You find Tak curled up under a short side table outside of your room, bundled in his cloak (which is still just a horse blanket, really). He looks exhausted, like he just recently came back. His claws and the cloak are a bit muddy and his javelin is nowhere in sight.
Atriox, as you head downstairs you find Zeed relaxing by a tinted window, looking out at the street outside. He smirks and gives a half wave when he spots you, ruffling the feathers on his head as he tries to smooth them out. "Hi boss. Uh, nice night huh?"
"You hear a lot of things here, yeah. Good place for rumors. And for watching people." He smirks again. "Some drunk fellows came over talkin' about legends. About Oxious bein'... well..." He whispers a bit, "...knowing about the necromancer, ya know. So did that drow chick."
He laughs, "I even saw Rufus Axemage sneak his way in here. His dad'd prolly kick his ass if he knew his son was getting some tail at the Velvet Fang. That blacksmith is pretty straight edged, heh." Zeed takes a long drink from his cup.
Atriox winces at Zeed's ruckus. He quickly snatches 'beak with two taloned fingers gently but forcefully shutting his mouth.
"Yes Zeed........It was rather a good night........too good. I have a headache and there's a slight ringing in my ears..........so.......if you could just talk a bit quieter please it'd be appreciated." He let's go of Zeed's beak and goes to get some food.
Zeed nods furiously, his eyes wide in surprise. He keeps his beak shut and goes back to his meal, realizing he was likely trying a bit too hard to please you.
Tak comes downstairs about that time, looking like a bumbling pillowcase with his cloak on. He teeters as he walks in his sleepy haze, and ends up at the buffet near you, Atriox. You see his claws pop out to snatch a slice of ham and a bottle of grog before going under a table to eat.
Alrik, you wake rested and healed from your magical exertion the previous evening. As you get ready for the day, you spot Tak on the way downstairs, still snoring into his blanket. Zinnia gives you a friendly wave when she sees you descend the stairs, and you see Dahlia off in the corner talking to a nervous looking Magnolia.
As you make to get some food, a rather irritated, finely clothed tiefling pushes through the door. Flippantly waving his hand, a spectral mist flies through the entry hallway, plastering up new notices on the wall. He grumbles, waving away some of the girls and going in to the head matron's office in a huff.
Alrik finishes assembling his plate of breakfast and walks over to read the newly posted notice. On his way over, he waves at Magnolia and Zinnia.
Zinnia beams at you. Magnolia gives a nice smile but hurries off quickly, leaving Dahlia looking a little worried.
You approach the notices and see an interesting sight...
The first is a very crude picture and description of Tyrius sketched on one parchment, listed in a line of persons restricted from the Velvet Fang. It's...rather like him, but the scars on the face are going the wrong way.
The second parchment is a list of amended rules for the establishment, the ink still wet and glistening on the surface. One of the primary ones that stands out to you says,
"All persons entering the Fang may be subject to additional questioning and/or forcible removal off the premises regarding any secret or nefarious intentions."
Alrik sits down in a nearby chair and slowly eats his meal, waiting for the tiefling to emerge from the matron's office.
When he finally does, the Storm Caller mumbles "Scars are wrong..."
(LOL XD You would...)
The tiefling emerges from the office in a grumpy huff, barely hearing you. He stops, looks around for a moment to figure out who said it--then stares at you. "What do you mean?" He narrows his eyes. "What scars?"
(Oh Alrik has this ALL planned out...
(Mwahahaha.. I can't wait 😂
Alrik points at the picture. "They're going the wrong way... also, good luck finding him. I've been looking for Tyrius nearly all my life... he's always seemed to elude me."
His head snaps to the picture, then looks back. "You know him? Who is he?"
(No need to roll a deception check, because guess what? Alrik is telling the truth! Muhahaha!!)
"That I'm not exactly sure about. Hard to tell who that man is..." he takes a sip of his coffee. "What'd he do to get banned?"
(Half truths FTW!)
He grumbles incoherently and flicks his wrist, prestidigitating the scar on Tyrius to flip directions. "None of your business..."
"No offense intended, sir..." Alrik holds up a hand. "Just curious as to why you're so upset... usually Tyrius just comes into town and makes a drunken mess, spreads around some stories he knows, and vanishes into the night..."
(18 insight check...) His eyes narrow again as he pulls out a wand. He watches you out of the corner of his eye, tracing out some shapes and glyphs on the floor. "Yeah, damn right he did. Lying little drunk."
He finishes the design and snaps his fingers, the lines flaring up with a bright gold and then dying back down again. They glitter on the floor almost like a new rug design. "I'm used to my name being abused, but I'm protective of my business. And my employees. I don't take lightly to slander."
He walks over to Alrik, stopping about a foot away from you. He bends down and peers into your eyes, scrutinizing and suspicious. "You find the fellow... you let me know."
Atriox finishes his food and waits for Tak to finish. "Hey Oxious, may I have a moment of what I'm sure you think is precious time?"
He sees Atriox approach, and stands up to his full height (which is still quite a head shorter than the imposing form of the dragonborn in front of him). "Yes it is mighty precious. I'm working." He snaps his fingers again without looking, and a gloss spreads out over the floor behind him, sealing in the glittering glyphs. "If you're asking about the old man, Olohand is doing fine. Snored like a banshee all night." He glares a bit, somewhat blaming you for his discomfort.
Atriox smiles at the last bit not hiding how humorous he finds it. "Come now it's just some snoring. Its harmless. Besides genius has its price."
Atriox looks more serious now. "I feel we may have gotten off on the wrong foot the other day. Both of us were a bit........tense. I do greatly respect your love for your business and how you are concerned for your employees. It's very commendable."
He turns his head slightly, eyeing you with uncertainty. "I appreciate that, as it feels like the first truth I've heard all day." With a sniff he straightens his smoking jacket, smoothing out the wrinkles. "Is there something you want, Atriox? If there's one thing I've learned in this life, it's that honeyed words always precede a request."
(Bah, Aubrey.... you mess up my plan!
(Lol!! You can cut back in? Would that be okay?
(I'll work around it. Also 14 arcana to know the symbols
(Bwahaha.. I really wanna see your plans...)
Alrik, you study the symbols Oxious has been drawing on the floor. You can tell without a doubt he's been etching out a permanent ritual circle for a Zone of Truth enchantment. Any beings that pass through the doors will be subject to the enchantment, which guards against deception and lies.
Based on what you've seen this fellow do the last few days (and how you see the Velvet Fang set up) you're positive Oxious focuses on more enchantment style schools of magic--conjuration, illusion, and transmutation.
(So, the zone of truth is just at the doorway?)
(The whole entry hall, really. It's typically a 15' radius, so a good 30 feet from end to end)
(Probably reaches into the main room somewhat)
(Gotcha, okay.
Alrik gestures to the symbols. "Zone of Truth, eh? Not a bad idea... of course, it may cut into your business... your girls may not be quite as appealing when they magically aren't allowed to just tell the men what they want to hear..."
(Tieflings after all... are basically businessmen...
(17 persuasion as well
Oxious stiffens and exhales slowly out of his nose. "I'm... aware. But modifications to their service routes can be adjusted." He sneers at Alrik, a bit jabbing. "Don't worry, they'll be able to keep saying all the pretty little lies you want them to."
"But this is necessary." He gestures to the floor, and looks at both of you.
