The man looks up, surprised at first, but then adopts a toothy grin. "Ahh, a fellow scholar? Though I must admit, your knowledge certainly appears to surpass mine on the topic. I've not been to Nos'Argo for many decades, so I must content myself with what knowledge trickles through these halls." He gives a wheezy chuckle and sighs as he slides the book over to himself and gives it a mildly disappointed look. "I suppose the scientific explanation for the 'curse' is the simpler and more compelling one. Though I sometimes lament that the more progress we make in understanding the intricacies of the natural world, the less room is left for proper mysteries and miracles. I don't know. Perhaps I am just growing old, and romanticizing a time when we didn't know as much about the line between what is possible and what is not." He looks up expectantly. "Now on to you. How can I help?"
Joren:
"Yes, The Khirian Empire saw fit to expand diplomatic channels with other territories bordering the Veil. Hostilities along the northern border have seen a lull, and there is concern that the Khorinians are redistributing their forces in preparation of an assault elsewhere. Meaning they are no longer just a threat to our homeland. Thus, I am here to help guide Cambria towards preparedness in the event that the northerners try to gain a foothold here. As for your father..."
Jean-Lou stands behind his desk and reaches for something under it. There is a heavy metallic clank as he moves grabs something out of view. "He always was fairly cagey in regards to his activities, but as far as I can tell, he is interested the different expressions of magic across cultures and the world. I believe he is researching something, because when last I saw him, he left me this." He pulls out the object from under his desk, revealing it to be a large greatsword, half a foot longer than Joren's by his estimation. For just a moment, it catches the light just right, revealing runes almost invisibly etched into the blade. Jean-Lou lays it down upon the desk's surface.
"He left it with me because there was supposedly nothing more he could learn from it. He didn't possess the right constitution for it, since he couldn't manipulate the Dunamis like an echo knight. If I'm being honest, part of the reason I held you back is because he left me with a curiosity for the blade. He never told me where he came by it, or what it is supposed to be, but perhaps as an echo knight yourself, you may have some insight?" He backs away from the desk and opens his arms in invitation.
Ashley stares at Samir for a moment after his outburst of knowledge. The half-orc was always sort of an enigma to her, but she cherished him just the same. And she loved it when any of his personality came out and relished it.
As the man starts talking, she turns back to him with a smile on her face, enjoying the little man as well.
"Oh, I don't know, I think there is plenty of mystery and magic if you know where to look.." and she holds out her hand towards the book as a spectral hand floats the rest of the way to it and then proceeds to open it, flipping to the page he was on when they walked in (if I need to roll for that, let me know)
"He was leaving it," Joren repeats quietly, almost adding "for me" before remembering that Jean-Lou had not said that.
Even though the councilor has given him implicit permission, Joren asks it again with his eyes before standing and solemnly taking up the runed greatsword in both hands. Gently, he tests the balance, remembering his old segeant. The blade is learning you as much as you are learning the blade. He flips it in his wrists and works forms slowly, from both his own and his echo's position by the door. Focusing on technique over speed.
Joren clears his mind, trying to sense both the quality of the blade and any... resonance(?) between it and the near-instinctive dunamancy of his echo.
Malachi gives a small laugh of his own as Vilus transforms and he takes the older man’s arm “Come, grandfather, let’s get you out of this place.” He feels a sense of calmness, or maybe just an absence of tension, as they make their way out of the area.
Vilus:
When they are alone and out of hearing from any prying eyes, Malachi whispers “What now? Even if we get the list of members from the expedition, do we move against them? Do we trust the council to move against them? Could you find your way back to the caves if needed?”
Vilka keeps his hood low and guides mal to an area of the street where they can be out of the way but also keep a close eye on the doors that the group will be leaving from, "For now we wait, we have a cell to meet, we have information to gain. Our goal is to slow the progress that the cult is making here in Talmouth, and spread credible awareness, I don't see how we can stop a fleet from arriving so it is foolhardy to try, but we can prepare... I have a shop to find too, a cellmate who may have some more insight for us. I'm slowly coming up with a plan but we'll need to figure things out where we can't be overheard"
The old elf claps gleefully. "Oh, wonderful show." He adjusts his glasses and gets a closer look at Ashley. "Speaking of mystery... a fire genasi... What brings you so far from home? Sorry, how rude of me. I am Fenear, at your service."
Joren:
The blade, despite its size, is actually slightly lighter than his own. As he holds it in his hands, it almost feels as though it is humming in his grasp. Hardly able to help himself, he feels compelled to give it a swing. Stepping away from Jean-Lou, he enters a ready stance and starts to run through a basic and well-practiced form. As he launches the first strike, he contemplates which version of the form to perform, and at that moment feels a fracture in his mind not dissimilar to when summoning an echo. The blade arcs through the air... in two different directions at the same time.
