(In Progress) The three days in Trenfield, and the live game notes from 3/16/2019

...

THE THIRD AFTERNOON IN TRENFIELD.

Armella leaves the ship and heads into town, she's dressed in a pale blue floral kimono with her hair pinned back. She was used to wearing one as a child and the feeling of it came back to her with ease. Her talk with Ruby had inspired her to try and soften her appearance and since she had to be in disguise she was attempting to put on a persona of someone who hadn't gone to become a Paladin but stayed and became a respectable young lady. Something still lurked underneath though and showed through when her concentration slipped in thought of the charge given to her by her patron, not fear, but a presence as though fully armed and advancing towards an enemy. Perhaps going to the cathedral would help clear her mind.

Ruby heads toward the church as the bells toll. She's still trying to get used to being there every day, and not thinking too hard about her sinful, vagrant behavior in the eyes of her god. She guiltily fiddles with her necklace of Tarj, for once not dressed up at all. Just simple Delilah, in a simple dress. She feels naked almost without her disguises, trying hard to act natural. To just be herself.

Turning onto the busy thoroughfare, her eyes scan the crowd out of habit. Seeing a tall woman walking in a kimono, she curiously hurries her pace to come alongside her. She peers up at the woman and cracks a wide smile, feeling immensely better. "Hiya Mella! May I walk with you?"

Armella turns and looks at Ruby, "Of course, I would love the company. I honestly wasn't expecting to run into anyone today." She pauses and glances around, "I assume the others are more disinclined to venture out to our destination in preference for personal studies."

Continuing down the street Armella takes in the scenery, despite being so close to Lenova, she hadn't actually been to Rhen before and despite it being a little overbearing in some cases, she was enjoying herself. It was nice to be able to be around people again that didn't seem to hate everything she believed. "I've been thinking, what is your opinion on following commands? Is the way they are worded more important than the potential meaning that could be corrupted by personal interpretation?"

"Following commands?" She hesitates, trying to pick her words carefully.

"Well, failing to follow commands to the letter can have certain.... ramifications. Depending on who you're reporting to." Her voice lowers as they pass some Rhenese soldiers and a paladin, who are talking in whispers about some kind of accident.

"I think it depends on how flexible the person is to who you're reporting. Do they appreciate creativity?" She smiles a little, thinking of Luther. "Or is it dangerous to disobey?"

"Also do you have a personal code that you hold above other things? Can commands be themselves, corrupted?" She wrinkles her nose.

"But if you follow what you know is right, or what..." she trails off as they approach the church, looking up at the whitewashed building glittering in the sunlight. "...or what... the scriptures, or Tarj, say is right... then... maybe that is what's most important..."

She gets really quiet thinking about things, feeling a weight hanging on her shoulders; around her neck like a noose. She fiddles with her necklace again in silence.

Armella listens silently thinking of what Ruby says, "I guess I'm overthinking," She pauses and folds her hands in front of her. "I was thinking more in contracts anyways, so no need to worry there. I knew a story growing up about a farmer and an imp, the farmer had a daughter who had golden hair and the imp fell in love with her. The farmer couldn't get the imp to go away so he told him that he would give him everything he had that was golden. The imp agreed thinking of the girl, but was given his entire supply of wheat instead insisting that his daughter was not everyTHING. I believe the lesson was to watch one's words. I'm sorry if my question brought to mind things you didn't want to think about."

"Oh!" Ruby looks at Armella, her brain feeling sluggish as she mulls that over. "You're fine! I just... I over think sometimes." She smiles as best she can. "That's a really interesting story... It's something good to think about."

There's a faint clicking sound approaching from behind you, and as it gets closer you catch a faint smell of fine Scotch, Emerald Shimmerleaf pipeweed, and an earthy-woodsy cologne. Smells you know to be accustomed with Rolland.

Ruby remembers quite vividly, having her own pouch of Shimmerleaf in her room onboard the Skyshadow. Turning her head to look, she smiles, her mind clearing a bit. "Oh hi! Fancy seeing you out today Rolland! Are..." She looks a bit confused, and feels funny asking. "Are you heading to church?"

Rolland smirks. "Well, hello ladies! I wasn't planning on it, but I might just change my mind if that's where you lot are heading... just let me make sure..." He opens his satchel and looks inside, as if checking to see if he has something. "Ah, yup. Got it."

"It's nice going with company." She walks up to one of the lines waiting for the Ablution water.

After taking her turn and walking inside, Ruby finds a nice clear bench near the back. She scoots down, making room for the others.

Armella follows them in quietly, going through her mental process of clearing her mind and running through the Lodestar. A fleeting thought passes through her mind about possibilities of there being more, but she pushes it aside quickly. She sits next to Ruby, "I'm glad it's not just us, it’s nice to get off of the ship together."

Rolland nonchalantly slips past the water lines (15 stealth), and follows Ruby and Armella. He sits down on the end, near the isle and watches as people enter.

 

"It really is, after so long. And just... This feels so normal. It's nice." Ruby slowly exhales, peering up at the stained glass windows. She absentmindedly pulls out her copy of the Lodestar from her satchel, softly adding under her breath to Armella, "It's almost... foreign though... After so long. Being here these last few days, I mean."

 

Rolland spies a family walking in. He waits until the boy, appearing to be around 10 or so, was near him before carefully and quickly (14) slipping a Lodestar into the boy's bag in trade for the one already inside.

He looks around, attempting to hide a grin and stifling a laugh. (Rolls a straight 2.....lol oblivious.)

Ruby looks around for anyone else they might recognize. She sees the logging company owner, Rufus, sitting and smiling with his family on the far side of the seats. She also spots the merchant, Theo, who she and Thorin purchased supplies from the first day. He grumbles a bit as people pile in beside him.

"So Rolland, what made you interested in church? Your..." She bites her lip, not sure how to say it in a public setting. "Your extended 'family' doesn't seem all that religious, is all."

"I have my reasons..." He grins, waiting and watching. "Plus I enjoy everyone wearing their best."

Ruby cracks a smile. "That's true! You fit right in. Probably the best dressed here..." She chuckles, then opens her book. Often she holds the Lodestar out of habit, and to give her hands something to do. She has all the verses memorized by heart, as many but the youngest children do.

Armella side glances at the two of them trying not to smile while listening to them. She was glad that Rolland was here, after her dream she was torn about whether or not people were included in 'anything magical'. They were her friends, despite how they were born it didn't make them evil just because of possibilities. Or at least, not in her mind. She wanted to focus on the Lodestar and its teachings but also wanted knowledge of why, even if it was dangerous.

