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

[Knightfall]

Tuck is relieved to be back in the city. His city.

Somehow the world beyond the city walls seems alien and inhospitable, despite the very real dangers he knows lurk in Bluffside; the city is what he knows, the good and the bad. It's as if he feels everything; the people in their houses, the stones in the streets, the animals and plants flourishing between the cracks, the cellars and tunnels beneath it all...

He sighs, promising himself not to leave Bluffside again except in the most dire of situations.

Mutt seems just as happy to be back in the city. Even with Tuck guiding him, the big dog is constantly sniffing the air. He is eager to greet the youngsters who follow along laughing. Tuck can hear a few of them say "he's fierce," but with smiles on their faces. One boy reaches up and hands the kobold ranger some special treats that his mother made for the big dog. It seems Mutt is becoming as much of a celebrity as the rest of the Exemplars.

So when Florrie encounters them and begins talking about trouble, despite his worries about Sylemis and the others, the kobold urban ranger is happy to be on a mission again.

"Seems like your suspicions about that well are correct," he says to Akos, his reptilian face smiling although few would recognize it.

"Can you take us to that place?"

Loremaster enjoyed the interaction with the nobles, but he enjoys the city more than rustic charm of noble manors.
Hearing about the loss of Master Sylemis, his initial reaction was to go there, but his mind quickly turns over several other options.

"He knew it was possibly dangerous. And we cannot assume he is in danger, that thicket and the well is connected to the Fey realm. He may be perfectly safe and carousing on the other side. If that was a priority for the group, we would have gone ourselves. Can we risk going even for one such as Sylemis if that means leaving other...difficulties...unaddressed?"

Florrie is surprised by Akos' reaction... then annoyed. "Well, if you're not going to look for him, can you at least try to get Lord Commander Oakfirst to put a few of the Elites on trying to find them... just in case you're wrong and something has actually happened to them."

"We probably should check in with the commander," Custodio agrees. "He might have more information about The Crossed Candles and what might actually be going on there. Plus, we might want to let him know what Nathaniel had to say, not that I have much faith in his opinions."

"He seems to be spending most of his time in the Military District," Florrie notes. "Well, that's what we've heard on the streets over the last few days. But he has been spotted at the Tribunal as well. Daily duties."

The young Lantern walks back towards Stormgrove in a huff.

"Let's hope he's at the Tribunal," Custodio says. "I'd rather not go through the politics of the Military District. Or maybe we should just head for this, so called, thieves' guild and see what we can uncover."

The young Vanquisher cleric waits for Tuck to take the lead through the streets of Old City.

 

[Neurotic]

Florrie is surprised by Akos' reaction... then annoyed. "Well, if you're not going to look for him, can you at least try to get Lord Commander Oakfirst to put a few of the Elites on trying to find them... just in case you're wrong and something has actually happened to them."

Akos frowns at the reaction. While he's not above taking a critique, this one was...impertinent youth. Some education might be in order.
"Don't take my answer for uncaring, young one. I am deeply invested in his well being and the good of the city. I'm the one that alleviated his symptoms somewhat. And I would LOVE to go into the thicket. But the city is in grave peril and we may not have the luxury of time. So, keep your outrage and try to think clearly. You're talking about the mightiest druid in the city. He is not some helpless old man. Would you prefer we go look for him and return to see you in the service of del'Cannitha?"

 

[Knightfall]

Custodio listens to Akos' admonishment of young Florrie and nods his head. Florrie, however, doesn't respond to Akos' words before she walks away in a huff. "I think she's more worried about Gerey than Sylemis. He's not as young as he used to be, and I think she worries about him like a child worries about a grandparent."

He glances towards her as she goes back into the manor house. "But I think you're right, we need to concentrate on the Renegade and getting into his blasted enclave. I wish we still had that damn crystalline flower. Maybe the lord commander was able to find a replacement for it?"

"No sense waiting around," Vinny suggests. "I say we check at the Tribunal and if he's not there, we investigate the candle shop ourselves."

Custodio nods in agreement.

 

[JustinCase]

Tuck reluctantly agrees with Akos; Sylemis and Gerey have chosen this mission for themselves and are quite capable.

"Right," he says simply, as if his opinion on the matter means a lot. "I'll take us to the Tribunal then."

Instead of moving straight away, the kobold stares at his loyal dog for a few moments, lost in thought. Then he takes one of the treats the boy in the street gave him, and hand it to a very enthusiastic Mutt, which devours the sweetness as if it hasn't been fed in years.

"Maybe..." he muses softly, then raises his voice. "Can we send someone with Mutt to see if his nose can pick up Sylemis' scent? I'd rather not send him alone."

He grins again. "You know, because his fierceness might scare off friend and foe alike."

 

[Knightfall]

"I'm surprised by that girl's attitude. I think Gerey is tougher than she knows," Big Tim notes to Akos. The big half-ogre knight shakes his head. "She shouldn't worry so much about him. He did volunteer; if he couldn't handle it, he would have l et someone else go with Sylemis."

Tim turns to Tuck. "We could get Sylemis's second to go with Mutt. Huverel. He should still be in the manor."