Alrik shrugs. "I disagree, but it's not my place of business, so therefore I won't interject my opinion any further... on a different matter..." he waves his hand and with a small stormcloud appearing, creates a symbol in the air. A triangle with a line through it, the same symbol on Tak's coin and that he saw with the necromancer. "I recently saw this symbol and I'm having trouble figuring it out... do you know it?"
He stares at it for a minute in silence. "Where'd you see this symbol?"
(Is Zone of Truth is finished, or still being made?
(It's finished.... I see what you're doing, ya sneaky ginger. XD)
(What am I doing? Lol)
(Rofl I've been laughing like, the last 10 minutes over how clever you're being. Asking him questions in his own zone of truth.)
(I'm sure even more than that, I'm just impressed XD)
Alrik looks sharply at Oxious. "I saw it the day that house burned down... the day we were attacked... but my question was, do you know it?"
He looks taken aback. "You mean--" You can see he's thinking quickly, looking unnerved. "You're sure it was this symbol?"
"Positive..." Alrik's eyes narrow, looking hard at the Tiefling. "Do you know it?"
He snorts, irritated. "I was just told about it by the madam." He jerks his thumb at the door to her room. "She said a little kobold who was staying here lost a coin and was looking for it. Said it had that symbol on it."
He eyes the room, spotting the little guy drinking at a table across the room. You see his fists clench a little in nervous irritation, like he is about to make his way over to Tak.
Alrik smirks. "Have you seen or heard of it before she told you of it?"
His head swivels around. "No," he snaps. "I haven't."
He starts to walk away toward the kobold. "But if it has to do with someone who killed Mrs. Dryadson, I'm not having anyone connected with it in the Fang."
"Tak has no part in killing that poor old woman. He found the coin..." Alrik stands and gestures to the symbol on the floor. "And since this zone you've made demands it, I will be completely honest with you. I, and I alone, have suspicions about you, Oxious. I believe you are playing a dangerous game with people you don't understand..." he walks to the door and opens it, standing on the porch, ready to leave. "If I'm wrong, I will humbly apologize and make it right with you... but if I'm correct... if the rumors I've heard are true, then you had best sever ties with this town and disappear before Magus Jaundree and the Judges show up... I've sent them a letter about the mage we captured. They'll be on their way for a tribunal shortly."
Oxious looks incredibly taken aback, freezing in his tracks. He's almost at a loss of words at the accusation, but doesn't pursue Tak any further. He just stares at you incredulously on his doorstep.
Alrik gives him a look in return that says, "I'm dead serious." And closes the door behind him.
Atriox grunts at the whole scene he just witnessed. He approaches Oxious again. "I'm sorry about that........ Alrik can be a bit dramatic. But he has his reasons. As to what I was saying. I don't really have a request sir.....that is unless you know a spell to take away slight hangovers." Atriox grins a little.
"No what I said I meant wholeheartedly whatever else you may or may not be you seem to be a reasonable businessman and employer for the most part. We are departing on a job tomorrow but we will be back. I will make sure one of the men I sent to keep an eye on Olohand knows how to find us if there news other wise he better be alive when I return. For this whole town's sake."
The tiefling blinks, beginning to really hear what you're asking. He looks more annoyed than ever, mostly from Alrik's comments.
"For this whole town's sake... Pah." Oxious mocks a little, cocky but not necessarily disagreeing. He starts to walk away. "He'll be alive, Atriox. Look who you're talking to! My house is full of enchantments that keep me--and my guests--protected." He smirks over his shoulder, but you can't get a head on the emotion behind the smile.
Out of the corner of his eye the tiefling spots Magnolia and she freezes mid-step. He points at her and directs to the store rooms downstairs. "Business calls. I'll chat with you later, Dragonborn." His voice is rather icy as he walks away to follow the nervous dark elf.
Atriox some steam out of his nose as the teifling walks away. "Come on Tak we got some things to do today. Nothing to bad."
Tak jerks a bit at his name being called. "Coming!" He mutters, stumbling from his seat with a piece of ham hanging from his mouth. You can tell he's had a couple of drinks.
You guys make it outside into the sunshine, the kobold eyeing the enchanted floor with a dubious look. You don't see Alrik anywhere yet.
(Or do they? XD)
(Haha, probably not... Alrik was peeking through a window watching Oxious. He's now around the back attempting to listen/watch his talk with Magnolia... also 16 stealth)
(LOL you sly military dog...)
(I told you.... angry people make more mistakes... Alrik successfully made Oxious angry. Now he's waiting for the slip up...
Alrik... You successfully sneak around to a side window to watch the scene. Although tinted, you can vaguely make out his movement and words to Atriox. It does rub you the wrong way, but you know--or hope--the anger will help in the long run. Based on where he's at, it's really hard to tell if he's still in the Zone of Truth or not when he says that last phrase.
As he descends the steps with Magnolia, you cut around the back of the building, which slopes down the hill to where the basement floor is. There is some strange graffiti on the wall, scratched symbols and crude words faded by the salty air. Nearby, you see a door...locked. The only other windows are small, square, and about 8 feet off the ground. (What do you do?)
(Hmmm... whatever I'm gonna do I rolled a 19... lol)
(Rofl well, that's good.. Any ideas?
(Yeah... Alrik isn't wanting to be inside the building, as he could be charged with trespassing... so...)
(He could check windows... Just needs a way to see in them
Alrik wipes his hands on his jacket and begins climbing the side of the building. (21 acrobatics or 20 athletics, whichever you deem proper)
(Niiiiice.)
(Pick a number.. 1-6 for me)
(Let's see if you guess the right window...)
(4)
(😂 The magic is strong with you tonight..
As you heft yourself up, your fingers find crannies in the brickwork with ease. Grasping the ledge of the window, you can hear faint voices on the other side. One sounds rather furious--you're positive by the obnoxious tone that it's Oxious.
Pulling yourself up further, you see Magnolia standing and crying, a spectral mage hand holding her wrists behind her back. Oxious is pacing in front of her, running his hand through his hair as he talks. (Make a check to see if you can hear them. A... perception or investigation check, your choice. Or any others you deem fitting).
(18 perception
"...rumors flying all over town!" His voice almost shakes the window, and you duck your head a little to avoid being spotted. "...something like this under my roof! What would people think? Are you sure?..." As you look back inside, you see in his hand what you take to be a ring--something black and shadowy, like the one Magnolia had on her the day you escaped the crypt.
They talk quietly for a moment in snippets you can't catch, and then the ring disappears with a wave of his hand. You see Oxious wander around her, inspecting her with a piercing gaze. He looks into her eyes as he slips on a pair of fanciful gloves, covered in glyphs, then approaches her. You catch another phrase, "...I know you won't hide things from me, but I need to be sure..."
He wipes away her tears and holds the gloves to her head, eyes closed. It's quiet for a long time. Glancing around the room you see some interesting objects--various outfits, traveling cloaks, and a few magical looking items. He finally speaks again, and you can barely catch, "I saw it all. The Tempest knows of the symbol too now... You'll be coming with me."
He snaps his fingers and the mage hand disappears. Walking to the bookcase, you see him perform a specific hand motion and a panel slides back. A magical darkness radiates from inside. The vortex sparkles slightly, and he pushes Magnolia on ahead of him into it. The panel slides back into place. They're gone.
(I KNEW IT!!!
