Beren stares at the fisherman for a moment. Clearly he'd been under some sort of influence, but regardless, even now he was acting strange. The light behind the mask flickers for a moment before he replies bluntly, "So now you decide to talk? The only one who threw anything away was yourself. And it wasn't a fish, it was a child. Who, lucky for you, my comrades pulled from the water before she drowned." He paused, "But I suppose you probably don't remember that, seems how you've been unresponsive until now." He might have given the fisherman a questioning look, but with his face hidden by the mask it is impossible to tell.
He can't help but find it odd that the one place no one had looked for Arabelle turned out to be where she was. Perhaps Beren was too worried about whatever game his life was turning into, but regardless he needed answers from this fisherman. Someone else had orchestrated this, and the man bound on the floor of the boat was just a pawn on the game board.
The man looks at Beren -not that he has anywhere else to look- as he begins talking to him. I did not throw no child in the water, I threw a sacrifice to the lake! Fishin ain't been good last two weeks for me, I no catch no fish. Arabelle 'erself said she'd help me catch some fish! She volunteered to be a sacrifice to the lake so I could catch me a bounty! The pretty lady told me Arabelle would do it, and she did! Nothing wrong with sacrificin' a willing sacrifice!
the man said clearly befuddled by Beren's comments, but as he spoke, it was clear there was a third factor, at the very least going on, the man sounded daft, a dull tool in the shed.
"I sincerely doubt that," Beren says in a low voice. "I doubt Arabelle agreed to any such thing. No one in their right mind, which clearly you aren't, would believe such a thing." The light behind the mask flickers as he considers his next words. Clearly this fisherman was just a pawn, so who was this 'pretty lady' he mentioned? "Who was this woman who told you to sacrifice Arabelle?" Something tells him that this question is rather pointless, as more than likely the fisherman was under some magical influence. Still, if he could get at least a name or description, then it might lead him to the real culprit. "If you cooperate, perhaps your punishment will be lessened. I don't know what kind of person the Burgomaster is, but I should expect that he won't be too forgiving when he finds out what you tried to do to his daughter. If you tell me who the woman was and where to find her, perhaps..." He almost said, perhaps the punishment could go to her, but decided against that. If this person is under that woman's control somehow, he might not take kindly to having her take the blame. Instead he just lets the words hang, waiting to see what sort of nonsense he'll get as a response.
Nivi rolls her eyes at the fisherman. She had heard fishing could be a an obsession, but this was taking it too far!
"So talkative all of a sudden, Bubbles. Fog presses close and something presses you to sacrifice this child for a nibble on your line. Shuts your mouth up tighter than a shopkeeper paying protection when the guards come asking questions. Now the fog clears and suddenly your hearing and power of speech are back, along with your sparkling wit. Makes a girl wonder if whoever controls the fog is the real boss, eh?"
She nods as Beren speaks. Sunshine's not wrong. This fool's remaining breaths may be numbered in the dozens once the Burgomaster finds out.
"Where's your fish? You mean our fish. It's all here, but might as well be in our bellies or gifted to the Vistani as far as you're concerned. None for you unless you tell us everything, and I mean everything, you know about this pretty lady you say tipped you onto Arabelle being your sacrificial helper."
Glancing over at Olamoira, Nivi wonders if before being Sun-struck, the dark elven woman had ever sacrificed anyone as the legends Nivi had barely listened to as a child suggested (and the exiled drow in the Bregan D'aerthe , rivals in Waterdeep, had seemed to grudgingly confirm). Sacrificed to that hairy-legged harridan of a spider goddess. A rare, unwelcome philosophical thought intrudes on Nivi's consciousness, much to her distaste.
So is it worse to kill an innocent for Lolth or for a few rotting fish as this fool tried to do?
Or for a healthy profit and power as your own crew did in Waterdeep, Nivi? Never killed an innocent myself, though... not that I know of...
As the conversation between Beren and the fisherman drifts over the water from the boat she's steadily rowing in the wake up, Olamoira's muscles start to become noticeably more rigid. She seems yet more absent than perhaps she has even been yet. Here am I again, in the midst of the heathen horror, where only blood buys favor and fortune. She shudders, and then rows faster, a line of sweat beginning to trickle down her face again, past her blank, dark eyes, staring widely at the boat landing that is visible now with the retreat of the fog. Despite the horror and revulsion blooming inside of her, Ola feels a twinge of relief as the fog draws back.
Her own boat draws even with Beren's, and then pulls past it, her gaze fixed on the boat landing, her arms and legs locked in bracing her rhythmic motion of rowing. Beren's words, Nivi's, the fisherman's, start to blur together. He who rules the fog, rules the world, yes, high elf, if one is subject to such powers. Slowly Olamoira begins to grit her teeth. She feels her hands, arms, all her limbs, stained with blood. Her abhorrence within her own skin is almost unbearable. I don't want to be subject to those powers any more. She had made that decision when she ran from the temple, ran from the Underdark, and knew it was final when she stumbled into the blinding sunshine. The Sun... welcomed me with its burning pain. Promising that that life was over. Not that there was anything ahead of me. It was likely I would just burn up in its radiance. But at least that... was behind me.
No longer cognizant of how close or far Beren's boat is, Ola rows until the keel of her boat grinds into the sand at the boat landing, and then she stops, her hands frozen on the oars, her joints sagging against them, lowering her head between them until her forehead rests on her knees, folding over in an almost extreme bend. Her limp posture belies the battle raging within. No, I will not run from the Light. I will not. Though I die, I will not turn my back on it...
At Berens retort, the man seems baffled. Truly confused... it was about this time that both boats inevitably reached the land, giving Moira a much needed rest. Wut? She did too! She promised she'd 'elp me catch some fish any way she could! he was about to respond to the part about Cooperating when Nivi cut in, and though he couldn't see her, he turned in-so-far as her direction as he could manage.
Me name's not Bubblez! It's Bluto! Blue-toe! N' the fog's is always comin' n goin, you must be outsiders if ye din knoe that! And what'dye mean? ye just got here n started shoutin at me for tryna survive! For what little that matters 'ere.... he seems to fade into himself for a moment, though only Beren can see it. How'd you get on my boat anyway? I was out alone in the waters... unfortunately for 'poor' Bluto, he had failed to catch any fish, both prior to, and after his attempted sacrifice...
Bluto suddenly seems to realize he's been tied up, struggling against the ropes for a moment ( 20 ) (Nat 20..)
And with the strength of a giant almost, the ropes tear like thread against a razor as the man effortlessly breaks free, getting up, and nearly tossing the boat over if not for the shore holding the weight of both Beren and Bluto.Oi! You tried to kidnap me! I didn't bloody volunteer for this *hic* Arabelle came to me willignly, I aint gonna be no sacrifice for you! His statement lingers there as he stares at beren stupidly as Nivi's other words come to him. Oh... you just want to know who the pretty lady what told me Arabelle'd do it? Well, she were a womanly elf, pretty skin what wif freckles all about her. Green eyes n' red 'air. She looked a bit roguish, as she were wearin studded armor but... she had this owl wif 'er too.
