Waifrin whacks the fallen shadowgarm, causing a small fountain of slimey black blood to fountain from its gaping cuts.
Begin round 3
Shadow-beast sadly deceased
Akorian 19
Shadowman 18
Raven 14
Zara 13
Waifrin 12
Marius 10
Realizing the shadow-man is vulnerable to regular weapons and not just the power of Milani, he brings his morningstar down with a two-handed blow.
Seeing as how the shadow beast has been dealt with and the whole group is free to focus their attacks on the shadowy man, Raven abandons his more defensive stance and stabs at the remaining foe.
Akorian's mace slams on the shadow-man's head, momentarily staggering him. The shadow-man responds by unleashing a flurry of blows that bounce weakly off the cleric's armour. Raven steps behind the silent dark one and thrusts cleanly through his body. When withdrawn the blade is covering with a burnt-umber colored ichor. The shadowman joins his garm on the floor.
"Well, that is that I suppose," the elf remarks smiling at Akorian. Then he turns his eyes on his sword's blade at first, a look of distaste evident on his handsome features, before looking at the shadowy man now lying on the floor.
"What manner of creatures are these?" Waifrin asks, looking closely at the fallen shadowman. "It's not a goblin, whatever else it be."
"I agree," Akorian says, kneeling down to better examine the shadow-man, "I thought those things..." He gestures at the shadowgarm. "...were the culmination of all those whisperings about shadowbeasts plaguing Westcrown afterdark. But perhaps these 'shadow'-men are the real threat instead?"
"And it's not a creature of the undead," he explains, "That much I know from how it reacted to the power of Milani. It certainly didn't like the light, though. And those other things don't either. I guess there's more of them out here in the Parego Dospera...and maybe they're using the sewers to get further into the city."
The priest rocks back on his heels and rubs his still-sleepy eyes. "Shadowbeasts, goblins, and the Bastards of Erebus," he mutters, "Westcrown certainly has more than its share of problems. And that's not even counting the heavy-handedness of the Hellknights, the same guardians of order that are supposed to be dealing with these kinds of things."
"Raven?" he suggests, "Why don't you check out how this thing got inside. Maybe see if there's anymore of them lurking about. The rest of us should probably get our things together and get ready to move. If more of these...things...come looking for this one we just killed, it's probably best if we aren't around."
"Did anyone see how they entered?" Raven asks as he starts to follow Akorian's suggestion. He moves as quietly as possible and checks the walls and windows from the inside, especially any place mentioned by his companions. He also peers outside before opening the door just a fraction and doing the same.
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"Well, the Hellknights are a little beyond us at the moment, but we need to decide which of the other three we're going to take on. These shadow-beasts seem to be a larger problem than the Bastards or the goblins, so let's deal with those two first. Only question is, which do we want to deal with right now? We know we can smash the goblins, we aren't yet sure what the Bastards are capable of."
"Well, the Hellknights are a little beyond us at the moment, but we need to decide which of the other three we're going to take on. These shadow-beasts seem to be a larger problem than the Bastards or the goblins, so let's deal with those two first. Only question is, which do we want to deal with right now? We know we can smash the goblins, we aren't yet sure what the Bastards are capable of."
"I say we stick with the original plan," Akorian answers, "We came here to eliminate the Bastards. We stocked ourselves with the appropriate gear for taking on tieflings. And Arael specifically asked us to do something about them, because of the immediate impact it would have on elevating our little band in the eyes of Westcrown's citizens...not to mention the embarrassment it would cause the Hellknights, considering we took this problem into our own hands and solved it without any dependency on them."
"Encountering the goblins and shadowbeasts really just serve as a reminder that there's a lot more to accomplish after we take down the Bastards," he adds, "It's good that we know the extent of their presence here. And, provided things work out well against the bandits, we can always come back and go hunting for the others."
"What do the rest of you think?" he asks, looking around the room at Marius, Zarabeta, and Raven.
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"Bringing these bodies back to show first to our allies, and later allow to be 'discovered' as slain by our rebel band could serve to bolster the morale of the people of Westcrown, to show that these shadow-things can be fought, and can be killed, by those who have the will to oppose them. We can bundle them up and tie them from a rafter, where vermin will be unlikely to devour the bodies, and retrieve them later. It should be helpful to bring back something to encourage our allies, as the situation has, of late, been poor for morale, with Janiven's death."
She leans down and examines the bodies, to see if they are unnaturally recovering / healing their wounds, as some monstrous things are said to do. If they appear to be quite dead, she wraps them in a cloak, as she suspects that the light of the sun will be damaging to their flesh, and eliminate any chance of displaying the bodies to their allies.