Perhaps her friends were a bad influence on her. She could understand why Emma was so upset upon finding out about her mother and the anger she felt inside at that was as strong even if she didn't show it. With a deep sigh she turned through the pages of her book, "Rolland, I..." Armella pauses and stares at her book not quite sure how to ask, "You are odd but normal but not, do you want to get drinks later with Ruby and me?" She forces out quickly. "If you want to Ruby, and it doesn't have to be drinks, but I want to get to know everyone better and that just happens to be the only way I know without discussing theology." Armella adds quickly trying to be quiet.

Rolland looks at Armella, physically fighting with himself to hold back laughter. He takes a deep breath and regains his composure. "That sounds like a nice activity. I'd enjoy that, especially with you pretty ladies!"

He attempts a sneaky glance (Drat! 4... lol) at the boy he switched books with, waiting for the hilarity to ensue... "I'm always in the mood for a good drink, great company, and delicious food..." he adds with a smile.

Ruby smiles, nodding. "I think I'd like that, too. Perhaps not drinks for me though, I..." She distinctly remembers the last time she had drinks with her friends, and it didn't fare extremely well. "Maybe we can meet later. I might just take a short walk after church, clear my head a bit and enjoy the scenery."

The church doors close as the meeting begins. The head priest says his normal anecdotes and the reading of the Lodestar begins. One by one, people approach the statue of Tarj to pass the salt from one pedestal to the other. Others pass their necklace or amulet above the colorful flames that erupt.

A fit of giggles can be heard across the pew from the boy, snickering as his mom nudges him to keep quiet. He tucks his book down so she can't see, and continues sniggering under his breath.

Rolland bites his fist in an attempt to keep from laughing, pulling the collar on his frock coat up to hide his face somewhat from view. (15 stealth)

Ruby glances over (13) but can't tell what the matter is. She flips to the next page of her book to read. (Is hers normal or not? XD)

Continuing to read and waiting her turn, she debates taking the Mark of the Antimon and foregoing the Loderite. She had been considering that for months now, but hadn't worked up the courage to. Too many questions, especially when keeping a low profile. Although she really didn't feel worthy of the Loderite with her actions of late.

Taking her turn, she begrudgingly stands. Participating as normal, she returns to her seat and flips to the next page to continue reciting. Her dream flickers through her mind.... Always making her wonder if the statue would look at her someday.

Rolland begins coughing and excuses himself outside as to not disturb others. (Ruby's next page is... different. Lol)

She glances down, still lost in her thoughts. She keeps reading with the others, but starts getting tongue tied. "The dark shenanigans--wait no... Chaos beckons. What the...?"

She skims the rest of the page and then flips through the book. "Succumbing to that tired, horrid art that is the work day..." Ruby looks incredibly confused. She closes her book, looking it over in detail. It all appears the same.

She flips it back open. "Stretch forth and reach for his pocketbook... This isn't right!" She mutters, opening her bag and digging through it. She can't find any other copies, and sits with her Lodestar book closed on her lap, trying to recite from memory alone again.

Rolland steps back in, a bottle of water in his hand and a handkerchief dabbing his mouth. "Excuse me, something must have got stuck in my throat." He whispers. (12 deception)

(15 insight!) Ruby eyes him closely, feeling something is off. The priests had also moved on without noticing his absence, skipping his turn for the Loderite as well.

Rolland pulls out a book and opens it, writing notes inside it; all sorts of legal words.

Ruby keeps looking over occasionally, then paws back through her book for any other strange things. She even tries to catch glances at the books of the patrons in front of her, but they all look normal.

Rolland is muttering things to himself, ignoring the services for the most part but still maintaining a level of respect one could expect from someone who loathes an institution they're currently seated in...

"My client is emotionally traumatized and is demanding... no, that's no good..." Rolland scribbles out a line in his book.

(rolls a nat 1........) Ruby glances over at the mumbling, but fumbles and drops her Lodestar and bag on the floor with a loud clatter. Items tumble out and she lets out a small squeak, covering her mouth in embarrassment. Seeing many eyes looking over at her, she sinks down in her seat and starts scooping up her things, her ears burning.

(Perfect timing to retrieve his funny book!)  Rolland begins assisting in picking up the things from Ruby's bag, again switching the edited version of the Lodestar for Ruby's original. (...yeah, no problem. Nat 20. Lol)

He hands Ruby a small handful of items, Lodestar included. "You alright, Lady?"

Ruby blushes even more. "Ye-yes, thank you Rolland." she takes the items and her Lodestar, staring at the cover. Putting her items back in her bag, she flips her scriptures open absentmindedly. "It was just--"

Ruby stops and stares at her book, silent. She looks pensive. Then she looks over at Rolland, who is watching her. She turns back at the book, confused. "N-nothing, actually. I'm good! Maybe just a bit tired. Thanks for your help!" She slumps in her seat on the pew with a funny expression.

Armella tries to focus despite her friends and finds that is more difficult than she anticipated. She fiddled with her kimono sleeves a little with her book on her lap. "You two make me wonder if I'm too stiff for life." She joked looking at the two of them

Ruby looks over, her ears turning red again. She almost forgot her friend was a paladin of the church, and looks a little ashamed at making a commotion during the Loderite.

"My apologies, Miss Mella..." she shyly falls back into her more honorary titles, smiling sheepishly. "I should be more focused on the ceremony."

Having made his slow, ponderous way to the statue ahead at the dais, an elderly gentleman takes his time moving the salts to the fire from one hand of the statue to the other. The green flame erupts forth, sending forth a sweet, pungent aroma. Suddenly, the eyes of the statue open up, and light shines from them. Three distinct taps from the high priest's staff signal the beginning of the Rite of the Alkahest.

"You have been chosen as the rightful subject to take up with Tarj the Wise, your knowledge and wisdom. Rejoice ye this day! Thou art chosen as God's Alkahest to join Him in the Realms of Light!" The old man gaps and falls to his knees, weeping for utter joy at the thought of ascension!

Ruby's gaze snaps to the front, staring at the glowing statue and the weeping man. Her heart beats fast and she sweats, distinctly remembering her dream. A mix of emotions swallows her up; relief she wasn't chosen, but then a slight pang of jealousy, followed by guilt. Then happiness for the man... but fear over the result--is this a truly normal Alkahest? Or is there another monster at play in the city?

She remains quiet, gripping her Lodestar as the room fills with a buzzing excitement.

Armella's attempt to relax was halted by the announcement. Part of her wanted to be happy for the man who was supposedly joining Tarj and the other part wanted to test the humanity of the high priest by bashing his face in just to be sure nothing resembling tentacles came out. "They can't be everywhere" She muttered to herself, trying to reassure the thought that it wasn't completely an awful ceremony.

