Deeds Done in the Dark – 20.05.2021 – Delilah
May 21, 2021 20:41:05 GMT
Jaezred Vandree, WillJ, and 1 more like this
Post by Delilah Daybreaker on May 21, 2021 20:41:05 GMT
Rolled into a palm sized tube is a piece of nondescript parchment around a notice re-folded into the shape of a rose, along with a second sheet of notes from a Journal. Both sheets of parchment are written in a mix of common, symbols, and elvish.
ASSIGNMENT REPORT #8
People/Organisations of Note:
Little Beastie – trained cat companion
Berenwald Raegendar Von Grimburn III (Greebo) – cat, noble, mage, male
Menace – thief/merchant, tiefling, male
Wanthranhane/Wanda – eladrin (seen in autumn form), mage/fighter [possibly more], female[?]
Tayz Dale – aarakocra (raven), holy warrior, male
M – devil (from the Hells), proficient magic user, male
Emanuel del Fontaine – human, merchant, male (deceased)
Brian – human, ex-guard, Greebo’s retainer, male
Locations:
Fort Ettin – living location, home base for adventurers
Port Ffirst – coastal town, Dawnlands
Tri-Tooth Wharf – merchant/warehouse district of Port Ffirst
De Fontaine Complex – del Fontaine’s business/warehouse broken down into four buildings; Warehouse, Workhouse, Le Grande Chateau, The Raven
Body:
Notice was received in the daytime when spending time with LB in the climbing garden at Fort Ettin. At first glance, it could be mistaken for a real rose until catching sight of the strange scrawl hidden in its petals. No adventures have been posted to the coastal town for some time so the decision was made to make the trek down if only to scope out the area.
A rather unremarkable place, there was not much gleaned from the “city” by the time of arrival after the sun had set and the stars would have been out – had there not been clouds covering the sky. Not as much time spent exploring around either after the mission for reasons which will be outlined below. Am curious to find out more about the city in general though. Perhaps after CSL training has completed will spend some time frequenting the taverns to get better intel on the workings and connections.
Went to the appointed location of the lighthouse just outside of PF before midnight, staying one with the Shadows. The arrival of the others was fairly standard – Menace a local “businessman” and well known amongst the adventurers to be a slimy smooth talker that puts to mind he may be a verse-maker was first, followed soon after by Wanthrahane, or Wanda. The eladrin is so clearly from the FW though there was no chance to glean which court, if any. A cat showed up – a remarkable floofy and clean one for PF – and finally a raven aarakocra, Tayz.
Amidst introductions the employer for the evening, M, appeared and outlined the job in even less detail the note had. The cat [Greebo] as it was revealed could talk and was called a Count by Menace (NB: Greebo claimed to hail from a noble family whose lineage goes back centuries, and that he wasn’t always a cat. I am inclined to believe part of this, though I’m not sure which.), and proceeded to ask more questions of M to help us get a better understanding of what we were to acquire. As it turns out it was a nondescript box – 1.5 ft long x 4 inches wide and 2-3 inches deep – with an arcane circle on it. M was cagey at best, but at this point there was no reason to suspect who or what they were. So what if they kept their face hidden behind an illusion? The clandestine meeting was set at midnight, of course the job itself would be questionable. (NB: The irony is not lost on me that M had hidden their face when I do the same, but not once was there ever trust between our group and this yet-to-be-revealed-devil.)
Making our way to the Tri-Tooth Wharf, Wanda introduced herself as someone who, “just came here for a good time,” (NB: typical eladrin things, curious about the Prime Materials), whilst whenever Menace spoke his words felt like oil to the still waters of the mind (NB: Do not trust him). However he knew the target, Emanuel del Fontaine, and so led us to where his warehouse/business was.
The Del Fontaine Complex consisted of four buildings (see above). The warehouse we avoided as there seemed to be some activity even at the hour of midnight. Deciding to investigate the largest and fanciest building, Le Grande Chateau, our group made our way over. Tayz nearly got caught for flying too high but by the stars the Shadows kept the rest of us safe. Once next to the Chateau, Greebo peeled off to find another entrance by climbing up the building whilst the rest of us found an entrance through the dim and not in use kitchen.