She told me to go to Arabelle to turn my fortunes 'round. Said i could sacrifice Arabelle, and that she'd be happy to oblige if I just asked 'er to 'elp me catch some fish. Then I could sell the fish n' finally get me 'ands on some wine from the w'zrd o' wines! The only good thing in this world.. the man sighs, as if he was close to some long held dream.
I ain't never seen no womanly elf in my entire life, but honestly the lady yellin at me sounds quite like her.... he says, turning around to where the voice had come from, and his face lit up in recognition It were you! Ye never told me your name pretty lady, but you were right! Arabelle said she'd do whatever she could to 'elp!
Throughout her relatively short criminal career, Nivi has been perfectly guilty of everything she has ever been accused of, even if accusers may not always have understood her motivations. This is a new one for her - being accused of something she has not done. But my new companions do not know that.
Her eyebrow quirks at Bubbles, or Bluto or whoever the confused fisherman is as he breaks out of his bonds. She tries to guess at whether he is in on the setup, though she doubts he has the mental capacity for that kind of subterfuge.
Insight on Bluto to determine whether he believes what he says: 23
"Can't say much, except I did no such thing. All I can ask is at least give me credit for being smarter on a job than Bubbles. If it was really me, I had plenty of chance to get rid of him with my longbow as you all were reviving the girl so he would never spill the beans. Never took the shot. But more to the point, if I wanted to make him my catspaw to murder a girl I don't even know, fresh after arriving in this land, why would I have appeared to him as myself with Shiv on my shoulder? It is easy to make yourself look like anyone else. Well, easier for my brother and sister than for me, but..."
As she trails off, she mumbles again for a moment and waggles her fingers. Her form begins to glimmer and shift as she becomes smaller and not quite as slender, with even paler, alabaster skin, raven hair instead of red, and eyes a deeper green than their former pale shade, with human ears instead of elven. In a few moments, a second copy of Arabelle herself stands on the boat, only this one still with Shiv on her shoulder.
Nivi is casting Disguise Self (no concentration required). Followed by the Minor Illusion cantrip - see below.
The owl himself takes wing to remove this final discrepancy and the second Arabelle, in Nivi's voice and drawl, speaks matter-of-factly. "I could have appeared as anyone, with or without the owl. So why didn't I? If Bubbles here saw me with an owl asking him to sacrifice the girl, it was likely someone else who saw a new arrival in me who rubs folks the wrong way and would be easy to blame. Used illusion like I'm doing now to look like me."
A second owl, looking just like a motionless Shiv, appears on the second Arabelle's (Nivi's) shoulder as she waggles her fingers once more.
Beren stands up abruptly when Bluto miraculously breaks free of his bonds, preparing a spell just in case the drunkard tries to flee. He gives Nivi a blank look when Bluto make his accusation, but it's unclear whether or not he believes any of it.
Insight: 16(game log)
He is already very suspicious of anything this man says. He might not really know much about Nivi, but seems how she was already looking for Arabelle before they met up...well it seems unlikely that she told this man to sacrifice the child. Still, he supposed that if Bluto had actually had a run-in with Nivi, perhaps the elf said something that Bluto misunderstood. Clearly Bluto is an idiot, and a drunken one at that, so if anyone told him anything that suggested Arabelle would be willing to become a sacrifice (which clearly he hadn't worded it that way when he asked her) he would believe them. As Nivi puts on a performance in defense of herself, Beren gives a small nod. She has a point. And, he thinks, Anyone else with that kind of magic who wanted to target her could simply dawn a disguise as well.
Turning his attention back to the fisherman, he says, "I...doubt that she told you to sacrifice Arabelle. She is a foreigner, like the rest of us..." He almost said, 'she's probably never met Arabelle until now' but realizes that he has no way of knowing that. Nivi didn't say how long she'd been at the dusk elf camp before they got there, so it was possible that she could have met the girl prior to her disappearance. Still, he had his doubts. He glances at Nivi/Arabelle, "Are you certain you have never met this man before? Could it be possible that you said something to him in jest that would convince him that sacrificing Arabelle was a good idea?" He doesn't sound accusing, really his tone is rather flat and tired.
Looking back at Bluto, he says, "Regardless, if you just asked Arabelle to help you catch some fish, there is a huge difference between that and asking if she would let you sacrifice her. But I suppose you didn't take that into consideration now did you. I can guarantee that, once she wakes up, if we ask her whether or not she agreed to help you fish and to be your sacrifice, she will say yes to the first and no to the latter." He shakes his head, the light behind the mask flickering as he continues, "And to think, all this because you wanted to get your hands on some wine? As if anything is worth the life of a child. You bastard."
He steps forward, and picks whatever is left of the rope up off the floor of the boat, "If you are so sure of your innocence, then how about you come with us to town and explain to the Burgomaster why his daughter has been missing. Perhaps we foreigners are not familiar with the customs of this land, and he'll be completely understanding when you explain that Arabelle was a willing sacrifice."
Nivi and Beren slightly study the man as he speaks in snowflake patterns, no one path ever going too far before changing to another. But despite this, once his accusation is made, to Nivi, she is utterly confident that every word that is coming out of the mans mouth is true (atleast from his perspective) while Beren can tell the man is extremely confident that his words lack falsity. Whether the accusation itself was true or not yet to be determined. Regardless, the man believed his tale was true.
B..beans? Bluto says questioningly Why would you waste good beans.. There are no cats 'round here... he mumbles to himself as Nivi speaks, his head cocking in much the same fashion as a confused dog. At the repeated accusation of 'murder' he clamors upright, finger in the air in a 'now you look right here' fashion It's not murder! It's sacrifice! but soon, Nivi casts a glamour upon herself, her height shrinking and various features changing until she was an exact clone of Arabelle.. more or less. And breifly he stood there dumbfounded once more as he looked Nivabelle over.
When Beren himself finished, the man was still looking at Nivabelle when he said in response to Beren But she did appear to me! She came up along the shore near where I fish and told me wut I told you before! Nivi would remember having came from that side of the town on her way in when she had first entered this realm. She said she knew i'd been 'avin trouble with my fish'n and told me what to do to flip my fortunes! But fine, I'll go to the burgomastuh, he'll understand it was nessecary. I din't do nuffin rong. Besides, there's a new arabelle, right there! he says, pointing at Nivibelle. So it all worked out! I sacrificed one Arabelle, and now my fishin will be amazin' and her twin there can take 'er place!
Apart from a small grimace in seeing Nivi so balatantly reveal her knack for disguises, Jack found himself looking relatively amused at the ongoing exchange upon reaching the shore. So much so, in fact, that if it were possible to stay seated in the boat a little longer and still be able to watch things play out, he'd have happily stayed in his seat, gently keeping Araebelle held against him with one hand while the other fished out a piece of Lembas bread to chew on for a bit. Otherwise, as tiring as it would eventually prove to be, he'd stand off to the side with the girl cradled and swaddled in his arms still watching the "spectacle".
As far as the actual truths or lies or half-truths exchanged between 'actors', none of it mattered enough for Jack to really look concerned or scrutinize in the moment. At most there'd been a moment or two of his raising a brow and cocking his head to the side in an almost thoughtful look... But such moments were few and far between, if anyone was attentive enough of the Eladrin to even notice.
