Episode 4: Unintended Consequences

After speaking with Berny Page at the Hirane Town Guard Barracks, the party (along with Levkaria) found themselves having just exited the building with the time being approximately 11:00 AM. The party debated on what they wanted to do; interview Edraele Trisyra at House Caldel and see if they could glean any useful information from her, investigate and attempt to question Athyen Eddyns at the Temple of Valkur regarding the mysterious robed individuals that have visited the hamlet on occasion in the past, or speak with Ennen Kytson at the Leaf it to Me Herbalist shop and question her about Rilanor Minun's business with her. Celindriel also brought up the fact that she wanted to check back in with the Anellas to see how repairs were going. The party decided to check in with Ennen Kyston at the Leaf it to Me Herbalist shop.

As the party made their way to the Leaf it to Me Herbalist shop, they passed by the same guards they had encountered earlier that day when investigating Rilanor's House still standing at the northeast corner of the Temple of Valkur within line of sight of the front entrance of the Leaf it to Me Herbalist shop. The guards noticed Feadog, who they had just recently escorted to the Town Guard Barracks, was among the group, but made no attempt to inquire or stop the party. The party entered the front of the Leaf it to Me Herbalist Shop without incident, and found Ennen Kytson working in the back room behind her front counter.

While inside, Kasek keeps an eye on the guards through the front windows of the building while the remaining party members make their presence known. Feadog inquired as to whether Ennen sells potions, which she revealed she does have two Potions of Healing and a Potion of Climbing worth 50 gp each. Feadog then asked if she had any special plants for sale, specifically the ones used for making the potions. She reveals that she doesn't create the potions herself at her shop since the potions require enchantment, a skill she lacks. The potions are typically delivered by a dwarven deliveryman from Sestatrea when she makes a request for them. Feadog then asked if she acquired any of her components from the Waterwitch since it seems the ship transports goods that might be useful to her. Ennen wasn't sure what to make of that statement, and indicated she was unaware of any such goods but she does know the ship doesn't typically sell its wares within town. She suggested Feadog inquire with either Lord Andel Caldel or Harbor Master Rilanor.

Using Ennen's statement as a perfect segue, Feadog asked her if Rilanor frequented the shop. Ennen looked off to the side acting nervous, but admitted that he did indeed frequent the shop. Ceona inquires then whether Ennen has any Milkweed for sale, either the seeds or the plant. Ennen checked her inventory and indicated she didn't have any on hand currently. Kasek approached and told Ennen that he was a hunter by trade and was interested in anything that might take down large game such as poisons. He inquired as to whether she carried any. Ennen revealed that she doesn't dabble in poisons as it goes against her beliefs. She believes in using alchemy and herbalism to help nurture, grow, and heal. Any plant or compound that has toxic substances or effects is an area that she avoids. Kasek then asks if there are any poison-makers in town. She hesitates a moment and answers that she isn't aware of anyone in town that does. Kasek determines her answer to be a lie. Feadog then jumps into the conversation and offers Ennen a dried fig and after some dialogue convinces Ennen to visit Enwen Adrel at the Anellas to inquire about purchasing more.

Celindriel then inquired about the cost of an Herbalism Kit that Ennen had for sale for 5 gp. Kasek asked if Celindriel knew how to use the kit, and she admitted she did not. Feadog then mentioned that perhaps Ennen had some books available for learning Alchemy or Herbalism. Ennen directed the party to check the Dusty Tome for books as she doesn't carry any herself. Kasek then asks Ennen if Celindriel were to buy the Herbalism Kit, does Ennen give classes or teach people on Alchemy or Herbalism. Ennen admitted that she doesn't usually teach people within town, but she has been known to teach people infrequently on how to be better alchemists, but that's about it. Kasek then asked Ennen directly how the lessons with the Harbor Master were progressing. Ennen began to fidget with a piece of clothing looking slightly nervous. Ennen's voice drops to a near whisper and she tells the party to please not say anything about her admitting that Rilanor frequents the shop, otherwise Rilanor will have her killed. Ceona positions herself in the front window to block the guards from potentially looking in.

