Rise of Rone - 2018-03-03 - Shanty Town Captives (log)
Charlatos 3, 5118
by Leafiara Autumnwind of the [[::The_TownCrier|TownCrier]]
Summary
- Rone appears on the rooftops and leads adventurers toward a hut in Shanty Town, where Stormyrain discovers a hole leading underground; she and Shinann enter and Sir Cryheart follows with his own group. Later in the evening Stormyrain reports that Rone supplied her and Shinann with information about where to look.
- Inside the underground cavern, four captives are found who are terrified at the sight of Cruxophim, along with an ebony cart carrying torture devices and an ivory diagram of the bone-like pillars in the surroundings of Wehnimer's Landing. Adventurers free and heal the captives; Crux denies doing this or knowing who they are, but agrees to go into the shadows to avoid scaring them.
- The four captives are taken to the Raging Thrak Inn, where some of them tell their story. A man named Anton says he's been there two weeks and was the last one to be taken, saying there were originally seven but that three were taken away and that Klarisa--one of the women--claims their captor ate them. He says all of them were tortured by Cruxophim.
- Evia asks how they were fed and Anton says they were offered "a sludge like soup and black apples" but none took the apples. Anton says it's a blur and he remembers cutting and healing of wounds.
- One of the men, Tal, mumbles about "he said he's thirteen" and Anton says he was "gone of the mind" for a while.
- One of the women, Stephanie, says she was taken before the others and that Crux ate the others, but then says she didn't see him do it or how.
- A squire from the Order of the Silver Gryphon escorts the two men and women away to the Holding outside town.
Log
Rone's Latest Lead
[Town Square Central]
This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree.
Thunder booms in the distance, heralding the coming of a storm.
Flashes of hot white lightning briefly illuminate the dark skies above, crackling about like the glowing ashen legs of a dozen arachnids.
Amidst the obscurity of night and the falling rain, a white-cloaked figure appears briefly on the rooftop of Moot Hall, perched like a silent alabaster gargoyle. With a swirl of mist, the figure vanishes.
[a search for the figure begins]
A flash of lightning briefly draws attention to a white-cloaked figure bounding along rooftops near Frith's Inn.
Another flash of lightning shows the white-cloaked figure near a rooftop close to the Temple.
[Cryheart's group continues on, following Rone]
A white-cloaked figure can be seen leaping along rooftops admist the bright flashes of lightning, moving along South Ring Road and past the boutique, approaching Shanty Town.
[more pursuit]
[Wehnimer's, Shanty Town]
A few scraggly trees cast dark shadows over this clearing at the center of an assortment of ramshackle huts. Although the area seems dark and deserted, occasional movements in the windows of the huts indicate that the road may not be unobserved. Small footpaths lead in several directions. The hut closest to the street seems to be built largely of broken crates.
Stormyrain's group just entered a hut.
Shinann just entered a hut.
Sir Cryheart's group just entered a hut.
[Shanty Town, Inside Hut]
You are inside a one-room hovel. A worn quilt patched together from hundreds of tiny scraps of fabric is folded neatly in the corner. A fat candle, melted down to a waxy stub, rests atop a warped crate in the center of the room.
Stormyrain searches around for a moment.
Stormyrain adds Shinann to her group.
Stormyrain asks, "Is everyone here?"
Cryheart says, "For the most part."
Cryheart grins at Stormyrain.
Stormyrain nods.
Stormyrain observes her surroundings with an almost excruciating slowness.
Shinann just tried to pull a worn patchwork quilt.
Stormyrain's group just went down a dark hole.
Cryheart glances at something under a worn patchwork quilt.
Sir Cryheart's group just went down a dark hole.
[Catacombs, Inside Crypt]
You curse instinctively as you hit your head on the low ceiling of the crypt chamber, and revile your ancestors under your breath for having been so short. There is barely enough room to crawl through here, so you quickly glance from side to side to discover anything of interest. Among the crushed bones and the rubble, you spy a very narrow chute.
Stormyrain blinks.
Stormyrain points at a narrow dark fissure.
Stormyrain's group just went into a narrow dark fissure.
Sir Cryheart's group just went into a narrow dark fissure.
The Four Captives
[Dark Cavern]
Darkness envelops much of the cavern, save for a few glowing torches wedged into niches along the earthen walls. Devoid of any luxuries or comforts, the cave is bare and mildly cold. The only exception is a long granite slab in the center of the room, where a white ivory diagram rests upon it. You also see an ebony cart, a disheveled human man chained to the wall, a wounded elven woman chained to the wall, a puffy-eyed half-elven man chained to the wall and a dirt-covered human woman chained to a wall.
Stormyrain stares at a wounded elven woman chained to the wall.
Shinann gasps.
Stormyrain focuses her concentration, briefly studying the composition of a wounded elven woman chained to the wall.
Stormyrain focuses her concentration, briefly studying the composition of an ebony cart.
Cruxophim gazes thoughtfully at a wounded elven woman chained to the wall.
Stormyrain casts an appraising gaze over her surroundings, seemingly taking in every detail.
Cruxophim gazes thoughtfully at a puffy-eyed half-elven man chained to the wall.
You worriedly ask, "Are you... all alright?"
You frown.
Stormyrain slowly asks, "What is this place?"
A woman screams suddenly, "HELP US!" Before he re...." She looks directly at Cruxophim and instantly stiffens and silences in fear.
Speaking to a puffy-eyed half-elven man chained to the wall, Shinann asks, "Who did this to you?"
Stormyrain blinks.
Cruxophim cocks his head and examines the elven woman.
