Rise of the Runelords: Session 22

Verbal Orientation

Sayaad moved quickly through his belongings, his practiced hands separating the school’s texts and scriptures from the trinkets and personal effects he had carried for years. His pack filled with gear, charms, and excess odds and ends, too much perhaps, but each piece held a purpose. Behind him, the Sentinels leaned close, their voices low. The pattern was impossible to ignore: Lyrie’s escape from Thistletop, the theft of a horse in Sandpoint, and now a sudden stir of interest in Thistletop here in Magnimar. Coincidence seemed unlikely.

When they descended into the common room of the Stone of the Seer, Master Nivlandis was waiting. His sharp gaze landed on Sayaad’s backpack, and a knowing smile creased his lips.
"Sayaad, you are my student of longest tenure. You have listened to me lectures for so many years that you have even heard me repeat them over and over." His words felt almost rehearsed, yet sincere, softened by a chuckle. "You have read our copy of Artimosuvil’s codex of beasts so many times that we had to replace the book twice. It is my belief that you have learned all that I can teach you. I see the reunion of you and your colleague for the portent that it is. It is time to spread my teachings beyond the confines of the school. I hope that my teachings have taken enough root for you to see it as well."

Sayaad inclined his head respectfully, sealing the moment with a firm handshake.
Jinx chuckled. "I’m sorry that I came to steal him away. Or maybe it was about damn time to take this old cow out." He slapped Sayaad on the back with boisterous affection before leaning forward. "There is one more thing, master. We heard that some men came by yesterday, asking about Thistletop. Who were they?"

Nivlandis’ expression turned pensive. "Ah yes, those men from yesterday. They tried to keep their motives hidden, but it was clear as day that they planned to venture there. They were an odd bunch, some sported tattoos of a rushlight. An odd choice for rough men, I thought."
"Do you think they are on their way to Sandpoint right now?" Cletus asked.
The master shook his head slowly. "They didn’t seem completely satisfied with my answer. So I don’t think so. They could still be asking around. The ruin has not been properly explored, so there aren’t any accounts about the dangers there."
"It has been properly explored." Vannrik said with a sly smile.
"Not that I have learned, and I consider myself a learned man." Nivlandis replied, his curiosity catching fire.
"We did it." Vannrik explained simply.
The master’s eyes slid toward Jinx, noting the marks of hardship etched into him. "It has been a challenging endeavor, I see."
"It was. But we find the location, if you ever want to see it for yourself." Jinx offered.
"Perhaps one day I will have time for leisure and an expedition. But many students to be taught." Nivlandis said with a faint sigh.
"A shame for those mercenaries who are planning to visit the ruins. I assume that they were hoping to go for treasure, but now it’s long gone."

"More important than getting that horse back is making sure that Lyrie doesn't get to Thistletop and summon another demonic barghest in its dark dungeons." Cletus’ words carried a solemn weight.
"Seems like a very good point, my friend." Jinx agreed.
"A barghest.." Sayaad mused, his grin betraying a spark of dangerous curiosity.
"So that’s the plan, make sure she never gets to Thistletop again. We get a reward for finding that horse. And then we go on our way."

"We can also look into our other friend here in Magnimar. The nobleman who took us on the hunting trip. At least Vannrik should remember Aldern Foxglove. We should be able to find him in town somewhere." Jinx laughed. "Maybe our painting is done."
Cletus frowned, confusion plain.
"We saved him in Sandpoint, then he gifted us some horses and took us hunting. When we returned to Sandpoint with a fresh boar he told us that he lived in Magnimar and that we were always welcome to visit him. He’s supposedly some influential figure and promised us a painting. I thought he could be a nice connection to talk to." Jinx gave Vannrik a pointed look.
"I think you’ve explained it pretty well." Vannrik admitted. "Frankly, I had completely forgotten about the painting altogether." He shrugged. "Overall, he was a nice guy."
"He seemed to be of high stature and that he had made a name for himself." Jinx said, concluding the thought.
"I have nothing else to do, I guess I can come along." Cletus agreed with a shrug.

Jinx turned his attention to master Nivlandis."We are looking for Aldern Foxglove. He should reside somewhere here in Magnimar. He claims to be well known, so you must have heard of him."
The half-elf laid his fingers on his sharp chin. "The Foxglove name rings familiar. Old blood, merchants blood, I think. I heard that they had multiple properties, some property here in Magnimar and a mansion somewhere north along the Lost Coast."
"Is that property in Magnimar a residence?" Vannrik asked.
"A townhouse if I recall correctly. Somewhere in the Naos district as befitting their stature." Nivlandis explained. Jinx and Sayaad both knew of Naos, the “New-Money District,” a wealthy quarter of Magnimar where opulence and commerce walked hand in hand.

Cletus seized the moment. "And where could I find the temple of Iomedae?"
"Also in the Naos district actually. It is beautiful, really. Built like a fortress but it does not mar the beauty of the district there."
Though Cletus smiled politely, unease shadowed his expression. "And have you by any chance heard of any agents of Cheliax here in the city? Hellknights or otherwise?"
"The order of the nail is present." Nivlandis said simply.
"I thought they were stationed south of Korvosa.." Cletus frowned.
The half-elf adjusted his stance, happy to explain. "When parts of the Justice Court became convinced that Magnimar desperately needed stronger law enforcement, they sought aid from the Hellknight Order of the Nail, despite resistance from the Council of Ushers. The Hellknights, eager to impose their brand of order on a land they deemed lawless, accepted the invitation and dispatched a contingent from Citadel Vraid. Yet since their arrival, many within the Justice Court have come to regret the request, realizing they may have gotten more than they bargained for. The Order of the Nail has entrenched itself in Magnimar, and, despite its deep ties to Korvosa, shows no sign of leaving."
The news unsettled Cletus, but he bowed his head in thanks nonetheless.