Kasek tells Ennen that they are all friends of Berny Page and they are investigating Rilanor and the others, and things are potentially about to change in town. Ennen perks up slightly at the prospect, and volunteers to tell the party what she knows. Kasek asks for more information on the poison, specifically the suspected poison called Tears. Ennen reveals she's unaware of what 'Tears' actually is, and the party produces the list they had pilfered before from Rilanor's House. Upon seeing the list, she gets extremely worried. The party admits to her that they acquired it from his house. She tells them that he's going to know that it's gone, and she grows very nervous. Kasek tells Ennen that they plan on acting tonight on this information. She begins to ask about what their plans are, but then thinks better of it and tells the party she wants to be kept out of it. The party presses her on what the items on the list do. She admits she is aware of what each component's effects are by themselves, but she's not aware of what the compound of the different components does. She admits that Rilanor brings the components to her, forces her to work with him in brewing the components together into a compound. She's done it several times, and each time he collects the batches made and leaves with them. Feadog then explains the symptoms that were witnessed during Levkaria's poisoning and asks if Ennen thinks the components on the list had the potential for creating such an effect. Ennen admits that they do have the potential, but can't verify what the effects of the compound would be. Ceona then suggests they brew a batch and poison Sylrith, Tela, and Rilanor with the compound to determine the effect, to which Ennen's eyes grow wide with fright over the prospect.

At this time, Ceona notices an individual (Rilanor) approaching the shop from the Town Square, and the guards standing nearby notice his approach and stand a little more at attention at his presence. Ceona tells the group that someone is approaching, and the rest of the party notices it to be Rilanor. Ceona then moves to purchase some Legume Seeds, trying to make it appear nonchalant. Kasek attempts to make himself inconspicuous and Levkaria finds a corner to stand in while Celindriel and Feadog remain standing at the counter. Ennen goes into the back room to collect the seeds for Ceona, and shortly after Rilanor enters. The moment he enters, his eyesight falls directly on Feadog who he recognizes. Rilanor then scans the room taking note of everyone there, and his eyesight lingers on Levkaria as it becomes apparent that he recognizes her as well. He begins to walk past the group to make his way around the front counter to head towards the back room of the Herbalist Shop. As he walks by, Kasek lunges and tackles Rilanor. He draws his shortsword from his sleeve and cracks Rilanor on the temple, effectively knocking him unconscious.

Ennen emerges from the backroom and gasps at the sight of Rilanor unconscious on the floor with Kasek on top of him, and she begins to hyperventilate. Celindriel grabs her and moves her into the back room attempting to get her to calm down. Ceona moves to tend to Levkaria who has now dropped into a fetal position in the corner after coming face-to-face with one of her assailants. Kasek begins to tie Rilanor up with a bit of rope, and Ceone takes that opportunity to pat Rilanor down after checking on Levkaria. Ceona finds a dagger, a mace, and a coin pouch containing 5 pp 10 gp. Ceona collects the dagger and the mace and hands Celindriel the coin purse. Kasek asks Ennen where he can move Rilanor, and she panics saying that the party doesn't realize what they've done and that Rilanor will surely kill her now. Kasek attempts to ease her fears, and says he intends on asking Rilanor some questions only. Ennen points to the southern room and indicates that the room is her dining room. Kasek begins dragging Rilanor into the room and positions him upright in a wooden chair after covering it with linen taken from the dining table, and then moving him into the corner of the room nearest to the front lobby.

Ceona asks Ennen if she usually closes the store when Rilanor comes in, and she indicates she does not. Kasek asks that Ceona watch the guards out the front window while Celindriel, Feadog, and Kasek attempt to interrogate Rilanor. As they move into the dining room, Ceona asks that Ennen show Levkaria how to plant seeds in an attempt to keep both Ennen and Levkaria calm and occupied. As Kasek makes his way into the dining room, he acquires a pitcher of water from Ennen and closes the door behind him once everyone is in position. The three debate on their plan for questioning Rilanor and attempt to determine the line of questions to ask. Kasek asks if the others are prepared to 'put an end to the matter' once the questioning has ended. Celindriel admits they have very little choice and must kill Rilanor now that they've taken this path, and Feadog grows slightly squeamish at the prospect, asking only that they warn him first so he could leave the room since he's never seen anyone killed before. Kasek holds his sword to Rilanor's face and slowly pours the water over Rilanor, waking him up.

