Vinny seems to be content with remaining mostly silent as he stands with his hands on his hips, not too far from his weapon. His eyes stare forward not focused on any one in particular, but his attention in truth is solely on the traitorous noble. He listens intently and puts all that is spoken to memory.
The Sectarian notes that Breva and Custodio step out of the room for a moment.
"Do you know some protocol for emergency contacts or someone you need to contact if things happen? How do they know if you have something? Also, do you know about doppelgangers in the city? Finally, what do you know about thieves guild here?"
"Geoffrey was my connection to the Renegade," Nathaniel replies. "Since we were stationed at the same tower at the Gardens, it was a simple matter for us to take late shifts together and pass information back and forth." He shakes his head. "That old arcanus, Detch, he might be quite the wizard, but he tends to be so focused on paperwork and making sure everything is 'just so' that he misses subtle signs."
Breva replies to Custodio, "As a Paladin I can detect evil. I wanted to know about Nathaniel, who has a weak aura of evil by the way, but in the process I noted two fellows talking who also were disposed to evil. They seemed intent on their conversation as if plotting something, so I asked our hostess and got Beltramino's name from her." He shakes his head in frustration. "I feel I have heard the name before, but I can't seems to recall where. It may not be related to our current problems, but I'm not much of an interrogator either and my unfamiliarity with the city means that what we do glean often means little to me. I thought perhaps this would be worth considering at least. I'll check with a couple of the others and see if they know of this man. Though I suspect our journey to the country will delay further inquiry. Let's get back inside."
"Downstairs?" The question is rhetorical. Custodio rubs his chin thoughtfully.
"Hopefully it isn't something serious, but if we jump every time you detect an evil aura in Bluffside, we'll soon need new boots. As Commander Wearne mentioned, having evil thoughts or dark soul isn't a crime by itself, but if this Beltramino is in Bluffside with a dark purpose, he should be noted and maybe watched." Custodio sighs.
"I really must send a report to Sir Silvas and go and find the Lord Commander and let him know we're back. I'll have to let you handle taking Mr. Aceron to his home in the countryside."
Nathaniel glances towards Breva and Custodio as they come back into the room. "Geoffrey thought maybe Kaleb knew something but I know he didn't. Still, it might have been Geoffrey who betrayed him and Mathias to Phelix. That might be why they were attacked by the Loyalists."
He looks back to Akos. "Geoffrey's contact is Sabela, and he often went to her eatery to pass her information. I was never invited into their circle. As I said, I took bribes, but I'm not considered one of them. Geoffrey was always a bit paranoid about anyone finding out about his connection to Phelix, especially after the renegade became a wanted man. He used his 'love for food' as an excuse to go eat at the Delicate Delight as his cover."
"But he told you?" Falen asks.
"No, I sussed it out on my own," Nathaniel replies slyly.
"You followed him," Custodio says.
The Regular nods to the Vanquisher cleric. "It seemed like a good idea to find out more." He looks back to Akos. "When it comes to the doppelganger in Old City, I had no idea. Your capture of the Old City Killer was a good thing."
"So, you never suspected Phelix had doppelgangers as allies?" Custodio asks.
Nathaniel shakes his head. "No way! If I'd known he worked with such creatures, there is no way I would have taken bribes from Geoffrey. I would have turned him in immediately. No amount of gold is worth having my soul stolen by those monsters."
"Could this Mr. Suggitt be a doppelganger?" Vinny asks.
Nathaniel's eyes go wide with fear. "I- I have no idea. I guess... he could be one." The young guard looks shaken. "Maybe they're all doppelgangers... the other guards stationed at the tower. It would make sense why Detch seems so clueless."
"Let's not jump at shadows," Custodio suggests.
"But it is something to consider."
Akos motions for Nathaniel to go on.
"As for the local thieves guilds, everyone knows about the Golden Sabres and the Hammers who fight over control of Sordadon. It's an open secret out on that floating maze of canals. They almost never come up into Bluffside, although the Sabres have started trying to get a foothold here in Old City. The Sabres and Hammers have agents in the Undercity too. The Hammers are more violent. They're into killing for profit."
"So, The Dusk trying to take over..?" Falen asks.
"Yeah, that's why there is a street war going on out on Sordadon and here in Old City. I don't know if it's going on in the Undercity, or in New City, but I wouldn't be surprised." He pauses. "And there's the
other guild... I've heard rumors about it, but I've never had dealings with it's members. They are a really secretive bunch. No one knows who their leader is but it is suspected that he... or she... or it... has the ear of one of The Five. Or their leader might
be one of them."
"That rumor is ridiculous," Custodio says.
"Can you really say that with what has been going on?" Nathaniel inisists.
"I can."
Neurotic said:
Akos probes for few more tidbits - but stands up and nods.
After the noble stands up
"We should go immediately. Send the coach away - tell them to await you outside the city out of sight of the city walls. We will escort you quietly through the streets, disguised."
Nathaniel nods. He steadies his nerves and walks out of the room with all the pomp and drunken bluster he showed earlier. Custodio goes with him to the top of the stairs. Nathaniel shouts for someone to come attend him. One of the staff appears at the foot of the stairs. She tries not to look annoyed, but when Custodio nods to her, she comes up the stairs. Nathaniel blusters
loudly about needing a good walk to clear his head and then
quietly orders that the coach be sent out beyond the walls.
"We'd like to leave by the back door," he whispers to her. "Can your lady provide us with a distraction. Someone skilled, who can look like me and head out the front of the tavern."