Jean-Lou watches, mouth slightly open in awe. "I've never heard of such a blade. This must have belonged to some legendary echo knight. But how did your father come to have it? And why?" He holds out his hands to take the sword back.
For the briefest moment, as it has in the past, Joren's discipline cracks. He feels as one with the runed greatsword.
My father's sword, though he was never wielding it in combat. With this, I could protect my friends.Joren does not want to give the blade back.
The moment passes and Joren the soldier reasserts control. He bows his head and returns the sword wordlessly. Councilor Jean-Lou must know I am having no answer for his questions. Something to do with dunamis. Perhaps my father was studying it as Samir might. The Ebb...
"Councilor. Are you ever hearing of the Lord of the Red Hunt?"
Charmed by the old elf, Ashley smiles, "Yes, I am a bit far from home, that's true. I am enjoying your city so far though. Fenear is it? Nice to meet you, I'm Ashley."
She waves away her mage hand and sticks out her own to shake the man's hand.
"Well, we're here looking for a friend. You see they went out on a voyage a little while back and should have been home by now. His wife is quite worried. That is why we are in town in fact, to see if we can find him. And we were sent your direction as apparently records are kept for those that arrive here by ship? I'm hoping to see that he at least came back safe and sound so we aren't searching for someone who isn't here."
Jean-Lou turns the sword over in his hands once, examining it with new appreciation. Then he stows it back under his desk with a click. He cocks his head at Joren's question. "Lord of the Red Hunt? No, never heard of that have I. Unless... is that some strange translation for the Bahryanyy Lytsar?" Seeing Joren's blank look, he elaborates.
"Thalvik once mentioned that the journal of Janma Kryn, the first echo knight, attributed his knowledge of the Dunamis to a knight clad in crimson who visited him in dream. I was not knowing if it was to that which you were referring."
Samir, Asnley, and Marion:
"Oh, certainly! Sorry to hear about the trouble..." Fenear slowly lifts himself from his chair on bony wobbling arms, and grabs a set of keys from off his desk. Then he walks around to the other side and beckons for Ashley, Samir, and Marion to follow. Winding and weaving through the claustrophobic corridors between shelves, they arrive at a simple wooden door at the back of the chamber.
On a chair between the two doors, an orcish guard with a mace sits, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. In one hand, he holds a clear orb of glass. He starts to stand when he sees Fenear with the group. Fenear gives him a nod.
Walking up to the door, Fenear lifts his ring of keys and selects one of the three hanging there. He lifts it up to the light coming in through a high window and peers at it closely. Then he shakes his head and selects the next key, muttering to himself. He nods this time, and places the key in the lock of the door. It turns with a click. Beyond is a dark chamber that clearly has no windows of its own. "Many of the documents in there are quite old, so there is no sunlight, and we ask you to refrain from open flame or flaming tempers." He addresses the last bit directly to Ashley and then chuckles. "Sorry, a jest. I am familiar enough with the genasi to know you are no threat to the documents within. This fine man here will accompany you in to provide light and supervision. He is not dissimilar to you, Ashley. Murdoch, take them to the passenger lists for travel through the port!"
The orc guard steps through the door into the darkness, disappearing from sight. Two pinpricks of green light pierce through the darkness at eye level. Then the guard is suddenly illuminated by a bright green light radiating from the orb he now holds high. "Come, follow me," he says, voice low and gruff. "Don't try to nick anything, and don't go near the door in the back. That area's restricted." Then he turns and leads the way to a group of shelves along the right wall.
Samir directs a thankful smile and nod of his head at Fenear before following the orc into the dark room. Even as the guard's orb begins to glow with its bright green light, the buckle on Samir's satchel strap begins casting its own illumination, a softer blue light centered on his shoulder. His eyes play over the spines of books as they pass, taking in titles and words as best he can. Not looking for anything in particular, rather, it is simply in the off chance that something they pass might be useful for the group.
Malachi moves with Vilus to an out of the way corner of the street, trying to keep a low profile while also watching his surroundings for any unusual activity or threats. (Perception 5 rolled in channel). Distracted, and not paying enough attention, he nods to Vilus “Our own shop may come in handy as a place where we can plan without being overheard. I hope the others are getting along without any trouble.” He glances at the main door, curiously nervous for someone who was used to working alone not that long ago. “What part of town is this shop you are looking for located? Can we ask around for it without raising suspicion?”
