Akos enters his ex-cathedra mode and teaches.
"So, the creature might but probably isn't one of the Children of the Night. There are signs that fit, but are easily replicated and it is hard to pinpoint any particular event to such an entity. If it is one, attacking or worse, killing it, might provoke The Lady of the Night. So that leaves discovery and negotiation. I would definitely advise against any rush actions in this case. Worse, Shardgrim isn't one of the known children. We don't even know who its progenitor is. There are several options, with third being preferable even if that means it could be connected to The Winter Court or at least influenced by it... Geras (Old Age), Eris (Strife), or one of the Hesperides.
If the creature that Kaleb encountered was the Shardgrim, he is very lucky to be alive. If the creature's legacy is Geras, it is very old and likely very powerful. It would explain the feeling of age of Sylemis.
If it's legacy is Eris, it could explain why Bluffside is undergoing tons of strife.
And if the creature's legacy is one of the Daughters of the Evening, it is likely more benign, but still steeped in shadow.
"Let us hope it is no worse than a troll," Custodio interjects. Lady Émilienne motions for the Elite to wait and let Akos finish.
Neurotic said:
If we assume we're not important enough to house such an entity, we could entertain the notion that my humble teachings attracted attention of the Winter Court and that some dark fey hides among us. It could easily be mistaken for shadow creatures. That would explain the problems centered on the Garden too.
In the hypothetical situation that I'm not important enough to be targeted or at least observed by some such, there are always base explanations of various underground monster wondering in from surrounding area. We can explore that option in the morning once I prepare the spells to better suit this detective work.
If you, lady, know someone who can cast legend lore, we know of the battle area that would definitely fit for such a divination and that would rule out the involvement of at least one part of the aforementioned creatures.
Since the simplest explanations are usually true, lets hope it is just a common monster. I will prepare Augury in the morning."
He finishes with slight bow toward the lady and awaits questions -- there are always some even if he takes pains to explain everything. He could do with some accolades, but that would be too much to expect since his knowledge is what brought him here. It is expected. It is his job (he shudders internally).
Tuck stares at Akos.
"So... you don't know what it is, either?" the kobold says a bit more harshly than intended.
Lady Émilienne hides a smirk behind her hand.
"Yes, Tuck, without seeing it or at least having reliable witness...there are any number of things that could fit the description, including mere mortals with shadow connections such as some warlocks, ninjas, shadow dancers, shadar-kai and countless others. There are limits to conclusions one can draw from limited data."
Akos doesn't seem offended by the kobolds comment.
"All I can tell you for certain is that is a was big and seemed to be cloaked in shadow," Kaleb notes. "It was tall. Too tall to be human-sized." He motions to Big Tim. "Whatever I saw was as taller than him."
"It sounds like we're dealing with something mortal that has moved into the Gardens. I doubt it is one of Nyx's descendants," Lady Émilienne says. "As for someone who can cast
legend lore, I can think of one obvious person, Jamtulon Staciaenial. He's a retired adventurer who runs The Bard's Tale in the Coach & Six Market down in the Undercity."
"I'd advise not going down there," Custodio says. "It is a dangerous place even if you're a dockworker, sewer cleaner, or steam gnome."
"Yes, it can be a tense place, but the people who live down there aren't all villains," the old guard named Detch snaps at Custodio. "Do not presume, young man."
"I speak based on my experiences, sir."
"Yes, yes," Lady Émilienne says with an emphatic eye-roll. "It isn't for the faint of heart, but The Bard's Tale is one of the best places to find bards and if Jamtulon can't cast it himself, I'm sure he knows someone who can. But... there is another option."
"Who?" Custodio asks.
"Finus Lomusin."
"Oh."
"There's nothing wrong with Finus."
"No, but I doubt the Sectarian Guard will just let us wander into the Wizard District and onto the grounds of the Academy."
"I can go to see him and you can go to see Jamtulon at the Tale."
"Is there anyone else?" the Elite guard asks.
"Not that I know of," she replies. She looks at Detch and he shakes his head.
"No, I've never learned that spell. It's not martial enough for me."
She nods.
The small reptilian nods, relieved that Akos does not rebuke him.
"Yes, yes, we must find answers to those questions. Do you think it's related to our objective here? Seems unlikely to be a coincidence."
Big Tim nods, adding, "Tuck is right. I know very little of foul beasts and dark magicks, but we need to figure out what we're dealing with here. And we need to do it quickly. And it is MOST CERTAINLY related to our objective; I doubt very seriously that it's a coincidence."
Big Tim smiles at Tuck, nodding again in agreement.
"I agree," Lady Émilienne says. "I doubt this is unrelated to the Renegade. If it is something mundane, he might have released it into the Gardens as a distraction. If it is not, the beast might have been attracted to the Gardens by that damn portal."
"I wouldn't doubt it if 'Waldo' did release it," Custodio adds. "He's crazy enough to do it." He looks at Akos and the others. "I'll go with you to see this Jamtulon fellow. We should leave getting in to see Finus to Lady Émilienne."
"Aye," Detch agrees. "And you young Kaleb are now on leave. Go home and get some rest. I will have the Lord Commander send someone to take your post while you gain your strength back."
"Yes sir," the young guard says. He tries to stand but cannot push himself upright. "I might need some help."
Detch looks at the group, "Can you take him? His home is in Old City. On the other side of the Palace complex near the Museum of Sem La Vah. I can get someone else if you're in a hurry."
"I- I can wait."