Rolland snapped up from his book, alerted by the situation unfolding in front of him. "Blast... seems every time I set foot in a church with the intent of peace, something tips my hand..." He mutters under his breath. (14 stealth, raw roll)

He makes sure his cane is close at hand, just in case, and checking his satchel, makes sure all his books are there and in order. Barely opening a rather large one while still inside his bag, he slowly and carefully cocks the revolver tucked within the cutout of the pages. (17 stealth, raw roll)

"Miss Armella, should I try and check the priest's mind?" He whispers to her.

Armella looks at him confused, "Check his mind? Wait I don't want to know, do what you will."

Rolland looks down at a copy of the Lodestar, not at all caring about the words on the page. Instead, his mind is reaching out, feeling and flitting toward the high priest at the head of the room. Briefly he touches the old man's mind, (6 raw roll vs will... guess the old man feels the mental prod...) to see if he is in any way distraught or saddened by what is happening before dedicating his full mental assault on the high priest. (...whoa! 18 raw roll!!)

The old man is beyond overjoyed! Never in his long life has such an opportunity arisen as to be able to become one with Tarj. He is beyond words at this moment in his life, as he has been supplicating his god all his life to become one with Him. Suddenly, his mind feels a tingle, as if something is reaching out and touching it, and he feels slightly lightheaded. The feeling passes however, and he rises up, standing to his full height. A great smile is on his face as he beams up at the high priest.

Suddenly, the high priest wavers in his balance. His head becomes light, and a tingling sensation wafts throughout his whole body, starting from his head. He wavers some more, and leans heavily on his staff.

As Rolland is scrying the mind of the high priest, he learns that he is a native Lenovan, and has been assigned to this particular church to survey and oversee things generally. As far as he can tell, he has nothing secret to hide. But… he does learn that there is a High One at the church, however...

Rolland focusses his energy, pushing a seed of doubt into the priest's mind, attempting to make him wonder if taking someone's life is really a good thing, even if it is in the name of his supposed God...

Rolland, still staring at the book in his lap, begins to have beads of sweat form on his brow as he strains his mind, forcing his thoughts and consciousness outward, searching for the mind of the High One. (13 perception, raw roll)

The priest straightens up, wondering at the tickling sensation in his mind. He slows his recitation of the Loderite to an even pace. He wonders at the thought, *How is it that we kill people? The Alkahest goes straight to Tarj! I must consult the High One on this matter...*

(16 raw roll) Rolland searches through the sea of minds that surround him...and find no sign of the High One.

Armella sits ridged in her seat staring at the statue that decided the man's fate. If Rolland found anything out from him or the priest she wanted to act immediately. However, if they did, things may be set in motion too soon. Clearing her mind from her emotions the best she could, she takes a deep breath. *If there is a monster here, I am going to stop it unless otherwise guided * She thinks, partially challenging anything to stop her. This was her faith and she would purge everything from it and start from the ground up if she had to.

Dropping all guises of reading the Lodestar in his lap, Rolland wills his mind on further... clawing its way through the building and surrounding area, trying desperately to find the mind of the High One. Rolland broadens the search, feeling the minds of the mice scurrying about under the church, the birds roosting in the bell tower... "Where is he...?" He mutters through gritted teeth, sweat dripping from his face, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles a stark white against the red beginning to ooze from between his fingers. (I better freaking find something!! 19 raw roll... lol)

His mind probes and searches, and his mental scrying leads him to the bottom area of the church. Suddenly, he hit a huge mental wall. His mind scrying effect backfires on you. (Take 15 damage, which is the halved version.) Rolland nearly passes out.

(18 raw roll, 29 with my persuasion bonuses!) Ruby jerks out of her thoughts, looking over in alarm at her friend's faces; the stony, dangerous eyes of Armella staring at the Alkahest on her right, and the incredibly pained look of Rolland, blood dripping from his trembling hands on her left.

Her heart racing, she drops her Lodestar immediately without a second thought... and grabs each of her friend's hands in her own. She exhales a deep breath that she's held for what feels like an eternity.

Ruby gives Armella's hand a reassuring squeeze, one of deep camaraderie and understanding. She gently cradles Rolland's hand, easing her way into his to unclench his fist. The fresh blood is slippery but she holds his hand comfortingly and firmly.

Not wanting to speak out loud, fearing her quivering voice would shatter her meager attempt at relaxing her companions, she keeps reciting in her mind, *You are okay. We are okay. He will be okay. We will find out more. We will save him after if need be. We will be safe. This is okay. We are okay...*

Rolland opens his eyes from the mental attack, one eyelid fluttering as he tries to maintain consciousness. "It's in the basement..." He whispers to Ruby and Armella. "And whatever it is, it was able to attack my mind..."

He shakes the cobwebs from his head, an angry look flashing into his eyes briefly. "We have to stop it." He hisses under his breath.

Ruby feels a chill crawl up her spine at those words. Her eyes widen and she looks between the both of them.

Glancing at the over-joyous old man heading back to his seat, she nods affirmatively, giving their hands each a small squeeze. "We will."

Slipping her hands free for a moment, she wipes the blood from her hand on the inside of her bag. Ruby tugs out a familiar teal silk fabric. She discretely starts cutting it and coating it in the last of her healing salve, working inside the satchel on her lap.

Glancing over at Rolland, Ruby quietly takes each of his hands to wrap up the bleeding nail marks. "I think I'll need help making more of this stuff later," she whispers with a ironic smile. "Especially if there is an impending fight with a monster."

Armella sits in a mix of shock and anger. She wants to go down and find it, but a voice in her mind reminds her that the three of them alone might not work. Though...Maybe it doesn't know they are there. Last time, the monster caught them off guard. Maybe this time they could do the same to it. "Should we get the others or go and investigate? Not fight, just look, to keep tabs so it doesn't get away" She whispers back to the two, partially hoping they would want to go and search.

The three of us sit in the church, the services coming to a close. Apprehension and nervousness hangs heavy among us. We now have a suspicion that there is a High One here in this building, according to both the Rite of the Alkahest, and what Rolland scried. People begin to file out of the building when the Loderite ends.

Ruby gives Armella a very searching look, remembering what happened last time. Still having nightmares of it occasionally, even. She looks at her friend, armorless, weaponless, but still willing to investigate to save others. What a true paladin of the church--of any righteous church, of any god--would do...

