Chapter 2: Temple of Torm: Temple of Terror

[slamo]

Xiindor steps to the side of the group, letting her presence be known that she is a servant of Helm and a friend of the temple of Tyr. [*we need to be let inside quickly!]

[mltillis]

Mortimer

Mortimer pauses, taking a deep breath before responding. "I assume time is of the essence here. As I am new to Waterdeep, simply finding this girl would prove an arduous task for me. Unless, of course, you have some additional information, and possibly additional resources at your disposal." the monk once again pauses. "And let us assume for a moment that I might be successful in this undertaking, where is she to be delivered?"

Silifey Hornraven is tall and slender. She possesses the high cheekbones and fine skintone common to the Marshrovers with hazel eyes and raven black hair.

You will not be able to take Silifrey from where she is kept. It would take a small army to achieve that task. Recently, she has been assigned as an escort to certain minor nobles and merchants, to catch the eye of more desirable prey. For the festival of Lliira's Night, an hour before dinnertime this evening Silifey will be escorted to the estate of Chostal Nandar, by a small group dressed as a personal escort and hand maidens. She and a handmaiden are to accompany Chostal and his younger brother Horingar “Elfslayer” Nandar. Chostal, a formerly distant member, is recently ascended to head of House Nandar and their construction businesses. The brutish brothers hope their refined and lovely escorts will earn them points with the more established nobility. By the end of the evening’s events, they will most likely insist the girls to completely fulfill their roles as consorts. However, the girls have been instructed to attempt to catch the notice of young half-elf Corin Dezlentyr, heir to the Dezlentyr trade and shipping empire. The hope is that Corin’s dislike of the brutish Nandars will compel him to insult the pair once again by stealing away their more refined female companions. Once in his care, they are to do whatever it takes to gain influence.

Your problems will be a small group assigned to keep an eye on her. They will be stealthy and inconspicuous. Then undoubtedly the Nandars will have a bodyguard or protection of some type, that may challenge you. Last, the city guard will be out in full force to police the revelry and may come upon you at the worst point of time.... Disregard the handmaiden as any threat, she is just a slave and inconsequential. With luck, she will suffice to sate the Nandar brother’s desires and prevent pursuit on their part. I do not know where they will begin their revelries, but they will finish with the other nobles at the Cynosure Ball.


You will have help. A certain priest of Torm, who has a vested interest in this endeavor, has promised two allies to the cause. Unfortunately, one of those two was your Sally Windborn. I assume that Agand his man Turic have already found additional aid amongst those fool zealots in the temples. No doubt the very group who just slipped out the back door moments ago in such a rush. Not as reliable as the help which I could provide given a little more time, but certainly more trustworthy than any I could procure on such short notice. However these allies of the priest tend to let their convictions hamper their effectiveness. Too many lines that shall not be crossed and codes to be followed.He pauses for a moment as his words sink in. I trust you will not have any such inhibitions? Find Turic Redstone and tell him you have been contracted to assist with this unbridled affair. If you can't catch them, I would try the Temple of Torm where his quarters are. As for where to bring her. With so many taken, the original drop off site is compromised. I will send word when a suitable location has been procured

[mltillis]

Party

There is a moment of heated discussion concerning the prospect of allowing the party entrance without checking their weapons and what to do with Kata. It is quelled by the seargeant. "This is a matter for the Hammerlord!" Word is sent and a guide is summoned. The group is ushered quietly into an antechamber. After a brief wait, a large robust man wearing the trappings of a high ranking priest of Tyr enters the room. Vrunar and turic recognize him immediately as Hammerlord Hykros. "You have returned with new companions young Vrunar and a fiend as well... Shall I take this to forebold bad tidings and comformation of the accusations against Ag?"

[Nuke]

Mortimer.

"Hmmm. I find this situation quite interesting. I just arrive in town and get thrust into the political machinations of this damned metropolis, all in the interest of saving some girl's virginity. All based upon the request of a man I do not even know the name of. While the story is quite plausible, and very well may be the truth, why did you select me from the thousands of souls in this town? Because you expect me to do this task out of the goodness of my heart? Or do I have 'sucker' tattooed on my forehead? Or are you going to fill me in on the rest of the story, starting with how you fit into this scheme?"

Mortimer pauses , awaiting a response then continues. "And if I do choose to follow this through, what am I supposed tell Turic? I am sure the 'I have been contracted' bit will not fly very far, I will need additional detail."

[mltillis]

Mortimer

"Let's say that it would not be profitable for me to take a visible hand in this affair as it concerns various business partners of mine. Therefore I can not utilize the resources of my guild or any of my normal operatives. Yet still, I am obliged to see Silifrey handed over to the lady who has sworn to find and protect her. As I wish no harm to come to this particular lady, I dare not alert her to Silifrey's presence. Therefore my only option is to act through intermediaries such as yourself and Thavin. As for singling you out, that was merely Tymora's whim. Upon realizing that our operatives were vanishing, I checked on the others coming lastly to here as Thavin had his quarters upstairs. Had Highpriest Ag not mentioned your order's request about Sally to a mutual acquaintance, I would not have approached you to begin with. It always helps to have an extra incentive though in this case it was not much. But leverage no matter how slight is still leverage. Also you misunderstand me. I seriously doubt the probabilities of Silifrey's virginity. It's about intercepting her before her mission is completed, you see. The manner in which these girls are controlled can have side effects. Once compelled to do something that they truly abhor, it changes them permanently. As far as I can tell from my own observations, the damage can not be undone."

