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Post by DM-Delfon on Mar 2, 2023 7:54:05 GMT -5
"Awkward is not the word I would use." She makes a disgusted face, "I've been tempted to have one of my mage friends remove the sight of that thing from my memory." Nalnea smiles as you offer her victory, "But that story is always good for getting free drinks, so maybe I'll keep it after all." The server sets four shots on the table, scooping up your payment and a couple coins from Nalnea. Nalnea clinks her glass with yours and knocks back the first shot. She sets the glass down and immediately drinks the second shot. "I wish I could stay and chat all night as you're pretty decent company, but alas I have to get back to work." As she stands she nods down at you, "Fair enough. I'll keep current tensions in mind going forward."
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Post by Greyling on Mar 2, 2023 13:42:07 GMT -5
Venos simply nods and lightly chuckles at the thought of having to have a mage modify that memory. Though also thinking to himself, a companion doll is better than slave,... marginally.
Clinking the shot glass together, the Hin downs the first. He holds off on the second shot. "Thanks. I've enjoyed your company as well. Perhaps we can do this again sometime. Share more stories."
After Flintheart leaves, he works on finishing his food and nursing his shot. He had work to get to in the morning, and being hungover wouldn't help. He goes back to the bathing room to collect Fang, and see about lodging. He'd prefer the Well-Groomed Pike, but only if the rain had let up.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Mar 8, 2023 7:51:20 GMT -5
The sound of rain is pounding down on the roof of the building is drowned out by the noises the people are making in the tavern area, but once you put some distance between you and the tavern area you can hear it again. Passing a window confirms your suspicion that it's teaming down rain outside. It actually looks worse than it was before with the tight cobble streets looking more like steams as the water flows downhill. Lodging is easy to come by, you simply ask and are shown to a room. As a new recruit you are housed on the first floor, sharing a room with two other people. There are four beds total, but two of them are unclaimed when you arrive.
The first bed is a lump of tossed sheets with a plate of mostly eaten food sitting on one corner. Dirty clothes are kicked under the bed, and the foot locker at the end of the bed is open to reveal a jumbled mess of belongings. The second and third bed are both empty, and the fourth almost looks unused as well except for a book set neatly on the pillow, and a small padlock on the footlocker.
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Post by Greyling on Mar 13, 2023 14:47:18 GMT -5
Sighing a bit at the sight that confirmed it was indeed, "still raining. Looks like we're staying here tonight." He looked to Fang who let out a small whine. More out of empathy that understanding. It help a little.
After inquiring about lodging and being shown to the shared room on the first floor, Venos tries to make the best of it. Taking the third bed, he hangs his pack on the top-left side of the bed. Then gets Fang to lay down on the floor near his pack.
Tucking his daggers under the pillow, the Hin lays down on the bed to get comfortable. He begins going over the events of the last week or so. "More things going on in this small city at the edge of the Empire than I would have suspected."
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 4, 2023 17:34:05 GMT -5
The rain pounds down on the roof for most of the night, the window rattles with each fat droplet that hits it. For the first few minutes it annoys you, but then the sound fades to more of a white noise situation. Before long you find yourself slipping into unconsciousness. You stir briefly as Fang growls at the two other occupants that enter the room for the night. A thickly muscled Half-Orc and a lithe, bookish Elf. Fang settles at your command, and the others settle into their places. You wake in the morning to the sound of the Half-Orc snoring. Glancing about the room you find that the Elf has already packed up and left. The rain finally seems to have let up, leaving behind an overcast sky that is light enough that you don't think it will rain again today.
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Post by Greyling on Apr 9, 2023 21:46:41 GMT -5
Venos stretches out his sore muscles. Lingering reminders of the journey into the wild. He retrieves the daggers he had stored under the pillow. Laying them upon the bed as he took a moment to check his belongings, and dressed for the day. He reaches over and gives Fang some affectionate scratches, "okay, boy. We have to report in about our mission, and get an update on the next one." Sheathes his daggers, and pats his thigh, "Fang, come!"
Leaving the lodging room, the Hin starts downstairs and asking about Jimmy's location. "Pardon me, but have you seen the quest giver today?
