Addressing Andrea's comment about doing business at night. "The brothels and taverns earned a fair earning keeping their illicit activities to daytime, very little law happens at lurking in night." He continues, "Men were home with their families and not out gallivanting like wild coyotes, that has now changed. There is an economic value steady home life."
The paladin holds his hands out wide, non threateningly.
Despite what your lady may have told you, No WE did not cause the explosion at the mayor's home. And despite your misgivings for Andrea's heart *I* have seen nothing in my time with these people that would lead me to believe they were agents of chaos for chaos sake. The Lantern Bearers WERE set up merely to make the night safe for the PEOPLE of this city, how can you as an Adabaran not see the value to the city's growth and prosperity. Yes there was Law before, but also pain and tyranny. These are not virtues YOUR god promotes either. In a free and just city YOUR family would not have been targeted and you would be freed to prothesize Addabar's faith instead of battening down in your house, awaiting execution for another's whim. We have not come to bring violence, but to offer sanctuary. Reguardless of your assistance to us I'll not allow you to die in the purge that is to come should we fail to stop Eccardian. The navy is coming to put down the chaos wrought by the council who sought to crush Westcrown's basic rights. Help us. We did not seek war with the Council but they bought it anyway. Our options are to fight to bring Just Law and prosperity to ALL the citizenry, not just a few or we can lay down and watch as Cheliax burn thousands to reestablish the chokehold on the Westcrani or worse, see the Council sieze power AND your lover lost to you forever, a pawn in Hell's army.
Help us.
He speaks true about how your faith has been marginalized. Even Iomedae, who was born a Chelaxian in her mortal days is tolerated at best. Law tempered with justice is a sign of a great society.
Aurelio stands there trying not to berate the Abadaran cleric. Anyone who upheld order only for order's sake was a fool in his book.
The dead are perfectly orderly, lying there in their neat rows as they're buried. Doesn't mean you should go around egging on murderers just to promote peace and quiet.
The hound sees the difficulty the party is having and likewise tries to lend aid.
He materializes behind the paladin, an even more brilliant sight for the Addabarran cleric should know full well just how powerful the Angel was.
You speak of chaos. Know the Man, Daniel Arrisen who stands before you as a sword of the Inheritor. Justice and Law are his very air, as are they mine. I am an Archon and I do not lie. This group called me in my previous form to rescue an innocent woman who like your relatives had committed no crime in the eyes of the law.
I am called again to the Material plane to stand with them to restore Law and Freedom for the people of this city. You are a cleric of the god of Cities. Stand for something that can raise this one from the darkness. You have been wronged. Stand with them and you will have an opportunity at justice for your family.
Aurelio attempts to help persuade the cleric.
You speak of order as if it was an end in and of itself. What of civilization, of people bettering each other and themselves?
How do people benefit from being trapped inside at night? When those who would sell themselves to greed alone prosper? How does commerce flow when people who call themselves thieves rule a city?
Soon or late any veneer of order, law, civility are stripped and chaos reigns.
"Daniel Arrisen aura is fading from law, as he knows he has done many deeds less than lawful, so speak not of his grandeur." He retorts to the Azreal.
"You seek Chammedy?" His temper is noticeably calmer. "You've made a few descent points,"looking at Daniel and the angel, "if the two of you promise on your honor that you, and your party members, will not harm Chammedy, I will arrange a meeting." It's apparent there is only one correct answer to this question.
The name nods at Aurelio's comments, "Thieves do disrupt the normal flow of commerce, I grant you that."
"You seek Chammedy?" His temper is noticeably calmer. "You've made a few descent points,"looking at Daniel and the angel, "if the two of you promise on your honor that you, and your party members, will not harm Chammedy, I will arrange a meeting." It's apparent there is only one correct answer to this question.
Daniel and the Hound look at each other, then to Andrea and Gerard. He hated being put in such positions. He was a soldier, not a politician.
Speaking to Andrea, There is no time.He looks back to the Addabarran, careful how he forms his words, We seek to stop Eccardian. Chammedy's soul depends on it. If she will meet in peace with us for parely, both myself and the hound swear that we will do all we can on our honor that she will come to no harm, even to the point of defending her from our allies. Once the parley is complete, if she chooses she will go of her own volition from the meeting place, unhindered by us. Or she may take up protection from house Tilneros while we seek her brother. She is bound by the same rules for parley. She may bear arms and have you as her second, but we agree to discuss our situation IN PEACE. Any act of violence on her behalf will forefit both the Hound's and my protection.
Daniel hoped his honest word was enough, both to gain a chance to speak with Chammedy and for his allies. Eccardian, WAS the target after all.
