(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown

Leelan follows the rest of his companions, slightly worried of what’s coming.

Guilim sighs and moves to follow, making sure to bring his weapons and other important belongings with him.

The Judex takes off his black gloves once in the kitchen and begins slicing a tomato.  "Before I share any information, I have a question for all of you."  As he speaks, he slowly assembles a sandwich for himself out of the tomato, a hard roll and some cured meat.  "In the days since we last met, have you uncovered any new information about the murders at the wharf or who is behind it?"

One of the Scourges remains outside the door in the tavern room but the other has joined you in the kitchens.

"Yes, I think we have." Aubrey speaks up, deciding that there would be no point in not cooperating fully with the judexi. "Among other things I think we have concluded that a cult of Leviticus is behind the murders at the wharf, and that it has a sister cult in Shelley. They are planning to continue with their sacrifices at the next full moon. We have been way from Bardstown for almost two weeks and during that time someone, likely this cult, has entered the Goldentide town house and taken our loyal servant Zemo. As you might imagine I'm very concerned about him and wish to do what is possible to see him safe home again." Aubrey finishes, looking to the others to continue.

Grugga nods and expands on Aubrey's depiction of the cult: "The cult may be led by a coven of sea hags, who have taken over the... 'reputation' and symbol of the pre-Christopherian Human god, Leviticus, Ord's evil counterpart." He pauses as though he might believe otherwise, but he firmly states, "Bishop Cleghorn and our own resident monster expert believe that it's most likely a coven of sea hags... so, so do I." This statement seems to shore up his resolve.

He continues, "The church of Ord in Shelley believes - and perhaps so do all members of the church of Ord - that the cult operates more like a criminal cartel than a religious operation. Initiates must supply money or be otherwise useful to the cult's operations, and in return they are blessed or their enemies are cursed. I believe Aubrey confirmed that 'The Cartel' in and around Shelley is at least related to them, if not actually the cult by another name." He pauses for dramatic effect before picking up his description again, "I can identify one of their assassins on sight - he was a human with a waxed moustache and a coat that looked like a captain's coat... assuming he wasn't disguised. Bishop Cleghorn confirmed that their assassins have access to magic."

His explanation begins to wind to a close, as he now guesses at the nature and purpose of the cult. "That's all I know, but their attack on the church of Ord, the following discrediting of the church, the cursed fisherman's catches all around the lake despite prayers to Ord, and their buildup of money, influence and infrastructure could indicate a long term preparation to take the place of Ord in the Lakelands." With that he wraps up his explanation, hoping that the Judex has some more actionable intel on where the cult is or how to find them.

The Judex listens to Aubrey and Grugga talk while he completes his little sandwich and then takes one bite.  He grimaces a bit as he swallows and then sets the unfinished sandwich back down.  When Grugga described the assassin who approached him in Bluffton, the Judex waves a hand and points to his Scourge, who digs through a satchel hanging at his side.  He pulls out a sketch on a piece of vellum.  Grugga, it isn't a perfect likeness, and if anything it might be too flattering with his features, but nevertheless this does appear to be a drawing of the same man.  The mustache in particular stands out.

Once they have finished talking, the Judex takes over.  "Nothing new there, but it's good to see you have been paying attention."  He loosens the black scarf around his neck before continuing.  He nods to Aubrey, "Master Goldentide, your house elf is dead.  We fished him out of a canal last week, along with the Scourge we had stationed outside your residence.  Both showed signs of torture and we believe they were they source of the leak that led to another attack.  Our men escorting that little girl you rescued were set upon on the road."

"Luckily... we had seen fit to outfit them with enhanced defensive measures and they were able to repel the attack and deliver the girl safely to the border with Fidelis."

Wasting little time to let that all sink in, he proceeds.  "I have a job for you."  Looking at Grugga, "The man who attacked you... the followers of Ord were able to track him to his lair.  I want you to apprehend him for me.  Alive, preferably."

"As these killers are a problem for you, there is motivation enough.  But I am prepared to pay a bounty of 1000gp if you return him alive, or 500gp for his corpse."

"Any questions?"

Grugga confirms that the depicted assassin is the one whom he's seen before.

Upon learning of Zemo's fate, Grugga puts his hand on Aubrey's shoulder and says, "I'm so sorry, my friend. He was a good man. We'll avenge him and then we can plan a proper funeral for him."

