#session 14 | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

babybluesquid · 2 years ago

Text

Session 14, To Kill Khyberlurk

Our Players this Week:

Hog 112, they/them, Weapon Thaumaturge, skirmisher warforged, the leader of the inquisitives agency and founding member, tends toward practicality and following a command structure.

Vestige, they/them, Bones Oracle, warforged placed into a human body, a healer and the agency’s fleshborn face, remains on the periphery with an individualistic streak.

Strategy, it/its, Empiricist Investigator, officer warforged, an old model who’s seen much action and uses the tactics they learned back during the war now under Sharn.

Samanta, she/they, Swashbuckler Fencer, skirmisher warforged, a spotter during the war who turned to spying for one of Sharn’s criminal families before joining the inquisitives agency.

Carmine, she/her, War Priest, infantry warforged, a forged who converted to the Blood of Vol and extensively modified her own body to fit a Seeker ideal.

——————

Khyberlurk unconscious. Carmine starts searching their body. They’ve got five daggers hidden, two more on their hips, a smoke stocks, two bombs, alchemist’s fire, and a pouch of coins. She checks the pouch, finding it’s galifars, seems to be about a hundred of them. Assessing the situation, Hog says “we need a wagon, hide the body. We’ve already attracted enough attention.” Carmine approaches them, “sorry if I’m overstepping my boundaries, but can I have a one on one after?” “With them? Whatever for?” “I’m curious,” she says,”I want to talk to them about their deal.” “Alone?” “Yes. Don’t worry. I won’t kill them. And I don’t have any intention to stop you from killing them.” “Well, you’re right,” Hog says, “that would be overstepping. Remember you’re new here.” “Sorry boss,” Carm replies with the slightest edge in her voice. Hog rallies Samanta to go buy a wagon with them. Shortly, Khyberlurk is loaded up and covered. Carmine volunteers to help pull, and Hog tells Samanta to assist as well.

Once on route to the agency, Hog steps ahead of the others to talk to Shadowblack. “Say, which nation did you serve?” They ask. “Our group was in Cyre,” he replies. At that, Hog stares off into the distance for a long moment. Shadowblack continues, “I don’t care much for Cyre. Cyre was built out of the dreams of Galifar on the backs of others. Even had others fight their wars. Our kind and the mercenaries.” Taken a bit aback, they respond, “that’s an awful flippant way to talk about your nation.” A bit of anger creeps into his voice, “way I see it, Cyre sent my family out to die. Now just me and Khyberlurk are left.”

That hangs for a bit longer, Hog’s discomfort knowing that they intend to kill Khyberlurk. Eventually though, they say, “that’s not the way I see it, but I guess it’s just a difference of opinion.” It seems Shadowblack isn’t eager to discuss Khyberlurk either, they reply, “I cannot look past the slavery I was subjected to.” “You ever see Making?” Hog asks, switching tacts, “they say it was the most beautiful city in the world.” “I saw it when I was made, then blood after.” “Well, that’s what we fight for, right?” Shadowblack scoffs, “crowned heads sent us to fight for their fleshborn homes.” Hog nods, “I wish we could’ve been built in Galifar.” “Wouldn’t want to serve the fleshborn in Galifar, Cyre, Karrnath, or Breland. Besides, wouldn’t be warforged then.” At that, Hog laughs.

Finally, Shadowblack states, “shame about Khyberlurk. Only family I have left from my batch, and now they’ve fallen. Wish things could’ve played out differently.” “You know,” Hog begins carefully, “your brother’s too dangerous to be left alive.” “Greatest tragedy of all, I suppose.” The two walk in silence, the weight of the future bearing down. Meanwhile, the others are engaged in their own conversation. “Does anyone find it strange that Slogar turned to us?” Strategy asks, “he was hostile during the Jack-in-Irons case, and I had the impression he was hiding something. Why turn to us instead of Tharashk or Medani?” “Perhaps he trusts us more,” Samanta suggests. “I find that hard to believe. The Houses are interconnected. We are outsiders to them.” “Perhaps they need an outsider.” It sighs, “it that case, he would have hired us first, but he hired Tharashk.” “I think we’re due for a double cross,” Vestige suggests, “keep an eye on him.” “That may be the case.” “I doubt Slogar’s opinion of us has changed at all.” “I don’t think so. We should keep Khyberlurk’s capture secret from Slogar.”