Alrik drops from the wall and runs to the door, yelling as he drops. "Atriox! Basement. Now!" (Prestidigitation yell... super loud)
As he reaches the door, he throws a spell at it. (Shatter. Door needs to make a constitution save. Lol)
(LOL 😂😂😂
(6... raw roll. Go ahead and narrate away)
(Bwahaha.. I'm laughing my friggin butt off. I can't wait to see how this plays out...)
The door explodes into splinters as Alrik rushes through the opening and running down the small hallway to the window he was looking in.
You come to the door you believe the window belonged to and try the handle. The door is locked.
Alrik kicks against the door, rattling the wrought iron hinges and handle, but he simply doesn't have the strength to break it down. (Rolled a 4 for strength... lol)
"Atriox now!" (Prestidigitation again)
Atriox hears the shouts from out front. Instantly worried at the tone of Alrik's voice.
"Tak come,quick!" Atriox picks the kobold up and puts him on his shoulder. "Hold on little one."
Atriox sprints as fast as he can to find Alrik following the sound of his voice. (22 athletics)
Atriox, you hear Alrik's voice from... inside, actually. You push open the doors and jump almost the full length of the stairs, landing down below with a resounding CRACK against the stone floor. You bolt towards him, a few girls screaming as you rush by.
(8 acrobatics save for Tak..) The kobold is thrown from your shoulders with the landing, smacking against the ceiling and landing back on your head again. You hear him groan a little, holding his skull as the splitting stars blind his vision for a moment.
Atriox grunts and picks Tak of his head carrying him in his arms now. "Sorry little one." He continues to find Alrik.
(Awww.. XD Alrik you see them coming around the corner)
Alrik kicks at the door again and then starts slamming his shoulder against it, rattling the hinges and handle again. "Knock this f***ing thing down, now!" He backs up and points at it as he sees Atriox round the corner.
(Oh man, there comes the fire 😂
(Roll a strength check for me
(You can also narrate what you do, if you'd like)
(Yeah, Alrik is pretty damn close to losing his cool... lol)
(Bwahahaha... I mean granted he HAS used fireball spells which I think is freaking amazing. Like how you narrate how that works. It makes a lot of sense and it's cool as heck)
Atriox sets Tak down so that the kobold is out of the way. He looks at the door studying it. Not wishing to test his body uneaserily after his injuries he thinks about how to do this. Once again somewhere from deep inside himself a voice guides him. He extends his hand pointing a taloned finger at the door. Black energy wraps around his wrist and hand before shooting at the door in a beam of dark energy.
(Eldritch Blast)
The wood cracks under the impact with a resounding crunch, sending a shower of splinters into the room beyond. The handle has been partially melted, and it swings open easily.
Alrik rushes in, lightning crackling down his arms, ready for a fight if need be.(Readied an action... lol)
The room is quite still, nothing jumping out at you. You do however hear voices and noise coming from the halls above.
(Did Alrik see the hand gesture well enough to duplicate it?)
(Hm...... make an arcana check)
(Meh... 12)
(Not bad..... you think you remember most of it)
(Go ahead and roll with advantage, actually)
I think you earned it by spying so well... lol)
"That bastard... he took Magnolia through some sort of magic gate behind this damn bookcase." (Woohoo... lol... 13)
(Lolololol)
(Actually... rofl.. that was my DC. You barely remember, and think you can replicate it)
"Be ready for a fight..." he gives the Dragonborn and Kobold a look of seriousness they've never seen from him before. He takes a deep breath and attempts to replicate the hand gesture.
The secret panel shifts, just as it had before. Ahead of you is a murky, glittering blackness--what looks to be a permanent dimension door spell.
Atriox ready his glaive and motions Tak to go ahead of him between Alrik and himself so that Atriox can guard and bring up the rear.
(You guys go in? XD)
(I have something prepared, I just wanna make sure you're ready to go)
"The proof I needed..." he mumbles. Walking to the door, he bellows up the stairs, amplifying his voice with his magic. "Zeed, get your boys down here!"
(Door Atriox blew down, not the dimensional one... lol)
You hear a fumbling, and the arakocra pushes his way down the stairs with many "excuse me's" and "pardon me's"... he's not taking Atriox's threat lightly and is trying to be as nice as he can here. Zeed comes over, hand on his weapon. "It's--It's just me, sir. The others were with Olohand." He gives Atriox a look.
Atriox nods to Zeed. "I think we can manage. Prepare yourself for a fight Zeed. Let us see what you started through, Alrik."
Zeed gives a curt nod, full of resolve. He draws his sword.
With lightning still roiling down his arms, Alrik steps through the glittering black door... (action still readied)
A pulling sensation sucks you forward, almost as if you're being forced down a whirlpool in a drain. As you are spat out from the other side, you regain your footing and feel warmth and a fair amount of light.
The first thing you see when you enter is Oxious and Magnolia sitting on a couch, several magical scrolls and potion bottles nearby. He was in the middle of embracing her, stroking her hair as she cries--rather out of character for him from what you've seen. His expression turns from one of genuine empathy to shock, the startling entrance causing him to knock several bottles and papers on the floor in a spectacular mess of vapor.
"WH-WHAT IN THE NAME OF ASMODEOUS--Why are you--HOW did you get here!?" The tiefling stands, the mingling potions causing his eyes to sting. With a fit of coughing he moves protectively in front of Magnolia and snatches out a wand from his belt. He looks livid as he points the weapon at your group.
(He is both surprised and partially blinded... you benefit from partial concealment due to the circumstances, and have the first move)
Alrik's eyes erupt with anger, throws the pooled energy in the direction of the tiefling, but as it leaves his hand, it explodes into a full sized lightning bolt, screaming across the distance in a blink of an eye. A massive thunderous boom eminates from Alrik's hand as the energy changes shape. (27 damage if he fails the dex save, but since he's blind I'm pretty sure he does. Lol...)
(21 and 16)
(I can't remember your save dc.. haha.. does a 16 succeed?)
(Looking it up now. I can't remember it either
(No worries!)
(Nope! Its 17)
(NICE! XD Ok he takes 27 damage... one sec)
Oxious is blasted back like a ragdoll, thrown over the back of the couch with a resounding noise. Magnolia screams and covers her ears at the thunderous explosion and Tak likewise cries out, covering his eyes.
(Both he and the elf are blinded and deafened for a round)
The tiefling gasps for breath, gripping the rug and struggling to turn over. His hand grasps the wand still, but he's prone.
"DAMMIT, TEMPEST!" He shouts, shaking and coughing horridly as he wipes blood from his mouth. (He's definitely bloodied at this point)
(It's Atriox and Zeed's turn, then Oxious' turn)
(And Chant, you can still technically do a bonus action or minor action... if you want to say or do anything that doesn't require a normal action/attack)
(Oh yeah!)
Alrik roars with anger, the fury nearly palpable in the room. "Give up, bastard! Give up and face the tribunal! If not I'll kill you where you lie, you maggot!" (17 intimidation)
Oxious looks mortified. "What in the world are you talking about!?"
Atriox grunts in frustration. He moves quickly before anything else happens. He steps between Alrik and Oxious. He puts his glaive against Alriks chest length wise as a type of barrier and giving him a slight nudge.
"Alrik calm yourself this instant! Before you doom us all to prison!" He says with a growl behind his words.
He looks over his shoulder at Oxious. "put the wand down now. I dont want this getting any further out of hand!"