"Seems we've at last reached something of an agreement then!" Jack promptly chimed in almost as soon as the fisherman finished speaking. "Tempting as it may be, let's save any further antagonize of each other for after we're at least safely beyond the walls of the city and before the burgomaster. Who I'm sure will be in just the most loveliest of moods this late at night." He beams at the group, and had he the free hand to do so at the time, he would've even given a thumbs-up. He then looks to Olamoira. "That of course goes the same for you my dear, unfortunately. I've.. noticed you've seem to have a lot on your mind on the way back, and would just love to hear more. But for now, let's allonsy." At that, Jack carefully picks his way off the boat if he hadn't already, and would make for the road back to town. "You may want to do without the disguise for this meeting as well, my Red Little Sprout. Don't want to confuse any locals we meet on the way back now do we?" He called back to Nivi without turning back.
"Yes, let's be on our way," Beren huffs, starting towards the town. "I'm sure the guards will be thrilled let us in, considering we have the girl they've all been so desperate to find." He doesn't look towards either Nivibelle or Arabelle as he says this, regardless as to whether or not he actually thinks the dimwitted fisherman would pick up on his meaning.
If Olamoira hasn't moved from her position at the oars, Beren walks over and asks, "Are you alright? Think you can make it back to town?" If she needs help getting to her feet and out of the boat, Beren will lend a hand. After that he goes quiet, walking stiffly down the path as the pain from his wounds slowly kicks in again. Right now they just need to get Arabelle back where she belongs.
Nivi grins at Jack favoring her with a nickname. "That's the spirit, Half-Pint. And brilliant advice. Never would have thought of it myself."
She holds the disguise for several moments longer, momentarily ignoring his (obvious) suggestion and appearing as Arabelle until the boat is within distant eyeshot of the original embarkment spot. Driving home the point that she would have had to be an idiot to appear as herself when abetting such a crime. She considers appearing as someone else, since who knows how the Burgomaster will react to Bubbles' (apparently sincere) story of someone disguised as her convincing the fisherman to sacrifice the girl. If she is honest with herself, she is still suspicious the fog and whoever controls it (Strahd or otherwise) may have been involved too.
But some things never change. Nivi has never shied away from trouble, so why start now? She lets the Disguise Self dissolve before anyone ashore can see, and returns to looking like her true self again. The Minor Illusion of Shiv dissipates as well and the real owl returns to her shoulder.
"Right. Burgomaster'll be in a bad mood cause we're returning his kidnapped daughter too late in the day. I like your sense of humor, Shorty," she drawls, deadpan. She hops out helps beach or moor both boats as needed, nodding to Beren, ready to go. "No time like the present."
Olamoira hears her companion's voices, as if far away, and lifts her head to look up at Jack when he speaks to her. A lot on my mind. Love to hear more? The unquenchable affability of the ephemeral Eladrin continues to charm and amuse Ola, and lifts her out of the darkness of her own spirits for just a moment. If only he knew. But he doesn't, and so it shall stay, without due cause.Let those not cursed to her world of darkness stay blissfully free of it. A moment of mirth is enough, though, for her to get up and climb out of the boat, before any aid is offered her.
"Yes, I can... I am sorry... I will come to town," she says to Beren in reply, as she slowly returns to normal movement and posture. She loyally dogs his steps as the party escorts Arabelle towards her home. But as she does so, her dark eyes glued painfully on the Sun incarnate, she notices he moves a little like he's injured. For a moment the celestial vision and the mortal human man---still a child, to us elves---war in her perception. She blinks. Feeling foggy and unclear about what her duty might be to a human apart from his heavenly anointing, she begins to softly mumble to herself in Celestial, as if addressing the Divine power glowing out like the Sun as a beacon to them all. The sorrow and shame starts to wrack her again as she does, but she steadfastly puts one foot in front of the other.
(In Celestial, but too quietly for anyone to easily overhear):
"Add to my crimes that I cannot be concerned for anyone else's sacrificial victims... that I cannot acknowledge those in need around me, for being lost in my own darkness. O, Divine Light, turn not your face from me, my bones are all broken, my mouth is dried up, my life slips away, take not your celestial spirit from me, for without you I cannot be sustained, there is nothing left of me."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
With it decided, and a strangely cooperative man who seemed to have no semblance of guilt, even feeling quite justified with his actions, or some other similar emotion or state. Through it all, he gets up slowly, drunkenly but he manages to stay upright by Tymora's luck alone as he walks willingly from the lake. At this hour, no one is out. And you all have a feeling you know why after the dangers you've faced here. Nivi recalls her time before in her mind, trying to think of anything that had happened in her travels that might have led to this mans accusations or beliefs about her. (See PM)
The walk itself taking about fifteen minutes under the hazy night sky. Though the fog had lifted much, there was always the thinnest films of it at the farthest reaches, never allowing for a crystal clear view of anything. Regardless the ground was lit well enough that even Noel could have stumbled confidently without need of the Light spell. In time, you approach the gate nearest the Lake and much to everyone's surprise, this gate is similar in appearance, if not specifics to the other entrance to the town. Two guards behind the safety of pikes with mounted heads of felled creatures to warn those foolish enough to try to enter off.
Nivi's glamour having long been dispelled, she appears as herself as the ragtag group walks up with Bluto in tow, more stumbling than walking, but walking nonetheless. he never mad an attempt to bolt for it, nor did he attempt to attack anyone. If anything he walked with the smug... drunken.. confidence of a man sure of himself. Even going so far as to hmph triumphantly, though for no apparent reason.
Initially, the guards take up their glaives but once they see Arabelle swaddled in Jacks arms they nearly jump. Initially they seem wary, as if they might be getting fooled. (Insights: 2 & 6 )
But looking at the situation, they shout an alarm Someone's got Arabelle! Quick, call the Chirurgeons! Inform the Burgomaster! She's been found! one of them runs into town farther while the other fumbles like an apprentice smith on their first day with the keys as they attempt to unlock the gate. Dropping them several times and their face turning red at the fact. But eventually she does get the gate open, ushering you all in with urgency. Hurry! Hurry! These hours are dangerous! This is why the fishermen do not stay out long past the suns set! Quickly, we must take Arabelle to.... the burgomasters house is too far, we go to the inn! it has wards against evil.. or so Urwin claims.
It was then that Bluto chose to speak up. Excuse me ma'am! It's me Bluto! The one wut told me to Sacrifice Arabelle is the pretty ginger elf 'ere.
Although not want to hurry along over matters that weren't amusing at all, Jack, for once, chose to play along and pick up the pace, having been warned as Noel and Beren had about some of the various dangers lurking the land. Heck, Beren had but barely an hour ago if even that had run afoul of some wondering undead! But naturally, Bluto just had to try and throw a wrench into things, if albeit incidentally so.