Stormyrain settles her gaze on Cruxophim, watching him intently.
Cryheart raises an eyebrow.
Cruxophim raises his eyebrow, the tiny metal spikes set within only enhancing his skeptical expression.
Talinvor says, "Well. They aren't dead."
Shinann glances at Cruxophim.
Speaking quietly to Cruxophim, Pukk says, "You have that effect on people."
Speaking quietly in Elven to a dirt-covered human woman chained to a wall, Lylia says, "Be still a moment longer."
Speaking absently to Talinvor, Cruxophim notes, "No, they aren't."
Speaking to Cruxophim, Ysharra asks, "Little close to the surface with these, aren't you?"
Speaking absently to Pukk, Cruxophim agrees, "Yes, I do."
Cruxophim peers quizzically at Ysharra.
You scratch your head.
One man chained to the wall begins to tremble at the sight of Cruxophim and tries to slide up the wall, trying to shrink away as a wet stain appears in the front of his pants.
Speaking noncommittally to Ysharra, Cruxophim remarks, "I don't know what you mean."
Stormyrain points at a stained ivory diagram.
Speaking gently to a puffy-eyed half-elven man chained to the wall, Cruxophim assures, "No need to be afraid, we'll get you to safety now."
Cryheart says, "Ok..mayor...confess."
Speaking to Shinann, Stormyrain asks, "Does this look familiar?"
Cryheart grins at Cruxophim.
J>look diag
The ivory diagram is stained in old blood and appears to be an illustration of not only Wehnimer's Landing, but its surroundings, stretching as far as the wooded hills and coastal cliffs, all the way to the Glatoph. Five marked spots on the diagram are drawn to to resemble bone-like pillars, with crude lines connecting each one and some scribbled words next to each.
Speaking amusedly to Cryheart, Cruxophim assures, "Nothing to confess."
The puffy-eyed man seems to whimper and convulse at the words of Cruxophim.
Stormyrain raises her eyebrow, the dark bloodjewel half-ring set within only enhancing her skeptical expression.
Shinann ponders.
You glance suspiciously around the room.
Stormyrain gives a sidelong glance at Cruxophim.
Speaking dubiously to a stained ivory diagram, Cruxophim remarks, "Really, Rone?"
Speaking to Cruxophim, Hapenlok asks, "Care to explain?"
Cruxophim shakes his head, clucking his tongue.
Speaking dismissively to Hapenlok, Cruxophim states, "Amateurish nonsense."
Shadows dance between Lylia's outstretched fingers as she issues a command in archaic Faendryl.
Cryheart frowns.
Lylia gestures at a wounded elven woman chained to the wall.
Lylia scowls.
Speaking to Stormyrain, Puptilian asks, "Maybe call a few militia and bring the healer here to help people out?"
Cruxophim absently requests, "Captains, someone... can we free them?"
Speaking slowly to Cruxophim, Stormyrain asks, "Mayhaps you should --stay on the other side of the room from these folks?"
Cruxophim looks with concern at a wounded elven woman chained to the wall.
Lylia impatiently asks, "Can none of you help me with these manacles?"
One of the women whimpers, "...please...please help us...he took the others...we...we can't be next...keep him away..."
Speaking calmly to Stormyrain, Cruxophim agrees, "Of course."
Speaking to Puptilian, Stormyrain says, "We have healers here. Several talented ones."
Cruxophim takes a few steps back.
Cruxophim takes a few steps back.
Meureii barks out a series of arcane syllables as his lithe fingers nimbly trace through the air to summon a spell...
Meureii gestures at a wounded elven woman chained to the wall.
Lylia quietly says, "Calm yourself. We are trying to set you free."
Ysharra whispers to herself, her cobalt blue eyes enshrouded by a vibrant sanguine haze. Rivulets of bright red rise through her skin, thickly coating her arms and hands, disappearing as it makes contact with the ground...
Speaking calmly to Stormyrain, Cruxophim assures, "I'll be over here if you need me."
Ysharra gestures at a disheveled human man chained to the wall.
Cruxophim raises his hands in surrender!
(Pukk pulls on the chains trying to free them.)
With deliberate poise, you draw the pale blue katana from your scabbard, bringing it up, gripped in both hands, into a ready position.
Cryheart says, "We need to break the chains."
Cruxophim visibly whispers to the group, "This wasn't me."
Pukk removes a filthy flask of oil from in his locksmith's toolkit.
Cruxophim nods grimly at Cryheart.
(Shinann tends the woman's wounds.)
You thoughtfully say, "Let's see if this can do it..."
You take a few steps toward a wounded elven woman chained to the wall.
(Pukk pours oil on the chain.)
Cruxophim flicks at the end of the dark spike in his lip thoughtfully with his tongue.
Goblyn frowns at Cruxophim.
Talinvor makes a quick gesture while calling upon the powers of the elements...
Speaking gently to a puffy-eyed half-elven man chained to the wall, Stormyrain says, "Hold still and we'll get you free as quickly as we can."
Cruxophim leans softly against Goblyn.
Talinvor gestures at a wounded elven woman chained to the wall.
A wounded elven woman chained to the wall vibrates slightly.
Goblyn glances at Cruxophim and folds her arms over her chest.
(Shinann tends the man's wounds.)
(Leafiara approaches the elven woman and attempts to cut her chains with her katana...)
Cryheart reaches out and touches a wounded elven woman chained to the wall.
Lylia makes a quick gesture while calling upon the powers of the elements...
Lylia gestures at a puffy-eyed half-elven man.
The chains on the prisoners are removed.
You nod with satisfaction.
