Session 53 - Dangerous Welcomes

27/07/5-10

The groups departed the Storm's Scion. Shiek and Sapphira, they headed to Worldwares Shipping located on the same layer as the Storm' Scion. It was a large building with the Worldwares Shipping logo, connected to an enormous warehouse. It appeared quite busy, even in the late afternoon, but eventually they made it to the reception where they were greeted by a halfling receptionist. She asked how she could help and Shiek told her he wished to see records about shipments, that he had been involved with, giving her the name Omar Sharif. He was directed to conference room 1 where he could wait for the documents to be brought out. He and Sapphira entered a large hallway, with the first door on the left labeled 1. Sapphira had noticed that the raven had followed them, clearly Shiek or her being its target. A few minutes of waiting later, they hear some very heavy footsteps and the jingling of armour heading down the corridor. Through the glass screen they could see an enormous individual coming towards the room. The door was opened and a 8ft tall and nearly 5ft wide individual, build like a dwarf, but much larger wearing plate armour. Shiek recognized it as a Giff warrior. The man, brought a large box and put it on the table, as Shiek asked him if he isn't too overqualified for delivering boxes. The man opened his visor, revealing the large hippo face and stared at him. Shiek walked up to open the box, but the creature put an enormous hand on top and asked Shiek who he was. Shiek claimed, he was Omar Shariff, causing the Giff to lean closer and ask why he didn't call him Lightfoot. Shiek told him that the dagger in his chest was impacting his memories and the man, must be one of the many people he had forgotten. The Giff eyed him suspiciously and lifted his hand. He asked Shiek if he didn't remember him at all. He shrugged and said he didn't remember this place at all. The Giff took his helmet off and sat down at a chair, he asked who Sapphira was, but Shiek just told him she was his plus one. The man said that they though Omar was dead, having not been seen in years. Shiek asked when was the last time they had seen him and after a bit of thought, Lightfoot said it had been 3 years. Omar had just finished a delivery for the boss, he picked up a package here and delivered it elsewhere. Shiek asked where, saying it might jog his memory. The hippo pointed at the box and said it could be in there, but doubted it, as Omar was hired for the more discreet deliveries. Shiek asked for any other leads and Lightfoot said he could get him in to see the box. Shiek asked who the Giff was to him, a friend or just a colleague? The Giff stood up and made formal introductions saying he was Ignominios, head of security for the master. The master was in and could made time for him later today. Shiek agreed saying he stay and look over the documents while waiting. Shiek tough to what he knew of the Giff, a mercantile, but highly militarized group of individuals who are new to the Material Plane. They had first started setting up multiple outposts following the events of 15 years ago. They could be hired as mercenaries, but it was rare and expensive. Thinking back, he also remembered them being known for their signature weapons, one of which he saw on Ignominios' waist. They spend about 10 minutes looking over the document, Ignominios returned and told them to follow them. He lead them to a lavish office, decorated with expensive art and sculpture, where behind a desk stood a dragonborn of deepest red. On the windowsill was a raven, who flew in and transformed in to a woman, greeting "Omar", saying it was good to see him.

Valeyo and Milivoj reached the Nebe level and asked for directions to Janske's estate and were pointed to. Milivoj said they were looking for Mr Novak, the steward and aiming to avoid his father. They went to approach the main guards, hoping to walk in confidently and pretend to belong. This quickly became an issue, as Milivoj recognized the two guards, as his father's house guards - people who would immediately recognize him. Valeyo noticed a small group of people in the back garden talking, with sone stood apart interacting with a winged lion. There were more exotic creature, some confined others less so. Milivoj stopped telling Valeyo about the guards and Valeyo offered to apply some disguise to him. They went to an alleyway near the house of lords and Valeyo noticed it bore the symbol of Bahamut. He decided to focus on that later and after a few minutes, the two of them were approaching the Janske manor once more.