Oxious glances at all of you, panting and still trying to catch his breath. He gives you a very long look Atriox. He doesn't look like the kind of fellow who would ever drop his weapon first... But he can sense your honestly. He saw it earlier. With a shaky grunt he tosses his wand away, the stick bouncing harmlessly across the rug.
Alrik, still fuming and close to violence, pushes past Atriox and walks over to Magnolia. "I saw what he did to you... are you okay?"
Still blinking away stars she tries to focus on you. "A-Alrik? Yes, yes I'm alright, I--" The elf finally sees the anger storming in your eyes, and is a little startled. "I'm okay, I promise! That's what I was t-telling Oxious!"
As the elf speaks to Alrik, Atriox motions for Zeed to move in and watch Alrik. Atriox goes over and helps Oxious up. "My god I don't know what has come over him sir. There had best be an explanation, then I'll see to it that your wounds are seen to."
(Rofl... I'll let Chantry post first)
As Zeed approaches, he rolls his eyes and at Atriox's comment, he scowls at the Dragonborn, but bites his tongue. Turning briskly and walking to the dimensional door, he turns and faces the bleeding tiefling. "An innocent person doesn't run... the tribunal will oversee your judgement."
Alrik steps through the doorway.
(Granted, you guys--Atriox and Alrik--haven't had a good time to talk about everything thus far. I can imagine there being some... goal... differences XD)
Oxious leans on the dragonborn's arm. "I'm fine, I--" He stumbles a bit, trying to straighten up. "I wasn't running, I'm not sure what he's talking about..." (11 deception)
Magnolia comes over to help you, while Tak and Zeed both kinda hover nearby.
(Does Tak know he's lying?)
(Does he? >D)
(I dunno, I don't have his character sheet.... lol)
Atriox looks utterly and totally bewildered and fiery hot with anger blowing steam from his nostrils so hot it heats his golden nose ring up a little so it glows. "Zeed.......follow Alrik......now! But be careful keep a distance. Fly if you have to."
Atriox looks to the elf. "Help me get him to the couch. Now! You both have some seriously explaining to do!"
Magnolia guides Oxious to the couch with you, the tiefling grumbling. He motions for one of the bottles and she passes it to him. He uncorks it with his teeth, taking a long swig. "Explain what, Atriox?" He exhales, finally breathing a little easier. (Healing potion... lol And I was being factious about Tak, I'll roll for him...10)
Atriox swishes his tail around angrily.
"Oxious I swear on all that is holy ! Alrik may be reacting harshly to it but he definitely saw something! And you have raised suspicions that you know more than your letting on. I can't help at all unless you are truthful with me this instant!"
(Persuasion 18)
Oxious waves with his hand as if brushing the accusations away. "I wasn't--this isn't--" He sighs, frustrated and rubs his temples.
"I'm getting a headache... I wasn't running from--you! Or, or him! I swear on the shadow god's grave... I just don't want the tribunal poking into my business with the Fang. It's a delicate balance! If he saw me RUNNING it was just to get Magnolia here. This is my house. I wanted to make sure she was okay, and have better materials here to work with."
Atriox looks around as he says this. It does rather have a ring of truth to it. He looks at Oxious. "You swear that you are not working with the necromancer?! That you have not betrayed this town?"
"Of course not!" He rubs his face in exasperation. "This is a fantastic business I've built! I take pride in my work and I've busted my tail for it. Why would I jeopardize that? OR put Magnolia and the others in danger? Why do you think I told you Dahlia couldn't gallivant around the countryside with you anymore?"
He waves his hand again flippantly. "I don't care honestly for necromancers one way or another, they can do as they please, as long as they stay far away and it doesn't interfere with me and my business."
Atriox growls, "Blast it all. Weather your telling the truth or not doesn't matter now. If I know Alrik especially considering how enraged he was, the order is already on it's way. I doubt you can escape at least answering some questions now."
Magnolia meanwhile brings over some supplies from elsewhere in the room, beginning to treat the tiefling's wounds. She unbuttons his shirt and starts applying a thick, gray paste to the electric blisters splayed across his red skin.
Oxious gives a strained expression while she works, avoiding eye contact with Atriox. "What kind of questions? I've done nothing wrong!"
Atriox growls in warning not to test him. "I didn't say you did ! But Alrik holds some sway and for whatever reasons he has ,he is convinced you know something or are working with the necromancer. I think you love your business and life style too much to do what he thinks you have. But who knows. I'm merely warning you. Its probably to late to avoid some questioning. I'm sorry."
The tiefling sighs, sinking into the couch further. He looks like he's both resigning to his fate and contemplating a scheme in his head to avoid it at the same time.
***
Alrik, you come back through the doorway, the bookcase opening for you automatically. The matron and Dahlia look in surprise at your entrance.
Alrik looks between the two of them, silent for a time as he breathes heavy from anger and adrenaline. Finally he swallows. "Are either of you involved with Oxious and the necromancer?"
The matron and Dahlia look utterly taking aback. They look at each other. Dahlia speaks first, "N-no? What are you talking about?! I helped Atriox save you from there! Not that we knew you were there, I--"
"Well, he knew more than he was letting on... I watched as he forcibly held Magnolia down in this very room and used some sort of gloves to see her memories. He had an exact replica of the ring she was wearing in the crypt... and he knew something about that strange symbol..." he shifts his gaze between the two of them as he speaks. "And he swept her away through this hidden doorway once he saw in her memories that I know..."
The matron shakes her head. "Symbol? Like the one you and your kobold friend asked me about the other day?" She looks rather confused at the whole situation.
Suddenly a feathery mass barrels into you, Alrik, as Zeed pops through the portal behind you. He almost knocks you down, and stumbles back quickly. "OH! Uh--uh sorry, uh..." He just stands stock still, back against the wall, trying to act nonchalant.
Alrik growls audibly at Zeed. "Tell your Dragonborn master that I do not need a babysitter..."
He ignores the matron and Dahlia and walks upstairs and to the nearest table with parchment and quill, and begins writing another letter to Magus Jaundree. At the very top, he scrawls in large print, "Urgent. Come immediately. Bring Trak'skulan."
(Oh snap. Lol...... XD)
(Chant, I'm just curious but did you have a way you're sending the letters magically? I just wondered XD
(I kinda figured there's a way of doing something like that... sorta like scrying but different
(Right.. I think I came across some kind of message spell, or even a find familiar could likely transport it. That's fine, we'll say that happens. Maybe you use your magic to destroy it, but it teleports it to the mages? something you learned with working there?)
(Yeah, that works
As you finish the last of the letter, you roll it with a flourish. Electricity trickles up your fingertips. The bolts trace the outside with runes, devouring the parchment in a puff of blueish purple smoke.
Within less than a minute, a fizzling sound can be heard. FWOOM! A jet of flame appears on the table as a similar scroll is returned to you. Unrolling it you read,
"Received your last message. We're in route. Arriving in three days. -The Inferno"
Alrik puts the return message in his satchel and walks outside. Sitting down on a nearby bench, he's suddenly feels an overwhelming wave of exhaustion. Slumping back, he takes a few deep breaths as he tries to calm down.
The sounds of the roaring sea in the distance are relaxing... like a distant thunderstorm receding on the horizon. Your muscles ache and your hands shake a little, recovering from the intense burst of power that flowed through them. You finally begin to notice an itching from the scales on your left arm. The tingle like they're full of static electricity.