Rilanor wakes up and immediately begins assessing the situation, taking note of the room, the individuals in it, possible escape paths, etc. Kasek asks him about where he keeps the 'Tears', and Rilanor feigns ignorance. Feadog pushes the matter and Kasek shows Rilanor the note they acquired from his residence. Rilanor chuckles and asks where they obtained that list. Kasek tells him "You know where we got it", and Rilanor asks what they were doing in his house. Kasek waves the paper at him and responds "Finding this." Rilanor congratulates the members on finding a piece of paper, and then asks what now. Kasek presses Rilanor on where the poison is, and Rilanor responds "Why don't you ask you friend out in the lobby. You know where it is now". Kasek then asks who he is selling the poison to, and Rilanor goes silent. Feadog tells Rilanor that there must be more poison, and asks where they're keeping it. Rilanor responds with "Why in hell should I answer any question you ask me?". Feadog mentions that he overheard the others talking about killing him unless he answers. Rilanor just smiles and tells them that if they intend on killing him, they should get on with it. Celindriel takes the opportunity to walk up, draws her dagger, and slices his achilles tendon.

Rilanor falls unconscious over the amount of blood he begins to lose, and Kasek attempts to stop the bleeding. Meanwhile, out in the lobby, muffled noises can be heard by Ennen, Ceona, and Levkaria. They hear Rilanor yelp with pain at his achilles tendon being sliced, and then a moment of silence. Levkaria stands at that point and embraces Ceona. Ceona, somewhat confused, returns her embrace, but doesn't realize Levkaria swiping the dagger from her possession. Levkaria then walks over and opens the door into the dining room. Ceona attempts to stop her, and Levkaria tells Ceona it's ok, and that she needs to do this. Ceona tries to get a read on Levkaria, but doesn't detect anything out of sorts. Ceona tells Levkaria to obey her elders while in there and lets her go. Levkaria enters the room and sees Celindriel holding a bloody dagger after having just sliced Rilanor's achilles tendon, Feadog standing nearby, and Kasek crouched at Rilanor's feet attempting to stop the bleeding. Levkaria asks if they intend on killing Rilanor, and Kasek admits "I think she did!". At that moment, Levkaria withdraws the dagger, and plunges it into Rilanor's chest and then withdraws it backing into a corner to watch. Kasek sighs, not satisfied in getting the answers he had hoped to get, and Celindriel gives Levkaria a faint smile to indicate her understanding in Levkaria wanting to avenge herself. Celindriel asks Levkaria where she got the dagger, and Levkaria points to Ceona out in the lobby. Celindriel gives Levkaria a grin, impressed at her abilities in obtaining the dagger from Ceona without detection. Kasek asks if Feadog can bring Rilanor back, and Feadog uses healing word and brings Rilanor back to consciousness. Kasek takes the dagger from Levkaria and turns to face Rilanor once more.

Kasek tries to reason with Rilanor, telling him that they could send him back to death, or if he's willing to cooperate, they can go easy on him. He tells them to go ahead and kill him, because if he gets out of this, he will make sure they'll all be dead. He does mention that if the party does intend on killing him, he only asks that they take Lord Andel Caldel down with him. Kasek tries to inquire as to his meaning, but Rilanor goes silent again. Kasek uses the dagger taken from Levkaria and cuts one of Rilanor's fingers off. After he stops screaming, Feadog implores Rilanor to cooperate. Rilanor tells them that this will only end one of two ways, either they're all going to die or he's going to die, so just get on with it. He says again that he already told them that if he dies, take Andel Caldel down as well. They push him on what Lord Caldel has to do with it, and Rilanor goes silent again. At this point, Rilanor has accepted his fate and is refusing to answer any more questions. Kasek offers the dagger back to Levkaria, and without any hesitation she plunges the dagger back into Rilanor's chest. She withdraws the dagger, and Rilanor goes unconscious but still lives. She plunges the dagger again into his chest, and after a few moments Rilanor expels the final gasp of breath from his lungs, dying in Ennen Kyston's dining room. She withdraws the dagger and goes back into a fetal position into a corner of the room, looking as if she has a semblance of closure.

