Porthca Landing I: Memory of the Sea

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The Tahyrst Manor:

Roroa stayed looking downwards as Urin raised an eyebrow. "That's ... a very specific question, I suppose you've got something in mind." Running a hand along his beard Urin thought for a moment, "Eh ... Abat usually is the first up ... but in the morning it was mother who found father, given they were in bed together as usual."

The Docks:

Laughing Ethes took another bite, nearly finishing off the food Cate had given him, "Aha! See I got m'self a captive audience, din't I?" The older man shrugged, "Thing is, many a sailor claims the sea listened to'm. Makes 'em feel important -- so superstitious, even an accident could be seen as the Sea answerin' their plea." He cackled, "Even a drop of bird shit on the deck, in the right shape is a sign!"

His laugh was cut short as he coughed roughly for a moment, finally stopping with a wheeze, "Ah ... hm." Ethes looked over the trio, "Feel like ya're diggin' for somethin' more specific than jus' some story from an old sailor."
 
Benito frowned and turned to Tyrius, "This makes me even more concerned that it was not only Robern, but Joane as well who were both targets last night, otherwise why would she have been awake?"

Ben turned to Urin and Roroa, "Apologies, allow me to explain. Last night the De'Porthca residences was attacked by some undead creature which attempted to drown my younger brother Robern. The only reason we were able to intercede was that Joane screamed and we - my companions and I - came running. However, no servant nor my father or his wife even roused from their sleep. Tyrius here, with some quick thinking and practical magic, identified that they were under an enchanted slumber. Our current theory is that my guests and I were unexpected at the time since I traveled from Azarad with uncharacteristic haste, and the others were invited only that day, that we were left free from the enchantment. So it's possible that the same occurred here, and to the other families for the other murders. A magical slumber which rendered all but the victim unconscious."

He took a moment to compose himself, "When these murders were simply a tragedy to each family, it was easy to overlook the similarities, but with the frequency increasing, and the connections we're making... we should all be on guard. Hopefully House Accmour will have something soon to offer us some small protection until we can catch this fiend. I did ask that they protect the youngest of the families first, some of us have lived our lives but some younger than us still have bright futures and do not deserve to be punished for the mistakes of our fathers." Ben directed the last statement more to Urin than to Roroa.
 
Winston chuckled along with Ethes as he joked of the sailors looking for signs in every little incident, it was very similar to his line of thinking. Winston seemed unconcerned by the coughing fit Ethes had, and as soon as he recovered and said his piece, Winston nodded to confirm his statement. “We are indeed looking for some specific information. We’re particularly looking for someone who wishes vengeance upon the nobles of this town, as well as any information about a monster from the sea that can look like a man and disappear in a splash of water. We encountered one last night and it told us that it was trying to collect the sea’s debt. Does any of that sound familiar?”
 
The Tahyrst Manor:

Urin listened to Benito, looking towards Roroa as he finished, then sighed as he climbed back into his chair, hands placed on the table as he looked over the map before him. "Aye ... truly we should be on guard. We'll keep an eye out for any deliveries from the Accmours, and inform mother whenever she deigns to reappear." Adjusting one of the paperweights he pauses as if a thought struck him, "You know ... if only the victims have been left awake ... even still it wouldn't make sense for young Lady Joane to have been left awake. She could have been an alarm that something was wrong -- as she evidently was. However ... young Lady Joane and young Lord Robern, aren't they twins? Perhaps there's something there ... or perhaps merely trying to make sense of something even still I have a difficult time following."

He gestured to the map before him, "You asked for a map, this is about the most recent I can find that also marks the sewers." Looking over it, the top level of Porthca seemed to match closely to what Ben would have seen from his families maps, a building or block here and there slightly different from either being rebuilt or bought and demolished for something else to take its place. However, in darker marks were lines working their way across Porthca, following the roads, branching out at times, with each branch eventually dumping out at the shore further away from Porthca's harbor.

The Docks:

After Winston finished speaking, Ethes' easy smile seemed to vanish as he tensed up. "That -- that's not what I expected to be hearin'. I dunno much about the nobles of Porthca, sure know they don't care much for me in turn, but you dealin' with somethin' up close like that's different than stories." He bit at his thumb for a moment while he thought, glancing at the harbor.

