"Wait here a moment", Normont says to his grandfather and leads Trish a little away.
"A strange woman appeared at my workshop, although she was clearly disguised by illusory magic. she appeared more like a he if you looked closely. Anyway, they made some threats in the name of the Nameless Ones, and seeing as they know where I live, I was hoping the Pale Guard could help protect my grandfather in case they get any ideas", he explains with a mixture of concern and anger.
"The wanted me to pass on a message to my new employers, but I don't want to go to them in case that is what they wanted, but they said they were holding one of them. They wanted them warned off".
Trish listened her face flashing through a range of emotions.
" Nameless Ones.....yeah we had a report come through from the Hunt regarding them but we weren't given much to act on so I assumed the Hunt was doing their own investigation and would let us Guard plebs in on it when they knew more."
" New Employers? So that rumour is true then? I knew you weren't on sabbatical, you sneaky git."
" Your Gramps can stay at my place as long as he doesn't mind the mess. I've got a spare room.....I'll probably need to evict some of the cats but they'll be happy enough in with me."
Lokilia doesn't hesitate, following after Normont as he goes with Trish. "I would hate to allow these Nameless to just go on unopposed. We'd like to continue investigating them. But do not wish to bring harm to others by doing so." Taking her cue from the gnome, she doesn't really say anything specific about the threat or who they were to warn.
Trish nodded to her, then back to Normont, " I understand the reluctance but you've probably got to give the Hunt the heads up regardless....but you could go through...other channels if you didn't want to directly tip off these Nameless fecks."
She nodded her head toward Lokilia then back towards Normont, " Probably not worth calling in the big guns....literally....but his Lordship and her Ladyship should be back soonish.....or there may be liasons you can pass word on through with at the Tempests residence."
" I'd pass it through the usual Guard channels but.......", she bit her lip. " I'm not sure how secure they are.....theres been a few oddities the past month or so.".
Dev hadn’t really drawn a bead on Normont’s grandfather yet. He thinks the old gnome probably doesn’t think highly of his singing and interest in the arts, and lack of social charms. But that doesn’t keep Dev from empathizing, for if he imagines his own elderly parents being whisked away from their home, even for their own protection, he imagines the difficulty for them, at their age, adjusting to new circumstances. That’s why, when Normont and Lokilia speak with Trish, Dev converses with Normont’s grandfather, about trivial things, but trying, without being too obvious about it, to keep his spirits up.
Chatting with Normonts Grandfather Dev certainly doesn't get any ill-feeling from him but the old fellow certainly doesn't give the impression of understanding or really having any interest in Devs pursuits....though he certainly thinks well of Dev he doesn't really have ANY common frame of reference. He does seem rather proud of Normont and whenever Dev gets him onto that topic he waxes lyrical for.....a very long time........his current understanding seems to be that whats happening now is " important city official stuff" which he is undertaking to assist Normont and his " important city offical duties".
Normont breathes a sigh of relief when Trash agrees to put his grandfather up, and then gets a shifty look as he realises he has blown his sabbatical cover.
"Well, yeah", he says scratching the back of his neck. "I guess just don't go spreading it around", he says with a grin. "Anyway, thanks. You don't know how much that means to me", he adds looking across to his grandfather in conversation with Dev.
"I am sure I can find a way to get word to the Hunt, and those are good suggestions. But I am curious, what oddities are you talking about? Could they be related to these Nameless...what did you call them? Fecks?".
As Trish mentions being unsure of the usual Guard channels to communicate, Lokilia starts to worry. 'Have these Nameless in disguised infiltrated the Guard? Maybe the Hunt?' She didn't know this woman well, but she wonders if ever she might not be what she seems. She examines her closely as she and Normont continue to chat, hoping to both see if she is being truthful but also to see if there are any signs of altered appearance. (Insight: 10)
Normont breathes a sigh of relief when Trash agrees to put his grandfather up, and then gets a shifty look as he realises he has blown his sabbatical cover.
"Well, yeah", he says scratching the back of his neck. "I guess just don't go spreading it around", he says with a grin. "Anyway, thanks. You don't know how much that means to me", he adds looking across to his grandfather in conversation with Dev.
"I am sure I can find a way to get word to the Hunt, and those are good suggestions. But I am curious, what oddities are you talking about? Could they be related to these Nameless...what did you call them? Fecks?".