Carmine, pulling alongside Samanta, buts in then, “you’re talking about the Cannith, right?” Strategy nods, “he’s the head of the Forgehold in the Cogs. He hired us after his previous agent died.” “Ah yes, I remember. Sorry, the last couple days have been a blur. But I don’t think any creators can be trusted.” “Agreed,” Vestige says. “We had previous dealings with this man and he was less than friendly.” “I say if we have a chance to swing at the Cannith, we should.” Carm is taken aback by Vestige’s comment, “I wouldn’t go that far. I believe… so, but something does seem fishy. I think if anything were to be his plan, it’d be a setup really. It just feels very classic. Warforged stumble into a murder. Perhaps someone else is the target.” Strategy thinks on that, “I don’t believe Slogar set us up, but he surely has his own intentions.” “Every Cannith does,” she sighs, “I think we should talk to Khyberlurk and not go to him.” “In any case,” Vestige adds, “no need to worry. I’ll only kill him if we can get away with it. I know better than to invite Cannith ire.” “I’m glad you’re being reasonable,” Carm says. “I always am.” “Yes… of course dear.”

When the sleuths arrive back at the agency, Jhaala is waiting at the front desk. She stands, holding out an open box to Hog, “we have mail again. Lots of cryptic mail lately. I looked through it this time. Nobody’s head.” “Do you get heads frequently?” Carmine asks. “We’re looking to ensure it doesn’t happen again,” Hog replies. “Okay…” The box contains various gear and a note. Hog opens it first.

“To Dire Hog 112

Hello, I hope this aid finds you well. I have recently become more aware of your project and I appreciate that you have dedicated yourself to the service of Breland in your civilian life. Long live the king. Prosperity and Glory to Breland.

from an old friend”

The note’s stamped with a symbol of the Circle of Seven, as well as the green ghost tiger. Hog hands it around, “here, read this. Looks like we’ve got a new friend.” “It seems this ghost tiger is an ally of ours,” Strategy comments. “An old friend huh,” Hog muses, “could be… no.” With that, they look through the box’s contents. There is a mirror robe, which they give to Strategy. A hat of disguise given to Vestige. A scroll of telekinetic maneuver to Mage. A scroll of bless to Carmine. Finally a minor healing potion to Samanta. Hog keeps the note.

Before they can go to the interrogation room, Vestige pulls Hog aside. “I don’t think it’s a good idea to kill Khyberlurk,” they say. “Well,” Hog replies, “what else are we gonna do with the guy? You’ve seen with your own eyes how dangerous they are.” “And I know it’s going to get a lot worse if all the Blades decide to come against us. Right now we need to be mending relations.” “They’re already coming against us. I don’t know what world you’ve been living in but the Blades you knew, Shadowblack’s Blades, seem like they’re gone.” “I wouldn’t be too sure. This plan the Blades have, of setting up criminals and then defeating them, they’re trying to play at being heroes. That means they care about their image. I’m thinking we can use that to smooth things over, and that way there won’t be war between us and the Blades.”

Hog doesn’t miss a beat, “well that’s all a very fine idea but how do you think we’re actually gonna do that?” “We have Shadowblack and if we keep Khyberlurk alive I think we can work something out.” “Keep Khyberlurk alive and what?” “Use them to meet the commander, Aggregate.” “And then what are we gonna say? I’m so sorry we got in your way? I’m sorry that you killed our friends and attacked our operations?” “We don’t know why they did that. We gotta figure it out. Killing Khyberlurk now is too risky.” Hog cuts Vestige off mid sentence, “you’re right, that’s why we’re gonna interrogate the assassin.” “And if they won’t talk?” “I don’t know. Probably won’t, but we gotta give it a shot.”