With a fluid movement, you slide your katana into a richly engraved dark lacquered scabbard with a barely audible *snick!*
Pukk quietly exclaims, "Aha, the oil worked!"
You turn to Pukk and cheer!
(Shinann tends the other man's wounds.)
Cruxophim takes a bite of his black blood orange.
As Cruxophim consumes his orange, his lips curve up in what appears to be pleasure. A few drops of blood trickle down from his mouth. He makes a mess of his meal, splattering thick blood all over his face.
Cryheart glances at Goblyn.
Cruxophim offers Goblyn a plump black blood orange.
Stormyrain folds her hands behind her back.
Shinann says, "They are free."
The men and women huddle in the corner, one woman's wounds now tended by Shinann.
You tentatively ask, "There were -others-, you said?"
You glance appraisingly around the room.
Goblyn accepts Cruxophim's black blood orange.
Stormyrain searches around for a moment.
Speaking disapprovingly to Cruxophim, Hapenlok says, "I think it's a bit inappropriate to gorge yourself in front of these people."
From behind Stormyrain, Cruxophim's voice gently assures, "We'll get you some food and shelter as soon as possible."
Stormyrain glances over her shoulder at Cruxophim.
Cruxophim raises his eyebrows and gazes quite intently at Hapenlok, clearly withholding comment.
Speaking to a dirt-covered human woman, Ysharra asks, "Your wounds are tended, your chains are broken. Can you tell us how you came to be here?"
Cruxophim gazes thoughtfully at a frightened elven woman.
Cruxophim gazes thoughtfully at a disheveled human man.
Stormyrain furrows her brow.
Shinann nods slowly.
Speaking quietly to Xorus, Talinvor says, "They are bait."
Stormyrain gives a sidelong glance at Shinann.
Cruxophim nods absently at Talinvor.
You rub your chin thoughtfully.
Cryheart scowls.
Talinvor says, "Led here to see this."
Cryheart asks, "Bait?"
Talinvor taps a stained ivory diagram.
Cruxophim scowls.
Cryheart says, "That is awful."
Cruxophim gazes thoughtfully at an ebony cart.
Cryheart says, "Koar would nae approve I think."
Speaking to Shinann, Ysharra asks, "How serious were their wounds, could you tell?"
Shinann asks, "Where is the cart from?"
You glance between Ysharra and Shinann.
Cryheart abruptly kicks at an ebony cart!
Shinann says, "Not too bad."
Stormyrain focuses her concentration, briefly studying the composition of an ebony cart.
You ponder.
Stormyrain furrows her brow.
J>look on car
There is nothing on there.
Cruxophim brushes his fingers lightly against an ebony cart.
Pukk quietly says, "I say let's help them first, before jumping to conclusions."
>look car
Crafted of dark ebony, the cart sits in the corner of the cavern and its slate-top counter is covered with various torture utensils, from eyeball scoops, to small bone saws, to a plethora of sharp instruments, blades and even some small hammers.
Speaking lightly to Pukk, you agree, "Can't hurt."
Pukk nods.
Stormyrain glances at a disheveled human man.
Cruxophim absently notes, "Rone seems... more intent than I initially assessed on framing me."
Stormyrain glances at a frightened elven woman.
Cryheart points at a disheveled human man.
Speaking to a puffy-eyed half-elven man, Shinann asks, "Can you tell us what happened?"
Stormyrain suggests, "Can one of you please tell us your story?"
Cryheart asks, "Can ye speak?"
You nod at Stormyrain.
Cruxophim nods understandingly at Shinann.
Cryheart nods.
You lean back.
Cryheart nods at Dinaden.
The people tremble in the corner, inching further and further away as far as they can.
Speaking calmly to Stormyrain, Cruxophim whispers aloud, "I will comply, if you need, in whatever manner you feel appropriate until this is sorted out."
Lylia rests a gentle hand on Cruxophim's arm.
You soothingly request, "It's all alright, just... tell us anything?"
Shinann says, "You are safe here."
Cryheart says, "Well...they did mention Crux."
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.
Cryheart glances at Cruxophim.
Shinann says, "Now."
Stormyrain says, "Everyone, please step back and give them room. Clearly they've been through a lot."
Cruxophim folds his hands behind his back.
Lylia whispers something to Cruxophim.
Shinann agrees with Stormyrain.
Cruxophim whispers to the group, "Fair point, let me not scare them."
Cruxophim tugs on his cloak and the shadows completely engulf him.
Shinann says, "No."
Lylia nods.
You notice Cruxophim try to tiptoe silently away.
Shinann frowns.
Lylia stands in front of an ebony cart.
Stormyrain says, "There--he's gone now."
The disheveled human man says, "I...will tell it...."
You nod to the human man.
Stormyrain nods gratefully to a disheveled human man.
Shinann nods slowly.
Cryheart says, "Perhaps if we escorted them to a safer and warmer place."
You pleasantly urge, "Please, go on. You're alright."
Cryheart turns an ear toward a disheveled human man.
You lean back.
Lylia reaches out and touches an ebony cart.
Stormyrain gives a sidelong glance at a stained ivory diagram.
Lylia narrows her eyes.
The disheveled human man says, "Can...can we please leave this horrible place?
Lylia laces her fingers behind her back and stands at rigid attention.
You nod in agreement.
Stormyrain says, "Yes."
Shinann nods.
Cryheart says, "Aye."
Stormyrain asks, "Where would you like to go, instead?"
Stormyrain points at Cryheart.
Stormyrain says, "Join the good Sir."
Cryheart says, "Join us then."