Joren looks at Jean-Lou for a long moment. Why was he handing me my father's sword only to take it back a moment later? Testing me or the blade for magic like Jon Shep with his medallion? He wishes he knew for sure that he could trust his goliath countryman, here, so far from home.
Unsurprised that he cannot read the experienced council-member of Talmouth, Joren slowly exhales. We are already trusting him with much. May as well tell him the rest of my speculations and experiences. He sighs and asks to speak in confidence.
If agreed, Joren relates to Jean-Lou all the details of the party's breaking into Andra's office when Marshal Lanya went missing. Of the strange magical device entrapping the possibly celestial being, the Hyaelim, the glowing points of light in Tensmith and Talmouth. And the explosion...
All the party members had different experiences, and all had fallen unconscious except Joren, who had somehow become legion with his echoes, beyond the power of the greatest echo knights. And there had been one far greater than the rest.
"I am coming to believe that this was the Lord of the Red Hunt, who likely goes by many names. Likely the same as this crimson knight my father was speaking of, Bahryanyy Lytsar. Representing Dunamis. The Ebb to the Blue Lady's Flow of magic. Both of which the Apogee, Razmus, and his followers are seeking to destroy as ultimate enemies or... distill and turn towards their own ends."
Vilus also peers round but can see nothing through the crowded streets, "handy yes, we should go there next and form a plan, I have ideas and we have resources, the place I'd like to visit is also in the rows, it shouldn't be too far from the shop if I remember right. Just gotta hold out for the group first..." Vilus then gives up on his observation of the crowd and his eyes finally meet Malachi's, "how has your head been? Since I... Left. I was worried that it would, umm, begin to cause more harm." It appears Vilus it trying to pick his words carefully, either to spare Malachi some bad memories or to make sure they aren't understood if overheard.
Jean-Lou nods his head along to Joren's explanation until he starts bringing up the Blue Lady and Razmus' plot. "Wait, so are you telling me that whatever Thalvik has been up to is related to this current situation? I wish I'd paid more attention to his rambling. I do not pretend to understand fully the godly aspect of this conflict." He collects himself and shifts back into his tactical mindset. "But I suppose that's why you, Thalvik's son, and an echo knight, are here. Too much to be coincidence, I am thinking. The physical threat, however, that I can act on. I've kept you from your friends for long enough. Go, see what information you can get on the members of this group. Then I can make my move."
He nods to Joren and gives a broad smile. "Be well, son of Kryn and Dorral."
Samir, Ashley, and Marion:
Looking at the shelves, Samir sees rows and rows of census logs, property trades, and tax ledgers, all dating back to the founding of the city about 100 years ago. It seems like from the very founding of the city, there has always been a dedicated effort to knowing who is in the city and what belongs to whom. Finally reaching the back, he and Ashley see a shelf stacked almost from floor to ceiling with neatly labeled passenger lists and immigration forms. Beside the shelf is the door that the guard had declared restricted. On it, a lock much like the previous one to enter this room.
The guard steps back and holds up his light to shine on the shelf. "There you are. Find what you're looking for and be quick," he growls, though a cursory look reveals the expected result. There is no information on the voyage in question.
Malachi and Vilus:
As they stand by, partially out of sight of the main door, it opens up, not for the first time since they left. But this time, a familiar face steps out. Stenwick, looking fresh from his meeting with councilor Marigold steps away from the entrance with an urgent look on his face. He tucks a letter under his coat, and starts to set off to the west.
Joren salutes Jean-Lou as a Khirian soldier should. "Council-member Jean-Lou. Thank you for your help. And for telling me of my father. I know you are not needing me to say it, but please keep that greatsword safe. If our enemies are seeking to capture and appropriate those of us with Blue or Red magic, they may be wanting to do the same with magical items of the same nature." He pauses for a long moment, choosing his words.
"One day, I am aiming to prove myself and earn your trust to the extent that you would consider me worthy of wielding such a blade. And if for some reason I do not see you again but you are seeing my father, tell him that I have tried to make him proud. With mixed success, admittedly."
With that, he bows once more. If Jean-Lou does not have any special directives on how to exit without attracting notice, Joren does the best he can. His echo is already summoned. If someone is coming, Joren will attempt to retreat around a corner, then echo-swap to bypass them. Either way, he follows the directions to the exit to see if he can catch up with Vilus and Malachi (unless Jean-Lou tells him explicitly not to).
Ashley chuckles lightly at the jest of the old elf, enjoying his company. She's disheartened when he leaves them in the care of the apparently disgruntled orc.