'No matter...' He thought, before with an amused smile he feigned and a brief, sidelong look given to Bluto he says aloud, "Oh there he goes again. Tsk tsk! I would've thought you would've walked off all that alcohol you oh so delightfully chugged earlier. But it seems we should've poured some lake water on your head for good measure!" Ending softly with a jests, Jack turns more fully back to the guards. "He was fairly deep into his cups when we came upon this delightful chap out on the Lake. And while you no doubt have plenty of questions yourselves, and few reasons perhaps to take an outsider at his word, what is more important right now is seeing to it that this lovely little darling in my arms finds her way safety of that inn at the very least. And save any games of 'he said', 'she said' for after the Burgomaster or whoever decides to send to properly sort all this out... Isn't that right, Sir Beren?" He asks with a grin and hope his words were enough of setup for any follow-up the paladin might put forth to help smooth things over.
(OOC: Hoping that if some kind of persuasion check is needed, Jack's words count as performing the help action.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The light behind the mask flairs for a moment when Bluto decides to call out Nivi for no apparent reason. If the fisherman was so bloody confident that he wasn't going to get into trouble, why stake the blame on Nivi? He stares at the drunken man for a moment, light flickering in annoyance before turning back to the guard who had just let them inside. The longer he has to think about this, the surer he is that there is far more to this than just a drunken man and a misunderstanding. Hopefully Nivi has some sort of an explanation as to why Bluto is so sure she told him to sacrifice Arabelle, even if it's just a hunch. Perhaps they will have time to discuss it at this in...if they ever make it there anyways. If Jack hadn't spoken up, Beren would have spoken to the guard quietly in case insisting Bluto is just drunk caused the man to spout off more nonsense. Oh well, hopefully the guard will be able to tell how unreliable this sailor's information is at the moment.
He nods to Jack, "Yes, right now we just need to see the girl to safety." Then he steps up closer to the guard and says in a low voice, "And I think there is more than just drink affecting this man's mind, as he was completely unresponsive when we found him..."He pauses, deciding not to elaborate on that, instead, he tilts his mask slightly towards Nivi, "As for my companion here. She risked her life to pull the girl out of the water. Without her aid we would not have located Arabelle in time to prevent her death. So for now I would suggest ignoring Bluto's words until Arabelle is back with her father." He hesitates a moment, glancing at Bluto before saying in an even quieter tone, "If we aren't going to see the Burgomaster tonight, which is completely understandable, then I would advice putting... Bluto, under watch. He's come of his own accord so far because he somehow believes sacrificing a child was reasonable, and that the Burgomaster will understand. I don't know if his mentality will change once he's slept off his drink."
Nivi does not flinch at Bluto's (Bubbles') words. Though she is slightly taken aback and even... heartened (?) that both Shorty and Sunshine speak up on her behalf, or rather more againstBubbles' inebriation. Might have found my crew after all. All it took was coming to this fog-ridden, lifeless place...
"Bubbles there said the same thing out on the lake. That I told him to chuck the girl in, which he did. Yet here I am. Helped the Prophet save the girl and return her. And didn't put an arrow or rapier through his throat, which I easily could have before he could point fingers. Go figure. I don't doubt he believes it, drunk or not. But I did no such thing. We all met with Luvash," (Nivi almost calls him 'LuLu' again), "at the Vistani camp who told us they had scouts searching east, west and south. Stood to reason to look at the lake in the north, the one place he left out. So why would I help do all that to save the girl with this crew if I'd been the one put the thought in old Bubbles' head to drown her? Give me some bloody credit for not being an idiot."
(Nivi continues to appear more insulted by the implied stupidity of her alleged criminal actions than by the actual accusation of abetting murder).
She considers a moment. "Thing is, I did pass by the lake on the way into town after coming through the fog. Got attacked by plant pests, wolves and worse. The one person I saw out there was a frail cobbler, begging. Yet, when he grabbed at my hand to shake it, his grip was firm and cold. Got me to thinking how some helpless beggar survives the night in these woods anyway. Maybe not so helpless. Maybe knows magic to disguise himself and put enchantment on Bubbles here to make him think I told him sending the girl to the bottom would help with his catch... It's like Sunsh- ah, Beren says. 'Til the fog cleared, man was blind and deaf to the world like a poppy milk junky in a den down in the dock ward..." She trails off, then shrugs.
"But yeah. Get Arabelle to safety. Sooner the better. I'll help. So, you know, after, I'll be right there and you can deal with me. Fair warning, though. You put me away for a crime I didn't do," (or even for one that I did, she muses), "You can bet your last copper I'm breaking out. And from what we had to fight out there tonight, you put me down, you better burn my body so I don't come back as one of those bloody zombies."
Once again, Nivi shows her teeth in what passes for her version of a pretty smile, helping take Arabelle to this Urwin'sInn or wherever the guards choose.
The guard had turned around, Glaive tentatively at the ready as everyone began talking in unison to some degree, first Jack playing it off as another drunken escapade, and the guard seems to give Bluto a knowing look. As if he was a known quantity and that he was drunk often enough to be famous for being so. Her eyes Fell on Arabelle as the girls name was mentioned, and she looked there for a while, until Beren spoke up. She looked him over with the mild interest of someone who had heard of a person but as he spoke, she seemed to trust him less and less. His words failing to convey his intended meaning and by the end of it she found herself only begrudgingly agreeing with his comments as despite him seeming untrustworthy, his words made enough sense... And finally Nivi chiming in her own defense once more.
Oh don't you all worry, you'll be seeing the Burgomaster tonight, under heavy guard of course, but you will see him tonight. Atleast your priorities are in order, even if some of your arguements aren't very convincing. she says as she looks at Beren. But they make enough sense that I won't have you arrested. In the end, the Burgomaster will decide what to do with everyone here. And yes, Bluto is a drunkard, and generally worthless but even a harlequin tells the truth... by accident or intent. There may yet be truth to his words, and if there are none, then .. if he attempted to 'sacrifice' the Bergomastes daughter... then he will learn of his generosity. she said dryly.
So aye, we'll still be going to the inn, it's the only suitable place within reasonable distance. The Bergomaster will be there shortly. though it was clear she meant as shortly as possible, given distance. Finally the woman addresses Nivi and her comments. Her glaive lowering just a bit.
Your story is plausible. I can see the logic in it. But I can also see the flaw. Many people seek the bergomasters favor. For all I know, you tricked poor Bluto here.. she said dryly as she sighed at the drunkard. To get him to commit an act that you could then save us from. Thus earning the favor. I don't understand the reason for your story about the beggar, but if his body was cold, he was likely dead. Not that cold corpses are hard to find here. Spirits and the like can do what you claim, or Strahd she says, spitting can pull such trickery. Though a few of the people can as well, and many of you outsiders can as well. she says letting that sink in with Nivi.
For now... as a show of Faith... Put these manacles on your wrists elf. She said as she moved to Bluto, who had suddenly gone silent once more... though it seemed he'd fallen asleep standing up, and she took the opportunity to manacle him before shacking him to wakefulness. And if you, oh avatar of the sun would be so kind as to make sure Bluto continues to follow orders, we may just find ourselves with an agreement. she says before looking to Nivi, to see if she would comply.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Occassional Dungeon Master.