(Lylia reaches back toward the cart, her gaze fixed on the recently released prisoners.)
Cryheart nods to a disheveled human man.
Cryheart nods to a frightened elven woman.
The disheveled human man says, "Warm, inside, far away from the butcher mayor."
Shinann searches around for a moment.
Stormyrain furrows her brow.
Cruxophim paces to his left, moving in a circle around a disheveled human man.
Cryheart says, "Then perhaps Thraks Inn."
You muse, "The Raging Thrak?"
You nod at Cryheart.
Speaking to Cryheart, Stormyrain says, "The Stone Baths? The fireplace is there, and there is food too."
Berkana asks, "How about the hearth at the Baths?"
The disheveled human man says, "We will...we will follow.
Stormyrain nods at Berkana.
Cryheart asks, "Mayor, can ye make arrangements?"
Cryheart nods to a disheveled human man.
Shinann says, "He is not here."
Cryheart says, "Ok..we shall go slowly."
Cruxophim whispers to the group, "I have never seen any of these individuals before."
You slowly say, "I don't think he's the one they want making arrangements."
You add, "Anyway."
Cryheart says, "Moving out."
Shinann whispers to the group, "Well... guess he is."
Cryheart nods to a disheveled human man.
Sir Cryheart's group just went out.
[Catacombs, Inside Crypt]
You curse instinctively as you hit your head on the low ceiling of the crypt chamber, and revile your ancestors under your breath for having been so short. There is barely enough room to crawl through here, so you quickly glance from side to side to discover anything of interest. Among the crushed bones and the rubble, you spy a very narrow chute.
From behind Cryheart, Cruxophim's voice calmly assures, "I shall."
Cryheart yells, "Ye can come out!"
Cryheart says, "Hmmm."
Cryheart gazes in wonder at his surroundings.
Cryheart asks, "Where does that chute go?"
Cryheart glances out.
Speaking to Cryheart, Chaoswynd says, "Up."
Stormyrain says, "To the hut."
Puptilian says, "Out."
Cryheart says, "Ok."
The people arrive, following Cryheart.
You see Cryheart disappear up a narrow chute.
>go chute
You crawl on your hands and knees up the steep, twisting chute for quite a while.
[Shanty Town, Inside Hut]
You are inside a one-room hovel. A worn quilt patched together from hundreds of tiny scraps of fabric is folded neatly in the corner. A fat candle, melted down to a waxy stub, rests atop a warped crate in the center of the room.
Cryheart says, "We will wait to see if they make it out."
Stormyrain says, "---if this was not such a dire situation, I would make an untoward joke about that bed."
Stormyrain's eyes glaze over as she stares, unfocused, into the distance.
Pukk quietly asks, "Never a dull moment eh?"
Speaking offhandedly to Pukk, you agree, "Never indeed."
Cryheart grins at Stormyrain.
The people follow Cryheart who can safely go to his destination more quickly if he desires.
From behind Pukk, Cruxophim's voice thoughtfully muses, "Indeed."
Cryheart says, "Thrak's Inn."
[travel time]
[Town Square, Northwest]
This corner of the square is lively and hectic even at night. A number of representatives of the Landing's population, including several elven loggers and a party of rough-looking dwarves, loiter around the door of the Raging Thrak Inn, where the rowdy cheers of patrons and voices raised in songs of many sorts, from snatches of heroic ballads to blushingly bawdy tunes, beckon you to enter. You also see a mound of snow, a large wooden makeshift stand with some stuff on it, a polished granite statue and a large painted sign.
Cryheart says, "Directly to Thrak's Inn."
Pukk whispers to the group, "You have to understand, this is as fast as Shiny can go. He has arthritis and all that."
Cryheart just nudged Pukk.
Speaking to Cryheart, Stormyrain asks, "I thought we were going to the Baths? For the fireplace?"
Cryheart asks, "Oh?"
Stormyrain shrugs.
Cruxophim suddenly fades into view.
Stormyrain says, "Inside, will work."
Cryheart asks, "Is there nae a fireplace in Thraks?"
Time stands still. No wait, that's just Cryheart.
Stormyrain says, "I've..no idea."
Cryheart snickers.
You suggest, "There's a fireplace in the inn too--either place is good, let's simply get them to safety."
Puptilian says, "Trophy room should be warm enough."
Cryheart raises his fist defiantly.
Cruxophim nods to you.
Cryheart snorts!
Stormyrain nods at Puptilian.
Cruxophim nods in agreement at Puptilian.
You add, "And warmth."
Anton's Story
[Raging Thrak, Trophy Room]
Tiny smudges of soot mar the fieldstones used to create the grand fireplace in this cozy room. A collection of plaques hangs above an immense grey marble mantel cluttered with trophy cups and bowls. Fashioned from a single stone slab, the hearth extends to an impressive black bear rug with its maw frozen in a silent roar. Several overstuffed wingback chairs, each covered in deep jewel-tone chintz, are scattered about the room. Against the back wall, a tall glass-front curio houses several ancient mementos and a thrak hide curtain hangs nearby. You also see a shifting twilight grey rift, a basket of sticks and an intricately woven straw wastebasket.
Evia says, "Oh for heaven sake just pick a spot."
Evia laughs!
You chortle at Evia.
Cryheart points at a grand fieldstone fireplace.
Cryheart just grabbed a wooden stick from the sticks.
Cryheart just grabbed a wooden stick from the sticks.
Cryheart breaks a stick into pieces and tosses them into the fireplace.
Cryheart just grabbed a wooden stick from the sticks.
Cryheart just grabbed a wooden stick from the sticks.
