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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 5, 2022 18:00:28 GMT -5
You pull back from the giant rat and jog for a short distance to put some space between you and the creature. You see it trundle out of the mouth of the cave sniffing at the air, and glowering at you. It makes no attempt to follow you however, and so you stop jogging and proceed at a regular pace toward Clifton. The journey is uneventful, aside from the bugs nipping at your exposed flesh. The looming walls of Clifton are a welcoming sight after the time you've spent in the hostile swamp. "You made it back did ya?" One of the two guards standing outside the gate calls out as you approach. You see a pair of faces in the arrow slits above them, drawn by the guard's callout.
+12exp for the Giant Rat.
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Post by Greyling on Apr 6, 2022 10:58:36 GMT -5
Looking up at the guard faces, Venos smiles widely. "Aye, that I did. No thanks to the black scales."
Lifting one of his arms, he sniffs himself. "Thinking a warm bath will need to be in my near future." Though, when the guards let him into the city, he'd be reporting finding 3 of the 4 Humans as dead to the guild first.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 7, 2022 17:43:17 GMT -5
Both guardsman outside the gate laugh when you mention the black scales, "Aye, we've had our fair share of those scalies." The gate opens while you banter with them, and the guard waves you forward. As you approach them, the guard waves under his nose and half jokingly says, "That bath might not be a bad idea." You pass through the Swamp Gate and cross the Industrial District to the bank of the river that divides Clifton's poorest District from the rest of the city. Paying a copper to the ferrymen, you cross the river. The other people on the ferry leave a fair space between you and them. One little boy says, "Why is that guy stinky?" in a less than quiet voice. His father glances at you, looking a little embarrassed. A few of the other people smirk, or look away.
Once across the river you have to travel up the slope of the city to the High Road. Following the central major street, you reach the Harbour Gate and turn left to head toward the High Gate. You pass through this gate without incident, and find yourself in the High District once again. At this point in the day many people are out and about, mostly incredibly well dressed nobles and their servants. You do see a group of robed individuals, all wearing a copper band similar to the one in your pocket. The group is gathered outside some noble's gatehouse. Continuing along the road, you reach the Adventurer's Guild.
The three story square building looks welcoming now that you've passed the tests required to join the guild. The archery range and horse yard is quiet now. The sparing yard has an armoured man working slowly through his sword forms. A man and a woman are competing in the obstacle course.
You approach the twelve foot tall set of thick arched double doors. The door is still guarded by two men, though they're different than the two that were here before. You flash your badge and both men lift their pole axes out of your path. One of them says, "Welcome back." While the other one pushes open the door for you.
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Post by Greyling on Apr 13, 2022 0:24:19 GMT -5
As he walks through the streets, his smile widens a little. It felt good to be back in civilization once more. Even a short sojourn into the swamp was enough to make him appreciate the city just a bit more. Sitting comfortably at the side of the ferry, Venos shoots the young boy a prideful smile. "The stink is from the swamp trying to swallow me up. One of the perks of being a Hin, our knack for slipping out of tight situations." He winks at the boy who was about his size.
Veering his path, Venos walks close to one of the robed individuals. "Excuse me, mind if I ask why you're all gathering? Is this some kind of protest, or something?" He waits politely for a responds. Hoping for some clarification before heading on.
Approaching the guild headquarters, the rogue notes those practicing and racing. Scouting out possible adventuring companions for later. Smirking at the guards at the double doors. "Good to be back. Thanks." Venos walks in, and starts looking for the person who had sent him on the mission to find the missing adventurers.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 13, 2022 19:47:00 GMT -5
The ring wearing crowd pause in their conversation to eye you suspiciously. A few of them openly scrunch up their faces at you, or more likely the smell of you. Then one draws your attention by speaking, "We're just speaking on the topic of murder." He watches you closely to gage your reaction, then continues, "In the past two months three students from the Mages Guild have been murdered. Their bodies found stuck to the gates of river below." His head gestures back toward the High Gate, which of course descends all the way down to the river you crossed not even an hour past. "May I?" He makes an exaggerated motion with his hands, and you realize he's asking if he can cast a spell upon you. "For the stink." If you allow it, then he mutters a few arcane words and gestures wide sweeping motions toward you. Where he gestures you feel the tingle of magical energy and the filth from the swamps lifts from your body and clothes. Within moments a second you is standing there completely made of filth. The man gestures toward a nearby bush and the filth crawls of it's own accord under the bush, never to be seen again. You find yourself perfectly cleaned, as if you were in the bath for hours and you were wearing new clothing. "My name is Tad, and I'd be happy to provide you with cleaning services anytime for just a silver protector. I also mend clothing and equipment." He adds the last while pointing at a torn bit of your shirt. The other people are all gathered around behind Tad, still watching you carefully.