Custodio motions to Sobla. "Why not get someone Mutt knows better." He turns to ask the driver, Miles. "Mr. Drake, can you spare your assistant for the rest of the day? We'll pay you for her time."

"Hmm, I guess I can spare her," the driver replies. "But only for today."

"Yes, I'll go with him!" Sobla says excitedly.

"A good choice," Tim agrees. "But if you get into trouble, young one, come back here."

Sobla nods to Tim.

"It's okay, right?" She asks Tuck.

 

[JustinCase]

Tuck looks at Sobla seriously, considering.

"Promise me you don't get into trouble," he says sincerely, not elaborating on the dangers she might face. "Find us here or at the Tribunal immediately when you're done."

With a wink, he adds in the kobold dialect of Draconic, "Stay hidden, stay safe."

Then he turns around and motions for the others to follow him to the Tribunal.

 

[Knightfall]

Tuck looks at Sobla seriously, considering.

"Promise me you don't get into trouble," he says sincerely, not elaborating on the dangers she might face. "Find us here or at the Tribunal immediately when you're done."

"I promise," she replies seriously.

With a wink, he adds in the kobold dialect of Draconic, "Stay hidden, stay safe."

She grins and replies in draconic. "Always."

Sobla leads Mutt towards the Green Gateway. The big dog follows her enthusiastically for nearly a block before he realizes that Tuck isn't coming with them. He stops and turns around to look at his kobold pack mate with concerned eyes. Sobla comes back and gives the big dog a hug to reassure him. Tuck watches for a moment. Mutt finally goes with the young kobold down the block and out of sight.

Then he turns around and motions for the others to follow him to the Tribunal.

The way through Old City is simple enough. You've walked these streets enough times to find your way to the Tribunal without getting lost. Tuck has even found several short cuts that gets you there even sooner. The city's courts are a lot more quiet than your used to and there is a lot more security at the open-air tribunal. New construction is being built to wall off key areas, so that the court isn't as easy to get into without going through a checkpoint. Your fame as the Exemplars cuts the red tape in half and you are allowed into the open-air amphitheatre with a half-a-dozen questions and a true seeing spell cast by an elderly human wizard that Vinny recognizes.

"That's Dhalenor Albirdieu," the Sectarian says in a low voice once your past the checkpoint. "He's a longtime member of the House of Divination. He retired from public life over four decades ago."

"Well, he doesn't look retired now," Custodio notes. "Likely he was called back into service. It's not surprising with all that's been going on."

You find the lord commander debating with a warrior about outlaws causing problems outside the city.

"I need more soldiers, Lord Commander," the man says to Oakfirst. "The Mountain Rangers can't be everywhere. We're fighting a losing battle against these bandits. They've been recruiting humanoid deserters from Khogshk and giants from the Kniyan Mounts."

"I understand, Lord Richbrand," Oakfirst replies calmly. "But I just don't have any squads I can spare right now. You're going to have to make due with the forces you've got, for now. Old City is near its breaking point and now that New City is no longer under martial law, the patrols must get back to normal there as well."

The man looks like he's going to start shouting but a stern look from Oakfirst tells the man not to raise his voice. He sighs and shakes his head. "Can you spare me at least one good scout I can send to Westcairn, or maybe Ambris, to seek reinforcements? A really good rider?"

Oakfirst rubs his chin thoughtfully and nods. "There is a young half-elven woman named Tamleria whose one of the best riders I've seen in some time. She's not a Regular, yet. She's only a recruit. Still, she's eager and she's not much for city life." He pauses once he sees the Exemplars. He nods to them and then looks back at the Richbrand. "I'll fast-track her into the Regulars and have her assigned to the rangers, for now. She's only to act as a messenger. No dangerous mountain missions, understood?"

"Yes sir," Richbrand says with a salute. He notes the Exemplars with a raised eyebrow as he leaves.

Once the man is gone, Oakfirst calls you over. "I got your message about young Nathaniel Aceron. Did you get him to his estate safely? Was he able to tell you anything useful?"

 

[Neurotic]

Akos focuses shortly and silvery plates of his armor roll back revealing the man underneath. Intense eyes focus on the commander.

"We heard plenty, Lord Commander. And you won't like what we have to say."
Akos nods toward the group "I'll start, feel free to interrupt or correct me if I get something wrong."
He proceeds to narrate the events from finding the noble, his behaviour (despicable), the list of people on the manor and the story behind each as they know it before (finally) coming to the gritty details of corruption, clearly delineates what they know for sure, what they heard from two or more sources (such as candle shop) and what came from young Aceron heir.

OOC: do I have to hunt through or can we say Akos knows the details?

 

[Knightfall]

OOC: do I have to hunt through or can we say Akos knows the details?

OOC: I'd say Akos knows most of the details. I'll clarify more in my next post. If you want, make a Knowledge (local) check to remember all the key details. If you get at least a 20, Akos manages to remember the important details that Oakfirst should know. I noticed you have a score of +11, so you can just Take 10, if you prefer.

 

[Neurotic]

OOC: Take ten, it takes time to tell it properly

 

[Knightfall]

Akos focuses shortly and silvery plates of his armor roll back revealing the man underneath. Intense eyes focus on the commander.

