"Of course. I can do all that and more. Unlike the nebulous arcane arts, which I will not deny are capable of a great many feats, my science is more practical. Whereas a practioner of the eldrich pathways might conjure fire from his finger tips with the utterance of a spell, an alchemist like myself can produce a dozen or more jars of alchemist's fire for use by any layman. In fact given enough time and supplies I could arm every one of the horde with a means to burn the fortress to the ground. And that my friends is only a fraction of what my alchemy is capable of. All I require is time and supplies." He said with a lopsided smile.
"Very well, to the point at hand. That sounds more than agreeable to me. I will of course require the necessary funds to purchase the required ingrediants. Do not worry, I shall be discrete and without a trained mind, most of the compounds are benign and unlikely to attract attention. Especially for a snake oil salesman like myself." He said with a gesture to his current alias and form.
"These bugbears... will they leave anything intact?" He said in a hushed whisper. "The local alchemist has a good setup. Being able to utilize it or at the very least take his supplies could be a most valuable boon to our future exploits, or whatever additional f-ing tasks the good Cardinal has in store for us."
”Sure thing Sir! These are the most common cases you see around! Two pieces each you say? I be getting then! Anything more I can supply you with my lord?” ask the sallesmam.
To Fet: I don't know. But from what we saw of the horde when we were in the north, I'd suggest that anything - or anyone - that you value should be well secured before we lay open the gates.
Agrippa takes his purchases and waves the bothersome peasant away. He returns to his room and steps over the sheet covered corpse and begins scribing.
Later: After polishing off a truly impressive plateful of sausages and hotcakes, he mentally catalogs the other guests he saw in the inn that morning, paying particular attention to soldiers and tradesmen that might work at the fort, and keeping his ears open for anyone causally referring to any of the guard captains, Mott, Eddarly, or Varning.
He spends the midday observing the fort itself again - trying to get an idea of its layout, and watching for any officers moving from the fort to town or back.
While Pious John was still eating his breakfast, a handsome and charming man enters the Inn, smiling and waving to everyone. He looks at you, and nod. But he does not make any mention to approach you.
”Hey, Sissy. Bring me the best food ya got! And tell that fattass of your boss to get out of the bed and go to work!” says the man laughing
Sissy on the other hand is all over the heel, smiling and beaming to the newcomer ”I got what you need Cap Eddarly. But you’ll have to call my boss lazy yourself!” she laughs in a easy way. The she goes about to make him his breakfast.
Eldred is careful to pay attention to his victuals but listens carefully to the mans voice.
Agrippa finishes scribing Charm Person, and he studies the spell for use later.
I think that Barmaid may be a source of information if there is any screwing going on there, Eldred thinks, face carefully blank.
”Don be mean Sissy! You know how he is!” laughs the man.
The barmaid bring him his breakfast, and they chat a lot of things while he eats. But nothing that you deem important or meaningful. After finishing he says ”Tell your boss to prepare for us today. Me an my brothers will come to drink and have fun!”
The bar maid smiles and agree with him.
Johan leans over and whispers to Eldred Can you tail him? Find out where he goes off duty?
Eldred nods.
Easily
Fet goes into the market, to buy what he would need to create the acid to dissolve the devil’s body. It take him some time to secure what he needs without raising any suspicious, but he was able to do it. Then he goes to his room, and spend the rest of the day working into crating the acid.
Meanwhile, Agrippa stays into his room, with a devil dead body for company, while he studies his new spell. More than that, he can’t conform himself why would he need to do that meaningless form of magic. But since it would take his really precious time to explain to lesser minds, he steeled himself to do as they wanted. After all, it proved all the more that those same lesser minds could do nothing without his help…
Eldred began to tail the captain, doing his best to remain out of the captain perception. He seems surprisingly a popular person, more among the women. But he seems to be well liked. He chat a bit with some merchants and on his way out of the city, you see him buying a jewel. You can’t say what kind of jewel thought. After that, he goes out of the town and into the tower, where Eldred did not felt that we could follow just yet.
Pious John is not someone that can make people feel good and talk as his mate Eldred and Fet. He might not be the brightest person, but one thing he knows, money talks! So he does that, sitting at the inn, all the day, Pious John is someone interest in know about this town. It’s history and it’s events. Soon, a lot of locals, eager for a free drink, gather around him with all sort of histories about the place.
” I hear a raven arrived at the rookery last night! I bet it carried important news though I know not about what.”
” Did you hear about prisoners escaping from Branderscar? Were they ever caught?”
” Balentyne’s magister, that creepy Tacitus, has been spending a lot of time working on something in his tower! I don’t know what it is, but it’s said that something unnatural was recovered from the north.”