Motioning for the trio to lean in he lowered his voice, "I've heard tales ... but I'll not be tellin' 'em this close to the water. I know I poked fun at sailors for their fears, but some things are a bit more real than others." Ethes nodded his head towards the Tuckered Kraken, "Maybe we can move elsewhere, aye?"
 
Benito leaned forward, "That... is a possibility. I'll have to share the theory with the others, thank you or your insight." He looked over the map. "Thank you for this, Urin. Do you possibly have a case? I wouldn't want to ruin this." He traced the sewer lines with a finger and stood. "Thank you again, for everything." Benito extended a hand toward Urin to shake before offering the same to Roroa. "We'll have to get a drink sometime, once this is all over."
 
Well, there went the big secret. At least there hadn't been anyone else around to hear it, but VIrra still imagined the word would be out by tomorrow. The nobles are being hunted by a monster from the sea. Beware the creature that masquerades as a man. The sea will not be trifled with. Still, she felt some satisfaction in knowing it hadn't been her who broke the news.

Quiet amusement turned into surprise as Ethes suggested they find somewhere more discreet to talk. Perhaps the dockyard search wasn't going to be so pointless after all. "We'd be happy to," she put in immediately, turning to look where Ethes had nodded. She saw the sign and beamed. The TUCKERED KRAKEN CABIN. Perfect.

"You know what, the first round's on me," she declared, practically skipping as she set off towards the tavern on the assumption that the others would follow.
 
Ander smiles at the guards, chuckling to himself. "Why don't y'all watch outside, I'll watch the youngins for ya." He walks over to the kids and crouches down to their level, which is no easy feat for him. "Hey, Robern and Joane, you guys wanna play some music?" He grabbed a harp, and pretended to be comically inept while playing it, making faces as he hit sour notes, trying his best to lighten the sombre mood and allow the kids to be kids. He set down the harp and picked up the drum, bopping it in random rhythms while pretending that he was doing an amazing job.

He finished up and asked, "Think you can play better than me?" He looked to the kids with a smile, and stuck his tounge out in a mock taunt.
 
At a corner of the DePorthca library, Eliza could be found surrounded by towers of books and notes. Buzzing from her third cup of coffee and nursing a budding headache, she sifted through her notes from the previous couple of hours.

Hmm, strange how nothing is mentioned about the Lestones in any of these books. Whoever had tampered with the Accomour lists could have done the same with the accounts about the Lestones elsewehere too. Hmm, no point wasting time on deadends.

A pile of books on the desk almost toppled down but one of the servants nearby managed to catch it just before it fell. Absentmindedly, the wizard waved the almost empty mug in a silent request and found the page she was looking for.

Ben’s family sure has quite a few tomes on the undead, not that I am complaining now. Reading the same paragraph again, somethin clicked in her mind. What if it was an inside job, another noble? Who else would know the ins and outs of this society and its members better? If someone living amongst the families could be using the undead to exact revenge, she would only need to narrow down the members to whoever was gaining from this tranisition of power.

Imagining the idea of making another long list of suspects, Eliza sighed rubbing her temples. It could also be the Lestones behind it all but can she find more details? She eyed the book she and Virra had gotten from the Accomours, maybe it warranted another glance.
 
At the mention of drink, Tyrius smiled, though he made sure to keep it a small smile, barely noticeable. "Thank you," Tyrius said to Urin as he shook his hand, Tyrius following behind Benito, "My condolences for your loss, I hope you and yours stay safe." To Roroa, Tyrius simply shook his hand and gave him a polite nod.

'Urin had a good insight, why was Joane unaffected? I'm not sure how, it raises so many different ideas. Perhaps she was an intended third victim, perhaps the enchantment didn't work on her. Hopefully Madame Sidwae or Master Anthol found something that could shed some light on that subject.' Tyrius thought to himself, scratching at his chin with his thumb.
 
The Tahyrst Manor:

Climbing down from his seat Urin dug around the room once more before finally bringing over an empty map case, carefully rolling up the map that was spread across the table, "Sure -- but don't expect to drink a Tahyrst under the table, Lord Benito." Urin gave a smile as he held out the case to Ben, "Many a fool has attempted and not realized we've got a stone-like constitution."