"We heard plenty, Lord Commander. And you won't like what we have to say."
Akos nods toward the group "I'll start, feel free to interrupt or correct me if I get something wrong."
He proceeds to narrate the events from finding the noble, his behaviour (despicable), the list of people on the manor and the story behind each as they know it before (finally) coming to the gritty details of corruption, clearly delineates what they know for sure, what they heard from two or more sources (such as candle shop) and what came from young Aceron heir.

The Lord Commander listens intently to what Akos relates to him. When the Loremaster goes into Nathaniel's behaviour, Oakfirst's calm demeanour turns into a scowl. Yet, he doesn't look surprised by the young guard's actions.

However, he looks very surprised when he learns of who was visiting Aceron Manor. Akos and the other can tell he is making a mental note of all their names. He seems quite upset to learn that the Lord Marshal of Coeurdî is visiting Bluffside. It is obvious on his face. Yet, he stays quiet and continues to listen intently.

It is only when Akos notes the candle shop that Oakfirst stops him. "So you've confirmed what I've long suspected. Barclay Winton is not who he pretends to be. I've been having my most trusted Elites watching that shop for several months, but they've never caught Mr. Winton doing anything illegal."

"Unless those Elites are taking bribes," Custodio considers.

"I have a hard time believing that every guard in Old City is on the take," Oakfirst notes. "Yes, there seem to be more bad apples than I suspected, but if Valentine Camburn is corrupt, I'll eat my breeches."

Custodio nods. There is no way Ol' Valentine is corrupt, he thinks.

"He teaches classes about ethics to Sectarians," Vinny mentions. "There is no way he's corrupt."

"Agreed, anyway, go on Loremaster," Oakfirst urges Akos.

Akos goes into more details about some of the corruption the Exemplars have heard about and come across. He makes note of Lowenan Wearne, Sampson Lichefield, Christean Launceleyn, and Geoffrey Suggitt in particular. He also mentions the guards that Nathaniel mentioned while they were at the manor.

Custodio hands Oakfirst the pages written by the young guard. Oakfirst carefully reads each page as Akos continues to give details about what they've discovered. He also mentions that Sylemis and Gerey have gone missing while investigating the Jade Thicket but that more than likely they might just be in some adjacent fey realm.

"Akos doesn't think they would be in any danger," Custodio interrupts. "Still, Tuck has Mutt looking for them."

Oakfirst nods. "Keep me apprised of the situation. If they are gone for more than a few days, we should consider that something else might have happened to them. Regardless, Gerey was once a Lantern, so he can take care of himself and Sylemis, if need be."

Oakfirst puts up a hand to have Akos wait while he rereads the last few pages of Nathaniel's confession. "Young Mr. Aceron definitely likes to point fingers at others. There is no way that Gregor Leventhorpe is corrupt, regardless of his heritage. The man is so honest and respected that he is one of the few Elite Captains who can walk through the Undercity without a dozen guards escorting him. He is greatly thought of here in Old City too."

"I think that Nathaniel is trying to save his own skin," Custodio adds.

"I doubt very much that Angelina Merkatz is corrupt either," Oakfirst says. "While she sometimes favours the sea peoples over land dwellers, she is good at her job and helps keep the peace out on Sordadon."

He looks at Akos. "She's been vital to keeping the street war going on under check. Still, the Dusk seem to be everywhere out there. They and the Hammers are clashing every night. The conflict going on between these Dusk and the Golden Sabres is more a battle of break-ins and pockets being picked on both sides. The bodies aren't piling up as bad."

"Wearne and his crew were taken into custody soon after you left with Nathaniel," Oakfirst adds. "I've had them moved out of Old City to the Dungeon in New City. Wearne will likely end up in the Citadel of Phenbras, but it's not safe to take him or anyone else out to Sordadon right now." He pause. "And, I've known about Lichefield's troubles for a while now. He's a horrible drunk and is a vicious man when intoxicated. Captain Flaskforge has put him on leave. He was no happy about it. He will lose his place among the Regulars if he doesn't get his act together."

"Captain Launceleyn is very politically motivated. Even after her actions at the Iron Gate, I haven't been able to convince The Five to have her dismissed. The worst she might face is being demoted and reassigned. Lord Blander is being quite difficult about her. The Launceleyns are powerful merchant family. Of course, I knew that already, but I didn't realize how important they are to the trade of Adamantine, especially to Novarum and Vinovia."

"I'm surprised they're even considering allowing you to demote her," Custodio says.

"It will be a paper demotion... and a relocation to the Mining District," the lord commander replies. "There, she will be out of my hair and will answer to Captain Prisdom and Adamantine Security Council."

He grins like a cat about to eat a canary.

"Geoffrey Suggitt seems to be the unknown here," he continues. "Arcanus Appolyon had no idea that there was any corruption going on underneath his nose. He's become quite incensed to learn that both Aceron and Suggitt were taking bribes. And that Suggitt seems to have been working with the renegade this whole time." He pauses again to reread some of Nathaniel's accusations. "Sabela Abreu being league with Phelix seems so out of character from what I've heard of her. Maybe she isn't who she claims to be either."