Nearby, you see Zeed slip out the door of the Fang. He leans non nonchalantly against the wall again... but, after a moment he sighs, and just walks over. He sits down next to you, leaning back against the bench. "I ain't no babysitter. That eggheaded dragonborn ain't here to tell me to watch ya. You ok, man?"
Alrik, leaning his head back and closing his eyes to stop the world from spinning. "I... think so. I've only cast that powerful of spell a few times before... it's very draining."
Zeed nods, thinking. "Honest to Pelor I thought you killed that guy, heh. I was surprised anyone could get up from a shot like that."
Alrik, still with his eyes closed, chuckles. "Lightning tends to be very loud and creates quite the spectacle... doesn't necessarily mean it's as deadly as it appears... but that isn't always the case." He smirks.
Zeed snorts. "You can say that again." He ruffles his feathers a little, scratching his chest. "Hey, uh... I don't think the boss--er... Atriox--I don't think he meant to uh... Insult ya. I never liked Oxious either."
He gives Alrik a sideways glance, his beady black eyes nervous of the reaction he'll get. "My boys are just doin' work over there, protecting some other old geezer at his house... If they ended up in a house with more dead bodies after Miz Dryadson, I think me and the other degenerates would be swingin' at dawn, if you know what I mean."
"M-maybe he was just... I dunno." He scratches his feathers again awkwardly. "Anyway, I'll have the boys keep an eye on this Oxious guy. And I'll ask Nathaniel if he's got any dirt on him."
Alrik nods slowly, before drifting off to sleep.
(Alrik taking a magic-overdose nap... lol)
(Awww xD poor Alrik)
Zeed looks a bit surprised, relaxing on the bench with a snort. "Guess I am playin' babysitter now after all."
Some time passes and you wake, drowsy and swimming with the warm air. Blinking away the sleep, you hear the obnoxious snoring of an arakocra next to you. Zeed is thoroughly passed out, head back and beak open.
You stretch and something feels... Off. You look around. The street is a bit busy with shoppers, sailors and shippers. Nothing seems wrong nearby...
You feel a need for a smoke and pat your pockets for your cigarette case. It's.... Not there.
"Aww great... Zeed!" Alrik reaches over and smacks him in the arm. "Did you take my cigarette case?!"
"HUH--I'm awake, w-what? Nah I don't smoke..." He stretches and yawns loudly.
"Well somebody stole it, then... better check your pockets and see if they took anything of yours..." Alrik looks himself over, checking to see if anything else is missing. (Blah... 11 investigation)
Zeed looks more awake now, patting his jacket. He grabs at his satchel. "Awwwww man!" He leans back with a groan. "My money is gone. And my gamblin' dice!"
You feel a sinking feeling. Your wallet and military patches are gone... Along with both your magic rings.
"We have to find them... whoever they are, they're wandering around with my identification and a ring that has a very powerful spell stored in it..." Alrik's expression changes from one of slight discomfort to extreme worry.
Zeed looks stunned. "Y-y-yeah! For sure!" He jumps up, looking around on the ground and the street nearby.
(Make an investigation check or something similar of your preference)
(I got... 14. Lol)
You spot a fellow selling flowers on the corner. He looks like he's been parked there for a while, and may have seen something. You also see several people mingling outside a pastry shop.
"Zeed, you go see if anyone at the pastry shop knows anything. I'll go talk to the flower vendor."
Alrik stands up and stretches, and walks over to the man. "How you doing today?"
Zeed nods and hurries off. The florist looks up, giving a gentle smile. He's middle aged and tan, holding a watering can. "I'm well, young man! You look stressed. Do you need some flowers for a pretty lady? Maybe an apology bouquet..?" He chuckles.
"Perhaps... but I'll have to find my wallet first." He points at the bench he was on. "I fell asleep on that bench and quite a few of my possessions seem to have... wandered off... you didn't happen to see anything, did you?"
The man looks contemplative. "Hmm... A lot of people have passed by today. I saw an interesting fellow heading down to the docks, with a strange wooden chest.... Oh, and a group of kids ran through about an hour ago. They were rowdy... Knocked over my carnations." He grumbles.
(9 investigation) Zeed comes over with a half eaten loaf of rye bread. "Hey, those guys just got there. They didn't notice anythin'. You find out something?"
"Some kids came through about an hour ago, and a suspicious looking guy with a wooden chest before them... he was heading to the docks. Why don't you check out the man going to the docks and I'll check out the kids..." Alrik suggests.
Zeed nods. "I can do that. Wooden chest, huh?" He glances at the florist. "Anything more specific than that?"
"Heh, you'll recognize it when you see it." The man laughs. "It was rather eclectic looking."
"Huh... alright. Well, I'll hurry down to the docks, Alrik. Maybe we'll meet up in like.. an hour tops? Unless you find something beforehand. Just shoot up a spark or let off one of them thunder waves or something and I'll come find ya."
Alrik nods. "Which way'd the kids go?" He asks the vendor.
He scratches the whiskers on his chin. "I'd say I saw a couple of them head off toward the museum, somewhere uphill."
"Thank you... I'll be back once I have my wallet." He motions at Zeed the direction he's heading, and then begins going uphill toward the museum.
(Nice... make a perception check or investigation check)
(Woohoo! Total 20 perception)
(NICE XD That's a great roll)
You see a few people moving in and out of the museum, some families with children and a few older gentlemen. Out of the corner of your eye you spot a few scraggly looking kids dart from a gate over behind the building, big grins on their faces. They range from 5-10 years old.
Alrik whistles to the kids, a large, friendly grin on his face. "Hey! Wanna see a magic trick?"
The last two stop in their tracks, a lanky freckled half elf and a human boy with buck teeth. Their eyes widen when they see you. They turn and bolt out of sight behind the wall.
Alrik rolls his eyes and takes off after them. "Why are we running?! I just wanted to show you a magic trick!"
(Are they running down an alley?
(There's quite a bit of space... it's like a very wide alley. XD Around the museum it's prettied up a little, hedges and a few fountains out front.
(Hmmm... Prestidigitation to make a wall in front of them probably won't work then... darn!)
You hear the kids laughing ahead of you. You turn the corner and spot them as they run into a few others near the end of the building. There's another boy with a long pony tail, a girl with short cropped hair, and a pair of twins with matching chipped teeth and smudgy faces. Some have unlit cigarettes in their mouths... and in the hand of the girl you spot a reflective metal object: your cigarette case.
(Aww! That's a good idea though XD
Alrik's grin changes to a smirk, but his eyes betray the kindheartedness his face is portraying. Suddenly lightning leaps down his arms and his eyes light up, the energy on his left arm arcing between the scales. "Return my stuff to me... NOW." (22 intimidation... rolled a 17. Not bad. Lol)
Half the kids scream in a mix of surprise and terror, mostly the little ones. They drop their cigarettes and bolt away. The girl looks wide eyed and the boy tugs at her arm urging her to run. She chucks the metal case in your direction and they duck around the corner as fast as their legs can carry them.
Alrik yells at them as they flee. "My wallet had better be here, too! Otherwise I'll find you!"
You head over to where they dropped your stuff. You do find your wallet... empty. Along with your discarded cigarette case and half the contents gone. Your patches are still missing, along with the rings.
(...son of a... serious?! They spent over 100 gold?!?)
(😂 I didn't say they spent it, just that it's missing.
Alrik chases after them as best he can after quickly gathering his wallet and cigarette case, not bothering to pick up the loose cigarettes. "That's not all of it! Get back here you little brats!"
