"Hi," she says in response to Balaran's cheery greeting. For a moment she isn't sure what else to say but soon finds the words. "Well, you mean other than listening to all of Dev's fabulous music? Still just wandering the gardens of the city and tending to the plants at the elder Mr. Fizzlepeak's house. Seems Normont's grandmother had quite the herb garden. Think I've got it back in good health."
She then glances to Dev, not wanting to hog the conversation.
" How wonderfiul.", Balaran ventured.
“You and I must make a pact... We must bring salvation back...," Dev sings, making a humorous face, a verse he knows Balaran knows from a song he’s heard before. He smiles modestly at Lokilia’s compliment. “You should see it, Balaran. The garden Lokilia’s been working on, that is. It’s really pretty. And me… I’ve been slogging through verses to get to the end of the story song I want to sing at the castle for my performance there.” He knows Balaran already knows about this gig. “I’d love your opinion, I have the beginning and ending, but toward the middle, I’m just… I’m not sure what works best?” He sits across from Balaran. "You just look so cozy with your coffee and everything… mmm… maybe I’ll have a pastry too.” Dev gets the attention of a waiter, making a “me too” motion toward Balaran’s goodies. He doesn’t try to hide the fact that he wants to ask Balaran something in particular as he peeks at the artist’s sketches. “What are you working on?”
" I'll have to stop by and check out this garden for myself."
" I'd be happy to take a look....? Listen? Quite cozy....yes."
" Oh, just some still lifes.....not my best....."
His eyes move back and forth between Lokilia and Dev as if searching for something.
Lokilia had been eyeing the honey pastries since they had arrived. She'd been too focused on talking to Balaran at first, but now seated listening to Dev, she quietly orders a pastry for herself as well. She's willing otherwise to sit back for now and let Dev talk.
Food and drink is brought out for the two of you....
"Archivist Pren, it is good to see you too", Normont replies a he enters her office.
"We were hoping you might be able to assist us with something. We have come across a group in Whitestone that appears less than savoury. They go by the monicker The Nameless Ones", he starts, watching her for any sign of recognition.
"Perhaps you might have heard of them? They have apparently been active in other cities already. Emon, Westruun and Kymal were mentioned. Even if you haven't heard of them yourself, perhaps you have resources that might help us? Or have a way to contact Blainith for us?".
Apatia Pren cocks her head to the side, " Nameless Ones. Relatively new criminal organisation emerging from a merger of former Clasp and Myriad assets within Emon."
" And now here in Whitestone? Fascinating."
" Blainith? I can probably get a message to him."
" Do you know the identities of any of the Nameless operatives within Whitestone?"
" I have some records but the are rather scant with the organisation being so new."
Normont listens to what Pren knows, which is a little more than he does.
"We know they were working out of Glinnick's store here. And that they started by recruiters kids to do some petty criminal acts. But now it seems they have had an influx of members, but I have no other names. They are up to something in Whitestone, and are being bold about it too. They are not afraid the authorities. And they have access to some pretty powerful equipment from what we have seen".
"If you can get a message to Blainith to see what he knows and can find out, that would be appreciated. We need to know what we are getting ourselves into. Have the Cobalt Soul tangled with them before?".
Lokilia makes a show of sipping at her drink when it comes out. But soon she is eagerly eating little bites of the honey pastry. "Mmm, this is good!" It doesn't take her long to finish one up. Eventually she makes note of how Balaran keeps looking at her and Dev. She does comment, "I would love to see what your 'not the best' looks like Balaran. I am sure they are still quite good. Are these studies for that commission that you're working on?" She doesn't quite feel comfortable enough with him to try to peek, but does hope he might willingly show her something.
Even as she continues the small talk, she casts a look over at Dev. She figures this is Dev's friend and he ought to be the one asking about the Nameless. Wordlessly, she tries to convey that to the young tiefling, although she's not sure how well she does at it.
“Balaran,” Dev starts, biting his lip as his demeanor quiets to a much more solemn tone. “You’re so perceptive, I think you already know that I wanted… to ask you something?”