The noble paladin's response puts the priest at ease. "Very well, stay here for minute, I'll be back." With that he closes the door for a short time, presumably to conference with Chammedy, then he reappears. "She agrees to those terms of honor." He then leads the crew into his townhome and to a stairwell under the home.
The chambers below the Ghivel townhouse are lined with ancient brick, with numerous small drains that allow moisture to drain into the sewer. Despite this, the vaults are a damp, moldy place year round, and the brickwork is old and flaking
He walks you into a large rectangle room there stands a tall and beautiful woman, dressed in mithral chain and richly colored leathers, but she seems a blend with with background. He has a few daggers on her slender form and there is no doubt that she is quick and deadly with their usage. Even Gerard double takes, he instinctively doubts he could get the jump on her.
"I've been told you have an infernal contract drawn up by grandfather that promises my soul to Mammon, is that correct" Her question curt and to the point.
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Andrea sighs at Daniel's offer of safe passage for Chammedy, she would much prefer to kill both her and Eccardian. After being escorted down, she nods and withdraws the contract from her haversack.
We became aware of the contract from The Mother of Flies who told of the contract and how Sidonai swallowed a coin taken from Mammon's vaults that would empower his offspring with infernal power, however Mammon was possessing the coin at the time and the child would be the arch-devil's not Sidonai's
Unbeknownst to Sidonai Drovenge, when he willingly
swallowed the gold coin of Mammon gifted by the Flies, he voluntarily entered an infernal pact with the archdevil. The seal for that pact is Ecarrdian himself — the fruit of the pact’s execution. As a result, Ecarrdian’s very existence is a link to his infernal paternal father, embodying his very traits of lust and greed. The infernal pact created a connection between Ecarrdian and his closest familial tie.
Mammon had hoped this tie would be with Sidonai himself, but the father’s vanishing prevented this bond from forming. Instead, Ecarrdian’s close relationship with you became that bond. As a result, Ecarrdian’s very existence is connected with your own. With each personal success and increase in power by Ecarrdian, your soul has become entwined further and further with Mammon’s,
such that if Ecarrdian truly comes to rule Westcrown, then your soul will be eternally forfeit to exist as a lemure in the Infernal Court of Erebus, a plaything for Mammon’s every whim.
Andrea holds up the contract for Chammedy to see.
She extend her hand 'May I read it myself?" Her voice a bit uneasy. Her voice comes back a bit stronger, "Where'd you find the document?"
Andrea hands over the contract. This was in the treasury of Walcourt, watched over by the four-armed giant that served as guardian. As well as Ilnerik, bearer of the Totemrix, source of the Shadowbeasts.
She gives a short chuckle and mumbles, "Walcourt" She spend quite some time reading and examining the contents. It looks as if she reads it several times.
"You destroyed Ilnerik, I heard." More of a statement than a question and she doesn't seen upset about it.
She turns her attention back to the infernal contract. "So, what are you looking for?'
Indeed, right now he is mixed with all the other sewage.
We are looking for an end to the destruction that is being caused by your forces in Westcrown. Have all your men stand down, devils sent back to hell. I would also think that it is in your very best interests to get as far from Westcrown as possible, the world is a big place and I am sure you can find someplace fitting for your skills. I hear Magnimar is a fine city, perhaps Kaer Maga.
What is your brother up to right now? I am rather surprised you arn't sticking very close to him considering VOurne is less than a day away.
The paladin moves over and takes Andrea's hand as he speaks, hoping she will use her faith to aid his speech.
I do not profess to offer advice on what your next move should be, suffice to say if you continue on your brother's course there are probably 3 outcomes.
1. You and he actually manage to kill us, something none of your associates have come close to doing, and you also manage to convince Vourne to allow to to continue to operate and run Westcrown. In which case you will become a lemure.
2. You continue this course and fail to stop us, we find and kill your brother and you either die fighting us or we take you prisoner. Either way you die or are jailed.
3. You defeat us but Vourne decides to not allow you to run Westcrown and likely destroys both of you since you could be seen as dangerous usurpers to the old council and Thrune may feel safer destroying you before your brother eyes Cheliax.
All of these possibilities end with either damnation, early death or jail.
Telling us where Eccardian is, however and forsaking the Council does offer you a chance at survival. A woman of your skill is not without options for success and happiness in other things. You found love, for instance...
"How do I know this thing real and not some ruse on your part?" She waves the infernal contract in one hand.