She notices the door that is probably where the document they need is, but figures there is no way she can be sneaky enough to figure that out. If Samir or Marion want her to make a distraction, she hopes they give her a sign, as she would gladly help.
But in the meantime, she scours what is in front of her, seeing if there is anything that would give them more information to help them on their quest.
Jean-Lou nods, saying "Oh I'm sure we'll be talking again soon. There is work to be done, and based on what I've heard and read so far..." He holds up the letter of introduction. "You're someone I'll be wanting to work closely with."
Shortly after, Joren walks out through the main entrance, having been as subtle as possible while leaving Jean-Lou's office. Stepping out into the light, he quickly surveys his surroundings out of habit (Passive Perception 14) and spots the back of a figure he recognizes as Stenwick, hurrying away from the entrance.
Vilus and Malachi:
Not 10 seconds behind Stenwick, Vilus and Malachi see Joren step out through the doors.
Ashley, Samir and Marion:
Looking through the documents, Ashley quickly realizes that there are fewer records from the past few years, which makes sense given what she's heard about the increasing cost of sea travel to and from Cambria. She also notices that there are more people on outbound ships than on inbound, and she wonders if that is partly Marigold's influence, trying to thin out the population to reduce potential resistance.
Either way, she makes a good show of finding the record she looking for, and getting the information on her "missing friend." With the ruse complete, and the location mapped out in their heads, there's nothing now keeping the group from rejoining their friends outside.
Malachi scans the crowd from his spot on the corner, then meets Vilus’ eyes “My head is fine.”then he shakes his head and continues “I don’t know. They could sense me in some way, the mark gave off some sort of something. I felt it once before, in the tunnels with Andra before you..left. It was like they knew we were coming. Last night, Stenwick told us that he could find me anywhere in the city. I believe Samir broke the connection, I know that it feels different now… less crowded than before.”
Malachi looks up, then shrinks back into the entrance of the alley, turning his head. He whispers to Vilus “There. That man leaving is Stenwick. I knew he was the one meeting Marigold. She knows we are here” He looks up suddenly at Vilus. “If you survived, did Andra? If he is here, she will know our story is false. Should we try to follow him?”
Joren stretches briefly like a big cat as he exits the city hall, having been preceded by his echo thirty feet ahead of him. He clearly does not see Malachi or Vilus, but does catch Stenwick out of the corner of his eye. Sending his echo around a corner in the direction Stenwick went, out of sight, Joren prolongs the stretch to look as if he is not paying attention. Then suddenly he disappears.
Vilus and Malachi would probably recognize this as Joren echo-swapping at greater than thirty feet distance to teleport to his echo's location while his echo takes his current spot, dissipating after a few seconds. If they also see Stenwick, it would be clear Joren is tailing the man in his own odd, echo-assisted way, not actually walking himself to avoid the clanking of his armor.
He tries to concentrate on the task at hand and put thoughts of his father, Jean-Lou and his dunamis-attuned greatsword out of his mind. If Stenwick has been visiting Marigold, then he is needing a good bonk on the head when no one is looking so we can be having a nice chat with him...
Vilus listens to Malachi and gives a sigh, "unfortunately I didn't get the chance to end Andra, though I wasn't talking just about the passenger you had in your head... The vision too, yours was the only one that I felt saw something I shouldn't have, something personal, not that I had a choice. I'm good at keeping secrets and I don't sleep, so if you ever want to talk, get things off your chest, you know where to find me. I think our pasts may be intertwined with our fates, and why we specifically have become involved in this cult mess. But anyway the offer is there..."
As Malachi brings Vilus' attention to Stenwick, their watchful position also picks up on Joren, echo swapping through the crowd, "oh crap, hang on I gotta leave something here for the others, then we can follow, don't want to split us all up again, but we need to find where he's going" with that said, three winged creatures detach themselves from Vilus' illusory firbolg body, they look like butterflies made from shadow, smoke and black flame, two of them flit and fly over toward the door to the building where Ashley, Marion and Samir are still inside, the other shadow butterfly starts following Joren and Stenwick, flying over head trying to keep up with Stenwick in particular.
"Come, we'll tail from afar" Vilus says to Mal, and then once they are within 30ft of Joren, Vilus immediately communicates directly into Joren's mind, "you're not alone, Mal and I on your tail with eyes above, do not engage, we need to find their way into the underground system, then regroup in the rows."
