"Bugbears?!?" Eya chuckles. "How preposterous! I can't believe they are coming after our crossbows. They'll never take mine! It's my Mitra-given right!"

Eya pretends to actually care about anything this nutjob is talking about, but when he brings up the Aiden info, she gets serious. She grimaces and says, "Yeahhhh...he's my friend. Ugh, he's always pulling this shit. Listen, I don't want him to get in trouble. How about I cover his bill and take his stuff off your hands?"

Eya covers her mouth and whispers into her palm, a message is heard in all her party members heads, "May have a lead on Aiden, seems like he owed this tavern money. Help me investigate? You all can reply to this message."

Blau, coughs into his beer at the surprise  whisper in his ear, then replies. "What can I do to help?"

The bartender nods with apparent satisfaction, "Cover the bill and you can have his room for the night, do whatever you want with the junk in there."

Eya reaches into her bag and produces the gold and silver. "Here you are, and sorry again on behalf of my friend. I'm in town with a few others in my party. They may be interested in rooms for tonight as well. Now, where is this room?" she asks.

Before she goes to the room, she whispers to her party, "Aiden stayed here. Seems he had an overdue bill that I paid off which got us his old room for the night. Definitely worth searching if anyone can help."

After a suitable delay, Blau follows the Teifling upstairs to their 'acquired' room, and helps look through it thoroughly. Using Detect Magic, he ferrets out any hidden magical tools. "Let's hope he loved taking notes. I don't know if it matters, but some kind of large cat has been killing cattle 'out of the byr' nearby."

Perception 18,  17 (if needed)

Respar has already rented a room for the night, just for the sake of solid sleep.  But upon hearing Eya's message says, {Just tell where to meet you.  I'll give it a good once-over.}

OOC:  Since I will be going to work soon, I will roll Perception for going through Aiden's room and his stuff now.  But would take 10 if that means taking 10 minutes.

Perception 19

The Bartender hands over the room key with a gleam in his eye that tells Eya he thinks he just got the better of her. "Up the stairs, end of the hallway."

The knot members quickly search the room, turning up what are apparently Aiden's spare belongings. Clothing not suited for an excursion into the wilds, a bow, an unmarked vial with a little piece of green ribbon tied around it. Respar uncovers the main prize though, hidden under the mattress. A pouch containing 232 gp in mixed coinage, and a map.

The map shows the Caer Bryr region, and notes written in elvish appears to catalogue the results of his previous excursions into the area. Based on the notes, it looks as if he's been hunting down and interrogating long lived creatures native to the area for hints to narrow down his search zones.

It does not directly point out the Horn of Abbadon, but if this information is correct, the temple can be found along the banks of the Broken River, a waterway stretching in between the salt Brack to the west and the Lake of Skye to the east. It seems likely that the information is correct, since presumably he found the temple just after his last update to this map.

"What I want is for you to be the first of many to be given a choice, a chance to see the world from out from under the Mitran veil.  I want every individual in Taligarde to have a chance to be more, to achieve more, and thus we will all achieve more together.  I ask you; name something there is not an abundance of for all to share if you remove greed, corruption and Mitran oppression.  Wealth?  Power? Food?  Land?  These things only seem scarce to some because the Mitran church and the lords they enslave control it all for their own ends.  In addition, you will judge me, the 'lesser' brother of House Aloro.  If you choose to be my ally we can achieve more together, and perhaps others will join in turn.  If you choose to leave there is no harm, only a missed opportunity for us both.  If you choose to leave and betray me to the Mitrans, then you choose your past as your future.  Many will be given the same choices but you are the first, and thus perhaps the most important.  The cumulative effect of those choices will yield my judgement as well."

Kiven pauses to give Calarel a moment and looks around at the others before saying more quietly "unfortunately what I cannot promise is the road will be easy, the methods ideal, or the company less heinous, but that too shall pass when more who are worthy join, such as yourself."

"Lastly, how can you conclude yourself weak or a coward when the Mitrans have given you no chance to prove yourself otherwise?  The coming days will determine this, not your time bound as a slave.  You have already shown the courage to ride with us and tolerate our present company without doing the foolish thing and fleeing as one consumed by their fear would do."

"To that point" Kiven says, standing and putting a hand out to help Calarel to her feet "would you like to remain on the ship during this stop, or see Farholde and have a room to yourself for the night?"  "The choice is yours, as it should always be going forward.  As your mentor and protector until you need neither, I will accompany you either way."