Ceona comes into the room letting the members know that they're running out of time and they need to go. Ennen peeks around the corner wondering what's going on. Ceona begins to worry, telling the group that Berny Page specifically told them not to go around murdering people. She is, after all, an envoy for her people, and Tieflings going around killing people doesn't help her cause. Kasek focuses on the matter at hand, telling them their most immediate concern is that they now have a body to dispose of. The party begins formulating a plan for Feadog to disguise himself as Rilanor. As Ennen attempts to make her way into the room, Feadog persuades her that Rilanor killed himself. She is thoroughly confused, but is happy he's dead and breathes a long sigh of relief. Feadog then asks if there is anything else she could tell them about him. Feadog mentions that Rilanor had said that Lord Caldel should be taken down as well, and Ennen is confused saying that Lord Caldel is the one that gave him the job as the Harbor Master and that they work together, so she's unsure as to why Rilanor would speak poorly of the Lord. Kasek then inquires if Ennen has an attic or a basement, and Ceona follows up asking what her biggest planter is. Ennen begins to realize what they're asking and grows increasingly nervous and agitated. Kasek tells Ennen that everyone in town knows that Ennen didn't like Rilanor very much, so it's in her best interest to help them. She becomes terrified at the prospect of being blamed for his murder, and wilts under the pressure and begins to sob. The party attempts to comfort her and tries to avoid putting her under any further strain.

Ceona walked over to Levkaria and took the dagger away from her. Ceona then ushers both Ennen and Levkaria into the other room from the lobby which is Ennen's bedroom. Ceona tells Levkaria to go into the washroom which is attached to the bedroom, and then tells Ennen about what happened to Levkaria by Rilanor. Ennen calms down and grows sympathetic to Levkaria's situation. Ceona asks if Ennen can help Levkaria cope by helping to clean her up and calm her down. Ceona tells Ennen that they will take care of everything else. Ennen is appreciative, and leaves the building with a bucket to collect water from a well located at the back of her building in order to draw a bath and assist in cleaning up Levkaria.

Celindriel takes this opportunity to shadow Ennen to make sure she's not doing anything suspicious, and once convinced Ennen is fetching the water as she initially indicated she would, Celindriel returns to the Leaf it to Me Herbalist Shop. Celindriel however did notice the guards take notice of Ennen leaving the shop and are keeping tabs on what's going on, and start to engage in conversation with one another. Celindriel returns and tells the party that the guards have started to notice something isn't quite right, and that they need to hurry. Kasek removes Rilanor's clothing and gives it to Feadog to begin disguising himself as Rilanor. After both Feadog and Kasek try their best at using their disguise kits, they feel satisfied that Feadog is passable as a skinny version of Rilanor. The party agrees that they will have to leave the body in the Leaf it to Me Herbalist Shop and come back later to collect it.

Ennen returns with a bucket of water, and gets surprised by disguised Feadog. After realizing it's not actually Rilanor, she then proceeds back into the bedroom and gives the bucket of water to Ceona and then proceeds into her back room and begins busying herself. Ceona attempts to clean up Levkaria as best she can to remove some of the blood from her skin and clothing being careful not to remove any of the makeup they had used before to disguise Levkaria while being out in town. Once cleaned up, Ceona and Levkaria joins the group in the lobby as they begin to implement their plan of Feadog walking out disguised as Rilanor who will make his way towards Rilanor's house, and then attempt to lose line of sight of the guards. Afterwards, the remainder of the group will sneak out and make their way back to the Grinning Kobold Inn. Ceona casts Guidance on Feadog, and he heads out the door.