"We are looking for a scholar, her name is Lyrie. We met her in Sandpoint but she might have come to Magnimar. Have you heard that name before?" Jinx asked.
"That’s actually a good idea Jinx!" Cletus said eagerly. "If she is here she is probably trying to find out more about Thistletop. Where could one find more information about the old ruin of Thistletop? A private library?"
"The good folk that came yesterday thought that they could find it with me. We have the founder’s archive at the museum of the ages which serves as a library and learning house. That would be the closest thing that comes to mind." He added quickly, "Beside our illustrious school."
"Then perhaps Lyrie went there." Cletus reasoned.
"And how many stables are in the city and accessible to travelers?"
"Every gate has a stable for visitors." Nivlandis replied pleasantly.
"Is there a larger school or guild for wizards in Magnimar?" Cletus asked, his eyes drifting across the modest chambers of the learning house.
"Besides here, of course." Vannrik added quickly, nudging the tiefling in the side.
Though Nivlandis’ smile held, the question clearly cut deeper than Cletus realized.
"I apologise for that question, sir." Jinx offered smoothly.
"We pride ourselves on being the foremost wizard school in Magnimar, blessed by the lady of the waters herself." Nivlandis said, his tone polite but firm.
"My apologies, I just figured with Lyrie being a wizard she might look up other wizards to find a place to stay." Cletus stammered. "And she’s clearly not here."
"You’re not making it any better." Jinx muttered.
"I have not heard or seen anyone by that name." Nivlandis concluded.
"Jinx, please. This Academy is not bigger thanThe Theuma exus." Cletus whispered through gritted teeth.
"Are we talking about size again?" Jinx growled back.
Nivlandis cut through the tension smoothly. "There is of course another place, not for wizards but for learned men and women, the Golemworks."
"I heard of that!" Cletus said, his tone brightening. "Is it true that the mayor surrounds himself with a golem for protection?"
"It is what they say. But they say a lot of things about the mayor, and not all of them are to be believed." Nivlandis replied, tilting his head.
Cletus couldn’t help but smile at the thought of seeing such wonders firsthand. "I suggest looking for our horsethief first before it runs cold." He turned to Jinx and Vannrik. "You can always catch up with your painter after."
"I agree." Vannrik nodded.
"Magnimar is a magnificent city but there are also shadows here, under the Irespan, on the docks, Beacons Point. If someone wants to hide, there are many places to do so." Nivlandis warned thoughtfully.
"I’m not sure if she actively wants to hide." Cletus murmured.
"That’s a good point. There are not a lot of people that know about her, other than us." Jinx added.
Cletus, pleased his companions were aligned, lifted his chin. "We got a plan, let’s visit the stables first. That seems to be the busiest points. After that we can revisit the archive and the museum of ages, perhaps check in on the golemworks. Let’s just ask around. And maybe by tonight we can regroup at the Old Fang and see if there is word about our meeting with Justice Ironbriar." He turned to Sayaad. "You’re coming with us then?"
"Of course." Sayaad said with a grin. "If these tasks will bring me to Sandpoint then I’m following you."
"To the stables then!" Cletus declared.

The Stables

The Sentinels, joined now by their newest companion Sayaad, left the hushed mysticism of the House of the Seers and wandered into the peaceful Seerspring Gardens. Among the quiet pools and trimmed greenery, they agreed to divide their efforts. The stables were scattered, and splitting up would be the fastest way to cover ground.
Cletus volunteered for the western stables in Ordelia, far from the Bastion of the Nail and, more importantly, the looming Iomedean temple. The thought of both made him bite his lip, though he kept that to himself. Vannrik set his course toward the stables along the Lost Coast road leading north toward Sandpoint. That left the remaining gates to Jinx and Sayaad: the twin stables near Founder’s Honor and another by the Naos district gates.
"Let’s meet back in the Old Fang later. After that perhaps we can meet in the museum and then the Golemworks." Cletus proposed.
"And let’s not forget about our friend." Jinx reminded them.
"He’s not going anywhere." Vannrik replied with a faint smile.

Cletus

Cletus had the longest road ahead. His path wound west through the Keystone district and across the broad bridge to Kyver’s Islet, where sawmills lined the banks and harnessed the Yondabakari’s restless current. The rhythmic creak of wood and water reminded him of tales from a riverside town near Absalom. Another bridge carried him from the island into Ordelia proper.
The district bore none of the polished beauty Magnimar flaunted in its higher wards. Here, the closeness of the Mushfens and the patchwork of its people made Ordelia rough but alive, a haven for immigrants, misfits, and dissenters. A tattered embassy and the open-air stage of the Rose and Rake stood out among weatherworn homes. Still, Cletus found himself oddly at ease. Unlike in the city’s finer quarters, here no one curled a lip at the sight of a tiefling passing by.

The stables lay just outside the city gate. It didn’t take long for Cletus to corner a stableboy, who stiffened when the horned stranger approached. "Hello, my good lad! I’m looking for a horse. One that I recently lost. I could share a few silver pieces with whoever can help me find it."
The boy fumbled for words. "Yeah, but we don’t have lost horses here. Most of them are well accounted for. What is it that you seek?"
"Unless someone found my horse and claimed it as their own. I’m really attached to it." Cletus lied smoothly, describing the gray-dappled Criollo. The boy shook his head, no such horse was stabled here, and instead offered others as replacements. "Oh no, no one could replace Blessie!" Cletus declared with mock devastation.
"That’s a shame, sir." the boy replied with a shrug.
"Are there more stables than the ones located at the gates?" Cletus pressed.
"Not really. Most business happens at the gates. Only the carriage services have their private stables in town." the boy answered.


