"Evidence? Would you have us bring the corpses to your desk? The proof we can provide is sitting right in front of you. We have killed our way through the tunnels, across the map to get here, because these cultists are bringing something to the shores and will attempt to open up the tunnels in your town, likely to retrieve the creatures inside, it's part of some ritual, something that could wipe out your town in less than a day, no survivors. I could show you visions of it, but the last person to try nearly died, as my friends here can attest to..." Vilus points out Malachi and Marion, whilst visions of how bad Malachi looked after the meditation come back to Vilus all too easily, he momentarily looks down with a hint of shame before taking a breath and retaking the conversational offensive.
"We could provide ratear necklaces, missives between cultists at either end, but none of these would make sense to you without you believing that we are telling you the truth. So I'd ask, what do you gain from not believing? We request nothing in return, and have come to warn you of scheming within the ranks of the mining operation, are you prepared to face the consequences if you're wrong? Are you really going to take that chance?" Vilus sits back in his chair once he is done, realising that he maybe got a little too heated in the moment.
“The proof is out there for those willing to look, and see it for what it truly is”Malachi follows up Vilus’ passionate speech in more measured tones “If your guards explore the side tunnel where we entered the mines, you will find cart tracks, evidence of tunneling operations and much more. The very side tunnel where I understand most of the mines explosives are now being held. Now, why did someone decide to move them there, I wonder, where an unfortunate explosion could open up the tunnels and allow those creatures to enter the mines and the city.”
Malachi continues to flip his copper piece along his fingers, searching out the Mayor’s thoughts for his reaction to their story. Is he hiding something? Is he corrupted by the cultists? Or is he just as confused as the rest of us?
Uncomfortable with the present situation, and feeling like he decidedly could do nothing to add at the moment, Samir simply hangs back. He checks the amulet shortly after moving through the door, under the guise of adjusting the sleeve of his coat. There is something about the Mayor that does not sit right with him, although perhaps it is simply the man's caustic temperament.
Marion steps forward as well, saying "Please understand. We are trying to save lives here."
Mayor Berg leans forward, elbows on the table. He starts to speak, pauses to consider his words, and then sighs and runs his hand through his thinning hair. He sees the barely healed injuries, the rips in clothing, the dents and punctures in armour.
Malachi:
The half-elf seems sincere enough. It's a wild tale, but they have Lanya's support. If there IS evidence backing up their claims, I have to see it.
"Okay," he says to Vilus. "I don't know what a rat ear necklace is, but if I am to buy into this tale of yours, I would see those missives you mentioned"
"with pleasure, Mal if you would, we still have those, correct?" Vilus does not break eye contact with the mayor, instead giving him a wry smile as he gives in to reason.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
“Certainly”Malachi reaches into his satchel and pulls out the two letters, as well as his common language translations of them and puts them on the table. He follows those up with the rat ear necklace for good measure. “Not that they will do you much good, they are in code of course. We did manage to capture some of the cultists and they translated the letters for us.”He glances at his friends “Some of my friends can be quite persuasive when needed. The rat ear necklace is how they controlled their creatures. I don’t claim to know how it works.”
He glances over the table at the Mayor “Have your guards explore the tunnels we arrived in, you will find more and just may upset their plans. We may have delayed them with our actions, but they are still interested in the city. But use those that you trust, the cultists have infiltrated society.”He pulls back his hair to show his mark “most of them are marked with sigils such as this to control them, they tried to do the same with me but were unsuccessful” Persuasion: 18.
He starts looking at the foreign language written on the missive until he cringes and recoils from the necklace landing on the table beside him. "You're right, this is gibberish," he says, brow wrinkling. He looks through the translation, occasionally glancing up at Malachi skeptically.
Malachi:
If they are lying, then I have no idea how to even begin untangling their agenda in this situation. But if they are telling the truth, then at least my next steps will be obvious.
He finishes and glances up at Lanya this time. "And you trust them?"
"Yes," Lanya says. "Though I have yet to see the evidence in the tunnel. The mining crew sealed it up, as is protocol, to prevent any gloazworms from making their way through."
