"We can't go up. They're right there. South?"
Vara paces for a moment, thinking. "Can the goblin really be trusted?"
"Well, I guess we should keep following him. Maybe there's a secret passage off the ladder or something."
"Let's follow the goblin. He's leading us somewhere, I doubt it's straight to the Hellknights. Even goblins couldn't be that stupid."
"Very well."
Blackspire follows behind.
"If we see Hellknights, perhaps we can Fascinate them with oratory or music to buy time to escape."
Westcrown - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector -
Janiven nods in agreement, "If you all think this is for the best then I agree, in addition, Jing makes a good point..."
Gleek flies up the ladder and all follow. The exit from the sewer is within an alleyway in the city proper still in the Treasure Sector. The alley has exits on both sides, east and west, so it is not a "dead end". The last ray's of sunlight begin to fade in the west as everyone exits. Morosino gulps audibly, "Are we safer in the streets at night?"
Gleek looks anxious, "I's show you way out, I's go now?"
"I am sorry Morosino, we are not safe on the streets at night, between the Shadow Beasts and the curfew. A situation we must aim to rectify. But for now, we should head to the Shaggy Serpent. It is very close and we can get rooms there."
"The Hellknights are close."
He hands Gleek the remaining two gold that was promised.
"Thank you. Yes, you may go."
"They are approaching from the west! Quickly, let's move eastward and we can find your tavern once we are clear."
"Eastward it is. We'll have to double back, the tavern is west. Keep an eye out for a good hiding spot."
Malqazar looks to the west, before nodding at Vara. "To the East indeed."
Sia gives Gleek a happy wave, and follows the group to the east. "Let's move."
Westcrown - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector -
Gleek begins to climb the building in the alley as the rest of you and your allies head east.
The sun sets as you all rush to the front door of the Shaggy Serpent Inn. You stand in the light emanating from the everburning torches set at the front door. The sounds of pursuit close in once more but it seems for now anyway, you are safe.
Keamba and Lettu confer and turn to the rest of you, "This is where we part ways my friends. This endeavor is too much risk for not enough reward".
They take their leave into the dark of the night as Janiven bids them good luck.
Sia opens the entrance door. "This has to be better than getting caught out after dark." She walks in like she owns the place, and looks around the room.
"I agree, Sia. Let us go inside."
Blackspire Thundergloom makes his way in. He tries to look unobtrusive, not in the manner of a gnome on the run from Hellknights but in the manner of a minor celebrity looking to have a quiet night.
He also looks around.
"Yes, I am starved anyhow." Vara marches in and settles into a comfortable chair near the fire.
Malqazar walks in with the rest. He sidles up to the bartender, requesting a bottle of wine and five glasses. Having acquired refreshments, he walks over to the table the group is sitting at and says, "Here, a bottle of wine for us all to share. May our partnership be long and lucrative."
Westcrown - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector -
The Inn is quite full this night! As most Inns are when there are those who wish to be out and do business. This clearly is one such Inn. A mix or merchants savory and less so fill the tables and bars at this place.
None take any special interest in any of you though a few of the men do leer at Sia and Vara.
Luckily, Jing is able to drag the last empty table before the fire place for everyone to sit moving to accommodate Vara who is already by the fire.
Janiven orders an ale for herself and Morosino, "We may well have to risk the night. I would like to return to the meeting place to find out the condition of my ah friend... would you all dare that for our alliance?" Even Morosino appears uncomfortable with the suggestion.
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Jing raises a brow "Oh, you think it's a great idea to just go dancing about back out there when we found a safe haven finally? Maybe, I'll just politely ask the Hellknights to escort us where you wanna go? You'll not see me seeing foot outside, lest you promise you got a smarter idea than the meeting before and a lot better paying option." he said looking positively annoyed at the idea.
Who is to say just how much of a bluster this reaction really is.
"Janiven, I do not think that wise. Even if we were not pursued we would still fall afoul of the curfew. If the Hellknights have Arael, there is little we can do.