  Cletus slipped him five coppers for his trouble and turned to leave, the matter settled, at least outwardly.
But fortune had other plans. Nearing the gate back into town, he caught sight of a tall man trudging through the street, his boots still muddy, a rushlight tattoo inked into his forearm.
Cletus’s eyes narrowed. He fell into pursuit, careful and unhurried, masking his interest behind feigned curiosity in shopfronts and doorways. He kept his distance, close enough never to lose the man but far enough not to draw his eye. The trick lay in patience, pausing at a corner, letting his quarry slip from view, then quickening his pace to close the gap without ever seeming to chase.
The game ended at an unmarked warehouse near Red Kestril Imports. Cletus noted its features at once: two wide cargo doors, a narrow side entrance, and no windows to speak of. He lingered just long enough to etch the scene into memory before retreating into the flow of the street.

Jinx and Sayaad

Jinx and Sayaad made their way up the cliff and ventured into the Naos district. It was filled with splendid neighbourhoods and grand villas. Jinx recognized some of the villas overlooking the cliff as the ancestral villa of the Kaijitsu family, where Ameiko’s great grandparents have lived. Besides the Deverin family where Sandpoint’s mayor’s extended family lives.Besides there was the House of Welcome, a high class brothel.
Sayaad slowed, casting Jinx a sly grin. "Many, many monsters in there."
"I see, you tamed them all, I guess?" Jinx retorted.
"No, no. I’m not well versed enough to conquer them all."
"You know, my friend Cletus might be."
They both laughed but wisely let the matter drop.

Their route carried them past the lush hedges of Defiance Garden, the palatial residence of Lord Mayor Grobaras, then onward to the fortress-like temple of Iomedae. Across the street shimmered the Founder’s Flame, a fountain of living fire whose colors shifted like a prism, said to sharpen the magic of those who meditated beside it. Towering stone Guardians loomed near the Twin’s Gate, while black-armored Hellknights patrolled the affluent streets with grim precision. Somewhere nearby lay the Bastion of the Nail.

Not far from the gate, Jinx tugged on his companion’s sleeve. "Sayaad, this is the place. I’ll be the pretty face and you’ll do the talking."
The Varisian gave him a doubtful look. "Let’s call it that Jinx, whatever makes you sleep at night."
The stables were run by a burly, disheveled man whose features were a blend of Varisian and Ulfen. He greeted them loudly, his thick accent carrying across the yard.
"Hello, how can I help you?"
"Good day, we’re looking for a horse." Sayaad informed him.
"Oh I have so many horses, you don’t even want to know that." the man replied with a wild laugh.
Sayaad kept his tone measured. "It should have arrived not too long ago."
The stablemaster laughed again, scratching his beard. "I’m afraid that most of my horses… I am a good herder but my wife says I’m not a very good salesman, eh? So all my horses have been here for a long time. Luckily they are good company so, so yes it’s not a bad life." He burst into another laugh. "You want to buy a horse so I can tell my wife that I’m actually good at selling the horses? Or not?"
Sayaad tried to parse the accent, then shook his head. "We are actually looking for a specific horse, but if you don’t have that specific one… I’m sorry. But no."
The stablemaster slumped his shoulders but smiled faintly. "Bah. That is very much too bad, I think. Is there anything else that I can do for you, maybe?"
Sayaad looked to his gnome companion.
"Do you have anything else for sale?" Jinx asked.
The man brightened. "I have saddles and gear for when you want to ride the horses. Those type of things."
Jinx shook his head. "No, no need for that."
Sayaad shot him a sideways look. "You know we’re in a stable right?"
"You never know what people have to sell." Jinx countered.
"Whatever you say." Sayaad muttered dismissively.
The stablemaster offered one last suggestion. "If you ever need a message for delivered then my son is very fast on foot and by the horse."
Jinx murmured under his breath. "That’s interesting. We’ll keep it in mind. Thank you for your services sir!"
The stablemaster waved cheerfully. "It’s okay, and now, as we say in the Velashu Uplands, "Houdoe!""

As they left the stables and strolled back through Naos, Jinx kept his sharp eyes peeled for the Foxglove townhouse mentioned by Master Nivlandis. They soon found it: a severe, three-storied stone residence that stood a little too stiff among its elegant neighbors. Their knock was answered by a striking woman with pale features and guarded eyes.
She introduced herself, almost by rote, as Iesha Foxglove, wife of the nobleman the Sentinels had saved. Her politeness never faltered, but her voice carried a note of disinterest, as though she were fulfilling an obligation rather than extending genuine warmth. After the briefest pause, just long enough for it to feel deliberate, she added the invitation. They were welcome to join her household for dinner that night.

Vannrik

Vannrik headed east into the Alabaster District, a place somehow even more opulent than Naos. At the southern end sprawled a grand estate, its walled grounds so vast it could have been mistaken for a wealthy countryside manor. Through the gate, he glimpsed multiple outbuildings, each designed with wealth and leisure in mind. Nearby stood another imposing structure, temple-like in its appearance. Despite its sanctified design, it was secular in function, home to the public offices of Magnimar’s seven major noble families. Here, commoners could petition aid or lodge complaints, though their words were filtered by layers of intermediaries so only matters deemed worthy reached noble ears. Lesser families rented space as needed, turning the hall into a hub of politics, power, and public supplication.
Vannrik passed through the gates and soon found a stable.