Once inside, and after some quick hands made some choice silverware disappear into tatty cloaks, we continued further in, aiming to find some stairs. At first there was slight confusion as to why an unseen servant was following us but as it turned out Wanda had summoned the thing to “make a tray of snacks for the party” (NB: LB enjoyed the salmon filled finger sandwiches. I did not know whether to be impressed or exasperated. I think more of the former than the latter.). Wanda proved her usefulness though when a staircase was found but two workmen were having a late night meeting near the stair’s base. Casting sleep upon them, our party – minus Greebo – started to make our way upstairs.
It was as we were peering at the name tags of the rooms that Greebo appeared as if always with us and informed us that there was a study on the level above with a manifest of interest. Once there, Tayz and Wanda peered through the books, whilst Menace read through the Manifest, after picking the lock. It did not contain the information we were looking for though. Thinking del Fontaine as a man who has made questionable business deals in the past and has at least a passing knowledge in trickery, a thorough investigation of the desk revealed a hidden compartment which held his journal.
[Refer to Appendix A for Jornal Notes]
After reviewing the journal, discussing with the party what to do next, and deducing where the box M wanted would most likely be held, the group made our way over to The Raven that held the library. A simple matter of entering from one shadow outside to another inside, with Wanda fey stepping inside to assist, two guards were put to sleep then bound and gagged, thus giving us plenty of time to explore the room to find the box. Tayz discovered a faint hint of magic coming from behind a trick bookshelf, whereupon finding the tome that did not fit, it opened with ease.
The box was on a pedestal. The job was nearly done. All we had to do was take it back to M.
But something about the journal and the box did not sit right with the party (NB: myself included), and a decision was made – to get del Fontaine’s attention and find out what he planned to do with it. (NB: At this point none of us knew precisely what the box was nor what it contained. It was clearly something meant to hide its true nature but beyond that, none of us knew what we were getting ourselves into.)
It was as Wanda, Mace and Tayz were setting fire to the empty Workhouse when M appeared behind us, sighing his disappointment in us. Greebo politely but firmly informs our employer that we were only told to get the box, there wasn’t anything said against us talking to del Fontaine, and that as adventurers “we do what we want” (NB: I am paraphrasing). Upon hearing that, M revealed himself to be a devil and promptly tried to wrest the box from Menace’s hands. The “businessman” kept hold though, and though the Shadows protected us from prying eyes, they were not there when it was needed to strike the devil.
Before vanishing into the night though there was a promise of retribution against us.
After being left holding “the bag” it was decided that a chance at opening the box would not harm us. It was as the puzzle was being solved that the full realisation of what we had held onto sunk in. It was an Infernal Puzzle Box and held within was del Fontaine’s Infernal Contract.
It detailed the terms and conditions of his deal: Initial 10 years of success in business to come due at the end of those years with the devil taking his soul. However an amendment was made that should del Fontaine wish, another soul could be sacrificed to take his place. The last name to be written down could be none other than Emanuel’s lover.
It was proposed that to end this man’s life would be the best choice – thus ending the cycle of iniquitous sacrifice and also ridding the realms of one less pawn for the devils to use on the Prime Material. The moment his life was fed to the Shadows everything he owned rotted away – including the gold Menace had acquired from the man for ending his life.
With that final task done, the group dispersed, not a word being spoken of to any authorities at hand.
(NB: Though it was by my hand del Fontaine’s life ended, thus fulfilling the contract, until an indeterminate time has passed, there may be less communication so as to lower the risk of something falling into the wrong hands. As it were, the rumours circulating around the state of things in the FW is such that my reports, though diverting, are not as important as ensuring our home’s safety. I will keep a close ear to the Shadows in case my assignment needs changing.)
Report passed on 19 day of The Melting.
Neh diis lus’a, lus diis’a.
Hello there Dearies,
I have a little job that I need doing but you see I lack the necessary skills required to pull it off. A friend of mine has some important paperwork that I need to continue to conduct my business, so I’d like you to fetch it for me, I’ll make it worth your while. Oh and for those of you that enjoy such dealings I’m not too fussed with the manner in which you acquire the prize.
Regards,
M
I have a little job that I need doing but you see I lack the necessary skills required to pull it off. A friend of mine has some important paperwork that I need to continue to conduct my business, so I’d like you to fetch it for me, I’ll make it worth your while. Oh and for those of you that enjoy such dealings I’m not too fussed with the manner in which you acquire the prize.