The brothers both shook Ben and Tyrius' hands before standing by the door where the same servant as before stood waiting patiently to lead the pair back outside when ready.

The De'Porthca Manor | Music Room:

The guards shared a glance before slowly stepping outside, though the door stayed open slightly where one could keep an eye on Ander. The two children giggled as Ander worked his way around the room, though Robern's laughing occasionally returned to coughing. Joane frowned as she heard her brother's harsh cough before turning back to Ander with a smile, "A young Lady shouldn't brag, but ... perhaps I can try to keep up." Placing her hands back onto the piano, Joane attempted a few more notes, however she seemed more out of tune than Ander was. Robern sat next to her to try and play a some notes as well, but the twins both winced as his fingers his the wrong keys.

Robern glanced over his shoulder towards Ander, "Normally we're a little better ... but we didn't get much sleep last night."

The Tuckered Kraken Cabin:

At this point in the day, the Cabin has become a bit more lively, Braen behind the bar looks up with interest at seeing both Catelyn and the halfling from earlier, joined by someone he recognizes easily, Ethes. Braen and Ethes share a small wave before Ethes meanders his way towards a table and sits, tapping the table with his hands as he smiles towards the other three. His gaze focused in on Virra, "Said the first round's on ya, right?"
 
"Yes, I learned that lesson the hard way." Benito made a polite half bow before allowing the servant to escort him out of the manor. On the other side of the gate Ben turned to Tyrius, "One more family to go. Lets go speak with the Defallians before we head home. They are the closest with nature and some of them work on the seas, maybe they'll provide some great insight. Here's hoping."
 
"Aye, none of us did, kiddo." Ander patted both children on the back gently. "But, your brother, our friends, and I are gonna do everythin' we can to keep ya safe. You two've got long lives ahead of ya where you'll get ta make music and shoot bullseyes and become the great people that you are destined ta be." Ander smiled gently at the children.

"Until your brother gets back, I'm gonna be spendin' some time with ya. I think yer mom would prefer for us ta stay here, so we're gonna make the best of it. Do ya have any books ya like ta read." He sat down in a chair. "I used to go inta town with the sisters of dawn and read at the library every week. It's one of my favorite things ta do."
 
Curious about what happened when Ben tried to drink a Tahryst under the table, Tyrius asked, "So, how much can a Tahryst drink? Maybe once we find the killer, we should all go out drinking to celebrate." Tyrius suggested as he walked alongside Ben.

"Urin had a good thought about Lady Joane. So, is there anything I shouldn't mention around the Defallians?" Tyrius asked, wondering all the while about what sort of debt would make someone motivated enough to try and murder an innocent child in their bed by drowning them.
 
"Well Rinarv can knock them back faster than you can pour them and hold her liquor like a champ. I prefer to drink socially, games of constitution have never taken my fancy and I tend not to make it competitive." Ben laughed, "But if you'd like to lose a bet, challenge any dwarf to a drinking contest." He patted Ty on the back, as they continued down the street.

"I was surprised by the different perspective on Rob and Jo, I wonder what might unravel if we pull at that thread. Definitely a good thought, but I am worried more than just young Robern was in danger that night... last night. Gods it's been less than a day and so much has happened." He shook his head and continued to answer his friend, "Nothing particularly important, Kecei lost her mother, Aennad. They've a monopoly on consumables - farmed and fished. All in all, they're not bad people, more laid back than the other families. Lady Malia, their eldest daughter is about my age, always got her nose in a book. If there's anyone who knows something about anything in that family, she's probably the one. We'll likely meet with Master Odith, but his son Lord Richeye might join us as well."

"Oh, and generally we should try to avoid me as a subject... there was push for Malia and I to... y'know... anyway then I got my nickname and I was carted off to Azarad, so it all worked out in the end, but also it's a bit of a sore subject. The families seem to be alright, and Kecei seemed nice enough, but I wouldn't want to dig at any old wounds while we're there."
 
Virra gave an approving nod as they entered the tavern -- not exactly the quiet corner she'd envisaged, but something much better. It was the sort of "incognito" that she liked: being right in the middle of things, lost in a flood of other people with their own business. Perhaps there weren't enough patrons to be truly anonymous yet, but there was always a chance of greater traffic later in the day.