The shadow things are quite dead. Close examination of the bodies shows they are composed of layers of thin tissue. (Think fish gills.) It makes handling them something like trying to hold gelatin. The garm still has a oily coating, numbing to the touch, but not dangerously so.
Zarabeta:
Through the crack between the shutters the clouds streak orange through a purple sky.
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"An interesting point, Marius. On the one hand, sending some unconnected citizen in to claim the bounty could help to publicize the death of the creature. On the other hand, if we want to further the legend, and therefore, credibility, of this resistance movement, denying ourselves credit for the kill might be counter to our purposes. Giving heart to the people of Westcrown is more important to our long-term goals than coin, and having one of our own claim the reward while we spread the word of who is responsible would only endanger that person..."
She stops, and looks to Akorian, clearly perplexed that he has not spoken up to belittle her idea yet.
They came in via the crack between the shutters. Though it is difficult to imagine something of their bulk squeezing through such a space. (10 cm, 4" wide) Raven's search reveals nothing else.
Regarding Marius' last post. Give people a chance to remember, then check this:
Know (local) or Int check, DC 14 --
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Knowledge (local):
"Yes, if you leave the body on the steps of a tavern near the old Leroung estate some person called 'Bluehood' pays a bounty," Waifrin fills in. "But Zara's right, our own cause comes first - although there is no reason we can't show our allies and then collect the bounty."
She shakes herself.
"Well, I didn't get all of my beauty sleep, so I'm going to get some more if I can."
"An interesting point, Marius. On the one hand, sending some unconnected citizen in to claim the bounty could help to publicize the death of the creature. On the other hand, if we want to further the legend, and therefore, credibility, of this resistance movement, denying ourselves credit for the kill might be counter to our purposes. Giving heart to the people of Westcrown is more important to our long-term goals than coin, and having one of our own claim the reward while we spread the word of who is responsible would only endanger that person..." She stops, and looks to Akorian, clearly perplexed that he has not spoken up to belittle her idea yet.
For now, Akorian simply stares at Zarabeta as if getting a new read on her. But he does seem intensely interested in what she's saying.
"Yes, if you leave the body on the steps of a tavern near the old Leroung estate some person called 'Bluehood' pays a bounty," Waifrin fills in. "But Zara's right, our own cause comes first - although there is no reason we can't show our allies and then collect the bounty."
"Your altruism does you credit My Lady...however the simple fact is no revolution lasts long without money and if this is a way to fund our endeavours then I see no reason not to make use of this 'Bluehood's' generousity"
"What is it with you and your fixation on money?" Akorian wonders aloud, "First all the Hellknight weapons and now the bounty for a shadowbeast."
The priest holds up his hand to forestall any comeback meant to justify or argue the necessity of funding the 'revolution'...and continues. "Look, I understand. I get it," he explains, "I just don't think we need to look for every opportunity to make coin off something." He gives a knowing smile in Raven's direction as he says this, though...
"That said, however, I do like Zarabeta's idea." He nods at the wizardess with newfound respect. "And I think there might be a way to achieve both your goals," he suggests, "What if we leave this shadowbeast on the tavern's doorstep with a message for 'Mr. Bluehood.' In it, we can explain that the slain shadowbeast is a gift from the Heaven Sent, maybe even make sure the note says something poetic about our goals and intentions...something inspiring to get people in Westcrown talking about us. And to crank up the intensity, why don't we suggest he give this bounty to some charitable cause? Something we know will go to aid the commonfolk and make them appreciate us that much more." He gives another nod in Waifrin's direction, because of their frequent conversations about the differences between the poor and the nobility in Westcrown.
"Or maybe we could ask that the money be given to the Children of Westcrown," he adds, "That way, it's going to fund the more altruistic and noble efforts of our more visible counterparts in this little 'revolution' of ours. And, if we truly need to draw on such funds, we could always approach Arael or make contact with Amaya to request it now that she's leading them. They could almost be our treasury, in a way. And, with none of the Children of Westcrown actually getting involved in being out after curfew hunting these shadowbeasts, the Hellknights won't have anything to prosecute them with...and none of us will have to show our face to collect any rewards or accolades. Instead our notes will continue to draw attention to our efforts as a united force for good in Westcrown."
"Hmmm...I really like this idea," he says, "But what do the rest of you think? Zarabeta? It was your idea in the first place. And the shadowbeast certainly savaged you quite a bit. I think it's your right to decide for us."
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"Our primary goal is to wrest this city from under the bootheel of the devil-kissers, and I definitely wish to start getting our name and agenda spoken of, amongst the people that the Hellknights are failing to protect against the shadow-creatures."
"Do not mistake me for an altruist, however, I simply want to find the most *effective* means of dislodging the strong grip of tyranny from the throat of Westcrown, and bringing hope to the hearts of the people will be vital to that purpose. For once, my pragmatism is not offensive to a person of your station."
