Izzyr Returns Abane

 Three days of trekking through the wilderness brought them to campsites, and hideouts these Rangers created. Abane was finally awake, but was far more quiet than Bidfrid remembered. She acted sort of like a spoiled child who refused to say anything, but still willingly ate her meals. During those three days of avoiding the main roads to Neppetz they found themselves engaged in a skirmish 6 times. The first time was literally on the first day when a band 48 savage Goblins lurked in the deep parts of the forest. A tribal war of some sorts was being waged, and they disrupted an attempted raid on another tribe. On the next day they fought off three different groups. An Axe Wielding Ogre, a horned medium Ettin, one tall Elven Archer, Large Dwarf with pike axe, very tall skeletal warrior, 7ft tall fake wizard, a heavily armed bull humanoid mutant, 2 large wild Ogres, tall magenta skinned mutated humanoid, a white sorceress, a bow rider, and a bear riding paladin brought their own skirmish into their camp. Killing the ones who acted more savage they apprehended the rest. The Bear Riding figure was pressed to help them in the next encounter while the deceased bowman's horse was used to bind the sorceress. In their second engagement they faced a band of seventy-five skeleton warriors that were revived by someone to protect something nearby. Towards the end of the afternoon they might as well have angered a nearby city-state. Two city-guards, 4 flint-lock Witch-men, 4 masked battlefield assassins, 2 netherworld demon wolves, a pair of rival demons, five Elf Warriors, and a cannon team were already engaged in a skirmish. Their skirmish entered the Sun-Guard camp only to meat an enraged group who were trying to reach Neppetz. Not a single one of those humanoids Izzyr, Bidfrid, and their Sun-Guard allies faced in this third encounter lived. On the third day the other two encounters went as followed. As they road up to a path these two groups were already locked in some sort of stand down. One side had a pair of Renegade Drow outlaws, 7 samurai dressed marauding Orcs, 5 cadaver men in scary attire, 5 skeleton warriors, 2 rat looking humanoids, one hired Barbarian and an Armored Man at Arms. The other consisted of an interesting mash up of scantily clad humanoids, nude monsters, and rather angry yet depraved looking mutations. Close by are 8 attractive looking female warriors bound in certain positions. Not caring at all what either wanted they turned on both groups just to help someone while enforcing some peace. Even Abane helped them take down both of the groups. 

Towards the afternoon they had their sixth encounter with help from the eight women and those who tagged along. Just one band of 30 bandits camped out near a town that traded with Neppetz blocked their pathway. Making short work of these bandits they buried the corpses before resting for a bit. While resting he learned a bit more of what happened to Abane as well as the names of their new allies. She was bringing in laundry one day and this strange thin fellow in spectacles approached her. He wore a bluish robe with gold triangles along the sleeves, cuffs, and edges. He held a smile that sort of put her off a little. Acting all friendly he offered to help her with the laundry. When she declined he appeared in her path as if he was some wizard or ghost. Before she knew it he blue some powder into her face. Everything after that was lost to her. Bidfrid and Izzyr kept this in mind, especially Izzyr who needed to report this. Towards the end of the day the large party rode towards the city of Neppetz. At the northern most gate they found an army assembled outside. This assembled army was made up of 34 militia, 80 archers, 32 crossbowmen, 15 javelin throwers, 60 riflemen, 213 mounted knights, 33 missile/ bow cavalry, 28 dismounted knights, 42 spearmen, 33 heavy troopers, and warriors. This was just a small army compared to what was starting to gather from the city itself. Various Rangers, Clerics, Fighters, Warriors, Elites, Rogues, Thieves, Warlocks, Mages, Townwatch, Paladins, Orcs, Goblins, and Knights made up a force of 1844 to join the gathered force of over 500. 

Just witnessing a force of 2,414 march up the road towards Rednight Fangsir made Izzyr uneasy inside. Yes it was a large force assembled. Would it be enough to deal with the whole city that was made from a mountain? Especially when it was inhabited by various breeds of monsters and possible vampires. Looking around he searched for a high ranking official so he could get information on what the Six Mothers was going on. Among the Drow astride their steeds he spotted a Female Dame Knight bearing an officer's insignia of a silver spider web. Its shape could easily be seen from a certain distance. Breaking away from the Sun-Guard party he approached the closest officer he could get to. The female commanding officer he approached resembled his ex-wife. All the hairs in the back of his neck rose up under the belief that it was his ex-wife. She noticed him approaching her. 

"What is it Detective?" she asked him addressing him by his profession. 

"What is going on here Commander?" he asked her. 

"Rednight Fangsir is going through their turf war phases again. It is spilling over in other cities and regions. Neppetz along side eight other city-states are marshalling forces to clear out Rednight Fangsir." she answered. 

"Are you taking them inside Neppetz?" she asked him. He turned to see his fellow travelers coming up from behind him. They might as well form their own army or cavalry unit with over forty in their party. 

"Yes, yes I am. This is the missing Abane who was abducted by some strange fellow in a bluish robe. As for the rest these are the Sun-Guards who helped Bidfrid and I escape. These ladies are part of a faction dedicated to fighting monsters in these mountains. Every other member is a tag along. Do I have your permission to enter the city with this force? Or do we need to turn in weapons and wait at the closed gates for a few days?" Izzyr replied looking at this female Officer in the eyes. 

"No, go ahead Detective. Be sure to bring those new comers over to the Governess's Palace. She will see they are well acquainted with their temporary lodgings before their faction can be located." She told Izzyr. "Also bring Abane straight to the doctors. She will need to be examined before her family is informed of her return. Also, well done Detective." 

