"If we meet you in the morning, are rolls guaranteed? I have no problem thumbing my nose at House Thrune in a play. You can claim creative license and a misunderstanding. It's almost as fun as thumbing my nose at the nobility in their own literary salons. Acting against Thrune's interests is something else." Sia laughs a little bitterly.
"I'll have to think about this over a glass of tea and a pastry. The thinking might even carry into the evening and a bottle of wine." she's clearly interested enough to tuck the paper into a pocket.
Malqazar considers their words, before tucking the paper into the pocket of his waistcoat. He raises his eyebrows at Sia and notes, "I do find a bottle of wine is exceptionally useful in oiling the gears of the mind," before turning to Ian and Janiven and saying, "You have indeed piqued my interest. If any others here wish to join me in the morning to mull over the decision, I would welcome it. After all, is it not important for a cast to know each other? I find it makes for far better acting."
The gnome ponders Branagh's words and puts the parchment in his vest.
"This sounds like a most interesting production. I look forward to learning more about what part you would have for me. I shall endeavour to meet your expectations.
There are dark forces all around us, and it is rare to find those in Westcrown who would do something about it. I tell you that I will be there at noon, and if I am not then something has gone wrong."
Keamba frowned but folded the piece of paper and slid it in to a pocket. "So a play and what...? Revolution? Okay. I can get behind this I guess." He smiled grimly. "Always enjoy a reason to get one over on the bastards who run this place!"
Vara sighs dramatically. "Fine. Tomorrow then."
Prologue - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector - The Teatro alla Wescala
Ian smiles at Sia, "Even if you do not meet with us you all have guaranteed spots in the play. We want it to be a success. Those of you we did not invite here, Malqazar and Jing are naturals. I am sure this will be a great success. Now, take a stipend ahead of time and we look forward to seeing you in the morning".
Ian hands you each 2 GP as Janiven bids you all a good afternoon and evening, "Until we see each other at the rendezvous point..."
As he has lived here for several years, I assume Blackspire earns enough regularly to afford a modest apartment in town. Perhaps a small room above a cheese shop, where he periodically helps out when Perform work is slow (+6 Craft-Cheesemaking).
He will go back to his room and read this note in the morning.
Vara glances at the paper and then the others, considering her options. She won't suggest meeting to read the letters but she might agree depending on who asks.
Lettu smiled and the others and departed with the paper well saved in a pocket. He hid it through his clothes and, happy with the coins, went for some late-night partying to get more acquainted with the local spirits. By the morning, the tiefling will try to read the letter by himself and get rid of it, then thinking about what his next steps will be. He's intrigued with the play, but play it careful in regards to the whole revolution thing.
"I need to think on this. Vara and anyone else do you want to meet in the morning for tea, breakfast, and maybe a letter opening?" Sia will head home for the evening and think on what she might want to do. She'll meet whomever for breakfast or not, and read the letter.
Vara smiles, "Of course, my dear." She takes her leave as soon as a meeting place has been determined.
She spends the evening trying to figure out a way to read the letter early, but finds little success.
Prologue - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector - Outside The Teatro alla Wescala
Once outside, the actors mill about speaking with one another, a plan is hatched to meet at the Tricalista Tavern in Rego Laina at 9 am to read the letter together.
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Westcrown - Rego Laina - Blade Sector - Tricalista Tavern
At the appointed meeting time, those who have agreed to meet arrive. Sia arrives a bit early ans secures a table in the corner net to the window.
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Of course, those who linger in the shadows won't come out for just any old meeting and they read the letter at sun up, deciding if they will meet where the letter dictates the meeting will take place.
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Once exposed to the Sun the letter reads:
"Concerned Citizens!
The time has come to take back the night. If this task is one that suits or interests you by all means attend to us at Vizio's Tavern at high noon on the Second Toilday of Sarenith. There all will be revealed. If you are not interested, I beg of you, bring a friend who you believe will be sympathetic to the cause!"
The letter is not signed.
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Sia takes her seat at the table and orders coffee, fruit, and a scone for breakfast. Can't ruin my figure by eating too much.
She waves Vara over to the table when she arrives. "Good morning. I see you decided to see take up the offer. It's an interesting prospect. I don't understand how they picked us out of that crowd, but this could be the role of a lifetime."