"Or was replaced by a doppelganger," Vinny suggests.

"A good thought, Sectarian," Oakfirst replies. "I will leave it up to you to discover the truth."

He turns to Akos and the other Exemplars. "Go to the candle shop and interrogate this Kelik person. Don't worry about causing a stir. I will handle any nobles who get their damn feathers ruffled. Try not to let it devolve into blades and fisticuffs, but if you face physical resistance, you have my permission to engage with full force."

"I will take Nathaniel's notes to The Five and see what they say. But, no more tiptoeing around nobles and their machinations. I need this handled." He pauses. "I was able to get you another one of those crystalline flowers. It's hidden somewhere that only you know about. I'm not going to say more right now, but I think you'll be able to figure it out on your own. At the very least, when you're ready to attack the enclave, I will have it brought to you if you haven't figured it out by then. But, if you find another way in into the renegade's lair, take it!"

 

[Neurotic]

"Thank you, commander." Akos is impressed that the man didn't even try to deny or defend anyone, but seriously thought about everything he heard and expressed doubts based on his knowledge, but not dismissing anything.

"There may be more to doppelganger issue. But we found out from the Old city killer and I quote:"
'Sabela Abreu is in league with the renegade and the leader of the Brelish Thieves Guild here in Bluffside. She and Phelix are old friends, yes. I know this because I have been there after painting one of her thieves that discovered my identity. I killed him and buried him under the old windmill outside the district. His name was Rees, Rees the Rat'

"So, there are two different sources, none really trustworthy, but still..."
"The murder of the mayor by his wife may also be perpetrated by a doppelganger. This is just a suspicion, but still, maybe a diviner might take a serious look."

 

[Knightfall]

"Nathaniel has little respect for authority," Vinny tells Oakfirst. "He was very dismissive of Commander Kasel Mildenhall. He has no respect for him at all. He also mentioned that a captain at the barracks, Ivan Wildore, is very corrupt and has taken bribes from Suggitt and Waldo's other followers. Nathaniel said that Wildore is a follower of Karel."

"That is... very troubling," Oakfirst seems taken aback by that accusation. He goes through Nathaniel's written notes several times. "He didn't write that down. Are you sure?"

Vinny looks at Custodio, who nods.

"Very sure," the Sectarian replies.

"He told us Captain Wildore has secretly done some of the most vicious things that Nathaniel has ever witnessed," Custodio adds glumly. "It's very hard for me to believe. He's considered a hero."

"I just can't fathom how he could be aligned to one of Dark Titians," Oakfirst shakes his head in disbelief.

OOC: NOTE: Karel is the name for the titian god Cronus on Kulan. I'll add another reply either tomorrow or on the weekend. @Aust Thale has been rereading the IC thread and is nearly caught up, and I want to give him a chance to post.

 

[Tellerian Hawke]

Tim nods, having been listening intently. He says, "When we go to the candle shop, I should remain outside. I will guard the back door of the place, in case Kelik tries to give us the slip. By my not marching through the front door, the rest of you will have a better chance of approaching Kelik discreetly."

Big Tim pauses, waiting to hear the opinions of the others regarding his plan. While waiting, his thoughts are elsewhere; he is intently focused on remembering the face of the Gnome (Musummaar) who gated in the flaming demon. Such sorcerous miscreants need to be put down, with extreme prejudice, Tim muses, inwardly.

 

[Aust Thale]

Falen:
Watching the others' exchange with Reginald Oakfirst, Falen is indeed vexed. He begins to pace, hands clasp behind him, and then reaching for the letter in his pocket that Lord Max had sent with him. Information was tradecraft. He wasn't in the habit of breaking confidence, regardless of the reason. He was not particularly beholden to law or chaos; they served their purpose in the moment. However, the law of unintended consequences and the chaos of breaking it were forefront in his mind. Nevertheless, he had information that might be useful. He would attempt to be judicious about protecting Avitus, as Lord Max would have it. However, leads might be worthwhile.

To Oakfirst, "Lord Commander, my original purpose here was directed otherwise. And given the widespread events of late, I didn't consider sharing the information urgent. The Ticinium Delegacy has at least one casualty: Legatus Avitus. I will presume that you knew him. Assassinated ahead of my arrival to bring him personal correspondence. Praefectus Casca insisted on secrecy regarding Legatus' passing upon my arrival, concerned of how it might be interpreted. Given the events of late, Casca perhaps believed it was part of a wider plan. He wanted no taint upon the Delegacy, as assassinations typically mean treachery, and there has been much of that afoot. Could Avitus have been in possession of knowledge that would compromise the Five or any other part of Bluffside to the Dusk, or to Waldo?"

Falen does not share the letter's contents with the Lord Commander or the others. It is clear that Legatus was of some import to both Waldo and the Dusk, and Falen would like to establish what that value happened to be before telling the whole story.

"I was on my way to see Lady Nazaria after you, Commander. She is distant family to the Legatus. I thought it only proper to offer my condolences. Could she be of interest in solving yet another puzzle/murder?"