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Post by Greyling on Apr 17, 2022 16:02:01 GMT -5
"Murder?" repeats a confused Venos, who listens as the mage explains more details.
Nodding when the mage asks permission to cast a spell on him. Skin prickling as the magic washes over him. The rogue shows mild curiousity as the magical swamp-Venos-thing separates, and then crawls away. "I hope to avoid being covered in swamp again, however that is a very useful ability. I'll definitely keep your service in mind, Tad. My name is Venos." Unconsciously looking toward the guild he need to report to, and then back at the group of mages. "Do you think these students were connected somehow? Besides being mages, murdered and hung on display."
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 18, 2022 6:56:35 GMT -5
Tad continues, “Unfortunately details are sparse for those that wear the copper.” He holds up the hand that had the copper band. The one that’s exactly like the ones the others are wearing, and the one in your pocket. “From what I’ve managed to gather, they were alone when they were last seen. One left a study group, but never made it back to his accommodations. Another walked his date home, but never made it home himself. The last popped down to the shops for some last minute items, but the shops didn’t remember seeing her.” Tad looks you up and down, “You look the adventurous sort. I’m sure the Mages Guild would pay a fair bit o’ ‘nix to find out who has been killing their students.”
Another student behind Tad interjects, “Tell him about Madam Aceso.” Tad glances at the student then back to you. “I don’t know if this is related, but Madam Aceso was a healer in the Harbour District. She was found strangled in her store. The place was trashed too.” The other student pipes up again, “Tell him about the blue lady” Tad rolls his eyes, “Apparently I’m the spokesperson for our little group here.” He smiles though, and you can tell that he’s used to being the voice of groups he is a part of, “She was found by a woman with blue skin.” He glances across the others gathered adding, “I hadn’t had a chance to tell you all what I found out about the blue skinned woman.” He pauses here, letting the tension grow for a moment. “She was hired only the day before by Madam Aceso.” One of the other boys gasps, the others just nod along.
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Post by Greyling on Apr 19, 2022 21:32:29 GMT -5
As he listens he lightly runs his fingers through the hairs of his beard. "Plucked out of the mundane routine of their lives. Sounding more like an active targeting, but for what purpose?" His eyes flicker to the other student when they interject additional information. "Were the 3 left on the gate also strangled? I don't know if this Madame Aceso's death is connected. The other three were left stuck to the gate and she was left strangled in her store."
Venos raises an eyebrow at the mention of a blue skinned woman. He hasn't run into many blue skinned women. "Did any of you meet, or see this blue skinned woman? Any notable details beside the hue of her skin to identify?" They might be meaning Myst, but either way there wasn't much point in working them up about that detail.
"I just returned to town, and have to report some information. Once that work is finished, I think I'd like to look more into your mystery."
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 21, 2022 6:52:24 GMT -5
Tad nods along with your assumption that it was active targeting. “That’s what we thought. What are the chances that three students of the mages guild end up dead? Then a healer? Another person that is suspected of using magic.”
The other student behind Tad seems to realize something, “I don’t know if the students were strangled, but the river washed them to the gate. They were not hung up there to be found. That area is regularly patrolled by the pins. Transporting Madam Aceso from her shop in the Harbour District all the way to the river would have been too dangerous.” That makes sense to you, as you would have to pass through the well guarded Harbour Gate.
All the students shake their heads when you ask about the blue woman. “We got all our information at least second hand, sorry.” Tad admits, “Blue skin is very rare in Clifton though, so tracking a blue skinned person should be easy. I’ve been asking around a bit, and have heard of only two in the city right now. A Vedalkin and a Water Genasi. Both are staying in the Harbour District somewhere.”
The students all seem enthusiastic when you agree to help them. Tad gives you his address in the Commercial District. “Can you keep me informed of your progress?”
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Post by Greyling on Apr 22, 2022 16:56:30 GMT -5
"Washed up. Not hung on display. Good distinction to note. If mage students washing up in the river, the murders might be happening in a location near the water." Venos realizes something when Tad mentions Water Genasi. "I think I may have met the Water Genasi. I was in a dangerous situation just outside of the city when a water genasi helped, then healed me. I won't rule her out yet, but even if she is the same blue woman that doesn't make her the killer."
He takes the address and nods, "I can keep you informed."
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 24, 2022 11:05:13 GMT -5
Tad raises his eyebrows in surprise, then nods. “I’m glad you came along friend. Maybe we will finally learn something about our mysterious killer.” A bell rolls in the distance and all the students look up in that direction, and then start gathering their belongings quickly. “We have got to go. Talk soon.” Calls Tad as the lot of them make their way up hill.