Hmmm... A noble cause, but I fear they are careless. One error in judgment in trusting the wrong person, and we are all Hellknight prisoners.
Challenging the darkness requires courage, but intelligence as well... Still, perhaps this is a time for a leap of faith. A time for Hope.
I wonder about the others. If their hearts are in this, I will see them at noon. If not, it wouldn't be my place to persuade them.
Blackspire Thundergloom reads the note, commits it to memory, and burns it. He heads down to the cheese shop to help out for the morning, leaving plenty of time to get to Vizio's.
Malqazar walks into the tavern, his fine walking stick tapping rhythmically against the wooden planks of the floor. He spots the table that Sia and Vara sit at, and walks over, pulling out a chair and settling down. "Good morning madams. I believe I have not formally introduced myself. I am Malqazar the Magnificent, and if it would not be untoward, who may I have the pleasure of addressing you two as?"
"Hello, darling," Vara greets Sia with an air-kiss as she takes a seat at the small table. "Honestly, I'm not sure if I will accept this 'role' or not, as of yet. I am certainly no admirer of the Thrune but I also appreciate remaining alive. I shall need to hear the entire pitch before I make up my mind."
When Malqazar abruptly joins them, Vara gives him a long, skeptical look up and down. "And what praytell makes you so Magnificent?" she asks, pointedly ignoring his question.
Once Lettu woke up and collected his belongings, he read the letter as planned. Bring someone?, he thought, then quickly considering his options.
It didn't take long for the duelist to appear at the tavern and meet the others - life was too short, it's true, so it was better to live it to its fullest. Plus, he was curious for hearing more regardless.
When he approached the table where Sia, Vara and Malqazar were, he just let out a short and shy smile. Good morning. It's nice to see you again. May I accompany you?, he asked, pointing a chair to sit.
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Jing will wait till he can read it proper!...then he will eat it!
He will wake up in the morning and get cheese and bread for him and the his sister, making sure she eats plenty and starts her studies before going off to see if he can make some money on the way to this meeting everyone else seemed to want. He will be late of course.
Sia nods in greeting to Malqazar. "Good morning." she grins a little at Vara's question.
When Wings arrives, she waves at the chair he pointed to as if to say take a seat. "I don't think we were introduced yesterday. I'm Sia Markham actress and dancer. That's Malqazar the Magnificent. We're about to find out why he's Magnificent." she says to Wings.
If Jing happens to stop in the cheese shop where Blackspire works part-time, the gnome gives no obvious sign of recognition.
Malqazar grins briefly and clears his throat, "Ah, a question I am oft asked. It is a good story, although a rather long one to be fair. I grew up in a small farming town, quite isolated from most other towns. The most exciting event was when the tax collector would come, which people thought to be an occasion to rejoice. I never found it as exciting as most others did, but I digress. I found that rural life did not suit me much one night when I was thigh deep in manure when I was assigned to clean out the barn. I began to think about where I could go, and the closest city was Westcrown. Now, I had made some arrangements to be introduced to the noble court, and my arrival was for a time quite the talk of court. As I had aspirations to continue that reputation, I figured I needed a fitting title. I thought for a while, realising I had gone from the dull life of a farmer to chatting with lords and ladies in elegant salons. Well, I found that rather magnificent. In any case, I have prattled on too long about myself."
Vara's expression softens as she listens to Malqazar's tale. "I must admit- my own upbringing was rather similar. Only much further away from here." She holds out her hand to Malqazar, palm down. "I am Vara, formerly a poor Vudrani girl who has made it all the way to the bright lights of the Westcrown stage."
She smiles and continues, "While I shall have to judge your magnificence for myself, I am pleased to meet you and I respect your candor."
When Lettu joins them, she throws up her hands. "Why not! Tell us about yourself, tiefling."
Sia shrugs, Darling we are working on a play together. We might as well get to know each other. It makes for better character interactions."
Since we're sharing, "I was born in Westcrown to a rather infamous clan. We get invited to all the the best parties because they expect us to do something scandalous while there. Honestly, it gets a bit tiresome."
Keamba read his letter when the light rose right, making note of everything he needed to before tearing it in to four, crumpling it in to a ball and setting it alight. After it had burned to ash, he mixed it with a cup of chickens blood, before drawing the symbol of Mfuello on his wrists, heart and lips.