Trish looked slightly embarrassed, " Not sure really....but we've had a few times over the last few weeks where normally reliable folks have steered patrols in the wrong direction at the right time if you get my meaning. It happens.....someone tells a patrol they heard a call for help in the North Ward but it turns out they were in the South Ward....a lot of the ' informants' are old with not much better to do than stick their nose into other folks affairs....sometimes it works in our favour....others not so much."
" But theres been more than usual of the not so much in recent weeks."
" And last week Lillian said I told her to head to the South East Gate immediately when she was supposed to be on watch at the Temple Gate....but I hadn't talked to her in days....bit odd."
As Trish mentions being unsure of the usual Guard channels to communicate, Lokilia starts to worry. 'Have these Nameless in disguised infiltrated the Guard? Maybe the Hunt?' She didn't know this woman well, but she wonders if ever she might not be what she seems. She examines her closely as she and Normont continue to chat, hoping to both see if she is being truthful but also to see if there are any signs of altered appearance. (Insight: 10)
As far as Lokilia can see Trish is being forthright though a little flummoxed.
Lokilia's eyes widen as she hears Trish relay the information about the Guard being led in the wrong direction. She gets an even more concerned look when she mentions someone thought Trish herself had said something that she hadn't. Though she feels pretty certain that this really is Trish, she feels like her hunch about the Nameless passing themselves off as guards might be true!
She isn't sure what to do. It feels like Trish ought to be told. But what if by telling her the fact that they know gets back to the Nameless? Would it be better to just not let them realize they know?
A little abruptly, though she tries to keep her voice calm, she says, "Normont, maybe we should see about getting that message out. And we do have things to do."
"Hm, it seems these Nameless are making a habit of impersonation", Normont says frowning. "If they are using an illusory disguise each time, making physical contact would be the quickest to check. For example...", he motions for Trish to bend down and if she does he slowly checks around the illusion to make sure what he sees aligns with what he feels.
If it does, he carries on. "I suggest you perform regular checks such as this, and once done determine some kind of daily code word or signal to ensure everyone knows they are speaking to the genuine person. Or perhaps once you have determined someone is genuine you could give them a small trinket to discreetly display on their person, that wouldn't be spotted unless you know it is there. Again, this would need to change over time". We should do this as well, he thinks regarding his friends. He will bring that up once they have left.
He looks to Lokilia, "Oh, yes. Of course we do. Thanks again, Trish".
He wanders back to his grandfather, "So, you can stay with Trish for a few days whilst my friends and I deal with some official business. Best that way, because I'll know you are in good hands". He gives the old gnome a warm smile before giving him a hug goodbye.
Dev wiggles his fingers good bye to Normont’s grandfather and asks Normont and Lokilia to catch him up on the conversation with Trish. Once they have, it seems they are left with more questions than answers.
”I mean, why are the Nameless Ones, like, making efforts?,” he wonders aloud to his friends. “Are they just causing trouble, or sending the guard in the wrong direction at specific moments so they won’t be around to stop something even worse they’re doing?”
"That's really smart Normont, the physical contact would help see through simple illusions,' Lokilia says. She listens to Dev's questions and the response as well. "I think the misdirection must be to cover up something. But I'm more concerned if they have infiltrated one of these groups somehow more permanently. Just think how much information they could get. How easy it would make it for them to get away with just about anything."
She nods at Normont's comment on other towns. "It would be interesting to know about other cities. I can't imagine anyone here would know much. Perhaps eventually we would need to go and visit one of these other places." She then adds, "I have some thoughts on messages. But we can talk about that later."
"My assumption is these events were distractions", Normont replies to Dev. "So the latter option of yours".
"It would be interesting to find someone who knows more about their dealings in other cities".
He thinks about who that might be, and how he can get a message to the Hunt without revealing their location.
"Yes! And I wonder if someone would know what other things were happening in the city at the same time the guards were being misdirected. Maybe there's some kind of pattern?"
(In a complete non-sequitur, Dev is now thinking about his scheduled performance at the castle. He remembers that before the party had left the ancient tower, he had taken some pieces of paper with ancient songs on them. Wouldn't this be a perfect occasion to sing those songs for the first time in centuries? Dev smiles at this thought, momentarily distracted from the discussion at hand.)