Cryheart takes some wooden sticks and places them in the fireplace. Using two of the smaller pieces, he rubs them until a tiny flame bursts out. Placing the burning twigs among the prepared wood, he blows gently on them until the flames spread and grow.
Cryheart just grabbed a wooden stick from the sticks.
Cryheart just grabbed a wooden stick from the sticks.
Cryheart takes a wooden stick and tosses it into the fire and watches as the flames leap higher.
Cryheart just grabbed a wooden stick from the sticks.
Cryheart just grabbed a wooden stick from the sticks.
Cryheart takes a wooden stick and tosses it into the fire and watches as the flames leap higher.
Cryheart just grabbed a wooden stick from the sticks.
Cruxophim nods in agreement at Cryheart.
Cryheart just grabbed a wooden stick from the sticks.
Cryheart takes a wooden stick and tosses it into the fire and watches as the flames leap higher.
Cruxophim leans softly against Ysharra.
(Cryheart rubs his hands close to the fireplace.)
You reassuringly say, "There, now... a good warm spot and indoors, everyone. It's good to tell us anything you know or have seen."
Lylia moves to stand in front of Cruxophim.
Cryheart nods to a disheveled human man.
Pukk offers Cruxophim a deep red garnet medallion.
Cryheart nods to a frightened elven woman.
Cruxophim accepts Pukk's red garnet medallion.
(Leafiara nods to the human man, and the others, with an encouraging smile.)
Cruxophim looks thoughtfully at Pukk.
Shinann stands in front of a grand fieldstone fireplace.
Pukk quietly says, "Wear this, this should help not scare them."
Cryheart just grabbed a wooden stick from the sticks.
Cruxophim hangs a deep red garnet medallion around his neck.
Cryheart just grabbed a wooden stick from the sticks.
Shinann folds her arms over her chest.
Cryheart takes a wooden stick and tosses it into the fire and watches as the flames leap higher.
Cruxophim runs his fingers over the surface of his red garnet medallion, and the image of a female shimmers across it briefly before fading away.
One of the women screams at the sight of Cruxophim!
You bury your face in your hands.
Pukk whispers something to Cruxophim.
Cruxophim gazes heavenward.
Cryheart asks, "Perhaps he could step back a bit?"
Speaking dryly to Cruxophim, you say, "Maybe now isn't the time to be here."
Cryheart winks at Cruxophim.
Shinann says, "You are safe here."
Cruxophim removes a deep red garnet medallion from his neck.
Shinann nods to a frightened elven woman.
The disheveled man says, "Get that monster out of here!"
Lylia glances at Cruxophim.
Cruxophim offers Pukk a deep red garnet medallion.
Pukk just nudged Cruxophim.
Pukk accepts Cruxophim's red garnet medallion.
Stormyrain glances sharply at Cruxophim.
Speaking to Cruxophim, Lylia says, "Perhaps you and I should talk elsewhere."
Speaking to Cruxophim, you assure, "I'll have a report, you needn't worry about missing anything."
You nod at Cruxophim.
Cruxophim wryly assures, "I will go."
(Cryheart steps in front of the mayor.)
Speaking calmly to Stormyrain, Cruxophim assures, "Captain, I'll be either in the office or a disclosed location if you need me."
Cryheart nods to a disheveled human man.
Cryheart nods to a frightened elven woman.
Stormyrain nods faintly.
Cruxophim nods once at Shinann.
Shinann nods at Cruxophim.
Cryheart waves to Cruxophim.
Cruxophim bows low, spreading his wings for all to see.
Cruxophim looks as though he might scream, but instead of a scream, writhing tendrils of shadow pour forth from his mouth! They cover Cruxophim completely before suddenly fading into the surrounding shadows!
Cryheart says, "He is gone."
Cryheart nods to a disheveled human man.
Cryheart nods to a frightened elven woman.
One of the women shivers, lip trembling, "...he'll..he'll never be gone...never....always from the shadows..."
You ponder.
Puptilian yells, "Waiter, bring some drinks and food for these poor people. I'll pay the bill!"
(OOC) Cruxophim's player whispers to the group, "So I have to leave in like 10 minutes due to either fortunate or unfortunate timing, hahaha."
Lylia nods at Puptilian.
(OOC) Cruxophim's player whispers to the group, "Captains, you going to arrest me or no?"
You slowly ask, "How about we talk in a sanctuary, then--created by Shinann or myself?"
You glance between a disheveled human man and a frightened elven woman.
Cryheart turns an ear toward a disheveled human man.
Cryheart turns an ear toward a frightened elven woman.
The disheveled man says, "Here...here is fine..."
(Stormyrain rubs her hands together in front of the fire as she listens to the townsfolk and the surrounding conversations.)
Cryheart nods to a disheveled human man.
You reassuringly assure, "I'm sure he's gone, please try not to worry too much."
Shinann asks, "So, can one of you start from the beginning?"
You grin.
Lylia quietly says, "Hope arises from darkness. It is bright here, and knowing more will make it brighter still."
The two women seem to move closer to Stormyrain and Shinann.
You nod at Lylia.
Lylia asks, "So why not tell us more of what has happened?"
Hapenlok says, "Yet, it's totally plausible that our Mayor could have done such a thing. But for the moment? I'm going to shut up and listen, for a change."
You nod at Hapenlok.
Stormyrain slowly empties her lungs.
Shinann folds her hands behind her back.
The disheveled man says, "I am Anton Slando....I..I will tell you everything, that I can recall."
You nod encouragingly to the human man.
Cryheart nods to a disheveled human man.
Cryheart says, "We are here to help and listen."