The teenager waits for a response before continuing.
“It’s just… I heard… well, actually, you know how we -- Lokilia and Normont and Quinn and me– we’ve had adventures in Drynna? And on the way here? And we… it’s not like we’re looking for trouble, but sometimes, if something… happens… it feels like, I mean, we each feel strongly that we want to do something. To help?, you know?...”
The tiefling looks to Lokilia for reassurance. Am I making hash of this?, his expression seems to ask. Whatever her response, he regroups and focuses in.
“I had thought we’d left trouble behind, in the wilds outside the walls of Whitestone. But it turns out, I was wrong. I guess, it’s like every person has their own troubles, you know? Things that are hard for them, no matter how calm and strong they might be?,” Dev is thinking of Quinn at this moment and his secrecy about his home, which he, Dev, believes must be because of some trial or pain he endured there. “Well, even Whitestone has its troubles, I have learned. And this morning, one of those troubles appeared, from nowhere, to stare the four of us in the face.” Dev briefly summarizes the morning’s events, leaning forward so that only Balaran and Lokilia can hear, ending with the messenger's disappearance.
“We’re all fine, but it’s just not our… way… to like, submit to threats? I’m just over giving in to bullies, personally. And the people this messenger represents? We need to know more about them. We think they might be active, or might have been active…” Dev looks searchingly at Balaran as he continues, gently, “... in Kymal and Emon.” He pauses to let the location sink in. “And when I heard that… I thought about you and your family. Maybe it’s nothing to worry about, but… have you ever heard of…,” Dev’s voice drops to a whisper as he leans forward again, “... these so-called Nameless Ones?”
Lokilia indeed listens closely as Dev starts in on his question. When he looks to her she very quickly, and quietly, says, "Go on Dev, just ask, you're doing fine." She continues on listening silently the rest of the way as he explains the situation. There is really nothing for her to add.
Normont listens to what Pren knows, which is a little more than he does.
"We know they were working out of Glinnick's store here. And that they started by recruiters kids to do some petty criminal acts. But now it seems they have had an influx of members, but I have no other names. They are up to something in Whitestone, and are being bold about it too. They are not afraid the authorities. And they have access to some pretty powerful equipment from what we have seen".
"If you can get a message to Blainith to see what he knows and can find out, that would be appreciated. We need to know what we are getting ourselves into. Have the Cobalt Soul tangled with them before?".
" I can certainly message Blainith and the Archive in Emon. I'm not sure the archive will have much as there are likely to be few records of such a group."
“Balaran,” Dev starts, biting his lip as his demeanor quiets to a much more solemn tone. “You’re so perceptive, I think you already know that I wanted… to ask you something?”
The teenager waits for a response before continuing.
“It’s just… I heard… well, actually, you know how we -- Lokilia and Normont and Quinn and me– we’ve had adventures in Drynna? And on the way here? And we… it’s not like we’re looking for trouble, but sometimes, if something… happens… it feels like, I mean, we each feel strongly that we want to do something. To help?, you know?...”
The tiefling looks to Lokilia for reassurance. Am I making hash of this?, his expression seems to ask. Whatever her response, he regroups and focuses in.
“I had thought we’d left trouble behind, in the wilds outside the walls of Whitestone. But it turns out, I was wrong. I guess, it’s like every person has their own troubles, you know? Things that are hard for them, no matter how calm and strong they might be?,” Dev is thinking of Quinn at this moment and his secrecy about his home, which he, Dev, believes must be because of some trial or pain he endured there. “Well, even Whitestone has its troubles, I have learned. And this morning, one of those troubles appeared, from nowhere, to stare the four of us in the face.” Dev briefly summarizes the morning’s events, leaning forward so that only Balaran and Lokilia can hear, ending with the messenger's disappearance.
“We’re all fine, but it’s just not our… way… to like, submit to threats? I’m just over giving in to bullies, personally. And the people this messenger represents? We need to know more about them. We think they might be active, or might have been active…” Dev looks searchingly at Balaran as he continues, gently, “... in Kymal and Emon.” He pauses to let the location sink in. “And when I heard that… I thought about you and your family. Maybe it’s nothing to worry about, but… have you ever heard of…,” Dev’s voice drops to a whisper as he leans forward again, “... these so-called Nameless Ones?”
