The Wildemount Irregulars (2020)

Balassar just looks at the man "What type of weapon did he use and what hand did he use it with?"

Sally doesn't recognise the nine-spoked wheel sign at all.

To Sally: "Captured or killed, it doesn't matter. Either gives justice - at least a little - to my son. But if killed, then I want his head. I want to be certain it is the same man; then you will get your full reward."

To Balassar: "A dagger. Steel I think. Nothing fancy. He used his left to hold my son up, and his right to slit his throat." He speaks in a very matter-of-fact manner, but you can tell this is a painful thing to speak of.

Alton sits sipping on the tea as the conversation goes on, he puts the cup down before speaking, "I'm sorry. This must be hard for you to recount. If you feel comfortable about it, do you have a portrait of your son we could see; or perhaps give us a description of what he looked like?"

"There is a portrait, hanging in the hallway. You may see it on the way out, if you wish. It was painted four years before his death. It is a reasonable likeness, though it does not really capture his spirit, I would say. But I am a father, and not an impartial judge."

"So, we've got a right-handed, dagger-toting, shape-changing assassin with a conspicuous scar on their face that was last seen at the Blue Rider in Feltyr. Sounds like a decently solid lead. Let's hope it goes somewhere. I've got one more question: you mentioned you 'upset some people' earlier, and that you believe your son was killed as retaliation. Who did you upset?"

"I don't know. They never revealed themselves to me. I was discussing funding an expedition - a small matter, just a curiosity. I have never been much for travel due to my health, but I have always been curious about the world. Inviting travellers to dine, funding adventurers and explorers, these were ways for me to see the world, in a sense. Anyway, yes, an expedition. I met them, and we talked over their plan and my contribution. And then I received a note instructing me to withdraw. I ignored it. I received a second note three days later, warning me to withdraw or there would be consequences. I burned it. Three days later, my son was murdered. The following morning the leaders of the proposed expedition were also found dead." 

"And what was this point of curiosity?"

"The Cyrios Mountains. No place specific. And I don't think there's much to help you there. I have spoken since to explorers who ventured where this group planned to go, or thereabouts. I have funded later expeditions there myself. They returned safely, having discovered treasures and interesting sites, but nothing that would merit this group's actions."

"Huh. So it must have been the timing. Interesting. In any case, unless anyone else has further questions, we should be on our way," Sally looks over her companions

Celica hums. "The Cyrios Mountains, huh? Okay. Well... I don't have any other questions. Let's get this show on the road."

Balassar just stands silently watching the man as he talks trying to discern his words for their truth or anything that may have been just omitted.

OOC:

Insight check: 17

Alton nods, "I don't either. Thank you for your time sir. I would like to look at that portrait before we leave." 

Balassar, nothing suggests that this man is anything other than what he appears; a grieving father in search of justice, who's told you everything he believes is relevant.

As you leave, you are led away from the main door some way until you come to a large portrait of a very serious-looking young man with short black hair, sitting in a relaxed pose on an expensive chair. There are no features that draw your attention in particular, but he doesn't look much like Lord Teratt. Nevertheless, Teratt becomes even sadder, and only looks at the picture for a moment before turning away.

Balassar, with your Insight you would notice that a tear is forming in one eye, though Teratt manages to suppress it.

You take your leave and are shown to the door. And now you stand outside Lord Teratt's home, as the wealthy folk of the Tri-Spire district pass you by. What would you like to do?

Balassar just keeps silent as they are escorted out. As they get outside and the door loses he just looks around “Time for the bar and some planning?” He asks looking at his companions.

"That was really sad. I could use some spirits to lift my spirits, if you catch my meaning!" Celica says, giving Belassar a friendly nudge. "Let's go!"

So, any particular destination? Those of you who are not freshly arrived in the city would know of a few taverns and suitable places for drinking; let me know if you need any suggestions.

Alton nods, "I do feel bad for him. Hopefully we can help out somehow. I want to head back to the Invulnerable Vagrant shop to see if they have something or can make it." 

Balassar just smiles as everyone seems down for a drink "We should check out the Pillow Trove...I heard its one of the fanciest bars in this city and never been able to go cause it's...well here in this section. Also, I would be good with stopping there Alton before we head out."

"Sounds good to me. I've heard some interesting stuff about the Vagrant, really want to see it for myself."

You make your way once again through the streets of Zadash, and return to the Pentamarket. The streets are packed with people now, and it's noisy and lively - welcoming too, if you have coin to spend. The four of you enter the shop, and see that there are over a dozen customers browsing, waiting or in conversation with the shop staff. Sally and Celica, you may never have been here before, in which case you might be surprised to see the shop is worked three apparently identical triplets, large and furry humanoids whose like you may never have seen before. There's little chance to speak with them at the moment though - each is deep in conversation with a different, but equally wealthy-loooking, customer. Around the shop, a variety of magical items are on display, though it's clear the shop has sold or otherwise parted with the majority of what it held - much of the shelf space is sparsely occupied.

What would you like to do?