“This is dangerous,” Vestige says, somewhat wearily, “if they come up against us in force, we’re going to die.” “More dangerous than leaving Khyberlurk alive? You heard what Shadowblack said, Khyberlurk is their most elite assassin. Sounds like we’re already on their shit list.” “Well, we’ve got them in our captivity right now.” “Yeah, what, are we just gonna keep them here forever? Turn them over to the watch? Are you saying we should set this assassin free?” “No, I’m saying we keep them for now, until we resolve things with their boss.” “How are we gonna do that? You keep saying we’re gonna talk to Aggregate, I don’t even know what we’re gonna say.” “I’m just saying, don’t be too hasty. This situation has me worried, is all.”

“I know you’re worried about an escalation but, the way I see it, they’ve already escalated. You say you don’t want a war but we’re already at war. All we can do is improve our position. Nobody ever won a war by giving up the fight.” “You know… I didn’t care much for that war, and I know you’re not happy with how it ended but… I don’t mind it.” “Who said I was talking about…?” Hog trails off. “Let’s go see if they’re awake,” Vestige says. “Yes. Thank you for your opinion. I just want you to know that I consider you a friend.” “Thanks. I hope we all don’t get killed.” The two are silent for a moment before Hog says, “let’s go talk to the prisoner.”

Everyone: Hog, Vestige, Strategy, Samanta, Carmine, and Shadowblack head to the interrogation room. Khyberlurk is there, lashed to the chair, still unconscious from their injuries. It may be a while before they wake up, so Strategy and Carmine set to repairing their allies. As she works, Carmine speaks, “I’m sorry, Hog, for overstepping earlier. You are the boss and it’s your decision. I am allowed to talk to them, yes?” “You will be in the room,” Hog replies. “Good, I want to understand their point of view.”

Vestige points out that someone should check on Cloak the goblin on their stakeout. Hog delegates that task to Samanta. Carm volunteers to check back at the foundry. When the two return, Samanta reports that Cloak is still spying. In the time since they started watching the place, one warforged left the building and another entered. The group is waiting still. Carmine finds the surviving Daask criminals, the goblin who hid and the unconscious miner, are long gone as expected.

As they stare at Khyberlurk, Hog muses, “maybe this guy knows what happened to Forward.” The sleuths are quiet at that. “Who’s Forward?” Carmine asks. “Our second in command. He can handle himself so I’ve not been too worries, but I’m not too sure now.” That statement hangs heavily in the air.

Khyberlurk lifts their head. They say nothing and otherwise don’t move at all, just look passively at their six captors. Carmine looks to Hog, who doesn’t stop her as she approaches Khyberlurk, getting uncomfortably close. “So, I’ve heard you’ve been a little troubling to try and track down,” she says. Khyberlurk’s response is impassive, “one could say that.” “I could definitely tell you were very slippery during our encounter.” “I thank you for the compliment, but an ever greater one would be undoing these ties.” Carm giggles mirthlessly, “well I can’t have that, you might stab me again. Very rude of you, by the way.” “Don’t put yourself into situations where you’re likely to be stabbed.” “I weighed the pros and cons. So, down to business. You’ve got a lot of dead bodies to your name, but we’re looking into the specific one that we found. Where are you hiding the warforged bodies, if you’ll tell?”

“I’m not going to,” Khyberlurk replies. “So you are hiding those bodies. Wonderful.” “I can’t confirm that, but I see you already have your suspicions.” “You are a suspicious fellow. So,” she taps their face with a claw, “they’re rather frustrated with you, you know. Probably want you dead. Not up to me though of course. I’m a junior in this organization. But I could at the very least put in a good word for you if you cooperate.” Khyberlurk looks past Carmine, right at Hog, “you kill me and Aggregate kills you. Simple as that.” Hog replies bluntly, “well it sounds like you’ve got yourself figured out.”

“Are you ready to die then? Not that I’m going to-” Carmine asks. “I’m not saying I’m ready. I’m just saying it would be a bad idea for you lot.” “Well you seem rather enthusiastic to. Ready to give your life for the cause. Ready to get Aggregate aggravated.” “What better death is there for me than service to my brothers in the Blades?” Hog cuts in angrily, “what makes you think your buddy Aggregate cares any more about you than about your brother Shadowblack?” Khyberlurk remains calm, “Shadowblack hasn’t been his right hand and I have. You think I would be so close in his confidence and so high up in the organization if he didn’t trust me?” “You don’t strike me as the trustworthy sort,” they respond. “Well you wouldn’t say that because you’re my enemy. I am loyal to my allies.” “You’re not even loyal to your own family,” Hog presses. “The Blades are my family. Shadowblack was on the precipice of betraying us.”