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Post by DM-Delfon on May 22, 2023 1:36:16 GMT -5
Entering the tavern like area you don’t even have to ask about Jimmy as you spot him sitting at one of the tables with the Elf that shared your room last night. They have a board set between them covered in lines. Many of the lines have white or black stones set at the intersections. From what you know of Stones, this game seems pretty even. Jimmy spots you and motions you over. “How did it go?” He asks as you arrive, his attention not leaving the board as the Elf places a stone. Jimmy makes a face, and you can now see that in a couple turns the Elf will surround nearly half of Jimmy’s pieces.
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Post by Greyling on Jun 19, 2023 9:37:56 GMT -5
Following the cue, Venos walks over to the table. "Good morning," addresses the quest giver, and gives a nod to the Elf. Little more than not disregarding his existence. When Jimmy makes the face Venos wonders if they shouldn't have talked after the game. Hopefully, the man hadn't put money on the game. Oh well, damage done. "Found the four missing adventurers. Unfortunately, one half were dead and the other half were undead when the Bert and I found them. Found an older body too. He was in two pieces."
"Was there anything else needed before the next job? Any new developments?"
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jun 27, 2023 16:57:05 GMT -5
The Elf flicks his eyes up to yours as you arrive. He gives the barest nod before returning his attention to the game board. Jimmy take a long slow breath, and shakes his head as he says, "That's a damn shame. Those were good women. May the Light of Pelor shine on their souls." Jimmy calls over the fellow behind the bar, and quietly says, "Fetch me a stipend pouch for Venos here." The bartender nods, and heads out of the room toward the back of the building. "That was all I needed from this job. I'm still working out the details on that other matter you were interested in. Seems the other guild wants to take the lead on that, which makes sense given the nature of the victims." Without looking at the board for more than a second, Jimmy casually places a stone with a smirk. A second later the Elf sits up straight, his eyes going wide. It takes you almost a minute to work out that Jimmy might loose half his pieces now, but with that move the game will be his in another dozen moves. The bartender returns, handing you a hefty pouch that clinks. "Keep checking back here, I'm sure we will have more work for you soon."
Whether you check now or later, the pouch contains 100gp.
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Post by Greyling on Jul 3, 2023 22:45:29 GMT -5
Taking the pouch from the bartender, Venos opts not to count it know. Besides from the weight and sound of the metal, he had a decent estimation of the sum inside, and he could confirm that later. He does slide the pouch inside his backpack though. "Understood. Makes sense they wanna keep it in guild. I'll just continue exploring the social life of Clifton. Good luck."
Taking his leave, the Hin heads out of the guildhall with his canine barely a step behind. "We've been out of town a few days, Fang. I think I wanna check in on a friend. I don't think you met Tad. See how things have been treating him." Venos chooses to take the scenic route to the mage academy.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jul 6, 2023 15:43:54 GMT -5
The Mage’s Guild is located on Highsun Road, which leads straight from the High Gate at the lowest point to the Light Shrine at the highest point. Three of the most powerful noble estates, the Merchant’s Guild, the theater, and two exclusive shops rounding out the rest of the inhabitants of Highsun Road.
The Adventurer’s Guild is only two streets over, facing the High Harbour Road which runs along the walls from the High Gate to the Light Shrine. Shared by several of the less prominent guild houses, a half dozen high born nobles estates, the only tavern in the High District, the Golden Tankard, and one of only two inns in the district, the King’s Ransom.
Malenvalk’s Way is almost entirely residential, and runs between Highsun and High Harbour. Matched by the Captain’s Promenade, another mostly residential street between Highsun and New Day Road which runs along the opposite wall from the High Gate to the Light Shrine. New Day is almost entirely expensive shops, and the other inn, the Emperor’s Blessing.
Anything catch your fancy as you take the scenic route to the Mage’s Guild?
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Post by Greyling on Jul 9, 2023 8:53:59 GMT -5
Walking up the street with his mastiff by his side, Venos kept a passive awareness of his surrounding. He didn't think he'd made any enemies during his short time in Clifton, but it would be inevitable that someone would not appreciate his methods. Morally. Financially. Possibly both. Best to keep some old habits, and skills, sharp.
Guild houses were useful, though more so when you had a specific task which led to searching out a specific guild.