I understand you care for your friend" - Blackspire suspects possibly more - "but this is madness. Stay with us. Lay low. We will investigate in the morning."
He is better off doing Aid Another on Diplomacy, if someone else wants to try to persuade Janiven.
"Janiven my dear. It's not a wise choice to go out into the night. We should stay here, and then look first thing in the morning. Even in the sewers we're still out after curfew. Breaking curfew or running into Hellknigts isn't the worst thing that can happen to us after dark." Sia responds after ordering an ale from the bar. She leers right back at the men.
Westcrown - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector -
Janiven sighs, 'You're right I..."
At that moment, the door slams open and four Hellknights enter the Inn. The InnKeeper looks up from behind his pace at the desk, "Sirs. How can I help you, we've some vacancies".
The Hellnight raises a hand, his face unreadable under his helm, "We are here seeking subversives".
The InnKeeper becomes flushed, "I assure you we don't have the sort of..."
"Save it! We'll know them when we see them, won't we, Goblin?"
A fifth HellKnight drags Gleek into the inn by his collar. "Look, do you see any here who have escaped the sewers with you?!"
The place fall to a hush as the Goblin looks about the room.
Janiven sits perfectly still though the color drains right out of Morosino's face.
Blackspire drinks some ale, nonchalant.
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Jing's eye visibly twitched, this night was getting to be just too much. He has got to get paid handsomely for this....HONESTLY.
He turned about towards the Hellknights now and didn't bother to even look at Gleek.
"Gentlemen, gentlemen. Honestly, it is after curfew none would dare be out. Your job is much too difficult as it is with what spawns in the night. Come take an ale at least on me in appreciation for the services you provide our fair city." he started before he walked up to the bar and grabbed the nearest set of ales that were likely going to some other customer.
"Tell me, would you honestly trust a Goblin's word? The entirety of the idea is simply breathtaking, I thought the Hellknights were proud men who knew better and who to trust....but this? We all know a Goblin would sell his own sister to slavers if he thought it would save his hide, he's likely to just simply start pointing fingers at fine upstanding individuals such as those in this inn just to escape punishment." he said smiling and offering the nearest Hellknight one of the flagons.
Malqazar sidles up next to Jing and the Hellknights before saying, "What's this commotion about subversives? Now that you mention it, I did see some shady looking characters exiting the sewers a few blocks away."
Sia stays quiet hoping that the Hellknight's attention is directed to Jing and Malqazar. As they look away, she pulls the pins from her hair letting it fall. She grabs a few empty mugs and tries to look like one of the barmaids.
Westcrown - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector -
The lead Hellknight fixes Jing with a stare lifting his visor to speak but Gleek interrupts, "It wasn't none of these masters I swears. They was with a Devil Spawn and the Dark Skinned human. I don;t sees them here anywhere!"
The Hellknights search the Inn and do not find the two members of your Troupe described by Gleek, Keamba and Lettu as both parted ways withthe rest of you.
The Hellknights with a final glare at the Innkeep exit the room.
Everyone, not just your group, breathe a sigh of relief.
Janiven breathes deeply, "My friends. I will cover the cost of room, food, and drink this night. I am sure after that, we can all use a drink!"
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Jing holds his breath metaphorically the entire time the Hellknights are there. When they leave, he slumps down in the nearest chair. His fur puffing considerably.
He just sits there staring off for a few minutes before turning his head and seeming to snap out of it and register what the man had said. "Ah, yes...maybe something a bit harder than an Ale....and an ale." he said most tired sounding.
He sat there for a bit, when the food came, he ate half heartedly. He had no love for Goblins or even that Goblin in particular, but all the same he had participated in signing the goblin's death sentence. And on top of that, the Goblin had half truthed to save their necks...which in turn would kill him, something he was almost certain the Goblin would've known if he had been working in Cheliax for long.
