Under the Crimson Sun Options

[Ol' Scratch]

Jace and the Waylayer Part 6: The Epilogue

"Dawn at the Braxat fountain. I'll see you there, my friend."

After the half-elf makes his departure, Jace takes a second look at the dagger. With practiced ease he lets the blade slide down into his cuff before resuming his door-watching posture. "There's a sucker born every minute." The bard pauses for a moment. "Hmm, I'm going to have to coin that phrase..."

[ Spoiler ]

Going to do a casual appraisal, even though I know I probably won't get anything out of it.
Appraise: d20 (3) + skill (5) = 8

Shocker!

[fistandantilus4....]

The Golden Inix
After taking a few minutes to clean up and change, Aust and Huukena set out for the Golden Inix within Tyr. Setting out at a run, the two are well within the city before night fall, right on time for the meeting. A brief stop off at a draqoman station double checks their directions, as well as giving them a moment to clean the dirt of the road off of their clothes.

Soon they find themselves within the well furnished wine house and inn, ordering water and wine and finding a seat. A private room has already been prepared under the name of Senator Agis of Asticles, with Aust as the listed guest.

[SinN]

Aust thinks for a moment.

I suppose you'll have to wait out here. Ill try to convince Agis to allow you in, but I'd like this to be a peaceful evening. So lets try not to make anyone angry, since it seems to be almost inevitable when we get together.

[Lady Door]

The Golden Inix - Hukenna and Aust

Hukenna's mouth curves into an icy smile as she steps closer to Aust. When she speaks, she does so in hushed tones. You seem to be forgetting that I've met and charmed Senator Agis before, m'Lord. The venom practically drips from the last word. And I trust that my manners are much more suited to the Senator then yours. So, before you cross that oh so dangerous line and insult me, city elf... why don't we both just step inside? Hmm? Giving him one last disdainful look, she steps inside the curtained room.

[Ol' Scratch]

Jace and the Golden Inix

Just as Jace was about to give up for the night, he sees an elf matching Aust's description walk in with a young woman. The bard continues to sit quietly, watching inconspicuously out of the corner of his eye. When the two disappear into the back, he debates between following them or simply sitting tight and biding his time.

[SinN]

Aust pulls out his waterskin and takes a quick sip.

Ok good. Still water.


Stepping inside the curtained off booth, Aust waits for Agis, while attempting to have a civil chat with Huukena.

[fistandantilus4....]

The Golden Inix

The elves take a seat within the reserved room, waiting for the rest of their party. Jace can see a few eyes drifting their way, the elves apparently out of place in the distinguished wine house, judging by the whispers.

After a few minutes, the door opens to admit a distinguished looking human with long black hair with a distinctive streak of white hair; Agis of House Asticles. Lord Agis stops to speak with a few nobles as he checks his cloak and orders wine with the host, then proceeds to the private room.

There's a quick knock, then the door opens, Agis stepping into the room , closing the door behind him.

Lord Aust, thank you for meeting me. Huukena, I did not realize you had returned to Tyr. I'd like to have the oppurtunity to honor you with a feast, when we're able. Tyr should honor those who fight for her.

Agis gives Aust a respectful bow of the head, and show his hands to Huukena, a traditional elf greeting to show he's not armed.
I took the liberty of ordering some wine. I thought we'd eat first and let off the days heat.

[SinN]

Aust smiles at his mentor.

Agis, how many times must I say it? Please don't call me Lord. Its good to see you again.

Aust doesn't eat much but enjoys the light conversation between his friends.

So I'm eager to know what you wish to speak to me about. May we get on to it, old friend?

[Lady Door]

The Golden Inix - Hukenna, Aust & Agis

Hukenna looks up as Lord Agis enters the wine house, barely managing to stop from rolling her eyes. Trust a noble to wear a cloak in this heat. She stands as he approaches, bowing her head slightly when he speaks to her.

Thank you, Lord Agis. Your hospitality and generosity are appreciated. She smiles when he shows his hands, finding herself oddly touched that he would take the time to learn their customs.

[fistandantilus4....]

Golden Inix Private Room - Aust/Huukena

Agis moves to take a seat, waiting for Huukena to sit first.
We've had this discussion before Aust. If you don't present yourself properly, than no one will take you seriously. You're either a 'lord', or you're not. If the other nobles see you as anything less than a full noble, they'll move on you. Before you know, you and your lands will be picked apart by the pack of zhakals. Being a noble isn't, or at least shouldn't be for yourself. It's your duty.

The serving girl comes in with the wine, opening and pouring the drinks for the trio before withdrawing again. Agis waits for her to finish before continuing. He raises his glass to the pair, toasting to a Free Tyr until the sun dies.

I did have more to discuss than politics however. I'm sure I don't need to tell you two how strained Tyr's resources are right now. With the war going on, we're stretched thin, especially on man power. We don't have as many of the riots as we did in the early days, but Tyr's peace is still built on dry grass.

I'm sorry, I'll get to the point . I've gotten use to orating. There's been a number of murders in the area aroudn the ziggaraut. Ten so far in just the last month and a half. All of them appear the same way; withered. People are getting scared, and frankly, the Gaurd is drawn to thin to do much about it. It doesn't help that most of the victims have been street people with little influence or means. And now the rumors are going around that the killer is supernatural. Kalak's ghost.

