspicuous as possible.
Upon arriving at Stormgrove, he finds an unoccupied bedroom or room with a wash-basin, cleans himself up, and washes his tunic and clothes, setting them to dry for a few hours. He dons his spare set, studies his spell research, and quietly meditated until he falls asleep.
He is deeply troubled after the battle and the apparent deep distrust among Bluffside’s various factions, including its defenders.
“These people are rapidly losing their perspective. This Phelix won’t need many monsters if the good folks do nothing. What an incredible shame.”
He sleeps a sleep of a spy. One who isn’t sure what happens next.
By the time Falen has returned to Stormgrove, the others have either gone to bed already or have gone to see someone named Spindle. He finds that a room has been set aside and cleaned for him. It is cozy.
Later in the Early Evening:
TaranTheWanderer said:
As they sifted through item after item of treasure, Vitus showed a sense of wonder but his knowledge in Spellcraft was especially helpful as they discussed the various magical properties of the items. Whether it was the excitement of the day, the teenager never seemed to tire. Given the opportunity, it seemed he would be willing to work into the wee hours of the night.
Finally, though, when he'd but down the final item, a bejeweled amulet, he said,
"I should probably go back to the delegacy. They'll be worried, wondering where I am."
Vitus has lost all sense of time. Many of the Exemplars have already slept or gone to seek advice elsewhere and come back again. Day has turned into early evening.
No one objects to him heading back to his embassy. It is the closest thing he has to a home, after all. He makes his way there through two of Old City's inner gates. He arrives at the delegacy just in time for the changing of the guard shift. The guards make him show his Ticinum papers and let him inside without another word.
He finds Vel Faunus Amphion hard at work at his desk just beyond the foyer. The half-satyr scribe is lost in thought, as usual. It takes near five minutes for him to look up at Vitus.
"I see you're finally back," Amphion says. "We hear you've been busy... making interesting friends." The scribe smiles at him. It is a bit unnerving. "Well, when I say we, I mean 'me'," he adds. "I haven't told the praefectus about your little adventurers. I leave that up to you."
Amphion waves Vitus away. "Now, you better get some sleep. Lord Casca will be back later tonight. He is attending a party at Old City's museum. He'll likely be back just before midnight. You
will be ready to greet him and let him know everything you have learned about these Exemplars, especially Mr. Falen."