He ponders on his dilemma a moment longer, taking a sip of his drink as he glances back over the missives, and then rifles through some of the other paperwork he has before him. "Fine then." He pulls out a blank sheet and picks his quill back up. He begins jotting something down.
"Freen!" he calls. There is no response. "Damn it, that's right." He holds the sheet out to Lanya. "Bring this to Andra. I'm not sure if he'll be at his office or down at the warehouses, but if you find him, he'll get you set up with a foreman and a crew who can take you down to the tunnel and open it back up. Get eyes on this proof, write up your report, and I'll schedule a meeting with Hardrock so we can evaluate how to tread from here. Oh, and you said you had questions?" He looks at Vilus.
"yes, indeed we do, first off this Andra, he works for you or for Hardrock?" Vilus holds a hand up to Lanya to motion for her to not leave for the moment, especially with a missive for someone of suspicion. "The reports of spies, where did they originate? Have you had any attempted break-ins or captured anyone suspicious in the past, say... couple of months or so? Have the workers uncovered any odd or occult looking artefacts? Anything you have already may be of help."
Ashley starts to relax a bit when she sees the Mayor finally starting to believe their story. Hard not to with everything they have presented and what all they can show him. But as he mentions the name Andra, she stiffens and looks to Lanya, wondering her thoughts on the situation.
Once Vilus starts in on his typical barrage of questions, she has to stifle a smile. We couldn't get through this without it she was sure.
"Yes, Andra works for us," the mayor says. "He used to work as a purser on one of our big ships we had coming in and out of port carrying silver. Got put on that failed expedition to the west though. Didn't come back the same, so we put him on dry land, put a desk in front of him. He's actually the one who first brought up the concerns about someone stealing our tech. And no, we've had no such activity" He sighs loudly. "Now if you don't mind, I've got 5 more minutes to enjoy my lunch before I lose myself in a pile of paperwork again."
Ashley now steps forward, she puts her hands on his desk and leans towards the Mayor, looking him directly in the eyes. "This Andra. You say he didn't come back the same, after he was sent West? We have reason to believe something is coming from the West. We haven't brought it up until now as we have no real proof of it, only what my Goliath friend here can tell you. But knowing this Andra went West and came back well, different? I would not put any of this in his hands. Please, find another. And then we will get out of your hair to give you your five minutes of peace."
"I think us talking to this Andra might be more productive for information... Either way we can't act until we know where the threat is, if he's so concerned as to have had the city closed, he might know a lot more than he's told this mayor" Vilus says back toward the group, "either way, you've been of some use, I'll give you that Mr Berg. Unless my group here has more questions we'll get out of your hair..." readdressing the mayor Vilus stands and straightens his clothes back out.
"Begging your pardon Mayor Berg. I would like to be knowing: are there any others besides Andra who were going on these failed westward voyages and returning here to Cambria that you are knowing of? Whether working for you or in other positions in Tensmith... or Talmouth."
The Khirian echo knight's suspicion is thick. Not suspicion of the mayor, but of what might have happened to these 'failed' voyagers.
Though he says nothing, there is a momentary yet visible flicker of realization on Samir's face as the mayor tells them of Andra. Such a connection, it could not be coincidence.
The mayor looks between Ashley and Vilus, and though he seems to bristle at Vilus's condescending tone, he eventually just shrugs his shoulders and says, "You wanted my help? This letter for Andra is what you get until you have some evidence. You want to talk to him, or to try to mobilize a team of miners without him, that's your choice. But I've known the Marshall a while longer than any of you, I expect, and though she seems to believe your story, don't think for a second that she won't arrest you if you go disturbing the city and breaking the law. Isn't that right, Lanya?"
Lanya is standing stiffly, but she nods in response.