Spoiler: Housekeeping Info So Player of Falen Can Recall Names

Praefectus Casca ; Lady Oppia Nazaria; Scribe Amphion; Rising Swords; The Dusk; Legatus Avitus

Inside the hand-made envelope is a whirlwind of trouble for the entire family line of Legatus Avitus, the city of Bluffside, and maybe for Falen as well. If he delivers its contents to Lady Nazaria in the morning, he could find himself embroiled in a controversy that could end his life, if he's not careful. At first, the parchment seems to simply deliver bad news for Legatus Avitus that his son has been killed in the lands known as The Southwest -- in Khemit to be precise. It goes on for three pages, as Lord Max goes into the tragedy and the arrangements being made to have the son's body shipped back to Ticinum.

Falen reads it over and over again and can't fathom why anyone would try to kill him for these three pages. He's soon out of the rope trick and pacing around the small room before heading back up into it. The secrecy makes no sense to his curious mind. It's not until he begins to read between the lines, does he realize there is a code message from Lord Max to Legatus Avitus.

Spoiler: For Aust Thale Only

The letter turns out the only be part of the truth. Yes, the legatus has lost his son, Aulus Dovius Viatoro, but it turns out that the man had been an adventurer plying his trade around the city of Sharn. Lord Max goes on to write that the yonug man was captured by The Dusk and held captive. The ransom was Legatus Avitus's compliance with the Rising Swords and their partner in crime -- a man the coded message refers to as Phelix Del Cannitha. (Obviously, the leader of the Arreptitii.) Lord Max discovered that Phelix is an exile of the Del Cannitha family of Sharn. The Dusk kept Aulus imprisoned in a fortress just outside of the city of Tânger. Since the legatus was cursed to not have any other sons, he did whatever Phelix asked of him.

The legatus asked Lord Max to send a force to free his son, but the young man died during the rescue attempt. Worst than that, it became clear to Lord Max that someone else in Bluffside is helping to blackmail the legatus, acting as a go between for this Del Cannitha fellow. That person isn't named, but Lord Max is convinced it is someone in the embassy. Why is Lord Max sure? The Dusk had known the team Max sent were coming and ambushed them. Only one survived to report back to Lord Max. (It turns out Lord Max was in Tânger the same time as Falen.)

'There is a viper in your bed.' Lord Max writes. Always the poet, Falen notes. 'And Dusk will soon fall on Bluffside.'

Could Praefectus Casca be the villain or maybe Lady Nazaria isn't to be trusted? And then there is the scribe, Amphion. Yes, it could all go very badly for Falen if he gives the 'letter' to the wrong person and they decode it. And if The Dusk are truly coming to Bluffside, are they coming for Falen or are the assassins already here, and they are who killed Legatus Avitus?

Falen is soon wide awake despite being exhausted.

OOC: Of course, Phelix Del Cannitha is the renegade sorcerer the other PCs are trying to bring to justice. But, at this point, Falen doesn't know anything about the Brelish outcast besides what is coded in the letter (and that letter's connection to the information he learn from the praefectus). Since the streets were fog soaked when he arrived, he hasn't seen any of the handbills tacked up all over Old City warning of the villain being at large and the warnings about a group known as the Loyalists who follow him. There are also broadsheets on every corner warning about the mercenaries of the Rising Swords and their rumored presence in Bluffside.

At this point, no one else besides Falen knows that the city might have been invaded by The Dusk.

Falen doesn’t sleep immediately as his mind works through the various threads of the coded message, what it means, and who betrayed Legatus Avitis. He understands why Lord Max sent him on this errand. So he puts himself in Legatus Avitis’ shoes. And then the Prefectus. And then the Lady. And then the scribe. He continues to think on his dilemma as he climbs down, using the washbasin in his room to clean up, and visiting the lou. He decides to force himself to get a few hours sleep. He has the bare bones of a plan. Now he needs rest. With purpose. He blows out all of the candles in the room, climbs back into the rope trick, positions himself such that he will land in the bed below him should the spell end before waking, and with clear line of sight of the door and any window below him. He packs the haversack as full as possible, leaving armor, gear, and weapons ready next to it. He then dons his magical hat of disguise as a nightcap, changing his appearance (for practice) to the prefectus as well as the scribe. He smiles. This could be...fun. He grips his favorite knife, and he dozes off, willing his body to wake in 3 or 4 hours before the rope trick wears off.

 

[Knightfall]

"Thank you, commander." Akos is impressed that the man didn't even try to deny or defend anyone, but seriously thought about everything he heard and expressed doubts based on his knowledge, but not dismissing anything.

"There may be more to doppelganger issue. But we found out from the Old city killer and I quote:"
'Sabela Abreu is in league with the renegade and the leader of the Brelish Thieves Guild here in Bluffside. She and Phelix are old friends, yes. I know this because I have been there after painting one of her thieves that discovered my identity. I killed him and buried him under the old windmill outside the district. His name was Rees, Rees the Rat'

"So, there are two different sources, none really trustworthy, but still..."

"It seems I should have that doppelganger interrogated again," Oakfirst considers. "So far, he refuses to speak anything but lies. His boast to you would just be that without Mr. Aceron's testimony. I'm tempted to let the House of Enchantment try to delve into this Manifest's mind to try to find the truth, but it is a risky gamble. If he dominates a wizard, it could go badly."