" How utterly horrid.", Balaran exclaimed.
" Yes. Yes, I have heard of them....there was apparently a major influx of them into Kymal a few years ago......Mother had just managed to stifle the majority of the turf wars between the gangs there. And I suppose they perceived a weakness of other organisations? Its not really something I took much interest in honestly."
" But I know they were trying to prevent underworld folks from leaving and forcing them to join.....a lot of people were murdered and left at the gates as a warning.....Mother was furious."
"Shortly before I left there was some trouble at one of the casinos involving a collapsed balcony or something and I know there were a large number of these Nameless Ones killed and arrested because Mother was going on about all the paperwork...."
" I believe she came down hard on them after that and there were quite a few arrests and a few attempts on her life but last I heard in correspondence things are quite quiet now."
" Hmmm..........now.........let me see. Names.....I heard her say Poska quite a few times....some sort of leader? There was some confusion as she had been seen in Kymal but also in Emon at the same time.......and there was a dead goliath with links to them found in the tunnels.......and a Mulberry and a.....Fire...Fira Key? And Jinoir......sorry, I have a gift for memory but I had no real interest in Mothers role so.....I didn't pay the best attention."
" But I would say knowing Mothers wrath that those Nameless Ones in Kymal are likely keeping a much lower profile these days."
Normont listens to what Pren knows, which is a little more than he does.
"We know they were working out of Glinnick's store here. And that they started by recruiters kids to do some petty criminal acts. But now it seems they have had an influx of members, but I have no other names. They are up to something in Whitestone, and are being bold about it too. They are not afraid the authorities. And they have access to some pretty powerful equipment from what we have seen".
"If you can get a message to Blainith to see what he knows and can find out, that would be appreciated. We need to know what we are getting ourselves into. Have the Cobalt Soul tangled with them before?".
" I can certainly message Blainith and the Archive in Emon. I'm not sure the archive will have much as there are likely to be few records of such a group."
Quinn speakes up, "Can you look at groups that are similar to this one. That would be helpful."
"Quite so", Normont says. "How long does it take to send a message? Is this some sort of sending or something more mundane? I guess I really want to know when we should come back to hear the answers".
" Yes. Yes, I have heard of them....there was apparently a major influx of them into Kymal a few years ago......Mother had just managed to stifle the majority of the turf wars between the gangs there. And I suppose they perceived a weakness of other organisations? Its not really something I took much interest in honestly."
Dev’s brow rises in awe of the older tiefling’s family. That Balaran’s own mother had managed to stifle turf wars or any kind of wars was simply beyond Dev’s comprehension. His own mother during the same period would have, in her blindness, done nothing more complicated than to crochet -- by feel --a scarf for his father, and the two would have kept each other company. That was a lot for her. But… stifling turf wars? Dev feels completely out of his depth. But he knows Balaran doesn't hold his own naivete against him and he listens on with interest.
" But I know they were trying to prevent underworld folks from leaving and forcing them to join.....a lot of people were murdered and left at the gates as a warning.....Mother was furious."
It is Dev’s turn to reply in shock, “That’s so barbaric,” while also beginning to understand the deadly brutality lying behind the morning’s airy threat.
"Shortly before I left there was some trouble at one of the casinos involving a collapsed balcony or something and I know there were a large number of these Nameless Ones killed and arrested because Mother was going on about all the paperwork...."
" I believe she came down hard on them after that and there were quite a few arrests and a few attempts on her life but last I heard in correspondence things are quite quiet now."
“Attempts on her life?!?,” Dev interjects, still subconsciously comparing Balaran’s mother with his own and envisioning his worst nightmare, an attack on his near-helpless parents. A single attempt on their lives is almost too much to consider. But Balaran’s mother had been subject to multiple attempts. And survived.