Eya does a quick detect magic to see if any of Aiden's stuff, the clothing, the bow, or the vial with the green ribbon are magical. If not, she will see if the vial contains anything alchemical using her alchemist kit and fancy tools. 

Shortly after, she hands the vial to Respar and says, "It's spider venom. You can coat your blade with it and potentially weaken an enemy if they are susceptible to it. Everything else here sans the map is unremarkable."

Calarel opens her mouth, closes it, opens it again, eventually she mutters, "I had wondered about the wealth of the Lord. So much gold, and I was paid in copper to polish it for him..."

When Kiven asks her to make a choice, she says, almost too quietly to hear, "A real bed would be nice please." 

She follows Kiven into Farholde. At one point she sees guards, but with some shame on her face she turns away and says nothing.

---

Abbraxus and Tiadora stay on the ship, and the rest of the group is easily able to obtain lodgings for the night. The bartender at the Wandering Friar may leave something to be desired in terms of his people skills, but the rooms are comfortable, the beds soft and clean. Unusually clean. You suspect they have access to someone capable of a simple cleaning cantrip.

The next morning, the group reconvenes at Halstyn's folly. Soon enough, another ship arrives, called the Lucky lady. Four people get off and immediately head in your direction. They're in considerably less ostentatious garb than the last time you saw them, but they are definitely the Seventh knot. Elise leads the way, stalking towards you as if she intended violence.

When you come together Elise bluntly states, "The Cardinal apparently doesn't trust you to watch your own back Nessus. A shame we had to get pulled away from more important tasks to keep you safe from the bunny rabbits around here."

  Abraxxus enjoys another night with Tiadora. He is waiting at the rail as the other group comes up. As Elise taunts the group he removes his circlet and reveals his true form.  " Be careful how you talk to us. I don't take being taunted by someone not even big enough to make a full meal.  " He chuckles ominously.  A faint glow is visible down his throat.   

Eya wakes up with a spring in her step. That was the first real night of rest in a long time. She cleans herself and her clothing with magic then makes her way downstairs. She doesn't skimp on breakfast and makes sure to have a hearty meal at the tavern. She heads out, grinning ear to ear, as she makes her way to the docks. 

When Elise arrives and waltzes up, Eya has the biggest shiteating grin on her face. "Oh hellooo Elise! It's been soooo long and I'm soooo happy that you, my best friend, are here to support me and my knot on our mission. You're such a wonderful and successful knot to have gotten the prestigious job of supporting us here on the main mission! We are really counting on you! I look forward to working…with *snort*...you, Elise."

By now Eya is barely able to contain her laughter. 

Blau enjoys the accomplishments his group has already achieved with the finding of the map and the simplification of their search. His rest is deep, complete and uneventful, except for the manipulations of Asmodeus' servants as they taint his dreams with imagined rewards and  pleasures for his worthy service. The next day, at the docks, he is waiting with the rest as the other Knot arrives and he snorts as they disembark. "Pretty poor choice for colours. Are they expecting snow storms to hide in? I hope their own disguises don't carry that theme forward - they'll be found out in no time." When the leader of the Knot speaks up he grins knowingly "I expect your Knot are experts at slaying bunnies, considering how much white fur you are using. Better safe than brave, for you. Ah, well. Asmodeus will use you as well."

Respar speaks with a gently reproving tone.  "Now now, Eya.  No call for being petty.  I'm sure their assignment WAS important.  But obviously this one is more important, and more dangerous, AND more difficult.  After all, it apparently has removed a Knot from the board.  So the Cardinal has called for two Knots to work on this one.  Or be ready to, I should say.  And since we had actually accomplished our difficult and dangerous mission, we were the optimal choice to try this one.  And our friends here, well, they, um, are being held in reserve in case we need assistance or something along those lines."  He pauses, looking as if he has confused himself as to what point he was trying to make.  "Though I am surprised he would pull a team from an unaccomplished task.  Maybe it wasn't so critical, after all."  He shrugs.  "He must have decided that if we need help he wants you close by, ready to move at a moment's notice.  So it's probably best you not indulge yourselves too much while waiting for word from us.  He would probably be less than pleased if you were summoned but needed time to sober up, or get dressed, and so on."

"The only gold you should ever polish is your own, if it pleases you.  On that subject, this is yours.  Advanced payment for the rewards to come, for your efforts to help the... team."  Kiven hands her 5 gold.  "The group will likely object to you receiving an equal share of any treasures our adventures yield until you show particular prowess with your bow or your magic, but you shall have a small share of mine for now.  At worst think of it as payment for your efforts towards your studies.  Our situation is not ideal, but at least it is a profession you have had some say in, rather than nothing but servitude."