You see them push past people in the street, knocking over a couple in their escape. They're a little ways ahead of you, perhaps 100 feet away. (Make a dexterity check to try to chase after them efficiently.
(Rolled a 10)
You barely keep up, having a harder time darting through the crowd. You're near the tavern and a butcher shop now, various crates and barrels lining the side streets. You spot them meeting up with a few other children at a corner who join them in the chase. They split up, several going down a side alley. The others scatter in the throngs of shoppers.
Alrik throws his hand up into the air, causing it to shatter high above the crowd. (He can cast it up to 30 feet away, so 30 feet up. It only effects up to 10 feet, so... harmless... but EXTREMELY loud) followed by him amplifying his voice with prestidigitation. "Grab that kid! They stole from me!"
(Basically, he's using parental/protective instincts to his advantage... adults hear a loud noise and instinctively grab nearby children to protect them... lol)
People jump at the noise. A couple of fellows from the bar scrambling toward the kids going down the alley. The boys duck under their legs and knock over barrels. The ones scattering through the crowd cry out as people try to grab a hold of them, hoping to protect them from any danger. You spot one fellow latch on to the buck-toothed boy rather firmly. "Let me go!" You hear him yell, trying to wriggle out of his jacket.
Alrik hurries over to the kid and grabs him by the front of his shirt, lifting him up with his right hand. "Who has my money, my rings, my patches, and identification papers? Tell me now or else..."
(Want me to roll anything or are the kids pretty much intimidated at this point? Lol)
(I think he's intimidated, you're good 😂
The boy squeals out, looking at your draconic arm in surprise. "I dunno, the others nicked em off you! They were chatterin' about it and tradin' em around, and and--" He looks around shiftily, still wriggling against your iron grip. "I dunno who has em!"
"Well that's too bad... for you..." Alrik throws him over his shoulder and starts walking toward the courthouse. "I guess I'll have to turn you in for theft and lying to an officer of the Mage Guard... unless you want to change your story?"
"W-WHAT?! Mage Guard!?" You hear his voice crack a little. "N-n-no no no please don't! Please don't turn me in!!" He thrashes fiercely. "Okay! Okay, Tuck took your stuff! Tuck and Rufus and Sarah and the others! They didn't let me touch none of it!" His voice whistles through his teeth loudly. "They--" He hesitates, struggling to glance over behind him to see where you're taking him.
He sets the kid down, still holding onto him. "Alright... where are they?"
He gulps. "T-they're... probably east of town by now." He looks embarrassed. "South of the lakes... by Trundleberry's..."
Alrik nods, throwing the kid back over his shoulder. "Alright... sounds like that's where we are going. You let me know when we're close..."
"H-HEY!" The surprised boy kicks and hits in protest, trying to unlatch himself from your grip. "I told ya where they was! Let me go!"
"No." Alrik replies, very matter of factly. "Not until I have ALL my possessions. Every last copper coin..."
The boy groans out a sigh and resigns himself to his fate. You walk for some time east of town, past the northern road to Olohand's cabin and up to the Tanglewood Forest. It takes a good hour or so carrying your charge. The track you find going east looks less traveled, and winds its way up through some brush-filled lowlands, a bridge and a river. In the distance you see a small grove of trees and a wide lake, along with a few dozen kids playing.
A sign nearby, painted in muted colors and faded from the sun, says "Trundleberry Orphanage". The boy on your shoulder grumbles, indicating you're going the right way. "They're gonna beat me for squealin... ugh. Can't you let me down yet?"
"They beat you, I'll give them a shock they won't forget..." (13 deception, but he's a kid who's scared out of his wits... lol. Hoping he believes the lie)
You feel him stiffen at the threat, completely believing you. (XD I agree that he would at this point)
Alrik keeps walking until they're at the gate before setting the kid down. "Alright. Call em out... but remember... any funny business, the lot of you are getting turned over to the authorities..."
The boy looks shaken and nods. He books it toward the kids playing at the lake, tentatively approaching the lanky freckled boy and the one with the ponytail. You see a lot of interested faces looking in your direction. The latter boy yells at him and swings at his head, but the smaller child ducks under the blow, scrambling toward the other kids and back near you.
The former stuffs his hands in his pockets and gives a cocky grin, walking a little in your direction. The rest of the kids hang back but follow, wondering what will happen.
"Hey old man! You lose something?" Snickers can be heard among the crowd.
"Lose something? No... have things stolen from me? Yes. Return them... ALL of them, and this ends here... if not, well... the Mage Guard are already on their way for a tribunal... it won't bother them too much to throw you in their wagon and send you to the military training academy..." Alrik's eyes spark threateningly.
The boy lets out an obnoxious laugh. "They'll send kids into the military? Are they that desperate? HA! I guess if they have soldiers like you taking cat naps like a grandpa... Zzzzzz..." He lets out a loud snore, mocking you. His laughing makes the others laugh, but you can tell many of them are rather uneasy about it.
(Go ahead and make a persuasion roll... or intimidation... rofl. Either that or something else of your choosing)
Alrik smirks. "I said military school, boy... wake up before dawn. Run your guts out. Clean up after soldiers. Eat their leftovers. Run some more. Clean up again. Cold baths. Dig latrines. Whatever else the soldiers need you to do..."
(I'll roll in just a sec, got something planned real quick. Haha
(Nice! No worries, go for it!)
(You can respond to that if you want)
(While I'm typing up my next one... lol)
"Mage Guard sucks, if they can't do all that with magic. What's the point of magic if you can't get rid of stupid chores?" He holds up his hand in a fist, and you see on it the spell storing ring, the jewels glowing brightly. Behind them, you can see the girl from earlier. She nudges the boy with the pony tail uneasily, but he brushes her off.
Alrik cocks his head slightly, shifting his gaze from one child to the next. "They haven't bothered to teach you to read, have they? If they had, you wouldn't be so cocky, boy... either you're illiterate, or just a complete idiot who doesn't look at someone's identification when you steal it..." Alrik once again allows the electricity to flow down his arms, it arcing and sending sparks as it flits between the scales on his left arm. "If you had looked, you'd have seen you robbed The Tempest..."
(Aaaand... 24 intimidation. Rolled a 19)
(NIIICE. Dude your dice are loving you.)
(They hated me earlier... freaking rolled an 9 so I got that dang 11
(True. LOL I guess it's all luck... haha...)
The freckled boy's smirk turns into more of a grimace. You see his legs shake a bit. "I-I'm not scared of you! You or any of the other Mage Guard!" He holds his hand out toward you, the one with the ring. You see it flare up with a spark, the energy trickling across his fingers and making him wince.
The girl finally pushes past some of the others. "Tuck, it's not worth it! Just give it back!"
"Shut it Sarah, I ain't scared of him or nobody! If he was really so great he wouldn't have lost them! Right? Right Rufus? Twitch? Come on guys, you know I'm right!" The fear in his voice is palpable, although he is trying to rally his friends.
"Lower that ring before you kill yourself and your friends. You can't contain the spell stored inside it." Alrik pushes the boy he was carrying behind him, protecting him in case the kid with the ring fires off the spell. "You don't know what you're messing with..." he warns (bleh... 10 persuasion)
He shifts his footing, widening his stance as if preparing himself. "It's just a magic item! Anyone can use it, it--it doesn't matter if you're a wizard or not! You're just cheating using jewelry! And that stupid lizard arm!" (Go ahead and try persuasion again if you'd like, or anything similar)
(How close is he?)