Only one thing of note catches your attention as you walk up the few remaining blocks to the adventurers guild. A man struggling in the grasp of two guards. He is dressed like a noble, but something about him screams imposter. It takes you a moment to see the more common clothing poking out from under his noble costume. The man is pleading with the guards, “It’s all just a misunderstanding, come on boys. Just kick me back into the Commercial District and I’ll never set foot in the High District again, eh?” “You’re right, you won’t. Watch that last step, it’s a bit of a big one.” The guards don’t laugh, and the man looks like he’s going to be sick.
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Post by Greyling on Apr 24, 2022 18:00:41 GMT -5
Tipping his head and raising one hand, Venos acknowledges his new mage friend's departure. "Til then, might be best to travel in pairs or groups. Safety in numbers".
He notices the situation between the imposter and guards. Feeling more than a little confused by the guard's comment about watching his last step. There would likely be many more steps from here and wherever they were bringing him. The Hin walks on to turn in his report to the adventurers' guild.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 25, 2022 9:22:47 GMT -5
You recall that you heard about the penalty for thief in the High District in a tavern. The penalty is to take the long walk. It’s like walking the plank on a ship, but from the top of the wall overlooking the cliffs. If the waves are in when you reach the bottom you might live, if not… best not to dwell on that. Continuing along the road, you reach the Adventurer's Guild.
The three story square building looks welcoming now that you've passed the tests required to join the guild. The archery range and horse yard is quiet now. The sparing yard has an armoured man working slowly through his sword forms. A man and a woman are competing in the obstacle course.
You approach the twelve foot tall set of thick arched double doors. The door is still guarded by two men, though they're different than the two that were here before. You flash your badge and both men lift their pole axes out of your path. One of them says, "Welcome back." While the other one pushes open the door for you.
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Post by Greyling on Apr 26, 2022 8:21:43 GMT -5
Approaching the guild headquarters, the rogue notes those practicing and racing. Scouting out possible adventuring companions for later. Smirking at the guards at the double doors. "Thanks. Good to be back." As Venos starts to walk in, and starts looking for the person who had sent him on the mission to find the missing adventurers.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 26, 2022 19:42:50 GMT -5
You poke around a bit, then ask around only to find out that they’re currently not on site. They should be back in an hour or two. How do you want to spend your time while you wait? Or would you rather seek them out in the Harbour District?
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Post by Greyling on Apr 27, 2022 0:08:04 GMT -5
"Did they mention where they were going?" Venos asks. Thinking the answer might help determine the likely return time. "I guess I'm waiting."
After waiting about 5 minutes, he wanders over to the door guards. "Excuse me. Do either of you know of any dog breeders in town? A kennel? Somewhere that sells trained mastiff?"
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 27, 2022 6:26:07 GMT -5
The Half-Elven woman with half her head shaved looks up at you from her drink, “Yeah, they went down to the Harbour District. We heard there was a murder down there. Might be fishing for some work for us, ya know?” When you mention waiting the woman uses her foot to push out a chair from under the table for you. “If you’re waiting, you might as well enjoy the comforts of home, eh?”
The two of you chat a bit during the five minutes you’re waiting. You find out that the woman’s name is Ellestree, though she prefers to go by Elles. She came to Clifton from the Somerset Isles hunting down an exiled prince. “Haven’t heard a thing about his whereabouts for months, yeah? Then out of nowhere I hear that he just showed up at the Duchess’ fashion show.”
You excuse yourself to go speak with the door guards. One of the men says that his uncle breeds hunting dogs downstream along the river at his farm outside town. The other says there’s a kennel in the industrial district. They both give you enough directions to locate either place.
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Post by Greyling on Apr 27, 2022 23:30:38 GMT -5
Shakes his head at the fishing pun, while his smirk betrays that some part of him thought it was funny. "I heard about the murder of a healer. I was already thinking of looking into the situation for a friend. If it becomes a guild job, all the better."
Smiling at the woman, Venos accepts the invite to sit down. As they chat, he lets her do most of the sharing. Finding her story about an exiled prince eerily similar to his own, as he came to Clifton to lay low. "Do you prefer work as a bounty hunter, or does it depend on what work comes available? I, myself, have just returned from a search and rescue job."
He thanks both men, and makes mental note to check out both locations.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 28, 2022 7:32:08 GMT -5
She shrugs, "Work is work. The prince might have poisoned his mother, and the bounty for bringing him in is enough to retire on, yeah? I started working here to cover expenses, same as you, yeah?" When you explain about the job you were sent on, she pointedly looks behind you on both sides. "Guess it was more search, and less rescue, yeah?"
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Post by Greyling on Apr 28, 2022 14:21:35 GMT -5
Shrugs, "somewhat, yeah. I need to confirm if we're recovering the bodies. If so, I'll need a wagon and probably an extra pair of hands or paws."
Looks her up and down, "since you're still working here, you haven't caught the prince yet? Unless you are retired and hanging around the adventurers guild for fun."