Lokilia's eyes widen as she hears Trish relay the information about the Guard being led in the wrong direction. She gets an even more concerned look when she mentions someone thought Trish herself had said something that she hadn't. Though she feels pretty certain that this really is Trish, she feels like her hunch about the Nameless passing themselves off as guards might be true!
She isn't sure what to do. It feels like Trish ought to be told. But what if by telling her the fact that they know gets back to the Nameless? Would it be better to just not let them realize they know?
A little abruptly, though she tries to keep her voice calm, she says, "Normont, maybe we should see about getting that message out. And we do have things to do."
"Hm, it seems these Nameless are making a habit of impersonation", Normont says frowning. "If they are using an illusory disguise each time, making physical contact would be the quickest to check. For example...", he motions for Trish to bend down and if she does he slowly checks around the illusion to make sure what he sees aligns with what he feels.
If it does, he carries on. "I suggest you perform regular checks such as this, and once done determine some kind of daily code word or signal to ensure everyone knows they are speaking to the genuine person. Or perhaps once you have determined someone is genuine you could give them a small trinket to discreetly display on their person, that wouldn't be spotted unless you know it is there. Again, this would need to change over time". We should do this as well, he thinks regarding his friends. He will bring that up once they have left.
He looks to Lokilia, "Oh, yes. Of course we do. Thanks again, Trish".
He wanders back to his grandfather, "So, you can stay with Trish for a few days whilst my friends and I deal with some official business. Best that way, because I'll know you are in good hands". He gives the old gnome a warm smile before giving him a hug goodbye.
Trish looks at Normont bemused, " Well, I've never had no one complain when I've felt them up before.....but its gonna be a little awkward in the workplace...."
" But its a sound idea. We don't deal too much with this sort of magic stuff but most of us should be able to get our heads around it."
She sent a thumbs up in Normonts Grandfathers direction, " Not directly in my hands, mind. I don't want to be responsible for any heart attacks or the like."
Normonts Grandfather gave an ever so slightly delayed nod in her direction.
" Bit of a scoundrel back in the day that one I think, wonder if our quiet horse Normont here takes after him?", she teased.
She headed across and unhooked a key from her belt presenting it the Normonts Grandfather, then walked in him out of the Hall.
Dev wiggles his fingers good bye to Normont’s grandfather and asks Normont and Lokilia to catch him up on the conversation with Trish. Once they have, it seems they are left with more questions than answers.
”I mean, why are the Nameless Ones, like, making efforts?,” he wonders aloud to his friends. “Are they just causing trouble, or sending the guard in the wrong direction at specific moments so they won’t be around to stop something even worse they’re doing?”
"That's really smart Normont, the physical contact would help see through simple illusions,' Lokilia says. She listens to Dev's questions and the response as well. "I think the misdirection must be to cover up something. But I'm more concerned if they have infiltrated one of these groups somehow more permanently. Just think how much information they could get. How easy it would make it for them to get away with just about anything."
She nods at Normont's comment on other towns. "It would be interesting to know about other cities. I can't imagine anyone here would know much. Perhaps eventually we would need to go and visit one of these other places." She then adds, "I have some thoughts on messages. But we can talk about that later."
As the companions consider their options they realize that they all know various folks either from or that have spent time in the other cities and towns that the Nameless Ones were stated to have had previous activities in.
"I feel better knowing my grandfather is out of harm's way. Now, perhaps a little research into these Nameless Ones is in order", Normont says. "Who do we know that his been in Emon, Westruun or Kymal recently?".
"Perhaps we should take Trish's advice and head to Tempest's residence and see if we can pass on a message there whilst we think?".
(OOC: DM - who are the people we can go and talk to about the Nameless Ones? Normont and his grandfather were from Emon, but they left for Whitestone decades ago. Happy to go do some some research on them now if everyone else is. Also DM, why did Trish advise to go to the Tempest's residence? Are there members of the Hunt stationed there to guard her?)
(Dev’s older platonic friend, the tiefling artist Balaran Almiji is recently here from Kymal and Emon. Is that spilled paint on his cheek or does he have guilt written all over him, lololol?! But no he’s not nameless and he has a past or so he says. Whew!)
”Well, There’s Balaran…,” the teenager offers quietly. “Remember? You met him at the Lilac Inn,” he ventures. “He’s from Kymal and Emon.”