He looks around the table to his allies, judging their reactions. He was hoping to tackle this dark cloud looming over him, and he's pleasantly surprised at how soon it is, not to mention under circumstances that should appeal everyone. Leelan might get a chance to learn more about hags, Aubrey will avenge Zemo, and Guilim and Rohuzar should be satisfied with the money.

The grey Orc ponders his questions for the Judex. "Let's start with the obvious ones. Where is he? You said "his" lair, do you think he's alone there? And any idea of what magic he's capable of?"

He then turns to some less obvious questions, "He knew where to find Zemo. That means they have eyes and ears, and know we're involved. What are the odds that they're expecting us already? You said the followers of Ord found him, but I haven't gotten word from Cleghorn yet... any chance these agents are compromised? Could it be a trap?"

Rohuzar has been paying attention, but perks up at the mention of the coin. 

“Ve are happy to be in business vith the Empire and the Judexi, of course. Describe lair, please.”

Aubrey goes pale at the mention of fishing Zemo's body out of the canal. But the cult had also killed a scourge which indicated they feared no one. "Thanks Grugga, and yes, I do hope I will get the chance to avenge him." He says grimly. "Where can I collect his body?" Aubrey asks the Judex. He otheriwise stands with his arms crossed, listening the answer of the Judex.

The Judex listens to Grugga's questions.

"The man's lair is a tumbledown of ruins near the site of Old Duncrosse, on the edges of the Dunmoor.  It is an old tower and barracks, abandoned when the town relocated and it sits on the east bank of the River Dun.  The river being the border, that means it lies just across the border with Fidelis, making official Imperial action quite impossible."

"The Bishop provided this information directly.  It's true, this mysterious man has proven dangerous, devious, and clever, but I trust my intelligence on this.  A trap?  Anything is possible.  If it were certain to be easy, I would not be putting 1000gp on the line, now would I?"

The Scourge has shifted uncomfortably and finally steps forward.  "Sir... If I may, this is highly irregular.  Hiring outside contractors for foreign-soil operations without a B-clearance would put us in violation of Code 300.1155...."

The Judex waves a hand.  "Understood, soldier.  I will handle any necessary paperwork.  This is my case and I will make the call on this.  And I will deal with any blowback."

Leelan is listening intently to the Judex’s explanation. He hopes that completing this task could help Grugga rid himself of the curse that afflicted him.

 ‘’Have the followers of Ord perhaps been able to identify this ruffian? A name? Some information on his background?’’

Aubrey nods, seemingly content with the Judex's answer, but he tries to determine if he, or the scourge, is holding anything important back.
Insight: 13
"So if we're for some reason questioned by your Fidelis counterparts we are on our own is that it?" He asks plainly.

The Judex addresses Leelan.  "No name.  No history.  If you bring him in alive, we will surely get all that and more.  We know only what you have heard.  He is smart, skilled in magic and deception, and is a key player in this conspiracy."

Turning to Aubrey, "Correct.  This will not be 'official' business.  But so far as I understand, Fidelis law is less restrictive on adventuring.  As long as you cause no trouble for the local authorities, they are unlikely to get involved."

Aubrey:

"Yes, I suppose we would be able to avoid Fidelii authorities." Aubrey says, having no more questions at the moment.

Guilim nods as he looks to Rohuzar. "You should probably check in with your contact if we have to give them their share of the money. Or would this be an independent job outside of Redbrand jurisdiction?" 

Grugga turns to Rohuzar, "Well, what do you think cousin? Are we taking it?" He looks hopeful. "Are we moving out right away, or are we taking a day to research a bit?"

"You need to move on this now," says the Judex.  His voice raises, betraying anxiety.

"... There is no telling how long before he leaves, and we lose him," he adds.

"Well I have my horse packed outside." Aubrey says, eager to get going, ready for his mission of vengeance.

Rohuzar notes the exchange between scourge and judexi for a long while, wrinkling his eyebrows. 

Then responds to Guilim. “Hm? Oh yes, I must check in. I am sure ve vill have to pay a portion to the guild, but… that is investment in future. Do not worry. I’d like you all to come vith me for FaceTime vith Lieutenant. Is important.” 

"Alright," Grugga says maybe just slightly confused, but trusting his leader. "Let's go see Falstaff and then take off for Old Duncrosse. We'll see if we can learn anything in umm... modern Duncrosse that might help us navigate these ruins and Leelan can tell us all he knows about Sea Hags on the way." He looks to Leelan, "I know you've told us about hags before, but you do know some more about sea hags in particular, right?"

"I've got Lou outside and ready to go. Shall we all see Falstaff and then be on our way?"

((DM, what time is it?))