The Reconquista: Part I (Shadows over Istivin)

[Scotley]

Morley Human Ranger

Morley nods, "It sounds like our plans are set for the next couple of evenings. I need to see the Captain General of the watch. He's an ex-adventurer. I hope we can find out more about what is happening here as well as get some information on a personal quest of mine." Morley looks from George to the third member of their little group, "But what of our 'Master Builder', how will he participate in our rooftop tracking? Perhaps as our ground support?"

 

[Branding Opportunity]

I'd also like to cast a Detect Magic, and see if there's anything odd about the temple... lingering auras, or curses, or what-have-you.

After casting the spell Reivik studies the front of the church for a few moments and finds that the entire structure is under a moderatly powerful dwoemer of some kind. OOC: As Reivik don't have the Spellcraft skill, you can't tell what school it is from, however. After your group examins the structure and scaffolding in more detail, and asks a few questions, you determine that the scaffolding was holding a large block of masonry in place, and that it was the scaffolding breaking that caused it to fall.

After examing the place where the scaffolding broke, Morley notices that it looks odd. Climbing the scaffolding, which has been abandoned for the day, Morley sees that the area around the break was weakened by a highly localized termite infestation. The little insects seem to have ignored the rest of the wooden structure. This is something which you have never seen in nature before.

OOC: Sorry if I didn't respond to everything, but I haven't had much computer time in the last few days.

 

[Branding Opportunity]

Knock, knock, knocking on the Marchioness' door ...

Leaving Qualtaine square still abuzz with the talk about the accident, Latalya, Anastasia and Mavic pass the small shrine to Heironeous which guards the entrance to the steep, cobbled road leading up the Krelont Keep. After a few minutes you are above the highest rooftops of the city, the dark, basalt edifice of the Keep looming above you. A number of flags snap in the mid-morning breeze, and you can already see that there is a large line of people who have lined up in front of the main gates. After completing the short, yet strenuous ascent you see that the people in line look very well off and seem to consist mainly of noblemen and their retinues. A few look up as you approach, but most seem content to look out over the city or down at the ground as they wait in line.

 

[Thanee]

Latalya

“Let me guess. More questions. This seems to become a habit around here,” Latalya remarks followed by a sigh upon spotting the line of people.

 

[Scotley]

Morley relates his findings to the others. "Very strange, perhaps that particular area of the wood was subject to a spell or even coated with some substance that would attract the termites. I sense a force at work here." He scratches his beard absently as he considers. "Who would gain by a senseless killing of children and workers? Does it shake faith in Pelor? I think if we can figure out who stands to gain from this act we'll be closer to finding the perpatrator."

OCC: While Morley is on the scafolding is there any chance of him tracking someone who might have been responsible for the termites? He'll take a piece of wood in case Beau can get a usable scent as well.

 

[Branding Opportunity]

OCC: While Morley is on the scafolding is there any chance of him tracking someone who might have been responsible for the termites? He'll take a piece of wood in case Beau can get a usable scent as well.

You search the scaffolding and the area surrounding it and find little to help you in that direction. There doesn't seem to be any coating on the wood, although the termites are still present, although in a much, much less focused way. The scaffolding will probably have to be rebuilt from the ground up. There do not seem to be any unusual scents or tracks otherwise (other than the tracks of all the workers.) As the entire square is cobbled, tracking is not the easiest thing here.

While taking a break in the shade and looking out across the square George notices something unusual. In the center of the square there seems to be an area, roughly 35' in diameter, which the local populace is avoiding. No booths or stands are set up here, and everyone walking near it seems to unconsciously walk around it. After studying for a few minutes, you notice that not even stray dogs or pigeons will enter this area.

 

[Scotley]

Morley Human Ranger

"I'm sorry George, there just doesn't seem to be anything to track out here. Too many people on cobblestone streets. We'll have to figure out something else." Morley will inform any remaining workers of the termite damage in hopes of preventing further damage.

 

[Branding Opportunity]

"I'm sorry George, there just doesn't seem to be anything to track out here. Too many people on cobblestone streets. We'll have to figure out something else." Morley will inform any remaining workers of the termite damage in hopes of preventing further damage.

The workers thank you apathetically for the information when you point out the termite damage, muttering and cursing under their breath and bemoaing all the extra work which now has to be done.

 

[Ranger Rick]

George nods at Morley's words of his results. "I guess we need not come back tonight. But Revik and Morley, do you see that huge gap that is being avoided by all? I wonder why? Can beau go sniff it out and get a read on it? I wonder if that 'space' has something to offer like a clue? ....I think you all where hungry as well. Let us swing by it on our way to get some chow. Our sleep may still be minimized."

 

[Scotley]

Morley Human Ranger

Morley observes the area pointed out by George. He then makes for it and watches the dog's reaction closely to see if he senses it or moves to go around.