He made his way to the Inn where the others had planned to meet, After his morning prayer and preparation, the blood paste cleaned from his lips bit hidden on his heart and wrists. He arrived late to their meeting and hung back, watching for a minute, before walking slowly to the group. He stood looking down at the table before bowing his head with a smile.
"I am Keamba Mafiki of the Ijo Bonuwat. I would join your number. May I sit?"
Lettu looks at curiosity as Keamba join them, and signs with both hands for the Suli to sit.
Well, I'm the son of two Taldan rich parents. - the tiefling wait for long awkward seconds of silence, then laughs in a friendly and warm way - Hah! Wouldn't it be something? In truth, I was really born in Taldor, but because my parents were always traveling as itinerant artists. I ended up following their steps and joined the Academy.
"Keamba it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Sia. We were just telling each other a bit about ourselves." she looks around the room to see if anyone else may be joining the party. "What type of artists Wings?"
Oh, you know, the theater. Acting runs on the blood. - he replies, looking strangely uncomfortable to talk about his parents.
At this point, Lettu's tail almost crossed with Jing's - the Tiefling couldn't pinpoint, but he thought the catfolk looked familiar. Yes, he finally remembered, ... He tried for the part right after me, on the night before.
Instinctively the demonic-looking man smiled, clearly indicating for Jing to join them. Something about the charming city artist hinted Lettu for a sense of identification, and he was sincere on his warm invitation and praise.
Please, join us too. I remember you from yesterday. Nice job with the words!
Vara watches the parade of newcomers, finally resigned to her fate as a member of this impromptu team. I have dealt with worse situations in the past.
She decides to make the best of it. Her expression softens, now smiling at each as they introduce themselves. Behind her suddenly-friendly demeanor, she coldly evaluates them all, trying to determine why each was invited to join.
Seeing Jing, Malqazar smiles and says to him, "Jing! What a pleasure it is to see you here. I thought you may have been out...adjusting someone elses collar. But welcome, welcome, come sit and join this newfound cast."
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Jing looks shocked and lets out a hiss when he is discovered. He flattens his fur a bit "Pardon my...catfolk. I um, yes. Well you see I was in the neighborhood making sure collars were well adjusted and that everyone was getting in their prayers." he said looking alarmed that he was noticed. He would remember that these folks were not to be trifled with, after all they have particularly keen eyesight.
Westcrown - Rego Laina - Blade Sector - Tricalista Tavern
The troupe begins by getting to know one another but soon enough settle into small talk about what roles are available in the play. Certainly all present wish to discuss openly what the "secret" meeting is all about but in a city with eyes and ears like this one it is best not to discuss such things openly, even the newcomers know that.
The only one of the actors picked last night who was not present is Blackspire Thundergloom. Jing states that he saw the Gnome working in a cheese shop which is presumably where he still is.
At the appointed time, the troupe begins to break up, some together some separately and reconnect outside of Vizio's Tavern.
Westcrown - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector - Vizio's Tavern
As the troupe enters, they see the Gnome nursing a mug of ale while Janiven hurries back and forth preparing food and drink.
As you all arrive she heads to the door looking back and forth shaking her head. She then locks the door and steps to the front of the room.
“Please partake in this food and drink for I have hope this will be not only a meeting but a celebration, the first hours of the dawning of a new day.
Again, thank you for agreeing to meet with me here. I have chosen each of you for a singular reason—everyone here, myself included, has suffered, whether we realize it or not. I have lived in Westcrown my whole life, and although I love this city, I must admit, as must you, that despite our peace and prosperity, we continue to suffer. Even those of you new to the city can feel it, the restricted liberty. No doubt you came here for a better life, if opportunity elsewhere was so abundant after all why would you journey here?
Fear should not be an expected part of life, and yet each night brings fear to our doorsteps. Yes, Westcrown has been safe from war and famine for nearly seventy years, and yes, our businesses have prospered—but this safety and prosperity has been bought in the coinage of fear. Those who trade security for liberty deserve neither. We deserve neither unless we take back responsibility for ourselves, too long have the citizens of this city abdicated responsibility for themselves to others who have used fear to enrich themselves.