When Ethes prodded her about the drinks, she laughed. "Straight to the point, huh? Don't worry, I didn't forget." She left the others at the table and made her way to the bar, taking care to dodge around the larger patrons. "Excuse me! I'd like four of... whatever drink you're most proud of," she called to the human bartender, already grinning with anticipation. A small voice inside her head wondered whether it was smart to be drinking again so soon after the meal at the Jester. She paid it no mind.
 
Tyrius nodded along as Ben talked about the Defallians, keeping an eye out that he didn't walk straight into anyone and knock them to the dirt that had been pounded by many generations of feet.
'So, we should see if we can talk to Malia, she might know something from her books.' Tyrius thought to himself. 'And then there's deciding what we do tonight.'
An idea came to Tyrius' mind, "Erm, Ben. This might be a bit extreme but," Tyrius hesitated for a moment as he thought of how to put his thoughts into words, "We know this creature is trying to kill nobles. What if we set a trap? Arranged it so every single one of the possible targets were in one place, with the Accmour's enchantments to try and prevent us being enchanted. Lure the creature to us, prevent it from leaving and try to kill it off or at the very least contain it."
 
"Absolutely not. I'll raze this city before I see Robern and Joane put in harms way for a trap we don't even know will work." His face turns cold and focused. "We need to know more about the enchantment before we go making terrible plans and risking lives." Without even realizing it, Benito's hand is clutching the end of an arrow from his quiver. "If we want to lure the creature anywhere, we find better bait than children and we keep it as far from the other nobles as possible." Ben took a deep breath, relaxing slightly and releasing the arrow back into his quiver, trying to let go of the outrage and the anger.

"I'm sorry Ty, I just can't allow it. I hope the search turns up something. I hope the others are having luck learning of the creature. I hope that my father will share his knowledge of the Lestones with me and that it sheds some light on whatever cursed deal was struck. But I cannot see my brother and sister put in harms way. It's not going to happen."
 
Tyrius knew he'd pushed Ben too far, the tone in Ben's voice was as icy as it had been with Virra. 'Though thinking about it, what if everyone in Porthca thought the nobles were in one place, when they were safely somewhere else? Could rig the trap that way but keep everyone safe except whoever is taking on that creature.' Though I'm not sure how that would work out. Probably best to drop that entire line of thought. Concentrate on keeping Joane and Robern safe.'

"I apologise, I was thinking aloud. Hopefully we can find a way to contain and kill that creature without putting anyone in harm's way." Tyrius said with a tone of someone who knew their thoughts had crossed a line that shouldn't have been crossed. Tyrius walked the rest of the way trying to avoid catching Ben's eye in shame.
 
The De'Porthca Manor | Music Room:

As Joane turned to reply to Ander, Robern scooted her down the bench until he sat in the center and slowly began playing a tune, this time managing to hit the notes reasonably, even if the timing was inconsistent. Elbowing Robern for pushing her down the seat, Joane finally replied to Ander, "I'm actually reading through a book all about myths across Okesh. Mo-- Madame Sidwae says not to take them for truth, but I like them all the same."

She tilted her head for a moment, "Who are the sisters of dawn? Were they all your sisters? What did you read in your library?"

The Tuckered Kraken Cabin:

Braen peered over the counter towards Virra, "Eh, dunno if I'd say proud, but we got a lot of it." He moved behind the bar, filling four tankards, "This's our Ale, one silver a'piece, four total."

The Defallian Manor:

After a few minutes of silent walking, Benito and Tyrius arrived at their final destination for the day, the Defallian Manor. Unlike the other homes, this one almost looked abandoned -- overgrown with plants and vines, the building looked more like a mound of greenery than a home, and yet ... looking in different places there was a balance to it. Passing through the open gate, the temperature felt like it dropped a few degrees as a pleasant breeze moved through the area, scents from different flowers filling the area, yet not overpowering someone.