"And you trust him enough to ask him about The Nameless Ones?", Normont asks Dev, having not had as much to do with Balaran in the last few weeks when he was busy in his workshop.
"Balaran! He seems like the sort that might have collected a rumor or two about such things. We should ask him," Lokilia says. "There were those Ashari I met. Hmm, no, they were from Pyrah. That's way off in Issylra. They were traveling, so perhaps they went through those places. But as travelers, they might not have noticed much. Plus I think they already left town." She stops, shaking her head a bit as she realizes she was rambling on. "Yea, seems Balaran is the person to start with."
She looks about, making sure there is nobody that might overhear. "I think Trish had some ideas, but I had one of my own. I could send an animal messenger to deliver your message. I'll have to ask the Great Mother for that in the morning. If it has to be today, I could maybe befriend and just try to convince an animal to help, but the other way would be better." There's a slight pause as she looks at Normont to make sure he's following her. "We need the right animal. I'm thinking a bat, since with it's echolocation it would see through any illusions. We'll just need to find a bat. And not that one that kept watching me."
"And you trust him enough to ask him about The Nameless Ones?", Normont asks Dev, having not had as much to do with Balaran in the last few weeks when he was busy in his workshop.
“Yes, I trust him…,” Dev replies, uncertainly. “It’s just… I’m not sure I want to bring trouble to his front door directly. I… haven’t heard that much about his past. I’ll ask him about Kymal and Emon, and see if… I mean if the Nameless Ones were a problem there, maybe he’ll just mention them anyhow?”
"Is your concern that we might be followed and they might then come after Balaran?" Lokilia asks Dev. "I mean, I guess we wouldn't want to do that to him, so should be careful. But with his mother being in charge of Kymal I'd imagine he would be more likely than most to know something." She then pauses for a moment, adding reluctantly, "Though he doesn't seem to be the kind that really cares about those kinds of things."
"His mother is in charge of Kymal?", Normont repeats. That means it is possible he knows something of the troubles there. "I think it is worth asking. You should absolutely tackle the conversation in the way you deem most appropriate though, Dev".
With regards Lokilia's idea of the animal messenger, he looks a touch confused. "So if we wait until tomorrow, you can simply summon this animal? That is amazing, I had no idea you could do that. Could they return a message in reply as well? That does seem like a safe way to communicate at the moment, and worth waiting I think".
"So, we have a couple of plans then. I think we need to know more before we can form a strategy. I do worry for the person held, but assuming we are discreet we can hope they will be ok in the short term. What the hunt will do when we get that message to them is unknown though".
(OOC: DM - Repeating this question so it doesn't get lmissed: Why did Trish advise to go to the Tempest's residence? Are there members of the Hunt stationed there to guard her? Also, does Normont know anyone who has come from those cities recently that he can ask?)
(OOC: DM - who are the people we can go and talk to about the Nameless Ones? Normont and his grandfather were from Emon, but they left for Whitestone decades ago. Happy to go do some some research on them now if everyone else is. Also DM, why did Trish advise to go to the Tempest's residence? Are there members of the Hunt stationed there to guard her?)
(
People-
Blainith should be in Emon by now and, from Normonts meeting with her, it is likely the representative of the Cobalt Soul is capable of sending and receiving messages through magical means.
Most of you still are owed a favour ( and have a marked electrum piece denoting such) by the Ocici mercantile family who almost certainly have holdings in Whitestone and will likely be impacted by the Nameless Ones.
Balaran of course.
Normont does also have that note from lord De Rolo regarding the grave dirt that he might be able to leverage into a meeting at the Palace with Cassandra or one of the De Rolo children.
The Nameless Ones are formed from both members of both the Clasp and the Myriad.....its possible something about the Clasp in Emon back in the day MAY still be relevant but yes thats a long shot.
Trish knows The Tempest ( and other members of VM) well and her abilities, it is likely she was thinking of something like Lokilia mentioned regarding animal messengers or the like.
It is also possibly easier to surreptiously leave a message with the staff at Grey Hunt Manor which someone else can later relay to the Hunt...though there are risks with this of course.)
"I can ask the Great Mother for different spells each day," Lokilia says. "Animal Messenger is not one I currently have. But by tomorrow morning I could, yes." She thinks a moment. "I can cast it on an animal and give it a location and recipient that matches a description. I can give it a message of up to 25 words and then it will go to find that person. The message is delivered by the animal in my voice."