Before letting him go she patted him on the shoulder. Her own troop of Neppetz fighters passed by them as they trailed behind her. Not bothering to consult either of the girls or their new acquaintances Bidfrid and Izzyr led them into Neppetz. Abane covered herself with the robe so no one could see her. he did not know why she did this, but he chose not to ask. Taking them inside the streets of Neppetz he came back to a city that was preparing for some kind of siege. Citizens and Residents were too busy preparing for whatever was coming to even notice the new comers. Looking into the crowds of people he thought he saw his ex-wife. His heart skipped a beat knowing the next time she would ever see him would be the last time they run into each other. Bidfrid's hand rested on his arm snapping him out of a flashback. 

"I love my children." He said aloud causing Bidfrid to burst with laughter. 

"What did you do?" Bidfrid asked as they came to the doctor's office and workplace. 

"Made five children with two women." he admitted. 

"Where are they?" Bidfrid asked him dismounting and leaving him with the others. 

"Just with their aunt for now." He said feeling a little embarrassed. 

Doing his best to ignore the laughter from Bidfrid Izzyr left Abane with the Bounty Hunter while he took the rest over to the Governess. Winding their way through the streets had them pass through some poorer streets where he saw the Sun-Guards pass out coins to the poor, and homeless. This was something he only saw monks do or friars do at the end of each week. With them they would bring carts of food every day. What the Sun-Guards did was helping them a little further. Being a man of the law people assumed he was their escort. Seeing that each one was armed none of the usual thugs, or ruffians went after them. His gaze met their gaze knowing if any happened to these people none of those goons would live to see spring again. Izzyr left them to the hands of the secretary and the doorman-guard who awaited visitors to the Governess. Handing a copy of his report in he darted for the Neppetz police head quarters. The very moment he went up the steps he passed all the other police, guards, watchmen, and other detectives. His pace quickened as he went straight for the Chief. Wrapping on the door quickly he was told to enter. Chief Nolzur looked up to see him with an amused expression on her face. She was not the kind of person one would find a smile on their face very often. 

"Report Detective Nadisim." she ordered sorting through some envelopes on the desk. 

"Abane Velnis has been found Chief. She is with a guardian known as Bidfrid, a friend to her family." He reported to her. 

"Good job, good job." She got up with the most unexpected smile on her face. It showed all her white teeth that was the same color as her eyebrows. 

"Th- thank you Chief Nolzur. I shall keep up the good work." He replied. 

"Neppetz owes you one month off and a hefty reward before your next case. Oh by the way there is someone else here to see you." Nolzur sat back down. 

"Who is it, Chief?" Izzyr asked her. 

"Some privateer Captain by name of Jenere Omavern. A charming handsome elf, comes from Lheobethe." She answered. 

"A Vestrisian Elf? A Vestrisian Elf all the way here." Izzyr found this very amusing and puzzling. He almost laughed thinking this was a joke. What would a Vestrisian doing all the way here? 

"Dismissed." Nolzur said letting him go check his office. 

Izzyr jogged his way back to his office so he could retrieve the next case in his mail slot on the door. When he got to his own hall he found a few other figures, the usual staff. What stuck out was another figure who appeared lighter colored than the Drow and Dark Elves that worked here. This one dressed in a long seafaring captain long trench coat. A Captain style cap donned his head with a different symbol on it. He looked strong, tall, handsome and seen some fights in his day. Izzyr walked up to the elf who spotted him. This elf pirate or sailor smiled the biggest smile he ever saw on an elf. 

"You must be Detective Nadisim, Captain Omavern of the Abomination." He introduced himself with his hand stretched out. 

"Yes I am him. What are you all the way out here for?" He replied taking his hand for a shake. 

"I am a father who is looking for his dear children. The last I saw them with my now late wife they were in the hands of a caretaker who has disappeared and so have they." Jenere answered. 

Izzyr wanted to ask how he found out about Neppetz then realized this elf was a pirate who knew thousands of contacts, and spies. Pirates who lived long enough got to know an army of contacts, and spies. He would assume all were affiliates or thralls to pirates such as Jenere who stood before him. 

Escaping Rednight Fangsir

 Seated in a corner of the room a fine dressed pale faced figure had their eyes on Izzyr, and Bidfrid. The room was barely illuminated by the several lamps inside it. Just the dimness added more to the ominous appearance aside from the pale fine dressed figure looking at them. Izzyr's elf eyes made out the figure along with three others in the room. Why they did not stop Abane from attack them was beyond him at the moment. Turning to Bidfrid the Detective found him lifting up Abane from the floor and slinging her over his shoulder. The Dark Elf returned his gaze to the figures in the room. Grabbing the hilt of one his blades he prepared to engage one of them in case a fight broke out. In a blink of an eye the one who was seated zipped towards him. Whoever they were they stood at 7ft tall as a  handsome male with long fingers, and powerful physique. They grabbed him by the arm and lifted him up to their face. 

"Go. The way you came back." were the only other words they exchanged to him before dropping him. 

Another figure came roaring and screaming down the hidden hall they came through. One ugly grayish skinned stout figure in patched up clothing charged at them. Bidfrid punched him in the face knocking the ugly humanoid to the ground. He stepped over the figure back into the hall. Izzyr looked down at the ugly face seeing a heavy brow, oval shaped eyes, small nose with wide nostrils, wrinkly, scabbed, and boiled skin allover. Its mouth was a little wide to be a normal humanoid. Choosing to leave it be Izzyr stepped over the body, but not before finishing it off with a stab to the throat with its own dagger he found on it. Retaking the same passage in the walls the pair of them went backtracked. From the interior of the walls they heard a jumble of noise coming from allover the inside of the establishment. Screams, growls, and roars filling the rooms along with clash of weapons said they entered a turf war. The only ones he cared about right now in this eerie city were the helpful staff and the once enraged unconscious Abane. Drawing his weapon Izzyr did not look back. Doors behind them slowly closed and locked themselves. 

