Act II: Penumbra

[Charon]

Rashkata takes all this in, clearly trying to betray as little as possible, but cannot conceal a growing fascination tugging at his features.
"Had anyone else told me this, I would find this tale hard to swallow, Gortig, but I sense the ring of truth to your words. No wonder Jelani is consolidating his forces. An enemy that rises again is a worry indeed.
I am familiar with the undead, of course, we've had an uprising or two in my time, though these 'encased' sound different. My advice would be to approach this methodologically.
Capture one. See if thirsts or hungers. See if the glass can be removed. See if a rescue is attempted. The answers to these questions will reveal more about the nature of the foe behind this. Whatever it is, it's strong. Strong enough to defeat the cream of the Geshir raiding forces. Jelani must be careful, commit no large force until you are sure of victory, lest those forces be turned against you."
He pauses for a while and the two of you drink in the peace.
"A small force, for reconnaissance. Jelani may have already arrived at the same conclusion. Yes, capture one of these Encased and probe the extent of its senses. I would love to be of further assistance in this, Gortig, but alas, I have a rather large fish of my own to fry."
He waves his hand, dismissively,
"A grassland idiom. I have a problem of equal or potentially greater threat to contend with. That said, I have it on good authority that Jelani hired a small group of mercenaries to assist him. Having three oases to defend, his forces are spread fairly thin. Wheels are turning, Gortig. I believe the commanding officer of that mercenary group will seek you out as you leave town, under orders of her own to provide assistance. She is extremely capable. My advice to you, and Jelani, would be to include her in any scouting activities you engage in."

[Gimble]

"Yes, I would like to examine one of the Encased myself. This approach seems logical."

"You are well informed." Gortig nods. "I was advised to seek out the Inglorious Bastards mercenary company in this town."

"There is also a bearded friend I wish to visit, perhaps his knifes are restless enough to venture back into the dunes."

"Master Rashkata of the Conclave, I'm aware the report has been brief. But the journey has wearied me and I wouldn't want to impose on your hospitality for longer than I already have. Is there anything else I can be of service of? If not I will retire for the night and seek out a place to rest."

[Charon]

"Information is a valuable commodity in the grasslands, Gortig. Alas, I fear I can be of no further practical use to you. I too must prepare for an early start."
He does not stand, trusting you to find your own way out, as would be common in a tent environment.
"Fare you well, Gortig, son of the Ash Mouths."

You leave, to seek out lodgings of your own, grateful for some time to rest.

(we'll come back to Gortig in Act 3)

-----

In the morning, Viales and Rashkata meet up to head out back to the Conclave. Viales has secured horses for the journey and he and Rashkata leave at first light.

Nirili. As noon becomes to come around you find yourself desiring a better lunch than the Snorcerer has to offer and mosey out into the street. A man in a dark black travelling cloak clocks you. He pulls something from his pocket, seemingly checking a notebook, then approaches you. His appearance seems a little wild at first, a somewhat unkempt brown beard, hair that is long overdue for a cut, and a slightly tired look to his eyes, yet he carries himself with some dignity, and flashes you his hand, the back facing you. You see the signet ring on his finger that identifies him as a member of the guild of couriers.
"Corporal Nirili Omore?" he asks, though it's clearly rhetorical. "Nice timing."
He is already reaching under his cloak to reveal a simple brass cryptex which he hands you along with a coin pouch that sits surprisingly heavy in your palm.
"If you wish to send any reply, I'm in town until tomorrow noon. You can find me at the Night Owl."
He crosses you out in his notebook, checks the next entry and heads out towards the temples.

The cryptex has a sequence of eight symbols and you know your code by rote. You flick through them and once the correct sequence is aligned, you slip it open and retrieve a missive from the company secretary, Arno Gite. While it is written in Arno's hand, you recognise the tone as being that of the IB leader himself, Garryn Norn.

Corporal Omore.
Rashkata probably already formally dismissed you. Don't worry about it none. The wizards have got some magical chicanery they're all worrying about. Our lot aren't gonna be much use when the spells start flying. We're still keeping a section of the force garrisoned at The Conclave but all ancillary agents are free for now. I say all, I have a special task for you. Captain Pentham's unit were making their way back through the desert lands. Pentham bit the big one fighting against the giants, though the situation was resolved. One of the lads is acting Lieutenant, for the nonce, but they got caught up in some pro bono defence in the deserts. They'd negotiated rest at one of Prince Jelani's oases when the place was attacked. Our lads joined in the defence and, afterwards, AL (Acting Lieutenant) Quinth was quick to spin some profit from the situation and offered his services. Got a bright future, that one. Anyway, it sounds like some serious shit so I want a clear head representing our best intentions. I don't need to remind you how valuable good word of mouth is. Get yourself over there and take over Quinth's unit and deal with Jelani's issue. That stiff prick Rashkata says there'll be some sorta envoy who'll meet you at the city gates. Your stipend is in the pouch and whatever Jelani coughs up after the fact is yours.

Arno Gite

You loosen the drawstring on the pouch and see a glimpse of platinum within.

OOC For ease, I'm assuming Nirili's insignia is visible. The Night Owl is another inn. The pouch contains 200 platinum.
You are free to compose any response here if you wish, though it isn't mandatory. Use this thread for anything you wish to do between now and meeting Gortig at the gates, which will occur in Act 3.

[Grodech]

Nirili always has her insignia visible so that anyone thinks twice about giving her any trouble. She's found it effective over the years, especially given her looks and heritage.

OOC: Acting Lieutenant means Quinth would have been a corporal before Pentham's death, correct?

I'm going to review her finances and see if there is anything I want to purchase anything. She'll probably send a message about Zandorian's death. Would he have been part of the fight in the desert, or was that something else?