Samir, Ashley, Marion:
The man looks up, surprised at first, but then adopts a toothy grin. "Ahh, a fellow scholar? Though I must admit, your knowledge certainly appears to surpass mine on the topic. I've not been to Nos'Argo for many decades, so I must content myself with what knowledge trickles through these halls." He gives a wheezy chuckle and sighs as he slides the book over to himself and gives it a mildly disappointed look. "I suppose the scientific explanation for the 'curse' is the simpler and more compelling one. Though I sometimes lament that the more progress we make in understanding the intricacies of the natural world, the less room is left for proper mysteries and miracles. I don't know. Perhaps I am just growing old, and romanticizing a time when we didn't know as much about the line between what is possible and what is not." He looks up expectantly. "Now on to you. How can I help?"
Joren:
"Yes, The Khirian Empire saw fit to expand diplomatic channels with other territories bordering the Veil. Hostilities along the northern border have seen a lull, and there is concern that the Khorinians are redistributing their forces in preparation of an assault elsewhere. Meaning they are no longer just a threat to our homeland. Thus, I am here to help guide Cambria towards preparedness in the event that the northerners try to gain a foothold here. As for your father..."
Jean-Lou stands behind his desk and reaches for something under it. There is a heavy metallic clank as he moves grabs something out of view. "He always was fairly cagey in regards to his activities, but as far as I can tell, he is interested the different expressions of magic across cultures and the world. I believe he is researching something, because when last I saw him, he left me this." He pulls out the object from under his desk, revealing it to be a large greatsword, half a foot longer than Joren's by his estimation. For just a moment, it catches the light just right, revealing runes almost invisibly etched into the blade. Jean-Lou lays it down upon the desk's surface.
"He left it with me because there was supposedly nothing more he could learn from it. He didn't possess the right constitution for it, since he couldn't manipulate the Dunamis like an echo knight. If I'm being honest, part of the reason I held you back is because he left me with a curiosity for the blade. He never told me where he came by it, or what it is supposed to be, but perhaps as an echo knight yourself, you may have some insight?" He backs away from the desk and opens his arms in invitation.
Ashley stares at Samir for a moment after his outburst of knowledge. The half-orc was always sort of an enigma to her, but she cherished him just the same. And she loved it when any of his personality came out and relished it.
As the man starts talking, she turns back to him with a smile on her face, enjoying the little man as well.
"Oh, I don't know, I think there is plenty of mystery and magic if you know where to look.." and she holds out her hand towards the book as a spectral hand floats the rest of the way to it and then proceeds to open it, flipping to the page he was on when they walked in (if I need to roll for that, let me know)
Joren:
"He was leaving it," Joren repeats quietly, almost adding "for me" before remembering that Jean-Lou had not said that.
Even though the councilor has given him implicit permission, Joren asks it again with his eyes before standing and solemnly taking up the runed greatsword in both hands. Gently, he tests the balance, remembering his old segeant. The blade is learning you as much as you are learning the blade. He flips it in his wrists and works forms slowly, from both his own and his echo's position by the door. Focusing on technique over speed.
Joren clears his mind, trying to sense both the quality of the blade and any... resonance(?) between it and the near-instinctive dunamancy of his echo.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Malachi gives a small laugh of his own as Vilus transforms and he takes the older man’s arm “Come, grandfather, let’s get you out of this place.” He feels a sense of calmness, or maybe just an absence of tension, as they make their way out of the area.
Vilus:
When they are alone and out of hearing from any prying eyes, Malachi whispers “What now? Even if we get the list of members from the expedition, do we move against them? Do we trust the council to move against them? Could you find your way back to the caves if needed?”
Mal:
Vilka keeps his hood low and guides mal to an area of the street where they can be out of the way but also keep a close eye on the doors that the group will be leaving from, "For now we wait, we have a cell to meet, we have information to gain. Our goal is to slow the progress that the cult is making here in Talmouth, and spread credible awareness, I don't see how we can stop a fleet from arriving so it is foolhardy to try, but we can prepare... I have a shop to find too, a cellmate who may have some more insight for us. I'm slowly coming up with a plan but we'll need to figure things out where we can't be overheard"
Ashley, Samir, Marion:
The old elf claps gleefully. "Oh, wonderful show." He adjusts his glasses and gets a closer look at Ashley. "Speaking of mystery... a fire genasi... What brings you so far from home? Sorry, how rude of me. I am Fenear, at your service."
Joren:
The blade, despite its size, is actually slightly lighter than his own. As he holds it in his hands, it almost feels as though it is humming in his grasp. Hardly able to help himself, he feels compelled to give it a swing. Stepping away from Jean-Lou, he enters a ready stance and starts to run through a basic and well-practiced form. As he launches the first strike, he contemplates which version of the form to perform, and at that moment feels a fracture in his mind not dissimilar to when summoning an echo. The blade arcs through the air... in two different directions at the same time.