Hog switches tact then, “from what I’m hearing it sounds like most of the Blades on the ground don’t know what you’ve been doing. What makes you think they’re gonna come out in support of you? And what makes you think you’re really doing what’s best for them? You’re harming their community in the name of victory.” “We’re not free,” Khyberlurk says with the first hint of anger they’ve given, “the treaty says we’re free and yet two thirds of us have been placed back into slavery with foundry contracts. The rest of us aren’t much better off. We’re still under the fleshborn and we will be until we seize our freedom by whatever means we have available.” Hog raises their voice, “do you think I like that, pally? That’s exactly why I started this organization! I didn’t get in this game to be the puppets of some Cannith industrialists, but there must be something real perverse in your head if you think killing warforged is gonna help us be free!”

“You fought in the war, didn’t you? You know if you’re gonna win a war, things gotta go wrong first. Do you think we’re gonna be able to work our way out of this mess? The only way the fleshborn understand is war.” “Words of the utterly deranged,” hisses Carm. “I fought for Breland,” Hog replies, “and I fought for civilization. We didn’t kill Brelish citizens. We didn’t turn on our own people. I don’t know what kinda war you think you’re fighting, but it’s not any kind I’ve ever seen.” “You fought for the fleshborn and the fleshborn turned on their own people a century ago, and for what? A throne, a crown. They created our people and sent them to die for the petty squabble of a family.” “Oh please,” Carmine seethes, “you think you’re the only person who’s angry you had to fight for the fucking creators?” “No,” Khyberlurk says simply, “you should be, and you should join the Blades.” “I’ve taken my stance. I know my beliefs and I know who I am and I am not a murderer like you. You don’t do anything! You’re just causing chaos and it’s not helping anyone! Even if you did hate all the fleshborn, even if you wanted to be isolated from them forever, you’ve killed one of your own! You’ve turned your back on your own! You’ve lost! We’re not the enemy! You’re the one creating this-!” The angrier Carmine gets, the more impassive Khyberlurk becomes in return, “Shadowblack turned his back on us and fell in with you lot.”

“That’s what I don’t understand,” Hog says, “what’s your problem with us? I didn’t even think about the Blades until you started sending killers after us.” “You aren’t the first on Aggregate’s hitlist, but I’ve been trying to tell him what a threat you are. You’re an organization run by a Brelish jingoist obsessed with the law, which has been gaining more fame and reputation over time. You think that’s good for our operations?” “No, I don’t suppose it would be. It wouldn’t help you to have a better alternative,” Hog replies sarcastically. “Have you read the Analects of War, Hog? You should know enemies must be anticipated and potential threats removed in order to ensure victory.” “You’re not making a great argument for yourself right now, buddy.”

“It’s an interesting way to think in a society without war, isn’t it?” Carm muses. “A society without war,” Khyberlurk scoffs. “There is no war. We stopped the war because of the fucking Mourning and you want to stir up trouble! I don’t underst- I can’t understand.” “There can be no peace between us and the fleshborn,” they reply simply, “what do you propose we do? How do you propose our people be given freedom when House Cannith and the Wynarns rule Khorvaire? The people who created us in slavery, had us die, and didn’t release us when they promised to.” “You don’t solve that by murdering your own,” she insists.

“How are we supposed to run a clandestine operation if we’re just going to let information out for the Dark Lanterns to get?” “What,” Hog asks, “you think we’re agents of the Dark Lanterns?” “I wouldn’t be so sure of that, but you would know information can spread fast, considering you’re smart enough to set up your operation.” “This is getting us nowhere,” Carmine complains, “I feel like I’m talking to a wall.” Hog shrugs, “I’m not surprised.” “It’s funny you think you’re an independent agent,” Khyberlurk adds, “all of us are being maneuvered by greater powers. Aggregate is working for the Lord in the Mournland. And you’re working for the- well, you might not understand but Aggregate knows where your money comes from. Another reason we must fight against you.”