The stablemaster was a Chelish man, dressed in Magnimarian fashion, practical yet stylish. He greeted Vannrik with polite formality. "Hello, what may I do for you? Are you in the market to buy a horse?"
"I’m actually looking for a specific horse which was stolen in a different city." Vannrik replied evenly. "We have reason to suspect that the thief traveled here."
The stablemaster straightened his posture, voice firm. "First of all, I would like to assure you that I do not deal in stolen horses. All my horses have their paperwork in order. But please inform me of your concerns." He fidgeted with a horsewhip as he listened.
Vannrik gave a description. "Does anyone arrive with a horse like that in the last few days?"
The man listened carefully, then nodded. "Actually, yes. There was a woman, a Garundi, perhaps from the Mwangi Expanse or one of such countries." Vannrik caught the slip, the man nearly said 'colonies' before catching himself.
"She was one of those people who had no proper paperwork for the horse so I sent her away. I could not allow her to stable a horse here without documentation."
"Do you know where she went after you told her to piss off?" Vannrik asked bluntly.
The stablemaster blinked at the phrasing but quickly recovered. "She turned tail and rode out of sight." His lips curved into a small, intrigued smile. "I take good care of my horses. If they stay idle for too long I take them on rides, as one should. I did see the gray dappled cirillo roaming the wilderness on one of my rides, not far from the city gates."
Vannrik let out a weary sigh. "Oh, lovely. She abandoned it. Well, I guess if you steal a horse you don’t bother to take care of it."
"It’s a shame, horses are nearly priceless creatures, especially when they come from the right stock. Of course, that horse was very young. Still, to abandon a horsennn that’s desperate and very far removed from wisdom." The Chelaxian answered
"Are there any dangerous creatures in those woods?" Vannrik asked.
"There are dangerous creatures everywhere. The Lost Coast road is more or less protected by the city guard, but of course we are close to the Mushfen, the swamps to the south. Boggards, and other foul swamp things sometimes spill out. And of course, there is the ever present banditry on the roads. Despite, what some call, the local guard's best efforts."
Vannrik pressed further. "Where exactly did you spot the horse?"
"A few miles down the road, two hours on horseback, more or less. It was grazing somewhere in the hills. Somewhere toward the mainland. But I must warn you, I saw it this morning and it was untethered. Don’t run into danger on account of my retelling of the sighting."
"I appreciate the information, but rest assured. I can take care of myself." Vannrik replied.
The stablemaster’s sly grin returned. "Can I offer any further assistance?"
Vannrik inquired about renting horses. It was a matter of silverpieces, but for now, he needed to regroup, he wouldn’t ride into possible danger alone.
On his way back to Dockway, he lingered near the House of Lords. A crowd of commoners clustered before its gates, waiting their turn to be heard. Bread prices were too high. Hellknights too harsh on the poor. Merchants accused those same guards of being too lax with thieves. Delayed shipments from pirates out of Riddleport. The drug Zerg spreading through the lower wards. Crimes, whispers, even murders.
Magnimar had no shortage of problems. And not all of them could be solved by the courage of an adventurer.


 

Drinks and dinner

By the time the others returned, Cletus had already made himself at home in the Old Fang’s stables, mug in hand, boots kicked up, and his roguish winks aimed squarely at a red-haired Ulfen woman who seemed unimpressed. Between sips, he received word that the Sentinels were expected at the Pediment Building the next morning at nine sharp, summoned to meet Justice Ironbriar. Apparently Julia had wasted no time in making arrangements.
The door creaked open, and Sayaad’s gravelly voice rolled across the room. "Come Jinx, now we drink."
Not long after, Vannrik joined them.
Ol’ Mam Grottle, the heavy-set innkeeper, thudded a fresh round of ale onto the table. The Sentinels leaned in close, sharing the day’s discoveries while the Ulfen and a couple of sailors kept busy with their own affairs, too distracted to eavesdrop.

  "Quiet, and a nice view of the port. And no Iomedeans around every corner." Cletus remarked with a grin. "I honestly think I’m starting to like Varisia."
"Good news and bad news," Vannrik said after a long swallow. "I’ve got a lead on the horse. The bad news is that she abandoned the horse in the middle of the road."
"And with ‘she’ you mean Lyrie," Cletus mused, tapping his mug.
Cletus leaned forward. "Well I’ve found one of those thugs with those tattoos, shadowed them, and it led me to a warehouse somewhere on the docks of Ordelia. I don’t think we will need to visit the museum anymore. We know all we know now." He tilted his horned head toward Vannrik. "But you say that the horse is outside of the city, that means that if we get it back that we can’t wait. That should be the first thing on our list, right?"
Vannrik glanced at the window, the last light of day bleeding into the gulf. "I agree, but I suggest we do it tomorrow. Unless you want to do it at night when the horse would be hardly visible."
"I guess the same goes for the warehouse." Cletus muttered, lips twisting.
Sayaad gave a casual shrug. "It depends, do you want to break in somewhere, or are you just looking for some friendly conversation?"
Cletus shot a confused look at Sayaad. "I’m sorry. I’ve barely returned to Magnimar for a day, and you want me to break into a warehouse under cover of darkness, just on arrival? That’s a quick way into a jail cell." Cletus sputtered, throwing his hands up.
Vannrik raised a placating arm. "They didn’t do anything wrong, right? They just want to go to Thistletop."
The tiefling’s eyes glinted as he slipped in a morsel of seasoned advice. "You know, Sayaad, the first thing you have to do if you really want to break in somewhere is observe the place. And that you can best do by day."
"Very well," Sayaad conceded, leaning back in his chair.

The group shifted to lighter talk as they debated how to spend the night. Cletus’s thoughts strayed to the Shucked Oyster, a brothel just a few bends down the road, gaudy, scandalous, and untouchable thanks to its political patrons. Jinx cracked a grin. "I know it in all it’s glory.."
"You’ve been there?" Cletus asked, shocked.
Jinx waved dismissively. "No, I have a particular taste in women, but it seems like a place where you would feel at home."
Cletus frowned, running the math in his head. "I must admit that I’ve already spent a lot of the savings I had. But I can’t really say that I visited Magnimar without visiting one of its most entertaining businesses, can I?" His eyes flicked toward the Ulfen woman at the far table. "Besides it doesn’t look like I’m getting anywhere with the Ulfen girl."