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Beren stares at the fisherman for a moment. Clearly he'd been under some sort of influence, but regardless, even now he was acting strange. The light behind the mask flickers for a moment before he replies bluntly, "So now you decide to talk? The only one who threw anything away was yourself. And it wasn't a fish, it was a child. Who, lucky for you, my comrades pulled from the water before she drowned." He paused, "But I suppose you probably don't remember that, seems how you've been unresponsive until now." He might have given the fisherman a questioning look, but with his face hidden by the mask it is impossible to tell.
He can't help but find it odd that the one place no one had looked for Arabelle turned out to be where she was. Perhaps Beren was too worried about whatever game his life was turning into, but regardless he needed answers from this fisherman. Someone else had orchestrated this, and the man bound on the floor of the boat was just a pawn on the game board.
The man looks at Beren -not that he has anywhere else to look- as he begins talking to him. I did not throw no child in the water, I threw a sacrifice to the lake! Fishin ain't been good last two weeks for me, I no catch no fish. Arabelle 'erself said she'd help me catch some fish! She volunteered to be a sacrifice to the lake so I could catch me a bounty! The pretty lady told me Arabelle would do it, and she did! Nothing wrong with sacrificin' a willing sacrifice!
the man said clearly befuddled by Beren's comments, but as he spoke, it was clear there was a third factor, at the very least going on, the man sounded daft, a dull tool in the shed.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
"I sincerely doubt that," Beren says in a low voice. "I doubt Arabelle agreed to any such thing. No one in their right mind, which clearly you aren't, would believe such a thing." The light behind the mask flickers as he considers his next words. Clearly this fisherman was just a pawn, so who was this 'pretty lady' he mentioned? "Who was this woman who told you to sacrifice Arabelle?" Something tells him that this question is rather pointless, as more than likely the fisherman was under some magical influence. Still, if he could get at least a name or description, then it might lead him to the real culprit. "If you cooperate, perhaps your punishment will be lessened. I don't know what kind of person the Burgomaster is, but I should expect that he won't be too forgiving when he finds out what you tried to do to his daughter. If you tell me who the woman was and where to find her, perhaps..." He almost said, perhaps the punishment could go to her, but decided against that. If this person is under that woman's control somehow, he might not take kindly to having her take the blame. Instead he just lets the words hang, waiting to see what sort of nonsense he'll get as a response.
Nivi rolls her eyes at the fisherman. She had heard fishing could be a an obsession, but this was taking it too far!
"So talkative all of a sudden, Bubbles. Fog presses close and something presses you to sacrifice this child for a nibble on your line. Shuts your mouth up tighter than a shopkeeper paying protection when the guards come asking questions. Now the fog clears and suddenly your hearing and power of speech are back, along with your sparkling wit. Makes a girl wonder if whoever controls the fog is the real boss, eh?"
She nods as Beren speaks. Sunshine's not wrong. This fool's remaining breaths may be numbered in the dozens once the Burgomaster finds out.
"Where's your fish? You mean our fish. It's all here, but might as well be in our bellies or gifted to the Vistani as far as you're concerned. None for you unless you tell us everything, and I mean everything, you know about this pretty lady you say tipped you onto Arabelle being your sacrificial helper."
Glancing over at Olamoira, Nivi wonders if before being Sun-struck, the dark elven woman had ever sacrificed anyone as the legends Nivi had barely listened to as a child suggested (and the exiled drow in the Bregan D'aerthe , rivals in Waterdeep, had seemed to grudgingly confirm). Sacrificed to that hairy-legged harridan of a spider goddess. A rare, unwelcome philosophical thought intrudes on Nivi's consciousness, much to her distaste.
So is it worse to kill an innocent for Lolth or for a few rotting fish as this fool tried to do?
Or for a healthy profit and power as your own crew did in Waterdeep, Nivi? Never killed an innocent myself, though... not that I know of...
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
As the conversation between Beren and the fisherman drifts over the water from the boat she's steadily rowing in the wake up, Olamoira's muscles start to become noticeably more rigid. She seems yet more absent than perhaps she has even been yet. Here am I again, in the midst of the heathen horror, where only blood buys favor and fortune. She shudders, and then rows faster, a line of sweat beginning to trickle down her face again, past her blank, dark eyes, staring widely at the boat landing that is visible now with the retreat of the fog. Despite the horror and revulsion blooming inside of her, Ola feels a twinge of relief as the fog draws back.
Her own boat draws even with Beren's, and then pulls past it, her gaze fixed on the boat landing, her arms and legs locked in bracing her rhythmic motion of rowing. Beren's words, Nivi's, the fisherman's, start to blur together. He who rules the fog, rules the world, yes, high elf, if one is subject to such powers. Slowly Olamoira begins to grit her teeth. She feels her hands, arms, all her limbs, stained with blood. Her abhorrence within her own skin is almost unbearable. I don't want to be subject to those powers any more. She had made that decision when she ran from the temple, ran from the Underdark, and knew it was final when she stumbled into the blinding sunshine. The Sun... welcomed me with its burning pain. Promising that that life was over. Not that there was anything ahead of me. It was likely I would just burn up in its radiance. But at least that... was behind me.
No longer cognizant of how close or far Beren's boat is, Ola rows until the keel of her boat grinds into the sand at the boat landing, and then she stops, her hands frozen on the oars, her joints sagging against them, lowering her head between them until her forehead rests on her knees, folding over in an almost extreme bend. Her limp posture belies the battle raging within. No, I will not run from the Light. I will not. Though I die, I will not turn my back on it...
(WIll allow time for Jack to respond. I know he is moving soon IRL so that may be hampering him)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
At Berens retort, the man seems baffled. Truly confused... it was about this time that both boats inevitably reached the land, giving Moira a much needed rest. Wut? She did too! She promised she'd 'elp me catch some fish any way she could! he was about to respond to the part about Cooperating when Nivi cut in, and though he couldn't see her, he turned in-so-far as her direction as he could manage.
Me name's not Bubblez! It's Bluto! Blue-toe! N' the fog's is always comin' n goin, you must be outsiders if ye din knoe that! And what'dye mean? ye just got here n started shoutin at me for tryna survive! For what little that matters 'ere.... he seems to fade into himself for a moment, though only Beren can see it. How'd you get on my boat anyway? I was out alone in the waters... unfortunately for 'poor' Bluto, he had failed to catch any fish, both prior to, and after his attempted sacrifice...
Bluto suddenly seems to realize he's been tied up, struggling against the ropes for a moment ( 20 ) (Nat 20..)
And with the strength of a giant almost, the ropes tear like thread against a razor as the man effortlessly breaks free, getting up, and nearly tossing the boat over if not for the shore holding the weight of both Beren and Bluto.Oi! You tried to kidnap me! I didn't bloody volunteer for this *hic* Arabelle came to me willignly, I aint gonna be no sacrifice for you! His statement lingers there as he stares at beren stupidly as Nivi's other words come to him. Oh... you just want to know who the pretty lady what told me Arabelle'd do it? Well, she were a womanly elf, pretty skin what wif freckles all about her. Green eyes n' red 'air. She looked a bit roguish, as she were wearin studded armor but... she had this owl wif 'er too.