Again she thinks a moment, "I'm not sure the magic would automatically allow for a return message. Though again, I could perhaps charm the creature and speak to it and convince it to also carry a message and come back again with a reply note after the messenger spell is used." She shrugs, "Again, maybe I could convince a creature without the Animal Messenger magic. But it would be less reliable. We're talking wild creatures, not a trained courier bird."
Trish listened her face flashing through a range of emotions.
" Nameless Ones.....yeah we had a report come through from the Hunt regarding them but we weren't given much to act on so I assumed the Hunt was doing their own investigation and would let us Guard plebs in on it when they knew more."
" New Employers? So that rumour is true then? I knew you weren't on sabbatical, you sneaky git."
" Your Gramps can stay at my place as long as he doesn't mind the mess. I've got a spare room.....I'll probably need to evict some of the cats but they'll be happy enough in with me."
Trish nodded to her, then back to Normont, " I understand the reluctance but you've probably got to give the Hunt the heads up regardless....but you could go through...other channels if you didn't want to directly tip off these Nameless fecks."
She nodded her head toward Lokilia then back towards Normont, " Probably not worth calling in the big guns....literally....but his Lordship and her Ladyship should be back soonish.....or there may be liasons you can pass word on through with at the Tempests residence."
" I'd pass it through the usual Guard channels but.......", she bit her lip. " I'm not sure how secure they are.....theres been a few oddities the past month or so.".
Chatting with Normonts Grandfather Dev certainly doesn't get any ill-feeling from him but the old fellow certainly doesn't give the impression of understanding or really having any interest in Devs pursuits....though he certainly thinks well of Dev he doesn't really have ANY common frame of reference. He does seem rather proud of Normont and whenever Dev gets him onto that topic he waxes lyrical for.....a very long time........his current understanding seems to be that whats happening now is " important city official stuff" which he is undertaking to assist Normont and his " important city offical duties".
Normont breathes a sigh of relief when Trash agrees to put his grandfather up, and then gets a shifty look as he realises he has blown his sabbatical cover.
"Well, yeah", he says scratching the back of his neck. "I guess just don't go spreading it around", he says with a grin. "Anyway, thanks. You don't know how much that means to me", he adds looking across to his grandfather in conversation with Dev.
"I am sure I can find a way to get word to the Hunt, and those are good suggestions. But I am curious, what oddities are you talking about? Could they be related to these Nameless...what did you call them? Fecks?".
As Trish mentions being unsure of the usual Guard channels to communicate, Lokilia starts to worry. 'Have these Nameless in disguised infiltrated the Guard? Maybe the Hunt?' She didn't know this woman well, but she wonders if ever she might not be what she seems. She examines her closely as she and Normont continue to chat, hoping to both see if she is being truthful but also to see if there are any signs of altered appearance. (Insight: 10)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi ||
Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue
Trish looked slightly embarrassed, " Not sure really....but we've had a few times over the last few weeks where normally reliable folks have steered patrols in the wrong direction at the right time if you get my meaning. It happens.....someone tells a patrol they heard a call for help in the North Ward but it turns out they were in the South Ward....a lot of the ' informants' are old with not much better to do than stick their nose into other folks affairs....sometimes it works in our favour....others not so much."
" But theres been more than usual of the not so much in recent weeks."
" And last week Lillian said I told her to head to the South East Gate immediately when she was supposed to be on watch at the Temple Gate....but I hadn't talked to her in days....bit odd."
As far as Lokilia can see Trish is being forthright though a little flummoxed.
Lokilia's eyes widen as she hears Trish relay the information about the Guard being led in the wrong direction. She gets an even more concerned look when she mentions someone thought Trish herself had said something that she hadn't. Though she feels pretty certain that this really is Trish, she feels like her hunch about the Nameless passing themselves off as guards might be true!
She isn't sure what to do. It feels like Trish ought to be told. But what if by telling her the fact that they know gets back to the Nameless? Would it be better to just not let them realize they know?
A little abruptly, though she tries to keep her voice calm, she says, "Normont, maybe we should see about getting that message out. And we do have things to do."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi ||
Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue
"Hm, it seems these Nameless are making a habit of impersonation", Normont says frowning. "If they are using an illusory disguise each time, making physical contact would be the quickest to check. For example...", he motions for Trish to bend down and if she does he slowly checks around the illusion to make sure what he sees aligns with what he feels.