The mayor turns to Joren. "Well sure, damn near everyone on that voyage was from Cambria. Made a big deal of it. Andra was the only one who hailed from Tensmith though. You want to know any more than that, you'd have to go looking through the logs in Talmouth, though. Now if that'll be all, please see yourselves out. Wait, first..." He leans forward and looks at Ashley. "Are you looking for a job? I've just had an opening"
“We thank you for your time Mayor. You will not regret investigating this. I will just be taking these back.”Malachi reaches on the desk and retrieves the rat ear necklace and both the original and translated copies of the letters and places them back in his satchel. He makes a mental note on this Andra and the mention of the logs in Talmouth. He lets a small chuckle cross his lips at Vilus’ response and glances over to see how Ashley takes the offer. “What did happen to Miss Freen, anyway, Mayor? Curious timing, did she say anything before she left?”
Somehow, Joren has a tough time picturing Ashley signing up for a job seeming to consist largely of either boredom or being yelled at by Mayor Berg.
As he and his companions depart, he temporarily dismisses his echo. Once well away from the mayor, he muses "During her prayers, Marion was seeing this entire town rotting yellow. If true, being all because of one compromised man, Andra? Going deeper than that, probably. But we are having no choice but to start with him, I am thinking? What is the sheet saying, Marshal Lanya?"
"Evidence? Would you have us bring the corpses to your desk? The proof we can provide is sitting right in front of you. We have killed our way through the tunnels, across the map to get here, because these cultists are bringing something to the shores and will attempt to open up the tunnels in your town, likely to retrieve the creatures inside, it's part of some ritual, something that could wipe out your town in less than a day, no survivors. I could show you visions of it, but the last person to try nearly died, as my friends here can attest to..." Vilus points out Malachi and Marion, whilst visions of how bad Malachi looked after the meditation come back to Vilus all too easily, he momentarily looks down with a hint of shame before taking a breath and retaking the conversational offensive.
"We could provide ratear necklaces, missives between cultists at either end, but none of these would make sense to you without you believing that we are telling you the truth. So I'd ask, what do you gain from not believing? We request nothing in return, and have come to warn you of scheming within the ranks of the mining operation, are you prepared to face the consequences if you're wrong? Are you really going to take that chance?" Vilus sits back in his chair once he is done, realising that he maybe got a little too heated in the moment.
“The proof is out there for those willing to look, and see it for what it truly is” Malachi follows up Vilus’ passionate speech in more measured tones “If your guards explore the side tunnel where we entered the mines, you will find cart tracks, evidence of tunneling operations and much more. The very side tunnel where I understand most of the mines explosives are now being held. Now, why did someone decide to move them there, I wonder, where an unfortunate explosion could open up the tunnels and allow those creatures to enter the mines and the city.”
Malachi continues to flip his copper piece along his fingers, searching out the Mayor’s thoughts for his reaction to their story. Is he hiding something? Is he corrupted by the cultists? Or is he just as confused as the rest of us?
Uncomfortable with the present situation, and feeling like he decidedly could do nothing to add at the moment, Samir simply hangs back. He checks the amulet shortly after moving through the door, under the guise of adjusting the sleeve of his coat. There is something about the Mayor that does not sit right with him, although perhaps it is simply the man's caustic temperament.
Marion steps forward as well, saying "Please understand. We are trying to save lives here."
Mayor Berg leans forward, elbows on the table. He starts to speak, pauses to consider his words, and then sighs and runs his hand through his thinning hair. He sees the barely healed injuries, the rips in clothing, the dents and punctures in armour.
Malachi:
The half-elf seems sincere enough. It's a wild tale, but they have Lanya's support. If there IS evidence backing up their claims, I have to see it.
"Okay," he says to Vilus. "I don't know what a rat ear necklace is, but if I am to buy into this tale of yours, I would see those missives you mentioned"
"with pleasure, Mal if you would, we still have those, correct?" Vilus does not break eye contact with the mayor, instead giving him a wry smile as he gives in to reason.
“Certainly” Malachi reaches into his satchel and pulls out the two letters, as well as his common language translations of them and puts them on the table. He follows those up with the rat ear necklace for good measure. “Not that they will do you much good, they are in code of course. We did manage to capture some of the cultists and they translated the letters for us.” He glances at his friends “Some of my friends can be quite persuasive when needed. The rat ear necklace is how they controlled their creatures. I don’t claim to know how it works.”