"I know that old windmill. I'll have it searched for this Ree's body."

He shakes his head in frustration. "If there is indeed a gang of doppelgangers under the renegade's thumb, then he is more dangerous than even the Wizard Council believe. Their strike force of wizards and Sectarians failed badly. Two Sectarians came back through the portal dragging one of the wizards. He died before the clerics could get to him, and his soul was unrecoverable."

"Did they say anything useful?" Vinny asks.

"They were barely standing when they rushed back through," Oakfirst replies. "While the Wizard Council is questioning them, they came back just after the assault on the Tribunal... so, it's been a bit hectic. From what I understand, they fought over two dozen Loyalists and several dangerous creatures that were likely summoned by Phelix."

"The murder of the mayor by his wife may also be perpetrated by a doppelganger. This is just a suspicion, but still, maybe a diviner might take a serious look."

Oakfirst pauses to listen to Akos' suspicions about the lord mayor's wife. "You could be right," he replies. "I will have the staff re-interviewed to see if they saw anything that might point to a doppelganger. I will also have them all checked magically, but I doubt there is a shapechanger hiding among them."

Tim nods, having been listening intently. He says, "When we go to the candle shop, I should remain outside. I will guard the back door of the place, in case Kelik tries to give us the slip. By my not marching through the front door, the rest of you will have a better chance of approaching Kelik discreetly."

"That's a good idea," Custodio replies. "You can be a bit intimidating to those who don't know you."

Big Tim pauses, waiting to hear the opinions of the others regarding his plan. While waiting, his thoughts are elsewhere; he is intently focused on remembering the face of the Gnome (Musummaar) who gated in the flaming demon. Such sorcerous miscreants need to be put down, with extreme prejudice, Tim muses, inwardly.

Big Tim notes that Falen seems troubled...

Watching the others' exchange with Reginald Oakfirst, Falen is indeed vexed. He begins to pace, hands clasp behind him, and then reaching for the letter in his pocket that Lord Max had sent with him. Information was tradecraft. He wasn't in the habit of breaking confidence, regardless of the reason. He was not particularly beholden to law or chaos; they served their purpose in the moment. However, the law of unintended consequences and the chaos of breaking it were forefront in his mind. Nevertheless, he had information that might be useful. He would attempt to be judicious about protecting Avitus, as Lord Max would have it. However, leads might be worthwhile.

To Oakfirst, "Lord Commander, my original purpose here was directed otherwise. And given the widespread events of late, I didn't consider sharing the information urgent. The Ticinium Delegacy has at least one casualty: Legatus Avitus. I will presume that you knew him. Assassinated ahead of my arrival to bring him personal correspondence. Praefectus Casca insisted on secrecy regarding Legatus' passing upon my arrival, concerned of how it might be interpreted. Given the events of late, Casca perhaps believed it was part of a wider plan. He wanted no taint upon the Delegacy, as assassinations typically mean treachery, and there has been much of that afoot. Could Avitus have been in possession of knowledge that would compromise the Five or any other part of Bluffside to the Dusk, or to Waldo?"

Oakfirst is surprised by Falen's revelation, yet he remains calm. He nods. "So that's why he hasn't been at any diplomatic events recently. Casca has been standing in for him. He's told The Five that Avitus is unwell and is being considered for reassignment either back to Ticinum or someplace warm. It seems Casca is trying to step into Avitus's position." He shakes his head. "I doubt he had the Legatus killed. From what I know of Casca, it's not his style to get his hands dirty. He's an opportunist more than anything else."

He looks at Falen. "So, you believe that Phelix had him killed? Why? What would he gain?"

"Unless someone in the embassy is working for Phelix?" Custodio suggests.

"Maybe," Oakfirst muses. He stares at Falen. "While I wish you had told me about this sooner, I sense Casca put you in a bad position." He turns to look at Akos, Tim, and the others. "It seems I need to go speak with Praefectus Casca."

Falen does not share the letter's contents with the Lord Commander or the others. It is clear that Legatus was of some import to both Waldo and the Dusk, and Falen would like to establish what that value happened to be before telling the whole story.

"I was on my way to see Lady Nazaria after you, Commander. She is distant family to the Legatus. I thought it only proper to offer my condolences. Could she be of interest in solving yet another puzzle/murder?"

"Hmm, I don't think I know her," Oakfirst replies. "But, if you feel it's important, then I suggest you go see her... all together. But, I need you to go to the candle shop first."

 

[Aust Thale]

"It seems I should have that doppelganger interrogated again," Oakfirst considers. "So far, he refuses to speak anything but lies. His boast to you would just be that without Mr. Aceron's testimony. I'm tempted to let the House of Enchantment try to delve into this Manifest's mind to try to find the truth, but it is a risky gamble. If he dominates a wizard, it could go badly."

"I know that old windmill. I'll have it searched for this Ree's body."