Other cities do not fear the night. Other governments do not cede the streets to monsters of the infernal shadows. Westcrown was once such a place, and she wants to be such a place again. Westcrown is not only her buildings and canals and docks and history—she is also her people.
Westcrown is our friends and neighbors, our mothers and fathers, our siblings and cousins, our sons and daughters! With but a small group of supporters and dedicated brothers and sisters, we can earn the trust and admiration of those people. We can show the citizens of this great city that they need not fear the night that they are not alone in what they think and feel.
We can have a Westcrown free of these shadowy beasts that stalk our streets! But it cannot be done alone.
I long to be one of these citizens who gives the power back to the people. The question I and my allies have is, are all of you willing to be those citizens as well?"
Blackspire Thundergloom speaks softly. There is warmth and compassion in his voice.
"In my stories, in the salons of the wealthy or in the corners of taverns, you may hear a familiar theme. The hero, flawed as we all are, who nevertheless takes a stand against a great evil. Usually he defeats it, at least for a time, though often at great cost. Possibly his life.
Why do I tell these tales? Do I enjoy morbid tales in which the hero dies?
No. I tell tales of hope.
Even when the evil seems overwhelming, there is often something that one can do, if only they choose to try. And, yes, there is risk, but through valor, compassion, and sacrifice, many others may be saved.
Have my stories swayed one Hellknight to lean towards the nobler side of their order? Have they swayed one magistrate to be marginally more lenient with a youthful offender? Perhaps. But I know there is more I can do.
So now you ask me to be a hero from one of my stories. I believe there is an essential truth in my tales, and I will take this role if your plan is sound.
Shall we spread hope through our play? That sounds very appealing. Now, if you would have us take direct action against the authorities, I must say that would be unwise.
Speaking again as a storyteller, my heroes do not begin the tale with a suicidal charge before knowing anything."
It would be nice to go out and not worry about coming home. I've always wondered why no the powers that be took care of what stalks the night.
I agree with Mr. Tundergloom. We cannot directly take on the authorities at the start. It would certainly be the death of us all quickly. I'm rather fond of my life. she smiles and takes a dring, "I do enjoy showing people where those in authority are failing with satire. It's a favorite role of mine. I am interested in hearing more about your plan."
Vara considers Janiven's impassioned plea. "What you say is true, of course. The rule of law is too strict in Westcrown; everyone knows that. And you seem to be more passionate than most boring regular people, which is commendable. But I wonder- what exactly do you want me to do? You speak in vagueness about serious matters which require exact precision. Give me information and then I will be able to judge your offer more fairly."
Malqazar listens to Janiven intently, lips pursed in thought. Once Vara has spoken he says, "Well, the goal of liberty is certainly a noble one. I do enjoy the sound of a Westcrown without the shadowy beasts that prowl the night, without the tyranny of unjust overlords. I would indeed wish to help this cause, there are many opportunities to gain here. I suppose all revolutions are built on the backs of those who tell the stories of those who are oppressed, and what better storytellers are there than a troupe of actors?"
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Jing stuffed his face while the others spoke. He had no reservation or manners about the situation as he was more than aware of the situation of starvation from time to time. He choked a bit and grabbed a tankard of ale and drained it quickly after Malqazar spoke.
He stood up and looked at the others "I'll admit I may earn my living through acting...mostly. However, I do have a young sister to support. What can you promise in terms of providing for her and her future if I were to put myself in such a dangerous role? Do you plan to adopt my sister into the troupe and keep her safe from the Hellknights and beasts alike if I were to die for the cause? I'm not saying I will die, I'll gladly use someone's else life in my place if I can but this is a worry I cannot ignore...nobility is one thing, prosperity and safety of family is another." he said, ale still dripping from his whiskers.
Westcrown - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector -
Janiven listens to your concerns and remains for a few moments longer in case Lettu or Keamba wish to speak, when neither does she responds.
"It is certainly not our intention to openly rebel against the powers that be. In fact, it is not our belief that the powers that be even necessarily need to be overthrown. As I stated, they have brought much wealth and prosperity to the people. In fact a war in the streets would bring the exact opposite to the people than what we seek to bring them!