  Defeat crept onto his face, but he quickly masked it by changing the subject. "So Vannrik, how long has it been since you.. You know.. Went at it?"
"To a brothel?" Vannrik asked, brow raised. "Never."
"There is a first time for everything." Cletus smirked. "Sayaad, you look like a man with experience."
"A lot of experience," the Varisian replied with a broad grin.

  Before Cletus could set off to conquer the Oyster’s infamous halls, however, more immediate concerns growled in their stomachs. A proper meal in a nobleman’s hall would have to come first.
Sayaad did not join the other Sentinels in catching up with their old friend, he instead took the time to properly prepare his departure from the City of Monuments.
 

A dish served cold

[ GM's note: We played through the dinner with the Foxgloves during ROTR Session 25 in a flashback. See you there! ]
 

Dead or Alive

The City of Monuments rarely slept. With only a few hours left before midnight, most of the Sentinels split up to hunt for rumors. "I will make sure to ask the girls at the Shucked Oyster about the hottest gossip in town," Cletus said before heading off.
Jinx, Vannrik, and Sayaad moved through Dockway, asking questions and watching the flow of people. Finding a lone Garundi in a city this big was near impossible, but Jinx never missed the small things. He nudged Sayaad and gave a subtle nod toward a young vagrant. The man wore rags, but his eyes were sharp. Maybe a lookout. Maybe worse.
Sayaad approached with Vannrik behind him while Jinx stayed back to keep an eye on the street. Sayaad repeated the question he had asked a hundred people already. "We are looking for a Garundi woman, dressed in robes unfit for the northern climate. Could be accompanied by a white cat." At first the vagrant tensed, but Vannrik’s friendly smile eased him.
"I believe I have seen someone with that description. But I would need to make sure that we are talking about the same person." He stroked his chin, looking the Sentinels over as if weighing their skills and their coin. "Follow me."


 
  They followed him up the sloped streets toward the higher parts of town. The walk was longer than expected, circling around the southern bend of Naos toward the looming Arvensoar. He finally stopped at a wallboard beside a residential building and pointed to a battered notice. Lyrie’s face stared back at them from a fading Wanted poster.
The text read: "Wanted: Lyrie Akenja for 2 counts of murder. Dangerous spellcaster. Her person, corpse or any leads to her location must be submitted to the City Watch at the Arvensoar or the Pathfinder Society at Heidmarch Manor."
Sayaad glanced at the others. "Is this her?"
Vannrik nodded. "Yep!"
Jinx frowned at the implications. "It’s her, but why would she be wanted for murder?"
"Probably because she committed some murders," the vagrant said dryly.
"Good observation," Sayaad muttered.
"Do you know the story behind these murders?" Jinx asked.
"Yes, who did she kill?" Vannrik added.
"Allegedly," Jinx corrected.
"I don’t know. This is the first time I heard her name," the vagrant said with a shrug. "But I recognized her face from what you explained." He studied the poster again, now fully invested. "Normally, when you catch a criminal you bring them to the City Watch. Why would they want her at Heidmarch Manor? What does the Pathfinder Society have to do with this?"
"Do you know something about them, and the Manor?" Jinx asked.
"Heidmarch Manor is not too far from the northgate. It is one of the largest manor houses that the city has. It was built by adventurers, Pathfinders. I think they mainly make their coin with Treasure Hunting. A profession that is sure to get you killed, one way or another. But if you survive you get to live in a big mansion in Magnimar, I suppose."
"We could ask the people from the Pathfinder Society," Vannrik suggested. "I suspect she has killed some adventurers or something."
"Are you adventurers?" the vagrant asked bluntly.
"Only by trade," Vannrik replied just as bluntly.
"Do you think you will ever end up in a mansion like that?"
Vannrik thought of the villa he had seen earlier. "I can only hope,"
"I heard that adventuring is a lot more lucrative than being a lookout, is it?" the man asked, half dreaming.
"Yes, but I’ve also been closer to death than most lookouts," Vannrik answered.
"That is probably true," the vagrant said, his daydream fading. "But you carry good coin."
"What do you mean by that?" Jinx asked, wary.
The vagrant lifted his hands. "Here is the thing. I helped you, allright? But I am supposed to keep a lookout on my little alley and my neighborhood. I am supposed to inform people when wealthy folk make their way into town. If you could help a man out, I would not tell a soul that I have seen you."
Sayaad stepped in close. "Is that a threat?"
"It sure sounds that way, old friend?" Jinx added.
"It could also be a simple transaction," the vagrant said, backing up.
"Or it could be a threat." Sayaad closed the distance again, scowl deepening. "I’m taking it as a threat."
The boy’s knees shook.
"Nevermind," he stammered. "Just forget that I said anything." He tried to step away but hit the wall. "How about this? I can look into the story of this Lyrie chick, okay? And I must also say, if she has her face here on the posters, she must be in hiding." Sayaad eased back, and the vagrant exhaled. "My guess would be underbridge, or maybe dockway. If one is wanted by the law, those would be the places to hide."
Sayaad clapped him on the shoulder hard enough to sting. "See? Is it not better to do it out of the kindness of your heart?"
"Yes, I guess it is better to do it out of the kindness of my heart," the boy echoed.
“Well, I suppose that you’re helping us.” Vannrik shrugged and reached into his pack, he pulled out a bottle of Irriseni wine. The gift was eagerly accepted.
The vagrant agreed to meet them in his alley in two hours, then bolted into the night. Jinx watched his retreat. The boy had revealed his post and seemed genuinely terrified of Sayaad. Jinx doubted he would risk a double cross.
Meanwhile Cletus had spend the evening ‘Double-crossing’ various of the working women in the Shucked Oyster, he leaves the brothel 10 gold pieces lighter but a wealth of experiences richer.