He looked around to the others once a bit of time had passed. "Well...I'd rather not go through that again. Please...add an addendum, no sewers...fewer goblins." he said somberly, while still attempting to crack a small smile.
Blackspire is pleased that Gleek decided to protect the group, but saddened at what is likely to be the goblin's fate. His plan was, after all, "Keep calm and hope Gleek surprises us."
If we can find a way to save him, we should. But drawing more attention to ourselves at this point is suicide. Perhaps they will let him go to see if he will lead them to the fugitives.
When the party all has their drinks, he will quietly offer a toast. "To Gleek."
Malqazar raises his glass as well, "Indeed, to Gleek."
Vara is surprised that the others seem to be upset about Gleek's fate. Upon further reflection, she is even more surprised that she shares the sentiment. "To Gleek," she repeats quietly.
"So what now? Did that chase by the Hellknights end our little mission already? Or what do we do next?"
Sia sits back down. She raises her glass "To Gleek. Poor thing. I hope he can escape." She eats and muses on the day.
"Janiven. Are you still set on this course of action? It's gotten dangerous fast." She looks at everyone. "What about you all? Should we continue or walk away? Myself? I'm interested in seeing where this takes me. It's been exciting already."
"This seems to be a straight shot to fame and fortune. I am in."
"I am willing to continue, but we must plan our next steps carefully.
Can we rescue Arael or Gleek? What resources do we have? A secretly sympathetic Hellknight, perhaps?"
Westcrown - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector -
Janiven eyes the crowd ans whispers a response, "We've to discuss this on the 'morrow. I'll need to speak with the rest of those of like mind to decide how to proceed. We're not alone but here we've no safe place to speak of further details. I shall handle all costs this night for shelter, food, and drink.
After you head to your homes in the morning, come back here for noon and we can decide what will be what. Are we agreed?"
"That works for me. I'll be back here for the noon meal." Sia smiles and digs in to her meal.
"I too will be back. If this place is staked out by Hellknights, is there an alternate location?"
"Good thinking, gnome. It should not be any location we have frequented before. Anyone know a good safe place?"
Westcrown - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector -
Janiven grins, "The theater, you've all reason to gather there no?"
"To the theater then at noon." Sia waves goodbye to her companions ad sets out to buy some "clock making tools", and a short sword.
Prologue - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector -
Any who head to the Serpent do find a few Hellnights on patrol near the Inn, thus the Theater it is!
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As you all arrive you find Ian Branagh proprietor of the Teatro up on stage practicing lines with Janiven.
She smiles at you all, Morosino is not present, [b]"My friends, I am glad you could make it for impromptu practice today!" She states with a sly wink.
"But of course! I am more rested now and hope that this rehearsal will meet your expectations. I am most curious to see how this tale unfolds."
Sia makes her purchases, and then heads to the theater. When she arrives she gives a friendly greeting to everyone.
"Let's get to practicing. I feel a epic death scene coming on." She makes her way to near the stage.
Malqazar leaves the upscale he's been staying in. He purchases a cup of coffee and a marmalade crepe to eat on the way over. Coming to the Serpent he notes the Hellknights outaide of it and decides, wisely, to go to the theatre instead. Malqazar heads into the theatre. Upon seeing the rest of the group he greets them before walking onstage and saying, "I see we've all gotten here in one piece. Let us practice then."
Vara bustles in, her game face on. "Friends, we must be prepared for the performance of a lifetime. That was serious business last night. We are already committed now so let's make it worth our while."
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Jing makes the rounds in the morning, slipping in to check on his sister as soon as the day broke and the curfew was lifted. He paid for another two days just to be on the safe side and slipped away once again till he made his way around to the Theater.
He stepped in silently and found himself a perch to wait till everyone was gathered. He felt it odd for him to speak up about things so he simply let the others talk, it better allowed him to not implicate himself in the future if needed.
His tail does however seem to perk up and start swaying in curiosity once the conversations seem to turn towards the true agenda of this days talks and how they may profit.