Feadog begins walking towards Rilanor's house, attempting to look angry, as Rilanor would. He begins making his way across the Town Square and then ducks into the alleyway where they initially found Levkaria. As he exits, the guards notice something isn't quite right. Celindriel, noticing the guards taking notice of Feadog's disguise, casts Minor Illusion creating the sound of breaking glass in the opposite direction with a wisp of magical energy appearing in the form of mother-of-pearl magical mist emanating from her hands. The guards hear the sound, but realize it's a ruse. This makes them even more suspicious, and they begin to follow after Feadog at a distance. Kasek notices this, and leaves the shop and begins following the guards at a distance to keep an eye on things. Once Feadog clears the corner into the Beggar's Alley, Feadog breaks into a dead run heading through the alleyways heading northwest through the town. Once on the northern end of town, Feadog removes Rilanor's clothing, bundling them into a tight ball, and begins making his way to the Grinning Kobold Inn. Meanwhile, the remainder of the group sporadically exits the Leaf it to Me Herbalist Shop and makes their way back to the Inn. Kasek walks by the alleyway in which they first found Levkaria and witnesses the guards searching the alleyway, apparently wondering where Rilanor went, and Kasek continues walking in the Town Square as nonchalant as possible. Eventually, Kasek steers his way back towards the Grinning Kobold Inn.

Ceona, Levkaria, and Celindriel make their way to the Grinning Kobold Inn first, and enter to find Drossa Diggle occupying the front desk. Drossa inquires as to what the group has found out with the goings-on in town, and the group mentions that they're still investigating. Drossa talks about how the previous evening's events with Levkaria was strange, and then asks if the group could assist in covering the additional 30 gp to cover the cost of the healing potion she used to restore Ceona. As Celindriel begins paying out, Feadog enters through the front door of the Inn. Drossa takes note of Feadog's strange attire (his usual hat being removed, his flamboyant jacket not being present, and him wearing a strange hood with Rilanor makeup on). Feadog says he's just having a go at a bit of dress-up. Drossa then mentions that with it being a new day, another 5 sp per room is required for lodging. Ceona begins to pay out the funds to Drossa.

Meanwhile, on his way back to the Grinning Kobold Inn, Kasek locates a wheelbarrow not being used in the Town's Square. He collects it and wheels it back and positions in on the back wall of the Dusty Tome Bookshop. Once positioned, he makes his way into the Inn coming in as Ceona is paying out the room fare for the second night. Drossa welcomes Kasek and asks again what the group found out about the incident that had happened the previous evening. Ceona merely mentions that Berny Page is looking into it, and leaves it at that. Drossa reminds the group that if there is anything she can do to help, aside from being bait for people seeking to do harm to Levkaria, to let her know. Feadog then brings up the subject of the dried figs aboard the Anellas and offers them again to Drossa. This piques her interest and she asks Feadog where she might acquire more. Feadog tells her to simply speak with Enwen Adrel down on the docks, and she can get more.

Kasek, meanwhile, stands on the stairway leading up to the rooms trying to get the others to follow. Everyone makes their way back up to the ladies' room (first room on the right at the top of the stairs). Kasek tells the group that he has a wheelbarrow, and he proposes finding some covering to disguise himself as a fishmonger and filling the wheelbarrow with this-and-that and make his way over to the Leaf it to Me Herbalist Shop, collect the body, and return with it. Kasek plans on storing the body within his room at the Grinning Kobold Inn, but is concerned with Drossa potentially discovering the body. Feadog mentions he can take Drossa down to the Anellas to inquire about the figs, and Celindriel asks that he also check in on the status of repairs while doing so. Ceona meanwhile plans on hanging back with Levkaria. Celindriel then suggests that she scour the shoreline and the fishing boats for materials they could use to help with Kasek's disguise and additional gear to be used to cover the body. The group agrees on this course of action, and proceeds.