Carm turns, “Hog, where does our money come from?” “Who our benefactor is doesn’t make any difference,” they respond, “all I know is I’m working for the Cogs and the warforged that live here. I don’t give a damn thing about any Lord of Blades off in the Mournland. That’s not any of my business. And I don’t know what piece you think we’re playing in some great game but whatever it is, we’re not pawns.”

Vestige, who’d just been sitting and listening intently, finally speaks up, “we could come to an understanding yet. Let us meet with your boss. We can have a discussion and figure out which part in this each of our organization will play.” “I would love to meet this Aggregate, actually,” Carmine says, “you seem to speak highly of him.” “Well,” Khyberlurk replies, “to save my own life and reduce the tensions between us, it seems to be a good deal. Though, if you continue on your current course, we will come to further conflict. Do not trust mysterious figures sending gifts or information.” “I don’t get it,” Hog says. “I wasn’t really unconscious,” they reply. “Oh really?” “I woke up several hours ago. I heard what your employee said, and you reading that note. You may have more to fear from that person than from us, even if they appear friendly at the moment.” Carmine crosses her arms, “as I see it, you’re the one trying to kill us.”

“You wanna meet with Aggregate? You’re going to have to let me go,” Khyberlurk says, “I set it up with Aggregate on neutral ground where neither of us may dare attack the other. The Red Hammer. Not in the main room, but still there nonetheless.” “I don’t think we can rely on you for anything other than a knife in the back,” Hog replies. “What other option do you have? You don’t know how to contact Aggregate.” Carmine turns to Hog, “well, that’s the most I think we’re gonna get out of them. They’re stubborn and I think they’re willing to die for their cause.” “They have made their offer.” She turns back to Khyberlurk, “so I say we trust them for now.” “I agree with Carmine,” Vestige offers, “there’s no way we’ll be able to see Aggregate without Khyberlurk.” “You know Carmine,” Hog replies, “you’re right about one thing: we’re done here.”

Hog calls Gentle into the room then to keep an eye on Khyberlurk while the sleuths go out into the hallway. As they enter, Gentle tells Khyberlurk, “I hope you talk to me while I’m guarding you. I’ve heard about your beliefs on the oppression of the fleshborn and I don’t altogether agree with you.”

Once out in the hallway, the sleuths get to talking about what to do about Aggregate. Carmine tells Hog that she trusts Khyberlurk to follow through with the meeting. She’s not sure why, it’s just a feeling. Shadowblack says that may be true, but afterward they cannot be trusted again. Hog, though, isn’t sure that the meeting will be productive at all. Best to just take care of Khyberlurk. “I can see why you kill so many prisoners now,” Carmine says angrily. “Well,” Hog responds, “I wouldn’t go that far lady.” “Well if they double cross us, the first thing they’ll meet is my claws.” “I can’t help but agree,” Vestige admits, “I don’t like these new Blades. It was different during the war. There used to be a sense of cohesion and community. They would never attack their own. I think this Aggregate fellow is a corrupting influence.” Shadowblack and Carm agree.

“So what are you thinking,” Hog asks. “They seem to be very confident Aggregate would save them but something tells me he cares less about his subordinates,” Carmine says. “Say, Shadowblack,” Hog says, “is it true what they said about being Aggregate’s right hand this whole time?” “It’s possible. They had information very close to Aggregate I was not privy to, and they were in the upper level of the Blade cell here.” “I expect with a prisoner like that, we might be able to gain some concessions from the Blades, but frankly,” Hog looks to Vestige, “I don’t think there’s gonna be any sort of understanding. Maybe we’ll have a truce for a few weeks but if they think we’re a threat now, it’s only gonna get worse now that we’ve beat Khyberlurk.” “Even a few weeks might be enough to learn what affect Aggregate is having on his sect of the Blades,” Carmine points out.