Feeling like they were trapped the pair of them skimmed the walls for any hidden doors. On both sides they found three doors that led to different rooms and situations. One room led to an orgy of some sorts where the staff were engaged in sexual intercourse. Another led to an aftermath of a fight that was yet to move on to other parts. The last one led to the outside alley. Getting out of this establishment appeared all too easy. Izzyr suspected a trap to be sprung. Looking up at the roof tops and walls he expected to find someone clinging to the walls. He was wrong about there being a trap. No one could be seen on the rooftops or in the windows of the dark buildings that flanked the alleyway they entered. Searching for an alley that would cut through the streets to the entrance Izzyr held Bidfrid back for a few moments. Spotting no dead ends or any paths that would steer them away Izzyr lead Bidfrid towards the entrance of Rednight Fangsir. Passing through two blocks of alley ways the pair of them ran into a turf war that erupted in the streets. He did not know how often it occurred in Rednight Fangsir. Izzyr surmised this had an impact on the activities that went on inside the city boundaries. Residents ran down the streets in panic trying to get away from the turf war. 

Whichever street they were on it filled with blood, bodies, and combatants. Possibly members or affiliates of different gangs, or thralls of a syndicate 50 Orcs, 7 outlaw knights, 6 swordsmen, 10 rogues, 11 troll like monsters, 15 Elf fighters, 5 Elf Archers, and scores of different humanoids spilled one another's blood. Lasting no more than five more minutes this street onslaught came to end leaving corpses, and wounded in its wake. Seeing the coast was clear Izzyr and Bidfrid raced towards the streets that lead to the wall. It was around this time the Rednight Fangsir Guards marched from either side of the street apprehending or killing the combatants. Their boots and footwear stepped in puddles of blood oozing out of the dead, wounded, and their entrails that spilled out. Izzyr almost slipped as they turned to enter another alleyway. Blindly entering this one they ran into some more thugs, one of whom was wounded. Clothed entirely in yellow these thugs did not reveal what they looked like. One of the, a 6ft humanoid lunged at them with a strange modified weapon that had three blades facing them. Izzyr blocked the first blow then cut the assailant down before running the other one into the wall with his blade. Doing the wounded one a mercy he cuts their throat not knowing what they looked like, what race, or gender. Eager the get out asap they raced down this new path only to run into a city guard who was on the hunt for combatants of the Turf War. Baring their teeth under the shadow of their helmet this Guard showed fangs of some sort. Starting to growl at them this Guard brandished a pair of gauntlet weapons. Both appeared like steel claws on the Guard's hands. Izzyr attempted to dance with him with his sword tapping both claws before jutting out with the blade at an exposed area. This Guard caught his sword and grinned. 

"Are you with the Red Loners, Black Pillagers, Phantoms, Yellow Corpse Posse, or the Hopeless ones?" the Guard asked them. 

"No we are part of none of those groups. I am Detective Izzyr Nadisim of the Drow city state of Neppetz. This is Bidfrid a Bounty Hunter for hire. We were sent here to retrieve Abane here." Izzyr responded to the question. 

This guard's growl went away, and his teeth disappeared behind lips. All facial features became relaxed with puzzlement. Blinking and shifting his eyes this Guard of Rednight Fangsir loosened his grip on Izzyr's sword. It took a moment for this one gather the words to even respond to his answer. Scratching his chin with a claw he pondered over this. Meeting people unaffiliated with those gangs during a turf war in the streets was apparently un heard of. His gaze returned to the pair of outsiders. The guard pulled something out of his cuirass and a writing utensil from his gauntlet. Just as he opened what looked to be a leather covered journal his head was cut off from behind. The Guard's beheaded corpse fell to the ground. A hooded figure armed with a very nice looking bastard sword stood behind the corpse. 

"Come on!" the hooded figure urged them. They beckoned for them to follow. Knowing they hardly knew where they were Izzyr looked at Bidfrid. 

"Did you forget your way around Rednight Fangsir?" He asked Bidfrid. The large man shot him a look. 

"No I did not lose my way around! Just follow that Ranger!" Bidfrid snapped at him. 

Shutting up Izzyr chose to follow this hooded figure. Racing through the interior alleys this figure took them to the walls of the city. A hidden passage was opened and they lead the pair of them through the interior walls to the the outside barrier of Rednight Fangsir. Pushing past some brush the Hooded Ranger, Drow Detective and large Bounty Hunter came across a man made clearing in some woods that flanked Rednight Fangsir. Inside the clinside earing they met up with 34 other hooded figures. Some were humans, Dwarfs, half elves, and straight up Elves. One of the Elves stepped up to the center. Pulling back their hood they revealed themselves to be female with jet black hair. Her attention went straight for the pair of retrievers.

"We are the Sun-Guards who protect these parts from any incursions made by the Vampires or Dhampirs of this mountain city." she said not even giving her name to them. 

"I am a Detective, and this is a Bounty Hunter who has been here before. We have come to return this woman back to Neppetz with her family." Izzyr pointed out to these Sun-Guard figures. 

"Check them. Once they have been checked. We shall return them to their homes or cure them if need be." The female commanded the rest of them. Four of the hooded figures marched up to them and checked all three of them. 

"None of them have any marks or bites Mistress." one of the hooded figures showed their Leader, the Dark Haired Elf. 