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 28, 2022 14:27:58 GMT -5
"You found your target, but they're dead?" She shakes her head, "Sorry to hear that. Those ladies only recently lost another of their group." She realized that you didn't know that she would know your mission, and shrugs, "The missions are no secret. We post all active jobs on a board over there." She points down a hallway. "Normally if someone claims a job, the rest leave it alone. Sometimes though, we have a race to see who can finish the job first." She nods when you ask after the prince, "Yeah, the man vanishes like smoke in the wind. He has a clear trail, then boom, nothing."
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Post by Greyling on Apr 28, 2022 14:57:48 GMT -5
"I wasn't trying to be secretive. Just discreet with the information until I reported. Did you know the group that went missing?"
Venos plays with his beard again, "intriguing. How does an exiled prince have the resources to vanish so thoroughly? I haven't worked for royalty, but my experience with wealthy people is most of them don't do things for themselves. They employ others to do the work for them. Are there former friends of his, or those that would actively work against the kingdom that exiled him in Clifton?"
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 28, 2022 15:06:14 GMT -5
She nods a little, “Yeah, I met them a time or two. They were adventurers too. People in our line of work cross paths eventually.” She shrugs then, “I didn’t know them overly well, but they seemed like pretty good people, yeah?”
She thinks on your comments before answering. Taking a long swallow from her tankard. “I thought that too when I first arrived, but his closest contact was a hand maid that was arrested for her part in helping him escape. Last I heard she was still locked up in a island prison.”
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Post by Greyling on Apr 30, 2022 17:17:03 GMT -5
"Well, there might still be hope. I only found 2 of the women."
Chuckling lightly at a handmaid being a prince's closest contact. Likely more a concubine. Seduced into helping and now left to rot in prison for the poor judgement. "If I hear anything about the prince, I'll let you know. If you'll excuse me, I've got a question for the guards outside. It was nice meeting you, Ellestree."
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Post by DM-Delfon on May 1, 2022 20:56:01 GMT -5
Ellestree nods, “See you around, yeah? Don’t get dead.” She knocks back her tankard and drains it completely in one long chug. She carefully placed the tankard back on the table when most would slam it down. Unlike most people after a chug, she has no liquid on her face and you didn’t see her wipe it away. Maybe this one has a little decorum.
The guards tell you what you wanted to know as stated before. Are we headed out or waiting for your quest giver?
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Post by Greyling on May 2, 2022 9:01:50 GMT -5
Sighing heavy, Venos decides to make the best use of his time. "I'll be back to see the quest giver."
The Hin starts out heading for the industrial district. He might still check out the breeder farm later, but the kennel was closer. Weaving his way through the streets. Using the occasional reflective surface to check behind himself. Maybe he was being paranoid, but something felt off.
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Post by DM-Delfon on May 2, 2022 21:01:11 GMT -5
You make the journey down the High District, and then through the Commercial District. The river bars your way to the Industrial District. Again you find a ferryman, and pay your copper piece admission. Once you’re in the industrial district you realize that this is the slums of Clifton. This district is where the poorest of the poor live. Those that came to the edge of civilization, and thought ‘this isn’t far enough’ and came here.
Private warehouses with their own security, noisy or smelly crafting processes, and run down residential homes surround you. You find the kennel after about twenty minutes of looking. A single story red brick building surrounded by several high fenced pens. You’re too short to see over the fences, but there is a gate that says “knock here, do not enter.”
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Post by Greyling on May 3, 2022 10:57:08 GMT -5
He strolls thru the slums leaving a casual bubble around himself to limit any opportunity for cutpurses. As he walks along the fence, he let's his fingers brush against the boards to see how aggressive the animals react. Following the sign's instructions, knocking load enough to alert the staff. "Hello?"
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Post by DM-Delfon on May 3, 2022 18:01:10 GMT -5
Once you're within touching distance of the fence, you can see through the cracks between the boards. Inside there are several pens, likely used as exterior kennels. The gate is lower than the rest of the fence, but still higher than you're able to see over without climbing up. You knock, and a storm of barks respond from the other side of the fence. Dozens of dogs by the sound of it. You hear a voice through the barks, "Coming! Mantis sit! Luna, Sol Guard." You see the man approaching through the fence, a Human fellow by the look of him. While you watch, he puts his fingers to his lips and whistles. The dogs all fall silent at once. The gate opens and you see a blonde haired fellow in simple commoners clothes. His clothes are definitely designed for purpose, and not fashion. Beside him are two dogs, one all black, and one a golden colour. The two dogs are looking at you like you're lunch, but the man is standing there calmly enough, "Can I help you?" Kennel Master
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Post by Greyling on May 4, 2022 10:55:31 GMT -5
Tipping his head to the man, "good day, sir. I'm an adventurer with the guild, and looking for a trained dog. Something that can handle being out in the wild, the swamp, or the city."
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