"So," Tuck continues to everyone, "Are we going into the tunnel, or moving straight for the sorcerer's lair? I've got some more things to do, but this is our first priority."
"I vote for Waldo's lair," Custodio says.
"But I've been absent from the group so I'll let you decide. The crystalline flower, the is back at the Lord Commander's old childhood home. I had it when we left there to go the Gardens yesterday morning, but I dropped it off there for safekeeping before going to check and make sure the Lord Commander and the others were okay."
Custodio turns to Akos.
"Did you figure out the correct phrase to use with that flower to get into Waldo's planar hideout? I remember you were working on it." The Elite Guard looks towards the guard post.
"Maybe this is another way in... a safer way?"
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OOC:
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Copied and expanded from previous post...
By going over the phrases, Akos is fairly certain (lets say 98%) that illumination is the trigger that will open the portal to Phelix's Enclave, but it won't be a light in the dark but, instead, be "An Intense Flame under a Dark Moon." Most likely something to do with flames touching the bloom and madness around the eyes (either literal insanity or a successful Perform check [DC 20]).
Custodio's previous stated information about Evocation magic makes Akos think of the Dancing Lights cantrip but that won't be powerful enough. the 1st-level spell, Burning Hands, might be a better choice, but Akos thinks any low-level fire spell will do to ignite the bloom and open the portal. He has a sense that the more powerful the spell chosen the longer the portal will remain open (likely 1 to 4 minutes per spell level [roll 1d4]).
However, if the flames are too hot, the bloom will be consumed (requires a Spellcraft check [DC 25]) and the group will have to find another way to get back from the demiplane. If the Spellcraft check fails by 5 or more, the bloom will be used up. If the check succeed by more than 5 but less than 10, add 1 minute for the portal being opened. If it succeeds by 10 to 15, add 2 minutes, etc. Any spell that enhances a character's skill check can be used to make the portal stay open longer. (Relgar was fairly certain that it wouldn't stay open for longer than 20 minutes.)
(Akos is 100% certain it is a demiplane in the Ethereal Plane. It might be possible to get back through the Ethereal Plane or even the Shadowstar Sea but the Loremaster isn't 100% sure. He is sure that the group can't get there through the Ethereal Plane.)
The group has learned from the research that both Relgar and Akos did that there is another bloom in the Museum of Sem La Vah (located in Old City), and while the bloom does grow out in the wilds of the ruins, it is very rare and tends to attract earth-based monsters (and deadly plants) to it due to its crystalline nature and magical properties. The blooms grow individually not in clusters. As far as the Tenders know, the flower doesn't exist in the Gardens.
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"I did not come under attack from the sorcerer's Loyalists," Oakfirst notes.
"Neither did Lady Pomander. Del Cannitha likely didn't have the men to spare after you lopped off some of his hydra's heads." He pauses.
"That reminds me. Custodio told me that you suspect Barclay Winton, the owner of The Crossed Candles, of being in league with the Renegade."
"His real name is Kelik and he runs a thieves guild out of that building," Vincenzzo says. "At least, that's what the doppelganger told us."
That name makes Tuck remember the three assassins that wanted to kill Relgar. They'd followed him, Akos, and Relgar through the streets of New City and then attacked them in the Silverbow Inn. There had been a woman named Teresa and a human named Shylock. The other assassin died nameless. A group of Elites had arrived after the fight was won and Shylock was taken into custody. The woman got away but vowed to seek vengeance against Akos in the future. Teresa had bragged that her guild would kill all of Relgar's friends and allies including Tim, Custodio, Lady Émilienne, Sir Oakfirst, and Lady Pomander. Émilienne had come under attack on the road between Old City and the Wizard District but she managed to fight off her attackers with a handful of Sectarians. Loyalists tried to ambush Breva, Tim, and Custodio in the streets of Old city, but it didn't go well for the attackers. Tuck isn't sure what happened to those foes. Were they all killed? He tries to remember what Shylock and Teresa said.
"I wish I could say that is a surprise," Oakfirst says.
"Barclay seemingly came out of nowhere several years ago and set up his candle and wax shop with great fanfare. His wares have become a favorite of the nobles of Old City." He pauses.
"I've always suspected there is more to that man than a simple shop owner. He loves to spin a story and seems to know of things happening in the district before they become public knowledge. Not criminal things, mind you." He rubs his chin thoughtfully.
"I've had his shop under surveillance for almost six months now but we've never been able to catch him at anything illegal. If he is running a thieves guild, my watchers haven't found any signs of it."
"Or they are being paid off," Custodio suggests.
"Not every member of the Bluffside Regulars are on the take, young man!" Oakfirst snaps.
"Besides, the Elites watching the shop are being helped by the Dark Lanterns."
"Terger?"
"No, he's still fighting the Graythorns alongside the Bluffside Mountain Rangers out near Rockgrave Keep. That death cult is causing all sorts of trouble in the Aarzen Valley. The elves of Ravensilath have gotten involved and their help has kept the Graythorns at bay. My latest reports note that Rhodes is still out there too, even though Terger let him go. He and Terger have become quite the fighting team."
"We'll take Mr Falen with us. He seems to know much and obviously knows about Loyalists. It is not quite obvious, but Arreptitii in Ticin means 'The fanatics' or with a bit of imagination 'The loyalists'. And he can do his task of uncovering The Dusk with some help. Even if it means he needs to help us follow our own threads."
"So these Arreptitii are the Loyalists. That's good to know," Oakfirst says. "We don't need any more
new evil bastards running around Bluffside. Let's hope The Dusk are not here but be prepared in case they come out from shadows. My reports on their organization have always indicated that they never attack in the day and that they never attack en masse like the Rising Swords. They are subtle yet deadly."
"Maybe they killed the Lord Mayor," Custodio suggests.
"That is a possibility," Oakfirst agrees. "Something to let The Five know. I've already told them that Phel-, excuse me,
Waldo might be targeting them all for death. They're bolstering they personal guards, although they are going to have fewer options with the Bluffside Militia now activated."
"When did that happen?" Roland asks.
"Right after learning the Lord Mayor was killed. Lady Pomander made the suggestion and all but Lord Blander agreed. Lord Commander Simonis cast the vote for the deceased Lord Mayor." He sighs. "It takes a bit of time to get the militia ready to go into service. You won't see them on the streets likely until tomorrow evening." Oakfirst notes the disgruntled looks on the faces of the Regulars. "I expect you all to work with them and help them when required. Yes, they won't have the same ranks as you all but don't go lording over them."
"Yes sir," Herleva says. Akos notes a lack of enthusiasm in her voice.
Neurotic said:
Turning to Falen
"As I said before, we can help you meet with The Commander. We can exchange info on the way. If you're looking into serial killers or mysterious disappearances, we have some leads. Old City Killer is captured and he is just deranged artist, he has nothing to do with those you seek or his own kind."
"Hmm, from what Tim told me, Del Cannitha might have doppelgangers in his employ. Are you sure they aren't in league with this Mani?" Oakfirst asks. "Tim said he knows of them and they might know of him."