She told me to go to Arabelle to turn my fortunes 'round. Said i could sacrifice Arabelle, and that she'd be happy to oblige if I just asked 'er to 'elp me catch some fish. Then I could sell the fish n' finally get me 'ands on some wine from the w'zrd o' wines! The only good thing in this world.. the man sighs, as if he was close to some long held dream.
I ain't never seen no womanly elf in my entire life, but honestly the lady yellin at me sounds quite like her.... he says, turning around to where the voice had come from, and his face lit up in recognition It were you! Ye never told me your name pretty lady, but you were right! Arabelle said she'd do whatever she could to 'elp!
(Anyone may make an insight check)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Throughout her relatively short criminal career, Nivi has been perfectly guilty of everything she has ever been accused of, even if accusers may not always have understood her motivations. This is a new one for her - being accused of something she has not done. But my new companions do not know that.
Her eyebrow quirks at Bubbles, or Bluto or whoever the confused fisherman is as he breaks out of his bonds. She tries to guess at whether he is in on the setup, though she doubts he has the mental capacity for that kind of subterfuge.
Insight on Bluto to determine whether he believes what he says: 23
"Can't say much, except I did no such thing. All I can ask is at least give me credit for being smarter on a job than Bubbles. If it was really me, I had plenty of chance to get rid of him with my longbow as you all were reviving the girl so he would never spill the beans. Never took the shot. But more to the point, if I wanted to make him my catspaw to murder a girl I don't even know, fresh after arriving in this land, why would I have appeared to him as myself with Shiv on my shoulder? It is easy to make yourself look like anyone else. Well, easier for my brother and sister than for me, but..."
As she trails off, she mumbles again for a moment and waggles her fingers. Her form begins to glimmer and shift as she becomes smaller and not quite as slender, with even paler, alabaster skin, raven hair instead of red, and eyes a deeper green than their former pale shade, with human ears instead of elven. In a few moments, a second copy of Arabelle herself stands on the boat, only this one still with Shiv on her shoulder.
Nivi is casting Disguise Self (no concentration required). Followed by the Minor Illusion cantrip - see below.
The owl himself takes wing to remove this final discrepancy and the second Arabelle, in Nivi's voice and drawl, speaks matter-of-factly. "I could have appeared as anyone, with or without the owl. So why didn't I? If Bubbles here saw me with an owl asking him to sacrifice the girl, it was likely someone else who saw a new arrival in me who rubs folks the wrong way and would be easy to blame. Used illusion like I'm doing now to look like me."
A second owl, looking just like a motionless Shiv, appears on the second Arabelle's (Nivi's) shoulder as she waggles her fingers once more.
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
Beren stands up abruptly when Bluto miraculously breaks free of his bonds, preparing a spell just in case the drunkard tries to flee. He gives Nivi a blank look when Bluto make his accusation, but it's unclear whether or not he believes any of it.
Insight: 16 (game log)
He is already very suspicious of anything this man says. He might not really know much about Nivi, but seems how she was already looking for Arabelle before they met up...well it seems unlikely that she told this man to sacrifice the child. Still, he supposed that if Bluto had actually had a run-in with Nivi, perhaps the elf said something that Bluto misunderstood. Clearly Bluto is an idiot, and a drunken one at that, so if anyone told him anything that suggested Arabelle would be willing to become a sacrifice (which clearly he hadn't worded it that way when he asked her) he would believe them. As Nivi puts on a performance in defense of herself, Beren gives a small nod. She has a point. And, he thinks, Anyone else with that kind of magic who wanted to target her could simply dawn a disguise as well.
Turning his attention back to the fisherman, he says, "I...doubt that she told you to sacrifice Arabelle. She is a foreigner, like the rest of us..." He almost said, 'she's probably never met Arabelle until now' but realizes that he has no way of knowing that. Nivi didn't say how long she'd been at the dusk elf camp before they got there, so it was possible that she could have met the girl prior to her disappearance. Still, he had his doubts. He glances at Nivi/Arabelle, "Are you certain you have never met this man before? Could it be possible that you said something to him in jest that would convince him that sacrificing Arabelle was a good idea?" He doesn't sound accusing, really his tone is rather flat and tired.
Looking back at Bluto, he says, "Regardless, if you just asked Arabelle to help you catch some fish, there is a huge difference between that and asking if she would let you sacrifice her. But I suppose you didn't take that into consideration now did you. I can guarantee that, once she wakes up, if we ask her whether or not she agreed to help you fish and to be your sacrifice, she will say yes to the first and no to the latter." He shakes his head, the light behind the mask flickering as he continues, "And to think, all this because you wanted to get your hands on some wine? As if anything is worth the life of a child. You bastard."
He steps forward, and picks whatever is left of the rope up off the floor of the boat, "If you are so sure of your innocence, then how about you come with us to town and explain to the Burgomaster why his daughter has been missing. Perhaps we foreigners are not familiar with the customs of this land, and he'll be completely understanding when you explain that Arabelle was a willing sacrifice."
Nivi and Beren slightly study the man as he speaks in snowflake patterns, no one path ever going too far before changing to another. But despite this, once his accusation is made, to Nivi, she is utterly confident that every word that is coming out of the mans mouth is true (atleast from his perspective) while Beren can tell the man is extremely confident that his words lack falsity. Whether the accusation itself was true or not yet to be determined. Regardless, the man believed his tale was true.
B..beans? Bluto says questioningly Why would you waste good beans.. There are no cats 'round here... he mumbles to himself as Nivi speaks, his head cocking in much the same fashion as a confused dog. At the repeated accusation of 'murder' he clamors upright, finger in the air in a 'now you look right here' fashion It's not murder! It's sacrifice! but soon, Nivi casts a glamour upon herself, her height shrinking and various features changing until she was an exact clone of Arabelle.. more or less. And breifly he stood there dumbfounded once more as he looked Nivabelle over.
When Beren himself finished, the man was still looking at Nivabelle when he said in response to Beren But she did appear to me! She came up along the shore near where I fish and told me wut I told you before! Nivi would remember having came from that side of the town on her way in when she had first entered this realm. She said she knew i'd been 'avin trouble with my fish'n and told me what to do to flip my fortunes! But fine, I'll go to the burgomastuh, he'll understand it was nessecary. I din't do nuffin rong. Besides, there's a new arabelle, right there! he says, pointing at Nivibelle. So it all worked out! I sacrificed one Arabelle, and now my fishin will be amazin' and her twin there can take 'er place!
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Apart from a small grimace in seeing Nivi so balatantly reveal her knack for disguises, Jack found himself looking relatively amused at the ongoing exchange upon reaching the shore. So much so, in fact, that if it were possible to stay seated in the boat a little longer and still be able to watch things play out, he'd have happily stayed in his seat, gently keeping Araebelle held against him with one hand while the other fished out a piece of Lembas bread to chew on for a bit. Otherwise, as tiring as it would eventually prove to be, he'd stand off to the side with the girl cradled and swaddled in his arms still watching the "spectacle".
As far as the actual truths or lies or half-truths exchanged between 'actors', none of it mattered enough for Jack to really look concerned or scrutinize in the moment. At most there'd been a moment or two of his raising a brow and cocking his head to the side in an almost thoughtful look... But such moments were few and far between, if anyone was attentive enough of the Eladrin to even notice.