  The Sentinels collected Cletus from the brothel and headed back to their meeting spot. When they reached the lookout’s post, they were surprised to find the vagrant already there, bent over and catching his breath.
"Okay, I did as you asked. I asked around about this Lyrie. She was an applicant for the Pathfinder Society, she wanted to join them."
He sat down, still winded. "The story goes that there were two other applicants at the same time. Apparently, the other two applicants ‘mysteriously died’. I don’t know the details, but magic was involved somehow." He winced early, bracing for Sayaad’s reaction, but none came.
"I don’t know if there was any evidence. But amongst the Pathfinder Society and its leaders it was believed that Lyrie had murdered her competition to improve her chances. But then she fled."
"How long ago was this?" Cletus asked.
"A couple of months," the man said. "The poster has been hanging there for a while now."
Vannrik folded his arms. "It was never actually proven that she murdered those people, right?"
"Not that I have heard, but those Pathfinder are good at what they do. The manor is run by two nearly retired adventurers. There seems to be little doubt."
"Is this a big story?" Jinx asked. "I’ve looked around town and I haven’t seen any other posters."
"I don’t think so." The vagrant rubbed his hands together for warmth. "Her posters hang here and there but it doesn’t seem to be anyone’s biggest concern, at least not publicly."
The Sentinels exchanged a quiet look, weighing the implications.
"Do you want some advice?" the vagrant asked carefully. "Like I said, Dockway or Underbridge. If someone is hiding from the law it is most likely there. Underbridge is abandoned by all law enforcements. No guardsman or hellknight in their right mind would go there. If you have the picture you may find someone willing to rat her out for money."
"The wanted poster doesn’t mention a reward, is there a standard reward for this kind of thing?" Vannrik asked.
"That’s not my usual type of business. I guess it depends on how dangerous she is." The vagrant shrugged. "Is there anything else that you want from me? Or can I start to enjoy this bottle that you gave me?"
"What does your boss pay you?" Jinx asked fast. "On a weekly basis?"
"It’s not exactly a salary, coppers, sometimes a silver if it’s an exceptionally good mark. All I do is inform on the wealthy who stumble in the wrong neighbourhoods."
"If you find out anything more about Lyrie that could help us in the next couple of days you leave us a message at the Old Fang. Ok?"
The man nodded. "I’ll keep my eyes peeled for anything that might interest you. This Lyrie girl, or… what else are you interested in? Is it just her? Is this why you’re here?"
"This is our primary concern," Jinx said.
"What about those guys with the Rushlight tattoos?" Sayaad asked.
"Those guys from Ordelia? Word is that they are part of a group called the Rushlight Society. They are active in the southern parts of town, but more importantly they are also active on the road. From what I have heard they are bandits and smugglers. They don't involve themselves with crime in the city, that’s why they are not targeted by the other gangs. They just use Magnimar to sell off stolen loot. They are outdoorsy types."
The Sentinels shared a satisfied look. They had what they needed.
Vannrik tipped his head toward the man. "Enjoy that wine."
Jinx tossed him two gold coins. "You work for us now, any information that you come across, you let us know. Send us a message through the inn." He leaned in closer, wagging a finger. "And don’t spend this money with stupidity. Don’t let your boss know that you’ve got some gold. Spend it wisely."
The vagrant’s eyes lit with the warm gleam of gold. "That is really good advice. Master… gnome? May I know your names?"
The group introduced themselves. Jinx offered only his title: "The seer of Sandpoint".

On the walk back to the Old Fang, the Sentinels asked Cletus how his night had gone. He lifted his shirt to show off fresh bruises. "It started out fine," he complained. "But I may have accidentally summoned Andromeda, and she did not like being summoned at a brothel. It still hurts where she hit me. But the girls loved it. 'Angels and Demons' they called it."
The Sentinels eventually slept, with the rowdy calls from drunk sailors as their lullabies. Cletus, however, remained blissfully unaware that he had just sparked a brand new urban legend in Dockway’s nightlife.

Justice

The Sentinels had slept in far better beds, but for Dockway and for the price, their rooms did the job. They were still rubbing sleep from their eyes when they gathered in the common room for breakfast.
"So we’re off to find these bandits, or the actual horse?" Cletus asked between bites of bread.
"We also have that appointment at the ninth hour with the Justice," Vannrik reminded them. "We can’t really skip that."
Cletus nodded. "You know Vannrik, I told the girls from last night that we got a pretty boy in our group. They were most interested to hear that."
Vannrik raised his brows. "Is that so?"
Jinx steered the topic elsewhere. "You know, this Lyrie never struck me as a murderer or a strong violent type. She didn’t even try to attack us, not even after we killed her lover."
Cletus shook his head. "This woman hides in an ancient place, surrounded with murderous goblins and a crazy priestess of Lamashtu." He waved a hand in mock innocence. "No, no, she’s probably as innocent as a child."
Jinx frowned. "It’s just that she didn’t seem violent towards us. And we never got to measure her strength."
"There are psychopaths out there who seem like the calmest people you could ever know," Cletus said, unaware how close he was to the truth.
Vannrik shook his head. "When we met her she must have known that she couldn’t take all four of us at the time. Even if she was murderous, it would have been stupid to attack us there."
Cletus considered that and pressed on. "What about the Pathfinders, should we tell them that she’s in town? And that this Rushlight Society is linked to her somehow?"
"I would prefer to find Lyrie ourselves," Vannrik said.
"But those Pathfinders are rich, and could actually provide us with the means to catch her," the tiefling countered with a sly wink.
"We could come in as bounty hunters," Jinx suggested.
"But then we would lose the bounty entirely," Cletus mused. "Maybe Vannrik is right. We could rake in more money if we bring in Lyrie ourselves." His mind was already counting profits.
"I learned a trick where I could knock her out instead of killing her with my powers," Vannrik offered.
"She does have two deaths on her hands, I’m not going to take any chances with her," Cletus countered.
"But it’s not proven. And I’d hate for an innocent woman to be killed. That’s why I want to take care of this ourselves," the Jadwiga said. "Then we can get to the bottom of it, one way or the other."
Cletus shook his head. "We don’t need to get to the bottom of it, we just have to make sure that she doesn’t go to Sandpoint anymore. Perhaps delivering her to the Pathfinders is the best."
Jinx leaned toward Vannrik. "I’m with Vannrik on this. We get her ourselves, we interrogate her and then we decide what to do. I wouldn’t bring her to the Pathfinders right away."
"It does mean that we have to find her ourselves. That might be difficult," Vannrik added.
"I heard from one of the hookers that the lady who leads the Pathfinders in Magnimar is a woman of great beauty," Cletus said, though it convinced no one but himself.
They had no time to argue further. Their appointment at the Pediment Building was waiting.