" Hmmm..........now.........let me see. Names.....I heard her say Poska quite a few times....some sort of leader? There was some confusion as she had been seen in Kymal but also in Emon at the same time.......and there was a dead goliath with links to them found in the tunnels.......and a Mulberry and a.....Fire...Fira Key? And Jinoir......sorry, I have a gift for memory but I had no real interest in Mothers role so.....I didn't pay the best attention."
“Even without the events earning your interest you remember a lot!” Dev has an excellent memory for stories — facts and figures, not so much. But in this case, he makes careful mental notes of names, places, and sequence.
" But I would say knowing Mothers wrath that those Nameless Ones in Kymal are likely keeping a much lower profile these days."
“Your mother… sounds amazing. I mean, maybe she isn’t everything you would want her to be, but… it’s hard not to imagine her as a hero to the people of Kymal…” Dev looks searchingly at Balaran as he says this, picking up that the older tiefling’s relationship with his family did not seem to be the source of great pride Dev would imagine himself feeling after hearing this story.
"It all sounds rather scary," Lokilia says after Balaran's words. "I wonder if the quiet in Kymal is a sign. The during action may have forced them out - to Whitestone."
She finishes the rest of her drink as she thinks over the situation. "It may take a lot of hard work to uproot them her too. What freaky need though is to stop them, so they won't just show up somewhere else."
She looks over at Balaran. "We really do appreciate letting us know what you knew. Although of course, as always, we really quite enjoy your company."
Normont listens to what Pren knows, which is a little more than he does.
"We know they were working out of Glinnick's store here. And that they started by recruiters kids to do some petty criminal acts. But now it seems they have had an influx of members, but I have no other names. They are up to something in Whitestone, and are being bold about it too. They are not afraid the authorities. And they have access to some pretty powerful equipment from what we have seen".
"If you can get a message to Blainith to see what he knows and can find out, that would be appreciated. We need to know what we are getting ourselves into. Have the Cobalt Soul tangled with them before?".
" I can certainly message Blainith and the Archive in Emon. I'm not sure the archive will have much as there are likely to be few records of such a group."
Quinn speakes up, "Can you look at groups that are similar to this one. That would be helpful."
" I have quite a bit on other criminal organisations like the Myriad, the Clasp and others."
"Quite so", Normont says. "How long does it take to send a message? Is this some sort of sending or something more mundane? I guess I really want to know when we should come back to hear the answers".
" Of sorts, I have a slate here that I can write a message on and it will appear on selected other slates in the Cobalts keeping. I don't think they are checked too often but it shouldn't be more than a day."
" Yes. Yes, I have heard of them....there was apparently a major influx of them into Kymal a few years ago......Mother had just managed to stifle the majority of the turf wars between the gangs there. And I suppose they perceived a weakness of other organisations? Its not really something I took much interest in honestly."
Dev’s brow rises in awe of the older tiefling’s family. That Balaran’s own mother had managed to stifle turf wars or any kind of wars was simply beyond Dev’s comprehension. His own mother during the same period would have, in her blindness, done nothing more complicated than to crochet -- by feel --a scarf for his father, and the two would have kept each other company. That was a lot for her. But… stifling turf wars? Dev feels completely out of his depth. But he knows Balaran doesn't hold his own naivete against him and he listens on with interest.
" But I know they were trying to prevent underworld folks from leaving and forcing them to join.....a lot of people were murdered and left at the gates as a warning.....Mother was furious."
It is Dev’s turn to reply in shock, “That’s so barbaric,” while also beginning to understand the deadly brutality lying behind the morning’s airy threat.
"Shortly before I left there was some trouble at one of the casinos involving a collapsed balcony or something and I know there were a large number of these Nameless Ones killed and arrested because Mother was going on about all the paperwork...."
" I believe she came down hard on them after that and there were quite a few arrests and a few attempts on her life but last I heard in correspondence things are quite quiet now."
“Attempts on her life?!?,” Dev interjects, still subconsciously comparing Balaran’s mother with his own and envisioning his worst nightmare, an attack on his near-helpless parents. A single attempt on their lives is almost too much to consider. But Balaran’s mother had been subject to multiple attempts. And survived.
