OOM: Arkngthand, 8 First Seed, 3E 428

[moonandstar]

They emerge from the bar onto an ancient bridge, made of a metal that Ibani won't be able to identify - but clearly the work of an advanced and accomplished civilization. It bridges the foyada, high and deep on each side.

They won't have time to admire it, however. Because there's a bald Imperial in an iron cuirass standing at the other side of the bridge. He conjures a skeleton warrior, who charges toward them as its master launches bolts of lightning at them.

Comments

[last_kallig]

"And THERE'S the catch," Ibani replies, bitter, sharp. "Oh, I'd believe it."

"And if there isn't an innocent reason for that man to know your name, I'd say THEY'RE investigating you already."

[moonandstar]

"I don't believe there's an entirely mundane explanation for this," Garyn says. "Dark magic is at work in this cult. That man's mind was not his own."

In the meantime, Garyn flags down a passing guard and directs him toward the man.

[last_kallig]

"Dagoth Ur using him, perhaps. Left a part of himself in the man, like what we found on Athiss."

Which isn't a comparison she really WANTS to consider, but it's there.

[moonandstar]

"I'd rather not have to find out, but I suspect I shall anyway."

Garyn reaches for his pack.

"Perhaps I ought to bring the cube to the informant before we do anything else. He'll be along the way."

[last_kallig]

"I'm sure WE shall," Ibani replies. She squeezes his hand gently.

"Best to complete one task before starting another that could get messy," she agrees.

[moonandstar]

"I might be more comfortable if you cloaked us as we enter the Fighters Guild," Garyn says. "To avoid being recognized by the wrong people."

[last_kallig]

"Certainly," Ibani replies. She remember how Garyn left the Fighter's Guild here. "Should anyone have a fatal accident while we're there?"

In Ibani's mind, this is a perfectly logical question. Save time, a trip, kill an asshole, etc.

[moonandstar]

"One bloodbath at a time, darling."

He shares a smirk with her before they slip inside the Guildhall.

[last_kallig]

"Fair enough." She's smirking too. They slip in when someone else was opening the door, easiest that way.

"Let me know when you want me to take it down, or you'll give our collector quite the start when you make contact with him."

[moonandstar]

"Past the stairway landing should do," Garyn says, turning sideways to avoid Eydis Fire-Eye in the hall.

[last_kallig]

Ibani may be committing everyone they run into in here to memory, just in case.

They pass the landing and she drops the cloak. "Not the worst place I've ever seen, but I suppose they must be getting SOMETHING out of their employer."

[moonandstar]

"That would depend on how long they've actually been involved with them," Garyn says. "This is one of the few settlements on Vvardenfell that actually predates the Empire."

They round a corner into a large room with a padded floor, and training dummies in each corner. Seated and stretching in a corner of the room is a burly Imperial - not the sort one would take for a scholar. He stands and rolls his shoulders before turning to face them.

"Ah, Balvadares. You've brought a friend this time, I see."

"And your puzzle box."

He does him the courtesy of handing him the priceless ancient artifact rather than tossing it to him.

[last_kallig]

"Interesting. I wonder how the Guild acquired the building."

Ibani is absolutely prepared to snap the Imperial's neck at a moment's notice with the Force. She ALSO doesn't introduce herself.

[moonandstar]

Hasphat raises an eyebrow at Ibani but doesn't press her. She's not here to talk; no point in wasting both their time.

He accepts the box and nods, apparently satisfied.

"Perfect. Just what I was looking for. Now..."

He fishes through a sling of scrolls tucked under his shoulder and pulls out some notes.

"House Dagoth is the Sixth House, the 'lost' Sixth House. In the First Age, House Dagoth betrayed the other Great Houses during the War of the First Council, and was destroyed for their treason. Their House head Dagoth Ur is widely considered a demon according to local belief, one whom only the Tribunal can keep at bay.

"Nonetheless, I've heard something about a secret cult worshipping Dagoth Ur. The idea is that the Tribunal are false gods who have betrayed Morrowind to the Imperials. The cult claims to be the new embodiment of this extinct House, and plans to overthrow the Temple and drive the Empire from Morrowind. The cult is outlawed by the Temple, the Great Houses, and the Empire, and I doubt it's very popular. But there have been people having bad dreams about it, or so it's been whispered. I've also heard there's some connection with smuggling... that they smuggle goods, or hire smugglers, or something like that.

"I'll also give you some notes to give to Caius, which summarize what I've told you in a little more detail, and recommend some Sixth House references he should read."

Garyn accepts the notes as they're handed to them.

"And what of this Nerevarine cult?"

Hasphat frowns slightly. "Ah, yes. The Ashlanders believe a reborn Nerevar will unite the Dunmer against the outlander invaders and restore the ancient Dark Elven nation. Nerevar, as I'm sure you're aware, is a legendary hero and saint of the Temple, but the Temple denies the prophecy, and persecutes heretics who believe in the Nerevarine. Tell Caius that Sharn gra-Muzgob would be a better person to ask about the native faiths and superstitions."

[last_kallig]

Oh yes, DEFINITELY reminding her of Athiss. GRAND.

The mention of the word Nerevarine feels....important. It would be nice if the Force were clearer about these things.

[moonandstar]

Garyn nods and slips the papers into his pack.

"Thank you, Antabolis. That will be are."

"Do send Caius my regards!"

[last_kallig]

Ibani waits until they're out of sight of Antabolis before pulling the Cloak back up again.

"Too much like Athiss. And the Nerevarine, something about it feels important, in the Force."

[moonandstar]

"It means things are falling apart," Garyn says. "And people are turning to mysteries they don't fully understand. And it's only more dangerous if the things they believe in are real...or at least seem real."

They slip out the door together and put a safe distance between them and the Fighters Guild before the cloak drops.

"The South Wall Cornerclub is where we'll go next. It's on this side of the river, at least."

[last_kallig]

Ibani makes a face. "Things falling apart, that's ALSO too familiar."

"Are my particular skills going to be of help there, do you think? Either in getting them to talk or in dealing with them."

[moonandstar]

"I suspect they'll be all too happy to volunteer information."

[last_kallig]

"Lovely. So much easier when you don't have to threaten people."

She's never STOPPED keeping an eye out for trouble. "A cantina is it? That's what it looks like."

[moonandstar]

"That it is," Garyn says. "A haven for Thieves Guild members."

A place like this one is familiar across universes - in sight and smell alike.

[last_kallig]

"I suppose some things are the same wherever you go," she drawls.

"I'd make a good thief, but I've more than enough work on my plate already."

Someone is throwing up in the gutter already, they must have started drinking early.

[moonandstar]

Garyn has just enough familiarity with the place to know who to ask first.

And as expected, he has quite an easy time of it once he insinuates what he's asking about and why he's asking. They direct him to a Dunmer in the corner - one Edd Theman, better known as "Fast Eddie."

Through conversation, they find out three things: first, there's a Tong meeting at the Council Club on Fredas at sundown. Second, the Council Club will be cleared out of any and all non-Tong patrons, save for enough security to occupy a city block. And finally, that this Fast Eddie is actually very good friends with Caius, and to send him word that he's got some of the good stuff headed his way.

This will all do very nicely.

[last_kallig]

Ibani commits the information to memory, starts planning tentative routes.

"I can probably slip in, scout the place, so we can make best use of the floor plan." She offers once they're back outside.