The following hours were filled with a flurry of experiments conducted by Alaric, Gnoll, and Naivara. Aside from the insight that Gnoll discovered in his vision the research squad was able to discover a latent transmutative element buried deep within the amulet's enchantments.
"I think these are indeed the source of the sludge creatures." Commented Alaric, "I'm unsure of the triggering mechanism, but this rune in particular," he nudged a small glowing blue rune within a complex weave that now hovered above the amulet. "suggests that there is some external method of triggering the transformation. Until we figure out what triggers it I would strongly recommend that you avoid using these."
"I think that's a very astute recommendation." Said Charles. "So now that we know the Grey Veils do indeed have something to do with the attacks, what are our next steps?"
"Well I think that's obvious isn't it? We need to take down the Grey Veils." Stated Hal, matter-of-factly. "Alaric, you mentioned that they have a central tower here in the upper city right? We could just take that down and strip them of the amulets."
"True, they have a tower here in the city. However, there are still many of them and even with your strength I advise the utmost caution." Warned Alaric.
"How would we even approach the tower? Surely as soon as we get close they will try to stop us." Asked Naivara. "There's a chance that the ones we jumped in the alley were able to send a mental image of us back to homebase." The room went silent for a moment as everyone began weighing their options.
"We could use the amulets…" Said Hal, breaking the silence. The other members of the cohort and Alaric all turned to him with shocked looks on their faces.
"I thought we agreed that was a bad idea." Said Naivara flatly.
"Well hear me out," he continued, "Akash was fine for a while, and we could just put them on for a little bit. It's possible to reject the magic aspect, and just take on the illusion right Alaric?"
"Yes, but…"
"See, it would be just like creating our own illusion, but everyone could use it, and it would be a perfect copy." Hal shrugged his shoulders, "What are the odds the secondary transformation triggers in the two minutes we put them on?" Another silence fell over the room.
"It's not the worst idea…" Chimed in Akash. "I'm the only one here who has put on one of these things, and I think we'll probably be fine."
"That was before we knew that they were made by a demon prince, and could turn you into a slime monster!" Protested Naivara. "Please tell me the rest of you aren't actually considering this plan."
"Well what else would you recommend?" Asked Gnoll.
"We could just sneak in a back door of some kind, use our own magics, or try talking, maybe they themselves don't know about the transmutation aspect of the amulets. I can't imagine that's something Fraz advertises to his followers." Naivara rebutted.
"Well the illusion from the amulets would pretty much guarantee that we are able to get in the doors. Alaric, what do you know about the inside of their tower?" Charles asked.
"I know the main floor is a fairly well stocked library. I have done research there before recent events, but never left the main chamber. Even in the past they have been very secretive."
"So you don't have any building plans or anything tucked away with the mayor or anything?"
"No."
"Damn."
"Ok, what if we use the amulets, but only a few of us actually wear them?" Suggested Naivara. "Gnoll, Charles, and Hal. The three of you could pose as a squad returning from a patrol and I could provide long range cover with Akash. That way we minimize the risk of a transformation, but still have an easy access point."
"I'm fine with this plan. Although, Akash, it might be beneficial for you to be closer to us for this infiltration, would you mind hitching a ride as a mouse or something?" Said Charles. "I for one would rather have you and your healing close at hand in case things go south."
"Oh yeah, I'm fine with that." Came his reply.
"Ok great, so we sort out the finer details over dinner then make our way to their tower in the morning. That work for everyone?" Charles asked, and was confirmed by a collection of nods.
Morning came and the cohort found themselves standing in the street outside the Grey Veil's tower. Charles, Gnoll, and Hal all adorned with their Grey Veil illusions, with Akash carefully tucked away within Gnoll's pocket. Without a word they approached the grand tower before them, Naivara kept a careful distance, hand lightly resting on her pistol.
The massive steel-bound doors swung inward silently revealing the cathedral-like space beyond. As they passed over the threshold onto the checkered marble floors the doors swiftly closed behind them with a low boom.
"There goes our backup." Whispered Charles under his breath, looking back at the sealed doorway.
A dozen Grey Veils occupied the tower's interior, all seemingly busying themselves with some form of research or another. Scrolls and tomes lay scattered across various large desks that filled the spaces between the rows of shelves that carried an impressive library. The far wall consisted of massive floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out over the lower city of Oak Harbour, a large brass and stone globe commanded the center of the windowed section.