Without so much as a word the leader ordered for them to mount up on what appeared to be Large Cat-Like Creatures the size of a horse. Izzyr hesitated to even approach one of these mounts. One of the Hooded Sun-Guards pulled him and Bidfrid over to where their own mounts were hidden. Feeling a bit of relief inside Izzyr mounted his original steed that he rode to Rednight Fangsir. Once Bidfrid was mounted with Abane slung over the saddle the Sun-Guards rode off towards the south. Taking multiple switchbacks and detours through the woods, and over ridges they led the duo back to the city of Neppetz within a span of several days. Doing this was not without encounters with hostiles, or avoiding large war parties that kept lurking or swarming around other peaks. 

Rednight Fangsir: Abane is Found

 After asking a few rude inhabitants who scoffed at them Izzyr and Bidfrid found a stable to rest their mounts. It was right next to this stable that they found a three story Inn. It was more complex than just a regular Inn. This one had the resemblance of a Bawdy House, Drug Den, and Tavern molded into one. Rednight Fangsir did not appear to have much in the ways of restrictions. Next to the entrance a woman was getting known against the wall by some grotesque pale goblin hybrid who buried himself in her breasts. She was covered in a blue powdery substance and wearing very scantily clothing. Parts of her original skin complexion could be seen. Hers was an olive brown color. Passing them the two partners entered this small palace of sex, drugs, and rest. A blonde half elf-half orc spotted them. In a red scarf over her chest she wore a gold bodice over her revealing red tunic dress. 

"Can I help you two gentleman?" She asked stopping them. Her hands brushed against both of them. Her smile appeared across her face. Izzyr felt himself become aroused, but realized he was on duty. Yet so was she. This bawdyhouse worker approached him closer. She put her hands on his duster coat then his hair. It had been two years since a woman touched his hair. His own wife divorced him over his constant absence due to cases, and missions. Izzyr took a good look at who was inside this establishment. Calculating heads as best he could the Drow detective counted 98 monsters who appeared to wear the same type of hat, and vest, 7 monster humanoids for hire, and 6 small reptillianoids who appeared to be banished from the eastern lands. 

"Not going to talk huh? Well those 98 monsters all over the place are all under the command of one Vampire who rules this street." This half Orc vixen  said into his ear. 

"What does that have to do with anything?" Izzyr broke his silence looking at this beautiful female Orc. 

"That got you talking? My my you are just here for business aren't you?" she said in a teasing voice. She played with his coat, sleeve, hair and buttons. 

"You can call me Ivi. It is short for Iviim." This half Orc introduced her name to him. She pressed herself against him. "What is yours?" 

"Detective Izzyr of, miss could you please just-" he was cut off. 

"No, no, no men do not beg to be left alone here, Izzyr. Are you looking for someone?" She asked. 

"We are looking for a female Dark Elf named Abane." Bidfrid answered for Izzyr whose balls were now in her grasp. Izzyr felt some relief the large bounty hunter said this in a low voice. 

"Of course you are here for that. I can almost smell it, the scent of Neppetz on both of you. Seeing you are not from the underworld of the mountains brings me warmth, and pleasure inside. Most Drow who come here are either assassins, kidnappers, racketeers, or slaves that get shoved in the back." Ivi replied to them. 

"This one is a maid to a wealthy family. She went missing a week ago. Someone else that resembles her was left at our city limits, dead." Izzyr answered as she rubbed her hands all over his stomach and chest. Ivi nibbled at a button to his coat and pulled on it with her teeth before letting go. 

"I can take you to where the slaves are being held. However I'd have to do this without getting you killed. Around here slaves are not to be seen by outsiders unless they are at an auction." Ivi said to them. 

"Is there a catch?" Izzyr answered her. A larger male Orc approached them,

"EY Ivi why you mess with these two? They don't belong here!" He barked at her. All she did was stop to give him a haughty glare. 

"Let me do my business! Whatever you wanted can wait a week! Now beat it! Or the Mistress of the House knows you are sabotaging my work with clients!" She snapped back causing this Orc to back away in fear. 

"Okay, okay Ivi don't let the Mistress know. Uh, you gentlemen have a fine day. I bow to you." This Orc removed himself from their presence exiting the establishment. They had one less patron to worry about. Ivi grabbed both of them and pushed them to tag alone. 

"If you don't they will suspect things." Ivi hissed at them. She grabbed two glasses of green wine and handed them over to the new arrivals. 

Without much objection they took the alcohol. Allowing her to pull them along Bidfrid and Izzyr had to step over a few drugged up patrons, walk around some orgies, and avoid the intoxicated brute like monsters. The room was a little too dim to tell who was who or what race was what despite their shapes. Doing the best to ignore this the two of them followed Ivi all they way to the back. Izzyr chugged his wine in one gulp catching the attention of a tusked green and orange spotted monster with a very voluptuous half elf riding him. This ugly looking brute winked and smiled at him before Izzyr passed him. Ivi kept on going towards the back of the establishment with everyone else too focused on the patrons or getting intoxicated to notice their movements. Izzyr was beginning to think this was a trap. Why would someone like her help them upon a swift note or just from a quick conversations. Just when he was about to nudge Bidfrid she turned around looking worried. 

"I, I have to pleasure both of you, or else the others will get suspicious." She said covering their mouths so neither could speak. Ivi twisted a door knob to a door next to them. It slowly opened. 

"Quick inside!" She pushed both men inside this dark room. She entered as well then closed the door and locked it. she lit a few candles and  switched on a flickering cordless lamp. It barely illuminated the room. An expression of relief came over her face. It disappeared. "Oh no the walls have eyes and ears." 

Ivi threw her clothes off revealing herself nude before them. Without even asked them she went for their pants which she undid and pulled down. Not even caring to look at their sizes she immediately started working them with her hands. Giving each male a quickie the Orc looked around noticing parts of the walls and portraits shifted a little. She let go of them. Feeling the sense of no one watching them. 

"Will you take us to Abane now?'" Izzyr asked pulling his pants back up. Bidfrid did the same looking around the room uncomfortable. 