"Now Daniel my brother is exceptionally resourceful, it is true that you all have skill, but so does he. The battle will be fierce and the outcome is in the air. Yes, I'm aware of your many victories many have actually helped him ascend to power quicker." She pauses to let that statement sink in. Still holding the infernal contract. "Time is of the essence ...I know ...but would you permit me to verify this contract I can be back with two hours." She begins to roll it up again. "No tricks on either of our parts."
Daniel looks to Una and Gerard for support, Whether or not we allow you to take the contract is up to my allies. Azreal and I are honorbound to allow you to leave our meeting unmolested. Forgive me if trust is difficult, but you have spent quite a few resources trying to kill us. I would volunteer to call a Wizard we know of some skill if you are after magical verification of some kind or you can bring us along. It is for the others to decide.
"Trust is in short supply." She shakes her head, "I need to verify in person.If this is an infernal contract and it's verified, I will assist you. Together we may have a chance to dissuade him or, if necessary, defeat him."
Andrea allows Daniel to shamelessly take advantage of her charms.
I have no problem with it being verified. I believe we know of a lawyer who is an expert with contracts who can have a look at it, a Luci fer Noguilt
Chammedy listens intently then shakes her head, "I know Luci and she is excellent. However, I have another ally of mind." She certainly seems to be telling the truth. "If that ally can't be found, then I'll go to Luci fer NoGuilt." She raises her eyebrows. Like I stated, I'll be back or meet you where you choose within 2 hours." She adds. "Within reason that is." referring to where a meeting can take place.
Fine. There is an eatery called The Hungry Hound that is small and out of the way for everyone.
"Fine. Lord Ghivel will escort you out."
Bob had known that big nasty stuffs was happenin in the city. The guy from the north end who had Bob smash heads for him had said a buncha thieves was trying to get control.
Bob had seen lotsa fighten and fires, humies and spikey things called devils. He wondered what was gunna happen.
Bob's boss had said some skinny undead guy wanted to hire him. Bob saw this real fancy-pomfy blood sucker yelling about how some adventuers had ran him from his home. Bob figgured bloodsucker wanted Bob to smahs!
Then he told Bob who they were, Bob kinda remembered them from way back when they were fighten in the forest and got kinda worried. Then he talked about HEr! His wuv! He said he wanted her brought to him to sug=ffer..CALLED HER A WHORE!
Bob was smart tho, he knew just wat to do and nodded his head and went "yarp,smash!" Waited under bloodsucker turned his back..
Bob was smart and snealky! He Bashed him right in da skull! HAHAHAHAH! Den Bob kicked him outside, he knew the shadowbeasts and walkin dead hated sun! So he wrapped his arms around and went into da bright sun!
Bob got burned, maybe Bob shudda let go. Ow...
But Bob can't hang around! He gotta help her!
When the group leaves Ghivel's Andrea tunrns to them. We have little time, but I believe we can at least head to the Tilneros manor and inform them what has happened and what will be happening. Get healed of any lingering wounds and final preperations. Things are coming to an end one way or another.
Daniel nods, That is assuming she is in fact doing what she says she will. Let's go but we may need to think of an alternative means of finding Eccardian.
"My goodiness it is good to see you, so much has happened in the last couple hours. I'm afraid it's not good news." She steadies herself, "The Navy is only a few hours away!" She stops to listen to the group's reports, comments and concerns.
We found Chammedy at Vuiper Ghivel, Abadarian cleric who seems to be besotted with her and negotiated a meeting. We then showed her the infernal contract her father made with Mammon via The Flies and her fate to be taken down to the Hells as a lemure if Eccardian is sucessful in taking control of the city.
Chammedy insisted on verifying the contract and has it in her possession. Wether or not that was the proper choice remains to be seen, we will be meeting with her at the Hungrey Hound in a brief time to see if she will agree to work with us.
[b]If she is not there, then we need to figure out how to find them. I suspect that she will be with Eccardian since Vourne is about to land and thus scrying her has a fair chance of giving us both of their locations.
In any case, all of us need to be ready. If we can stop this plan we have a chance of saving Westcrown from being choked to death by martial law. If not, either we have to accept Thrune's iron fist or go for outright rebellion by slaying Vourne and his forces.
The thought of outright rebellion startles the Lady. "W..w..well let's hope she is at the Hungry Hound." She all but stammers.
When it is time to go, the party leaves for the Hungry Hound. when they get there they find the cheery tavern owners, happy as ever. The tavern seems to have steady business going and the gossip is rich. There are several customers drinking to their last day of "freedom" before martial law.
"Twas guud while it lasted." one familiar person proclaims.
"It should be alright, though we are operating on a Dresnandian Gambit of immunity or death. Take heart, Milady."
Euphemia offers a quaint bow to Lady Tilernos with the ghost of her mother's memory.