" Hmmm..........now.........let me see. Names.....I heard her say Poska quite a few times....some sort of leader? There was some confusion as she had been seen in Kymal but also in Emon at the same time.......and there was a dead goliath with links to them found in the tunnels.......and a Mulberry and a.....Fire...Fira Key? And Jinoir......sorry, I have a gift for memory but I had no real interest in Mothers role so.....I didn't pay the best attention."
“Even without the events earning your interest you remember a lot!” Dev has an excellent memory for stories — facts and figures, not so much. But in this case, he makes careful mental notes of names, places, and sequence.
" But I would say knowing Mothers wrath that those Nameless Ones in Kymal are likely keeping a much lower profile these days."
“Your mother… sounds amazing. I mean, maybe she isn’t everything you would want her to be, but… it’s hard not to imagine her as a hero to the people of Kymal…” Dev looks searchingly at Balaran as he says this, picking up that the older tiefling’s relationship with his family did not seem to be the source of great pride Dev would imagine himself feeling after hearing this story.
" Oh, no. She is.....well.....she's a consumate official so she'd likely say the people under her were the ones who did most of the actual work."
" She is......amazing.......at what she does. What I do......is not what she does.....I am proud of her.....but I don't think she would say the same of me."
"It all sounds rather scary," Lokilia says after Balaran's words. "I wonder if the quiet in Kymal is a sign. The during action may have forced them out - to Whitestone."
She finishes the rest of her drink as she thinks over the situation. "It may take a lot of hard work to uproot them her too. What freaky need though is to stop them, so they won't just show up somewhere else."
She looks over at Balaran. "We really do appreciate letting us know what you knew. Although of course, as always, we really quite enjoy your company."
" I think so.......a lot of people died....I don't think Whitestone has the underworld that Kymal had....but a lot of guards and some average people also died in Kymal. But it doesn't sound like as many of them are here.....maybe? From what you've told me."
" Of course it is always a pleasure to speak with you both, I will keep an ear out though I doubt I will hear much within the circles I frequent you never know."
"Ok, sounds good. Would you send the message to the Archives in Westruun and Kymal as well as Blainith and the Archive in Emon, please? We will be back this time tomorrow to see if there have been any replies", Normont says, before looking to Quinn.
"Anything else before we head off?", he asks the genasi.
Dev had forgotten that Balaran’s mother didn’t approve-slash-understand the older tiefling’s career choice or talents in the way he deserved. He regards his friend with sympathetic eyes and offers, “I’m sorry.” But Dev also thanks Balaran for the bounty of knowledge he had shared and for agreeing to let Dev bounce his ideas off of him, and tries to set a time for that in a day or two.
In parting, Dev offers an idea for one of Balaran’s sketches, that it reminded him of another of the artist’s pieces — one of his best — but was a new take on that theme. “Maybe you should do a series?,” he suggests, his eyes shining with excitement at his friend’s amazing work.
Afterwards, after the pair have left Balaran and begun walking to meet again with Normont, Dev muses aloud with Lokilia.
“That was so much more than I imagined he would know… but I’m not sure what to do with it. I mean, he mentioned some names. But… they’re just names. Should we… find out if the same people are here in Whitestone?”
Lokilia says goodbye to Balaran, giving him an awkward wave as he heads out with Dev.
"It did seem like a lot of names," Lokilia agrees. "Maybe we let Normont know and it will mean something to him. Or more likely, it might mean something if we get the information to... well, whoever might help us. I think if we could find out who the leader is it might make dealing with this easier." At that point, she kind of hesitates, and walks along without saying much for a bit. It seems she really isn't paying much attention, just following wherever Dev goes.
Finally, she speaks up in a bit more serious voice. "This seems like quite a lot to be taking on ourselves. The Unamed seem like a scary group. But we can't just let them get away with... whatever it is they are trying to do."
"Ok, sounds good. Would you send the message to the Archives in Westruun and Kymal as well as Blainith and the Archive in Emon, please? We will be back this time tomorrow to see if there have been any replies", Normont says, before looking to Quinn.