Jean-Lou watches, mouth slightly open in awe. "I've never heard of such a blade. This must have belonged to some legendary echo knight. But how did your father come to have it? And why?" He holds out his hands to take the sword back.
Joren:
For the briefest moment, as it has in the past, Joren's discipline cracks. He feels as one with the runed greatsword.
My father's sword, though he was never wielding it in combat. With this, I could protect my friends. Joren does not want to give the blade back.
The moment passes and Joren the soldier reasserts control. He bows his head and returns the sword wordlessly. Councilor Jean-Lou must know I am having no answer for his questions. Something to do with dunamis. Perhaps my father was studying it as Samir might. The Ebb...
"Councilor. Are you ever hearing of the Lord of the Red Hunt?"
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Charmed by the old elf, Ashley smiles, "Yes, I am a bit far from home, that's true. I am enjoying your city so far though. Fenear is it? Nice to meet you, I'm Ashley."
She waves away her mage hand and sticks out her own to shake the man's hand.
"Well, we're here looking for a friend. You see they went out on a voyage a little while back and should have been home by now. His wife is quite worried. That is why we are in town in fact, to see if we can find him. And we were sent your direction as apparently records are kept for those that arrive here by ship? I'm hoping to see that he at least came back safe and sound so we aren't searching for someone who isn't here."
Joren:
Jean-Lou turns the sword over in his hands once, examining it with new appreciation. Then he stows it back under his desk with a click. He cocks his head at Joren's question. "Lord of the Red Hunt? No, never heard of that have I. Unless... is that some strange translation for the Bahryanyy Lytsar?" Seeing Joren's blank look, he elaborates.
"Thalvik once mentioned that the journal of Janma Kryn, the first echo knight, attributed his knowledge of the Dunamis to a knight clad in crimson who visited him in dream. I was not knowing if it was to that which you were referring."
Samir, Asnley, and Marion:
"Oh, certainly! Sorry to hear about the trouble..." Fenear slowly lifts himself from his chair on bony wobbling arms, and grabs a set of keys from off his desk. Then he walks around to the other side and beckons for Ashley, Samir, and Marion to follow. Winding and weaving through the claustrophobic corridors between shelves, they arrive at a simple wooden door at the back of the chamber.
On a chair between the two doors, an orcish guard with a mace sits, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. In one hand, he holds a clear orb of glass. He starts to stand when he sees Fenear with the group. Fenear gives him a nod.
Walking up to the door, Fenear lifts his ring of keys and selects one of the three hanging there. He lifts it up to the light coming in through a high window and peers at it closely. Then he shakes his head and selects the next key, muttering to himself. He nods this time, and places the key in the lock of the door. It turns with a click. Beyond is a dark chamber that clearly has no windows of its own. "Many of the documents in there are quite old, so there is no sunlight, and we ask you to refrain from open flame or flaming tempers." He addresses the last bit directly to Ashley and then chuckles. "Sorry, a jest. I am familiar enough with the genasi to know you are no threat to the documents within. This fine man here will accompany you in to provide light and supervision. He is not dissimilar to you, Ashley. Murdoch, take them to the passenger lists for travel through the port!"
The orc guard steps through the door into the darkness, disappearing from sight. Two pinpricks of green light pierce through the darkness at eye level. Then the guard is suddenly illuminated by a bright green light radiating from the orb he now holds high. "Come, follow me," he says, voice low and gruff. "Don't try to nick anything, and don't go near the door in the back. That area's restricted." Then he turns and leads the way to a group of shelves along the right wall.
Samir directs a thankful smile and nod of his head at Fenear before following the orc into the dark room. Even as the guard's orb begins to glow with its bright green light, the buckle on Samir's satchel strap begins casting its own illumination, a softer blue light centered on his shoulder. His eyes play over the spines of books as they pass, taking in titles and words as best he can. Not looking for anything in particular, rather, it is simply in the off chance that something they pass might be useful for the group.
Vilus:
Malachi moves with Vilus to an out of the way corner of the street, trying to keep a low profile while also watching his surroundings for any unusual activity or threats. (Perception 5 rolled in channel). Distracted, and not paying enough attention, he nods to Vilus “Our own shop may come in handy as a place where we can plan without being overheard. I hope the others are getting along without any trouble.” He glances at the main door, curiously nervous for someone who was used to working alone not that long ago. “What part of town is this shop you are looking for located? Can we ask around for it without raising suspicion?”