The half elf rises from his chair. "Turic? Tell him Hugh the Hand sends you. He won't like it, but he will accept your aid."

[Nuke]

Mortimer

"Very well Hugh, I will seek out this Turic and see what his plans may be. I, however, will not be party to a deathwish. If the plan is to risky or unattainable, I reserve the right to save my skin."

Mortimer sits back to wait for his supper. Apparently this could be his last chance for a meal in a while.

[BishGada]

As Hammerlord enters, Vrunar bows his head slightly. "High Priest. Not much progress as to find accusations against High Priest Ag yet. We met at Thavin's room and only found mayhem and this... fiend." he gestures to the slump body on Egewulf's shoulder. "It attacked Navi which also have interest in finding the kidnapped." now he gestures at Navi. "Egewulf and Xiindor here expressed their intentions to help in the investigation. So far they seem to keep up to their word. The fiend is probably related to the kidnaps and we seek to interrogate it as soon as possible. The house of justice well fit for such interrogation to take place."

[mltillis]

Mortimer

"May I suggest that you improve his plans if need be. It has been my experience that priests tend to rely on their gods more than common tactics." Hugh departs as your meal arrives. "Sorry about the wait good sir. We don't actually serve meals here at the Wemic. However we did have some leftovers here from the staff meals. It is very tasty. For all his bluster Cheth does take good care of his people."

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Halls of Justice

For a long silent span the Hammerlord eyes Kata cautiously before replying. "Very well. Though I am loathe to let such a creature live let alone be brought inside the temple. Follow me." He leads you through the Halls of Justice to an empty wing. "This is where we are keeping the maiden who was rescued last night and the materials recovered from the Temple of Torm. The fewer who know of such things the better until we are ready to act. I'll have chains and shackles delivered shortly along with proper interrogation equipment. The walls here are thickand only the loudest of sounds canpass through them. Arnora is quartered in the end room on the right. The end quarters on the left will be suitable to house the fiend until she gives up her knowledge. The manuscripts from the Temple of Torm are in the office next to Arnora's room. If you need them two guards will be stationed at the entrance to this wing. For now, I will take my leave. I too dealt with fiends many years ago. The sight of this thing brings back unpleasant memories." Unless otherwise interrupted, the Hammerlord departs.

[BishGada]

Vrunar thanks the high priest, looks at Navi and says. "OK, Once we get the shackles and equipment, Navi will lead Kata's interrogation, Egewulf and Xiindor will assist her if the need arises. The rest of us will check on Arnora and then join you for the interrogation."

[Nuke]

Mortimer

"I am sorry, I didn't realize, but thank you very much." Mortimer responds as he begins to dig into his plate. His brain begins to work as he methodically takes care of the task of filling his belly. Towards the end, he finds himself in a hurry to finish. He pauses and leans back, exhaling deeply, be fore finishing at a somewhat slower pace. He rises and goes to pay his tab. As he readies himself to leave he asks "Can you direct me to the Temple of Torm please?"

[Jenara]

"Your Grace. It appears my goals and those of the church are.. Heading in the same direction for now." She bows to the Hammerlord. "Naldarívë Tirrel."
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"I know of her species, and her motivation." She smirks, whip in hand. "I will get her to talk.. " approaching Kata she strokes the creatures face, "Won't I? And you can tell me of the Dancien children."

"I wish to talk to Arnora, we have things to discuss." She adds at the mention of the Maiden. "Alone."

[mltillis]

Mortimer

Directions are simple for finding the new Temple of Torm that is currently being constructed in Castle Ward. The massive structure lies a quarter mile away and is clearly visible once Mortimer steps onto a main street. However upon arrival, Mortimer discovers that Turic left early in the morning and last sent word that he traveling to the Halls of Justice, which lies a quick half mile trip further into Castle Ward. The staff seem to be caught in a quagmire as Highpriest Ag is missing. Only he and Turic Redstone know the full details of the temples day to day operations and the ongoing construction. The send an acolyte to accompany Mortimer and inform Turic of the current situation.

The Halls of Justice is a group of four and five story row houses, which serve as the headquarters of the clergy of Tyr within Waterdeep. Two armored guards, left hands covered with red sashes, stand at each of the entryways.

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Halls of Justice

"May the Triad protect you. I fear dark times may once again be upon us. Everything you need will arrive momentarily... As for Arnora considering her recent molestation, it may be wise for you to first step into her room. We had to reassign a female cleric to the guard duty here just for that reason." The Hammerlord takes his leave.

With the group on guarding Kata while waiting on the equipment to more permanently bind and interrogate her, Navi has a few moments to converse with Arnora.

[Jenara]

"Thank you your Grace." Bowing in a courtly manner she turns to Vrunar. "Hold her till I arrive. "The maiden knows of me."
(Moves to private thread)

[mltillis]

As Navi goes to check on Arnora, two guards arrive lugging a heavy chest of chains, shackles, and manacles. Dropping the trunk with a loud thud, the shorter of the two speaks. "It will take a little time to fetch the other items up here. Tis not the type of thing we normally do in a temple in the midst of the city. I had to send everything else over to the smith to oil and sharpen up. They've been sitting in storage for so long that all the moving parts are seized tight and the edges have dulled on the blades. However shackles and chains we have in abundance. There is a mallet and enough pitons in the bottom of the box to secure the chains however you wish. Just drive them in between the mortar joints of the masonry."

[Nuke]

Mortimer follows....