He shakes his head in frustration. "If there is indeed a gang of doppelgangers under the renegade's thumb, then he is more dangerous than even the Wizard Council believe. Their strike force of wizards and Sectarians failed badly. Two Sectarians came back through the portal dragging one of the wizards. He died before the clerics could get to him, and his soul was unrecoverable."

"Did they say anything useful?" Vinny asks.

"They were barely standing when they rushed back through," Oakfirst replies. "While the Wizard Council is questioning them, they came back just after the assault on the Tribunal... so, it's been a bit hectic. From what I understand, they fought over two dozen Loyalists and several dangerous creatures that were likely summoned by Phelix."


Oakfirst pauses to listen to Akos' suspicions about the lord mayor's wife. "You could be right," he replies. "I will have the staff re-interviewed to see if they saw anything that might point to a doppelganger. I will also have them all checked magically, but I doubt there is a shapechanger hiding among them."


"That's a good idea," Custodio replies. "You can be a bit intimidating to those who don't know you."


Big Tim notes that Falen seems troubled...


Oakfirst is surprised by Falen's revelation, yet he remains calm. He nods. "So that's why he hasn't been at any diplomatic events recently. Casca has been standing in for him. He's told The Five that Avitus is unwell and is being considered for reassignment either back to Ticinum or someplace warm. It seems Casca is trying to step into Avitus's position." He shakes his head. "I doubt he had the Legatus killed. From what I know of Casca, it's not his style to get his hands dirty. He's an opportunist more than anything else."

He looks at Falen. "So, you believe that Phelix had him killed? Why? What would he gain?"

"Unless someone in the embassy is working for Phelix?" Custodio suggests.

"Maybe," Oakfirst muses. He stares at Falen. "While I wish you had told me about this sooner, I sense Casca put you in a bad position." He turns to look at Akos, Tim, and the others. "It seems I need to go speak with Praefectus Casca."


"Hmm, I don't think I know her," Oakfirst replies. "But, if you feel it's important, then I suggest you go see her... all together. But, I need you to go to the candle shop first."

Falen:
Suddenly a light turns on: “Wait, Lord Oakfirst! Do you attend most or all the diplomatic events that Avitus would attend or would have attended? Where was he in the Bluffside society, royalty, and diplomatic rivals pecking order? What kind of access did he have or could he provide? My point is thus: since much of Bluffside’s governance appears be so by virtue of currency. The real kind, societal status, and of course, information. What or who was in his orbit that might make him a target?”

And as an afterthought, Falen adds a quick admonition, “Do me a favor and see if you can leave me out of your conversation with Casca. I don’t report to him, but I’d prefer he not recall my name or face one way or another.”

And with that, Falen quietly goes back to his pacing, mumbling quietly, “I always wanted to learn more about candle-making.” None of those around him are entirely sure if he is being earnest or snarky.

 

[Neurotic]

"As you wish commander.

Do you have anything specific in mind for the candlemaker? Something you should find out immediately if we can discover it?
As for the doppelganger among staff, I don't believe it would still be there. I just recall that mayor's wife disappeared around the same time - that would indicate she was killed, replaced, framed and the perpetrator simply melded into the background."

Akos bows and turns to leave after receiving the answer or dismissal

"Good hunting with the praefectus."

 

[Knightfall]

Suddenly a light turns on: “Wait, Lord Oakfirst! Do you attend most or all the diplomatic events that Avitus would attend or would have attended? Where was he in the Bluffside society, royalty, and diplomatic rivals pecking order? What kind of access did he have or could he provide? My point is thus: since much of Bluffside’s governance appears be so by virtue of currency. The real kind, societal status, and of course, information. What or who was in his orbit that might make him a target?”

"No, I rarely attend such events myself, but I always get a report on such events from a handful of Elites who are more apt than I at rubbing shoulders with the nobles and merchant lords of Old City," Oakfirst replies. "Avitus rarely missed social events. He is... was the ambassador to Ticinum after all and the Imperial Lands are always interested in what is going on in Bluffside."

Oakfirst rubs his chin thoughtfully. "Ticins consider themselves to be at forefront of every political situation. They tend to lord over those they consider inferior. Ticinum is a very old land with a long history of conquest, but the Ticins aren't what they once were. Yes, Ticinum is still an empire, but it is an empire on the decline."

He looks to Falen. "That empire is always a target, so Avitus would be a target of many who were once forced to bow to the emperors of Ticinum. Kalmonte, Novarum, Tarminan, Várad, and almost any land north of the Red Mountains. Their soldiers tend to attack first and ask questions almost never. If the empire was such a wounded animal ready to strike, The Five would likely have expelled their embassy from Bluffside decades ago."

"At least they're not as bad as the Tarmins," Custodio says.

"We're not at war with the Ticins," the lord commander notes. "Well, the fighting against the Tarmins is not a true war. More like clandestine skirmishes in the dead of the night. They raid our outlying lands and blame the denizens of Khogshk for their predations. We strike back and end up fighting their mercenaries and other hired thugs."

He looks back to Falen once again. "I will try to find out more. I do know Avitus was more of a moderate, which is why he was posted here. The Five thought well of him, especially Lady Pomander. I know that he and the ambassador of the Vinovian Protectorate hated each other, but I doubt that Tedric Curson would risk having Avitus assassinated. If he was found out, it would be just the excuse the Ticin Emperor needs to break the peace with both Novarum and the protectorate and try to reannex those lands for the empire."