"Anything else before we head off?", he asks the genasi.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Dev had forgotten that Balaran’s mother didn’t approve-slash-understand the older tiefling’s career choice or talents in the way he deserved. He regards his friend with sympathetic eyes and offers, “I’m sorry.” But Dev also thanks Balaran for the bounty of knowledge he had shared and for agreeing to let Dev bounce his ideas off of him, and tries to set a time for that in a day or two.
In parting, Dev offers an idea for one of Balaran’s sketches, that it reminded him of another of the artist’s pieces — one of his best — but was a new take on that theme. “Maybe you should do a series?,” he suggests, his eyes shining with excitement at his friend’s amazing work.
Afterwards, after the pair have left Balaran and begun walking to meet again with Normont, Dev muses aloud with Lokilia.
“That was so much more than I imagined he would know… but I’m not sure what to do with it. I mean, he mentioned some names. But… they’re just names. Should we… find out if the same people are here in Whitestone?”
Lokilia says goodbye to Balaran, giving him an awkward wave as he heads out with Dev.
"It did seem like a lot of names," Lokilia agrees. "Maybe we let Normont know and it will mean something to him. Or more likely, it might mean something if we get the information to... well, whoever might help us. I think if we could find out who the leader is it might make dealing with this easier." At that point, she kind of hesitates, and walks along without saying much for a bit. It seems she really isn't paying much attention, just following wherever Dev goes.
Finally, she speaks up in a bit more serious voice. "This seems like quite a lot to be taking on ourselves. The Unamed seem like a scary group. But we can't just let them get away with... whatever it is they are trying to do."
" Hmmm, perhaps I will."
" Be Careful.", he finished with a serious edge to his voice.
The two of them headed off in discussion, bound for........?
16
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" How wonderfiul.", Balaran ventured.
" I'll have to stop by and check out this garden for myself."
" I'd be happy to take a look....? Listen? Quite cozy....yes."
" Oh, just some still lifes.....not my best....."
His eyes move back and forth between Lokilia and Dev as if searching for something.
Food and drink is brought out for the two of you....
Apatia Pren cocks her head to the side, " Nameless Ones. Relatively new criminal organisation emerging from a merger of former Clasp and Myriad assets within Emon."
" And now here in Whitestone? Fascinating."
" Blainith? I can probably get a message to him."
" Do you know the identities of any of the Nameless operatives within Whitestone?"
" I have some records but the are rather scant with the organisation being so new."
Normont listens to what Pren knows, which is a little more than he does.
"We know they were working out of Glinnick's store here. And that they started by recruiters kids to do some petty criminal acts. But now it seems they have had an influx of members, but I have no other names. They are up to something in Whitestone, and are being bold about it too. They are not afraid the authorities. And they have access to some pretty powerful equipment from what we have seen".
"If you can get a message to Blainith to see what he knows and can find out, that would be appreciated. We need to know what we are getting ourselves into. Have the Cobalt Soul tangled with them before?".
Lokilia makes a show of sipping at her drink when it comes out. But soon she is eagerly eating little bites of the honey pastry. "Mmm, this is good!" It doesn't take her long to finish one up. Eventually she makes note of how Balaran keeps looking at her and Dev. She does comment, "I would love to see what your 'not the best' looks like Balaran. I am sure they are still quite good. Are these studies for that commission that you're working on?" She doesn't quite feel comfortable enough with him to try to peek, but does hope he might willingly show her something.
Even as she continues the small talk, she casts a look over at Dev. She figures this is Dev's friend and he ought to be the one asking about the Nameless. Wordlessly, she tries to convey that to the young tiefling, although she's not sure how well she does at it.
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 || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Dev takes his cue from Lokilia.
“Balaran,” Dev starts, biting his lip as his demeanor quiets to a much more solemn tone. “You’re so perceptive, I think you already know that I wanted… to ask you something?”
The teenager waits for a response before continuing.
