Ok, thanks. That means that Josiah must be our accuser. He doubted the claw marks on Innana's armor were caused by the cat, doubted our story about Jaceo, and doubted the existence of the doppelganger. I wonder how he would respond if we dropped the doppleganger's and were-rat's corpses on his table.
Ah ok, that makes more sense. I noted the Jaceo/Josiah change in my OOC post as well.
finglas wrote:Ok, thanks. That means that Josiah must be our accuser. He doubted the claw marks on Innana's armor were caused by the cat, doubted our story about Jaceo, and doubted the existence of the doppelganger. I wonder how he would respond if we dropped the doppleganger's and were-rat's corpses on his table.
Josiah might have informed the Baron's Men about us, but there could be others in Threshold that have had their suspicions raised as well, since we don't know what the Iron Ring has been doing there in the week-and-a-half that we have been gone...
"Thank you for your confidence, sir. I understand you have your orders and the circumstances are quite grim - the people of Threshold have been passing through difficult times lately. We have many questions of our own and our latest travels have provided us pieces of information that might help solving this puzzle. You seem to be good men loyal to the city so keep in mind that what Threshold now faces is the combined threat of Bargle the infamous, Elwyn the fallen cleric and the Iron Ring. The Iron Ring is probably positioned within the city and might have agents infiltrated in local organizations and institutions. Bargle has at least one spy of his own, a shapeshifter much like the one we just slew, who might be pretending to be anyone in the city, completely indistinguable from the original person. That is the sort of evil which is plotting against the city. It is thus crucial that those defending Threshold are able to tell friend from foe, as the enemies will only draw closer."
Drudsa looks again at the carcass of the dead animal.
"We need to finish what we started here, if for no other reason than to have proof of our valor to the eyes of those who would have our names spoiled. If you are not opposed to that, and to have us check once more on the wanted thugs we defeated, I am sure none of my brave friends will oppose following you to the city. It is also in our best interest to dispel any doubts that mights have been raised with respect to our integrity. I also would request that on our way to the city we make a short stop at the door of Myraal the guildmage. He is a friend of the city, and might be able to guide us on how to uncover the spies from Bargle and the Iron Throne."
Lanny is visibly upset and angered by the news of the recovery of the body of Father Varis from the lake.
"He was a good and kind man... and a true ally in our efforts against the enemies of Threshold. We will find his killers, I assure you, and bring them all to a swift justice!"
Lanny paces around a bit to calm himself while Drudsa speaks to the officers, then addresses them himself.
"There was one villain that got away from us, a thin mage with sunken cheeks... He used magic to vanish before we could slay him... We'll need to watch for him on the road back to Threshold, and in Threshold itself."
Lanny will assist with finishing any tasks related to the Great Cat, and then will be ready to move on to the site of the dead bandits to try to pick up their trail once again.
"I wouldn't worry too much about the Iron Ring for the time being," he says, "you killed over half the force we estimated they had in Threshold. The mage don't sound familiar, but one of those you slew was Peris Dondorin, as black a cleric as there ever twas, and one rat-man I recognize as well, called himself 'Biter'"
"No, I'm inclined to believe you, myself. Heard what you folks did with Miss Aleena. Plus, I got a look at Varis' body when they pulled it out. Looked to be dead two weeks or more, by my eye. Doesn't fit the time-line of you killing him on your way out here. He do or say anything funny you can remember?"
"What you are telling us about the corpse of Father Varis is very disturbing captain. If he was already dead for about three weeks it means that we have spoken several times with an impostor, and even the person who has sent us in the mission to slay this beast was not the true Varis..."
"Being immersed in the waters of the lake would have made the body decay more quickly of course, is there any possibility he could have been killed just a few days earlier and immediatelly dumped on the water? There is also the possibility of magic being at work. Well, that can be made clear when we find the other doppelganger."
Lanny tries to think back to any of the conversations the party shared with Father Varis.