“I say we take the truce and your inquisitives find Aggregate, then we launch an attack to remove the leader,” Shadowblack suggests, “we just need to be faster than Aggregate’s plan.” Hog admits, “I think you may be overestimating our abilities. The way I see it, that plan carries a lot of risk. I don’t know what you make of it, Strategy, but the way I see it there’s nothing stopping them from dropping the hammer on us at any time. If we really wanna be safe we need to kill Khyberlurk, send a message.” “That’s not gonna do anything but piss them off more!” Carm exclaims, “what are you talking about?” “It’s possible they might not want to attack us with their main force because it would turn the warforged here against the Blades. You’re well respected,” Shadowblack says.

“Why not attack Aggregate at the meeting?” Vestige points out. “That wouldn’t be honorable,” Hog says. “You’re one to talk honor when you’re suggesting killing a prisoner to send a message,” Carm replies. “I’m saying that killing Khyberlurk would be the right kind of message. Killing Aggregate at a meeting, I mean, for all the crystals in Khyber, even if it worked I can think of no surer way to piss off the Blades.” “As long as we can maintain the respect of the other warforged, the community here in the Cogs, we can avoid an all-out attack from Blades,” Strategy says, “but I agree Aggregate needs to be taken down if we are to survive.” “And if we take down Aggregate in the safety of the Red Hammer, there’s no quicker way to lose the respect of the community,” Shadowblack adds.

“You know, for my part Carmine I don’t know what you want,” Hog says, “it seems you can’t tolerate leaving them alive but you’re afraid of killing them.” “I’m saying this is our best chance of survival,” she replies, “I want them dead but the most important thing to deal with right now is this whole faction of murderers and psychopaths. And if Aggregate is the one causing that though charisma or something else then we need to set everything else aside to deal with him.” “How’s this meeting gonna help us deal with Aggregate?” “We need time,” she says. “We need to know who Aggregate even is,” Vestige adds. “I think we’re gonna have time either way.” Hog states, “Shadowblack, you said Khyberlurk is the Blades’ best assassin. And Strategy, like you told me the goodwill of the community is what keeps us alive. Correct me if I’m wrong on this one, it doesn’t sound like Khyberlurk is a local hero.” Shadowblack nods, “I would predict they would send proxies to assault us using Aggregate’s growing criminal network. That way the Blades wouldn’t be opening targeting us. These wouldn’t be as dangerous as Khyberlurk, certainly, but still a problem.”

Strategy pipes up, “I had some doubts about the meeting. I’m not sure whether Aggregate would show up.” “We can get Shadowblack to confirm it,” Vestige says, “you’ve seen Aggregate, right?” He confirms, “yes I could.” “Seems safe,” Carm says, “he doesn’t show up, we leave. It’s neutral ground. Plus we’ve dealt with Khyberlurk before.” Hog’s incredulous, “you think Khyberlurk is gonna make another mistake like that?” “And you aren’t doing your job as a leader! You aren’t making a decision- any smart decisions right now!” “Sovereigns blast it I’ll make a decision! We’re gonna kill him and we’re gonna tie him up in the town square and we’re gonna hang up a sign under his feet saying ‘This is a Killer of Warforged!’ Any objections?”

“I think that might raise too much of a stir in the rest of the city,” Shadowblack says. Strategy agrees, “if we are going to kill Khyberlurk, it shouldn’t be public.” “Besides,” Vestige adds, “there is a middle ground between just letting the guy go and killing them.” “We can keep them here, that would involve some risk though,” Strategy says. “What’s your middle ground, then?” Hog asks. “I say we main them. They’re an assassin? Well, let’s see how well they do without arms.”

Everyone’s quiet for a long second. Then, Shadowblack replies, “that is terrible, but they could still make it back to the Blades.” Carmine deflates, “do as you will. I don’t know if this is the organization I thought it was, but I’m overstepping my bounds. I’m going to go help your receptionist with some chores or something.” She stands and walks back to the front of the building.