Joren:
Joren looks at Jean-Lou for a long moment. Why was he handing me my father's sword only to take it back a moment later? Testing me or the blade for magic like Jon Shep with his medallion? He wishes he knew for sure that he could trust his goliath countryman, here, so far from home.
Joren Insight: 12
Unsurprised that he cannot read the experienced council-member of Talmouth, Joren slowly exhales. We are already trusting him with much. May as well tell him the rest of my speculations and experiences. He sighs and asks to speak in confidence.
If agreed, Joren relates to Jean-Lou all the details of the party's breaking into Andra's office when Marshal Lanya went missing. Of the strange magical device entrapping the possibly celestial being, the Hyaelim, the glowing points of light in Tensmith and Talmouth. And the explosion...
All the party members had different experiences, and all had fallen unconscious except Joren, who had somehow become legion with his echoes, beyond the power of the greatest echo knights. And there had been one far greater than the rest.
"I am coming to believe that this was the Lord of the Red Hunt, who likely goes by many names. Likely the same as this crimson knight my father was speaking of, Bahryanyy Lytsar. Representing Dunamis. The Ebb to the Blue Lady's Flow of magic. Both of which the Apogee, Razmus, and his followers are seeking to destroy as ultimate enemies or... distill and turn towards their own ends."
Joren watches to see Jean-Lou's reaction.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Malachi:
Vilus also peers round but can see nothing through the crowded streets, "handy yes, we should go there next and form a plan, I have ideas and we have resources, the place I'd like to visit is also in the rows, it shouldn't be too far from the shop if I remember right. Just gotta hold out for the group first..." Vilus then gives up on his observation of the crowd and his eyes finally meet Malachi's, "how has your head been? Since I... Left. I was worried that it would, umm, begin to cause more harm." It appears Vilus it trying to pick his words carefully, either to spare Malachi some bad memories or to make sure they aren't understood if overheard.
Joren:
Jean-Lou nods his head along to Joren's explanation until he starts bringing up the Blue Lady and Razmus' plot. "Wait, so are you telling me that whatever Thalvik has been up to is related to this current situation? I wish I'd paid more attention to his rambling. I do not pretend to understand fully the godly aspect of this conflict." He collects himself and shifts back into his tactical mindset. "But I suppose that's why you, Thalvik's son, and an echo knight, are here. Too much to be coincidence, I am thinking. The physical threat, however, that I can act on. I've kept you from your friends for long enough. Go, see what information you can get on the members of this group. Then I can make my move."
He nods to Joren and gives a broad smile. "Be well, son of Kryn and Dorral."
Samir, Ashley, and Marion:
Looking at the shelves, Samir sees rows and rows of census logs, property trades, and tax ledgers, all dating back to the founding of the city about 100 years ago. It seems like from the very founding of the city, there has always been a dedicated effort to knowing who is in the city and what belongs to whom. Finally reaching the back, he and Ashley see a shelf stacked almost from floor to ceiling with neatly labeled passenger lists and immigration forms. Beside the shelf is the door that the guard had declared restricted. On it, a lock much like the previous one to enter this room.
The guard steps back and holds up his light to shine on the shelf. "There you are. Find what you're looking for and be quick," he growls, though a cursory look reveals the expected result. There is no information on the voyage in question.
Malachi and Vilus:
As they stand by, partially out of sight of the main door, it opens up, not for the first time since they left. But this time, a familiar face steps out. Stenwick, looking fresh from his meeting with councilor Marigold steps away from the entrance with an urgent look on his face. He tucks a letter under his coat, and starts to set off to the west.
Joren:
Joren salutes Jean-Lou as a Khirian soldier should. "Council-member Jean-Lou. Thank you for your help. And for telling me of my father. I know you are not needing me to say it, but please keep that greatsword safe. If our enemies are seeking to capture and appropriate those of us with Blue or Red magic, they may be wanting to do the same with magical items of the same nature." He pauses for a long moment, choosing his words.
"One day, I am aiming to prove myself and earn your trust to the extent that you would consider me worthy of wielding such a blade. And if for some reason I do not see you again but you are seeing my father, tell him that I have tried to make him proud. With mixed success, admittedly."
With that, he bows once more. If Jean-Lou does not have any special directives on how to exit without attracting notice, Joren does the best he can. His echo is already summoned. If someone is coming, Joren will attempt to retreat around a corner, then echo-swap to bypass them. Either way, he follows the directions to the exit to see if he can catch up with Vilus and Malachi (unless Jean-Lou tells him explicitly not to).
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Ashley chuckles lightly at the jest of the old elf, enjoying his company. She's disheartened when he leaves them in the care of the apparently disgruntled orc.