Cryheart says, "Feel free when ye be ready."
Cryheart says, "Just get warm and comfortable."
Speaking gently to a dirt-covered human woman, Stormyrain offers, "The fire is lovely, if you want to move closer. You still look cold."
Lylia says, "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Anton."
Lylia nods encouragingly.
You glance at a disheveled human man and fold your hands.
The disheveled man says, "I can't speak for how the others got there. I know I've been down there for nearly two weeks now."
You incredulously say, "Two weeks? Oh... that's terrible."
You frown at a disheveled human man.
The disheveled man says, "I was the last one to be thrown down there. But when I arrived, there were seven of us."
Speaking to a disheveled man, Puptilian asks, "Do you have a wife or other family you want us to go get?"
[note: Pretty much every time someone speaks to a disheveled man in this log, we were getting it wrong and it would actually come out as "Speaking to a grey marble mantel." For clarity's sake I've corrected it throughout.]
Cryheart says, "Must hae been a horrible experience."
Cryheart nods to a disheveled human man.
The disheveled man says, "He came to take the other three, one at a time. Klarisa..." The man points at one of the women, "She claims he eats them."
Cryheart whispers something to Falkes.
You ponder.
Cryheart asks, "Eats?"
Cryheart frowns.
Shinann nods.
Lylia says, "A horrible tale. Like an ogre from a children's story."
Lylia nods sympathetically.
Stormyrain furrows her brow.
Speaking in Faendryl to Lylia, Nakaira rasps something you don't understand.
The disheveled man says, "But I saw him torture them. All of us."
Lylia nods at Nakaira.
You rub your chin thoughtfully.
Cryheart asks, "To whom do ye speak of, good man?"
Cryheart glances around the room.
Cryheart nods to a disheveled human man.
Lylia prompts, "Him."
Speaking to a disheveled man, you inquire, "In what ways?"
Lylia raises an eyebrow.
You gently add, "If... it isn't too difficult to explain, anyway."
The disheveled man says, "I have no family, no. Not in these parts. I travel here from time to time."
Puptilian mutters under his breath.
Shinann nods.
The disheveled man says, "I speak of Cruxophim."
Cryheart raises an eyebrow.
Cryheart asks, "The mayor?"
Cryheart frowns.
The disheveled man says, "Yes, the Mayor."
The disheveled man says, "Or as he called himself to us, Blood Reaver."
Lylia quietly says, "These are the gravest of charges."
Stormyrain furrows her brow.
You wonder, "And... how exactly was he torturing you?"
You gaze thoughtfully at a disheveled human man.
The puffy-eyed man rocks in the corner, "...Thirteen...thirteen..he said he's thirteen..."
Stormyrain glances meaningfully at Shinann.
Ysharra says, "...that's a lot of titles."
Cryheart asks, "Thirteen what?"
Speaking to Ysharra, Stormyrain says, "And all are his."
Cryheart glances at a puffy-eyed half-elven man.
Ysharra says, "Almost sounds like a list."
Stormyrain furrows her brow.
Ysharra nods slowly at Stormyrain.
Speaking to Cryheart, Talinvor says, "That's his tattoo. Not many know about it specifically."
Lylia nods slightly.
Cryheart says, "Ahh."
Speaking to Cryheart, Talinvor says, "I suppose now they do."
The disheveled man says, "That is Tal. I think that is his name. He was gone of the mind for awhile."
Cryheart nods at Talinvor.
Cryheart nods.
You glance at a puffy-eyed half-elven man.
Speaking quietly to Evia, Pukk says, "What type of person introduces himself to his captives...."
Pukk shrugs.
Speaking to Pukk, Marijka adds, "And is proud enough to show his tattoos to them...?"
Speaking to Pukk, Dinaden asks, "One that doesn't expect them to escape?"
Puptilian asks, "Do you know anything of that diagram on the wall?"
Speaking to Pukk, Evia says, "A deceptive one, sometimes."
Pukk frowns.
Evician melodically says, "Cruxophim is a lot of things to a lot of people, but he isn't stupid."
Shinann says, "It is like the map in his office."
You ponder the meaning of Evician's existence.
The disheveled man says, "How...how did you find us?"
Evician melodically says, "And you wouldn't be here to testify to that fact."
Lylia says, "A man in white."
Lylia glances at Xorus.
Marijka thoughtfully says, "This is a very carefully wrapped gift we're being offered. Very neat. Tidy. Convenient. Explanatory."
Speaking to a disheveled man, Meureii states, "Your odor was nae hard to miss."
Ysharra says, "We followed someone who apparently wanted to make sure we saw you."
Suprie says, "We chased a man ta where ya were."
Goldstr says, "Stinkin like a setup en me ears."
Talinvor says, "Such detail."
Bernadette softly says, "Aye a nice bow indeed."
Stormyrain says, "Shinann and I were told by Rone to gather witnesses, and to go to the hut in Shanty town--and look to the shadows beyond."
You ponder the meaning of Stormyrain's existence.
Shinann nods slowly.
Hapenlok mutters, "The bit with the pillars was a nice addition."
You nod understandingly at Stormyrain.
Madmountan laughs at Stormyrain!
Evia asks, "You were?"
Madmountan exclaims, "That makes it even worse!"
Stormyrain says, "We were."
Madmountan says, "That's hilarious. Setup city."
Stonmel says, "It's also being handled very sloppily, these folks should be talked to separately, one-on-one, with only one person asking a line of questions... but that'd require some ability to conduct an investigation on the part of those in power in this city."
Stonmel shrugs.