Seeing that spark in Armella's eyes, and that angry, determined look in Rolland's, Ruby quietly whispers through the excited crowd of people exiting the building, "Wouldn't hurt to look around, I suppose... At least find out more of their process for the Alkahest." She glances over at the man being congratulated by patrons.

Ruby smiles at them both, grabs her belongings and stands up. She exhales, turns on her heels, and heads over to the crowd... instantly putting on a mask of excited joy and giddiness. She acts like a completely different person.

Ruby fawns over him like a beloved grandfather, giving him a big hug and showering him in platitudes. All the meanwhile, glancing occasionally at the priests and paladins nearby. She intends to stay near him as long as possible...

The elderly gentleman chosen as the latest Alkahest beams with an unspeakable joy, tears streaming down his aged face, and his mouth split into a wide smile.

He hugs Ruby back, returning the sweet platitudes.

Armella stands behind Ruby, adopting her usual stance despite not having her usual more intimidating appearance. She was looking around for any signs of potential problems. (13 perception)

The only things she notices are the people leaving the chapel, the paladins inside and outside the chapel, and the high priest at the dais.

Rolland walks up next to Armella, with the guise (19 slight of hand) of holding her hand, but in reality slipping her a collapsible baton. "Just in case" he mutters.

He easily makes the move. Armella stiffens up, thinking he is going to actually hold her hand. But feeling the baton pass to her, she shuffles it up her sleeve. She looks at him disapprovingly.

One of the paladins in the chapel approaches the three of them, and asks "vat can I do for you?"

Ruby--Delilah, really, at this point--gives a glowing smile. (26 persuasion)

"Oh! I'm sorry! I was just so happy for the new Alkahest... I've had other friends chosen, too!" Her eyes twinkle brightly. "I pray daily, and strive to uphold every tenant, so some day I may be blessed with the title Alkahest."

She looks imploringly at the paladin. "I've been wondering for weeks, could I... be blessed to speak with the High One? To receive knowledge and guidance as to how I may better dedicate my life to Tarj the Wise?"

The paladin returns the smile, and beams proudly. "It vould be my honor to introduce you to ze High One."

The paladin looks among the three of them, and makes the holy gesture of Tarj. "May His blessings forever rest upon you! Vill your friends be joining you in visiting ze High One?"

Rolland leans on his cane, nodding. Armella nods in agreement as well.

Delilah returns the gesture back, hoping to placate any possible inkling of suspicion that could possibly persist. If they're all able to go together, it should hopefully be safe enough.

"We're so excited!" Her eyes widen, a thought coming to mind. "Will you be escorting us?" She smiles hopefully. Perhaps a paladin or two nearby could help them if something happened. A paladin--especially a Rhenese paladin--should despise magic and evil, horrific monsters... right?

The paladin beams, and straightens up to his full height. "It vould be my honor, laud and blessings be to His name forever!"

With that, the paladin makes to lead them down into the depths of the chapel, and take them to the High One.

We are lead down a set of stairs into the depths of the building, and are brought to a wide set of double wooden doors. The scene is all too familiar as we three mask a tension behind feigned joy and interest.

The paladin opens the doors, and gestures for us to enter.

'Well it's now or never,' Armella thinks to herself as she nods to the paladin and walks in.

Delilah still isn't quite sure what happened to Rolland earlier, and tries to sneak a glance at him to judge how he's holding up. (Crap, raw 4.. Not super sneaky lol)

She grits her teeth. She doesn't want to see him hurt any more... She doesn't want to see Armella hurt any more... A memory of the penitent armor shots through her mind and it makes her stomach turn.

But watching Armella bravely and boldly step forward through those doors without even a fraction of hesitation fills Delilah with borrowed courage. 'That's what makes someone heroic...' She thinks to herself, as she follows after with only a slight tremble in her limbs. 'That's a true paladin. I swear I'll do my best to protect my friends... or die trying.'

Delilah struggles to keep the multitude of thoughts swimming in her mind placated so she can properly investigate the room. Without being able to get close to anything yet, it's difficult to tell if it is a room inhabited by something unhuman. (9 investigation)

The three of them and the paladin walk in to the chamber, and see a tall robed figure with a veil over its face. The paladin gestures with the hand symbol of Tarj, and greets the High One in Lenovan. The High One returns the gesture, and speaks back to the paladin in Lenovan, waving a gloved hand in dismissal. The paladin bows, and exits the room, leaving just the three of them, and him (based on his voice) alone in the room.

The High One turns to them, and speaks common in a Lenovan accent. "How may I be of assistance to you, children?"

Delilah straightens up, fiddling with the beautiful buffalo ring on her hand. 'I'm with my friends... My herd... I'm stronger through them. I'll be okay.' She thinks, exhaling her tension... and putting on another smile full of childlike enthusiasm. (25 persuasion check with advantage).

"Oh how blessed this day is I can speak with you, most illustrious High One!" She makes the holy gesture of Tarj, and bows her head in reverence. "My friends and I just witnessed the choosing of a new Alkahest and were... Positively overflowing with emotions." She glances back at the other two with a pointed look, hoping she can stall long enough for the three of them to locate anything suspicious.

"Could you... Would you please share of your knowledge and wisdom to this humbled, young garden of minds?" She looks up imploringly at the veiled face. "How might we train ourselves to someday become Alkahests, too?"

Armella stands behind Delilah trying to not seem standoffish in her pose. She kept switching back to the first time they met a High One, her time in penence and how she truly wished that whatever Rolland did was because of maybe a natural cause and not really a monster.

She kept her head slightly bowed as she observed the High One. She was focusing on his physical appearance and trying to surmise if this man would be a threat.

(I'd like to use my feat "Know your Enemy": spend 1 minute observing or interacting with another creature outside of combat, you can learn certain information about its capabilities compared to your own. The DM tells you if the creature is your equal, superior, or inferior in regard to two of the following characteristics of your choice: Strength score Dexterity score Constitution score Armor Class Current hit points Total class levels (if any) Fighter class levels (if any) )

(This guy has a strength of 13 and a dex of 17.) She can surmise, after a time of study, that the High One looks as if he could move slightly faster than her, but is not nearly as strong as she is. Armella relaxes a little bit as she notices. ‘I can take this guy no problem…’

The high one looks at Delilah and cocks his veiled head. “Teach you to become an Aklahest? Why, you do not become one from teaching, you become one through living.”

She presses further. “How might I live my life to that ideal?”

Continue to follow the teachings of Tarj. Give your life in service to him and your fellow men. Spread his knowledge throughout the world. That is how you do it.”