Celindriel leaves the Inn and walks among the boats dotting the shoreline of the harbor of Hirane and finds several bits of clothing, gear, tack, and supplies that could be used to potentially fill the wheelbarrow. While Celindriel is out, Ceona positions herself on the front porch of the Grinning Kobold Inn just keeping a watchful eye on passers-by and on the Town Square for anything unusual. Feadog goes downstairs and convinces Drossa on being escorted to the Anellas to inquire about figs. Feadog leads a puffed-up Drossa who is walking around town proud to be escorted by a handsome Half-Elf debonair man. They eventually reach the docks and call out to Arnogak Gulatar who is visible on deck overseeing repairs. He gives permission for them to come aboard, and Feadog tells him that Drossa is here to meet with Enwen Adrel to inquire about the figs. Arnogak fetches the Captain, who exchanges pleasantries with Drossa, and then leads her back to the wardroom, closing the door behind her leaving Feadog alone on the deck unsure of what to do with himself while waiting. After a few moments, Feadog catches sight of Laise Zinfi and flags her down. She approaches, and after exchanging pleasantries, Feadog inquires to how the repairs are proceeding. Laise reveals that the repairs are not proceeding as fast as they had initially hoped. The Shipwright of Hirane, named Inghas Ulxian, wasn't provisioned as well as they had hoped, and it looks as if they will either have to request additional materials to be shipped in from Sestatrea, or send woodsmen out to cut timber along with getting items smelted by the blacksmith of Hirane. In summary, she estimates repairs won't be completed for another 2 to 3 weeks. They end their conversation and Laise scurries back off busying herself on-board ship while Feadog waits for Drossa.

Kasek decides to head to the General Goods Store known as the Common Voyage and shops for common fisherman clothing. He convinces the owner of the establishment, Edmur Rysel, of giving him a break on a set of common clothes and fishing tack. Edmur, wanting to help a new resident of Hirane out in getting established in his new life, agrees and offers Kasek a reduced price on the goods. Kasek returns to the Inn satisfied with his newly acquired attire. Meanwhile, Celindriel returns carrying the gear and places it within the wheelbarrow positioned behind the Dusty Tome Bookshop and then assumes a nonchalant position alongside Ceona on the front porch keeping an eye on things. Kasek rushes upstairs to his room and changes into his newly acquired attire and returns downstairs to the wheelbarrow and is impressed with the amount of goods Celindriel was able to obtain. With the others wishing him luck, Kasek takes the wheelbarrow and pretends to be a fishmonger passing through the town square looking for fish at the various stands. He eventually makes his way to the Leaf it to Me Herbalist Shop and pops in on Ennen Kyston. He reveals himself to her and that he is here to collect the body. Ennen at this point is at her wit's end, and just asks that he take care of the body formerly known as Rilanor. Kasek proceeds into the dining room, loads Rilanor into the wheelbarrow, and begins cleaning the room to the best of his ability. Ennen brings him a bucket of water, some rags and a hard-bristled brush. Kasek thanks her and gets to work scrubbing the blood from the floorboards. After 30 minutes or so, Kasek is satisfied with his work, and leaves the Herbalist Shop with a masterfully disguised wheelbarrow full of Rilanor and makes his way along the same route he came back to the Grinning Kobold Inn.

Back on the Anellas, Feadog grows impatient waiting for Drossa and enters the wardroom at the back of the ship. There, seated at the table is both Enwen Adrel and Drossa Diggle drinking and having a good time. Enwen excuses herself and approaches Feadog. She thanks Feadog for bringing Drossa to him, hands him the 5 gp finder's fee, and indicates that they'll be here for quite some time as Enwen attempts to sell Drossa enough figs to cover the 5 gp finder's fee she just handed him. She then thanks Feadog again and ushers him out the door. Confused as to why Enwen wouldn't want Feadog involved in the sale of figs, he makes his way somewhat disappointingly back to the Grinning Kobold Inn. He arrives and tells Ceona and Celindriel that he obtained the 5 gp finder's fee for the figs, but also delivers the bad news regarding the repairs of the Anellas. Celindriel is crestfallen at this news, and indicates that she cannot wait 2 weeks for the repairs to be completed. She says she must proceed to Sestatrea with all haste. The others ask why this is such an important task, and Celindriel somewhat evades the questions, only indicating that she's on an errand and the time frame in which she has to complete the errand is to be done as soon as possible. During this conversation, Kasek returns with the wheelbarrow, and the members help Kasek navigate the wheelbarrow up the stairs of the Inn. Kasek positions the wheelbarrow in the middle of his room, and changes back into his normal attire. The group then gathers and debates on their next course of action, mildly freaking out over the potential consequences for what had transpired with Rilanor. They all agree to inquire with the acolyte of the Temple of Valkur, and make their way in that direction with the time now being roughly 1:00 PM.

