[Unbounded World:The Aeterian Expedition] (Now With New And Improved Amulets!)

[hafrogman]

Teppic assists in moving the corpses, entrusting them to the care of the temple. He looks around at his companions.

"Let us go to the guardhouse and pass on the message. It sounds as if Verric might be able to give us more information."

[Knowledge (nobility) +9, Knowledge (local) +9. Am I aware of any organizations that wear red, hooded robes?]

 

[Lichtenhart]

"He's speaking of the pyramid. The place of stone, the resting place is the pyramid. Something is waiting for us there. A silver winged fiend? Does that mean anything to you? And yes, let's talk to the captain. I want to know who sent a simple guard into that hell."

 

[Kalanyr]

Teppic

Spoiler

In response to Skor's question: Yes, in the 6 weeks before you left, one child disappeared from the nobility, each week. During the 2 weeks you were gone, you are unsure if anything significant has happened.

You are aware of a few societies that wear red hooded robes, but given the circumstances, the most likely seems to be a small cult amongst the nobility and priesthood, who still follow an ancient pact they believe Aeter made with a powerful archfiend. They were the red in symbolism of both blood and fire, and the hoods represent secrets. They call themselves the Devotees of the Secret Pact. They've had several encounters with the law, usually on the negative side.

Having delivered the bodies into the care of the priesthood you set out for the guard house, where upon arrival, Teppic's presence sees to it you are immediately escorted to the guard captain.

(These spoilers tags represent Aeterian)
"

Spoiler

Ah, Teppic it is good to see you, old friend. Sadly given our proffession I doubt its simply courtesy that has brought you here. How may I assist you and your bretheren ?

Greetings to you strangers, you travel in esteemed company. "

 

[Lichtenhart]

"We do indeed, captain, greetings to you as well. We're sorry to draw you away from your duty, but we're investigating about a most weird accident that happened to one of your guards. I'm sure you can enlighten us about it.
He was investigating about missing children, I think, and with his last words he asked us to tell you he found them in the 'place of stone', but I am afraid something found him too. He was turned into a... thing, a strange being not of this realm, and attacked us. We had to defend ourselves and sadly he regained consciousness only when he was already in the throes of death. Please bear our condolences to his family and friends.
Now, whatever took possession of your guard wanted us dead or worse, and is involved with the missing children. I think it would be best for us to work together until this mystery is solved, since I fear our enemies may be out of the common guard's league.
Do you think you can identify this man, captain, for a start?"

 

[hafrogman]

Teppic returns Verric's greeting in kind, nodding at the captain's words.

(Aeterian)

Spoiler

"Indeed, Verric, it is good to see you as well, but it is business as always that brings me to your door. Let us speak in the common tongue for the benifit of my companions."

"The swordsman has hit upon most of the facts of what occured, but has left out a few salient details. Even in death, the man was far from coherent. He mentioned children, but his exact message was 'tell the captain they were there, in the place of stone. So many children.' He could indeed have been speaking of the children that went missing before I left, but we cannot be sure. He also gave us information that leads me to believe he was abducted. He referenced red-robed individuals and a silver fiend. That could be anyone, but I would like to know if the Devotees of the Secret Pact have been up to anything suspicious lately. More active than usual, or unusually low profile."

 

[Ferrix]

Lochan stands silently to the side, his senses tuning to the surroundings with ease. His breathing a natural rhythm focuses him even more.

[Spot & Listen +22]

 

[Sollir Furryfoot]

Talsia just nods to confirm her companion's story, keeping an eye on how the captain reacts to the tale.

(Untrained Sense Motive check, +9 bonus, continued checks as needed)

 

[Kalanyr]

Verric nods and falls silent for a minute seemingly deep in though

"Yes, I had Voth, investigating the children, he disappeared almost a week ago, while on patrol, so it would seem likely that whatever you encountered was his remains. And that they were indeed the children. Another two children disappeared while you were gone, one each week again. Hmm, now that you mention it the Pact has been unusual quiet, for the past two or three months. It does indeed sound like the Pact are involved in this. This is worrying, especially since they tend to work in cycles of eight of something, a pause and then beginning again, this makes eight children. I have no idea what a silver fiend could be. The place of stone could be many things. I will see to it that Voth's family are duly informed. "

Taslia

Spoiler

Verric seems to be telling the truth.

 

[DrZombie]

Skor paces around, muttering to himself, frustrated that he was unable to hit his opponent. When he hears about the missing children, he looks up, scowling. He thinks of interrupting, but apperently has enough self-control to keep his jaws shut. Must have been poor children, then , if they just put one lousy guardsman on the job. City folks...

 

[Lichtenhart]

"Devotees of the Secret Pact? What can you tell us about them?" he asks looking at Teppic too.
"I think we know what this place of stone might be, but I'd like to know everything we can muster about them before we raid the place."