Speaking quietly to Stormyrain, Pukk asks, "If Rone was trying to help the innocents and told everybody to come here, why wouldn't he just help them instead?"
Speaking to Madmountan, Stormyrain says, "I'm not as amused, but I'm glad you have found this entertaining."
Speaking to Stormyrain, Talinvor says, "Your witnesses were planted, given false information and we were led to them specifically."
Speaking to Stormyrain, Madmountan asks, "So he tells you what to do, and you actually entertain this idiocy?"
Speaking to Pukk, Stormyrain says, "For weeks he has been promising proof of the Mayor's corruption to us both."
Lylia whispers something to Pukk.
Evia asks, "Well...can we let them finish telling it?"
Speaking to Stonmel, you offer, "As ever, you could always join and be the best the Landing has ever seen--apparently."
You grin at Stonmel.
Pukk quietly says, "This is too....easy..."
Puptilian says, "Why don't we hear the stories and look at the evidence before we make any conclusion either way."
Speaking to Evia, Lylia says, "Yes."
Speaking to Stormyrain, Marijka asks, "Weeks. As in, two of them? The duration of time this man has been in captivity?"
You nod at Puptilian.
Stonmel scoffs at you.
Speaking to Stormyrain, Talinvor asks, "And since he couldn't find it... he made the proof himself, neh?"
Cryheart says, "Please contnue."
Cryheart nods to a disheveled human man.
Speaking to Madmountan, Stormyrain says, "I rule nothing out, and as you can see the Mayor is not in chains."
Madmountan says, "I'm not doubting that these people are recounting what they think they saw. Doesn't mean that's what actually happened."
Speaking to Marijka, Stormyrain says, "A few more, if memory serves, but I would have to reconsider the exact time of his first promise."
Lylia says, "Then let us hear more of what they have to say."
Cryheart takes a wooden stick and tosses it into the fire and watches as the flames leap higher.
Speaking to Stormyrain, Ysharra says, "I have faith you will not jump to conclusions or discount much."
Lylia says, "Please continue, Anton."
Lylia clears her throat.
Stormyrain nods gratefully at Ysharra.
Ysharra smiles at Stormyrain.
Speaking to Madmountan, you acknowledge, "Well, we do have problems with malevolent mentalists a lot of the time. I guess we'll see if they can point to anything we could look at that's more tangible."
The disheveled man says, "I for one will answer any questions you have. This nightmare is not something I would make light of."
Suprie says, "No one here doubts ya suffered, no matter how they're behavin."
You nod at Suprie.
Lylia says, "Indeed not. And I believe people have many questions."
Lylia asks, "How, precisely, were you taken?"
Lylia tilts her head back.
The disheveled man says, "We will need protection and shelter. The Gryphons or the Captains. I can say I trust no one else at this point."
Kipara says, "They have wounds though."
You nod understandingly to the human man.
Lylia nods at Kipara.
Evia asks, "I have a question. Some of you were there for around two weeks...how were you fed? How many people attended to your basic needs, as it were?"
Cryheart asks, "Barracks?"
Marijka interestedly asks, "Do you have any indication that anyone else was involved beyond the Mayor?"
Lylia nods in agreement at Evia.
Zosopage asks, "Have you seen a man in a white robe or cape?"
Cryheart glances between Stormyrain and Shinann.
Speaking to Evia, you murmur, "Excellent question."
Hapenlok visibly whispers to the group, "You know, I have a hard time swallowing any of this. And I have no reason to defend Cruxophim...I'll explain why when we're done with these people."
Stormyrain furrows her brow.
Shinann nods at Stormyrain.
Stormyrain whispers something to Shinann.
Shinann agrees with Stormyrain.
Lylia whispers to the group, "We should hear what they have to say first, but I should be interested in hearing more, Hapenlok."
Speaking to Cryheart, Stormyrain says, "Will the Gyphons house these folks? They are more insulated from the Mayor with your Order than in the barracks."
Cryheart says, "Barracks will be closer in consideration of the weather."
The disheveled man says, "He provided us two options."
Shinann nods.
Stormyrain gently brushes her pale silver hair away from her eyes and, with a deft twist of her wrist, tucks it back into its bindings.
Cryheart nods at Stormyrain.
Speaking softly to a disheveled human man, Wintersylph asks, "Prior to the feeding, does he draw Blood at all?"
The disheveled man says, "A sludge like soup, and black apples. None of us took of the apples that I recall."
Stormyrain nods gratefully.
Cryheart says, "We can shelter them."
Cryheart says, "We hae a guard, Vurk who stands outside the Holding."
Cryheart nods at Stormyrain.
Cryheart nods at Shinann.
The disheveled man says, "I do not know all what was done, even to myself. I'm sorry, much of this is still...a blur."
Shinann nods at Cryheart.
Lylia sympathetically asks, "So, without eating, you have starved for two weeks? Or longer?"
Lylia furrows her brow.
The disheveled man says, "I remember pain, and cutting and healing of wounds, and re-opening of new ones. I blacked out often myself."
Shinann asks, "What happened to the other three?"
Speaking to a disheveled man, Talinvor says, "You are trying very hard to convince us, more than someone who really endured would be."
You rub your chin thoughtfully.
Cryheart says, "I can imagine the pain ye must hae been through."
Cryheart nods to a disheveled human man.
Xorus removes a black-bearded toy dwarf from in his chambray greatcloak.
Xorus sarcastically asks, "Where on the doll did he cut you?"
Azryen says, "I might sound that way if I were a victim that was being more or less interrogated by a mob."
Lylia rests a gentle hand on Xorus's arm.