Regards,
M
ASSIGNMENT REPORT #8
People/Organisations of Note:
Little Beastie – trained cat companion
Berenwald Raegendar Von Grimburn III (Greebo) – cat, noble, mage, male
Menace – thief/merchant, tiefling, male
Wanthranhane/Wanda – eladrin (seen in autumn form), mage/fighter [possibly more], female[?]
Tayz Dale – aarakocra (raven), holy warrior, male
M – devil (from the Hells), proficient magic user, male
Emanuel del Fontaine – human, merchant, male (deceased)
Brian – human, ex-guard, Greebo’s retainer, male
Locations:
Fort Ettin – living location, home base for adventurers
Port Ffirst – coastal town, Dawnlands
Tri-Tooth Wharf – merchant/warehouse district of Port Ffirst
De Fontaine Complex – del Fontaine’s business/warehouse broken down into four buildings; Warehouse, Workhouse, Le Grande Chateau, The Raven
Body:
Notice was received in the daytime when spending time with LB in the climbing garden at Fort Ettin. At first glance, it could be mistaken for a real rose until catching sight of the strange scrawl hidden in its petals. No adventures have been posted to the coastal town for some time so the decision was made to make the trek down if only to scope out the area.
A rather unremarkable place, there was not much gleaned from the “city” by the time of arrival after the sun had set and the stars would have been out – had there not been clouds covering the sky. Not as much time spent exploring around either after the mission for reasons which will be outlined below. Am curious to find out more about the city in general though. Perhaps after CSL training has completed will spend some time frequenting the taverns to get better intel on the workings and connections.
Went to the appointed location of the lighthouse just outside of PF before midnight, staying one with the Shadows. The arrival of the others was fairly standard – Menace a local “businessman” and well known amongst the adventurers to be a slimy smooth talker that puts to mind he may be a verse-maker was first, followed soon after by Wanthrahane, or Wanda. The eladrin is so clearly from the FW though there was no chance to glean which court, if any. A cat showed up – a remarkable floofy and clean one for PF – and finally a raven aarakocra, Tayz.
Amidst introductions the employer for the evening, M, appeared and outlined the job in even less detail the note had. The cat [Greebo] as it was revealed could talk and was called a Count by Menace (NB: Greebo claimed to hail from a noble family whose lineage goes back centuries, and that he wasn’t always a cat. I am inclined to believe part of this, though I’m not sure which.), and proceeded to ask more questions of M to help us get a better understanding of what we were to acquire. As it turns out it was a nondescript box – 1.5 ft long x 4 inches wide and 2-3 inches deep – with an arcane circle on it. M was cagey at best, but at this point there was no reason to suspect who or what they were. So what if they kept their face hidden behind an illusion? The clandestine meeting was set at midnight, of course the job itself would be questionable. (NB: The irony is not lost on me that M had hidden their face when I do the same, but not once was there ever trust between our group and this yet-to-be-revealed-devil.)
Making our way to the Tri-Tooth Wharf, Wanda introduced herself as someone who, “just came here for a good time,” (NB: typical eladrin things, curious about the Prime Materials), whilst whenever Menace spoke his words felt like oil to the still waters of the mind (NB: Do not trust him). However he knew the target, Emanuel del Fontaine, and so led us to where his warehouse/business was.
The Del Fontaine Complex consisted of four buildings (see above). The warehouse we avoided as there seemed to be some activity even at the hour of midnight. Deciding to investigate the largest and fanciest building, Le Grande Chateau, our group made our way over. Tayz nearly got caught for flying too high but by the stars the Shadows kept the rest of us safe. Once next to the Chateau, Greebo peeled off to find another entrance by climbing up the building whilst the rest of us found an entrance through the dim and not in use kitchen.
Once inside, and after some quick hands made some choice silverware disappear into tatty cloaks, we continued further in, aiming to find some stairs. At first there was slight confusion as to why an unseen servant was following us but as it turned out Wanda had summoned the thing to “make a tray of snacks for the party” (NB: LB enjoyed the salmon filled finger sandwiches. I did not know whether to be impressed or exasperated. I think more of the former than the latter.). Wanda proved her usefulness though when a staircase was found but two workmen were having a late night meeting near the stair’s base. Casting sleep upon them, our party – minus Greebo – started to make our way upstairs.