The party enters the Temple of Valkur with Celindriel stealthing in and Kasek hanging towards the front entrance allowing Feadog and Ceona to take point. They find Vyncis Marte attending a small altar located in the center of the building. He exchanges pleasantries with the group, and welcomes them to the temple along with offering them access to some of his services which include healing, curing, and speaking with the dead. Ceona inquired for more information about Valkur, which Vyncis was all too happy to tell them about him. Feadog then inquired if Vyncis was the only individual who worked in the temple, and Vyncis admitted that there was only one other individual besides himself, his acolyte named Athyen Eddyns. Feadog asked what it is that an acolyte actually does, and Vyncis informed him that an acolyte is basically a priest-in-training, and learns the various ceremonies, hymns, and rituals that are required for priests to know. Feadog then asked why Athyen's attire is so much different than Vyncis' -- grey robes, leather sash with vials of liquids across his chest. Vyncis said that while he keeps his ceremonial liquids, ointments, and oils in a separate flask, Athyen has decided to keep these same tinctures within flasks across his chest. While Vyncis doesn't necessarily understand the reasoning behind it, Vyncis doesn't really see the need for forcing Athyen to do it any other way. The party then noticed a figure slinking in the shadows apparently watching the party. Kasek pointed to the shadowy figure and asked Vyncis if that was Athyen in the shadows. Vyncis looked in that direction, but didn't detect anyone and grew confused over the question. At that point, Celindriel snuck up behind Athyen and took him by the arm and led him out of the shadows into the group announcing their presence. Athyen, extremely surprised, attempted to get away from her grip, but was unable before becoming exposed to everyone else. Celindriel lets him go once they're among the group, and he slinks away somewhat nervously. Vyncis acknowledges Athyen to the group, and warns them that he isn't very sociable and that they should forgive his mannerism. Kasek attempts to recognize the liquids in the vials on his chest, but is unable to do so.

Kasek pulls Vyncis to the side a bit and informs him that they are conducting an investigation into some recent poisonings in town, and that they would like to ask Athyen some questions. Vyncis, though concerned about Athyen's involvement, agrees to cooperate and asks Athyen to present himself to the group. Athyen complies and slowly moves into the light. Kasek asks Athyen if he knows Rilanor, and Athyen admits that he does. Kasek is unnerved by Athyen, but continues his questioning. He asks if Athyen knows Sylrith, and Athyen admits that he does. Kasek then asks if they are friends of Athyen, and Athyen responds asking what the group wants with him. Kasek asks if Athyen knows why they're here, and Athyen states that he does not. Kasek tries to get a read on Athyen, but is only able to determine that Athyen is just a strange individual to read. Ceona keeps an eye on Vyncis to see if there are any unusual reactions. Vyncis appears inquisitive and curious to the party's questions, but also shows a slight bit of concern over the possibility of there being some trouble with his acolyte. Kasek then asks Athyen about the mysterious strangers that Drossa had informed them about, and Athyen grows visibly agitated and denies knowing what they're talking about. Feadog presses the issue, and Athyen states he doesn't know what they're talking about, increasingly getting agitated. Celindriel presses the issue further, and Athyen yells out that he doesn't know, and states he doesn't want to talk anymore and moves to leave the room. Feadog jumps in front of him to block his path, and Kasek makes an attempt to swipe a vial of liquid from his sash. Athyen proves to be rather slippery, and ducks from Kasek's attempts. Feadog however does manage to block his path, and Athyen begins scurrying around trying to find an escape. The party attempts to read his behavior, and determines Athyen has heightened anxiety and is starting to enter fight or flight mode. Feeling slightly guilty, Ceona steps in and asks the group to back off asking him any more questions. Kasek steps back giving him space, but Feadog persists and asks Athyen if he can see the vials on Athyen's chest. As soon as Feadog says that, Athyen clutches his vials and demands the party to get away from him. Kasek then lunges to grapple Athyen, and Athyen wiggles his way free. Celindriel makes an attempt to pluck one of the vials from his sash, but fails. Feadog attempts to grab him, but Athyen avoids his grasp and rushes out the back door of the Temple. Vyncis lets out a cry wondering what's happening, and Ceona, Celindriel, and Kasek hold their position while Feadog rushes to the door and peeks outside. Feadog witnesses another door further down the side of the temple closing. Feadog checks the door and finds it to be locked. Disappointed, Feadog returns to the others.