"Yes, yes. There is a secret door inside that closet. Take it and move through the walls to the very end. It will lead you to the one you are looking for. I warn you though. You might not like what you find." Ivi answered with a warning. 

Darting straight for the closet Bidfried pulled the door open and searched the walls inside. He found the secret door panel and pushed it. The bounty hunter had to slide the door panel into the wall. Entering the hall that was in the walls they pressed forward. Running into cobwebs, some rats, residue, mold, and some skeleton of a dwarf Izzyr and his companion made it to some end of this secret passage. Pushing the door open they come into another closet. Nothing but clothes on wooden hangers blocked their way. At their feet they stepped allover shoes, boxes and canes. Their movement caused some ruckus and noise inside the closet it door. Someone on  the other side of the closet door opened it. There stood the very dark elf they went looking for. Abane Velnis looked surprised and scared to see them. Her eyes were wide with shock and awe. She wore a red and black lace dress. Abane backed away from them as if they intruded upon her and she was scared. Bidfrid and Izzyr got out of the closet and into her room. Abane's transformed from fear to full rage. She grabbed the closest them to a knife she could find a hair pin. Wielding it like a dagger she charged at them letting out a feminine roar. Izzyr and Bidgrid stopped her from stabbing them and wrestled the weapon from her grasp. The Bounty Hunter pinned her to the ground. She thrashed and wriggled to get free. Izzyr was about to knock her out when another voice emerged from behind them. 

"Take the Dark Elf home. We do not want a war with Neppetz or the Gantronese." the voice said showing a slight hint of concern in its speech. 

Rednight Fangsir

 Taking the road was no trouble at all. Thanks to the cooperation of other city-states, enclaves, and settlements Neppetz managed to keep the roads in good condition. For an entire day the pair of them rode towards the city of Rednight Fangsir. The very first sign of approaching the very boundaries of Rednight Fangsir was a boundary marker made from six skeletons put together. Each skeleton has long fangs attached to their teeth. All of them including the stone and wooden pole they are nailed to have a red substance. Izzyr assumed it was blood given how dried and dark it looked. At a second glance he noticed it was more recent that a month ago. Another coating of whatever it was had been added some time ago. Bidfrid seem unfazed by this scenery. He clearly passed through here on certain jobs he was hired for. Forced to stop at nightfall they managed to find an inn along the road. Not the most welcoming of inns, but it did not seem run down at all. 

Both he and Bidfrid entered this eerie looking establishment along the mountain road. There were not that many patrons seen inside as it was nightfall. Several staff members were still up. Whoever designed this inn had the whole interior painted a dark red. Not even attempting to hide the theme of this inn the staff wore dark clothing resembling the eeriness. Long slick back hair, dark vests over red shirts and servant clothing in a darker dye made them appear vampiric. Their pale complexion also added to the appearance. All they really cared about was getting some sleep. Izzyr paid the staff member who was at the desk who showed them to their room. Sharing a room was not a problem for him. Yet sharing a bed with another man was something he did not expect. Inside the room was a strange blue candle that gave off a scent that put someone to sleep quickly. Whatever it was he could sure buy some for his own use. Sleep deprivation was his current illness these days. However tonight he had the best sleep in his life. 

Getting up at what felt like the second hour of morning the pair of them went straight for the common room. Going to bed without food made the stomach empty. Two nicely cooked venison with Leek soup filled up their stomachs. Well one venison for him, one venison, a piece of bread, and eggs filled up his big friend's stomach. Each had a freshly brewed coffee with a broth that kept you warm in the mountains. Both set off after paying the Innkeeper for their meal. Finding their mounts well fed the Detective and Bounty Hunter rode up the stone road to a sunnier day. Not two miles from the Inn they stayed in lay a small village of just five buildings. All its inhabitants appeared too occupied to notice the two of them. Not too far from the small village on the right side of the road lay another settlement. This one looked larger than the five building village. More than a score of buildings it was he estimated. At its entrance sat a large gate that read this town's name, Blade's Gray Grip. Past the town gate he spied 11 armed townspeople heading towards someone's home. He was about to rush over to intervene, but another figure got in their way with some help from armed authorities. Assuming the situation would be resolved with little to no bloodshed they went on to Rednight Fangsir. Winding through the paths, and roads they passed four more settlements until reaching the mountain city. 

Rednight Fangsir was sculpted out of a single mountain peak. Two outer walls encircled the whole city itself. Made from the stones, and rocks that were scraped off during the city's construction. This one city had to be at least two thousand years old or much older. Manning these walls would require one hundred thousand. To scale them he could only imagine millions attempting to attack this city just to scale its walls. In the back of his mind he realized something. Would anyone want to attack a city inhabited by vampires, demons, and other creatures that used to be humanoids? That answer would be a no for many. During this era the belief of vampires was decreasing into just old tales. Approaching the city gates they were confronted by several humanoids who looked vampiric in appearance. Their armor gave away the profession as city guard. Showing the badges of their own professions Bidfrid and Izzyr were permitted to enter the city. Entering this supposed city of vampires they found buildings in the colors of red, dark red, black, dark blue, dark grey, dark purple, and wine colored. Each building had a haunting design to them. A shade cloth of red or black stretched over the streets. These dark fabric blocked the streets and doorways from being hit with sunlight. Inhabitants of this city wore darker clothing and had a pale complexion. Finding a missing drow was going to be easier Izzyr expected. Among the inhabitants were Goblins, Elves, Humans, Orcs, and hybrids who made themselves appear like vampires. Looking at Bidfrid he wondered if this Bounty Hunter had really been here before. 