Delilah thinks back on their history with the previous High One—his mannerisms, his attitude. This feels… markedly different. There is a somber, peaceful aura about this gentleman… As opposed to the hostile tense aura of the last High One we met.

She bows, thanking the leader for his wisdom and knowledge. She sneaks a look at Armella, wondering if she should keep stalling or if Armella has made any presumptions about this fellow yet.

Then, he begins to approach the three of them. Reaching into his robes, he produces three copies of the Lodestar. He hands each of his visitors one. He says, “Give these to a friend that you may know. Someone who is struggling, who is lost hope or faith. Give it to them and let them be enlightened that they may find peace.”

As Delilah takes the book, she looks carefully at his hands. His hands are five fingered, fleshy… normal. Human. (Nat 20) This is totally a human. Ruby looks over at Armella again, deferring to her judgment and trusting her intuition.

As the High One hands the Lodestar book to Armella, he looks at her. He stands a few inches taller than her—a very, very tall man—but when he looks at her, he takes a step back. “Are you one of our anointed paladins?” She hesitates, but nods. “Yes.”

“Well! Then this should be easy work for you. Take these Lodestars and hand them out to someone that needs them.”

Armella agrees, “Of course. It would be our pleasure.”

The High One then, surprisingly, takes the veil from his face. They see a wizened old man, clean shaven and bald. He has a kind smile on his face. He leans down and kisses her on the forehead. He comes over to Delilah and kisses her on the forehead. He then approaches Rolland, who instantly stiffens and backs away slightly. The high one backs up and smiles, giving him a pat on the shoulder instead.

“If you need anything, consult the high priest or the paladins in the building. They, and I, will do all that we can do help you.”

“Thank you,” Armella says as goes to leave. She walks up to the door, the one the paladin closed behind them, and gives it a little knock. The paladin immediately opens the doors again and watches as the three of them exit the room. The paladin says, “This is such a grand opportunity! You vere able to see ze High One! Not always a privilege that common folk can say that zey have. But you have been blessed. Good day to you all.” With that he closes the door and leads them out.

Once they get outside, Rolland turns to the girls. “I’m going to go to the airship. I have some things I need to mull over.” He makes his way off, his staff clicking on the ground as he walks away. His pace kind of quickens as he gets further away from them, a little perturbed for obvious reasons.

Armella waves, leaving for the time being to return to the Dangerous Pelican Inn by the port. Ruby dismisses herself to go for a walk for some time through the city to think about things as well.

 

 

 

THE THIRD AFTERNOON IN TRENFIELD (During Game Session)

Hikaru has set up a shrine in the slums of the city, blessing it in the name of the God of Slaughter. Sitting a few paces off, watching as interested people come approach it and dropping coins into it. He sees a band of gang members approach it—all chains, thuggish, and mean. They see the shrine and read the sign saying what the God of Slaughter is, and not to mess with the shrine or they will be cursed.

They approach it and study it, looking at the note attached. The leader of the gang, a large portly man with big shoulders and a scraggily beard comes forward and says, “Oy, whoever put this thing here needs to come out and explain themselves immediately.”

Hikaru has no reason to move…. And remains where he is.

The leader looks it over again. “Im warnin’ ya, if you’re bringin’ strange things in my part of town, you’ll bring hell down on yerself.” He looks this way and that, and no one comes out. “Alright then. Just know that we’re watching every part of this district. And we’re everywhere…” With that he looks at the shrine, back at his men, and does a gesture with his head. “Shh, be quiet like. Don’t do anything stupid.”

The men come up, and heave at the shrine to try to move it. But it is locked in place. When they start touching it, Hikaru puts his hand on his revolver and clicks the hammer loudly. (27 intimidate).

The men immediately stop, backing away from the alar hands in the air. “Alright, what’s your deal? You can come out now if you want. We’re not gonna do nothing to ya.” The leader says.

Hikaru steps forward. “Do not touch this shrine. Unless you’re offering obeisance.”

“Obeisance? To who?’

“Balgor… The God of Slaughter.”

He looks confused for a second. “Some crazy talk happenin’ here.”

“It’s all true. There is a god… a God of Slaughter. I expected you might… appreciate that around here.”

The man knits his brows as he thinks. “What’s your game?”

“No game. Just made a shrine. That’s all there is to it.”

“So you’re sayin there’s a god that likes to slaughter things.”

“That’s right. And he’s made me… his disciple. So I suggest you listen or leave it alone.”

The gang member studies Hikaru. “If I put gold in this.. Will I be blessed by your God of Slaughter?”

“With the power to kill your enemies. Yes. That’s exactly right.”

He looks up, cocking his head as he thinks. He gestures with his head again to his lackies. “We were just takin’ a shipment out today.” Two chests are set down beside him. “So you’re sayin if I dump this big pile of gold in the shrine I get power to kill my enemies?”

“Yes. That’s how it works.”

With that they begin piling gold in the shrine.

Hikaru looks on, watching without intervening. With each pair of coins placed inside, the shine glows brighter in a red hue. The men stop in surprise, but the leader says, “Keep goin’, keep goin’. I want my blessings.”

He has emptied his two coffers of gold into the shrine now. It is glowing very bright. It suddenly fires a bright red beam of light into the air for just a moment. Then the gang leader says, “Alright. Now what we supposed to do?”

“Go on your merry. And the Lord Balgor will bless you. People will be slaughtered under your hands.”

“Should I… come worship at the shrine? Or what?”

“Just come every now and then to offer your obeisance to the Lord Balgor. Maybe with a prayer every now and again. But especially whisper his name when you murder... that’s what you want to do.”

“You got it. And what in blazes was that light?”

“Just him blessing you with his power.”

“Well then... looks like ol Tarj the Wise has a contender!”

“Just keep it on the down low… this is here for those who need it. Not for those who want to destroy it.”

“Right... well Mr. Apostle of Balgor… we’ll do the bidding of the great God of Slaughter.” With that he turns, orders his men around, and they leave.

Hikaru has the darkest of smiles.

At this point, Hikaru has done something pretty unprecedented in Trenfield. There are local gangs, which he ran into… and then there’s state wide gangs, and then there’s country wide gangs… and they offer a huge black market. This… is going to spread far. It may take a month or so. But it will spread. Hikaru knows this, and thinks to himself, ‘Exactly what I wanted…’

Because Balgor is alive and well, magic that would usually start breaking with the fabric of reality doesn’t happen because he is here and on this plane.

During that time, the guards of the city dare not go into the slums district. They did notice a large pillar of red light fly up from further inside, and they acknowledge it. But feel there is no use charging into the slums regardless of their own lives or health, because… well, everyone there knew it was a place to be avoided.