It was as we were peering at the name tags of the rooms that Greebo appeared as if always with us and informed us that there was a study on the level above with a manifest of interest. Once there, Tayz and Wanda peered through the books, whilst Menace read through the Manifest, after picking the lock. It did not contain the information we were looking for though. Thinking del Fontaine as a man who has made questionable business deals in the past and has at least a passing knowledge in trickery, a thorough investigation of the desk revealed a hidden compartment which held his journal.
[Refer to Appendix A for Jornal Notes]
Appendix A – Journal Notes, Including Dates for Each Point of Note:
- Moved to PF 3 years ago from Baldur’s Gate
- Set himself up as a merchant, raised up in wealth and status
- Mentions of “The bill has come due” starting to repeat [Worried about this Bill – described visions and restless nights]
- “The Monster came.” [No further notes on this “Monster” though surmise this to be a devil, possibly even M himself though cannot confirm]
- Many scribbled notes in a code that will take time to decipher
- “A new deal has been made” [Possibly with original devil and/or M]
- Moral quandaries del Fontaine has about what he must do for this new deal
- 1 year later, “The Bill” has come due again
- “Another must be sacrificed.”
- A few weeks ago del Fontaine says the Monster asks too much; A moral debate about which thing to sacrifice:
- “Do I lose my love? Or do I lose my wealth?”
- Suddenly claims, “I have a plan. I shall break the deal.”
- “I know where it is. It is mine to get.” [This refers to del Fontaine’s Infernal Contract]
- “I have it. It is time to get to work.” [He was planning on editing the contract further, possibly]
After reviewing the journal, discussing with the party what to do next, and deducing where the box M wanted would most likely be held, the group made our way over to The Raven that held the library. A simple matter of entering from one shadow outside to another inside, with Wanda fey stepping inside to assist, two guards were put to sleep then bound and gagged, thus giving us plenty of time to explore the room to find the box. Tayz discovered a faint hint of magic coming from behind a trick bookshelf, whereupon finding the tome that did not fit, it opened with ease.
The box was on a pedestal. The job was nearly done. All we had to do was take it back to M.
But something about the journal and the box did not sit right with the party (NB: myself included), and a decision was made – to get del Fontaine’s attention and find out what he planned to do with it. (NB: At this point none of us knew precisely what the box was nor what it contained. It was clearly something meant to hide its true nature but beyond that, none of us knew what we were getting ourselves into.)
It was as Wanda, Mace and Tayz were setting fire to the empty Workhouse when M appeared behind us, sighing his disappointment in us. Greebo politely but firmly informs our employer that we were only told to get the box, there wasn’t anything said against us talking to del Fontaine, and that as adventurers “we do what we want” (NB: I am paraphrasing). Upon hearing that, M revealed himself to be a devil and promptly tried to wrest the box from Menace’s hands. The “businessman” kept hold though, and though the Shadows protected us from prying eyes, they were not there when it was needed to strike the devil.
Before vanishing into the night though there was a promise of retribution against us.
After being left holding “the bag” it was decided that a chance at opening the box would not harm us. It was as the puzzle was being solved that the full realisation of what we had held onto sunk in. It was an Infernal Puzzle Box and held within was del Fontaine’s Infernal Contract.
It detailed the terms and conditions of his deal: Initial 10 years of success in business to come due at the end of those years with the devil taking his soul. However an amendment was made that should del Fontaine wish, another soul could be sacrificed to take his place. The last name to be written down could be none other than Emanuel’s lover.
It was proposed that to end this man’s life would be the best choice – thus ending the cycle of iniquitous sacrifice and also ridding the realms of one less pawn for the devils to use on the Prime Material. The moment his life was fed to the Shadows everything he owned rotted away – including the gold Menace had acquired from the man for ending his life.
With that final task done, the group dispersed, not a word being spoken of to any authorities at hand.
(NB: Though it was by my hand del Fontaine’s life ended, thus fulfilling the contract, until an indeterminate time has passed, there may be less communication so as to lower the risk of something falling into the wrong hands. As it were, the rumours circulating around the state of things in the FW is such that my reports, though diverting, are not as important as ensuring our home’s safety. I will keep a close ear to the Shadows in case my assignment needs changing.)
Report passed on 19 day of The Melting.
Neh diis lus’a, lus diis’a.