Nobles made wealthy customers. Though their downside was they were often used to things being done on their schedule. It was wise to notice how they treated their friends and the help. To weigh the risk versus reward.
As they reach the end of the High Harbour Road, the Hin and his canine take turn near the Light Shrine. Then a couple streets over, start down Highsun Road and keep an eye out for the Mages' Guild.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jul 13, 2023 18:00:44 GMT -5
After your wander, you find yourself standing in front of a large perfectly round white spherical building. There is a long cylinder sticking out of the roof at an angle. The sphere seems to be made from a single piece of stone, without a seem or join to be had. A few people come and go from the building every few minutes, and by your math if the floors are standard height, it must be really cramped in there.
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Post by Greyling on Jul 13, 2023 23:58:59 GMT -5
It's a pleasant day walk after an evening and long night of heavy rain.
Spotting the mage guild house, Venos watches the people heading into the large spherical building before approaching. As the Hin reaches the structure, a mildly-nauseating sensation washes over him. Then a short-lived headache has him rubbing his temple gently. As quick as the pain came, its gone again. Shaking off the feeling, Venos refocuses himself. He mimics any knock, if any, and then heads inside.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jul 14, 2023 17:54:28 GMT -5
You wait until a few people have gone in ahead of you, carefully observing how they approach the door. Most of the people just grab the door handle and pull the door open. One man pauses outside the door while patting his pockets, slipping a ring onto his finger before going inside. The glint of gold from the ring draws your attention, but only to note the valuable metal. Heading toward the door yourself, you notice that the door knob is set at a comfortable height for your smaller stature. That strikes you as odd, as that would be entirely too low for any of the Humans that you watched enter without stooping.
Opening the door itself, you’re greeted by a ten foot long hallway. There is a window set in the wall in front of you, and a door to the left and right near the window. A placard reads ‘Reception’ under the window. You see the man that put the ring on before entering exit the hallway through the right door. As you reach the window, you see a Tiefling woman wearing a shirt so tight that her modest chest pops distractingly. You could see how a man might be so distracted that he might not notice the jet black horns sweeping back, and tapering to sharp points about eight inches later. She glances up as you approach, and says in a perky high pitched voice, “Good morning. How can I be of assistance?”
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Post by Greyling on Jul 17, 2023 11:44:12 GMT -5
The Hin feels a little warm and flush as he notices the receptionist. Equally intrigued by the horns as he was by her attire. Clearing his throat before answering her, "AHEM, yes. good morning, Ms. ..." He allows a brief pause and hopes she fills in her name. "My name's Venos Amass. I'm relatively new to Clifton. I'm looking for a new friend I met a couple days ago. A student named Tad." Venos realizes he probably should have gotten the man's last name. Now he is left hoping the Tad wasn't a common name and/or that the young mage was memorable enough for the beautiful receptionist would know of whom he sought.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jul 25, 2023 15:10:36 GMT -5
The Tiefling woman smoothly slips into your brief pause, “You may call me Dalaroa, my adorable little Hin.” Although her voice didn’t change, something about her just makes you feel like the pair of you are the only people in existence. Her manner makes you know that her use of little was not meant as an insult of any kind.
When you give her your name she smiles brightly, showing slightly extended teeth. They’re too short for fangs, but longer than what most would consider normal. “A real pleasure to meet you to be sure.” She bounces a little, clapping her hands in front of her with almost childlike glee. Her clothing makes the motion as far from childlike as you imagine possible.
She smiles again at your request, “If it is the Tad I suspect it is, then he is in class at the moment.” Her smile falters, expecting that you might be disappointed at the news. She brightens almost immediately, and quickly adds, “If you like you can wait and I will have him attend you as soon as I can.” She gestures to the door on your left invitingly.
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Post by Greyling on Jul 31, 2023 11:03:44 GMT -5
His smiles widens slightly when the woman uses the proper name for his people. Seems there is more to this woman than just a pretty face. He had been called a number of things in his life, but couldn't recall when/if adorable had ever been one of them.
"A pleasure to meet you too, Ms. Dalaroa. Truly." He takes the news about waiting for Tad in stride. A touch of disappointment comes more at the realization he couldn't wait for Tad here... with her. Though, with an experienced gambler's face, Venos does well to hide it.