“It’s just… I heard… well, actually, you know how we -- Lokilia and Normont and Quinn and me– we’ve had adventures in Drynna? And on the way here? And we… it’s not like we’re looking for trouble, but sometimes, if something… happens… it feels like, I mean, we each feel strongly that we want to do something. To help?, you know?...”
The tiefling looks to Lokilia for reassurance. Am I making hash of this?, his expression seems to ask. Whatever her response, he regroups and focuses in.
“I had thought we’d left trouble behind, in the wilds outside the walls of Whitestone. But it turns out, I was wrong. I guess, it’s like every person has their own troubles, you know? Things that are hard for them, no matter how calm and strong they might be?,” Dev is thinking of Quinn at this moment and his secrecy about his home, which he, Dev, believes must be because of some trial or pain he endured there. “Well, even Whitestone has its troubles, I have learned. And this morning, one of those troubles appeared, from nowhere, to stare the four of us in the face.” Dev briefly summarizes the morning’s events, leaning forward so that only Balaran and Lokilia can hear, ending with the messenger's disappearance.
“We’re all fine, but it’s just not our… way… to like, submit to threats? I’m just over giving in to bullies, personally. And the people this messenger represents? We need to know more about them. We think they might be active, or might have been active…” Dev looks searchingly at Balaran as he continues, gently, “... in Kymal and Emon.” He pauses to let the location sink in. “And when I heard that… I thought about you and your family. Maybe it’s nothing to worry about, but… have you ever heard of…,” Dev’s voice drops to a whisper as he leans forward again, “... these so-called Nameless Ones?”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Lokilia indeed listens closely as Dev starts in on his question. When he looks to her she very quickly, and quietly, says, "Go on Dev, just ask, you're doing fine." She continues on listening silently the rest of the way as he explains the situation. There is really nothing for her to add.
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 || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
" I can certainly message Blainith and the Archive in Emon. I'm not sure the archive will have much as there are likely to be few records of such a group."
" How utterly horrid.", Balaran exclaimed.
" Yes. Yes, I have heard of them....there was apparently a major influx of them into Kymal a few years ago......Mother had just managed to stifle the majority of the turf wars between the gangs there. And I suppose they perceived a weakness of other organisations? Its not really something I took much interest in honestly."
" But I know they were trying to prevent underworld folks from leaving and forcing them to join.....a lot of people were murdered and left at the gates as a warning.....Mother was furious."
"Shortly before I left there was some trouble at one of the casinos involving a collapsed balcony or something and I know there were a large number of these Nameless Ones killed and arrested because Mother was going on about all the paperwork...."
" I believe she came down hard on them after that and there were quite a few arrests and a few attempts on her life but last I heard in correspondence things are quite quiet now."
" Hmmm..........now.........let me see. Names.....I heard her say Poska quite a few times....some sort of leader? There was some confusion as she had been seen in Kymal but also in Emon at the same time.......and there was a dead goliath with links to them found in the tunnels.......and a Mulberry and a.....Fire...Fira Key? And Jinoir......sorry, I have a gift for memory but I had no real interest in Mothers role so.....I didn't pay the best attention."
" But I would say knowing Mothers wrath that those Nameless Ones in Kymal are likely keeping a much lower profile these days."
Quinn speakes up, "Can you look at groups that are similar to this one. That would be helpful."
"Quite so", Normont says. "How long does it take to send a message? Is this some sort of sending or something more mundane? I guess I really want to know when we should come back to hear the answers".
Dev’s brow rises in awe of the older tiefling’s family. That Balaran’s own mother had managed to stifle turf wars or any kind of wars was simply beyond Dev’s comprehension. His own mother during the same period would have, in her blindness, done nothing more complicated than to crochet -- by feel --a scarf for his father, and the two would have kept each other company. That was a lot for her. But… stifling turf wars? Dev feels completely out of his depth. But he knows Balaran doesn't hold his own naivete against him and he listens on with interest.
It is Dev’s turn to reply in shock, “That’s so barbaric,” while also beginning to understand the deadly brutality lying behind the morning’s airy threat.
