Paridon: The Dark Metropolis (Ravenloft)

[InVinoVeritas]

The corpse drips.

One of the enforcers forces a cigar into Calahan's mouth, hoping the taste will calm him enough to light it properly.

 

[Rhun]

"Those masks are apparently how Alek controls people," says Torhan, frowning. "I think we need to bring him in."

 

[industrygothica]

Darian manages to get up and dust himself off, adjusting his fine linen shirt as he does so, and finally places his hat back upon his head. He reaches into his breast pocket to grab a cigar of his own and lights it quietly.

"I believe you are correct, sir," he says to Torhan. "I think I should like a word or two what the fellow myself."

 

[Le Noir Faineant]

Calahan inhales the smoke deeply, and with the glim of the cigar, his tension fades away...

"I am sorry" is all he says, while he tries to grin at the guards and shakes of their hands, if they let him go.

"Everyone alright?"

 

[jkason]

Ru Brike, barbaric human monk

Calahan inhales the smoke deeply, and with the glim of the cigar, his tension fades away...

"I am sorry" is all he says, while he tries to grin at the guards and shakes of their hands, if they let him go.

"Everyone alright?"

"I'll live," Ru grumbles, looking at the gore on the walls. "I'm all for talking to Alek ... after I clean our prisoner off of myself."

 

[kinem]

"The Lady has helped bind our wounds" Father Berman says. "I'm sure you'll remember to thank Her in your prayers.

Now, we must wash. Then, I want to be among those bringing in this Alek."

 

[Rhun]

Torhan nods, a grim look on his face. "Then let us be on our way."

 

[InVinoVeritas]

Everyone heads off to clean up and change clothes. The dungeon is settling down again, as the criminals and madmen tire and remain in their cells. Ru, Calahan, Darian, and Fr. Berman head on back to their chambers, but Gis stops Torhan in the hallway and asks him into his office.

In the office, Hieran is seated, journal in hand.

"That was some event down there. Quite a distraction," Gis begins. "I'm going to have to dedicate someone on the team to clean up the mess and get things in order. I don't dare send any of the other four--they have seen enough carnage witnessing the explosion. And... it's best if you spend some time outside of HQ, Torhan."

Hieran looks around uncomfortably at Gis's comment.

"Rumors have begun to circulate, Torhan, about you and the dancing girl," Gis continues, his voice lowering, suggesting sympathy. "You've always been beyond reproach, and so I don't suspect you of taking and liberties when you should not, but... as Fitch put it, when your colleagues are out getting their throats cut and getting blown up, you are getting--" He catches himself, clears his throat, and finishes, "--a girlfriend."

Gis quickly continues to stop the obvious protest. "No, no, don't worry, you've always held us up with more honor than Fitch and his cronies, and I know that a paladin's grace can place you in safety when you need it. You've done nothing wrong. But the other officers are getting concerned, and I think it is best to spend as little time here as possible until this all blows over. I just thought you should know."

"Gis's choice does have its advantages. I can further examine the effects of the pink crystal and perform a full autopsy on both madmen now. Perhaps the intact mask would lead to further clues about our quarry," Hieran responds.

"We also are still holding four gnomes here on your team's request. I understand you wish to bring in a fifth. Do what you need, time is of the essence."

Gis sticks his head out into the hallway, noting the rest of Torhan's team arriving. "Good. You're all together, head on."

 

[Rhun]

Torhan's face grows grim as he listens to Gis' words. He realizes his superior isn't questioning his honor, but the thought that others might be gives the young paladin some concern. In this line of work, trust and mutual respect were as important as anything. With a nod to Gis as the man finishes up the conversation, Torhan moves to join his companions in the hallway.

"Hieran is going to remain here at headquarters," he tells the rest of the team. "And we are going to go find the gnome Alek, who seems to be responsible for much of the mess down below." Torhan begins adjusting the straps holding his plate greaves in place, and nods his confirmation that he is ready to head out.

 

[Le Noir Faineant]

Calahan in the meantime has found a leather band to arrange his greasy hair.

"I am all in", is all he says, before lighting his pipe again.