Faint humming could be heard through the air, leading one around the side of the Manor and towards the back, where an older man could be seen wearing rougher clothing, his hair tied back from his face with faint hints of grey in the dark brown coloring. His skin tan, as he stood to carry a basket of garden tools, he paused, catching sight of the pair. A smile spread across the man's face, "If it isn't little Benito ... haven't seen you in a few years, yet here you are once more." He frowned as he continued, "Poor Cyne ..." he shook his head, "Anthol came to visit me the same day it happened, I'd only ever seen him so distraught once before ..." The man coughed, "However I'm sure you can guess when that was."

Shifting his grip on the basket the man looked at Tyrius, "A friend of yours I presume. Name's Odith, or Master Defallian to those who want somethin'."
 
"Thank you kind-ly," Virra chirped, fishing four silver out of her bag and dropping them on the bar as she reached for the tankards of ale -- which, as it turned out, were just a little too large and heavy for her to comfortably haul by herself. Not that it was going to stop her from trying. "One," she counted, scooping a tankard into the crook of her left arm, followed by another in her right. "Two. Three..." She managed to take the third in both hands, though the prospect of grabbing another was daunting. "Annnnnd..."

The fourth tankard rattled on the bar for half a second, then stopped. The ale inside continued to gently slosh as Virra bit her lip hard.

What are you doing? You aren't at home anymore. Idiot. Low-life. "Thanks," she mumbled again in case Braen was still paying attention, then went on tip-toe to take the final tankard, which she accomplished by hugging it against her body with the third. By the time she turned away from the bar, she'd put a smile back on. A slow and shaky walk brought her back to the table with only a minimum of spills. "Drinks for all," she announced proudly. "You wanna grab them off me?"
 
Benito's smile was sad as the man greeted him, "My sympathies to you and your family for the loss of your wife, Master Defallian." Benito knew it was best to remain formal while addressing a man who lost his wife, and chose to use his proper title rather than his name. He would slip back to informality but moments later as he turned to introduce Tyrius, "This is Lord Tyrius Silverbane, his family does business with my own out of Wyford; but we are not here to discuss business please, call him Ty and I've always preferred Ben." The young man smiled at Odith as he continued. "I'm not sure if you'd heard but De'Porthca manor was attacked last night. Something undead came into our home, tried to drown little Robern. Uttered something about the Sea remembering and collecting its debts. We don't think this is over for any of the families. We're looking into it for all the families. If you have any idea what the debt might be or who might be owed it?"
 
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Catelyn followed along into the Tuckered Kraken, finding it ironic how it had been so long since she had been to this tavern, only to now visit it twice in one day. She smiled and waved to Braen when he looked over before reclining back for a moment in her seat, enjoying the relief of taking her feet off the ground. She eyed Ethes over once more, more than familiar with his usual charlatan's tales to get a quick drink, but was surprised to see an unfamiliar expression in his eyes. Whatever story this may be, it certainly left an impression on our old friend here. When Virra walked over, arms piled high with drinks, Catelyn was shaken from her thoughts and quickly scrambled out of her seat to help the small gnome. She frowned apologetically as she quickly helped her with the drinks, spilling some of the ale on herself in her haste to assist. "I am so sorry, I have not been myself lately. I would have gladly offered to help, but I am afraid I was a bit distracted. Thank you for the drinks, Virra." Catelyn set a tankard down before Ethes and smiled to him patiently. "Whenever you're ready, I think we would all love to hear what you know, Ethes."
 
The Defallian Manor:

Odith let out a long sigh as he moved to another section of the garden, setting down his tools as he crouched to inspect the plants. "As I said, Master Defallian when someone wants somethin'. I caught wind something had happened, but not to that extent. Sounds like you've already got an idea who the debt is owed to -- said as much yourself: the Sea." He frowned as he found a dead leaf still attached to a plant, pulling clippers out of his basket he quickly trimmed the leave away, dropping it near the stem. Continuing to look over the plants before him, "Truth be told ... I married into the Defallians. I don't know all the noble stuff, even after all the parties and gossip I had to deal with."

He smiled over his shoulder to the two nobles standing in his garden, "Porthca found it so amusing some farm boy had been raised up so high. You'd be amazed how far a whisper can travel when someone thinks they're being quiet." Shrugging Odith continued, "I assume Rich or Malia would know better, Aen was teachin' them up to take over when she got too old." Sitting back on his heels he looked vacantly across the greenery, "Mostly just tend the garden, sometimes Kecei helps, when she's not practicing her gift or disappearing elsewhere."