"In truth I cannot recall him doing or saying anything strange at all. On the contrary, he was quite forthcoming with helpful information about Bargle, Elwyn, and the Iron Ring, all the way up until the last day we spoke. He even officiated the burial ceremony for our fallen comrade Saul. No, I cannot think of any strange words or behavior..."
Lanny pauses in the middle of his thought.
"Now Jaceo, on the other hand... he was observed acting strangely on the very same night that we arrived at Josiah's logging camp, although not by us. One of the loggers in the camp secretly confided in us that he had seen whom he believed to be Jaceo speaking through a mirror-like portal to a disembodied voice on the other end. It just so happened that this also occurred down by the lake, and in the middle of the night... Perhaps that is when, and where, the real Jaceo was murdered by the doppleganger... If, at any point, we will need witnesses or evidence to prove our innocence, then that logger's testimony will be vital to our defense... But, for right now, what is most vital is that we follow the trail left by those thugs before we lose it to Mother Nature..."
Lanny loads up his backpack and his mount and indicates that he is ready to go when everyone else is ready.
Hears the conversation, and comes down when there is agreement that the group will join the others back to Threshold. Innana nods slightly to the newcomers, but does not say anything. She motions for Semele to come out of the woods.
Semele the Henchdudess Cleric:
Comes out into the clearing, and quietly joins the group, trying not to pull any attention to her.
Innana Sureblade - level 3 fighter - In Search of Adventure
Raquinel Raialis - level 3 magic-user - War is Hell - Palace of the Silver Princess
The ranger captain introduces himself as Ronrol Eight-toes, on account of a farming incident as a lad. He motions to his human companions, "Dodlac, Phianald and Leely," he names them, then the elves step forward. "Dreilfiin and Duellian, of the Callarii, at your service." The two are clearly brother and sister, and appear to be middle age for their kind. The humans are clad in garments of brown and green, the Baron's colors; Ronrol's cloak is fastened with a silver pin in the shape of a shield, whilst the two elves fasten their cloaks with crossed silver spears, the sigil of the Elvenguard.
The sextet wait long enough for the Beast to be skinned. Those wise in the ways of the woods judge the pelt itself is worth nothing, as scarred and burned as it is, but it is an impressive trophy nonetheless. Dreilfin inquires if he may have one of the creature's claws: "Look, it is near six inches in length, and in the right hands could be crafted into an item of puissance. Trophies from beasts such as this have an intrinsic magic about them, if treated properly and with reverence."
The adventurers find the Rangers to be pleasant traveling companions, although it is clear that they have their orders and will not hesitate to carry them out, regardless of the pleasantries exchanged. Ronrol states without equivocation that they will not be allowed to use the bowl, and that doing so would be viewed with extreme suspicion. "I believe your story, for the moment, but I've been wrong before. Can't take the chance of you communicating your location to your Dark Master," he says with a wry grin, "in fact, I think I should hold that bowl until we speak with the Baron." He likewise shoots down the idea of visiting Myraal. "I got nothing against sorcerers myself, and Myraal is a nice enough drinking partner, but the Baron . . . has a dim view of arcane practitioners. It would be best to head straight to the Keep."
The party is unmolested, although on the night of the 20th those on second watch are startled by a high-pitched keening from the sky above. Through the gaps in the trees a vast shape can be seen, its bulk blotting out the stars. "Wyvern," hisses Duellian, as she presses herself against a tree, arrow in her bow. But the monster is either sated or unwilling to tackle such a large party, and soon soars out of sight.
The evening of the following day sees the party emerge from the virgin forest onto the road. Ronrol was right; the brigand's tracks follow those the party had made on their trek eastward. Once on the road, however, it is impossible to tell where they may have come from. As the groups wheels its horses to the south a small cart hoves into view, driven by a small, dirty man who seems vaguely familiar. As he approaches, those with a good recollection of faces recognize him as being one of the laborers at the logging camp. He reins in the mule pulling the cart and regards the adventurers with a dour expression, "Looks like the rangers caught up with you lot." He spits onto the road.
thirdkingdom wrote:
Dreilfin inquires if he may have one of the creature's claws: "Look, it is near six inches in length, and in the right hands could be crafted into an item of puissance. Trophies from beasts such as this have an intrinsic magic about them, if treated properly and with reverence."