"Securing the weapons of the Hellknights, for example, is a case where our pragmatism was offensive to a man of wealth and priviledge, such as yourself. Where some would send the Children unarmed into battle with Hellknights, gaining only bloody martyrdom for their efforts, others would, in a single stroke, arm them and disarm their foes of weapons that could harm them, that we leave behind a legacy other than that of broken bodies and blood-slick flagstones."
"Securing the weapons of the Hellknights, for example, is a case where our pragmatism was offensive to a man of wealth and priviledge, such as yourself. Where some would send the Children unarmed into battle with Hellknights, gaining only bloody martyrdom for their efforts, others would, in a single stroke, arm them and disarm their foes of weapons that could harm them, that we leave behind a legacy other than that of broken bodies and blood-slick flagstones."
"I believe we had already secured the weapons of the Hellknights and disarmed our foes," Akorian notes, "Selling them for additional money risked the possibility of them being traced back to us, thereby ending our chances at making much of an impact for good on the city at all. And the very reason we usually don't...and don't intend to arm the Children, as in the Children of Westcrown, again with such weapons...taken from the Hellknights or not...is because they aren't warriors. We only used them because we needed numbers to rescue Arael and we were all going to hang anyway if they'd interrogated him at Citadel Rivad. They wanted to put their lives on the line for him, because their lives were already on the line due to his capture."
"But once we freed him...and after Janiven's death...all that changed. The Children of Westcrown have quite expectantly lost their taste for such risk. And well they should. It takes a rare group to do this kind of work. And as a priest of Milani, it is exactly what I've devoted myself to accomplishing in her name. That is, to make a better life for everyone, even if it means laying down mine in the process."
"Hence, in Arael's wisdom, he's chosen to turn us into the hammer and sword, while Amaya serves up hope and providence in a much more pacifying and open way among the community. In this manner, we accomplish more together than simply starting a bloody revolution...which I might remind everyone is not our current goal. Milani willing, it may be one day. And with the right people involved. But not right now. If we tried that now, House Thrune and the forces at Egorian would come down on Westcrown so hard it would squelch every bit of hope before it even ignited strong enough in the hearts of men to take flame."
"Regardless, I do understand your point, my dear," he eventually concedes, "And I'm not looking to start an argument over it. Raven and I have had to 'provision' certain items and coin as we needed for a variety of purposes while working with Arael and Janiven. But it's far wiser to carefully pick and choose the moments we do so. And, yes, I also understand it's far easier for someone of my...privileged means...to make such a statement. But I, for one, do not believe it undermines my point."
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"I think that it's a good idea," Waifrin adds her own support, unrolling from her blanket again as she realises that she isn't going to get any sleep until the matter is resolved. "The important thing here is that the money is well spent. For our own cause, I suspect that there will be ample booty if we can defeat the Bastards."
She raises her hand to forestall Akorian.
"It's not about making coin, it's about making sure we are well enough equipped to combat our foes effectively. We're going to be in situations where our enemies have magical support, weight of numbers and other things on their side. I'd really rather they not have superior weaponry and armour too - we're only five now, we need the best we can possibly get: potions, scrolls, items of magic, we can make good use of them all. I nearly got spitted on a Hellknight's sword in that fight on the road, because leather won't turn a sword-thrust very well. Let's take steps to correct things like that as and when we can, and not pass up any opportunities. If we beat the Bastards, what was theirs is ours by right of conquest."
She turns her attention to the sketch map of the surrounding area of the temple.
"We know the goblins had this building here," she points to the south-west tenement. "Let's steer clear of that corner. Instead, we can try and find a way into one of the further buildings on the opposite side. I would say either the tailor's or the carpenter's houses on the north side, if we can find a way in you cannot observe from the temple."
"Well, she does make a good argument, my friend," the elf points out in agreement. "Loot and spoils are not necessarily all about the cash earned by selling them, especially in our case. And such a well-connected and obviously succesful gang like the Bastards are bound to be nicely, shall we say, stocked up on pretty and useful items." His eyes positively glow at the thought.
"Not only is the silver-haired lass quite the firebrand, but she has a rather practical mind as well," Raven concludes softly with a gentle nudge of his elbow at Akorian's side. "Not a bad combination all in all."
"Well, she does make a good argument, my friend," the elf points out in agreement. "Loot and spoils are not necessarily all about the cash earned by selling them, especially in our case. And such a well-connected and obviously succesful gang like the Bastards are bound to be nicely, shall we say, stocked up on pretty and useful items." His eyes positively glow at the thought.