They made their way through the well-kept front garden, where the flowers were arranged into a symbol of a lion's head with two draconic horns. As they walked towards the door, one of the guards went in front to stop them, saying Janske's is currently closed. Milivoj said he was looking for Mr. Novak and the guard asked who he was. Milivoj said he was a messenger from Novograd bringing correspondence for Mr. Novak's eyes only. The guards checked the seal and after finding it genuine, opened the door speaking to a house attendant telling them there was a caller for Mr. Novak. They were told to wait in the reception. The reception was a grand room, with paintings of Janske's ancestors and the man himself. He appeared to be a pale fat blond halfling, who seemingly loved the sight of his own face. Valeyo told MIlivoj about the lion creature, commenting on the portraits. Milivoj laughed saying it makes sense he gets along with his father, both loving exotic mounts and paintings of themselves. Milivoj stood up to look for a house servant trying some of the doors. After the second one a halfling main walked in with red-brown hair wearing a red gown. She seemed confused, saying Janske's was closed asking who they are. Milivoj said that they were tired and while the lobby was comfortable, they would like to go to Mr. Novak's chambers. She said that was not possible, but she could show them to his office and lead them to a large study on the ground floor. Milivoj remarked that they are unlikely to run into someone he knows there, his father being well read, but more of a man of action, something Milivoj's mother said they share. About 10 minutes later a freakishly tall and skinny individual walked in, accompanied by a house guard. He had thin dark hair, barely covering his scalp. The man was clean shaven with round spectacles and immaculate dress, in his had a large ledger.

Also having arriving on the Nebe, but headed in the opposite direction, were Cassini and Otto. They walked to wards the temple of Sehanine and noticed that there was a large pyre being built in the garden. Otto immediately recognized it as a funeral pyre. It appeared that the night's even would be a funeral. On their approach to the main entrance, they were greeted by a guard, who told them they were a bit early. Cassini asked for details on the funeral and the man explained that they were being sent to the sky. The body is burnt at night so that their essence can raise and join the lady. Cassini asked about the priestess and was directed inside. In the large dome of the temple there were half a dozen people preparing with the high priestess seemingly directing the operation. Cassini told Otto about his last try of getting info on Arvandor from her, but failing, so he wanted Otto to check if he missed anything. He also told him to keep an eye out for anyone who might be zealous enough to destroy the book in the university. Otto started doing the rounds, trying to see how people react to his vestments of Sardior, bur didn't see anyone perturbed. The high priestess noticed them giving Cassini a nod, before returning to her duties. Cassini decided to use his Lunar Eye, walking to the centre of the temple, before sending out a pulse of true sight. He sensed the presence of a celestial creature in the ethereal - a couatl. The priestess noticed him to that, meaning that the eye's effect is detectable. Cassini shared his findings, as the priestess finished talking with the group, seemingly family of the departed. She approached them and greeted Cassini, complimenting Otto on his chest plate. She asked if they were there for the ceremony and Cassini said he was hoping to learn more about Sehanine, perhaps borrowing some reading material. She looked at them both and asked if they were travelling together. They nodded and she called them a pair of moonboys travelling the continent, before sighing and telling them to follow. She walked through the west door and they entered a room with  a set of sofa's in the middle and a large table and bookshelf behind. At the other end was a large cage, currently empty. They saw her close a book on the table as she entered - the auction house catalogue. Otto noticed that she was on the page of the telescope, having circled it multiple times. She went over to the bookshelf and grabbed a book of tales on Sahenine, targeted at children and new followers, as an introduction to the Moon Maiden's story.