Continuing into the chamber none of the existing Grey Veils seemed to bat an eye at the newcomers. Gnoll steered the group towards one of the tables of research and was surprised to find it full of scrolls relating to and maps of various layers of the Abyss.
"Why would they be researching the Abyss if they're being led by a demon prince?" Gnoll whispered to his companions.
"Maybe it's to keep an eye on any rivals in the Abyss?" Suggested Hal, "They're not exactly known for being very cooperative with each other."
"Good point. Maybe let's fan out and see if there's any information about upcoming operations or something like that."
"Ok, Gnoll, you take this half, and Hal you take the other, I'll mingle in the central area and keep an eye out for you two." Said Charles. Splitting up, Gnoll and Hal began scanning through the various tomes and pages.
One of the tables that Gnoll passed over was filled with star charts. Akash, who was peeking over the top of Gnoll's chest pocket, let out a small squeak to get Gnoll's attention. Gnoll paused, and turned back to the charts, leaning over so that Akash could have a better view.
"Do you recognize these?" Gnoll whispered to his friend.
Akash scanned through the documents and was surprised to find that the charts appeared to be ancient. Far older than any charts he had encountered previously, and many contained constellations that he had never seen. A scroll with a dry quill resting atop it documented observations that the Grey Veils made regarding recent shifts in the celestial formations above. Akash chittered quietly to Gnoll and retreated deeper into the pocket.
Charles suddenly appeared beside them. "We need to get Hal and leave." He whispered, "There's a pair of Grey Veils following you, watch, they'll come around the corner of the bookshelf in 3…2…1…" True to his word two Grey Veils turned the corner into the aisle, and made themselves appear busy, pulling books from the shelves, but holding their position.
"Ok, yup, let's go get him." They slipped from their aisle, making their way to the lone Grey Veil that was indeed Halimedes.
"Hal, we need to go." Siad Charles, laying a hand on his shoulder.
"You noticed them too?" Hal asked.
"Yeah, I already grabbed Gnoll, now let's get out of here."
They turned around only to find the aisle's entryway blocked by three Grey Veils, hands folded in the sleeves of their cloaks. Backing up a step and looking at the other end of the aisle more Grey Veils stepped in to block that route as well.
"Every. Single. Time." Charles said, exasperated.
"Come." Each Grey Veil said in near-perfect unison, sending a shiver down Akash's spine.
"Why should we?" Hal asked, drawing his sword from below the illusory cloak. His bravado was met in an instant as a flurry of arcane energy slammed into him from each Grey Veil, forcing him to a knee. Gnoll and Charles immediately brandished their own weapons, and Akash leapt from his pocket, returning to his true form, gnarled staff in hand.
"Come."
"Come."
"Come."
Each command echoed through the marble-floored tower. With each repetition the Grey Veils stepped closer and closer, filling ranks behind the initial aggressors.
"I don't think we're winning this one guys." Said Akash, reaching out a hand to heal Hal.
"Yeah, no shit." Hal groaned, accepting the relief from Akash. "Gnoll, Charles?"
"Fine." Said Charles, dropping his mace on the floor with a resounding clunk. "Take us to your leader."
With their weapons lowered the four companions were led to a desk at the far end of the tower where a singular Grey Veil sat pouring over ledgers. Before a word was spoken the doors behind them opened up to reveal Naivara flanked by a squad of Grey Veils. She was brought before the desk with the rest of her companions.
"Now that you are all here, we may begin." The Grey Veil stated, not looking up from his ledger. "The five of you have been quite the thorn in our side for a while now, Velling was quite the set back." The figure raised their gaze to look at each member of the cohort, revealing his eyes of pure, pale, white. "I am looking forward to seeing you all in person finally. So, if you wouldn't mind I would appreciate it if you could make your way down to my personal chambers. I have a series of challenges for you, and expect you to make a good impression." The white of his eyes faded back to the expected blue.
"I believe you have your assignment, yes?" The Grey Veil asked, "I will be needing those amulets back however. Stolen property and all." He extended a hand, and the cohort relinquished what amulets they wore. "Excellent, now, follow me." They stood and led the cohort down a spiral staircase, the Grey Veil reinforcements following closely behind. At the base of the stairs the leader lay a hand on the stone wall and spoke a short phrase in what sounded like Abyssal, and a ring of ruby-red runes ignited as a portion of the wall fell away revealing a dark passage beyond. "Your trials await, best of luck to you."
"Yeah, yeah." Charles shook his head and led the cohort into the dark.