He glances over the table at the Mayor “Have your guards explore the tunnels we arrived in, you will find more and just may upset their plans. We may have delayed them with our actions, but they are still interested in the city. But use those that you trust, the cultists have infiltrated society.” He pulls back his hair to show his mark “most of them are marked with sigils such as this to control them, they tried to do the same with me but were unsuccessful” Persuasion: 18.
.
He starts looking at the foreign language written on the missive until he cringes and recoils from the necklace landing on the table beside him. "You're right, this is gibberish," he says, brow wrinkling. He looks through the translation, occasionally glancing up at Malachi skeptically.
Malachi:
If they are lying, then I have no idea how to even begin untangling their agenda in this situation. But if they are telling the truth, then at least my next steps will be obvious.
He finishes and glances up at Lanya this time. "And you trust them?"
"Yes," Lanya says. "Though I have yet to see the evidence in the tunnel. The mining crew sealed it up, as is protocol, to prevent any gloazworms from making their way through."
He ponders on his dilemma a moment longer, taking a sip of his drink as he glances back over the missives, and then rifles through some of the other paperwork he has before him. "Fine then." He pulls out a blank sheet and picks his quill back up. He begins jotting something down.
"Freen!" he calls. There is no response. "Damn it, that's right." He holds the sheet out to Lanya. "Bring this to Andra. I'm not sure if he'll be at his office or down at the warehouses, but if you find him, he'll get you set up with a foreman and a crew who can take you down to the tunnel and open it back up. Get eyes on this proof, write up your report, and I'll schedule a meeting with Hardrock so we can evaluate how to tread from here. Oh, and you said you had questions?" He looks at Vilus.
"yes, indeed we do, first off this Andra, he works for you or for Hardrock?" Vilus holds a hand up to Lanya to motion for her to not leave for the moment, especially with a missive for someone of suspicion. "The reports of spies, where did they originate? Have you had any attempted break-ins or captured anyone suspicious in the past, say... couple of months or so? Have the workers uncovered any odd or occult looking artefacts? Anything you have already may be of help."
Ashley starts to relax a bit when she sees the Mayor finally starting to believe their story. Hard not to with everything they have presented and what all they can show him. But as he mentions the name Andra, she stiffens and looks to Lanya, wondering her thoughts on the situation.
Once Vilus starts in on his typical barrage of questions, she has to stifle a smile. We couldn't get through this without it she was sure.
Joren feels the same suspicion in his spine that his companions do when the name Andra emerges.
But Vilus and Malachi seem to be handling the communication well, so he remains stoic, trying to get a read on Mayor Berg.
As it turns out, he goes a bit cross-eyed: Insight 5.
Barn(Paladin1): Damian_May's Ereworn Under the Shadow | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest | Nivi(Rogue5): Erik_Soong's Netherdeep
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Quyen(Adept1, ba5ic): ConstancePhokas' Nentir Vale (Discord) | Seri(Druid1): Hunter_Orien's Saltmarsh
Xarian(Fighter3): Luna_Dust's Marks on the Map | Ophelia(Sorcerer2): BillM's Icewind Dale | Shin(Wizard1): Culuril's Strixhaven
"Yes, Andra works for us," the mayor says. "He used to work as a purser on one of our big ships we had coming in and out of port carrying silver. Got put on that failed expedition to the west though. Didn't come back the same, so we put him on dry land, put a desk in front of him. He's actually the one who first brought up the concerns about someone stealing our tech. And no, we've had no such activity" He sighs loudly. "Now if you don't mind, I've got 5 more minutes to enjoy my lunch before I lose myself in a pile of paperwork again."
Ashley now steps forward, she puts her hands on his desk and leans towards the Mayor, looking him directly in the eyes. "This Andra. You say he didn't come back the same, after he was sent West? We have reason to believe something is coming from the West. We haven't brought it up until now as we have no real proof of it, only what my Goliath friend here can tell you. But knowing this Andra went West and came back well, different? I would not put any of this in his hands. Please, find another. And then we will get out of your hair to give you your five minutes of peace."