In Yorhaza's office, Shiek looked over the woman, who had transformed from a raven. Clearly a druid, and a powerful one at that, he simply said he hadn't expected her to join them. She turned to Yorhaza and then asked why Shiek hadn't met with the Baron yet. He said he was tending to other things, but was planning on checking in with him. She said, she didn't recognize the group he was with and asked why he wasn't staying with the Baron, as he would normally do. She gave him a stern look and said he would be wise to meet the Baron sooner, rather than later mentioning that he is available tonight, before stepping to the window and turning into a raven and flying off. Yorhaza breathe a sigh of relief and told Omar not to fuck with the Baron, before offering him a drink. The each grabbed a glass and Yorhaza said he is not dead, saying his boy had told him about the memory issue. Shiek said he was hoping Yorhaza could help him jog it. Yorhaza agreed and Shiek asked what they were doing together. Yorhaza closed the window and said his is his discretion guy. When he needed to move something quietly Omar would do it. Shiek asked if they both worked with the Baron, but Yorhaza said the he himself is small fish, compared to Omar, remarking that he must truly have lost his memory. He commented on Omar travelling with new people and dealing with the Baron. Shiek asked about why he is considered important. Yorhaza told him that he was wanted in Almanat for trying to off the big boss, a prolific gold thief from a small town in Almanat. He had worked with the Baron for 7 years and was considered an exceptional in moving items across lines, without causing trouble. Yorhaza didn't know how Omar met the Baron and Sapphira commented on it, causing Yorhaza to ask sho she was. Shiek told him he could trust her and Yorhaza said they are in for a windfall, as their deal is finally about to go through. After a moment of silence, Yorhaza realized that Omar wouldn't remember and told him they were about to sell the ring he had stolen. Shiek asked when they had started working together and Yorhaza said it was over 4 years ago He then asked to see the thing in his chest. Shiek opened his shirt, but Yorhaza said he didn't recognize the item, despite being a collector himself. Shiek remarked on how well the conversation was going and his dread of the one with the Baron, asking about information. Yorhaza said that he is basically in charge of crime. He issues permits and if you steal from the top two levels, you will die an agonizing death. He basically keeps criminal activity out of the upper levels for the top shots. Yorhaza told him that he has no record of the business they had done, as that would be foolish, but he could tell him if he needed anything in particular. Shiek asked who Janske was and Yorhaza said he was a good friend and an exotic animal vendor. The last thing Omar did was procure an egg for Janske, funnily enough, an owlbear or something similar. He asked for any more information, but Yorhaza told him to see the Baron, mentioning that he had been more open today that in the rest of their relationship combined. Shiek told him not to get used to it, saying he might need to kill him. Yorhaza said he didn't want to have him get flattened by Ignominios and they both laughed. With he and Sapphira went to take their leave. On the way Ignominios told him they could find the Baron on the Pravya, in the east, near the Broken Chain.

Milivoj and Valeyo watched Mr Novak enter the room and the houseguard close the door and stand on the outside by it. He asked for the missive and Milivoj held it up for him. He took it with his long lanky fingers and opened the blank piece of paper. He went to rush the door, but Milivoj grabbed him asking him not to do that and dropping the voice he was putting on. The man stopped and went to stand up to his full 6'6 of height and shake Milivoj's hand off. Milivoj removed his helmet and his eyepatch and the man gave him a look of near disgust. Mr Novak asked him what he wanted of him and Milivoj said he just needed information, starting with why they were there. Mr Novak looked over at Valeyo asking who he was and Milivoj said he was with him. Valeyo greeted him and said Ysomir spoke highly of his skills. The man clearly didn't like Milivoj, but wouldn't say it out loud. He explained that Milivoj's father was there to purchase an exotic mount and partake in the auction. Valeyo asked what the Khert might want with magical mumbo jumbo, but the man said he could not tell them. When asked about the Baron, he said he knew nothing of him, a clear lie considering his reputation. Milivoj turned to Novak, calling him too careful for that to be true, Novak asked why Milivoj was sneaking in the dirt, which he denied saying he walked in through the front door and telling him not to change the topic. Mr Novak said he is a criminal that runs an enterprise within the city and their family has no connection with him, before once more asking Milivoj why he was digging around in the dirt. He was told that it is none of his concern. Mr Novak said that as he works for his father, everything the son does is of interest to him. Milivoj reminded him that last time they met, his father told Milivoj not to come back, so it is none of his concern, although his exploits in Stendolin might be. Novak sighed saying that a Novosel doesn't destroy temples. Valeyo corrected him saying that was the Emisar's doing and Milivoj asked him about the one in Skalenvru. Mr Novak asked if they are planning to kill her, as well, but they said that the Emisar was the one who started it, so they bear no malice to this one. He knew she was a powerful mage by the name of Nika Kavka. Valeyo recognized the name as an Alumni of the College of Erlrinner, having graduated before he joined, but renowned for her speech.