“Attempts on her life?!?,” Dev interjects, still subconsciously comparing Balaran’s mother with his own and envisioning his worst nightmare, an attack on his near-helpless parents. A single attempt on their lives is almost too much to consider. But Balaran’s mother had been subject to multiple attempts. And survived.
“Even without the events earning your interest you remember a lot!” Dev has an excellent memory for stories — facts and figures, not so much. But in this case, he makes careful mental notes of names, places, and sequence.
“Your mother… sounds amazing. I mean, maybe she isn’t everything you would want her to be, but… it’s hard not to imagine her as a hero to the people of Kymal…” Dev looks searchingly at Balaran as he says this, picking up that the older tiefling’s relationship with his family did not seem to be the source of great pride Dev would imagine himself feeling after hearing this story.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"It all sounds rather scary," Lokilia says after Balaran's words. "I wonder if the quiet in Kymal is a sign. The during action may have forced them out - to Whitestone."
She finishes the rest of her drink as she thinks over the situation. "It may take a lot of hard work to uproot them her too. What freaky need though is to stop them, so they won't just show up somewhere else."
She looks over at Balaran. "We really do appreciate letting us know what you knew. Although of course, as always, we really quite enjoy your company."
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 || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
" I have quite a bit on other criminal organisations like the Myriad, the Clasp and others."
" Of sorts, I have a slate here that I can write a message on and it will appear on selected other slates in the Cobalts keeping. I don't think they are checked too often but it shouldn't be more than a day."
" Oh, no. She is.....well.....she's a consumate official so she'd likely say the people under her were the ones who did most of the actual work."
" She is......amazing.......at what she does. What I do......is not what she does.....I am proud of her.....but I don't think she would say the same of me."
" I think so.......a lot of people died....I don't think Whitestone has the underworld that Kymal had....but a lot of guards and some average people also died in Kymal. But it doesn't sound like as many of them are here.....maybe? From what you've told me."
" Of course it is always a pleasure to speak with you both, I will keep an ear out though I doubt I will hear much within the circles I frequent you never know."
"Ok, sounds good. Would you send the message to the Archives in Westruun and Kymal as well as Blainith and the Archive in Emon, please? We will be back this time tomorrow to see if there have been any replies", Normont says, before looking to Quinn.
"Anything else before we head off?", he asks the genasi.
Quinn shakes his head no.
Dev had forgotten that Balaran’s mother didn’t approve-slash-understand the older tiefling’s career choice or talents in the way he deserved. He regards his friend with sympathetic eyes and offers, “I’m sorry.” But Dev also thanks Balaran for the bounty of knowledge he had shared and for agreeing to let Dev bounce his ideas off of him, and tries to set a time for that in a day or two.
In parting, Dev offers an idea for one of Balaran’s sketches, that it reminded him of another of the artist’s pieces — one of his best — but was a new take on that theme. “Maybe you should do a series?,” he suggests, his eyes shining with excitement at his friend’s amazing work.
Afterwards, after the pair have left Balaran and begun walking to meet again with Normont, Dev muses aloud with Lokilia.
“That was so much more than I imagined he would know… but I’m not sure what to do with it. I mean, he mentioned some names. But… they’re just names. Should we… find out if the same people are here in Whitestone?”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Lokilia says goodbye to Balaran, giving him an awkward wave as he heads out with Dev.
"It did seem like a lot of names," Lokilia agrees. "Maybe we let Normont know and it will mean something to him. Or more likely, it might mean something if we get the information to... well, whoever might help us. I think if we could find out who the leader is it might make dealing with this easier." At that point, she kind of hesitates, and walks along without saying much for a bit. It seems she really isn't paying much attention, just following wherever Dev goes.
Finally, she speaks up in a bit more serious voice. "This seems like quite a lot to be taking on ourselves. The Unamed seem like a scary group. But we can't just let them get away with... whatever it is they are trying 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 || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
" Oh...ok, then. Let me write all that down."
" Alright. Will do. Check back tomorrow."
The two of them leave the Castle Library bound for...........?
21
" Hmmm, perhaps I will."
" Be Careful.", he finished with a serious edge to his voice.
The two of them headed off in discussion, bound for........?
16