To Rednight Fangsir

 Right after he confirmed his discovery with an Officer of Neppetz he parted ways with Bidfrid. Izzyr left the bounty hunter companion at the northern part of the city. In a quick stride Izzyr wound his way through the city to the Neppetz Police Head Quarters that used to be a mansion. As he came up to the door Izzyr was greeted by several members blocking the doorway. Most of them were seasoned Police whereas a few were first year rookies. Three female and four males made up this blockading group. Wearing matching uniforms he could still make them apart. Some had black hair, others had white bleach hair. Only one of the females had short hair, and two of the males had long hair. All of them looked at him with smirks and snide expressions. A tall male with short black hair under his cap with purple eyes narrowed his eyes at Izzyr. 

"Someone told me you had sex with a strumpet on Dagger Street. Is this true? Not something a personnel of the law should be doing on duty." He said mocking him a little. 

"Go bugger yourself Officer Bodrai! That is not what happened. Don't you have some drugs to find? There have been reports of a crazed drug addict on Spider Street. At least four people were found with illegal substance called Catnip for the Gods." Izzyr snapped at him. 

"Woah, woah Izzyr! I am only jesting. You have a new friend helping you out. Who is it?" one of them raised their arms. They went down to his level on the steps.

"He is a Bounty Hunter who knew the victim." Izzyr answered him brushing past him and the others. 

Izzyr ignored them along with anyone else as he entered the head quarters. Not in the best condition the head quarters was in need of some renovations and repairs. Those repairs would be minor. Inside the main entry hall he had the two sets of stairs leading up to the second floor. In between them stood a hallway to the back of the mansion. At the top of the stairs lay an open chamber containing the first and second floors. The two wings of the mansion were connected by a patchwork of halls with their own set of rooms. Making his way up the stairs on the right Izzr took a left towards the Chief of the Neppetz Police, Bria Nolzur. Passing typists, receptionists, officers, trainees, a few head busts on tables, couches, sofas in the hall, and a few nice exotic plants he made it to his boss' office. She had it closed like every did here in the mansion head quarters. Next to her door sat a notice board of cases, and reports. Before knocking on the door he read a couple of them. Only two of them seemed out of the ordinary. Outside the city limits near a farmstead some strange tall tree humanoid got torched in a mill fire. Not too far to the west a wounded pet bear to some Ranger was found outside a town. When he was done reading about one where someone spotted reptilians in the east he knocked. 

"Come in!" Nolzur commanded from behind the door. 

Izzyr opened the office door. At a fine desk sat his boss. Dressed in a doubled buttoned uniform Chief Nolzur allowed her white hair to hang over her shoulders. Her bleach white hair was not a mess, but nearly brushed. On her desk lay a clutter of different objects, files, letters, notes, a phone, letter stands, books, a mug of coffee, and a few photos of herself with family. Her office had bookshelves, portraits, file cabinets, some armchairs, a private bathroom, coat rack, a statue to some spider goddess they no longer worshipped, and a head bust of the city leader. There were also a few head trophies of a mountain lion, reptile beast, and a dire wolf. She looked up to see it was him. 

"Hello Detective Nadisim. Do have an update on our missing maid?" She greeted him without smiling. During this time of the year it was difficult to put on a smile. Crime was nothing new, but with rumors of strange humanoids lurking about, disappearances, and the seasonal conflict of goblins did not help. 

"Yes ma'am. It is not her body. She is still missing." He replied. His boss paused and looked at him with a surprised expression. 

"Well we best go look for her don't we? How did you find this out?" She asked him. 

"I came upon a local Bounty Hunter who knew her. We went to the new city morgue where we got to see the body." He answered her. 

"Where does this Bounty Hunter live?" She asked in a curious tone. 

"Dagger Street." Izzyr answered. 

"Do not go there again." Chief Nolzur got tense when she answered. 

"He will help me track her down." Izzyr insisted.  He got a wide eyed cold look from her. 

"There were fang marks on her neck. I believe she was abducted and taken to Rednight Fangsir." Izzyr answered hoping she would not close this case. She only blinked and relaxed her face. 

"Very well since you found something new then continue your search." Nolzur granted him a pass to continue with the case. 

"Thank you, boss." He replied taking a permission card that would grant him safety in that city. He was about to leave when she stopped him. 

"Detective, Izzyr. Please be careful in Rednight Fangsir. I know our ancestors and people lived a brutal fighting lifestyle. Not even that saved the few unfortunate from falling to Vampires. Be on your guard there." She said in a worried expression. 

"I will Chief, I will." Izzyr said as he closed the door behind him. That was the first time he ever saw any hint of concern on his boss' face. Did she ever venture to Rednight Fangsir? He would have to hold that off for some time. Izzyr went down to his own office where he found it empty as he left it. Just an average servant's quarters turned into an office. There was nothing special to the room itself until he moved in and decorated it to look more like a detective's office. There was nothing too special about except for a portrait of himself and that of his wife, and two children. There was also one of him with siblings. Since firearms did not reach their part of the world Neppetz and other city-states continued with the use of melee weapons. Next to his coat stand rested his sword stand leaning against the wall. It held his longsword, rapier, great knife sword(messer), curved broadsword, and backsword from the north. Izzyr snatched up the curved broadsword, great knife messer, and a bandoleer of four throwing knives. 

In a hurry he slammed shut the office door catching the attention of those nearby. Looking up and down the hall he found a Marshall, Inquisitor, another detective, Inspector Coroner, Sherriff Lawman, 3 Police officers, a city guard, city watch, 3 constables, one town guard, town watch, a community watch, and a few vigilantes watching him. Knowing how awkward it looked he rushed out of the headquarters. When he was out he did not hesitate to head north to meet Bidfrid. On the way he did get a single skewer of fish kabab. He hardly ate anything all day. Passing through the city he caught glimpses of female drow dressed in traditional garb. Neppetz's founding had more to do with outcasts coming together than overpopulation in the underworld of the mountains. When he passed through the northern gate Bidfrid met him by the stables. Two mounts for each of them stood in the Bounty Hunter's possession. A thick white furred breed, and a gray thick furred horse. Not bothering to ask how he acquired them Izzyr mounted one of them. Once they mounted the pair of them went into full gallop towards Rednight Fangsir. 