"Not only is the silver-haired lass quite the firebrand, but she has a rather practical mind as well," Raven concludes softly with a gentle nudge of his elbow at Akorian's side. "Not a bad combination all in all."
"Oh, I completely agree..." Akorian responds, "On both counts. Firebrands or not...both Waif and Z have good heads on their shoulders. And I fully support taking the spoils these Bastards of Erebus have acquired and repurposing them to fund our efforts."
"On the matter of the shadowbeast reward, however, I just think it makes a greater statement if we tell this 'Bluehood' fellow that we don't need it...that we're here to serve the people of Westcrown...and that, as such, he should give the bounty to the Children of Westcrown, who we know will do good things with it for their fellow-citizens."
"I think that's a powerful message to send. One that could set people to talking about us for months. Contrast that approach with the Hellknights, who we know are more likely to take from the populace or requisition the spoils of their efforts than give back to the people. By taking that kind of action, we'll immediately set ourselves apart from them and start winning over the hearts and minds of Westcrown's citizens. We'll give them hope. And maybe we'll inspire them, too. If nothing else, we'll help fund Amaya's group and give her some publicity, as well. That should set them...and us...up for success, I think."
He looks toward Marius, a little perplexed that Waifrin's sometimes hot-headed cousin hasn't offered an opinion yet. "What do you think?" he asks him.
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Marius regards Akorian with a long stare...
"Do as you wish 'My Lord'....and someday when we lie dying under the pitchforks of devils because your parsimony has prevented us from gaining the means to fight them you can rest easy in the knowledge that you did the 'right thing'"
"As for me I shall offer no more suggestions to this group"
He sits down and begins to clean his weapons of the shadow ichor
Marius regards Akorian with a long stare..."Do as you wish 'My Lord'...and someday when we lie dying under the pitchforks of devils because your parsimony has prevented us from gaining the means to fight them you can rest easy in the knowledge that you did the 'right thing'..."
"As for me I shall offer no more suggestions to this group." He sits down and begins to clean his weapons of the shadow ichor.
Akorian grits his teeth in silence and growing frustration throughout Marius' cynical and purposefully insulting response. As the warrior moves away to clean his weapons, the priest looks around at everyone else.
"You know what?" he finally states, "I'm at a loss to understand you people. It's not like I'm suggesting we donate every bit of potential wealth that falls into our hands and keep nothing to ensure our continued success. And yet I'm continually and verbally accused of undermining our operation if I suggest we do anything other than enrich ourselves with all that we find in the course of supposedly trying to be a better example for Westcrown...to give the people hope. Isn't that what Arael and Janiven wanted us to do?"
"By the Everbloom, people! This is not about starting or funding a damn revolution!" he nearly shouts, "And yet that's what many of you keep treating it like. I'm part of the nobility. I have family in Egorian who directly support House Thrune. And I know a bit about how they think and how they'll react if we stir up real rebellion in Westcrown. We'll all HANG!"
He lets that last statement linger in the air for a moment and then continues.
"That's why Arael wants us to keep a lower profile...to perform some good deeds rather than simply take up arms in rebellion against the Hellknights and their pitchfork-wielding devils! Part of that charge is to occasionally do something more with our spoils than just buy ourselves some shiny new armor...or a bunch of spell scrolls...or potions...or whatever."
"And honestly," he asks, "Have we found ourselves lacking in those things? Have we found ourselves so hard-pressed in what we're doing that we've been outmatched by our opposition? No! We haven't. Not...one...damn...time."
"Have any of you ever heard of divine providence? Don't any of you have faith in yourselves and your own abilities? Stop acting like we're so feeble that we need to stockpile every weapon, suit of armor, magic item, or bit of coin we can find or make by selling such things to be successful."
"Maybe...just maybe...it's more worthwhile to occasionally spend such capital on something other than an extra potion...or a better weapon. Maybe, it's okay to spend some of that money on getting our name out there for doing a completely altruistic deed by giving back to the people of Westcrown, asking nothing in return for it, and inspiring everyone for a change."
"But instead, the way you carry on about losing the opportunity to cash in a bunch of Hellknight gear...or passing on a simple shadowbeast bounty...you come across like a bunch of money-grubbing, what's-in-it-for-us mercenary wannabes who might as well be Hellknights trying to extract every bit of compensation you can out of the situation! You're acting just like they would!"
"This isn't about making a profit for ourselves! And it isn't about hoarding every...possible...smidgen...of wealth to buy ourselves something more potent to keep going. Instead, it's about inspiring people with something more than just showing up the Hellknights every now and then, and killing off a bunch of bandit Bastards or goblins. Our actions can be a lot more than just fighting and slaying Westcrown's enemies. There are far more intangible things we can accomplish, too...and that we should accomplish. Because if we don't focus on those things every now and then...we're doing all this for the wrong reasons..."