When the group goes to meet the other knot, Kiven brings Calarel back to the boat first and reminds Grumblejack he promised not to harm her.  He tells her "we are about to meet some that are more vile than even some of our company here.  I would not expose you to them and put you at additional risk.  You can come if you like, but I would advise that you stay here and study."

He then makes his way to the dock, finds a place to sit while leaning against a post or something of the sort, and begins his own reading.  When Elise arrives and starts trading barbs with the other Nessus members Kiven does not look up from his books, completely ignoring their rivals.  He does listen, and when Blau piles on by insulting their choice of clothing Kiven raises an eyebrow briefly, rolls his eyes and focuses back on his book.  As Respar prattles on and gets tangled up in his own logic the elven lord only sighs loudly and turns a page.

Elise simply ignores Abraxxus, seemingly unimpressed, but her face starts twitching as Eya speaks.

Blau's comment causes her to laugh as she lovingly strokes the white fur around her shoulders, "It seems you do not know your pelts Oread, I took this off of an Adlet, the alpha of her pack. Most things we can kill are useful in some way. You don't have a pelt for me to take, but I will have several other uses for you when your knot fails at this task and we have to take over. Your spleen for example, it can be used for especially potent acid magic. Do me a favor and avoid dying in a way that would damage it. I hope to melt many a face using little pieces of you for the glory of Asmodeus."

Dostan, the hulking half elf hovering behind Elise, grows red in the face as Respar speaks, putting a hand on the massive great sword on his back, "Don't you dare patronize us little twig. I will..." Tiadora interrupts, "I do believe that is enough for now. We have tasks to complete, starting with the attempt to secure assistance from the Duke, and it will not do to have you clawing at each other as we attempt to convince him that this is the right moment to resume his true loyalties. Now, make yourselves fit for a meeting with nobility, and come along."

Elise glowers, but changes the appearance of her garb to a dress appropriate to the lady of a minor house. Trik, the cleric of her band, dons a suit of a similar style. His twin brother trak, and the still angry Dostan, remain behind. Those going to the meeting proceed up the winding path to the central district where the Duke resides.

A few less than truthful explanations and some waiting later, you are granted an audience with the Duke. That audience is then immediately disrupted when Tiadora whispers something into the duke's ears, prompting him to angrily order very specific guards to come and replace those in the room. After things settled down again, the Duke stands and looks at you angrily. "Very well, you have my attention. Now tell me why I should not turn you over to the church right this instant."

.

7 Knowledge check

Kiven never acknowledges Elise and the others and makes his way to visit the Duke.  He takes on the appearance of an elf with the same height and weight but with lighter hair, more color in his skin, and moderately fine robes.  He unstrings his bow and disguises it as a fancy staff.

Kiven casts Fallback Strategy before the meeting to give him a sixth sense of any errors in judgement he might make in the moment so he can quickly switch to a different tact.

Eya changes her outfit to a nice black dress and heels with silver jewelry. Before their audience, she pulls out an eagle feather and whispers an incantation. She smiles as she enters the room.

"First of all, thank you for having us, Duke Vandermir. By now, you have no doubt heard of our exploits. House Darius will fall, and our latest successes are only just the beginning. My name is Martha and my companions and I have come here today asking for your aid. I've heard that you were once of like mind to us, an Asmodean. Well, a true Asmodeans ambition is never sated. If you agree, then you will be on the winning side and duly rewarded with even more land and power. What do you say?" Eya asks the Duke.

Merely grinning at her boast of the supposed source of her fur, and the subsequent follow up,  Blau shakes his head and waits for the trip to start. Blau shifts into the disguise of a Mitran priest, brown robes and short statured, for the meeting. Preferring to let the others do the talking, he merely observes, trying to confirm the veracity when the Duke responds to the offers. 

Sense Motive 15

As Elise boasts of her pelt, Respar tries to recall what he can of the creatures mentioned.  Know Local 18

And when Dostan begins to finger the hilt of his sword, Respar is actually impressed the brutish fellow knows the word, 'patronize,' let alone its proper use in this context.  He also does notice that apparently Kiven did not grasp the subtlety of his condescension and soft sarcasm.

When they go to the Duke's, he remains silent for the moment, watching the elf's face and body language for cues as to his true feelings.  Sense Motive 29