Near Rednight Fangsir-Izzyr's Discovery

Detective Izzyr and his new companion Bidfrid Fohmir wound their way through Neppetz to the newly constructed morgue. Times were changing and technology evolving swiftly across the world. As far as Izzyr could tell Neppetz and other Dark Elf cities adapted some technologies to their society that was also changing. Still requiring males to serve in the military the Dark Elf society on the surface abandoned some parts of the culture that thrived underground. To some it was disgraceful and showed weakness. Whereas others saw an opportunity to grow, and expand horizons. Detective and Bounty Hunter passed where the Hall of the Dead sat under a hill. It was currently undergoing what was called renovations or restoration so it could still be used. Like many Dark Elf cities Neppetz' streets were too narrow for vehicles to pass through. Transportation had to be done outside the city limits. Modernization was very slow to come to Neppetz and this part of the world. Even news of some strange invaders coming from the stars came to the ears of the Dark Elves slowly. The first wave of these invaders came down almost twenty years ago.  Since their settlements were based in the mountains these invaders did not bother them. According to most of the tales these invaders were far to the north and clashed with each other. 

When they made it to the newly built morgue a family of Goblins exited. Dressed in black the family of fourteen Goblins slowly carried a casket out of the morgue. With their heads bowed low the Goblin family mourned the loss of a member in silence. Izzyr and Bidfrid watched the procession of Goblins head towards the eastern border of the city. Outside the city limits lay the graveyards and cemeteries. Down the street from where the morgue was built stood a group of those who knew this deceased Goblin. One of the family friends carried what looked to be a small Wyvern carved out of wood. They carried the wood figure behind the funeral procession as more friends trailed behind. Izzyr and Bidfrid entered the Morgue once he showed his badge to the doorman. His rank and profession allowed him access to all structures while he performed his duty. Both men went past the staff of the morgue who looked up with concerned faces, glares, squinted eyes, and surprised faces. Izzyr asked one of them for Abane's body. After meeting Bidfrid in the northern part of the city he conversed with him. It was not much of an investigative questioning, but it did lead to some questions. Was this really Abane's body? Following the staff member through the morgue's hallways they came to the body storage. As they entered he felt how cold these storages were on his face. The staff member unlocked one of the cadaver lockers that held Abane's body. Pulling on a metal slider the staff member revealed a covered corpse. When they unveiled it for them to view it Bidfrid wrinkled his nose and knitted his eyebrows. 

"Is this her, Bidfrid?" Izzyr asked him. The staff member remained silent more annoyed by their presence than their own job to maintain the condition of bodies before burial. 

"No that is not her?" Bidfrid replied. He stormed out of the room leaving the Detective and the staff member. Taking one last look at the body Izzyr noticed stab wounds, and signs of strangulation. He motioned for the staff member to put the body away. Izzyr left the storage giving chase to Bidfrid. The Detective found the tall humanoid outside the Morgue with his arms crossed. He did not look please at all. 

"What do you think happened to the real Abane?" he asked Izzyr. He was taken aback for a moment. 

"I believe she is not in the city, and hiding somewhere." Izzyr answered. Bidfrid pounced on him grabbing by the throat. His face was against Izzyr's nose. 

"Do not accuse Abane of such childish actions! She would never play games with authorities! That body was not her! She is somewhere either dead or someone's slave!" Bidfrid growled at him causing a scene that attracted attention. 

"Let me go or the authorities will toss you in a cell!" He hissed at him. Out of the corner he spotted some Neppetz Police heading their way. Dressed in neat uniforms with vests over them the newly formed police patrolled the streets and kept the peace while the guards kept watch over the walls. 

Bidfrid released him allowed Izzyr to wave off the police. He acted like it was nothing until there were no eyes on them. Izzyr  massaged his throat as he regained himself. Looking at the Bounty Hunter in the face he wanted to find the real Abane. This new discovery would only cause alarm. Her employer and family would have to be informed any ways. 

"What is next?" Bidfrid asked him. 

"We need to tell my boss, the Osseerus family, and Abane's family. Then we need to find out what happened to the real Abane." Izzyr answered him. 

"Then we waste no time. Back to the north." Bidfrid responded. He lead them back up north through the city. 

"Everyone thinks she is dead, but us." Bidfrid said as they made their way through an empty alley way. 

"Let me report to my boss after we regroup up north." Izzyr suggested, following him. 

"Good I will gather a host to help us search for her. It is likely she would have gone back to her employers if she were alive." Bidfrid insisted. 

"Very well. I do not doubt that unless she is being held captive." Izzyr added. 

"Or lost." Bidfrid put in. 

They made it to the northern part of the city where a team of 25 sorted archers and fighters prepared to man the walls. Taking a left along the base of the wall the pair of them passed 36 Orcs, Elves, and Dwarf automaton constructs hung out. Each one wore a uniform of some kind. Izzyr did not know all the guilds of the city like he should. He assumed they were part of a few guilds within Neppetz. Most chose to serve the city acting as security, hired hands, bodyguards, and beast slayers. It was not unusual for a few creatures or monsters to slip into the city. 

