"If we can catch up to him before he even leaves town that would be incredible. We'd be able to follow him and strike at our leisure." Kal says, more than happy with the prospect. "We'll see his quarters now, and then move as quickly as we can."He adds, looking to the Baroness.
To Usul's incredibly perceptive eyes and insightful mind, Lady Anet doesn't seem to be holding anything back besides an unyielding rage for the wayward advisor. "He seemed to be in a hurry after your report...But no, I don't think he's speeding out of here. Should you need horses, we can provide." The Baroness lets out a sharp whistle, and in from the the door comes the aide who fetched you, Allen. "Take them to his quarters, and anywhere else they need to go."
She takes the dagger from her belt, moving towards the doorway herself. "Come directly back to me as soon as you've accomplished your task. I have further business to attend. Rest assured you will have a reward waiting for you."
If there's nothing else any of you need to add or ask, the aide leads you from the dining hall and across to the other side of the keep. As you ascend the stairs, Usul would find Dib to be in communication range again, with both of him and Muab sitting in a cozy looking quarters with the door open.
On the seventh flight of stairs, you are lead to the end of a long hall. Allen briefly fumbles with a set of keys, unlocking and opening the door before stepping back. "Calmaius' quarters." At a first glance, it seems like no one had even been living here. There is a writing desk with drawers against the wall, though nothing save for a half melted candle sits on top of it. A bed with simple linens sits in one corner, and a wash basin in the other.
Stepping inside the room, Sylnora looks at the others, then slinks over to the desk and begins going through the drawers. If there's nothing of interest in them, she begins probing around inside them and around the desk for hidden compartments.
Thanking his good fortune that the servant with the pie arrived just as they were given their orders, Usul grabs a literal handful on his way out, eating it along the way, trying to say how good it is through a full mouth of food. Swallowing the last of it and wiping his hand on his pants, he looks up to Silthras and says, "we're a bit too small for our own horse... if we go riding can we sit with you? Though poor Muad will have to stay here."he adds with a frown.
Arriving in the room, Usul is surprised to see how empty it is. Though seeing Syl jump into the investigation, goes to help, looking around the desk for secret drawers, but also quickly tapping the walls around to see if there are any hollow bricks where something may have been hidden.
While Syl is busy checking the actual desk top for any compartments, Usul walks up to a drawer she had already gone through, reaches in, and pulls out a false bottom. Beneath is a thin book of yellowed pages, bound by a strange, sickly type of leather. Flipping through the pages, you quickly realize it's written in a language none of you understand, though by the looks of the diagrams it appears to be instructions for a ritual. On the first page, you do find something you've seen before. A phrase, written in Common but of nonsensical words: 'Da haf wyyc Mah?'
Kal scowls at the sight of the words, remembering the carved up corpse in the manor. "Well if there were any doubts among us, this should end it. Is this some kind of cult, working to bring the Abyss Heralds upon us?"
"A cult?" Sylnora echoes, looking over Usul to get a look at the pages. Looking over the the book in general, she grimaces at a sudden thought. "That leather...Is that human skin?"
"As disgusting as it is, we should hold onto it. Translating the text later may help us understand what we're up against..." Velyra turns to back out of the room, unless the others want to search move. "Now, let's try to catch up to this advisor while he's still in town, then shadow him out to the woods."
Silthras nods to the others, "Let's finish here first." He again helps Usul, if there is more to investigate, otherwise follows the others to pursue the adviser. If by chance he encounters one of the Baroness' staff he will ask if it might be possible to procure a scroll of Comprehend Languages. "It would help with our investigations" he says by way of explanation, "Before we leave would be good, but I understand it's short notice."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Usul Investigation: 14
Usul and Silthras spend another five minutes searching the room over again, just to be sure. Flipping over the bed, going through the sheets, pillow, and thoroughly investigating the desk turns up nothing however. Beneath the bed itself was a chest, but it was unlocked and contained nothing but clothes for the advisor to wear.
Outside the door, Allen responds to Silthras' request. "Our court arcanist Rex might have been able to help you...But as I'm sure the Lady mentioned he's been...Missing for some time now."
Unless there's something anything else wants to do, you hurry down to the main floor of the keep and out into the courtyard. After acquiring horses per the Lady's offer, you head back towards the gate into the city proper. Muad, somewhat mopey for being abandoned, reluctantly stays by the stable master while you all leave.
With Usul's eye for shortcuts, you're able to quickly cut through the city, heading towards the gate on the east side of town. There are a few dozen people milling about the area, as well as two guards posted at the gate, but you don't see Calmaius anywhere...