” Bellam Barhold is such a lush. He does enjoy his wine. He’s always complaining about how he can’t get any of the good stuff here in the borderlands.”
A troupe of travelling actors and acrobats is heading to Balentyne to perform a one night exclusive engagement of the famed play “The Fall of Amberlyn.” Posters are everywhere in Aldencross.
Barnabus Eisenbauch and ten dwarven workmen have been sent to Balentyne to inspect the watchtower and to refurbish its aging gatehouse. This is not a short-term project. Barnabus and his crew are expecting to work here for years.
The tower officers are: Lord Havelyn, the four captains (Eddarly, Mott, Varning and Barhold), the priest Father Donnagin and the magister Titus.
==//==
At night, when you are in your rooms, Mokoa, the Half orc call Eldred and Pious John for a meeting.
”I’ve been thinking about what Lord Sakkarot said. I think it’s time I challenge my older leaders, and bring the Ironskin clan to help Sakkarot hordes. I’ll leave this night. When the gates are open, I’ll be the first one to enter then!” he says with a zealot look in his eyes.
Johan listens intently to all the stories and anecdotes passed on to him throughout the day, his mind sifting the relevant leads and adding them to their plans. Hmm, a fourth captain, and with the same family name as the owner of this inn. A relative likely. And a group of dwarven workers here to conduct inspections and repairs. That could be a huge break. Must find out where they are staying. Johan works some follow up questions into his interactions with the chattering locals, trying to ferret out a few more morsels of information. He asks what the family relation is between the two Barholds. He tries to find out more about the dwarves - where do they stay when not working at the fort? These traveling actors - are they popular? Would I recognize them if I passed them in the street?
That afternoon he heads to the market to procure a fine and rare vintage bottle of wine. While he knows little about the subject itself, he knows when he is being lied to, and sniffs out something that might temp the Inn owner.
As the evening crown rolls into the inn, Johan changes tacts, joining a conversation with some off duty soldiers. As the trade Pious John, he inquires about any equipment needs that the good defenders of Balentyne might have ("Yes, yes the crown provides, but an extra pair of wool breeches when you're out on patrol never hurts now does it, ha,ha?"), From there he tries to steer the conversation to gain more information about Captain Varning and his patrol schedule. ("I've got lots of goods to ease an honest travelling man's aches. When is the good captain due back in town that I might shown him and his fellows my wares? And how many samples should I bring for him and his brothers? Do they have a favoured campsite? Maybe I could ride out and meet them, let them test my wares in the field.")
As the evening wears on, Johan calls over the inn owner, Bellam. Good sir I wanted to thank you for the hospitality you have shown me. You have a fine establishment and your staff is top notch. As you know by now I am but a humble trader, and my funds are mostly tied up in my wares. He tries to look a little embarrassed here. Now the folk here tell me you are something of a connoisseur of fine drink, and I'm hoping you'll accept this rare vintage as payment against your further hospitality - just until I secure this trade with the local garrison of course. I'd be honoured if you'd show me your wine cellar, and where this fine bottle will be calling home.
That night as the knot meets to compare notes on the day's endeavours he shares what he has learned with the others...and this news of a troupe of actors coming into town for an excusive performance at the fort, might just be our ticket in if the secret passage in this inn proves to be false.
Finally, after Malgrim informs them of his decision to leave, Johan clasps the hobgoblin's arm. We shall meet again soon then. I'll look for you when the gate falls. As the scarred humanoid leaves, Johan can help thinking, I didn't think we could just decide to leave. I wonder what Cardinal Thorn will think of the choice Malgrim has made here tonight...
@Johan
”Family relations you say? They’re brothers me say! And good ones if you as’ me!”
”Where be the darf’s staying? Ye be blind? Only the ‘Lords’ here ma boy. No where else to them stay’s. An’ lemme say sometim’ to you boy.” say an old geezer ”A bunch of rude, they’re, al’o’f’em. When they be not workin’ be they drinkin’ and badmouthing our loved town!”
When Pious John asks about the actors, another one says: ”where was you living? The Ye Merrie Men I’ve never heard of them, but the famed thespian William Marcus Marlowe, the beloved Bard of Barrington himself, will be performing the lead in the famed play!”
Pious then go shopping for a new wine. He thinks he found one good enough, then he returns to the Inn.
Talking with the soldiers is easy. They are a cheerful lot, even more when free drinks come into play. And the soon-to-be-merchant Pious John in nothing more than truly generous!