"Seems we've at last reached something of an agreement then!" Jack promptly chimed in almost as soon as the fisherman finished speaking. "Tempting as it may be, let's save any further antagonize of each other for after we're at least safely beyond the walls of the city and before the burgomaster. Who I'm sure will be in just the most loveliest of moods this late at night." He beams at the group, and had he the free hand to do so at the time, he would've even given a thumbs-up. He then looks to Olamoira. "That of course goes the same for you my dear, unfortunately. I've.. noticed you've seem to have a lot on your mind on the way back, and would just love to hear more. But for now, let's allonsy." At that, Jack carefully picks his way off the boat if he hadn't already, and would make for the road back to town. "You may want to do without the disguise for this meeting as well, my Red Little Sprout. Don't want to confuse any locals we meet on the way back now do we?" He called back to Nivi without turning back.
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
(Will wait on replies/confirmations)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
"Yes, let's be on our way," Beren huffs, starting towards the town. "I'm sure the guards will be thrilled let us in, considering we have the girl they've all been so desperate to find." He doesn't look towards either Nivibelle or Arabelle as he says this, regardless as to whether or not he actually thinks the dimwitted fisherman would pick up on his meaning.
If Olamoira hasn't moved from her position at the oars, Beren walks over and asks, "Are you alright? Think you can make it back to town?" If she needs help getting to her feet and out of the boat, Beren will lend a hand. After that he goes quiet, walking stiffly down the path as the pain from his wounds slowly kicks in again. Right now they just need to get Arabelle back where she belongs.
Nivi grins at Jack favoring her with a nickname. "That's the spirit, Half-Pint. And brilliant advice. Never would have thought of it myself."
She holds the disguise for several moments longer, momentarily ignoring his (obvious) suggestion and appearing as Arabelle until the boat is within distant eyeshot of the original embarkment spot. Driving home the point that she would have had to be an idiot to appear as herself when abetting such a crime. She considers appearing as someone else, since who knows how the Burgomaster will react to Bubbles' (apparently sincere) story of someone disguised as her convincing the fisherman to sacrifice the girl. If she is honest with herself, she is still suspicious the fog and whoever controls it (Strahd or otherwise) may have been involved too.
But some things never change. Nivi has never shied away from trouble, so why start now? She lets the Disguise Self dissolve before anyone ashore can see, and returns to looking like her true self again. The Minor Illusion of Shiv dissipates as well and the real owl returns to her shoulder.
"Right. Burgomaster'll be in a bad mood cause we're returning his kidnapped daughter too late in the day. I like your sense of humor, Shorty," she drawls, deadpan. She hops out helps beach or moor both boats as needed, nodding to Beren, ready to go. "No time like the present."
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
Olamoira hears her companion's voices, as if far away, and lifts her head to look up at Jack when he speaks to her. A lot on my mind. Love to hear more? The unquenchable affability of the ephemeral Eladrin continues to charm and amuse Ola, and lifts her out of the darkness of her own spirits for just a moment. If only he knew. But he doesn't, and so it shall stay, without due cause. Let those not cursed to her world of darkness stay blissfully free of it. A moment of mirth is enough, though, for her to get up and climb out of the boat, before any aid is offered her.
"Yes, I can... I am sorry... I will come to town," she says to Beren in reply, as she slowly returns to normal movement and posture. She loyally dogs his steps as the party escorts Arabelle towards her home. But as she does so, her dark eyes glued painfully on the Sun incarnate, she notices he moves a little like he's injured. For a moment the celestial vision and the mortal human man---still a child, to us elves---war in her perception. She blinks. Feeling foggy and unclear about what her duty might be to a human apart from his heavenly anointing, she begins to softly mumble to herself in Celestial, as if addressing the Divine power glowing out like the Sun as a beacon to them all. The sorrow and shame starts to wrack her again as she does, but she steadfastly puts one foot in front of the other.
(In Celestial, but too quietly for anyone to easily overhear):
"Add to my crimes that I cannot be concerned for anyone else's sacrificial victims... that I cannot acknowledge those in need around me, for being lost in my own darkness. O, Divine Light, turn not your face from me, my bones are all broken, my mouth is dried up, my life slips away, take not your celestial spirit from me, for without you I cannot be sustained, there is nothing left of me."
With it decided, and a strangely cooperative man who seemed to have no semblance of guilt, even feeling quite justified with his actions, or some other similar emotion or state. Through it all, he gets up slowly, drunkenly but he manages to stay upright by Tymora's luck alone as he walks willingly from the lake. At this hour, no one is out. And you all have a feeling you know why after the dangers you've faced here. Nivi recalls her time before in her mind, trying to think of anything that had happened in her travels that might have led to this mans accusations or beliefs about her. (See PM)
The walk itself taking about fifteen minutes under the hazy night sky. Though the fog had lifted much, there was always the thinnest films of it at the farthest reaches, never allowing for a crystal clear view of anything. Regardless the ground was lit well enough that even Noel could have stumbled confidently without need of the Light spell. In time, you approach the gate nearest the Lake and much to everyone's surprise, this gate is similar in appearance, if not specifics to the other entrance to the town. Two guards behind the safety of pikes with mounted heads of felled creatures to warn those foolish enough to try to enter off.
Nivi's glamour having long been dispelled, she appears as herself as the ragtag group walks up with Bluto in tow, more stumbling than walking, but walking nonetheless. he never mad an attempt to bolt for it, nor did he attempt to attack anyone. If anything he walked with the smug... drunken.. confidence of a man sure of himself. Even going so far as to hmph triumphantly, though for no apparent reason.
Initially, the guards take up their glaives but once they see Arabelle swaddled in Jacks arms they nearly jump. Initially they seem wary, as if they might be getting fooled. (Insights: 2 & 6 )
But looking at the situation, they shout an alarm Someone's got Arabelle! Quick, call the Chirurgeons! Inform the Burgomaster! She's been found! one of them runs into town farther while the other fumbles like an apprentice smith on their first day with the keys as they attempt to unlock the gate. Dropping them several times and their face turning red at the fact. But eventually she does get the gate open, ushering you all in with urgency. Hurry! Hurry! These hours are dangerous! This is why the fishermen do not stay out long past the suns set! Quickly, we must take Arabelle to.... the burgomasters house is too far, we go to the inn! it has wards against evil.. or so Urwin claims.
It was then that Bluto chose to speak up. Excuse me ma'am! It's me Bluto! The one wut told me to Sacrifice Arabelle is the pretty ginger elf 'ere.
The female guard stops in her tracks...
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Although not want to hurry along over matters that weren't amusing at all, Jack, for once, chose to play along and pick up the pace, having been warned as Noel and Beren had about some of the various dangers lurking the land. Heck, Beren had but barely an hour ago if even that had run afoul of some wondering undead! But naturally, Bluto just had to try and throw a wrench into things, if albeit incidentally so.