"So, I'm making it very clear," Akorian states, "Repurposing some gear and treasure as we find it to carry on our activities is fine with me. As Raven well knows, I fully believe it's needed from time to time. But obsessing about every coin we forego and then complaining about 'spending' it instead on the people of Westcrown isn't going to inspire anyone in this city...or make a difference for the downtrodden. That's my number one goal. And it should be our number one goal. Maybe all of you should take a few moments and think about your commitment to that!"
"In the meantime...I'm going for some fresh air, and to see if any more of those damn shadowbeasts are stirring out there..."
With that, Akorian grabs his gear, leaves their shelter in fuming silence, and kicks the door shut behind him.
Raven watches Akorian's reaction with surprise and perhaps a little bewilderment, saying nothing until the priest finishes and storms out of the building.
"Tsk...," the elf rolls his eyes slightly and, shaking his head, goes after him. The morning air is a welcome change from the inside of the old place.
"Are you not supposed to be the level-headed one?" The question is asked softly, the tone behind it friendly.
"Are you not supposed to be the level-headed one?" The question is asked softly, the tone behind it friendly.
"Apparently not," the still-surly priest answers as he finishes donning his armor and strapping on his shield, "I make one small 'level-headed' suggestion about possibly using the shadowbeast bounty as an opportunity to make a name for ourselves and inspire the citizens of Westcrown...and it gets cross-examined and even ridiculed as yet another attempt to undermine our effectiveness by not cashing in every opportunity to further arm and empower ourselves."
"You know me," he tells Raven, "Better than most, I'd wager. And I've never been averse to doing as these people say and repurposing such goods to fund ourselves and make us more effective. But it's not about that all the time! Nor should it be! Hell, Raven, you've been more restrained than they have in this regard. And that's saying something!"
"No offense, of course," he reassures his friend, "You know I have great respect for your abilities and your own 'level-headed'-ness when things matter the most. It's just that...ever since Janiven's death...and then Arael's request to have me provide guidance for this group while Amaya leads the Children of Westcrown...I just don't think these people are in it for the right reasons. And the continuing disrespect of Marius is really starting to grate on me. If he openly mocks me as 'My Lord' one more time, he'll find out just how far I can be pushed."
"So, if you want me to keep a more level head, why don't you talk to him?" Akorian suggests, "Because, frankly, I don't think he cares for a single word I say anymore. He's disagreeable and contrary to every battle plan, every suggestion on what to do with the spoils of victory, and even whatever conversations I have with his cousin, Waifrin. Do you know he threatened me? In my own house, I might add. I'm wise enough to know why he feels and says such things. But I'm unmoved by his justification for it."
"He's a misguided soul, unwilling to accept outside counsel or opinions on anything," he tells Raven, "Even when I try to include him in a decision...which I pledged to him I would do...he takes a less than supportive position and even withdraws from the decision-making process rather than talk things through. It's annoying and tiresome. And I'm losing patience with him. He's in this for revenge, Raven. For what the church of Asmodeus did to his family. The man's endured so much pain and suffering as a result of House Thrune's dominion that he's blinded to anything but amassing the means to strike back at them. That's why he needs every coin...and why he wants to strike down every Hellknight in battle...and avoid the risk of capturing and escorting them out of danger like we did in the sewers."
"How do you get through to a man like that? I thought to do so by at least working with his cousin, Waifrin, in the hopes she would hold some influence over him. But she too has deep scars from what happened to their family. I don't even pretend to understand Zarabeta's motivation in all this either. The three of them are like an impenetrable wall right now. I don't have the slightest idea of how to keep them focused on the greater goal Arael set for us. And you're the only one I know I can trust to see things through for the right reasons."
"Tell me you're with me, Raven. Tell me you understand, or I swear by Milani's rose, I'll have no reason to carry out Arael's request."
The elven rogue sighs before offering his opinion.
"I understand what you mean my friend, but bear in mind that we have known them for a few days only. Perhaps for now their motives are simple revenge or, in the case of the mage, not readily apparent, but give them a little time."
"You are impatient Akorian, at least in my eyes, but such is the way of you humans, yes?" Raven puts his hand on the noble's shoulder before continuing. "Even the time we have known each other is all too brief from my point of view, yet for you it is long enough that you trust me and consider me a friend."
Putting up a hand to forestall an objection, he adds, "And I consider you a friend as well. I am simply trying to make a point. For now let them do this thing their own way and for their own reasons if that is what motivates them to fight. Give them a little more time and perhaps unknown motives will become known and a thirst for vengeance will give its place to a need to do the right thing. If nothing else, you are a race full of surprises."