Of captain Varning, usually he goes out in Toilday, after eating from the delicious Stew from Mama in the day before, he then stay outs for about four to six days, getting back at Fireday, Starday or Sunday. But you are not able to glean where is patrols go. Maybe because It’s a secret information, or maybe because the soldiers don’t know.
You are in high hopes when you try to chat with Bellan, unfortunately the wine you brought is not something that impress him.
”Thanks for your patronage dear sir!” he says accepting the wine ”I assure you this wine will not be store for long, but my basement is unfortunately off-limits for customers dear sir.”
As Johan presents the wine and using it as a distraction Agrippa casts Charm Person on the inkeep.
Now good sir, a man of my tastes should see where his wine comes from yes?
Agrippa is one made to study, and to dominate over the lesser minds. Now, having prepared himself, he makes his way to the mess hall, waiting for a opportunity to put his new found prowess into action. The opportunity comes quickly when the merchant Pious John is delivering a wine bottle to the innkeeper.
First there was denial from the innkeeper, but at Agrippa suggestion, Bellan is more than happy to escort his new friends his basement.
”And here we are good sirs!” he says after unlocking the door and leading you underground. What you see is just what can be seem in any basement; food, drink and more. ”You’ll notice how our drinks are stored in the ideal condition!”
As Agrippa keeps Bellam occupied, Johan begins inspecting the room, looking for signs of a concealed passage...
Master Bellam, is that a Chartray 1103. Agrippa says pointing to a far corner, moving Bellam that way so Johan could get a minute to search around. I say, your tastes are impeccable. I should like to come down here later, could I perhaps have a key just to peruse your selection. I'd make it worth your while to be able to select my own from your cellar. Agrippa hefts a bag of coins.
”Sure, anything for you my friend!” says the innkeeper to you
Johan did a quick search of the place, but he was not able to find anything.
After his trailing of the man he heard about in a cellar half a year ago, Eldred returns to his inn.
AS soon the innkeeper agrees with Agrippa, he blinks then says ”My friend! I cannot lend you the key. But I assure you can visit every time you want!”
A pity...but Master Bellam, a man such as me needs ah, discreet locations for his late night rendezvous. Would you know of such a place, since this cellar will not do? Anything you say here will of course be kept in the upmost confidence my dear friend.
”That’s easy my friend!” Says the man ”Due to this building nature, It’s easy to arrange you a more than private room if you wish! I can assure you no one will know of you endeavors!” says the man happily.
Eldred notes the bar empty of his friends and takes to trolling the room.
Oh HO HO! So that be the infamous Eddarly? Well, ee's a handsome chap and no mistake. I can see why, if the rumours are true... touchin' wood they be not, Eldred in his guise as simple seasonal worker touches the table, that why some say ee's tuppin' some o' th' wives round these parts.
”I be no hearin tha’ fella. Me says he got to have someon’ or sumitin’ 'f ye got me.” the local says smiling ”bu’ ye be sayn’ he got someon’ , and how that someon be?”
Show me this private room. I would much like to rent it for...three weeks. If indeed it is as private as I require. Agrippa says to Bellam.
”I be no hearin tha’ fella. Me says he got to have someon’ or sumitin’ 'f ye got me.” the local says smiling ”bu’ ye be sayn’ he got someon’ , and how that someon be?”
Jus' what I be hearin' is all, Eldred says a bit defensively. I's been tole that ee' be givin' t' one of the otha' officers wives.
Eldred takes a pull on his tankard and shambles off to another part of the room.
After returning from the cellar, Johan stays in the common room until most of the patrons leave and the place is ready to close down for the night, spending the time memorizing faces and names. If the dwarves visit any time he pays attention to their habits - listening for names, watching what they order ( favorite drink?). When they retire, he feigns a drunken stumble and follows them just closely enough to locate their rooms. Hopefully the mythical Mrs. Mott will stop by at some point. Otherwise, Johan is content to spend the rest of the evening covering Eldred's back as he works the room.
Afterwards, the knot convenes back in Agrippa's room aftern the rest of the inn is dark and silent. They share what they have learned that day, and plan out what needs to be done tomorrow.
Well, we learned some important things today but didn't accomplish much. At least we got rid of the corpse of that useless devil. Tommorow I'm going to make preparations for following Varning's patrol, and spend some time trying to find out if any of the captains or afficers of the fort live here in town - we're still no closer to finding proof of this supposed affair. What do the rest of you have in mind for tomorrow?
He listens then nods. First, we have one more task tonight. He turns to Agrippa. Master wizard, I believe you have a key to a cellar that needs inspecting?
Agrippa looks peevish and says to Johan in a clipped tone The man did not relinquish control of the cellar key to me. For that he will die horribly. But for now we must ask to enter the cellar, accompanied.