Personally I don't believe it, but something has to be done. I'm to tied up in the Council chambers and politics, but it might be a good chance for you to get a little popular support. I'm glad you're here as well Huukena. You're reputation is well known. I'm sure we'll find the investigation much smoother with you along.

He drinks his wine again, taking a moment to enjoy the flavor as it washes away the dirt from his throat.

[Lady Door]

Golden Inix Private Room - Aust/Huukena/Agis

Hukenna's eyes widen in shock. This isn't the first time I've heard of such things, my Lord. Several months ago, a priestess from my tribe was found murdered. Her body had been withered, drained of all blood. I... I tried to track the killer but there were no clues, no tracks ... nothing. Hukenna's eyes cast down for a moment, her face pale. I failed.

She takes a long sip of her wine, trying desperately to dissolve the lump in her throat. I will, of course, do everything I can to help you find out who is behind this. Hukenna takes a glance around the room, suddenly aware of how many ears could be listening at walls. She leans closer, dropping her voice further still. If rumor spreads that this is Kalak's spirit... you will have chaos on their hands. You're going to have to do something to stop this. Implicate someone... anything. This rumor CANNOT be allowed to continue.

[fistandantilus4....]

Agis nods in agreement. If the rumor is allowed to spread, it could cause a panic. You can see why we need this situation seen to quickly, and by competent people. We can't allow a panic to get out/ I'm not saying implicate someone else . ... Yet. Someone or something is doing this. Tyr will be best served if we can find out the truth.

It's very troubling to hear that this has happened somewhere else. But if nothing else, it discreditcs the rumor of Kalak's wraith, if it also happened far from Tyr.

[Ol' Scratch]

Jace

After watching the elves disappear into the back, the Gulgan considered bribing one of the serving wenches so that he could deliver their wine, but when he sees Agis of Asticles appear a moment later, he decides to continue biding his time. No sense testing his ring's power against such a noteworthy telepath, afterall. Instead, Jace chooses to continue waiting and perhaps approach the lord and lady upon their departure.

He flags down a nearby wench and has her refill his mug, trying his damnedest not to sigh.

[fistandantilus4....]

Doc - Spot Test

[Ol' Scratch]

[ Spoiler ]

Spot: d20 (14) + Skill (3) = 17. He's more of an eavesdropper. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[SinN]

Aust listens intently.

I wonder when the gods will be finished laughing at us. I will help you Agis. I for one dont beleive Kalak's wraith is up to anything. You told me how you and the others finished him off. But if I'm wrong, then Ill do anything I can to put a stop to it. The dead are to stay dead.

Aust glances at Huukena for a moment before continuing.

Is there anything else you can tell us?

[fistandantilus4....]

Agis nods in agreement, drinking his wine.

There doesn't seem to be any singular connection to the killings, except that the bodies were found in the vicinity of the ziggaraut. I don't need to tell you how big that thing is, and how wide an area that makes this. They weren't found at the base or anything so simple, but all were within a few hundred yards . Freemen, recently freed slaves, artisans mostly. There was a well of merchant, and a minor noble as well. Mixed races. From what I've seen, there weren't any wounds that I could tell from the body that I saw. Just the strange withering.

[fistandantilus4....]

sinN, roll d20

[Lady Door]

Hukenna's eyes dart to Aust at his comment that the "dead should stay dead." Oh, ... you self righteous son of a ... See if I save you next time. She takes another drink of her wine, willing herself to concentrate at the matter at hand.

My lord, I'm sure you've already investigated this line of inquiry... but were there any traces of psionics used? I've seen some of the effects of those abilities. Those effects mirror some of what we're seeing here.

[SinN]

Yes, Ive heard of that kind of power in the way. Im sure its something Kalak would know how to do.

Roll:d20
Roll=19
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2516247/

[fistandantilus4....]

Agis shakes his head.
That was my original thought, except that there was no trace of psionics left on the body. Traces don't usually last a very long time unless there was a lot of energy put into it . There's really no way to tell how long the man had been dead. At least no way that I know of. Perhaps your Patrons can tell you something more.

[fistandantilus4....]

Jace - The golden inix Common Room

[ Spoiler ]

After another moment of looking aroung the common room, Jace has a realization. The waitress that entered the private room isn't abuot serving the customers. Thinking back on it, he doesn't recall seeing her earlier.

[Lady Door]

I'll travel to our sacred shrine tonight. If nothing else, I should have at least a better idea of what we're looking at. Hukenna blushes faintly. Will Rikus and the others be investigating as well?

[fistandantilus4....]

Golden Inix- Private Room
Agis shakes his head.
Rikus and Neeva are still at the front. The trap you led the urikites into took their teeth, the Urik's army is still a danger to the lands surrounding Tyr, especially our client villages and farm lands. They're chasing each other around in the desert. Sadira and I returned to keep an eye on ... things.

As Agis speaks, Aust feels a sharp twinge in his stomach.

[SinN]

Aust considers the two for the moment and is about to chuckle when the twinge hits him. His past exploits are a reminder of what has just happened.

Poison..

His eyes go wide and immediatley jumps forward to take the food and drink from Huukena and Agis.

Stop eating! Somethings wrong.

Aust grips his stomach as he attempts to look around to see if anyone is paying him any particular attention.