"That would be greatly appreciated, my dear lady Dalaroa." He heads for the door on the left to open and walk through.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Aug 1, 2023 12:15:33 GMT -5
The room revealed looks like a sparsely furnished scribe’s office. A single desk, and chair sit in the middle of the room. On the desk top is a stack of fine paper, two stoppered bottles of ink, a canister of sand, an open case containing a collection of quills. A wheeled cart sits beside the desk. Each of the three shelves of the cart are filled with small boxes. Each box is the same, containing several envelopes and a stack of paperwork.
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Post by Greyling on Aug 4, 2023 23:37:11 GMT -5
Stepping into the simple office, Venos walks to the chair and lets the door close behind. Wincing at the sound of the chair scrapping against the floor, the rogue climbs into the seat. Left alone while he waits, the Hin takes out his lucky copper coin. Beginning to flip his coin in a practiced manner across the back of his tiny digits.
After about five minutes of waiting Venos starts feeing bored. First, he takes a quick peruse through the envelopes in the cart's boxes. Next, the curious man takes a few sheets of paper, a quill, and a stoppered ink bottle. Using thieves cant, Venos starts making the notes of those he's met and what he's seen since coming to Clifton.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Aug 6, 2023 18:33:47 GMT -5
The chair like most chairs in Human settlements is a bit too large for your smaller stature. You're more than used to being engulphed by furniture however, and you barely notice it more than in passing. Your coin dances across your knuckles, first one way than the other. Every now and again you flip it onto your thumb and launch it up with a quick flick, mentally calling heads or tails before snatching it out of the air. Four of six tosses correct this time, not too bad. When you begin to investigate the boxes, you find that each has identical contents. The envelopes are labeled hair, fingernail and blood. The blood envelope contains a small square of cloth. Mages are strange. You thumb through the papers too, and find it to be a similar contract to the Adventurer's Guild though far more complex wording. Apparently the Mages require samples of their members for some reason. You write out what you feel is relevant on the high quality paper. The ink flows perfectly, not too runny and not too thick. The quill is excellent too, it's nib writing smoothly. A strip of cloth embroidered with the words 'Nib cleaner' was under the ink bottle, and when your nib clean there is no ink stain on the cloth. Another one of the magical trinkets that man was complaining about in the Harbour District.
After what feels like forever, but likely no more than a half hour the door opens and you see Tad standing there. "Oh, hey there. Mistress Dalaora says you have need of me?" His voice raises at the end like it was a question, but he moves into the room carefully closing the door behind him without waiting for an answer.
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Post by Greyling on Aug 9, 2023 22:34:44 GMT -5
Venos smiles widely at recognition of the mage, "ah hello, Tad. I'm not sure if you remember me. We met a few days ago. I was covered in mud, and you helped clean me. We also talked about the unfortunate fates some of your fellow mages have met. I had to go out of town,.." At which point, as he continues the Rogue rolls up the papers he was writing on and slips them into his pack. "Well I told you I planned to look into it after i was back. One snag has come up. Seems your guild wants to keep the investigation in-house right now. So I'm not being hired to look into it. Of course, I can still walk around the city, talk to people, and if I uncover information I wasn't looking for that could be relevant." He leaves Tad to draw conclusion.
"By the way, two things. A caution and an observation. First, there may be a necromancer operating close to Clifton. Second, you're Tiefling receptionist is quite bewitching. Oh, a third, is the term Tiefling appropriate?" He cocks his head to the side.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 23, 2023 8:05:12 GMT -5
Tad smiles, "Master Amass, I think you will find that we of the Mage's Guild have excellent memories." Tad walks over to the desk and sits on the edge. "What is it that I can do for you?" Tad listens carefully as you allude to your plan, his expression unchanging. "Yeah, the students were also told to leave the investigation to the faculty. That's why I reached out to you when I had the chance. You wouldn't be working for them, you would be working for me directly. I have a little bit of 'nix saved up from my cleaning service that I can pay you with. It won't be much I admit, but I'm sure the city or the Guild will offer a reward if you manage to stop the murders."