Not seeing their quarry anywhere with any sight, Kal walks up to one of the guards. "We were looking to catch up with the Baroness' advisor Calmauis before he left town. Have you seen him come through the gate yet?"
The guard is one you've seen before, the very same that you fought with on your first night here. He looks happily to see you all again, if not a little confused by your request. "The Lady's advisor...?"
"Well no I don't think we have. Likely would have noticed a man like that leaving, the escort required alone would draw looks. If you wait here long enough he'll probably come through though."
"Looks like we're ahead of schedule then, nicely done Usul." Velyra says, raising an eyebrow.
"We'll just wait for him then and stay out of your way." Once out of earshot from the guard, she'll lower her voice. "Do we ride ahead now, or wait for him here and try to be sneaky on horseback?"
"Oooo a big royal escort!"Usul says, a bit excited to see how this guys travels, and then adds, asking the guard, "Did he bring his escort from the King? Or are they locals from the Baroness's guard?"
Silthras frowns, "He didn't take his own guard, he may have slipped out of town already, perhaps in disguise. The pessimist in me says we should keep moving, on the assumption he is ahead of us. But..." he frowns in the direction of the guard who they just spoke to, "...we don't want them warning him if he is behind us. Perhaps...we should say 'no matter, just let him know we have some items that might interest him, should he pass this way. We will be back when we have dealt with another matter' ?."
The guard gives a sort of half grimace in response to Usul's question, he lowers his voice and leans in. "You'd have to pay any local guard double to escort someone like him. Always imperials you'll find with him, never any Silvershard natives."
"I think it's wise to move forward, regardless. Though you are right, while I don't think that guard will be particularly conversational with Calmaius, it's best to nip it in the bud. Then we can move on." Kal nods back towards the guard, "I'm not particularly deceptive though, is that in your wheelhouse?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Though she wasn't the one being addressed, Syl gives a confident nod. "I've got this."She whispers before walking up to the guard.
"In case he happens to pass by, we had some things he would probably find interesting. We'll be back after dealing with another matter." Turning away from the guard and back towards her companions, she gives a wink and then motions for them to come along as she starts down the road out of town.
Deception: 5
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
"If we can catch up to him before he even leaves town that would be incredible. We'd be able to follow him and strike at our leisure." Kal says, more than happy with the prospect. "We'll see his quarters now, and then move as quickly as we can." He adds, looking to the Baroness.
To Usul's incredibly perceptive eyes and insightful mind, Lady Anet doesn't seem to be holding anything back besides an unyielding rage for the wayward advisor. "He seemed to be in a hurry after your report...But no, I don't think he's speeding out of here. Should you need horses, we can provide." The Baroness lets out a sharp whistle, and in from the the door comes the aide who fetched you, Allen. "Take them to his quarters, and anywhere else they need to go."
She takes the dagger from her belt, moving towards the doorway herself. "Come directly back to me as soon as you've accomplished your task. I have further business to attend. Rest assured you will have a reward waiting for you."
If there's nothing else any of you need to add or ask, the aide leads you from the dining hall and across to the other side of the keep. As you ascend the stairs, Usul would find Dib to be in communication range again, with both of him and Muab sitting in a cozy looking quarters with the door open.
On the seventh flight of stairs, you are lead to the end of a long hall. Allen briefly fumbles with a set of keys, unlocking and opening the door before stepping back. "Calmaius' quarters." At a first glance, it seems like no one had even been living here. There is a writing desk with drawers against the wall, though nothing save for a half melted candle sits on top of it. A bed with simple linens sits in one corner, and a wash basin in the other.
Stepping inside the room, Sylnora looks at the others, then slinks over to the desk and begins going through the drawers. If there's nothing of interest in them, she begins probing around inside them and around the desk for hidden compartments.
Investigation: 9
oop :s
Thanking his good fortune that the servant with the pie arrived just as they were given their orders, Usul grabs a literal handful on his way out, eating it along the way, trying to say how good it is through a full mouth of food. Swallowing the last of it and wiping his hand on his pants, he looks up to Silthras and says, "we're a bit too small for our own horse... if we go riding can we sit with you? Though poor Muad will have to stay here." he adds with a frown.