"I think us talking to this Andra might be more productive for information... Either way we can't act until we know where the threat is, if he's so concerned as to have had the city closed, he might know a lot more than he's told this mayor" Vilus says back toward the group, "either way, you've been of some use, I'll give you that Mr Berg. Unless my group here has more questions we'll get out of your hair..." readdressing the mayor Vilus stands and straightens his clothes back out.
Joren steps forward.
"Begging your pardon Mayor Berg. I would like to be knowing: are there any others besides Andra who were going on these failed westward voyages and returning here to Cambria that you are knowing of? Whether working for you or in other positions in Tensmith... or Talmouth."
The Khirian echo knight's suspicion is thick. Not suspicion of the mayor, but of what might have happened to these 'failed' voyagers.
Barn(Paladin1): Damian_May's Ereworn Under the Shadow | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest | Nivi(Rogue5): Erik_Soong's Netherdeep
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Quyen(Adept1, ba5ic): ConstancePhokas' Nentir Vale (Discord) | Seri(Druid1): Hunter_Orien's Saltmarsh
Xarian(Fighter3): Luna_Dust's Marks on the Map | Ophelia(Sorcerer2): BillM's Icewind Dale | Shin(Wizard1): Culuril's Strixhaven
Though he says nothing, there is a momentary yet visible flicker of realization on Samir's face as the mayor tells them of Andra. Such a connection, it could not be coincidence.
The mayor looks between Ashley and Vilus, and though he seems to bristle at Vilus's condescending tone, he eventually just shrugs his shoulders and says, "You wanted my help? This letter for Andra is what you get until you have some evidence. You want to talk to him, or to try to mobilize a team of miners without him, that's your choice. But I've known the Marshall a while longer than any of you, I expect, and though she seems to believe your story, don't think for a second that she won't arrest you if you go disturbing the city and breaking the law. Isn't that right, Lanya?"
Lanya is standing stiffly, but she nods in response.
The mayor turns to Joren. "Well sure, damn near everyone on that voyage was from Cambria. Made a big deal of it. Andra was the only one who hailed from Tensmith though. You want to know any more than that, you'd have to go looking through the logs in Talmouth, though. Now if that'll be all, please see yourselves out. Wait, first..." He leans forward and looks at Ashley. "Are you looking for a job? I've just had an opening"
At the mayor's last question, Vilus cannot stifle himself and let's out a loud and highly condescending "HA!" before leaving.
“We thank you for your time Mayor. You will not regret investigating this. I will just be taking these back.” Malachi reaches on the desk and retrieves the rat ear necklace and both the original and translated copies of the letters and places them back in his satchel. He makes a mental note on this Andra and the mention of the logs in Talmouth. He lets a small chuckle cross his lips at Vilus’ response and glances over to see how Ashley takes the offer. “What did happen to Miss Freen, anyway, Mayor? Curious timing, did she say anything before she left?”
"Not a word," the Mayor grumbles, sour faced. "Guess she just decided she wasn't cut out for this environment."
Somehow, Joren has a tough time picturing Ashley signing up for a job seeming to consist largely of either boredom or being yelled at by Mayor Berg.
As he and his companions depart, he temporarily dismisses his echo. Once well away from the mayor, he muses "During her prayers, Marion was seeing this entire town rotting yellow. If true, being all because of one compromised man, Andra? Going deeper than that, probably. But we are having no choice but to start with him, I am thinking? What is the sheet saying, Marshal Lanya?"
Barn(Paladin1): Damian_May's Ereworn Under the Shadow | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest | Nivi(Rogue5): Erik_Soong's Netherdeep
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Quyen(Adept1, ba5ic): ConstancePhokas' Nentir Vale (Discord) | Seri(Druid1): Hunter_Orien's Saltmarsh
Xarian(Fighter3): Luna_Dust's Marks on the Map | Ophelia(Sorcerer2): BillM's Icewind Dale | Shin(Wizard1): Culuril's Strixhaven