Near Rednight Fangsir

Ever since this settlement was founded along the coastal mountains, Neppetz became a hotbed of monster attacks. Slammed between the ocean and the mountains the city was closer to the infamous Rednight Fangsir mountain-city. More of a Dark Elf settlement founded closer to a thousand years ago, Neppetz received a wide range of trade from other parts of the continents. This allowed the Dark Elves access to other parts of the world. Many chose to leave when they could as a means of escape. After a few decades of travelling, they always returned home to the city of 150,000 Dark Elves, Uxane, Dwarves, and civilized Goblins. Standing at 6 foot 3, one lean muscled figure made his way through the streets. Dressed in a white, red striped shirt under a fine Jerkin, smoothed out black trousers, and toughened boots this figure kept a neat posture. Wearing his mountain duster this tall part goblin, part uxane and part Dark Elf held the profession as Detective of the City-Region. His jurisdiction went beyond the borders of the city limits making his job easier for him to perform. 

Detective Izzyr Nadisim entered a street known as Dagger Street within the Black District of Neppetz City. At the entrance to the street he was greeted by two rows of 29 strumpets clad in revealing clothing. Many of them looked more human with some hints of Goblin, Elf, and Dark Elf. Some gave him interested looks as the rest brushed their hands against him while he passed through. One blocked his way revealing herself before him. She put her hands on his and placed them on her exposed breasts. Izzyr fondled her a little just to get it over with. He was not the most innocent of males, however he had a job to do for this city. When she let him go on his way the majority of them cackled and giggled behind his back. Ignoring the laughter, he pressed further down the street. Everything was a darkish green up and down this street. The only thing making this city less dreary were the strumpets behind him lingering by the black gated entryway to Dagger Street. Flanking this two-way cobbled street were stone two story houses, complexes, shops, a smoker's den, and a few distilleries where alcohol was made. Dagger Street was not the kind of place one raised a family here in Neppetz. Its authorities made sure of that. Only single men or women were allowed to live here if they had the nerves, and stomach to deal with the scum here. 

Izzyr passed a few abandoned homes when he came upon a trio of Blither Wood Warriors. Outside Neppetz's western city limits lay the Blither Woods. During the early years of the city's foundation bands of warriors in the Blither Woods kept the borders secure. They were more of the savage type of Dark Elf who kept mostly to themselves. Very seldom did anyone hear from the Blither bands who only came to the city with goods to sell or when the clans banished someone. Just looking at these three he could tell they were banished. On their right cheek rested a red scar in the ancient Drow rune of shame. As a mark to label them as outcasts the scar made them unworthy to be warriors at all. Their eyes glared at him with black beards growing over the dark complexion of their skin tone. It was because he had to arrest them once or twice in the past. His superiors ordered for them to be brought here to live. From the way they looked the trio did find work, but still held a grudge against him. 

His gaze did not meet theirs for his case was of more importance. Just past these Blithers he came upon a grouping of 20 Goblins caught in some argument in the middle of the street.  What they were arguing about he did not care. It was not his problem nor did it concern the authorities at times. Goblins obeyed the law for most of the year until things got out of hand whenever they did not send a guard, watchman, or police down these streets each week. Izzyr's approach caught their attention and they dispersed to opposite sides of the street. Knowing he just broke up and argument that would end in a fight or bloodshed Izzyr gave them a quick glance. Dressed for the climate these Goblins looked slightly uncomfortable with their own lives. His city handed them decent lodgings with furniture in suitable condition. Food was not scarce for them in Dagger Street that he could see in their eyes. Yet these Goblins tend to be angry over other problems. Past the Goblins Izzyr came upon other groups who dwelled in Dagger Street. A total of 28 warriors from different parts of the world who found their way here lined the street. One of these warriors knew the victim's family and the victim herself. 

One of the wealthier families of the Neppetz hierarchy lost a maid four days ago. Raised in a family of fabric weavers, and smiths Abane Velnis served as a maid to the Osseerus family. Izzyr did not know the full history behind her employ as a maid, but he was tipped off that a warrior knew her family. These 28 warriors covered their clothing under a duster coat, long coat, some colorful poncho, and thick cloaks. Some of them were Eothans, Grussians, Uxane wanderers, Korivans, Talusians, Iperantosi. As for the rest of them Forsythans, and hybrids who call themselves Elemani, and Estati. Izzyr could relate to them due to his own mixed background. He passed eight of them before coming to the one he was looking for.  As rare as Forsythans became there were still plenty roaming the world. One head taller than Izzyr this giant of a being grew his beard out and let his hair grow over his shoulders. On his brow rested the birthmark of a Forsythan, a blue scar in the shape of a claw. 

"Are you one of the Velnis' friends?" Izzyr asked him. The rest of the warriors dispersed to their own homes and apartments. The big man nodded. 

"Can you speak?" He asked him. 

"Of course I can speak." The Forsythan responded back smartly. 

"What is your name?" Izzyr questioned him. 

"My name? Bidfrid Fohmir the Bounty Hunter, and Bodyguard for hire. To answer any further questions, yes I knew Abane well enough to call her a sister. No I did not kill her with two puncture marks to the neck. My own trade had me babysitting some noble visiting out of town through the markets. That is all I can tell you, Drow." Bidfrid replied to Izzyr. 

"Very well, you were close to the family, and you did not do it. Does she know anyone else outside the Osseerus household?" Izzyr asked him. 

"There was this stalker who kept coming to the manor. I had to scare him off a few times. Last year he was found in the cellar. Got in through the sewer system. After he was thrown out he took his time to leave the city. I decided to follow him all the way to Rednight Fangsir. If you want to find him you will need me to tag along." Bidfrid answered. 

"Her body was found outside the city, two days after her disappearance. Could this stalker be involved with a vampiric cult?" Izzyr explained wanting to pin it on the vampiric cults that stalked the countryside and sewers. 

"Let me pack a bag then meet me in the northern edge of the city." Bidfrid responded.