Tad's eyebrows raise at the mention of a necromancer, "A necromancer! Really? They stopped offering lessons at the guild in that branch of the Arcane." He shrugs, "As long as they're operating outside the walls we should be fine. The Pins do a good job of keeping threats outside the city." When you bring up the bewitching Tiefling Tad blushes, and clears his throat before answering, "Yes, Mistress Dalaora is distractingly beautiful. I'm glad she's not a professor, or I wouldn't be able to concentrate on my studies." With your next question, Tad seems a bit more comfortable, "Tiefling is correct I believe. I always just refer to her as Mistress Dalaora."
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Post by Greyling on Nov 2, 2023 21:50:14 GMT -5
"Excellent." Then adds with a chuckle, "I'll give you the friends' rate. Though it won't extend to the city officials, or guilds on this one."
As he considers the plan, the Hin's lucky coin appears in his hand again. Rolling it as he thinks aloud. "Then I will wander the city and see what I find. Though I admit, my memory isn't Mage Guild level. How many have gone missing? Do you happen to know names? When were they last seen, and by whom?" Venos remembered fragments, but thought it best to get a refresher, and update.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 30, 2023 21:55:49 GMT -5
Tad smiles, "That's fair enough, and I thank you for the friend rate. I don't have a lot of people I would call friend outside the guild."
When you start asking for details Tad's smile fades and he crosses his arms as he responds, "The total so far is seven. Four wearing copper, two silver and one gold." He holds up his ring as he speaks before crossing his arms again. "The Initiates that have been killed are Brayden Molson, Riley Brown, Hunter Ward, and Rowan Woodward. The Apprentices were Knox Scott and Weston George. The only mage was Harvey Robertson. All of them were taken while traveling alone in the Commercial District or the Harbour District." He goes on to give details about the exact locations where they were last seen and by whom."
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Post by Greyling on Jan 1, 2024 0:42:35 GMT -5
Tipping his head to the mage, "Nor do I have many people inside the guild whom I'd call friend."
Venos pulls out a piece of paper and quill. "Interesting. Is that the order they were killed as well? Or was it just easier to list Initiates and Apprentices together?" Quickly making notes of the victims names, locations, and witnesses.
"Also, it might be unrelated, however, I remember hearing a loud fellow in the market spouting some unfavourable words about mages a few days back. Are there any groups, or individuals, that the mages had trouble from in the past? Or any that would benefit from their demise?"
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jan 1, 2024 8:58:04 GMT -5
Tad thinks for a moment, clearly running the names and ranks through his mind, “The third and forth names were switched by order of when they were found, but I suspect that the order I gave was the order they were actually killed in. I think the killer or killers are getting more confident with each murder. In order to achieve the next rank within the guild one must possess certain mastery over the weave. More powerful mages are not easy marks to be sure.”
“I’ve heard about that group. The Weavebreakers.” He says the name with a sneer. “I don’t know why they don’t like magic users. Given what they shout, they seem like a good place to start.”
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Post by Greyling on Jan 2, 2024 11:22:12 GMT -5
"Let's hope that confidence proves to be over confidence. I'm sure it goes without saying, but I'm goes to say it anyways. While I look into this, do continue to remain safe. Avoid detours, and keep to highly populated paths."
Venos rolls up his papers and tucks it in a pocket. "Shall we say 2 gold a day, plus expenses. Which I'll keep to a minimum. If you need me, leave a message at the Well-Groomed Pike."
Venos slips out of the chair. Unless Tad says anything else, the Hin makes his way out into the outside.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jan 6, 2024 10:59:27 GMT -5
Tad nods, "Yeah, all the students are currently remanded to stay within the Mage's Guild unless they're out on Guild business. Even then they're escorted by one of the Pins. I'll be fine. The last time we met was the last day we were allowed to travel in groups." Tad stands when you start to gather your belongings. "How about you cover your own expenses, and I'll give you a lump sum at the end?" Tad crosses his arms in front of his chest, still seeming at his ease. Apparently this isn't his first negotiation.
"I can send messengers to the Pike, but won't be able to go myself since they cloistered the students."
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Post by Greyling on Jan 8, 2024 12:38:21 GMT -5
Venos smirks as he looks up at Tad. "I'll cover my own expense at 3 gold a day, lump sum at the end." Packed, he straightens himself, "don't die before I find the guilty party. I'd be greatly inconvenienced, and not above grave robbing."
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