Near Usher’s Hall rose the cold gray bulk of the Pediment Building, its upper halls lined with stone gargoyles and stern-faced judges carved into the façade. This was where the Justice Court and the Halls of Virtue operated, each judge holding court in a chamber tailored to their own view of the law.
Inside, Magnimar’s laws were interpreted with a mix of creativity and collaboration. The justices often sought each other’s counsel, and despite the loose structure, the system functioned surprisingly well. Still, as the city grew, the strain was beginning to show.
Beneath the Pediment Building ran the infamous prisons known as The Hells. Sayaad and Jinx both knew that Magnimar rarely executed criminals. Instead, it prided itself on overflowing cells. As Sayaad walked the group through the building’s history, Cletus remembered something a woman at the brothel had said: "This room in the brothel is wilder than the lowest circle of the Hells'." At first he had taken it as a jab at his tiefling heritage. After nudging for context, he learned she meant the riots that had torn through the lower levels years earlier. Those floors had been bricked off and abandoned. No one knew exactly what had happened down there, though starvation seemed the most likely end. Cletus was quietly grateful the group was not headed below ground.

The Sentinels were expected guests, and there was little paperwork to slow them on their way to Justice Ironbriar. His office was polished and imposing, lined with dark wood and the weight of old authority. Behind the desk sat a man in red justice robes, and the sight of him caught them off guard. Justice Ironbriar was a forlorn elf with short black hair slicked back with heavy wax. His eyes were polished onyx, dark and unreadable, the same eerie shine Shalelu carried. Behind the elf stood two knights, clad in black devilish armor. To Cletus' dismay, they were easily identifable as Hellknights.
"Greetings," Justice Ironbriar said, his voice carrying the kind of authority that needed no decoration. "You are the ones that they call the Sandpoint Sentinels, are you not?"
"Yes, your.. Justiceness? Your honor?" Cletus stammered.
"Your excellence?" Jinx offered.
The elf gave a patient nod. "Your honor is my title in court, Lord Ironbriar will do fine."
"Yes, my lord." Cletus replied, visibly unsure.
Justice Ironbriar gestured toward the seats. "It is too early for wine, but can I offer you any comforts?"
Sayaad shrugged. "Wine would be fine" The others opted for water and tea.
"It shall be provided." Ironbriar answered without hesitation.
The Sentinels settled into chairs far softer than expected. Clerks drifted in and out, delivering pastries and small plates while the room eased into formal calm.
Once the pleasantries faded, the elf folded his hands. "I received from Sheriff Belor Hemlock the story about trouble in Sandpoint, but also about four heroes that seem to have emerged from the chaos. This is you if I'm correct. I see Vannrik from the north, Jinx the local diviner.. He also told me of a tiefling that has come to their aid. Your name is Cletus from Westcrown, is that correct?"
Cletus nodded. "Yes, that would be me."
Ironbriar turned to Sayaad. "Then you must be Rabie. Another local from Sandpoint."
Sayaad shook his head. "No, I am not. I am new to this adventuring party."
"Rabie perished in a tragic accident." Cletus clarified, choosing his words carefully.
"That is a shame," the justice said. "I was hoping to get a full account."
"Well this was after the events of Thistletop." Cletus explained.
Ironbriar raised a hand. "Perhaps we will get to those events.. The reason I have called you is because I have overstepped my boundaries as Justice. I have offered a lot of Magnimar's resources to the defense of your town. I need to justify this decision."
"But it was a success, my lord!" Cletus said, quick to defend him. "If not for your guards and especially Julia we might never have had succeeded."
The elf considered that. "Really? Julia is the one that sent word to me about your arrival in the city. What was her role in all of this?"
"She came to our rescue and it was her arrow that slain the priestess of Lamashtu there." Cletus explained.
Ironbriar leaned forward, the picture forming. "A priestess of Lamashtu.. I heard the name Nualia. Is she slain?"
"Yes, Jacob from Sandpoint and Julia from Magnimar were essential in helping us kill her." Vannrik said.
"And Nualia is buried in Thistletop Isle." Cletus added.
The justice nodded slowly. "Please, tell me. I feel like we are jumping to the end of the story. Can you tell me what the threat exactly was?"
The Sentinels laid it out: the goblin raids, Nualia’s theft of Father Tobyn’s corpse, their own near defeat before the guards arrived, the Barghest Malfeshnekor, and the discoveries hidden beneath the ruins of Thistletop. Cletus silently panicked at every mention of Andromeda during the story. The reaction of the Hellknights were locked away behind blackened visors.
As the account unfolded, Jinx caught something rare, a small, involuntary flinch from the otherwise composed elf when they mentioned Thassilon.
"It was a Thassilonian ruin then? This Thistletop?" the Justice asked.
Cletus jumped in. "As I understood it, the Thassilonians captured a demon in there and Nualia attempted to free it."
Jinx raised a hand. "Wait, wait, wait. Not so fast." the gnome said. "Yes, it was Thassilonian, yes there was a demon. There were some points of interest within the site that revealed some of Thassilon's history. I still have some of the paperwork and scriptures in my backpack. But Cletus is right, there were some ancient powers at play.. The texts, the demon."
"Oh! And a white cat!" Cletus added.
Justice Ironbriar absorbed the details in silence. Elven eyes, dark and unreadable, made it nearly impossible to guess what he focused on. His gaze drifted toward Vannrik as the Sentinels finished recounting the tale. Then, without warning, the judge pointed at the medallion hanging around Vannrik’s neck.