The Tuckered Kraken Cabin:

Ethes nodded appreciatively at the drinks before taking a long drink from his, eventually setting it down with a hesitant smile. Pushing it aside for now he leaned in on the table, "I've got tales for days and weeks, keep a crew busy on the seas, make 'em tolerate their lives a bit longer, the things they deal with -- most are ... half-truths aye, a stretch here, a boast there. But any good story teller ... a tale has a bit of truth to its core." He took another swig, "An they never share that truth for free." Smiling towards Cate he continued, "This lass though, this angel of th'Harbor, for her, I'll share."

Clearing his throat, it almost seemed like the temperature of the bar dropped -- a few patrons shivered without realizing it as Ethes began, "I dunno 'bout the Nobles -- as noble as can be with their starts -- but this is a tale of else, a tale of the Sea an' her hold on Porthca."

Letting his words hang in the air for a moment he continued, "I heard tell, from sailors past, and their own fathers who sailed, that when Porthca were but a small little cove for smugglers, the sea was destructive and greedy -- smashing ships 'pon these very shores with glee. Druids could'na speak to it, mages could'na control it -- anythin' they built was merely torn apart soon as was placed." He chuckled glancing towards Cate, "Even those whose gods claimed domain over the waters were turned away in denial." Ethes shook his head. "The nobles though -- aye they were stubborn. Heard tell it were proof of smuggler's greed, this was their territory -- the sea be damned!" Slamming his tankard down he caught a few other patron's attention until they turned back to their respective tables.

Leaning back into the table Ethes frowned, "What were they ta'do? The sea was treatin' them as playthings, and could not be soothed. And yet --" he raised a finger, "-- one man said he could calm it." Ethes scratched his head for a moment, "I dunno how, no one seems ta know how, but he did. He disappeared though, or so they say. Some think the sea took 'im for her own -- a personal plaything, a toy to make miserable."

Taking another swig he sighed with a shrug, "Only thin' I can think of, havin' some sort of man made of water, actin' on behalf of th' Sea. Maybe it's the same man, all these years later?"
 
Benito smiled,"Ty and I have been making the rounds to the other families seeking aid - protection from enchantment and drowning from the Accmours and maps from the Tahyrsts. We came here hoping you might be able to add some knowledge and to keep you informed."

"If you think they might know anything that might help, we should summon Rich and Malia... it's going to take all of us to save the families. I've gathered a company, we've been working to find this killer and stop them. Along with the two of us, as I mentioned there’s two more at the Manor De'Porthca, scouring the library and searching the house for clues and three at the docks scrying for the creature and listening to rumor and tale of the sea to find the truth in the lies."

Benito didn’t expect much aid from the Defallians, they were good people and friendlier than most, maybe they could share some knowledge that the others had not but when it came to this matter they seemed largely outmatched... unless of course they had some way to contact 'The Sea'

Benito continued,"It occurs to me, Master Defallian, that there may be a way that your family can lend more aid than knowledge. The blood of the noble line in your family has long held great natural power, and connected your children to land and sea. Kecei can determine the weather more than a day out. Could any of them possibly contact 'The Sea'? If we only knew the debt; why it was being collected now. We could get closer to ending this."
 
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The Defallian Manor:

Odith continued his work, "Magic from the Accmours, maps from the Tahyrsts ... and from the Defallians you ask ... to talk to the sea?" The older man chuckled, "You almost sound like Kecei now ... 'talking' to the land and water. I've heard of druids speaking to animals, and rarely a few the land, but I've yet to hear of one who speaks to the sea."

Standing he moved to another section, "Rich unfortunately is out of town, he's doing another tour of the farms further in the Plains -- some were raided and he's checking over the damage." He sighed, "Wish bandits and such would realize, if they wanted food, they jus' need to work the land, same as us. Good meals and lodging in exchange for helpin'." Shaking his head, Odith then nodded towards the manor itself, "Malia though I expect is in her study, something about ... trying to mimic druidic spells to help strengthen the land during droughts."
 
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