---
Euphemia places a palm to her face. She likes to remember her brother sober, as rare as that occurrence is. Not that she can blame his for this particular night.
She just never wants a repeat of the night he was so hammered that he didn't recognize her from behind and playfully grabbed at her skirts.
"Rance, you cannot be so consigned to defeat already."
Frank, he does know I am in the vanguard, correct, and that the ensuing of martial law would mean I have already perished or fled?
You need to stop assuming that your brother holds intellect where there is none, dear mistress. He is no fool, but not everyone holds your, erm, constant need to make inferences.
Wonder if she still thinks I was drunk that night.
'Ahhh lil' sis and her ferret, Fran, it is so good to see you. " He twirls around and kisses his sister's cheek. He winks at the hedgehog. "It's wonderful to see you again and your companions." he takes Andrea's hand and kisses it. "I was reminiscing about the fun spent here."
With a wave of his hand above his head, 'Kind Master, my friends are parched and my cup seems to have sprung a leak of some sort."
Taking the final draw on that tankard, he answers his sister's question. "There is an armada within eye-shot, so doom is at our doorstep."
Having not had the opportunity to take stock or receive orders from his brother, Daniel seeks out lord Tilneros. He is happy Sascar seems sober.
All these intricate games amongst the fighting is splitting my head. Honestly I can't believe I actually find myself wishing for the simplicity of the Worldwound. My heart wishes to sweep aside all the evil in this place, but the laws are so convoluted here and in favor of the darkness. Despite the skill and might of my allies, if we fail in putting down Eccarrdian and somehow restoring order, the forces of Thrune will violently crush the city back into submission, the dottari and the hellknights will likely join in. There WILL be order again, but all the bloodshed and honestly what has been achieved? Nothing. No, the night is safe, but either way, this is STILL a devil ruled city. I do not know what to do. Would that I could just raise an Army and free the city...tell me what you would do.
The paladin honestly looked lost. He was not unused to giving orders in battle, but at the Wound almost everything was geared towards just survival. Here, the people could well choose Thrune's iron rule if it meant people were safe.
"These are trying times for many." She looks at Daniel, "We are fortunate to have you at the apex."
Andrea seeks out Fiosa for to see her for perhaps the last time on this side of life. She quietly takes her wife in her arms. It is that time. Andrea's voice trembles some. I can't promise you what will happen, but if I don't return here I will be waiting for you before the gates of the Boneyard, so when we meet again, we can rest together forever.
Andrea kisses Fiosa. and places the heavy sack filled with the thousands of gold that she has acclimated. Use this to make a life for yourself and Emily, if that happens, both of you deserve to have every opportunity available.
With a last kiss, Andrea heads out of the manor for perhaps the last time.
Andrea nods to Lucca. Good to see you again. Please don't quaff too hard, we all need our wits about us. She does take a drink of the sweet brew made available, wanting something other than blood in her mouth when the time comes.
After what seems an eternity Chammedy and Ghivel arrive at the Hound. They both look roughed up each having a few open gashes and bruises. Chammedy states, "The contract is valid and my brother intends to follow through with the deal."
"He plans on staging a massive battle pitting his forces, the new council, versus the forces of Hell at the Vacant Throne. Of course, it is staged and the devils are suppose to lose then teleport themselves when they encounter "fake death". They are actually going back to Ghivel's townhouse, there is a well of many worlds there."
"Ecarrdian has hollowed out the inside of the statue and he has nondivation spells there, which is way you can't find him. He intends to let oils run down the exterior of the 90-foot-tall statue of Aroden like rivers of tears from the eyes of the great figure. When Ecarrdian
lights the oil on fire, the resulting image of flaming tears should bring much of Westcrown to a standstill. That is the signal for the battle to begin."
She pauses to make sure everyone is following."The well of many worlds in gate to Erebus." She makes sure that information sinks in. "Once the navy arrives he will see my brother the Savior of Westcrown." She waits the the barrage of question.
What forces does your brother have available?
She winces then states, "His arch-ally is Melavengian, a cleric of Mammon, he is a ranking member of Mammon's inner circle." She catches her breath, "He has 4 powerful council captains and ranks of soldiers inside the Statute. But he has 16 Council captains, 30 thieves, 26 Hellknight heretics, and 60 cutpurses are involved on the Council side
of the battle."
She half smiles, "Fortunately, you dealt with that hellknight ghost."
"Depending on the staged battle there is an endless supply of devils from the Well of Many Worlds. You foiled the attempt at having the pit fiend Liebdaga as the commander, so Melavengian will serve in that capacity. He commands four erinyes, 12 bearded devils (six of which
are mounted on hellcats), 10 imps, and 20 lemures.