'No matter...' He thought, before with an amused smile he feigned and a brief, sidelong look given to Bluto he says aloud, "Oh there he goes again. Tsk tsk! I would've thought you would've walked off all that alcohol you oh so delightfully chugged earlier. But it seems we should've poured some lake water on your head for good measure!" Ending softly with a jests, Jack turns more fully back to the guards. "He was fairly deep into his cups when we came upon this delightful chap out on the Lake. And while you no doubt have plenty of questions yourselves, and few reasons perhaps to take an outsider at his word, what is more important right now is seeing to it that this lovely little darling in my arms finds her way safety of that inn at the very least. And save any games of 'he said', 'she said' for after the Burgomaster or whoever decides to send to properly sort all this out... Isn't that right, Sir Beren?" He asks with a grin and hope his words were enough of setup for any follow-up the paladin might put forth to help smooth things over.
(OOC: Hoping that if some kind of persuasion check is needed, Jack's words count as performing the help action.)
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
The light behind the mask flairs for a moment when Bluto decides to call out Nivi for no apparent reason. If the fisherman was so bloody confident that he wasn't going to get into trouble, why stake the blame on Nivi? He stares at the drunken man for a moment, light flickering in annoyance before turning back to the guard who had just let them inside. The longer he has to think about this, the surer he is that there is far more to this than just a drunken man and a misunderstanding. Hopefully Nivi has some sort of an explanation as to why Bluto is so sure she told him to sacrifice Arabelle, even if it's just a hunch. Perhaps they will have time to discuss it at this in...if they ever make it there anyways. If Jack hadn't spoken up, Beren would have spoken to the guard quietly in case insisting Bluto is just drunk caused the man to spout off more nonsense. Oh well, hopefully the guard will be able to tell how unreliable this sailor's information is at the moment.
He nods to Jack, "Yes, right now we just need to see the girl to safety." Then he steps up closer to the guard and says in a low voice, "And I think there is more than just drink affecting this man's mind, as he was completely unresponsive when we found him..." He pauses, deciding not to elaborate on that, instead, he tilts his mask slightly towards Nivi, "As for my companion here. She risked her life to pull the girl out of the water. Without her aid we would not have located Arabelle in time to prevent her death. So for now I would suggest ignoring Bluto's words until Arabelle is back with her father." He hesitates a moment, glancing at Bluto before saying in an even quieter tone, "If we aren't going to see the Burgomaster tonight, which is completely understandable, then I would advice putting... Bluto, under watch. He's come of his own accord so far because he somehow believes sacrificing a child was reasonable, and that the Burgomaster will understand. I don't know if his mentality will change once he's slept off his drink."
Persuasion (if needed): (23)
Nivi does not flinch at Bluto's (Bubbles') words. Though she is slightly taken aback and even... heartened (?) that both Shorty and Sunshine speak up on her behalf, or rather more against Bubbles' inebriation. Might have found my crew after all. All it took was coming to this fog-ridden, lifeless place...
"Bubbles there said the same thing out on the lake. That I told him to chuck the girl in, which he did. Yet here I am. Helped the Prophet save the girl and return her. And didn't put an arrow or rapier through his throat, which I easily could have before he could point fingers. Go figure. I don't doubt he believes it, drunk or not. But I did no such thing. We all met with Luvash," (Nivi almost calls him 'LuLu' again), "at the Vistani camp who told us they had scouts searching east, west and south. Stood to reason to look at the lake in the north, the one place he left out. So why would I help do all that to save the girl with this crew if I'd been the one put the thought in old Bubbles' head to drown her? Give me some bloody credit for not being an idiot."
(Nivi continues to appear more insulted by the implied stupidity of her alleged criminal actions than by the actual accusation of abetting murder).
She considers a moment. "Thing is, I did pass by the lake on the way into town after coming through the fog. Got attacked by plant pests, wolves and worse. The one person I saw out there was a frail cobbler, begging. Yet, when he grabbed at my hand to shake it, his grip was firm and cold. Got me to thinking how some helpless beggar survives the night in these woods anyway. Maybe not so helpless. Maybe knows magic to disguise himself and put enchantment on Bubbles here to make him think I told him sending the girl to the bottom would help with his catch... It's like Sunsh- ah, Beren says. 'Til the fog cleared, man was blind and deaf to the world like a poppy milk junky in a den down in the dock ward..." She trails off, then shrugs.
"But yeah. Get Arabelle to safety. Sooner the better. I'll help. So, you know, after, I'll be right there and you can deal with me. Fair warning, though. You put me away for a crime I didn't do," (or even for one that I did, she muses), "You can bet your last copper I'm breaking out. And from what we had to fight out there tonight, you put me down, you better burn my body so I don't come back as one of those bloody zombies."
Once again, Nivi shows her teeth in what passes for her version of a pretty smile, helping take Arabelle to this Urwin's Inn or wherever the guards choose.
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
The guard had turned around, Glaive tentatively at the ready as everyone began talking in unison to some degree, first Jack playing it off as another drunken escapade, and the guard seems to give Bluto a knowing look. As if he was a known quantity and that he was drunk often enough to be famous for being so. Her eyes Fell on Arabelle as the girls name was mentioned, and she looked there for a while, until Beren spoke up. She looked him over with the mild interest of someone who had heard of a person but as he spoke, she seemed to trust him less and less. His words failing to convey his intended meaning and by the end of it she found herself only begrudgingly agreeing with his comments as despite him seeming untrustworthy, his words made enough sense... And finally Nivi chiming in her own defense once more.
Oh don't you all worry, you'll be seeing the Burgomaster tonight, under heavy guard of course, but you will see him tonight. Atleast your priorities are in order, even if some of your arguements aren't very convincing. she says as she looks at Beren. But they make enough sense that I won't have you arrested. In the end, the Burgomaster will decide what to do with everyone here. And yes, Bluto is a drunkard, and generally worthless but even a harlequin tells the truth... by accident or intent. There may yet be truth to his words, and if there are none, then .. if he attempted to 'sacrifice' the Bergomastes daughter... then he will learn of his generosity. she said dryly.
So aye, we'll still be going to the inn, it's the only suitable place within reasonable distance. The Bergomaster will be there shortly. though it was clear she meant as shortly as possible, given distance. Finally the woman addresses Nivi and her comments. Her glaive lowering just a bit.
Your story is plausible. I can see the logic in it. But I can also see the flaw. Many people seek the bergomasters favor. For all I know, you tricked poor Bluto here.. she said dryly as she sighed at the drunkard. To get him to commit an act that you could then save us from. Thus earning the favor. I don't understand the reason for your story about the beggar, but if his body was cold, he was likely dead. Not that cold corpses are hard to find here. Spirits and the like can do what you claim, or Strahd she says, spitting can pull such trickery. Though a few of the people can as well, and many of you outsiders can as well. she says letting that sink in with Nivi.
For now... as a show of Faith... Put these manacles on your wrists elf. She said as she moved to Bluto, who had suddenly gone silent once more... though it seemed he'd fallen asleep standing up, and she took the opportunity to manacle him before shacking him to wakefulness. And if you, oh avatar of the sun would be so kind as to make sure Bluto continues to follow orders, we may just find ourselves with an agreement. she says before looking to Nivi, to see if she would comply.
Occassional Dungeon Master.