(I'd say within... 30 feet.)
Alrik throws his hand forward with a flourish, a ball of lightning leaping from it, coalescing into a hand as it surges toward Tuck. It grasps firmly onto his hand, squeezing tightly. "Take the ring off before I break your hand..." (14 intimidation)
(Niiiiiiice! Mage hand!)
(Sad thing? That 14 is on a roll of 9... haha)
Completely taken by surprise, Tuck twists his hand trying to free it from the crushing grip. Breathing heavily, he grits his teeth. "You wouldn't--" The ring lights up a little, crackling with energy.
(Awwww wow! LOL Such a high CHA score. XD Go ahead and try again for me... you got one more chance... 😀 )
"I warned you..." Alrik snaps his fingers and the mage hand starts squeezing tighter. "I swear to you, if you fire off that spell you'll die... either by your own hand or mine after you slaughtered your friends. You CANNOT control it!" (17? Lol)
The kids begin to scatter in fear. The boy cries out from the pressure, his eyes squeezing shut. "Fine! Fine! Crazy loon, take your stupid ring!" Tuck struggles to free it from the iron grip of the mage hand. "Let me go!"
Alrik relaxes the mage hand, but doesn't dispel it. Walking forward, he grabs Tuck by the shirt collar. "You risked your life, your friend's lives, and the lives of every stranger you ran past today... you aren't strong enough to contain the spell in this ring." Alrik harshly pulls it off his finger. "Where are my papers, the other ring, and my money? I want every last copper... now."
Tuck shoots you a dirty look. He gives his hand another tug to try to free it from the spell, even though you're holding his shirt. With a deeply annoyed sigh, he gestures with his head toward the pack hanging from his back.
As you rifle inside, you find all your papers, your emblems, and your full amount of gold. But not the other ring.
Alrik headbutts him. "Where is the other ring?!" He yells in Tuck's face.
(Just clarifying, we're talking about the ring of protection and not Makani's ring, right?)
(Right--Oh I forgot about that. You still have Makani's ring. XD My bad, I shoulda clarified. That's safe around your neck.)
(Okay, good... Alrik wouldn't be so kind if it was that ring... lol)
(Yeaaaaah... XDD Really though. I can't imagine how much more pissed he woulda been.)
(He'd round up every single orphan and take them all to the cleaners...)
(And yes, Alrik did just headbutt a young teenager... lol
(LOL I loved that!!! That made me legit laugh)
(But he's still holding his collar, so no falling down for Tuck... lol
The boy almost goes limp in your grip, the knock to the head much rougher than he anticipated. But then you hear a raspy sort of voice from nearby, something akin to a loud whisper in a hollow log.
"Hello sir... I fear you are looking for something, hmmmm?"
You turn to see a rather old looking kenku, covered in graying feathers, a colorful cloak, and strange beaded necklaces. With a feathered arm, he pushes forward the girl at his side, Sarah, toward you.
With a sheepish look she nervously approaches, pulling a ring from her finger--silver with a jewel--the ring of protection you were missing. "Sorry mister..." She says meekly.
Alrik looks at the little girl. "Do me a favor... don't listen to this punk..." he speaks a little louder for all the children to hear. "In fact, all of you do me this favor! This boy..." he gestures to the nearly unconscious Tuck in his hand. "Is not a good person to follow. He's a prime example of kids who grow up to be criminals!"
Alrik helps the boy to sit down, allowing him to lean his back against the mage hand. "Be smarter than him! Do something with your life... just because you were born to parents who didn't want you or you lost your parents doesn't mean you have to accept the life of a street urchin, only to grow up to be a thief, beggar, or dead..."
He steps toward the little girl, kneeling down, and gently takes the ring from her hand. "I'm a prime example... a bastard, a nobody... raised in orphanages much like this one... and now look at me! An elite mage in the Guard!"
He stands, assuming a military stance, and begins pacing back and forth in front of them, his hands behind his back. "Military school is an option for you! Yes, it's hard... but you'll leave with the knowledge that you can hold your head high as a soldier." Spinning on his heels, he points at the two big twins. "Apprentice under someone! Learn a trade... blacksmith, leatherworker, stableworker... all important in daily lives!" He shifts his gaze to the girls. "Go to the bakery or butcher's shop and learn to make wonderful meals... that's how Makani won my heart..."
Finally walking toward the gate, he turns around one last time, looking at the whole group of them. "Make something of yourself..." his gaze hardens, looking right at Tuck. "And you... boy... if you don't want to be a sleazy, no-good thief the rest of your life... come see me in three day's time. I'll be at the courthouse. Being able to tap into that ring without it immediately killing you shows you have potential... if you desire it, I'll put in a good word with The Inferno for you..."
Alrik throws his hood up and walks away, heading back to town.
You can hear the raspy voice of the kenku chuckling, a rather strange, peaceful sound to be honest. It carries over the slight wind, following you back to town. "You'd do well to follow his advice children. That there is a strong warrior... Tucker, boys, come now. It's time for lunch. It's your turn to set the table."
(That was super, super good, Chantry! I LOVED that. Absolutely fantastic. <3)
(Alrik saw too many children fall victim to the criminal lifestyle and die early because of it... it's why he was so hard on them about getting EVERYTHING back.
***
Atriox grunts one last time. "I have business I must take care of today before we leave tomorrow. I do not think this woman is in any danger from you so I shall take my leave. Tak, let's go."
Tak jumps as you call him, fumbling and dropping a object he was handling on the shelf. (Slight of hand....8..rolled a 3) "Y-yes, Tak come!" He struggles to put it back, the spinning whirling thing bouncing in his claws. He stuffs it between two books and runs over to Atriox as quickly as he can.
Oxious doesn't look amused, but he's too tired to care. He closes his eyes and waves his hand, shooing you both away.
(Are you going to head out through the house, or back in the portal? Technically he's near the mayor's house, but, I can see reasons for either)
Atriox disappears into the dark portal leading back to the Fang.
You materialize back in the room you left, the weird whirlpool sensation not as surprising this time around. You see the room is... rather in order again. A dwarven woman is wandering around humming, wand in hand, tapping it against things that have fallen over or broken. They zip back up to their rightful places, once more whole.
At your appearance she turns around, startled. "OH! Ha, hello there young sirs! Just tidying up. Were you in to visit the master?" She dusts her hands on her apron, a rather charming smile on her face. She seems comfortable with Tak, having seen him before, but is still extremely cordial with Atriox.
Atriox gives her a smile and a slight bow then straightens
"Indeed Madam we just left from speaking with Oxious. We have some more business to conclude in town"
"Oh that's just dandy. I hope you have a good time, darlings!" She waves, not at all surprised you popped out of a bookshelf. She goes back to humming and cleaning.
Atriox goes to leave the fang. Once outside he looks at Tak. "First thing is first my freind we are off to see the blacksmith. We will ask him about your sword eh?"
Tak rubs his eyes, a bit sensitive from the bright sunlight. "You think he is done making it?" There's definitely a hint of eagerness in his voice.
Atriox looks at Tak while they walk to there destination smiling at his eagerness.
"It's very possible. It was the smallest item that we had made. I suppose it just depends on what order he made them in."