 

During the rest of the evening, Thorin spent his time working on the ship, tinkering with his inventions and practicing with his Omnistaff and new Dwarven Throwing weapon. Sick of dealing with the city, its rules, and its constant church attendance, he elects to stay on his own until they have a chance to leave.

 

 

THE FOURTH MORNING IN TRENFIELD (During Game Session)

The night passes without any issue or trouble. Dawn comes and the sun rises. It is a brand new day.

We have a destination in mind, but we need to meet up and talk it over. We all gather aboard the Skyshadow to discuss our plans. Delilah comments first. “We have a few different options ahead of us. We’re here to get that crystal… and we know it was last in the museum in Republic Central. We can head that way now, and chance scoutin’ the place out ourselves when we get there… usin’ that fancy compass and whatnot. But… we could also go see if we can find Mr. Luther in Cyron. I’m positive he’s there. We can get the blueprints to the museum perhaps, and find a better plan of approach. If we go to Luther, we can also use the trains…” She pulls out several boarding passes that she got from the customs agent the other day. “Less regulation than aeroship ports.”

Hikaru looks at her. “You said you saw Mr. Luther?”

“I... I did.” She looks down, remembering the scrying with Balgor. “I am worried about him.”

“Thorin?” Hikaru turns to the dwarf for his input.

Thorin considers the situation. “He might have information on how to better get around… informants might be all over… depending where we need to go.”

“What do you think Armella?”

“Getting him wouldn’t be a bad idea. What would we do after we rescue him? Would we bring him back to his other place? I mean if he’s been apprehended… I guess they caught him for a reason.”

Delilah gets really defensive. “Well he may not be a saint, but… he’d never do anything wrong if he could help it, he ain’t never tried to hurt nobody. As far as I know, he’s just… being held at his place, and he’s working hard as ever, but under force.”

“Train it is then.” Thorin shrugs. “What about our ship? And our gear?”

Delilah comments, “Our ship is safe where it’s at for now, since it’s been through customs. Eliza did tell the fella we’d be here for two weeks. So…”

“If everything seems in order here, what would we bring?” Thorin continues.

After discussing some plans, the group decides to use Armella’s bag “of many pockets” to store items we don’t wish to check through the security on the train. Mostly our weapons and ammo that we can’t smuggle directly on us. We also agree that some of us can continue our disguises, such as Hikaru as the Wuxian worker, Eliza as the employer, Mutiger as the “red orc”, and Thorin as an older man… using his staff to generate a guise of an old man with a hologram he built. We plan to go rescue Luther.

We come to the main train station in Trenfield and it is a busy place. It has crowded lines leading to the station. Military personnel stop us as we approach the gates. “Papers please!” Eliza happily hands over her paperwork and blows the fellow a kiss. “All things seem to be in order,” he grumbles as he passes it back to her.

She turns around and touches the man on the shoulder, realizing she might have to be a bit more helpful for her “Wuxian friend”. “I’m escorting diplomats from outside the country. Is that alright? Some of them don’t speak Elbionese or Alwynian well…” (20)

He takes the paperwork from her, glancing at it. “Yes, yes. Move along. Move along. “

We take our seat on the train and get comfortable. People file in after us. We are happy to finally get away from the military and the nagging rules of Trenfield. Eliza, busy in her book, looks up from her paperwork and sees someone sitting across from her. A man in ochre robes. He looks up slowly and then smiles at her. But as soon as someone else walks past in front of Eliza’s field of vision, the man is gone.

She blanches, looks down, then back up to see if she’s imagining things. She looks over at her friends to see if they noticed him. The only one who seems to have had a similar experience was Hikaru. She meets his gaze, asking in her look, “Was that real…? Or am I crazy?” He shakes his head almost imperceptibly, saying “No… you’re not”. Hikaru gets his revolvers quietly from Armella and hides them.

The memory of the robed man lingers on even though we don’t see him again. People are laughing and talking around you.

Mutiger, Rodrick and Celrin are on a different car of the train so we don’t raise suspicions.

Sometime later, Eliza looks up to notice another robed individual two seats ahead of her. Same color robes, same feeling. She glances across the aisle to her right and sees there is another. She turns to look behind her, and sees… another. They notice her stares, and some smile. Some don’t. As she looks at one, another train passenger walks by. Like before, the robed individual disappears as they pass… all of them seem to have gone again.

She blinks, looking for anyone who may have been one of the robed individuals… perhaps having changed? Looking through the sea of faces, she sees many people milling about, but no one suspicious now. Armella also looks around, having seen something strange… Eliza returns to her paperwork, continuing to doubt her own senses.

The train arrives in the station a half a day’s travel later. Are now in Cyron, in Haven City. We disembark the train, meeting up as a whole group again.

“Do you think we’re being followed?” Eliza looks scared and unusually at a loss for words. Armella chimes in, “I did see something… although I’m not sure.” Hikaru nods as well.

Eliza sighs. “We probably shouldn’t linger too long here.”

Armella nods. “Probably. Or go to a completely open field to wait...” she adds.

“Wait for them to come to us?” Eliza chuckles nervously. She keeps falling from her character accent back into something more like Ruby’s voice, but less frilly southern charm.

Hikaru eyes the shadows. “You ever get the feelin’ you was being watched?”

From where the eyes are… we have no idea. For whenever we look in the direction we think we’re being watched, we see nothing.

Eliza pulls her fur cloak around her tighter. “I’ll just... start heading to Luther’s then. Let’s just keep our eyes open.”

We make our way into town. It’s dark now. It’s now the 4th day, the 19th of Toilday of Sunsebb. Year 3023 AR.

We pass by several different locations and businesses. People are closing down for the night. There are no rules here posted on every sign post that we can see, but we still imagine that there are some hefty regulations existing even in this suburb of New Brighton.

We make our way to an office building. The selfsame office building Luther worked at. If he’s not here, then… We have come here in vain. But… as we approach, we see a paladin standing outside the office.

A man steps out of the doorway. It is Luther himself. Briar Octavius Luther.

There are some steam engines and carts heading down the street, and horses and carriages as well. His eyes scan left and right, looking to hail a ride. But then his eyes land on us, and he stops dead in his tracks. He recognizes us.

Eliza drops all pretense and rushes across to him, embracing him in a giant hug. She’s near tears.

“Eliza!!! It’s-it’s you!! And wait it’s—there’s more!” He sees Hikaru and Armella in the back. Thorin, Mutiger, Rolland and Celrin and he is just overjoyed. Eliza looks back over at the others, realizing he isn’t familiar with some of them. She chuckles. “I gathered some more people for the Skyshadow.”