"And yes, I am with you. After all, you are too much fun to be around... my lord," Raven finishes in a light-hearted way.
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"Do as you wish 'My Lord'....and someday when we lie dying under the pitchforks of devils because your parsimony has prevented us from gaining the means to fight them you can rest easy in the knowledge that you did the 'right thing'"
"As for me I shall offer no more suggestions to this group"
There is a long moment of silence after Akorian storms out and Raven follows him.
Waifrin turns to Marius.
"I know you haven't had much sleep, but that was uncalled for," she says shortly. "We need the goodwill of the people, cousin. We need to be the good side, not just a bunch of monster hunters. He was right about that, whatever else he's been wrong about. While I can think of other things to spend the money on, too, a hundred gold for a dead shadow-beast isn't giving up much, and frankly I think we're going to have a lot more corpses like this one before the moon turns again. If we don't, we're in the wrong job."
She gets to her feet, then stops.
"And another thing - you keep throwing his nobility in his face. Just stop and think a moment how YOU'd've turned out if things had been different and we'd stayed as nobility."
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Marius give his cousin a look filled with pain.."But we didn't did we..." he says quietly in a flat voice"and he is all that's wrong with the Chellish nobility, all nobility for that matter..he's more concerned with show than substance... with doing the right thing by the'little people' without actually asking them what they want."
"Even when he asks for advice he rejects it out off hand..I told him Raven had the situation with the Goblins under control but what did he do ..he insisted we storm the place..and it was only by luck we didn't end up as Chief Whitechins Breakfast. He treats us like..servants, as if his is the only opinion that counts and his arrogance will get us killed Waif. So be it he can take the decisions and I'll just follow orders..but sooner or later he will sell us out if he can see any advantage in it. He sees us as expendable pawns in some romantic endeavour to save this city from itself"
" In the end if it comes down to choosing between the people and his class who do you think he will side with cousin? I don't like him, I don't trust him and I don't like the way you seem to be throwing yourself at him"
He rams his swords into their scabbards.
"In the slave pits, you didn't make friends, you couldn't because you never knew when you might have to face someone with steel in your hand and any weakness towards a 'friend'would see you dead..so I know I come over as hard and uncaring and..mercenary at times. Cheliax made me like that and I swore I'd change things if I ever got the chance and then..I met people who didn't care who I was..what my birthright was, who were only concerned about what I could do and what I could become.Akorian doesn't want change cousin he just wants the status quo, with the nobility still dictating the life of anyone who isn't one off them and everyone else'knowing their place'"
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"Maybe he does, and maybe he doesn't," Waifrin shrugs. "I'll take a noble like him over a Hellknight any day, I'll tell you that. I'm not so sure he'd sell us out, either - he doesn't have to be here, Marius. Of all of us, he has the most to lose. If he was like you say ... he wouldn't be here at all, would he?" She shakes her head.
"You know your real problem with him? You and he are too much alike."
"And yes, I am with you. After all, you are too much fun to be around... my lord," Raven finishes in a light-hearted way.
Akorian absorbs Raven's viewpoint, taking it far more seriously than any other he's heard of late. And it's clear the elf succeeds in talking him down from the majority of his anger and frustration. With his last quip, however, the priest turns back to meet his friend eye-to-eye.
"Don't you start with that, too," he half-jokingly warns as he stabs a finger in the elf's chest, "But fair enough on the rest. We haven't known them very long. And, unfortunately, that means we don't know them very well. That's a precarious position to be in when you're asked to trust one another and risk your lives together. And even worse when Arael's counting on you to lead them in doing something 'noble' for Westcrown."
He sighs heavily.
"You know," he shares, "Sometimes I wonder how much easier it would have been to hide within the ivory towers of House Henderthane...to wallow in the decadence of Egorian...and go along with the rule of House Thrune. My conscience wouldn't let me. And now I'm paying the price for it by skulking around the Parego Dospera, risking my life against Hellknights, goblins, shadowbeasts, and soon, the Bastards of Erebus...all while doing so alongside a group of people I don't fully understand. I know my motivation for it. But I can't help questioning theirs sometimes...."
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Marius raises an eybrow at that remark from Waifrin, he snorts slightly
"I'm nothing like him cous.."
He breaks off considering his statement and then smiles..perhaps the first genuine smile since this affair started.