“Not likely to earn us any friends,” Hog says, “and we don’t want Khyberlurk to be turned into Aggregate’s propaganda case.” Strategy nods, “imagine what that would bring us. It’s clear evidence of brutality.” “Are you forgetting that we got sent Clever’s head in a box?” Vestige points out. “We don’t want eyes drawn to us right now,” Shadowblack rebuts, “especially not in that negative way.” “Are you suggesting the forged in this community aren’t interested in justice for a killer of warforged?” Hog asks. “What I’m more concerned about in that case is the upper city looking down on us,” Shadowblack says. “You think it’d end up in the papers?” “Of course it would. Nothing big like that happens without finding its way to the inquisitive. Our reputation among the fleshborn would be soured. Besides, I think you need to figure out who your anonymous benefactor is. Don’t wanna do anything too brazen that’d offend a rich person’s sensibilities and get this place all gutted out.” “Well, nobody needs to know what we’re the ones who killed Khyberlurk… though I guess it wouldn’t be too hard to trace back.” “I believe they’ll know,” Strategy says, “and sooner or later Slogar will know too. Even if we don’t report back, soon he’ll be breathing down our necks.”

Hog sighs, “I didn’t even think about Slogar. What are we going to tell that fat man?” “I say we tell him we quit the case,” Vestige says, ”what’s he gonna do?” “Hire some Medani inquisitives to snoop on us. I hate this, we’ve got this guy tied up in our back room and somehow they’ve outmaneuvered us on every front.” “Sooner or later, Slogar will know we had Khyberlurk,” Strategy says, “those Daask gangsters are witnesses. We chased them down through the Cogs. We can’t hide them for very long, a few days at the most.” “You think before long everyone in the city is gonna know we chased Khyberlurk down?” Strategy affirms, “I wouldn’t be surprised if the Blades’ agents spread word about it.” “And I don’t suppose we have any way to get the word out first,” Hog sighs again, “ah Slogar. Never should’ve let that man in our building.”

“Aggregate, the Blades, and House Cannith. That’s too much for us to deal with,” Strategy says, “we need to pick our battle.” “We can tell Slogar that Khyberlurk died in battle, or something of the sort,” Hog muses. “I want to suck out Slogar’s soul,” Vestige complains. “I would be hard to convince him without a body, I’d suspect,” Shadowblack says. “And it’d be awfully hard to convince him if we let the bastard go,” Hog agrees, “and are we gonna kill Khyberlurk and hand them over to Slogar d’Cannith.” Vestige frowns, “I don’t want Slogar having the bodies of any of our own. Who knows what he’s doing with them?”

Hog nods, adding, “I doubt Aggregate wants us handing over their top agent to a Cannith.” “Aggregate’s already against us,” Strategy says, “though unfriendly, Slogar has his own motives, probably about money and research. He may not be our ally but he’s certainly not our enemy at the moment.” “I agree, but we probably can’t trust him to keep a secret.” “Agreed,” Vestige says, “Slogar would probably tell House Tharashk.” Strategy states, “House Tharashk will come here sooner or later looking for their dead agent.” “This place is gonna be swarming with the Twelve,” Hog sighs, “we’re not gonna let Khyberlurk go. I can’t believe we’re even considering it.” “If only there was some way for Slogar to take the fall,” Vestige says, “hate him.” “Khyberlurk made a mistake killing that Tharashk,” Strategy says, “seems like we can’t let them go.” “We could always tell them they got away, but that’d be an embarrassment,” Hog says. “I’d rather be embarrassed than in a bind,” Vestige replies.

“I’d rather get justice than anything. We’re losing sight of what really matters here,” Hog says, “justice for Clever and for everything else Aggregate’s done.” “We can’t get justice for Clever until we can swing at Aggregate,” Vestige says, “and we’re not gonna be able to find Aggregate on our own it seems.” “Maybe not,” Strategy says, “but House Tharashk is known for its Finders.” Hog’s concerned at that, “you think we can use Tharashk to find him?” “We could use Khyberlurk killing that heir. We could tell Tharashk we know this assassin acted one someone else’s orders, but there would be collateral damage to the rest of the Blades, those who know nothing about Aggregate’s plans.” “Agreed,” Vestige says, “that’s too messy.”