Tak nods, his mind whirling a bit. He speaks a little hesitantly like he's embarrassed. "Atriox, uh... you show me how... to... Use a sword?"
Atriox is surprised by the request. Even more surprised by how happy he is that the kobold asked him to do it.
"Of course little one I'd be happy to show you how to use it. "
The little kobold nods. He wrings his claws, drawing his cloak tighter.
"Never...used a sword before. Only spears. Only darts and slings. And teeth." He blinks. "This is..... bigger teeth."
Atriox shakes his head "yes I suppose a sword is a big tooth isn't it. We shouldn't be far now my freind."
You walk the rest of the way, arriving to the blacksmith in good time. Flecks of embers puff from the smoky chimney. You hear a clanking and a banging, then a crashing sound from inside.
Heading in the door you see Ferrar, red faced and irritated, digging through a pile of old tools. You watch as he picks up a hammer, scrutinizes it up close, then tosses it over his shoulder with a grumble. It clatters in the corner against sheet metal and a pile of other discarded objects.
Atriox try's to stay out of the smithys way.
"Hail there freind we just came to see how the progress Is going on our equipment."
Ferrar looks up in surprise. "Oh! Atriox, yes, yes, it's comin' along well." The man huffs, grunting as he stands up. He rubs his back and looks around a bit. "I'm just looking for somethin' of mine I haven't used in a long time. I've... misplaced some tools, it seems." He looks rather bothered by something, and maybe just a tad drunk.
Ferrar stumbles over to another crate, digging around for a moment. "AHA! There's the little blighter." He withdraws a fine mesh bag that shimmers a silvery color. As it moves, the light it catches makes it flash blood red.
"I'm about done with your gear," he starts, "just need to do some final touches on the armor. That is more intricate work and is taking the most time." Ferrar slips on some heavy workshop gloves, leather-wrought and covered in black dye runes. "This basalisk jaw is something else, I'll tell you what. I'd pay top dollar if you ever brought me another one."
He goes to a workbench and picks up a glaive. You recognize it as your own, Atriox, but the handle has been adjusted and the blade itself is different. It reflects the light with an almost ethereal glow. Runes are traced down the side of the blade, and a gemstone is set in the cross guard.
"I used one joint of the jawbone for this," Ferrar says as he hands it to you. "It was a monster to file down, but after doing some initial tests... the bone took a sharper edge and had a much higher tensile strength than your old blade." He smirks. "That storm mage was right, it really is like a metal... hardly porous at all."
"Due to the weight difference in the material, I had to adjust the shaft here..." He points to the embellishments. "It should feel much more balanced now when you fight. And due to the material, I was able to maintain some of the properties of the original owner of the jawbone..." He grins. "I ain't known as Axemage for nothing. Basalisks had better watch out if you come their way.... Turn their own teeth against em."
(Your new glaive has increased damage, from 1d10 to 1d12. Also, a increased critical hit rage of a 19 or 20 now against all enemies, and triple that against Basalisks--17 to 20.)
Atriox runs his hand all along his new weapon in wonder. His mouth completely open in awe.
"This is a magnificent weapon. You are truly a master at what you do sir."
He goes outside and spins it around some testing the balance and everything.
He comes back in with a smile.
"Magnificent. Now master Smith would my little freind here sword be done yet ?"
He smiles with a bit of an uneasy laugh. "I was gonna be done with it last night to be honest, but uh... some things came up, and I got a bit distracted. I can finish the process now though, that I found this." He holds up the silvery red bag and walks over to a different work table in the corner.
You see atop it a strange type of weapon--definitely sword-like in shape, but easily identifiable as the jawbone of an animal. Smaller and... "gnome-sized"... It has retained its ivory patina, all the needle-like teeth still embedded in it. The opposite edge has been filed down sharp and straight, all ending in a crossguard made of the ball joint end of the jaw, and a handle designed from one of the largest teeth of the monster.
"This thing will bloody any critter it hits, I'm sure. I wouldn't wanna be on the wrong end of it... Despite its size, it's deadly." He pulls out a fine material from the bag, almost like faint woven hairs of some ethereal being. "Haven't used this in ages til you guys came along. Harpy hair..."
He spreads the sheet over the sword, wrapping it around front and back. "I did this to your glaive, too... As strong as it is, it's still bone. But this has powerful magic in it. It'll give the bone extra strength to withstand even the hardest of hits." Moving his gloves over the top of it, the runes light up. The hair sizzles and shrinks, encompassing the weapon in an indistinguishable layer of protection. The only difference now is the same faint sheen and reflective quality that the glaive had.
(Tak's sword is now a sword of wounding... basically when he attacks, he can wound a target and they take extra damage--necrotic bleed damage. Con save to end it, and can only regain hit points through short/long rests, or medicine checks. Think.. Rakk. XD)
He points near his forge where extra bits and pieces of bone are laid out. "I'm still working out some of the kinks with the armor. It'll be done on time, but it does take longer... need to bore through the bone and connect separate pieces... make it articulate a little..."
With a loud yawn he rubs the back of his head. "My son Leo was helping me but... I was a bit hard on him last night. He was gone when I woke up. So I'm kinda on my lonesome to finish it." He grumbles, but you can see the worry on his face.. "A deadline is a deadline though, and I've never missed one yet. You'll have your gear, I promise." Ferrar gives a reassuring smile and a thumbs up.
"And... if you find my son while you're out, ask him to come home. Tell him his da apologizes."
Tak walks up to the sword, looking at it in awe from under his hood. He seems almost afraid to touch it.
Ferrar wipes his hands on his apron and picks up a pair of tongs, finally noticing Tak. "Oh! Hello, you must be the gnome I made the sword fo--AAHH!" He sees Tak face him, the kobold's glowing yellow eyes catching the light of the forge.
(19 dex save) Tak leaps nimbly out of the way of the flying tongs. "S-sorry! Sorry, uh--" Ferrar looks at Atriox in shock, then back to the kobold. "I just... I was surprised is all." He looks ashamed but rather... Confused. "Are you... Related?"
Atriox smiles down at Tak and thinks for a moment about how he wants to answer. He's confident in his chosen reply.
Atriox puts his hand on Taks shoulder supportingly.
"We are freinds. Tak fire-scar here is my adopted brother and a member of the royal household of the Kingdom of Skyhold. You have nothing to fear from him. He's family."
Tak is stock still. He looks up at Atriox, his eyes wide... They begin to fill with tears. But he clamps his mouth shut, biting them back. The kobold looks at Ferrar and gives a firm nod.
Ferrar stares for a moment, then nods back. "I see. Well... Nice to meet you, Tak Fire-Scar." He looks contemplative. "Are you... The kobold they're talking about? The legend uniting other kobolds and humans?"
Tak looks taken aback. "W-what? I uh.." He looks at Atriox in confusion.
(Muhahaha.... )
Tak coughs a little, trying to muster up his best common tongue. "Tak--er, yes. That is... I. Am work--working to help humans." He stutters a bit but plasters a toothy grin, hoping he doesn't get in trouble. "I...am... Helping Master--er, Atriox, with... dissect--er, discussions?" (16 deception)
The blacksmith cracks a smile. He stands, reaches over to the sword and brings it down for the kobold. "Then may this weapon help you on that journey, my friend. May it save many lives."
Tak hesitantly takes the weapon. "T-thank you." He gives an awkward bow, glances at Atriox to see how he did, and starts to admire the blade again in more detail.
-To Be Continued-
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