"Well maybe I am..but that just makes things worse because a beast with two heads will always fight against itself. We need one leader here because sometimes ,believe it or not, democracy does not work..and I see what his point is on the bounty but he didn't give me a chance to explain what I wanted to do with it just stated waxing on about how everyone should do what he thought right"
"He rubs me up the wrong way cousin..it's just that simple.I know my motivation for being here. But I can't help questioning his sometimes "
"You know," he shares, "Sometimes I wonder how much easier it would have been to stay with the Andorans...to stand shoulder to shoulder with people I respect...and fight directly against the rule of House Thrune. My conscience wouldn't let me. And now I'm here, risking my life against Hellknights, goblins, shadowbeasts, and soon, the Bastards of Erebus...and all for a city that rejected me. I know my motivation for it. But I can't help questioning Akorian's sometimes...."
"Don't you start with that, too," he half-jokingly warns as he stabs a finger in the elf's chest,
"Point taken, Akorian," the elf acknowledges, his arms briefly up in a sign of surrender.
"You know," he shares, "Sometimes I wonder how much easier it would have been to hide within the ivory towers of House Henderthane...to wallow in the decadence of Egorian...and go along with the rule of House Thrune. My conscience wouldn't let me. And now I'm paying the price for it by skulking around the Parego Dospera, risking my life against Hellknights, goblins, shadowbeasts, and soon, the Bastards of Erebus...all while doing so alongside a group of people I don't fully understand. I know my motivation for it. But I can't help questioning theirs sometimes...."
"And lest you forget, had you remained safely sequestered in your family's considerable holdings, you would have never met yours truly, certainly a great loss on your part," Raven jests in order to lighten the mood a little further. "Come now, shall we go inside? Or just wait for the rest to join us? It is a fine morning after all."
"And lest you forget, had you remained safely sequestered in your family's considerable holdings, you would have never met yours truly, certainly a great loss on your part," Raven jests in order to lighten the mood a little further.
"Yes...what a great 'loss' that would have been..." Akorian mutters.
"Come now, shall we go inside? Or just wait for the rest to join us? It is a fine morning after all."
"You go." Akorian nods at the door. "I'll have my look around. And, by the time I get back, maybe you'll have everyone singing in unison and holding hands."
As he starts to walk away, he looks back once more. "Tell Zarabeta to get that shadowbeast corpse ready. We'll drop it off at that 'Bluehood' tavern just before sunrise tomorrow. Tonight, on the other hand, we'll be hunting tieflings."
After putting some distance between him and their shelter, Akorian finds a vantage point where he can climb up and scan the rest of the Dospera, looking for signs of activity among the ruins. He also takes time to pray to Milani, asking for guidance, a better sense of humility, and the patience for dealing with the task at hand.
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"You don't know him, that's why. As for making yourself known ... cousin, you said little enough, and all of it wrong," Waifrin points out. "Sorry, but you did. The pair of you need to learn to work together and not against each other, and you can do it. Now, go tell him that you spoke in haste on little sleep, and that he's right about the bounty - he's the one you need to be talking this over with, not me," Waifrin smiles wryly.
"Maybe you should both get drunk some time, like men do."
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Marius chuckles..
"Yes Ma'am..right away Ma'am"
He ducks under her swung hand..
"Careful..you don't want to punch an armoured man, that leads to cracked knuckles. I'll go talk to him..I only hope he's as reasonable as you think he is"
Marius stands and moves to the door exchanginfg some words with Raven in passing and finding which way Akorian has gone. Anticipating the clerics actions he climbs to the vantage point and sinks down with his back to the wall
"we have to talk" he says "I know what you said about the bounty is right..believe me I'm not as mercenary as you think. But we can't go on being distrustful off each other..so I'm going to place my life squarely in your hands"
He digs into his pouch and hands over a locket.
"Open it..go ahead"
Opened the locket reveals a silver sculpted eagle on one side and a small picture of a woman..one breast uncovered and wearing a Phyrgian cap
"So now you know,Akorian Henderthane..I am an agent of Andoran and my purpose here is to free Westcrown from the fear that grips it..my conscience will allow me to do nothing less"
"Yes...what a great 'loss' that would have been..." Akorian mutters.
After pausing briefly to give Marius directions, Raven steps inside the group's shelter, noticing Waifrin. He waves and smiles before going to sit next to her.
"Chat went well I take it?" The question is asked in his usual carefree manner, his eyes at the same time searching for Zarabeta so he can deliver the cleric's message to her.
Anticipating the clerics actions he climbs to the vantage point and sinks down with his back to the wall...
Finishing his brief prayer, Akorian hefts his morningstar when he hears someone climbing up after him, half-expecting another shadowbeast to emerge from the dying shadows and attack him. When he sees it's Marius, he only marginally relaxes, unsure of the man's motivation in seeking him out.
"We have to talk," he says, "I know what you said about the bounty is right...believe me, I'm not as mercenary as you think. But we can't go on being distrustful of each other...so, I'm going to place my life squarely in your hands." He digs into his pouch and hands over a locket.
"What's this?" Akorian eyes the jewelry with more than fair amount of skepticism.