"Did that come from Thistletop?" Ironbriar asked abruptly.
"Yes, it did." Vannrik said. "It has some useful magic inside."
"I see, and what is it?" the Justice pressed.
Vannrik hesitated. "Eh, a sevenpointed star. It gives me some artificial vitality everyday. Comes in handy when fighting... Anything under the sun, really."
"I am sure of that. A useful artifact to find in a lost ruin." the judge replied.
Jinx could not help himself. "The Seven pointed star, also called the Sihedron rune, was a symbol of Thassilonian rulership. Tied to their way of practicing magic. We also found a key with the same symbol there. It was also featured on one of these scrolls here." Jinx said as he unpacked a stack of brittle documents.
"Jinx even sat on the throne of a Runelord." Cletus laughed.
"Really, there was a throne of some Runelord in this Thistletop?" the Justice mused.
"Yes, with a very old illusion still giving commands." Vannrik said.
"He said that he was far away and that the end of the world was coming.. Something about another Runelord? And not to worry." Cletus recalled, unsure of the details.
Ironbriar sifted through the fragile papers with careful fingers. The Thassilonian script meant nothing to him, so he studied the sketches instead.
"Do you think that this Nualia was interested in the history and legends of old Thassilon? Was she interested in that seven pointed star that Vannrik wears around his neck?" the Justice asked.
"Yes, I think so! I have her diary. She explained most, if not all, about what she was trying to do." Jinx said, handing him the small book.
The Justice opened the diary, stopping after a few pages of adolescent rambling. "Are you certain that the threat at Thistletop is averted?"
Cletus blinked. "What threat?"
"From Nualia." Ironbriar clarified.
Vannrik gave a small shrug. "She's dead.. so.."
"And the goblin tribes are no longer a threat to Sandpoint." Cletus added.
"Did she have more followers then just the goblins?" the Justice pressed.
"There was Aiuvarin martial artist, but we got rid of him too." Vannrik said.
Jinx bit his lip, then glanced at his companions. "And a scholar." he added quietly.
"Yes, Lyrie." Vannrik admitted. "But I'm not sure if she was a follower. I think she was just there to study the ruin"
Jinx nudged him sharply, reminding him to tread carefully.
The Justice leaned in. "She was a scholar helping Nualia research these secrets from the past?"
"I actually don't know what the deal was between those two." Cletus said honestly.
"She was helping her at least." Jinx clarified.
"Oh, now I remember. Nualia wanted something underneath Sandpoint because it was Thassilonian as well." Cletus began, but the Justice cut him off.
The elf narrowed his eyes. "This scholar, did you also kill her?"
Before the Sentinels could explain, Sayaad reached into his pack and pulled out the faded wanted poster. "That's her." he said.
"She is a fugitive here." the Justice remarked.
"We came here intent on finding and capturing here. But we don't know how easy or difficult that is going to be." Vannrik said.
The Justice straightened. "Do you need any resources?" he asked, putting weight on the word any.
"What can you spare?" Jinx asked.
"I have found that in my long career as a judge it is best to ensure that you have swatted all the flies in the swarm," the elf said. "Do you suspect that she is in Magnimar?"
"Yes, apparently she stole a horse and one of the stablers recognized her from our description." Vannrik said.
"And we have some clues where she, or additional henchmen may be hiding." Cletus added.
The elf rose from his seat. "I will be frank with you. From what I hear this woman is wanted for two possible counts of murder, she is a horsethief, but more than that she has aided in the gathering of goblins and the assault on Sandpoint. That is an assault on Magnimar and its holdings as a whole. This is treason, plain and simple."
Cletus frowned. "I’m begging your pardon, your honor. There is no proof that we have found of her committing a crime other than stealing a horse."
Ironbriar’s tone cooled. "And her presence in Thistletop and aiding this Nualia?" He paused, leaning forward over the table. "I may have misunderstood the story. If you are unconvinced that she is of ill intent.."
Cletus cut in. "It was our intention to deliver her, alive, to the authorities."
"Yes, exactly." Vannrik agreed.
"It is not for us to judge over her life, or her death." Cletus added.
The judge nodded, the faintest smile curling his lip. "That is indeed not your prerogative." A hint of smugness colored the words. Then he softened. "Any resources that you need in this, I am more then happy to provide. Be it a patrol of guards, equipment, anything that can bring this criminal to justice." He paused. "If a criminal she be." Another beat. "..And to end this threat to Sandpoint completely."

  The Sentinels exchanged a look, part excitement, part suspicion. Magnimar’s aid meant possibilities: golems, informants, alchemists, magical wards. Everything seemed within reach. Their doubts about why Ironbriar cared so much about capturing one scholar flickered for a moment, then faded under the promise of overwhelming support from the City of Monuments.
After working through some ideas and the logistics of Ironbriar's assistance the meeting was adjourned. The Justice was needed in court after all. He parted with the following words.
"I am old, I have seen many forgotten evils rise and fall. What I have learned has taught me to eradicate evil completely. It is not joyous to be a stern judge, but it is for the prosperity of society as a whole. I wish to be informed. If you have suspicions about cults like Nualia's, you must tell me. Any information that might prevent catastrophe."
Justice Ironbriar pointed one more finger at Vannrik's medallion. "If you learn anything, please write to me."

The Sentinels swore on Abadar that it would be done.