If it does, he carries on. "I suggest you perform regular checks such as this, and once done determine some kind of daily code word or signal to ensure everyone knows they are speaking to the genuine person. Or perhaps once you have determined someone is genuine you could give them a small trinket to discreetly display on their person, that wouldn't be spotted unless you know it is there. Again, this would need to change over time". We should do this as well, he thinks regarding his friends. He will bring that up once they have left.
He looks to Lokilia, "Oh, yes. Of course we do. Thanks again, Trish".
He wanders back to his grandfather, "So, you can stay with Trish for a few days whilst my friends and I deal with some official business. Best that way, because I'll know you are in good hands". He gives the old gnome a warm smile before giving him a hug goodbye.
Dev wiggles his fingers good bye to Normont’s grandfather and asks Normont and Lokilia to catch him up on the conversation with Trish. Once they have, it seems they are left with more questions than answers.
”I mean, why are the Nameless Ones, like, making efforts?,” he wonders aloud to his friends. “Are they just causing trouble, or sending the guard in the wrong direction at specific moments so they won’t be around to stop something even worse they’re doing?”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"My assumption is these events were distractions", Normont replies to Dev. "So the latter option of yours".
"It would be interesting to find someone who knows more about their dealings in other cities".
He thinks about who that might be, and how he can get a message to the Hunt without revealing their location.
"That's really smart Normont, the physical contact would help see through simple illusions,' Lokilia says. She listens to Dev's questions and the response as well. "I think the misdirection must be to cover up something. But I'm more concerned if they have infiltrated one of these groups somehow more permanently. Just think how much information they could get. How easy it would make it for them to get away with just about anything."
She nods at Normont's comment on other towns. "It would be interesting to know about other cities. I can't imagine anyone here would know much. Perhaps eventually we would need to go and visit one of these other places." She then adds, "I have some thoughts on messages. But we can talk about that later."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi ||
Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue
"Yes! And I wonder if someone would know what other things were happening in the city at the same time the guards were being misdirected. Maybe there's some kind of pattern?"
(In a complete non-sequitur, Dev is now thinking about his scheduled performance at the castle. He remembers that before the party had left the ancient tower, he had taken some pieces of paper with ancient songs on them. Wouldn't this be a perfect occasion to sing those songs for the first time in centuries? Dev smiles at this thought, momentarily distracted from the discussion at hand.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Trish looks at Normont bemused, " Well, I've never had no one complain when I've felt them up before.....but its gonna be a little awkward in the workplace...."
" But its a sound idea. We don't deal too much with this sort of magic stuff but most of us should be able to get our heads around it."
She sent a thumbs up in Normonts Grandfathers direction, " Not directly in my hands, mind. I don't want to be responsible for any heart attacks or the like."
Normonts Grandfather gave an ever so slightly delayed nod in her direction.
" Bit of a scoundrel back in the day that one I think, wonder if our quiet horse Normont here takes after him?", she teased.
She headed across and unhooked a key from her belt presenting it the Normonts Grandfather, then walked in him out of the Hall.
As the companions consider their options they realize that they all know various folks either from or that have spent time in the other cities and towns that the Nameless Ones were stated to have had previous activities in.
"I feel better knowing my grandfather is out of harm's way. Now, perhaps a little research into these Nameless Ones is in order", Normont says. "Who do we know that his been in Emon, Westruun or Kymal recently?".
"Perhaps we should take Trish's advice and head to Tempest's residence and see if we can pass on a message there whilst we think?".
(OOC: DM - who are the people we can go and talk to about the Nameless Ones? Normont and his grandfather were from Emon, but they left for Whitestone decades ago. Happy to go do some some research on them now if everyone else is. Also DM, why did Trish advise to go to the Tempest's residence? Are there members of the Hunt stationed there to guard her?)
(Dev’s older platonic friend, the tiefling artist Balaran Almiji is recently here from Kymal and Emon. Is that spilled paint on his cheek or does he have guilt written all over him, lololol?! But no he’s not nameless and he has a past or so he says. Whew!)
”Well, There’s Balaran…,” the teenager offers quietly. “Remember? You met him at the Lilac Inn,” he ventures. “He’s from Kymal and Emon.”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"And you trust him enough to ask him about The Nameless Ones?", Normont asks Dev, having not had as much to do with Balaran in the last few weeks when he was busy in his workshop.