"Open it...go ahead." Opened the locket reveals a silver sculpted eagle on one side and a small picture of a woman..one breast uncovered and wearing a Phyrgian cap. "So now you know, Akorian Henderthane...I am an agent of Andoran and my purpose here is to free Westcrown from the fear that grips it...my conscience will allow me to do nothing less."
Akorian squats down as he examines the locket. At first, he's not quite sure what to say. But, as it gleams in his hand from the first rays of the sun to reach the ruined rooftop, he finally responds.
"You know, Marius," he says, "You're one bold bastard. I'll give you that. A one man war-machine ready to rage against House Thrune and bring the ideals of democracy from a far-flung, former-Chelish colony to enlighten the homeland that did you wrong. But you're biting off way more than you're ready to chew. If you keep talking and trying to turn this into a revolt in the middle of Westcrown, we'll all die."
"Trust me," he assures him, "As a student of Milani and the Chelish nobility, I know a thing or two about how such things play out...what makes one rebellion successful...and another put down in bloody misery. And there's no chance...zero...that the Heaven Sent or Children of Westcrown or any other rebels are going to turn Westcrown around as quickly as you seem hell-bent on doing. House Thrune will send its legions down from Egorian and Westcrown will burn in Hell before they'll let your ideals of democracy take root in even the merest fashion here. You might not worry about losing your own life in such an endeavor. And I wouldn't necessarily mind losing my own in the same cause, as I'm sure my faith in Milani would reward me for it. But a lot of innocent people who aren't ready for that kind of commitment would die...including your cousin, Waifrin, the last of the Goddon line."
"Is that what you want?" he asks, "Because, for me, I'd much rather tackle the battles I'm more confident of winning and stick around long enough to enhance our chances of winning such a war when the time is right. And that time is not now. Our goals aren't all that different, you know? Just the final step. If we can work together and depose House Thrune and reverse the course Cheliax has followed, all that remains at the end is deciding what kind of government to put in its place. A democracy like Andoran or a monarchy or imperial republic...who knows? Maybe we should save our arguing about it until we can actually get there?"
"Look," Akorian says, "Arael asked me to lead this group. That means I'm tasked with making most of the decisions. I'm comfortable with that, because as a man of my station, I've had some experience with it. That doesn't mean I don't value your input to make sure it's a good decision. And that doesn't mean every decision I finally make is going to agree with what you would have done in my place. But I would ask you to honor it. Inform me as well as you can and argue as much as you want for a particular course of action. But once I've made a choice for us--as a group, and not just for me--then I want you to support me."
"You know, back at my estate you told me you didn't have to like me to work with me," he continues, "But I haven't sensed much of that on your part. Instead, I feel like you've spent more time working against me than with me. I think a lot of that's fueled by your hatred of the nobility here in Cheliax, regardless of who it is...or what motivates them. If someone has a title in front of their name or comes from one of the noble houses, you're ready to cut bait on them. Well, in case you haven't noticed, I'm not like the others. I wouldln't be here if I were. I'd be holed up enjoying myself in Egorian and tending to matters of court. Instead, I'm down here...in the trenches...fighting for my people, your people, in an effort to make a better life for everyone here in Westcrown, and hopefully all of Cheliax."
"And I'm going to need a lot of help to do that," he goes on, "I'm going to need your help and Waifrin's help and Raven and Zarabeta, as well. Together, we're an amazingly potent force, capable of accomplishing a lot of great things. But we could be better. If instead of working at odds with each other, we could be working together. Instead of sniping at each other or questioning one another on every little decision, we could be seeking one another's advice, and backing each other up in all that we do. And for now, that means you giving me a little more respect. I'm not asking you to follow me because I'm a noble of Cheliax. When I'm here with all of you, you should know that I've set aside any privilege my name might give me. I'm here the same as you, the same as Waifrin, and Raven, and Zarabeta, taking the same risks and suffering the same fate."
"So I need something more than this simple locket can show me," he finishes, "I already knew your motivation for being here...or at least, I suspected it. What happened to your family was wrong. House Thrune deserves to pay for it. And Cheliax needs to change. I think we can both agree on that. We can work together to accomplish that. But I need your support in accepting my decisions for as long as Arael asks me to make them. Can you do that without holding a grudge...and without withdrawing your participation in the discussions and decisions where we...where I...need your input? Because that's what matters more than anything else to me right now."
The best local vantage point is the steeple of the old church of Erastil that now houses the Bastards. The next best is Whitechin's tenement and the one next to it. The house next door is only two stories, but the roof has largely collapsed, so the view from the ex-attic will be panoramic at least.
There are good high points farther afield. Or even closer if you want to climb trees.