“Whether we want it or not the Houses are gonna get involved and we’ll manage that when it happens. Right now, we just have to make the best decision we can. I’m telling you we’re gonna kill Khyberlurk, and if nothing else we’re gonna do it in the name of justice. Now I know you all don’t wanna make it public. I agree we can’t let the body fall into the hands of Slogar. But what are we gonna do? Just dump him into the lava pits?” Hog says. “Sounds like a plan,” Vestige replies. “We have to show Slogar the body first,” Strategy says. “If we show him the body, he’s never gonna let go of it,” Hog says, “Slogar wants all the evidence he can get and, frankly, evidence is a little thin on the ground.” “If you don’t show him the body, what are you gonna say?” “I don’t know.”

Shadowblack jumps in, “I say we make a tale for Slogar. Khyberlurk’s dangerous, so we didn’t want a direct confrontation. We lured Khyberlurk into a building a set magical explosives, bringing the whole thing on top of him and killing him there, so we don’t got a body.” Hog’s concerned though, “we’re gonna blow up a building down here in the Cogs?” “No, Khyber’s Gate. People would care if we blew up a building in the Cogs because that’s property.” “That’ll only work until Tharashk sniffs around the site and finds no body there,” Vestige points out. “And then Slogar and Tharashk will know we lied,” Strategy adds, “we’d be under heavy fire after that.” “Maybe they do find a body,” Shadowblack says. “You saying we make some kinda fake?” Hog asks. “No. We got the real one.” “We’re not gonna let Khyberlurk’s body into Slogar’s hands, that’s the whole point,” Vestige says. “Well, not exactly if they’re blasted and buried under rubble. Just enough to leave a sign that there was a warforged, lending credibility to the story, but not an intact body.”

“You know, Shadowblack,” Hog admits, “that plan just makes too much damn sense, but I can’t stop thinking about how many times we’ve been down in Khyber’s Gate, and I can’t stop thinking about that gnoll. You know, that place is people’s homes. Just because the upper city doesn’t care about it doesn’t mean it can be our playground for our operation.” “There should be some abandoned tunnel in the ruin,” Shadowblack replies, “it’s not all a ruin.” “Besides, we need to take care of ourselves first,” Vestige adds. “Keeping the Houses out of our business as much as possible would be the best way to do that,” he agrees.

Hog sighs, “Blainewood never would’ve done this sort of thing. We had traitors and even spies in the army, and they dealt with them the right way, the just way. Hang them up for the whole world to see, do it in the open. I just don’t like the subterfuge.” “We don’t have that luxury,” Vestige replies, “I don’t like it either, Hog, but you know, hearing this conversation, we can’t afford to make enemies with the Houses. We’d be devoured.” “Khyberlurk’s dangerous, but Merrix and the Twelve? There’s nothing we can do against them,” Shadowblack agrees. “By Dol Dorn’s asshole. Fine, let’s do it,” Hog says.

Vestige asks, “is there anything else we need to get out of Khyberlurk, or anything else we need to say to them?” “We could ask them about the bodies, or about Forward, but I think when we walk back in that room Khyberlurk’s gonna know what’s going on,” Hog replies, “I’ll go and deal with Khyberlurk.”

“Hog,” Vestige says, “you’re on this about justice, right?” “Hm?” “Let me kill Khyberlurk. That way it’ll be justice instead of revenge for you.” “What do you mean?” Hog asks. “A commander doesn’t do the deed themselves,” Vestige responds seriously, “the executing, I mean. And I can do it a lot cleaner than you.” Hog’s quiet for a moment, then, “I suppose I know what you mean. Well then, do it.” “Alright, let’s go.”

When Hog and Vestige enter the room again, Khyberlurk is utterly silent. Neither of the inquisitives say a word either as Vestige makes quick work of Khyberlurk, pulling their soul out and sending them straight to the despair of Dolurrh.

——————

Notables:

Shadowblack, he/him, Vestige’s brother in sentiment, Khyberlurk’s brother in make. He’s been booted from the Blades by the devious commander Aggregate.

Khyberlurk, they/them, a Blade assassin, Aggregate’s right hand. They were too dangerous to leave alive. Killing them was the only option, right?

Slogar d’Cannith, he/him, the Lord of the Forgehold in the Cogs. Hired the inquisitives to investigate a murder perpetrated by Khyberlurk, so he’s the wrench in things.