She notices the door that is probably where the document they need is, but figures there is no way she can be sneaky enough to figure that out. If Samir or Marion want her to make a distraction, she hopes they give her a sign, as she would gladly help.
But in the meantime, she scours what is in front of her, seeing if there is anything that would give them more information to help them on their quest.
Investigation: 18!
Joren:
Jean-Lou nods, saying "Oh I'm sure we'll be talking again soon. There is work to be done, and based on what I've heard and read so far..." He holds up the letter of introduction. "You're someone I'll be wanting to work closely with."
Shortly after, Joren walks out through the main entrance, having been as subtle as possible while leaving Jean-Lou's office. Stepping out into the light, he quickly surveys his surroundings out of habit (Passive Perception 14) and spots the back of a figure he recognizes as Stenwick, hurrying away from the entrance.
Vilus and Malachi:
Not 10 seconds behind Stenwick, Vilus and Malachi see Joren step out through the doors.
Ashley, Samir and Marion:
Looking through the documents, Ashley quickly realizes that there are fewer records from the past few years, which makes sense given what she's heard about the increasing cost of sea travel to and from Cambria. She also notices that there are more people on outbound ships than on inbound, and she wonders if that is partly Marigold's influence, trying to thin out the population to reduce potential resistance.
Either way, she makes a good show of finding the record she looking for, and getting the information on her "missing friend." With the ruse complete, and the location mapped out in their heads, there's nothing now keeping the group from rejoining their friends outside.
Vilus and Malachi:
Malachi scans the crowd from his spot on the corner, then meets Vilus’ eyes “My head is fine.” then he shakes his head and continues “I don’t know. They could sense me in some way, the mark gave off some sort of something. I felt it once before, in the tunnels with Andra before you..left. It was like they knew we were coming. Last night, Stenwick told us that he could find me anywhere in the city. I believe Samir broke the connection, I know that it feels different now… less crowded than before.”
Malachi looks up, then shrinks back into the entrance of the alley, turning his head. He whispers to Vilus “There. That man leaving is Stenwick. I knew he was the one meeting Marigold. She knows we are here” He looks up suddenly at Vilus. “If you survived, did Andra? If he is here, she will know our story is false. Should we try to follow him?”
Joren (and probably Malachi and Vilus):
Joren stretches briefly like a big cat as he exits the city hall, having been preceded by his echo thirty feet ahead of him. He clearly does not see Malachi or Vilus, but does catch Stenwick out of the corner of his eye. Sending his echo around a corner in the direction Stenwick went, out of sight, Joren prolongs the stretch to look as if he is not paying attention. Then suddenly he disappears.
Vilus and Malachi would probably recognize this as Joren echo-swapping at greater than thirty feet distance to teleport to his echo's location while his echo takes his current spot, dissipating after a few seconds. If they also see Stenwick, it would be clear Joren is tailing the man in his own odd, echo-assisted way, not actually walking himself to avoid the clanking of his armor.
He tries to concentrate on the task at hand and put thoughts of his father, Jean-Lou and his dunamis-attuned greatsword out of his mind. If Stenwick has been visiting Marigold, then he is needing a good bonk on the head when no one is looking so we can be having a nice chat with him...
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Vilus, Malachi and Joren.
Vilus listens to Malachi and gives a sigh, "unfortunately I didn't get the chance to end Andra, though I wasn't talking just about the passenger you had in your head... The vision too, yours was the only one that I felt saw something I shouldn't have, something personal, not that I had a choice. I'm good at keeping secrets and I don't sleep, so if you ever want to talk, get things off your chest, you know where to find me. I think our pasts may be intertwined with our fates, and why we specifically have become involved in this cult mess. But anyway the offer is there..."
As Malachi brings Vilus' attention to Stenwick, their watchful position also picks up on Joren, echo swapping through the crowd, "oh crap, hang on I gotta leave something here for the others, then we can follow, don't want to split us all up again, but we need to find where he's going" with that said, three winged creatures detach themselves from Vilus' illusory firbolg body, they look like butterflies made from shadow, smoke and black flame, two of them flit and fly over toward the door to the building where Ashley, Marion and Samir are still inside, the other shadow butterfly starts following Joren and Stenwick, flying over head trying to keep up with Stenwick in particular.
"Come, we'll tail from afar" Vilus says to Mal, and then once they are within 30ft of Joren, Vilus immediately communicates directly into Joren's mind, "you're not alone, Mal and I on your tail with eyes above, do not engage, we need to find their way into the underground system, then regroup in the rows."