Given this, Rhys would also collect a few claws from the great cat, if at all possible.
Using the tip of his sword to sever a claw, he envisions having one of the sages turn the claw into a pendant that imbues the owner with a ferocious tiger claw attack with his bare hands...
(He would collect a few, just in case there is a chance of failure during item construction.)
thirdkingdom wrote: Ronrol states without equivocation that they will not be allowed to use the bowl, and that doing so would be viewed with extreme suspicion. "I believe your story, for the moment, but I've been wrong before. Can't take the chance of you communicating your location to your Dark Master," he says with a wry grin, "in fact, I think I should hold that bowl until we speak with the Baron." He likewise shoots down the idea of visiting Myraal. "I got nothing against sorcerers myself, and Myraal is a nice enough drinking partner, but the Baron . . . has a dim view of arcane practitioners. It would be best to head straight to the Keep."
"Now captain, we would rather maintain our belongings in our own possession, specially an object that might serve as important evidence to prove our innocence. We will not use it if it causes you any discomfort, but please consider that we have already been wronged and dealt with suspicion enough times, all the while we have been trying to provide good service to the people of Threshold. And I understand the Baron might have his own view on magic-users, but no dim view on mages was mentioned at any of the times my services were required. Funny enough such comments arise from time to time when circumstances are different. That is the sort of thing that makes me wonder if I should not move to other parts of Karameikos where I would be welcome rather than tolerated."
After a brief pause the mage adds "Apologies for venting off, let us keep moving as the city is not getting any safer while we talk. Rest assured we will not be trying to do anything against you, we are allies of Threshold, but we are not parting with our equipment and other belongings."
thirdkingdom wrote: The evening of the following day sees the party emerge from the virgin forest onto the road. Ronrol was right; the brigand's tracks follow those the party had made on their trek eastward. Once on the road, however, it is impossible to tell where they may have come from. As the groups wheels its horses to the south a small cart hoves into view, driven by a small, dirty man who seems vaguely familiar. As he approaches, those with a good recollection of faces recognize him as being one of the laborers at the logging camp. He reins in the mule pulling the cart and regards the adventurers with a dour expression, "Looks like the rangers caught up with you lot." He spits onto the road.
Drudsa smiles at the man's reaction "Yes, my good man, they have. You can now spit all you want without worrying about the beast, it is its skull we are now taking to Threshold. This creature will not be giving you and your colleagues any more suffering, irrespective of the pain you and your leader have decided to inflict on me and my companions."
Bregalad chooses not to participate in the carving of the cat. Fighting it was a simple matter, but watching as the others claimed parts of the carcass proved to be a struggle difficult for the elf to bear.
When the party reaches the scene of the battle with the bandits, Bregalad wraps the doppelganger's body using a cloak found on the ground, and then drapes it over his mount. The rest of the corpses he drags together and covers with their own garments.
zebediah wrote:
thirdkingdom wrote: The evening of the following day sees the party emerge from the virgin forest onto the road. Ronrol was right; the brigand's tracks follow those the party had made on their trek eastward. Once on the road, however, it is impossible to tell where they may have come from. As the groups wheels its horses to the south a small cart hoves into view, driven by a small, dirty man who seems vaguely familiar. As he approaches, those with a good recollection of faces recognize him as being one of the laborers at the logging camp. He reins in the mule pulling the cart and regards the adventurers with a dour expression, "Looks like the rangers caught up with you lot." He spits onto the road.
Drudsa the dabbler
Drudsa smiles at the man's reaction "Yes, my good man, they have. You can now spit all you want without worrying about the beast, it is its skull we are now taking to Threshold. This creature will not be giving you and your colleagues any more suffering, irrespective of the pain you and your leader have decided to inflict on me and my companions."