Realizing they’re being super conspicuous right now, Eliza quiets down. “Any place we can continue our reunion more… private?”

Luther nods and hails a cab—a trolley large enough for everyone. “McConnelly’s Pub, please.”

As the party starts to board the cab, Thorin chuckles next to Eliza.

“I’ve been with him longer…” He teases. She chuckles back. “Yes… yes you have. I’m glad to have worked with you Thorin.” She puts her arm around him.

As Thorin gets in the taxi, he gives Luther a little kick in the shin.

“Oh Thorin! So, so happy to see you!”

“Yes, thanks for remembering me!” The dwarf grumbles with a smile.

“Of course I—I!”

“I’m just teasing you, Luther.” He laughs, still looking like an old man.

We head to the pub, the self-same one Luther first recruited us to his services at. We get off the trolley and head to the pub, where Luther slams down some coins. “I need several drinks for everyone at this table.” With that, the waitresses bustle about passing water and ale around. Luther begins talking, and sharing his stories about what happened.

“That day… It was a terrible day. All of us can agree to that. There is no way in my heart of hearts that I could have forgiven myself if one of you died.”

Eliza looks around the table at the others, then looks down with a pit in her stomach. “Well.. we… didn’t all make it out.”

“What? Who??” His eyes grow wide with concern.

“Alastair... he stopped to help a child, and got them to safety… But he didn’t make it out with us. I’m so sorry, Luther.”

He sinks down in his chair. “I should have never gone on that museum venture. Stuck with these things in Alwyn… if I wouldn’t have put that damned museum in Republic Central, all of you would be okay… He might still be alive.”

Hikaru looks over at him. “You don’t think this invasion was your fault, do you?”

“It’s the fault of these damned… Rhenese.” Luther grumbles under his breath.

“Good. Then them foreigners are gonna die for it.” Hikaru vows.

Eliza quietly petitions Luther’s attention to a new topic. “Have the Rhenese been… locking you up? Keeping you chained? Why?”

He gives her a strange look. “How would you know that..?”

She just stares at him, at a loss for words. She’s not sure how to explain Balgor just yet, or magic… or scrying. She hopes he will understand.

After a moment he does continue. “Yes… Yes, the Rhenese seized my business. Took over all the monetary assets. And took it for the state. Now I work for the state as an investor. I help work on land deals for them. I was one a realtor… So…”

“Sounds like a slave to me…” Thorin grumbles.

Luther shrugs and winces, reaching down and rubbing his ankle, resting it on his right knee. He says, “Well, if anything, I’m glad that the rest of you are alright.” He looks around. “So who are our new friends here?”

“Well, the big one…” Thorin starts, “Is Mutiger. He doesn’t talk too much to new people…. Until he perceives you as trustworthy.”

“I see.”

“And then…” Rolland speaks up. “This is Celrin. She met Ragnar, the owner of Iron Falcon across the way from the old logging company in Trenfield.”

“I see, I see, I see.”  He nods. “I’m glad…” He looks at Rolland, his brows knit. “Who are you?”

“You knew Rodrick didn’t you?” Hikaru said.

Eliza butts in, “This is…. Another of his… family.”

“Acquaintances.” Thorin suggests.

“Very close acquaintances…”  Hikaru smiles knowingly.

Luther surveys them all. “Well as I have said before, I have been commissioned by the Rhen in Alwyn to procure lands and make investments. I am strictly overseen in this venture. I hate it. Hate every second of it. But it’s my job. And I do my job, and I do my best. I do not leave.”

Well would you like to tell him the good news or shall I?” Hikaru smiles at Eliza.

“Well…” She turns to Luther again. “As we would… liberate… artifacts for you before… we are now here to liberate… you.”

“Blast it all... Really…? Is that why you have come? I love you all so much… Thank you! What is the plan?”

Hikaru and Eliza both look at each other, then the others. “Uuum…”

Thorin smacks Hikaru with his staff under the table teasingly.

“Well we are here in Alwyn to also pay a visit to the old museum… we need to… “Liberate” something else from there that was left behind. Rufus, from the logging company, he said they re-built it after the bombing.”

“Oh how nice of them.” Luther says sarcastically. “But go on.”

“Yes… we were hoping you may have some… blueprints we could also acquire? Then get you and what we need out of here and to safety.” She looks at him. “Will they be watching your house?”

He thinks. “If we’re traveling in a large group, they will follow us… but…”

Thorin chimes in. “Why don’t we have some follow at a distance then?”

“True... Always the shrewd thinker you were, Thorin.” Luther mulls that over. “Thorin, Eliza, come with me. Armella and Hikaru, you follow at a distance. And Celrin, Mutiger, Rolland, you make up the rear. We’ll make a slow approach to my place. Go down side streets but keep us in your sight always. Is this agreeable?”

We all nod. He continues. “After we’ve had our drinks, let us go. Money is a little tighter these days… I’m not as well off as I used to be…” He thinks of his home.

Thorin chuckles. “I can cover the tab. How much do we owe?”

“Oh no, I just… I’ve got it tonight, but.. Just in general. Because the state levies a heavy tax on those of us who make a certain amount, we cannot—we have to live more frugally.”

“Yes… we know some of their ‘taxes’ well.” Thorin says this in quotations. “Basically robbery through the church.”

We finish our drinks as Luther tells some of the adventures he went through after the bombing of Alwyn. He talks about how he had broken his arm and saved a child during the attacks. He shows his left arm and the scar from his surgery. He’s doing a lot better now. He definitely doesn’t like his job, but it’s the only job he has. Otherwise he’d be homeless.

We finish up our conversation and make our way out into the town. We aren’t exactly subtle, but… we make our way. At least for Armella in her paladin armor, no one gives her a second look going about her business.

Mutiger, Rolland and Celrin make up the rear from a far distance. All of us follow Luther over a half hour. He unlocks the door. It’s not as big of a home as he used to have—now a larger apartment room with several side rooms. He lets us in and we get to talk about everything that’s happened since the bombing from the time we tried to get to Elingrad, then to the Rift.

Luther’s mouth drops and his eyes widen, hearing we actually went to the Rift. He had no idea where we went to, but never fathomed there. “You seriously went to that place?? WOW!!”!  What was it like??”

“Juuuuust as the stories described….” Eliza chuckles.

“Harsh and deadly.” Thorin says.

Eliza thinks of something and brings out the enchanted rope from her bag. “WOAH!” Luther’s eyes widen like a child, holding it and feeling it. “It’s a beautiful rope… this came from there? Does… it do anything?”