And as an afterthought, Falen adds a quick admonition, “Do me a favor and see if you can leave me out of your conversation with Casca. I don’t report to him, but I’d prefer he not recall my name or face one way or another.”

"I understand your concern," Oakfirst says with a nod and grin. "While I'm not sly, I will not mention your name."

"As you wish commander.

Do you have anything specific in mind for the candlemaker? Something you should find out immediately if we can discover it?
As for the doppelganger among staff, I don't believe it would still be there. I just recall that mayor's wife disappeared around the same time - that would indicate she was killed, replaced, framed and the perpetrator simply melded into the background."

"No, I'm not concerned about the details at this point. Unless you discover more names that are in league with him... really in league with him, not just conjecture." He holds up Nathaniel's confession. "If you discover anything like that, then let me know right away. I'll have a couple of trusted Elites keep an eye on Sabela's eatery for now., but I want more evidence before having her arrested."

Oakfirst nods at Akos' second point. "Yes, it's unlikely there is still a doppelganger among the mayoral staff, but it is better to check again then be wrong later."

"He motions to both Custodio and Vinny. "To be clear. There is enough evidence to arrest this Kelik person. Get what you can rom him, but when you are done, bring him to the Palace in irons. I will have him held there until I can be sure I can have him transferred to the Dungeon in New City. Understood?"

"Yes sir." Custodio replies with a salute.

Vinny nods a well.

And with that, Falen quietly goes back to his pacing, mumbling quietly, “I always wanted to learn more about candle-making.” None of those around him are entirely sure if he is being earnest or snarky.

Tim notes that everyone seems eager to get going and that Falen is either very nervous or trying to break the tension.

Akos bows and turns to leave after receiving the answer or dismissal

"Good hunting with the praefectus."

"Good luck and be careful," Oakfirst replies. "Bluffside cannot afford to lose any of you."

---

To the Candle Shop:
You quickly find your way out of the Tribunal and through the streets of Old City. You bypass the Sublime Bazaar and head directly to the Golden Gate leading into the Golden Ward. The Elites guarding the gate let you pass without any difficulty. They were told that you would come this way, eventually. Once through the gate, you quickly turn to your left and make your way to the shop known as The Crossed Candles. It is very small shop that is flanked on both side by wide alleyways and four other shops. The shop is surrounded by lush grass, and handful of well-groomed trees, and four planter boxes with aromatic herbs growing in them.

A large weathered table sits on the shop's grassy plot, which is almost parklike. Two benches flank the old table and you can tell that it is likely used by the locals as a place for gatherings or even special events. Big Tim heads behind the shop to look to see if there is a back way out. He finds a single door that looks like it is probably locked.

At the front of the shop, a short 10-foot entryway leads onto a low wooden platform that leads to the front door, which is flanked by two glass windows. The window on the left is propped open and the heady smell of scented candles wafts out of it from inside. On the door is a symbol of two crossed candlesticks with lit blue and green candles in them. A sign next to the door reads: Welcome to The Crossed Candles.

Through the open window, you can hear a woman humming happily. Just before you can open the door, a patron steps out carrying a bundle of candles in her arms. "Thanks again, Miss Nelie." She is smiling.

The young noblewoman gasps in astonishment when she sees The Exemplars standing outside the shop. "Loremaster Akos," she says. "I'm glad to see you and your friends are well." She looks around and then then seems concerned. "Oh, please tell me that nothing has happened to Sir Tymbeck?"

"He's fine," Custodio replies.

She sighs. "I'm glad. Father wants to invite him to our next party... oh! You too, of course, loremaster. If you're free." She laughs. "Have you come to buy candles from Miss Nelie? Mr. Winton is quite the genius when it comes to lovely scents."

The woman curtsies to Akos. "I must go home now, or mother will be cross." She laughs ant her own joke. "Please tell Sir Tymbeck that Lady Ricla de Rey sends warm greetings and that I hope he will be available for dinner in three nights time. I will have a messenger get in contact. Good day, loremaster."

With that the young noblewoman skips away happily. She forgot to close the shop's door and the scent of burning candles overwhelms your senses. It is euphoric but mundane.

"If there's a thieves' guild here, it is really well hidden," Custodio notes. He waits for Akos to take the lead inside.

OOC: Map of the area around the candle shop to be posted on the OOC thread.

 

[Tellerian Hawke]

Although he is at the rear of the building, Tim catches the faintest whisper of candle scent in the air. The fragrance reminds him of home, specifically, of the candles that his mother used to burn on the large table of the castle's library. For a moment, he misses her dearly. But the moment passes, and he returns his focus to the task at hand.

Tim still has his sword sheathed, but holds Rizvan at the ready. He stands next to the tree's trunk, well within the canopy of the tree's shade, his eyes fixed on the back door, watching intently, should it suddenly open. If anyone comes out of this door, Tim intends to lay them out cold with Rizvan, concordant with Oakfirst's command to bring Kelik to him alive, in irons.