Bregalad the elf
Bregalad uncovers the head and upper torso of the doppelganger, for the laborer to see. "Yes. And here is the creature you had mistaken for Jaceo. These changelings leave a murderous trail behind them, and cover their tracks with deceit. This one's days of death and lies are now over. Tell that to your boss, Josiah, our accuser, for he claimed this to be nothing more than a desperate excuse."
Lanny spends the days in quiet conversation with some of the rangers. He asks both Ronrol as well as the elves about the silver pins that they wear. He seems particularly interested to learn that the elves are members of the Elvenguard.
"Perhaps one day, when I have finished with the business of adventuring, I think I should like to settle down and join the officers' ranks of the Elvenguard. However, I am not yet as proficient with my longbow as I would like to be. Tell me, are you stationed here in the Threshold area, or are you from other parts of Karameikos?"
When Ronrol later mentions about the Baron's "dim view" of mages, Lanny just smiles.
"Tis understandable, I suppose... The Baron is also the Patriarch of the Church in the Threshold region, and he no doubt has an interest in protecting the predominance of clerical magic within Threshold. Although, I do wonder if he realizes that the two elves that he sent to retrieve us are mages as well!"
Lanny laughs a good-natured laugh, then asks Ronrol if he might reconsider making a brief stop at Myraal's to bring the guild mage with them back to Threshold to help them answer some of the Baron's questions.
Lanny will attempt to make use of his +1 charisma modifier to try to get a better reaction roll. By the way, I'm not sure that anyone actually mentioned the silver bowl to the guards yet, so I'm not sure they would even know to try to confiscate it.
When the party is approached by the cart carrying the logger from the logging camps, Lanny realizes that they might not be able to keep their whereabouts hidden from the public any longer. Word would spread through the logging camps, and then word would spread back to Threshold. So, after his companions speak their minds, Lanny finally chimes in:
"My only regret in all of this is that we were not able to complete our quest before three more loggers were slain. I grieve for their families... But rest assured that no more loggers will die at the hands of the Great Cat. Here, take this back to Josiah and the other loggers as proof of our victory."
Lanny gives the man the one claw that he had claimed for himself.
The porter's eyes grow as he is shown the head of the great cat, the corpse of the doppelganger and when Lanny offers him the claw he takes it with trembling hand. "I am sure you slew this monster as soon as you could, Master Elf," he says, "I shall speak your deeds at the camps." The man makes the sign of warding against the evil eye upon seeing the grey corpse of the doppelganger. "Skinchangers I know nothing about, but I will tell Josiah of this, and of your triumph over the Beast. He is a good man, deep down, but quick to anger and long to hold a grudge."
Ronrol is adamant about traveling onward to the Keep. "You should count yourself lucky, my friend, that you do not ride in chains. Please do not tempt me to reconsider! The Baron made it clear to me that you are to be brought before him with all possible haste, and so I shall."
Thinks logically that it would be very nice to have a giant claw to wear around her neck, but as soon as the thought enters her head, she feels overwhelming discust, and remorse. Innana is having difficulties with these dual thoughts and feelings, and remains quiet during their trip back to Threshold. Quiet until Ronrol comments:
thirdkingdom wrote:
Ronrol is adamant about traveling onward to the Keep. "You should count yourself lucky, my friend, that you do not ride in chains. Please do not tempt me to reconsider! The Baron made it clear to me that you are to be brought before him with all possible haste, and so I shall."
"I will not tolerate being chained like a criminal. If you need to make haste, then we shall, but if you move to chain me, you will have a fight on your hands."
Semele the Henchdudess Cleric
Remains quiet, and aloof.
Innana Sureblade - level 3 fighter - In Search of Adventure
Raquinel Raialis - level 3 magic-user - War is Hell - Palace of the Silver Princess