Vyncis demands to know what is going on, and Kasek reveals that they believe Athyen may have been involved in an attack on an individual in town. Feadog asks if Vyncis is aware of the mysterious robed individuals that Drossa had described, and Vyncis admits he hasn't seen anyone matching that description. The party presses him for more information regarding the individuals, but determine Vyncis honestly isn't aware of them. The party asks about Athyen, and Vyncis admits that he doesn't have any friends, he keeps to himself, is socially awkward, and mostly keeps to his cell, which is where he fled when Feadog saw the door closing. Feadog asks if Vyncis might have the ability of getting through to Athyen, and Vyncis estimates, given the heightened level of agitation from Athyen, it'll be a day or more before he calms down. Feadog asks if Vyncis might be able to keep Athyen within his quarters, and Vyncis states he can't be up all hours of the day and night, and basically says he would be unable to do this.

Kasek asks how long Vyncis had been a priest at the temple of Valkur, and Vyncis stated he had been the head priest in Hirane for the past 15 years. Kasek asked if Vyncis found the previous Lord's demise to be suspicious. Vyncis admits that the illness that overtook the previous Lord was unusual since the illness came on suddenly. Vyncis also indicated that he had attempted to heal the previous Lord, and though the Lord seemed to respond well to his heals, his symptoms would reappear within 3 to 4 days. Kasek then asked for a description of the symptoms and Vyncis said the previous Lord's symptoms were similar to the flu, the Lord was lethargic, constantly thirsty, but the most unusual symptom was that the Lord would pant in a similar way to a dog that was too hot. Kasek and Celindriel searched their memory for any poisons that would have a similar effect, and Celindriel remembered that there are certain poisons that have caused victims to pant in the past. The panting was due to victims being unable to catch their breath, and eventually dying due to pulmonary edema -- transfer of fluid into the lungs. The components on the list the party found in Rilanor's house don't appear to cause those particular symptoms when consumed, however.

Celindriel asked Vyncis what he thought of Lord Andel Caldel. Vyncis admits he doesn't concern himself so much with politics, but he considers Lord Caldel to be a newer Lord, and new Lords tend to attempt to manage to the best of their ability, and he sees Lord Caldel falling into this category. The party then inquired about Athyen's family, associates, etc. Vyncis admitted he doesn't have any friends or family that he's aware of, but Athyen came highly recommended to be an acolyte by Azud Rhunan, High Priest of the Deep Pearl Shrine in the Capital City of Sestatrea. Kasek then asks if Vyncis would be willing to give them access to Athyen's quarters, and Vyncis states that he believes in privacy and is hesitant to allow the party to search Athyen's possessions without proper evidence or cause to do so. The party thanks Vyncis for his time, and Vyncis does offer his assistance in helping with the investigation as much as he is able. As the party begins to leave, Feadog catches a glint of light coming from an object lying on the ground from where Athyen had previously been standing. He investigates and finds a vial of deep purple fluid with a cork stopper lying on the ground. He picks it up, and as he swirls the liquid he notices it to be a thick deep purple liquid that has a metallic sheen, with some spots reflecting light and other spots absorbing light. Small granules of matter can also be seen suspended in the fluid as it is swirled. Feadog brings it back to the group, and they make their exit.