Stormyrain clenches her jaw.
Cryheart says, "The Order of the Silver Gryphon can offer ye shelter."
Cryheart nods to a disheveled human man.
You sympathetically ask, "Well, that sounds like something that would most likely be done by an empath... was there only one person ever seeing you?"
You gaze thoughtfully at a disheveled human man.
Goblyn glances at you.
Goblyn glances at a disheveled human man.
The dirt-covered woman looks up, eyes red and tired, some dried blood caking her lips and wrists. "He ate the others. I was here before all of those here tonight."
Lylia nods to a frightened elven woman.
Shinann asks, "In front of you?"
Lylia gently asks, "It is a difficult question, I know. How did he...feed?"
Pukk quietly asks, "How did he eat them?"
Lylia nods encouragingly to a frightened elven woman.
Speaking softly to Goblyn, Wintersylph asks, "They're afraid of the Mayor, but not his concubine, so does that mean you're not involved?"
Stormyrain clenches her jaw.
Speaking to Wintersylph, you say, "She is not--"
You hurriedly say, "Oh, never mind, not the time for that..."
Wintersylph raises an eyebrow in your direction.
Lylia turns her head toward Wintersylph to favor her with a silent, withering gaze.
Speaking slowly to Wintersylph, Goblyn asks, "His... concubine?"
Lylia shakes her head.
The dirt-covered woman says, "Shadows is all I saw once. He took the others away. He watched us with ravenous hunger. I did not see him truly eat anyone, or in what specific manner."
Lylia nods to a frightened elven woman.
Shinann nods.
Shinann asks, "Happen to know their names?"
Talinvor says, "Then you are no witness to anything but your own imagination."
Cryheart asks, "Shadows?"
The woman says, "I do not."
Shinann nods.
You sympathetically say, "So the thought is that he was eating people, but you didn't see anything... still, it's not a small accusation."
You nod to the elven woman.
Shinann says, "Thank you."
Cryheart asks, "So are ye sure ye got a very good luck at this person...or being?"
Talinvor says, "Smoke and mirrors."
Zosopage asks, "Any mist?"
Evia says, "No need to be so curt with what they believe they experienced, they are victims of someone."
Talinvor asks, "Just like our Rone, hm?"
Shinann agrees with Evia.
The disheveled man says, "Mist?"
Stormyrain narrows her eyes.
Speaking offhandedly to Talinvor, you say, "Maybe, but... Rone couldn't heal himself."
Zosopage asks, "Did you notice a mist before his appearance?"
Cryheart says, "There is a person who uses an etheral mist to disappear."
Speaking to a disheveled human man, Talinvor asks, "Isn't that right?"
Stormyrain folds her arms over her chest.
The frightened elven woman, sitting near the dirt-covered woman looks up and barely whispers, "Stephanie."
Bernadette softly says, "Did anything unusual occur before ye saw him."
Kipara asks, "You seem to have blood on your lips as well miss. Whose blood?"
Stormyrain settles her gaze on Kipara, watching her intently.
Cryheart asks, "This Stephanie was one of the tortured?"
Lylia softly echoes, "Stephanie."
Lylia nods.
Cryheart frowns.
The disheveled man says, "What fresh madness is this? I understand questions, but I do not accept some of the angles."
The disheveled man says, "Your MAYOR did this. Where are the questions to him?"
Speaking to Cryheart, Stormyrain says, "Her name is Stephanie."
Cryheart says, "Oh."
Cryheart nods.
Talinvor says, "Hearsay is not proof."
Marijka assures, "The Mayor has been fielding these questions for over a month, and will be continuing to field them for the foreseeable future. But he is not here now, out of respect for your plight."
Ysharra says, "He's subjected to questions every time he wanders by."
You gently assure, "He's not here right now, but I'm sure we'll ask when we have a chance."
You nod.
Cryheart says, "We must first make sure you are safe and healthy...ye need to be protected now."
Cryheart nods to a disheveled human man.
Cryheart nods to a frightened elven woman.
Talinvor says, "What looks entirely like a set up, is questionable at best."
Xorus indifferently remarks, "The other one who butchered the priests, who displayed surgical prowess. I imagine he is the blade that executed this, to be fallen upon rather than his puppet master."
The disheveled man says, "Where will we reside? Where will we be protected?"
Xorus says, "We may not know the truth of this until we have one or both of them."
Shinann says, "The Gryphons."
Lylia nods at Shinann.
Stormyrain nods.
You nod once at Shinann.
Cryheart says, "The Order of the Silver Gryphon has a Holding..a tower outside of the town."
Cryheart nods to a disheveled human man.
A Silver Gryphon squire arrives.
Lylia nods in greeting to a Silver Gryphon squire.
Cryheart asks, "Squire, can ye escort these folks to our Holding?"
Cryheart nods to a Silver Gryphon squire.
Cryheart says, "And protect them with your life."
Cryheart says, "Recall our oath."
Cryheart nods to a Silver Gryphon squire.
Cryheart says, "Our oath."
The squire nods.
Suprie asks, "Is one Squire enough to get them there safe?"
Shinann says, "We would like to speak to each of you again. After you are rested."
The squire escorts the two men and women out of the Inn and off towards the Holding. He has to extra coach the puffy-eyed man who keeps mumbling to himself.
Speaking to Suprie, you suggest, "Maybe we should walk with them as well..."
You glance east.
You slowly conclude, "Or... not."
Cryheart says, "We train our squires well."
Shinann says, "They will be fine."
Cryheart smiles at Suprie.
The mantel frowns as no one seems to be talking to it anymore.