Arriving in the room, Usul is surprised to see how empty it is. Though seeing Syl jump into the investigation, goes to help, looking around the desk for secret drawers, but also quickly tapping the walls around to see if there are any hollow bricks where something may have been hidden.
investigation 20
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
While Syl is busy checking the actual desk top for any compartments, Usul walks up to a drawer she had already gone through, reaches in, and pulls out a false bottom. Beneath is a thin book of yellowed pages, bound by a strange, sickly type of leather. Flipping through the pages, you quickly realize it's written in a language none of you understand, though by the looks of the diagrams it appears to be instructions for a ritual. On the first page, you do find something you've seen before. A phrase, written in Common but of nonsensical words: 'Da haf wyyc Mah?'
Kal scowls at the sight of the words, remembering the carved up corpse in the manor. "Well if there were any doubts among us, this should end it. Is this some kind of cult, working to bring the Abyss Heralds upon us?"
"A cult?" Sylnora echoes, looking over Usul to get a look at the pages. Looking over the the book in general, she grimaces at a sudden thought. "That leather...Is that human skin?"
You can definitely tell. It's humanoid skin.
"As disgusting as it is, we should hold onto it. Translating the text later may help us understand what we're up against..." Velyra turns to back out of the room, unless the others want to search move. "Now, let's try to catch up to this advisor while he's still in town, then shadow him out to the woods."
Silthras nods to the others, "Let's finish here first." He again helps Usul, if there is more to investigate, otherwise follows the others to pursue the adviser. If by chance he encounters one of the Baroness' staff he will ask if it might be possible to procure a scroll of Comprehend Languages. "It would help with our investigations" he says by way of explanation, "Before we leave would be good, but I understand it's short notice."
Usul Investigation: 14
Usul and Silthras spend another five minutes searching the room over again, just to be sure. Flipping over the bed, going through the sheets, pillow, and thoroughly investigating the desk turns up nothing however. Beneath the bed itself was a chest, but it was unlocked and contained nothing but clothes for the advisor to wear.
Outside the door, Allen responds to Silthras' request. "Our court arcanist Rex might have been able to help you...But as I'm sure the Lady mentioned he's been...Missing for some time now."
Unless there's something anything else wants to do, you hurry down to the main floor of the keep and out into the courtyard. After acquiring horses per the Lady's offer, you head back towards the gate into the city proper. Muad, somewhat mopey for being abandoned, reluctantly stays by the stable master while you all leave.
With Usul's eye for shortcuts, you're able to quickly cut through the city, heading towards the gate on the east side of town. There are a few dozen people milling about the area, as well as two guards posted at the gate, but you don't see Calmaius anywhere...
Not seeing their quarry anywhere with any sight, Kal walks up to one of the guards. "We were looking to catch up with the Baroness' advisor Calmauis before he left town. Have you seen him come through the gate yet?"
The guard is one you've seen before, the very same that you fought with on your first night here. He looks happily to see you all again, if not a little confused by your request. "The Lady's advisor...?"
"Well no I don't think we have. Likely would have noticed a man like that leaving, the escort required alone would draw looks. If you wait here long enough he'll probably come through though."
"Looks like we're ahead of schedule then, nicely done Usul." Velyra says, raising an eyebrow.
"We'll just wait for him then and stay out of your way." Once out of earshot from the guard, she'll lower her voice. "Do we ride ahead now, or wait for him here and try to be sneaky on horseback?"
"Oooo a big royal escort!" Usul says, a bit excited to see how this guys travels, and then adds, asking the guard, "Did he bring his escort from the King? Or are they locals from the Baroness's guard?"
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Silthras frowns, "He didn't take his own guard, he may have slipped out of town already, perhaps in disguise. The pessimist in me says we should keep moving, on the assumption he is ahead of us. But..." he frowns in the direction of the guard who they just spoke to, "...we don't want them warning him if he is behind us. Perhaps...we should say 'no matter, just let him know we have some items that might interest him, should he pass this way. We will be back when we have dealt with another matter' ?."
The guard gives a sort of half grimace in response to Usul's question, he lowers his voice and leans in. "You'd have to pay any local guard double to escort someone like him. Always imperials you'll find with him, never any Silvershard natives."
"I think it's wise to move forward, regardless. Though you are right, while I don't think that guard will be particularly conversational with Calmaius, it's best to nip it in the bud. Then we can move on." Kal nods back towards the guard, "I'm not particularly deceptive though, is that in your wheelhouse?"
"If we're lucky there won't be a guard at all," Velyra says quietly, "the Baroness had detained imperials at the keep remember."
Though she wasn't the one being addressed, Syl gives a confident nod. "I've got this." She whispers before walking up to the guard.
"In case he happens to pass by, we had some things he would probably find interesting. We'll be back after dealing with another matter." Turning away from the guard and back towards her companions, she gives a wink and then motions for them to come along as she starts down the road out of town.
Deception: 5