Valeyo said he was done with this sallow looking man and asked Milivoj if he had any other questions. Milivoj said that not unless Novak had more insights about the Baron, such as enemies. Novak smiled, saying the crown would find that unfavourable. Milivoj said that is not what he asked, to which Mr Novak sighed. He then called Milivoj as sharp as ever, and said that it was a shame that his much superior brother… Before he could finish, Milivoj smashed him across the face. The man took the hit surprisingly well, but his lip was cut. He adjusted himself and said they were done, before calling the guard, who handed him a handkerchief. He asked the guard to escort them out. On the way, Valeyo asked Axi to follow Mr Novak and see what he does. On the way out, he told Milivoj that Mr Novak was getting on his nerves as well. He considered him a class traitor and spinless scum, but was impressed with how he took the hit. Milivoj told him that as a kid he learnt that nothing in a certainty when it came to Mr Novak. He then urged Valeyo to hurry and leave, as he gave it 15 minutes before his father was told they were there.

In the temple of Sehanine, Cassini and Otto watched as a wrapped human body was brough to the pyre, before it being lit. Otto was paying attention to the rites being performed, while Cassini was reading the book he had been given. At the rite was happening and the priestess was performing, Cassini saw a figure in a dark cloak approach her from behind and stab her. Cassini went to scream, but he was out of breath, as he felt wetness on his back, as a dagger entered his body. Cassini lost consciousness and the assassin stabbed him again. Otto quickly healed Cassini, bringing him back from the edge of death and feeding him a potion. Across the field, by the light of the pyre, the other assassin plunged his blade into the priestess once more, bringing her to the ground. The people began to scream and scatter, as combat erupted. Cassini got stabbed a few times and going down and Otto saved him. Eventually one of the assassin's died and the other pulled out a bomb, lighting it. He then said "Purge the heresy" before detonating. Then the smoke cleared, the assassin was on the floor. Otto rushed to the felled priestess to try and revivify her. In his haste, he realized that she is not dead, just bleeding out. He called out for help and Cassini rushed to her to heal her. The  priestess came to, as guards could be seen rushing towards the fence, just as Milivoj and Valeyo entered from the east. She asked what happened. Otto told her she had been attacked and about the shouts of heresy. The woman looked shocked and the guards started asking questions as the situation begun to calm. Otto wished to look at the assassin's bodies, which took some convincing of the guards. On them he found two vials of poison. On the one which did not explode was another of these bombs. On their chests, both men had seared a sigil similar to that of Sehanine, but altered. Whereas hers is a crescent moon, the one on theirs was whole. Otto told the high priestess that they would speak tomorrow, as they needed to leave. She said that the guards would likely protects them today and not to worry, before thanking them for saving her life.

On the east side of the Pravya layer, Shiek and Sapphira approached the Broken Chain. The building was an outlier for the level, looking much nicer than the surrounding constructions. A bouncer was at the front, who let them pass and as they walked up to the entrance and perched onto the railing was the raven that had been following. Inside, the establishment was quite busy. In looked nothing like what they expected, it was not a criminal pub, rather a classy establishment. On the mezzanine was a tall broad man with a clean shaven face and slicked back hair, wearing gilded blue robes. He looked gazed down at them, as they entered the Broken Chain.