The Knowledge Nemesis

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## Summary

Inquisitor Thunderbraid moves over to Caius. Caius does have one magical item to declare, a mask. Everyone in the party recognizes it as a mask one of the clowns was wearing in Thultanthar. Caius found it on the trail in Wyrmforge Pass and Seven gets angry. Flint and Hoshimi try to calm Seven down as Olwen Edgeworth explains Seven's traumatic experience. Thunderbraid mentions that the mask used to have a lot of magic but it's used up. Olwen and Adrian Tanlaial offer to take the mask as a clue.

Inquisitor Thunderbraid and Marsha take Hoshimi, Adrian and Seven into back room. He mentions that since Adrian's magical license is expired, the process for getting his license renewed will be difficult. He takes Adrian downstairs while Marsha is charged with the aggression test. Hoshimi assures Seven that she'll be fine. Two dwarves approach her, one friendly and one neutral. Seven is unsure of what happens and Marsha says Seven passed. Marsha then makes clanging noises happen all around Seven. Seven is curious and asks what it was. Marsha explains that it's the unknown variable test. She snaps her fingers again and three gunshots are heard. Seven jumps and asks if they're under attack. She also worries about Olwen but Hoshimi says she's fine. Marsha then shoves Seven and teases her. Seven is hurt emotionally though. Marsha then asks if she wants the license to be a collar, bracelet or ring. Seven then cries and asks why she's being treated like an animal. Hoshimi says that those are the rules and asks for a bracelet. Marsha confirms and asks if Hoshimi takes charge and where to send the bracelet to. Hoshimi agrees but tells her to ask Adrian about the location.

The group returns outside as Olwen mentions her gift to Seven, a hat to hide her rod, is almost ready. Hoshimi introduces herself to Caius as Rena Milak much to Caius' confusion. She then flirts with him making Caius embarrassed and Xaillen face-palm.

Over with Adrian and the Inquisitor, Adrian's been answering all the questions. Thunderbraid asks about items to declare and Adrian notes that he didn't mentions it earlier. It was because Adrian's magical license had expired. Adrian declares his bandana, ring and sword. The Inquisitor looks over the sword and it makes his staff act weird. Thunderbraid goes to exchange his staff to make sure it isn't acting weird.

Nicholas Hollyhock then reveals himself from under the table and Adrian draws out his blade to him. Hollyhock wants Adrian to answer a few questions and prefers not to wrench the questions out of Adrian. Adrian complies and says that Olwen calls him an A-hole. Adrian then asks how Hollyhock killed Achillon but Hollyhock isn't sure what he meant. He knows Achillon is dead but isn't sure how but knows it's likely through some special magic. Hollyhock plans to learn how the magic works but mentions that Achillon was trying to kill Raquel. Hollyhock also mentioned that Olwen was getting to be more trouble than she was worth six months ago. He tried to kill her then with explosives in the house she cornered him in but she was whisked away before she was caught in the trap.

Hollyhock also mentions he'd love to go to Thultanthar some day. He also goes on about how nothing is hidden from him while mentioning how similar he and Adrian are. He also wonders why Adrian doesn't see her as a crooked cop. Adrian doesn't know but Hollyhock figures out that he has feelings for Edgeworth. Adrian denies feelings for the officer side of Olwen but does admit he has feelings for the real Olwen. Hollyhock is baffled by this.

Hollyhock's second question is about dreaming-blocking enchantments. Adrian isn't sure but Hollyhock is fine with the answer. Hollyhock then draws closer asking if the Heroes of Directian who were in Urzaban mourned snakey. Adrian mentioned that his father never mentioned that. Hollyhock gets frustrated as that lead went cold as Adrian wonders why Hollyhock wanted to know that. Hollyhock mentions that it's the reason he has his power. Adrian begins thinking back and realizes something. Hollyhock is about to take his leave when Adrian asks if Hollyhock actually killed Achillon or where Arpolian is. Hollyhock suggests that Arpolian is in Gatless Town town by now and that he didn't kill Achillon directly. Hollyhock also asks what happened to Raquel. Adrian mentions that she was left to some 'fate' and then asks why is Hollyhock so fascinated with her. Hollyhock replies that he's going to figure out the source of Raquel's powers and that he didn't kidnap her. Hollyhock vanishes and Adrian can't determine how Hollyhock did it.

Thunderbraid returns with his spare rod saying that he couldn't find it for a while. Adrian declares his wand of object identification and scroll of comprehend languages. Thunderbraid repeats his phrase to get them registered by the end of the week before he lets Adrian see Seven who's pawing at the door.

## Notable events

* Seven goes through the aggression test and passes
* Adrian Tanlaial meets Nicholas Hollyhock