The woman nods knowingly. She rushes back down the stairs to tell Maiya while Nathaniel and Custodio come back to the room.
"I need to send reports to Sir Silvas and the Lord Commander. I really should go to report to them in person, but with doppelgangers on the loose, I probably shouldn't head off alone," he says quietly to the other Exemplars while Nathaniel gulps down some liquid courage.
"I'll make sure Maiya has them delivered through the Lanterns. Right now, I don't trust anyone else."
The Vanquisher cleric heads downstairs with Falen watching his back. He and Falen come back up t the room about ten minutes later with his written letters. He passes them around the group so everyone can see what he has written. Once everyone is satisfied with what he's written (there are no surprises), he sits down at the table and revises them with any other information the others wish to add. He tosses the the originals into the room's fireplace and makes sure the drafts are embers before he takes and seals the finished letters.
Maiya comes into the room fifteen minutes later.
"Everything is ready. Eli will play the part of Mr. Aceron stubling out the front. He can be quite the fop when he puts his mind to it." She looks to Akos.
"The coach has been sent to the South Gate. Once it is has passed out of Old City, it will head across the bridge, past the Mining District, and stop just on the other side of the Temple District. They will wait for you there."
Custodio gives his letters to Maiya with instructions to have them hand delivered directly to Lord Commander Oakfirst and Sir Silvas.
"Wait until an hour after we are gone, before you send them."
"It will be as you ask," Maiya replies. She tucks the letters into a safe place.
"Good luck to you and stay out of the ruins. They are dangerous even in the daylight hours."
She pats Mutt one last time on the head and then heads back down into the throng of her tavern. You watch as the man Eli does a great Nathaniel Aceron impression and stumbles down the stairs loudly complaining about the service and how there are better places to drink in Old City.
"Let hope he doesn't get knifed," Custodio says.
Everyone prepares to sneak out the back. Hoods are raised and features are hidden under cloaks. Nathaniel seems to transform himself with some dust from the floor and wine spilled on his good clothes. Tuck leads the way down the back stairs and soon you have disappeared into the crowds of South Ward. It is a short walk to South Gate and Custodio goes ahead to see if it is Regulars or Elites on duty. He comes back and nods to them.
"The captain on duty is an Elite I know and trust. Rashid is good man who doesn't let the job get to him. He is quite good at his job too."
"I've heard of him," Nathaniel whispers. "He'd never take a bribe. But will he let me through?"
"I guess we'll find out, won't we."
Tuck and Custodio lead the Exemplars to South Gate and the Vanquisher cleric takes the lead. He greets Rashid warmly put keeps his hood drawn. Custodio does his best to explain the situation and the need for secrecy. He mentions the Renegade, saying 'Waldo' instead of Phelix. Rashid motions for you all to come forward. He looks over each of you, carefully. He is impressed by Big Tim's size and strength and notes Breva's armor, weapons, and holy symbol. He nods at Tuck. The two of them have met before. He pushes away Mutt's insistence to be pet.
He quietly asks Akos to look in on his kin out in the countryside. "My cousin, Sara, and her husband could use your blessing, Loremaster."
He notes Vinny's uniform and then looks back at Custodio, surprised. The Vanquisher cleric nods and smiles. Rashid does his best to not draw attention to Nathaniel from anyone who might be looking.
"You do have some interesting friends, d'Elite," Rashid says to Custodio quietly. "I really should make you take
him to the barracks, but if you've already sent word to the Lord Commander, I guess it is fine. Stay out of the ruins. No shortcuts through there. Since the attack on the diggers that claimed Lady Thistle's life, the ruins have been crawling with dangerous creatures. The diggers haven't been able to work at all and we're constantly have to keep a look out for those blasted dark reptilians. They are becoming deadly weeds that spring up, although they rarely attack outside the ruins during the day. But keep your heads up and watch the sky."
"Dragons?" Falen asks.
"No, cursed lizard-kin -- tainted by fiendish blood," Rashid says. "If you hear the beating of wings either stand and fight or run as fast as you can."
"Anything else?" Custodio asks.
"Just the usual crawlers and vermin," the captain says. "Keep an eye out for webbing near the edges of the crevasses. We've been dealing with a nasty spider infestation. We keep burning them out, but the creatures keep appearing day and night. We'd double the patrols but there just aren't enough Elites to go around and the Regulars tend to run first."
The gate captain orders the gate to be opened. It was surprising to see it closed but with Loyalists seemingly everywhere, the guards aren't taking any chances.
"Stay out of the forests too," Rashid calls out after the Exemplars have passed through the gate. "We've heard rumors of bandits."
Several merchants beseech the guards to let them through the gate instead of making them go all the way to the Pentad Gate on the other side of the district but Rashid forces them to go the long way. The Exemplars are soon at the end of the short road that leads to the Miners' Bridge that crosses the large chasm that leads to the Mining District. Guards watch them pass the district from the walls. The main gate into the Mining District normally stands shut.
"Keep moving," a voice yells from up on the walls.
"No stopping here," Custodio insists.
The sun is just starting to edge towards the top of the mountains surround the valley Bluffside sits in and the heat of the day is starting to fade. It is calm and cool. As you walk the road from the Mining District towards the Temple District, you smell something bad blowing up from the chasm to your left. The smell is putrid.
"Oh, that's not good," Nathaniel says. His hand goes instinctively to his sword.
All is quiet. Way too quiet.
Custodio looks upward.
"I don't see anything."
Mutt begins to growl.
OOC: Listen and Spot checks, please.