Time for our 'Secret Inquisition' Con I think. So here's the play. Johan you get under your cloak and no longer look friendly and come with us to visit the Innkeeper at midnight. Look positively ominious... like you want to kick someone in the throat. I'll be our young squire apprentice and lay it all out for our friend the barkeep and you, Agrippa help me get him to see reason and maybe just tell us if he knows where the door is - I'll do the bulk of the talking.
Thought of another good idea..., says Eldred grinning. I've seen the man, heard the man that we wish to frame. I can't promise a perfect performance but if I can get into the castle I can steal some of his clothing. We cut out the middle man... in his guise I just visit the other mans wife and kill her. I then hide the clothing, leaving some subtle blood traces, in his room and it takes care of itself without the complexity.
When Agrippa reminds him that they did in fact, not procure the cellar key, Johan swears and sits down on the edge of the bed. His head aches. He needed sleep, and listening to these insipid townsfolk natter on at him all day had worn his patience thin.
Hmm, Johan muses over Eldred's suggestion. Before we knew this man's brother was a captain of the guard I would have been fine with that tact. Now, he wavers his hand in a 'not so sure' gesture. I'm concerned that when the shock of our presence wears off, he'd run straight to his brother. We have to keep him under our thumb for several weeks...and if we confront him in his bed chamber we have to deal with any family that he might have too.
He gets up and paces heavily around the room, thinking out loud. How about a compromise: We head down to the cellar now. Eldred gets us past any locks, and we search the basement at our leisure. If Barhold finds us, well, then we can go to the Inquisitor plan. Johan remembers Barhold's upturned nose as he presented him with his gift of wine earlier that evening and adds, Even though I kinda do want to kick him in the throat.
Regarding Eddarly and Mott: That could work. Get her to write a letter saying that she wanted to break it off with Eddarly before you kill her and then you'd have his motive. Might not even have to sneak into the fort if he has a house in town, or even just does his laundry here. You just have make sure Capt Mott finds the scene before the local law, and hope he takes matters into his own hands, else we remove only one captain, not two, and if Eddarly is arrested, he will have a chance to plead his innocence loudly.
Agrippa says Master Croft, I make make you invisible for some minutes if that would assist you in your endeavor.
It would at that... hit me with it now and let me take a trip into the cellars.
Heinrich makes arcane gestures and says unintelligible words and Eldred disappears from view.
Eldred takes care (takes 10 = 22 + Invis) to stealth down to the cellar door and begins picking the lock. (takes 10 = 25).
The cellar is a big thing; Drink, food, and so much more, nothing of real actual value, but lot's of stuff.
Getting down there was easy, opening the lock too.
Johan and Eldred start to search the place at their leisure, trying to find if there is really a secret passage in the place.
Eldred notices that some crates have been moved out and in some time ago, probally some two nights. He move then and search the place, taking his time, but finding nothing.
If there is a passage I can't find it - If the barman doesn't know then it a myth, he concludes.
Have Agrippa drag him down here?
And with that he changes his appearance to that of Sir Balin's squire - Timeon.
Johan orients himself to the compass points and finds the wall facing the direction of the fort, then very slowly and methodically searching it. He runs his hands along the mortar seams of the bricks. He moves a small flame along the perimeter, looking for drafts. He gets down on his hands and knees and searches the duty floor for telltale scratches.
If all this fails, then he stands up, dusts himself off and nods to Eldred's question. Mitra's balls! I guess we have to do this the hard way. Yep, lets bring the man down here. But can we at least play it like we're inviting him to a conspiracy - appeal to his patriotism? He's less likely to turn on us if he feels useful rather than threatened.
True - thats my job. You need to look menacing. No one ever heard of a happy inquisitor.
Eldred stealths up to Agrippa and suggests they pay the bar man a visit.
Johan stays in the cellar practicing being not happy. Unsurprisingly, he nails it on the first try.
As Johan search the place, behind the boxes that Eldred had moved earlier, he was able to find a very well hidden secret passage. . It leads into the ground, for a total darkness.
We should roust the man from his bedchambers? Agrippa says to Eldred questioningly Would this not provoke many questions that we do not want to answer?
Yes, its a risk, but...hold on... Johan raises a hand to stop Eldred and Agrippa from waking the tavern owner as he spies the well hidden passage.
Aha! Johan opens the secret door to a pitch black tunnel in the floor. He turns back to the others with an evil grin, Care for a midnight stroll gentlemen?
Heh... indeed
Elsewhere, Fett continued working on an assortment of nasty surprises for the town and it's garrison, foremost being vial upon vial of alchemist fire just waiting to be unleashed.