What my ally Arael and I hope to create is a citizens group that can protect the people of this fair city. We should not appear as rabble rousers or rioters as that will send the wrong message. Then when a critical mass of people can be reached, press for the removal of these shadow monsters as no longer being necessary for the safety of our fellow citizens.
Ian's play is a small part of it, this first play is to bring people in the door, the next series being written will bring voice and breath to that which we strive to create. If you can see it you can achieve it, right now I do not believe the people can see a world different than what surrounds us now.
So long as we work to win the hearts of Westcrown’s citizens by good deeds and avoid as many direct entanglements with the government as we can, the House of Thrune will continue to ignore what they’ll interpret as “petty squabbling” in the old capital".
Thus, you need not worry over you lives or those of your loved ones. Stopping pick-pockets and doing general good deeds are our current aims".
cleric of Iomedae. You have heard his name in passing before.
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Jing snorts. "The Thrunes would not take lightly to your plans, they would see this as treason. There is no doubt that the government will involve themselves at one point or another. You cannot aim to change this city without coming into conflict with the government or the nobles themselves." he said matter of factly.
He did however refuse to comment on the pick-pocketing when it showed up.
His poker game was rather strong in not even flinching when it was brought up.
Lettu didn't know enough about his surroundings, yet, so he didn't recognize the mentioned name.
You're quite brave to bring it to our ears. - he finally spoke - Especially considering some of us are foreigners, or could even be people with links to the government. How do you know you could trust us with such words of treason?
The tiefling was usually very much less blunt, but he was fairly paranoid at this point. He had a mission at hand of its own, and had to know what kind of investigation had these people done.
I'm just an artist trying to play my parts. While I do appreciate the concepts of freedom and my heart isn't one to be sided with oppression, what could someone like me do? Am I simply supposed to act these plays of... Making people see? Like I said... Just an artist. My sword is mostly for show.
"I do believe you have good intentions. I am not certain you understand just how Thrune operates. Any faction that seeks to win hearts and minds is a potential threat. We shall have to tread carefully.
Still, almost all governments must rely on at least the tacit approval of their subjects. If we garner enough goodwill they may have a hard time acting against us.
I am with you."
Sia thinks for a couple minutes listening to what the others have to say. She nods when Jing mentions treason. Iomadae? She's certainly going to get us in trouble.
"We might be seen at committing treason. It seems worth it to make the nights safer for all the citizens of Westcrown. I'm intrigued at using the play series to drum up support, and changing the people's perceptions. I'm in."
Vara nods saying, "I am not too interested in facing the Thrune's wrath but of course something must be done. Very well. We must be vigilantly cautious as we proceed."
"House Thrune can go hang for all I care for them, hey, but the real people we need to worry about almost split up this meeting yesterday, you know?" Keamba gestured at both of them sharply. "What about the Hellknights hey? What do we do about them? It isn't like they will just disappear quietly and let us do whatever we want. I am not saying I am out, I am just asking if you have a plan for that. How many people do you have already? Where are you based? What are your funds and how far do you reach? Do you have secret trade lines out of the city?" He shoots off the questions in a rush, frowning.
Westcrown - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector -
Before Janiven can respond to allay, or not the concerns the troupe raises, there is a sudden exciting pounding at the door.
Immediately adopting a defensive posture, Janiven springs up and peers through a window at whoever’s knocking, then swiftly moves to the door, unlocks it, and opens it. In stumbles an out-of-breath and frightened-looking teenager.
“They’ve got Arael!” he calls out, then immediately doubles over in a fit of coughing.
Janiven’s face grows grim as she comforts the young man, "What happened?"
“The dottari nabbed Arael, and the Hellknights of the Rack are trying to get custody of him! There’s a bunch of Hellknights on their way here now! I only just made it in here; they’ve already surrounded us!”
Janivern remains calm.
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Jing looks at the man and back at Janivern and seeing how calm he is can only assume he's gone mad. Still he had time to set things in order. He looked around the hall for a place to hide, after all they were supposedly surrounded.
He climbs up into the rafters and with a careful bit of adjusting proceeds to hide himself well.
"Yes I can hear them outside. Well it didn't take long for this plan to go south. Who is this Arael and why would they capture him? We need a story for the Hellknights."
"I hear them, too. Janivern, do you have a plan? Secret exit? Convincing story? Clever illusion?"