She lets the numbers sink in before adding, "I know he has at least two other special surprises, but he was secretive about that and I know nothing else."
Andrea frowns at the sheer amount of forces.I hope you dealt with the Well of Many Worlds so no reinforcements will be coming from that area.
With so many forces arrayed We should try to avoid them and go straight for Eccardian. If we kill him as soon as we can hopefully most will flee.
Knowing the value of healthy allies, even dubious ones such as Chammedy and Ghivel, Andrea gives theme ach a tap of her healing wand
While waiting earlier for both of them, Andrea makes the choice to use the Philosopher's Stone as an oil of True Ressurection. After all, if they all die they won't be spending any of that gold and she would much rather Eccardian not get the stone.
Daniel slowly lets out a breath as the numbers are spoken out.
He has done well to keep this army of his a secret. But the whole thing is a ruse, yes? Would not this information be enough to make Eccardian the focus of the Armada's wrath? We need to find what forces the noble houses can muster, your Dwarf friend, Duncan? HE is skilled and has been training the Lantern Bearers, has he not? There are a few of the Dottari and perhaps some Hellknights we could muster. Their jobs are skill to keep Law and your brother's actions could make him a target to the right people. Then whatever beings Andrea, Areal and Tobias could call to aid our cause, they are the most powerful clerics I know of in the city. If we wish to go it alone, we may have a chance but the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Gerard has been placing himself as a possible head of a new theives guild when Eccardian is gone. Could not your sworn testimony of Eccardian's actions, bought before the Commander of the fleet be enough to convince them that HE is the problem here. Certainly THRUNE had regular cordial dealings with the old council and he has destroyed that in his lust for power.
Sweet Imoedae forgive me, but perhaps ALLYING with the Armada could be a viable option? If we aquit ourselves well as champions of the noble houses we may be able to defeat Eccardian and have the Noble's elect a representative to run the city. We needed a new mayor anyway and Thrune gets the place under control while we use the nobles backing to bring some fairer sense to those who would run the city. Keep in mind how time sensitive this all is.
I'm sure the nobles are all aware of the situation. As for summoning allies, I have only a single spell that can call upon a being If there had been just one more day I could have prayed for possible aid but the armada is in eyeshot as we heard here.
As for gathering allies to draw attention away from us while we engage Eccardian I believe that is a possibility, would could send runners to the Lantern Bearers, Dotttari and Hellknights since we have friends there and they can step up. Perhaps deliver a message to Vourne to delay his landing until we dispose of Eccardian? If we bring up the fact that Mammon has been making a power play in defiance of Thrune's law of Asmodeus being the primary religion, we might be able to use bureaucracy to delay them.
Similar to my own thoughts, though I was hoping to add Vourne to our lists of allies. In effect we would present ourselves as the forces for the 'Loyal Law abiding Citizenry of Westcrown, standing up to put down the usurper ourselves, the goal being to portray Westcrown as loyal to the rule of Law, which is true. However our true goal is to satisfy Thrune's desire for order AND secure anonymity for the city to be Governed by a Westcrani with the betterment of the lives of its people as his primary focus. Full Regime change is likely impossible without the forces to actually defeat Thrune's forces, but I do believe we CAN get a leader in power who understands the system and can loosen the chain on people's lives. It is not a perfect solution but it is a step in the right direction and alot less bloody than trying to defeat Eccardian AND Thrune's forces.
Chammedy looks at the small group currently gathered, "Melavengian has ensured that Vourne will not ally with your cause as long as my brother is still alive. Word is if my brother is alive, when the General lands your house is to be declared an enemy of the state and sentenced to an immediate execution."
She lets that sink in, "However, if my brother is dead when the landing occurs then there is a chance that peace will occur and no harm befall your family. Mammon's agent is quite persuasive."
She turns to Andrea, "The Well was folded, so the gate should be closed unless someone's opened it: again."
Daniel's jaw drops for but a moment.
I suppose it was going to happen eventually. I grew up knowing my own house was tolerated because of my brother's skill and faith and placing in Imoedae's church made the house powerful enough that to wipe us out was too much effort. Now it seems Eccardian's actions have bought a large enough force to do the job. In that case we have little time, but we do have a target. What is it like INSIDE the statue? narrow corridors and stairwells would at least mean they could not mass attack us.
Personally I would prefer a fight of attrition in the halls since we can't just teleport direct to him. But if possible we should attack from the top down. Is there a rooftop entrance? One big ace WE have is Azreal. There are a number of blessings he can cast without limit to harm evil foes, so assaulting from the top with the Angel and Em providing spell support would be a strong option.