She gets a sheepish look, thinking back to her practice on the Skyshadow with it. “Promise you won’t freak out too bad, alright?” She smiles. “Greatness.” The rope begins to animate at her word, and she motions with her hand for it to rise to the ceiling like a climbing rope.”

“You found ma--…magic items?!” He whispers.

She nods, then speaks the command word for it to end its hovering. It coils and wraps itself back up neatly.

He shakes his head back and forth. “This is.. WOW. So you survived the great terror that is the Rift… And managed to snag some things from it too? My GOODNESS.”

“Snagged... Borrowed... You could say either way.” Thorin says.

“Well… you have them now.” Luther chuckles. We spend the next couple of hours talking and catching up late into the evening.

We begin to discuss how best to get Luther to safety. Thorin asks, “When is the best time for you to leave? Any point when the guards aren’t around you?”

He shrugs. “Now is the best time, honestly. In the evening, after work.”

Eliza draws out an extra train ticket she’d pre-purchased. “I actually have another one I can forge…. Easily. We can get you to the Skyshadow, perhaps? You can lay low there while we finalize our business, then…?”

“Well how do we get him there?”

“I could disguise him… with a little time.” She gives some thought to it.

Armella pipes up, “Well… I can… help with that. I can lend him my armor. He could be a paladin.”

Eliza’s eyes widen. “R-really? That would be a great idea, actually…” She looks even more contemplative.

“Well, why not just pick him up after with our airship? Fly back over here once we have the goods, then leave?” Thorin leans back, suggesting.

Eliza looks uncomfortable with the idea of leaving Luther here any longer. “I’d rather him not suffer more time… especially if something happens. Although I do see your wisdom in that.”

“We could… take him with us. Smuggle him in a crate with some items through customs.”

“I don’t want to be crammed in a crate.” Luther looks upset at the thought of it.

“Comfortability is not our most important concern.” Thorin shrugs.

“I suppose…” He grumbles.

Eliza pipes up, “Luther, what would you like? Of all the suggestions we’ve given? Which do you feel the most comfortable with? That’s going to make the best disguise.”

He gets a boyish smile on his face. “May I be a paladin, actually?” He seems keen, like he’s always wanted to be one.

Thorin scoffs a bit. “That sounds so difficult though. You’d need to know so much, what if you are caught?”

“My friend Thorin, I have been around paladins here for a long time. I know how they greet each other… and how they interact. I’m confident I could do it.”

“Yes they’re very boring people.” Armella chuckles.

“So are we going to try that then?” Eliza comments. “Armella, will you be okay without any for now?”

“I can last without armor for a bit. I’ll go pick up a new set from the church, it’s not like mine isn’t banged up and needing a change.”

Thorin shrugs. “As long as it doesn’t cause suspicion…” He looks over at her. “I have some chain armor you can use in the meantime, Armella.” Thorin says. “Just in case trouble comes up…”

We spend the next little while going through the process of changing. Armella heads into a room to doff her plate mail and try on the chain shirt, putting her kimono over it. Luther is brought the heavier plates and starts to try it on. He almost falls over as he picks up a few pieces. “Woah this is heavy!! You paladins sure are strong people.”

Thorin shakes his head. “We sure this is a good idea?”

“He’ll have to get used to whatever we put him in I suppose. We’ll see. If not, we’ll move on to plan B.” Eliza comments.

He goes into another room and comes out. Rattle… Rattle.… Luther comes out in her imposing armor. “It’s a perfect fit!” He beams.

Thorin looks between the two, Armella and Luther, and thinks, “How does that work…?”

Should we go now?” Luther looks excited.

Thorin pipes up. “Before we go, where are the plans for the museum you mentioned?”

“Oh yeah!” Rattle Rattle. Luther heads over to the corner of his room. He lifts up carpets in the corner and pulls up some plans he’d hidden underneath. He comes back over and slams them on the table.

He opens up blueprints and throws them over his shoulder, trying to find the right one. “Aha! Found it.” He slams it down. “Here it is. Or… was.” And his smile dies.

“Well the skeleton is still there. And we’ll go give them hell for you.” Eliza smiles.

Anything hidden in underground areas?” Thorin says.

“Luther looks over. “You take me as a fool?” He smiles. “Of course there is.”

He draws with some ink on the blueprint a tunnel that goes from the basement level to the next block over. “I had it built in as a failsafe in case things went bad. They did go bad, but… not in the way I thought they would.’

“As long as they didn’t discover it when they rebuilt it.”

“Oh it’s likely still hidden… only I knew about it.” He hands us the blueprints. “Here’s the map that will lead you. Double-down on east 2nd street and turn left there. There you will find a manhole there that leads to the sewers. When you get to the sewers…” He gives another map of the sewers. “This will lead you to the secret entrance. If they’ve kept any of the old artifacts… they will be in the basement.”

“Well that’s good.” Thorin says.

“Yes… give them hell.”

“Well that’s hopefully the plan. Or the end game...” Thorin quips.

“Right. So! Shall we?” Luther looks around again.

Thorin looks over the room. “Well let’s clean up then, I suppose.

They start to tidy up the papers. Eliza starts looking at the others, and pauses. In the sewers leading to the museum, there’s another passage heading kiddy corner to the museum. This building has a basement that no one ever knew existed—it looks sectioned off. Eliza makes a symbol there to remember.

As we tidy up and make ready, Luther also mentions before he got into the museum business, one of his old partners he worked with owns a hotel on the eastern side of Genaria named Fairset. Eliza gets deeply interested as he talks. Luther says he will send a telegram to his old partner there, Samuel Rocksteady, to let him know that he may have people that need a place to stay… sometime. Eliza makes a mental note, knowing the company Arc Munitions has their corporate buildings right in Fairset.

Luther gets an idea as they finish up. “Maybe someone kidnapped me! We could stage a kidnapping! As if someone came in and… took me…” He begins looking around, imagining what we could do.

“Well we wouldn’t want to leave anything here, in case they don’t want to wait to move someone else in. Don’t need your stuff found, if you’re suddenly gone?” Eliza looks concerned.

“Right... could we save blueprints in your bag, miss?” He turns to Armella. "It does seem to have a lot of pockets.”

They stuff them in one at a time, and goes in his room to a hidden safe behind a dresser. He pulls out a bag of 20 pp pieces. He gives each of us one. Then he stops, and just hands us the whole bag. “Take this. You’ll need this more than I.”

Eliza looks surprised, grateful, then thoughtful. She gives him one back. “This is in case you need to bribe someone on your way back… just kind of the business of things.”

“True… true. Alright.” He looks determined.