"Balaran! He seems like the sort that might have collected a rumor or two about such things. We should ask him," Lokilia says. "There were those Ashari I met. Hmm, no, they were from Pyrah. That's way off in Issylra. They were traveling, so perhaps they went through those places. But as travelers, they might not have noticed much. Plus I think they already left town." She stops, shaking her head a bit as she realizes she was rambling on. "Yea, seems Balaran is the person to start with."
She looks about, making sure there is nobody that might overhear. "I think Trish had some ideas, but I had one of my own. I could send an animal messenger to deliver your message. I'll have to ask the Great Mother for that in the morning. If it has to be today, I could maybe befriend and just try to convince an animal to help, but the other way would be better." There's a slight pause as she looks at Normont to make sure he's following her. "We need the right animal. I'm thinking a bat, since with it's echolocation it would see through any illusions. We'll just need to find a bat. And not that one that kept watching me."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi ||
Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue
“Yes, I trust him…,” Dev replies, uncertainly. “It’s just… I’m not sure I want to bring trouble to his front door directly. I… haven’t heard that much about his past. I’ll ask him about Kymal and Emon, and see if… I mean if the Nameless Ones were a problem there, maybe he’ll just mention them anyhow?”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"Is your concern that we might be followed and they might then come after Balaran?" Lokilia asks Dev. "I mean, I guess we wouldn't want to do that to him, so should be careful. But with his mother being in charge of Kymal I'd imagine he would be more likely than most to know something." She then pauses for a moment, adding reluctantly, "Though he doesn't seem to be the kind that really cares about those kinds of things."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi ||
Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue
"His mother is in charge of Kymal?", Normont repeats. That means it is possible he knows something of the troubles there. "I think it is worth asking. You should absolutely tackle the conversation in the way you deem most appropriate though, Dev".
With regards Lokilia's idea of the animal messenger, he looks a touch confused. "So if we wait until tomorrow, you can simply summon this animal? That is amazing, I had no idea you could do that. Could they return a message in reply as well? That does seem like a safe way to communicate at the moment, and worth waiting I think".
"So, we have a couple of plans then. I think we need to know more before we can form a strategy. I do worry for the person held, but assuming we are discreet we can hope they will be ok in the short term. What the hunt will do when we get that message to them is unknown though".
(OOC: DM - Repeating this question so it doesn't get lmissed: Why did Trish advise to go to the Tempest's residence? Are there members of the Hunt stationed there to guard her? Also, does Normont know anyone who has come from those cities recently that he can ask?)
(
People-
Blainith should be in Emon by now and, from Normonts meeting with her, it is likely the representative of the Cobalt Soul is capable of sending and receiving messages through magical means.
Most of you still are owed a favour ( and have a marked electrum piece denoting such) by the Ocici mercantile family who almost certainly have holdings in Whitestone and will likely be impacted by the Nameless Ones.
Balaran of course.
Normont does also have that note from lord De Rolo regarding the grave dirt that he might be able to leverage into a meeting at the Palace with Cassandra or one of the De Rolo children.
The Nameless Ones are formed from both members of both the Clasp and the Myriad.....its possible something about the Clasp in Emon back in the day MAY still be relevant but yes thats a long shot.
Trish knows The Tempest ( and other members of VM) well and her abilities, it is likely she was thinking of something like Lokilia mentioned regarding animal messengers or the like.
It is also possibly easier to surreptiously leave a message with the staff at Grey Hunt Manor which someone else can later relay to the Hunt...though there are risks with this of course.)
"I can ask the Great Mother for different spells each day," Lokilia says. "Animal Messenger is not one I currently have. But by tomorrow morning I could, yes." She thinks a moment. "I can cast it on an animal and give it a location and recipient that matches a description. I can give it a message of up to 25 words and then it will go to find that person. The message is delivered by the animal in my voice."
Again she thinks a moment, "I'm not sure the magic would automatically allow for a return message. Though again, I could perhaps charm the creature and speak to it and convince it to also carry a message and come back again with a reply note after the messenger spell is used." She shrugs, "Again, maybe I could convince a creature without the Animal Messenger magic. But it would be less reliable. We're talking wild creatures, not a trained courier bird."
She grins, "Or bat."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi ||
Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue